news--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: Marvel comics artist creates 'superhero' masks for children flying with easyJet

A Marvel comics artist has designed `` superhero '' face mask covers for children flying with easyJet .
The move aims to help youngsters feel more relaxed on journeys after the airline resumes flights later this month with strict safety protocols in place for passengers and crew to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
The face mask covers have been created by Irish illustrator Will Sliney , who has worked on Spider-Man and Star Wars comics .
They feature lion and pilot designs , and are to be worn over the top of a young traveller 's own face mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the items available on selected routes when it restarts its operations .
The no-frills carrier announced last month that wearing face masks on aircraft would be mandatory for all customers , cabin and ground crew .
Other measures include no onboard food service , enhanced deep-cleaning of aircraft and the provision of disinfectant wipes and hand sanitiser .
Captain David Morgan , easyJet 's director of flight operations , said : `` We have teamed up with a comic illustrator to create some bespoke children 's face mask covers as we know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibly daunting for younger travellers when flying initially resumes . ''
Sliney added : `` Flying with face masks is going to be a new experience for everyone , especially young children , so I hope these fun designs , inspired by comic book characters , help to encourage kids to wear their masks onboard .
`` I have used a combination of a lion animal character and a futuristic pilot to create a set of mask covers to bring out the inner superhero in all young flyers . ''
: : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker EasyJet plans to operate domestic flights within the UK and France from 15 June with the only international service being Gatwick to Nice initially .
The UK airports to see the limited domestic services return will be Bristol , Birmingham , Gatwick , Liverpool , Newcastle , Edinburgh , Glasgow , Inverness and Belfast .
Further routes will be confirmed over the coming weeks as demand increases and lockdown measures across Europe are relaxed , the airline said .
EasyJet 's flight operations have been affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airline looks set to be the second operator to resume flights after Wizz Air restarted services from the town 's airport last month .
BA and Ryanair have said they plan to resume flights in July .
This week from today to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

A Marvel comics artist has designed "superhero" face mask covers for children flying with easyJet.
The move aims to help youngsters feel more relaxed on journeys after the airline resumes flights later this month with strict safety protocols in place for passengers and crew to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The face mask covers have been created by Irish illustrator Will Sliney, who has worked on Spider-Man and Star Wars comics.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:40 14-day quarantine a 'body blow'
They feature lion and pilot designs, and are to be worn over the top of a young traveller's own face mask.
EasyJet said it would make thousands of the items available on selected routes when it restarts its operations.
The no-frills carrier announced last month that wearing face masks on aircraft would be mandatory for all customers, cabin and ground crew.
Other measures include no onboard food service, enhanced deep-cleaning of aircraft and the provision of disinfectant wipes and hand sanitiser.
Captain David Morgan, easyJet's director of flight operations, said: "We have teamed up with a comic illustrator to create some bespoke children's face mask covers as we know the airport environment could feel different and possibly daunting for younger travellers when flying initially resumes."
Image: The airline plans to resume some flights on 15 June
Sliney added: "Flying with face masks is going to be a new experience for everyone, especially young children, so I hope these fun designs, inspired by comic book characters, help to encourage kids to wear their masks onboard.
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"I have used a combination of a lion animal character and a futuristic pilot to create a set of mask covers to bring out the inner superhero in all young flyers."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
EasyJet plans to operate domestic flights within the UK and France from 15 June with the only international service being Gatwick to Nice initially.
The UK airports to see the limited domestic services return will be Bristol, Birmingham, Gatwick, Liverpool, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Belfast.
Further routes will be confirmed over the coming weeks as demand increases and lockdown measures across Europe are relaxed, the airline said.
EasyJet's flight operations have been affected by COVID-19 since March. The Luton-based airline looks set to be the second operator to resume flights after Wizz Air restarted services from the town's airport last month.
BA and Ryanair have said they plan to resume flights in July.
This week from today to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-05-28--Coronavirus: Israel's experience hints at why reopening UK pubs and cafes could be very tricky

Boris Johnson has said he is `` optimistic '' about pubs and restaurants reopening in the UK soon , but how easy will it be ?
`` I 'm much more optimistic about that than I was . ''
the prime minister told MPs on Wednesday .
`` We may be able to do things faster than I had previously thought . ''
Countries are moving at different speeds , with their lockdown reductions dependent largely on the success they have had at containing the coronavirus .
Israel is one of a small number of nations which is now pushing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This week , the hospitality sector was allowed to reopen with businesses and customers being asked to stick to a set of rules .
But a couple of hours at one west Jerusalem cafe and the sense I get is that it is going to be extremely challenging .
So what are the rules ?
The details will differ from country to country , but broadly they centre around extra hygiene and social distancing .
The Israeli government has issued guidelines for businesses which say : • Establishments with capacity of 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Those with capacity of over 100 people must operate at 85 % • A distance of 1.5m must be placed between tables • Tables and chairs must be fully disinfected between customers • Tables must only be set after customers are seated • Salt , pepper and other condiments must be disinfected after each sitting • Antibacterial gel must be readily available • All food on display must be covered • Customer temperatures must be taken before they enter premises • A staff member in every restaurant must be assigned as being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The reality seems to be a little different though .
Customers tend to bunch up subconsciously , waitresses ' masks slip down from their noses , and some people unintentionally walk past the waiter with the thermometer .
It 's all a bit chaotic , naturally .
And this is all at a cafe , which is , on the face of it , taking the regulations seriously .
The owner was armed with a tape measure and had been diligently spacing out the tables to meet the required 1.5m ( almost 5ft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local authorities are acutely aware of how important it is to get the economy moving again , but balancing that against the regulations is hard .
The authorities here have given restaurants permission to spread out along pavements and even into parking bays , allowing them to seat more people at a safe distance .
The weather in Israel is on their side .
In Tel Aviv , 115 bars , restaurants and cafes have been given the go-ahead to expand into public space around their premises .
The city 's mayor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will continue to fight for the 70,000 workers from the restaurants , bars , cafes , and clubs sector in Tel Aviv .
`` These businesses are the beating heart of the urban economy and I have instructed the municipal executives to turn every stone to find ways to put them again on their feet . ''
After a couple of hours at the Jerusalem cafe , on just day two of their reopening , it looks to me like the drive to return to normal is overwhelming the necessity to adapt our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitality or travel , as we try to return to normal , or at least an `` adapted normal '' , the requirements seem to go against all our natural pre-corona instincts .
Nowhere is this clearer than in the social environment of a restaurant or pub .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker I guess it comes down to a risk assessment , accepting that infection rates will probably go up again , but must be controlled as much as possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We need to do everything we can to stick to the rules - a sort of global social contract to return our societies to normal .
It is a learning curve as we all adapt ; but adapt we must , or the infection curve will steepen sharply once again .
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World -- a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Boris Johnson has said he is "optimistic" about pubs and restaurants reopening in the UK soon, but how easy will it be?
"I'm much more optimistic about that than I was." the prime minister told MPs on Wednesday.
"We may be able to do things faster than I had previously thought."
Image: Israel is pushing ahead with the reopening of its hospitality sector
Image: Businesses have been told they can expand onto pavements to create distance
Countries are moving at different speeds, with their lockdown reductions dependent largely on the success they have had at containing the coronavirus.
Israel is one of a small number of nations which is now pushing ahead quickly with the reopening of society.
This week, the hospitality sector was allowed to reopen with businesses and customers being asked to stick to a set of rules.
But a couple of hours at one west Jerusalem cafe and the sense I get is that it is going to be extremely challenging.
So what are the rules?
The details will differ from country to country, but broadly they centre around extra hygiene and social distancing.
Advertisement
Image: Restaurants have reopened with extra measures in place
The Israeli government has issued guidelines for businesses which say:
Establishments with capacity of 100 or less can operate at 100%
Those with capacity of over 100 people must operate at 85%
A distance of 1.5m must be placed between tables
Tables and chairs must be fully disinfected between customers
Tables must only be set after customers are seated
Menus must be disposable
Salt, pepper and other condiments must be disinfected after each sitting
Antibacterial gel must be readily available
All food on display must be covered
Customer temperatures must be taken before they enter premises
A staff member in every restaurant must be assigned as being responsible for monitoring that regulations are followed
The reality seems to be a little different though.
Customers tend to bunch up subconsciously, waitresses' masks slip down from their noses, and some people unintentionally walk past the waiter with the thermometer. It's all a bit chaotic, naturally.
And this is all at a cafe, which is, on the face of it, taking the regulations seriously.
The owner was armed with a tape measure and had been diligently spacing out the tables to meet the required 1.5m (almost 5ft) distance.
The Israeli government and local authorities are acutely aware of how important it is to get the economy moving again, but balancing that against the regulations is hard.
The authorities here have given restaurants permission to spread out along pavements and even into parking bays, allowing them to seat more people at a safe distance. The weather in Israel is on their side.
Image: There must be 1.5m between tables
In Tel Aviv, 115 bars, restaurants and cafes have been given the go-ahead to expand into public space around their premises.
The city's mayor, Ron Huldai, said: "We will continue to fight for the 70,000 workers from the restaurants, bars, cafes, and clubs sector in Tel Aviv.
"These businesses are the beating heart of the urban economy and I have instructed the municipal executives to turn every stone to find ways to put them again on their feet."
After a couple of hours at the Jerusalem cafe, on just day two of their reopening, it looks to me like the drive to return to normal is overwhelming the necessity to adapt our behaviour.
Whether it is retail, hospitality or travel, as we try to return to normal, or at least an "adapted normal", the requirements seem to go against all our natural pre-corona instincts.
Nowhere is this clearer than in the social environment of a restaurant or pub.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
I guess it comes down to a risk assessment, accepting that infection rates will probably go up again, but must be controlled as much as possible by testing, tracing and social distancing.
We need to do everything we can to stick to the rules - a sort of global social contract to return our societies to normal.
It is a learning curve as we all adapt; but adapt we must, or the infection curve will steepen sharply once again.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World -- a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: Silverstone Grands Prix dates revealed as Formula One 2020 race calendar announced

Formula One will return to Silverstone this summer with the British circuit hosting two Grands Prix on 2 and 9 August .
After months of cancellations and postponements , the sport has revealed a bumper provisional calendar to return to track action .
All races are expected to be staged behind closed doors with a minimum number of team personnel at the circuits .
Social distancing measures will also be in force and on-site testing for coronavirus .
The 2020 season will kick off with an eight-race European leg of the championship , starting with a double-header at Austria 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Hungarian Grand Prix will follow on 19 July , before teams head to the Northamptonshire circuit in England .
Further races have been scheduled to be held in Spain ( 16 August ) , Belgium ( 30 August ) and Italy ( 6 September ) .
Silverstone tweeted : `` We are delighted to share this announcement confirming two consecutive Grand Prix 's are to take place at Silverstone .
`` Although these will be closed events we are confident that our legendary circuit will provide the perfect setting for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
This year 's campaign was due to start in Australia on 15 March , but that Grand Prix was called off hours before first practice was due to start due to the pandemic .
A statement said : `` Formula 1 has been working closely with all partners , authorities , the FIA and the 10 teams to create a revised calendar that will allow a return to racing in a way that is safe for the communities we visit and the entire Formula 1 community .
`` Due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we will be finalising the details of the wider calendar and hope to publish that in the coming weeks with an expectation of having a total of 15-18 races before we complete our season in December .
`` We currently expect the opening races to be closed events , but hope fans will be able to join our events again when it is safe to do so .
`` The health and safety of all involved will continue to be priority number one , with Formula 1 and the FIA having a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ races maintain the highest level of safety with strict procedures in place . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker There had been question marks over Silverstone 's place on the revised calendar due to UK government plans to introduce a 14-day quarantine period for those arriving from abroad to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
However , the sport has been exempted from the measure .
This week from today to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Formula One will return to Silverstone this summer with the British circuit hosting two Grands Prix on 2 and 9 August.
After months of cancellations and postponements, the sport has revealed a bumper provisional calendar to return to track action.
All races are expected to be staged behind closed doors with a minimum number of team personnel at the circuits. Social distancing measures will also be in force and on-site testing for coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:31 Horse racing to lead sports in return
The 2020 season will kick off with an eight-race European leg of the championship, starting with a double-header at Austria's Spielberg circuit on 5 and 12 July.
The Hungarian Grand Prix will follow on 19 July, before teams head to the Northamptonshire circuit in England.
Further races have been scheduled to be held in Spain (16 August), Belgium (30 August) and Italy (6 September).
Lewis Hamilton is aiming for a record seventh championship.
Silverstone tweeted: "We are delighted to share this announcement confirming two consecutive Grand Prix's are to take place at Silverstone.
"Although these will be closed events we are confident that our legendary circuit will provide the perfect setting for a great show for everyone watching at home."
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Williams driver George Russell wrote: "LETTTSSS GOOO!!!"
And Scuderia AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly posted: "CAN'T WAIT!!!"
This year's campaign was due to start in Australia on 15 March, but that Grand Prix was called off hours before first practice was due to start due to the pandemic.
A statement said: "Formula 1 has been working closely with all partners, authorities, the FIA and the 10 teams to create a revised calendar that will allow a return to racing in a way that is safe for the communities we visit and the entire Formula 1 community.
"Due to the ongoing fluidity of the COVID-19 situation internationally, we will be finalising the details of the wider calendar and hope to publish that in the coming weeks with an expectation of having a total of 15-18 races before we complete our season in December.
"We currently expect the opening races to be closed events, but hope fans will be able to join our events again when it is safe to do so.
"The health and safety of all involved will continue to be priority number one, with Formula 1 and the FIA having a robust and detailed plan to ensure our races maintain the highest level of safety with strict procedures in place."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
There had been question marks over Silverstone's place on the revised calendar due to UK government plans to introduce a 14-day quarantine period for those arriving from abroad to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
However, the sport has been exempted from the measure.
This week from today to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-06-02--George Floyd death: Six officers charged after dragging students from car during Atlanta protests

Six police officers have been charged after bodycam footage showed two students screaming as they were pulled from a car during protests in Atlanta over the death of George Floyd .
Ivory Streeter and Mark Gardner were sacked after the video captured them dragging Messiah Young and Taniyah Pilgrim from their vehicle in Downtown Atlanta on Saturday night .
They have now been charged with aggravated assault , along with two of their colleagues , who have not been named .
Another unnamed officer has been accused of aggravated battery , and others in the group have been charged with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aiming a gun , Fulton Country District Attorney Paul Howard said .
Driver Mr Young said he and his girlfriend were attacked while they waited in traffic on 30 May .
He said at a news conference : `` I feel a little safer now that these monsters are off the street and no longer able to terrorise anyone else . ''
The bodycam footage shows his car being surrounded by more than a dozen officers , before one forces the driver 's door open and another smashes the window on the passenger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ horror , with Mr Young heard shouting `` I 'm not dying today '' as he urges the officers to let him go .
One officer uses a stun gun on Miss Pilgrim , before her boyfriend is tasered and taken away in handcuffs .
She told CBS46 on Monday that the incident was `` the worst of her life '' and `` truly traumatising '' .
She added : `` I 'm so happy that they 're being held accountable for their actions . ''
The college student was released without charge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempting to elude police and driving with a suspended licence , but he was later released .
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is calling for both charges to be dropped .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The couple were attacked during protests sparked by the death of George Floyd , a 46-year-old unarmed black man in Minneapolis .
Derek Chauvin , the white police officer who pressed his knee into Mr Floyd 's neck during an arrest despite him gasping `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter .
The death has reignited the Black Lives Matter movement all over the world , with marches - including many in the US that have turned violent - taking place despite coronavirus lockdowns .

Six police officers have been charged after bodycam footage showed two students screaming as they were pulled from a car during protests in Atlanta over the death of George Floyd.
Ivory Streeter and Mark Gardner were sacked after the video captured them dragging Messiah Young and Taniyah Pilgrim from their vehicle in Downtown Atlanta on Saturday night.
They have now been charged with aggravated assault, along with two of their colleagues, who have not been named.
Another unnamed officer has been accused of aggravated battery, and others in the group have been charged with criminal damage to property and pointing or aiming a gun, Fulton Country District Attorney Paul Howard said.
Image: Messiah Young and his girlfriend Taniyah Pilgrim were dragged from their car by officers. Pic: Atlanta Police Dept
Driver Mr Young said he and his girlfriend were attacked while they waited in traffic on 30 May.
He said at a news conference: "I feel a little safer now that these monsters are off the street and no longer able to terrorise anyone else."
The bodycam footage shows his car being surrounded by more than a dozen officers, before one forces the driver's door open and another smashes the window on the passenger's side.
The couple scream in horror, with Mr Young heard shouting "I'm not dying today" as he urges the officers to let him go.
One officer uses a stun gun on Miss Pilgrim, before her boyfriend is tasered and taken away in handcuffs.
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She told CBS46 on Monday that the incident was "the worst of her life" and "truly traumatising".
She added: "I'm so happy that they're being held accountable for their actions."
Image: Atlanta has seen huge protests in recent days
The college student was released without charge, while her boyfriend was charged with attempting to elude police and driving with a suspended licence, but he was later released.
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is calling for both charges to be dropped.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The couple were attacked during protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old unarmed black man in Minneapolis.
Derek Chauvin, the white police officer who pressed his knee into Mr Floyd's neck during an arrest despite him gasping "I can't breathe", has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
The death has reignited the Black Lives Matter movement all over the world, with marches - including many in the US that have turned violent - taking place despite coronavirus lockdowns.


news--2020-06-02--Belarus: Could slippers topple a president who has been in power for 26 years?

Protesters waved slippers as they queued for hours to pledge their support for candidates going up against President Alexander Lukashenko in the upcoming Belarusian election .
Opposition candidates need at least 100,000 signatures to be able to run against Mr Lukashenko on 9 August .
On Sunday in the Belarusian capital of Minsk there were queues of voters nearly a mile long , with many wearing masks and some brandishing slippers .
The slipper has become a symbol of the protest movement , which hopes to topple Mr Lukashenko after 26 years in power .
According to the movement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ footwear a weapon to `` squash '' him with .
One voter , an engineer called Seymon , said : `` I would like this action to show that a huge number of people are unhappy with what is happening in the country , are ready to take to the streets and show the authorities that the time has come for change . ''
Viktor Babariko , a former head of the local unit of Russia 's Gazprombank , has already secured 85,000 signatures .
Police have arrested two opposition candidates in recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ careful not to alienate the West amid human rights abuse claims .
The 65-year-old , who faces his biggest political challenge yet , has tried to distance himself from Moscow , despite a long-standing union treaty .
The Kremlin has already cut oil supplies and imposed sanctions .
Yesterday , Mr Lukashenko compared opposition supporters to criminal gangs and accused them of stoking tensions similar to the 2014 Maidan protests that ousted Ukraine 's Russian-backed president Vitkor Yanukovych .
There has been a huge backlash over his response to the coronavirus crisis after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and `` go to saunas '' to ward off COVID-19 .
At the beginning of the pandemic , instead of cancelling football matches as other countries did , he let them go ahead without social distancing measures and took part in an ice hockey match at the end of March .
Describing the sport as the `` best anti-virus remedy '' , he said : `` It 's better to die standing on your feet than to live on your knees . ''
Belarus has had 44,255 confirmed cases of the virus @ @ @ @

Protesters waved slippers as they queued for hours to pledge their support for candidates going up against President Alexander Lukashenko in the upcoming Belarusian election.
Opposition candidates need at least 100,000 signatures to be able to run against Mr Lukashenko on 9 August.
On Sunday in the Belarusian capital of Minsk there were queues of voters nearly a mile long, with many wearing masks and some brandishing slippers.
The slipper has become a symbol of the protest movement, which hopes to topple Mr Lukashenko after 26 years in power. According to the movement, the president represents a cockroach and the footwear a weapon to "squash" him with.
Image: The slipper has become a symbol of the opposition movement in Belarus
One voter, an engineer called Seymon, said: "I would like this action to show that a huge number of people are unhappy with what is happening in the country, are ready to take to the streets and show the authorities that the time has come for change."
Viktor Babariko, a former head of the local unit of Russia's Gazprombank, has already secured 85,000 signatures.
Police have arrested two opposition candidates in recent days, but Mr Lukashenko is being careful not to alienate the West amid human rights abuse claims.
Image: Voters queued for nearly a mile to give their signature to opposition candidates
The 65-year-old, who faces his biggest political challenge yet, has tried to distance himself from Moscow, despite a long-standing union treaty. The Kremlin has already cut oil supplies and imposed sanctions.
Yesterday, Mr Lukashenko compared opposition supporters to criminal gangs and accused them of stoking tensions similar to the 2014 Maidan protests that ousted Ukraine's Russian-backed president Vitkor Yanukovych.
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There has been a huge backlash over his response to the coronavirus crisis after he advised people to "drink vodka" and "go to saunas" to ward off COVID-19.
Image: President Alexander Lukashenko faces his biggest political challenge in 26 years in power
At the beginning of the pandemic, instead of cancelling football matches as other countries did, he let them go ahead without social distancing measures and took part in an ice hockey match at the end of March.
Describing the sport as the "best anti-virus remedy", he said: "It's better to die standing on your feet than to live on your knees."
Belarus has had 44,255 confirmed cases of the virus and 243 deaths.


news--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: Review into impact of COVID-19 on BAME community to be published 'this week' after dela

Coronavirus: Review into impact of COVID-19 on BAME community to be published 'this week' after delays

The government will publish the delayed review looking at why BAME people have been affected disproportionately by COVID-19 this week , despite suggestions it was set to be further delayed because of protests in the US .
Sky News learnt from multiple Whitehall sources that the government has been discussing delaying publication for a second time because of current global events and tensions following the Black Lives Matter demonstrations in London , over the death of unarmed black man George Floyd in Minneapolis .
However after reporting the possible delay on Monday , the Department for Health and Social Care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday saying that publication would go ahead this week .
A spokesman said : `` Ministers received the initial findings today .
They are being rapidly considered and a report will be published this week .
It is not true to say this has been delayed due to global events . ''
Sky News has been told that the report - which was commissioned a month and a half ago by the health secretary , Matt Hancock - was initially pencilled in for Wednesday , and as one source said `` the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out without concrete and solid next steps '' .
They added that `` given the current situation in America , everybody ( in government ) is worried . ''
On Friday , when the report was initially meant to be published , Public Health England confirmed it was still being finalised and peer-reviewed .
On Monday evening it said `` the review will be published shortly '' .
In a Tweet on Tuesday morning , Labour leader Keir Starmer said action needed to be `` taken now '' .
He said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker This week from today to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

The government will publish the delayed review looking at why BAME people have been affected disproportionately by COVID-19 this week, despite suggestions it was set to be further delayed because of protests in the US.
Sky News learnt from multiple Whitehall sources that the government has been discussing delaying publication for a second time because of current global events and tensions following the Black Lives Matter demonstrations in London, over the death of unarmed black man George Floyd in Minneapolis.
However after reporting the possible delay on Monday, the Department for Health and Social Care sent a statement shortly before 1am on Tuesday saying that publication would go ahead this week.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:41 How hospitals are protecting BAME staff
A spokesman said: "Ministers received the initial findings today. They are being rapidly considered and a report will be published this week. It is not true to say this has been delayed due to global events."
Sky News has been told that the report - which was commissioned a month and a half ago by the health secretary, Matt Hancock - was initially pencilled in for Wednesday, and as one source said "the government won't be able to put this out without concrete and solid next steps".
They added that "given the current situation in America, everybody (in government) is worried."
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On Friday, when the report was initially meant to be published, Public Health England confirmed it was still being finalised and peer-reviewed. On Monday evening it said "the review will be published shortly".
In a Tweet on Tuesday morning, Labour leader Keir Starmer said action needed to be "taken now".
He said: "Stop the excuses - publish the review."
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
This week from today to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: UK testing figures 'far from complete' and have 'limited value', says statistics watchd

Coronavirus: UK testing figures 'far from complete' and have 'limited value', says statistics watchdog

The government 's figures for coronavirus tests are `` far from complete '' and have `` limited value '' in showing how many people are infected with COVID-19 , according to the UK 's official statistics watchdog .
In scathing criticism by the UK Statistics Authority , Health Secretary Matt Hancock has been accused of attempting to show the `` largest possible number of tests , even at the expense of understanding '' .
The government has reached its targets for conducting 100,000 COVID-19 tests per day by the end of April and having the capacity for 200,000 tests of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But , in a letter from UK Statistics Authority chair Sir David Norgrove , Mr Hancock has been told the figures on coronavirus tests are `` still far from complete and comprehensible '' .
Sir David told Mr Hancock that `` the way the data are analysed and presented currently gives them limited value '' in helping to understand the epidemic and revealing how many people are infected , or not , and their relevant characteristics .
`` The aim seems to be to show the largest possible number of tests , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he wrote .
`` It is also hard to believe the statistics work to support the testing programme itself . ''
Sir David welcomed Mr Hancock 's recent correspondence with the watchdog over coronavirus data , but added : `` The testing statistics still fall well short of its expectations .
`` It is not surprising that given their inadequacy , data on testing are so widely criticised and often mistrusted . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Questions have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily figures have - in recent days - omitted figures for how many people are being tested .
Instead , only the number of daily tests have been published .
In a list of issues raised with Mr Hancock , Sir David highlighted how the headline total of tests adds together those tests carried out with those tests posted out to people at home , whether they are successfully completed or not .
He also said it is not clear how often people are tested more than once and therefore counted as multiple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing data to include key characteristics of those individuals being tested , such as whether they are medical or care staff , their age , sex and location .
With the government having launched its `` test and trace '' programme to continue to suppress coronavirus infections as lockdown measures are eased - with the possibility of local lockdowns if there are regional flare-ups - Sir David added : `` The statistics will need to be capable of being related to the wider testing data and readily understood by the public , through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` I do understand the pressures that those concerned have faced and still face , '' his letter continued .
`` But I am sure you would agree that good evidence , trusted by the public , is essential to success in containing the virus . ''
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said : `` The secretary of state has spoken to Sir David and reiterated the department 's commitment to continuing to work closely with the UKSA to address their concerns .
`` We have sought to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to coronavirus to ensure statistics , which are prepared in very challenging circumstances , are presented in the best way possible .
`` Our approach throughout has been to increase transparency around the government 's response to coronavirus . ''
This week from today to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

The government's figures for coronavirus tests are "far from complete" and have "limited value" in showing how many people are infected with COVID-19, according to the UK's official statistics watchdog.
In scathing criticism by the UK Statistics Authority, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has been accused of attempting to show the "largest possible number of tests, even at the expense of understanding".
The government has reached its targets for conducting 100,000 COVID-19 tests per day by the end of April and having the capacity for 200,000 tests of various kinds by the end of May.
Image: Health Secretary Matt Hancock receieved a scathing letter from the UK Statistics Authority
But, in a letter from UK Statistics Authority chair Sir David Norgrove, Mr Hancock has been told the figures on coronavirus tests are "still far from complete and comprehensible".
Sir David told Mr Hancock that "the way the data are analysed and presented currently gives them limited value" in helping to understand the epidemic and revealing how many people are infected, or not, and their relevant characteristics.
"The aim seems to be to show the largest possible number of tests, even at the expense of understanding," he wrote.
"It is also hard to believe the statistics work to support the testing programme itself."
Sir David welcomed Mr Hancock's recent correspondence with the watchdog over coronavirus data, but added: "The testing statistics still fall well short of its expectations.
"It is not surprising that given their inadequacy, data on testing are so widely criticised and often mistrusted."
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Questions have been asked about why the government's daily figures have - in recent days - omitted figures for how many people are being tested.
Instead, only the number of daily tests have been published.
In a list of issues raised with Mr Hancock, Sir David highlighted how the headline total of tests adds together those tests carried out with those tests posted out to people at home, whether they are successfully completed or not.
He also said it is not clear how often people are tested more than once and therefore counted as multiple tests.
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Sir David also called for testing data to include key characteristics of those individuals being tested, such as whether they are medical or care staff, their age, sex and location.
With the government having launched its "test and trace" programme to continue to suppress coronavirus infections as lockdown measures are eased - with the possibility of local lockdowns if there are regional flare-ups - Sir David added: "The statistics will need to be capable of being related to the wider testing data and readily understood by the public, through for example population adjusted maps of hotspots."
"I do understand the pressures that those concerned have faced and still face," his letter continued.
"But I am sure you would agree that good evidence, trusted by the public, is essential to success in containing the virus."
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "The secretary of state has spoken to Sir David and reiterated the department's commitment to continuing to work closely with the UKSA to address their concerns.
"We have sought to work closely with the UKSA throughout our response to coronavirus to ensure statistics, which are prepared in very challenging circumstances, are presented in the best way possible.
"Our approach throughout has been to increase transparency around the government's response to coronavirus."
This week from today to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-06-02--George Floyd death: Protests haven't hit the markets but that doesn't mean big business isn't listen

George Floyd death: Protests haven't hit the markets but that doesn't mean big business isn't listening

Stock markets are sometimes accused of being detached from reality .
It 's happening at the moment .
For while the United States is convulsed with the worst civil unrest in nearly three decades , its stock markets are continuing to tick higher , with the Nasdaq currently at its highest level since mid-February and the S & P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average at their highest levels since early March .
In other words , to date , the riots which have swept American cities following the killing of George Floyd - an unarmed black man who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his neck - appear not to be market-moving .
There are several reasons why .
The first is that investors are more fixated on the fact that the world 's economies are beginning to ease lockdown restrictions imposed to slow the spread of COVID-19 .
That is seen as positive for growth and for company earnings - the main factor which drives share prices .
The second is that , around the world , governments and central banks are unveiling extraordinary measures to stimulate their economies , including ultra-low or negative interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and loan schemes and , of course , asset purchase schemes .
The latter , quantitative easing in the jargon , has already seen the US Federal Reserve expand its balance sheet to $ 6.7trn ( £5.3trn ) .
These asset purchases help buoy the price of financial securities and underpin the market .
A third factor is that , to date , the riots do not appear to be having an impact on the US economy .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at asset managers Lakefield Partners in Switzerland , told Sky News : `` So far we have n't really seen any effect on the consumer [ or on ] consumer confidence .
If any effect takes place , it will be because of that .
`` If this derails and really becomes a global thing , or a US-wide thing , clearly consumer confidence is going to be affected and only then will investors start to worry . ''
Mr Verstraete said there appeared to be echoes of events in 1968 when , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following the assassination of the civil rights leader Martin Luther King , US stock markets rose .
He added : `` There 's been a lot of looking back to 1968 where at this stage where it also happened - social unrest and markets going up .
So I do n't think investors are too worried about it .
They basically have no conscience so they do n't look at people killed on the streets , that 's not relevant [ to them ] , it 's [ company ] results and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been able to 'look through ' events on the streets of Minneapolis , St Louis , Washington and elsewhere , US business leaders have not .
Far from it .
Numerous big US companies , including Cisco , Intel , Apple and Airbnb , have made cash donations to organisations such as the Black Lives Matter Foundation and the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People .
One of the most striking interventions saw Bank of America , one of the largest lenders in the US , today commit $ 1bn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support small businesses owned by minority groups and to assist `` people and communities of colour that have experienced a greater impact from the health crisis '' .
Brian Moynihan , BoA 's chief executive , said : `` The events of the past week have created a sense of true urgency that has arisen across our nation , particularly in view of the racial injustices we have seen in the communities where we work and live . ''
Other chief executives have also demanded that US society becomes more inclusive .
Randall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AT & T , said companies needed to be pushing for change and speaking up for racial justice .
He told CNBC : `` All of us CEOs have large African-American employee bodies .
We owe it to them to make sure that we 're speaking to this , that we 're asking our policy makers to step up , that we 're asking our political leaders to step up and recognise and just say it : we 've got a problem .
`` We have a big problem and it needs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders are going to need to put our shoulder into this . ''
Meanwhile , Apple made public a letter sent to its employees by Tim Cook , its chief executive .
He wrote : `` We 've seen progress since the America I grew up in , but it is similarly true that communities of colour continue to endure discrimination and trauma .
`` I have heard from so many of you that you feel afraid - afraid in your communities , afraid in your daily lives , and , most cruelly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skin .
We can have no society worth celebrating unless we can guarantee freedom from fear for every person who gives this country their love , labor and life . ''
Most dramatic of all have been the compelling reactions and statements from black business leaders .
Mark Mason , chief financial officer of Citi , published a moving blog on the banking giant 's website which began with the words ' I ca n't breathe ' - Mr Floyd 's last words - repeated 10 times .
He wrote : `` Racism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so much pain and ugliness in our society - from the streets of Minneapolis to the disparities inflicted by COVID-19 .
As long as that 's true , America 's twin ideals of freedom and equality will remain out of reach . ''
Ken Frasier , the chief executive of US drugs giant Merck , told CNBC : `` What the African American community sees in that videotape [ of Mr Floyd 's death ] is that this African American man , who could be me or any other African American man , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
And Robert Smith , the billionaire founder of private equity firm Vista Equity Partners , recalled in a memo to employees how he was still pained by the killing of his uncle , nearly 50 years ago , by a white petrol station attendant .
He told them : `` When I see the face of George Floyd…I see myself as a young man ; I see the faces of my children ; and I am reminded of the many times in my life when I have been judged not by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colour . ''

Stock markets are sometimes accused of being detached from reality.
It's happening at the moment. For while the United States is convulsed with the worst civil unrest in nearly three decades, its stock markets are continuing to tick higher, with the Nasdaq currently at its highest level since mid-February and the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average at their highest levels since early March.
In other words, to date, the riots which have swept American cities following the killing of George Floyd - an unarmed black man who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck - appear not to be market-moving.
Image: US stocks are focused on the reopening of the global economy following the pandemic
There are several reasons why.
The first is that investors are more fixated on the fact that the world's economies are beginning to ease lockdown restrictions imposed to slow the spread of COVID-19. That is seen as positive for growth and for company earnings - the main factor which drives share prices.
The second is that, around the world, governments and central banks are unveiling extraordinary measures to stimulate their economies, including ultra-low or negative interest rates, tax cuts, tax breaks and loan schemes and, of course, asset purchase schemes. The latter, quantitative easing in the jargon, has already seen the US Federal Reserve expand its balance sheet to $6.7trn (£5.3trn).
These asset purchases help buoy the price of financial securities and underpin the market.
A third factor is that, to date, the riots do not appear to be having an impact on the US economy.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
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Bruno Verstraete, managing partner at asset managers Lakefield Partners in Switzerland, told Sky News: "So far we haven't really seen any effect on the consumer [or on] consumer confidence. If any effect takes place, it will be because of that.
"If this derails and really becomes a global thing, or a US-wide thing, clearly consumer confidence is going to be affected and only then will investors start to worry."
Mr Verstraete said there appeared to be echoes of events in 1968 when, despite cities like Chicago and Baltimore erupting following the assassination of the civil rights leader Martin Luther King, US stock markets rose.
He added: "There's been a lot of looking back to 1968 where at this stage where it also happened - social unrest and markets going up. So I don't think investors are too worried about it. They basically have no conscience so they don't look at people killed on the streets, that's not relevant [to them], it's [company] results and the economy that talk."
While investors have been able to 'look through' events on the streets of Minneapolis, St Louis, Washington and elsewhere, US business leaders have not. Far from it.
Image: Bank of America chief executive Brian Moynihan had the ear of Donald Trump in March
Numerous big US companies, including Cisco, Intel, Apple and Airbnb, have made cash donations to organisations such as the Black Lives Matter Foundation and the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People.
One of the most striking interventions saw Bank of America, one of the largest lenders in the US, today commit $1bn (£800m) over four years to support small businesses owned by minority groups and to assist "people and communities of colour that have experienced a greater impact from the health crisis".
Brian Moynihan, BoA's chief executive, said: "The events of the past week have created a sense of true urgency that has arisen across our nation, particularly in view of the racial injustices we have seen in the communities where we work and live."
Other chief executives have also demanded that US society becomes more inclusive.
Image: AT&T's Randall Stephenson says companies should speak up for racial justice
Randall Stephenson, chief executive of telecoms giant AT&T, said companies needed to be pushing for change and speaking up for racial justice.
He told CNBC: "All of us CEOs have large African-American employee bodies. We owe it to them to make sure that we're speaking to this, that we're asking our policy makers to step up, that we're asking our political leaders to step up and recognise and just say it: we've got a problem.
"We have a big problem and it needs to be dealt with. We as business leaders are going to need to put our shoulder into this."
Meanwhile, Apple made public a letter sent to its employees by Tim Cook, its chief executive.
He wrote: "We've seen progress since the America I grew up in, but it is similarly true that communities of colour continue to endure discrimination and trauma.
"I have heard from so many of you that you feel afraid - afraid in your communities, afraid in your daily lives, and, most cruelly of all, afraid in your own skin. We can have no society worth celebrating unless we can guarantee freedom from fear for every person who gives this country their love, labor and life."
Image: Mark Mason, chief financial officer of Citi, wrote a blog about the effects of racism in the US
Most dramatic of all have been the compelling reactions and statements from black business leaders.
Mark Mason, chief financial officer of Citi, published a moving blog on the banking giant's website which began with the words 'I can't breathe' - Mr Floyd's last words - repeated 10 times.
He wrote: "Racism continues to be at the root of so much pain and ugliness in our society - from the streets of Minneapolis to the disparities inflicted by COVID-19. As long as that's true, America's twin ideals of freedom and equality will remain out of reach."
Ken Frasier, the chief executive of US drugs giant Merck, told CNBC: "What the African American community sees in that videotape [of Mr Floyd's death] is that this African American man, who could be me or any other African American man, is being treated as less than human."
And Robert Smith, the billionaire founder of private equity firm Vista Equity Partners, recalled in a memo to employees how he was still pained by the killing of his uncle, nearly 50 years ago, by a white petrol station attendant.
He told them: "When I see the face of George Floyd…I see myself as a young man; I see the faces of my children; and I am reminded of the many times in my life when I have been judged not by my character, but by my skin colour."


news--2020-06-01--Coronavirus: Kilometre long queues to vote will make us 'look like the stupidest parliament in the w

Coronavirus: Kilometre long queues to vote will make us 'look like the stupidest parliament in the world'

MPs will return to parliament in person today , despite a growing rebellion over plans for voting to take place in queues up to a kilometre long .
For several weeks , MPs have been able to vote electronically and join debates by video link , under virtual House of Commons arrangements , which have now come to an end .
Only 50 MPs can sit in the Commons while maintaining a two-metre distance from each other ; but ministers insist all MPs who can safely return must now do so .
If the government 's plans are agreed this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Westminster to debate and vote in person while following social distancing rules .
It raises the prospect of parliamentarians forming a queue a kilometre long snaking through the building .
Former Labour minister Chris Bryant said : `` It will be like queuing for the Eiffel Tower .
We 'll look like the stupidest parliament in the world . ''
The Electoral Reform Society has branded the plans `` beyond a farce '' which would discriminate against MPs who can not attend in person for health reasons .
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Several senior Tories have backed amendments calling for remote voting and virtual attendance to continue for those MPs prevented from attending due to coronavirus .
Conservative MP Robert Halfon , who is in the shielding category and advised to stay at home , has called the proposals `` absolutely not right and democratically unjust '' .
Mr Halfon , who is expected to make the journey to Westminster to vote tomorrow , said it was right for MPs who could do so to return , but that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for family members would become `` parliamentary eunuchs '' .
Leader of the House Jacob Rees-Mogg has said the `` hybrid '' arrangements , which have been in place since April whereby 50 MPs attend in person , and the rest participate online , are `` no longer necessary '' .
`` Politics is better done face-to-face , even if the whites of the ministerial eyes are six feet away '' , he wrote in the political magazine The House , yesterday .
`` In the chamber frontbenchers will have to keep on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made possible .
This exceptional aspect of British democracy , curtailed under the hybrid halfway house , can once again flourish . ''
It is expected around 400 MPs will return to Westminster , leaving up to 250 unable to because they are shielding , vulnerable due to being over 70 , pregnant , or with a health condition , or caring for others .
A Conservative former cabinet minister , speaking anonymously , told Sky News the `` ridiculous '' plan had attracted `` a lot of opposition in the party '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get it through .
They said : `` It makes no sense to me , to disenfranchise people and their communities on the grounds of health .
`` The government are burning up a lot of capital here , especially after Cummings .
MPs ca n't even go to the chamber in greater numbers , they would just sit in their offices and then queue for hours to vote , when they could do it in seconds online . ''
Downing Street said the return of MPs is necessary in order to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ source said talks with all sides were ongoing .
But many MPs suspect the government is worried about being unable to successfully whip controversial votes if MPs are not physically present .
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle sent guidance to MPs last night on how today 's proceedings would work .
They will not enter the traditional division lobbies , where MPs typically crowd in , but queue at two-metre intervals outside the chamber to vote , along an agreed route .
In rehearsals , he said this had taken around half an hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week that he was `` very , very worried about somebody coming in who may be infected and before we know it , that has been passed around '' .
In a statement last night , Sir Lindsay said : `` As remote voting has lapsed and Public Health England have deemed our Division lobbies unsafe , I have had to devise a temporary way forward to break the deadlock - because the House must be able to have its say .
`` It is not perfect , it will take time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patient .
But , it is the safest method I can think of to enable Members and supporting staff to maintain social distancing . ''
Opposition parties are up in arms about the decision .
They also say it is not safe to have MPs commuting from Westminster to their constituencies every week .
Shadow leader of the Commons Valerie Vaz said : `` Jacob Rees-Mogg 's discriminatory proposals would result in two classes of MPs .
`` The abolition of the hybrid remote parliament which allowed all MPs to take part regardless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not be acceptable in any other workplace . ''
The Prime Minister 's official spokesman has said MPs who need to shield `` should continue to do so '' and that pairing - whereby an MP from the opposing side also sits out the vote - would allow this to be done fairly .
The House of Lords , meanwhile , is developing a new online voting system for peers expected to be ready by the middle of the month .
This week from today to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

MPs will return to parliament in person today, despite a growing rebellion over plans for voting to take place in queues up to a kilometre long.
For several weeks, MPs have been able to vote electronically and join debates by video link, under virtual House of Commons arrangements, which have now come to an end.
Only 50 MPs can sit in the Commons while maintaining a two-metre distance from each other; but ministers insist all MPs who can safely return must now do so.
If the government's plans are agreed this afternoon, MPs would have to travel to Westminster to debate and vote in person while following social distancing rules. It raises the prospect of parliamentarians forming a queue a kilometre long snaking through the building.
Former Labour minister Chris Bryant said: "It will be like queuing for the Eiffel Tower. We'll look like the stupidest parliament in the world."
The Electoral Reform Society has branded the plans "beyond a farce" which would discriminate against MPs who cannot attend in person for health reasons.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Several senior Tories have backed amendments calling for remote voting and virtual attendance to continue for those MPs prevented from attending due to coronavirus.
Conservative MP Robert Halfon, who is in the shielding category and advised to stay at home, has called the proposals "absolutely not right and democratically unjust".
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Mr Halfon, who is expected to make the journey to Westminster to vote tomorrow, said it was right for MPs who could do so to return, but that those who were sick themselves or caring for family members would become "parliamentary eunuchs".
Leader of the House Jacob Rees-Mogg has said the "hybrid" arrangements, which have been in place since April whereby 50 MPs attend in person, and the rest participate online, are "no longer necessary".
"Politics is better done face-to-face, even if the whites of the ministerial eyes are six feet away", he wrote in the political magazine The House, yesterday.
"In the chamber frontbenchers will have to keep on their toes as interventions are once again made possible. This exceptional aspect of British democracy, curtailed under the hybrid halfway house, can once again flourish."
It is expected around 400 MPs will return to Westminster, leaving up to 250 unable to because they are shielding, vulnerable due to being over 70, pregnant, or with a health condition, or caring for others.
A Conservative former cabinet minister, speaking anonymously, told Sky News the "ridiculous" plan had attracted "a lot of opposition in the party" - but the government would most likely get it through. They said: "It makes no sense to me, to disenfranchise people and their communities on the grounds of health.
"The government are burning up a lot of capital here, especially after Cummings. MPs can't even go to the chamber in greater numbers, they would just sit in their offices and then queue for hours to vote, when they could do it in seconds online."
Downing Street said the return of MPs is necessary in order to make progress with legislation. A senior government source said talks with all sides were ongoing.
But many MPs suspect the government is worried about being unable to successfully whip controversial votes if MPs are not physically present.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:43 Lockdown is being eased cautiously, says Hancock
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle sent guidance to MPs last night on how today's proceedings would work. They will not enter the traditional division lobbies, where MPs typically crowd in, but queue at two-metre intervals outside the chamber to vote, along an agreed route.
In rehearsals, he said this had taken around half an hour. Sir Lindsay said in an interview last week that he was "very, very worried about somebody coming in who may be infected and before we know it, that has been passed around".
In a statement last night, Sir Lindsay said: "As remote voting has lapsed and Public Health England have deemed our Division lobbies unsafe, I have had to devise a temporary way forward to break the deadlock - because the House must be able to have its say.
"It is not perfect, it will take time, and Members will need to be patient. But, it is the safest method I can think of to enable Members and supporting staff to maintain social distancing."
Opposition parties are up in arms about the decision. They also say it is not safe to have MPs commuting from Westminster to their constituencies every week.
Shadow leader of the Commons Valerie Vaz said: "Jacob Rees-Mogg's discriminatory proposals would result in two classes of MPs.
"The abolition of the hybrid remote parliament which allowed all MPs to take part regardless of their personal circumstances is discriminatory and would not be acceptable in any other workplace."
The Prime Minister's official spokesman has said MPs who need to shield "should continue to do so" and that pairing - whereby an MP from the opposing side also sits out the vote - would allow this to be done fairly.
The House of Lords, meanwhile, is developing a new online voting system for peers expected to be ready by the middle of the month.
This week from today to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After The Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: New Zealand could lift all lockdown restrictions next week after 11 straight days with

Coronavirus: New Zealand could lift all lockdown restrictions next week after 11 straight days with no new cases

New Zealand could lift its remaining restrictions on social distancing and group gatherings next week , after recording no new coronavirus cases for an 11th consecutive day .
`` Our strategy of go hard , go early has paid off , '' Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Tuesday .
`` In moving to level one so soon , we will be one of the first countries in the world to have experienced a COVID-19 outbreak and then return to that level of normality so quickly . ''
Ms Ardern said the cabinet will make a decision on 8 June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22 June , having navigated her country to the verge of eliminating the coronavirus .
New Zealand recorded no new cases for an 11th consecutive day on Tuesday and has just one active case .
The country 's success at controlling the virus is largely because of a strict lockdown enforced for nearly seven weeks , which saw most businesses closed and everyone except essential workers having to stay at home .
New Zealand has recorded 1,504 total confirmed infections - fewer than the UK continues to record in a single day - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Ardern added : `` We will be one of the first countries in the world to return to this level of normality so quickly '' .
Shopping centres , retail stores and restaurants have already been allowed to reopen in New Zealand , although social distancing has remained in place until now and gatherings are limited to 10 people .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But on Monday , thousands of New Zealanders defied those restrictions to protest over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scenes of outrage in cities around the world .
Mr Floyd , a 46-year-old black American , died after a white police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes during an arrest in Minneapolis , Minnesota .
UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya was among some 4,000 protesters in Auckland , New Zealand .
`` I have to speak up , '' Adesanya said to the assembled crowd .
`` I 've been doing it for like the last two weeks .
`` For the last two weeks on my stories , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm p***** off . ''
He added : `` How many of you walk into a store and put your hands behind your back just so they do n't think you 're stealing ?
How many of you walk down the street and have to kind of smile and try to make the person who you can see is already scared of you , make them feel comfortable ? ''
Ms Ardern said she was `` horrified '' by Mr Floyd 's death , but noted that protesters had flouted restrictions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ else in being horrified in what we 've seen , '' she told state broadcaster TVNZ .
She added : `` I do n't want to stop peaceful protests ... but rules are there to protect people . ''

New Zealand could lift its remaining restrictions on social distancing and group gatherings next week, after recording no new coronavirus cases for an 11th consecutive day.
"Our strategy of go hard, go early has paid off," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Tuesday.
"In moving to level one so soon, we will be one of the first countries in the world to have experienced a COVID-19 outbreak and then return to that level of normality so quickly."
Image: Parishioners socially distance inside a church in Whangarei, New Zealand
Ms Ardern said the cabinet will make a decision on 8 June, earlier than the planned date of 22 June, having navigated her country to the verge of eliminating the coronavirus.
New Zealand recorded no new cases for an 11th consecutive day on Tuesday and has just one active case.
The country's success at controlling the virus is largely because of a strict lockdown enforced for nearly seven weeks, which saw most businesses closed and everyone except essential workers having to stay at home.
New Zealand has recorded 1,504 total confirmed infections - fewer than the UK continues to record in a single day - and has recorded just 22 deaths.
Ms Ardern added: "We will be one of the first countries in the world to return to this level of normality so quickly".
Shopping centres, retail stores and restaurants have already been allowed to reopen in New Zealand, although social distancing has remained in place until now and gatherings are limited to 10 people.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
But on Monday, thousands of New Zealanders defied those restrictions to protest over the death of George Floyd, adding to scenes of outrage in cities around the world.
Mr Floyd, a 46-year-old black American, died after a white police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes during an arrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya was among some 4,000 protesters in Auckland, New Zealand.
Image: Protesters march down Queen Street in Auckland
"I have to speak up," Adesanya said to the assembled crowd.
"I've been doing it for like the last two weeks.
"For the last two weeks on my stories, you'll see I've been angry. I'm p***** off."
He added: "How many of you walk into a store and put your hands behind your back just so they don't think you're stealing? How many of you walk down the street and have to kind of smile and try to make the person who you can see is already scared of you, make them feel comfortable?"
Image: Israel Adesanya (C) was among thousands of New Zealanders at a Black Lives Matter protest
Ms Ardern said she was "horrified" by Mr Floyd's death, but noted that protesters had flouted restrictions.
"I think I stand with everyone else in being horrified in what we've seen," she told state broadcaster TVNZ.
She added: "I don't want to stop peaceful protests... but rules are there to protect people."


news--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: Black and Asian ethnic groups up to twice as likely to die with COVID-19, says Public H

Coronavirus: Black and Asian ethnic groups up to twice as likely to die with COVID-19, says Public Health England

People from black and Asian ethnic groups are up to twice as likely to die with COVID-19 than those from a white British background , according to a Public Health England report .
People of Bangladeshi ethnicity were found to have around twice the risk of death .
Chinese , Indian , Pakistani , Other Asian , Caribbean and Other Black ethnicities had between 10 and 50 % greater risk of dying .
The highest diagnosis rate per 100,000 population was in black ethnic groups ( 486 in females and 649 in males ) and the lowest in white ethnic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in males ) .
The report said its findings confirm `` the impact of COVID-19 has replicated existing health inequalities and , in some cases , has increased them '' .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said coming from a non-white background was a `` major risk factor '' when it comes to the pandemic .
He welcomed the report and told the Commons : `` Black lives matter - as do those of the poorest areas of our country , which have worse health outcomes . ''
Mr Hancock said action was needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The report 's deaths analysis of people in BAME groups accounts for the effects of sex , age , deprivation and region .
However , it does not include the effects of underlying health conditions and obesity .
Public Health England ( PHE ) said there is evidence that when these are included `` the difference in risk of death among hospitalised patients is greatly reduced '' .
A person 's job was also not factored into the PHE analysis , which the report said was an `` important shortcoming '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ being exposed to COVID-19 and we know some key occupations have a high proportion of workers from BAME groups , '' said the authors .
Analysis : BAME community angry that no direct action is set out to protect lives This report 's data was due to take into account adjustments for obesity , underlying health conditions and occupation , but it did n't and this is concerning because it does n't give us the full and true impact of COVID-19 on this community .
The terms of reference published by Public Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer some form of recommendations to the government `` to reduce disparities in risk outcomes from COVID-19 on the population '' .
The review has failed to offer those recommendations and speaking to people in the BAME community , they are angry that no direct action or concrete steps are set out to protect lives .
On 7 May , Sky News political editor Beth Rigby asked the foreign secretary in the Downing Street press briefing whether BAME people should be shielding because ONS data suggested people from this community are up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The response from Dominic Raab at the time was `` no '' and that we should `` wait until the review is published '' .
Questions now need to be asked about why action , like shielding for these vulnerable people , was n't implemented when this data was prevalent .
The report follows Sky News analysis at the peak of the pandemic which found nearly three quarters of all NHS and social care staff who died with coronavirus were from a BAME background .
The relationship between ethnicity and health is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result of a combination of factors '' , said the report .
It said BAME groups were likely to be at increased risk of infection because they are more likely to live in urban areas , in crowded households , in deprived areas , and in jobs that expose them to higher risk .
It said they were also more likely to have been born abroad and therefore could experience cultural or language barriers in accessing services .
There is also a greater risk when people from BAME communities become infected .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poorer outcomes from COVID-19 are more common among certain ethnic groups , '' said the report .
It said people from Bangladeshi and Pakistani backgrounds have higher rates of cardiovascular disease , while black people have higher rates of hypertension .
`` Data from the National Diabetes Audit suggests that type II diabetes prevalence is higher in people from BAME communities , '' added the report 's authors .
Aside from ethnicity , the study found age was the largest disparity factor when it comes to risk and outcomes associated with COVID-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker People aged over 80 were seventy times more likely to die than those under 40 .
Risk of death was also higher in males than females , with working age males diagnosed with COVID-19 twice as likely to die .
Those living in urban and deprived areas also were at greater risk .
Death rates in London were more than three times higher than in the region with the lowest rates , the South West .
And the chance of dying with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than double than in the least deprived .
It comes as the latest fatality figures in a 24-hour period in the home nations showed : : : Another 143 people have died with COVID-19 in hospitals in England , taking the total to 26,865. : : In Scotland , there have been 12 more deaths , with the overall tally now 2,375. : : Seven more people diagnosed with coronavirus have died in Wales , with the total standing at 1,354. : : There were two more coronavirus-related deaths in Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This week until Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email @ @ @

People from black and Asian ethnic groups are up to twice as likely to die with COVID-19 than those from a white British background, according to a Public Health England report.
People of Bangladeshi ethnicity were found to have around twice the risk of death.
Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, Other Asian, Caribbean and Other Black ethnicities had between 10 and 50% greater risk of dying.
The highest diagnosis rate per 100,000 population was in black ethnic groups (486 in females and 649 in males) and the lowest in white ethnic groups (220 in females and 224 in males).
Image: The government commissioned the report earlier during the pandemic. File pic
The report said its findings confirm "the impact of COVID-19 has replicated existing health inequalities and, in some cases, has increased them".
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said coming from a non-white background was a "major risk factor" when it comes to the pandemic.
He welcomed the report and told the Commons: "Black lives matter - as do those of the poorest areas of our country, which have worse health outcomes."
Mr Hancock said action was needed to "level up" the situation.
The report's deaths analysis of people in BAME groups accounts for the effects of sex, age, deprivation and region.
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However, it does not include the effects of underlying health conditions and obesity.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:29 Health Secretary: 'Black lives matter'
Public Health England (PHE) said there is evidence that when these are included "the difference in risk of death among hospitalised patients is greatly reduced".
A person's job was also not factored into the PHE analysis, which the report said was an "important shortcoming".
"Occupation is associated with risk of being exposed to COVID-19 and we know some key occupations have a high proportion of workers from BAME groups," said the authors.
Analysis: BAME community angry that no direct action is set out to protect lives
By Inzamam Rashid, Sky correspondent
This report's data was due to take into account adjustments for obesity, underlying health conditions and occupation, but it didn't and this is concerning because it doesn't give us the full and true impact of COVID-19 on this community.
The terms of reference published by Public Health England highlighted that this review would also offer some form of recommendations to the government "to reduce disparities in risk outcomes from COVID-19 on the population".
The review has failed to offer those recommendations and speaking to people in the BAME community, they are angry that no direct action or concrete steps are set out to protect lives.
On 7 May, Sky News political editor Beth Rigby asked the foreign secretary in the Downing Street press briefing whether BAME people should be shielding because ONS data suggested people from this community are up to twice as likely to die from COVID-19.
The response from Dominic Raab at the time was "no" and that we should "wait until the review is published".
Questions now need to be asked about why action, like shielding for these vulnerable people, wasn't implemented when this data was prevalent.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:08 April: Why are 72% of NHS deaths BAME workers?
The report follows Sky News analysis at the peak of the pandemic which found nearly three quarters of all NHS and social care staff who died with coronavirus were from a BAME background.
The relationship between ethnicity and health is "complex and likely to be the result of a combination of factors", said the report.
It said BAME groups were likely to be at increased risk of infection because they are more likely to live in urban areas, in crowded households, in deprived areas, and in jobs that expose them to higher risk.
It said they were also more likely to have been born abroad and therefore could experience cultural or language barriers in accessing services.
There is also a greater risk when people from BAME communities become infected.
"Some co-morbidities which increase the risk of poorer outcomes from COVID-19 are more common among certain ethnic groups," said the report.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:41 May: How hospitals are protecting BAME staff
It said people from Bangladeshi and Pakistani backgrounds have higher rates of cardiovascular disease, while black people have higher rates of hypertension.
"Data from the National Diabetes Audit suggests that type II diabetes prevalence is higher in people from BAME communities," added the report's authors.
Aside from ethnicity, the study found age was the largest disparity factor when it comes to risk and outcomes associated with COVID-19.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
People aged over 80 were seventy times more likely to die than those under 40.
Risk of death was also higher in males than females, with working age males diagnosed with COVID-19 twice as likely to die.
Those living in urban and deprived areas also were at greater risk.
Death rates in London were more than three times higher than in the region with the lowest rates, the South West.
And the chance of dying with the disease in the most deprived areas was more than double than in the least deprived.
It comes as the latest fatality figures in a 24-hour period in the home nations showed:
:: Another 143 people have died with COVID-19 in hospitals in England, taking the total to 26,865.
:: In Scotland, there have been 12 more deaths, with the overall tally now 2,375.
:: Seven more people diagnosed with coronavirus have died in Wales, with the total standing at 1,354.
:: There were two more coronavirus-related deaths in Northern Ireland, bringing the total there to 526.
This week until Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk