news--2020-06-22--Apple WWDC: A new version of the iPhone operating system? Here's what to expect

Apple 's annual worldwide developers conference ( WWDC ) will begin today , conducted virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The opening keynote will begin at 6pm UK time when Apple is expected to announce a range of software updates , including the new version of the iPhone operating system , iOS 14 - which rumours suggest might be renamed iPhone OS .
Apple often opens WWDC with a well-designed comical video , although the events of this year from the coronavirus pandemic to the Black Lives Matter protests suggest the company may take a different tack The impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the event being held virtually or in the opening video , but in changes to Apple Watch too - with a hand wash monitoring function being rumoured .
It is unclear whether the company will address one of the most contested software changes it recently introduced in its collaboration with Google to permit a specific form of contact tracing using smartphones .
A number of government officials , including the UK 's Health Secretary Matt Hancock , have criticised the company for what it said was a privacy protection in its designs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apps on data held on each user 's own phone rather than collect that data centrally .
One of the biggest changes the company is expected to announce will bring its Mac laptops in line with its iPads and iPhones in using processors based on Apple 's own designs , rather than Intel 's .
The architecture of these chips is based on a design licensed from ARM , a Cambridge-based chip designer which was bought for £24bn by Japanese conglomerate SoftBank in 2016 .
The change is n't expected to hit Macs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit of time to adapt their apps to get the most of the new architecture , but is rumoured to double the processing speed of Apple 's laptops .
Last year the company announced the end of iTunes in favour of three separate apps representing a new focus on streaming content through subscriptions and rentals .
Although the event is software focused , aimed as its title suggests at those developing apps for its iPhone and Mac operating systems , some hardware news could also be forthcoming .
A new iMac computer is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WWDC , as potentially will be over-the-ear AirPods and a new AppleTV .
But mostly Apple 's hardware product announcements come in September , when Apple usually pulls back the curtain on the latest models of its iPhone and other gadgets and devices .
Apple will be steaming the event on YouTube and viewers will be able to follow along with a Sky News live blog , keeping track of the big announcements and how they shape up against the competition .

Apple's annual worldwide developers conference (WWDC) will begin today, conducted virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The opening keynote will begin at 6pm UK time when Apple is expected to announce a range of software updates, including the new version of the iPhone operating system, iOS 14 - which rumours suggest might be renamed iPhone OS.
Apple often opens WWDC with a well-designed comical video, although the events of this year from the coronavirus pandemic to the Black Lives Matter protests suggest the company may take a different tack
Image: The event will focus on software updates to the iPhone range
The impact of COVID-19 won't just be seen in the event being held virtually or in the opening video, but in changes to Apple Watch too - with a hand wash monitoring function being rumoured.
It is unclear whether the company will address one of the most contested software changes it recently introduced in its collaboration with Google to permit a specific form of contact tracing using smartphones.
A number of government officials, including the UK's Health Secretary Matt Hancock, have criticised the company for what it said was a privacy protection in its designs which requires health authorities to base their apps on data held on each user's own phone rather than collect that data centrally.
One of the biggest changes the company is expected to announce will bring its Mac laptops in line with its iPads and iPhones in using processors based on Apple's own designs, rather than Intel's.
The architecture of these chips is based on a design licensed from ARM, a Cambridge-based chip designer which was bought for £24bn by Japanese conglomerate SoftBank in 2016.
The change isn't expected to hit Macs immediately as it will take developers a bit of time to adapt their apps to get the most of the new architecture, but is rumoured to double the processing speed of Apple's laptops.
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Image: Apple is rumoured to be introducing its own processor designs
Last year the company announced the end of iTunes in favour of three separate apps representing a new focus on streaming content through subscriptions and rentals.
Although the event is software focused, aimed as its title suggests at those developing apps for its iPhone and Mac operating systems, some hardware news could also be forthcoming.
A new iMac computer is rumoured to be among the announcements at WWDC, as potentially will be over-the-ear AirPods and a new AppleTV.
But mostly Apple's hardware product announcements come in September, when Apple usually pulls back the curtain on the latest models of its iPhone and other gadgets and devices.
Apple will be steaming the event on YouTube and viewers will be able to follow along with a Sky News live blog, keeping track of the big announcements and how they shape up against the competition.


news--2020-06-22--Boris Johnson keeps Sunday trading laws 'under review' as he faces Tory rebellion

A plan to extend Sunday opening hours for shops is being kept `` under review '' by Boris Johnson - after it emerged at least 50 Conservative MPs are preparing to rebel over the proposal .
The prime minister is considering whether to allow shops to open for longer on Sundays , by relaxing current trading restrictions , in order to help boost the economic recovery from the coronavirus crisis .
Legislation to suspend Sunday trading laws for a year - to enable shops to open for more than six hours on Sundays - was said to be part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the government this week .
However , a group of Tory MPs have written to Mr Johnson to warn against the move .
In their letter , they said : `` We stand squarely behind your ambition to stimulate economic growth and revitalise British high streets , but removing Sunday trading hours will not achieve this .
`` It will harm local shops and high streets by displacing trade to large out of town retail parks and supermarkets . ''
They added : `` Sunday represents an important common day of rest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time together .
`` Sunday is an especially important day for the millions of retail key workers that have been on the frontline during the nation 's response to the COVID-19 outbreak , feeding the nation and delivering for their local communities . ''
The MPs also argued that `` keeping Sunday just a little bit special provides an opportunity for communities to come together and individuals to pause , reflect and recharge for the working week ahead '' .
And they cited polling that showed 91 % of shop workers do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stores .
The letter was signed by seven Tory MPs - Fiona Bruce , David Amess , William Wragg , Martin Vickers , David Jones , Andrew Selous and Bob Blackman .
But those seven MPs informed Mr Johnson that more than 50 Conservative MPs in total are `` opposed to these plans and have expressed this directly to us or to their constituents '' .
The Daily Telegraph reported the full list of signatories is being withheld from the prime minister in order to avoid the MPs being pressured by Conservative whips @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour have claimed the proposal to suspend Sunday trading laws for a year is not part of the coronavirus recovery bill , despite expectations it would be .
Asked if the plan had now been dropped by the government , the prime minister 's official spokesman said : `` We have said we will keep measures such as extending Sunday trading hours under review as they can support shops with social distancing and allow shoppers to buy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The Sunday Trading Act of 1994 allows large stores to open for no more than six consecutive hours between 10am and 6pm .
In 2016 , former prime minister David Cameron 's plan to overhaul Sunday trading laws in England and Wales was dropped after being defeated in the House of Commons following a Tory rebellion .

A plan to extend Sunday opening hours for shops is being kept "under review" by Boris Johnson - after it emerged at least 50 Conservative MPs are preparing to rebel over the proposal.
The prime minister is considering whether to allow shops to open for longer on Sundays, by relaxing current trading restrictions, in order to help boost the economic recovery from the coronavirus crisis.
Legislation to suspend Sunday trading laws for a year - to enable shops to open for more than six hours on Sundays - was said to be part of a coronavirus recovery bill to be introduced by the government this week.
Image: Boris Johnson has been warned more than 50 Tory MPs are opposed to the plan
However, a group of Tory MPs have written to Mr Johnson to warn against the move.
In their letter, they said: "We stand squarely behind your ambition to stimulate economic growth and revitalise British high streets, but removing Sunday trading hours will not achieve this.
"It will harm local shops and high streets by displacing trade to large out of town retail parks and supermarkets."
They added: "Sunday represents an important common day of rest, where families and communities can spend time together.
"Sunday is an especially important day for the millions of retail key workers that have been on the frontline during the nation's response to the COVID-19 outbreak, feeding the nation and delivering for their local communities."
The MPs also argued that "keeping Sunday just a little bit special provides an opportunity for communities to come together and individuals to pause, reflect and recharge for the working week ahead".
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And they cited polling that showed 91% of shop workers do not want longer Sunday trading hours in large stores.
The letter was signed by seven Tory MPs - Fiona Bruce, David Amess, William Wragg, Martin Vickers, David Jones, Andrew Selous and Bob Blackman.
But those seven MPs informed Mr Johnson that more than 50 Conservative MPs in total are "opposed to these plans and have expressed this directly to us or to their constituents".
The Daily Telegraph reported the full list of signatories is being withheld from the prime minister in order to avoid the MPs being pressured by Conservative whips to drop their opposition.
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Labour have claimed the proposal to suspend Sunday trading laws for a year is not part of the coronavirus recovery bill, despite expectations it would be.
Asked if the plan had now been dropped by the government, the prime minister's official spokesman said: "We have said we will keep measures such as extending Sunday trading hours under review as they can support shops with social distancing and allow shoppers to buy food and other items more conveniently."
The Sunday Trading Act of 1994 allows large stores to open for no more than six consecutive hours between 10am and 6pm.
In 2016, former prime minister David Cameron's plan to overhaul Sunday trading laws in England and Wales was dropped after being defeated in the House of Commons following a Tory rebellion.


news--2020-06-22--UK weather: Britain could hit 34C in coming days - but storms predicted to follow

Britain is set to bask in Mediterranean temperatures in the coming days , with London predicted to be hotter than Ibiza .
Sky News ' weather presenter Nazaneen Ghaffar said this week could be the hottest week of the summer so far , predicting temperatures in the South to reach 34C ( 93F ) by Thursday .
Following Monday 's mild start , the capital will reach around 30C ( 86F ) mid-week - two degrees hotter than the forecast for Ibiza .
It could also set a new record for the year .
The hottest day of 2020 so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit 28.2C ( 82.8F ) at Santon Downham in Suffolk , beating the record set from the day before when St James 's Park in London recorded a high of 26.2C ( 79.2F ) .
The Met Office has forecast a north-south split from Monday , with temperatures reaching the mid-20s in the South of England and mid-teens in Scotland .
Daytime showers are also forecast for northern Scotland and Ireland until Monday evening .
Met Office chief meteorologist Dan Suri said : `` Northern Ireland and Scotland will be under a band @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday ; however , it 'll be dry elsewhere with plenty of warm sunshine and temperatures reaching 28C ( 82.4F ) or 29C ( 84.2F ) in a few spots on Tuesday .
`` Temperatures will continue to climb through the week with a hot spell developing across much of England and Wales .
`` From Wednesday temperatures will widely reach into the high twenties Celsius and it 'll be hot across much of the UK , especially central and southern England where we could see highs of 30C ( 86F ) to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hot weather is expected to last until at least Friday and so heatwave conditions are likely to develop for some areas this week . ''
Mr Suri said that Britain should also expect some warm nights this week as temperatures overnight will remain in the mid-high teens across England and Wales .
The hot weather is due to high pressure to the east of the UK , bringing a clockwise direction of air across the country and therefore winds coming from the Atlantic , Sky 's Nazaneen Ghaffar said .
She added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the majority of England and Wales where it 'll be largely dry and sunny .
`` Further north and west across Ireland , Northern Ireland , Scotland and perhaps the far northwest of Wales and England it 'll be cooler and cloudier with spells of rain at times for the first few days of this week .
`` By Thursday , the north and west of the UK and Ireland will also see warm sunny weather , but it wo n't be as warm as the southern parts . ''
With the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 alert level lowered to three , emergency services are urging people to continue to respect social distancing measures .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Meteorologists are unsure how long the heatwave will last , however , and there could be a change later in the week with the potential for thunderstorms on Friday .
`` We may see a breakdown of the heat with thunderstorms breaking out quite widely , '' Ghaffar said .
`` The thunderstorms may have origins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could bring torrential downpours , hail , frequent lightning and strong winds .
Later in the day there also looks to be thicker cloud and rain spreading in from the west , ushering in cooler conditions . ''
She added : `` The rest of the week looks to remain unsettled , with further showers or longer spells of rain and temperatures returning to normal again . ''

Britain is set to bask in Mediterranean temperatures in the coming days, with London predicted to be hotter than Ibiza.
Sky News' weather presenter Nazaneen Ghaffar said this week could be the hottest week of the summer so far, predicting temperatures in the South to reach 34C (93F) by Thursday.
Following Monday's mild start, the capital will reach around 30C (86F) mid-week - two degrees hotter than the forecast for Ibiza.
It could also set a new record for the year.
The hottest day of 2020 so far was on 20 May when temperatures hit 28.2C (82.8F) at Santon Downham in Suffolk, beating the record set from the day before when St James's Park in London recorded a high of 26.2C (79.2F).
The Met Office has forecast a north-south split from Monday, with temperatures reaching the mid-20s in the South of England and mid-teens in Scotland.
Daytime showers are also forecast for northern Scotland and Ireland until Monday evening.
Met Office chief meteorologist Dan Suri said: "Northern Ireland and Scotland will be under a band of cloud and rain on Monday and Tuesday; however, it'll be dry elsewhere with plenty of warm sunshine and temperatures reaching 28C (82.4F) or 29C (84.2F) in a few spots on Tuesday.
"Temperatures will continue to climb through the week with a hot spell developing across much of England and Wales.
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"From Wednesday temperatures will widely reach into the high twenties Celsius and it'll be hot across much of the UK, especially central and southern England where we could see highs of 30C (86F) to 34C (93.2F).
"This hot weather is expected to last until at least Friday and so heatwave conditions are likely to develop for some areas this week."
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Mr Suri said that Britain should also expect some warm nights this week as temperatures overnight will remain in the mid-high teens across England and Wales.
The hot weather is due to high pressure to the east of the UK, bringing a clockwise direction of air across the country and therefore winds coming from the Atlantic, Sky's Nazaneen Ghaffar said.
She added: "Initially the warm weather will be across the majority of England and Wales where it'll be largely dry and sunny.
Image: Members of the public enjoying the hot weather on the River Thames earlier this month
"Further north and west across Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and perhaps the far northwest of Wales and England it'll be cooler and cloudier with spells of rain at times for the first few days of this week.
"By Thursday, the north and west of the UK and Ireland will also see warm sunny weather, but it won't be as warm as the southern parts."
With the anticipated hot weather and the government's COVID-19 alert level lowered to three, emergency services are urging people to continue to respect social distancing measures.
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Meteorologists are unsure how long the heatwave will last, however, and there could be a change later in the week with the potential for thunderstorms on Friday.
"We may see a breakdown of the heat with thunderstorms breaking out quite widely," Ghaffar said.
"The thunderstorms may have origins from a Spanish plume. The showers could bring torrential downpours, hail, frequent lightning and strong winds. Later in the day there also looks to be thicker cloud and rain spreading in from the west, ushering in cooler conditions."
She added: "The rest of the week looks to remain unsettled, with further showers or longer spells of rain and temperatures returning to normal again."


news--2020-06-22--Coronavirus: Local lockdown on Anglesey could go ahead if evidence suggests it works

The UK 's first `` local lockdown '' will only be introduced on Anglesey if there is enough evidence to show it will be effective .
Some 175 workers at the 2 Sisters chicken plant in Llangefni on Anglesey in North Wales have now tested positive for COVID-19 .
Work was halted at the site last week and every one of the 560 employees has been asked to get tested for coronavirus and go into self-isolation .
Leader of Isle of Anglesey County Council , Councillor Llinos Medi , told Sky News : `` Obviously there is no clear understanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the moment we feel comfortable that we have been able to contain it but it is still early days . ''
The island which is connected to the mainland by just two bridges across the Menai Strait could be placed under tighter COVID-19 restrictions such as a local lockdown , but it is a measure that has not been introduced anywhere else in the UK .
Discussions are ongoing over how a local lockdown might look on the island if the evidence suggests that one is required .
`` We wo n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will make them on evidence , '' Councillor Medi said .
She acknowledged the island 's 70,000 residents and businesses have many questions about how it might work but nobody has had to implement one so far .
Councillor Medi also pleaded with the 650 workers who have all been sent home to follow the advice they have been given .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' If you work in that factory you should isolate .
You could do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can - this is a collective responsibility , '' she added .
Contact tracers are working to establish who may have been in close contact with the people who have tested positive .
Outbreaks have been reported at meat processing plants in the US and in several European countries , as well as a series of clusters around the UK .
Experts believe the cooler temperatures and working practices in food factories may make workers more likely to pick up the virus .
In his daily briefing in Cardiff , the First Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make quick decisions .
He said : `` There will be no delay but our approach will be proportionate .
`` It will draw on the evidence , it will draw on local intelligence and information and then we will take the action that is required . ''
He said he wanted to ensure Wales `` responded directly to the outbreak but does n't do so in a way that unfairly places restrictions on people where there would be no public health advantage to doing so . ''

The UK's first "local lockdown" will only be introduced on Anglesey if there is enough evidence to show it will be effective.
Some 175 workers at the 2 Sisters chicken plant in Llangefni on Anglesey in North Wales have now tested positive for COVID-19.
Work was halted at the site last week and every one of the 560 employees has been asked to get tested for coronavirus and go into self-isolation.
Leader of Isle of Anglesey County Council, Councillor Llinos Medi, told Sky News: "Obviously there is no clear understanding of the community transmission yet, but at the moment we feel comfortable that we have been able to contain it but it is still early days."
Image: A local lockdown could be introduced on Anglesey
The island which is connected to the mainland by just two bridges across the Menai Strait could be placed under tighter COVID-19 restrictions such as a local lockdown, but it is a measure that has not been introduced anywhere else in the UK.
Discussions are ongoing over how a local lockdown might look on the island if the evidence suggests that one is required.
"We won't be pushed to make wrong decisions, we will make them on evidence," Councillor Medi said.
She acknowledged the island's 70,000 residents and businesses have many questions about how it might work but nobody has had to implement one so far.
Councillor Medi also pleaded with the 650 workers who have all been sent home to follow the advice they have been given.
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"If you work in that factory you should isolate. You could do more to help on this than I can - this is a collective responsibility," she added.
Contact tracers are working to establish who may have been in close contact with the people who have tested positive.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 Chancellor hints 2m rule could be relaxed
Outbreaks have been reported at meat processing plants in the US and in several European countries, as well as a series of clusters around the UK.
Experts believe the cooler temperatures and working practices in food factories may make workers more likely to pick up the virus.
In his daily briefing in Cardiff, the First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford said they would make quick decisions.
He said: "There will be no delay but our approach will be proportionate.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:31 Mr Bean's coronavirus checklist
"It will draw on the evidence, it will draw on local intelligence and information and then we will take the action that is required."
He said he wanted to ensure Wales "responded directly to the outbreak but doesn't do so in a way that unfairly places restrictions on people where there would be no public health advantage to doing so."


news--2020-06-20--Mexico: President admits he ordered El Chapo's son's release during cartel gun battle

Mexico 's president said he personally ordered the release of drug lord El Chapo 's son during a shoot-out between a cartel and security forces - and claimed he saved hundreds of lives in doing so .
An operation in October caused Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador 's government considerable embarrassment after security forces briefly captured Ovidio Guzman , one of the sons of Joaquin `` El Chapo '' Guzman , leader of the infamous Sinaloa Cartel .
They were forced to let the 30-year-old go just hours later after soldiers were overwhelmed by cartel forces .
Most likely tipped off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cartel poured into the city of Culiacan , the capital of western Sinaloa state , during an hours-long siege broadcast on television .
The cartel members put up flaming roadblocks in the city of a million people and gunfire was heard throughout the streets in an ultimately successful effort to free the younger Guzman , who is thought to be leading the cartel with his brothers as their father is in prison in the US .
Mr Lopez Obrador had previously said his security cabinet had decided to release Ovidio , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US , and he had endorsed the decision to protect residents from crossfire - although at least 14 people died , according to official accounts .
But on Friday , he openly acknowledged for the first time he gave the order himself .
`` So as not to put the population at risk I ordered that this operation be stopped and that this alleged criminal be released , '' he said .
`` If we had n't suspended [ the operation ] more than 200 innocent people would have lost their lives .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the world as evidence that criminal gangs , not the government , are in charge in Culiacan and large swathes of Mexico .
But Mr Lopez Obrador defiantly revealed a couple of days after the skirmish Donald Trump had offered to help crack down on the cartel , but he did not accept the offer .
A month after the incident , the police officer who had arrested Ovidio was killed by two attackers who fired 155 bullets at him in a car park before fleeing .
The Mexican leader has promised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the number of homicides has been on the rise since 2014 , with four times more people killed in 2018 than in 2007 .
Much of the violence stems from powerful criminal groups , such as the Sinaloa Cartel , which for decades has smuggled cocaine , marijuana , heroine and methamphetamines over the border to the United States , the world 's largest market for illicit drugs .
Despite Mr Lopez Obrador 's `` hugs not bullets '' policies focusing on relieving rampant poverty and youth unemployment , homicides in Mexico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four months of the year - despite most of the country being in semi-lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
In 2019 , his first full year in office , homicides hit an all-time high .

Mexico's president said he personally ordered the release of drug lord El Chapo's son during a shoot-out between a cartel and security forces - and claimed he saved hundreds of lives in doing so.
An operation in October caused Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's government considerable embarrassment after security forces briefly captured Ovidio Guzman, one of the sons of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, leader of the infamous Sinaloa Cartel.
They were forced to let the 30-year-old go just hours later after soldiers were overwhelmed by cartel forces.
Image: Cartel gunman took over the streets of Culiacan to rescue Ovidio Guzman in October
Most likely tipped off, hundreds of heavily armed gunmen from the cartel poured into the city of Culiacan, the capital of western Sinaloa state, during an hours-long siege broadcast on television.
The cartel members put up flaming roadblocks in the city of a million people and gunfire was heard throughout the streets in an ultimately successful effort to free the younger Guzman, who is thought to be leading the cartel with his brothers as their father is in prison in the US.
Mr Lopez Obrador had previously said his security cabinet had decided to release Ovidio, who is wanted on drug-trafficking charges in the US, and he had endorsed the decision to protect residents from crossfire - although at least 14 people died, according to official accounts.
But on Friday, he openly acknowledged for the first time he gave the order himself.
"So as not to put the population at risk I ordered that this operation be stopped and that this alleged criminal be
released," he said.
"If we hadn't suspended [the operation] more than 200 innocent people would have lost their lives."
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Image: A burning bus pictured after a gun fight between Mexican police and the Sinaloa cartel
Image: Sinaloa Cartel gunman burned out cars in Culiacan during the gun battle
The bungled operation drew widespread condemnation around the world as evidence that criminal gangs, not the government, are in charge in Culiacan and large swathes of Mexico.
But Mr Lopez Obrador defiantly revealed a couple of days after the skirmish Donald Trump had offered to help crack down on the cartel, but he did not accept the offer.
A month after the incident, the police officer who had arrested Ovidio was killed by two attackers who fired 155 bullets at him in a car park before fleeing.
The Mexican leader has promised to tackle increasing violence in a country where the number of homicides has been on the rise since 2014, with four times more people killed in 2018 than in 2007.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:16 How drug gangs took control of Mexico
Much of the violence stems from powerful criminal groups, such as the Sinaloa Cartel, which for decades has smuggled cocaine, marijuana, heroine and methamphetamines over the border to the United States, the world's largest market for illicit drugs.
Despite Mr Lopez Obrador's "hugs not bullets" policies focusing on relieving rampant poverty and youth unemployment, homicides in Mexico climbed to record levels during the first four months of the year - despite most of the country being in semi-lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2019, his first full year in office, homicides hit an all-time high.


news--2020-06-22--Coronavirus: This is how China is preventing a second wave - and the UK must learn lessons

Coronavirus : This is how China is preventing a second wave - and the UK must learn lessons Coronavirus : This is how China is preventing a second wave - and the UK must learn lessons A woman is tested for the virus in Beijing The idea of a second wave of COVID-19 when most of the world is still submerged by the first is grim .
But Beijing 's reaction offers lessons on how it can be contained .
The outbreak at Xinfadi could have been a nightmare : a COVID cluster in a wholesale market that supplies more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fruit and vegetables .
But today the city reported just nine new cases .
The most critical aspect is speed , which informs every part of the response .
Beijing did not hesitate in shutting schools and imposing various restrictions on gyms , bars and other venues .
Speed is also crucial in building capacity .
There is no point in keeping massive infrastructure in place when cases are low .
Instead , governments need to be prepared to scale up quickly when a wave arrives .
Over the last two weeks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and doubled its testing capacity , to 230,000 tests a day .
By pooling samples , it means one million people can be screened every day .
So far 2.3 million people have been tested .
Combine that with a massive contact-tracking programme .
Hundreds of thousands of people have been tracked and notified to take a test .
Much of that work is done manually but technology is also part of it .
China has n't bothered with the sort of contact tracing app that the UK has struggled to get off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ straight to the source , requiring mobile phone networks to provide their subscribers ' location data .
Big data has a long reach .
A Chinese colleague had the misfortune to be stuck in a traffic jam six kilometres away from Xinfadi before the outbreak began .
Eight days later she was contacted by the authorities and told to take a COVID-19 test .
In the meantime , the health code app on her phone ( which is based on various data sources ) went from green to orange , telling her to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker That tech is backed up by bureaucratic muscle , with neighbourhood health committees knocking on doors to make sure people follow the app 's instructions .
Western countries may not be willing to tolerate that level of authoritarian intervention , and may simply not be able to match China 's scale .
But Beijing shows that even if a second wave is inevitable , it is not inevitably catastrophic .
The UK was slow to learn and apply the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It should n't make the same mistake for the second .

The UK was slow to learn and apply the lessons from the first wave in China - it shouldn't make the same mistake for the second.
Coronavirus: This is how China is preventing a second wave - and the UK must learn lessons
A woman is tested for the virus in Beijing
The idea of a second wave of COVID-19 when most of the world is still submerged by the first is grim.
But Beijing's reaction offers lessons on how it can be contained.
The outbreak at Xinfadi could have been a nightmare: a COVID cluster in a wholesale market that supplies more than 70% of the megacity's fruit and vegetables. But today the city reported just nine new cases.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:14 Long queue forms for coronavirus test in Beijing
The most critical aspect is speed, which informs every part of the response. Beijing did not hesitate in shutting schools and imposing various restrictions on gyms, bars and other venues.
Speed is also crucial in building capacity. There is no point in keeping massive infrastructure in place when cases are low. Instead, governments need to be prepared to scale up quickly when a wave arrives.
Over the last two weeks, Beijing has built 26 new test centres and doubled its testing capacity, to 230,000 tests a day.
By pooling samples, it means one million people can be screened every day. So far 2.3 million people have been tested.
Combine that with a massive contact-tracking programme. Hundreds of thousands of people have been tracked and notified to take a test. Much of that work is done manually but technology is also part of it.
China hasn't bothered with the sort of contact tracing app that the UK has struggled to get off the ground. Instead, it goes straight to the source, requiring mobile phone networks to provide their subscribers' location data.
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Big data has a long reach. A Chinese colleague had the misfortune to be stuck in a traffic jam six kilometres away from Xinfadi before the outbreak began.
Eight days later she was contacted by the authorities and told to take a COVID-19 test. In the meantime, the health code app on her phone (which is based on various data sources) went from green to orange, telling her to stay at home.
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That tech is backed up by bureaucratic muscle, with neighbourhood health committees knocking on doors to make sure people follow the app's instructions.
Western countries may not be willing to tolerate that level of authoritarian intervention, and may simply not be able to match China's scale.
But Beijing shows that even if a second wave is inevitable, it is not inevitably catastrophic. The UK was slow to learn and apply the lessons from the first wave in China. It shouldn't make the same mistake for the second.


news--2020-06-22--Reading terror attack: Home Secretary Priti Patel urges public to remain 'vigilant' and 'alert'

Home Secretary Priti Patel has urged the public to remain `` vigilant '' , `` alert '' and `` mindful '' in the wake of Saturday 's terror attack and at a time when coronavirus lockdown measures are being eased .
On a trip to Reading on Monday , the Berkshire town where three people were stabbed to death on Saturday evening , Ms Patel described the weekend 's attack as a `` tragic , tragic event '' .
The home secretary visited the scene of the weekend 's attack as a two-minute silence was held for the victims , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where James Furlong , 36 , worked .
The history , government and politics teacher was the first of the three victims to be named .
Joe Ritchie-Bennett , 39 , an American man who had been living in the UK for 15 years , has been named as one of the other victims .
A suspect - believed to be 25-year-old Khairi Saadallah - is in custody after being detained on suspicion of murder and re-arrested under the Terrorism Act .
He is a Libyan refugee who was granted asylum in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is understood he was briefly on the radar of MI5 last year but there was not enough concern to launch a full investigation .
He came across MI5 's radar because of suggestions he was looking to travel abroad .
Ms Patel said she was `` very constricted and constrained '' in what she could say about the ongoing investigation into the Reading attack , as she visited the town to meet with local police officers and lay flowers .
But she stressed that the UK 's security services `` have records on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to look at all aspects of this individual 's history , which dates back over several years , '' the home secretary said .
She added that police and security services needed to make sure they `` learn the lessons '' from the weekend to prevent future attacks .
With the government set to ease coronavirus lockdown measures further at the beginning of next month , Ms Patel was asked whether she could reassure the public they are not at risk when meeting in parks .
`` We 've got to absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday evening , '' she said .
`` It was a beautiful day on Saturday , people obviously out and about enjoying their freedoms , which is obviously what we want .
`` Specific to what has happened here in Reading , one individual is in custody and the police have been clear , here , that they 're not looking for anybody else .
`` But we should always be vigilant , we should always remain alert .
`` As measures around social distancing and lockdown is eased and more people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have to make sure we are vigilant , we 're alert and we 're mindful of the environments we are going into .
`` What I would say , though , is policing and the security services throughout this whole COVID-19 epidemic - the last 13/14 weeks - they 've been working in an incredibly integrated way .
`` I 've been seeing their work day in and day out . ''
Britons should `` take reassurance '' from the fact that UK security services have prevented 25 terror attacks from taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Patel said .
She added : `` What we saw here on Saturday evening in Reading were the actions of one lone individual .
`` We should bear that in mind , the police have that individual in custody , they 're not looking for anybody else .
`` We should all remain alert , we should all remain vigilant in terms of the fact that threats are all around us .
`` But we 've just got to respond in the right kind of way and be very mindful of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Ms Patel will make a statement to the House of Commons about the Reading attack later on Monday .
More than 100 students , some holding hands , gathered at the gates of The Holt School for Monday 's two-minute silence in memory of teacher Mr Furlong and the two other victims .
A flag in the school 's courtyard had been lowered to half-mast .
Co-headteacher Anne Kennedy said : `` James was a very kind and gentle man .
He had a real sense of duty and cared for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` He truly inspired everyone he taught through his passion for his subject and his dedication . ''
Her fellow co-headteacher Katie Pearce added : `` Words can not describe our shock and sadness at this time .
He was a cherished colleague and he will be very sadly missed . ''

Home Secretary Priti Patel has urged the public to remain "vigilant", "alert" and "mindful" in the wake of Saturday's terror attack and at a time when coronavirus lockdown measures are being eased.
On a trip to Reading on Monday, the Berkshire town where three people were stabbed to death on Saturday evening, Ms Patel described the weekend's attack as a "tragic, tragic event".
The home secretary visited the scene of the weekend's attack as a two-minute silence was held for the victims, including at The Holt School in Wokingham where James Furlong, 36, worked.
The history, government and politics teacher was the first of the three victims to be named.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 Patel: 'We should remain alert and mindful'
Joe Ritchie-Bennett, 39, an American man who had been living in the UK for 15 years, has been named as one of the other victims.
A suspect - believed to be 25-year-old Khairi Saadallah - is in custody after being detained on suspicion of murder and re-arrested under the Terrorism Act.
He is a Libyan refugee who was granted asylum in the UK, Sky News understands.
It is understood he was briefly on the radar of MI5 last year but there was not enough concern to launch a full investigation.
He came across MI5's radar because of suggestions he was looking to travel abroad.
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Image: Victim James Furlong was a history teacher at The Holt School in Wokingham
Ms Patel said she was "very constricted and constrained" in what she could say about the ongoing investigation into the Reading attack, as she visited the town to meet with local police officers and lay flowers.
But she stressed that the UK's security services "have records on thousands of people".
"We have to look at all aspects of this individual's history, which dates back over several years," the home secretary said.
She added that police and security services needed to make sure they "learn the lessons" from the weekend to prevent future attacks.
With the government set to ease coronavirus lockdown measures further at the beginning of next month, Ms Patel was asked whether she could reassure the public they are not at risk when meeting in parks.
"We've got to absolutely recognise and think about what happened here on Saturday evening," she said.
"It was a beautiful day on Saturday, people obviously out and about enjoying their freedoms, which is obviously what we want.
Image: Joe Ritchie-Bennett, 39, from the US, was another of the victims
"Specific to what has happened here in Reading, one individual is in custody and the police have been clear, here, that they're not looking for anybody else.
"But we should always be vigilant, we should always remain alert.
"As measures around social distancing and lockdown is eased and more people are out and about, of course we have to make sure we are vigilant, we're alert and we're mindful of the environments we are going into.
"What I would say, though, is policing and the security services throughout this whole COVID-19 epidemic - the last 13/14 weeks - they've been working in an incredibly integrated way.
"I've been seeing their work day in and day out."
Image: Reading attack suspect Khairi Saadallah is being held by police
Britons should "take reassurance" from the fact that UK security services have prevented 25 terror attacks from taking place over the last three years, Ms Patel said.
She added: "What we saw here on Saturday evening in Reading were the actions of one lone individual.
"We should bear that in mind, the police have that individual in custody, they're not looking for anybody else.
"We should all remain alert, we should all remain vigilant in terms of the fact that threats are all around us.
"But we've just got to respond in the right kind of way and be very mindful of the type of society that we live in."
Ms Patel will make a statement to the House of Commons about the Reading attack later on Monday.
Image: Forensic officers work near Forbury Gardens in Reading town centre
More than 100 students, some holding hands, gathered at the gates of The Holt School for Monday's two-minute silence in memory of teacher Mr Furlong and the two other victims.
A flag in the school's courtyard had been lowered to half-mast.
Co-headteacher Anne Kennedy said: "James was a very kind and gentle man. He had a real sense of duty and cared for each and every one of our students.
"He truly inspired everyone he taught through his passion for his subject and his dedication."
Her fellow co-headteacher Katie Pearce added: "Words cannot describe our shock and sadness at this time. He was a cherished colleague and he will be very sadly missed."


news--2020-06-22--Coronavirus: Mr Bean signed up by World Health Organisation to offer social distancing and hand wash

Coronavirus: Mr Bean signed up by World Health Organisation to offer social distancing and hand washing tips

Mr Bean has been drafted in to make a series of key points about staying safe and maintaining social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic .
And he does - unexpectedly perhaps - manage to get his message across .
The comedy character , who causes mayhem wherever he goes , is voiced in the animation by creator Rowan Atkinson .
In the short clip for the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) , he pulls down a screen containing several bullet points , headlined : Mr Bean 's Essential COVID-19 Checklist !
True to form , the screen will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly taking him with it .
When he manages to wrench it back into place , the advice is as follows : `` Keep your hands clean and do n't touch your face .
Keep your distance - at least one metre .
Keep in touch with your neighbours , and be kind .
Keep an eye on the symptoms and if needed call the doctor and follow their advice . ''
The main symptoms to look out for are a high temperature , persistent cough , and loss of taste and smell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Bean when he was at Oxford University , has played him on TV and the big screen .
The public service announcement was coordinated by Project Everyone , a not-for-profit agency devised by Richard Curtis , who co-wrote the Mr Bean television shows .
The agency is working on communications for the UN 's Sustainable Development Goals .
Curtis said : `` We are delighted to work with the WHO on this Mr Bean sketch and to support health messaging around COVID-19 .
`` In 2015 , 193 world leaders committed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inequality and climate change by 2030 .
`` Good health and well-being is goal three and central to achieving all of the global goals .
`` It 's key that we work with creative partners - and that all sectors come together to continue to get messages out about how we can tackle COVID-19 .
`` I 'm not quite sure which sector Mr Bean belongs to , but we 're delighted to have him on board . ''
WHO 's director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said : `` COVID-19 affects every walk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use all tools and avenues at our disposal to share life-saving information with all people around the world .
`` I am grateful for the support of the team behind Mr Bean for lending your voice and talents to spread vital advice on physical distancing , hygiene and knowing the symptoms . ''

Mr Bean has been drafted in to make a series of key points about staying safe and maintaining social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic.
And he does - unexpectedly perhaps - manage to get his message across.
The comedy character, who causes mayhem wherever he goes, is voiced in the animation by creator Rowan Atkinson.
Image: Rowan Atkinson in character as Mr Bean outside Buckingham Palace
In the short clip for the World Health Organisation (WHO), he pulls down a screen containing several bullet points, headlined: Mr Bean's Essential COVID-19 Checklist!
True to form, the screen will not stay down and shoots back up, nearly taking him with it.
When he manages to wrench it back into place, the advice is as follows: "Keep your hands clean and don't touch your face. Keep your distance - at least one metre. Keep in touch with your neighbours, and be kind. Keep an eye on the symptoms and if needed call the doctor and follow their advice."
The main symptoms to look out for are a high temperature, persistent cough, and loss of taste and smell.
Atkinson, who came up with Mr Bean when he was at Oxford University, has played him on TV and the big screen.
The public service announcement was coordinated by Project Everyone, a not-for-profit agency devised by Richard Curtis, who co-wrote the Mr Bean television shows.
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The agency is working on communications for the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
Image: The animation was coordinated by Richard Curtis's agency Project Everyone
Curtis said: "We are delighted to work with the WHO on this Mr Bean sketch and to support health messaging around COVID-19.
"In 2015, 193 world leaders committed to 17 global goals to end poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
"Good health and well-being is goal three and central to achieving all of the global goals.
"It's key that we work with creative partners - and that all sectors come together to continue to get messages out about how we can tackle COVID-19.
"I'm not quite sure which sector Mr Bean belongs to, but we're delighted to have him on board."
WHO's director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "COVID-19 affects every walk of human life and we need to use all tools and avenues at our disposal to share life-saving information with all people around the world.
"I am grateful for the support of the team behind Mr Bean for lending your voice and talents to spread vital advice on physical distancing, hygiene and knowing the symptoms."


news--2020-06-22--Coronavirus: Police release 999 call of NHS doctor assaulted on her way home from work at height of

Coronavirus: Police release 999 call of NHS doctor assaulted on her way home from work at height of lockdown

Police have released a recording of the 999 call made by an NHS doctor while she was assaulted on her way home from work at the height of the UK 's coronavirus lockdown .
The 37-year-old was taken to hospital with cuts , bruising and a broken tooth after she was pushed to the ground from behind near Royal Victoria DLR station in east London on the evening of 17 April .
She rang 999 to explain that a man had been following her since she boarded a train at Shadwell DLR station , despite her attempts to lose him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reboarding .
The doctor got off at Royal Victoria and even asked two strangers to walk with her , but she was attacked after they parted ways , Met Police said .
While still on the phone to the emergency call handler in Butchers Road , the victim can be heard suddenly starting to scream and shouts : `` He just came up behind me and pushed me . ''
Someone is heard asking her if she is okay , but she continues crying .
The suspect - described as a black man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dark cap , grey jogging bottoms and a grey hooded top under a dark jacket - left the scene and returned to Royal Victoria , the Met said .
Detectives say there is nothing to suggest the victim was targeted because she works for the NHS , but the `` random '' nature of the attack - which came during the early stages of the coronavirus lockdown - means they urgently need to find the person responsible .
The force have released the recording in the hope it may help identify them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ assaulted a second woman six days earlier at around 6am in Edmonton Green , north London .
The 51-year-old victim was on her way to work on the 149 bus when a man approached her from behind and punched her in the head .
She did not suffer any serious injuries but was left shaken and scared of using public transport , police said .
No arrests have been made .
Detective Constable Alister Kim has urged the two men who walked with the NHS doctor to come forward as they may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Having studied the evidence from both incidents I believe that both victims were attacked by the same suspect .
`` There is nothing to suggest any motive or reason for the victims being targeted .
Both women were simply going about their daily business .
`` The random nature of both assaults makes it imperative that the man in the images is identified without delay . ''
Anyone who might have information that could assist police is asked to call 101 reference CAD 6121/17 Apr , tweet @ MetCC or remain 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Police have released a recording of the 999 call made by an NHS doctor while she was assaulted on her way home from work at the height of the UK's coronavirus lockdown.
The 37-year-old was taken to hospital with cuts, bruising and a broken tooth after she was pushed to the ground from behind near Royal Victoria DLR station in east London on the evening of 17 April.
She rang 999 to explain that a man had been following her since she boarded a train at Shadwell DLR station, despite her attempts to lose him by getting off at Canning Town and reboarding.
The doctor got off at Royal Victoria and even asked two strangers to walk with her, but she was attacked after they parted ways, Met Police said.
Image: Police want to trace this man after a NHS doctor was attacked on her way home from work. Pic: Metropolitan Police
While still on the phone to the emergency call handler in Butchers Road, the victim can be heard suddenly starting to scream and shouts: "He just came up behind me and pushed me."
Someone is heard asking her if she is okay, but she continues crying.
The suspect - described as a black man, aged around 20, wearing a dark cap, grey jogging bottoms and a grey hooded top under a dark jacket - left the scene and returned to Royal Victoria, the Met said.
Detectives say there is nothing to suggest the victim was targeted because she works for the NHS, but the "random" nature of the attack - which came during the early stages of the coronavirus lockdown - means they urgently need to find the person responsible.
The force have released the recording in the hope it may help identify them.
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Image: The man is seen on CCTV in east London. Pic: Metropolitan Police
The attacker is also believed to have assaulted a second woman six days earlier at around 6am in Edmonton Green, north London.
The 51-year-old victim was on her way to work on the 149 bus when a man approached her from behind and punched her in the head.
She did not suffer any serious injuries but was left shaken and scared of using public transport, police said.
No arrests have been made.
Image: The suspect is seen on the platform at Shadwell DLR station. Pic: Metropolitan Police
Image: The victim was attacked near Royal Victoria station. Pic: Metropolitan Police
Detective Constable Alister Kim has urged the two men who walked with the NHS doctor to come forward as they may be able to help.
He added: "Having studied the evidence from both incidents I believe that both victims were attacked by the same suspect.
"There is nothing to suggest any motive or reason for the victims being targeted. Both women were simply going about their daily business.
"The random nature of both assaults makes it imperative that the man in the images is identified without delay."
Anyone who might have information that could assist police is asked to call 101 reference CAD 6121/17 Apr, tweet @MetCC or remain 100% anonymous by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: Big four banks earmark £6.7bn for COVID-19 write-offs

Memories of how bankers became hate figures after the financial crisis have informed the sector 's response Coronavirus has left the UK banking sector with a tightrope to walk .
The lockdown imposed to slow the spread of COVID-19 will inflict vast damage on the economy .
Memories of how bankers became hate figures following the financial crisis have undoubtedly informed the sector 's response .
To avoid a repeat of what happened after 2008-09 , banks have genuinely sought to lend to customers , both households and businesses .
This was tempered , though , by a desire not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initial criticisms of the banking sector after the Chancellor Rishi Sunak , unveiled the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans Scheme ( CBILS ) in his March Budget .
It quickly became apparent that some business owners were being denied loans under the scheme because banks were seeking personal guarantees from them .
Concerns were also raised about the interest rates the banks were proposing to levy on loans after the end of the first year - when the government guarantee expired .
And there was also unhappiness that the government guarantee only covered 80 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 % , as in Germany .
Gradually , the wrinkles in the scheme have been ironed out , with banks now not allowed to demand personal guarantees for loans under £250,000 .
The banks were also ordered not to charge usurious rates after the first year .
And , earlier this week , Mr Sunak agreed that all loans under the scheme under £50,000 would be guaranteed by the taxpayer .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It will only become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been at clearing the log-jam in processing applications - a snarl-up also caused by illness and self-isolation among bank employees .
In the meantime , this week 's quarterly reports were a good opportunity to measure the financial health of the UK 's banks , in particular the sums they faced having to write off to cover loans now unlikely to be repaid either in full or in part .
This was a particularly thorny issue for the banks - as they were being warned not to be overly conservative in provisioning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduced their ability to lend .
So how have the banks done ?
On the whole , to judge by the share price reaction , reasonably well - despite the fact that the big four - NatWest/RBS , Barclays , HSBC and Lloyds - set aside a combined £6.7bn this week to cover expected defaults .
Barclays , as expected , left its shareholders most happy when it reported on Wednesday .
The volatility in financial markets benefited all of the major Wall Street players and , as the UK bank which has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Barclays cleaned up too .
Earnings in that part of the bank during the first three months of 2020 shot up by 44 % on the same period last year and helped cushion the wider impact of coronavirus on the bank .
Barclays reported a 38 % drop in quarterly pre-tax profits , to £923m , part reflecting a £2.1bn bad debt provision .
Barclays shares rose by nearly 13 % on the day .
A day earlier HSBC , which kicked off the reporting season , had reported a 48 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3.2bn as it raised its provision for souring loans to $ 3bn .
The comparison with the other UK lenders is not a precise one because HSBC makes the vast majority of its profits in Asia , the first area to be struck by coronavirus , but in its UK ring-fenced bank - the high street banking division - quarterly pre-tax profits fell by just 30 % to $ 369m .
HSBC shares rose by 2 % on the day .
Today , Royal Bank of Scotland - which later this year changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ satisfied investors , despite a 49 % in quarterly pre-tax profits to £519m .
That , too , reflected the impact of an £802m provision to cover loans which may sour .
Its shares have risen by as much as 6 % today despite news that the bank is closing Bo , its digital-only bank , just five months after it launched at a cost of more than £100m .
Ian Gordon , the banking analyst at broker Investec , said that , following the recent cancellation of its dividend , RBS was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capital on its balance sheet : `` Despite our current expectation that RBS will be loss-making in the 2020 financial year , we expect it to continue to carry material excess capital which should be a source of future capital return for the ( very ) patient investor . ''
Standard Chartered , the London-listed but Africa and Asia-focused , also exceeded expectations when it reported on Wednesday .
That leaves Lloyds , the UK 's biggest provider of mortgages and current accounts , which was sadly the biggest disappointment in this reporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a greater domestic focus than any of its peers , took a bigger than expected provision of £1.43bn - sending pre-tax profits for the quarter down by 95 % to just £74m .
It alone among its peers saw its shares fall on the day of its results announcement with a decline of more than 7 % .
Apart from the loan provisioning , the main standout this week was the way all of the banks - mindful of the financial crisis - were careful to highlight their social contribution at this time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Barclays chief executive , spelled out to investors how the bank had already granted repayment holidays on 94,000 mortgages and 57,000 personal loans .
He even said the bank had been proactively identifying NHS and other key workers among its customer base and moved them to the front of call queues .
He gave a Staffordshire brewery and a Bath hotel and restaurant as examples of small businesses to which Barclays had granted CBILS loans .
Noel Quinn , the new HSBC chief executive , highlighted how the bank had already granted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers .
He also pointed out that HSBC had accounted for 17 % of all CBILS lending - nearly double the bank 's share of SME lending .
RBS , under its new chief executive Alison Rose , is also punching well above its market share in terms of the CBILS loans it has granted .
All of which has created a problem for Antonio Horta-Osorio , chief executive of Lloyds , which has only granted an estimated 12 % of CBILS loans despite a market share of almost 20 % .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers had been asking for repayment holidays and overdraft extensions rather than CBILS loans .
He backed this up by pointing to the 880,000 loan repayment holidays that the Black Horse bank had provided .
It seems , though , that questions about the bank 's commitment to CBILS , easily the data point on which politicians are most fixated , will not go away yet .

RBS, HSBC, Barclays and Lloyds have all set aside cash to cover an expected rise in sour loans in the fallout of the pandemic.
Memories of how bankers became hate figures after the financial crisis have informed the sector's response
Coronavirus has left the UK banking sector with a tightrope to walk.
The lockdown imposed to slow the spread of COVID-19 will inflict vast damage on the economy.
Memories of how bankers became hate figures following the financial crisis have undoubtedly informed the sector's response.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 'We are not there yet', chancellor says
To avoid a repeat of what happened after 2008-09, banks have genuinely sought to lend to customers, both households and businesses.
This was tempered, though, by a desire not to lend indiscriminately.
That explains the initial criticisms of the banking sector after the Chancellor Rishi Sunak, unveiled the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans Scheme (CBILS) in his March Budget.
It quickly became apparent that some business owners were being denied loans under the scheme because banks were seeking personal guarantees from them.
Concerns were also raised about the interest rates the banks were proposing to levy on loans after the end of the first year - when the government guarantee expired.
And there was also unhappiness that the government guarantee only covered 80% of the loan, rather than 100%, as in Germany.
Advertisement
Gradually, the wrinkles in the scheme have been ironed out, with banks now not allowed to demand personal guarantees for loans under £250,000.
The banks were also ordered not to charge usurious rates after the first year.
And, earlier this week, Mr Sunak agreed that all loans under the scheme under £50,000 would be guaranteed by the taxpayer.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
It will only become clear over time how effective these moves have been at clearing the log-jam in processing applications - a snarl-up also caused by illness and self-isolation among bank employees.
In the meantime, this week's quarterly reports were a good opportunity to measure the financial health of the UK's banks, in particular the sums they faced having to write off to cover loans now unlikely to be repaid either in full or in part.
This was a particularly thorny issue for the banks - as they were being warned not to be overly conservative in provisioning in case it eroded capital levels and reduced their ability to lend.
So how have the banks done?
On the whole, to judge by the share price reaction, reasonably well - despite the fact that the big four - NatWest/RBS, Barclays, HSBC and Lloyds - set aside a combined £6.7bn this week to cover expected defaults.
Barclays, as expected, left its shareholders most happy when it reported on Wednesday.
The volatility in financial markets benefited all of the major Wall Street players and, as the UK bank which has a bigger corporate and investment banking division, Barclays cleaned up too.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:09 The process of getting back to work
Earnings in that part of the bank during the first three months of 2020 shot up by 44% on the same period last year and helped cushion the wider impact of coronavirus on the bank.
Barclays reported a 38% drop in quarterly pre-tax profits, to £923m, part reflecting a £2.1bn bad debt provision.
Barclays shares rose by nearly 13% on the day.
A day earlier HSBC, which kicked off the reporting season, had reported a 48% drop in first quarter profits to $3.2bn as it raised its provision for souring loans to $3bn.
The comparison with the other UK lenders is not a precise one because HSBC makes the vast majority of its profits in Asia, the first area to be struck by coronavirus, but in its UK ring-fenced bank - the high street banking division - quarterly pre-tax profits fell by just 30% to $369m.
HSBC shares rose by 2% on the day.
Today, Royal Bank of Scotland - which later this year changes its name to NatWest Group - also satisfied investors, despite a 49% in quarterly pre-tax profits to £519m.
That, too, reflected the impact of an £802m provision to cover loans which may sour.
Its shares have risen by as much as 6% today despite news that the bank is closing Bo, its digital-only bank, just five months after it launched at a cost of more than £100m.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:46 The Taxman explains furlough scheme aid
Ian Gordon, the banking analyst at broker Investec, said that, following the recent cancellation of its dividend, RBS was carrying an "extraordinary" amount of capital on its balance sheet: "Despite our current expectation that RBS will be loss-making in the 2020 financial year, we expect it to continue to carry material excess capital which should be a source of future capital return for the (very) patient investor."
Standard Chartered, the London-listed but Africa and Asia-focused, also exceeded expectations when it reported on Wednesday.
That leaves Lloyds, the UK's biggest provider of mortgages and current accounts, which was sadly the biggest disappointment in this reporting round.
The bank, which has a greater domestic focus than any of its peers, took a bigger than expected provision of £1.43bn - sending pre-tax profits for the quarter down by 95% to just £74m.
It alone among its peers saw its shares fall on the day of its results announcement with a decline of more than 7%.
Apart from the loan provisioning, the main standout this week was the way all of the banks - mindful of the financial crisis - were careful to highlight their social contribution at this time.
For example, Jes Staley, the Barclays chief executive, spelled out to investors how the bank had already granted repayment holidays on 94,000 mortgages and 57,000 personal loans.
He even said the bank had been proactively identifying NHS and other key workers among its customer base and moved them to the front of call queues.
He gave a Staffordshire brewery and a Bath hotel and restaurant as examples of small businesses to which Barclays had granted CBILS loans.
Noel Quinn, the new HSBC chief executive, highlighted how the bank had already granted more than 118,000 repayment holidays to UK customers.
He also pointed out that HSBC had accounted for 17% of all CBILS lending - nearly double the bank's share of SME lending.
RBS, under its new chief executive Alison Rose, is also punching well above its market share in terms of the CBILS loans it has granted.
All of which has created a problem for Antonio Horta-Osorio, chief executive of Lloyds, which has only granted an estimated 12% of CBILS loans despite a market share of almost 20%.
Mr Horta-Osorio argued that the bank's business customers had been asking for repayment holidays and overdraft extensions rather than CBILS loans.
He backed this up by pointing to the 880,000 loan repayment holidays that the Black Horse bank had provided.
It seems, though, that questions about the bank's commitment to CBILS, easily the data point on which politicians are most fixated, will not go away yet.


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: We're all in this together - but some more than others

Coronavirus : We 're all in this together - but some more than others Coronavirus : We 're all in this together - but some more than others Key workers such as cleaners are more likely to be of ethnic minorities rather than white British We are all in it together .
When Rishi Sunak borrowed George Osborne 's phrase in the face of COVID-19 , he had a point - arguably more of a point than the former chancellor .
After all , we have learnt that the coronavirus can infect anyone from any class , wealth or ethnic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is something that , to a greater degree than any economic intervention in British history , has affected pretty much everyone .
There were blackouts during the Second World War but there was never a shutdown quite like this .
So , yes , we are all in it together .
But some more than others .
For the reality is that the impact of the disease - and of the economic lockdown - is being shared out unevenly around the country .
The Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) has revealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twice the rate of deaths from COVID-19 than well-off areas .
The statistics , like so much else about the disease , are depressing , yet deserve examination for they are quite telling .
The ONS found that the number of people dying with the disease mentioned on their death certificate was 55 per 100,000 people in the most deprived area of England , compared with 25 % in the least deprived areas .
There was a similar pattern when they looked at deaths from all causes : 229 per 100,000 in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the least .
Put simply : people who live in poorer areas are more likely to die than those who live in richer areas .
Nor is deprivation the only axis along which our experience of COVID-19 varies dramatically .
In another study today the Institute for Fiscal Studies found the death rate among British black Africans and Pakistanis was more than two and a half times that of white British people .
We are all in it together , but some more than others .
The key workers - in hospitals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drivers and in supermarkets , are disproportionately likely to be of ethnic minorities rather than white British .
They face a greater risk of contracting the disease and they do so while carrying out jobs that give them little opportunity to take time off or simply work from home .
We are all in it together , but according to research from the Resolution Foundation , women are much more likely to be key workers than men and are much less likely to have jobs that allow them to work from home .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs which have been affected by the lockdown , more likely to have been furloughed or lost their jobs altogether .
This is not to blame any of the above on the government or indeed the chancellor .
It is the nature of a diverse economy with a fluid labour market that some find themselves in key work while others do not .
It is the nature of the disease that it affects areas that are more densely populated - which often encompasses areas with higher levels of deprivation .
But the reality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the disease than others , and it so happens they are disproportionately from ethnic minorities .
The reality is that some are more exposed to the economic effects of the lockdown than others , and it so happens they are disproportionately younger , less well-off people , primarily women .
This is worth bearing in mind as we face up to the impact of the virus .
: : Listen to Coronavirus : In This Together on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or Spreaker The good news for all of us is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peak of infections and deaths .
The lockdown has , so the epidemiologists believe , reduced the rate of infection to far less terrifying levels than in early March .
But that has come at a serious cost to all of us .
But , yes , some more than others .

Poorer areas have double the death rate from COVID-19 than wealthier areas, with ethnic minorities disproportionately affected.
Coronavirus: We're all in this together - but some more than others
Key workers such as cleaners are more likely to be of ethnic minorities rather than white British
We are all in it together.
When Rishi Sunak borrowed George Osborne's phrase in the face of COVID-19, he had a point - arguably more of a point than the former chancellor.
After all, we have learnt that the coronavirus can infect anyone from any class, wealth or ethnic background.
The impact of the lockdown is something that, to a greater degree than any economic intervention in British history, has affected pretty much everyone.
There were blackouts during the Second World War but there was never a shutdown quite like this.
So, yes, we are all in it together.
But some more than others.
For the reality is that the impact of the disease - and of the economic lockdown - is being shared out unevenly around the country.
Image: Chancellor Rishi Sunak said 'we're all in it together'
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that poorer areas are facing more than twice the rate of deaths from COVID-19 than well-off areas.
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The statistics, like so much else about the disease, are depressing, yet deserve examination for they are quite telling.
The ONS found that the number of people dying with the disease mentioned on their death certificate was 55 per 100,000 people in the most deprived area of England, compared with 25% in the least deprived areas.
There was a similar pattern when they looked at deaths from all causes: 229 per 100,000 in the most deprived area compared with 122 in the least.
Put simply: people who live in poorer areas are more likely to die than those who live in richer areas.
Nor is deprivation the only axis along which our experience of COVID-19 varies dramatically.
In another study today the Institute for Fiscal Studies found the death rate among British black Africans and Pakistanis was more than two and a half times that of white British people.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:02 Ethnic minorities 'more at risk of COVID'
We are all in it together, but some more than others. The key workers - in hospitals, working as cleaners, working as bus drivers and in supermarkets, are disproportionately likely to be of ethnic minorities rather than white British.
They face a greater risk of contracting the disease and they do so while carrying out jobs that give them little opportunity to take time off or simply work from home.
We are all in it together, but according to research from the Resolution Foundation, women are much more likely to be key workers than men and are much less likely to have jobs that allow them to work from home.
Younger workers are more likely to have jobs which have been affected by the lockdown, more likely to have been furloughed or lost their jobs altogether.
This is not to blame any of the above on the government or indeed the chancellor.
It is the nature of a diverse economy with a fluid labour market that some find themselves in key work while others do not.
It is the nature of the disease that it affects areas that are more densely populated - which often encompasses areas with higher levels of deprivation.
But the reality is that some are far more exposed to the disease than others, and it so happens they are disproportionately from ethnic minorities.
The reality is that some are more exposed to the economic effects of the lockdown than others, and it so happens they are disproportionately younger, less well-off people, primarily women.
This is worth bearing in mind as we face up to the impact of the virus.
:: Listen to Coronavirus: In This Together on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker
The good news for all of us is that we are now comfortably past the peak of infections and deaths.
The lockdown has, so the epidemiologists believe, reduced the rate of infection to far less terrifying levels than in early March.
But that has come at a serious cost to all of us. But, yes, some more than others.


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: Brewery gives away beer left lying around during lockdown

A brewery has been giving away beer after it was left with excess stock because of the coronavirus lockdown .
In an offer that seems to good to be true , Alnwick Brewery Company in Northumberland has decided it 's better than pouring it away .
Sales director Jannick Genouw told Sky News they were stuck with the beer when the coronavirus lockdown began and because it was in casks there was not much that could be done with it .
`` So there were two options , '' he said .
`` We can either put it down the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a plan of distributing it to the local community . ''
The brewery has already run two events , with people clamouring to get their hands on the local brew , and will give more away at the local market .
Mr Genouw said : `` People were coming to the brewery with containers and getting fresh pints out of the hand pumps , and we 've done that couple of times already and we are just about to do our third one now ... so it 's been very successful . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ donations for the NHS and has so far raised £500 .
People have been encouraged to collect the beer in their own containers .
: : Listen to Coronavirus : In This Together on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or Spreaker Mr Genouw said some of the containers had been rather `` innovative '' , ranging from milk bottles and foldaway containers to fizzy drink bottles .
`` It 's varied between a litre to five litres , '' he said .
`` Some people have come to the event and collected beer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can drop it off at people 's doors in the villages .
It 's been quite fun , '' added Mr Genouw .
`` And lots of key workers as well - we are located right next to the NHS Northumbria offices - they have been coming to visit ... which is really nice to see . ''

A brewery has been giving away beer after it was left with excess stock because of the coronavirus lockdown.
In an offer that seems to good to be true, Alnwick Brewery Company in Northumberland has decided it's better than pouring it away.
Sales director Jannick Genouw told Sky News they were stuck with the beer when the coronavirus lockdown began and because it was in casks there was not much that could be done with it.
"So there were two options," he said.
Image: British pubs are all shut during the lockdown. File Pic: Philip Sharkey/TGS Photo/Shutterstock
"We can either put it down the drain, or actually come up with a plan of distributing it to the local community."
The brewery has already run two events, with people clamouring to get their hands on the local brew, and will give more away at the local market.
Mr Genouw said: "People were coming to the brewery with containers and getting fresh pints out of the hand pumps, and we've done that couple of times already and we are just about to do our third one now... so it's been very successful."
The brewery has been asking people for donations for the NHS and has so far raised £500.
People have been encouraged to collect the beer in their own containers.
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:: Listen to Coronavirus: In This Together on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker
Mr Genouw said some of the containers had been rather "innovative", ranging from milk bottles and foldaway containers to fizzy drink bottles.
"It's varied between a litre to five litres," he said.
"Some people have come to the event and collected beer for people that are isolated, so they can drop it off at people's doors in the villages. It's been quite fun," added Mr Genouw.
"And lots of key workers as well - we are located right next to the NHS Northumbria offices - they have been coming to visit... which is really nice to see."


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: Ireland announces five-stage exit plan from May to August

Ireland is extending its lockdown but easing some of the restrictions to allow people to travel further for exercise and let over-70s leave their homes for a walk or drive .
The easing of restrictions will happen in five phases , three weeks apart , beginning on 18 May .
The fifth stage will commence on 10 August if everything goes to plan .
The country 's prime minister , Leo Varadkar , said the nation can only move from one phase into the next if coronavirus remains under control - if not , they will have to move back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in spite of restrictions being eased , there will be a long-term need for physical distancing until a vaccine for COVID-19 is available .
In the first phase , some shops will reopen and some sports will restart .
People will also be allowed to meet in small groups .
Mr Varadkar said all the personal stories of loss and hardship had formed a `` tapestry of struggle and sacrifice and sorrow '' .
`` It has been worthwhile , it is working , so let 's finish what we started , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 70 % of people diagnosed with the virus had made a full recovery .
He said the figure would have been so much lower if the health service had been overwhelmed .
Analysis : There were no huge surprises from the prime minister Mr Varadkar and his officials had repeatedly said Ireland 's infection and death rates had not sufficiently reduced to merit a lifting of the country 's restrictions next Tuesday .
So a weary public will not be too surprised to learn they face a further two weeks of mostly staying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 May to 18 May .
The government insists that by and large , the Irish people have been respecting the guidelines , although they have warned against complacency .
The chief medical officer Tony Holohan last week produced GPS tracking and even seismic data showing an increase in the movement of people and traffic .
I write this outside Government Buildings [ in Dublin ] , where there are noticeably more cars and pedestrians passing by than in previous weeks .
But at least the Irish public has some kind of roadmap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normality , which should come when schools and colleges reopen in September or October .
Many questions persist .
None could be put to Mr Varadkar today , as he chose to deliver the news in a televised address , taking no questions from reporters camped outside the gates .
Thirty-four more people who were diagnosed with coronavirus have died in Ireland , the country 's department of health said .
A total of 1,265 COVID-19-related deaths have been recorded .
There have also been 221 more infections , bringing the number of @ @ @ @ @

Ireland is extending its lockdown but easing some of the restrictions to allow people to travel further for exercise and let over-70s leave their homes for a walk or drive.
The easing of restrictions will happen in five phases, three weeks apart, beginning on 18 May. The fifth stage will commence on 10 August if everything goes to plan.
The country's prime minister, Leo Varadkar, said the nation can only move from one phase into the next if coronavirus remains under control - if not, they will have to move back a phase.
And he added that in spite of restrictions being eased, there will be a long-term need for physical distancing until a vaccine for COVID-19 is available.
In the first phase, some shops will reopen and some sports will restart. People will also be allowed to meet in small groups.
Schools will reopen in September.
Mr Varadkar said all the personal stories of loss and hardship had formed a "tapestry of struggle and sacrifice and sorrow".
"It has been worthwhile, it is working, so let's finish what we started," said the PM.
Mr Varadkar said 70% of people diagnosed with the virus had made a full recovery. He said the figure would have been so much lower if the health service had been overwhelmed.
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Analysis: There were no huge surprises from the prime minister
By Stephen Murphy, Sky News Ireland correspondent
Mr Varadkar and his officials had repeatedly said Ireland's infection and death rates had not sufficiently reduced to merit a lifting of the country's restrictions next Tuesday.
So a weary public will not be too surprised to learn they face a further two weeks of mostly staying at home, the goalposts shifting from 5 May to 18 May.
The government insists that by and large, the Irish people have been respecting the guidelines, although they have warned against complacency.
The chief medical officer Tony Holohan last week produced GPS tracking and even seismic data showing an increase in the movement of people and traffic.
I write this outside Government Buildings [in Dublin], where there are noticeably more cars and pedestrians passing by than in previous weeks.
But at least the Irish public has some kind of roadmap to recovery now. Five phases to normality, which should come when schools and colleges reopen in September or October.
Many questions persist. None could be put to Mr Varadkar today, as he chose to deliver the news in a televised address, taking no questions from reporters camped outside the gates.
Thirty-four more people who were diagnosed with coronavirus have died in Ireland, the country's department of health said.
A total of 1,265 COVID-19-related deaths have been recorded.
There have also been 221 more infections, bringing the number of confirmed cases to 20,833.


news--2020-05-01--Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk compete to build lunar lander for moon mission

NASA has given SpaceX and Blue Origin the nod to develop its new lunar landers which will take the first woman and the next man to the surface of the moon .
The private spaceflight companies , owned by Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos , will develop competing systems in parallel , alongside a third company called Dynetics , but NASA will eventually choose one .
NASA has awarded the three companies 10-month contracts that are worth a combined $ 967m ( £770m ) , with payments subject to the companies reaching specific development milestones .
The contracts are to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for NASA 's return to the moon by 2024 , including the launch and landing vehicles .
The SpaceX Super Heavy rocket , Blue Origin New Glenn Rocket System and the Dynetics Human Landing System are yet to be built or tested .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The three companies will spend the next 10 months refining their lander concepts alongside NASA until the space agency makes a decision about who to continue working with in February next year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ decide who can perform initial demonstration missions , and eventually who will be part of returning mankind to the moon .
NASA 's new Artemis programme , named after the mythological sister of Apollo , the first moon mission 's namesake , will lay the groundwork for an eventual manned mission to Mars .
`` With these contract awards , America is moving forward with the final step needed to land astronauts on the moon by 2024 , including the incredible moment when we will see the first woman set foot on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jim Bridenstine .
`` This is the first time since the Apollo era that NASA has direct funding for a human landing system , and now we have companies on contract to do the work for the Artemis program . ''
Elon Musk , who is currently complaining about coronavirus lockdown measures , previously suggested SpaceX could potentially just fly to the moon itself if NASA was n't willing to partner with it .
He claimed it would be easier for his company to actually land on the moon than try to convince @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was up to the task .
`` I want to say that it 's important that this agency do this now , because our country , and in fact the whole world has been shaken by this coronavirus pandemic , '' Mr Bridenstine said .
`` And yet , we need to give people hope .
We need to give them something that they can look up to , dream about , something that will inspire not just the nation but the entire world . ''

NASA has given SpaceX and Blue Origin the nod to develop its new lunar landers which will take the first woman and the next man to the surface of the moon.
The private spaceflight companies, owned by Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, will develop competing systems in parallel, alongside a third company called Dynetics, but NASA will eventually choose one.
NASA has awarded the three companies 10-month contracts that are worth a combined $967m (£770m), with payments subject to the companies reaching specific development milestones.
Image: NASA's new Artemis mission will return the space agency to the moon
The contracts are to design and build the human landing systems for NASA's return to the moon by 2024, including the launch and landing vehicles.
The SpaceX Super Heavy rocket, Blue Origin New Glenn Rocket System and the Dynetics Human Landing System are yet to be built or tested.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The three companies will spend the next 10 months refining their lander concepts alongside NASA until the space agency makes a decision about who to continue working with in February next year.
At that point, the agency will decide who can perform initial demonstration missions, and eventually who will be part of returning mankind to the moon.
Image: The Apollo missions began more than 50 years ago
NASA's new Artemis programme, named after the mythological sister of Apollo, the first moon mission's namesake, will lay the groundwork for an eventual manned mission to Mars.
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"With these contract awards, America is moving forward with the final step needed to land astronauts on the moon by 2024, including the incredible moment when we will see the first woman set foot on the lunar surface," said NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine.
"This is the first time since the Apollo era that NASA has direct funding for a human landing system, and now we have companies on contract to do the work for the Artemis program."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:06 Space station crew return to a changed planet
Elon Musk, who is currently complaining about coronavirus lockdown measures, previously suggested SpaceX could potentially just fly to the moon itself if NASA wasn't willing to partner with it.
He claimed it would be easier for his company to actually land on the moon than try to convince the space agency and other authorities that it was up to the task.
"I want to say that it's important that this agency do this now, because our country, and in fact the whole world has been shaken by this coronavirus pandemic," Mr Bridenstine said.
"And yet, we need to give people hope. We need to give them something that they can look up to, dream about, something that will inspire not just the nation but the entire world."