news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: Speeding driver hits 151mph in police chase during COVID-19 lockdown

A motorist was caught speeding 151mph as the coronavirus lockdown left many UK roads empty over the Easter bank holiday weekend .
Scotland Yard posted video footage of a pursuit on the M1 near London , where speeds reached more than double the limit during the COVID-19 travel restrictions .
A driver was also caught travelling at 97mph in a 40mph zone on the A10 , and four other motorists were spotted clocking over 100mph on the A13 .
Detective Superintendent Andy Cox tweeted footage of the M1 pursuit : `` Extreme speeds this wkend in # London .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ # A10 .
`` This driver reached 151mph on # M1 before decamping car & evading on foot .
We will do upmost to identify & take action . ''
He added : `` Surely objective of a journey is to go safely from A-B ?
`` Yet these drivers are prepared to risk their and other peoples lives & now have consequences to their licence .
`` A complacent it wo n't happen to me mindset ! ''
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said last week that drivers have been taking advantage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 cars breaking the speed limit .
He said there had been a large decrease in the number of vehicles around , but that the number of people speeding had doubled .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
Two other police forces have also reported an increase in speeding and warned drivers not to be irresponsible during the pandemic .
North Wales Police caught a driver travelling at 113mph on the A55 at Northop , and another driving at 101mph on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was clocked travelling at 132mph on the A168 at Asenby , near Thirsk , by North Yorkshire Police .

A motorist was caught speeding 151mph as the coronavirus lockdown left many UK roads empty over the Easter bank holiday weekend.
Scotland Yard posted video footage of a pursuit on the M1 near London, where speeds reached more than double the limit during the COVID-19 travel restrictions.
A driver was also caught travelling at 97mph in a 40mph zone on the A10, and four other motorists were spotted clocking over 100mph on the A13.
Image: Four motorists were clocked driving over 100mph on the A13. Pic: Andy Cox/Twitter
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Detective Superintendent Andy Cox tweeted footage of the M1 pursuit: "Extreme speeds this wkend in #London. Many enforced including 97mph (40) on #A10.
"This driver reached 151mph on #M1 before decamping car & evading on foot. We will do upmost to identify & take action."
He added: "Surely objective of a journey is to go safely from A-B?
"Yet these drivers are prepared to risk their and other peoples lives & now have consequences to their licence.
"A complacent it won't happen to me mindset!"
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said last week that drivers have been taking advantage of quieter roads, with four in 10 cars breaking the speed limit.
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He said there had been a large decrease in the number of vehicles around, but that the number of people speeding had doubled.
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Two other police forces have also reported an increase in speeding and warned drivers not to be irresponsible during the pandemic.
North Wales Police caught a driver travelling at 113mph on the A55 at Northop, and another driving at 101mph on the A5 near Corwen.
A BMW was clocked travelling at 132mph on the A168 at Asenby, near Thirsk, by North Yorkshire Police.


news--2020-04-13--Coronavirus: Sickest patient was one of our own nurses says acute care doctor

A critical care doctor has told Sky News he ’ s now having to treat his own colleagues in his hospital ’ s intensive care unit .
Dr Alan Courtney , described seeing several healthcare workers being struck down by Covid-19 - despite being `` fit and well '' .
One of those was a senior staff nurse who fell ill while treating patients with the disease on a respiratory ward .
`` The toughest day I have had was realising half your wards are filled with healthcare professionals , '' said Dr Courtney .
`` Dealing with one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought .
`` I remember being on a night shift and looking after some healthcare workers from our hospital who were admitted .
`` At that stage for a variety of reasons we only had five units on our ward and on two of those units were healthcare workers from the hospital .
I found it very difficult . ''
He said seeing his colleagues fighting for their lives was soul destroying .
The British Medical Association claims that thousands of hospital staff are still not being given the proper Personal Protective Equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they treat coronavirus patients up and down the country .
Dr Courtney told Sky News : `` We get the cream of the crop in critical care when it comes to PPE but this is a big issue which we must get right . ''
He added : `` The thing that continues to worry me the most was seeing one of our nursing staff being our sickest patient and being up most the night just trying to get her better and seeing she was deteriorating quickly . ''
He also told of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the impact of the `` devastating '' coronavirus .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The pressure on doctors is high , said Dr Courtney .
He said the intensive care unit where he works has seen `` a steady flow of people coming in '' being treated for coronavirus .
`` We have had one man in his 40s who passed away when we were planning to discharge .
We think it was a clot to the lungs .
We also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family by him as he died , '' Dr Courtney said .
`` All of this shows just how devastating this virus is and rams home just how serious this pandemic is and how it 's only going to get worse .
I 'm just really hoping we can get through it . ''
At least four front line retired NHS medics in England and Wales have died having returned to the NHS to help tackle the coronavirus outbreak .
He said : `` I do n't know what 's more tragic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retirement and have died or the younger ones who have died and have left young children behind .
`` This is all so heartbreaking .
I hope everyone now starts to take this seriously . ''
Dr Courtney , a member of the campaign group EveryDoctor , is demanding better safeguards for other NHS on the front line .
`` There is only so much we can do .
This is a new disease .
We are doing our level best .
I 'm worried all the time about losing colleagues .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have GPs who are terrified because they do n't have the right PPE .
The basic minimum is not being met either from the World Health Organisation or the government . ''
On Monday , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , who is deputising for Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he recovers from the coronavirus , said the government understood the `` importance of getting PPE to the front line , whether it 's in care homes or the NHS '' .
He said more than 16 million items of PPE were delivered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We are straining every sinew to roll them out even further and even faster . ''

A critical care doctor has told Sky News he’s now having to treat his own colleagues in his hospital’s intensive care unit.
Dr Alan Courtney, described seeing several healthcare workers being struck down by Covid-19 - despite being "fit and well".
One of those was a senior staff nurse who fell ill while treating patients with the disease on a respiratory ward.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Treating other NHS staff is 'soul destroying'
"The toughest day I have had was realising half your wards are filled with healthcare professionals," said Dr Courtney.
"Dealing with one of your own being sick is a sobering thought.
"I remember being on a night shift and looking after some healthcare workers from our hospital who were admitted.
"At that stage for a variety of reasons we only had five units on our ward and on two of those units were healthcare workers from the hospital. I found it very difficult."
He said seeing his colleagues fighting for their lives was soul destroying.
The British Medical Association claims that thousands of hospital staff are still not being given the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect themselves as they treat coronavirus patients up and down the country.
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Dr Courtney told Sky News: "We get the cream of the crop in critical care when it comes to PPE but this is a big issue which we must get right."
He added: "The thing that continues to worry me the most was seeing one of our nursing staff being our sickest patient and being up most the night just trying to get her better and seeing she was deteriorating quickly."
He also told of the strain medics are under - witnessing the impact of the "devastating" coronavirus.
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The pressure on doctors is high, said Dr Courtney. He said the intensive care unit where he works has seen "a steady flow of people coming in" being treated for coronavirus.
"We have had one man in his 40s who passed away when we were planning to discharge. We think it was a clot to the lungs. We also had a 13-year-old boy not have his family by him as he died," Dr Courtney said.
"All of this shows just how devastating this virus is and rams home just how serious this pandemic is and how it's only going to get worse. I'm just really hoping we can get through it."
At least four front line retired NHS medics in England and Wales have died having returned to the NHS to help tackle the coronavirus outbreak.
He said: "I don't know what's more tragic, the medics who have come out of retirement and have died or the younger ones who have died and have left young children behind.
"This is all so heartbreaking. I hope everyone now starts to take this seriously."
Dr Courtney, a member of the campaign group EveryDoctor, is demanding better safeguards for other NHS on the front line.
"There is only so much we can do. This is a new disease. We are doing our level best. I'm worried all the time about losing colleagues. They are slowly bringing out swabs now. We have GPs who are terrified because they don't have the right PPE. The basic minimum is not being met either from the World Health Organisation or the government."
On Monday, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is deputising for Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he recovers from the coronavirus, said the government understood the "importance of getting PPE to the front line, whether it's in care homes or the NHS".
He said more than 16 million items of PPE were delivered over the Bank Holiday weekend, adding: "We are straining every sinew to roll them out even further and even faster."


news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: Donald Trump 'spoiling for a fight' over virus, says New York governor

US President Donald Trump is `` spoiling for a fight '' over coronavirus , New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has claimed , as the fallout from Monday 's White House news conference continues .
Mr Cuomo 's comments come as Mr Trump used a media briefing on Monday to attack fellow politicians and the media for criticising his handling of the coronavirus pandemic .
One television network described it as `` the biggest meltdown from a US president '' they 'd ever seen .
At his own daily briefing , Mr Cuomo said that the president was `` clearly unhappy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday , adding : `` The president is clearly spoiling for a fight on this issue .
`` The worst thing we can do in all of this is start with political division and start with partisanship .
`` The best thing we have done throughout this past 44 days is we 've worked together and we have n't raised political flags - even in his hyper partisan environment . ''
Mr Cuomo added : `` If he [ President Trump ] wants a fight , he 's not going to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take us working together . ''
New York state has been hit hardest in the US , with 10,834 people dying with COVID-19 since the outbreak began , far surpassing other areas of the country .
The president also claimed he had absolute authority over the state governors over when to end their lockdowns - something which was questioned by other politicians .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Mr Trump has been keen to reopen major areas of the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an attempt to restart the country 's economy - but New York , California and Washington state , among others , have all pushed back on the idea , opting to take a regional approach as to when to relax the conditions .
The US government has been accused of reacting too slowly to the pandemic , leading the country to have the highest number of people die with coronavirus in the world .
The toll currently stands at 23,709 , according Johns Hopkins University .
Despite early signs that the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be falling in New York , Mr Cuomo told the news conference on Tuesday that the state was not `` out of the woods yet '' .

US President Donald Trump is "spoiling for a fight" over coronavirus, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has claimed, as the fallout from Monday's White House news conference continues.
Mr Cuomo's comments come as Mr Trump used a media briefing on Monday to attack fellow politicians and the media for criticising his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
One television network described it as "the biggest meltdown from a US president" they'd ever seen.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 New York governor corrects Donald Trump
At his own daily briefing, Mr Cuomo said that the president was "clearly unhappy" during his White House press conference on Monday, adding: "The president is clearly spoiling for a fight on this issue.
"The worst thing we can do in all of this is start with political division and start with partisanship.
"The best thing we have done throughout this past 44 days is we've worked together and we haven't raised political flags - even in his hyper partisan environment."
Mr Cuomo added: "If he [President Trump] wants a fight, he's not going to get it from me - this is going to take us working together."
New York state has been hit hardest in the US, with 10,834 people dying with COVID-19 since the outbreak began, far surpassing other areas of the country.
The president also claimed he had absolute authority over the state governors over when to end their lockdowns - something which was questioned by other politicians.
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Mr Trump has been keen to reopen major areas of the country and get people back into work, in an attempt to restart the country's economy - but New York, California and Washington state, among others, have all pushed back on the idea, opting to take a regional approach as to when to relax the conditions.
The US government has been accused of reacting too slowly to the pandemic, leading the country to have the highest number of people die with coronavirus in the world. The toll currently stands at 23,709, according Johns Hopkins University.
Despite early signs that the number of people dying with COVID-19 appears to be falling in New York, Mr Cuomo told the news conference on Tuesday that the state was not "out of the woods yet".


news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: Another 200k sign on for Universal Credit - taking total to 1.4 million

Another 200,000 people have signed on for benefits because of the coronavirus crisis - taking the total number of Universal Credit claimants to 1.4 million .
The figure revealed by Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey shows the number of claimants is still rising at much higher than average speeds since lockdown measures were phased in on 16 March .
In normal times around 50,000 people apply for Universal Credit a week .
Ms Coffey told Sky News the welfare system is `` capable of processing and managing '' the influx amid concerns about financial hardship for those stuck in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she warned Britain 's battle with coronavirus `` is n't going to be over in weeks , it will take months '' and added `` we have n't hit the peak of the infections '' .
All Universal Credit claimants are not necessarily unemployed , as it is possible to apply while still in work or if someone is self-employed .
Those signing up will have to wait at least five weeks for their first payment .
The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) said the first payments for those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown measures began will be processed on 15 April and money will land in people 's bank accounts from 22 April .
Claimants can also request an advanced payment ; 365,000 of these have been made so far .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker When the DWP 's top civil servant - permanent secretary Peter Schofield - was asked about the average time it takes to receive that advance at the start of April , he did not offer a figure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` committed to delivering advances as soon as possible '' to those who have requested them .
In the United States , the number of Americans filing for unemployment benefit shot up to a record high of over three million in the week ending 21 March .
That dwarfed the previous peak of 665,000 in a week in 1982 .

Another 200,000 people have signed on for benefits because of the coronavirus crisis - taking the total number of Universal Credit claimants to 1.4 million.
The figure revealed by Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey shows the number of claimants is still rising at much higher than average speeds since lockdown measures were phased in on 16 March.
In normal times around 50,000 people apply for Universal Credit a week.
Image: The numbers are measured from 16 March
Ms Coffey told Sky News the welfare system is "capable of processing and managing" the influx amid concerns about financial hardship for those stuck in lockdown during the COVID-19 outbreak.
But she warned Britain's battle with coronavirus "isn't going to be over in weeks, it will take months" and added "we haven't hit the peak of the infections".
All Universal Credit claimants are not necessarily unemployed, as it is possible to apply while still in work or if someone is self-employed.
Those signing up will have to wait at least five weeks for their first payment.
Image: Therese Coffey said the welfare system can cope with the influx
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said the first payments for those who signed up around a month ago when lockdown measures began will be processed on 15 April and money will land in people's bank accounts from 22 April.
Claimants can also request an advanced payment; 365,000 of these have been made so far.
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When the DWP's top civil servant - permanent secretary Peter Schofield - was asked about the average time it takes to receive that advance at the start of April, he did not offer a figure.
He confirmed that the government is "committed to delivering advances as soon as possible" to those who have requested them.
In the United States, the number of Americans filing for unemployment benefit shot up to a record high of over three million in the week ending 21 March.
That dwarfed the previous peak of 665,000 in a week in 1982.


news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: UK made promises to China over how it would refer to COVID-19, China claims

The British government is refusing to confirm or deny reports it has given China assurances about the way it refers to the coronavirus pandemic and its cause .
The Chinese Embassy in London says Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has promised Beijing it will not `` politicise '' the outbreak and `` fully agrees with China that the source of the virus is a scientific issue that requires professional and science-based assessment '' .
If the UK has made such assurances it will be seen as siding with China in a growing international row over the country 's handling of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Chinese have accused US President Donald Trump 's administration of `` politicising '' the COVID-19 outbreak by calling it the `` Chinese '' or `` Wuhan '' virus .
And Mr Trump and the World Health Organisation have accused each other of politicising the crisis in a row over the WHO 's naivety in praising China 's response to the outbreak .
The Foreign Office will only confirm that Mr Raab had discussions with the Chinese ambassador and its foreign minister but would not be drawn on the nature of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a global challenge and it 's vital that countries come together to tackle this shared threat , '' officials said in a written statement .
`` We 've always said that transparent and accurate information about the virus is essential for an effective global response . ''
However asked about the reports former foreign Secretary Lord Hague told Sky News the source of the virus appears to be fairly incontrovertible , saying : `` I have n't seen a credible theory that does n't have it coming out of China somehow .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and frustration with China over the pandemic grows .
Scientists believe its most likely source was wild animals - and that it was transferred to humans in an animal market in Wuhan .
But the Chinese government is trying to shift the blame , according to British intelligence , who accuse Beijing of engaging in a Russian-style disinformation campaign to muddy the water .
A Chinese foreign ministry official has , for instance , publicly suggested the virus was brought to Wuhan by the American military .
And the Global Times - an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted suggestions it may have started in Italy .
If Mr Raab has agreed with China that the `` source of the virus is a scientific issue that requires professional and science-based assessment '' as is being claimed by the Chinese , he may also want to seek assurances from them that that quest will be open and transparent .
The Chinese suppressed reports of the virus when it first appeared and persecuted whistleblower doctors .
They are believed to have massively under-reported the scale of their own outbreak .
And Chinese authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ placed restrictions on any scientific or academic research into the virus .
Studies on the origin of the virus must now be approved by central government officials .
The cover-up and under-reporting in China is likely to have led Western countries to greatly underestimate the threat of COVID-19 and fail to prepare for their own outbreaks sufficiently .
If China also suppresses its own findings into the causes of the virus , vital lessons will go unlearned making another future pandemic more likely .

The British government is refusing to confirm or deny reports it has given China assurances about the way it refers to the coronavirus pandemic and its cause.
The Chinese Embassy in London says Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has promised Beijing it will not "politicise" the outbreak and "fully agrees with China that the source of the virus is a scientific issue that requires professional and science-based assessment".
If the UK has made such assurances it will be seen as siding with China in a growing international row over the country's handling of the fallout of the pandemic which began there.
Image: Dominic Raab reportedly made the promise to China's foreign minister
The Chinese have accused US President Donald Trump's administration of "politicising" the COVID-19 outbreak by calling it the "Chinese" or "Wuhan" virus.
And Mr Trump and the World Health Organisation have accused each other of politicising the crisis in a row over the WHO's naivety in praising China's response to the outbreak.
The Foreign Office will only confirm that Mr Raab had discussions with the Chinese ambassador and its foreign minister but would not be drawn on the nature of those talks.
"The UK believes coronavirus is a global challenge and it's vital that countries come together to tackle this shared threat," officials said in a written statement.
"We've always said that transparent and accurate information about the virus is essential for an effective global response."
However asked about the reports former foreign Secretary Lord Hague told Sky News the source of the virus appears to be fairly incontrovertible, saying: "I haven't seen a credible theory that doesn't have it coming out of China somehow."
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The reports come as Western anger and frustration with China over the pandemic grows. Scientists believe its most likely source was wild animals - and that it was transferred to humans in an animal market in Wuhan.
But the Chinese government is trying to shift the blame, according to British intelligence, who accuse Beijing of engaging in a Russian-style disinformation campaign to muddy the water.
A Chinese foreign ministry official has, for instance, publicly suggested the virus was brought to Wuhan by the American military.
And the Global Times - an international mouthpiece for the Chinese government - tweeted suggestions it may have started in Italy.
Image: China initially suppressed reports of the virus
If Mr Raab has agreed with China that the "source of the virus is a scientific issue that requires professional and science-based assessment" as is being claimed by the Chinese, he may also want to seek assurances from them that that quest will be open and transparent.
The Chinese suppressed reports of the virus when it first appeared and persecuted whistleblower doctors.
They are believed to have massively under-reported the scale of their own outbreak.
And Chinese authorities have also in the last few days placed restrictions on any scientific or academic research into the virus.
Studies on the origin of the virus must now be approved by central government officials.
The cover-up and under-reporting in China is likely to have led Western countries to greatly underestimate the threat of COVID-19 and fail to prepare for their own outbreaks sufficiently.
If China also suppresses its own findings into the causes of the virus, vital lessons will go unlearned making another future pandemic more likely.


news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: Bruce Willis appears in quarantine snap with ex Demi Moore and their children

Bruce Willis is continuing to stay at home with ex-wife Demi Moore and their three adult daughters during the coronavirus pandemic .
Hollywood actress Moore shared a snap of the family each reading a copy of How to Rule the World from Your Couch , saying it was a `` family book club ... quarantine edition '' .
The self-help book , written by Laura Day , sets out how to achieve goals such as building better relationships and career moves .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Willis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three children together , Rumer , 31 , Tallulah , 26 , and Scout , 28 .
They are also isolating with two of the daughters ' boyfriends and Moore 's assistant .
Willis , 65 , also has two daughters , eight-year-old Mabel and five-year-old Evelyn with his current wife , Emma Heming Willis .
Heming Willis confirmed on Instagram that her young family was not isolating with the group .
The 41-year-old model wrote `` Love and miss you guys '' on a picture of the famous exes wearing matching pyjamas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her family had `` made the choice to quarantine together '' and were `` taking every precaution '' .
Willis and Moore , 57 , have remained close since their split and both have since remarried .
The Die Hard actor was present at Moore 's wedding to now ex-husband Ashton Kutcher , while Moore attended Willis ' vow renewal ceremony to wife Emma .
The couple also supported Moore at the launch of her memoir , Inside Out , last year .

Bruce Willis is continuing to stay at home with ex-wife Demi Moore and their three adult daughters during the coronavirus pandemic.
Hollywood actress Moore shared a snap of the family each reading a copy of How to Rule the World from Your Couch, saying it was a "family book club... quarantine edition".
The self-help book, written by Laura Day, sets out how to achieve goals such as building better relationships and career moves.
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Willis and Moore divorced in 2000 and have three children together, Rumer, 31, Tallulah, 26, and Scout, 28.
They are also isolating with two of the daughters' boyfriends and Moore's assistant.
Willis, 65, also has two daughters, eight-year-old Mabel and five-year-old Evelyn with his current wife, Emma Heming Willis.
Heming Willis confirmed on Instagram that her young family was not isolating with the group.
The 41-year-old model wrote "Love and miss you guys" on a picture of the famous exes wearing matching pyjamas on Wednesday.
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Meanwhile, Tallulah said her family had "made the choice to quarantine together" and were "taking every precaution".
Image: Bruce Willis with his model wife Emma
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Willis and Moore, 57, have remained close since their split and both have since remarried.
The Die Hard actor was present at Moore's wedding to now ex-husband Ashton Kutcher, while Moore attended Willis' vow renewal ceremony to wife Emma.
The couple also supported Moore at the launch of her memoir, Inside Out, last year.


news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: Stars join Sesame Street special to help kids 'feel connected' during lockdown

Sesame Street is broadcasting a special episode to help children in coronavirus lockdown `` feel connected in this time of uncertainty '' .
The half-hour `` virtual playdate '' will see Elmo joined by actress Anne Hathaway , Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda , and actress and TV host Tracee Ellis Ross - daughter of singing legend Diana Ross .
Producers say the show will help children `` find new ways to play and learn together '' and will take the form of a video conference in which characters `` sing songs , play games , and take silly dance breaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abby Cadabby will also feature in Tuesday 's programme .
Ellis Ross plays a game of `` Elmo Says '' , Miranda pops in for a few rounds of Old McDonald Had a Farm , while Hathaway and Elmo will get moving with Head , Shoulders , Knees and Toes .
Steve Youngwood , president of Sesame Workshop - the non-profit organisation behind Sesame Street , said the show was aimed at `` inspiring families at a moment when so many are feeling isolated and overwhelmed by current events '' .
He added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partners around the world , this special will encourage parents and kids to gather and relax as a family , in a way that only the Sesame Street Muppets can . ''
The episode will be simultaneously broadcast on WarnerMedia television channels and will be shown in the UK on Wednesday 15 April .
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Sesame Street is broadcasting a special episode to help children in coronavirus lockdown "feel connected in this time of uncertainty".
The half-hour "virtual playdate" will see Elmo joined by actress Anne Hathaway, Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, and actress and TV host Tracee Ellis Ross - daughter of singing legend Diana Ross.
Image: Anne Hathaway, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Tracee Ellis Ross
Producers say the show will help children "find new ways to play and learn together" and will take the form of a video conference in which characters "sing songs, play games, and take silly dance breaks".
Grover, Cookie Monster and Abby Cadabby will also feature in Tuesday's programme.
Ellis Ross plays a game of "Elmo Says", Miranda pops in for a few rounds of Old McDonald Had a Farm, while Hathaway and Elmo will get moving with Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.
Image: Elmo's Playdate features famous Muppets like Cookie Monster. Pic: Sesame Workshop
Steve Youngwood, president of Sesame Workshop - the non-profit organisation behind Sesame Street, said the show was aimed at "inspiring families at a moment when so many are feeling isolated and overwhelmed by current events".
He added: "With help from our distribution partners around the world, this special will encourage parents and kids to gather and relax as a family, in a way that only the Sesame Street Muppets can."
The episode will be simultaneously broadcast on WarnerMedia television channels and will be shown in the UK on Wednesday 15 April.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: Some crimes may go unpunished to ease pressure on courts during COVID-19 pandemic

Some minor crimes may go unpunished under new measures to ease pressure on courts during the coronavirus pandemic .
Prosecutors have been told to prioritise more serious crimes because courts are closing or are dealing with fewer cases to protect the health of jurors , staff , lawyers and defendants .
But they are also being urged to reduce or even avoid some charges in less serious offences , particularly those committed by very young or old suspects .
Those making charging decisions are advised to give extra consideration to the issue of public interest in cases that could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by avoiding court altogether .
Max Hill QC , director of public prosecutions , said : `` We know very well the impact crime can have on people 's lives , so we want the public to be confident that - even in these very difficult circumstances - justice will be done .
`` Our very function is to prosecute , but we can not ignore the unprecedented challenge facing the criminal justice system .
`` We must focus on making sure the most dangerous offenders are dealt with as a priority as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in less serious cases , it is right that we consider all options available when weighing up the right course of action .
`` This will only relate to a very small amount of cases and offences relating to COVID-19 will remain an immediate priority - anybody jeopardising the safety of the public will face the full force of the law . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Prosecutors always consider two main issues before bringing charges : is there enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conviction - and is a prosecution in the public interest ?
Options to avoid disputed court hearings could include a defendant accepting a caution or pleading guilty to a lesser charge which would still attract a suitable punishment .
Courts are already working at reduced capacity , many of them holding virtual hearings with judges , lawyers and other key participants dialling in from their homes via Skype .
There is also a block on all new jury trials .
According to the Ministry of Justice , 160 courts and tribunals are still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but judges are holding remote hearings in another 116 courts and 75 are closed .
The judiciary 's family division , which deals with divorce and disputes over children and money , is also considering whether it is feasible to hold its own remote hearings .
A spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service for England and Wales said : `` It may mean a very small percentage of cases are not charged but we will consider all available options to address and mark the offending behaviour . ''

Some minor crimes may go unpunished under new measures to ease pressure on courts during the coronavirus pandemic.
Prosecutors have been told to prioritise more serious crimes because courts are closing or are dealing with fewer cases to protect the health of jurors, staff, lawyers and defendants.
But they are also being urged to reduce or even avoid some charges in less serious offences, particularly those committed by very young or old suspects.
Image: Police are focusing their efforts on enforcing the lockdown
Those making charging decisions are advised to give extra consideration to the issue of public interest in cases that could be dealt with in reduced court time or by avoiding court altogether.
Max Hill QC, director of public prosecutions, said: "We know very well the impact crime can have on people's lives, so we want the public to be confident that - even in these very difficult circumstances - justice will be done.
"Our very function is to prosecute, but we cannot ignore the unprecedented challenge facing the criminal justice system.
"We must focus on making sure the most dangerous offenders are dealt with as a priority as we adapt to challenging circumstances. And in less serious cases, it is right that we consider all options available when weighing up the right course of action.
"This will only relate to a very small amount of cases and offences relating to COVID-19 will remain an immediate priority - anybody jeopardising the safety of the public will face the full force of the law."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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Prosecutors always consider two main issues before bringing charges: is there enough evidence to create a reasonable chance of conviction - and is a prosecution in the public interest?
Options to avoid disputed court hearings could include a defendant accepting a caution or pleading guilty to a lesser charge which would still attract a suitable punishment.
Courts are already working at reduced capacity, many of them holding virtual hearings with judges, lawyers and other key participants dialling in from their homes via Skype.
There is also a block on all new jury trials.
According to the Ministry of Justice, 160 courts and tribunals are still open to the public for face-to-face hearings, but judges are holding remote hearings in another 116 courts and 75 are closed.
The judiciary's family division, which deals with divorce and disputes over children and money, is also considering whether it is feasible to hold its own remote hearings.
A spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service for England and Wales said: "It may mean a very small percentage of cases are not charged but we will consider all available options to address and mark the offending behaviour."


news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: 'Triple lock' on pensions should be scrapped to spread crisis burden, says think-tank

The `` triple-lock '' guaranteeing generous rises in state pensions should be scrapped so the economic burden of the coronavirus crisis is spread fairly , a think-tank has said .
Replacing the pledge with a `` double-lock '' would save £20bn over five years , according to the Social Market Foundation ( SMF ) .
It argued that the economic impact of combating the virus - to protect vulnerable groups including the elderly - would exact a heavy toll on working-age people , with redundancies and cuts to services , higher taxes and slower GDP growth .
The think-tank said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fairly between old and young in the years ahead '' .
The government 's `` triple-lock '' ensures that state pensions rise by the rate of inflation , average earnings , or 2.5 % - whichever is the lowest .
It has meant that over the last decade , income for pensioner households has grown even as workers saw little in the way of wage increases , the SMF said .
The think-tank argues that the 2.5 % floor on guaranteed pensions rises should be removed .
That would result in savings because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with earnings or prices - which it argues are likely to be subdued in the wake of the coronavirus crisis .
The report said : `` In the post-crisis world of slow , painful recovery , a triple lock ensuring a 2.5 % minimum rise in pensions would constitute enormous generosity to pensioners , at a time when working-age adults face low or no wage growth and significant unemployment . ''
Scott Corfe , the SMF 's research director said : `` Quite rightly , society is making sacrifices to protect its elderly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear case for intergenerational reciprocation when it comes to meeting the fiscal costs of the crisis in the years ahead . ''
`` The crisis has emphasised our obligations to other generations , even in the face of personal sacrifice .
`` This spirit must be maintained when the dust settles - with the economic costs of responding to the crisis shared fairly across the generations . ''

The "triple-lock" guaranteeing generous rises in state pensions should be scrapped so the economic burden of the coronavirus crisis is spread fairly, a think-tank has said.
Replacing the pledge with a "double-lock" would save £20bn over five years, according to the Social Market Foundation (SMF).
It argued that the economic impact of combating the virus - to protect vulnerable groups including the elderly - would exact a heavy toll on working-age people, with redundancies and cuts to services, higher taxes and slower GDP growth.
The think-tank said that this cost "must be shared fairly between old and young in the years ahead".
The government's "triple-lock" ensures that state pensions rise by the rate of inflation, average earnings, or 2.5% - whichever is the lowest.
It has meant that over the last decade, income for pensioner households has grown even as workers saw little in the way of wage increases, the SMF said.
The think-tank argues that the 2.5% floor on guaranteed pensions rises should be removed.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:34 Outbreak figures in UK care homes confirmed
That would result in savings because pensions would only go up in line with earnings or prices - which it argues are likely to be subdued in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.
The report said: "In the post-crisis world of slow, painful recovery, a triple lock ensuring a 2.5% minimum rise in pensions would constitute enormous generosity to pensioners, at a time when working-age adults face low or no wage growth and significant unemployment."
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Scott Corfe, the SMF's research director said: "Quite rightly, society is making sacrifices to protect its elderly right now.
"There is a clear case for intergenerational reciprocation when it comes to meeting the fiscal costs of the crisis in the years ahead."
"The crisis has emphasised our obligations to other generations, even in the face of personal sacrifice.
"This spirit must be maintained when the dust settles - with the economic costs of responding to the crisis shared fairly across the generations."


news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: Ricky Gervais hits out at stars 'complaining from mansions' as NHS staff risk their liv

Coronavirus: Ricky Gervais hits out at stars 'complaining from mansions' as NHS staff risk their lives

Ricky Gervais has criticised celebrities and the rich complaining about the lockdown while NHS staff risk their lives to treat COVID-19 patients .
The comedian spoke of his gratitude to healthcare workers fighting coronavirus on the front line in an interview .
It comes as Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , who is deputising for Prime Minister Boris Johnson while he recovers from COVID-19 , said the government does not expect to relax or lift the lockdown later this week and that the UK is still not `` past the peak '' .
`` After this is over I never want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state again , I never want to hear people moaning about nurses again .
Or porters , '' Gervais told The Sun .
`` These people are doing 14-hour shifts and not complaining .
Wearing masks , and being left with sores , after risking their own health and their families ' health selflessly .
`` But then I see someone complaining about being in a mansion with a swimming pool .
And , you know , honestly , I just do n't want to hear it . ''
Gervais , who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Netflix show After Life , in which he plays a local journalist who decides to say and do whatever he wants following the death of his wife , also spoke about his upbringing , saying life was a `` struggle '' when he was younger .
He said he realised growing up that `` all the best things were free - friends , nature , learning and healthcare '' - which is why he applauds the NHS heroes as the coronavirus lockdown continues .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spreaker '' I was the fourth child of an immigrant labourer , '' he said .
`` My dad worked on building sites all his life , until he was 70 .
He got up every day at 5.30am .
`` Men worked hard , but women worked miracles .
Because when my dad finished his work that was his own time .
`` But my mum did n't stop working , women did n't stop working .
Carers did n't stop working ; all the women in my family were carers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money growing up , I did n't have any until I was 40 .
But I still had everything .
`` My mum , she gardened , she grew , she cooked , she sewed , she knitted , she decorated , she did everything she could .
And she gave me everything I wanted except money .
`` I also realised growing up that all the best things were free - friends , nature , learning and healthcare .
And that 's why I gladly pay my taxes .
And that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last week , for the third Thursday evening in a row , people across the UK stepped out on to their doorsteps and balconies , or hung out of windows , to take part in the `` # ClapForOurCarers '' campaign .
The first Clap for our Carers took place on 26 March and is expected to continue on a weekly basis throughout lockdown .
The second series of After Life launches on Netflix on Friday 24 April

Ricky Gervais has criticised celebrities and the rich complaining about the lockdown while NHS staff risk their lives to treat COVID-19 patients.
The comedian spoke of his gratitude to healthcare workers fighting coronavirus on the front line in an interview.
It comes as Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is deputising for Prime Minister Boris Johnson while he recovers from COVID-19, said the government does not expect to relax or lift the lockdown later this week and that the UK is still not "past the peak".
Image: Gervais' show After Life is back for a second series. Pic: Natalie Seery/Netflix
"After this is over I never want to hear people moaning about the welfare state again, I never want to hear people moaning about nurses again. Or porters," Gervais told The Sun.
"These people are doing 14-hour shifts and not complaining. Wearing masks, and being left with sores, after risking their own health and their families' health selflessly.
"But then I see someone complaining about being in a mansion with a swimming pool. And, you know, honestly, I just don't want to hear it."
Gervais, who is currently promoting the second series of his Netflix show After Life, in which he plays a local journalist who decides to say and do whatever he wants following the death of his wife, also spoke about his upbringing, saying life was a "struggle" when he was younger.
He said he realised growing up that "all the best things were free - friends, nature, learning and healthcare" - which is why he applauds the NHS heroes as the coronavirus lockdown continues.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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"I was the fourth child of an immigrant labourer," he said. "My dad worked on building sites all his life, until he was 70. He got up every day at 5.30am.
"Men worked hard, but women worked miracles. Because when my dad finished his work that was his own time.
"But my mum didn't stop working, women didn't stop working. Carers didn't stop working; all the women in my family were carers in some respect.
"I had no money growing up, I didn't have any until I was 40. But I still had everything.
"My mum, she gardened, she grew, she cooked, she sewed, she knitted, she decorated, she did everything she could. And she gave me everything I wanted except money.
"I also realised growing up that all the best things were free - friends, nature, learning and healthcare. And that's why I gladly pay my taxes. And that's why I clap the NHS."
Last week, for the third Thursday evening in a row, people across the UK stepped out on to their doorsteps and balconies, or hung out of windows, to take part in the "#ClapForOurCarers" campaign.
The first Clap for our Carers took place on 26 March and is expected to continue on a weekly basis throughout lockdown.
The second series of After Life launches on Netflix on Friday 24 April


news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: Police called to 'large house party' - but find people singing and dancing in front gar

Coronavirus: Police called to 'large house party' - but find people singing and dancing in front gardens

An entire street held a party in their front gardens during the coronavirus lockdown - with police allowing it to continue because everyone was abiding by social-distancing rules .
Officers turned up to Southcoates Avenue in Hull after apparently being informed a `` large house party '' was under way .
But after arriving to see residents , young and old , dancing and singing in front of their homes as a DJ and singer blasted out a string of uplifting numbers , organisers say they were told they were `` fine to continue '' .
The event on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clap for our carers '' show of support each Thursday for NHS staff on the frontline of the struggle to combat the coronavirus outbreak .
Primary school teacher Chris Marshall , who is a DJ and professional singer in his spare time , told Sky News how the party came about .
`` It was put together by the local Facebook group initially , because there was concern that some of the elderly and vulnerable people may be suffering from the isolation , '' he said .
`` We 're quite lucky in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ garden .
`` We 'd all come out to clap for the carers on the previous Thursday and people were chatting over from their front gardens , and we were saying it 's a shame we ca n't have a little front garden party . ''
He said a message was posted on the local residents ' Facebook group to establish whether the idea was popular and the response showed huge support .
`` I agreed to sing and DJ on the condition that people stayed in their front gardens and maintained social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marshall said people in the street requested he perform uplifting songs and sing-a-long numbers such as Neil Diamond 's Sweet Caroline .
`` I think one of the favourites was ' I Want to Break Free ' , '' he added .
Mr Marshall said the event brought the street together , adding : `` It was great .
People were singing and dancing .
`` You could see people bringing their furniture through to their front gardens . ''
But he said he feared the worst when police arrived .
`` A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I thought 'oh no , how is this going to look ? '
, '' he said .
`` The officer came up to me and said ' I 've never seen anything like this in my life ' .
`` He said they 'd had reports of a large house party but that they were n't expecting this .
`` After a quick wander around he said 'you 're not breaking any rules and you 're fine to carry on ' .
He told us 'it 's nice to see people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the blue lights for the children as they left . ''
He said no further events had been planned yet , but he felt the party had been a huge success .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' For that brief moment , it was a real boost for everyone , '' he said .
`` We 're going through a lot at the moment and if we can work within the rules to bring people a bit of happiness , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This has made connections that will last longer than all this will . ''
Another resident of the street , Aaron Howlett , said the event had united households in the street .
`` People you say 'hi ' to each day are now much more , '' he told Sky News .
`` There is something very special happening amidst of the uncertainty which is extremely heartwarming . ''
`` Officers attended and spoke to a number of people , who were all in their front gardens with members of their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidelines , '' the force 's Chief Constable Lee Freeman said .
`` Officers gave words of advice and requested the guidance was continued to be adhered to , and left the local community to safely make the most of enjoying their evening .
`` There were no rules or guidance being breached and my officers dealt with this situation with the type of common sense that I and communities have been asking for . ''

An entire street held a party in their front gardens during the coronavirus lockdown - with police allowing it to continue because everyone was abiding by social-distancing rules.
Officers turned up to Southcoates Avenue in Hull after apparently being informed a "large house party" was under way.
But after arriving to see residents, young and old, dancing and singing in front of their homes as a DJ and singer blasted out a string of uplifting numbers, organisers say they were told they were "fine to continue".
Image: Primary school teacher and DJ Chris Marshall plays music for his neighbours. Pic: MEN Media
The event on Friday night was inspired by the now-weekly "clap for our carers" show of support each Thursday for NHS staff on the frontline of the struggle to combat the coronavirus outbreak.
Primary school teacher Chris Marshall, who is a DJ and professional singer in his spare time, told Sky News how the party came about.
"It was put together by the local Facebook group initially, because there was concern that some of the elderly and vulnerable people may be suffering from the isolation," he said.
"We're quite lucky in that everyone has a walled off front garden.
Image: Police said no one was breaking any rules and allowed the event to continue. Pic: MEN Media
"We'd all come out to clap for the carers on the previous Thursday and people were chatting over from their front gardens, and we were saying it's a shame we can't have a little front garden party."
He said a message was posted on the local residents' Facebook group to establish whether the idea was popular and the response showed huge support.
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"I agreed to sing and DJ on the condition that people stayed in their front gardens and maintained social distancing," he said.
Mr Marshall said people in the street requested he perform uplifting songs and sing-a-long numbers such as Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline.
"I think one of the favourites was 'I Want to Break Free'," he added.
Image: Families came out in force for the party: MEN Media
Mr Marshall said the event brought the street together, adding: "It was great. People were singing and dancing.
"You could see people bringing their furniture through to their front gardens."
But he said he feared the worst when police arrived.
"A police car came crawling down the road and I thought 'oh no, how is this going to look?'," he said.
"The officer came up to me and said 'I've never seen anything like this in my life'.
"He said they'd had reports of a large house party but that they weren't expecting this.
"After a quick wander around he said 'you're not breaking any rules and you're fine to carry on'. He told us 'it's nice to see people happy'.
"They even flashed the blue lights for the children as they left."
He said no further events had been planned yet, but he felt the party had been a huge success.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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"For that brief moment, it was a real boost for everyone," he said.
"We're going through a lot at the moment and if we can work within the rules to bring people a bit of happiness, then we should do that.
"This has made connections that will last longer than all this will."
Another resident of the street, Aaron Howlett, said the event had united households in the street.
"People you say 'hi' to each day are now much more," he told Sky News.
"There is something very special happening amidst of the uncertainty which is extremely heartwarming."
Humberside Police praised the officers involved for displaying common sense.
"Officers attended and spoke to a number of people, who were all in their front gardens with members of their own household and fully adhering to social distancing guidelines," the force's Chief Constable Lee Freeman said.
"Officers gave words of advice and requested the guidance was continued to be adhered to, and left the local community to safely make the most of enjoying their evening.
"There were no rules or guidance being breached and my officers dealt with this situation with the type of common sense that I and communities have been asking for."


news--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Sunak to overhaul SME loan scheme

The chancellor is preparing to unveil an overhaul of his emergency aid scheme for small businesses ( SMEs ) amid warnings about a deluge of insolvencies as companies struggle to access funds from a banking system creaking under the COVID-19 crisis .
Sky News has learnt that Rishi Sunak will announce in the coming days that a key feature of the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme - the requirement for banks to first assess whether SMEs are eligible for their other lending options - will be removed .
Mr Sunak and his officials at the Treasury are understood to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which include high street giants such as Barclays , HSBC , Lloyds Banking Group and Royal Bank of Scotland , on Wednesday .
An announcement is possible as soon as Friday , according to one insider .
The move will aim to speed up decision-making processes within the high street banks and channel loans more quickly , currently worth up to £5m , to an army of SMEs .
The Treasury has been sparked into action by myriad reports in the ten days since CBILS launched that business-owners are being denied loans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standard SME loan products .
Under the revamped programme , any viable business with a turnover of up to £45m will be able to access the scheme , which is interest-free and fee-free for the first 12 months .
Sources pointed out that users of the programme would still be required to demonstrate that their company was viable going into the crisis , and that they have the ability to repay the loan at the end of the term .
Banks are also understood to have agreed to waive any outstanding demands for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - an issue that has been a source of growing controversy in recent days , despite the fact that it was stipulated in CBILS ' terms .
Any personal guarantees taken on loans above £250,000 will be used to cover the 20 % of the loan that the government is not underwriting , according to one official .
Other aspects of CBILS ' structure , including the government guarantee that covers 80 % of the lenders ' exposure , are likely to remain unchanged .
Sources said the Treasury also wanted to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate ' - a reference to the interest rate to which loans would revert after the initial 12-month period .
Banks and social media have been deluged with complaints from SMEs about the difficulty of getting through to their lenders to discuss CBILS , and the .
Banking sources have been at pains to point out that with most bank branch networks closed and absenteeism at unprecedented levels because of the coronavirus outbreak , the industry has been working relentlessly to get the emergency loan scheme off the ground .
: : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Further details of the revamp being planned by Mr Sunak , including how many businesses would now be considered eligible for the scheme , were unclear on Wednesday night .
It was also unclear whether the expansion of CBILS would raise EU state aid issues , although one official said they were probably manageable .
One source warned that the scheme 's administration by the British Business Bank still risked being too ponderous at a time when hundreds of thousands of SMEs have been confronted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the BBC on Wednesday warned that one-fifth of UK SMEs could run out of cash within a month .
The Treasury is also under pressure to devise a funding solution for thousands of companies which are not eligible for CBILS because they have a turnover above £45m and do not possess an investment-grade credit rating .
The largest of Mr Sunak 's rescue schemes is the £330bn Covid Corporate Finance Facility , which has been set up to buy commercial paper from major companies and funnel loans back to them .
The Treasury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major UK banks , all declined to comment .

The chancellor is preparing to unveil an overhaul of his emergency aid scheme for small businesses (SMEs) amid warnings about a deluge of insolvencies as companies struggle to access funds from a banking system creaking under the COVID-19 crisis.
Sky News has learnt that Rishi Sunak will announce in the coming days that a key feature of the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme - the requirement for banks to first assess whether SMEs are eligible for their other lending options - will be removed.
Mr Sunak and his officials at the Treasury are understood to have been in talks with the participating lenders, which include high street giants such as Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group and Royal Bank of Scotland, on Wednesday.
Image: A coronavirus testing site
An announcement is possible as soon as Friday, according to one insider.
The move will aim to speed up decision-making processes within the high street banks and channel loans more quickly, currently worth up to £5m, to an army of SMEs.
The Treasury has been sparked into action by myriad reports in the ten days since CBILS launched that business-owners are being denied loans through it or forced to use other standard SME loan products.
Under the revamped programme, any viable business with a turnover of up to £45m will be able to access the scheme, which is interest-free and fee-free for the first 12 months.
Sources pointed out that users of the programme would still be required to demonstrate that their company was viable going into the crisis, and that they have the ability to repay the loan at the end of the term.
Banks are also understood to have agreed to waive any outstanding demands for personal guarantees on loans up to £250,000 - an issue that has been a source of growing controversy in recent days, despite the fact that it was stipulated in CBILS' terms.
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Any personal guarantees taken on loans above £250,000 will be used to cover the 20% of the loan that the government is not underwriting, according to one official.
Other aspects of CBILS' structure, including the government guarantee that covers 80% of the lenders' exposure, are likely to remain unchanged.
Sources said the Treasury also wanted to see banks publicly agree to a modest 'reversion rate' - a reference to the interest rate to which loans would revert after the initial 12-month period.
Banks and social media have been deluged with complaints from SMEs about the difficulty of getting through to their lenders to discuss CBILS, and the .
Banking sources have been at pains to point out that with most bank branch networks closed and absenteeism at unprecedented levels because of the coronavirus outbreak, the industry has been working relentlessly to get the emergency loan scheme off the ground.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Further details of the revamp being planned by Mr Sunak, including how many businesses would now be considered eligible for the scheme, were unclear on Wednesday night.
It was also unclear whether the expansion of CBILS would raise EU state aid issues, although one official said they were probably manageable.
One source warned that the scheme's administration by the British Business Bank still risked being too ponderous at a time when hundreds of thousands of SMEs have been confronted by a funding crisis.
Research cited by the BBC on Wednesday warned that one-fifth of UK SMEs could run out of cash within a month.
The Treasury is also under pressure to devise a funding solution for thousands of companies which are not eligible for CBILS because they have a turnover above £45m and do not possess an investment-grade credit rating.
The largest of Mr Sunak's rescue schemes is the £330bn Covid Corporate Finance Facility, which has been set up to buy commercial paper from major companies and funnel loans back to them.
The Treasury and UK Finance, which represents the major UK banks, all declined to comment.


news--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: BP counts cost of 'brutal' oil price slump

BP says it is facing the `` most brutal environment '' for the industry in decades as it counts the cost of the slump in the oil price amid the coronavirus crisis .
The UK-based energy giant said it was cutting 2020 spending plans by 20 % to $ 12bn ( £9.7bn ) and expects to take a $ 1bn ( £810m ) hit to first quarter profits .
Oil prices fell by 65 % in the first quarter of the year as a result of a sharp drop in demand following restrictions on movement imposed to try to restrict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price war between top oil producers Saudi Arabia and Russia further weakened the sector as the two nations increase supplies to try to win market share .
Earlier this week , the price of a barrel of Brent crude hit its lowest level since 2002 .
BP 's decision to cut investment spending is in line with moves announced by rivals .
It is also looking to achieve $ 2.5bn ( £2bn ) in savings by the end of 2021 though the company has stressed that no BP employees will be laid off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result of virus-related cost-cutting .
Rival Royal Dutch Shell warned on Tuesday that it expects to take a hit of up to $ 800m dollars ( £650m ) in the first quarter .
The London-listed companies are staples of many UK pension funds .
BP chief executive Bernard Looney said : `` This may be the most brutal environment for oil and gas businesses in decades . ''
He said the company was acting `` quickly and decisively '' to shore up its finances .

BP says it is facing the "most brutal environment" for the industry in decades as it counts the cost of the slump in the oil price amid the coronavirus crisis.
The UK-based energy giant said it was cutting 2020 spending plans by 20% to $12bn (£9.7bn) and expects to take a $1bn (£810m) hit to first quarter profits.
Oil prices fell by 65% in the first quarter of the year as a result of a sharp drop in demand following restrictions on movement imposed to try to restrict the spread of the virus.
A price war between top oil producers Saudi Arabia and Russia further weakened the sector as the two nations increase supplies to try to win market share.
Image: Chief executive Bernard Looney says the company has acted 'quickly and decisively'
Earlier this week, the price of a barrel of Brent crude hit its lowest level since 2002.
BP's decision to cut investment spending is in line with moves announced by rivals.
It is also looking to achieve $2.5bn (£2bn) in savings by the end of 2021 though the company has stressed that no BP employees will be laid off during the next three months as a result of virus-related cost-cutting.
Rival Royal Dutch Shell warned on Tuesday that it expects to take a hit of up to $800m dollars (£650m) in the first quarter.
The London-listed companies are staples of many UK pension funds.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:03 Explainer: How to self-isolate
BP chief executive Bernard Looney said: "This may be the most brutal environment for oil and gas businesses in decades."
He said the company was acting "quickly and decisively" to shore up its finances.


news--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Wine sales rise 'dramatically' as UK locked down

Wine sales in supermarkets , off-licences and online have risen sharply as consumers seek to enjoy a drink at home during the lockdown , a leading UK producer has reported .
Kent-based Chapel Down said the sales spike was on course to more than make up for the loss in trade elsewhere - with pubs , theatres and other venues closed in response to the coronavirus outbreak .
However , the company 's beer and cider lines are more reliant on bar sales and it has temporarily closed its brewery , as well as visitor sites in Ashford and Tenterden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement : `` Following the government 's advice to close pubs , theatres and hospitality venues to contain the spread of the virus , we have seen our sales in supermarkets and off licences grow substantially and our on-line sales multiply dramatically as customers seek to continue to enjoy our brands at home .
`` It is too early to extrapolate any trends but if the current sales rate continued the off-trade sales and on-line growth of our wines would more than make up for the loss of on-trade wine sales .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stronger business and an increased market share in these areas where we see long term growth . ''
Chief executive Frazer Thompson said the business was facing `` challenging times '' but added : `` I believe we are in a very strong position to weather the crisis .
The company said that all staff furloughed as parts of the business are closed would receive 80 % of pay .
Meanwhile , the board , executive and senior managers have taken salary cuts of 20 % to 40 % .
The update from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry figures showed a surge in consumer demand , with UK shoppers spending an extra £1.9bn stockpiling groceries in the run-up to the coronavirus lockdown .

Wine sales in supermarkets, off-licences and online have risen sharply as consumers seek to enjoy a drink at home during the lockdown, a leading UK producer has reported.
Kent-based Chapel Down said the sales spike was on course to more than make up for the loss in trade elsewhere - with pubs, theatres and other venues closed in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
However, the company's beer and cider lines are more reliant on bar sales and it has temporarily closed its brewery, as well as visitor sites in Ashford and Tenterden.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:48 What is the UK virus death rate likely to be?
Chapel Down said in a trading statement: "Following the government's advice to close pubs, theatres and hospitality venues to contain the spread of the virus, we have seen our sales in supermarkets and off licences grow substantially and our on-line sales multiply dramatically as customers seek to continue to enjoy our brands at home.
"It is too early to extrapolate any trends but if the current sales rate continued the off-trade sales and on-line growth of our wines would more than make up for the loss of on-trade wine sales.
"It will certainly leave us with a stronger business and an increased market share in these areas where we see long term growth."
Chief executive Frazer Thompson said the business was facing "challenging times" but added: "I believe we are in a very strong position to weather the crisis.
"Demand for our brands remains extremely healthy."
The company said that all staff furloughed as parts of the business are closed would receive 80% of pay.
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Meanwhile, the board, executive and senior managers have taken salary cuts of 20% to 40%.
The update from Chapel Down comes a day after supermarket industry figures showed a surge in consumer demand, with UK shoppers spending an extra £1.9bn stockpiling groceries in the run-up to the coronavirus lockdown.


news--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: Girl, 12, becomes youngest known person to die in Europe

A 12-year-old Belgian girl has become the youngest known person in Europe to die after contracting coronavirus .
Authorities in Belgium said the child was by far the youngest among the country 's more than 700 victims .
National crisis centre spokesman Emmanuel Andre said it is `` an emotionally difficult moment , because it involves a child , and it has also upset the medical and scientific community '' .
He added : `` We are thinking of her family and friends .
It is an event that is very rare , but one which upsets us greatly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the girl had underlying health conditions .
Mr Andre said 98 people had died with the infection over the last 24 hours , bringing the total to 705 in a country of around 11.5 million people .
More than 12,705 infections have been confirmed so far in Belgium .
He said that Belgian authorities expect the spread of the disease to reach its peak in the next few days .
`` We will arrive at a point where we 're close to saturation point at our hospitals , '' he said .
Before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ youngest person in Europe to die after contracting the highly contagious respiratory infection was believed to be Vitor Godhino , a 14-year-old boy from Porto in Portugal .
In the UK , the youngest person to die was an 18-year-old who had serious underlying health issues .
On Tuesday , Spain recorded 849 new coronavirus deaths - the highest number since the pandemic hit the southern European country .
The total number of fatalities in Spain has increased in 24 hours from 7,340 to 8,189 - although the percentage rise is slightly down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases in Spain stands at 94,417 - up 9,222 from 85,195 .
The new deaths in Spain take the worldwide total past 38,000 , and the new cases nudge that global figure close to 800,000 .
The World Health Organisation warned that while attention has shifted to epicentres in western Europe and North America , COVID-19 epidemics are `` far from over '' in Asia and the Pacific .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker As of Monday , the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after contracting coronavirus reached 1,415 .
More than 22,000 people in the UK are now confirmed to have the virus - although the true figure is believed to be many times higher .

A 12-year-old Belgian girl has become the youngest known person in Europe to die after contracting coronavirus.
Authorities in Belgium said the child was by far the youngest among the country's more than 700 victims.
National crisis centre spokesman Emmanuel Andre said it is "an emotionally difficult moment, because it involves a child, and it has also upset the medical and scientific community".
Image: National crisis centre spokesman Emmanuel Andre announced the young girl's death
He added: "We are thinking of her family and friends. It is an event that is very rare, but one which upsets us greatly."
It is not yet known if the girl had underlying health conditions.
Mr Andre said 98 people had died with the infection over the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 705 in a country of around 11.5 million people.
More than 12,705 infections have been confirmed so far in Belgium.
He said that Belgian authorities expect the spread of the disease to reach its peak in the next few days.
"We will arrive at a point where we're close to saturation point at our hospitals," he said.
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Before the 12-year-old girl's death, the youngest person in Europe to die after contracting the highly contagious respiratory infection was believed to be Vitor Godhino, a 14-year-old boy from Porto in Portugal.
In the UK, the youngest person to die was an 18-year-old who had serious underlying health issues.
On Tuesday, Spain recorded 849 new coronavirus deaths - the highest number since the pandemic hit the southern European country.
The total number of fatalities in Spain has increased in 24 hours from 7,340 to 8,189 - although the percentage rise is slightly down on Monday.
The number of confirmed cases in Spain stands at 94,417 - up 9,222 from 85,195.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 COVID-19: Spain confirms rise of 849 deaths
The new deaths in Spain take the worldwide total past 38,000, and the new cases nudge that global figure close to 800,000.
The World Health Organisation warned that while attention has shifted to epicentres in western Europe and North America, COVID-19 epidemics are "far from over" in Asia and the Pacific.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
As of Monday, the number of people who have died in the UK after contracting coronavirus reached 1,415.
More than 22,000 people in the UK are now confirmed to have the virus - although the true figure is believed to be many times higher.


news--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Military aircraft hangar could become temporary mortuary

A Scottish council will use an aircraft hangar on a military base in north-east Scotland as a temporary mortuary if needed during the coronavirus crisis , Sky News has learnt .
Moray Council has been given permission to use the facility at Kinloss Barracks as part of its preparations for an anticipated rise in COVID-19 deaths .
The hangar used to house Nimrod maritime patrol aircraft but is now empty .
`` It is one of those hangars that we have acquired purely for an absolute worst-case scenario , '' Jim Grant , the head of economic growth and development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department at Moray Council , told Sky News .
`` It is a discrete and secure building that is available to the local authority to use . ''
The council hopes that it will never need what is being described as a temporary resting area , with existing , local mortuary capacity sufficient to handle coronavirus victims .
`` If people adhere to the lockdown then we will not need to use Kinloss , it is as simple as that , '' Mr Grant said .
The Scottish government , as with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to stay at home and only go outside for food , health or work reasons .
But if the number of deaths in the area do rise too rapidly , Moray undertakers have been contracted to transport the deceased to Kinloss , a former Royal Air Force base .
The aim is for bodies only to be stored there temporarily until they can be moved back as quickly as possible to the appropriate undertaker for a funeral .
Moray Council said it had asked the Ministry of Defence for use of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities , the council has to plan for the worst case scenario emerging from the C-19 [ COVID-19 ] pandemic , '' it said in a statement .
`` As people are following Scottish Government advice and staying home , we hope that the extra capacity made available to us by the MoD will not be required .
`` However , it 's incumbent upon the council to ensure measures are in place to cope with whatever results from the pandemic locally .
`` We would ask everyone to adhere to the Scottish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the number of deaths are reduced and facilities such as this will not be needed . ''
Sky News revealed last week that two vehicle hangars on an army base in Northern Ireland were being leased by the Department of Justice also to be used as a temporary mortuary in case required .
It is understood that the Ministry of Defence is looking across its vast defence estate to identify any other properties that might be suitable for use to house temporary resting places for the dead as part of the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @

A Scottish council will use an aircraft hangar on a military base in north-east Scotland as a temporary mortuary if needed during the coronavirus crisis, Sky News has learnt.
Moray Council has been given permission to use the facility at Kinloss Barracks as part of its preparations for an anticipated rise in COVID-19 deaths.
The hangar used to house Nimrod maritime patrol aircraft but is now empty.
"It is one of those hangars that we have acquired purely for an absolute worst-case scenario," Jim Grant, the head of economic growth and development at the Economy, Environment and Finance Department at Moray Council, told Sky News.
"It is a discrete and secure building that is available to the local authority to use."
Image: The building is currently an aircraft hangar in Moray, where this RAF is seen landing
The council hopes that it will never need what is being described as a temporary resting area, with existing, local mortuary capacity sufficient to handle coronavirus victims.
"If people adhere to the lockdown then we will not need to use Kinloss, it is as simple as that," Mr Grant said.
The Scottish government, as with the rest of the UK, is advising people to stay at home and only go outside for food, health or work reasons.
But if the number of deaths in the area do rise too rapidly, Moray undertakers have been contracted to transport the deceased to Kinloss, a former Royal Air Force base.
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The aim is for bodies only to be stored there temporarily until they can be moved back as quickly as possible to the appropriate undertaker for a funeral.
Image: If people adhere to the lockdown the hangar won't be needed, a Moray Council official said
Moray Council said it had asked the Ministry of Defence for use of the hangar.
"Similar to other local authorities, the council has to plan for the worst case scenario emerging from the C-19 [COVID-19] pandemic," it said in a statement.
"As people are following Scottish Government advice and staying home, we hope that the extra capacity made available to us by the MoD will not be required.
"However, it's incumbent upon the council to ensure measures are in place to cope with whatever results from the pandemic locally.
"We would ask everyone to adhere to the Scottish government guidance to stay at home so that the number of deaths are reduced and facilities such as this will not be needed."
Sky News revealed last week that two vehicle hangars on an army base in Northern Ireland were being leased by the Department of Justice also to be used as a temporary mortuary in case required.
It is understood that the Ministry of Defence is looking across its vast defence estate to identify any other properties that might be suitable for use to house temporary resting places for the dead as part of the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic.


news--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Patients most infectious in first week of symptoms - study

COVID-19 patients may be at their most infectious during the first week of symptoms as they shed the virus at higher levels , research suggests .
Scientists from Berlin 's Charite Universitatsmedizin analysed data from patients to see how infectious they were and when - and how much of the coronavirus they excreted .
A previous report claimed people who contracted COVID-19 were at their most contagious early after becoming infected , even before displaying symptoms .
The new study , published in the journal Nature , looked at nine adults from the German city of Munich who had mild @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throat and lung samples , as well as sputum ( a mixture of saliva and mucus coughed up from the respiratory tract as a result of infection ) , stool , blood and urine .
They found high levels of virus replication in upper respiratory tract tissues , and high levels of viral shedding in the upper respiratory tract during the first week of symptoms .
Researchers also isolated an infectious form of the virus in the patients ' throat and lungs before day eight of symptoms .
Two of the patients who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shed high levels of the virus in sputum until day 10 or 11 , and the virus remained detectable in the phlegm after symptoms stopped .
COVID-19 was not found in blood or urine samples , and a replicating form of the virus was not detected in stool specimens .
The researchers said more studies with larger samples are needed .
They said : `` Our initial results suggest that measures to contain viral spread should aim at droplet , rather than fomite-based , transmission ( via objects or materials ) .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relevant not only for hospital infection control , but also for discharge management .
`` In a situation characterised by limited capacity of hospital beds in infectious diseases wards , there is pressure for early discharge following treatment .
`` Based on the present findings , early discharge with ensuing home isolation could be chosen for patients who are beyond day 10 of symptoms with less than 100,000 viral RNA copies per ml of sputum .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little residual risk of infectivity , based on cell culture . ''
The scientists said further research could assess whether increases in the viral load of a patient after the first week of symptoms could mean an aggravation of symptoms .

COVID-19 patients may be at their most infectious during the first week of symptoms as they shed the virus at higher levels, research suggests.
Scientists from Berlin's Charite Universitatsmedizin analysed data from patients to see how infectious they were and when - and how much of the coronavirus they excreted.
A previous report claimed people who contracted COVID-19 were at their most contagious early after becoming infected, even before displaying symptoms.
Image: This is what COVID-19 looks like under the microscope. Pic: NIAID-RML
The new study, published in the journal Nature, looked at nine adults from the German city of Munich who had mild symptoms of the virus.
Researchers analysed throat and lung samples, as well as sputum (a mixture of saliva and mucus coughed up from the respiratory tract as a result of infection), stool, blood and urine.
They found high levels of virus replication in upper respiratory tract tissues, and high levels of viral shedding in the upper respiratory tract during the first week of symptoms.
Researchers also isolated an infectious form of the virus in the patients' throat and lungs before day eight of symptoms.
Two of the patients who showed early signs of pneumonia continued to shed high levels of the virus in sputum until day 10 or 11, and the virus remained detectable in the phlegm after symptoms stopped.
COVID-19 was not found in blood or urine samples, and a replicating form of the virus was not detected in stool specimens.
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The researchers said more studies with larger samples are needed.
They said: "Our initial results suggest that measures to contain viral spread should aim at droplet, rather than fomite-based, transmission (via objects or materials).
"The prolonged viral shedding in sputum is relevant not only for hospital infection control, but also for discharge management.
"In a situation characterised by limited capacity of hospital beds in infectious diseases wards, there is pressure for early discharge following treatment.
"Based on the present findings, early discharge with ensuing home isolation could be chosen for patients who are beyond day 10 of symptoms with less than 100,000 viral RNA copies per ml of sputum.
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"Both criteria predict that there is little residual risk of infectivity, based on cell culture."
The scientists said further research could assess whether increases in the viral load of a patient after the first week of symptoms could mean an aggravation of symptoms.