news--2020-06-05--Details of NHS deals with tech giants released by government after legal threat

The government has released the details of deals struck with big tech firms to handle NHS data , after a legal challenge from campaigners .
The documents show the data-sharing arrangements made between the NHS and Microsoft , Google , Faculty and controversial Silicon Valley firm Palantir .
They were released to news website openDemocracy and tech campaign group Foxglove after the two organisations sent a legal letter demanding disclosure of the contracts under the Freedom of Information Act .
Over 13,000 people had signed a petition calling for publication of the documents .
A lawsuit against the government was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cori Crider , founder of Foxglove , welcomed the news but said it showed the need for government transparency , especially around intellectual property .
In particular , Ms Crider questioned the government 's arrangement with London-based AI firm Faculty , which was changed following the initial Freedom of Information request from openDemocracy and Foxglove .
According to a note issued with the documents , seen by Sky News , the contract was `` amended to surrender all intellectual property rights from the project to the NHS '' , something the note said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Ms Crider said : `` Why did the initial contracts with tech companies let them keep the intellectual property rights from their unprecedented access to NHS data ? ''
`` Why was Faculty allowed to train its models and potentially profit off the NHS in a crisis , until Foxglove 's FOI prompted them to amend the contract ? ''
A Faculty spokesperson told Sky News it had asked for a change to the standard contract , which gives the NHS free use of any software created for the project .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ far enough , '' the spokesperson said .
`` Faculty therefore asked for its contract to be amended to make clear that it will derive no commercial benefit from any software , including trained machine learning models , developed during the course of the project and that the use of the IP is under the sole control of the NHS .
`` We have made this unprecedented move in recognition of the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 emergency and the overriding public interest in ensuring public trust in the responsible use of anonymised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ask tech firms to build the NHS data system has been controversial , with many questioning the role of Palantir , the controversial tech company founded by Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel .
Conservative MP Damian Collins , who has sent health secretary Matt Hancock a list of questions about Palantir , said the contract did not appear to show any obvious problems with the firm 's use of data .
Given that , Mr Collins asked why they had taken so long to release .
`` If there 's nothing to hide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of these contracts would be a good thing , '' he said .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Palantir contract shows that the firm has committed to making all its software `` suitable for open source '' and deleting any data it collects once the project is finished .
Dr Jeni Tennison , CEO of the Open Data Institute said it had `` niggly '' issues around the precise definition of open source , but `` otherwise looks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government quietly published the full list of data feeds going into the NHSX data store , the existence of which was revealed by Sky News in March .
The list showed that 79 feeds were being sent to the Palantir 's data-processing software , including testing booking data and data from NHS 111 .
NHSX has maintained that no sensitive personal health data is sent to any of the tech firms .
In a blog post published when the data store was revealed , NHSX CEO Matthew Gould said that `` essential data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and transparency remain at the core of everything we do '' .
Mr Gould also said `` once the public health emergency situation has ended , data will either be destroyed or returned in line with the law and the strict contractual agreements that are in place between the NHS and partners '' .
OpenDemocracy has published the documents on its website .
Editor-in-chief Mary Fitzgerald said : `` It should n't have taken a lawsuit threat to get us these documents , but we 're pleased to share them with the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start of the debate we need .
OpenDemocracy are studying the documents closely and will be reporting what we find , in the public interest . ''

The government has released the details of deals struck with big tech firms to handle NHS data, after a legal challenge from campaigners.
The documents show the data-sharing arrangements made between the NHS and Microsoft, Google, Faculty and controversial Silicon Valley firm Palantir.
They were released to news website openDemocracy and tech campaign group Foxglove after the two organisations sent a legal letter demanding disclosure of the contracts under the Freedom of Information Act.
Over 13,000 people had signed a petition calling for publication of the documents.
A lawsuit against the government was set to be issued on Friday.
Cori Crider, founder of Foxglove, welcomed the news but said it showed the need for government transparency, especially around intellectual property.
In particular, Ms Crider questioned the government's arrangement with London-based AI firm Faculty, which was changed following the initial Freedom of Information request from openDemocracy and Foxglove.
According to a note issued with the documents, seen by Sky News, the contract was "amended to surrender all intellectual property rights from the project to the NHS", something the note said "retrospectively applies to the whole project".
Image: Matt Hancock has been sent a list of questions by Damian Collins about Palantir
Ms Crider said: "Why did the initial contracts with tech companies let them keep the intellectual property rights from their unprecedented access to NHS data?"
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"Why was Faculty allowed to train its models and potentially profit off the NHS in a crisis, until Foxglove's FOI prompted them to amend the contract?"
A Faculty spokesperson told Sky News it had asked for a change to the standard contract, which gives the NHS free use of any software created for the project.
"We felt this did not go far enough," the spokesperson said.
"Faculty therefore asked for its contract to be amended to make clear that it will derive no commercial benefit from any software, including trained machine learning models, developed during the course of the project and that the use of the IP is under the sole control of the NHS.
"We have made this unprecedented move in recognition of the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 emergency and the overriding public interest in ensuring public trust in the responsible use of anonymised NHS data."
The decision to ask tech firms to build the NHS data system has been controversial, with many questioning the role of Palantir, the controversial tech company founded by Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel.
Conservative MP Damian Collins, who has sent health secretary Matt Hancock a list of questions about Palantir, said the contract did not appear to show any obvious problems with the firm's use of data.
Given that, Mr Collins asked why they had taken so long to release.
"If there's nothing to hide then being more transparent about the nature of these contracts would be a good thing," he said.
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The Palantir contract shows that the firm has committed to making all its software "suitable for open source" and deleting any data it collects once the project is finished.
Dr Jeni Tennison, CEO of the Open Data Institute said it had "niggly" issues around the precise definition of open source, but "otherwise looks pretty good".
This week the government quietly published the full list of data feeds going into the NHSX data store, the existence of which was revealed by Sky News in March.
The list showed that 79 feeds were being sent to the Palantir's data-processing software, including testing booking data and data from NHS 111.
NHSX has maintained that no sensitive personal health data is sent to any of the tech firms.
In a blog post published when the data store was revealed, NHSX CEO Matthew Gould said that "essential data governance procedures and established principles of openness and transparency remain at the core of everything we do".
Mr Gould also said "once the public health emergency situation has ended, data will either be destroyed or returned in line with the law and the strict contractual agreements that are in place between the NHS and partners".
OpenDemocracy has published the documents on its website.
Editor-in-chief Mary Fitzgerald said: "It shouldn't have taken a lawsuit threat to get us these documents, but we're pleased to share them with the public now.
"Transparency is just the start of the debate we need. OpenDemocracy are studying the documents closely and will be reporting what we find, in the public interest."


news--2020-06-05--Brexit: 'No significant areas of progress' in UK-EU talks, says bloc's negotiator Michel Barnier

There have been `` no significant areas of progress '' in the UK 's negotiations with the EU over a post-Brexit trade deal , the bloc 's chief negotiator has said .
Michel Barnier spoke in Brussels following the conclusion of the fourth round of talks between the EU and UK on a future relationship .
In a statement released as Mr Barnier gave his news conference , the UK 's chief negotiator David Frost agreed that `` progress remains limited '' despite the talks being `` positive in tone '' .
`` Negotiations will continue and we remain committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
The UK officially left the EU in January but is currently in the Brexit transition period - meaning it maintains the status quo of membership of the bloc .
The transition period is set to expire at the end of December , with both sides having until the end of this month to agree an extension .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly said he will not seek to extend the transition period , although Mr Barnier reiterated on Friday that the EU has `` always been open to extending this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If the Brexit transition period ends without a deal being struck , the UK will likely have to trade with the EU on World Trade Organisation terms from next year .
Due to the coronavirus pandemic , recent negotiations have been conducted between the UK and EU teams remotely .
But Mr Frost said the two sides were `` close to reaching the limits of what we can achieve through the format of remote formal rounds '' of talks .
`` If we are to make progress , it is clear that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he added , saying the UK was discussing with the European Commission `` how this can best be done '' .
Mr Barnier said he hopes to restart face-to-face talks at the end of June .
`` I think it will work better , it 'll be more effective and easier , '' he added .
Talks are planned between Mr Johnson and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Charles Michel later this month , in an effort to unblock negotiations .
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker At the Brussels news conference , Mr Barnier said the two sides were still `` very far '' from reaching agreement in key areas .
This includes fisheries and so-called `` level playing field '' commitments to common rules and standards .
Mr Barnier also accused the UK of seeking , in `` round after round '' , to `` distance themselves '' from the political declaration on a future relationship agreed by Mr Johnson and EU leaders last year .
`` We can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the political declaration , '' he said .
UK negotiators want a separate fisheries agreement , which is untied to a wider trade deal .
They also accused the EU of going beyond what is appropriate for a free trade agreement in its demands for level playing field commitments .
Mr Frost said : `` For our part we are willing to work hard to see whether at least the outline of a balanced agreement , covering all issues , can be reached soon .
`` Any such deal must of course accommodate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position on the so-called 'level playing field ' , on fisheries , and the other difficult issues . ''
Following the latest round of talks , a senior UK negotiating official spoke of a need to `` intensify '' efforts in July and August .
They said : `` We are not up for a long negotiation over the next months well into the autumn where nobody knows what is going to happen ; October is too late for us to conclude this . ''
`` We need to work intensively now and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find the high-level trade-offs that unlock a deal within all our important negotiating parameters . ''
The official added : `` There have been some clarifications , some understandings , but no movement on the fundamental issues that are the problems in this negotiation . ''
Josh Hardie , the deputy director-general of the Confederation of British Industry , described an `` ambitious deal '' with the EU as a `` cornerstone '' of the UK 's recovery from the coronavirus crisis .
He said : `` Progress is worryingly slow , causing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rarely been more fragile .
`` The stark reality is that most businesses are understandably unprepared for a dramatic change in trading relations with our biggest partner in just six months ' time . ''
He called for political leaders to `` step in urgently , change the dynamic and find solutions that protect people 's livelihoods '' .

There have been "no significant areas of progress" in the UK's negotiations with the EU over a post-Brexit trade deal, the bloc's chief negotiator has said.
Michel Barnier spoke in Brussels following the conclusion of the fourth round of talks between the EU and UK on a future relationship.
In a statement released as Mr Barnier gave his news conference, the UK's chief negotiator David Frost agreed that "progress remains limited" despite the talks being "positive in tone".
"Negotiations will continue and we remain committed to a successful outcome," he added.
The UK officially left the EU in January but is currently in the Brexit transition period - meaning it maintains the status quo of membership of the bloc.
The transition period is set to expire at the end of December, with both sides having until the end of this month to agree an extension.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly said he will not seek to extend the transition period, although Mr Barnier reiterated on Friday that the EU has "always been open to extending this period by one or two years".
If the Brexit transition period ends without a deal being struck, the UK will likely have to trade with the EU on World Trade Organisation terms from next year.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:43 Now the UK is out of the EU, what next?
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, recent negotiations have been conducted between the UK and EU teams remotely.
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But Mr Frost said the two sides were "close to reaching the limits of what we can achieve through the format of remote formal rounds" of talks.
"If we are to make progress, it is clear that we must intensify and accelerate our work," he added, saying the UK was discussing with the European Commission "how this can best be done".
Mr Barnier said he hopes to restart face-to-face talks at the end of June.
"I think it will work better, it'll be more effective and easier," he added.
Talks are planned between Mr Johnson and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Charles Michel later this month, in an effort to unblock negotiations.
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At the Brussels news conference, Mr Barnier said the two sides were still "very far" from reaching agreement in key areas.
This includes fisheries and so-called "level playing field" commitments to common rules and standards.
Mr Barnier also accused the UK of seeking, in "round after round", to "distance themselves" from the political declaration on a future relationship agreed by Mr Johnson and EU leaders last year.
"We cannot and will not accept this backtracking on the political declaration," he said.
UK negotiators want a separate fisheries agreement, which is untied to a wider trade deal.
They also accused the EU of going beyond what is appropriate for a free trade agreement in its demands for level playing field commitments.
Mr Frost said: "For our part we are willing to work hard to see whether at least the outline of a balanced agreement, covering all issues, can be reached soon.
"Any such deal must of course accommodate the reality of the UK's well-established position on the so-called 'level playing field', on fisheries, and the other difficult issues."
Following the latest round of talks, a senior UK negotiating official spoke of a need to "intensify" efforts in July and August.
They said: "We are not up for a long negotiation over the next months well into the autumn where nobody knows what is going to happen; October is too late for us to conclude this."
"We need to work intensively now and into July to see if we can find the high-level trade-offs that unlock a deal within all our important negotiating parameters."
The official added: "There have been some clarifications, some understandings, but no movement on the fundamental issues that are the problems in this negotiation."
Josh Hardie, the deputy director-general of the Confederation of British Industry, described an "ambitious deal" with the EU as a "cornerstone" of the UK's recovery from the coronavirus crisis.
He said: "Progress is worryingly slow, causing deep concern to firms when resilience has rarely been more fragile.
"The stark reality is that most businesses are understandably unprepared for a dramatic change in trading relations with our biggest partner in just six months' time."
He called for political leaders to "step in urgently, change the dynamic and find solutions that protect people's livelihoods".


news--2020-06-05--George Floyd death: NATO chief speaks out against Trump plan to use military for protests

The head of NATO has expressed concern at Donald Trump 's plans to put troops on the streets of US cities to control protests , saying that decision should only ever be `` a last resort '' .
In an interview with Sky News , Jens Stoltenberg said `` the right of freedom of expression , the right to peaceful demonstrations , that 's a fundamental part of our open free democratic societies and these are core '' .
`` When it comes to the use of military there is different legislation across NATO allied countries , but in all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an effort of last resort , the use of military personnel , '' he said .
`` So this is fundamentally an issue that has to be decided by the US institutions , but across NATO it has always been a very high threshold for any use of military force in your own country .
`` I am shocked , we are all shocked , by the death of George Floyd and I would like to express my condolences to his family , to his community . ''
Mr Stoltenberg echoes Mr Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Esper , who earlier this week said troops should only be used `` in the most urgent and dire of situations '' .
The White House was reported to be furious with the comments and Mr Trump reportedly later `` excoriated '' Dr Esper .
Mr Stoltenberg 's words are notable because he is typically reserved and diplomatic when asked about allies , and is known to have a good working relationship with Mr Trump .
However , he joins a growing list of senior military officers and politicians who have spoken out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defense secretary James Mattis accused Mr Trump of trying to divide America in a letter published on Wednesday .
Then Mr Trump 's former Chief of Staff General John Kelly described the President as `` nasty '' and `` confused '' .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Mr Stoltenberg also admitted in the interview that lessons will be learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and that NATO is already preparing for a second wave : '' There are lessons to be learned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be improved , and that is the reason why we are now starting to look into the more long-term lessons learned from this crisis to make sure the next time we are able to react faster and more than we did this time , '' he said .
`` We are now actually working on a plan for a second wave of the coronavirus to be able to speed up and step up our efforts . ''
Mr Stoltenberg was also critical of countries who have used the pandemic to attack NATO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that both China and Russia have publicly tried to utilise the pandemic , the coronavirus crisis , to sow discord and disunity among NATO allies , '' he said .
`` They have tried to blame NATO allies for the coronavirus , they have tried to send a message about lack of support between NATO allies and so on .
`` The rise of China is fundamentally a shift in the global balance of power .
NATO has to be able to respond to this and the COVID-19 pandemic can only increase the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rise of China . ''

The head of NATO has expressed concern at Donald Trump's plans to put troops on the streets of US cities to control protests, saying that decision should only ever be "a last resort".
In an interview with Sky News, Jens Stoltenberg said "the right of freedom of expression, the right to peaceful demonstrations, that's a fundamental part of our open free democratic societies and these are core".
"When it comes to the use of military there is different legislation across NATO allied countries, but in all NATO allied countries it's always regarded an effort of last resort, the use of military personnel," he said.
Image: A protester hands a flower to a National Guard soldier during a peaceful demonstration over George Floyd's death in Hollywood
"So this is fundamentally an issue that has to be decided by the US institutions, but across NATO it has always been a very high threshold for any use of military force in your own country.
"I am shocked, we are all shocked, by the death of George Floyd and I would like to express my condolences to his family, to his community."
Mr Stoltenberg echoes Mr Trump's own defense secretary, Dr Mark Esper, who earlier this week said troops should only be used "in the most urgent and dire of situations".
The White House was reported to be furious with the comments and Mr Trump reportedly later "excoriated" Dr Esper.
Mr Stoltenberg's words are notable because he is typically reserved and diplomatic when asked about allies, and is known to have a good working relationship with Mr Trump.
However, he joins a growing list of senior military officers and politicians who have spoken out against the US president.
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Former US defense secretary James Mattis accused Mr Trump of trying to divide America in a letter published on Wednesday. Then Mr Trump's former Chief of Staff General John Kelly described the President as "nasty" and "confused".
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Mr Stoltenberg also admitted in the interview that lessons will be learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and that NATO is already preparing for a second wave:
"There are lessons to be learned, there are of course things that can be improved, and that is the reason why we are now starting to look into the more long-term lessons learned from this crisis to make sure the next time we are able to react faster and more than we did this time," he said.
Image: National Guard Soldiers stand in line during a 'Black Lives Matter' rally in Boston, Massachusetts
"We are now actually working on a plan for a second wave of the coronavirus to be able to speed up and step up our efforts."
Mr Stoltenberg was also critical of countries who have used the pandemic to attack NATO.
"What we have seen is that both China and Russia have publicly tried to utilise the pandemic, the coronavirus crisis, to sow discord and disunity among NATO allies," he said.
Image: Protests over Mr Floyd's death in the city of Minneapolis
"They have tried to blame NATO allies for the coronavirus, they have tried to send a message about lack of support between NATO allies and so on.
"The rise of China is fundamentally a shift in the global balance of power. NATO has to be able to respond to this and the COVID-19 pandemic can only increase the reason for us having to deal with the rise of China."


news--2020-06-05--Coronavirus: Ed Miliband launches Clement Attlee-style green rescue plan

Ed Miliband is unveiling plans for a green economic rescue from the coronavirus crisis , in his first major policy initiative since his comeback to front line politics .
The former Labour leader , who was appointed shadow business secretary last month , is proposing a recovery plan focused on retraining a `` zero-carbon army '' of young people who lost their jobs to work in green industries .
And he claims the economic damage caused by coronavirus and the need to tackle climate change requires ambition on the scale of Clement Attlee 's post-war Labour government .
It has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become unemployed this year because of COVID-19 and Mr Miliband wants to `` kick-start a green recovery '' .
He is proposing a scheme in which the government pays the wages of young workers on eco-projects such as planting trees , insulating buildings and working on green technologies .
Mr Miliband told Sky News : `` There are of course very big financial pressures as a result of this crisis .
`` But I agree with the government on this - not acting costs more than acting .
`` Because if we do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put people back to work , we will pile up large benefit spending for the future , we will reduce our tax revenues and we 'll have a smaller economy .
`` That will make our debt harder and not easier to finance . ''
Highlighting the UK 's commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 , he added : `` We 're going to have to do this anyway because , by 2050 at the latest , we 're going to have to have zero emissions as a country .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Mr Miliband , appointed back to Labour 's front bench by new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer , is launching a consultation on the policy with Labour 's shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds .
`` This is a moment of profound economic distress for the country , '' said Mr Miliband , Labour leader from 2010 until he led the party to defeat in the 2015 general election .
`` People are losing their jobs at an alarming rate in the midst of the biggest recession for 300 years .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers .
`` There is so much work to be done , from home energy insulation to designing and producing zero emission vehicles to renewable energy production to reforesting and improving our green spaces and redesigning and improving our towns and cities . ''
`` This rapid consultation will seek views on specific measures that can be taken now to kick start a green recovery .
`` We know that this work needs to be done if we are to meet our climate objectives . ''
And comparing his plan to the sweeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miliband said in an earlier interview : `` It 's a contemporary equivalent of what happened after 1945 . ''
• How jobs can be retained , supported and created in the green economy of the future • Helping businesses transition to a green economy as part of the recovery • Focusing public and private investment on green technologies , research and innovation • Redeploying and retraining people from industries where people have lost their jobs Labour says it wants to encourage businesses , unions , workers , green campaign groups and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ green recovery should look like .
The aim is to come up with a green jobs plan to reduce unemployment , stimulate the economy and invest in green industries of the future .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The consultation , which will run until the end of June , will involve virtual round tables with industry and experts , as well as town hall-style events online with environmental groups and the public .
Ms Dodds said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and widest in hundreds of years , the long-term costs of failing to deal with the climate crisis also pose grave risks for our economy .
`` We must ensure that the recovery builds back better .
`` Public funds must be focused on sustaining and promoting employment , especially in those areas which are already struggling ; and meeting our climate and environmental commitments .
`` I would urge anyone who feels they have solutions to these enormous challenges to contribute to this consultation . ''

Ed Miliband is unveiling plans for a green economic rescue from the coronavirus crisis, in his first major policy initiative since his comeback to front line politics.
The former Labour leader, who was appointed shadow business secretary last month, is proposing a recovery plan focused on retraining a "zero-carbon army" of young people who lost their jobs to work in green industries.
And he claims the economic damage caused by coronavirus and the need to tackle climate change requires ambition on the scale of Clement Attlee's post-war Labour government.
Image: Ed Miliband wants ambition on the scale of Clement Attlee's post-war Labour government
It has been estimated that 600,000 young people could become unemployed this year because of COVID-19 and Mr Miliband wants to "kick-start a green recovery".
He is proposing a scheme in which the government pays the wages of young workers on eco-projects such as planting trees, insulating buildings and working on green technologies.
Mr Miliband told Sky News: "There are of course very big financial pressures as a result of this crisis.
"But I agree with the government on this - not acting costs more than acting.
"Because if we don't act now to save jobs, to put people back to work, we will pile up large benefit spending for the future, we will reduce our tax revenues and we'll have a smaller economy.
"That will make our debt harder and not easier to finance."
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Highlighting the UK's commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, he added: "We're going to have to do this anyway because, by 2050 at the latest, we're going to have to have zero emissions as a country.
"So it makes financial sense too."
Image: Mr Miliband has returned to Labour's front bench after five years away
Mr Miliband, appointed back to Labour's front bench by new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, is launching a consultation on the policy with Labour's shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds.
"This is a moment of profound economic distress for the country," said Mr Miliband, Labour leader from 2010 until he led the party to defeat in the 2015 general election.
"People are losing their jobs at an alarming rate in the midst of the biggest recession for 300 years.
"We need a zero-carbon army, helping all workers.
"There is so much work to be done, from home energy insulation to designing and producing zero emission vehicles to renewable energy production to reforesting and improving our green spaces and redesigning and improving our towns and cities."
"This rapid consultation will seek views on specific measures that can be taken now to kick start a green recovery.
"We know that this work needs to be done if we are to meet our climate objectives."
And comparing his plan to the sweeping reforms of the Attlee government, Mr Miliband said in an earlier interview: "It's a contemporary equivalent of what happened after 1945."
Labour is seeking proposals on:
How jobs can be retained, supported and created in the green economy of the future
Helping businesses transition to a green economy as part of the recovery
Focusing public and private investment on green technologies, research and innovation
Redeploying and retraining people from industries where people have lost their jobs
Rewilding, reforesting and restoring natural spaces
Labour says it wants to encourage businesses, unions, workers, green campaign groups and the public to submit ideas on what a green recovery should look like.
The aim is to come up with a green jobs plan to reduce unemployment, stimulate the economy and invest in green industries of the future.
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The consultation, which will run until the end of June, will involve virtual round tables with industry and experts, as well as town hall-style events online with environmental groups and the public.
Ms Dodds said: "While the current recession is the deepest and widest in hundreds of years, the long-term costs of failing to deal with the climate crisis also pose grave risks for our economy.
"We must ensure that the recovery builds back better.
"Public funds must be focused on sustaining and promoting employment, especially in those areas which are already struggling; and meeting our climate and environmental commitments.
"I would urge anyone who feels they have solutions to these enormous challenges to contribute to this consultation."


news--2020-06-05--BBC Studios chief executive Tim Davie confirmed as new BBC director general

BBC Studios chief executive Tim Davie has been confirmed as the new Director General of BBC .
Outgoing director general Lord Tony Hall announced in January that he would be stepping down in the summer after seven years at the helm of the corporation .
Davie , 53 , who has 15 years executive experience with the BBC , will now become the public broadcaster 's 17th director general .
He previously stepped in as acting director-general in 2012 , following George Entwistle 's resignation .
The former marketing director was one of the favourites to take the role , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broadcasting jobs in the country .
Speaking about the challenge ahead , Davie said : `` This has been a critical time for the UK and these past few months have shown just how much the BBC matters to people .
`` Our mission has never been more relevant , important or necessary .
I have a deep commitment to content of the highest quality and impartiality . ''
Davie said he wants to `` accelerate change '' and said the corporation will `` continue to reform , make clear choices and stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wheel at a turbulent time , with the corporation in talks with the government over the future of the licence fee , job cuts , and ongoing rows over equal pay and diversity - not to mention the coronavirus pandemic .
Competition from streaming services such as Netflix , Amazon Prime and new contenders Disney + and Apple TV will no doubt add to his load .
However , despite the challenges ahead , Davie will be taking a pay cut in the new £525,000 post .
As head of the corporation 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salary plus bonus totalled £600,000 last year .
Additionally , with all all senior managers at the BBC currently on a salary freeze , Davie will remain on the same pay as his predecessor Lord Hall - who earned £450,000 throughout his tenure - until August 2021 .
Earlier this year , Lord Hall said the corporation needed to make around £125m in savings due to financial pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic .
Speaking about his successor , Lord Hall said he was `` delighted '' , adding that `` the BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the challenges the broadcasting industry is facing right now , chairman of the BBC board Sir David Clementi noted Davie 's `` enthusiasm and energy for reform , while holding dear to the core mission of the BBC '' .
He said he was confident Davie was the right man for the job .
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden tweeted his congratulations , at the same time hinting at the future changes he envisions for the corporation .
Dowden wrote : `` We spoke this morning and I welcomed his commitment to impartiality at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need for further reform .
I look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead . ''
The TV licence system is protected in law until 2027 , but the government has pledged to review the funding level from 2022 .
Prior to joining the BBC as director of marketing and communications in 2005 , Davie worked for both Pepsi and Procter and Gamble .
While at BBC Studios he oversaw production of shows including Strictly Come Dancing , Blue Planet and Doctor Who .
: : Listen to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Davie has also served as the corporation 's head of audio , with responsibility for stations including Radio 2 and the phoenix-like Radio 6 Music , and acted as a trustee of BBC charities Children In Need and Comic Relief .
In 2018 the Cambridge-graduate was awarded a CBE for services to international trade , and the following year he turned down an offer to become head of the Premier League .
Outside of work , the father-of-three is a keen runner and has completed several marathons including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Morocco .
Davie will take over his new role in September .

BBC Studios chief executive Tim Davie has been confirmed as the new Director General of BBC.
Outgoing director general Lord Tony Hall announced in January that he would be stepping down in the summer after seven years at the helm of the corporation.
Davie, 53, who has 15 years executive experience with the BBC, will now become the public broadcaster's 17th director general.
Image: Davie now has one of the most high-profile broadcasting jobs in the country
He previously stepped in as acting director-general in 2012, following George Entwistle's resignation.
The former marketing director was one of the favourites to take the role, stepping into one of the most-high profile broadcasting jobs in the country.
Speaking about the challenge ahead, Davie said: "This has been a critical time for the UK and these past few months have shown just how much the BBC matters to people.
"Our mission has never been more relevant, important or necessary. I have a deep commitment to content of the highest quality and impartiality."
Davie said he wants to "accelerate change" and said the corporation will "continue to reform, make clear choices and stay relevant".
Davies takes over the wheel at a turbulent time, with the corporation in talks with the government over the future of the licence fee, job cuts, and ongoing rows over equal pay and diversity - not to mention the coronavirus pandemic.
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Competition from streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and new contenders Disney + and Apple TV will no doubt add to his load.
Image: Davie has overseen shows including Strictly Come Dancing. Pic: BBC
However, despite the challenges ahead, Davie will be taking a pay cut in the new £525,000 post.
As head of the corporation's commercial production and distribution arm, his salary plus bonus totalled £600,000 last year.
Additionally, with all all senior managers at the BBC currently on a salary freeze, Davie will remain on the same pay as his predecessor Lord Hall - who earned £450,000 throughout his tenure - until August 2021.
Earlier this year, Lord Hall said the corporation needed to make around £125m in savings due to financial pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking about his successor, Lord Hall said he was "delighted", adding that "the BBC is in safe hands".
Image: The government has said the BBC must reform
Noting the challenges the broadcasting industry is facing right now, chairman of the BBC board Sir David Clementi noted Davie's "enthusiasm and energy for reform, while holding dear to the core mission of the BBC".
He said he was confident Davie was the right man for the job.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden tweeted his congratulations, at the same time hinting at the future changes he envisions for the corporation.
Dowden wrote: "We spoke this morning and I welcomed his commitment to impartiality at the BBC, as well as the need for further reform. I look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead."
Image: The BBC provides nine national TV channels and the iPlayer, plus 11 radio stations
The TV licence system is protected in law until 2027, but the government has pledged to review the funding level from 2022.
Prior to joining the BBC as director of marketing and communications in 2005, Davie worked for both Pepsi and Procter and Gamble.
While at BBC Studios he oversaw production of shows including Strictly Come Dancing, Blue Planet and Doctor Who.
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
Davie has also served as the corporation's head of audio, with responsibility for stations including Radio 2 and the phoenix-like Radio 6 Music, and acted as a trustee of BBC charities Children In Need and Comic Relief.
In 2018 the Cambridge-graduate was awarded a CBE for services to international trade, and the following year he turned down an offer to become head of the Premier League.
Outside of work, the father-of-three is a keen runner and has completed several marathons including the extreme race Marathon des Sables in Morocco.
Davie will take over his new role in September.


news--2020-06-05--Coronavirus: Government encourages 'staycations' to boost British tourism

British staycations could be possible as soon as 4 July , according to the Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden .
It will be welcome news to British people still hoping for a summer vacation this year , as foreign holidays are likely to be impossible for many due to a 14-day quarantine for anyone arriving back in the UK .
Speaking in the Commons Mr Dowden said he would be `` at the forefront of championing the campaign for British tourism '' once the sector is ready to reopen .
He said the government 's target is for this to happen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concrete plans have not yet been announced .
`` We 're hoping to get tourism back as rapidly as possible , '' he said .
`` When it is back we will be investing extensively ensuring we have a major campaign to encourage British people to take British staycations . ''
Any changes are likely to only apply in England , as restrictions in Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland will be decided by their respective governments .
Not all parts of the tourism industry are likely to open at the same time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be among the first places to reopen as they pose a `` lower risk '' of spreading coronavirus .
The news that Brits will be encouraged to take staycations has been welcomed by the tourism industry .
`` Many of our businesses are desperate to open having lost Easter and both May bank holidays , '' said Sally Evertone , director of Visit Devon .
`` Once given the green light by the government that they can , many would hope to open in early to mid-July . ''
But she said some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under current social distancing restrictions requiring people to stay 2m apart .
`` We are hopeful that the government will look at reducing this to 1.5m or even 1m distancing in line with some EU countries such as Germany and Holland , '' she added .
`` This would make the difference between 30 % of businesses able to open and 70 % able to open . ''
The chair of Visit Devon Rhys Roberts said businesses now needed to know what conditions they would be expected to meet in order to open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new working protocols for weeks , '' he said .
`` The availability of PPE is a major concern and they need time to remodel their business to meet the new conditions , information to date has been inconsistent and very slow but we have made some significant progress in the last week . ''
Online booking site AirBnB is already accepting bookings in the UK from 4 July , having stopped all bookings except those by key workers during the outbreak .
In response to Mr Dowden 's comments the company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is back on the horizon and hosts are getting ready to provide accommodation away from the crowds that 's local , private , clean and safe .
`` Domestic travel made up almost 2 in 3 trips on Airbnb last year and hosts stand ready to welcome guests back , as soon the government says it 's safe to do so . ''

British staycations could be possible as soon as 4 July, according to the Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden.
It will be welcome news to British people still hoping for a summer vacation this year, as foreign holidays are likely to be impossible for many due to a 14-day quarantine for anyone arriving back in the UK.
Speaking in the Commons Mr Dowden said he would be "at the forefront of championing the campaign for British tourism" once the sector is ready to reopen.
Image: An October bank holiday has been suggested as a way to help the tourism industry.
He said the government's target is for this to happen in England by 4 July, although concrete plans have not yet been announced.
"We're hoping to get tourism back as rapidly as possible," he said.
"When it is back we will be investing extensively ensuring we have a major campaign to encourage British people to take British staycations."
Any changes are likely to only apply in England, as restrictions in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will be decided by their respective governments.
Not all parts of the tourism industry are likely to open at the same time.
Mr Dowden suggested self-let accommodation would be among the first places to reopen as they pose a "lower risk" of spreading coronavirus.
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The news that Brits will be encouraged to take staycations has been welcomed by the tourism industry.
Image: People are already allowed to make day trips, but not currently to stay anywhere other than their home overnight.
"Many of our businesses are desperate to open having lost Easter and both May bank holidays," said Sally Evertone, director of Visit Devon.
"Once given the green light by the government that they can, many would hope to open in early to mid-July."
But she said some businesses would struggle to open at all under current social distancing restrictions requiring people to stay 2m apart.
"We are hopeful that the government will look at reducing this to 1.5m or even 1m distancing in line with some EU countries such as Germany and Holland," she added.
"This would make the difference between 30% of businesses able to open and 70% able to open."
The chair of Visit Devon Rhys Roberts said businesses now needed to know what conditions they would be expected to meet in order to open.
"Businesses have been asking for the new working protocols for weeks," he said.
"The availability of PPE is a major concern and they need time to remodel their business to meet the new conditions, information to date has been inconsistent and very slow but we have made some significant progress in the last week."
Online booking site AirBnB is already accepting bookings in the UK from 4 July, having stopped all bookings except those by key workers during the outbreak.
In response to Mr Dowden's comments the company said: "The British summer holiday is back on the horizon and hosts are getting ready to provide accommodation away from the crowds that's local, private, clean and safe.
"Domestic travel made up almost 2 in 3 trips on Airbnb last year and hosts stand ready to welcome guests back, as soon the government says it's safe to do so."


news--2020-06-05--Coronavirus: Scientists retract study that suggested hydroxychloroquine was dangerous over data conc

Coronavirus: Scientists retract study that suggested hydroxychloroquine was dangerous over data concerns

Three of the scientists behind a controversial study that suggested that the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine raised the risks of death for coronavirus patients have retracted their work .
The Lancet medical journal published the scientists retraction on Thursday , two days after the journal 's editors published their own `` expression of concern '' about the study .
Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are two of the drugs being investigated as possible COVID-19 treatments .
US President Donald Trump has consistently promoted the benefits of hydroxychloroquine and is taking it himself as a precaution .
But a study , published in The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern about the safety of hydroxychloroquine after it suggested it could in fact make patients more likely to die .
The study caused the World Health Organisation to halt international trials of the drug , although they have now reverese their decision .
Questions about the study were raised shortly after its publication , with more than 120 scientists writing an open letter to The Lancet .
An independent third-party review into the findings of the study was subsequently launched .
However , the review has now been abandoned after Surgisphere , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the study , refused to share its database with the reviewers .
The company said sharing the data would breach client agreements and confidentiality requirements .
Three of the study 's four authors have therefore said that they `` can no longer vouch for the veracity of the primary data sources , '' and have asked the journal to retract their work .
Dr Mandeep Mehra from Harvard Medical School , Dr Amit Patel of the University of Utah and Dr Frank Ruschitzka of the University Hospital Zurich , said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to contribute in good faith and at a time of great need during the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` We deeply apologise to you , the editors , and the journal readership for any embarrassment or inconvenience that this may have caused . ''
The study 's fourth author was the founder of Surgisphere , Sapan Desai .
The company 's decision not to share its data with reviewers has also led to a second scientific paper on coronavirus being retracted - this time by the New England Medical Journal .
The second study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to conclude that certain blood pressure drugs did n't appear to increase the risk of coronavirus patients dying .
It was authored by Dr Mehra , Dr Patel and Mr Desai , as well as SreyRam Kuy of Baylor College of Medicine and Timothy Henry of Christ Hospital in Cincinnati .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Following the retraction of the study in The Lancet , the World Health Organisation has said international trials of hydroxychloroquine can resume .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a large trial of the drug after early results showed it had no benefit in COVID-19 patients .
`` We reviewed the data and concluded there is no evidence of a beneficial effect of hydroxychloroquine in patients , '' said Professor Martin Landray from the University of Oxford , who is co-leading the RECOVERY trial .
`` This is not a treatment [ for COVID-19 ] , '' he said .

Three of the scientists behind a controversial study that suggested that the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine raised the risks of death for coronavirus patients have retracted their work.
The Lancet medical journal published the scientists retraction on Thursday, two days after the journal's editors published their own "expression of concern" about the study.
Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are two of the drugs being investigated as possible COVID-19 treatments.
US President Donald Trump has consistently promoted the benefits of hydroxychloroquine and is taking it himself as a precaution.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:36 'Yeah I'm taking it, and I'm still here'
But a study, published in The Lancet on 22 May, caused widespread concern about the safety of hydroxychloroquine after it suggested it could in fact make patients more likely to die.
The study caused the World Health Organisation to halt international trials of the drug, although they have now reverese their decision.
Questions about the study were raised shortly after its publication, with more than 120 scientists writing an open letter to The Lancet.
An independent third-party review into the findings of the study was subsequently launched.
However, the review has now been abandoned after Surgisphere, the private company which provided the data for the study, refused to share its database with the reviewers.
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The company said sharing the data would breach client agreements and confidentiality requirements.
Three of the study's four authors have therefore said that they "can no longer vouch for the veracity of the primary data sources," and have asked the journal to retract their work.
Dr Mandeep Mehra from Harvard Medical School, Dr Amit Patel of the University of Utah and Dr Frank Ruschitzka of the University Hospital Zurich, said in a statement: "We all entered this collaboration to contribute in good faith and at a time of great need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We deeply apologise to you, the editors, and the journal readership for any embarrassment or inconvenience that this may have caused."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:55 Hydroxychloroquine: Hype or the real deal?
The study's fourth author was the founder of Surgisphere, Sapan Desai.
The company's decision not to share its data with reviewers has also led to a second scientific paper on coronavirus being retracted - this time by the New England Medical Journal.
The second study has also used data provided by Surgisphere to conclude that certain blood pressure drugs didn't appear to increase the risk of coronavirus patients dying.
It was authored by Dr Mehra, Dr Patel and Mr Desai, as well as SreyRam Kuy of Baylor College of Medicine and Timothy Henry of Christ Hospital in Cincinnati.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Following the retraction of the study in The Lancet, the World Health Organisation has said international trials of hydroxychloroquine can resume.
However, scientists in the UK have today halted a large trial of the drug after early results showed it had no benefit in COVID-19 patients.
"We reviewed the data and concluded there is no evidence of a beneficial effect of hydroxychloroquine in patients," said Professor Martin Landray from the University of Oxford, who is co-leading the RECOVERY trial.
"This is not a treatment [for COVID-19]," he said.


news--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Plane carrying protective equipment for health workers finally arrives from Turkey

A commercial supplier in Turkey did not have enough stock to fulfil an order for 84 tonnes of protective equipment supposed to be bound for the UK , Turkish officials have said .
British sources said the UK government was working with the company and the Turkish authorities to secure the shipment `` as soon as possible '' - though no time frame was given .
It comes as a flight carrying PPE - urgently needed by front line health workers as they treat COVID-19 patients in the UK - arrived from Turkey , following days of delays .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Norton in Oxfordshire from Istanbul just after 3am .
The total consignment of 84 tonnes includes 400,000 clinical gowns , but it is not clear how much of this was on today 's flight .
An initial batch of just 2,500 gowns was sent to the airport in Istanbul for quality control checks on Tuesday .
Turkish officials said Britain 's attempt to buy the protective equipment from a Turkish firm ran into trouble because the supplier did not have enough stock .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkey 's ambassador to the UK , Umit Yalcin , told Sky News : `` As far as I understand there have been problems with the private supplier company .
`` Now Turkey is cooperating with the UK authorities to find a quick solution for the UK 's urgent needs .
`` Turkey helped the UK by donating 250,000 pieces of personal protective equipment last week and this time again Turkey is trying to help the UK authorities to resolve this commercial issue . ''
Sky News understands the Turkish company contacted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selling 400,000 gowns - among the most critically needed items of PPE .
A contract was agreed that day and the order placed .
Two days later Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick announced what he called a `` very significant additional shipment '' of protective gear would be arriving from Turkey on Sunday .
In fact , the timetable was unravelling .
By Sunday evening no shipment was forthcoming .
Initially , the problem was that the Turkish supplier had not submitted an online request to the health ministry for permission to export the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permission has been mandatory since last month because of the coronavirus situation .
The officials said the Turkish authorities helped the company apply for the export permit - something that was submitted and cleared on Monday .
Then it emerged that the supplier was unable to produce the expected products and the sufficient volume , according to the Turkish officials .
The Turkish ministry of health has now offered the UK to help source the outstanding items through their suppliers , the officials said .
Mr Yalcin confirmed that the British embassy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministry of foreign affairs on 19 April ( Sunday ) .
`` We were immediately helpful to expedite the process and on Monday the procedure was done despite some shortcomings , '' he said .
The delay has caused embarrassment for the British government , which is already under significant pressure because of a shortage of gowns and other protective gear worn by front line staff as they treat patients with coronavirus .
At least two other military planes are on standby at Brize Norton to fly to Turkey to help bring back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They had both been scheduled to leave on Tuesday but that plan has been put on hold , a defence source said .

A commercial supplier in Turkey did not have enough stock to fulfil an order for 84 tonnes of protective equipment supposed to be bound for the UK, Turkish officials have said.
British sources said the UK government was working with the company and the Turkish authorities to secure the shipment "as soon as possible" - though no time frame was given.
It comes as a flight carrying PPE - urgently needed by front line health workers as they treat COVID-19 patients in the UK - arrived from Turkey, following days of delays.
The Royal Air Force plane arrived at Brize Norton in Oxfordshire from Istanbul just after 3am.
The total consignment of 84 tonnes includes 400,000 clinical gowns, but it is not clear how much of this was on today's flight.
An initial batch of just 2,500 gowns was sent to the airport in Istanbul for quality control checks on Tuesday.
Turkish officials said Britain's attempt to buy the protective equipment from a Turkish firm ran into trouble because the supplier did not have enough stock.
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Turkey's ambassador to the UK, Umit Yalcin, told Sky News: "As far as I understand there have been problems with the private supplier company.
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"Now Turkey is cooperating with the UK authorities to find a quick solution for the UK's urgent needs.
"Turkey helped the UK by donating 250,000 pieces of personal protective equipment last week and this time again Turkey is trying to help the UK authorities to resolve this commercial issue."
Sky News understands the Turkish company contacted the NHS last Thursday about the possibility of selling 400,000 gowns - among the most critically needed items of PPE.
A contract was agreed that day and the order placed.
Two days later Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick announced what he called a "very significant additional shipment" of protective gear would be arriving from Turkey on Sunday.
In fact, the timetable was unravelling.
By Sunday evening no shipment was forthcoming.
Initially, the problem was that the Turkish supplier had not submitted an online request to the health ministry for permission to export the gear, the officials said.
Such permission has been mandatory since last month because of the coronavirus situation.
The officials said the Turkish authorities helped the company apply for the export permit - something that was submitted and cleared on Monday.
Image: Turkey's ambassador to the UK, Umit Yalcin, said the UK approached Turkey last week
Then it emerged that the supplier was unable to produce the expected products and the sufficient volume, according to the Turkish officials.
The Turkish ministry of health has now offered the UK to help source the outstanding items through their suppliers, the officials said.
Mr Yalcin confirmed that the British embassy in Ankara "officially approached" the Turkish ministry of foreign affairs on 19 April (Sunday).
"We were immediately helpful to expedite the process and on Monday the procedure was done despite some shortcomings," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 Plane carrying PPE arrives from Turkey
The delay has caused embarrassment for the British government, which is already under significant pressure because of a shortage of gowns and other protective gear worn by front line staff as they treat patients with coronavirus.
At least two other military planes are on standby at Brize Norton to fly to Turkey to help bring back the PPE once it becomes available. They had both been scheduled to leave on Tuesday but that plan has been put on hold, a defence source said.


news--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: Trump says he has seen evidence coronavirus came from Wuhan lab

Donald Trump claims he has seen evidence the novel coronavirus originated in a Wuhan laboratory - but has declined to give specifics .
Speaking at a White House news conference , the US president said China either could not stop the spread of the virus , or let it spread .
Mr Trump said he feels confident the virus came from the Wuhan Institute of Virology , adding that US authorities were `` looking at it very , very strongly '' .
`` We 're going to see where it is - we 're going to see where it comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There 's a lot of theories . ''
`` China might even tell us , '' he added .
Asked by a reporter whether he had seen `` anything that gives you a high degree of confidence '' the institute was the origin of the virus , he responded : `` Yes I have . ''
And asked a few minutes later what gave him such confidence , he said : `` I ca n't tell you that .
I 'm not allowed to tell you that . ''
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The Wuhan Institute of Virology has dismissed the allegations and other US officials have downplayed their likelihood .
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence , the clearinghouse for the web of US spy agencies , said it had ruled out the virus being man-made but was still investigating the precise source of the global pandemic .
In a rare statement the federal agencies said they concur `` with the wide scientific consensus that the COVID-19 virus was not manmade or genetically modified '' .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to rigorously examine emerging information and intelligence to determine whether the outbreak began through contact with infected animals or if it was the result of an accident at a laboratory in Wuhan . ''
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said : `` I would like to point out again that the origin of the virus is a complex scientific issue , and it should be studied by scientists and professionals . ''
He also said the US should spend its time on `` better controlling the pandemic at home '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet to be identified , it is widely believed it originated in a seafood market in the Chinese city , and the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) has said the primary source is probably an animal .
Last month , Sky News revealed the UK was among the countries investigating the origin of the coronavirus pandemic , including a possibility it could be linked to a Chinese laboratory conducting research into diseases in bats .
A US official was quoted by NBC News as saying it was `` a possibility , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is thought to be considered highly likely the novel coronavirus did occur naturally and is not man-made .
Mr Trump declined to say whether he holds Chinese President Xi Jinping responsible for what he feels is misinformation .
But he did criticise China for failing to contain the virus , saying : `` This is something that could have been contained at the original location and it could have been contained relatively easily . ''
He later added : `` One of two things happened .
They either could n't do it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it spread .
`` I would say probably it got out of control . ''
Tensions between Beijing and Washington have heightened in recent weeks , with China suggesting the US military might have brought the coronavirus to China .
On Wednesday , Mr Trump said he was looking at imposing consequences for China over the virus .
More than 61,000 people in the US have died after contracting coronavirus , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the outbreak .

Donald Trump claims he has seen evidence the novel coronavirus originated in a Wuhan laboratory - but has declined to give specifics.
Speaking at a White House news conference, the US president said China either could not stop the spread of the virus, or let it spread.
Mr Trump said he feels confident the virus came from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, adding that US authorities were "looking at it very, very strongly".
Image: Medical workers take swabs in Wuhan, China
"We're going to see where it is - we're going to see where it comes from," he said. "There's a lot of theories."
"China might even tell us," he added.
Asked by a reporter whether he had seen "anything that gives you a high degree of confidence" the institute was the origin of the virus, he responded: "Yes I have."
And asked a few minutes later what gave him such confidence, he said: "I can't tell you that. I'm not allowed to tell you that."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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The Wuhan Institute of Virology has dismissed the allegations and other US officials have downplayed their likelihood.
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The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the clearinghouse for the web of US spy agencies, said it had ruled out the virus being man-made but was still investigating the precise source of the global pandemic.
In a rare statement the federal agencies said they concur "with the wide scientific consensus that the COVID-19 virus was not manmade or genetically modified".
"The IC (Intelligence Community) will continue to rigorously examine emerging information and intelligence to determine whether the outbreak began through contact with infected animals or if it was the result of an accident at a laboratory in Wuhan."
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said: "I would like to point out again that the origin of the virus is a complex scientific issue, and it should be studied by scientists and professionals."
He also said the US should spend its time on "better controlling the pandemic at home".
Though the origin of the virus has yet to be identified, it is widely believed it originated in a seafood market in the Chinese city, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said the primary source is probably an animal.
Last month, Sky News revealed the UK was among the countries investigating the origin of the coronavirus pandemic, including a possibility it could be linked to a Chinese laboratory conducting research into diseases in bats.
A US official was quoted by NBC News as saying it was "a possibility, though not the most likely possibility".
It is thought to be considered highly likely the novel coronavirus did occur naturally and is not man-made.
Mr Trump declined to say whether he holds Chinese President Xi Jinping responsible for what he feels is misinformation.
But he did criticise China for failing to contain the virus, saying: "This is something that could have been contained at the original location and it could have been contained relatively easily."
He later added: "One of two things happened. They either couldn't do it from a competence standpoint or they let it spread.
"I would say probably it got out of control."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:09 WHO blocked from coronavirus probe
Tensions between Beijing and Washington have heightened in recent weeks, with China suggesting the US military might have brought the coronavirus to China.
On Wednesday, Mr Trump said he was looking at imposing consequences for China over the virus.
More than 61,000 people in the US have died after contracting coronavirus, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the outbreak.


news--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: Scientists 'will know by July' if University of Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine works

Scientists will know by June or July whether the coronavirus vaccine being developed at the University of Oxford will work , the boss of a pharmaceutical giant has said .
AstraZeneca chief executive Pascal Soriot told Sky News that production was already under way on the potential COVID-19 vaccine as human trials take place .
The company has partnered with the University of Oxford for the development , manufacture and large-scale distribution of the potential vaccine , and the UK will be `` the priority '' for its supply .
Speaking to Ian King Live , Mr Soriot added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the best in the world .
They have moved very quickly .
`` By June , July we 'll have a first idea already of the efficacy and safety of this vaccine and we 'll need to wait a few more months .
`` But by June , July we should have a pretty good idea already .
`` Production is already ongoing because we need to manufacture enough doses to do the clinical trials as you can imagine .
`` We 're going to be scaling up so that we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can supply a sufficient number , with the priority going to the UK population . ''
Mr Soirot admitted there was a risk to his company in manufacturing the potential vaccine while clinical trials are still ongoing .
But he added : `` This is a terrible crisis , as we all know , and we decided now is the time to work together and step up and try our best to help come up with a solution . ''
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He also confirmed the company would be distributing the vaccine `` at cost '' during the pandemic .
The university has said both partners have agreed to operate on a not-for-profit basis for the duration of the pandemic , with only the costs of production and distribution being covered .
Mr Soirot told Sky News : `` Our commitment is for the period of the pandemic , we will be supplying the vaccine at cost .
`` In the long run , if this virus does not disappear and turns into a similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become a commercial vaccine just like the flu . ''
The agreement between AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford was announced on Thursday , with the details set to be finalised in the coming weeks .
The move will allow for rapid vaccination around the world if the candidate proves to be effective , the university said .
Human trials of the vaccine developed by the University 's Jenner Institute began last week , with hundreds of people volunteering to be part of the study which received £20m in government funding .
Professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medicine at Oxford University , described the partnership with AstraZeneca as a `` major force in the struggle against pandemics for many years to come '' .
He added : `` It will also ensure that , should the vaccine being developed by Oxford University 's Jenner Institute work , it will be available as early as possible , helping to protect thousands of lives from this disease . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It is the first such partnership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Vaccines Taskforce two weeks ago to help find a new coronavirus vaccine .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the agreement was `` hugely welcome news '' .
He added : `` The science is uncertain , and no vaccine may work , but this deal gives the UK the best chance we can of a breakthrough that could defeat this awful virus . ''

Scientists will know by June or July whether the coronavirus vaccine being developed at the University of Oxford will work, the boss of a pharmaceutical giant has said.
AstraZeneca chief executive Pascal Soriot told Sky News that production was already under way on the potential COVID-19 vaccine as human trials take place.
The company has partnered with the University of Oxford for the development, manufacture and large-scale distribution of the potential vaccine, and the UK will be "the priority" for its supply.
Image: A Oxford University scientist with some of the vaccine doses
Speaking to Ian King Live, Mr Soriot added: "The group in Oxford is one of the best in the world. They have moved very quickly.
"By June, July we'll have a first idea already of the efficacy and safety of this vaccine and we'll need to wait a few more months.
"But by June, July we should have a pretty good idea already.
"Production is already ongoing because we need to manufacture enough doses to do the clinical trials as you can imagine.
"We're going to be scaling up so that we are ready by Q4 [October] so we can supply a sufficient number, with the priority going to the UK population."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:04 What's the timescale for a COVID-19 vaccine?
Mr Soirot admitted there was a risk to his company in manufacturing the potential vaccine while clinical trials are still ongoing.
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But he added: "This is a terrible crisis, as we all know, and we decided now is the time to work together and step up and try our best to help come up with a solution."
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He also confirmed the company would be distributing the vaccine "at cost" during the pandemic.
The university has said both partners have agreed to operate on a not-for-profit basis for the duration of the pandemic, with only the costs of production and distribution being covered.
Mr Soirot told Sky News: "Our commitment is for the period of the pandemic, we will be supplying the vaccine at cost.
"In the long run, if this virus does not disappear and turns into a similar virus as the flu, it would become a commercial vaccine just like the flu."
The agreement between AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford was announced on Thursday, with the details set to be finalised in the coming weeks.
The move will allow for rapid vaccination around the world if the candidate proves to be effective, the university said.
Human trials of the vaccine developed by the University's Jenner Institute began last week, with hundreds of people volunteering to be part of the study which received £20m in government funding.
Professor Sir John Bell, regius professor of medicine at Oxford University, described the partnership with AstraZeneca as a "major force in the struggle against pandemics for many years to come".
He added: "It will also ensure that, should the vaccine being developed by Oxford University's Jenner Institute work, it will be available as early as possible, helping to protect thousands of lives from this disease."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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It is the first such partnership to be formed since the government launched the Vaccines Taskforce two weeks ago to help find a new coronavirus vaccine.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the agreement was "hugely welcome news".
He added: "The science is uncertain, and no vaccine may work, but this deal gives the UK the best chance we can of a breakthrough that could defeat this awful virus."


news--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: 50 corpses discovered in US trucks after neighbours noticed smell and leaks

Around 50 dead bodies have been found stored on ice in trucks rented by a US funeral director overwhelmed during the coronavirus pandemic .
The corpses were discovered by police in New York City when passers-by complained about the smell and leaks .
Officers said the Andrew T Cleckley funeral home in Brooklyn had `` failed to control the odours '' but brought no criminal charges .
A larger refrigerated truck was ordered by the business later the same day and all the bodies were transferred into it by workers in protective gear , an official said .
Brooklyn Borough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene .
He told the Daily News : `` While this situation is under investigation , we should not have what we have right now , with trucks lining the streets filled with bodies .
`` It was people who walked by who saw some leakage and detected an odour coming from a truck . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Crematoriums have been struggling to cope with the number of dead from COVID-19 , leaving funeral firms overwhelmed .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the virus outbreak so far , with deaths rising above 60,0000 on Thursday .
Many of those have been within New York , which has seen at least 18,000 people die since late March .

Around 50 dead bodies have been found stored on ice in trucks rented by a US funeral director overwhelmed during the coronavirus pandemic.
The corpses were discovered by police in New York City when passers-by complained about the smell and leaks.
Officers said the Andrew T Cleckley funeral home in Brooklyn had "failed to control the odours" but brought no criminal charges.
Image: No criminal charges were brought against the business
A larger refrigerated truck was ordered by the business later the same day and all the bodies were transferred into it by workers in protective gear, an official said.
Brooklyn Borough president Eric Adams went to investigate the scene.
He told the Daily News: "While this situation is under investigation, we should not have what we have right now, with trucks lining the streets filled with bodies.
"It was people who walked by who saw some leakage and detected an odour coming from a truck."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Crematoriums have been struggling to cope with the number of dead from COVID-19, leaving funeral firms overwhelmed.
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The United States is the worst country hit by the virus outbreak so far, with deaths rising above 60,0000 on Thursday.
Many of those have been within New York, which has seen at least 18,000 people die since late March.


news--2020-04-30--Graham Walters: Record-breaking British rower on adjusting to 'different world' amid pandemic

A pensioner who rowed solo across the Atlantic Ocean says he feels `` strange '' as he adjusts to a `` different world '' following the coronavirus pandemic .
Graham Walters , from Leicestershire , has broken two world records , despite being towed ashore in the last few miles .
The 72-year-old , who spent 93 days at sea , has become the oldest person to row solo across any ocean and the oldest person to row an ocean more than once .
When he set off on 25 January , the coronavirus was still a relatively small outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but Mr Walters is now back on dry land and COVID-19 has affected many countries .
Speaking to Sky News , just a day after he arrived in Antigua , he said : `` I 'm feeling okay now .
It 's a bit strange obviously but trying to get used to life and a different world .
`` In all honesty I hadn ’ t heard a word about it , it was a new name - I 'd never heard of coronavirus .
`` I have a sat nav so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and again and she 's been telling me how things have slowly got worse and worse .
`` I could n't have done anything about it so… that part of it I did n't think about . ''
The pensioner 's trip was made in a boat , named after his grandfather .
He built it 22 years ago in his front garden , and said it had taken him a while to build up to the adventure .
`` My wife said that in all honesty if I had one more row @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough is enough , so it 's taken me quite a while to talk her into agreeing to this trip . ''
Mr Walters said he spent much of the three-month trip `` thinking '' , to stave off the loneliness : `` I always think a lot , the mind wanders , I 'm thinking and when people say 'what is loneliness ? '
I don ’ t really know , probably , what actual loneliness is really like - I 'm lucky like that .
`` It 's important , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different things .
Sometimes you can think about the future - but that 's difficult with what 's happening now as to what the future may hold , and also the past .
`` The past is a big thing to think about - what 's gone on , what 's gone by and gone past , so that 's a big part of the rowing . ''
When he arrived at English Harbour in Antigua , he was greeted by lots of people , congratulating him on his voyage - despite the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on to shore .
: : Listen to Coronavirus : In This Together on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or Spreaker He said : `` I was amazed at the people who came out cheering , ringing and shouting in little boats , and the reception of the Antiguan people was fantastic - especially the Antiguan government , they ’ ve been amazing . ''
Mr Walters also revealed to Sky News his breakfast regime while he was out on the open seas , saying : `` Normally I start the day with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nice to look forward to breakfast , I must admit , and porridge .
Porridge , and then beans and sausages - in a bag , obviously . ''
This was Mr Walters ' fifth Atlantic crossing , and his third as a solo rower .
Mr Walters was raising money for Help for Heroes , and was inspired after seeing wounded veterans in other Atlantic crossing races .

A pensioner who rowed solo across the Atlantic Ocean says he feels "strange" as he adjusts to a "different world" following the coronavirus pandemic.
Graham Walters, from Leicestershire, has broken two world records, despite being towed ashore in the last few miles.
The 72-year-old, who spent 93 days at sea, has become the oldest person to row solo across any ocean and the oldest person to row an ocean more than once.
When he set off on 25 January, the coronavirus was still a relatively small outbreak, largely confined to Wuhan in China, but Mr Walters is now back on dry land and COVID-19 has affected many countries.
Image: Mr Walters built the boat in his front garden 22 years ago. Pic: Graham Walters. Atlantic Rower - Final Journey
Speaking to Sky News, just a day after he arrived in Antigua, he said: "I'm feeling okay now. It's a bit strange obviously but trying to get used to life and a different world.
"In all honesty I hadn’t heard a word about it, it was a new name - I'd never heard of coronavirus.
"I have a sat nav so I can talk to my wife now and again and she's been telling me how things have slowly got worse and worse.
"I couldn't have done anything about it so… that part of it I didn't think about."
The pensioner's trip was made in a boat, named after his grandfather.
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He built it 22 years ago in his front garden, and said it had taken him a while to build up to the adventure.
"My wife said that in all honesty if I had one more row she was going to leave me because enough is enough, so it's taken me quite a while to talk her into agreeing to this trip."
Image: Mr Walters and his boat before leaving on his journey. Pic: Graham Walters. Atlantic Rower - Final Journey
Mr Walters said he spent much of the three-month trip "thinking", to stave off the loneliness: "I always think a lot, the mind wanders, I'm thinking and when people say 'what is loneliness?' I don’t really know, probably, what actual loneliness is really like - I'm lucky like that.
"It's important, when you're rowing, to think about different things. Sometimes you can think about the future - but that's difficult with what's happening now as to what the future may hold, and also the past.
"The past is a big thing to think about - what's gone on, what's gone by and gone past, so that's a big part of the rowing."
When he arrived at English Harbour in Antigua, he was greeted by lots of people, congratulating him on his voyage - despite the wind levels forcing him to be towed on to shore.
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:: Listen to Coronavirus: In This Together on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker
He said: "I was amazed at the people who came out cheering, ringing and shouting in little boats, and the reception of the Antiguan people was fantastic - especially the Antiguan government, they’ve been amazing."
Mr Walters also revealed to Sky News his breakfast regime while he was out on the open seas, saying: "Normally I start the day with an early row, then it's nice to look forward to breakfast, I must admit, and porridge. Porridge, and then beans and sausages - in a bag, obviously."
This was Mr Walters' fifth Atlantic crossing, and his third as a solo rower.
Mr Walters was raising money for Help for Heroes, and was inspired after seeing wounded veterans in other Atlantic crossing races.