news--2020-04-14--Ex-Imagination chief: Chinese 'using COVID cover' to seize control

A former chief executive of Imagination Technologies has warned the government that a state-owned Chinese investor is using `` COVID cover '' in a bid to seize control of the British chip developer .
Sky News has learnt that Sir Hossein Yossaie , who ran the company until 2016 , has written to ministers at the Department for Digital , Culture , Media and Sport to urge them to intervene to prevent Imagination 's redomiciling .
Sir Hossein , who is now an angel investor , also demanded that the government step in to force the reinstatement of Ron Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive late last week .
The latest development in the escalating political row over China Reform Holdings ' attempts to gain control of the Hertfordshire-based supplier to Apple comes days after Sky News revealed that the Trump administration has begun investigating the situation .
Sir Hossein told ministers that he suspected that `` the Chinese actions are heavily or even totally political and even suggest they thought they can use COVID cover and do their deeds whist our government is dealing with that crisis '' .
`` This suggests their long-term intentions are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He added that senior executives from unnamed Imagination customers had contacted him in recent days to express concern at China Reform 's move to nominate four directors to Imagination 's board , allowing it to take control of the company .
`` For that reason I recommend that the UK government intervene again and do so quickly and forcefully , '' he added .
Last week , two other top executives resigned from the company in protest at China Reform 's plot .
Steve Evans , chief product officer , wrote in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clearly set out to take control of the business for reasons best known to themselves , and I will not be part of a company that is effectively controlled by the Chinese government . ''
Last week 's emergency board meeting convened to approve the China Reform nominees was called off following enquiries by senior MPs concerned about the redomiciling of prized British intellectual property .
Ray Bingham , Imagination 's chairman and now interim chief executive , is understood to be trying to convince Mr Evans and John Rayfield , who resigned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the company .
Mr Bingham is also the principal executive at Canyon Bridge Capital Partners , a formerly US-headquartered private equity firm which bought Imagination for £550m in 2017 .
Mr Rayfield is understood to have said in his resignation letter that China Reform 's move would undermine Imagination 's ability to do business in the US .
Last Friday , Imagination issued a statement containing news of Mr Black 's departure and saying that its shareholders were committed to increasing the chip designer 's investment in the UK .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safeguards to ensure that it would remain a UK-headquartered company .
Without guarantees that Imagination 's stewardship would remain free from interference from China Reform - which has close links to Beijing - it appears unlikely that the executives who have quit would overturn their decision .
When Sky News revealed details of China Reform 's plot to take control of Imagination ten days ago , one insider said that the move appeared to have been timed at `` the point of maximum distraction '' for ministers dealing with the coronavirus pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ culture secretary , has told MPs that the government is urgently seeking clarity about the situation amid concerns about the pace of 'technology transfer ' to China .
He said that officials were `` working with their counterparts in the departments for Business , Energy , and Industrial Strategy , the National Cyber Security Centre , the Foreign Office , and Cabinet Office as a matter of urgency to understand the facts '' .
Mr Dowden added that he was seeking an `` urgent meeting '' with Mr Bingham , and that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give the government further powers to scrutinise foreign transactions in the form of the National Security and Investment Bill '' .
The intervention by Committee on Foreign Investment in the US ( CFIUS ) comes two-and-a-half years after it blocked Canyon Bridge 's takeover of Lattice Semiconductors in 2017 .
Canyon Bridge retains offices in the US but redomiciled to the Cayman Islands after CFIUS 's intervention in the Lattice deal .
Imagination 's relationship with Apple , which was rekindled in January with a new licensing deal , is expected to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The British company 's sale to Canyon Bridge was approved by the US government subject to its disposal of MIPS , a graphics processing unit operating in the US .
MIPS was sold to Tallwood Venture Capital , a California-based investor , which subsequently combined it with Wave , an artificial intelligence processing business .
Imagination boasts that its graphics processing units ( GPUs ) are used in 30 % of the world 's mobile phones and , in total , 11 billion devices globally .
It was the tenth most prolific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union last year - ahead of Dyson and the chip designer ARM Holdings , which is owned by Japan 's SoftBank .
The foreign affairs select committee has launched a separate inquiry into `` foreign asset-stripping of UK companies '' , which comes in the wake of the government 's decision to give Huawei , the Chinese telecoms equipment manufacturer , a role in the construction of Britain 's 5G network .

A former chief executive of Imagination Technologies has warned the government that a state-owned Chinese investor is using "COVID cover" in a bid to seize control of the British chip developer.
Sky News has learnt that Sir Hossein Yossaie, who ran the company until 2016, has written to ministers at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to urge them to intervene to prevent Imagination's redomiciling.
Sir Hossein, who is now an angel investor, also demanded that the government step in to force the reinstatement of Ron Black, who quit as Imagination's chief executive late last week.
The latest development in the escalating political row over China Reform Holdings' attempts to gain control of the Hertfordshire-based supplier to Apple comes days after Sky News revealed that the Trump administration has begun investigating the situation.
Sir Hossein told ministers that he suspected that "the Chinese actions are heavily or even totally political and even suggest they thought they can use COVID cover and do their deeds whist our government is dealing with that crisis".
"This suggests their long-term intentions are not good and very self-centred."
He added that senior executives from unnamed Imagination customers had contacted him in recent days to express concern at China Reform's move to nominate four directors to Imagination's board, allowing it to take control of the company.
"For that reason I recommend that the UK government intervene again and do so quickly and forcefully," he added.
Last week, two other top executives resigned from the company in protest at China Reform's plot.
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Steve Evans, chief product officer, wrote in his resignation letter: "China Reform have clearly set out to take control of the business for reasons best known to themselves, and I will not be part of a company that is effectively controlled by the Chinese government."
Last week's emergency board meeting convened to approve the China Reform nominees was called off following enquiries by senior MPs concerned about the redomiciling of prized British intellectual property.
Ray Bingham, Imagination's chairman and now interim chief executive, is understood to be trying to convince Mr Evans and John Rayfield, who resigned as chief technical officer, to remain with the company.
Mr Bingham is also the principal executive at Canyon Bridge Capital Partners, a formerly US-headquartered private equity firm which bought Imagination for £550m in 2017.
Mr Rayfield is understood to have said in his resignation letter that China Reform's move would undermine Imagination's ability to do business in the US.
Last Friday, Imagination issued a statement containing news of Mr Black's departure and saying that its shareholders were committed to increasing the chip designer's investment in the UK.
It was, however, short on detail about safeguards to ensure that it would remain a UK-headquartered company.
Without guarantees that Imagination's stewardship would remain free from interference from China Reform - which has close links to Beijing - it appears unlikely that the executives who have quit would overturn their decision.
When Sky News revealed details of China Reform's plot to take control of Imagination ten days ago, one insider said that the move appeared to have been timed at "the point of maximum distraction" for ministers dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
Since then, Oliver Dowden, the culture secretary, has told MPs that the government is urgently seeking clarity about the situation amid concerns about the pace of 'technology transfer' to China.
He said that officials were "working with their counterparts in the departments for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy, the National Cyber Security Centre, the Foreign Office, and Cabinet Office as a matter of urgency to understand the facts".
Mr Dowden added that he was seeking an "urgent meeting" with Mr Bingham, and that the government remained committed to legislation "to give the government further powers to scrutinise foreign transactions in the form of the National Security and Investment Bill".
The intervention by Committee on Foreign Investment in the US (CFIUS) comes two-and-a-half years after it blocked Canyon Bridge's takeover of Lattice Semiconductors in 2017.
Canyon Bridge retains offices in the US but redomiciled to the Cayman Islands after CFIUS's intervention in the Lattice deal.
Imagination's relationship with Apple, which was rekindled in January with a new licensing deal, is expected to be a focal point of CFIUS's enquiries.
The British company's sale to Canyon Bridge was approved by the US government subject to its disposal of MIPS, a graphics processing unit operating in the US.
MIPS was sold to Tallwood Venture Capital, a California-based investor, which subsequently combined it with Wave, an artificial intelligence processing business.
Imagination boasts that its graphics processing units (GPUs) are used in 30% of the world's mobile phones and, in total, 11 billion devices globally.
It was the tenth most prolific UK-based filer of patents in the European Union last year - ahead of Dyson and the chip designer ARM Holdings, which is owned by Japan's SoftBank.
The foreign affairs select committee has launched a separate inquiry into "foreign asset-stripping of UK companies", which comes in the wake of the government's decision to give Huawei, the Chinese telecoms equipment manufacturer, a role in the construction of Britain's 5G network.


news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: US pastor who said 'God is larger than this virus' and defied social distancing dies of

Coronavirus: US pastor who said 'God is larger than this virus' and defied social distancing dies of COVID-19

A US pastor who defied social-distancing rules to host large congregations has died after contracting coronavirus .
The New Deliverance Evangelistic Church , which he founded in 1995 , said Bishop Gerald Glenn had died over the weekend .
The 66-year-old had publicly rejected official guidelines to avoid large religious gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic and promised to keep preaching `` unless I 'm in jail or the hospital '' .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Video shows him addressing his congregation in Richmond , Virginia , five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to `` avoid non-essential gatherings of more than 10 people '' .
He told his congregation : `` I firmly believe that God is larger than this dreaded virus . ''
It is unclear how long after the 22 March address he became ill with COVID-19 , but church elder Bryan Nevers announced the death during an Easter sermon , a video of which was posted on Facebook .
He said : `` The first thing I asked God is , 'Why ? '
.
The bishop has touched our lives in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tim Kaine was among those to pay tribute to Bishop Glenn , who was the first black chaplain for his local Chesterfield County Police Department .
`` He was a friend and a pillar of the region 's faith community , '' he said on Twitter .
`` My heart sinks as I learn this morning that Bishop Gerald Glenn , pastor of New Deliverance Evangelistic Church , died yesterday from COVID-19 .
May all do as much for so many . ''

A US pastor who defied social-distancing rules to host large congregations has died after contracting coronavirus.
The New Deliverance Evangelistic Church, which he founded in 1995, said Bishop Gerald Glenn had died over the weekend.
The 66-year-old had publicly rejected official guidelines to avoid large religious gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic and promised to keep preaching "unless I'm in jail or the hospital".
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Video shows him addressing his congregation in Richmond, Virginia, five days after state governor Ralph Northam urged people to "avoid non-essential gatherings of more than 10 people".
He told his congregation: "I firmly believe that God is larger than this dreaded virus."
It is unclear how long after the 22 March address he became ill with COVID-19, but church elder Bryan Nevers announced the death during an Easter sermon, a video of which was posted on Facebook.
He said: "The first thing I asked God is, 'Why?'. The bishop has touched our lives in so many ways."
US senator Tim Kaine was among those to pay tribute to Bishop Glenn, who was the first black chaplain for his local Chesterfield County Police Department.
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"He was a friend and a pillar of the region's faith community," he said on Twitter.
"My heart sinks as I learn this morning that Bishop Gerald Glenn, pastor of New Deliverance Evangelistic Church, died yesterday from COVID-19. May all do as much for so many."


news--2020-04-14--Labour frontbencher 'appalled' at leaked antisemitism report

Sir Keir Starmer has told his shadow cabinet that he intends to send a message to Labour Party members acknowledging concerns raised by the contents of a leaked report into the party 's handling of antisemitism complaints .
At the start of a shadow cabinet meeting on Tuesday , the Labour leader expressed his disappointment that the report had been put into the public domain , and set out why he had commissioned an urgent independent investigation into its commissioning , its content and how it was leaked .
He also committed to speaking to BAME MPs and members directly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice secretary David Lammy and shadow equalities secretary Marsha de Cordova about the content of some of the private WhatsApp messages that were set out in the report .
However , according to one shadow cabinet source , while the conversation was measured and respectful , some left-wing figures made clear they wanted Sir Keir to go further than the commissioning of an independent investigation .
Shadow education secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey is understood to have said she was `` appalled '' at what was contained in the report , and that she wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contents of the document have been verified by the investigation .
Cat Smith , shadow minister for voter engagement , also called for an emergency meeting of the party 's governing body so that its officers could set the terms of any investigation .
Later Sir Keir and his deputy Angela Rayner wrote to the Parliamentary Labour Party confirming the National Executive Committee would agree the terms of reference for the investigation , and these would be made public .
The letter also thanked `` all colleagues for the representations that we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went on to confirm MPs and party members would be kept updated on the progress of the inquiry and asked them to `` refrain from drawing conclusions before the inquiry has completed and from commenting publicly on it '' .
The discussion around the leaked report , which has been described by the Campaign Against Antisemitism as a `` desperate last-ditch attempt to deflect and discredit allegations of antisemitism '' , is understood to have lasted around five minutes in a meeting that went on for nearly two hours , and was largely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus crisis .
Earlier the shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds told Sky News that the fact the party was consumed with the fall-out from the report was `` immensely frustrating '' .
`` We need to understand the circumstances under which it was leaked , as there is sensitive information in there , individuals are named , there 's an information control issue there , '' she said .
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' We also need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that appear to be described in that report and that needs a proper independent review , that is going to be delivered and I think that will answer any questions people have . ''
She added : `` Keir has come in with tremendous professional background , absolutely determined to get Labour Party into that professional space as a professional organisation and I think he 's demonstrated with this decision to have independent review that he means business with that . ''
Asked if there could be expulsions from the party as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shadow chancellor said : `` I would anticipate that disciplinary matters might follow the review , but I think it would be premature to second judge it , the whole point is there needs to be a proper investigation into this .
`` I do n't think it would be helpful to say at this stage until that investigation has occurred what should be done to particular individuals - it 's got to be independent and it 's got to be trusted . ''
The Labour Party does not comment on private @ @ @ @ @ @

Sir Keir Starmer has told his shadow cabinet that he intends to send a message to Labour Party members acknowledging concerns raised by the contents of a leaked report into the party's handling of antisemitism complaints.
At the start of a shadow cabinet meeting on Tuesday, the Labour leader expressed his disappointment that the report had been put into the public domain, and set out why he had commissioned an urgent independent investigation into its commissioning, its content and how it was leaked.
He also committed to speaking to BAME MPs and members directly, after concerns were raised by shadow justice secretary David Lammy and shadow equalities secretary Marsha de Cordova about the content of some of the private WhatsApp messages that were set out in the report.
However, according to one shadow cabinet source, while the conversation was measured and respectful, some left-wing figures made clear they wanted Sir Keir to go further than the commissioning of an independent investigation.
Shadow education secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey is understood to have said she was "appalled" at what was contained in the report, and that she wanted to see disciplinary action follow once the contents of the document have been verified by the investigation.
Image: Rebecca Long-Bailey is understood to have said she was 'appalled' at what was in the report
Cat Smith, shadow minister for voter engagement, also called for an emergency meeting of the party's governing body so that its officers could set the terms of any investigation.
Later Sir Keir and his deputy Angela Rayner wrote to the Parliamentary Labour Party confirming the National Executive Committee would agree the terms of reference for the investigation, and these would be made public.
The letter also thanked "all colleagues for the representations that we have received over the weekend".
It went on to confirm MPs and party members would be kept updated on the progress of the inquiry and asked them to "refrain from drawing conclusions before the inquiry has completed and from commenting publicly on it".
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Image: Sir Keir Starmer has commissioned an independent investigation into how the dossier was leaked
The discussion around the leaked report, which has been described by the Campaign Against Antisemitism as a "desperate last-ditch attempt to deflect and discredit allegations of antisemitism", is understood to have lasted around five minutes in a meeting that went on for nearly two hours, and was largely focused on the party's response to the coronavirus crisis.
Earlier the shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds told Sky News that the fact the party was consumed with the fall-out from the report was "immensely frustrating".
"We need to understand the circumstances under which it was leaked, as there is sensitive information in there, individuals are named, there's an information control issue there," she said.
:: Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"We also need to look at the cultures, however, that appear to be described in that report and that needs a proper independent review, that is going to be delivered and I think that will answer any questions people have."
She added: "Keir has come in with tremendous professional background, absolutely determined to get Labour Party into that professional space as a professional organisation and I think he's demonstrated with this decision to have independent review that he means business with that."
Asked if there could be expulsions from the party as a result of the independent investigation, the shadow chancellor said: "I would anticipate that disciplinary matters might follow the review, but I think it would be premature to second judge it, the whole point is there needs to be a proper investigation into this.
"I don't think it would be helpful to say at this stage until that investigation has occurred what should be done to particular individuals - it's got to be independent and it's got to be trusted."
The Labour Party does not comment on private discussions in shadow cabinet meetings.


news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: 'The biggest meltdown ever' from a US president as Trump accused of trying to 'rewrite

Coronavirus: 'The biggest meltdown ever' from a US president as Trump accused of trying to 'rewrite history'

Donald Trump has used a daily White House COVID-19 news conference to launch a blistering broadside against the US media .
In a lengthy monologue the US president threw accusations against news organisations , reserving the majority of his criticism for The New York Times .
One television network described it as `` the biggest meltdown from a US president '' they 'd ever seen .
At one point he played a video produced by White House staff which included a montage of select clips of state governors praising him for his handling of the crisis .
`` You 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fake , '' he argued with one reporter when she asked him what the administration had done to stop the spread of COVID-19 during February .
`` You 're disgraceful , you 're so disgraceful . ''
Rather than using the platform to pay tribute to the hundreds of Americans who lost their lives to coronavirus over the past 24 hours , the president repeatedly listed what he 'd done well .
`` We 've done this right , we 've really done this right , the problem is the press does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When challenged , he said the video had been put together in a couple of hours by White House staff and he had `` hundreds of other statements , better clips '' he could have shown .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Asked what authority he had to re-open the country , as opposed to the power of state governors to decide , Mr Trump claimed : `` I have the ultimate authority '' .
This is in conflict with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state governors , including New York and New Jersey , who said it was left to them to decide when to lock down states and it was therefore their responsibility when they re-opened .
CNN broadcast the news conference live but with accompanying graphics accusing the president of turning the briefing into `` a propaganda session '' and trying to `` rewrite history '' .
Multiple news networks cutaway from the conference as it was ongoing , protesting that the president was wrongly using the session to campaign rather than update on the @ @ @ @ @ @

Donald Trump has used a daily White House COVID-19 news conference to launch a blistering broadside against the US media.
In a lengthy monologue the US president threw accusations against news organisations, reserving the majority of his criticism for The New York Times.
One television network described it as "the biggest meltdown from a US president" they'd ever seen.
At one point he played a video produced by White House staff which included a montage of select clips of state governors praising him for his handling of the crisis.
"You're a fake, you know you're a fake," he argued with one reporter when she asked him what the administration had done to stop the spread of COVID-19 during February. "You're disgraceful, you're so disgraceful."
Image: The president said he had hundreds of statements supporting his handling of the crisis
Rather than using the platform to pay tribute to the hundreds of Americans who lost their lives to coronavirus over the past 24 hours, the president repeatedly listed what he'd done well.
"We've done this right, we've really done this right, the problem is the press doesn't cover it," he said.
When challenged, he said the video had been put together in a couple of hours by White House staff and he had "hundreds of other statements, better clips" he could have shown.
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
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Asked what authority he had to re-open the country, as opposed to the power of state governors to decide, Mr Trump claimed: "I have the ultimate authority".
This is in conflict with an earlier statement by six eastern US state governors, including New York and New Jersey, who said it was left to them to decide when to lock down states and it was therefore their responsibility when they re-opened.
CNN broadcast the news conference live but with accompanying graphics accusing the president of turning the briefing into "a propaganda session" and trying to "rewrite history".
Multiple news networks cutaway from the conference as it was ongoing, protesting that the president was wrongly using the session to campaign rather than update on the health crisis sweeping the US.


news--2020-03-12--Lakeside shopping centre owner Intu in fight for survival

The owner of nine of the UK 's largest shopping centres has warned its future is hanging in the balance because of a worsening cash crunch .
Intu Properties , which counts Manchester 's Trafford Centre and Lakeside in Essex among its portfolio of sites , abandoned a £1.5bn fundraising to pay off debts a week ago .
While announcing a deepening of annual losses to more than £2bn , the company said there was now `` material uncertainty '' over its ability to continue as a going concern .
Intu revealed talks with its lenders to give it some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avenues to boost its finances .
Chief executive Matthew Roberts said : `` In the short term , fixing the balance sheet is our top priority .
`` We have options including alternative capital structures and further disposals to provide liquidity , and will seek to negotiate covenant waivers where appropriate . ''
Intu 's results revealed a big hit to rental income - a consequence of the crisis that plagued the retail sector throughout 2019 as scores of chains sought rent cuts and closures in a bid to boost their own flagging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ticked down to the various Brexit deadlines - with even Sir Philip Green 's Topshop empire not immune from the crisis in confidence .
That combined with surging costs from things such as business rates and minimum wage rules to hit store-based retail models .
Intu said half of the 9.1 % fall in its like-for-like rental income last year was a direct consequence of rescue deals for chains and administrations .
It has a debt pile of £4.5bn - with the potential impact of the coronavirus crisis threatening to pile more pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company said it was yet to see much of a deterioration though it was `` monitoring '' events closely .
Its shares were more than 12 % lower in late morning trade .
Julie Palmer , partner at consultancy Begbies Traynor , said of the update : `` The rippling effect of the high-street malaise has rocked Intu Properties with the shopping centre owner struggling with a mountain of debt and difficulty raising fresh investment from its shareholders to help ride the storm .
`` As more high-street brands fail under the ruthless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the first victims to suffer with a high number of store closures at its locations . ''
She added : `` The failure to proceed with an equity raise means the company 's future and the next few months will prove decisive .
`` Chief executive Matthew Roberts will be feeling the heat and if he can not provide an alternative strategy then the outlook could be bleak . ''

The owner of nine of the UK's largest shopping centres has warned its future is hanging in the balance because of a worsening cash crunch.
Intu Properties, which counts Manchester's Trafford Centre and Lakeside in Essex among its portfolio of sites, abandoned a £1.5bn fundraising to pay off debts a week ago.
It cited "extreme" market turmoil over coronavirus.
While announcing a deepening of annual losses to more than £2bn, the company said there was now "material uncertainty" over its ability to continue as a going concern.
Intu revealed talks with its lenders to give it some breathing space and said it was examining avenues to boost its finances.
Chief executive Matthew Roberts said: "In the short term, fixing the balance sheet is our top priority.
"We have options including alternative capital structures and further disposals to provide liquidity, and will seek to negotiate covenant waivers where appropriate."
Intu's results revealed a big hit to rental income - a consequence of the crisis that plagued the retail sector throughout 2019 as scores of chains sought rent cuts and closures in a bid to boost their own flagging finances.
Image: The Trafford Centre in Manchester
Sales plunged as the clock ticked down to the various Brexit deadlines - with even Sir Philip Green's Topshop empire not immune from the crisis in confidence.
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That combined with surging costs from things such as business rates and minimum wage rules to hit store-based retail models.
Intu said half of the 9.1% fall in its like-for-like rental income last year was a direct consequence of rescue deals for chains and administrations.
It has a debt pile of £4.5bn - with the potential impact of the coronavirus crisis threatening to pile more pressure on its shopping centre occupants.
The company said it was yet to see much of a deterioration though it was "monitoring" events closely.
Its shares were more than 12% lower in late morning trade.
Julie Palmer, partner at consultancy Begbies Traynor, said of the update: "The rippling effect of the high-street malaise has rocked Intu Properties with the shopping centre owner struggling with a mountain of debt and difficulty raising fresh investment from its shareholders to help ride the storm.
"As more high-street brands fail under the ruthless market conditions, Intu has been one of the first victims to suffer with a high number of store closures at its locations."
She added: "The failure to proceed with an equity raise means the company's future and the next few months will prove decisive.
"Chief executive Matthew Roberts will be feeling the heat and if he cannot provide an alternative strategy then the outlook could be bleak."


news--2020-03-12--Coronavirus: New York City mayor declares state of emergency

New York City 's mayor Bill de Blasio has declared a state of emergency to fight the spread of the coronavirus outbreak - as he criticised Donald Trump 's response .
Mr de Blasio signed an executive order on Thursday afternoon and said he supported an announcement by New York governor Andrew Cuomo earlier that banned gatherings of more than 500 people across the state .
Calling the fight against coronavirus `` a war '' , he said 95 people have now been confirmed as having COVID-19 in New York City , up from 12 at the beginning of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experts has predicted about 1,000 people could be infected by next week , he said .
And he said , based on the growth pattern , they are estimating the virus will affect life in a major way for six months , meaning the city 's main tourist attractions could be closed until September .
He resisted calls to close schools , saying : `` We 're going to do our damndest to keep our schools open .
`` Schools are where our children our safe in the day , many adults can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a relative to look after them . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The former Democratic presidential hopeful said Mr Trump had missed an opportunity on Wednesday night , when he announced measures to help stop the spread , to approve federal funding for widescale testing .
New York City 's executive order will allow the mayor to : • None Regulate whether vehicles or individuals may enter or exit parts of the city • None Prohibit or restrict people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Regulate consumption of alcohol and use of guns Mr de Blasio emphasised that so far the only prohibition is on large crowds , which will affect the city 's sports venues , Broadway shows and cultural venues .
Following the mayor 's announcement , Governor Cuomo had to reassure New Yorkers the city was not on lockdown and the emergency declaration was only so the city had the legal authority to do so if ultimately needed .
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is closing its three locations on Friday and will undergo a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been tied to the museum .
The Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie Hall also announced temporary closures , while the historic St Patrick 's Day Parade on 17 March has been cancelled .
Asked about one of New York City 's busiest outdoor areas , Times Square , the mayor said officials have to `` figure that one out '' because unlike organised gatherings it is outside .
However , he said he has faith in people listening to warnings about not being too close to others .
Mr de Blasio used the announcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's response to the pandemic after the president took until Wednesday night to bring in any control measures , which included a travel ban on people from mainland Europe - but not the UK and Ireland .
Mr de Blasio said : `` It 's not worth wasting breath on the wasted opportunities over the past few weeks .
`` Last night the president showed much more connection to reality than before .
`` But , he was silent on immediate approval of automated testing for coronavirus .
`` We want to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it without the federal government coming in .
`` I believe localities , companies , will take it into their own hands if they do not get approval from federal government . ''
The mayor dropped out of the Democratic presidential race in September after a campaign in which he branded Mr Trump `` Con Don '' in reference to his New York real estate dealings .
Addressing concerns about people not being able to afford rent if the city is on lockdown , Mr de Blasio said officials would try to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become homeless because of it .
He also announced 500 outreach workers have been trained to locate and talk to homeless people to ensure COVID-19 does not spread through the community .
By the close of Thursday trading on Wall Street , the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down almost 10 % , the Nasdaq was down 9.4 % and the S & P 500 had fallen by 9.5 % .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker On the other side of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shutting down its two parks in the state , Disneyland and California Adventure , on Saturday until the end of the month after the state 's governor Gavin Newsom limited gatherings of more than 250 people .
Disneyland has only closed down twice previously since its opening in 1955 , once for a national day of mourning when President John F Kennedy was assassinated , and after the September 11 terror attacks .
Disney 's theme parks in Shanghai , Hong Kong and Tokyo have been closed for some time now due to @ @ @

New York City's mayor Bill de Blasio has declared a state of emergency to fight the spread of the coronavirus outbreak - as he criticised Donald Trump's response.
Mr de Blasio signed an executive order on Thursday afternoon and said he supported an announcement by New York governor Andrew Cuomo earlier that banned gatherings of more than 500 people across the state.
Calling the fight against coronavirus "a war", he said 95 people have now been confirmed as having COVID-19 in New York City, up from 12 at the beginning of the week.
Image: The mayor will be able to impose a lockdown on New York City
His team of mathematical modelling experts has predicted about 1,000 people could be infected by next week, he said.
And he said, based on the growth pattern, they are estimating the virus will affect life in a major way for six months, meaning the city's main tourist attractions could be closed until September.
He resisted calls to close schools, saying: "We're going to do our damndest to keep our schools open.
"Schools are where our children our safe in the day, many adults cannot take their kid to work or have a relative to look after them."
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The former Democratic presidential hopeful said Mr Trump had missed an opportunity on Wednesday night, when he announced measures to help stop the spread, to approve federal funding for widescale testing.
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New York City's executive order will allow the mayor to:
Impose curfews
Regulate whether vehicles or individuals may enter or exit parts of the city
Close down public transport
Stop hospitals carrying out elective procedures
Ration essential items and introduce price caps to prevent price gouging
Prohibit or restrict people on streets and public places
Regulate consumption of alcohol and use of guns
Create emergency medical shelters
Limit maximum building capacity
Mr de Blasio emphasised that so far the only prohibition is on large crowds, which will affect the city's sports venues, Broadway shows and cultural venues.
Following the mayor's announcement, Governor Cuomo had to reassure New Yorkers the city was not on lockdown and the emergency declaration was only so the city had the legal authority to do so if ultimately needed.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is closing its three locations on Friday and will undergo a deep clean although no confirmed cases have been tied to the museum.
The Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie Hall also announced temporary closures, while the historic St Patrick's Day Parade on 17 March has been cancelled.
Asked about one of New York City's busiest outdoor areas, Times Square, the mayor said officials have to "figure that one out" because unlike organised gatherings it is outside. However, he said he has faith in people listening to warnings about not being too close to others.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 Trump's new anti-coronavirus measures
Mr de Blasio used the announcement to take a swipe at Mr Trump's response to the pandemic after the president took until Wednesday night to bring in any control measures, which included a travel ban on people from mainland Europe - but not the UK and Ireland.
Mr de Blasio said: "It's not worth wasting breath on the wasted opportunities over the past few weeks.
"Last night the president showed much more connection to reality than before.
"But, he was silent on immediate approval of automated testing for coronavirus.
"We want to do widescale testing but we cannot do it without the federal government coming in.
"I believe localities, companies, will take it into their own hands if they do not get approval from federal government."
The mayor dropped out of the Democratic presidential race in September after a campaign in which he branded Mr Trump "Con Don" in reference to his New York real estate dealings.
Addressing concerns about people not being able to afford rent if the city is on lockdown, Mr de Blasio said officials would try to help and he did not want anybody to become homeless because of it.
He also announced 500 outreach workers have been trained to locate and talk to homeless people to ensure COVID-19 does not spread through the community.
By the close of Thursday trading on Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down almost 10%, the Nasdaq was down 9.4% and the S&P 500 had fallen by 9.5%.
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On the other side of the country, Disney announced it is shutting down its two parks in the state, Disneyland and California Adventure, on Saturday until the end of the month after the state's governor Gavin Newsom limited gatherings of more than 250 people.
Disneyland has only closed down twice previously since its opening in 1955, once for a national day of mourning when President John F Kennedy was assassinated, and after the September 11 terror attacks.
Disney's theme parks in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tokyo have been closed for some time now due to the outbreak.


news--2020-03-12--Coronavirus: Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson test positive

Hollywood star Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson have both tested positive for coronavirus .
Hanks , who has been filming an Elvis Presley biopic in Australia , posted a statement on Twitter after being diagnosed with COVID-19 , saying : `` We felt a bit tired , like we had colds , and some body aches .
`` Rita had some chills that came and went .
Slight fevers too .
To play things right , as is needed in the world right now , we were tested for the coronavirus , and were found to be positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winner , six-time nominee and star of films including Forrest Gump , Saving Private Ryan and The Post , is the highest profile figure to be diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus .
He and Wilson have been isolated at the Gold Coast University Hospital and filming on the Presley biopic has been shut down .
The actor is set to play Presley 's manager , Colonel Tom Parker , in the Warner Bros production , directed by Baz Luhrmann .
Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate said : `` I can confirm that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The lead actor Tom Hanks is in the Gold Coast Hospital and I understand that you know it 'll be 14 days quarantine and testing and the like , and our hearts go out to Tom and his wife .
And I 'm confident that they 'll get the best care that our hospital can deliver . ''
Mr Tate said it was Luhrmann , best known for Moulin Rouge and Romeo And Juliet , who confirmed the news to people working on the film .
`` Once everybody was in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baz Luhrmann himself and then everyone , well you know , is shutting down and everyone is to go home and really that 's happened very early , very fast , '' he said .
Wilson had recently appeared in an interview on Australia 's Nine network show Today Extra .
Staff who had prolonged contact will be tested and required to self-isolate , the channel has said .
In a statement , Hanks has promised to keep people posted .
`` Well , now .
What to do next ?
, '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have protocols that must be followed .
We Hanks ' will be tested , observed , and isolated for as long as public health and safety requires .
Not much more to it than a one-day-at-a-time approach , no ?
`` We 'll keep the world posted and updated .
Take care of yourselves ! ''
The couple 's son Chet posted a video on Twitter saying that he had spoken to his parents and that they are doing fine .
Hanks ' son Colin also posted on the social media site , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his parents are receiving `` excellent care '' .
Moments before Hanks posted on Instagram , Donald Trump addressed the US and announced a host of new measures , notably suspending all travel from Europe , excluding the UK , for 30 days starting from Friday .
The entertainment industry is also reeling from the outbreak and a host of major events have been cancelled .
Celebrity friends and fans have been quick to post get well soon messages to Hanks and Wilson on social media .
Hanks ' Toy Story co-star Tim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him wear Buzz Lightyear 's space suits for protection .
Mia Farrow wished both Hanks and Wilson `` big love '' and a `` speedy recovery '' , while Julia Louis-Dreyfus tweeted : `` Love and get well soon and come home soon to you and @ RitaWilson . ''
Ellen DeGeneres tweeted : `` Wishing you both a speedy recovery , and sending lots of love . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker American comedian and actress Whitney Cummings joked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who would play the guy in the movie about coronavirus . ''
She added in another tweet : `` It 's like it picked the celebrity we cared the most about to make a point . ''
Other celebrities , including Naomi Campbell , Kim Kardashian West and Kate Hudson , have been sharing advice about hand-washing and stopping the spread of germs on social media .

Hollywood star Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson have both tested positive for coronavirus.
Hanks, who has been filming an Elvis Presley biopic in Australia, posted a statement on Twitter after being diagnosed with COVID-19, saying: "We felt a bit tired, like we had colds, and some body aches.
"Rita had some chills that came and went. Slight fevers too. To play things right, as is needed in the world right now, we were tested for the coronavirus, and were found to be positive."
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Hanks, a two-time Oscar winner, six-time nominee and star of films including Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan and The Post, is the highest profile figure to be diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus.
He and Wilson have been isolated at the Gold Coast University Hospital and filming on the Presley biopic has been shut down.
The actor is set to play Presley's manager, Colonel Tom Parker, in the Warner Bros production, directed by Baz Luhrmann.
Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate said: "I can confirm that the Elvis biopic filming has been closed down.
"The lead actor Tom Hanks is in the Gold Coast Hospital and I understand that you know it'll be 14 days quarantine and testing and the like, and our hearts go out to Tom and his wife. And I'm confident that they'll get the best care that our hospital can deliver."
Mr Tate said it was Luhrmann, best known for Moulin Rouge and Romeo And Juliet, who confirmed the news to people working on the film.
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Image: Hanks received his sixth Oscar nomination this year for his portrayal of US children's TV presenter Mister Rogers in A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood. Pic: TriStar Pictures/Lacey Terrell
"Once everybody was in, then the news was delivered by Baz Luhrmann himself and then everyone, well you know, is shutting down and everyone is to go home and really that's happened very early, very fast," he said.
Wilson had recently appeared in an interview on Australia's Nine network show Today Extra. Staff who had prolonged contact will be tested and required to self-isolate, the channel has said.
In a statement, Hanks has promised to keep people posted.
"Well, now. What to do next?," he said.
"The Medical Officials have protocols that must be followed. We Hanks' will be tested, observed, and isolated for as long as public health and safety requires. Not much more to it than a one-day-at-a-time approach, no?
"We'll keep the world posted and updated. Take care of yourselves!"
The couple's son Chet posted a video on Twitter saying that he had spoken to his parents and that they are doing fine.
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Hanks' son Colin also posted on the social media site, thanking fans for their support and saying his parents are receiving "excellent care".
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Moments before Hanks posted on Instagram, Donald Trump addressed the US and announced a host of new measures, notably suspending all travel from Europe, excluding the UK, for 30 days starting from Friday.
The entertainment industry is also reeling from the outbreak and a host of major events have been cancelled.
Celebrity friends and fans have been quick to post get well soon messages to Hanks and Wilson on social media.
Hanks' Toy Story co-star Tim Allen joked that he should have made him wear Buzz Lightyear's space suits for protection.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Mia Farrow wished both Hanks and Wilson "big love" and a "speedy recovery", while Julia Louis-Dreyfus tweeted: "Love and get well soon and come home soon to you and @RitaWilson."
Ellen DeGeneres tweeted: "Wishing you both a speedy recovery, and sending lots of love."
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American comedian and actress Whitney Cummings joked: "I mean Tom Hanks is who would play the guy in the movie about coronavirus."
She added in another tweet: "It's like it picked the celebrity we cared the most about to make a point."
Other celebrities, including Naomi Campbell, Kim Kardashian West and Kate Hudson, have been sharing advice about hand-washing and stopping the spread of germs on social media.


news--2020-03-12--BBC: Appointment of new boss by government would be 'inappropriate'

The BBC 's chairman has fiercely resisted potential government involvement in appointing a new director-general .
Sir David Clementi dismissed the idea as `` inappropriate '' , defending the corporation 's right to appoint a new boss in a `` completely independent fashion '' , during a government select committee meeting on Thursday .
Julian Knight , chairman of the Digital , Culture , Media and Sport Committee ( DCMS ) , asked if there could be a `` pre-appointment hearing '' with Lord Tony Hall 's successor .
Lord Hall announced in January that he would be stepping down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the helm of the BBC .
In front of the DCMS , Sir David said any political influence on the new appointment `` would be incorrect '' and questioned the motive for such a hearing , asking if the request was to `` influence the decision , or veto the decision , or ratify the decision ? ''
Applications have just closed for the £450,000 post , which will be decided by the BBC Board ahead of Lord Hall 's departure .
Much speculation has been made over who will take over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the BBC faces ongoing turmoil amid a consultation over decriminalising non-payment of the licence fee , 450 job cuts , and ongoing rows over equal pay .
There has been a lack of leading TV executives willing to publicly put themselves in the running for the role , described by some as a `` poisoned chalice '' .
At the DCMS hearing , MPs questioned Lord Hall over his decision to stand down at such an important time for the corporation .
`` I take responsibility for the state of the BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm the director general , '' Lord Hall said .
He went on to stress that `` creatively , the organisation is on fire '' and said ultimately he felt `` strategically '' it was the right time to let someone else take over .
According to BBC figures , 121,000 people were convicted in 2018 for not paying their TV licence - a fee which generated almost three quarters of the corporation 's £4.8bn annual income in 2019 .
The committee meeting focused on the issue of non-payment of the TV licence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is `` really going to take 80 and 90-year-olds to court '' when blanket free licences for over-75s are scrapped later this year .
Lord Hall replied : `` I do n't want to see people in court , it is conceivable it will happen but of course I do n't .
`` We have a special team to make sure our communications with the over-75s is sensitive and do everything we can to make sure they know everything they need to do . ''
Clare Sumner , director of policy at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highly unlikely the elderly would end up in front of judges . ''
On the job cuts , Lord Hall admitted that although news is `` at the heart of the BBC 's offering '' , the department had to take its fair share as the corporation scales back .
On coronavirus , the BBC boss admitted there could be a `` pairing back of services '' due to the spread , although their priority remains `` keeping everything open , all our networks going '' to deliver information to the public .

The BBC's chairman has fiercely resisted potential government involvement in appointing a new director-general.
Sir David Clementi dismissed the idea as "inappropriate", defending the corporation's right to appoint a new boss in a "completely independent fashion", during a government select committee meeting on Thursday.
Julian Knight, chairman of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee (DCMS), asked if there could be a "pre-appointment hearing" with Lord Tony Hall's successor.
Image: The BBC announced 450 job cuts earlier this year
Lord Hall announced in January that he would be stepping down in the summer after seven years at the helm of the BBC.
In front of the DCMS, Sir David said any political influence on the new appointment "would be incorrect" and questioned the motive for such a hearing, asking if the request was to "influence the decision, or veto the decision, or ratify the decision?"
Applications have just closed for the £450,000 post, which will be decided by the BBC Board ahead of Lord Hall's departure.
Much speculation has been made over who will take over the top job since his shock resignation, as the BBC faces ongoing turmoil amid a consultation over decriminalising non-payment of the licence fee, 450 job cuts, and ongoing rows over equal pay.
There has been a lack of leading TV executives willing to publicly put themselves in the running for the role, described by some as a "poisoned chalice".
At the DCMS hearing, MPs questioned Lord Hall over his decision to stand down at such an important time for the corporation.
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Image: The BBC provides nine national TV channels and the iPlayer
"I take responsibility for the state of the BBC, of course I do, I'm the director general," Lord Hall said.
He went on to stress that "creatively, the organisation is on fire" and said ultimately he felt "strategically" it was the right time to let someone else take over.
According to BBC figures, 121,000 people were convicted in 2018 for not paying their TV licence - a fee which generated almost three quarters of the corporation's £4.8bn annual income in 2019.
The committee meeting focused on the issue of non-payment of the TV licence, asking Lord Hall if the BBC is "really going to take 80 and 90-year-olds to court" when blanket free licences for over-75s are scrapped later this year.
Lord Hall replied: "I don't want to see people in court, it is conceivable it will happen but of course I don't.
"We have a special team to make sure our communications with the over-75s is sensitive and do everything we can to make sure they know everything they need to do."
Clare Sumner, director of policy at the BBC, said: "It's highly unlikely the elderly would end up in front of judges."
On the job cuts, Lord Hall admitted that although news is "at the heart of the BBC's offering", the department had to take its fair share as the corporation scales back.
On coronavirus, the BBC boss admitted there could be a "pairing back of services" due to the spread, although their priority remains "keeping everything open, all our networks going" to deliver information to the public.


news--2020-03-12--Coronavirus: Anonymous bitcoin users try to make their own DIY vaccine

A group of anonymous bitcoin enthusiasts are attempting to crowdfund their own DIY vaccine for the coronavirus , saying clinical and animal trials will need to be `` hashed out by the community '' .
The self-described `` collective of biohackers '' calling itself CoroHope claims to be working alongside a biologist with over a decade of relevant experience , specifically including manufacturing vaccines .
No evidence has been provided of this person 's identity or qualifications , nor have any other senior members of the group identified themselves as being involved with the project .
The group , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says it intends to develop and manufacture a plasmid DNA vaccine , an experimental type of vaccination which has only ever been approved in the US for use on animals .
This will be done completely outside of academia and without the involvement of either the pharmaceuticals industry or government regulators .
`` Without tens of millions of dollars there is no viable pathway for us to obtain the normal government clearance for a clinical trial , so our vaccine 's effectiveness will remain a mystery until several weeks or months after , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person has been publicly identified with the project , Bryan Bishop , who quit just a few days after joining according to cryptocurrency new site Coin Desk , citing the potential liabilities which producing a vaccine outside of the regulated channels could involve .
Despite the group 's ambitions , they acknowledge their potential vaccine would not be `` adopted by the medical community in any official sense '' but could be `` at best , a stopgap until those clinically-trialled treatments are widely available '' .
Even then the group 's mission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liability and gives no guarantees or warrants '' before concluding : `` This should not be considered a reliable vaccine . ''
The group claims it would only need $ 10,000 for the initial stages of their research , synthesising a plasmid which would then be made available to other laboratories who wanted to investigate it .
DNA vaccines , unlike those made from parts of the actual virus , contain DNA which would produce the active antibodies in the patient to be able to fight off the virus if they were infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether HIV and Zika virus could be treated in this manner but no medicines developed this way have been approved for use in the US .

A group of anonymous bitcoin enthusiasts are attempting to crowdfund their own DIY vaccine for the coronavirus, saying clinical and animal trials will need to be "hashed out by the community".
The self-described "collective of biohackers" calling itself CoroHope claims to be working alongside a biologist with over a decade of relevant experience, specifically including manufacturing vaccines.
No evidence has been provided of this person's identity or qualifications, nor have any other senior members of the group identified themselves as being involved with the project.
The group, which is soliciting donations via the cryptocurrency, says it intends to develop and manufacture a plasmid DNA vaccine, an experimental type of vaccination which has only ever been approved in the US for use on animals.
This will be done completely outside of academia and without the involvement of either the pharmaceuticals industry or government regulators.
"Without tens of millions of dollars there is no viable pathway for us to obtain the normal government clearance for a clinical trial, so our vaccine's effectiveness will remain a mystery until several weeks or months after," the group claimed.
Only one person has been publicly identified with the project, Bryan Bishop, who quit just a few days after joining according to cryptocurrency new site Coin Desk, citing the potential liabilities which producing a vaccine outside of the regulated channels could involve.
Despite the group's ambitions, they acknowledge their potential vaccine would not be "adopted by the medical community in any official sense" but could be "at best, a stopgap until those clinically-trialled treatments are widely available".
Even then the group's mission document states that it "disclaims all liability and gives no guarantees or warrants" before concluding: "This should not be considered a reliable vaccine."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:19 This is how COVID-19 can damage your lungs
The group claims it would only need $10,000 for the initial stages of their research, synthesising a plasmid which would then be made available to other laboratories who wanted to investigate it.
DNA vaccines, unlike those made from parts of the actual virus, contain DNA which would produce the active antibodies in the patient to be able to fight off the virus if they were infected with it.
Trials are currently testing whether HIV and Zika virus could be treated in this manner but no medicines developed this way have been approved for use in the US.


news--2020-03-12--Coronavirus: How schools are preparing in case they are forced to close

Schools across the UK are preparing to close their doors , in the event that the government keeps children at home due to the coronavirus outbreak .
The UK is preparing to enter a new phase of its coronavirus response , with Prime Minister Boris Johnson set to move the country to the `` delay '' phase - which could include closing down schools and universities as well as introducing social distancing policies .
Schools and colleges in Ireland have already closed , with the Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar announcing the measure will last until 29 March .
Teachers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prepare for the eventuality that their classrooms could soon be empty , should they close their doors to pupils .
Speaking to Sky News , one teacher said that they had been asked to prepare enough work for two weeks so that children are able to work from home .
They also said that any closure of the school would be staggered , with youngest pupils being sent home first , and year 11 students being kept in as long as possible in the run up to any GCSE or A-Level exams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The teacher added that measures were also being put in place , should schools remain open , in the event that staff and pupils are forced to self-isolate due to COVID-19 .
Another teacher said that work will be placed on their school 's online learning portals and pupils will be encouraged to do their work on there .
It is also thought that classroom size rules could be relaxed over the coming weeks to ensure that children are still able to learn .
A petition on parliament 's website , which has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is calling for schools to be shut .
It asks the government to `` at least consider closing schools/ colleges down in the coming weeks or as soon as possible , in addition to taking necessary actions to prevent further spread '' .
The closure of schools would be put pressure on millions of parents to quickly find childcare provision , which is likely to have far-reaching impacts on many industries across the country .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday that he does not want to see schools closed , in part because of the pressure it would put on the NHS if staff need to look after their children .
The delay phase of the UK 's response could formally advise people to begin working from home , stop attending public gatherings and recommend the cancellation of big events .

Schools across the UK are preparing to close their doors, in the event that the government keeps children at home due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The UK is preparing to enter a new phase of its coronavirus response, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson set to move the country to the "delay" phase - which could include closing down schools and universities as well as introducing social distancing policies.
Schools and colleges in Ireland have already closed, with the Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar announcing the measure will last until 29 March.
Teachers across the UK are now being told to prepare for the eventuality that their classrooms could soon be empty, should they close their doors to pupils.
Speaking to Sky News, one teacher said that they had been asked to prepare enough work for two weeks so that children are able to work from home.
They also said that any closure of the school would be staggered, with youngest pupils being sent home first, and year 11 students being kept in as long as possible in the run up to any GCSE or A-Level exams they could be set to take.
The teacher added that measures were also being put in place, should schools remain open, in the event that staff and pupils are forced to self-isolate due to COVID-19.
Another teacher said that work will be placed on their school's online learning portals and pupils will be encouraged to do their work on there.
It is also thought that classroom size rules could be relaxed over the coming weeks to ensure that children are still able to learn.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
A petition on parliament's website, which has more than 340,000 signatures so far, is calling for schools to be shut.
It asks the government to "at least consider closing schools/ colleges down in the coming weeks or as soon as possible, in addition to taking necessary actions to prevent further spread".
The closure of schools would be put pressure on millions of parents to quickly find childcare provision, which is likely to have far-reaching impacts on many industries across the country.
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However, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Wednesday that he does not want to see schools closed, in part because of the pressure it would put on the NHS if staff need to look after their children.
The delay phase of the UK's response could formally advise people to begin working from home, stop attending public gatherings and recommend the cancellation of big events.


news--2020-03-12--Coronavirus: Everton squad self-isolate as Champions League games postponed

Everton 's first team squad and coaching team are self-isolating , and the Champions League has been postponed , amid the coronavirus outbreak Everton said they were in regular contact with the player , who has not yet been named , and `` is monitoring the wellbeing of all players and staff '' .
The isolation period puts the Premier League side 's match against Liverpool , current scheduled for Monday night , into doubt .
Sky News has also learned that the English Football League ( EFL ) will postpone all of its matches until 4 April .
Sky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that the EFL has made this decision because of the safety of players , rather than of audiences .
In European football , all of next week 's matches in UEFA competitions , including the Champions League and the Europa League have been postponed .
Draws for the next rounds of both leagues which were scheduled to take place on 20 March have also now been postponed , UEFA announced .
In cricket , Sri Lanka 's upcoming Test series against England has been postponed .
England and Wales Cricket Board said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physical and mental wellbeing of our players and support teams is paramount .
`` These are completely unprecedented times , and decisions like this go beyond cricket .
`` We would like to thank our colleagues at Sri Lanka Cricket for their outstanding support and assistance throughout this situation . ''
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta and Chelsea player Callum Hudson-Odoi are confirmed to have contracted COVID-19 .
In a statement , Chelsea FC said its entire men 's squad would be self-isolating , along with coaching staff and backroom staff who came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's team building will be closed , but the rest of the training facility , Stamford Bridge and other Chelsea facilities will operate as normal .
The club said Hudson-Odoi had experienced symptoms `` similar to a mild cold '' on Monday morning and had not been at the training ground since as a precaution .
Earlier on Thursday night , Arsenal announced its first team squad and anyone else who has been in recent close contact with Arteta had also been told to self-isolate .
Arsenal 's clash against Brighton on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a statement , Brighton 's chief executive Paul Barber said : `` First and foremost our thoughts are with Mikel Arteta and we wish him a speedy recovery .
`` It 's absolutely essential the health and wellbeing of individuals takes priority and with that in mind Saturday 's match has been postponed .
`` We apologise to all fans for any inconvenience but trust everyone will understand that we are all facing an unprecedented situation . ''
Announcing Arteta 's diagnosis , Arsenal said : `` Our London Colney training centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arteta received a positive COVID-19 result .
`` Arsenal personnel who had recent close contact with Mikel will now self-isolate in line with government health guidelines .
`` We expect this to be a significant number of people from Colney , including the full first-team squad and coaching staff . ''
The Premier League is now set to convene an emergency club meeting this morning regarding future fixtures .
Representatives from all 20 League clubs will be involved in the decision whether to suspend the season entirely and , if so , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working to trace others who have had recent close contact with Arteta .
The club 's Colney and Hale End training centres will be deep cleaned , but other club sites will operate as normal .
Following the announcement , Arteta said : `` This is really disappointing but I took the test after feeling poorly .
I will be at work as soon as I 'm allowed . ''
Arsenal 's game at Manchester City was cancelled on Wednesday after team members came into contact with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 .
• Millions of Britons will need to contract coronavirus in order to control the impact of the disease , the government 's chief scientific advisor has told Sky News • A London Underground driver has tested positive for COVID-19 , according to reports • A tenth person in the UK has died after contracting COVID-19 , with 590 cases confirmed • Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said `` many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time '' as he declared the government is entering the `` delay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus • Global markets are fighting back after the FTSE 's worst day since the 1987 crash • France 's President Macron says the country is facing its worst health crisis for a century • The director of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine told Sky News the spread of coronavirus is `` much , much worse '' than seen with Ebola • This weekend 's Australian Grand Prix has been cancelled , according to the FIA , Formula One and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation Over in Europe , France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Ligue 2 , have been suspended until further notice due to the coronavirus .
In Germany , all matches in the Bundesliga will be played behind closed doors this week , except RB Leipzig 's match with Freiburg .
Barcelona 's game at home to Napoli will also be played behind closed doors .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Meanwhile , three players at Premier League club Leicester City who showed symptoms of coronavirus have been isolated .
The team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We 've had a few players that have shown symptoms and signs [ of coronavirus ] .
We 've followed procedures and [ as a precaution ] they have been kept away from the squad . ''
European football 's governing body , UEFA , is set to discuss next week whether any of its three tournaments will go ahead .

Everton's first team squad and coaching team are self-isolating, and the Champions League has been postponed, amid the coronavirus outbreak
Everton said they were in regular contact with the player, who has not yet been named, and "is monitoring the wellbeing of all players and staff".
The isolation period puts the Premier League side's match against Liverpool, current scheduled for Monday night, into doubt.
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Sky News has also learned that the English Football League (EFL) will postpone all of its matches until 4 April.
Sky News' sports correspondent Martha Kelner has said that the EFL has made this decision because of the safety of players, rather than of audiences.
In European football, all of next week's matches in UEFA competitions, including the Champions League and the Europa League have been postponed.
Draws for the next rounds of both leagues which were scheduled to take place on 20 March have also now been postponed, UEFA announced.
In cricket, Sri Lanka's upcoming Test series against England has been postponed.
England and Wales Cricket Board said: "At this time, the physical and mental wellbeing of our players and support teams is paramount.
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"These are completely unprecedented times, and decisions like this go beyond cricket.
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"We would like to thank our colleagues at Sri Lanka Cricket for their outstanding support and assistance throughout this situation."
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta and Chelsea player Callum Hudson-Odoi are confirmed to have contracted COVID-19.
In a statement, Chelsea FC said its entire men's squad would be self-isolating, along with coaching staff and backroom staff who came into contact with Hudson-Odoi.
The men's team building will be closed, but the rest of the training facility, Stamford Bridge and other Chelsea facilities will operate as normal.
The club said Hudson-Odoi had experienced symptoms "similar to a mild cold" on Monday morning and had not been at the training ground since as a precaution.
Image: Arsenal players train at London Colney
Earlier on Thursday night, Arsenal announced its first team squad and anyone else who has been in recent close contact with Arteta had also been told to self-isolate.
Arsenal's clash against Brighton on Saturday has been postponed following the announcement.
In a statement, Brighton's chief executive Paul Barber said: "First and foremost our thoughts are with Mikel Arteta and we wish him a speedy recovery.
"It's absolutely essential the health and wellbeing of individuals takes priority and with that in mind Saturday's match has been postponed.
Image: Mikel Arteta pictured at a training session at London Colney on 10 March
"We apologise to all fans for any inconvenience but trust everyone will understand that we are all facing an unprecedented situation."
Announcing Arteta's diagnosis, Arsenal said: "Our London Colney training centre has been closed after head coach Mikel Arteta received a positive COVID-19 result.
"Arsenal personnel who had recent close contact with Mikel will now self-isolate in line with government health guidelines.
"We expect this to be a significant number of people from Colney, including the full first-team squad and coaching staff."
The Premier League is now set to convene an emergency club meeting this morning regarding future fixtures.
Representatives from all 20 League clubs will be involved in the decision whether to suspend the season entirely and, if so, for how long.
Arsenal said it is working to trace others who have had recent close contact with Arteta.
The club's Colney and Hale End training centres will be deep cleaned, but other club sites will operate as normal.
Following the announcement, Arteta said: "This is really disappointing but I took the test after feeling poorly. I will be at work as soon as I'm allowed."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 COVID-19 'much, much worse than Ebola'
Arsenal's game at Manchester City was cancelled on Wednesday after team members came into contact with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, who announced on Tuesday he had contracted COVID-19.
The latest coronavirus developments:
Millions of Britons will need to contract coronavirus in order to control the impact of the disease, the government's chief scientific advisor has told Sky News
A London Underground driver has tested positive for COVID-19, according to reports
A tenth person in the UK has died after contracting COVID-19, with 590 cases confirmed
has died after contracting COVID-19, with 590 cases confirmed Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said "many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time" as he declared the government is entering the "delay" phase of its response to the virus
of its response to the virus Global markets are fighting back after the FTSE's worst day since the 1987 crash
France's President Macron says the country is facing its worst health crisis for a century
says the country is facing its worst health crisis for a century The director of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine told Sky News the spread of coronavirus is "much, much worse" than seen with Ebola
This weekend's Australian Grand Prix has been cancelled, according to the FIA, Formula One and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:16 The misinformation outbreak
Over in Europe, France top domestic football tournaments, Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, have been suspended until further notice due to the coronavirus.
In Germany, all matches in the Bundesliga will be played behind closed doors this week, except RB Leipzig's match with Freiburg.
Barcelona's game at home to Napoli will also be played behind closed doors.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Meanwhile, three players at Premier League club Leicester City who showed symptoms of coronavirus have been isolated.
The team's manager, Brendan Rodgers, said: "We've had a few players that have shown symptoms and signs [of coronavirus]. We've followed procedures and [as a precaution] they have been kept away from the squad."
European football's governing body, UEFA, is set to discuss next week whether any of its three tournaments will go ahead.


news--2020-03-12--Coronavirus: Trump finally gets the message as America begins to self-isolate

Coronavirus : Trump finally gets the message as America begins to self-isolate Coronavirus : Trump finally gets the message as America begins to self-isolate Americans seemed to be taking coronavirus more seriously than their president For days , there has been a disconnect between Donald Trump 's messaging and the reality facing Americans over the coronavirus .
As the president repeatedly downplayed the risk , cities and states saw the creeping spread of the virus reach further into their lives .
And within the space of a few minutes on Wednesday night , the inevitable combustion happened .
As Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for foreign nationals who have recently been in mainland Europe , coronavirus suddenly hit home for millions in the US .
The actor Tom Hanks , the man often referred to as 'America 's dad ' , confirmed that he and his wife Rita Wilson has tested positive for the virus in Australia .
The national sense of shock was palpable .
The NBA , the multi-billion dollar basketball league which is one of America 's greatest exports , announced it was suspending its season after a player tested positive .
The wildly-popular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it would be played behind closed doors .
It is impossible to overstate the hold the worlds of Hollywood and professional and college sport have on Americans , and the impact these developments will have on the national psyche .
Entire school districts are closing , universities switching to online classes only and transport networks are asking staff to take unpaid leave .
Mass gatherings are being discouraged , self-isolating is happening .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the fear of the spread of the virus , something that a few days ago Trump said would soon disappear like a `` miracle '' .
The White House has at least rowed back from Trump 's threat to include goods and cargo in his travel ban , what would have been effectively a blanket trade war .
But it will still apply to millions of people , many with business and family ties across the Atlantic .
His address also carried a tone of blame for China and Europe for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hoped his promise of economic stimulus would reassure the markets , he was to be disappointed - the futures sank after hearing his words .
And George Conway , the mischief-making husband of Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway , tweeted : `` If he really wants the markets to go up , he should just resign . ''
The president 's dramatic change of tone though appears to be a sign that he now recognises the severity of the risk facing the country .
That will be welcomed by those tasked with the response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what might happen next .
There has been a need for leadership and - judging by his address in the setting of the Oval Office - Donald Trump looks like he has got the message .
The question is whether it will be enough .

The president changes tack after days of appearing to not take the threat of coronavirus seriously.
Coronavirus: Trump finally gets the message as America begins to self-isolate
Americans seemed to be taking coronavirus more seriously than their president
For days, there has been a disconnect between Donald Trump's messaging and the reality facing Americans over the coronavirus.
As the president repeatedly downplayed the risk, cities and states saw the creeping spread of the virus reach further into their lives.
And within the space of a few minutes on Wednesday night, the inevitable combustion happened.
As Trump addressed the nation, shutting down entry for foreign nationals who have recently been in mainland Europe, coronavirus suddenly hit home for millions in the US.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 Trump announces new anti-coronavirus measures
The actor Tom Hanks, the man often referred to as 'America's dad', confirmed that he and his wife Rita Wilson has tested positive for the virus in Australia. The national sense of shock was palpable.
The NBA, the multi-billion dollar basketball league which is one of America's greatest exports, announced it was suspending its season after a player tested positive. The wildly-popular college basketball contest known as March Madness said it would be played behind closed doors.
Image: The NBA has been suspended until further notice
It is impossible to overstate the hold the worlds of Hollywood and professional and college sport have on Americans, and the impact these developments will have on the national psyche.
Entire school districts are closing, universities switching to online classes only and transport networks are asking staff to take unpaid leave. Mass gatherings are being discouraged, self-isolating is happening.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
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There is little of American life now left untouched by the fear of the spread of the virus, something that a few days ago Trump said would soon disappear like a "miracle".
The White House has at least rowed back from Trump's threat to include goods and cargo in his travel ban, what would have been effectively a blanket trade war. But it will still apply to millions of people, many with business and family ties across the Atlantic.
His address also carried a tone of blame for China and Europe for the escalating crisis of coronavirus.
Image: Trump appeared to blame China and Europe for the spread of the disease in the US
If he hoped his promise of economic stimulus would reassure the markets, he was to be disappointed - the futures sank after hearing his words.
And George Conway, the mischief-making husband of Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway, tweeted: "If he really wants the markets to go up, he should just resign."
The president's dramatic change of tone though appears to be a sign that he now recognises the severity of the risk facing the country.
That will be welcomed by those tasked with the response and preparing Americans for the prospect of what might happen next.
There has been a need for leadership and - judging by his address in the setting of the Oval Office - Donald Trump looks like he has got the message.
The question is whether it will be enough.