news--2020-06-15--Coronavirus: Experts will still appear at coronavirus briefings - but 'perhaps not every day'

Medical and scientific advisers will continue to appear at the government 's coronavirus briefings - but `` perhaps not on a daily basis '' .
Dominic Raab was asked about why the weekly appearances by experts have reduced since the beginning of the month .
The foreign secretary , who appeared alone at Monday 's COVID-19 news briefing in Downing Street , said : `` Scientists and the chief and deputy medical officers will continue to come and attend these press conferences .
`` I think it is also true to say that as we go down the road map @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are making , whether it is to business , schools or other areas , we will also bring other independent experts along and make sure we can answer the full range of questions that people have . ''
When it was put to him that there were some questions that medical experts would be better equipped at answering than politicians , Mr Raab responded : `` Well , you have n't tried me on a question I ca n't answer yet but I am happy to be proved wrong .
`` Look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientists and the medical advisers are important .
`` They will continue to attend these press conferences , perhaps not on a daily basis - they 've got a huge amount of other work to do - and undoubtedly the politicians need to answer the judgement calls we make based on the evolving science . ''
It comes after a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said there was not an issue in the government 's relationship with scientists amid the coronavirus pandemic .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spreaker Last week , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps denied reports that Ruth May , the chief nursing officer for England , was dropped from the briefings because she refused to defend Dominic Cummings , the PM 's top adviser .
According to reports , she stood down from a briefing when she refused to support his decision to move his family 260 miles to Durham to stay on his parents ' farm during lockdown .
Reports have suggested that England 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on `` resignation watch '' .
Both men appeared alongside the PM at the coronavirus news conference last Wednesday , but other experts have not been seen at them this month .
Professor Jonathan Van-Tam and Dr Jenny Harries , two of the three deputy chief medical officers for England , last appeared on 30 and 31 May respectively .
Professor Stephen Powis , national medical director of NHS England , has featured at one briefing so far this month , having attended eight of them in May .
Asked by reporters at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an issue between ministers and the scientists , Mr Johnson 's spokesman said : `` No - last week you saw , from memory , the chief medical officer , the chief scientific adviser , you saw NHS England 's medical director , you saw Baroness Harding who is in charge of test and trace , you also saw the Health and Safety Executive and a couple of others as well ... '' There wo n't be an expert there every day but you will still see them . ''

Medical and scientific advisers will continue to appear at the government's coronavirus briefings - but "perhaps not on a daily basis".
Dominic Raab was asked about why the weekly appearances by experts have reduced since the beginning of the month.
The foreign secretary, who appeared alone at Monday's COVID-19 news briefing in Downing Street, said: "Scientists and the chief and deputy medical officers will continue to come and attend these press conferences.
Image: Dominic Raab said politicians will 'need to answer the judgment calls we make based on the evolving science'
"I think it is also true to say that as we go down the road map and start to talk about the changes we are making, whether it is to business, schools or other areas, we will also bring other independent experts along and make sure we can answer the full range of questions that people have."
When it was put to him that there were some questions that medical experts would be better equipped at answering than politicians, Mr Raab responded: "Well, you haven't tried me on a question I can't answer yet but I am happy to be proved wrong.
"Look, you are right to say the scientists and the medical advisers are important.
"They will continue to attend these press conferences, perhaps not on a daily basis - they've got a huge amount of other work to do - and undoubtedly the politicians need to answer the judgement calls we make based on the evolving science."
It comes after a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said there was not an issue in the government's relationship with scientists amid the coronavirus pandemic.
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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Last week, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps denied reports that Ruth May, the chief nursing officer for England, was dropped from the briefings because she refused to defend Dominic Cummings, the PM's top adviser.
According to reports, she stood down from a briefing when she refused to support his decision to move his family 260 miles to Durham to stay on his parents' farm during lockdown.
Reports have suggested that England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance, the government's chief scientific adviser were on "resignation watch".
Both men appeared alongside the PM at the coronavirus news conference last Wednesday, but other experts have not been seen at them this month.
Professor Jonathan Van-Tam and Dr Jenny Harries, two of the three deputy chief medical officers for England, last appeared on 30 and 31 May respectively.
Professor Stephen Powis, national medical director of NHS England, has featured at one briefing so far this month, having attended eight of them in May.
Asked by reporters at a virtual Westminster briefing if there was an issue between ministers and the scientists, Mr Johnson's spokesman said: "No - last week you saw, from memory, the chief medical officer, the chief scientific adviser, you saw NHS England's medical director, you saw Baroness Harding who is in charge of test and trace, you also saw the Health and Safety Executive and a couple of others as well...
"There won't be an expert there every day but you will still see them."


news--2020-06-15--Coronavirus: New rules on face masks should not encourage more public transport use, unions say

People in England are being warned that new rules on wearing face coverings on public transport should not encourage more to use trains and buses .
From today , it will be compulsory for most people to wear a face covering on public transport to help stop the spread of coronavirus .
Rail workers ' leaders said only key workers should continue to use public transport , and that police - rather than frontline transport workers - should enforce the rules .
Manuel Cortes , general secretary of the Transport Salaried Staffs Association , said : `` The changes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to lower transmission of the virus on the transport network .
`` However , this must not be seen as a green light among the wider population to use public transport .
`` It must remain the case that only the key workers who are keeping us safe during the pandemic continue to use public transport . ''
He also stressed that people should continue to follow the two-metre distancing rule .
Rail , Maritime and Transport union general secretary Mick Cash said : `` RMT has been campaigning for face masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public transport and it is right that the police and not transport staff will be responsible for enforcing this new legislation .
`` We have advised our members to avoid conflict situations in the event of any passengers refusing to wear face coverings . ''
It is now also mandatory for all hospital staff , visitors and outpatients to wear face coverings .
The World Health Organisation has recommended the use of face masks in settings where social distancing is not possible , including shops and public transport .
But it said masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect from COVID-19 .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker There have been several studies on the effectiveness of face masks in curbing the spread of coronavirus .
A modelling study from the universities of Cambridge and Greenwich suggested that requiring everyone to wear a face mask in public , combined with on/off lockdowns , would prevent a second wave of coronavirus for 18 months .
The government 's scientific advisory group has said the evidence of coverings preventing the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is `` marginal but positive '' .
A report published in The Lancet which used data from 172 studies in 16 countries found that by wearing a face mask there is just a 3 % chance of catching COVID-19 .

People in England are being warned that new rules on wearing face coverings on public transport should not encourage more to use trains and buses.
From today, it will be compulsory for most people to wear a face covering on public transport to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
Rail workers' leaders said only key workers should continue to use public transport, and that police - rather than frontline transport workers - should enforce the rules.
Image: A commuter wearing a face mask at Clapham Common tube station
Manuel Cortes, general secretary of the Transport Salaried Staffs Association, said: "The changes in the rules are welcome as they are likely to lower transmission of the virus on the transport network.
"However, this must not be seen as a green light among the wider population to use public transport.
"It must remain the case that only the key workers who are keeping us safe during the pandemic continue to use public transport."
He also stressed that people should continue to follow the two-metre distancing rule.
Rail, Maritime and Transport union general secretary Mick Cash said: "RMT has been campaigning for face masks to be made compulsory for passengers on public transport and it is right that the police and not transport staff will be responsible for enforcing this new legislation.
"We have advised our members to avoid conflict situations in the event of any passengers refusing to wear face coverings."
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It is now also mandatory for all hospital staff, visitors and outpatients to wear face coverings.
The World Health Organisation has recommended the use of face masks in settings where social distancing is not possible, including shops and public transport.
But it said masks "on their own" will not protect from COVID-19.
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
There have been several studies on the effectiveness of face masks in curbing the spread of coronavirus.
A modelling study from the universities of Cambridge and Greenwich suggested that requiring everyone to wear a face mask in public, combined with on/off lockdowns, would prevent a second wave of coronavirus for 18 months.
The government's scientific advisory group has said the evidence of coverings preventing the spread of infection from one person to another is "marginal but positive".
A report published in The Lancet which used data from 172 studies in 16 countries found that by wearing a face mask there is just a 3% chance of catching COVID-19.


news--2020-06-15--Coronavirus: Lockdown shouldn't be eased more until 'effective' contact tracing in place, says WHO o

Coronavirus: Lockdown shouldn't be eased more until 'effective' contact tracing in place, says WHO official

England 's lockdown restrictions should not be eased further until the government 's contact tracing system is `` robust and effective '' , a World Health Organisation ( WHO ) official has said .
WHO 's regional European director Hans Kluge said the UK remains in a `` very active phase of the pandemic '' and should be cautious in lifting any restrictions .
`` Contact tracing is key especially as the UK starts to relax the social and physical distancing measures , '' he told The Guardian .
`` There has to be a robust track-and-trace system in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two members of the government 's scientific advisory council ( SAGE ) told Sky News last month the lockdown should not be eased until the test and trace system was a proven success .
In its first week of operation , the system had managed to identify nearly 32,000 people who came into close contact with someone who had tested positive for COVID-19 .
But one third of people who tested positive could not be reached by the system or refused to hand over their contacts .
Baroness Harding , the head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was not yet at the `` gold standard '' and would improve over the summer .
Mr Kluge said the tracking of nearly 32,000 contacts was encouraging , but that Downing Street would need to be convinced it could `` aggressively '' track infections if it were to reopen the economy .
Countries which imposed early lockdowns had managed to record fewer deaths , the WHO official said , but would now be judged on how they ease their restrictions .
`` We know that early lockdowns saved lives and bought some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready , '' he said .
`` But I would rather than instead of looking to the past , jump to the future and say that the question of lifting the lockdown is as important as going to the lockdown .
`` The key words here are to do it gradually .
Do it carefully . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Prime Minister Boris Johnson is under pressure from Tory backbenchers and business leaders to lift restrictions further , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead to mass unemployment .
`` We know that the situation in the UK is still being taken very seriously , '' Mr Kluge said .
`` But we also know that it is a balance between three factors : population health , economic and social , and the third is the wellbeing of the people .
`` So whatever the country decides : be ready .
It is not over .
`` And whatever decision you make , please make sure it is based on public health and epidemiological observations . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with non-essential shops reopening and shoppers encouraged to hit the high streets .
Ministers are also reviewing the two-metre distancing rule , as the prime minister said decreasing numbers of coronavirus cases has given the government `` more margin for manoeuvre '' .
A total of 41,698 people have died with coronavirus in the UK , with a further 36 deaths announced on Sunday .

England's lockdown restrictions should not be eased further until the government's contact tracing system is "robust and effective", a World Health Organisation (WHO) official has said.
WHO's regional European director Hans Kluge said the UK remains in a "very active phase of the pandemic" and should be cautious in lifting any restrictions.
"Contact tracing is key especially as the UK starts to relax the social and physical distancing measures," he told The Guardian.
"There has to be a robust track-and-trace system in place of operation."
It comes after two members of the government's scientific advisory council (SAGE) told Sky News last month the lockdown should not be eased until the test and trace system was a proven success.
In its first week of operation, the system had managed to identify nearly 32,000 people who came into close contact with someone who had tested positive for COVID-19.
But one third of people who tested positive could not be reached by the system or refused to hand over their contacts.
Baroness Harding, the head of the test and trace programme, admitted it was not yet at the "gold standard" and would improve over the summer.
Mr Kluge said the tracking of nearly 32,000 contacts was encouraging, but that Downing Street would need to be convinced it could "aggressively" track infections if it were to reopen the economy.
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Image: World Health Organisation official Hans Kluge
Countries which imposed early lockdowns had managed to record fewer deaths, the WHO official said, but would now be judged on how they ease their restrictions.
"We know that early lockdowns saved lives and bought some time for the health system to be ready," he said.
"But I would rather than instead of looking to the past, jump to the future and say that the question of lifting the lockdown is as important as going to the lockdown.
"The key words here are to do it gradually. Do it carefully."
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 Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is under pressure from Tory backbenchers and business leaders to lift restrictions further, as there are fears the lockdown could lead to mass unemployment.
"We know that the situation in the UK is still being taken very seriously," Mr Kluge said.
"But we also know that it is a balance between three factors: population health, economic and social, and the third is the wellbeing of the people.
"So whatever the country decides: be ready. It is not over.
"And whatever decision you make, please make sure it is based on public health and epidemiological observations."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:09 Professor Ferguson: Earlier lockdown would have saved lives
England is relaxing some restrictions on Monday, with non-essential shops reopening and shoppers encouraged to hit the high streets.
Ministers are also reviewing the two-metre distancing rule, as the prime minister said decreasing numbers of coronavirus cases has given the government "more margin for manoeuvre".
A total of 41,698 people have died with coronavirus in the UK, with a further 36 deaths announced on Sunday.


news--2020-06-13--Coronavirus: Racism has contributed to COVID-19's disproportionate impact on BAME community, leaked

Coronavirus: Racism has contributed to COVID-19's disproportionate impact on BAME community, leaked report shows

An official review has found `` racism , discrimination and social inequalities '' have contributed to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on people from black , Asian and minority ethnic ( BAME ) communities , Sky News has learned .
The revelation forms part of a report by Public Health England ( PHE ) that still has n't been published in full by the government , in a section newly obtained by Sky News .
The document , written by Professor Kevin Fenton from Public Health England , includes recommendations to protect BAME people from COVID-19 .
It was put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the BAME community 's `` deep dismay , anger , loss and fear '' during the COVID-19 pandemic .
In the executive summary of this review , obtained by Sky News , it says : `` It is clear from discussions with stakeholders the pandemic exposed and exacerbated long-standing inequalities affecting BAME communities in the UK . ''
The review also highlighted how many BAME people are in key worker roles , meaning they `` may be more exposed to COVID-19 , and therefore are more likely to be diagnosed '' .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to racism and discrimination experienced by communities and more specifically BAME key workers as a root cause to exposure risk and disease progression . ''
During the engagement with stakeholders , PHE also found that there were major worries around the second phase of COVID-19 and the impact this could have on the BAME community .
The engagement sessions highlighted the BAME community 's deep concern that , if lessons are not learnt from the initial phase of this epidemic , future waves of the disease could again have severe and disproportionate impacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` held back '' by the government because of `` current global tensions '' such as the Black Lives Matter movement , Sky News can reveal .
Whitehall sources told Sky News releasing this element would be in `` too close proximity '' to the protests .
But this was almost two weeks ago when the data analysis of PHE 's review was rapidly published by the government .
Responding to this leaked document , shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said : `` The impact of COVID-19 on people from BAME communities is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for many it can be fatal .
`` This should demand urgent action from ministers .
Instead we have had misleading statements and a lack of transparency .
`` We should n't have to rely on leaks .
This report should be published in full ASAP and action taken .
Labour have been raising concerns for weeks and calling for greater use of targeted testing and protection for staff on frontline for example . ''
In a statement sent to Sky News on Sunday , A PHE spokesperson said : `` the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to analyse how different factors can impact on people 's health outcomes from Covid 19 .
This was published in full on 2 June .
`` In parallel , Professor Fenton , on PHE 's behalf , engaged with a significant number of individuals and organisations within the BAME community , to hear their views , concerns and ideas about the impact of COVID-19 on their communities .
`` This important engagement work will inform the work the Equalities Minister is now taking forward .
We intend to both formally submit this work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will publish it at the same time . ''
Earlier in the week , Sky News revealed the recommendations made by Public Health England which also feature in the document obtained .
The executive summary is split into five elements , including long-standing inequalities exacerbated by COVID-19 , increased risk of exposure , increased risk of complications and death and racism , discrimination , stigma , fear and trust .
Race and Revolution : Is Change Going to Come ?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Black Lives Matter protests , and examining institutional racism and how we fix it .
If you would like to be part of our virtual audience , and have a chance of putting a question to our panel , please send your name , location and question to newsdebates @ sky.uk

An official review has found "racism, discrimination and social inequalities" have contributed to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on people from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, Sky News has learned.
The revelation forms part of a report by Public Health England (PHE) that still hasn't been published in full by the government, in a section newly obtained by Sky News.
The document, written by Professor Kevin Fenton from Public Health England, includes recommendations to protect BAME people from COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 22:52 Generation COVID on their new future
It was put together after engagement with 4,000 stakeholders expressing the BAME community's "deep dismay, anger, loss and fear" during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the executive summary of this review, obtained by Sky News, it says: "It is clear from discussions with stakeholders the pandemic exposed and exacerbated long-standing inequalities affecting BAME communities in the UK."
The review also highlighted how many BAME people are in key worker roles, meaning they "may be more exposed to COVID-19, and therefore are more likely to be diagnosed".
The review also states: "Stakeholders pointed to racism and discrimination experienced by communities and more specifically BAME key workers as a root cause to exposure risk and disease progression."
During the engagement with stakeholders, PHE also found that there were major worries around the second phase of COVID-19 and the impact this could have on the BAME community.
The engagement sessions highlighted the BAME community's deep concern that, if lessons are not learnt from the initial phase of this epidemic, future waves of the disease could again have severe and disproportionate impacts.
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This element of the review was "held back" by the government because of "current global tensions" such as the Black Lives Matter movement, Sky News can reveal.
Whitehall sources told Sky News releasing this element would be in "too close proximity" to the protests.
But this was almost two weeks ago when the data analysis of PHE's review was rapidly published by the government.
Responding to this leaked document, shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: "The impact of COVID-19 on people from BAME communities is serious, and as the data shows for many it can be fatal.
"This should demand urgent action from ministers. Instead we have had misleading statements and a lack of transparency.
"We shouldn't have to rely on leaks. This report should be published in full ASAP and action taken. Labour have been raising concerns for weeks and calling for greater use of targeted testing and protection for staff on frontline for example."
In a statement sent to Sky News on Sunday, A PHE spokesperson said: "the government commissioned PHE to conduct an epidemiological review to analyse how different factors can impact on people's health outcomes from Covid 19. This was published in full on 2 June.
"In parallel, Professor Fenton, on PHE's behalf, engaged with a significant number of individuals and organisations within the BAME community, to hear their views, concerns and ideas about the impact of COVID-19 on their communities.
"This important engagement work will inform the work the Equalities Minister is now taking forward. We intend to both formally submit this work to the minister next week, and will publish it at the same time."
Earlier in the week, Sky News revealed the recommendations made by Public Health England which also feature in the document obtained.
The executive summary is split into five elements, including long-standing inequalities exacerbated by COVID-19, increased risk of exposure, increased risk of complications and death and racism, discrimination, stigma, fear and trust.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:19 'I've had enough' - anti-racism protester
Race and Revolution: Is Change Going to Come?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm - looking at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests, and examining institutional racism and how we fix it.
If you would like to be part of our virtual audience, and have a chance of putting a question to our panel, please send your name, location and question to newsdebates@sky.uk


news--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: McLaren picks advisers as bondholder row revs up

The owner of the McLaren Formula One ( F1 ) team has bolstered its line-up of City advisers amid tense negotiations with bondholders about the company ’ s future .
Sky News has learnt that McLaren Group has hired a restructuring team at Deloitte , the accountancy firm , and Global Leisure Partners to work alongside JP Morgan , the Wall Street bank , to thrash out a deal that will enable it to raise more than £250m of new funding as it battles coronavirus headwinds .
The appointments come during a standoff between McLaren and bondholders which in extreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to finance itself .
Existing lenders say they have been been angered by a plan - revealed by Sky News last month - for McLaren to borrow up to £275m against its classic car collection and spectacular Surrey headquarters .
Insiders said the company had written to a group of bondholders which oppose the plan to disclose the new advisers in the last few days .
One person said the appointment of a restructuring and insolvency team from Deloitte was an indication that McLaren 's board members were aware of their fiduciary obligations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represented by the law firm Paul Hastings insist that they already have security over the disputed assets , and are demanding that the supercar maker 's shareholders inject a substantial amount of new equity into the company .
That demand is encountering resistance from the company because investors led by Mumtalakat , Bahrain 's sovereign wealth fund , injected £300m of equity into McLaren as recently as March .
The company is understood to have told lenders that existing shareholders were not willing to inject further equity into McLaren .
`` There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and this is simply an attempt by the bondholders to gouge more money out of it , '' one person close to McLaren said .
A source said the bondholder group had indicated that it wanted to engage constructively with the company , but that it was prepared to block a financial restructuring that did not meet its approval .
The escalating row comes a week after McLaren axed a quarter of its workforce as it races to shore up its balance sheet .
McLaren said it would cut 1200 jobs across its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at its road car and F1 operations .
The company has seen revenues stall at its road-car business , although it - along with the rest of the F1 paddock - has been given a boost by Boris Johnson 's decision to allow two Grands Prix to take place at Silverstone in July by exempting the sport 's personnel from quarantine restrictions .
McLaren 's drive to access new funding has been accelerated in the wake of a request for a £150m loan from the government being rejected .
Sky News revealed last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy ( BEIS ) with the funding request after seeing sales of its supercars evaporate as a result of the COVID-19 crisis .
The government is said to have rejected the initial approach from McLaren on the basis that it had not yet demonstrated that it had exhausted alternative sources of financing .
McLaren is a major British exporter , supporting thousands of jobs across the UK supply chain .
The dispute with bondholders comes not long after McLaren parachuted in Paul Walsh , the heavyweight former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - a move that stoked speculation that McLaren 's shareholders ultimately wanted to take the company public .
McLaren 's on-track operations , which are headed by Zak Brown and include its participation in the Indianapolis 500 race , account for roughly 20 % of the group 's annual revenues .
It has struck sponsorship deals with companies including Darktrace , the cybersecurity software provider , and upgraded British American Tobacco to a `` principal partnership '' - despite the ban on tobacco advertising in the sport .
McLaren 's road-car division , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McLaren Automotive , makes some of the world 's most expensive cars , with models including the Senna - named after its legendary former F1 driver , Ayrton Senna .
The unit , which is run by Mike Flewitt , represents the majority of the group 's sales .
The British company saw its separate divisions reunited following the departure in 2017 of Ron Dennis , the veteran McLaren boss who had steered its F1 team through the most successful period in its history .
He became one of Britain 's best-known businessmen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a wide range of other industries through lucrative commercial partnerships .
Mr Dennis offloaded his stake in a £275m deal following a bitter dispute with fellow shareholders .
He had presented to McLaren 's board a £1.65bn takeover bid from a consortium of Chinese investors , but did not attract support for it from boardroom colleagues .

The owner of the McLaren Formula One (F1) team has bolstered its line-up of City advisers amid tense negotiations with bondholders about the company’s future.
Sky News has learnt that McLaren Group has hired a restructuring team at Deloitte, the accountancy firm, and Global Leisure Partners to work alongside JP Morgan, the Wall Street bank, to thrash out a deal that will enable it to raise more than £250m of new funding as it battles coronavirus headwinds.
The appointments come during a standoff between McLaren and bondholders which in extreme circumstances could jeopardise the company's ability to finance itself.
Image: A general view of former McLaren racing cars at their centre in Woking, Surrey. 12/9/2017
Existing lenders say they have been been angered by a plan - revealed by Sky News last month - for McLaren to borrow up to £275m against its classic car collection and spectacular Surrey headquarters.
Insiders said the company had written to a group of bondholders which oppose the plan to disclose the new advisers in the last few days.
One person said the appointment of a restructuring and insolvency team from Deloitte was an indication that McLaren's board members were aware of their fiduciary obligations as directors.
Bondholders who are being represented by the law firm Paul Hastings insist that they already have security over the disputed assets, and are demanding that the supercar maker's shareholders inject a substantial amount of new equity into the company.
Image: A McLaren F1 car
That demand is encountering resistance from the company because investors led by Mumtalakat, Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund, injected £300m of equity into McLaren as recently as March.
The company is understood to have told lenders that existing shareholders were not willing to inject further equity into McLaren.
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"There are other options available to the company, and this is simply an attempt by the bondholders to gouge more money out of it," one person close to McLaren said.
A source said the bondholder group had indicated that it wanted to engage constructively with the company, but that it was prepared to block a financial restructuring that did not meet its approval.
The escalating row comes a week after McLaren axed a quarter of its workforce as it races to shore up its balance sheet.
McLaren said it would cut 1200 jobs across its operations after the coronavirus pandemic hit revenues at its road car and F1 operations.
The company has seen revenues stall at its road-car business, although it - along with the rest of the F1 paddock - has been given a boost by Boris Johnson's decision to allow two Grands Prix to take place at Silverstone in July by exempting the sport's personnel from quarantine restrictions.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:16 Govt rejects McLaren's £150m loan request
McLaren's drive to access new funding has been accelerated in the wake of a request for a £150m loan from the government being rejected.
Sky News revealed last month that McLaren had approached the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) with the funding request after seeing sales of its supercars evaporate as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
The government is said to have rejected the initial approach from McLaren on the basis that it had not yet demonstrated that it had exhausted alternative sources of financing.
McLaren is a major British exporter, supporting thousands of jobs across the UK supply chain.
The dispute with bondholders comes not long after McLaren parachuted in Paul Walsh, the heavyweight former boss of Diageo, as executive chairman - a move that stoked speculation that McLaren's shareholders ultimately wanted to take the company public.
McLaren's on-track operations, which are headed by Zak Brown and include its participation in the Indianapolis 500 race, account for roughly 20% of the group's annual revenues.
It has struck sponsorship deals with companies including Darktrace, the cybersecurity software provider, and upgraded British American Tobacco to a "principal partnership" - despite the ban on tobacco advertising in the sport.
McLaren's road-car division, which was previously a semi-independent company called McLaren Automotive, makes some of the world's most expensive cars, with models including the Senna - named after its legendary former F1 driver, Ayrton Senna.
The unit, which is run by Mike Flewitt, represents the majority of the group's sales.
The British company saw its separate divisions reunited following the departure in 2017 of Ron Dennis, the veteran McLaren boss who had steered its F1 team through the most successful period in its history.
He became one of Britain's best-known businessmen, expanding McLaren's technology ventures into a wide range of other industries through lucrative commercial partnerships.
Mr Dennis offloaded his stake in a £275m deal following a bitter dispute with fellow shareholders.
He had presented to McLaren's board a £1.65bn takeover bid from a consortium of Chinese investors, but did not attract support for it from boardroom colleagues.
McLaren declined to comment on Tuesday.


news--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: Endangered seahorse makes a comeback due to lockdown

An endangered species of seahorse has returned to its former stronghold in Dorset due to the coronavirus lockdown , marine conservationists say .
The Seahorse Trust says during one regular dive at Studland Bay , it found 16 spiny seahorses - including pregnant males and a juvenile that had been born this year - its largest daily discovery there since 2008 , and the first sighting for two years .
The charity believes it is down to fewer people and boat traffic in the area - with less noise associated with anchors - since COVID-19 measures were introduced more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says the ecology of the site has made a `` remarkable '' comeback .
`` We have seen so many seahorses because the food chain has recovered , giving seahorses plenty of food to eat , and crucially , somewhere to hide , '' he said .
`` The seagrass has started to repair itself , and the spiny seahorses have taken advantage of this . ''
Both of the UK 's native seahorse species - the spiny and the short snouted - were granted protected status in 2008 under the Wildlife and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Studland Bay was finally designated as a Marine Conservation Zone last year in recognition of the importance of its seagrass habitat and seahorse population .
`` The question is how we go forward , '' Mr Garrick-Maidment added , saying they `` do not want boats and divers banned '' , but that the tiny marine fish and seagrass `` do need their legal protection enforced '' .
He said : `` The 16 seahorses discovered on a single dive are an amazing discovery , but we now need the Marine Management @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to enforce the Wildlife and Countryside Act and the Marine Conservation Zone and put in place measures such as environmentally friendly moorings .
`` The seahorses need protection to stop them being disturbed again as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted , and to stop them vanishing from this legally protected site .
`` We have a unique opportunity to help nature and to restore the balance of our planet .
`` We must grab this with both hands , for the seagrass , for the sea , for humanity and crucially for these incredible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker This week , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

An endangered species of seahorse has returned to its former stronghold in Dorset due to the coronavirus lockdown, marine conservationists say.
The Seahorse Trust says during one regular dive at Studland Bay, it found 16 spiny seahorses - including pregnant males and a juvenile that had been born this year - its largest daily discovery there since 2008, and the first sighting for two years.
The charity believes it is down to fewer people and boat traffic in the area - with less noise associated with anchors - since COVID-19 measures were introduced more than two months ago.
Image: Pregnant males were discovered and a juvenile that had been born this year. Pic: The Seahorse Trust
Founder Neil Garrick-Maidment says the ecology of the site has made a "remarkable" comeback.
"We have seen so many seahorses because the food chain has recovered, giving seahorses plenty of food to eat, and crucially, somewhere to hide," he said.
"The seagrass has started to repair itself, and the spiny seahorses have taken advantage of this."
Both of the UK's native seahorse species - the spiny and the short snouted - were granted protected status in 2008 under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
After years of campaigning, Studland Bay was finally designated as a Marine Conservation Zone last year in recognition of the importance of its seagrass habitat and seahorse population.
"The question is how we go forward," Mr Garrick-Maidment added, saying they "do not want boats and divers banned", but that the tiny marine fish and seagrass "do need their legal protection enforced".
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He said: "The 16 seahorses discovered on a single dive are an amazing discovery, but we now need the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and Natural England to enforce the Wildlife and Countryside Act and the Marine Conservation Zone and put in place measures such as environmentally friendly moorings.
"The seahorses need protection to stop them being disturbed again as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, and to stop them vanishing from this legally protected site.
"We have a unique opportunity to help nature and to restore the balance of our planet.
"We must grab this with both hands, for the seagrass, for the sea, for humanity and crucially for these incredible seahorses."
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
This week, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: Speeders put lives at risk on lockdown's empty roads

Reckless drivers have been taking advantage of quiet roads during lockdown to drive at `` truly shocking '' speeds , according to police data obtained by the RAC .
It revealed that two-thirds of Britain 's police forces had caught people driving at more than 100mph in the first three weeks of lockdown .
The Metropolitan Police recorded one driver doing 163mph , while another was clocked at 151mph on the M62 motorway in West Yorkshire , 81mph over the limit .
Five other forces detected motorists driving at more than 130mph - Suffolk , Northamptonshire , Gwent , Staffordshire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman Simon Williams described the speeds as `` truly shocking '' and warned that motorists travelling this fast have `` virtually no time to react should anything unexpected happen '' .
He went on : `` Some drivers have taken advantage of quieter roads to speed excessively , putting the lives of others at risk at the worst possible time .
`` It 's encouraging that so many police forces have taken firm action even during the lockdown , which sends a strong message to other would-be offenders . ''
: : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Detective Superintendent Andy Cox , who leads the Metropolitan Police 's work on investigating fatal and serious road collisions , told Sky News : `` Since lockdown speeding enforcement by roads policing officers in London is up 119 % and extreme speeding enforcement is up 181 % when comparing the same period in 2019 .
`` This includes 345 offences of 100mph or more with the highest being 163mph .
`` Though of particular concern are speeds in 'urban roads ' where we know more vulnerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have experienced 110mph in a 30 and 73mph in a 20 road limit .
Department for Transport figures show that road traffic was around two-thirds lower than normal for the first few weeks after the lockdown was introduced on 23 March , when people were urged to stay at home and avoid non-essential travel .
The RAC sent freedom of information requests to all forces in Britain .
Twenty out of the 30 forces to provide data recorded speeds in excess of 100mph .
Across Britain there were 17,363 speeding offences recorded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three weeks from 23 March .
This week from today to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Reckless drivers have been taking advantage of quiet roads during lockdown to drive at "truly shocking" speeds, according to police data obtained by the RAC.
It revealed that two-thirds of Britain's police forces had caught people driving at more than 100mph in the first three weeks of lockdown.
The Metropolitan Police recorded one driver doing 163mph, while another was clocked at 151mph on the M62 motorway in West Yorkshire, 81mph over the limit.
Five other forces detected motorists driving at more than 130mph - Suffolk, Northamptonshire, Gwent, Staffordshire, and Kent.
RAC road safety spokesman Simon Williams described the speeds as "truly shocking" and warned that motorists travelling this fast have "virtually no time to react should anything unexpected happen".
He went on: "Some drivers have taken advantage of quieter roads to speed excessively, putting the lives of others at risk at the worst possible time.
"It's encouraging that so many police forces have taken firm action even during the lockdown, which sends a strong message to other would-be offenders."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Detective Superintendent Andy Cox, who leads the Metropolitan Police's work on investigating fatal and serious road collisions, told Sky News: "Since lockdown speeding enforcement by roads policing officers in London is up 119% and extreme speeding enforcement is up 181% when comparing the same period in 2019.
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"This includes 345 offences of 100mph or more with the highest being 163mph.
"Though of particular concern are speeds in 'urban roads' where we know more vulnerable road users are walking or cycling; we have experienced 110mph in a 30 and 73mph in a 20 road limit.
Department for Transport figures show that road traffic was around two-thirds lower than normal for the first few weeks after the lockdown was introduced on 23 March, when people were urged to stay at home and avoid non-essential travel.
The RAC sent freedom of information requests to all forces in Britain. Twenty out of the 30 forces to provide data recorded speeds in excess of 100mph.
Across Britain there were 17,363 speeding offences recorded on roads with 30mph limits in the three weeks from 23 March.
This week from today to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: Health secretary pledges action on BAME COVID-19 deaths

`` Much more work needs to be done '' to understand the impact of the coronavirus on black , Asian and minority ethnic ( BAME ) communities , a minister has admitted .
Speaking at the daily COVID-19 briefing , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he had been `` really struck '' by the `` clear difference '' in the proportion of people dying with coronavirus who are from ethnic minority backgrounds .
`` I totally understand the concerns that people have and I understand the anger that people feel about racial injustice more broadly , '' he said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The health secretary added : `` I share it [ the anger ] and we want to tackle it .
I fully acknowledge that and it is very very important that we address that . ''
Mr Hancock was speaking after the release of a report from Public Health England which said that BAME individuals are up to twice as likely to die with the virus than those from a white British background .
The report showed that , after accounting for the effect of sex , age , deprivation and region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have around twice the risk of death .
Chinese , Indian , Pakistani , other Asian , Caribbean and other black ethnicities had between a 10 % and 50 % greater risk of dying .
The highest diagnosis rate per 100,000 population was in black ethnic groups ( 486 in females and 649 in males ) and the lowest in white ethnic groups ( 220 in females and 224 in males ) .
The health secretary said `` there 's much more work that needs to be done and this report shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister Kemi Badenoch has been asked to carry out further work on the issue in response to the PHE report .
He added that the government would be looking at `` what is driving these disparities and how the different risk factors interact '' with ethnicity - such as age , gender and occupation - and what more could be done .
Mr Hancock said the link between ethnicity and the occupations that people do `` is an important part of this conundrum '' , adding that more work was needed to find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and above '' the impact of being in frontline jobs and living in urban areas .
Ministers have been criticised for failing to offer specific recommendations for BAME communities to help protect themselves .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Critics have also said that the PHE report restated what is already widely known about the effect of COVID-19 on those from ethnic minorities .
Labour 's shadow women and equalities secretary Marsha de Cordova said : `` This review confirms what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health inequalities amplify the risks of COVID-19 . ''
She added : `` But when it comes to the question of how we reduce these disparities , it is notably silent .
It presents no recommendations .
Having the information is a start - but now is the time for action . ''
Asked what he would say to people from BAME communities worried about the risk from coronavirus , Mr Hancock said : `` The number one thing I 'd say is that for anybody in a higher risk group , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to follow the social distancing guidelines , including the work on social distancing at work that has been published .
`` For all of the different high risk categories that the data demonstrates , it 's really important that people follow those social distancing guidelines very stringently .
`` We 've been very clear about this from the start about those who either have a medical condition and as the PHE report says , age is the number one risk factor .
Around 90 % of deaths are of the over 65s .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the same as to everybody , but with more emphasis .
`` Social distancing is the best way to keep yourself safe and keep others safe , alongside the hygiene and washing your hands and making sure that if you have symptoms , get a test . ''
The health secretary said he understood the `` yearning '' for specific measures , saying `` we will put action in place as soon as we can '' .
`` We wo n't wait for a report - I 've got to talk to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I totally understand the urgency , the importance and the sensitivity of getting this right , '' Mr Hancock said .
This week until Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

"Much more work needs to be done" to understand the impact of the coronavirus on black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, a minister has admitted.
Speaking at the daily COVID-19 briefing, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he had been "really struck" by the "clear difference" in the proportion of people dying with coronavirus who are from ethnic minority backgrounds.
"I totally understand the concerns that people have and I understand the anger that people feel about racial injustice more broadly," he said, declaring: "Black lives matter."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:33 PHE disparity review is 'damp squib'
The health secretary added: "I share it [the anger] and we want to tackle it. I fully acknowledge that and it is very very important that we address that."
Mr Hancock was speaking after the release of a report from Public Health England which said that BAME individuals are up to twice as likely to die with the virus than those from a white British background.
The report showed that, after accounting for the effect of sex, age, deprivation and region, people of Bangladeshi ethnicity were found to have around twice the risk of death.
Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, other Asian, Caribbean and other black ethnicities had between a 10% and 50% greater risk of dying.
The highest diagnosis rate per 100,000 population was in black ethnic groups (486 in females and 649 in males) and the lowest in white ethnic groups (220 in females and 224 in males).
The health secretary said "there's much more work that needs to be done and this report shows that".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:41 How hospitals are protecting BAME staff
Mr Hancock said equalities minister Kemi Badenoch has been asked to carry out further work on the issue in response to the PHE report.
He added that the government would be looking at "what is driving these disparities and how the different risk factors interact" with ethnicity - such as age, gender and occupation - and what more could be done.
Mr Hancock said the link between ethnicity and the occupations that people do "is an important part of this conundrum", adding that more work was needed to find out what factors there were "over and above" the impact of being in frontline jobs and living in urban areas.
Ministers have been criticised for failing to offer specific recommendations for BAME communities to help protect themselves.
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
Critics have also said that the PHE report restated what is already widely known about the effect of COVID-19 on those from ethnic minorities.
Labour's shadow women and equalities secretary Marsha de Cordova said: "This review confirms what we already knew - that racial and health inequalities amplify the risks of COVID-19."
She added: "But when it comes to the question of how we reduce these disparities, it is notably silent. It presents no recommendations. Having the information is a start - but now is the time for action."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:36 Figures show lowest levels of excess deaths
Asked what he would say to people from BAME communities worried about the risk from coronavirus, Mr Hancock said: "The number one thing I'd say is that for anybody in a higher risk group, the most important thing to do is stringently to follow the social distancing guidelines, including the work on social distancing at work that has been published.
"For all of the different high risk categories that the data demonstrates, it's really important that people follow those social distancing guidelines very stringently.
"We've been very clear about this from the start about those who either have a medical condition and as the PHE report says, age is the number one risk factor. Around 90% of deaths are of the over 65s.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:34 Schools reopen, but many children stay home
"The direct answer to the question is the same as to everybody, but with more emphasis.
"Social distancing is the best way to keep yourself safe and keep others safe, alongside the hygiene and washing your hands and making sure that if you have symptoms, get a test."
The health secretary said he understood the "yearning" for specific measures, saying "we will put action in place as soon as we can".
"We won't wait for a report - I've got to talk to Kemi about a timeline for it... but I totally understand the urgency, the importance and the sensitivity of getting this right," Mr Hancock said.
This week until Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-06-01--Coronavirus: Nurseries facing struggle to survive under new COVID-19 rules

More than 70 % of nurseries in England say they expect to operate at a loss in the next three months - with a warning the industry is on a `` knife-edge '' because of COVID-19 .
New research , shared with Sky News , shows that although nurseries in England have reopened , on average just 35 % of children have returned .
For some , the future is bleak , with 4 % of nurseries saying that without help from the government they may have to close for good .
Official coronavirus guidelines now limit nursery groups to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be kept in a social bubble .
Those rules , along with a fall in the number of children returning , mean many nurseries are now struggling to find their businesses viable .
The National Day Nurseries Association , which represents around 21,000 nurseries in the UK , surveyed its members in England over a four-day period .
It is now calling on the government to provide a transformation fund to help them adapt to the new ways of working .
Purnima Tanuku , the charity 's chief executive , said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occupancy to be able to break even .
`` At 35 % occupancy levels , unless they can increase their fees and there is additional support , unfortunately many of them wo n't survive . ''
She added : `` It is knife-edge time because those which were teetering on the line before COVID started - this is going to be the last straw for them .
`` In terms of the additional pressures they are going to have to take up , not just maintaining the distance and looking after children , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really struggling and those are the ones that are going to close down . ''
Tigers Nursery in Thatcham , Berkshire , reopened this week with 80 children attending - around half the normal number .
Operations manager Jane Tubb - who runs three nurseries in the group - said although they do not expect to have to close , the impact is significant .
`` I do think some settings will really struggle to get through this .
This term - the summer term - is where we make the funds to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' We 've not been able to do that .
This is a long-term issue .
Lots of parents are saying we 're going to leave it a few weeks - lots of families feel very anxious about returning to normal . ''
Larger nursery groups are also calling for more help .
Its director , Ash Grover , said : `` Typically across our group we 're now operating at about 40 % of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as it is , and you 're operating at 40 % and your staffing levels are well above that , it 's difficult . ''
Nurseries have been able to access some support to furlough staff , but many nurseries that have continued to provide care to the children of key workers throughout the pandemic - at a loss - say they have been left short .
The Department for Education did not respond to the charity 's request for extra funding , but Children and Families minister Vicky Ford told Sky News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heroic efforts to support families at this difficult time and I am grateful for the way they have worked with us to make sure we support parents and keep children safe .
`` It 's testament to the great impact nurseries , preschools and childminders have on children 's education and the reassurance they offer families that so many parents are confident in returning their child to childcare from 1 June .
`` We have been working very closely with the sector as we begin the wider opening of settings , and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect them during these unprecedented times . ''
This week until Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

More than 70% of nurseries in England say they expect to operate at a loss in the next three months - with a warning the industry is on a "knife-edge" because of COVID-19.
New research, shared with Sky News, shows that although nurseries in England have reopened, on average just 35% of children have returned.
For some, the future is bleak, with 4% of nurseries saying that without help from the government they may have to close for good.
Official coronavirus guidelines now limit nursery groups to a maximum of 16 children - who must be kept in a social bubble.
Those rules, along with a fall in the number of children returning, mean many nurseries are now struggling to find their businesses viable.
The National Day Nurseries Association, which represents around 21,000 nurseries in the UK, surveyed its members in England over a four-day period.
Image: Around 4% of nurseries say they may have to close for good without government help
It is now calling on the government to provide a transformation fund to help them adapt to the new ways of working.
Purnima Tanuku, the charity's chief executive, said: "Normally nurseries would need 80% occupancy to be able to break even.
"At 35% occupancy levels, unless they can increase their fees and there is additional support, unfortunately many of them won't survive."
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She added: "It is knife-edge time because those which were teetering on the line before COVID started - this is going to be the last straw for them.
"In terms of the additional pressures they are going to have to take up, not just maintaining the distance and looking after children, but financially they're going to be really struggling and those are the ones that are going to close down."
Tigers Nursery in Thatcham, Berkshire, reopened this week with 80 children attending - around half the normal number.
Operations manager Jane Tubb - who runs three nurseries in the group - said although they do not expect to have to close, the impact is significant.
"I do think some settings will really struggle to get through this. This term - the summer term - is where we make the funds to progress through the other two terms.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"We've not been able to do that. This is a long-term issue. Lots of parents are saying we're going to leave it a few weeks - lots of families feel very anxious about returning to normal."
Larger nursery groups are also calling for more help.
Storal Learning runs 20 nurseries, including The Honey Tree Nursery in Bristol.
Its director, Ash Grover, said: "Typically across our group we're now operating at about 40% of our regular occupancy. When margins are thin as it is, and you're operating at 40% and your staffing levels are well above that, it's difficult."
Nurseries have been able to access some support to furlough staff, but many nurseries that have continued to provide care to the children of key workers throughout the pandemic - at a loss - say they have been left short.
The Department for Education did not respond to the charity's request for extra funding, but Children and Families minister Vicky Ford told Sky News: "Early years professionals have made heroic efforts to support families at this difficult time and I am grateful for the way they have worked with us to make sure we support parents and keep children safe.
"It's testament to the great impact nurseries, preschools and childminders have on children's education and the reassurance they offer families that so many parents are confident in returning their child to childcare from 1 June.
"We have been working very closely with the sector as we begin the wider opening of settings, and have provided significant financial and business support to protect them during these unprecedented times."
This week until Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: 'Tarzan-like mentality' behind government ending remote voting

A senior Conservative MP has told Sky News that a `` Tarzan-like mentality '' is behind the government 's controversial scrapping of online voting for MPs , as Boris Johnson survived a Tory revolt on the issue .
Leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg on Tuesday introduced plans for MPs to no longer be able to vote remotely , as they did last month .
Instead , in order to take part in votes , the government is demanding MPs now be physically present in parliament , albeit votes will take place in a way consistent with social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the issue on Tuesday afternoon , in scenes that saw a long line of MPs snake through the parliamentary estate .
Sky News ' chief political correspondent Jon Craig even directed Chancellor Rishi Sunak to where he was supposed to be queuing to vote in order to maintain social distancing rules .
A number of parliamentarians voiced their disquiet , describing the votes as a `` farce '' , `` absurd '' and `` completely unsafe '' , while experts said it may have put them at risk of catching COVID-19 .
Conservative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Rees-Mogg was insisting that parliament `` goes back to the 18th century '' Mr Rees-Mogg pushed ahead with the plans despite protests from MPs who are shielding during the coronavirus crisis .
However , he did announce a partial climbdown by announcing a fresh government motion , to be tabled on Wednesday , which would allow MPs unable to attend on medical grounds to take part in certain Commons proceedings .
The government had previously intended to end the `` hybrid '' system that allowed MPs to join debates remotely via the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led to concerns from the Equalities and Human Rights Commission .
The government 's plans were approved by 261 votes to 163 - a majority of 98 .
An amendment to allow a return to remote voting was defeated by 185 votes to 242 , a majority of 57 , after a 46-minute division .
According to the division list , 31 Conservative MPs rebelled to support the amendment .
Senior Conservative Robert Halfon , who is among those MPs shielding themselves due to COVID-19 , expressed his anger at the government ending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MPs such as Mr Halfon will be able to make use of the informal `` pairing '' system during Commons votes .
But Mr Halfon called for the government to allow shielding MPs to be granted proxy votes , as are allowed for MPs on maternity leave .
`` It is wrong and morally unjust to then say to those MPs : 'You are disenfranchised , we are going to snip away at your parliamentary rights and turn you into parliamentary eunuchs . '
, '' he told Sky News .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attitude that COVID-19 is the sniffles and , if you ca n't come in , 'tough luck , we do n't care , you ca n't do your duty and vote ' . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Harlow MP , who is chair of the Commons education committee , added : `` There 's a Tarzan-like mentality from the traditionalists in the House of Commons who think if you are not there you should n't do anything .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ swing through the division lobbies like Tarzan , beating your chest saying to your constituents 'look I 'm here ' , you 're not doing your job properly .
`` Well , I 've done my job properly for each of the last ten weeks at home , working for my constituents .
`` But I want my right to choose whether to vote .
There is no excuse for this . ''
Linda Bauld , professor of public health at the University of Edinburgh , said it was `` insane '' to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She told the Press Association : `` I thought that was a really insane idea to require people to go back into Westminster , in terms of infection controls . ''
Professor Bauld added that the science was evolving , but `` it would n't be outside the realm of possibility that immediately occupying the same space as somebody who 's been speaking could be a risk '' .
Lawrence Young , professor of molecular oncology at Warwick Medical School , University of Warwick , also told PA : `` Keeping socially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is an increased risk of infection in an indoors environment where there is no breeze or air movement .
`` Respiratory droplets can spread the virus ( even from asymptomatic individuals ) and recent work suggests that simply breathing or talking could release tiny particles which can stay suspended in the air in a fine mist produced when infected people exhale . ''
This week until Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

A senior Conservative MP has told Sky News that a "Tarzan-like mentality" is behind the government's controversial scrapping of online voting for MPs, as Boris Johnson survived a Tory revolt on the issue.
Leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg on Tuesday introduced plans for MPs to no longer be able to vote remotely, as they did last month.
Instead, in order to take part in votes, the government is demanding MPs now be physically present in parliament, albeit votes will take place in a way consistent with social distancing guidelines.
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The Commons voted on the issue on Tuesday afternoon, in scenes that saw a long line of MPs snake through the parliamentary estate.
Sky News' chief political correspondent Jon Craig even directed Chancellor Rishi Sunak to where he was supposed to be queuing to vote in order to maintain social distancing rules.
A number of parliamentarians voiced their disquiet, describing the votes as a "farce", "absurd" and "completely unsafe", while experts said it may have put them at risk of catching COVID-19.
Conservative MP for Mid Norfolk George Freeman said Mr Rees-Mogg was insisting that parliament "goes back to the 18th century"
Mr Rees-Mogg pushed ahead with the plans despite protests from MPs who are shielding during the coronavirus crisis.
However, he did announce a partial climbdown by announcing a fresh government motion, to be tabled on Wednesday, which would allow MPs unable to attend on medical grounds to take part in certain Commons proceedings.
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Image: Jacob Rees-Mogg wants to scrap remote voting Pic: UK Parliament/ Jessica Taylor
The government had previously intended to end the "hybrid" system that allowed MPs to join debates remotely via the Zoom video conferencing platform.
This had led to concerns from the Equalities and Human Rights Commission.
The government's plans were approved by 261 votes to 163 - a majority of 98.
An amendment to allow a return to remote voting was defeated by 185 votes to 242, a majority of 57, after a 46-minute division.
According to the division list, 31 Conservative MPs rebelled to support the amendment.
Senior Conservative Robert Halfon, who is among those MPs shielding themselves due to COVID-19, expressed his anger at the government ending remote voting.
Mr Rees-Mogg has said MPs such as Mr Halfon will be able to make use of the informal "pairing" system during Commons votes.
But Mr Halfon called for the government to allow shielding MPs to be granted proxy votes, as are allowed for MPs on maternity leave.
"It is wrong and morally unjust to then say to those MPs: 'You are disenfranchised, we are going to snip away at your parliamentary rights and turn you into parliamentary eunuchs.'," he told Sky News.
"It is a President [Jair] Bolsanaro attitude that COVID-19 is the sniffles and, if you can't come in, 'tough luck, we don't care, you can't do your duty and vote'."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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The Harlow MP, who is chair of the Commons education committee, added: "There's a Tarzan-like mentality from the traditionalists in the House of Commons who think if you are not there you shouldn't do anything.
"And, if you can't swing through the division lobbies like Tarzan, beating your chest saying to your constituents 'look I'm here', you're not doing your job properly.
"Well, I've done my job properly for each of the last ten weeks at home, working for my constituents.
"But I want my right to choose whether to vote. There is no excuse for this."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:52 MPs grapple with virtual democracy
Linda Bauld, professor of public health at the University of Edinburgh, said it was "insane" to make MPs come back to the Commons.
She told the Press Association: "I thought that was a really insane idea to require people to go back into Westminster, in terms of infection controls."
Professor Bauld added that the science was evolving, but "it wouldn't be outside the realm of possibility that immediately occupying the same space as somebody who's been speaking could be a risk".
Lawrence Young, professor of molecular oncology at Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, also told PA: "Keeping socially distanced is important as is recognising that there is an increased risk of infection in an indoors environment where there is no breeze or air movement.
"Respiratory droplets can spread the virus (even from asymptomatic individuals) and recent work suggests that simply breathing or talking could release tiny particles which can stay suspended in the air in a fine mist produced when infected people exhale."
This week until Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: Excess deaths in England and Wales at lowest level since March

Excess deaths in England and Wales are at their lowest level since late March , according to the Office for National Statistics .
There were 12,288 registered deaths from all causes in the week ending 22 May - 2,348 more than the five-year average .
But the figure is well down on the height of the pandemic when weekly totals reached 22,351 deaths - nearly 12,000 more than normal .
Excess deaths measure the number recorded above the historical average .
Sky News economics editor Ed Conway said : `` The gap is at the lowest it 's been since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` So clearly you can see the mortality consequences are starting to abate now . ''
However , Conway added that across the whole of the UK since the pandemic began , figures show about 62,000 excess deaths from all causes - with around 48,000 put down to the coronavirus .
Of the latest 12,288 deaths registered in England and Wales , `` novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) '' was mentioned in 2,589 ( 21.1 % ) of them - down from 3,810 ( 26.1 % ) the week before .
That is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the last seven weeks , according to the ONS .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Care home deaths linked to the coronavirus fell from 37.2 % of all deaths in that setting to 32.5 % .
Looking at the outbreak as a whole over the last nine weeks , ONS head of health analysis Nick Stripe said the breakdown is : The ONS records a coronavirus death whenever it is mentioned anywhere on the death certificate , including in combination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not always be the main cause of death but may be a contributory factor .
A COVID-19 death will also be counted where the doctor completing the death certificate identified relevant symptoms and diagnosed a possible case of the disease , but no test was conducted .
This week until Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Excess deaths in England and Wales are at their lowest level since late March, according to the Office for National Statistics.
There were 12,288 registered deaths from all causes in the week ending 22 May - 2,348 more than the five-year average.
But the figure is well down on the height of the pandemic when weekly totals reached 22,351 deaths - nearly 12,000 more than normal.
Excess deaths measure the number recorded above the historical average.
Sky News economics editor Ed Conway said: "The gap is at the lowest it's been since the early days of this pandemic.
"So clearly you can see the mortality consequences are starting to abate now."
However, Conway added that across the whole of the UK since the pandemic began, figures show about 62,000 excess deaths from all causes - with around 48,000 put down to the coronavirus.
Of the latest 12,288 deaths registered in England and Wales, "novel coronavirus (COVID-19)" was mentioned in 2,589 (21.1%) of them - down from 3,810 (26.1%) the week before.
That is the lowest number of deaths involving COVID-19 in the last seven weeks, according to the ONS.
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Care home deaths linked to the coronavirus fell from 37.2% of all deaths in that setting to 32.5%.
Looking at the outbreak as a whole over the last nine weeks, ONS head of health analysis Nick Stripe said the breakdown is:
Hospitals = 27,945 COVID deaths and 17,679 (42%) deaths above five-year averages
Care homes = 12,724 COVID deaths and 25,940 (137%) deaths above five-year averages
Private homes = 1,968 COVID deaths and 13,958 (67%) deaths above five-year averages
The ONS records a coronavirus death whenever it is mentioned anywhere on the death certificate, including in combination with other health conditions.
It will not always be the main cause of death but may be a contributory factor.
A COVID-19 death will also be counted where the doctor completing the death certificate identified relevant symptoms and diagnosed a possible case of the disease, but no test was conducted.
This week until Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: Law firm sees 40% rise in divorce inquiries during UK lockdown

Divorce inquiries have increased by more than 40 % during the coronavirus lockdown , lawyers have claimed .
Law firms typically see a surge in divorce inquiries in January following rows over Christmas .
But since the nationwide lockdown was enforced to curb the spread of COVID-19 , couples have been spending an increased amount of time together and arguing over money worries , according to one law firm .
Co-op Legal Services said it had seen a 42 % increase in divorce inquiries between 23 March and mid-May , compared with the same period in 2019. : : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The law firm said that while lockdown has been a treasured time for households to spend together , it has also prompted some couples who were considering divorce to take the step .
It added that Friday is the most common day for people to inquire about divorce , followed by Tuesday .
Tracey Moloney , head of family law at Co-op Legal Services , said : `` We know that divorce can be a difficult decision at any time , and often couples have already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tried mediation before they begin the process .
`` Currently , concerns about finances , employment , coupled with the fact that households are having to spend an increased amount of time together can add strain on relationships .
`` However , divorce is life-changing for all involved and so it 's really important that couples do n't go into divorce lightly and as a result of the current situation we find ourselves in . ''
Ms Moloney advised those thinking about getting a divorce at this time to consider potential resolutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the lockdown could have pushed them into making a decision too quickly .
She also said couples who are separating should consider the logistics of living apart while staying safe during the pandemic and working out financial matters between them .

Divorce inquiries have increased by more than 40% during the coronavirus lockdown, lawyers have claimed.
Law firms typically see a surge in divorce inquiries in January following rows over Christmas.
But since the nationwide lockdown was enforced to curb the spread of COVID-19, couples have been spending an increased amount of time together and arguing over money worries, according to one law firm.
Co-op Legal Services said it had seen a 42% increase in divorce inquiries between 23 March and mid-May, compared with the same period in 2019.
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The law firm said that while lockdown has been a treasured time for households to spend together, it has also prompted some couples who were considering divorce to take the step.
It added that Friday is the most common day for people to inquire about divorce, followed by Tuesday.
Tracey Moloney, head of family law at Co-op Legal Services, said: "We know that divorce can be a difficult decision at any time, and often couples have already considered divorcing for a number of months and tried mediation before they begin the process.
"Currently, concerns about finances, employment, coupled with the fact that households are having to spend an increased amount of time together can add strain on relationships.
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"However, divorce is life-changing for all involved and so it's really important that couples don't go into divorce lightly and as a result of the current situation we find ourselves in."
Ms Moloney advised those thinking about getting a divorce at this time to consider potential resolutions and to acknowledge that the extreme circumstances of the lockdown could have pushed them into making a decision too quickly.
She also said couples who are separating should consider the logistics of living apart while staying safe during the pandemic and working out financial matters between them.


news--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: Current COVID-19 hotspots - and how your area compares

While a decline in the daily number of new coronavirus cases and deaths means the government can begin to ease the UK 's lockdown , the disease has not yet been eradicated .
Sky News analysis of data from recent weeks shows how prevalent COVID-19 remains across England and Wales , detailing how many cases are being reported in your area .
Figures at a local level should be read with caution as the volatility attached to small numbers is high , but a look at the weekly new number of cases can provide a more up-to-date picture of where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - as seen in the map below .
Although cases will be under-reported due to asymptomatic carriers and limited testing capacity , the map indicates Wales is home to many of the areas currently most affected .
Eight of the 10 UK areas with the highest rate of cases in the last week of May were in Wales .
Only two areas in England featured in that 10 , each of which has more than 17 new cases per 100,000 population .
The Welsh areas with the highest rates were Denbighshire , Conwy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Merthyr Tydfil , Isle of Anglesey , Gwynedd , and Vale of Glamorgan .
The English areas were Ashford and Blackpool .
You can use the chart below to see how your area compares to these hotspots .
Compared with the peak , the number of cases is at a relatively low level across all regions .
But as the graph below shows , the disease is still present in communities throughout England and Wales .
The government will need to keep track of where the greatest concentrations of the disease emerge in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flare-ups will be countered with local lockdowns .
The other key measure the government will monitor closely is the R number - which is the average number of people that an infected person will pass the virus on to .
When this number is well below 1 , a disease will die out .
The R number was estimated to be between 2 and 3 across the country at the beginning of the outbreak , but the government said it had dropped to between 0.7 and 0.9 when it gave an update on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Unfortunately , this metric is not available at local level and varies in different populations - depending on factors including age and how frequently people come into contact with each other .
An accurate estimation of this number at a local level would help to provide a more complete picture of how each area is responding to the easing of lockdown measures .
The number of deaths is another measure to track the epidemic - and the graph above shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But there is a lag between the time a person becomes infected and the point where they recover or die .
It therefore takes longer for the number of deaths to increase .
The Office for National Statistics publishes the weekly number of deaths from each local authority , but with a delay of around a fortnight .
The latest publication corresponded to the week ending 22 May .
It showed that Hertsmere , Harrow and Brent have been the areas worst affected by the disease , with more than 140 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the death certificate per 100,000 population .
To keep the number of new cases and deaths down , the government has set up a `` test and trace '' programme , whereby anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has been infected with COVID-19 will be asked to isolate for 14 days - even if they have no symptoms .

While a decline in the daily number of new coronavirus cases and deaths means the government can begin to ease the UK's lockdown, the disease has not yet been eradicated.
Sky News analysis of data from recent weeks shows how prevalent COVID-19 remains across England and Wales, detailing how many cases are being reported in your area.
Figures at a local level should be read with caution as the volatility attached to small numbers is high, but a look at the weekly new number of cases can provide a more up-to-date picture of where the coronavirus epidemic is at the moment - as seen in the map below.
Although cases will be under-reported due to asymptomatic carriers and limited testing capacity, the map indicates Wales is home to many of the areas currently most affected.
Eight of the 10 UK areas with the highest rate of cases in the last week of May were in Wales.
Only two areas in England featured in that 10, each of which has more than 17 new cases per 100,000 population.
The Welsh areas with the highest rates were Denbighshire, Conwy, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wrexham, Merthyr Tydfil, Isle of Anglesey, Gwynedd, and Vale of Glamorgan.
The English areas were Ashford and Blackpool.
You can use the chart below to see how your area compares to these hotspots.
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Compared with the peak, the number of cases is at a relatively low level across all regions.
But as the graph below shows, the disease is still present in communities throughout England and Wales.
The government will need to keep track of where the greatest concentrations of the disease emerge in future, and has said that such flare-ups will be countered with local lockdowns.
The other key measure the government will monitor closely is the R number - which is the average number of people that an infected person will pass the virus on to.
When this number is well below 1, a disease will die out.
The R number was estimated to be between 2 and 3 across the country at the beginning of the outbreak, but the government said it had dropped to between 0.7 and 0.9 when it gave an update on 28 May.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Unfortunately, this metric is not available at local level and varies in different populations - depending on factors including age and how frequently people come into contact with each other.
An accurate estimation of this number at a local level would help to provide a more complete picture of how each area is responding to the easing of lockdown measures.
The number of deaths is another measure to track the epidemic - and the graph above shows this metric is down across all regions.
But there is a lag between the time a person becomes infected and the point where they recover or die.
It therefore takes longer for the number of deaths to increase.
The Office for National Statistics publishes the weekly number of deaths from each local authority, but with a delay of around a fortnight.
The latest publication corresponded to the week ending 22 May.
It showed that Hertsmere, Harrow and Brent have been the areas worst affected by the disease, with more than 140 people who have died with COVID-19 registered on the death certificate per 100,000 population.
To keep the number of new cases and deaths down, the government has set up a "test and trace" programme, whereby anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has been infected with COVID-19 will be asked to isolate for 14 days - even if they have no symptoms.