news--2020-03-31--Coronavirus lockdown: What should you do if stopped by police while out driving, shopping or exercis

Coronavirus lockdown: What should you do if stopped by police while out driving, shopping or exercising?

The introduction of new legislation which the government says is designed to help UK authorities combat the spread of coronavirus has generated confusion and controversy in equal measure .
Criticism from some quarters has followed reports of police summoning people to court for driving `` due to boredom '' or `` going to the shops '' with other members of the same household .
Officers ' use of drones to monitor people walking in public and roadblocks blocking access to popular tourist attractions has also been a source of debate .
Speaking to Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there were `` individual examples '' where police acted `` perhaps a bit further than they should have gone '' .
But while there is widespread acknowledgement of isolated instances in which officers may have overreached their authority , the divergence between guidelines issued by the government and subsequent legislation - under the Health Protection ( Coronavirus , Restrictions ) Regulations 2020 - appears to have driven much of the uncertainty , among the public and police .
The government guidelines state people can only go out to buy essential supplies infrequently such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one form of exercise a day , to travel to work if they can not work from home , and for any medical need , including to donate blood or provide help to a vulnerable person .
The legislation says people are permitted to go out for essential journeys and with a `` reasonable excuse '' , then lists examples of what those can `` include '' .
However , the legislation conspicuously does not indicate these are the only acceptable explanations .
`` So if you are a police officer and someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being out , what do you do ? ''
said Sky 's policing analyst Graham Wettone , who spent 30 years as an officer .
What are your rights if you are stopped by police while out driving , shopping or exercising ?
`` My main advice to anyone is to follow the government guidelines , which will avoid most of the problems we have seen so far .
It 's just about being sensible , '' Mr Wettone said .
`` Police already have the powers to stop anyone driving a vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why you are out .
`` Officers are also within their rights to question people out in public , whether they are out exercising or going to a shop .
`` But this is where the guidelines and legislation are unclear , because as a member of the public in all these situations , there is no legal requirement to provide an explanation .
`` So without common sense on both sides , this is where it can become an argument . ''
How can the new laws be enforced and can police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powers ?
The legislation is clear that fixed penalty notices can be issued by officers , ranging from £30 for first offences , doubling with each subsequent offence up to £960 .
As for court summonses , despite Warrington Police saying `` six people have been summonsed for offences relating to the new coronavirus legislation '' , the answer would appear to be no .
`` To my understanding , police can not issue court summons to people with this legislation , '' Mr Wettone said .
`` Officers have the power to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person refuses to pay the fine , they can then be summoned to court .
If someone is issued with a summons under this legislation , they should raise it with the force in question . ''
The National Police Chiefs Council ( NPCC ) and College of Policing are thought to be working on urgent guidance clarifying the emergency powers available to police and The Guardian reported officers would be told they can not prevent people from going for a run - even if they are exercising more than once a day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Wettone said he believed many of the problems were the result of the current inconsistencies in the official instructions .
`` The differences between the government guidelines and the legislation have created some real grey areas , which is deeply unhelpful for both the police and members of the public , '' he said .
`` The legislation has literally been rushed through .
Normally new laws would have been through both houses of parliament and been scrutinised for any likely practical problems in select committees .
`` The nature of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here , which has left police officers trying to smash a square peg into a round hole .
`` For example , while the government guidelines state people are allowed to leave their home for one piece of exercise a day , that is not in the legislation , so it 's simply not enforceable .
`` The problem comes with those grey areas .
Police have a fair amount of discretion , even in normal times . ''
He argued that while individual officers ' actions may have contributed to a small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK was becoming a `` police state '' were wide of the mark .
`` In every organisation , you are going to get pedantic people - for want of a better word , jobsworths , '' he said .
`` We have some of those in policing .
`` In some of the incidents that have been highlighted in the news over recent weeks , you can make the case that a quiet word and a request that the person move on would have been enough .
`` But you will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to challenge officers and say ' I know my rights ' when they are stopped in public , are also those most likely to speak out on social media afterwards .
`` I 've heard people suggesting that we 're now living in a 'police state ' , but we 're nowhere near other European countries like France , where you have to fill in a form if you want to go out and they have issued huge numbers of fines to people . ''
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Andy Cooke responded to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News the `` vast majority '' of officers and members of the public were acting appropriately under the circumstances .
`` This is n't a matter over over-enforcing , '' he said .
`` This is about police looking after our communities .
Yes , we will make mistakes , yes there will be some minor problems , but overall , a fantastic job is being done . ''

The introduction of new legislation which the government says is designed to help UK authorities combat the spread of coronavirus has generated confusion and controversy in equal measure.
Criticism from some quarters has followed reports of police summoning people to court for driving "due to boredom" or "going to the shops" with other members of the same household.
Officers' use of drones to monitor people walking in public and roadblocks blocking access to popular tourist attractions has also been a source of debate.
Speaking to Sky News' Kay Burley @ Breakfast Show, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps admitted there were "individual examples" where police acted "perhaps a bit further than they should have gone".
But while there is widespread acknowledgement of isolated instances in which officers may have overreached their authority, the divergence between guidelines issued by the government and subsequent legislation - under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations 2020 - appears to have driven much of the uncertainty, among the public and police.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:23 Transport secretary: Police 'have gone a bit further' than advised
The government guidelines state people can only go out to buy essential supplies infrequently such as food and medicine, to do one form of exercise a day, to travel to work if they cannot work from home, and for any medical need, including to donate blood or provide help to a vulnerable person.
The legislation says people are permitted to go out for essential journeys and with a "reasonable excuse", then lists examples of what those can "include".
However, the legislation conspicuously does not indicate these are the only acceptable explanations.
"So if you are a police officer and someone says they believe they are justified in being out, what do you do?" said Sky's policing analyst Graham Wettone, who spent 30 years as an officer.
Advertisement
What are your rights if you are stopped by police while out driving, shopping or exercising?
"My main advice to anyone is to follow the government guidelines, which will avoid most of the problems we have seen so far. It's just about being sensible," Mr Wettone said.
"Police already have the powers to stop anyone driving a vehicle without justification and are allowed to ask why you are out.
"Officers are also within their rights to question people out in public, whether they are out exercising or going to a shop.
"But this is where the guidelines and legislation are unclear, because as a member of the public in all these situations, there is no legal requirement to provide an explanation.
"So without common sense on both sides, this is where it can become an argument."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:27 Derbyshire Police use drone to catch hikers
How can the new laws be enforced and can police issue a court summons under the new powers?
The legislation is clear that fixed penalty notices can be issued by officers, ranging from £30 for first offences, doubling with each subsequent offence up to £960.
As for court summonses, despite Warrington Police saying "six people have been summonsed for offences relating to the new coronavirus legislation", the answer would appear to be no.
"To my understanding, police cannot issue court summons to people with this legislation," Mr Wettone said.
"Officers have the power to issue fixed penalty notices and if a person refuses to pay the fine, they can then be summoned to court. If someone is issued with a summons under this legislation, they should raise it with the force in question."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:53 Police argue with man defying lockdown
The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and College of Policing are thought to be working on urgent guidance clarifying the emergency powers available to police and The Guardian reported officers would be told they cannot prevent people from going for a run - even if they are exercising more than once a day - or going for a drive.
Mr Wettone said he believed many of the problems were the result of the current inconsistencies in the official instructions.
"The differences between the government guidelines and the legislation have created some real grey areas, which is deeply unhelpful for both the police and members of the public," he said.
"The legislation has literally been rushed through. Normally new laws would have been through both houses of parliament and been scrutinised for any likely practical problems in select committees.
"The nature of the situation means none of that has happened here, which has left police officers trying to smash a square peg into a round hole.
"For example, while the government guidelines state people are allowed to leave their home for one piece of exercise a day, that is not in the legislation, so it's simply not enforceable.
"The problem comes with those grey areas. Police have a fair amount of discretion, even in normal times."
He argued that while individual officers' actions may have contributed to a small number of high-profile incidents, any suggestion the UK was becoming a "police state" were wide of the mark.
"In every organisation, you are going to get pedantic people - for want of a better word, jobsworths," he said.
"We have some of those in policing.
"In some of the incidents that have been highlighted in the news over recent weeks, you can make the case that a quiet word and a request that the person move on would have been enough.
"But you will often find that those people most likely to challenge officers and say 'I know my rights' when they are stopped in public, are also those most likely to speak out on social media afterwards.
"I've heard people suggesting that we're now living in a 'police state', but we're nowhere near other European countries like France, where you have to fill in a form if you want to go out and they have issued huge numbers of fines to people."
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Andy Cooke responded to criticism of some forces, telling Sky News the "vast majority" of officers and members of the public were acting appropriately under the circumstances.
"This isn't a matter over over-enforcing," he said.
"This is about police looking after our communities. Yes, we will make mistakes, yes there will be some minor problems, but overall, a fantastic job is being done."


news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: Government loans not reaching businesses

Around one in three British businesses have furloughed at least 75 % of their workforce due to the coronavirus crisis , according to a new survey .
The British Chamber of Commerce ( BCC ) found that two-thirds of businesses it spoke to said they had to put some staff on the furlough scheme , which covers 80 % of salaries up to £2,500 a month .
But just 2 % of the businesses questioned said they had successfully accessed the government 's Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme , and the BCC said many need cash , quickly .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Downing Street briefing on Tuesday that we are in `` tough times '' economically and that he `` ca n't protect every business and every household '' throughout the pandemic .
Speaking to Sky News , the BCC 's Co-Executive Director Hannah Essex said : `` If businesses do n't have the money in their accounts they 're going to have to look at all of their costs and make some really difficult decisions .
`` One of those will be if they continue to employ people even if they have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's so important to get the money into firms accounts so that they can take the time to make the best decisions for them , looking at what the future holds and what decisions come out this week about the lockdown , whether it continues or not . ''
She added : `` This will be a hugely worrying time for businesses in Britain and especially for the people they employ .
The economy has had an extraordinary impact across the country .
`` Businesses right across the country have just gone into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Businesses like cinemas , shops and leisure ca n't operate at the moment and that 's having a huge impact on the individual businesses , the people they employ and the people they serve .
`` It 's had a sudden impact on the economy and it will take some time to recover from this . ''
Just three weeks before the lockdown was implemented Amy Westwood opened a new salon , the beautician pumped in time and tens of thousands of pounds that she 'd been saving for years .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so much money doing the shop up and investing in all the stock and taking on new members of staff .
It was just starting to pick up and then lockdown happened .
`` This is probably the most worrying for me .
`` It was really hard to shut down the shop just days after we opened . ''
Amy has applied for a government grant but has n't yet received any money .
`` I 've literally got nothing left in my business account now , it 's all gone on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid .
`` Now going into May , I 'm going to be behind on things , I 'm hoping I get my grant in a week or so , so I can get on top of things and hopefully pay my staff the money that they are owed . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker

Around one in three British businesses have furloughed at least 75% of their workforce due to the coronavirus crisis, according to a new survey.
The British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) found that two-thirds of businesses it spoke to said they had to put some staff on the furlough scheme, which covers 80% of salaries up to £2,500 a month.
But just 2% of the businesses questioned said they had successfully accessed the government's Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, and the BCC said many need cash, quickly.
It comes after the chancellor's announcement in the Downing Street briefing on Tuesday that we are in "tough times" economically and that he "can't protect every business and every household" throughout the pandemic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:04 Chancellor says 'tough times' are ahead
Speaking to Sky News, the BCC's Co-Executive Director Hannah Essex said: "If businesses don't have the money in their accounts they're going to have to look at all of their costs and make some really difficult decisions.
"One of those will be if they continue to employ people even if they have the furlough scheme or not.
"It's so important to get the money into firms accounts so that they can take the time to make the best decisions for them, looking at what the future holds and what decisions come out this week about the lockdown, whether it continues or not."
She added: "This will be a hugely worrying time for businesses in Britain and especially for the people they employ. The economy has had an extraordinary impact across the country.
"Businesses right across the country have just gone into hibernation and aren't able to function. Businesses like cinemas, shops and leisure can't operate at the moment and that's having a huge impact on the individual businesses, the people they employ and the people they serve.
Advertisement
"It's had a sudden impact on the economy and it will take some time to recover from this."
Just three weeks before the lockdown was implemented Amy Westwood opened a new salon, the beautician pumped in time and tens of thousands of pounds that she'd been saving for years.
Image: Amy Westwood (c) can't pay her staff at the moment
She told Sky News: "I spent so much money doing the shop up and investing in all the stock and taking on new members of staff. It was just starting to pick up and then lockdown happened.
"This is probably the most worrying for me.
"It was really hard to shut down the shop just days after we opened."
Image: Amy spent tens of thousands of pounds fitting out her salon
Amy has applied for a government grant but hasn't yet received any money.
"I've literally got nothing left in my business account now, it's all gone on the last things that needed to be paid.
"Now going into May, I'm going to be behind on things, I'm hoping I get my grant in a week or so, so I can get on top of things and hopefully pay my staff the money that they are owed."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker


news--2020-04-16--How Shell's new climate commitments compare to those of BP

Royal Dutch Shell is the largest company on the FTSE 100 by market value with operations globally As they contend with the ongoing coronavirus crisis , along with the ensuing economic destruction , business executives could be forgiven for putting all else on hold .
Few sectors face as many challenges as the oil and gas industry which , since the beginning of the year , has seen the price of a barrel of Brent Crude collapse by 57 % .
It has placed unimaginable strain on company managements .
So it speaks volumes for Royal Dutch Shell 's commitment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - climate change - that it made a major announcement in this regard today .
The company said that , by 2050 or sooner , it aims to become a net-zero emissions energy business .
The ambition echoes one from its rival , BP , set out two months ago .
Ben van Beurden , chief executive of Royal Dutch Shell , said : `` With the COVID-19 pandemic having a serious impact on people 's health and our economies , these are extraordinary times .
`` Yet even at this time of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the focus on the long term .
`` Society 's expectations have shifted quickly in the debate around climate change .
Shell now needs to go further with our own ambitions , which is why we aim to be a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050 or sooner .
Society , and our customers , expect nothing less . ''
The immediate question posed by today 's announcement is whether the ambitions laid out by Shell are more or less challenging than those laid out by BP .
In one way , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unlike BP , which has set out no targets for the years between now and 2050 , Shell has set a challenging interim target .
It aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the fuel it sells to its customers by 30 % by 2035 and 65 % by 2050 - up from existing targets for those years of 20 % and 50 % respectively .
Shell 's proposals are also more ambitious in that it hopes to achieve them in all of the products that it produces .
BP , by contrast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oil it has produced and refined itself .
It does not include emissions from products refined from oil it has bought from other producers .
In other ways , though , BP 's plans can be seen as the more ambitious .
Bernard Looney , BP 's new chief executive , has been clear that BP will not , in future , be `` chasing '' higher production volumes .
He expects , over time , to be producing less oil and gas .
There was no such commitment from Shell today .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shell has announced today and what BP said in February is that Shell has placed an emphasis on what it calls the `` Net Carbon Footprint '' of the energy products it sells .
BP , by contrast , spoke about reducing specific emissions .
Shell said today it had taken its approach because Net Carbon Footprint will allow it to track the change in the emissions intensity of the energy products it supplies and , in so doing , focuses on the specific contribution made by the company .
It added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so the total amount of energy Shell contributes is likely to increase .
An intensity-based metric allows Shell to focus on providing the energy that our customers want while contributing to decarbonisation by also supplying lower-carbon energy products .
`` The Net Carbon Footprint focuses on the type of energy supplied .
It does not focus on the elements of the energy system that lie outside of our control , namely total energy demand or the extent to which carbon sinks are deployed by other parties . ''
The explanation makes sense - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be almost impossible for even informed observers to assess accurately which of the two companies is making the greatest progress .
Nor will what Shell has announced today satisfy its most strident critics .
Greenpeace UK and Follow This , a Dutch shareholder group that has agitated for more progress by Shell in tackling climate change , both said today that the company has not gone far enough .
By contrast , Climate Action 100+ , an investment initiative whose backers include more than 400 fund management giants including Allianz , BlackRock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Investment Management , welcomed the announcement .
Stephanie Pfeifer , a member of the global Climate Action 100+ steering committee , said : `` Investors will now look to other energy companies to match , and build on , the welcome ambition Shell is showing . ''
Ultimately , the ability of companies like BP and Shell to achieve net zero carbon in its broadest sense will involve the extent to which so-called 'Scope 3 ' emissions - those created by customers using their products - can be reduced .
It means that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intensity of their own operations , companies like Shell and BP are going to have to take their customers with them .
As the Church of England Pensions Board - one of the investors that has engaged most deeply with Shell on this issue - noted today , it is therefore significant that Shell set out 'net zero pathways ' in how it shapes demand for energy .
It matters because the use of a product creates 85 % of the overall emissions associated with it .
So changing how those products are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carbon intensive alternatives to them , will be crucial .
And to that end , while companies like Shell and BP obviously have a crucial role to play in reducing global carbon emissions , it is ultimately down to everyone using those products , and those of their competitors , to change their behaviour too .

Sky's Ian King examines Royal Dutch Shell's new plan to combat climate change at a time of great upheaval in the energy sector.
How Shell's new climate commitments compare to those of BP
Royal Dutch Shell is the largest company on the FTSE 100 by market value with operations globally
As they contend with the ongoing coronavirus crisis, along with the ensuing economic destruction, business executives could be forgiven for putting all else on hold.
Few sectors face as many challenges as the oil and gas industry which, since the beginning of the year, has seen the price of a barrel of Brent Crude collapse by 57%. It has placed unimaginable strain on company managements.
So it speaks volumes for Royal Dutch Shell's commitment to grappling with another longer term challenge - climate change - that it made a major announcement in this regard today.
The company said that, by 2050 or sooner, it aims to become a net-zero emissions energy business.
The ambition echoes one from its rival, BP, set out two months ago.
Ben van Beurden, chief executive of Royal Dutch Shell, said: "With the COVID-19 pandemic having a serious impact on people's health and our economies, these are extraordinary times.
Image: Ben van Beurden has run Shell since 2013
"Yet even at this time of immediate challenge, we must also maintain the focus on the long term.
"Society's expectations have shifted quickly in the debate around climate change. Shell now needs to go further with our own ambitions, which is why we aim to be a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050 or sooner. Society, and our customers, expect nothing less."
The immediate question posed by today's announcement is whether the ambitions laid out by Shell are more or less challenging than those laid out by BP.
Advertisement
In one way, they can be seen as more ambitious. Unlike BP, which has set out no targets for the years between now and 2050, Shell has set a challenging interim target. It aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the fuel it sells to its customers by 30% by 2035 and 65% by 2050 - up from existing targets for those years of 20% and 50% respectively.
Shell's proposals are also more ambitious in that it hopes to achieve them in all of the products that it produces. BP, by contrast, has limited itself only to the oil it has produced and refined itself. It does not include emissions from products refined from oil it has bought from other producers.
In other ways, though, BP's plans can be seen as the more ambitious.
Bernard Looney, BP's new chief executive, has been clear that BP will not, in future, be "chasing" higher production volumes. He expects, over time, to be producing less oil and gas. There was no such commitment from Shell today.
Perhaps the most fundamental difference between what Shell has announced today and what BP said in February is that Shell has placed an emphasis on what it calls the "Net Carbon Footprint" of the energy products it sells. BP, by contrast, spoke about reducing specific emissions.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:26 Green groups savage BP's ambition to be carbon net zero by 2050
Shell said today it had taken its approach because Net Carbon Footprint will allow it to track the change in the emissions intensity of the energy products it supplies and, in so doing, focuses on the specific contribution made by the company.
It added: "Society will need more energy, so the total amount of energy Shell contributes is likely to increase. An intensity-based metric allows Shell to focus on providing the energy that our customers want while contributing to decarbonisation by also supplying lower-carbon energy products.
"The Net Carbon Footprint focuses on the type of energy supplied. It does not focus on the elements of the energy system that lie outside of our control, namely total energy demand or the extent to which carbon sinks are deployed by other parties."
The explanation makes sense - but the two differing approaches mean it will be almost impossible for even informed observers to assess accurately which of the two companies is making the greatest progress.
Nor will what Shell has announced today satisfy its most strident critics. Greenpeace UK and Follow This, a Dutch shareholder group that has agitated for more progress by Shell in tackling climate change, both said today that the company has not gone far enough.
By contrast, Climate Action 100+, an investment initiative whose backers include more than 400 fund management giants including Allianz, BlackRock, Fidelity International and Legal & General Investment Management, welcomed the announcement.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:54 More electricity provided by zero carbon means than fossil fuels in 2019
Stephanie Pfeifer, a member of the global Climate Action 100+ steering committee, said: "Investors will now look to other energy companies to match, and build on, the welcome ambition Shell is showing."
Ultimately, the ability of companies like BP and Shell to achieve net zero carbon in its broadest sense will involve the extent to which so-called 'Scope 3' emissions - those created by customers using their products - can be reduced.
It means that, as well as changing the carbon intensity of their own operations, companies like Shell and BP are going to have to take their customers with them.
As the Church of England Pensions Board - one of the investors that has engaged most deeply with Shell on this issue - noted today, it is therefore significant that Shell set out 'net zero pathways' in how it shapes demand for energy.
It matters because the use of a product creates 85% of the overall emissions associated with it. So changing how those products are used, or coming up with less carbon intensive alternatives to them, will be crucial.
And to that end, while companies like Shell and BP obviously have a crucial role to play in reducing global carbon emissions, it is ultimately down to everyone using those products, and those of their competitors, to change their behaviour too.


news--2020-04-16--Apple reveals new £419 iPhone SE to capture mid-range market

Apple has revealed its long-awaited cheaper iPhone , the SE , bringing back the look of the iPhone 8 in red , white and black .
The phone will be available for pre-order from tomorrow , costing £419 in the UK and $ 399 in the US , with delivery of devices expected to start on 24 April .
Reports had suggested that Apple 's plans to increase iPhone production and launch a cheaper model could be disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak .
The company had been expected to launch a mid-market line of phones , as prices of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As a line the iPhone SE had been discontinued in 2018 , but is now making a comeback - resembling the iPhone 8 with its 4.7 '' screen and fingerprint sensor instead of Face ID .
It is in many ways identical to the iPhone 8 , but with an upgraded processor and camera - which Apple says will make all the difference , with software driving many of the phone 's features .
The phone is a significant departure from the iPhone XR and iPhone 11 , phones which are much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been mocked by rivals such as Samsung - housing the Face ID equipment .
Ben Wood , chief of research at CCS Insight , told Sky News the device could challenge sales of new Android smartphones as well as tackle the market for companies who refurbish and resell second hand iPhones too .
`` When it was planning this product , Apple could n't have known it would land in a market in complete turmoil as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic , '' Mr Wood said .
`` Although the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fight to Android rivals , it now also offers a more affordable iPhone at a time when many consumers will find it hard to justify spending $ 1,000 or more on one of Apple 's flagship devices . ''
While the base price for the device is low , Apple has invested considerably in the services side of its business in recent years , including developing original programming for Apple TV , and games for Apple Arcade .
Mr Wood said this showed the company was confident it could create ongoing revenues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out top-end smartphones .
Apple `` will see the benefits of the new iPhone SE as much more than just the profit margin on a hardware sale , '' he said .
`` In contrast , for most of its rivals , there 's little or no additional revenue after the initial phone sale . ''
Apple is planning a major redesign for its next generation of 5G-compatible iPhones , according to a Bloomberg News report citing people familiar with the plans .
Apple had warned investors it would not meet its financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 outbreak on production and sales in China .

Apple has revealed its long-awaited cheaper iPhone, the SE, bringing back the look of the iPhone 8 in red, white and black.
The phone will be available for pre-order from tomorrow, costing £419 in the UK and $399 in the US, with delivery of devices expected to start on 24 April.
Reports had suggested that Apple's plans to increase iPhone production and launch a cheaper model could be disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak.
Image: The design of the iPhone 8 with an upgraded processor
The company had been expected to launch a mid-market line of phones, as prices of its flagship devices rose above the £1,000 mark.
As a line the iPhone SE had been discontinued in 2018, but is now making a comeback - resembling the iPhone 8 with its 4.7" screen and fingerprint sensor instead of Face ID.
It is in many ways identical to the iPhone 8, but with an upgraded processor and camera - which Apple says will make all the difference, with software driving many of the phone's features.
The phone is a significant departure from the iPhone XR and iPhone 11, phones which are much larger and feature the notch - which has been mocked by rivals such as Samsung - housing the Face ID equipment.
Ben Wood, chief of research at CCS Insight, told Sky News the device could challenge sales of new Android smartphones as well as tackle the market for companies who refurbish and resell second hand iPhones too.
"When it was planning this product, Apple couldn't have known it would land in a market in complete turmoil as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic," Mr Wood said.
Advertisement
"Although the new iPhone SE was undoubtedly designed to take the fight to Android rivals, it now also offers a more affordable iPhone at a time when many consumers will find it hard to justify spending $1,000 or more on one of Apple's flagship devices."
While the base price for the device is low, Apple has invested considerably in the services side of its business in recent years, including developing original programming for Apple TV, and games for Apple Arcade.
Mr Wood said this showed the company was confident it could create ongoing revenues from iPhone users without needing to put out top-end smartphones.
Apple "will see the benefits of the new iPhone SE as much more than just the profit margin on a hardware sale," he said.
"In contrast, for most of its rivals, there's little or no additional revenue after the initial phone sale."
Image: The Morning Show on Apple TV+ has been one of the company's big investments
Apple is planning a major redesign for its next generation of 5G-compatible iPhones, according to a Bloomberg News report citing people familiar with the plans.
Apple had warned investors it would not meet its financial targets due to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on production and sales in China.


news--2020-04-16--Cameron Diaz gives rare glimpse into her new life as a mother

Cameron Diaz has opened up about becoming a mother and adjusting to life with a newborn during the coronavirus lockdown .
Diaz , star of films including There 's Something About Mary , The Mask , Charlie 's Angels and The Holiday , said being a mother is the `` best , best , best part of my life '' , adding : `` I 'm so grateful and so happy and it 's the best thing ever . ''
The actress announced that she had welcomed her first child , daughter Raddix , with husband Benji Madden in January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were set to become parents private .
`` Other than the fact she is really really cute , '' Diaz said at the time that she would not be posting pictures or sharing details about their daughter `` to protect our little one 's privacy '' .
But in a rare Instagram Live appearance , the 47-year-old star updated fans about her new life as a mother , and revealed a glimpse into her home life with Good Charlotte rocker Madden .
In the Instagram Live with Katherine Power , chief executive of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actress spoke about the couple 's nightly routine with Raddix , saying she and Madden are `` having the best time '' .
`` After we do bath time with our baby and we put her to sleep , Benji puts her to bed , '' the star said .
`` He 's so good .
He 's such an amazing father .
I 'm so lucky he 's my baby 's father .
He 's incredible . ''
Diaz married Madden in January 2015 in an intimate ceremony at their home in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months .
Nicole Richie , who is married to Madden 's twin brother Joel , helped introduce the pair .
The couple welcomed Raddix at the end of December .
Speaking about the coronavirus pandemic , the actress said being a new mother was similar to being in lockdown as she had been staying at home anyway .
`` I 've kinda been living a quarantine life anyhow because I have a three month old , '' Diaz said .
`` So my life has been completely quiet and still for the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to have my friends over all the time .
And now I just do n't see anybody . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Diaz said life under lockdown is like being in a `` bubble '' .
She added : `` But it 's nice , and I love a bubble and being in the womb of my home with my husband and cooking .
`` But at the same time it 's crazy that you ca n't go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

Cameron Diaz has opened up about becoming a mother and adjusting to life with a newborn during the coronavirus lockdown.
Diaz, star of films including There's Something About Mary, The Mask, Charlie's Angels and The Holiday, said being a mother is the "best, best, best part of my life", adding: "I'm so grateful and so happy and it's the best thing ever."
The actress announced that she had welcomed her first child, daughter Raddix, with husband Benji Madden in January, after keeping the news that they were set to become parents private.
Image: Diaz is married to Good Charlotte guitarist Benji Madden
"Other than the fact she is really really cute," Diaz said at the time that she would not be posting pictures or sharing details about their daughter "to protect our little one's privacy".
But in a rare Instagram Live appearance, the 47-year-old star updated fans about her new life as a mother, and revealed a glimpse into her home life with Good Charlotte rocker Madden.
In the Instagram Live with Katherine Power, chief executive of fashion site Who What Wear, the actress spoke about the couple's nightly routine with Raddix, saying she and Madden are "having the best time".
"After we do bath time with our baby and we put her to sleep, Benji puts her to bed," the star said.
"He's so good. He's such an amazing father. I'm so lucky he's my baby's father. He's incredible."
Diaz married Madden in January 2015 in an intimate ceremony at their home in Los Angeles, after dating for eight months.
Advertisement
Nicole Richie, who is married to Madden's twin brother Joel, helped introduce the pair.
The couple welcomed Raddix at the end of December.
Speaking about the coronavirus pandemic, the actress said being a new mother was similar to being in lockdown as she had been staying at home anyway.
"I've kinda been living a quarantine life anyhow because I have a three month old," Diaz said.
"So my life has been completely quiet and still for the last few months.
"But I was able to have my friends over all the time. And now I just don't see anybody."
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Diaz said life under lockdown is like being in a "bubble".
She added: "But it's nice, and I love a bubble and being in the womb of my home with my husband and cooking.
"But at the same time it's crazy that you can't go out to the world right now."


news--2020-04-16--Coronavirus: Harry praises families struggling to get 'vulnerable' status

The Duke of Sussex has praised the `` super parents '' of disabled children across the UK , as a leading children 's charity says some families are struggling to be classified as vulnerable during the coronavirus crisis .
Harry was speaking during a video call from California , to two families who are supported by the WellChild charity , which helps seriously ill children .
During the conversation , which took place over the Easter weekend , he called on politicians to give the families the recognition they deserve .
He said : `` Full respect to every single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on everyone , but it is especially hard on you .
I know that WellChild are doing everything they can to support you .
`` Hopefully , through this video we can make it more clear and obvious to government and everybody else that you are in the vulnerable bracket and WellChild needs more help . ''
Many of the children helped by the charity receive incredibly complex medical care and sometimes need around the clock support .
The need for social isolation and a fear that their children may contract coronavirus is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Talking about the difficulties that families are facing WellChild CEO Colin Dyer said : `` Things like PPE have been in the news a huge amount , but other basic supplies are needed from food , to cleaning products .
`` A lot of families are finding it difficult getting themselves included on 'vulnerable ' lists .
These families are always isolated and hidden .
Now they are more isolated and more hidden than ever before .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most vulnerable people that we 've got in this country is really tough because the focus just does n't seem to be on families like this . ''
Craig Hatch from Cumbria was one of the parents on the call .
He cares for his 21-year-old son Fraser , who has cerebral palsy , epilepsy , neuro muscular scoliosis , osteoporosis , chronic lung disorder and type 1 diabetes .
He said : `` It 's scary .
We are frightened because we know that if the virus gets in our house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the implications are quite severe . ''
Harry also spoke to Leanne Cooper from Lincoln , whose twin 13-year-old daughters Sophie and Erica both have complex needs .
Sophie 's problems are the more severe and in 2011 she won a WellChild Award , which celebrate the inspirational qualities of the UK 's seriously ill children and young people .
Mum Leanne said : `` There is a lot of information out there , but not a lot for vulnerable families and certainly not for children with complex medical needs .
`` If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't come to work because they might be symptomatic , there is no way we would survive when Sophie needs care seven nights a week , seven days a week , 24 hours a day .
It is terrifying . ''
After speaking to the parents Harry asked if the children , who he 'd previously met at the WellChild Awards , could also come on the call , telling their parents : `` The resilience and strength that you guys have is absolutely incredible .
And you must never ever forget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are going to be hard days , I ca n't even begin to imagine how hard it is for you guys , having one kid , an 11-month-old , is enough .
`` So , to see what you guys are going through on a day-to-day basis honestly so much respect to every single one of you .
You are a shining example of just being super parents . ''
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are now living in California , with their son Archie , after first moving to Canada .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been in contact with a number of their patronages , as well as new charities to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Through video calls and talking to volunteers they have been discussing how they may be able to support the organisations or highlight the challenges they are facing .

The Duke of Sussex has praised the "super parents" of disabled children across the UK, as a leading children's charity says some families are struggling to be classified as vulnerable during the coronavirus crisis.
Harry was speaking during a video call from California, to two families who are supported by the WellChild charity, which helps seriously ill children.
During the conversation, which took place over the Easter weekend, he called on politicians to give the families the recognition they deserve.
He said: "Full respect to every single one of you. This is hard on everyone, but it is especially hard on you. I know that WellChild are doing everything they can to support you.
"Hopefully, through this video we can make it more clear and obvious to government and everybody else that you are in the vulnerable bracket and WellChild needs more help."
Many of the children helped by the charity receive incredibly complex medical care and sometimes need around the clock support.
The need for social isolation and a fear that their children may contract coronavirus is putting parents under enormous pressure.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Talking about the difficulties that families are facing WellChild CEO Colin Dyer said: "Things like PPE have been in the news a huge amount, but other basic supplies are needed from food, to cleaning products.
Advertisement
"A lot of families are finding it difficult getting themselves included on 'vulnerable' lists. These families are always isolated and hidden. Now they are more isolated and more hidden than ever before.
"Getting recognition that they are among the most vulnerable people that we've got in this country is really tough because the focus just doesn't seem to be on families like this."
Craig Hatch from Cumbria was one of the parents on the call. He cares for his 21-year-old son Fraser, who has cerebral palsy, epilepsy, neuro muscular scoliosis, osteoporosis, chronic lung disorder and type 1 diabetes.
He said: "It's scary. We are frightened because we know that if the virus gets in our house and if Fraser contracts the virus, the implications are quite severe."
Harry also spoke to Leanne Cooper from Lincoln, whose twin 13-year-old daughters Sophie and Erica both have complex needs. Sophie's problems are the more severe and in 2011 she won a WellChild Award, which celebrate the inspirational qualities of the UK's seriously ill children and young people.
Image: Harry with the then five-year-old Sophie Cooper at the 2011 WellChild awards
Mum Leanne said: "There is a lot of information out there, but not a lot for vulnerable families and certainly not for children with complex medical needs.
"If we're in a position where carers can't come to work because they might be symptomatic, there is no way we would survive when Sophie needs care seven nights a week, seven days a week, 24 hours a day. It is terrifying."
After speaking to the parents Harry asked if the children, who he'd previously met at the WellChild Awards, could also come on the call, telling their parents: "The resilience and strength that you guys have is absolutely incredible. And you must never ever forget that.
"And of course there are going to be hard days, I can't even begin to imagine how hard it is for you guys, having one kid, an 11-month-old, is enough.
"So, to see what you guys are going through on a day-to-day basis honestly so much respect to every single one of you. You are a shining example of just being super parents."
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are now living in California, with their son Archie, after first moving to Canada.
Image: Meghan and Harry with winner William Magee at the 2019 WellChild awards
Sky News understands Harry and Meghan have been in contact with a number of their patronages, as well as new charities to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through video calls and talking to volunteers they have been discussing how they may be able to support the organisations or highlight the challenges they are facing.


news--2020-04-16--Coronavirus: 'Hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk' as retail sales slump

Retail sales fell by 27 % in the first two weeks of the UK 's lockdown , resulting in the worst monthly decline on record for the sector overall last month , according to industry figures .
The British Retail Consortium said the coronavirus crisis , which has resulted in deserted high streets throughout the UK , means hundreds of thousands of jobs are at risk .
Its figures showed total sales in March fell by 4.3 % compared with the same month last year , the worst performance - when stripping out seasonal distortions - since the survey began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even bigger drop of more than a quarter at the end of the survey period - the two weeks to 4 April - largely covering the time after UK went into lockdown on 23 March .
Demand had risen sharply in the earlier part of the month , with sales surging 12 % as shoppers stocked up on food and other essential items ahead of the restrictions coming into force .
BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said : `` The closure of non-essential shops led to deserted high streets and high double-digit declines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online shopping could not compensate for . ''
Sales of computers , board games and fitness equipment rose sharply as a result of the shift to home-schooling and working from home , but demand for fashion `` significantly declined '' , she said .
She added : `` The crisis continues ; the retail industry is at the epicentre and the tremors will be felt for a long while yet .
`` Many physical non-food retailers have been forced to shut down entirely or to limit themselves to online only to protect customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of thousands of jobs at are risk within these companies and their supply chains .
`` We welcome the government 's actions to date , yet millions of livelihoods rely on their continued support . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The figures came hours after high street chains Oasis and Warehouse became the latest to fall into administration during the lockdown , following Debenhams last week .
Barclaycard reported a similar picture in its data for March , which showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the survey began in 2015 .
It found supermarket spending up 21 % but that travel spending , including public transport , sank by 40 % and consumer confidence hit an all-time low .
The dismal picture for UK retail comes after the government 's fiscal watchdog , the Office for Budget Responsibility , said the wider economy could be on track for a 35 % decline in the second quarter .
Even if it bounces back later in the year , GDP would still be set for a 13 % slump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest in more than 300 years .

Retail sales fell by 27% in the first two weeks of the UK's lockdown, resulting in the worst monthly decline on record for the sector overall last month, according to industry figures.
The British Retail Consortium said the coronavirus crisis, which has resulted in deserted high streets throughout the UK, means hundreds of thousands of jobs are at risk.
Its figures showed total sales in March fell by 4.3% compared with the same month last year, the worst performance - when stripping out seasonal distortions - since the survey began in 1995.
Yet that masked the even bigger drop of more than a quarter at the end of the survey period - the two weeks to 4 April - largely covering the time after UK went into lockdown on 23 March.
Demand had risen sharply in the earlier part of the month, with sales surging 12% as shoppers stocked up on food and other essential items ahead of the restrictions coming into force.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:31 COVID-19 to inflict huge hit on UK economy
BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: "The closure of non-essential shops led to deserted high streets and high double-digit declines in sales which even a rise in online shopping could not compensate for."
Sales of computers, board games and fitness equipment rose sharply as a result of the shift to home-schooling and working from home, but demand for fashion "significantly declined", she said.
She added: "The crisis continues; the retail industry is at the epicentre and the tremors will be felt for a long while yet.
"Many physical non-food retailers have been forced to shut down entirely or to limit themselves to online only to protect customers and staff.
Advertisement
"Consequently, hundreds of thousands of jobs at are risk within these companies and their supply chains.
"We welcome the government's actions to date, yet millions of livelihoods rely on their continued support."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The figures came hours after high street chains Oasis and Warehouse became the latest to fall into administration during the lockdown, following Debenhams last week.
Barclaycard reported a similar picture in its data for March, which showed a 6% decline - the biggest since the survey began in 2015.
It found supermarket spending up 21% but that travel spending, including public transport, sank by 40% and consumer confidence hit an all-time low.
The dismal picture for UK retail comes after the government's fiscal watchdog, the Office for Budget Responsibility, said the wider economy could be on track for a 35% decline in the second quarter.
Even if it bounces back later in the year, GDP would still be set for a 13% slump for 2020 as a whole - the biggest in more than 300 years.


news--2020-04-16--Coronavirus: Six funerals in an hour at Spanish church leaves little time for goodbyes

`` It is worse than a war '' - that 's how families burying their dead in Spain 's worst hit region are describing the impact of the coronavirus .
At one of Madrid 's largest cemeteries , La Almudena cemetery , in the space of little over an hour we watch as many as six funerals take place .
Six broken families .
And it 's like this hour after hour .
Day after grim day .
The Rumbero 's have gathered to bury their 90-year-old mother who died of coronavirus in a care home two weeks ago .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ big funeral with all her family and flowers - lots of flowers .
Under the lockdown large gatherings are prohibited .
The daughter of the deceased , Pilar Rumbero , says what 's happening `` is too hard ... it is worse than a war '' .
She explains that only three family members are allowed but her mother had so many relatives and friends and they are unable to take part .
The procession of hearses pulling up to the church is constant .
As one leaves another arrives , there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coffin is wrapped in plastic to protect the living .
It is difficult to give the dead the dignity they deserve in a pandemic .
The priest , Javier Fuenmayor , flicks holy water at the end of each service and then it 's over and another one begins .
`` Normally we would have 10 to 12 people buried here [ each day ] '' he says .
`` But with this aggravating factor [ coronavirus ] the number has increased , dependant on our capacity , to between 25 and 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those that are sent to crematoriums and that could be between 40 and 50 people .
We are at our limit . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Even grieving here has to be done quickly and without much support .
Only three family members are allowed to attend , they wear gloves and face masks for their protection .
Some live stream the short service so other relatives can pay their respects .
But in a Catholic country where family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In another church across Madrid , people are storing the ashes of their loved ones because there is a huge backlog of services that need to be carried out .
Spain is coping but it is not easy adjusting to a new way of being where death is everywhere .
Father Ignacio Andreu says people need the church more than ever in these dark times .
`` Our door is open for all people who suffer but we have also reactivated our WhatsApp group .
`` Even though such groups can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep in touch with people , have a face-to-face contact , listen to them and , from my experience , call people and say to them : ' I am thinking of you , I am praying for you , I 've heard your father died or your mother is in the hospital , and we are praying for them ' .
`` People really appreciate that . ''
He is now harnessing the power of the internet to minister to his congregation to meet social distancing rules .
Daily services are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rooms - it 's not the same but it does allow people to connect and hope for better times .

"It is worse than a war" - that's how families burying their dead in Spain's worst hit region are describing the impact of the coronavirus.
At one of Madrid's largest cemeteries, La Almudena cemetery, in the space of little over an hour we watch as many as six funerals take place.
Six broken families. And it's like this hour after hour. Day after grim day.
Image: Lockdown restrictions are still in place in Spain
The Rumbero's have gathered to bury their 90-year-old mother who died of coronavirus in a care home two weeks ago.
They say she would have wanted a big funeral with all her family and flowers - lots of flowers.
Under the lockdown large gatherings are prohibited.
The daughter of the deceased, Pilar Rumbero, says what's happening "is too hard... it is worse than a war".
She explains that only three family members are allowed but her mother had so many relatives and friends and they are unable to take part.
Image: The church in Madrid has a constant cycle of hearses arriving
The procession of hearses pulling up to the church is constant. As one leaves another arrives, there isn't much time for goodbyes.
Advertisement
Each coffin is wrapped in plastic to protect the living. It is difficult to give the dead the dignity they deserve in a pandemic.
The priest, Javier Fuenmayor, flicks holy water at the end of each service and then it's over and another one begins.
"Normally we would have 10 to 12 people buried here [each day]" he says.
"But with this aggravating factor [coronavirus] the number has increased, dependant on our capacity, to between 25 and 30 people. That's without factoring in those that are sent to crematoriums and that could be between 40 and 50 people. We are at our limit."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Even grieving here has to be done quickly and without much support.
Only three family members are allowed to attend, they wear gloves and face masks for their protection.
Some live stream the short service so other relatives can pay their respects. But in a Catholic country where family is everything it's painfully not enough.
In another church across Madrid, people are storing the ashes of their loved ones because there is a huge backlog of services that need to be carried out.
Spain is coping but it is not easy adjusting to a new way of being where death is everywhere.
Image: Father Ignacio Andreu, the Parish Priest in Madrid, is using social media to support his community
Father Ignacio Andreu says people need the church more than ever in these dark times.
"Our door is open for all people who suffer but we have also reactivated our WhatsApp group.
"Even though such groups can be annoying sometimes, it is allowing us to keep in touch with people, have a face-to-face contact, listen to them and, from my experience, call people and say to them: 'I am thinking of you, I am praying for you, I've heard your father died or your mother is in the hospital, and we are praying for them'.
"People really appreciate that."
Image: Sky cameraman Richie Mockler filming Father Ignacio Abdreu carrying out his duties online
He is now harnessing the power of the internet to minister to his congregation to meet social distancing rules.
Daily services are live-streamed to the faithful in their living rooms - it's not the same but it does allow people to connect and hope for better times.


news--2020-04-16--Coronavirus lifeline extended to more large firms facing ruin because of lockdown

More large businesses will be able to apply for financial support from the government after a loophole left many facing ruin because of coronavirus paralysing the economy .
Announcing the move , Rishi Sunak said the government wanted to ensure that `` no viable business slips through our safety net of support as we help protect jobs and the economy '' during the coronavirus outbreak .
Sky 's city editor Mark Kleinman reported at the weekend that ministers were preparing to overhaul the emergency loan programme for bigger firms whose future has been put at risk of collapse by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Treasury change , all companies with revenue of more than £45m will be able to apply for the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme when it launches on Monday .
Previously , the scheme excluded companies with revenue of more than £500m because the government had hoped they would be covered by a separate Bank of England programme .
But that scheme only assists companies that have an investment-grade credit rating , or the equivalent in terms of financial health .
As a result , many viable large firms were excluded from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expanded scheme is part of a £330bn loan guarantee programme announced by the chancellor last month , aimed at reducing the damage to the UK economy .
A survey this week from the Office for National Statistics showed 25 % of businesses had temporarily closed or halted trading since the lockdown .
Mr Sunak said : `` I want to ensure that no viable business slips through our safety net of support as we help protect jobs and the economy .
That is why we are expanding this generous scheme for larger firms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we 'll continue to work with the financial services sector to ensure that our £330bn of government support , through loans and guarantees , reaches as many businesses in need as possible . ''
Business Secretary Alok Sharma said expanding the scheme would `` provide larger firms with the support they need during the pandemic , helping to provide job security to thousands of people and protect our economy '' .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Keith Morgan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said : `` The new Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme focuses on a relatively narrow area of the market , but one that is vitally important to the UK economy .
`` More finance for viable mid-sized and larger firms will help them protect jobs and be in a better position to resume normal business when the current pandemic subsides . ''
With the news that the UK 's COVID-19 lockdown will continue for at least another three weeks , businesses will be eager to make sure they can stay solvent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ semblance of normality .

More large businesses will be able to apply for financial support from the government after a loophole left many facing ruin because of coronavirus paralysing the economy.
Announcing the move, Rishi Sunak said the government wanted to ensure that "no viable business slips through our safety net of support as we help protect jobs and the economy" during the coronavirus outbreak.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 UK lockdown: Could public patience run out?
Sky's city editor Mark Kleinman reported at the weekend that ministers were preparing to overhaul the emergency loan programme for bigger firms whose future has been put at risk of collapse by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a result of the Treasury change, all companies with revenue of more than £45m will be able to apply for the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme when it launches on Monday.
Previously, the scheme excluded companies with revenue of more than £500m because the government had hoped
they would be covered by a separate Bank of England programme.
But that scheme only assists companies that have an investment-grade credit rating, or the equivalent in terms of
financial health.
As a result, many viable large firms were excluded from the government's financial support.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:08 Raab announces UK lockdown extension
The expanded scheme is part of a £330bn loan guarantee programme announced by the chancellor last month, aimed at reducing the damage to the UK economy.
A survey this week from the Office for National Statistics showed 25% of businesses had temporarily closed or halted
trading since the lockdown.
Advertisement
Mr Sunak said: "I want to ensure that no viable business slips through our safety net of support as we help protect jobs and the economy. That is why we are expanding this generous scheme for larger firms.
"This is a national effort and we'll continue to work with the financial services sector to ensure that our £330bn of government support, through loans and guarantees, reaches as many businesses in need as possible."
Business Secretary Alok Sharma said expanding the scheme would "provide larger firms with the support they need during the pandemic, helping to provide job security to thousands of people and protect our 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 the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Keith Morgan, chief executive of British Business Bank, said: "The new Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme focuses on a relatively narrow area of the market, but one that is vitally important to the UK economy.
"More finance for viable mid-sized and larger firms will help them protect jobs and be in a better position to resume normal business when the current pandemic subsides."
With the news that the UK's COVID-19 lockdown will continue for at least another three weeks, businesses will be eager to make sure they can stay solvent until the economy gets back to a semblance of normality.


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Paul McCartney calls for end to China's 'medieval' wet markets

Paul McCartney has accused China 's wet markets of being `` medieval '' and `` obscene '' , comparing their continuation to dropping `` atomic bombs '' on the world .
The former Beatle , who is 77 and so considered to be at increased risk from COVID-19 , said he hopes China will take action .
The Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan was closed after being linked to the first cases of coronavirus - it is widely considered to be the source of the outbreak but this has not yet been conclusively proved .
Speaking to US host Howard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , McCartney said : `` I really hope that this will mean that the Chinese government will say , 'OK , guys , we have really got to get super hygienic around here . '
`` Let 's face it , it is a little bit medieval eating bats . ''
A long-time animal rights activist , McCartney has been vegetarian since the 1970s .
Suggesting that wet markets were also to blame for past outbreaks including SARS ( Severe acute respiratory syndrome ) and avian flu ( bird flu ) , McCartney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so bad if this is the only thing it seems like you can blame on those wet markets .
`` It seems like SARS , avian flu , all sorts of other stuff that has afflicted us , and what 's it for ?
For these quite medieval practices .
They need to clean up their act .
This may lead to it .
If this does n't , I do n't know what will . ''
Popular in China and across Asia , wet markets sell fresh produce and sometimes live animals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy fresh food including chicken , pork , fish and vegetables , at affordable prices .
The marketplaces are termed `` wet '' due to the fact that floors are often hosed down after vendors wash vegetables or clean fish .
McCartney also discussed the idea of celebrities campaigning for wet markets to be closed .
He said : `` I think it makes a lot of sense ... when you 've got the obscenity of some of the stuff that 's going on there and what comes out of it , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bombs .
It 's affecting the whole world .
`` I understand that part of it is going to be , 'People have done it for ever , this is the way we do things ' .
But they did slavery forever , too .
You 've got to change things at some point . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker McCartney is currently isolating in Sussex with his daughter Mary and her family .
He said his wife Nancy was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold , so is unable to travel back to the UK due to the lockdown .
McCartney had been due to headline Glastonbury in June , before the festival was cancelled due to the outbreak .
He called the cancellation `` sad '' , depriving fans of `` something groovy to do in the summer '' .
McCartney will be playing at the One World : Together At Home concert on Saturday 18 April , organised by Global Citizen and the World Health Organisation in support of healthcare workers on the frontlines of @ @ @ @ @

Paul McCartney has accused China's wet markets of being "medieval" and "obscene", comparing their continuation to dropping "atomic bombs" on the world.
The former Beatle, who is 77 and so considered to be at increased risk from COVID-19, said he hopes China will take action.
The Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan was closed after being linked to the first cases of coronavirus - it is widely considered to be the source of the outbreak but this has not yet been conclusively proved.
Image: Paul and Linda McCartney and family in 1972. Pic: Sipa/Shutterstock
Speaking to US host Howard Stern on his Sirius XM radio show, McCartney said: "I really hope that this will mean that the Chinese government will say, 'OK, guys, we have really got to get super hygienic around here.'
"Let's face it, it is a little bit medieval eating bats."
A long-time animal rights activist, McCartney has been vegetarian since the 1970s.
Suggesting that wet markets were also to blame for past outbreaks including SARS (Severe acute respiratory syndrome) and avian flu (bird flu), McCartney said: "It wouldn't be so bad if this is the only thing it seems like you can blame on those wet markets.
"It seems like SARS, avian flu, all sorts of other stuff that has afflicted us, and what's it for? For these quite medieval practices. They need to clean up their act. This may lead to it. If this doesn't, I don't know what will."
Image: Paul's wife Nancy Shevell is in lockdown in New York
Popular in China and across Asia, wet markets sell fresh produce and sometimes live animals.
Advertisement
They are used by locals to buy fresh food including chicken, pork, fish and vegetables, at affordable prices.
The marketplaces are termed "wet" due to the fact that floors are often hosed down after vendors wash vegetables or clean fish.
McCartney also discussed the idea of celebrities campaigning for wet markets to be closed.
He said: "I think it makes a lot of sense ... when you've got the obscenity of some of the stuff that's going on there and what comes out of it, they might as well be letting off atomic bombs. It's affecting the whole world.
"I understand that part of it is going to be, 'People have done it for ever, this is the way we do things'. But they did slavery forever, too. You've got to change things at some point."
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
McCartney is currently isolating in Sussex with his daughter Mary and her family.
He said his wife Nancy was in New York when the outbreak took hold, so is unable to travel back to the UK due to the lockdown.
McCartney had been due to headline Glastonbury in June, before the festival was cancelled due to the outbreak.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
He called the cancellation "sad", depriving fans of "something groovy to do in the summer".
McCartney will be playing at the One World: Together At Home concert on Saturday 18 April, organised by Global Citizen and the World Health Organisation in support of healthcare workers on the frontlines of the #COVID19 crisis.


news--2020-04-16--Coronavirus: Concern after Facebook groups call for harassment of 5G engineers

Groups on Facebook have been found calling for the harassment of 5G engineers and celebrating criminal damage to mobile phone masts - despite the social network claiming to be aggressively targeting disinformation .
As the COVID-19 pandemic has spread , infecting more than two million people worldwide , conspiracy theorists are falsely tying the outbreak to the deployment of 5G masts .
Many of these false theories are being promoted on Facebook , where groups have been celebrating suspected arson attacks against masts and sharing advice on how to damage them .
While the company has deleted some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their names , many groups which avoid this convention are evading its moderation efforts .
One group called What Goes Up Mast Come Down , which features a burning telecommunications mast as its header image , includes posts calling for attacks on engineers as well as the masts .
Sky News found a post encouraging people to run 5G workers `` off the site '' in order to shut it down .
Another post claimed `` we are being murdered by the world government '' - a common trope in conspiracy theories - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight or die '' , potentially encouraging more violence .
Sky News also found multiple groups which provide misleading information to users claiming that viruses do not cause disease , alongside tools to search for 5G antennas in their local areas .
A Facebook spokesperson told Sky News : `` Content encouraging attacks on 5G masts and telecom workers clearly violates our policies and we 're proactively taking action on Pages , Groups and posts to remove content that promotes this behaviour .
`` Over the last week , under our existing policies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begun removing false claims that 5G technology causes the symptoms of or contraction of COVID-19 .
`` We are taking aggressive steps to stop misinformation and harmful content from spreading on our platforms and connecting people to accurate information from the NHS about coronavirus . ''
Despite these efforts - which the company says involve a global team of more than 35,000 people - false claims connecting 5G to the coronavirus pandemic remain widespread .
A report from Hope Not Hate flagged two groups , Stop 5G UK and Destroy 5G Save Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down , although Facebook claimed it had already removed Stop 5G UK due to violations of its policy on the promotion of crime .
Senior figures in the telecommunications industry have warned that their engineers are being verbally and physically assaulted while continuing their work during the lockdown .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker After a mast providing network connectivity to the NHS Nightingale field hospital in Birmingham was attacked , Vodafone 's chief executive Nick Jeffrey criticised `` the selfish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' which could rob COVID-19 patients of a final video call to their families from their hospital beds .
While no deaths have yet resulted from the suspected arson attacks , firefighters were forced to evacuate properties in Dagenham , Essex , in the early hours of Tuesday morning after a mast was set ablaze .
Three men have been arrested on suspicion of arson .
Although communications regulator Ofcom does not currently cover social media , the government has proposed the watchdog as the new online harms regulator , enforcing a duty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a letter to the digital , culture , media and sport committee published on Thursday , Ofcom said : `` Clearly there is a role for social media platforms here in identifying and taking down inappropriate content . ''
Sky News has shared the evidence it found with Facebook .
Following publication , a Facebook spokesperson confirmed : `` The Group has been removed for violating our coordinating harm and publicising crime policies . ''

Groups on Facebook have been found calling for the harassment of 5G engineers and celebrating criminal damage to mobile phone masts - despite the social network claiming to be aggressively targeting disinformation.
As the COVID-19 pandemic has spread, infecting more than two million people worldwide, conspiracy theorists are falsely tying the outbreak to the deployment of 5G masts.
Many of these false theories are being promoted on Facebook, where groups have been celebrating suspected arson attacks against masts and sharing advice on how to damage them.
While the company has deleted some of the groups which have "5G" in their names, many groups which avoid this convention are evading its moderation efforts.
One group called What Goes Up Mast Come Down, which features a burning telecommunications mast as its header image, includes posts calling for attacks on engineers as well as the masts.
Sky News found a post encouraging people to run 5G workers "off the site" in order to shut it down.
Another post claimed "we are being murdered by the world government" - a common trope in conspiracy theories - and stated it is "time to fight or die", potentially encouraging more violence.
Image: Posts on the page call for users to 'fight or die'
Sky News also found multiple groups which provide misleading information to users claiming that viruses do not cause disease, alongside tools to search for 5G antennas in their local areas.
A Facebook spokesperson told Sky News: "Content encouraging attacks on 5G masts and telecom workers clearly violates our policies and we're proactively taking action on Pages, Groups and posts to remove content that promotes this behaviour.
Advertisement
"Over the last week, under our existing policies against harmful misinformation, we have also begun removing false claims that 5G technology causes the symptoms of or contraction of COVID-19.
"We are taking aggressive steps to stop misinformation and harmful content from spreading on our platforms and connecting people to accurate information from the NHS about coronavirus."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 Gove: 5G conspiracy theory 'dangerous nonsense'
Despite these efforts - which the company says involve a global team of more than 35,000 people - false claims connecting 5G to the coronavirus pandemic remain widespread.
A report from Hope Not Hate flagged two groups, Stop 5G UK and Destroy 5G Save Our Children, which have since been taken down, although Facebook claimed it had already removed Stop 5G UK due to violations of its policy on the promotion of crime.
Senior figures in the telecommunications industry have warned that their engineers are being verbally and physically assaulted while continuing their work during the lockdown.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
After a mast providing network connectivity to the NHS Nightingale field hospital in Birmingham was attacked, Vodafone's chief executive Nick Jeffrey criticised "the selfish actions" of "deluded conspiracy theorists" which could rob COVID-19 patients of a final video call to their families from their hospital beds.
While no deaths have yet resulted from the suspected arson attacks, firefighters were forced to evacuate properties in Dagenham, Essex, in the early hours of Tuesday morning after a mast was set ablaze.
Three men have been arrested on suspicion of arson.
Although communications regulator Ofcom does not currently cover social media, the government has proposed the watchdog as the new online harms regulator, enforcing a duty of care on online platforms.
In a letter to the digital, culture, media and sport committee published on Thursday, Ofcom said: "Clearly there is a role for social media platforms here in identifying and taking down inappropriate content."
Sky News has shared the evidence it found with Facebook.
Following publication, a Facebook spokesperson confirmed: "The Group has been removed for violating our coordinating harm and publicising crime policies."


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Student nurses 'scared but excited' as they enter workforce early

Volunteer student nurses are `` scared but excited '' to join the NHS front line , as more than 15,000 prepare to start work in UK hospitals in the next few weeks .
Last month , the government called on second and final-year nursing and midwifery students to volunteer and boost NHS capacity as it deals with the COVID-19 pandemic .
Students were not obliged to opt-in but over the past three weeks thousands have joined .
Harriet Nadin , a final-year nursing student at Sheffield Hallam University , told Sky News : `` We do n't know exactly what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's our chance to help and support the NHS , and that 's what we want to do .
`` It 's a bit crazy , '' she added , `` but it 'll be a good opportunity to learn from . ''
Final-year student Emily Woodridge added : `` We want to work in the NHS anyway and as student nurses I think helping out the struggling workforce is definitely top of our priorities . ''
Miss Woodridge , like other final-year students , was not due to start work until after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I do feel nervous , '' she said .
`` It 's the unknown , really , not knowing what it 's going to be like .
`` We are being supported by the university and the individual trusts but it is still quite hard to get your head around that instead of easing into work in September - we 're going straight into this . ''
Volunteers will be paid for their work , and roles will include supporting more experienced NHS staff .
Professor Sally Shearer , executive director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she felt `` humbled '' by the number of students who had volunteered .
`` When we first started talking about doing this , we thought that it could work , '' she said .
`` But then the take-up , commitment and the will of people who want to be able to come and help out at this time , that has just been absolutely outstanding . ''

Volunteer student nurses are "scared but excited" to join the NHS front line, as more than 15,000 prepare to start work in UK hospitals in the next few weeks.
Last month, the government called on second and final-year nursing and midwifery students to volunteer and boost NHS capacity as it deals with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Students were not obliged to opt-in but over the past three weeks thousands have joined.
Image: Student nurse Harriet Nadin says she wants to help and support the NHS
Harriet Nadin, a final-year nursing student at Sheffield Hallam University, told Sky News: "We don't know exactly what we're getting into, but it's our chance to help and support the NHS, and that's what we want to do.
"It's a bit crazy," she added, "but it'll be a good opportunity to learn from."
Final-year student Emily Woodridge added: "We want to work in the NHS anyway and as student nurses I think helping out the struggling workforce is definitely top of our priorities."
Miss Woodridge, like other final-year students, was not due to start work until after the completion of her undergraduate programme.
"I do feel nervous," she said.
"It's the unknown, really, not knowing what it's going to be like.
Advertisement
"We are being supported by the university and the individual trusts but it is still quite hard to get your head around that instead of easing into work in September - we're going straight into this."
Image: Student nurses Harriet Nadin and Emily Woodridge are among those volunteering
Volunteers will be paid for their work, and roles will include supporting more experienced NHS staff.
Professor Sally Shearer, executive director of nursing at Sheffield Children's Hospital, said she felt "humbled" by the number of students who had volunteered.
"When we first started talking about doing this, we thought that it could work," she said.
"But then the take-up, commitment and the will of people who want to be able to come and help out at this time, that has just been absolutely outstanding."


news--2020-04-16--Coronavirus: Burger King, KFC and Pret start to reopen some branches for delivery only

Some of the UK 's high street food brands are offering delivery-only services as they partially reopen some branches .
Burger King , KFC and Pret a Manger all closed their stores three weeks ago under the government 's coronavirus lockdown .
But the fast food chains have reopened a limited number of stores across the country for delivery only .
Government guidelines dictate that while restaurants and bars must close , they may remain open as food delivery services .
A Burger King spokesperson said the firm has opened a select number of restaurants across England as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Two stores in Bristol , one in Coventry and one in Swindon will open , becoming delivery-only outlets via apps such as JustEat and Deliveroo .
The company said more stores will be operational in the coming weeks , and that it will be providing staff with personal protective equipment ( PPE ) such as masks and gloves , and will only have a limited menu available .
It also said it will be donating 1,000 meals per week to staff working at NHS hospitals local to the reopened stores .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for delivery services goes some way to lifting our customers ' spirits in these difficult times , '' said Burger King 's marketing director Katie Evans .
Pret chief executive Pano Christou has told his customers in a blog post that the company has so far delivered 477,000 Pret items to 40 hospitals and 138 of their charity partners .
Ten of its stores in London will reopen for takeaway and delivery , with 160 members of staff volunteering to help prepare a reduced menu .
The chain will also provide essentials for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bread , and butter .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker All 10 stores are located near hospitals - Pret has pledged a 50 % discount for NHS workers for the rest of April and its charity partners will receive an additional 7,000 meals a week .
`` My priority is always to protect our teams and customers as best we can , which means we have put in place a number of new social distancing measures to align with the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
KFC said it has opened 11 several stores across the UK , delivering a limited menu via Deliveroo .
The 11 stores are in : The chain said staff will have the option to return to work , and only those who can travel without the use of public transport will be asked to come back .
KFC said it delivered more than 3,000 meals to NHS staff and other key workers last week , and has committed to providing 100 free meals from every open store every Tuesday to those on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues '' .
`` There 's still a need for affordable , accessible food at this time - so we want to do our part , '' a spokesperson said .

Some of the UK's high street food brands are offering delivery-only services as they partially reopen some branches.
Burger King, KFC and Pret a Manger all closed their stores three weeks ago under the government's coronavirus lockdown.
But the fast food chains have reopened a limited number of stores across the country for delivery only.
Government guidelines dictate that while restaurants and bars must close, they may remain open as food delivery services.
Image: Burger King will reopen four stores - two in Bristol, one in Coventry and one in Swindon
A Burger King spokesperson said the firm has opened a select number of restaurants across England as part of what it calls a "phased reopening".
Two stores in Bristol, one in Coventry and one in Swindon will open, becoming delivery-only outlets via apps such as JustEat and Deliveroo.
The company said more stores will be operational in the coming weeks, and that it will be providing staff with personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves, and will only have a limited menu available.
It also said it will be donating 1,000 meals per week to staff working at NHS hospitals local to the reopened stores.
"We hope that reopening these restaurants for delivery services goes some way to lifting our customers' spirits in these difficult times," said Burger King's marketing director Katie Evans.
Advertisement
Image: Pret A Manger says it will be reopening 10 stores near London hospitals
Pret chief executive Pano Christou has told his customers in a blog post that the company has so far delivered 477,000 Pret items to 40 hospitals and 138 of their charity partners.
Ten of its stores in London will reopen for takeaway and delivery, with 160 members of staff volunteering to help prepare a reduced menu.
The chain will also provide essentials for front line staff such as milk, bread, and butter.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
All 10 stores are located near hospitals - Pret has pledged a 50% discount for NHS workers for the rest of April and its charity partners will receive an additional 7,000 meals a week.
"My priority is always to protect our teams and customers as best we can, which means we have put in place a number of new social distancing measures to align with the government's guidance," Mr Christou wrote.
Image: KFC said it would only ask staff to come in to work who could travel without the aid of public transport
KFC said it has opened 11 several stores across the UK, delivering a limited menu via Deliveroo.
The 11 stores are in:
Heaton Chapel, Manchester
Deansgate, Manchester
Tamworth
New Oscott, Birmingham
Manchester Hulme
Portsmouth
Aldershot
Cardinal Park, Ipswich
Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow
Great Western Park, Glasgow
Coliseum Retail Park, Enfield
The chain said staff will have the option to return to work, and only those who can travel without the use of public transport will be asked to come back.
KFC said it delivered more than 3,000 meals to NHS staff and other key workers last week, and has committed to providing 100 free meals from every open store every Tuesday to those on the front line "while the situation continues".
"There's still a need for affordable, accessible food at this time - so we want to do our part," a spokesperson said.