news--2020-05-18--High street lender Lloyds faces investor backlash over bosses' pay

The UK 's biggest high street lender is facing an investor revolt this week over its boardroom pay policy , despite cutting the maximum windfall available to its long-serving chief executive .
Sky News has learnt that Lloyds Banking Group is braced for a `` substantial minority '' of institutional shareholders to oppose its new pay policy at its annual general meeting on Thursday .
The prospect of a backlash has been fuelled by a recommendation from Institutional Shareholder Services ( ISS ) , an influential proxy adviser , to oppose the new three-year remuneration policy .
The resolution is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not thought likely to come close to losing the vote on it .
Despite its expected victory , a sizeable vote against the pay policy would come at a sensitive time , with politicians and pay campaigners putting FTSE-100 boards on notice that they will be scrutinising pay awards more intently amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Like the other major UK banks , Lloyds was effectively ordered to cancel its 2019 dividend , and defer any payouts that would have accrued during the course of this year .
That instruction came from banking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be sufficiently capitalised to lend money to households and businesses hit by the COVID-19 pandemic .
In response , Lloyds has said that its executive directors and executive committee members will not be considered for annual bonus awards this year .
Last month , the lender , which also owns the Halifax and Scottish Widows brands , said first-quarter profits had crashed by 95 % after taking a £1.4bn charge to cover the cost of loan defaults by customers amid the coronavirus crisis .
Under the new pay policy , Antonio Horta-Osorio , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to earn a maximum annual package of just under £6.3m , almost 25 % lower than the current maximum of £8.3m .
Part of that reduction has been generated by a sharp cut in his pension allowance following a vocal campaign led by investors who have sought to curb bosses ' retirement contributions in line with those of their workforces .
ISS 's opposition to Lloyds ' new policy stems from what it says is an insufficient discount being applied by the bank to long-term share awards being handed to Mr Horta-Osorio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief .
Lloyds is proposing to replace its previous performance-based incentive plan - which had a maximum payout for Mr Horta-Osorio of four times his base salary - with a new scheme that would pay up to 200 % of his salary after several years , but which is less closely linked to future performance Such plans use what is referred to as restricted stock , which has become more widespread in blue-chip boardrooms despite the antipathy of some large institutions .
Some shareholders believe the virtually guaranteed nature of restricted stock payouts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investors .
BT Group is proposing to utilise restricted stock for the first time this year , while Whitbread , the Premier Inn owner , saw a sizeable minority vote against its deployment of a similar model - also on the basis of the discount its board had applied .
In its report to clients , ISS said `` the size of the reduction is not considered to adequately offset the higher certainty of payout introduced by the new plan , having also taken into account the overall mix of pay that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It added that there were also questions `` regarding the mechanics of the plan , as there is limited transparency into how award levels will be determined '' .
People close to Lloyds questioned ISS 's calculations of the discount , insisting that it was in line with the Investment Association 's recommendation that restricted stock plans should pay no more than half the level of performance-based share awards .
On Monday , a Lloyds spokesman said it had undertaken an extensive consultation on variable pay and the adoption of restricted share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reward opportunities .
`` The purpose was to ensure our remuneration policy proposals are fair and informed by changes in best practice as well as maintaining strong shareholder alignment , '' he said .
`` We gained considerable positive feedback and support from major shareholders to the changes . ''
Unusually , several large Lloyds shareholders were also prepared to speak out in support of the company 's new pay policy .
Harris Associates , the bank 's second-biggest investor , said in a statement : `` We are deeply supportive of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have made to deliver a better , more efficient , effective and valuable Lloyds .
`` We fully support the Board and the management team , especially as the compensation plan has already cut a measurable part of the fixed compensation , and will be voting , on behalf of the clients who hold shares in LBG through our funds , in favour of all the resolutions at Lloyds Banking Group 's forthcoming AGM . ''
Artisan and Lansdowne Partners , two other top-20 shareholders , also confirmed publicly that they would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major investor said ISS 's recommendation to oppose the resolution meant that a `` substantial minority '' of Lloyds shareholders were likely to vote against it .

The UK's biggest high street lender is facing an investor revolt this week over its boardroom pay policy, despite cutting the maximum windfall available to its long-serving chief executive.
Sky News has learnt that Lloyds Banking Group is braced for a "substantial minority" of institutional shareholders to oppose its new pay policy at its annual general meeting on Thursday.
The prospect of a backlash has been fuelled by a recommendation from Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), an influential proxy adviser, to oppose the new three-year remuneration policy.
The resolution is a binding one, although Lloyds is not thought likely to come close to losing the vote on it.
Despite its expected victory, a sizeable vote against the pay policy would come at a sensitive time, with politicians and pay campaigners putting FTSE-100 boards on notice that they will be scrutinising pay awards more intently amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Like the other major UK banks, Lloyds was effectively ordered to cancel its 2019 dividend, and defer any payouts that would have accrued during the course of this year.
That instruction came from banking regulators anxious that lenders were seen to be sufficiently capitalised to lend money to households and businesses hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response, Lloyds has said that its executive directors and executive committee members will not be considered for annual bonus awards this year.
Image: Lloyds Banking Group is the UK's biggest high street lender
Last month, the lender, which also owns the Halifax and Scottish Widows brands, said first-quarter profits had crashed by 95% after taking a £1.4bn charge to cover the cost of loan defaults by customers amid the coronavirus crisis.
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Under the new pay policy, Antonio Horta-Osorio, Lloyds' chief executive, would be able to earn a maximum annual package of just under £6.3m, almost 25% lower than the current maximum of £8.3m.
Part of that reduction has been generated by a sharp cut in his pension allowance following a vocal campaign led by investors who have sought to curb bosses' retirement contributions in line with those of their workforces.
ISS's opposition to Lloyds' new policy stems from what it says is an insufficient discount being applied by the bank to long-term share awards being handed to Mr Horta-Osorio and William Chalmers, its new finance chief.
Lloyds is proposing to replace its previous performance-based incentive plan - which had a maximum payout for Mr Horta-Osorio of four times his base salary - with a new scheme that would pay up to 200% of his salary after several years, but which is less closely linked to future performance
Such plans use what is referred to as restricted stock, which has become more widespread in blue-chip boardrooms despite the antipathy of some large institutions.
Some shareholders believe the virtually guaranteed nature of restricted stock payouts mean they diverge from the interests of investors.
BT Group is proposing to utilise restricted stock for the first time this year, while Whitbread, the Premier Inn owner, saw a sizeable minority vote against its deployment of a similar model - also on the basis of the discount its board had applied.
In its report to clients, ISS said "the size of the reduction is not considered to adequately offset the higher certainty of payout introduced by the new plan, having also taken into account the overall mix of pay that will be 'at-risk' across the package".
It added that there were also questions "regarding the mechanics of the plan, as there is limited transparency into how award levels will be determined".
People close to Lloyds questioned ISS's calculations of the discount, insisting that it was in line with the Investment Association's recommendation that restricted stock plans should pay no more than half the level of performance-based share awards.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:10 Apr 2020: Banks raise interest on many mortgages
On Monday, a Lloyds spokesman said it had undertaken an extensive consultation on variable pay and the adoption of restricted share awards, including expected reductions in maximum reward opportunities.
"The purpose was to ensure our remuneration policy proposals are fair and informed by changes in best practice as well as maintaining strong shareholder alignment," he said.
"We gained considerable positive feedback and support from major shareholders to the changes."
Unusually, several large Lloyds shareholders were also prepared to speak out in support of the company's new pay policy.
Harris Associates, the bank's second-biggest investor, said in a statement: "We are deeply supportive of the successful efforts that Antonio and his team have made to deliver a better, more efficient, effective and valuable Lloyds.
"We fully support the Board and the management team, especially as the compensation plan has already cut a measurable part of the fixed compensation, and will be voting, on behalf of the clients who hold shares in LBG through our funds, in favour of all the resolutions at Lloyds Banking Group's forthcoming AGM."
Artisan and Lansdowne Partners, two other top-20 shareholders, also confirmed publicly that they would be endorsing the new pay policy.
One major investor said ISS's recommendation to oppose the resolution meant that a "substantial minority" of Lloyds shareholders were likely to vote against it.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: Police hunt pair who 'licked hands and wiped them on supermarket food'

Police are searching for two men who licked their hands in a supermarket and wiped them over meat , fresh food and fridge handles .
Officers say the pair who entered the Sainsbury 's store in Lancaster Road , Morecambe , at about 1.45pm on Saturday .
Inspector James Martin , of Lancashire Police , said the store was thoroughly disinfected after the incident and the food had to be destroyed .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He also condemned the men 's actions in light of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could think this sort of behaviour is appropriate or amusing even in normal times is beyond me , but at this time of crisis when many people have been faced with empty shelves in some shops is flabbergasting , '' he said .
`` It is utterly despicable and I would appeal for anyone who knows who these people are to get in touch . ''
One offender is described as aged in his early 20s , white , with black hair , and wearing a black jacket , black tracksuit bottoms and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his early 20s , white , also with dark hair , wearing a black jacket , white hooded top , black tracksuit bottoms and hiking boots .
Anyone with information should call 101 quoting log number 0693 of 4 April .

Police are searching for two men who licked their hands in a supermarket and wiped them over meat, fresh food and fridge handles.
Officers say the pair who entered the Sainsbury's store in Lancaster Road, Morecambe, at about 1.45pm on Saturday.
Inspector James Martin, of Lancashire Police, said the store was thoroughly disinfected after the incident and the food had to be destroyed.
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He also condemned the men's actions in light of the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
"That anyone could think this sort of behaviour is appropriate or amusing even in normal times is beyond me, but at this time of crisis when many people have been faced with empty shelves in some shops is flabbergasting," he said.
"It is utterly despicable and I would appeal for anyone who knows who these people are to get in touch."
One offender is described as aged in his early 20s, white, with black hair, and wearing a black jacket, black tracksuit bottoms and grey trainers.
The other is also in his early 20s, white, also with dark hair, wearing a black jacket, white hooded top, black tracksuit bottoms and hiking boots.
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Anyone with information should call 101 quoting log number 0693 of 4 April.


news--2020-04-04--University of Warwick hiding data security risks from students and staff

Students and staff at the University of Warwick have been left in the dark about critical cyber security issues which could have allowed hackers to steal their data , Sky News has learnt .
An internal audit of IT systems at the university found security was not only unable to prevent hackers accessing data , but it could n't even have detected whether they had done so , according to the document seen by Sky News .
The university 's executive office knew of these issues last July , but chose not to inform staff and students about the dangers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last month an executive summary of another audit - this time by the data protection watchdog , the Information Commissioner 's Office - was published , providing the first mention of these security risks which either students or staff had heard about .
As part of the ICO 's audit , more than 60 recommendations were made to the university regarding how it secures personal data , 15 of which were rated urgent .
The details of these issues were not included in the executive summary , which noted that a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the university 's executive function '' .
But well before the regulator 's audit this year , a number of critical vulnerabilities had been known to the university 's executive since at least last July , Sky News has learnt , when their own internal audit was completed .
Summarising this work , the auditors wrote : `` Our findings suggest that there are insufficient cyber security measures in place to adequately protect IT systems and data . ''
They added that their testing `` indicated that existing IT security could not detect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , giving hackers free range to probe the university network .
Not only were these basic security standards missing , but they added : `` No solution was in place to detect if data was to be accessed , copied or changed . ''
So even after a breach took place , there was nothing in place at the university to identify it , meaning staff and students could have already been victims of data breaches but there would be no evidence to inform them of it .
Many of the vulnerabilities identified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to publicly reveal in detail , but they include the widespread use of software with known vulnerabilities and a lack of control on the creation and password protection of administrator accounts .
Despite the huge risk these issues introduced for staff and students using the University 's systems to store personal data and potentially valuable academic work , there were no warnings sent to them last July .
In a statement to Sky News , the University 's director of press and policy , Peter Dunn , said that `` the audit was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month '' .
It is not clear what this communication was , and whether any efforts were made to communicate the security issues to students .
Multiple students and staff who Sky News spoke to said they had not been informed .
Mr Dunn was unable to clarify the above , and whether the audit he referenced was the ICO audit , an executive summary of which is publicly available , or the more damning internal audit which Sky News had seen .
He said : `` Obviously the great majority of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and staff are working from home as best they can so there is nothing more I will be able to provide until normal operations resume . ''
Mr Dunn did not respond to Sky News suggesting he communicate with those colleagues via email while they were working from home .
A spokesperson for the ICO said : `` We contacted the University of Warwick to assess their data protection practices as part of an audit .
`` This followed concerns we had about how the university was handling personal data .
We made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be following up to assess improvements made . ''
Jim Killock , the executive director of Open Rights Group , said : `` The ICO seems to have done an excellent job assessing poor management and dodgy data security practices at Warwick .
`` It is appalling that the university itself understood that it was running risks and hid these from staff and students .
`` Transparency and recognition that change is needed is vital for any institution to learn and improve .
The ICO should impose fines if the University does n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
Universities are `` an attractive target for adversaries , '' warned Zeki Turedi , technology strategist at cyber security firm CrowdStrike .
`` Now more than ever , as universities prioritise their research initiatives and entire departments are working hard to support efforts to understand and respond to COVID-19 , foreign entities will be looking to gain access to critical information . ''
Mr Turedi noted two universities based in Hong Kong were hacked earlier this year by an organisation based in China known as Wicked Panda .
Last year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued a warning to universities in the UK that they were facing key cyber threats from criminals seeking financial gain , and from state-sponsored hackers looking to steal personal data and intellectual property .
CrowdStrike 's Mr Turedi said it was critical that universities have a holistic view of their environment , just as the July audit recommended , and have control and visibility over all of the activity in their network .
`` This includes having an understanding of the broader threat environment so they can understand adversaries and their techniques , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on indicators to improve their overall defences , '' he added .
Following publication of this article , the department for education sent Sky News a statement from Universities Minister Michelle Donelan , who said : `` It is imperative that student and staff data is secure .
`` Every university must ensure their online security is as robust as possible to protect private data from cyber threats .
`` I expect the University of Warwick to implement the recommendations made by the Information Commissioner 's Office regarding how it secures personal data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ institution to follow the world-leading cyber security advice provided by the National Cyber Security Centre on their website . ''
If you would like to contact Alexander Martin , you can reach him securely using the private messaging app Signal on +44 ( 0 ) 7970 376 704 or at aj.martin @ sky.uk via email

Students and staff at the University of Warwick have been left in the dark about critical cyber security issues which could have allowed hackers to steal their data, Sky News has learnt.
An internal audit of IT systems at the university found security was not only unable to prevent hackers accessing data, but it couldn't even have detected whether they had done so, according to the document seen by Sky News.
The university's executive office knew of these issues last July, but chose not to inform staff and students about the dangers they faced using Warwick's network.
Last month an executive summary of another audit - this time by the data protection watchdog, the Information Commissioner's Office - was published, providing the first mention of these security risks which either students or staff had heard about.
As part of the ICO's audit, more than 60 recommendations were made to the university regarding how it secures personal data, 15 of which were rated urgent.
Image: The ICO audit made more than 60 security recommendations to the university
The details of these issues were not included in the executive summary, which noted that a number of technical vulnerabilities were "communicated separately to the university's executive function".
But well before the regulator's audit this year, a number of critical vulnerabilities had been known to the university's executive since at least last July, Sky News has learnt, when their own internal audit was completed.
Summarising this work, the auditors wrote: "Our findings suggest that there are insufficient cyber security measures in place to adequately protect IT systems and data."
They added that their testing "indicated that existing IT security could not detect attempts to scan and hack systems", giving hackers free range to probe the university network.
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Not only were these basic security standards missing, but they added: "No solution was in place to detect if data was to be accessed, copied or changed."
So even after a breach took place, there was nothing in place at the university to identify it, meaning staff and students could have already been victims of data breaches but there would be no evidence to inform them of it.
Many of the vulnerabilities identified in the July audit are too severe to publicly reveal in detail, but they include the widespread use of software with known vulnerabilities and a lack of control on the creation and password protection of administrator accounts.
Despite the huge risk these issues introduced for staff and students using the University's systems to store personal data and potentially valuable academic work, there were no warnings sent to them last July.
In a statement to Sky News, the University's director of press and policy, Peter Dunn, said that "the audit was communicated to all of our staff last month".
It is not clear what this communication was, and whether any efforts were made to communicate the security issues to students. Multiple students and staff who Sky News spoke to said they had not been informed.
Mr Dunn was unable to clarify the above, and whether the audit he referenced was the ICO audit, an executive summary of which is publicly available, or the more damning internal audit which Sky News had seen.
He said: "Obviously the great majority of our buildings are on campus are now closed and staff are working from home as best they can so there is nothing more I will be able to provide until normal operations resume."
Mr Dunn did not respond to Sky News suggesting he communicate with those colleagues via email while they were working from home.
A spokesperson for the ICO said: "We contacted the University of Warwick to assess their data protection practices as part of an audit.
"This followed concerns we had about how the university was handling personal data. We made several recommendations to the university and will be following up to assess improvements made."
Jim Killock, the executive director of Open Rights Group, said: "The ICO seems to have done an excellent job assessing poor management and dodgy data security practices at Warwick.
"It is appalling that the university itself understood that it was running risks and hid these from staff and students.
"Transparency and recognition that change is needed is vital for any institution to learn and improve. The ICO should impose fines if the University doesn't sort itself out," Mr Killock added.
Universities are "an attractive target for adversaries," warned Zeki Turedi, technology strategist at cyber security firm CrowdStrike.
"Now more than ever, as universities prioritise their research initiatives and entire departments are working hard to support efforts to understand and respond to COVID-19, foreign entities will be looking to gain access to critical information."
Mr Turedi noted two universities based in Hong Kong were hacked earlier this year by an organisation based in China known as Wicked Panda.
Last year, the UK's National Cyber Security Centre issued a warning to universities in the UK that they were facing key cyber threats from criminals seeking financial gain, and from state-sponsored hackers looking to steal personal data and intellectual property.
CrowdStrike's Mr Turedi said it was critical that universities have a holistic view of their environment, just as the July audit recommended, and have control and visibility over all of the activity in their network.
"This includes having an understanding of the broader threat environment so they can understand adversaries and their techniques, learn from attacks, and take action on indicators to improve their overall defences," he added.
Following publication of this article, the department for education sent Sky News a statement from Universities Minister Michelle Donelan, who said: "It is imperative that student and staff data is secure.
"Every university must ensure their online security is as robust as possible to protect private data from cyber threats.
"I expect the University of Warwick to implement the recommendations made by the Information Commissioner's Office regarding how it secures personal data.
"I would also urge any institution to follow the world-leading cyber security advice provided by the National Cyber Security Centre on their website."
If you would like to contact Alexander Martin, you can reach him securely using the private messaging app Signal on +44 (0)7970 376 704 or at aj.martin@sky.uk via email


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: Temporary mortuary already taking bodies despite not yet being finished

A temporary mortuary at Birmingham Airport to help cope with the increase in deaths during the COVID-19 outbreak has already begun storing bodies despite not being finished yet .
Three new white marquee structures have been erected in the last week , next to a large hangar located at the airport 's commercial and freight cargo handling area .
And part of the site - which will initially have space for 1,500 bodies - is already being used for storage , according to the West Midlands and Warwickshire strategic co-ordination group ( SCG ) , made up of police , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coroner .
A statement posted on West Midlands Police website said : `` Part of the facility is already complete and being used for storage as deaths in the West Midlands increase , and regional mortuaries reach capacity . ''
Officials said the facility would be fully operational by Friday 17 April `` at the latest '' .
It is understood it could expand to accommodate up to 12,000 bodies .
The airport is next to Birmingham 's National Exhibition Centre ( NEC ) - the location of a new Nightingale Hospital , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the weekend .
In a statement released through the West Midlands Police website , the SCG said : `` We would urge bereaved families not to delay in making funeral arrangements for their loved one , particularly because of the current restrictions regarding the number of attendees at funerals .
`` Many burial sites and crematoriums are continuing services throughout the bank holiday weekend to prevent prolonged storage .
`` We understand that these current restrictions mean that you may not be able to arrange the service you want , but we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a memorial service or celebration of life at a later date .
`` Other considerations include live-streaming the cremation or burial to enable family members and friends to participate . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The statement concluded that the authorities are working with all bereaved people planning funeral services to make sure all deaths are dealt with compassionately .
Temporary mortuary facilities are also being built in Manor Park in east London , Bristol and Cambridge .

A temporary mortuary at Birmingham Airport to help cope with the increase in deaths during the COVID-19 outbreak has already begun storing bodies despite not being finished yet.
Three new white marquee structures have been erected in the last week, next to a large hangar located at the airport's commercial and freight cargo handling area.
And part of the site - which will initially have space for 1,500 bodies - is already being used for storage, according to the West Midlands and Warwickshire strategic co-ordination group (SCG), made up of police, councils and other agencies, including the coroner.
Image: A police helicopter takes off by the temporary mortuary
A statement posted on West Midlands Police website said: "Part of the facility is already complete and being used for storage as deaths in the West Midlands increase, and regional mortuaries reach capacity."
Officials said the facility would be fully operational by Friday 17 April "at the latest".
It is understood it could expand to accommodate up to 12,000 bodies.
The airport is next to Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre (NEC) - the location of a new Nightingale Hospital, which is set to open to patients at the weekend.
In a statement released through the West Midlands Police website, the SCG said: "We would urge bereaved families not to delay in making funeral arrangements for their loved one, particularly because of the current restrictions regarding the number of attendees at funerals.
"Many burial sites and crematoriums are continuing services throughout the bank holiday weekend to prevent prolonged storage.
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Image: A temporary mortuary is pictured during construction in Manor Park, east London
"We understand that these current restrictions mean that you may not be able to arrange the service you want, but we ask you to consider an alternative such as a memorial service or celebration of life at a later date.
"Other considerations include live-streaming the cremation or burial to enable family members and friends to participate."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The statement concluded that the authorities are working with all bereaved people planning funeral services to make sure all deaths are dealt with compassionately.
Temporary mortuary facilities are also being built in Manor Park in east London, Bristol and Cambridge.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: Bankers give up bonuses worth millions

The boss of taxpayer-backed NatWest group is to give up pay and bonuses worth up to £2.3m as the coronavirus crisis weighs on UK households and businesses .
Chief executive Alison Rose , who receives a fixed salary of £2.24m a year , will give a quarter of the money she is due to be paid during the last nine months of 2020 to a coronavirus appeal fund .
She has also said she does not wish to be considered for any variable pay - worth up to £1.92m - for the year .
Later , Lloyds Banking Group said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be considered for their bonus entitlements for 2020 `` in solidarity with the communities in which we operate and in recognition of the priorities of our stakeholders '' .
Chief executive Antonio Horta-Osorio could otherwise have been in line for a maximum bonus worth up to about £1.8m .
There were similar moves from HSBC and Standard Chartered .
Barclays and TSB had announced on Tuesday that senior executives would give up some pay .
NatWest , which has been rebranded from its former name of Royal Bank of Scotland , remains 62 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bailout during the financial crisis more than a decade ago .
The group also said that its £750,000-a-year chairman , Howard Davies , would give 25 % of his pay for the remainder of the year to the National Emergencies Trust ( NET ) coronavirus appeal .
The appeal is raising funds for local charities and grassroots organisations to provide immediate support to people affected by the crisis .
Ms Rose said on Wednesday : `` In the current environment , many of our customers are worried about their jobs and their businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have taken these decisions on my own pay . ''
NatWest has already pledged to match donations up to £5m made by customers to the NET appeal to the end of June .
Banks such as NatWest are key components of the government 's plans to extend loans to struggling businesses and help households unable to meet repayments as much of the economy grinds to a halt during lockdown .
Earlier on Wednesday , Ms Rose told Sky 's Ian King Live that the bank 's call centres were handling 25,000 calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times .
She added that close to 70,000 mortgage holidays had been approved , as well as more than 1,700 loans under the government 's scheme to support struggling firms .
Last week , banks including NatWest cancelled dividends for shareholders until the end of 2020 after pressure from the Bank of England .
The BoE 's Prudential Regulation Authority also said that it expected banks not to pay any cash bonuses to its top members of staff .

The boss of taxpayer-backed NatWest group is to give up pay and bonuses worth up to £2.3m as the coronavirus crisis weighs on UK households and businesses.
Chief executive Alison Rose, who receives a fixed salary of £2.24m a year, will give a quarter of the money she is due to be paid during the last nine months of 2020 to a coronavirus appeal fund.
She has also said she does not wish to be considered for any variable pay - worth up to £1.92m - for the year.
Later, Lloyds Banking Group said its top executives had asked not to be considered for their bonus entitlements for 2020 "in solidarity with the communities in which we operate and in recognition of the priorities of our stakeholders".
Chief executive Antonio Horta-Osorio could otherwise have been in line for a maximum bonus worth up to about £1.8m.
There were similar moves from HSBC and Standard Chartered. Barclays and TSB had announced on Tuesday that senior executives would give up some pay.
NatWest, which has been rebranded from its former name of Royal Bank of Scotland, remains 62% owned by the taxpayer after its bailout during the financial crisis more than a decade ago.
The group also said that its £750,000-a-year chairman, Howard Davies, would give 25% of his pay for the remainder of the year to the National Emergencies Trust (NET) coronavirus appeal.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 'It's an emergency' - BoE governor on virus
The appeal is raising funds for local charities and grassroots organisations to provide immediate support to people affected by the crisis.
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Ms Rose said on Wednesday: "In the current environment, many of our customers are worried about their jobs and their businesses and, in recognition of this, I have taken these decisions on my own pay."
NatWest has already pledged to match donations up to £5m made by customers to the NET appeal to the end of June.
Banks such as NatWest are key components of the government's plans to extend loans to struggling businesses and help households unable to meet repayments as much of the economy grinds to a halt during lockdown.
Earlier on Wednesday, Ms Rose told Sky's Ian King Live that the bank's call centres were handling 25,000 calls a day compared to 3,000 in normal times.
She added that close to 70,000 mortgage holidays had been approved, as well as more than 1,700 loans under the government's scheme to support struggling firms.
Last week, banks including NatWest cancelled dividends for shareholders until the end of 2020 after pressure from the Bank of England.
The BoE's Prudential Regulation Authority also said that it expected banks not to pay any cash bonuses to its top members of staff.


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: Who is Dominic Raab? Meet the prime minister's deputy

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is the man deputising `` where necessary '' for the prime minister , who remains in intensive care with the coronavirus .
To some , he 's a cool operator who honed his skills bringing war criminals to justice at The Hague .
To others he 's a steely `` hard man '' Brexiteer who battled the EU over the UK 's exit .
Political opponents , however , have said he holds `` offensive '' views on some issues .
Who exactly is Dominic Raab ?
Before the House of Commons The 46-year-old was born @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is from Kent , while his father 's Jewish family fled Czechoslovakia for Britain in 1938 to escape from the Nazis .
Mr Raab described the traumatic effect this had on his grandmother in an interview with The Times last year .
`` When we were growing up , she would often weep into her goulash and strudel about the fact that she 'd left her parents behind , so that bit of history was very personal to us , '' he said .
Mr Raab 's father died when he was 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Raab went on to study law at Oxford , where he was captain of the karate team .
He then completed a master 's degree at Cambridge .
He worked in commerical law , including at the prestigious Linklaters firm , before joining the Foreign Office in 2000 as an adviser .
Mr Raab was posted to the Hague in 2003 , but left the Foreign Office in 2006 .
After that , he worked for three years at Westminster for then shadow cabinet ministers David Davis and Dominic Grieve .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brazilian marketing executive and the pair have two children together , Peter and Joshua .
Mr Raab was first elected as an MP , for the Esher and Walton constituency in Surrey , in 2010 as Labour fell from power .
He entered government in 2015 as a junior justice minister and was soon a leading figure in the Vote Leave campaign ahead of the EU referendum .
Theresa May removed Mr Raab from government when she became prime minister after the Brexit vote .
But he returned to the House of Commons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with Mrs May bringing him back to the Ministry of Justice after her disastrous 2017 general election .
He went on to serve as housing minister before , in July 2018 , becoming Mrs May 's second Brexit secretary and succeeding his old boss David Davis .
Mr Raab 's first spell in a cabinet position was not without gaffes .
During his time as Brexit secretary , he admitted he was n't aware of `` the full extent '' of the UK 's reliance on the Dover-Calais crossing .
His time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU was also rather short .
Mr Raab lasted less than six months before resigning in protest at Mrs May 's proposed Brexit deal .
In May last year , when Mrs May resigned , Mr Raab threw his hat into the ring as a potential successor .
He was eliminated after the second round of voting among Tory MPs and went on to support Boris Johnson 's candidacy .
Mr Raab was later rewarded for his support for Mr Johnson when he was named foreign secretary and first secretary of state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This has seen him viewed as , effectively , the deputy prime minister .
In his most recent role as foreign secretary , Mr Raab has been criticised for his handling of the Harry Dunn case .
Legal action is being taken against Mr Raab 's department following a row over the immunity granted to Anne Sacoolas - who is accused of causing the collision that killed the motorcyclist .
The Dunn family have frequently been critical of Mr Raab as they seek justice over the 19-year-old 's death .
Prior to that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used a 2011 article for the PoliticsHome website to claim men were getting a `` raw deal '' in many areas of life .
`` Feminists are now amongst the most obnoxious bigots , '' he added .
Mrs May , then women and equalities secretary , scolded Mr Raab and said he was fuelling `` gender warfare '' .
Sky News ' Sophy Ridge challenged Mr Raab over those comments during last year 's Conservative leadership contest , asking him whether he considered himself a feminist .
Mr Raab said he preferred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ champion of equality '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Appearing on a BBC show in 2017 , Mr Raab described someone who typically uses a food bank as `` not someone languishing in poverty , it 's someone who has a cashflow problem '' .
His comments were branded `` offensive '' by political opponents .
The foreign secretary also previously said , in 2019 , he would not want to make it easier for transgender people to transition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups .
A black belt in karate , Mr Raab is also not afraid of a political confrontation , most notably with Labour 's Andy McDonald during last year 's general election .
Mr Raab once described his personal heroes - Mother Theresa , Muhammad Ali , Ronald Reagan and Mahatma Gandhi - as `` stubborn optimists '' .
His favourite books include Leo Tolstoy 's War And Peace and Nelson Mandela 's autobiography , Long Walk To Freedom .
His favourite musicians ?
The Verve , Stevie Wonder , and Alicia Keys @

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is the man deputising "where necessary" for the prime minister, who remains in intensive care with the coronavirus.
To some, he's a cool operator who honed his skills bringing war criminals to justice at The Hague. To others he's a steely "hard man" Brexiteer who battled the EU over the UK's exit.
Political opponents, however, have said he holds "offensive" views on some issues.
Who exactly is Dominic Raab?
Before the House of Commons
Image: Dominic Raab started his career as a lawyer, working in the City and at The Hague
The 46-year-old was born and raised in Buckinghamshire.
His mother is from Kent, while his father's Jewish family fled Czechoslovakia for Britain in 1938 to escape from the Nazis.
Mr Raab described the traumatic effect this had on his grandmother in an interview with The Times last year.
"When we were growing up, she would often weep into her goulash and strudel about the fact that she'd left her parents behind, so that bit of history was very personal to us," he said.
Mr Raab's father died when he was 12.
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After attending a grammar school, Mr Raab went on to study law at Oxford, where he was captain of the karate team.
He then completed a master's degree at Cambridge.
He worked in commerical law, including at the prestigious Linklaters firm, before joining the Foreign Office in 2000 as an adviser.
Image: Mr Raab's wife, Erika, is a Brazilian marketing executive
Mr Raab was posted to the Hague in 2003, but left the Foreign Office in 2006.
After that, he worked for three years at Westminster for then shadow cabinet ministers David Davis and Dominic Grieve.
His wife, Erika Rey, is a Brazilian marketing executive and the pair have two children together, Peter and Joshua.
Rising up the ranks
Image: Before becoming Brexit secretary, Dominic Raab had never held a cabinet position
Mr Raab was first elected as an MP, for the Esher and Walton constituency in Surrey, in 2010 as Labour fell from power.
He entered government in 2015 as a junior justice minister and was soon a leading figure in the Vote Leave campaign ahead of the EU referendum.
Theresa May removed Mr Raab from government when she became prime minister after the Brexit vote.
But he returned to the House of Commons back benches for less than a year, with Mrs May bringing him back to the Ministry of Justice after her disastrous 2017 general election.
He went on to serve as housing minister before, in July 2018, becoming Mrs May's second Brexit secretary and succeeding his old boss David Davis.
Mr Raab's first spell in a cabinet position was not without gaffes.
During his time as Brexit secretary, he admitted he wasn't aware of "the full extent" of the UK's reliance on the Dover-Calais crossing.
Image: Mr Raab's time on the front bench hasn't been without blunders
His time in charge of the Department for Exiting the EU was also rather short.
Mr Raab lasted less than six months before resigning in protest at Mrs May's proposed Brexit deal.
In May last year, when Mrs May resigned, Mr Raab threw his hat into the ring as a potential successor.
He was eliminated after the second round of voting among Tory MPs and went on to support Boris Johnson's candidacy.
Mr Raab was later rewarded for his support for Mr Johnson when he was named foreign secretary and first secretary of state by the incoming new prime minister.
This has seen him viewed as, effectively, the deputy prime minister.
Controversies
In his most recent role as foreign secretary, Mr Raab has been criticised for his handling of the Harry Dunn case.
Legal action is being taken against Mr Raab's department following a row over the immunity granted to Anne Sacoolas - who is accused of causing the collision that killed the motorcyclist.
The Dunn family have frequently been critical of Mr Raab as they seek justice over the 19-year-old's death.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 Raab heckled at hustings event
Prior to that, Mr Raab caused controversy when he used a 2011 article for the PoliticsHome website to claim men were getting a "raw deal" in many areas of life.
"Feminists are now amongst the most obnoxious bigots," he added.
Mrs May, then women and equalities secretary, scolded Mr Raab and said he was fuelling "gender warfare".
Image: Mr Raab made a bid to be Tory leader but was knocked out after the second round
Sky News' Sophy Ridge challenged Mr Raab over those comments during last year's Conservative leadership contest, asking him whether he considered himself a feminist.
Mr Raab said he preferred to refer to himself as a "champion of equality".
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Appearing on a BBC show in 2017, Mr Raab described someone who typically uses a food bank as "not someone languishing in poverty, it's someone who has a cashflow problem".
His comments were branded "offensive" by political opponents.
The foreign secretary also previously said, in 2019, he would not want to make it easier for transgender i people to transition, prompting a backlash from LGBT+ charities and groups.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
A black belt in karate, Mr Raab is also not afraid of a political confrontation, most notably with Labour's Andy McDonald during last year's general election.
Mr Raab once described his personal heroes - Mother Theresa, Muhammad Ali, Ronald Reagan and Mahatma Gandhi - as "stubborn optimists".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 Foreign secretary and Labour's Andy McDonald face off after interview
His favourite books include Leo Tolstoy's War And Peace and Nelson Mandela's autobiography, Long Walk To Freedom.
His favourite musicians? The Verve, Stevie Wonder, and Alicia Keys.
His chosen political interviewer or presenter? Sky News alumnus Jeff Randall.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: Peter Kay to make TV comeback in COVID-19 charity show

Peter Kay will make a highly anticipated return to British TV screens later this month when he joins forces with other British celebrities for a coronavirus fundraising show .
Comic Relief and Children In Need have joined forces for a one-off television special later in April to raise money for those people affected by the coronavirus outbreak in the UK .
It comes as Lady Gaga announced a similar event in the US , on 18 April to support healthcare workers fighting the COVID-19 pandemic .
Kay 's last live TV appearance was in 2017 , when he spoke at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Manchester Arena bombing .
In the same year , the Bolton comedian cancelled an arena tour citing family circumstances , and has only made rare appearances in the limelight since .
A year later , he concluded his sitcom Car Share , which he wrote and starred in - and won a Bafta for .
As part of a comeback in 2020 it was announced that he would tour his charity show Peter Kay 's Dance For Life in April and May this year , but ended up cancelling that too , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to appear alongside the Lancashire funny-man on the BBC 's The Big Night In event so far is Take That front man Gary Barlow , as well as actress and comedian Catherine Tate .
The three-hour long show is expected to feature live performances from musicians in their home and a number of giveaways and celebrity appearances .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Announcing details of the show , Comic Relief stalwart Lenny Henry promised a `` fantastic night '' to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis '' .
He added : `` And if people of course want to donate they can give a bit of money to help all of the vulnerable , smaller charities across the country who work with people of any age and any background who need it .
`` And even if you ca n't donate just watch , it 'll cheer you up . ''
The project will raise funds for Comic Relief and Children In Need , who will provide support to local projects around the UK , affected by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Charlotte Moore , director of BBC Content , described it as a `` special one-off live charity event '' .
`` I would like to thank both BBC Children In Need and Comic Relief for joining forces in these unprecedented times to provide their support to local charities , projects and programmes across the whole UK ; and to all of the stars taking part in this unmissable night of entertainment when the country needs it most , '' she added .
Oliver Dowden , the culture secretary , has hailed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fantastic way to channel the amazing outpouring of generosity we are seeing from the British people '' .
The Big Night In will air on BBC One on 23 April at 7pm .

Peter Kay will make a highly anticipated return to British TV screens later this month when he joins forces with other British celebrities for a coronavirus fundraising show.
Comic Relief and Children In Need have joined forces for a one-off television special later in April to raise money for those people affected by the coronavirus outbreak in the UK.
It comes as Lady Gaga announced a similar event in the US, on 18 April to support healthcare workers fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
Image: Kay last appeared on live TV in 2017 in Manchester
Kay's last live TV appearance was in 2017, when he spoke at the We Are Manchester concert, following the Manchester Arena bombing.
In the same year, the Bolton comedian cancelled an arena tour citing family circumstances, and has only made rare appearances in the limelight since.
A year later, he concluded his sitcom Car Share, which he wrote and starred in - and won a Bafta for.
As part of a comeback in 2020 it was announced that he would tour his charity show Peter Kay's Dance For Life in April and May this year, but ended up cancelling that too, due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Confirmed to appear alongside the Lancashire funny-man on the BBC's The Big Night In event so far is Take That front man Gary Barlow, as well as actress and comedian Catherine Tate.
The three-hour long show is expected to feature live performances from musicians in their home and a number of giveaways and celebrity appearances.
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:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Announcing details of the show, Comic Relief stalwart Lenny Henry promised a "fantastic night" to "cheer people up in this terrible crisis".
He added: "And if people of course want to donate they can give a bit of money to help all of the vulnerable, smaller charities across the country who work with people of any age and any background who need it.
"And even if you can't donate just watch, it'll cheer you up."
The project will raise funds for Comic Relief and Children In Need, who will provide support to local projects around the UK, affected by the coronavirus outbreak, according to the BBC.
Charlotte Moore, director of BBC Content, described it as a "special one-off live charity event".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:36 'We've all had a bit of a wobble'
"I would like to thank both BBC Children In Need and Comic Relief for joining forces in these unprecedented times to provide their support to local charities, projects and programmes across the whole UK; and to all of the stars taking part in this unmissable night of entertainment when the country needs it most," she added.
Oliver Dowden, the culture secretary, has hailed the show, saying it is a "fantastic way to channel the amazing outpouring of generosity we are seeing from the British people".
The Big Night In will air on BBC One on 23 April at 7pm.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: WTO warns of trade slump on a scale not seen since 1930s

Global trade could collapse this year on a scale that draws parallels with the Great Depression of the 1930s , the WTO has warned .
The World Trade Organisation forecast a decline of between 13 % and 32 % in 2020 - giving a wide range because there was so much uncertainty about the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis .
Even at the lower end , that would surpass the 12.5 % drop seen at the height of the financial crisis just over a decade ago .
WTO director-general Roberto Azevedo said : `` These numbers are ugly - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Comparisons with the financial crisis of 2008 and even the Great Depression of the 1930s are inevitable . ''
But Mr Azevedo added that unlike then , banks are not short of capital and the `` economic engine '' is in `` decent shape '' .
`` The pandemic cut the fuel line to the engine , '' he said .
`` If the fuel line is reconnected properly , a rapid and vigorous rebound is possible . ''
The WTO predicts a rebound of between 21 % and 24 % in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic is brought under control , and whether governments work together .
`` A turn towards protectionism would introduce new shocks on top of those we are currently enduring , '' Mr Azevedo said .
`` Keeping markets open to international trade and investment would help economies recover more quickly . ''
Trade tensions - particularly between the US and China - led to a 0.1 % in global goods trade last year .
The WTO predicted that this year , nearly all regions would suffer double-digit percentage declines in trade , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hardest hit .
Sectors with complex value chains , such as electronics and automotive products , would also see steeper falls .
Countries in Europe are beginning to count the economic cost of the crisis .
France 's central bank said on Wednesday that it has already fallen into recession and leading forecasters in Germany have pencilled in a 4.2 % GDP decline for that country this year .

Global trade could collapse this year on a scale that draws parallels with the Great Depression of the 1930s, the WTO has warned.
The World Trade Organisation forecast a decline of between 13% and 32% in 2020 - giving a wide range because there was so much uncertainty about the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis.
Even at the lower end, that would surpass the 12.5% drop seen at the height of the financial crisis just over a decade ago.
WTO director-general Roberto Azevedo said: "These numbers are ugly - there is no way around that.
"Comparisons with the financial crisis of 2008 and even the Great Depression of the 1930s are inevitable."
Image: Global trade slipped back last year largely due to the US-China trade war
But Mr Azevedo added that unlike then, banks are not short of capital and the "economic engine" is in "decent shape".
"The pandemic cut the fuel line to the engine," he said.
"If the fuel line is reconnected properly, a rapid and vigorous rebound is possible."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:10 Banks raise interest on many mortgages
The WTO predicts a rebound of between 21% and 24% in 2021 - depending on how quickly the pandemic is brought under control, and whether governments work together.
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"A turn towards protectionism would introduce new shocks on top of those we are currently enduring," Mr Azevedo said.
"Keeping markets open to international trade and investment would help economies recover more quickly."
Trade tensions - particularly between the US and China - led to a 0.1% in global goods trade last year.
The WTO predicted that this year, nearly all regions would suffer double-digit percentage declines in trade, with exports from North America and Asia the hardest hit.
Sectors with complex value chains, such as electronics and automotive products, would also see steeper falls.
Countries in Europe are beginning to count the economic cost of the crisis.
France's central bank said on Wednesday that it has already fallen into recession and leading forecasters in Germany have pencilled in a 4.2% GDP decline for that country this year.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: Premier League stars launch NHS fundraiser

A number of Premier League players have joined forces to create a scheme that aims to raise funds for NHS charities during the coronavirus pandemic .
Stars including England captain Harry Kane launched the initiative , called # PlayersTogether , after widespread criticism of top-flight football clubs ' decision to place non-playing staff on the government 's furlough scheme .
While details of the plan are unclear , a statement released to mark its launch said it those involved had `` partnered with NHS Charities Together ( NHSCT ) in order to assist them in generating and distributing funds quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It did not specify how much of their own money footballers would commit to the initiative .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock last week called for Premier League players to take a pay cut , but he praised the scheme .
He wrote on Twitter : `` Warmly welcome this big-hearted decision from so many Premier League footballers to create # PlayersTogether to support NHS Charities .
You are playing your part . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ players , the statement announcing the initiative said it had come about `` after extensive conversations between a huge number of players from all Premier League clubs '' .
It said : `` Over the course of the last week we , as a group of Premier League players , have held numerous talks together with the vision of creating a contribution fund that can be used to distribute money to where it 's needed most in this COVID-19 crisis ; helping those fighting for us on the NHS frontline as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is a critical time for our country and for our NHS , and we are determined to help in any way that we can .
`` The contributions that this initiative will generate will help NHSCT quickly grant funds to the frontline to support in a number of ways , including to help enhance the wellbeing of NHS staff , volunteers and patients impacted by COVID-19 as well as helping them in their work supporting many other critical areas of need , both now and in the longer term .
`` # @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , collaborating together to create a voluntary initiative , separate to any other club and league conversations , that can help get much needed funds to those that need it right now .
To try and help , along with so many others in the country , make a real difference .
`` Our prayers and thoughts go out to everybody affected by this crisis .
By sticking together , we will get through this .
Stay home .
Protect the NHS .
Save lives . ''
Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get to this stage , and that his club captain , Harry Maguire , had played an important role communicating information among players .
`` It has been tough .
I think from the beginning we knew what we wanted but getting it to this stage has been difficult , '' he told BT Sport .
`` It was n't easy so credit to the people that played a big part in that .
We want to help in the best way possible and getting money to the right places is a massive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been plenty of occasions , for me personally , where we 've tried to help but we 've not helped in the best way possible .
And you can get some backlash from that .
We wanted to take our time with the decision .
Thankfully , we have done the right thing . ''
Former England and United defender Rio Ferdinand said : `` I think the players were treated unfairly .
They tried to push them into a corner to make a decision and the decision was made by other people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so unfair .
`` The players are big enough and old enough and they all earn great money in the Premier League now and they have a right to make that money go where they see fit .
`` I think they have made a great call with the frontline of the NHS , servicing those people who are serving the communities that we are all from . ''

A number of Premier League players have joined forces to create a scheme that aims to raise funds for NHS charities during the coronavirus pandemic.
Stars including England captain Harry Kane launched the initiative, called #PlayersTogether, after widespread criticism of top-flight football clubs' decision to place non-playing staff on the government's furlough scheme.
While details of the plan are unclear, a statement released to mark its launch said it those involved had "partnered with NHS Charities Together (NHSCT) in order to assist them in generating and distributing funds quickly and efficiently to where they are needed most".
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
It did not specify how much of their own money footballers would commit to the initiative.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock last week called for Premier League players to take a pay cut, but he praised the scheme.
He wrote on Twitter: "Warmly welcome this big-hearted decision from so many Premier League footballers to create #PlayersTogether to support NHS Charities. You are playing your part."
Posted by a number of Premier League players, the statement announcing the initiative said it had come about "after extensive conversations between a huge number of players from all Premier League clubs".
It said: "Over the course of the last week we, as a group of Premier League players, have held numerous talks together with the vision of creating a contribution fund that can be used to distribute money to where it's needed most in this COVID-19 crisis; helping those fighting for us on the NHS frontline as well as other key areas of need.
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"This is a critical time for our country and for our NHS, and we are determined to help in any way that we can.
"The contributions that this initiative will generate will help NHSCT quickly grant funds to the frontline to support in a number of ways, including to help enhance the wellbeing of NHS staff, volunteers and patients impacted by COVID-19 as well as helping them in their work supporting many other critical areas of need, both now and in the longer term.
"#PlayersTogether is about we, as players, collaborating together to create a voluntary initiative, separate to any other club and league conversations, that can help get much needed funds to those that need it right now. To try and help, along with so many others in the country, make a real difference.
"Our prayers and thoughts go out to everybody affected by this crisis. By sticking together, we will get through this. Stay home. Protect the NHS. Save lives."
Image: Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane, who is among those who have backed the initiative
Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford said it had been a long process to get to this stage, and that his club captain, Harry Maguire, had played an important role communicating information among players.
"It has been tough. I think from the beginning we knew what we wanted but getting it to this stage has been difficult," he told BT Sport.
"It wasn't easy so credit to the people that played a big part in that. We want to help in the best way possible and getting money to the right places is a massive thing.
"I think there has been plenty of occasions, for me personally, where we've tried to help but we've not helped in the best way possible. And you can get some backlash from that. We wanted to take our time with the decision. Thankfully, we have done the right thing."
Former England and United defender Rio Ferdinand said: "I think the players were treated unfairly. They tried to push them into a corner to make a decision and the decision was made by other people on their behalf which I think was so unfair.
"The players are big enough and old enough and they all earn great money in the Premier League now and they have a right to make that money go where they see fit.
"I think they have made a great call with the frontline of the NHS, servicing those people who are serving the communities that we are all from."


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: High street tycoon Green seeks £50m to prop up Arcadia

Sir Philip Green 's Dorothy Perkins-to-TopShop empire is racing to raise tens of millions of pounds to secure its immediate future as the coronavirus maelstrom wreaks havoc across Britain 's high streets .
Sky News has learnt that Arcadia Group has approached banks and hedge funds about borrowing roughly £50m against its distribution centre in Daventry , Northamptonshire .
The new funding would be used to help see Arcadia through a period in which all 550 of its shops are closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
One of the potential lenders approached about the plan said that the company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal as quickly as possible .
The Daventry site , which opened last year , is a central part of TopShop 's logistics operations .
It is owned by Arcadia , but Lady Green , Sir Philip 's wife and the company 's ultimate owner , has security over it .
Lady Green is understood to have agreed as part of a financial restructuring last year to subordinate her debt position , in order to allow Arcadia to borrow against it .
It was unclear on Wednesday night whether an imminent deal with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is said to be planning to hold a routine board meeting on Thursday to discuss the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the company .
Last week , it said it would furlough 14,500 employees under the government 's emergency job retention scheme .
Sir Philip 's empire , which came close to collapse last year , faces a significant financial hit if Debenhams collapses into administration in the coming days , because of the extensive concession operations it has there .
Arcadia has also been trying to conserve cash by withholding rent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its pension trustees to defer its £2m-a-month contributions to its retirement scheme .
A separate £25m contribution from Lady Green - agreed under the terms of last June 's company voluntary arrangement - is being paid on schedule .
Like many of its rivals , Arcadia saw catastrophic falls in sales across its brands even before the enforced closure of their stores .
Sir Philip 's businesses employ about 18,000 people , making his operations one of the UK 's largest privately owned employers .
Arcadia , which made billions of pounds for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already struggling before the coronavirus outbreak .
Under the CVA , the tycoon agreed to inject £175m in cash into Arcadia 's pension scheme it was also granted security over a further £210m of property and other assets .
In return , Arcadia signalled its intention to close dozens of stores and reduce rents at hundreds more .
Reports in the last few days have suggested that a substantial number of store closures may be accelerated as a result of the coronavirus outbreak .
As part of the reorganisation of his companies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back his private equity partner 's 25 % stake in TopShop and Topman .
Like its rivals , Arcadia 's brands have been hit by shifting habits among shoppers and growing consumer caution .
It has been a tumultuous period for Sir Philip , who for years was feted as the king of the high street by politicians and the media but who struggled to recover his poise after the collapse in 2016 of BHS .
His sale of the department store chain a year earlier to Dominic Chappell , a former bankrupt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contribute more than £360m to fund its pension deficit after its collapse .
The tycoon 's miserable period has not only been restricted to the performance of his business .
He also became embroiled in a storm over his behaviour towards Arcadia employees and his use of non-disclosure agreements to prevent former workers discussing their severance packages .

Sir Philip Green's Dorothy Perkins-to-TopShop empire is racing to raise tens of millions of pounds to secure its immediate future as the coronavirus maelstrom wreaks havoc across Britain's high streets.
Sky News has learnt that Arcadia Group has approached banks and hedge funds about borrowing roughly £50m against its distribution centre in Daventry, Northamptonshire.
The new funding would be used to help see Arcadia through a period in which all 550 of its shops are closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the potential lenders approached about the plan said that the company had signalled a desire to agree a deal as quickly as possible.
The Daventry site, which opened last year, is a central part of TopShop's logistics operations.
It is owned by Arcadia, but Lady Green, Sir Philip's wife and the company's ultimate owner, has security over it.
Lady Green is understood to have agreed as part of a financial restructuring last year to subordinate her debt position, in order to allow Arcadia to borrow against it.
It was unclear on Wednesday night whether an imminent deal with a new lender was likely.
Arcadia is said to be planning to hold a routine board meeting on Thursday to discuss the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the company.
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Last week, it said it would furlough 14,500 employees under the government's emergency job retention scheme.
Sir Philip's empire, which came close to collapse last year, faces a significant financial hit if Debenhams collapses into administration in the coming days, because of the extensive concession operations it has there.
Arcadia has also been trying to conserve cash by withholding rent payments, and securing the agreement of its pension trustees to defer its £2m-a-month contributions to its retirement scheme.
A separate £25m contribution from Lady Green - agreed under the terms of last June's company voluntary arrangement - is being paid on schedule.
Like many of its rivals, Arcadia saw catastrophic falls in sales across its brands even before the enforced closure of their stores.
Sir Philip's businesses employ about 18,000 people, making his operations one of the UK's largest privately owned employers.
Arcadia, which made billions of pounds for Sir Philip and his family, was already struggling before the coronavirus outbreak.
Under the CVA, the tycoon agreed to inject £175m in cash into Arcadia's pension scheme it was also granted security over a further £210m of property and other assets.
In return, Arcadia signalled its intention to close dozens of stores and reduce rents at hundreds more.
Reports in the last few days have suggested that a substantial number of store closures may be accelerated as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
As part of the reorganisation of his companies, Sir Philip paid $1 to buy back his private equity partner's 25% stake in TopShop and Topman.
Like its rivals, Arcadia's brands have been hit by shifting habits among shoppers and growing consumer caution.
It has been a tumultuous period for Sir Philip, who for years was feted as the king of the high street by politicians and the media but who struggled to recover his poise after the collapse in 2016 of BHS.
His sale of the department store chain a year earlier to Dominic Chappell, a former bankrupt, culminated in Sir Philip having to contribute more than £360m to fund its pension deficit after its collapse.
The tycoon's miserable period has not only been restricted to the performance of his business.
He also became embroiled in a storm over his behaviour towards Arcadia employees and his use of non-disclosure agreements to prevent former workers discussing their severance packages.
Arcadia declined to comment.


news--2020-04-08--Drone search after sheep killed in 'horrific' night-time attack in Nottinghamshire

A drone was deployed by police to search for suspects after two sheep were found in a field with their throats cut .
Farmer Michael Asher found two of his flock had been killed and another had died of shock at the scene , Nottinghamshire Police said .
Two more had been tied up with rope and one slashed , although the animals are expected to recover .
Some of the sheep that died were still alive when discovered on land off Oxton Road , Calverton , near Nottingham , on Monday night .
Mr Asher said he had earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspicious vehicle had been spotted in a lay-by close to the farm .
A 41-year-old man was arrested in connection with the animals ' deaths after a vehicle was followed from the area into Nottingham by a local gamekeeper .
Mr Asher said he was `` devastated '' and added `` it 's scary that this should happen '' .
He added : `` Obviously with coronavirus , people should n't be out and about .
They should n't be leaving their homes .
This is the last thing people need with what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luke Todd appealed to the public for any further information about the `` horrific incident '' .
He said : `` Officers also used the force drone last night to search for anyone else connected to the incident , but looking at the footage , there was no one else found . ''

A drone was deployed by police to search for suspects after two sheep were found in a field with their throats cut.
Farmer Michael Asher found two of his flock had been killed and another had died of shock at the scene, Nottinghamshire Police said.
Two more had been tied up with rope and one slashed, although the animals are expected to recover.
Some of the sheep that died were still alive when discovered on land off Oxton Road, Calverton, near Nottingham, on Monday night.
Mr Asher said he had earlier heard loud banging and talking while a suspicious vehicle had been spotted in a lay-by close to the farm.
A 41-year-old man was arrested in connection with the animals' deaths after a vehicle was followed from the area into Nottingham by a local gamekeeper.
Mr Asher said he was "devastated" and added "it's scary that this should happen".
He added: "Obviously with coronavirus, people shouldn't be out and about. They shouldn't be leaving their homes. This is the last thing people need with what's going on."
Detective Sergeant Luke Todd appealed to the public for any further information about the "horrific incident".
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He said: "Officers also used the force drone last night to search for anyone else connected to the incident, but looking at the footage, there was no one else found."


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: Fourteen transport workers die in London after contracting COVID-19

Fourteen transport workers have died in London after contracting the coronavirus , mayor Sadiq Khan has told Sky News .
Mr Khan told Kay Burley @ Breakfast that the death toll includes nine bus drivers , as well as three Transport for London workers , an Underground employee and a worker for one of TfL 's suppliers .
The mayor said his condolences were with all those who have lost their lives as a result of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
Mr Khan stressed that his office was doing a `` number of things '' to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` as safe as possible '' .
`` We 've made sure , for example , that we 're using advanced cleaning regimes , '' he said .
`` We 're using antiviral disinfectant , the sort of stuff you use in hospitals , to clean not just the steering wheels , but the handles , the bus garages , the restrooms .
`` We 've also made sure that passengers ca n't sit too near a bus driver .
`` We 've made sure there 's perspex glass between the bus driver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there as well . ''
Mr Khan revealed that on some routes , a trial involving passengers only using the middle-door of the bus to enter and exit the vehicle will now take place to see if this is a way to mitigate the risks .
TfL says it hopes the new boarding method will mean key workers can continue to rely on buses to travel around London .
The trial will be in place from this week on several routes operated by bus firm Abellio out of its depot in Walworth , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals .
Claire Mann , director of bus operations at TfL , said : `` London 's hard-working transport workers are making a heroic effort at the frontline of the fight against this pandemic , and it is only right we consider everything we can to protect them .
`` We 've already delivered many other enhanced safety measures and by trialling middle-door only boarding on buses we can gain the information we need to see if we can further improve safety on London 's buses .
`` Most Londoners can do their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other critical workers by remembering : stay home , do n't travel , save lives . ''
Travel on the capital 's buses has dropped by 85 % since the lockdown was announced .
Sky News has spoken to a number of bus drivers in London who have said they do not believe they have the proper protective equipment to do their job safely .
TfL staff members , who wanted to remain anonymous , said they `` are all scared '' due to a lack of protective equipment during the COVID-19 outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` let down '' by TfL after showing symptoms of COVID-19 .
He said : `` Instead of thinking about saving money they need to think about lives . ''
The driver , who is in his early 30s , said he did n't feel safe going to work .
He said : `` They say everything has to be deep cleaned , but in reality it 's never done .
There is n't any protection… there are no gloves , the cabin is n't even cleaned properly .
`` Every day I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around all the stuff ... to clean around all the stuff I touch . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
Speaking to Sky News ' Noel Phillips , the daughter of Grant Kellman , a London bus driver who died in hospital after testing positive for COVID-19 , said she will not be able to attend her father 's funeral .
`` He was admitted on Thursday 26 March and by Saturday morning he was dead .
He did n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughter Donna Kellman .
`` I spoke to him on the Friday and he seemed alright .
We are so sad .
We were n't expecting this at all because he was n't coughing or anything at all .
He was only feeling a pain in his back . ''
She added : `` My dad was happy .
He loved the job so much .
I think by the time the lockdown was announced on March 23 he was already infected .
He was a healthy man .
He only had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but other than that he was fine . ''
TfL has told Sky News that the safety of staff and customers is `` our absolute priority '' , adding that it has been working with bus companies , the mayor and the Unite union to `` implement a range of changes and improvements to keep the bus network and garages safe for those operating and using it '' .
On Tuesday , transport minister Chris Heaton-Harris acknowledged that some transport workers do not have the appropriate PPE .
Giving evidence to the Commons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said officials are working to pinpoint areas with a `` risk of short supply '' .
He added that the government wants to ensure the equipment is `` in the right place at the right time '' .

Fourteen transport workers have died in London after contracting the coronavirus, mayor Sadiq Khan has told Sky News.
Mr Khan told Kay Burley@Breakfast that the death toll includes nine bus drivers, as well as three Transport for London workers, an Underground employee and a worker for one of TfL's suppliers.
The mayor said his condolences were with all those who have lost their lives as a result of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:45 Can government function without the PM?
Mr Khan stressed that his office was doing a "number of things" to ensure that transport in the capital was "as safe as possible".
"We've made sure, for example, that we're using advanced cleaning regimes," he said.
"We're using antiviral disinfectant, the sort of stuff you use in hospitals, to clean not just the steering wheels, but the handles, the bus garages, the restrooms.
"We've also made sure that passengers can't sit too near a bus driver.
"We've made sure there's perspex glass between the bus driver and passenger with a protective film in there as well."
Mr Khan revealed that on some routes, a trial involving passengers only using the middle-door of the bus to enter and exit the vehicle will now take place to see if this is a way to mitigate the risks.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:58 UK deaths could overtake Italy by Sunday
TfL says it hopes the new boarding method will mean key workers can continue to rely on buses to travel around London.
The trial will be in place from this week on several routes operated by bus firm Abellio out of its depot in Walworth, south-east London, including two that serve hospitals.
Claire Mann, director of bus operations at TfL, said: "London's hard-working transport workers are making a heroic effort at the frontline of the fight against this pandemic, and it is only right we consider everything we can to protect them.
"We've already delivered many other enhanced safety measures and by trialling middle-door only boarding on buses we can gain the information we need to see if we can further improve safety on London's buses.
"Most Londoners can do their bit to protect our bus colleagues and other critical workers by remembering: stay home, don't travel, save lives."
Travel on the capital's buses has dropped by 85% since the lockdown was announced.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 UK coronavirus deaths rise by 786
Sky News has spoken to a number of bus drivers in London who have said they do not believe they have the proper protective equipment to do their job safely.
TfL staff members, who wanted to remain anonymous, said they "are all scared" due to a lack of protective equipment during the COVID-19 outbreak.
One driver said he has been "let down" by TfL after showing symptoms of COVID-19.
He said: "Instead of thinking about saving money they need to think about lives."
The driver, who is in his early 30s, said he didn't feel safe going to work.
He said: "They say everything has to be deep cleaned, but in reality it's never done. There isn't any protection… there are no gloves, the cabin isn't even cleaned properly.
"Every day I spend an extra 15 minutes just wiping around all the stuff... to clean around all the stuff I touch."
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.
Speaking to Sky News' Noel Phillips, the daughter of Grant Kellman, a London bus driver who died in hospital after testing positive for COVID-19, said she will not be able to attend her father's funeral.
"He was admitted on Thursday 26 March and by Saturday morning he was dead. He didn't show any symptoms," said his daughter Donna Kellman.
"I spoke to him on the Friday and he seemed alright. We are so sad. We weren't expecting this at all because he wasn't coughing or anything at all. He was only feeling a pain in his back."
She added: "My dad was happy. He loved the job so much. I think by the time the lockdown was announced on March 23 he was already infected. He was a healthy man. He only had a heart problem dating back to 2017, but other than that he was fine."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:00 How does coronavirus attack the body?
TfL has told Sky News that the safety of staff and customers is "our absolute priority", adding that it has been working with bus companies, the mayor and the Unite union to "implement a range of changes and improvements to keep the bus network and garages safe for those operating and using it".
On Tuesday, transport minister Chris Heaton-Harris acknowledged that some transport workers do not have the appropriate PPE.
Giving evidence to the Commons' transport select committee, Mr Heaton-Harris said officials are working to pinpoint areas with a "risk of short supply".
He added that the government wants to ensure the equipment is "in the right place at the right time".


news--2020-04-08--Trump takes break from coronavirus crisis to sign order for US to mine the moon

Donald Trump paused his efforts around the growing coronavirus crisis to sign an executive order clearing the path for US to mine the moon for resources .
According to documents released by the White House , the order rejects the 1979 global agreement known as the Moon Treaty which says any activity in space should conform with international law .
`` Americans should have the right to engage in commercial exploration , recovery , and use of resources in outer space , '' the order states .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a legally and physically unique domain of human activity , and the United States does not view it as a global commons . ''
While the move was condemned by Russia , which suggested America may be trying to `` privatise space '' , US officials say the 1979 treaty was only signed by 17 of 95 member states on the relevant United Nations committee .
Scott Pace , from the National Space Council , said in a statement on behalf of the White House : `` As America prepares to return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Mars , this Executive Order establishes US policy toward the recovery and use of space resources , such as water and certain minerals , in order to encourage the commercial development of space . ''
The Russian space agency , Roscosmos , accused Mr Trump of creating a basis to take over other planets .
`` Attempts to expropriate outer space and aggressive plans to actually seize territories of other planets hardly set the countries ( on course for ) fruitful cooperation , '' it said in a statement .
Relations between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ War lows , but cooperation on space has continued despite an array of differences over everything from Ukraine to accusations of election meddling .
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that `` any kind of attempt to privatise space in one form or another - and I find it difficult to say now whether this can be seen as an attempt to privatise space - would be unacceptable '' .
The order was entirely in keeping with the Trump administration 's stance on domestic mining , which it has sought to encourage by rolling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ widespread condemnation .
It also continues the president 's interest in space .
Last December , he launched Space Force as a branch of the US military , saying `` space is the world 's new war-fighting domain '' .
However , his statements have occasionally suggest a tenuous grasp of astronomy , including a tweet in which he referred to `` Mars ( of which the Moon is a part ) '' .

Donald Trump paused his efforts around the growing coronavirus crisis to sign an executive order clearing the path for US to mine the moon for resources.
According to documents released by the White House, the order rejects the 1979 global agreement known as the Moon Treaty which says any activity in space should conform with international law.
"Americans should have the right to engage in commercial exploration, recovery, and use of resources in outer space," the order states.
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
"Outer space is a legally and physically unique domain of human activity, and the United States does not view it as a global commons."
While the move was condemned by Russia, which suggested America may be trying to "privatise space", US officials say the 1979 treaty was only signed by 17 of 95 member states on the relevant United Nations committee.
Scott Pace, from the National Space Council, said in a statement on behalf of the White House: "As America prepares to return humans to the moon and journey on to Mars, this Executive Order establishes US policy toward the recovery and use of space resources, such as water and certain minerals, in order to encourage the commercial development of space."
The Russian space agency, Roscosmos, accused Mr Trump of creating a basis to take over other planets.
"Attempts to expropriate outer space and aggressive plans to actually seize territories of other planets hardly set the countries (on course for) fruitful cooperation," it said in a statement.
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Relations between Russia and the US are at post-Cold War lows, but cooperation on space has continued despite an array of differences over everything from Ukraine to accusations of election meddling.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that "any kind of attempt to privatise space in one form or another - and I find it difficult to say now whether this can be seen as an attempt to privatise space - would be unacceptable".
The order was entirely in keeping with the Trump administration's stance on domestic mining, which it has sought to encourage by rolling back a series of environmental protections despite widespread condemnation.
It also continues the president's interest in space.
Last December, he launched Space Force as a branch of the US military, saying "space is the world's new war-fighting domain".
However, his statements have occasionally suggest a tenuous grasp of astronomy, including a tweet in which he referred to "Mars (of which the Moon is a part)".