news--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Police and armed forces deploy to enforce 'national emergency'

Boris Johnson 's `` stay at home '' lockdown has been backed by political opponents , business leaders and trade unions , despite fears of major job losses on the high street .
The prime minister has ordered all shops apart from food stores and chemists to close immediately for at least three weeks and banned more than one form of daily exercise and gatherings of more than two people .
But his dramatic announcement - in a momentous TV address - of sweeping restrictions on daily life , with fines of between £30 and £1,000 for people who flout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support .
In a move bringing the UK into line with most of Europe , Mr Johnson has declared a `` moment of national emergency '' and closed shops selling `` non-essential goods '' , along with playgrounds , libraries and churches .
And while he was reluctant to introduce such tough measures , it is claimed a mutiny threatened by senior cabinet ministers forced him to back demands from his medical and scientific advisers for a crackdown .
People will only be allowed to leave their home for `` very limited '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as infrequently as possible • One form of exercise a day - for example a run , walk , or cycle - alone or with members of your household • Any medical need , to provide care or to help a vulnerable person • Travelling to and from work , but only where this is absolutely necessary and can not be done from home Mr Johnson 's sombre broadcast came as the government 's Coronavirus Bill , the emergency legislation containing sweeping powers to impose a lockdown , completed its passage through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It now moves to the House of Lords and is on course to become law by the end of this week , enabling the government to enforce the measures announced by the PM , which go far beyond anything seen in wartime .
These measures will come into force immediately : • Closing all shops selling non-essential goods ,  including clothing and electronic stores and other premises including libraries , playgrounds and outdoor gyms , and places of worship • Closing hotels , hostels , bed and breakfasts , campsites , caravan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use ( excluding permanent residents and key workers ) • Stopping all gatherings of more than two people in public - excluding people you live with • Stopping all social events , including weddings , baptisms and other ceremonies , but excluding funerals Despite bringing down the shutters on most of the UK , the PM is allowing corner shops , petrol stations , parks , post offices , vets , pet shops , hardware stores , banks , newsagents , laundrettes and undertakers to stay open .
Explaining the government 's decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Without a huge national effort to halt the growth of this virus , there will come a moment when no health service in the world could possibly cope ; because there wo n't be enough ventilators , enough intensive care beds , enough doctors and nurses .
`` And as we have seen elsewhere , in other countries that also have fantastic health care systems , that is the moment of real danger .
`` To put it simply , if too many people become seriously unwell at one time , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - meaning more people are likely to die , not just from coronavirus but from other illnesses as well . ''
Later , after the shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth called for a lockdown , Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said : `` The prime minister is right to call for people to stay at home , protect our NHS and save lives .
`` This is the right response to the coronavirus pandemic , and one we have been calling for . ''
But Mr Corbyn added : `` There now needs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about which workplaces should close - and the government must close the loopholes to give security to all workers , including the self-employed , as well as renters and mortgage holders . ''
London 's Labour mayor , Sadiq Khan , said : `` I welcome these new rules and am directly asking all Londoners to follow them at all times in order to save lives .
`` These rules are not optional .
They are instructions put in place to prevent the spread of this virus .
You must follow them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ my liberal instincts , and I do not take this lightly - but these unprecedented circumstances require extraordinary measures . ''
The acting leader of the Liberal Democrats , Sir Ed Davey , said : `` Many people will be anxious about the steps the government has taken , but it is the right decision to restrict our normal way of life to tackle this crisis .
`` We must do all we can to stop the spread of this virus and I urge people to play their part by following the measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not risk their own or others ' health and wellbeing by ignoring these .
`` There are legitimate questions as to whether this step should have been taken sooner and how well the advice of experts is being communicated with the public . ''
Even the prime minister 's strongest critics in the trade unions acknowledged that the lockdown was necessary , though they demanded better protection for workers .
Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said : `` The prime minister 's statement illustrates the gravity of the situation .
This is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business and community in the country must be laser-focused , pulling together to do what needs to be done to protect public health .
`` The message to employers is clear - be responsible , help workers be part and parcel of the essential efforts to support the nation .
Keep workers and their families safe .
That means turn to the government 's job retention scheme to pay wages to keep households afloat .
Please , do not sack workers - use the mechanisms that we have persuaded this government to bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But I also say to the government , you are very aware that there are very many millions of people in this country with insecure employment and wages .
They need your urgent assistance .
They desperately want to heed this clear public health message but they need to know that the awful false choice between health and hardship has been removed . ''
UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said : `` Now the UK has also gone into lockdown , we must all abide by the rules .
Irresponsible behaviour will spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the NHS .
`` Health workers are on the front line trying to save lives .
By staying home we can all do our bit and help keep them safe too . ''
From the business community , the CBI 's director general Dame Carolyn Fairbairn said : `` Protecting the public will protect businesses in the long run .
`` These latest measures will of course present great challenges , disrupting daily lives and the normal run of business .
But we all owe it to each other to act responsibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The economic support the Government is providing and the determination of firms to support their employees mean together that the right action can be taken to protect lives and livelihoods . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Helen Dickinson , chief executive of the British Retail Consortium , said : `` Retailers understand the need for government to act quickly and decisively to protect public health and combat coronavirus .
`` The safety of customers and staff is paramount , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positively to evolving government guidance on social distancing and other hygiene matters .
Indeed , many retailers had gone further and already closed shops temporarily . ''
And the British Chambers of Commerce director general Adam Marshall said : `` Businesses must play their part to help limit the spread of coronavirus .
`` As the UK goes into lockdown , ministers must be crystal-clear about which businesses can continue to operate , and those which must now shut their doors .
`` The new restrictions make it all the more important that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by ministers last week is delivered to firms and employees on the ground as quickly as possible . ''

Boris Johnson's "stay at home" lockdown has been backed by political opponents, business leaders and trade unions, despite fears of major job losses on the high street.
The prime minister has ordered all shops apart from food stores and chemists to close immediately for at least three weeks and banned more than one form of daily exercise and gatherings of more than two people.
But his dramatic announcement - in a momentous TV address - of sweeping restrictions on daily life, with fines of between £30 and £1,000 for people who flout the new rules, has won grudging support.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:14 PM's full statement to the country
In a move bringing the UK into line with most of Europe, Mr Johnson has declared a "moment of national emergency" and closed shops selling "non-essential goods", along with playgrounds, libraries and churches.
And while he was reluctant to introduce such tough measures, it is claimed a mutiny threatened by senior cabinet ministers forced him to back demands from his medical and scientific advisers for a crackdown.
People will only be allowed to leave their home for "very limited" purposes:
Shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible
One form of exercise a day - for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household
Any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
Travelling to and from work, but only where this is absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home
Mr Johnson's sombre broadcast came as the government's Coronavirus Bill, the emergency legislation containing sweeping powers to impose a lockdown, completed its passage through the Commons in a single day.
It now moves to the House of Lords and is on course to become law by the end of this week, enabling the government to enforce the measures announced by the PM, which go far beyond anything seen in wartime.
These measures will come into force immediately:
Advertisement
Closing all shops selling non-essential goods, including clothing and electronic stores and other premises including libraries, playgrounds and outdoor gyms, and places of worship
Closing hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, campsites, caravan parks, and boarding houses for commercial/leisure use (excluding permanent residents and key workers)
Stopping all gatherings of more than two people in public - excluding people you live with
Stopping all social events, including weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies, but excluding funerals
Despite bringing down the shutters on most of the UK, the PM is allowing corner shops, petrol stations, parks, post offices, vets, pet shops, hardware stores, banks, newsagents, laundrettes and undertakers to stay open.
Explaining the government's decision, he said in his address: "Without a huge national effort to halt the growth of this virus, there will come a moment when no health service in the world could possibly cope; because there won't be enough ventilators, enough intensive care beds, enough doctors and nurses.
"And as we have seen elsewhere, in other countries that also have fantastic health care systems, that is the moment of real danger.
"To put it simply, if too many people become seriously unwell at one time, the NHS will be unable to handle it - meaning more people are likely to die, not just from coronavirus but from other illnesses as well."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 'Stay at home or your loved ones may die'
Later, after the shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth called for a lockdown, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: "The prime minister is right to call for people to stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives.
"This is the right response to the coronavirus pandemic, and one we have been calling for."
But Mr Corbyn added: "There now needs to be clear guidance to employers and workers about which workplaces should close - and the government must close the loopholes to give security to all workers, including the self-employed, as well as renters and mortgage holders."
London's Labour mayor, Sadiq Khan, said: "I welcome these new rules and am directly asking all Londoners to follow them at all times in order to save lives.
"These rules are not optional. They are instructions put in place to prevent the spread of this virus. You must follow them.
"Anyone who knows me, knows my liberal instincts, and I do not take this lightly - but these unprecedented circumstances require extraordinary measures."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Social distancing puts UK to the test
The acting leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey, said: "Many people will be anxious about the steps the government has taken, but it is the right decision to restrict our normal way of life to tackle this crisis.
"We must do all we can to stop the spread of this virus and I urge people to play their part by following the measures that have been set out, and not risk their own or others' health and wellbeing by ignoring these.
"There are legitimate questions as to whether this step should have been taken sooner and how well the advice of experts is being communicated with the public."
Even the prime minister's strongest critics in the trade unions acknowledged that the lockdown was necessary, though they demanded better protection for workers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 Tesco employees applaud NHS workers
Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said: "The prime minister's statement illustrates the gravity of the situation. This is a national health emergency and every resource, business and community in the country must be laser-focused, pulling together to do what needs to be done to protect public health.
"The message to employers is clear - be responsible, help workers be part and parcel of the essential efforts to support the nation. Keep workers and their families safe. That means turn to the government's job retention scheme to pay wages to keep households afloat. Please, do not sack workers - use the mechanisms that we have persuaded this government to bring in to avert mass hardship.
"But I also say to the government, you are very aware that there are very many millions of people in this country with insecure employment and wages. They need your urgent assistance. They desperately want to heed this clear public health message but they need to know that the awful false choice between health and hardship has been removed."
UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: "Now the UK has also gone into lockdown, we must all abide by the rules. Irresponsible behaviour will spread the virus and place an intolerable burden on the NHS.
"Health workers are on the front line trying to save lives. By staying home we can all do our bit and help keep them safe too."
From the business community, the CBI's director general Dame Carolyn Fairbairn said: "Protecting the public will protect businesses in the long run.
"These latest measures will of course present great challenges, disrupting daily lives and the normal run of business. But we all owe it to each other to act responsibly, both people and businesses.
"The economic support the Government is providing and the determination of firms to support their employees mean together that the right action can be taken to protect lives and livelihoods."
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
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: "Retailers understand the need for government to act quickly and decisively to protect public health and combat coronavirus.
"The safety of customers and staff is paramount, which is why retailers have responded swiftly and positively to evolving government guidance on social distancing and other hygiene matters. Indeed, many retailers had gone further and already closed shops temporarily."
And the British Chambers of Commerce director general Adam Marshall said: "Businesses must play their part to help limit the spread of coronavirus.
"As the UK goes into lockdown, ministers must be crystal-clear about which businesses can continue to operate, and those which must now shut their doors.
"The new restrictions make it all the more important that the massive package of financial support announced by ministers last week is delivered to firms and employees on the ground as quickly as possible."


news--2020-06-11--Josh Gad: Escapism has never been more useful

Artemis Fowl may have taken an age to get to the screen , but Josh Gad says it 's the perfect time for the magical movie to come into the world .
The adaptation of Irish author Eoin Colfer 's novel for young adults spent over 10 years stuck in development hell before Disney bought the rights to his first two novels .
And while coronavirus means the film will be coming to fans via streaming services rather than at the cinema , Gad says its release could n't be more timely .
`` It 's what I need right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need right now .
Escapism has never been more useful .
We 're all living through such troubling , difficult times .
`` The mere idea that you could walk outside and it could be a fatal decision , I think is scary , as are all of the events that are transpiring here in the United States right now .
`` I think people need a break , kids need a break .
They need an opportunity with everything spinning at them to hopefully just be reminded of the magic and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that can inspire and can really bring a sense of hope and joy . ''
Young stars Lara McDonnell and newcomer Ferdia Shaw are at the centre of the film , about a 12-year-old genius who finds himself caught up in the underground world of the fairies .
Gad plays criminal dwarf Mulch Diggums in the Kenneth Branagh-directed movie , which also stars Colin Farrell , Dame Judi Dench and Nonso Anonzie .
Gad says working with Dench again was a dream : `` It really is a gift to work with not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but also somebody who has inspired me my entire life .
`` As part of my curriculum at both Carnegie Mellon drama and the National Institute of Dramatic Arts in Sydney , we studied Shakespeare , and our way in was studying the works of both Dame Judi Dench and Kenneth Branagh .
`` So , it is surreal to then call them colleagues and have not one but two opportunities to work alongside them . ''
And Dench and Branagh are not the only stars Gad has been hanging out with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ YouTube series Reunited Apart , he has shared stories with filmmaking legends including Steven Spielberg , Tom Hanks , Ron Howard and Peter Jackson .
But while he credits the directors with defining his childhood , it 's the actors who have really blown him away .
`` These people that I grew up loving and in many cases am now blessed enough to call friends , it 's just tremendous to see them all reunite again .
It gives you this emotional catharsis that I think everyone could use . ''
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker During the ongoing series , he 's bought together key cast members of Back To The Future , Lord Of The Rings , The Goonies and Splash .
Ghostbusters is next , but Gad was tight lipped on whether actor Bill Murray - who is notoriously hard to track down - will be taking part .
The third film in the franchise , Ghostbusters : Afterlife , is due out in March 2021 , after production delays due to COVID-19 .
Artemis Fowl is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reunited Apart reunion , which is raising money for the Equal Justice Initiative , takes place at 5pm UK time on Monday 15 June .

Artemis Fowl may have taken an age to get to the screen, but Josh Gad says it's the perfect time for the magical movie to come into the world.
The adaptation of Irish author Eoin Colfer's novel for young adults spent over 10 years stuck in development hell before Disney bought the rights to his first two novels.
Image: Newcomer Ferdia Shaw plays a 12-year-old genius searching for his father
And while coronavirus means the film will be coming to fans via streaming services rather than at the cinema, Gad says its release couldn't be more timely.
"It's what I need right now, it's what my kids need right now. Escapism has never been more useful. We're all living through such troubling, difficult times.
"The mere idea that you could walk outside and it could be a fatal decision, I think is scary, as are all of the events that are transpiring here in the United States right now.
"I think people need a break, kids need a break. They need an opportunity with everything spinning at them to hopefully just be reminded of the magic and the beauty of fairy tales, of stories that can inspire and can really bring a sense of hope and joy."
Young stars Lara McDonnell and newcomer Ferdia Shaw are at the centre of the film, about a 12-year-old genius who finds himself caught up in the underground world of the fairies.
Gad plays criminal dwarf Mulch Diggums in the Kenneth Branagh-directed movie, which also stars Colin Farrell, Dame Judi Dench and Nonso Anonzie.
Image: Judi Dench plays Commander Root, which was originally a male role
Gad says working with Dench again was a dream: "It really is a gift to work with not only a national treasure in the UK, but also somebody who has inspired me my entire life.
Advertisement
"As part of my curriculum at both Carnegie Mellon drama and the National Institute of Dramatic Arts in Sydney, we studied Shakespeare, and our way in was studying the works of both Dame Judi Dench and Kenneth Branagh.
"So, it is surreal to then call them colleagues and have not one but two opportunities to work alongside them."
Image: Gad got to work with director Kenneth Branagh on the movie
And Dench and Branagh are not the only stars Gad has been hanging out with of late.
As part of his YouTube series Reunited Apart, he has shared stories with filmmaking legends including Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Ron Howard and Peter Jackson.
But while he credits the directors with defining his childhood, it's the actors who have really blown him away.
"These people that I grew up loving and in many cases am now blessed enough to call friends, it's just tremendous to see them all reunite again. It gives you this emotional catharsis that I think everyone could use."
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 Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
During the ongoing series, he's bought together key cast members of Back To The Future, Lord Of The Rings, The Goonies and Splash.
Ghostbusters is next, but Gad was tight lipped on whether actor Bill Murray - who is notoriously hard to track down - will be taking part.
The third film in the franchise, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, is due out in March 2021, after production delays due to COVID-19.
Artemis Fowl is available on Disney+ now.
The Ghostbusters Reunited Apart reunion, which is raising money for the Equal Justice Initiative, takes place at 5pm UK time on Monday 15 June.


news--2020-06-12--Travelex heads for restructuring as sale process stalls

Bondholders in the troubled foreign exchange provider Travelex are pressing its syndicate of banks to enter talks about a restructuring after an emergency auction of the business stalled .
Sky News has learnt that a group of debt investors which are being advised by the investment bank PJT Partners are pushing Travelex 's banks - which include Barclays and Goldman Sachs - to negotiate a potential deal .
The currency exchange retailer 's banks , which are being advised by FTI Consulting , are owed about £90m by the company , while the bondholders are due to be repaid roughly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been plunged into crisis by a cyberattack at the start of the year that disrupted its services , while it has been badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic 's impact on international travel .
The Mail on Sunday reported last weekend that a number of bidders , including the private equity firm Marlin Equity and a vehicle controlled by the billionaire banker Joseph Safra , had made offers for the company .
One lender said , however , that they understood that none of the offers which had materialised were capable of being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a creditor-led restructuring , or insolvency , were now the likelier outcomes .
Travelex 's bondholders are braced for steep losses on their holdings , while the revolving credit facility lenders are understood to expect to be repaid in full .
The company is being advised by PricewaterhouseCoopers .
Travelex Holdings is part of Finablr Group , a London-listed parent company which has itself been brought to the point of insolvency by an apparent fraud .
In April , Finablr said that it had a debt burden of $ 1.3bn ( £1bn ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its board had previously been aware of .
The crisis triggered the resignation of EY as the group 's auditor , with a string of regulatory investigations now inevitable .
Finablr 's founder , the Gulf-based billionaire BR Shetty , has also been engulfed by scandal at NMC Health , the healthcare group , which was recently forced to disclose billions of dollars of previously undeclared financial obligations .
Travelex had raised hopes of a separation and sale outside of Finablr because it has an independent legal and financing structure .
The retail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries and has 1,000 cashpoints around the world , relies on significant footfall at airports .
The government 's introduction of a 14-day quarantine period for travellers returning to the UK - which is now the subject of a legal challenge from major British airlines - has further dampened the industry 's hopes of a swift recovery .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The operator of foreign exchange services , which for decades has been a familiar fixture at British airports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entrepreneur and philanthropist , Sir Lloyd Dorfman .
He sold a stake in the company to Apax Partners , the private equity firm , in 2005 , before offloading the rest to Mr Shetty 's UAE Exchange several years later .
Asked recently whether he was interested in helping to buy Travelex back , Sir Lloyd told The Sunday Telegraph : `` Am I actively doing anything ?
No I am not .
Let 's see how it plays out .
`` Let 's see what happens . ''
Travelex could not be @ @ @ @ @ @

Bondholders in the troubled foreign exchange provider Travelex are pressing its syndicate of banks to enter talks about a restructuring after an emergency auction of the business stalled.
Sky News has learnt that a group of debt investors which are being advised by the investment bank PJT Partners are pushing Travelex's banks - which include Barclays and Goldman Sachs - to negotiate a potential deal.
The currency exchange retailer's banks, which are being advised by FTI Consulting, are owed about £90m by the company, while the bondholders are due to be repaid roughly €360m (£322m).
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 13:11 GDP: 'Clearly significant contraction'
Travelex has been plunged into crisis by a cyberattack at the start of the year that disrupted its services, while it has been badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on international travel.
The Mail on Sunday reported last weekend that a number of bidders, including the private equity firm Marlin Equity and a vehicle controlled by the billionaire banker Joseph Safra, had made offers for the company.
One lender said, however, that they understood that none of the offers which had materialised were capable of being concluded in the required timeframe, meaning a creditor-led restructuring, or insolvency, were now the likelier outcomes.
Travelex's bondholders are braced for steep losses on their holdings, while the revolving credit facility lenders are understood to expect to be repaid in full.
The company is being advised by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Travelex Holdings is part of Finablr Group, a London-listed parent company which has itself been brought to the point of insolvency by an apparent fraud.
Advertisement
In April, Finablr said that it had a debt burden of $1.3bn (£1bn), far in excess of the figure its board had previously been aware of.
The crisis triggered the resignation of EY as the group's auditor, with a string of regulatory investigations now inevitable.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:15 Quarantine is 'irrational legislation'
Finablr's founder, the Gulf-based billionaire BR Shetty, has also been engulfed by scandal at NMC Health, the healthcare group, which was recently forced to disclose billions of dollars of previously undeclared financial obligations.
Travelex had raised hopes of a separation and sale outside of Finablr because it has an independent legal and financing structure.
The retail currency dealer, which operates in 60 countries and has 1,000 cashpoints around the world, relies on significant footfall at airports.
The government's introduction of a 14-day quarantine period for travellers returning to the UK - which is now the subject of a legal challenge from major British airlines - has further dampened the industry's hopes of a swift recovery.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The operator of foreign exchange services, which for decades has been a familiar fixture at British airports, was founded in 1976 by the entrepreneur and philanthropist, Sir Lloyd Dorfman.
He sold a stake in the company to Apax Partners, the private equity firm, in 2005, before offloading the rest to Mr Shetty's UAE Exchange several years later.
Asked recently whether he was interested in helping to buy Travelex back, Sir Lloyd told The Sunday Telegraph: "Am I actively doing anything? No I am not. Let's see how it plays out.
"Let's see what happens."
Travelex could not be reached for comment on Friday.


news--2020-06-12--Brexit: Government 'abandons' plan for full border checks on EU goods

The government will take a `` flexible '' approach to post-Brexit border checks on goods imported from the EU next year in order to assist businesses already struggling with the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic .
Later today the UK government will formally rule out any extension of the Brexit transition period beyond 31 December , despite trade talks with the EU remaining stalled .
In February , cabinet minister Michael Gove said imports from the EU would be subject to the same customs and regulatory checks as those coming from the rest of the world , but according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to introduce `` a temporary light-touch regime at UK ports such as Dover for incoming EU goods '' whether or not a trade deal is agreed .
Confirming the report in the Financial Times , a government source said : `` We recognise the impact that coronavirus has had on UK businesses , and as we take back control of our laws and our borders at the end of this year , we will take a pragmatic and flexible approach to help business adjust to the changes and opportunities of being outside the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' But trade experts have warned such a move would have ramifications beyond EU imports .
David Henig , UK director of European Centre For International Political Economy , said any decision to relax border controls on EU goods would also need to apply to goods from the rest of the world .
`` If there 's no deal with the EU we have to treat imports from them equally to those from other WTO members , '' Mr Henig wrote in a social media post .
Ministers have long insisted they would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period beyond 31 December 2020 , but later today Mr Gove will make that position official as he meets EU counterparts .
Mr Gove will co-chair a meeting of the UK-EU joint committee , which oversees the application of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement , alongside European Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic .
Although the deadline for seeking an extension is not until the end of June , any extension request needs to be first agreed at a meeting of the UK-EU joint committee .
The group will not meet again before the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of `` high-level '' talks between Boris Johnson and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen , EU Council President Charles Michel and European Parliament President David Sassoli , scheduled to take place via video conference next Monday .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Downing Street said the UK and EU had also agreed an `` intensified timetable '' for negotiations .
`` This new process will involve a mix of formal negotiating rounds and smaller group meetings , both in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enable this , '' Number 10 added .
Negotiations will be held in each of the five weeks between the week beginning 29 June and week beginning 27 July .
Last week Mr Johnson 's chief negotiator , David Frost , acknowledged the two sides had come `` close to reaching the limits of what we can achieve '' through formal remote negotiations between officials .

The government will take a "flexible" approach to post-Brexit border checks on goods imported from the EU next year in order to assist businesses already struggling with the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Later today the UK government will formally rule out any extension of the Brexit transition period beyond 31 December, despite trade talks with the EU remaining stalled.
In February, cabinet minister Michael Gove said imports from the EU would be subject to the same customs and regulatory checks as those coming from the rest of the world, but according to the Financial Times the government intends to introduce "a temporary light-touch regime at UK ports such as Dover for incoming EU goods" whether or not a trade deal is agreed.
Confirming the report in the Financial Times, a government source said: "We recognise the impact that coronavirus has had on UK businesses, and as we take back control of our laws and our borders at the end of this year, we will take a pragmatic and flexible approach to help business adjust to the changes and opportunities of being outside the single market and the customs union."
But trade experts have warned such a move would have ramifications beyond EU imports.
David Henig, UK director of European Centre For International Political Economy, said any decision to relax border controls on EU goods would also need to apply to goods from the rest of the world.
"If there's no deal with the EU we have to treat imports from them equally to those from other WTO members," Mr Henig wrote in a social media post.
Ministers have long insisted they would refuse any extension of the Brexit transition period beyond 31 December 2020, but later today Mr Gove will make that position official as he meets EU counterparts.
Mr Gove will co-chair a meeting of the UK-EU joint committee, which oversees the application of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, alongside European Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic.
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:16 'UK backtracking on Brexit commitments'
Although the deadline for seeking an extension is not until the end of June, any extension request needs to be first agreed at a meeting of the UK-EU joint committee. The group will not meet again before the end of the month.
It comes ahead of "high-level" talks between Boris Johnson and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, EU Council President Charles Michel and European Parliament President David Sassoli, scheduled to take place via video conference next Monday.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Downing Street said the UK and EU had also agreed an "intensified timetable" for negotiations.
"This new process will involve a mix of formal negotiating rounds and smaller group meetings, both in London and Brussels assuming public health guidelines enable this," Number 10 added.
Negotiations will be held in each of the five weeks between the week beginning 29 June and week beginning 27 July.
Last week Mr Johnson's chief negotiator, David Frost, acknowledged the two sides had come "close to reaching the limits of what we can achieve" through formal remote negotiations between officials.


news--2020-06-12--Sir Keir Starmer the most popular opposition leader since Tony Blair, poll finds

Sir Keir Starmer is the most popular leader of the opposition since Tony Blair , according to a new poll .
Two months into the role , the new Labour leader is matching the performance of Mr Blair in the 1990s , the data from Ipsos Mori found .
Mr Blair became leader of the opposition in 1994 and went on to win a landslide victory in the 1997 general election .
He recorded two further electoral successes as PM , in 2001 and 2005 , before stepping down in 2007 .
But whilst the poll will be encouraging for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a more capable leader of the country than Sir Keir , by 43 % to 38 % .
The Conservatives also maintain a slight leader over Labour .
But the gap between the parties has narrowed in recent months , according to the research .
The Tories are on 43 % - down nine points since March , while Labour is on 38 % ( up eight ) .
Meanwhile , the Liberal Democrats are on 10 % ( up one ) .
The study of 1,059 adults was carried out between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Sir Keir , who replaced Jeremy Corbyn as leader in April , has a net satisfaction score of 31 % .
This matches the best score registered by Mr Blair in December 1994 .
The study suggests that the public are divided over how well ministers have handled the coronavirus pandemic .
A total of 40 % of those polled believe the government 's response has gone well , while 44 % think the outbreak has been managed badly .
When it comes to Mr Johnson , 47 % are satisfied with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job , with 49 % dissatisfied .
Commenting on the findings , Gideon Skinner , head of political research at Ipsos Mori , said : `` Labour will of course be encouraged that Keir Starmer is achieving comparable leader satisfaction ratings to Tony Blair and David Cameron when they led the opposition , as both went on to become general election winners .
`` However this is still very early days - it 's not unusual to see a honeymoon period for a new leader .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spotify , Spreaker '' And there is an important difference , Boris Johnson is still more popular than John Major and Gordon Brown were when Blair and Cameron achieved their best scores .
`` With concerns about the economy and the coronavirus high , how the two leaders handle these over the next few months will be crucial . ''

Sir Keir Starmer is the most popular leader of the opposition since Tony Blair, according to a new poll.
Two months into the role, the new Labour leader is matching the performance of Mr Blair in the 1990s, the data from Ipsos Mori found.
Mr Blair became leader of the opposition in 1994 and went on to win a landslide victory in the 1997 general election.
Image: Tony Blair won three elections for Labour and stepped down as prime minister and party leader in 2007
He recorded two further electoral successes as PM, in 2001 and 2005, before stepping down in 2007.
But whilst the poll will be encouraging for Labour, Boris Johnson is still viewed as a more capable leader of the country than Sir Keir, by 43% to 38%.
The Conservatives also maintain a slight leader over Labour.
But the gap between the parties has narrowed in recent months, according to the research.
The Tories are on 43% - down nine points since March, while Labour is on 38% (up eight).
Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats are on 10% (up one).
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:58 April: What direction will Labour head in now?
The study of 1,059 adults was carried out between 5 and 10 June.
It found that Sir Keir, who replaced Jeremy Corbyn as leader in April, has a net satisfaction score of 31%.
This matches the best score registered by Mr Blair in December 1994.
The study suggests that the public are divided over how well ministers have handled the coronavirus pandemic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:31 Starmer: 'We've got a mountain to climb'
A total of 40% of those polled believe the government's response has gone well, while 44% think the outbreak has been managed badly.
When it comes to Mr Johnson, 47% are satisfied with the way the PM is doing his job, with 49% dissatisfied.
Commenting on the findings, Gideon Skinner, head of political research at Ipsos Mori, said: "Labour will of course be encouraged that Keir Starmer is achieving comparable leader satisfaction ratings to Tony Blair and David Cameron when they led the opposition, as both went on to become general election winners.
"However this is still very early days - it's not unusual to see a honeymoon period for a new leader.
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
"And there is an important difference, Boris Johnson is still more popular than John Major and Gordon Brown were when Blair and Cameron achieved their best scores.
"With concerns about the economy and the coronavirus high, how the two leaders handle these over the next few months will be crucial."


news--2020-06-11--George Floyd death: The people of America are saying they've had enough - this time it feels differe

George Floyd death: The people of America are saying they've had enough - this time it feels different

I 've seen so many protests flare and fade in America .
I 've watched and witnessed the outrage , incredulity and calls for change .
In Cleveland , I interviewed the family of Tamir Rice , a 12-year-old boy shot and killed by police in 2014 for playing with a toy gun .
In Baton Rouge , I met the friends of Alton Sterling , incensed and distraught as they took to the streets in exasperated anger .
The 37-year-old was shot and killed by police at close range .
In Baltimore , I spent time in Freddie Gray @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months after he died in police custody , they were being trailed by helicopters .
Trayvon Martin , Michael Brown , Eric Garner , Philando Castile , Breonna Taylor , Walter Scott .
They are all probably names you also know and that I 've reported on .
There are also names we never get to hear , whose cases never got the public attention they deserved .
But after George Floyd 's death , something felt different .
His name , his story , seem to have sparked something truly global .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minneapolis shared that view and , if so , why ?
Was this a tipping point - America 's racial reckoning finally realised after hundreds of years of disregard for black people 's lives , rooted in slavery ?
Everyone I spoke to - campaigners , lawyers , activists and those strangers who just turned up to pay their respects to George Floyd - said the graphic video of his death had a profound effect on them , on the strength of reaction and the speed of prosecutions .
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Mel Reeves , a veteran civil rights activist , said : `` What you 're seeing is , you 're seeing a human response .
This is humanity saying we 've had enough .
Not just black folks , but white people who are saying we 've had enough . ''
At the site where George Floyd was killed , so many people said they also saw their own sons and daughters when they heard him call out for his mother as he struggled .
The response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just in the big cities and not just in America , was rapid and intense .
People took the time to watch the video and everyone I spoke to was appalled - whether it was in the white suburbs , or the epicentre of the story .
It appeared to give new momentum to a movement that started long ago .
Black Lives Matter began in 2013 .
And yet it 's taken until 2020 to see a truly broad coalition of people get behind it .
Suddenly it looked like white people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it was n't just the liberals or the far-left US President Donald Trump likes to talk about .
America and the world were waking up to what black people have always known and lived .
It was as if that video was the evidence some people needed to really understand .
Michael , a new generation of campaigner , uncompromising and dynamic - who has been a constant presence at the memorial site , rallying the crowd from a makeshift stage - told me this is the first time he 's felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finally got some air .
I feel like a cage around my body was just taken off ...
I feel like now white people were taking the other white people 's hands off of my hand .
All those fingers that were there for 400 years are now gone .
And now I can breathe . ''
As we stood among the rubble of the stores burned down during the protests , he made clear he did n't support the destruction , but believed it had sent a powerful message that made people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destruction but , if it 's what we had to do to get our message heard , if this is what we have to do to get the thought process at least open… okay… we were left with no other options . ''
The reality is much of the damage was done by outsiders , many white not black .
But American history shows you little radical change is achieved without radical action , and the flames and fury captured a nation that this time seemed ready to listen .
What really struck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sense of collective trauma and to some degree catharsis that followed it .
People kept telling me they felt compelled to speak up in a way they 've struggled to before - to raise the micro-aggression and the macro-violence and prejudice they have faced .
Just a few hundred metres from the spot where George Floyd begged for his own life , we met Andy and Leslie .
They were kind enough to let us use their toilets .
We were two strangers knocking on their door in these weird COVID times and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - offering us water just like they had to every stranger who 'd walked by in mourning and protest .
Leslie is black , Andy white , and they 'd both been processing a lot of emotions as they saw their area on fire and changing the course of a country .
Leslie , an articulate , thoughtful woman and the daughter of a lawyer , told me she had experienced the judgement of police and the prejudice of teachers since she was a child .
In the past few days , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by writing an email to them .
She recalled how a teacher had told her : `` You 're the reason why I do n't like rich minorities '' and that she was going to `` knock me down a peg or two and the world would , too '' .
She described how she had often felt constrained because `` you fear saying anything because you do n't want to be the angry black woman '' , but she is adamant she `` wo n't be quiet anymore '' .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hear .
Her partner Andy , who works in a predominately white office , said he hoped at the very least this tragedy would take everyone closer to checking their `` white privilege '' .
It 's a phrase some might suggest is the reserve of liberals in Democratic cities .
But that 's not what I saw in the white suburbs in Minneapolis .
And honestly , I was surprised .
America is a country made up of small towns .
Policing and perspective is a very local thing and fear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In Prior Lake , where people were out enjoying ice cream and cruising on speedboats , George Floyd 's death was still resonating .
Everyone we spoke to was horrified by the video and some people told us that had prompted them to have conversations with neighbours they 'd never had before .
There were still people like John , who refutes the very idea of white privilege , who does n't think black people are disadvantaged in America .
The statistics do n't bear that out - in health , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you were in any doubt , coronavirus should be a clear reminder of how African-Americans are at the sharp end of so many crises here .
In just four years in the US , I 've seen two massive cultural moments unfold - the Me Too movement and Black Lives Matter .
The former brought down institutions , prosecuted perpetrators , changed workplaces and Hollywood .
The embedded nature of racism means the hill towards change will be harder to climb .
America ca n't atone for its racist sins until this debate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small town .
This feels like the start and the people are leading it .
The politicians are either playing catch-up or still unwilling to engage with the problem .
In just two weeks , 11 cities have banned police from using the controversial chokehold method to detain suspects .
Minneapolis City Council voted to disband the police force .
Nationally , Democrats have proposed sweeping legislation .
Justice will likely be slow .
But public pressure may be here to stay .
There has been some concrete progress even in the middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Is Change Going to Come ?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm - looking at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests , and examining institutional racism and how we fix it .
If you would like to be part of our virtual audience , and have a chance of putting a question to our panel , please send your name , location and question to newsdebates @ sky.uk

I've seen so many protests flare and fade in America.
I've watched and witnessed the outrage, incredulity and calls for change. In Cleveland, I interviewed the family of Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old boy shot and killed by police in 2014 for playing with a toy gun.
In Baton Rouge, I met the friends of Alton Sterling, incensed and distraught as they took to the streets in exasperated anger. The 37-year-old was shot and killed by police at close range.
In Baltimore, I spent time in Freddie Gray's neighbourhood, a place where even months after he died in police custody, they were being trailed by helicopters.
Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Philando Castile, Breonna Taylor, Walter Scott. They are all probably names you also know and that I've reported on.
There are also names we never get to hear, whose cases never got the public attention they deserved.
But after George Floyd's death, something felt different.
His name, his story, seem to have sparked something truly global. I wanted to know if people in Minneapolis shared that view and, if so, why? Was this a tipping point - America's racial reckoning finally realised after hundreds of years of disregard for black people's lives, rooted in slavery?
Everyone I spoke to - campaigners, lawyers, activists and those strangers who just turned up to pay their respects to George Floyd - said the graphic video of his death had a profound effect on them, on the strength of reaction and the speed of prosecutions.
Advertisement
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Mel Reeves, a veteran civil rights activist, said: "What you're seeing is, you're seeing a human response. This is humanity saying we've had enough. Not just black folks, but white people who are saying we've had enough."
At the site where George Floyd was killed, so many people said they also saw their own sons and daughters when they heard him call out for his mother as he struggled.
The response, not just in Minneapolis, not just in the big cities and not just in America, was rapid and intense. People took the time to watch the video and everyone I spoke to was appalled - whether it was in the white suburbs, or the epicentre of the story. It appeared to give new momentum to a movement that started long ago.
Black Lives Matter began in 2013. And yet it's taken until 2020 to see a truly broad coalition of people get behind it. Suddenly it looked like white people were comfortable saying it - and no, it wasn't just the liberals or the far-left US President Donald Trump likes to talk about.
America and the world were waking up to what black people have always known and lived. It was as if that video was the evidence some people needed to really understand.
Image: Michael Wilson is a new generation of campaigner
Michael, a new generation of campaigner, uncompromising and dynamic - who has been a constant presence at the memorial site, rallying the crowd from a makeshift stage - told me this is the first time he's felt free.
"I feel like we finally got some air. I feel like a cage around my body was just taken off... I feel like now white people were taking the other white people's hands off of my hand. All those fingers that were there for 400 years are now gone. And now I can breathe."
As we stood among the rubble of the stores burned down during the protests, he made clear he didn't support the destruction, but believed it had sent a powerful message that made people listen.
"I don't condone destruction but, if it's what we had to do to get our message heard, if this is what we have to do to get the thought process at least open… okay… we were left with no other options."
The reality is much of the damage was done by outsiders, many white not black. But American history shows you little radical change is achieved without radical action, and the flames and fury captured a nation that this time seemed ready to listen.
What really struck me about being in Minneapolis was the sense of collective trauma and to some degree catharsis that followed it. People kept telling me they felt compelled to speak up in a way they've struggled to before - to raise the micro-aggression and the macro-violence and prejudice they have faced.
Just a few hundred metres from the spot where George Floyd begged for his own life, we met Andy and Leslie. They were kind enough to let us use their toilets. We were two strangers knocking on their door in these weird COVID times and they could not have been more welcoming - offering us water just like they had to every stranger who'd walked by in mourning and protest.
Leslie is black, Andy white, and they'd both been processing a lot of emotions as they saw their area on fire and changing the course of a country.
Image: Leslie Bowden and Andy Browne
Leslie, an articulate, thoughtful woman and the daughter of a lawyer, told me she had experienced the judgement of police and the prejudice of teachers since she was a child.
In the past few days, she decided to share her experiences with colleagues by writing an email to them. She recalled how a teacher had told her: "You're the reason why I don't like rich minorities" and that she was going to "knock me down a peg or two and the world would, too".
She described how she had often felt constrained because "you fear saying anything because you don't want to be the angry black woman", but she is adamant she "won't be quiet anymore". It was incredibly powerful, sobering, and distressing to hear.
Her partner Andy, who works in a predominately white office, said he hoped at the very least this tragedy would take everyone closer to checking their "white privilege". It's a phrase some might suggest is the reserve of liberals in Democratic cities. But that's not what I saw in the white suburbs in Minneapolis. And honestly, I was surprised.
America is a country made up of small towns. Policing and perspective is a very local thing and fear of "the other" runs deep. In Prior Lake, where people were out enjoying ice cream and cruising on speedboats, George Floyd's death was still resonating.
Everyone we spoke to was horrified by the video and some people told us that had prompted them to have conversations with neighbours they'd never had before.
There were still people like John, who refutes the very idea of white privilege, who doesn't think black people are disadvantaged in America. The statistics don't bear that out - in health, in education, in policing. And if you were in any doubt, coronavirus should be a clear reminder of how African-Americans are at the sharp end of so many crises here.
Image: Americans are calling for change but politicians need to catch up
In just four years in the US, I've seen two massive cultural moments unfold - the Me Too movement and Black Lives Matter. The former brought down institutions, prosecuted perpetrators, changed workplaces and Hollywood. The embedded nature of racism means the hill towards change will be harder to climb.
America can't atone for its racist sins until this debate permeates every corner of it, every small town. This feels like the start and the people are leading it. The politicians are either playing catch-up or still unwilling to engage with the problem.
In just two weeks, 11 cities have banned police from using the controversial chokehold method to detain suspects. Minneapolis City Council voted to disband the police force. Nationally, Democrats have proposed sweeping legislation. Justice will likely be slow. But public pressure may be here to stay. There has been some concrete progress even in the middle of a pandemic.
Race and Revolution: Is Change Going to Come?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm - looking at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests, and examining institutional racism and how we fix it.
If you would like to be part of our virtual audience, and have a chance of putting a question to our panel, please send your name, location and question to newsdebates@sky.uk


news--2020-06-11--Coronavirus: The prime minister says he followed scientific advice, but ultimate responsibility is h

Coronavirus : The prime minister says he followed scientific advice , but ultimate responsibility is his Coronavirus : The prime minister says he followed scientific advice , but ultimate responsibility is his Five months into this pandemic and it is clear that the UK will end up with one of the worst death tolls from coronavirus .
Figures released by the Office of National Statistics this week put the official toll above 50,000 , but look at the excess death figures and we know it will be even higher .
Tens of thousands of families mourning the loss of loved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ livelihoods as the economic crisis begins to hit , it is a heavy burden for any leader to bear .
But the prime minister is not yet ready to carry the weight of the inevitable inquiry into what happened and why , as the acute health emergency appears to recede .
Mr Johnson is trying to keep his eyes firmly on the road ahead , refusing to look in the rear mirror as he tries to steer the country out of the lockdown and to a new normal .
Yet on Wednesday he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ferguson , a former key scientific adviser to the government whose pandemic modelling was instrumental in bringing about the lockdown , told MPs at a select committee hearing that the death toll could have been reduced `` by at least a half '' if the UK had gone into lockdown a week earlier .
Some 25,000 lives or more could have been saved .
Professor Ferguson 's remarks were an admission of his own culpability as much as the prime minister 's for his role in failing to realise just how fast the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it made for difficult terrain for the prime minister who does n't want to be drawn into this discussion right now .
When I asked Mr Johnson what he might have done differently , he told me that `` frankly a lot of these questions are premature '' .
When I asked him whether , given what we know now , he regretted not locking the UK down earlier , the PM was quick to point out that he had followed scientific guidance .
`` We made the decisions at the time on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ferguson , that we thought were right for this country .
The questions that are posed are still unanswered . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Refusing to express regret , all through this epidemic Mr Johnson has insisted he and his ministers have been guided by scientific advice .
But what if the science seemed right at the time but wrong in hindsight ?
It seems that the scientists -- Professor Ferguson at the select committee hearing and Professor Whitty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easier to revise opinions or even admit mistakes in light of changing evidence .
It is perhaps easier for scientists to be frank .
They are the ones who advise , it is the prime minister who ultimately has to decide .
He might have followed their advice , but he knows ultimately the responsibility for all the decisions on managing this pandemic , for better or worse , lies with him .
This is a point his cabinet are driving home as they implore the PM to go against the scientific advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to help get kids back to school and the hospitality sector back to work .
The PM must know too that the threat from this disease has not passed and lessons must be learned .
Not ready to reflect publicly , but if he is going to get the rest of this right , Mr Johnson will need to acknowledge and understand what went wrong .
It matters not just for policy decisions but for public faith too .

Mr Johnson insists that now is not the time to voice regrets about what should or should not have been done.
Coronavirus: The prime minister says he followed scientific advice, but ultimate responsibility is his
Five months into this pandemic and it is clear that the UK will end up with one of the worst death tolls from coronavirus.
Figures released by the Office of National Statistics this week put the official toll above 50,000, but look at the excess death figures and we know it will be even higher.
Tens of thousands of families mourning the loss of loved ones and millions more fearful for their livelihoods as the economic crisis begins to hit, it is a heavy burden for any leader to bear.
But the prime minister is not yet ready to carry the weight of the inevitable inquiry into what happened and why, as the acute health emergency appears to recede.
Mr Johnson is trying to keep his eyes firmly on the road ahead, refusing to look in the rear mirror as he tries to steer the country out of the lockdown and to a new normal.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:56 OECD warns of economic damage to UK
Yet on Wednesday he was forced to reflect after Professor Neil Ferguson, a former key scientific adviser to the government whose pandemic modelling was instrumental in bringing about the lockdown, told MPs at a select committee hearing that the death toll could have been reduced "by at least a half" if the UK had gone into lockdown a week earlier.
Some 25,000 lives or more could have been saved.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:09 Professor Ferguson: Earlier lockdown would have saved lives
Professor Ferguson's remarks were an admission of his own culpability as much as the prime minister's for his role in failing to realise just how fast the disease was spreading in March.
But it made for difficult terrain for the prime minister who doesn't want to be drawn into this discussion right now.
Advertisement
When I asked Mr Johnson what he might have done differently, he told me that "frankly a lot of these questions are premature".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:28 Johnson: Now is not the time to cast judgement
When I asked him whether, given what we know now, he regretted not locking the UK down earlier, the PM was quick to point out that he had followed scientific guidance.
"We made the decisions at the time on the guidance of SAGE, including Professor Ferguson, that we thought were right for this country. The questions that are posed are still unanswered."
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
Refusing to express regret, all through this epidemic Mr Johnson has insisted he and his ministers have been guided by scientific advice.
But what if the science seemed right at the time but wrong in hindsight? It seems that the scientists -- Professor Ferguson at the select committee hearing and Professor Whitty at the daily briefing -- find it easier to revise opinions or even admit mistakes in light of changing evidence.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:50 Whitty says testing could have been better
It is perhaps easier for scientists to be frank. They are the ones who advise, it is the prime minister who ultimately has to decide.
He might have followed their advice, but he knows ultimately the responsibility for all the decisions on managing this pandemic, for better or worse, lies with him.
This is a point his cabinet are driving home as they implore the PM to go against the scientific advice and relax the two metre distancing rule in order to help get kids back to school and the hospitality sector back to work.
The PM must know too that the threat from this disease has not passed and lessons must be learned.
Not ready to reflect publicly, but if he is going to get the rest of this right, Mr Johnson will need to acknowledge and understand what went wrong. It matters not just for policy decisions but for public faith too.


news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: Luggage brand Antler crashes into administration

Antler Holdings , the luggage-maker , has become the latest victim of the coronavirus pandemic after being forced to call in administrators .
Sky News understands that Antler collapsed late on Monday , just three months after being bought by Michael Lewis , the fashion tycoon behind brands such as Phase Eight .
KPMG , which has been appointed as administrator , is understood to be making the majority of the luggage company 's 200-strong workforce redundant immediately .
Prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 , Antler traded from 18 standalone shops and one concession .
Its products are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Selfridges , while its brand is also licensed to third parties in Australia and Asia .
Antler 's own stores are now likely to shut permanently , although KPMG plans to trade the business in administration through online channels such as Amazon .
Most of Antler 's employees had been furloughed under the government 's emergency wage subsidy scheme since the beginning of the UK-wide lockdown in March .
Like other companies exposed to the international travel industry , luggage-makers have seen sales collapse in recent months .
Antler was bought by Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the turnaround investor , in February .
KPMG later confirmed that 164 jobs had been lost .
Joint administrator , Will Wright , said : `` Like so many companies across the retail and travel sectors , Antler has been profoundly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` Although the business was trading well prior to the virus outbreak , restrictions imposed at the start of the lockdown period prompted the closure of Antler 's retail and wholesale outlets , while the impact on international travel has also significantly affected sales .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions placing further financial strain on the business , the directors concluded that they had no option but to appoint administrators .
`` We will continue to trade the business via its online channels while we assess options for this iconic brand and would invite any interested parties to make contact with us at the earliest opportunity . ''

Antler Holdings, the luggage-maker, has become the latest victim of the coronavirus pandemic after being forced to call in administrators.
Sky News understands that Antler collapsed late on Monday, just three months after being bought by Michael Lewis, the fashion tycoon behind brands such as Phase Eight.
KPMG, which has been appointed as administrator, is understood to be making the majority of the luggage company's 200-strong workforce redundant immediately.
Prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, Antler traded from 18 standalone shops and one concession.
Its products are also sold at outlets of John Lewis and Selfridges, while its brand is also licensed to third parties in Australia and Asia.
Image: The COVID-19 pandemic has crippled the travel sector
Antler's own stores are now likely to shut permanently, although KPMG plans to trade the business in administration through online channels such as Amazon.
Most of Antler's employees had been furloughed under the government's emergency wage subsidy scheme since the beginning of the UK-wide lockdown in March.
Like other companies exposed to the international travel industry, luggage-makers have seen sales collapse in recent months.
Antler was bought by Mr Lewis's ATR Holdings from Endless, the turnaround investor, in February.
Advertisement
KPMG later confirmed that 164 jobs had been lost.
Joint administrator, Will Wright, said: "Like so many companies across the retail and travel sectors, Antler has been profoundly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Although the business was trading well prior to the virus outbreak, restrictions imposed at the start of the lockdown period prompted the closure of Antler's retail and wholesale outlets, while the impact on international travel has also significantly affected sales.
"With uncertainty over the lifting of travel restrictions placing further financial strain on the business, the directors concluded that they had no option but to appoint administrators.
"We will continue to trade the business via its online channels while we assess options for this iconic brand and would invite any interested parties to make contact with us at the earliest opportunity."


news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: Man attacks couple with machete in anger over lockdown

Two people are in hospital after being attacked by a machete-wielding man who was angry about coronavirus restrictions .
Kelvin Edwards , 35 , is alleged to have attacked Kevin Craft , 55 , and his wife , Leanne Craft , 50 , at a storage facility in Nashville , Tennessee , on Sunday afternoon , police said .
He had collected the machete from his own bin at the storage facility before attacking the couple , who he did not know , without warning .
He continued to slash at them even as they lay on the ground bleeding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the first police car approached just a few minutes later , Edwards stood on the street with his hands up , having thrown his machete onto the path .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The six police officers first on the scene were congratulated for their attempts to save Mr and Mrs Craft .
One of them , central precinct officer James Hill , said : `` The first thing that came to my mind when I looked through those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was very prominent .
`` Just from the way the victims appeared , I could tell from about 20-25ft away they were going to need quite a bit of medical assistance .
`` We immediately set upon placing tourniquets around the arms and legs of Mr Craft and a short time later ... we began treating Mrs Craft . ''
Mr and Mrs Craft are in a critical condition in hospital and Edwards , who is homeless , has been charged with two counts of attempted murder .
Police said he had told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his anger about the shutdowns enacted by government to limit the spread of the coronavirus , which has killed almost 320,000 people worldwide .
He said he was also angry that he could not get help at a local charity for homeless people .
Officers said Edwards has an Arkansas driver 's licence but has been in Nashville since at least 2016 , when he was first arrested in the city .
He served time in jail for vandalism and , while in jail , he was convicted of assault after spitting at @ @ @ @ @

Two people are in hospital after being attacked by a machete-wielding man who was angry about coronavirus restrictions.
Kelvin Edwards, 35, is alleged to have attacked Kevin Craft, 55, and his wife, Leanne Craft, 50, at a storage facility in Nashville, Tennessee, on Sunday afternoon, police said.
He had collected the machete from his own bin at the storage facility before attacking the couple, who he did not know, without warning.
He continued to slash at them even as they lay on the ground bleeding.
Police were called at 2.47pm and as the first police car approached just a few minutes later, Edwards stood on the street with his hands up, having thrown his machete onto the path.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The six police officers first on the scene were congratulated for their attempts to save Mr and Mrs Craft.
One of them, central precinct officer James Hill, said: "The first thing that came to my mind when I looked through those doors I just saw the colour red was very prominent.
"Just from the way the victims appeared, I could tell from about 20-25ft away they were going to need quite a bit of medical assistance.
Advertisement
"We immediately set upon placing tourniquets around the arms and legs of Mr Craft and a short time later...we began treating Mrs Craft."
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
Mr and Mrs Craft are in a critical condition in hospital and Edwards, who is homeless, has been charged with two counts of attempted murder.
Police said he had told them he attacked the couple to show his anger about the shutdowns enacted by government to limit the spread of the coronavirus, which has killed almost 320,000 people worldwide.
He said he was also angry that he could not get help at a local charity for homeless people.
Officers said Edwards has an Arkansas driver's licence but has been in Nashville since at least 2016, when he was first arrested in the city.
He served time in jail for vandalism and, while in jail, he was convicted of assault after spitting at two sheriff's deputies.


news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: Boardrooms face pay restraints as conditions for financial aid

The government and the Bank of England have imposed pay restraints on large companies seeking financial support during the COVID-19 crisis .
It was announced on Tuesday morning that the Treasury was expanding the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme ( CLBILS ) to enable larger firms to access up to £200m from next week - up from £50m .
It confirmed an earlier story by Sky News when it was disclosed that a ban on dividend payments and excessive executive rewards would be new conditions attached to the state-backed loans for companies borrowing more than £50m .
The Bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to recipients of its Coronavirus Corporate Financing Fund ( CCFF ) for the largest companies - with the names of the firms securing aid to be made public from next month to bolster transparency .
So far it has bought almost £19bn of short-term debt , known as commercial paper , from 55 large companies and has authorised a further £38.8bn of lending if needed .
The CLBILS scheme was first introduced last month by Chancellor Rishi Sunak to support companies with annual sales of between £45m and £250m .
It has handed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firms via banks to date as part of wider government efforts to support the economy since the COVID-19 lockdown began in March .
Figures released by the Treasury on Tuesday showed support schemes for companies at more than £22bn while the Job Retention Scheme for furloughed workers had paid out £11bn to date .
Economic Secretary to the Treasury , John Glen , said : `` We 're determined to support businesses of all sizes throughout this crisis and our loans and guarantees have already provided over £32bn to thousands of firms .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ loan to # 200 million to make sure companies get the help they need . ''
The reforms were widely welcomed by the banking sector and business groups , despite the new conditions , Suren Thiru , head of economics at the British Chamber of Commerce , responded : `` It is good to see the government continue to listen to business concerns and make improvements to existing schemes .
`` These important changes could make a real difference to larger firms in particular and , alongside the other lending support schemes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all sizes get access to the finance they need to help weather this unprecedented economic storm . ''

The government and the Bank of England have imposed pay restraints on large companies seeking financial support during the COVID-19 crisis.
It was announced on Tuesday morning that the Treasury was expanding the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) to enable larger firms to access up to £200m from next week - up from £50m.
It confirmed an earlier story by Sky News when it was disclosed that a ban on dividend payments and excessive executive rewards would be new conditions attached to the state-backed loans for companies borrowing more than £50m.
The Bank said the pay conditions would also apply to recipients of its Coronavirus Corporate Financing Fund (CCFF) for the largest companies - with the names of the firms securing aid to be made public from next month to bolster transparency.
So far it has bought almost £19bn of short-term debt, known as commercial paper, from 55 large companies and has authorised a further £38.8bn of lending if needed.
The CLBILS scheme was first introduced last month by Chancellor Rishi Sunak to support companies with annual sales of between £45m and £250m.
It has handed out just shy of £600m to 86 firms via banks to date as part of wider government efforts to support the economy since the COVID-19 lockdown began in March.
Figures released by the Treasury on Tuesday showed support schemes for companies at more than £22bn while the Job Retention Scheme for furloughed workers had paid out £11bn to date.
Economic Secretary to the Treasury, John Glen, said: "We're determined to support businesses of all sizes throughout this crisis and our loans and guarantees have already provided over £32bn to thousands of firms.
Advertisement
"Today we're increasing the maximum loan to #200 million to make sure companies get the help they need."
The reforms were widely welcomed by the banking sector and business groups, despite the new conditions,
Suren Thiru, head of economics at the British Chamber of Commerce, responded: "It is good to see the government continue to listen to business concerns and make improvements to existing schemes.
"These important changes could make a real difference to larger firms in particular and, alongside the other lending support schemes, will help ensure that more businesses of all sizes get access to the finance they need to help weather this unprecedented economic storm."


news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: Royal budget hit by closures and fall in tourism during pandemic

The royal budget could lose millions of pounds due to palaces being closed to tourists during what is usually their most busy time .
Royal household staff have been told they face pay freezes and that projects have been put on hold due to the budget squeeze caused by the coronavirus outbreak .
The Sun newspaper reports Lord Chamberlain Earl Peel - the most senior official of the royal household - sent an email to staff warning that income is expected to fall by a third this year .
He said the royal household was `` not immune '' to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We must therefore assume it could still be many weeks , if not months , before we are able to return to business as usual .
`` There are undoubtedly very difficult times ahead and we realise many of you will be concerned . ''
Buckingham Palace would normally be preparing to welcome thousands of visitors between July and September while the queen spends summer at Balmoral in Scotland .
But last week it was confirmed the famous attraction would remain closed to visitors for the rest of the year - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has happened since its doors first opened to the public in 1993 .
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said : `` The whole country is very likely to be impacted financially by coronavirus and the royal household is no exception .
`` However , the time to address this issue will be when the full impact of all the implications of the current situation is clearer .
`` At the moment the attention of the royal household is on ensuring it follows all the guidelines and supports the national effort in combating COVID-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Frogmore House in Windsor and the Prince of Wales 's London base Clarence House will also remain closed in 2020 .
Garden parties and investitures at the palace have been cancelled , Trooping the Colour will not take place in its normal form and the royals are doing their public appearances by video call .
The measures are part of social distancing brought in to limit the spread of the coronavirus which has killed almost 320,000 people worldwide , including more than @ @ @ @ @

The royal budget could lose millions of pounds due to palaces being closed to tourists during what is usually their most busy time.
Royal household staff have been told they face pay freezes and that projects have been put on hold due to the budget squeeze caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
The Sun newspaper reports Lord Chamberlain Earl Peel - the most senior official of the royal household - sent an email to staff warning that income is expected to fall by a third this year.
Image: Buckingham Palace would usually be preparing for a busy tourist season - not this year
He said the royal household was "not immune" to the impact of the pandemic, adding: "We must therefore assume it could still be many weeks, if not months, before we are able to return to business as usual.
"There are undoubtedly very difficult times ahead and we realise many of you will be concerned."
Buckingham Palace would normally be preparing to welcome thousands of visitors between July and September while the queen spends summer at Balmoral in Scotland.
But last week it was confirmed the famous attraction would remain closed to visitors for the rest of the year - believed to be the first time this has happened since its doors first opened to the public in 1993.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: "The whole country is very likely to be impacted financially by coronavirus and the royal household is no exception.
"However, the time to address this issue will be when the full impact of all the implications of the current situation is clearer.
Advertisement
"At the moment the attention of the royal household is on ensuring it follows all the guidelines and supports the national effort in combating COVID-19."
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
Frogmore House in Windsor and the Prince of Wales's London base Clarence House will also remain closed in 2020.
Garden parties and investitures at the palace have been cancelled, Trooping the Colour will not take place in its normal form and the royals are doing their public appearances by video call.
The measures are part of social distancing brought in to limit the spread of the coronavirus which has killed almost 320,000 people worldwide, including more than 34,000 in the UK.


news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: Lone deer strolls through empty Newcastle city centre in lockdown

Lockdown has produced some odd sights , as the absence of people has encouraged animals to venture into towns and cities .
We 've seen goats in Llandudno , sheep in Turkey and pigs in Connecticut , but only a true lionheart would take a stroll down a main thoroughfare of one of the UK 's largest cities .
But now a lone deer has done just that , after being spotted on CCTV taking advantage of the coronavirus restrictions by walking through Newcastle 's iconic Bigg Market one evening last week .
After sampling the delights it had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ onto adjoining Clayton Street .
Both roads were deserted as locals followed government guidance by staying away .
Northumbria Police , who posted video of the deer 's adventures on Facebook , wrote a pun-tastic description of events .
The force said : `` Even lockdown could n't stop this stag from enjoying a night on the town .
Newcastle city centre has been deserted in recent weeks as local businesses a-deer to the new coronavirus legislation .
`` But it was n't going to spoil the fun for this party animal who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Bigg Market .
`` We let them off on this occasion as they were respecting social distancing and claimed to be doing their daily exercise .
`` But when we checked our CCTV cameras we found they 'd bucked up the courage and headed down Clayton Street to continue their big night out .
`` None of the watering holes were open and eventually they disappeared out of the city centre .
It seems they are as fawn 'd of the city as the rest of us but hopefully we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Yes , we 're fighting back the deers too but for now , thank you for staying alert and staying safe ! ''

Lockdown has produced some odd sights, as the absence of people has encouraged animals to venture into towns and cities.
We've seen goats in Llandudno, sheep in Turkey and pigs in Connecticut, but only a true lionheart would take a stroll down a main thoroughfare of one of the UK's largest cities.
But now a lone deer has done just that, after being spotted on CCTV taking advantage of the coronavirus restrictions by walking through Newcastle's iconic Bigg Market one evening last week.
Image: The animal walked along the city's iconic Bigg Market. Pic: Northumbria Police
After sampling the delights it had to offer, it was then seen turning onto adjoining Clayton Street.
Both roads were deserted as locals followed government guidance by staying away.
Northumbria Police, who posted video of the deer's adventures on Facebook, wrote a pun-tastic description of events.
The force said: "Even lockdown couldn't stop this stag from enjoying a night on the town. Newcastle city centre has been deserted in recent weeks as local businesses a-deer to the new coronavirus legislation.
"But it wasn't going to spoil the fun for this party animal who flouted the rules to have a dance in the Bigg Market.
"We let them off on this occasion as they were respecting social distancing and claimed to be doing their daily exercise.
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:26 Sheep flock invades Turkish city
"But when we checked our CCTV cameras we found they'd bucked up the courage and headed down Clayton Street to continue their big night out.
"None of the watering holes were open and eventually they disappeared out of the city centre. It seems they are as fawn'd of the city as the rest of us but hopefully we can all enjoy a night out together soon.
"Yes, we're fighting back the deers too but for now, thank you for staying alert and staying safe!"