news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson breathing without a ventilator in intensive care, Number 10 says

The prime minister is breathing without a ventilator and has not been diagnosed with pneumonia , Downing Street has said .
His spokesman said Boris Johnson was `` stable '' overnight and remains in `` good spirits '' .
Mr Johnson spent the night in intensive care after his symptoms of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , worsened and he suffered breathing difficulties .
The PM 's spokesman said Mr Johnson had been receiving `` standard oxygen treatment '' but had not required any other help with his breathing .
Meanwhile , the Queen has sent a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his pregnant partner Carrie Symonds , saying they were in her thoughts and that she wished the PM a full and speedy recovery .
And in a message posted on the Kensington Palace Twitter account , Prince William said : `` Our thoughts are with the prime minister and his family , who like so many in the UK and around the world are affected by coronavirus .
We wish him a speedy recovery at this difficult time . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was confirmed that another 758 patients have died in England after contracting the coronavirus - bringing the total to 5,655 .
Mr Johnson was initially admitted to St Thomas ' Hospital in London on Sunday evening , but his health deteriorated during the course of Monday .
The precautionary decision to move him to intensive care was taken on the advice of his medical team at around 7pm , with Downing Street revealing the news in a statement an hour later .
It is understood Mr Johnson remained conscious at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intensive care as a precaution should he require ventilation to aid his recovery .
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove told LBC earlier that the PM `` has not been on a ventilator '' but has received `` oxygen support '' .
Mr Johnson 's spokesman rejected claims that Number 10 had tried to hide the seriousness of his condition .
`` We have been fully frank with you throughout , '' he told reporters during the government 's daily media briefing .
`` We have issued you with regular updates on the prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worsened yesterday afternoon .
A decision was taken that he needed to be moved to an intensive care unit at around 7pm .
`` We informed you all as soon as was practically possible .
We have a commitment to be as transparent as we can be throughout this process . ''
Downing Street confirmed that weekly calls between Number 10 and the Queen will not take place during Mr Johnson 's hospital stay .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , who is deputising for the PM , will not be asked to step-in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson .
`` Buckingham Palace and Her Majesty the Queen have been kept regularly informed about the prime minister 's condition and that will continue , '' Mr Johnson 's spokesman said .
`` The cabinet secretary and the prime minister 's principal private secretary will continue their contacts with the Royal Household on the prime minister 's behalf . ''
Asked if Mr Raab would field any phone calls with the Queen , the spokesman responded : `` No , it has been agreed with the Royal Household that weekly audiences @ @ @ @ @ @

The prime minister is breathing without a ventilator and has not been diagnosed with pneumonia, Downing Street has said.
His spokesman said Boris Johnson was "stable" overnight and remains in "good spirits".
Mr Johnson spent the night in intensive care after his symptoms of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, worsened and he suffered breathing difficulties.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:37 PM in intensive care after symptoms worsen
The PM's spokesman said Mr Johnson had been receiving "standard oxygen treatment" but had not required any other help with his breathing.
Meanwhile, the Queen has sent a message to Mr Johnson's family and his pregnant partner Carrie Symonds, saying they were in her thoughts and that she wished the PM a full and speedy recovery.
And in a message posted on the Kensington Palace Twitter account, Prince William said: "Our thoughts are with the prime minister and his family, who like so many in the UK and around the world are affected by coronavirus. We wish him a speedy recovery at this difficult time."
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It comes as it was confirmed that another 758 patients have died in England after contracting the coronavirus - bringing the total to 5,655.
Mr Johnson was initially admitted to St Thomas' Hospital in London on Sunday evening, but his health deteriorated during the course of Monday.
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The precautionary decision to move him to intensive care was taken on the advice of his medical team at around 7pm, with Downing Street revealing the news in a statement an hour later.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 Sturgeon: 'Get well soon, Boris'
It is understood Mr Johnson remained conscious at the time of the announcement and was moved to intensive care as a precaution should he require ventilation to aid his recovery.
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove told LBC earlier that the PM "has not been on a ventilator" but has received "oxygen support".
Mr Johnson's spokesman rejected claims that Number 10 had tried to hide the seriousness of his condition.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:28 Cameron's message to Boris Johnson
"We have been fully frank with you throughout," he told reporters during the government's daily media briefing.
"We have issued you with regular updates on the prime minister's health.
"His condition worsened yesterday afternoon. A decision was taken that he needed to be moved to an intensive care unit at around 7pm.
"We informed you all as soon as was practically possible. We have a commitment to be as transparent as we can be throughout this process."
Downing Street confirmed that weekly calls between Number 10 and the Queen will not take place during Mr Johnson's hospital stay.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is deputising for the PM, will not be asked to step-in to brief the monarch on behalf of Mr Johnson.
"Buckingham Palace and Her Majesty the Queen have been kept regularly informed about the prime minister's condition and that will continue," Mr Johnson's spokesman said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:43 'Nobody likes a lockdown'
"The cabinet secretary and the prime minister's principal private secretary will continue their contacts with the Royal Household on the prime minister's behalf."
Asked if Mr Raab would field any phone calls with the Queen, the spokesman responded: "No, it has been agreed with the Royal Household that weekly audiences will not go ahead."


news--2020-04-07--Imagination threat recedes as Chinese abandon boardroom coup plot

The immediate threat to Imagination Technologies Group ’ s British headquarters appeared to recede on Tuesday when its owner abandoned an emergency board meeting set up to hand control to a state-owned Chinese investor .
Sky News has learnt that Oliver Dowden , the culture secretary , has been notified that the emergency meeting has been called off following a furious backlash in Westminster against the proposed boardroom coup by China Reform Holdings .
In a letter to the chairs of four select committees who had asked the government to launch an urgent investigation , Mr Dowden said his officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 '' .
He added that he was seeking an `` urgent meeting '' with Ray Bingham , Imagination 's executive chairman and a partner at the chip designer 's owner , Canyon Bridge Capital Partners .
The Hertfordshire-based company , which counts Apple and Samsung among its customers , was taken over by Canyon Bridge in a £550m deal in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time to be a passive investor through its interest in Canyon Bridge 's funds .
The decision to abandon the emergency meeting and leave Imagination 's board unchanged is said by sources close to the company to have removed the immediate prospect of Ron Black , its chief executive , resigning in protest .
Sky News revealed on Monday that Mr Black and other senior executives were on the brink of quitting over China Reform 's power-grab .
Sources close to Imagination said it remained `` fully supported '' by Canyon Bridge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increasing its investment in the UK '' .
`` At a time when the global economy is under significant stress , Imagination is well positioned to benefit from continued automation , connectivity , ray tracing and widespread implementation of AI [ artificial intelligence ] technologies , '' one insider said .
Although the board meeting - which was convened to elect four China Reform nominees as directors - has been cancelled , industry sources say that China Reform 's move has raised significant issues about the ownership and control of British technology companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chairs 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 Bill will strengthen our powers by building on our current merger and takeover regime and will be wide reaching and broad enough to keep pace with technological innovation , '' he wrote .
`` Despite the coronavirus crisis , teams are continuing to work hard on these plans and we intend to bring the Bill forward as quickly as we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that ministers would `` not hesitate to use all the tools available to us to mitigate any adverse impacts for the UK and will engage with our international counterparts where necessary '' .
China Reform had indicated that it would use that control to redomicile Imagination and its intellectual property assets to China - underlining concerns about the pace of technology transfer to the world 's most populous country .
Canyon Bridge , which is now based in the Cayman Islands , was previously headquartered in the US but relocated after an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an American company , was blocked by the Trump administration .
Imagination designs graphics processing units ( GPUs ) used in 30 % of the world 's mobile phones and , in total , 11bn devices globally .
The company employs about 600 people in the UK - with those prized technology jobs likely to be at risk if the company is moved to China .
Imagination 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 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The relationship between Imagination and Apple , which resulted in a new licensing deal being struck in January , means that senior figures in the Trump administration might also raise questions about a Chinese takeover of the UK company 's board .
Imagination is said to be have sought legal advice on whether the boardroom coup can be prevented .
The situation is erupting amid ongoing criticism of the government 's decision to allow Huawei , the Chinese telecoms equipment manufacturer , a role in the construction of Britain 's 5G network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government has sought to strengthen the regime around foreign takeovers of UK companies .
Theresa May 's administration introduced a tougher national security test for buyers of assets in areas such as technology , requiring buyers to notify the government of any potential issues .

The immediate threat to Imagination Technologies Group’s British headquarters appeared to recede on Tuesday when its owner abandoned an emergency board meeting set up to hand control to a state-owned Chinese investor.
Sky News has learnt that Oliver Dowden, the culture secretary, has been notified that the emergency meeting has been called off following a furious backlash in Westminster against the proposed boardroom coup by China Reform Holdings.
In a letter to the chairs of four select committees who had asked the government to launch an urgent investigation, Mr Dowden said his 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".
He added that he was seeking an "urgent meeting" with Ray Bingham, Imagination's executive chairman and a partner at the chip designer's owner, Canyon Bridge Capital Partners.
The Hertfordshire-based company, which counts Apple and Samsung among its customers, was taken over by Canyon Bridge in a £550m deal in 2017, with China Reform pledging at the time to be a passive investor through its interest in Canyon Bridge's funds.
The decision to abandon the emergency meeting and leave Imagination's board unchanged is said by sources close to the company to have removed the immediate prospect of Ron Black, its chief executive, resigning in protest.
Sky News revealed on Monday that Mr Black and other senior executives were on the brink of quitting over China Reform's power-grab.
Sources close to Imagination said it remained "fully supported" by Canyon Bridge and that it was "committed to increasing its investment in the UK".
"At a time when the global economy is under significant stress, Imagination is well positioned to benefit from continued automation, connectivity, ray tracing and widespread implementation of AI [artificial intelligence] technologies," one insider said.
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Although the board meeting - which was convened to elect four China Reform nominees as directors - has been cancelled, industry sources say that China Reform's move has raised significant issues about the ownership and control of British technology companies.
Mr Dowden told the select committee chairs 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 Bill will strengthen our powers by building on our current merger and takeover regime and will be wide reaching and broad enough to keep pace with technological innovation," he wrote.
"Despite the coronavirus crisis, teams are continuing to work hard on these plans and we intend to bring the Bill forward as quickly as we can in this session."
He added that ministers would "not hesitate to use all the tools available to us to mitigate any adverse impacts for the UK and will engage with our international counterparts where necessary".
China Reform had indicated that it would use that control to redomicile Imagination and its intellectual property assets to China - underlining concerns about the pace of technology transfer to the world's most populous country.
Canyon Bridge, which is now based in the Cayman Islands, was previously headquartered in the US but relocated after an earlier attempt to buy Lattice Semiconductors, an American company, was blocked by the Trump administration.
Image: It comes amid ongoing criticism of the UK government's decision to allow Huawei, the Chinese telecoms equipment manufacturer, a role in the construction of Britain's 5G network
Imagination designs graphics processing units (GPUs) used in 30% of the world's mobile phones and, in total, 11bn devices globally.
The company employs about 600 people in the UK - with those prized technology jobs likely to be at risk if the company is moved to China.
Imagination 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 relationship between Imagination and Apple, which resulted in a new licensing deal being struck in January, means that senior figures in the Trump administration might also raise questions about a Chinese takeover of the UK company's board.
Imagination is said to be have sought legal advice on whether the boardroom coup can be prevented.
The situation is erupting amid ongoing criticism of the government's decision to allow Huawei, the Chinese telecoms equipment manufacturer, a role in the construction of Britain's 5G network.
Since the 2016 Brexit referendum, the government has sought to strengthen the regime around foreign takeovers of UK companies.
Theresa May's administration introduced a tougher national security test for buyers of assets in areas such as technology, requiring buyers to notify the government of any potential issues.
Imagination declined to comment.


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: Pound takes hit as investors fret over PM Johnson's condition

The pound has taken a hit against the safe haven dollar on news of Boris Johnson 's deterioration as he battles coronavirus in intensive care .
Sterling lost six tenths of a cent against the greenback late on Monday evening when it was confirmed the PM 's condition had taken a turn for the worse .
Market analysts warned that the UK currency was likely to be pegged to developments on Mr Johnson 's health as Dominic Raab , the foreign secretary , steps up to assume some of his responsibilities .
The pound had been trading at around $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement but had recovered most of the ground lost during Asia trading overnight and was almost 1 % up on the day when it was revealed , by his official spokesman , that the prime minister was in a stable condition and in good spirits .
Sterling was at $ 1.2335 just after 5pm UK time on Tuesday .
Stock markets started the week with solid gains in Asia and Europe though the Dow Jones Industrial Average in New York clawed back almost 8 % of value lost since markets first took fright @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cautious clawback in Asia , despite that lead from New York , while the FTSE 100 built on the previous session 's 3 % gain and closed up 2.19 % .
Analysts saw US indices making further strides at the open on Wall Street and by 5pm UK time , the Dow , S & P 500 and Nasdaq were all up around 2 % .
This week 's rally has been attributed to signs the COVID-19 crisis could be easing in the worst-hit regions of Europe .
Travel-related stocks - worst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in February - saw the biggest gains in London with cruise operator Carnival and easyJet both up 20 % though still sharply down on the year to date .
Oil firms also staged a recovery on growing investor hopes of an output cut to boost weak prices being agreed by major producing nations .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Cineworld was among companies to update on its fortunes - as all its 787 cinemas closed globally .
It suspended the payment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they had agreed to defer pay and bonuses .
But market analysts said the pound was a clear focus given Mr Johnson 's condition - marking a new front for its fortunes since the collapse in value witnessed since the Brexit vote in 2016 .
Chris Scicluna , head of economic research at Daiwa , said : `` Clearly the pound has weakened and that reflects the uncertainty and clarity over how much authority Raab will have .
`` From an economic point of view there 's unlikely to be much change .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult decisions to be made , the lack of guidance at the top could be concerning . ''
Junichi Ishikawa , senior FX strategist at IG Securities in Tokyo , said : `` The currency market has remained fairly calm , but there will be more downside for sterling if Johnson 's condition worsens . ''

The pound has taken a hit against the safe haven dollar on news of Boris Johnson's deterioration as he battles coronavirus in intensive care.
Sterling lost six tenths of a cent against the greenback late on Monday evening when it was confirmed the PM's condition had taken a turn for the worse.
Market analysts warned that the UK currency was likely to be pegged to developments on Mr Johnson's health as Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, steps up to assume some of his responsibilities.
Image: Pound reacts to news of Boris Johnson's health
The pound had been trading at around $1.23 in advance of the Downing Street statement but had recovered most of the ground lost during Asia trading overnight and was almost 1% up on the day when it was revealed, by his official spokesman, that the prime minister was in a stable condition and in good spirits.
Sterling was at $1.2335 just after 5pm UK time on Tuesday.
Stock markets started the week with solid gains in Asia and Europe though the Dow Jones Industrial Average in New York clawed back almost 8% of value lost since markets first took fright from COVID-19 in February.
Tuesday saw a cautious clawback in Asia, despite that lead from New York, while the FTSE 100 built on the previous session's 3% gain and closed up 2.19%.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 The Prime Minister's deputy Dominic Raab has insisted that the country's response to the virus will remain on course.
Analysts saw US indices making further strides at the open on Wall Street and by 5pm UK time, the Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq were all up around 2%.
This week's rally has been attributed to signs the COVID-19 crisis could be easing in the worst-hit regions of Europe.
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Travel-related stocks - worst hit since the rout in values began in February - saw the biggest gains in London with cruise operator Carnival and easyJet both up 20% though still sharply down on the year to date.
Oil firms also staged a recovery on growing investor hopes of an output cut to boost weak prices being agreed by major producing nations.
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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Cineworld was among companies to update on its fortunes - as all its 787 cinemas closed globally.
It suspended the payment of its latest dividend while bosses said they had agreed to defer pay and bonuses.
But market analysts said the pound was a clear focus given Mr Johnson's condition - marking a new front for its fortunes since the collapse in value witnessed since the Brexit vote in 2016.
Chris Scicluna, head of economic research at Daiwa, said: "Clearly the pound has weakened and that reflects the uncertainty and clarity over how much authority Raab will have.
"From an economic point of view there's unlikely to be much change.
"But if and when there are difficult decisions to be made, the lack of guidance at the top could be concerning."
Junichi Ishikawa, senior FX strategist at IG Securities in Tokyo, said: "The currency market has remained fairly calm, but there will be more downside for sterling if Johnson's condition worsens."


news--2020-04-07--Detective Leonard 'Nipper' Read who arrested Kray Twins dies aged 95

The detective who arrested Britain 's most notorious gangsters the Kray Twins has died after contracting coronavirus .
Leonard 'Nipper ' Read lead a Scotland Yard team which pursued Reggie and Ronnie Kray and brought to an end their life of crime in London 's East End .
Mr Read had been admitted to hospital for treatment to a foot infection , but died after contracting COVID-19 .
He was 95 .
As a detective chief superintendent he was head of the Yard 's murder squad when he was handed the job of bringing the twins to justice .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who worked in secret and had to overcome the corruption of other colleagues .
The Krays were minor celebrities , ran nightclubs and counted among their friends showbusiness stars such as the late US singer Judy Garland and former EastEnders actress Barbara Windsor .
The brothers were jailed for life imprisonment at the Old Bailey in 1969 after being convicted of the murders of villains Jack 'The Hat ' McVitie and George Cornell .
The Metropolitan Police Heritage Centre tweeted : `` We are sad to announce that Leonard `` Nipper '' Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` A Met legend , he is best known for his part in bringing the Kray Twins to justice and his autobiographies hold places of honour in our collections .
# RIP # Nipper # NipperRead # coronavirusuk # legend . ''
He joined the Metropolitan Police in 1947 after serving with the navy in the Second World War .
At 5ft 8in he was too short to join his local Nottinghamshire force , which insisted recruits were at least six feet tall .
Even then , he had to do stretching exercises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Nottinghamshire force as an assistant chief constable before retiring .
Mr Read 's role in the Kray story was played by actor Christopher Eccleston in the 2015 movie Legend , starring Tom Hardy - who played both twins .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker After his retirement Mr Read , a keen amateur boxer , went on to join the British Boxing Board of Control where he became chairman .
Simon Block , honorary secretary of the Commonwealth Boxing Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member of the Board 's Southern Area Council when I first started with them in 1979 and I was quite eager to meet the famous gang-busting detective who I assumed would be a big , burly character .
It was quite a surprise to find he was of modest size , quietly spoken with a clerical air about him . ''

The detective who arrested Britain's most notorious gangsters the Kray Twins has died after contracting coronavirus.
Leonard 'Nipper' Read lead a Scotland Yard team which pursued Reggie and Ronnie Kray and brought to an end their life of crime in London's East End.
Mr Read had been admitted to hospital for treatment to a foot infection, but died after contracting COVID-19. He was 95.
Image: Reggie and Ronnie Kray were notorious London gangsters who ruled the East End. Pic: Evening Standard/Getty Images
As a detective chief superintendent he was head of the Yard's murder squad when he was handed the job of bringing the twins to justice.
He set up a squad of trusted detectives who worked in secret and had to overcome the corruption of other colleagues.
The Krays were minor celebrities, ran nightclubs and counted among their friends showbusiness stars such as the late US singer Judy Garland and former EastEnders actress Barbara Windsor.
The brothers were jailed for life imprisonment at the Old Bailey in 1969 after being convicted of the murders of villains Jack 'The Hat' McVitie and George Cornell.
The Metropolitan Police Heritage Centre tweeted: "We are sad to announce that Leonard "Nipper" Read QPM died this morning aged 95.
"A Met legend, he is best known for his part in bringing the Kray Twins to justice and his autobiographies hold places of honour in our collections. #RIP #Nipper #NipperRead #coronavirusuk #legend."
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Image: The twins pictured in 1965: Pic: Evening Standard/Getty Images
He joined the Metropolitan Police in 1947 after serving with the navy in the Second World War.
At 5ft 8in he was too short to join his local Nottinghamshire force, which insisted recruits were at least six feet tall. Even then, he had to do stretching exercises before he applied.
He eventually joined the Nottinghamshire force as an assistant chief constable before retiring.
Mr Read's role in the Kray story was played by actor Christopher Eccleston in the 2015 movie Legend, starring Tom Hardy - who played both twins.
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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After his retirement Mr Read, a keen amateur boxer, went on to join the British Boxing Board of Control where he became chairman.
Simon Block, honorary secretary of the Commonwealth Boxing Council, said: "Nipper was a member of the Board's Southern Area Council when I first started with them in 1979 and I was quite eager to meet the famous gang-busting detective who I assumed would be a big, burly character. It was quite a surprise to find he was of modest size, quietly spoken with a clerical air about him."
Boxing promoter Frank Warren wrote: "Nipper was a great man and a good friend."


news--2020-04-07--Prince Andrew's former aide quits Pitch business role

The Duke of York 's former private secretary has resigned as chief executive of his flagship business venture three months after reaching a settlement to leave Buckingham Palace .
Sky News has learnt that Amanda Thirsk has resigned from Pitch @ Palace to take up an undisclosed role in the private sector .
Her departure will come ahead of an attempt to relaunch the project under the name Pitch Connect , reflecting its new-found distance from the royal household .
The initiative , which connects start-up companies to mentors and investors around the world , is expected to recruit a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sources said that Ms Thirsk had informed Pitch 's network of entrepreneurs about her resignation on Tuesday .
One start-up founder who was notified of the news described it as `` a disappointment because of her excellent work , but not a surprise '' .
It says it has helped nearly 1,000 start-ups since being set up in 2014 .
Pitch also claims to have created almost 6,000 jobs since its inception and generated more than £1.1bn of new economic activity .
However , it has faced an uncertain future since Prince @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein , the disgraced financier and convicted paedophile , who was found dead in his American jail cell in August .
A number of Pitch 's corporate partners , including Barclays , KPMG and Standard Chartered , ended their relationships with the project as the furore over the Duke 's interview grew .
Most of the directors of Pitch subsequently resigned , leaving only Ms Thirsk and the businessman Johan Eliasch on its board .
A slate of new directors is also expected to be recruited in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get off the ground .
In January , the venture secured a new home close to Buckingham Palace , taking a lease on space at a WeWork building in London 's Victoria .
The move underlined the determination of those behind the initiative to continue operating , according to people close to it .
Events have been planned for this year in China , the Middle East and other parts of the world , although its schedule faces inevitable disruption because of the coronavirus outbreak .
It is unclear where future events in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most recent one having been held at a luxury London hotel .
A former banker , Ms Thirsk worked at Buckingham Palace for Prince Andrew from 2004 until last month , when she reached a settlement to terminate her role as his private secretary .
Ms Thirsk had played a key role in shaping his work after he was forced to step down as the UK trade envoy in 2011 .
His decision to give up the title of special representative for trade and investment followed earlier controversies involving Mr Epstein .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duke 's decision to conduct his disastrous November interview with the BBC , allies of the now-former royal aide praised her efforts to carve out a role for him that also benefited the UK economy .
In January , she reached an agreement about a five-figure legal settlement with Buckingham Palace .

The Duke of York's former private secretary has resigned as chief executive of his flagship business venture three months after reaching a settlement to leave Buckingham Palace.
Sky News has learnt that Amanda Thirsk has resigned from Pitch@Palace to take up an undisclosed role in the private sector.
Her departure will come ahead of an attempt to relaunch the project under the name Pitch Connect, reflecting its new-found distance from the royal household.
The initiative, which connects start-up companies to mentors and investors around the world, is expected to recruit a new chief executive in the coming weeks.
Sources said that Ms Thirsk had informed Pitch's network of entrepreneurs about her resignation on Tuesday.
One start-up founder who was notified of the news described it as "a disappointment because of her excellent work, but not a surprise".
It says it has helped nearly 1,000 start-ups since being set up in 2014.
Pitch also claims to have created almost 6,000 jobs since its inception and generated more than £1.1bn of new economic activity.
However, it has faced an uncertain future since Prince Andrew's disastrous BBC interview last autumn about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier and convicted paedophile, who was found dead in his American jail cell in August.
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A number of Pitch's corporate partners, including Barclays, KPMG and Standard Chartered, ended their relationships with the project as the furore over the Duke's interview grew.
Most of the directors of Pitch subsequently resigned, leaving only Ms Thirsk and the businessman Johan Eliasch on its board.
A slate of new directors is also expected to be recruited in the short term as Pitch Connect attempts to get off the ground.
In January, the venture secured a new home close to Buckingham Palace, taking a lease on space at a WeWork building in London's Victoria.
The move underlined the determination of those behind the initiative to continue operating, according to people close to it.
Events have been planned for this year in China, the Middle East and other parts of the world, although its schedule faces inevitable disruption because of the coronavirus outbreak.
It is unclear where future events in London will be staged, with the most recent one having been held at a luxury London hotel.
A former banker, Ms Thirsk worked at Buckingham Palace for Prince Andrew from 2004 until last month, when she reached a settlement to terminate her role as his private secretary.
Ms Thirsk had played a key role in shaping his work after he was forced to step down as the UK trade envoy in 2011.
His decision to give up the title of special representative for trade and investment followed earlier controversies involving Mr Epstein.
While Ms Thirsk was partly blamed for the duke's decision to conduct his disastrous November interview with the BBC, allies of the now-former royal aide praised her efforts to carve out a role for him that also benefited the UK economy.
In January, she reached an agreement about a five-figure legal settlement with Buckingham Palace.


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: Ocado risks fresh pay backlash over chief's £59m package

Ocado , the online supermarket , faces becoming the first prominent victim of a pay backlash since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic after an influential proxy adviser called for the ousting of a senior director .
Sky News has learnt that Institutional Shareholder Services ( ISS ) has recommended that investors vote against Ocado 's remuneration report at its annual meeting on 6 May after Tim Steiner , co-founder and chief executive , received a package worth nearly £59m last year .
ISS , which typically influences the votes of up to a quarter of shareholders in London-listed companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the re-election of Andrew Harrison , the former Carphone Warehouse chief executive , who chairs its boardroom pay committee .
In a report circulated to clients , ISS said its opposition was based on Ocado 's continued operation of a `` highly levered variable pay structure '' .
`` Although Ocado has performed well , pay is excessive relative to peer companies , '' it said .
`` Multiple high-dissent ( +20 % ) votes have been recorded on remuneration items at previous general meetings - both in terms of the legacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FY2019 's large payout , and the current [ value creation plan ] - and the committee has not significantly altered or moderated its approach in response to these votes . ''
ISS added that it was also concerned about substantial fixed pay rises awarded to Ocado 's executives , and the fact that directors had chosen to exclude the impact of a fire at its customer fulfilment centre on the calculation of share-based awards .
An Ocado spokesman said on Tuesday that the company `` places great emphasis on ensuring its executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for shareholders and our broader stakeholders '' .
The online supermarket , which now has a market value of close to £10bn , launched in 2001 through a partnership with Waitrose .
Last year , it sold a 50 % stake in its UK business for £700m as part of a joint venture with Marks & Spencer .
The company is no stranger to pay revolts , with ISS opposing its stance on the issue for several successive years .
Last year , 17 % of Ocado shareholders opposed Mr Harrison 's re-election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both its pay report and forward-looking pay policy .
Next month 's Ocado AGM , however , will come during a period of acute sensitivity around the issue of boardroom pay .
Dozens of listed companies have announced pay deferrals and cuts for their top executives , with share-based incentive schemes now deeply 'underwater ' as a result of the widespread slump in equity prices .
Ocado has handed employees working on the frontline of its food delivery operation - including drivers , personal shoppers , LGV drivers , engineering operations and contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on basic pay for hours worked from 23 March for the duration of the crisis .
It has yet to announce pay cuts for senior management , although a source close to the company pointed out that it had not sought to access any of the government 's emergency financial support schemes .
Ocado is also not a beneficiary of the government 's business rates relief package , which is expected to deliver a significant boost to the profitability of the major supermarket chains .
The company found itself unable to cope with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus outbreak , temporarily suspending access to its website .

Ocado, the online supermarket, faces becoming the first prominent victim of a pay backlash since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic after an influential proxy adviser called for the ousting of a senior director.
Sky News has learnt that Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) has recommended that investors vote against Ocado's remuneration report at its annual meeting on 6 May after Tim Steiner, co-founder and chief executive, received a package worth nearly £59m last year.
ISS, which typically influences the votes of up to a quarter of shareholders in London-listed companies, also called for investors to vote against the re-election of Andrew Harrison, the former Carphone Warehouse chief executive, who chairs its boardroom pay committee.
Image: Tim Steiner, co-founder and chief executive, received a package worth nearly £59m last year
In a report circulated to clients, ISS said its opposition was based on Ocado's continued operation of a "highly levered variable pay structure".
"Although Ocado has performed well, pay is excessive relative to peer companies," it said.
"Multiple high-dissent (+20%) votes have been recorded on remuneration items at previous general meetings - both in terms of the legacy [incentive plan], which produced FY2019's large payout, and the current [value creation plan] - and the committee has not significantly altered or moderated its approach in response to these votes."
ISS added that it was also concerned about substantial fixed pay rises awarded to Ocado's executives, and the fact that directors had chosen to exclude the impact of a fire at its customer fulfilment centre on the calculation of share-based awards.
An Ocado spokesman said on Tuesday that the company "places great emphasis on ensuring its executive remuneration is closely tied to creating value for shareholders and our broader stakeholders".
The online supermarket, which now has a market value of close to £10bn, launched in 2001 through a partnership with Waitrose.
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Last year, it sold a 50% stake in its UK business for £700m as part of a joint venture with Marks & Spencer.
The company is no stranger to pay revolts, with ISS opposing its stance on the issue for several successive years.
Last year, 17% of Ocado shareholders opposed Mr Harrison's re-election, while around a quarter voted against both its pay report and forward-looking pay policy.
Next month's Ocado AGM, however, will come during a period of acute sensitivity around the issue of boardroom pay.
Dozens of listed companies have announced pay deferrals and cuts for their top executives, with share-based incentive schemes now deeply 'underwater' as a result of the widespread slump in equity prices.
Ocado has handed employees working on the frontline of its food delivery operation - including drivers, personal shoppers, LGV drivers, engineering operations and contact centre workers - a 10% bonus on basic pay for hours worked from 23 March for the duration of the crisis.
It has yet to announce pay cuts for senior management, although a source close to the company pointed out that it had not sought to access any of the government's emergency financial support schemes.
Ocado is also not a beneficiary of the government's business rates relief package, which is expected to deliver a significant boost to the profitability of the major supermarket chains.
The company found itself unable to cope with customer demand in the early stages of the coronavirus outbreak, temporarily suspending access to its website.


news--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: 10 celebrities trying to cheer us up amid COVID-19 pandemic

As the coronavirus outbreak continues to affect people around the globe , celebrities are turning to social media to cheer up fans .
From health and hand-washing advice to much needed light relief , stars are offering their words of wisdom on COVID-19 .
Here are 10 celebrities sharing their thoughts on the pandemic .
These three Hollywood stars have teamed up with New York governor Andrew Cuomo to urge Americans to `` stay home and save lives '' .
New York is the US state that has so far been worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic .
DeVito , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm asking you from the bottom of my heart , all over the state of New York , stay home .
`` I mean everybody .
I mean , we got this virus , this pandemic and , you know , young people can get it and they can transmit it to old people and the next thing you know-I 'm out of there .
`` So , Governor Cuomo asked me to ask you .
Please , do us a favour , all of us , and stay home , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
Watch a little TV , why do n't ya ! ''
Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller also gave Governor Cuomo their full support from the comfort of their front rooms .
De Niro , who is 76 , finishes his appeal with the menacing warning he gives his son-in-law in the irreverent comedy Meet The Fockers : `` I 'm watching you '' , while gesturing his two fingers at his eyes and the camera .
While Stiller , 54 , pulls out a chainsaw and sets about spending some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his living room .
The queen of pop decided to share her thoughts on COVID-19 while naked in a bath full of petals .
Speaking from her candle-lit tub , with piano music playing in the background , Madge explains : `` That 's the thing about COVID-19 , it does n't care about how rich you are , how famous you are , how funny you are , how smart you are , where you live , how old you are , what amazing stories you can tell .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrible about it is what 's great about it .
`` What 's terrible about it is that it 's made us all equal in many ways , and what 's wonderful about is , is that it 's made us all equal in many ways . ''
The 61-year-old concludes by referencing one of her tracks from 1995 , which she has recently been performing on her now-cancelled Madame X tour : `` Like I used to say at the end of Human Nature every night , if the ship goes down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
She also posted a picture with some strategically placed petals , and the message : `` No-Discrimination- Covid-19 !
! ''
The Hollywood star used his infamous `` Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon '' fame - which is based on the six degrees of separation concept - to encourage fans to stay home and avoid groups and gatherings .
He starts his video : `` Hi folks , you know me right ?
I 'm technically only six degrees away from you . ''
The Footloose star goes on : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world , I 'm staying home , because it saves lives and is the only way we 're going to slow down the spread of this coronavirus . ''
The 61-year-old actor then holds up a pig-shaped blackboard with the hashtag # IStayHomeFor , explaining he was staying in for his wife Kyra Sedgwick , and asking fans to share the name of the special person they want to protect .
Kicking off the media campaign , he asked people to tag six friends in their post , writing : `` The more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're all connected by various degrees ( Trust me , I know ! )
I 'm kicking it off with @ jimmyfallon @ eltonjohn @ Brandicarlile @ kevinhart4real @ ddlovato @ davidbeckham - but I encourage YOU ALL to join in too !
`` Let 's use this 6 Degree thing to do some good ! ''
The ex-Oasis star has been quick to turn some of the band 's biggest hits into public service announcements .
The 47-year-old posted the black and white videos , which were filmed in his kitchen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sweary style , he gave fans Champagne Soap , Soap-ersonic and Wonder-wash .
Somewhat bafflingly , he also posted a short video wearing a colander on his head while singing his version of the 80s advertising slogan : `` For mash get Smash '' .
As you were Liam… The American singer-songwriter has re-written his 1969 hit Sweet Caroline to reflect the coronavirus pandemic .
Sitting in his living room with his golden retriever and guitar , the 79-year-old told his 55,000 followers : `` I know we 're going through a rough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ya , and I think maybe if we sing together , we 'll feel just a little bit better . ''
In his updated lyrics , Diamond sings : `` Hands , washing hands , reaching out , do n't touch me , I wo n't touch you . ''
The 79-year-old , who was diagnosed with Parkinson 's disease in 2018 , originally wrote the song about his wife Marsha .
In a message with his video he wrote : `` Stay safe out there ! ''
The Glaswegian comedian used a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public on how to deal with COVID-19 to add a little levity to the subject .
Using footage from the Scottish first minister 's daily coronavirus briefing , Godley added her own cheeky voiceover to the official government messages .
In the new soundtrack to the speech given at Edinburgh 's St Andrew 's House , a stalwart Sturgeon warns : `` I do n't want to see any of you out there , I run my toe up the crack of yer a** '' .
Godley is known for taking footage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own humorous twist on them .
The clip caught the attention of Sturgeon , who shared the clip , writing : `` I would *never* use language like this , obvs - but we could all do with a smile just now .
`` And if humour helps get the message across . ''
Sky darts and occasional rugby commentator Stuart Pyke has decided to entertain fans with daily updates on his home estate .
Pyke , who calls himself `` a grumpy old man '' , is giving commentaries on things he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skills sharp .
Peeping out of an upper floor window , Pyke chats about dog walkers , white and silver vans `` speeding past '' , builders and the video highlight - a man and a pram .
Pyke wrote : `` Trying to keep in tune and + smiling !
Daily updates from The Pastures from a man with a mic ! ''
Comedian Katy Brand stepped away from her trademark laughs to offer some serious advice for those struggling with social distancing .
Brand had been performing in the West End @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - Everybody 's Talking About Jamie - was cancelled due to coronavirus .
She wrote : `` Some tips if you are feeling some darkness creeping into you : 1 ) everyone up , showered and dressed by 9am on weekdays , 2 ) tidy up and do the dishes before bed - force yourself .
`` 3 ) change bedding once a week , 4 ) open all the windows for 10 minutes every morning and evening .
X '' Brand also said the approach of spring was cheering her up , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life through the window is a comfort . ''

As the coronavirus outbreak continues to affect people around the globe, celebrities are turning to social media to cheer up fans.
From health and hand-washing advice to much needed light relief, stars are offering their words of wisdom on COVID-19.
Image: Liam Gallagher, Madonna and Ben Stiller offer advice on COVID-19
Here are 10 celebrities sharing their thoughts on the pandemic.
Danny DeVito, Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller
These three Hollywood stars have teamed up with New York governor Andrew Cuomo to urge Americans to "stay home and save lives".
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New York is the US state that has so far been worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
DeVito, who is 75, said: "I'm asking you from the bottom of my heart, all over the state of New York, stay home.
"I mean everybody. I mean, we got this virus, this pandemic and, you know, young people can get it and they can transmit it to old people and the next thing you know-I'm out of there.
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"So, Governor Cuomo asked me to ask you. Please, do us a favour, all of us, and stay home, not spread this virus around. Thank you! Watch a little TV, why don't ya!"
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Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller also gave Governor Cuomo their full support from the comfort of their front rooms.
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De Niro, who is 76, finishes his appeal with the menacing warning he gives his son-in-law in the irreverent comedy Meet The Fockers: "I'm watching you", while gesturing his two fingers at his eyes and the camera.
While Stiller, 54, pulls out a chainsaw and sets about spending some of his alone time making a wood sculpture in his living room.
Madonna
The queen of pop decided to share her thoughts on COVID-19 while naked in a bath full of petals.
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Speaking from her candle-lit tub, with piano music playing in the background, Madge explains: "That's the thing about COVID-19, it doesn't care about how rich you are, how famous you are, how funny you are, how smart you are, where you live, how old you are, what amazing stories you can tell.
"It's the great equaliser and what's terrible about it is what's great about it.
"What's terrible about it is that it's made us all equal in many ways, and what's wonderful about is, is that it's made us all equal in many ways."
The 61-year-old concludes by referencing one of her tracks from 1995, which she has recently been performing on her now-cancelled Madame X tour: "Like I used to say at the end of Human Nature every night, if the ship goes down, we're all going down together."
She also posted a picture with some strategically placed petals, and the message: "No-Discrimination- Covid-19!!"
Kevin Bacon
The Hollywood star used his infamous "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon" fame - which is based on the six degrees of separation concept - to encourage fans to stay home and avoid groups and gatherings.
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He starts his video: "Hi folks, you know me right? I'm technically only six degrees away from you."
The Footloose star goes on: "Right now, like people around the world, I'm staying home, because it saves lives and is the only way we're going to slow down the spread of this coronavirus."
The 61-year-old actor then holds up a pig-shaped blackboard with the hashtag #IStayHomeFor, explaining he was staying in for his wife Kyra Sedgwick, and asking fans to share the name of the special person they want to protect.
Kicking off the media campaign, he asked people to tag six friends in their post, writing: "The more folks involved, the merrier - We're all connected by various degrees (Trust me, I know!) I'm kicking it off with @jimmyfallon @eltonjohn @Brandicarlile @kevinhart4real @ddlovato @davidbeckham - but I encourage YOU ALL to join in too!
"Let's use this 6 Degree thing to do some good!"
Liam Gallagher
The ex-Oasis star has been quick to turn some of the band's biggest hits into public service announcements.
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The 47-year-old posted the black and white videos, which were filmed in his kitchen, on his Twitter page.
In typically sweary style, he gave fans Champagne Soap, Soap-ersonic and Wonder-wash.
Somewhat bafflingly, he also posted a short video wearing a colander on his head while singing his version of the 80s advertising slogan: "For mash get Smash".
As you were Liam…
Neil Diamond
The American singer-songwriter has re-written his 1969 hit Sweet Caroline to reflect the coronavirus pandemic.
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Sitting in his living room with his golden retriever and guitar, the 79-year-old told his 55,000 followers: "I know we're going through a rough time right now, but I love ya, and I think maybe if we sing together, we'll feel just a little bit better."
In his updated lyrics, Diamond sings: "Hands, washing hands, reaching out, don't touch me, I won't touch you."
The 79-year-old, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2018, originally wrote the song about his wife Marsha.
In a message with his video he wrote: "Stay safe out there!"
Jane Godley
The Glaswegian comedian used a clip of Nicola Sturgeon giving advice to the public on how to deal with COVID-19 to add a little levity to the subject.
Image: First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon gave the joke her seal of approval
Using footage from the Scottish first minister's daily coronavirus briefing, Godley added her own cheeky voiceover to the official government messages.
In the new soundtrack to the speech given at Edinburgh's St Andrew's House, a stalwart Sturgeon warns: "I don't want to see any of you out there, I run my toe up the crack of yer a**".
Godley is known for taking footage of important government broadcasts and putting her own humorous twist on them.
The clip caught the attention of Sturgeon, who shared the clip, writing: "I would *never* use language like this, obvs - but we could all do with a smile just now.
"And if humour helps get the message across."
Stuart Pyke
Sky darts and occasional rugby commentator Stuart Pyke has decided to entertain fans with daily updates on his home estate.
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Pyke, who calls himself "a grumpy old man", is giving commentaries on things he spots in his street to keep his skills sharp.
Peeping out of an upper floor window, Pyke chats about dog walkers, white and silver vans "speeding past", builders and the video highlight - a man and a pram.
Pyke wrote: "Trying to keep in tune and + smiling! Daily updates from The Pastures from a man with a mic!"
Katy Brand
Comedian Katy Brand stepped away from her trademark laughs to offer some serious advice for those struggling with social distancing.
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Brand had been performing in the West End before the musical she was working on - Everybody's Talking About Jamie - was cancelled due to coronavirus.
She wrote: "Some tips if you are feeling some darkness creeping into you: 1) everyone up, showered and dressed by 9am on weekdays, 2) tidy up and do the dishes before bed - force yourself.
"3) change bedding once a week, 4) open all the windows for 10 minutes every morning and evening. X"
Brand also said the approach of spring was cheering her up, adding "Watching nature come back to life through the window is a comfort."


news--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Sir Richard Branson pledges £215m boost to protect Virgin jobs

Sir Richard Branson has vowed to invest £215m into his Virgin business to protect jobs following the outbreak of the coronavirus .
The businessman made the pledge in a blog post in which he said his companies , which include travel and leisure , were in a `` massive battle to survive '' .
He said COVID-19 was `` the most significant crisis the world has experienced '' in his lifetime , with his businesses employing more than 70,000 people in 35 countries .
The 69-year-old wrote : `` Our airlines have had to ground almost all their planes ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its launch ; our health clubs and hotels have had to close their doors and all bookings to our holiday company have stopped .
`` Our people have and , will always be , my number one priority .
It is their future job security and their well-being that I am 100 per cent focusing on , in these frightening and unprecedented times . ''
Sir Richard said recovery would `` depend critically '' on governments implementing the support programmes which they had announced .
The entrepreneur 's pledge comes after he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Atlantic announced it told staff to take eight weeks of unpaid leave following a sharp drop in customers .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The airline said the move would `` drastically reduce costs without job losses '' with it adding that the cost to staff would be spread over six months .
Elsewhere , British Airways ' chief executive has hinted at job cuts and said he will waive his salary for the next two months as the airline also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a letter to all BA staff seen by Sky News , Alex Cruz said `` of course job security is top of mind '' and that the carrier is doing `` everything we can to protect as many jobs as we can '' during the COVID-19 crisis .
But he added that the company was `` working hand in hand with [ the unions ] to look at all the options including the government employment assistance scheme '' .

Sir Richard Branson has vowed to invest £215m into his Virgin business to protect jobs following the outbreak of the coronavirus.
The businessman made the pledge in a blog post in which he said his companies, which include travel and leisure, were in a "massive battle to survive".
He said COVID-19 was "the most significant crisis the world has experienced" in his lifetime, with his businesses employing more than 70,000 people in 35 countries.
The 69-year-old wrote: "Our airlines have had to ground almost all their planes; our cruise line has had to postpone its launch; our health clubs and hotels have had to close their doors and all bookings to our holiday company have stopped.
"Our people have and, will always be, my number one priority. It is their future job security and their well-being that I am 100 per cent focusing on, in these frightening and unprecedented times."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:43 Airline industry in crisis as companies ground their fleets
Sir Richard said recovery would "depend critically" on governments implementing the support programmes which they had announced.
The entrepreneur's pledge comes after he was criticised last week by Labour after Virgin Atlantic announced it told staff to take eight weeks of unpaid leave following a sharp drop in customers.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The airline said the move would "drastically reduce costs without job losses" with it adding that the cost to staff would be spread over six months.
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Elsewhere, British Airways' chief executive has hinted at job cuts and said he will waive his salary for the next two months as the airline also struggles with the coronavirus crisis.
In a letter to all BA staff seen by Sky News, Alex Cruz said "of course job security is top of mind" and that the carrier is doing "everything we can to protect as many jobs as we can" during the COVID-19 crisis.
But he added that the company was "working hand in hand with [the unions] to look at all the options including the government employment assistance scheme".


news--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Schools 'make it up as we go' as they take in key workers' children

As closed schools try to partially stay open for the children of key workers today , one anxious headteacher has warned `` we 're making this up as we go along '' .
Chris Edwards , who runs Brighton Hill Community School in Basingstoke , said his school will open with a skeleton staff to around 60 children on Monday whose parents qualify for the childcare but said there has been a real lack of government guidance on how it is meant to work .
`` We 're making this up as we go along and it is a logistical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount of clarity and I think there are some unscrupulous people that might take advantage of this for childcare , '' he said .
`` If people send their children to school when they do n't really need to be , they 're really putting their children and other people 's children and our staff in the line of fire which is really what we want to avoid . ''
Crucially , it is childcare teachers will be providing from now on , not normal lessons .
Many schools across England will still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exactly how it will work .
The government said some schools might need to group together to pool resources .
But even running with just a skeleton staff , at the very least schools will be required to have a designated safeguarding lead , a first aider and a member of the leadership team present at all times .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker They also need to ensure children can still be fed .
Then there 's the increased health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their homes .
`` We 're doing everything we can to try to make every decision based on the health and safety of the children and staff team , '' said Mr Edwards .
`` Obviously my members of staff have to return to their families and I do n't want to put them in harm 's way , it 's a really difficult one , you feel really conflicted , we know that we 've got to keep the children safe but also I 've got to keep my staff safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would be keeping in touch with those on the ground to make sure teachers got the help they needed .
He said : `` We will be closely monitoring what is happening in schools and will ensure they get the support they need in the weeks and months ahead . ''
He also cautioned those parents , who do not really need the help , not to put unnecessary pressure on the system .
`` If your work is not critical in the response to coronavirus then please keep your child at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This will help to halt the spread of the virus , protect the NHS and save lives . ''
In homes up and down the country , parents will today face the daunting prospect of taking over from the teachers .
Laura Bolton , from Hammersmith , has three children - who are aged eight , three and one - and is trying to make the best of it .
`` I 'm sure more guidance will come from the schools but I 'm just trying to embrace it positively , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to cut ourselves some slack and just do the best we can , I know there are going to be beautiful moments and really challenging moments and that 's okay . ''
Her daughter Lola , eight , is ready for the new way of learning .
She added : `` Well , I 'm quite sad that my friends ca n't really be with me because of the coronavirus but it 's nice seeing how my mum and dad will teach me , and I can teach my brother some things @ @

As closed schools try to partially stay open for the children of key workers today, one anxious headteacher has warned "we're making this up as we go along".
Chris Edwards, who runs Brighton Hill Community School in Basingstoke, said his school will open with a skeleton staff to around 60 children on Monday whose parents qualify for the childcare but said there has been a real lack of government guidance on how it is meant to work.
"We're making this up as we go along and it is a logistical nightmare... there wasn't a huge amount of clarity and I think there are some unscrupulous people that might take advantage of this for childcare," he said.
Image: Headteacher Chris Edwards said the measures were a 'logistical nightmare'
"If people send their children to school when they don't really need to be, they're really putting their children and other people's children and our staff in the line of fire which is really what we want to avoid."
Crucially, it is childcare teachers will be providing from now on, not normal lessons. Many schools across England will still be in the process of ironing out exactly how it will work.
The government said some schools might need to group together to pool resources.
But even running with just a skeleton staff, at the very least schools will be required to have a designated safeguarding lead, a first aider and a member of the leadership team present at all times.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
They also need to ensure children can still be fed. Then there's the increased health risk from children and staff not isolating in their homes.
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"We're doing everything we can to try to make every decision based on the health and safety of the children and staff team," said Mr Edwards.
"Obviously my members of staff have to return to their families and I don't want to put them in harm's way, it's a really difficult one, you feel really conflicted, we know that we've got to keep the children safe but also I've got to keep my staff safe."
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said he would be keeping in touch with those on the ground to make sure teachers got the help they needed.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 Emotional students say goodbye as school closes
He said: "We will be closely monitoring what is happening in schools and will ensure they get the support they need in the weeks and months ahead."
He also cautioned those parents, who do not really need the help, not to put unnecessary pressure on the system.
"If your work is not critical in the response to coronavirus then please keep your child at home," said Mr Williamson. "This will help to halt the spread of the virus, protect the NHS and save lives."
In homes up and down the country, parents will today face the daunting prospect of taking over from the teachers.
Image: Children whose parents are not key workers will not be going to school from today
Laura Bolton, from Hammersmith, has three children - who are aged eight, three and one - and is trying to make the best of it.
"I'm sure more guidance will come from the schools but I'm just trying to embrace it positively," she said. "I think we need to cut ourselves some slack and just do the best we can, I know there are going to be beautiful moments and really challenging moments and that's okay."
Her daughter Lola, eight, is ready for the new way of learning.
She added: "Well, I'm quite sad that my friends can't really be with me because of the coronavirus but it's nice seeing how my mum and dad will teach me, and I can teach my brother some things."


news--2020-03-23--Coronavirus lockdown in the UK: Here's a guide to what you can (and can't) do

Boris Johnson has announced a series of wide-ranging measures to tackle the UK 's coronavirus outbreak .
The headline from Mr Johnson 's address to the nation is simple .
Britons must stay at home and only leave the house under a small number of circumstances in order to help in the fight against COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
So when can I leave the house ?
Effective immediately , the government says you can go outside only for `` very limited purposes '' : • Shopping for basic necessities like food and medicine , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` as infrequently as possible '' and use food delivery services `` where you can '' • One form of exercise a day , such as a run , walk or cycle .
This can be done alone or with members of your household • Any medical need , to give care or to help a vulnerable person • Travelling to and from work , but only if this is `` absolutely necessary '' and can not be done from home '' These four reasons are exceptions , '' the government 's latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these activities , you should be minimising time spent outside of the home and ensuring you are 2m ( 6.5ft ) apart from anyone outside of your household . ''
If you work in what the government has deemed a `` critical sector '' , or your child has been identified as vulnerable , you can still take your children to school .
What about seeing friends and family ?
If your friends ask to meet you , you should say no .
You should also not be meeting members of your family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What else did the PM announce ?
All shops selling `` non-essential '' goods will be closed , as will a range of public spaces and venues .
• Hotels , hostels , bed and breakfasts , campsites , caravan parks , and boarding houses for commercial/leisure use .
This excludes permanent residents and key workers Public gatherings of more than two people are also banned .
There are two exceptions to this , according to the government 's guidance : • Where the gathering is of a group of people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means a parent can take their children to the shops if there is no option to leave them at home • Where it is essential for work purposes .
The guidance states that workers should try to minimise all meetings and other gatherings in the workplace All social events , including weddings , baptisms and other ceremonies , are also banned - but funerals can go ahead with immediate members of family in attendance .
Parks will stay open for exercise , but gatherings there will be dispersed .
How will the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to disperse gatherings , while anyone who is found not to be following the rules could be fined .
How long will these restrictions last for ?
The PM said the restrictions will be `` kept under constant review '' and last for a minimum of three weeks .
At that point , the government will examine the evidence and see if they can be relaxed .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .

Boris Johnson has announced a series of wide-ranging measures to tackle the UK's coronavirus outbreak.
The headline from Mr Johnson's address to the nation is simple.
Britons must stay at home and only leave the house under a small number of circumstances in order to help in the fight against COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Image: A sign urges Britons to 'respect social distancing' on a pharmacy in London
So when can I leave the house?
Effective immediately, the government says you can go outside only for "very limited purposes":
Shopping for basic necessities like food and medicine, with Downing Street saying you should do this "as infrequently as possible" and use food delivery services "where you can"
One form of exercise a day, such as a run, walk or cycle. This can be done alone or with members of your household
Any medical need, to give care or to help a vulnerable person
Travelling to and from work, but only if this is "absolutely necessary" and cannot be done from home
"These four reasons are exceptions," the government's latest guidance says.
"Even when doing these activities, you should be minimising time spent outside of the home and ensuring you are 2m (6.5ft) apart from anyone outside of your household."
If you work in what the government has deemed a "critical sector", or your child has been identified as vulnerable, you can still take your children to school.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Social distancing puts UK to the test
What about seeing friends and family?
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If your friends ask to meet you, you should say no.
You should also not be meeting members of your family who do not live in your home.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 10:33 Health Secretary stresses 2m rule
What else did the PM announce?
All shops selling "non-essential" goods will be closed, as will a range of public spaces and venues.
This covers:
Stores selling clothing and electronics
Hair, beauty and nail salons
Libraries, community centres and youth centres
Playgrounds, outdoor gyms and sports courts
Places of worship
Outdoor and indoor markets, excluding food markets
Bowling alleys, arcades and soft play facilities
Hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, campsites, caravan parks, and boarding houses for commercial/leisure use. This excludes permanent residents and key workers
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 Nurse pleads for end to panic buying
Public gatherings of more than two people are also banned.
There are two exceptions to this, according to the government's guidance:
Where the gathering is of a group of people who live together. For example, this means a parent can take their children to the shops if there is no option to leave them at home
Where it is essential for work purposes. The guidance states that workers should try to minimise all meetings and other gatherings in the workplace
All social events, including weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies, are also banned - but funerals can go ahead with immediate members of family in attendance.
Parks will stay open for exercise, but gatherings there will be dispersed.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:47 Has government advice on social distancing become confusing?
How will the government enforce this?
Police will have powers to disperse gatherings, while anyone who is found not to be following the rules could be fined.
How long will these restrictions last for?
The PM said the restrictions will be "kept under constant review" and last for a minimum of three weeks.
At that point, the government will examine the evidence and see if they can be relaxed.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.


news--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Milkmen and women wanted after demand goes 'berserk'

A milk delivery company is urgently recruiting milkmen and women after the coronavirus outbreak made demand go `` berserk '' .
Milk and More , the largest such service in the country , said it had added 25,000 customers and now needs 100 new workers .
Local milk deliverers have also said demand has surged as people try to limit visits to their local shop or supermarket .
Colin Henderson , who 's been a milkman for 40 years , said : `` The milk has gone berserk .
`` I have got a pile of notes from customers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every day now .
The dairy I work with said it is just manic . ''
The 56-year-old from Chester-le-Street , County Durham , said : `` I just hope that after this is finished that people stay with us .
`` I have people ringing all the time , emails from head office , and it 's great , but it would have been better when I was 25 . ''
Milkmen and their electric floats were a familiar sight in the UK for decades , dropping off and collecting milk bottles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their numbers dwindled dramatically due to competition from supermarkets .
Milk & More still employs 1,000 milkmen and women and uses the latest electric floats to deliver around 100 million one-pint bottles a year .
The firm 's boss , Patrick Muller , said : `` We have been at the heart of the communities in which we serve for decades , but potentially we have never had such an important role as we do now in this current health crisis .
`` Our customers are our number one priority , and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more now than ever before , which is why it is absolutely crucial that we look to increase our workforce . ''
He urged anyone out of work - permanently or temporarily - to contact the company .
Prince Charles ' farm , Home Farm Highgrove in Gloucestershire , also said it had been very busy after it recently installed a vending machine for its organic milk .

A milk delivery company is urgently recruiting milkmen and women after the coronavirus outbreak made demand go "berserk".
Milk and More, the largest such service in the country, said it had added 25,000 customers and now needs 100 new workers.
Local milk deliverers have also said demand has surged as people try to limit visits to their local shop or supermarket.
Colin Henderson, who's been a milkman for 40 years, said: "The milk has gone berserk.
"I have got a pile of notes from customers and my round is taking an extra hour every day now. The dairy I work with said it is just manic."
Image: Glass milk bottles were once a familiar sight on doorsteps across the country
The 56-year-old from Chester-le-Street, County Durham, said: "I just hope that after this is finished that people stay with us.
"I have people ringing all the time, emails from head office, and it's great, but it would have been better when I was 25."
Milkmen and their electric floats were a familiar sight in the UK for decades, dropping off and collecting milk bottles on their early-morning rounds.
However, their numbers dwindled dramatically due to competition from supermarkets.
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Milk & More still employs 1,000 milkmen and women and uses the latest electric floats to deliver around 100 million one-pint bottles a year.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 How to practise social distancing
The firm's boss, Patrick Muller, said: "We have been at the heart of the communities in which we serve for decades, but potentially we have never had such an important role as we do now in this current health crisis.
"Our customers are our number one priority, and they're relying on us delivering to them more now than ever before, which is why it is absolutely crucial that we look to increase our workforce."
He urged anyone out of work - permanently or temporarily - to contact the company.
Prince Charles' farm, Home Farm Highgrove in Gloucestershire, also said it had been very busy after it recently installed a vending machine for its organic milk.


news--2020-03-23--Coronavirus; Blood donations slump by 15% amid COVID-19 pandemic

Blood donations have fallen by 15 % amid the coronavirus pandemic , leading to health officials issuing a call to donors to keep stocks topped up .
Donations have plummeted over the last week , according to the NHS Blood Transplant ( NHSBT ) , which added that the fall has been mitigated by the cancellation of pre-planned procedures in the health service thanks to the coronavirus outbreak .
However , donors are being urged to keep blood appointments , saying that new safety measures have been implemented at donor centres during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Among the measures , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being triaged on their arrival to centres , to ensure they are well enough to be around other donors .
The NHSBT says it will need donors `` more than ever '' over the next few weeks and months , as the epidemic continues to take hold in the UK , adding that giving blood was one of the things the public can do to help the health service .
Around 5,000 units of blood are needed every day by the NHSBT to keep the health service running smoothly , but last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected .
The service also said that as well as the fall in donations , the number of people calling the contact centre to see if their appointment is still going ahead has fallen from 500 a day to just 30. : : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Dr Gail Miflin , chief medical officer for NHSBT , said : `` We can assure people that blood donation sessions are still going ahead .
If you are fit and healthy , travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS and seriously ill patients .
`` Extra safety measures are in place .
For example , our trained staff will now check everyone on arrival at a session and even stricter cleaning procedures are in place once they are inside .
`` Blood donation saves lives and we will need our donors more than ever over the new few weeks and months .
`` Please keep your appointment to donate if you can .
`` If you do have to cancel your appointment for any reason , then it is important that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer your slot as soon as possible to another donor .
`` Combating the virus will take a huge national effort .
Donation is something you can do to help the NHS .
It 's a reason to go outside and then do something amazing . ''
Rohanna Maharaj , 30 , who regularly receives blood transfusions , says she does not take donors for granted .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker She said : `` My body does not create @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Right now , one of the most important things you can do to ensure do not we have another health crisis , is keep donating blood .
Many people like me rely on blood donations to stay alive .
Thank you to everyone who keeps donating as normal . ''
For more information on donating blood call 0300 123 23 23 , download the NHS Give Blood app , or visit www.blood.co.uk

Blood donations have fallen by 15% amid the coronavirus pandemic, leading to health officials issuing a call to donors to keep stocks topped up.
Donations have plummeted over the last week, according to the NHS Blood Transplant (NHSBT), which added that the fall has been mitigated by the cancellation of pre-planned procedures in the health service thanks to the coronavirus outbreak.
However, donors are being urged to keep blood appointments, saying that new safety measures have been implemented at donor centres during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:08 'Don't think fresh air provides immunity'
Among the measures, people that could potentially give blood are being triaged on their arrival to centres, to ensure they are well enough to be around other donors.
The NHSBT says it will need donors "more than ever" over the next few weeks and months, as the epidemic continues to take hold in the UK, adding that giving blood was one of the things the public can do to help the health service.
Around 5,000 units of blood are needed every day by the NHSBT to keep the health service running smoothly, but last week that number was 15% lower than expected.
The service also said that as well as the fall in donations, the number of people calling the contact centre to see if their appointment is still going ahead has fallen from 500 a day to just 30.
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Dr Gail Miflin, chief medical officer for NHSBT, said: "We can assure people that blood donation sessions are still going ahead. If you are fit and healthy, travel to donate blood is essential for the NHS and seriously ill patients.
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"Extra safety measures are in place. For example, our trained staff will now check everyone on arrival at a session and even stricter cleaning procedures are in place once they are inside.
"Blood donation saves lives and we will need our donors more than ever over the new few weeks and months.
"Please keep your appointment to donate if you can.
"If you do have to cancel your appointment for any reason, then it is important that you let us know so we can offer your slot as soon as possible to another donor.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Health Secretary stresses 2m rule
"Combating the virus will take a huge national effort. Donation is something you can do to help the NHS. It's a reason to go outside and then do something amazing."
Rohanna Maharaj, 30, who regularly receives blood transfusions, says she does not take donors for granted.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
She said: "My body does not create enough haemoglobin to carry oxygen my body.
"Right now, one of the most important things you can do to ensure do not we have another health crisis, is keep donating blood. Many people like me rely on blood donations to stay alive. Thank you to everyone who keeps donating as normal."
For more information on donating blood call 0300 123 23 23, download the NHS Give Blood app, or visit www.blood.co.uk


news--2020-03-22--Online car seller Cazoo raises £100m despite virus turmoil

The online car retailer launched three months ago by one of Britain 's most successful technology entrepreneurs is raising another £100m from investors despite the havoc wreaked in financial markets by COVID-19 .
Sky News has learnt that Cazoo , which was set up by the LoveFilm and Zoopla founder Alex Chesterman , has secured the new funding from an assortment of existing and new backers .
The equity-raise , which will take the total sum invested in Cazoo since Mr Chesterman came up with the idea for the business in 2018 to £180m , will be announced on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the amount being raised by the company was `` staggering '' against a backdrop which has seen funds fleeing new investments as they seeks to digest the implications of the coronavirus pandemic .
The £180m figure is said to be a record for any British start-up during its first year of trading .
DMG Ventures , the venture arm of the Daily Mail 's parent company , led the latest round , which is said to have been secured at a substantial premium to earlier valuations .
Other backers include Mubadala Ventures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dhabi 's sovereign wealth funds , and General Catalyst , a shareholder in Airbnb and Deliveroo , according to insiders .
Cazoo wants to transform the market for buying secondhand cars from a laborious and often unreliable process into one where purchases can be completed in as little as 72 hours .
In the brief period since its launch , the company says it has sold several thousand cars , generating more than £20m in revenue .
Cazoo argues that it enjoys several advantages over traditional secondhand car dealers because of its deployment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finance their vehicles .
The start-up acquires and fully reconditions its cars before offering them for sale .
It delivers them to customers with a seven-day money-back guarantee as well as free comprehensive 90-day warranty and roadside assistance .
Cazoo also supplies instant offers for any part-exchange .
The company raised two earlier rounds of funding , the latest of which was a £50m capital injection late last year .
One investor said that the disruption to consumer spending and the possible advent of a global recession had not proved a deterrent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that on a relative basis , the business had become more attractive because of the prospective shift of consumers to digital channels once the pandemic abates .
Mr Chesterman came up with the idea for Cazoo soon after leaving Zoopla , which he sold in a deal worth more than £2bn to the tech-focused buyout firm Silver Lake in 2018 .
`` Used cars are one of the last remaining consumer markets yet to benefit from any digital transformation , '' the entrepreneur said last December .
`` Cazoo makes used car buying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ product online today .
`` We take away the need to travel , to haggle , to spend countless hours at a dealership and to risk any buyer 's remorse . ''
Mr Chesterman previously founded LoveFilm , which he sold to Amazon for £200m , before setting up the online property portal Zoopla .

The online car retailer launched three months ago by one of Britain's most successful technology entrepreneurs is raising another £100m from investors despite the havoc wreaked in financial markets by COVID-19.
Sky News has learnt that Cazoo, which was set up by the LoveFilm and Zoopla founder Alex Chesterman, has secured the new funding from an assortment of existing and new backers.
The equity-raise, which will take the total sum invested in Cazoo since Mr Chesterman came up with the idea for the business in 2018 to £180m, will be announced on Monday.
Tech sector sources said on Sunday that the amount being raised by the company was "staggering" against a backdrop which has seen funds fleeing new investments as they seeks to digest the implications of the coronavirus pandemic.
The £180m figure is said to be a record for any British start-up during its first year of trading.
DMG Ventures, the venture arm of the Daily Mail's parent company, led the latest round, which is said to have been secured at a substantial premium to earlier valuations.
Other backers include Mubadala Ventures, an arm of one of Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth funds, and General Catalyst, a shareholder in Airbnb and Deliveroo, according to insiders.
Cazoo wants to transform the market for buying secondhand cars from a laborious and often unreliable process into one where purchases can be completed in as little as 72 hours.
In the brief period since its launch, the company says it has sold several thousand cars, generating more than £20m in revenue.
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Cazoo argues that it enjoys several advantages over traditional secondhand car dealers because of its deployment of technology in helping consumers choose and finance their vehicles.
The start-up acquires and fully reconditions its cars before offering them for sale.
It delivers them to customers with a seven-day money-back guarantee as well as free comprehensive 90-day warranty and roadside assistance.
Cazoo also supplies instant offers for any part-exchange.
The company raised two earlier rounds of funding, the latest of which was a £50m capital injection late last year.
One investor said that the disruption to consumer spending and the possible advent of a global recession had not proved a deterrent to potential investors in Cazoo.
They added that on a relative basis, the business had become more attractive because of the prospective shift of consumers to digital channels once the pandemic abates.
Mr Chesterman came up with the idea for Cazoo soon after leaving Zoopla, which he sold in a deal worth more than £2bn to the tech-focused buyout firm Silver Lake in 2018.
"Used cars are one of the last remaining consumer markets yet to benefit from any digital transformation," the entrepreneur said last December.
"Cazoo makes used car buying simple and convenient like buying any other product online today.
"We take away the need to travel, to haggle, to spend countless hours at a dealership and to risk any buyer's remorse."
Mr Chesterman previously founded LoveFilm, which he sold to Amazon for £200m, before setting up the online property portal Zoopla.
A Cazoo spokesman declined to comment on Sunday night.