news--2020-04-21--Thames Water raids rival Severn Trent to end hunt for new chief

Britain 's biggest water utility , Thames Water , has raided one of its biggest industry peers to end a year-long search for a new boss .
Sky News has learnt that Thames Water is lining up Sarah Bentley , chief customer officer at Severn Trent , to become its new chief executive .
Sources said that Ms Bentley 's appointment was close to being finalised and could be announced as soon as Wednesday morning .
If confirmed , her new role at Thames Water will catapult her into the ranks of Britain 's most senior business people , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women to run one of the UK 's major utilities .
Ms Bentley 's current boss at Severn Trent is Liv Garfield , another of the industry 's leading female figures .
The new Thames Water chief , who also sits on the board of Lloyds Banking Group 's ring-fenced bank , has spent much of her career in digital marketing , including at the consulting giant Accenture .
Her focus on customer service and retail operations is likely to have been a critical factor in Thames Water 's decision to offer her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the industry 's biggest player .
The search for a new chief executive at Thames Water , which has 15 million customers , has been taking place since Steve Robertson was ousted last May amid mounting concerns among its shareholders about the company 's performance .
In December , Thames Water was on the verge of recruiting Basil Scarsella , a senior energy industry executive , to fill the vacancy , but he pulled out several weeks later .
The water industry has endured a turbulent few months , with investors anxiously awaiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which took place against the backdrop of a threat from the Labour Party to nationalise the entire sector .
Although the election result did not realise the industry 's fears , four UK water companies are now fighting a separate battle after appealing against a price settlement determined by the regulator , Ofwat .
Anglian Water , Bristol Water , Northumbrian Water and Yorkshire Water are all seeking to overturn Ofwat 's decision through the Competition and Markets Authority - a process that is expected to run for several months .
Owned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and state-backed investors , Thames Water was taken over by Macquarie , the Australian infrastructure investor , in 2006 , in an £8bn deal .
Macquarie sold a number of stakes to third-party funds before offloading its remaining shareholding in 2017 .
The company 's current investor base is led by Omers , the Canadian pension fund , which owns just under a third of the shares .
The Universities Superannuation Scheme ( USS ) , which manages the retirement savings of British academics , is the second-biggest shareholder , with funds from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China and the Netherlands among Thames Water 's other investors .
Ian Marchant , the company 's interim executive chairman and a former boss of SSE , the power supplier , has been leading the search for Mr Robertson 's successor .
Thames is easily the UK 's largest water and wastewater services company with an annual turnover of about £2bn .
It has three million residential customers , 15 million customers in total when accounting for its waste services , and more than 6000 employees .
The company 's service area stretches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , through London and the Thames Valley , to the western edges of Essex and Kent in the east .
In 2017 , Thames Water was fined more than £20m for dumping raw sewage into the River Thames and its tributaries , with a second , smaller , penalty imposed the following year .
The company , along with its peers , has said it does not intend to utilise the government 's furloughing scheme during the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Thames Water is offering a wide array of support to customers who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the crisis , including special tariffs and flexible payment plans , and has been taking steps to support its network of suppliers and the wider regional economy , '' it said recently .
Thames and Severn Trent declined to comment on Tuesday night .

Britain's biggest water utility, Thames Water, has raided one of its biggest industry peers to end a year-long search for a new boss.
Sky News has learnt that Thames Water is lining up Sarah Bentley, chief customer officer at Severn Trent, to become its new chief executive.
Sources said that Ms Bentley's appointment was close to being finalised and could be announced as soon as Wednesday morning.
If confirmed, her new role at Thames Water will catapult her into the ranks of Britain's most senior business people, and establish her as one of the few women to run one of the UK's major utilities.
Ms Bentley's current boss at Severn Trent is Liv Garfield, another of the industry's leading female figures.
The new Thames Water chief, who also sits on the board of Lloyds Banking Group's ring-fenced bank, has spent much of her career in digital marketing, including at the consulting giant Accenture.
Her focus on customer service and retail operations is likely to have been a critical factor in Thames Water's decision to offer her the job, after persistent criticism of the industry's biggest player.
The search for a new chief executive at Thames Water, which has 15 million customers, has been taking place since Steve Robertson was ousted last May amid mounting concerns among its shareholders about the company's performance.
In December, Thames Water was on the verge of recruiting Basil Scarsella, a senior energy industry executive, to fill the vacancy, but he pulled out several weeks later.
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The water industry has endured a turbulent few months, with investors anxiously awaiting the outcome of December's general election, which took place against the backdrop of a threat from the Labour Party to nationalise the entire sector.
Although the election result did not realise the industry's fears, four UK water companies are now fighting a separate battle after appealing against a price settlement determined by the regulator, Ofwat.
Anglian Water, Bristol Water, Northumbrian Water and Yorkshire Water are all seeking to overturn Ofwat's decision through the Competition and Markets Authority - a process that is expected to run for several months.
Thames Water accepted Ofwat's five-year price settlement after extensive deliberations between board members.
Owned by a consortium of powerful pension funds and state-backed investors, Thames Water was taken over by Macquarie, the Australian infrastructure investor, in 2006, in an £8bn deal.
Macquarie sold a number of stakes to third-party funds before offloading its remaining shareholding in 2017.
The company's current investor base is led by Omers, the Canadian pension fund, which owns just under a third of the shares.
The Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), which manages the retirement savings of British academics, is the second-biggest shareholder, with funds from Abu Dhabi, Australia, Canada, China and the Netherlands among Thames Water's other investors.
Ian Marchant, the company's interim executive chairman and a former boss of SSE, the power supplier, has been leading the search for Mr Robertson's successor.
Thames is easily the UK's largest water and wastewater services company with an annual turnover of about £2bn.
It has three million residential customers, 15 million customers in total when accounting for its waste services, and more than 6000 employees.
The company's service area stretches from Gloucestershire and Wiltshire in the west, through London and the Thames Valley, to the western edges of Essex and Kent in the east.
In 2017, Thames Water was fined more than £20m for dumping raw sewage into the River Thames and its tributaries, with a second, smaller, penalty imposed the following year.
The company, along with its peers, has said it does not intend to utilise the government's furloughing scheme during the coronavirus pandemic.
"Thames Water is offering a wide array of support to customers who are facing financial difficulties as a result of the crisis, including special tariffs and flexible payment plans, and has been taking steps to support its network of suppliers and the wider regional economy," it said recently.
Thames and Severn Trent declined to comment on Tuesday night.


news--2020-04-21--Queen releases private footage of her and Margaret to mark 94th birthday

The Queen has released private footage of her and Princess Margaret as she marks her 94th birthday at Windsor Castle without celebrations .
Her Majesty also sent `` many happy returns '' to others commemorating their birthdays at home `` with or without your loved ones '' .
Film from the Royal Collection Trust shows the monarch as a girl , playing with a pram and dogs along with her sister .
They are also captured having fun on a seesaw , doing some gardening and dancing together .
Four still photographs have been tweeted too , including one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their family when Prince Edward was a baby .
Her Majesty said : `` To those of you also celebrating your birthdays today at home , with or without your loved ones - we send you many happy returns . ''
The monarch will not be marking her birthday `` in any special way '' - with two traditional gestures cancelled because of COVID-19 .
Prince Philip , who made a rare public statement on Monday thanking key workers , is with her in Windsor .
They have a reduced staff to give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first time in more than a decade the bells of Westminster Abbey , where the monarch was married and crowned , will remain silent on her birthday .
The abbey is currently closed but the Archbishop of Canterbury , Justin Welby , tweeted his congratulations , saying the Queen `` continues to serve our nation with great dignity and faith '' .
Nor will there be any birthday gun salutes , after Her Majesty decided they would be `` inappropriate in the current circumstances '' .
It is believed to be the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 21-gun volley is fired by the King 's Troop Royal Horse Artillery from either Hyde Park or Green Park in central London , followed by a 62-gun salute at the Tower of London by the Honourable Artillery Company .
A Buckingham Palace source told the PA news agency that any phone or video calls the Queen has will be kept private and her birthday will not be marked in any special way .
Family members have sent their congratulations on social media , however .
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with their three children , tweeted a picture of themselves with William 's grandmother , wishing her a `` very happy 94th '' along with emojis of a cake and a balloon .
Prince Charles , who is at Birkhall in Aberdeenshire with the Duchess of Cornwall , also posted a tribute , adding four pictures of him and his mother spanning most of his life .
The heir to the throne has recovered from coronavirus after spending seven days by himself last month in line with government and medical guidelines for those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York and Earl of Wessex are in their separate homes .
Harry and Meghan , who have stepped down from royal duties and told four tabloid newspapers they will not deal with them anymore , are in Los Angeles .
Addressing the nation recently , Her Majesty drew on her experience of wartime spirit and said `` we will meet again '' .
And in her first ever Easter message , she added : `` We know that coronavirus will not overcome us . ''

The Queen has released private footage of her and Princess Margaret as she marks her 94th birthday at Windsor Castle without celebrations.
Her Majesty also sent "many happy returns" to others commemorating their birthdays at home "with or without your loved ones".
Film from the Royal Collection Trust shows the monarch as a girl, playing with a pram and dogs along with her sister.
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They are also captured having fun on a seesaw, doing some gardening and dancing together.
Four still photographs have been tweeted too, including one of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh with their family when Prince Edward was a baby.
Her Majesty said: "To those of you also celebrating your birthdays today at home, with or without your loved ones - we send you many happy returns."
The monarch will not be marking her birthday "in any special way" - with two traditional gestures cancelled because of COVID-19.
Prince Philip, who made a rare public statement on Monday thanking key workers, is with her in Windsor.
They have a reduced staff to give added protection from coronavirus.
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Image: The Queen during Trooping the Colour in 1960
Image: The Queen reading birthday cards sent to her on her 80th birthday
For the first time in more than a decade the bells of Westminster Abbey, where the monarch was married and crowned, will remain silent on her birthday.
The abbey is currently closed but the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, tweeted his congratulations, saying the Queen "continues to serve our nation with great dignity and faith".
Nor will there be any birthday gun salutes, after Her Majesty decided they would be "inappropriate in the current circumstances". It is believed to be the first time that has happened.
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Normally, a 21-gun volley is fired by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery from either Hyde Park or Green Park in central London, followed by a 62-gun salute at the Tower of London by the Honourable Artillery Company.
A Buckingham Palace source told the PA news agency that any phone or video calls the Queen has will be kept private and her birthday will not be marked in any special way.
Family members have sent their congratulations on social media, however.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who are at Anmer Hall in Norfolk with their three children, tweeted a picture of themselves with William's grandmother, wishing her a "very happy 94th" along with emojis of a cake and a balloon.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Prince Charles, who is at Birkhall in Aberdeenshire with the Duchess of Cornwall, also posted a tribute, adding four pictures of him and his mother spanning most of his life.
The heir to the throne has recovered from coronavirus after spending seven days by himself last month in line with government and medical guidelines for those who become infected.
The Duke of York and Earl of Wessex are in their separate homes.
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Harry and Meghan, who have stepped down from royal duties and told four tabloid newspapers they will not deal with them anymore, are in Los Angeles.
Addressing the nation recently, Her Majesty drew on her experience of wartime spirit and said "we will meet again".
And in her first ever Easter message, she added: "We know that coronavirus will not overcome us."


news--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson calls Donald Trump and will speak to Queen as he gradually returns to wor

Coronavirus: Boris Johnson calls Donald Trump and will speak to Queen as he gradually returns to work

Boris Johnson has phoned Donald Trump and will speak to the Queen later this week as he gradually returns to work , Downing Street has said .
He thanked the his US president for `` his good wishes while he was unwell '' recovering from COVID-19 , according to an official account of the call released by Number 10 .
The pair also agreed `` on the importance of a coordinated international response to coronavirus '' and hopes for signing a trade deal `` as soon as possible '' .
Mr Johnson is expected to hold an audience with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the week .
It will be Mr Johnson 's first audience with Her Majesty in three weeks , as he continues his recovery from coronavirus .
After spending seven nights at St Thomas ' Hospital in London with COVID-19 earlier this month , the prime minister has been recuperating at Chequers , his official country residence , in Buckinghamshire .
At a briefing for Westminster reporters on Tuesday , Mr Johnson 's spokesman said the prime minister would be `` continuing his recovery at Chequers and is n't formally doing government work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson had already been in contact with other world leaders , as well as his ministers and officials .
`` He has been receiving updates from Number 10 on the coronavirus response and has spoken with the First Secretary of State [ Dominic Raab ] and senior members of his team , '' the spokesman said .
`` Yesterday he sent a message of condolence to [ Canadian Prime Minister ] Justin Trudeau after the very sad loss of life in the shooting in Canada .
`` Later today , at around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with President Trump . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Prior to their planned conversation later this week , Mr Johnson last held an audience with the Queen on 1 April via telephone .
Her Majesty usually meets with her prime minister face-to-face on a weekly basis , although the coronavirus pandemic forced Mr Johnson and the Queen to hold their previous two conversations , on 1 April and 25 March , on the telephone .
The prime minister was first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , during his stay , the Queen sent a message to Mr Johnson 's fiancee , Carrie Symonds , and his family .
As Mr Johnson 's most senior cabinet minister , Mr Raab has been deputising for the prime minister during his illness and recovery .
Mr Raab , who is also foreign secretary , will stand in for Mr Johnson at Prime Minister 's Questions ( PMQs ) on Wednesday and chair a cabinet meeting on Thursday morning .
Wednesday 's session of PMQs is set to be the first in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remotely , with large TV screens having been installed in the House of Commons for MPs to appear via video conferencing software Zoom .
However both Sir Keir Starmer - in his first PMQs as Labour leader - and Mr Raab will be present in the Commons chamber .

Boris Johnson has phoned Donald Trump and will speak to the Queen later this week as he gradually returns to work, Downing Street has said.
He thanked the his US president for "his good wishes while he was unwell" recovering from COVID-19, according to an official account of the call released by Number 10.
The pair also agreed "on the importance of a coordinated international response to coronavirus" and hopes for signing a trade deal "as soon as possible".
Mr Johnson is expected to hold an audience with the Queen - also by telephone - later in the week.
It will be Mr Johnson's first audience with Her Majesty in three weeks, as he continues his recovery from coronavirus.
Image: The Queen has held her last two audiences with the PM via telephone
After spending seven nights at St Thomas' Hospital in London with COVID-19 earlier this month, the prime minister has been recuperating at Chequers, his official country residence, in Buckinghamshire.
At a briefing for Westminster reporters on Tuesday, Mr Johnson's spokesman said the prime minister would be "continuing his recovery at Chequers and isn't formally doing government work".
However, the spokesman said Mr Johnson had already been in contact with other world leaders, as well as his ministers and officials.
"He has been receiving updates from Number 10 on the coronavirus response and has spoken with the First Secretary of State [Dominic Raab] and senior members of his team," the spokesman said.
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"Yesterday he sent a message of condolence to [Canadian Prime Minister] Justin Trudeau after the very sad loss of life in the shooting in Canada.
"Later today, at around about 2pm, he will be speaking with President Trump."
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Prior to their planned conversation later this week, Mr Johnson last held an audience with the Queen on 1 April via telephone.
Her Majesty usually meets with her prime minister face-to-face on a weekly basis, although the coronavirus pandemic forced Mr Johnson and the Queen to hold their previous two conversations, on 1 April and 25 March, on the telephone.
Image: Large TV screens have been fitted in the House of Commons .Pic: UK Parliament/ Jessica Taylor
The prime minister was first admitted to hospital on 5 April and, during his stay, the Queen sent a message to Mr Johnson's fiancee, Carrie Symonds, and his family.
As Mr Johnson's most senior cabinet minister, Mr Raab has been deputising for the prime minister during his illness and recovery.
Mr Raab, who is also foreign secretary, will stand in for Mr Johnson at Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) on Wednesday and chair a cabinet meeting on Thursday morning.
Image: Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has been deputising for the PM
Wednesday's session of PMQs is set to be the first in history in which MPs can ask questions remotely, with large TV screens having been installed in the House of Commons for MPs to appear via video conferencing software Zoom.
However both Sir Keir Starmer - in his first PMQs as Labour leader - and Mr Raab will be present in the Commons chamber.


news--2020-04-20--Harry and Meghan tell tabloids they will never work with them again

Harry and Meghan have told the editors of four national newspapers that they will never deal with their media outlets again .
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have vowed `` there will be no corroboration and zero engagement '' with the Daily Mail , The Sun , Daily Mirror and Daily Express or their Sunday counterparts .
This could mean that these newspapers are stopped from receiving updates and photographs of Harry and Meghan , and reports suggest they may be blocked from attending their media events .
In a strongly worded letter , the couple said they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` completely pulled apart for no good reason , other than the fact salacious gossip boosts advertising revenue '' .
Attacking the tabloid press , Harry and Meghan wrote : `` It is gravely concerning that an influential slice of the media , over many years , has sought to insulate themselves from taking accountability for what they say or print - even when they know it to be distorted , false , or invasive beyond reason . ''
The couple , who recently moved to Los Angeles with their baby son Archie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the end of March and plan to become financially independent .
They insisted their hardline policy was n't about avoiding criticism or censoring accurate reporting , adding : `` Media have every right to report on and indeed have an opinion on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex , good or bad .
But it ca n't be based on a lie . ''
Warning they will not `` offer themselves up as currency for an economy of clickbait and distortion '' , they reaffirmed their decision to engage with `` grassroots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and young , up-and-coming journalists '' instead .
Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan , a former Daily Mirror editor and fierce critic of the couple , questioned the timing of their announcement , coming in the midst of the country 's coronavirus crisis .
`` Imagine announcing this in the middle of a global pandemic .
Imagine thinking anyone cares about their hurt little me-me-me egos as health workers around the world are dying at work ? ''
he tweeted .
`` What a pair of repulsive , deluded narcissistic tools .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the press after his mother Princess Diana was killed in a car crash in Paris in 1997 as her car sped away from chasing paparazzi photographers .
Harry was 12 .
Later this week , the first hearing in Meghan 's legal action against Associated Newspapers , which publishes The Mail on Sunday and MailOnline , is going to go ahead .
The company published parts of a `` private and confidential '' letter to her estranged father Thomas Markle , in which she wrote that his actions `` have broken her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In court documents outlining details of Meghan 's claims , her lawyers say the letter was `` obviously private correspondence '' - and it was alleged that the newspaper `` chose to deliberately omit or suppress '' parts of the letter , `` intentionally distorting or manipulating '' its meaning .
Associated Newspapers wholly denies the allegations - particularly the claim that the letter was edited in any way that changed its meaning - and says it will hotly contest the case .
Harry and Meghan have n't been far from the limelight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced plans to launch a new charitable organisation named Archewell that aims `` to do something that matters '' .
Meghan also revealed her first post-royal role : narrating a documentary for Disney .
In her first interview since stepping down as a senior royal , she said she hoped the film , Elephant , would inspire people to `` take care of each other '' .
She told ABC 's Good Morning America : `` I hope that when people see this film , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and if we had more of an awareness about the obstacles they are facing , I think we 'd take care of each other , animals and this planet in a very different way .
`` That 's why it 's really important for me to be able to help tell that story . ''
In an interview with the Declassified podcast last week , Harry said he was `` incredibly proud '' of the public 's response to the coronavirus pandemic .
He described efforts to volunteer and help in the national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he praised World War Two veteran Captain Tom Moore , who has raised over £26m for the NHS by walking lengths of his garden .

Harry and Meghan have told the editors of four national newspapers that they will never deal with their media outlets again.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have vowed "there will be no corroboration and zero engagement" with the Daily Mail, The Sun, Daily Mirror and Daily Express or their Sunday counterparts.
This could mean that these newspapers are stopped from receiving updates and photographs of Harry and Meghan, and reports suggest they may be blocked from attending their media events.
In a strongly worded letter, the couple said they have seen the lives of people they know "completely pulled apart for no good reason, other than the fact salacious gossip boosts advertising revenue".
Attacking the tabloid press, Harry and Meghan wrote: "It is gravely concerning that an influential slice of the media, over many years, has sought to insulate themselves from taking accountability for what they say or print - even when they know it to be distorted, false, or invasive beyond reason."
The couple, who recently moved to Los Angeles with their baby son Archie, officially stepped back as senior royals at the end of March and plan to become financially independent.
They insisted their hardline policy wasn't about avoiding criticism or censoring accurate reporting, adding: "Media have every right to report on and indeed have an opinion on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, good or bad. But it can't be based on a lie."
Warning they will not "offer themselves up as currency for an economy of clickbait and distortion", they reaffirmed their decision to engage with "grassroots media, regional and local media, and young, up-and-coming journalists" instead.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:21 Harry and Meghan's love story
Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan, a former Daily Mirror editor and fierce critic of the couple, questioned the timing of their announcement, coming in the midst of the country's coronavirus crisis.
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"Imagine announcing this in the middle of a global pandemic. Imagine thinking anyone cares about their hurt little me-me-me egos as health workers around the world are dying at work?" he tweeted. "What a pair of repulsive, deluded narcissistic tools."
Harry has had a fraught relationship with the press after his mother Princess Diana was killed in a car crash in Paris in 1997 as her car sped away from chasing paparazzi photographers. Harry was 12.
Later this week, the first hearing in Meghan's legal action against Associated Newspapers, which publishes The Mail on Sunday and MailOnline, is going to go ahead.
The company published parts of a "private and confidential" letter to her estranged father Thomas Markle, in which she wrote that his actions "have broken her heart into a million pieces".
In court documents outlining details of Meghan's claims, her lawyers say the letter was "obviously private correspondence" - and it was alleged that the newspaper "chose to deliberately omit or suppress" parts of the letter, "intentionally distorting or manipulating" its meaning.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:37 'She really is beautiful, innit'
Associated Newspapers wholly denies the allegations - particularly the claim that the letter was edited in any way that changed its meaning - and says it will hotly contest the case.
Harry and Meghan haven't been far from the limelight since their move to the States.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced plans to launch a new charitable organisation named Archewell that aims "to do something that matters".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:25 Harry: 'Full respect to every one of you'
Meghan also revealed her first post-royal role: narrating a documentary for Disney.
In her first interview since stepping down as a senior royal, she said she hoped the film, Elephant, would inspire people to "take care of each other".
She told ABC's Good Morning America: "I hope that when people see this film, they realise how connected we all are, and if we had more of an awareness about the obstacles they are facing, I think we'd take care of each other, animals and this planet in a very different way.
"That's why it's really important for me to be able to help tell that story."
In an interview with the Declassified podcast last week, Harry said he was "incredibly proud" of the public's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
He described efforts to volunteer and help in the national effort as "wonderfully British", and he praised World War Two veteran Captain Tom Moore, who has raised over £26m for the NHS by walking lengths of his garden.


news--2020-04-21--Canada: At least 22 people killed in country's deadliest mass shooting

At least 22 people were shot dead after a gunman went on a rampage in Novia Scotia over the weekend in Canada 's deadliest mass shooting to date .
The suspected gunman , Gabriel Wortman , a 51-year-old denturist , was dressed as a police officer and had disguised his car to look like a police vehicle .
Police said Wortman killed people in several locations over 12 hours across the rural town of Portapique , and some of his victims were not known to him .
People were shot in their homes and properties set on fire .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they have recovered bodies from some of the locations of the fires .
A police spokesman confirmed that 22 people were killed in the attack , as well as the gunman .
Police have warned that the number of victims will almost certainly rise as investigators search through homes destroyed by the fires .
Officers were spread out across 16 locations in central and northern Nova Scotia , including the neighbourhood where the 12-hour attack began late on Saturday on Portapique Beach Road , where suspect Wortman lived .
Meanwhile , questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency alert was not sent as the rampage ensued .
Despite police providing Twitter updates on the attack , there were no alerts that would have automatically popped up on mobile phones .
Wortman was arrested by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police at a petrol station on Sunday .
Police later announced he had died .
He wore a police uniform and made his car look like a Royal Canadian Mounted Police cruiser allowing him to travel easily within a 30 mile ( 50km ) area around Portapique , where the rampage began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was among those killed .
Residents were warned in the neighbourhood to lock their doors and stay in their basements as the attacked unfolded .
The town , like the rest of the country , had been following government advice to remain at home because of the coronavirus pandemic , so most of the victims were inside their homes when the attack began .
However no wider warning was issued .
Police have not yet provided a motive for the attack , but have said the case is not being investigated as terrorism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside one house on Portapique Beach Road , police said .
Remains were also found at other locations in Nova Scotia and police believe the gunman may have targeted his first victims but then continued the attack by shooting randomly as he drove around .
Wortman , who is believed to have acted alone , was not well known to police , according to Royal Canadian Mounted Police Commissioner Brenda Lucki .
She said police were still studying the crime scenes to determine what weapons were used .
Nova Scotia 's premier Stephen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the most senseless acts of violence in our province 's history '' .
He added : `` I never imagined when I went to bed last night that I would wake up to the horrific news that an active shooter was on the loose in Nova Scotia . ''
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said : `` My heart goes out to everyone affected in what is a terrible situation '' .
It is the deadliest shooting since a gunman killed 14 women in Montreal in 1989 , a tragedy that resulted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laws .

At least 22 people were shot dead after a gunman went on a rampage in Novia Scotia over the weekend in Canada's deadliest mass shooting to date.
The suspected gunman, Gabriel Wortman, a 51-year-old denturist, was dressed as a police officer and had disguised his car to look like a police vehicle.
Police said Wortman killed people in several locations over 12 hours across the rural town of Portapique, and some of his victims were not known to him.
Image: Gabriel Wortman https://twitter.com/RCMPNS
People were shot in their homes and properties set on fire.
On Monday, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said they have recovered bodies from some of the locations of the fires.
A police spokesman confirmed that 22 people were killed in the attack, as well as the gunman.
Police have warned that the number of victims will almost certainly rise as investigators search through homes destroyed by the fires.
Officers were spread out across 16 locations in central and northern Nova Scotia, including the neighbourhood where the 12-hour attack began late on Saturday on Portapique Beach Road, where suspect Wortman lived.
Meanwhile, questions emerged on Tuesday about why a public emergency alert was not sent as the rampage ensued.
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Despite police providing Twitter updates on the attack, there were no alerts that would have automatically popped up on mobile phones.
Image: The attack happened in the province of Nova Scotia in eastern Canada
Wortman was arrested by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police at a petrol station on Sunday. Police later announced he had died.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:20 Gabriel Wortman dressed like a police officer and disguised his car as a police vehicle, before killing at last 16 people in a shooting spree.
He wore a police uniform and made his car look like a Royal Canadian Mounted Police cruiser allowing him to travel easily within a 30 mile (50km) area around Portapique, where the rampage began, police said.
A police officer was among those killed.
Image: RCMP officers stand on Portapique Beach Road after the attack
Residents were warned in the neighbourhood to lock their doors and stay in their basements as the attacked unfolded.
The town, like the rest of the country, had been following government advice to remain at home because of the coronavirus pandemic, so most of the victims were inside their homes when the attack began.
However no wider warning was issued.
Image: Heidi Stevenson, from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, was killed in the shooting in Nova Scotia. Pic: RCMP
Police have not yet provided a motive for the attack, but have said the case is not being investigated as terrorism.
Several bodies were found inside and outside one house on Portapique Beach Road, police said.
Remains were also found at other locations in Nova Scotia and police believe the gunman may have targeted his first victims but then continued the attack by shooting randomly as he drove around.
Image: The shootings began in the small town of Portapique, Nova Scotia
Wortman, who is believed to have acted alone, was not well known to police, according to Royal Canadian Mounted Police Commissioner Brenda Lucki.
She said police were still studying the crime scenes to determine what weapons were used.
Nova Scotia's premier Stephen McNeil described the shooting as "one of the most senseless acts of violence in our province's history".
Image: Officers pack up after the search for suspected gunman Gabriel Wortman after the attack in Nova Scotia
He added: "I never imagined when I went to bed last night that I would wake up to the horrific news that an active shooter was on the loose in Nova Scotia."
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: "My heart goes out to everyone affected in what is a terrible situation".
It is the deadliest shooting since a gunman killed 14 women in Montreal in 1989, a tragedy that resulted in an overhaul of Canada's gun laws.


news--2020-04-21--Woman who deliberately coughed at police officer jailed for four months

A 39-year-old woman has been jailed for more than four months after she deliberately coughed at a police officer as she was being arrested .
Charlene Merrifield became aggressive and abusive towards officers , and leaned forward in the back of a police van and coughed in the direction of a PC .
Northumbria Police on Tuesday released footage of the offence , which the force described as `` appalling '' in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
Chief Inspector Nicola Wearing said : `` Our officers come to work each day in order to keep people safe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do so knowing they could be faced with potentially dangerous situations .
`` However , at a time when our communities across Northumbria are pulling together and showing the incredible spirit that this region is famed for , there remains a small minority who show a total disregard for both the law and the welfare of others .
`` Charlene Merrifield knew exactly what she was doing as she decided to intentionally cough at one of our officers , which is absolutely appalling .
`` I hope this case highlights how seriously offences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the light of the current pandemic .
`` I would like to thank the public for their amazing support , as well as our officers , staff and volunteers who are all working together in these difficult and unprecedented times to protect the most vulnerable in our communities . ''
Merrifield was stopped by police in Hebburn in South Tyneside on 8 April following a report that a woman had attempted to attack a male with a knife and had caused damage to vehicles .
Officers spotted her nearby with two bricks in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ford Focus had been damaged on the street after a windscreen wiper had been snapped off .
Merrifield was searched and no knife was found .
She was arrested on suspicion of affray .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker She admitted assault of an emergency worker , criminal damage and a public order offence when appearing before magistrates in South Tyneside on 15 April , along with breach of a suspended sentence .
Merrifield , of no fixed address , was @ @ @ @ @

A 39-year-old woman has been jailed for more than four months after she deliberately coughed at a police officer as she was being arrested.
Charlene Merrifield became aggressive and abusive towards officers, and leaned forward in the back of a police van and coughed in the direction of a PC.
Northumbria Police on Tuesday released footage of the offence, which the force described as "appalling" in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Image: Charlene Merrifield has been jailed for 21 weeks
Chief Inspector Nicola Wearing said: "Our officers come to work each day in order to keep people safe and protect the communities they serve. They do so knowing they could be faced with potentially dangerous situations.
"However, at a time when our communities across Northumbria are pulling together and showing the incredible spirit that this region is famed for, there remains a small minority who show a total disregard for both the law and the welfare of others.
"Charlene Merrifield knew exactly what she was doing as she decided to intentionally cough at one of our officers, which is absolutely appalling.
"I hope this case highlights how seriously offences of this nature are being taken in the light of the current pandemic.
"I would like to thank the public for their amazing support, as well as our officers, staff and volunteers who are all working together in these difficult and unprecedented times to protect the most vulnerable in our communities."
Merrifield was stopped by police in Hebburn in South Tyneside on 8 April following a report that a woman had attempted to attack a male with a knife and had caused damage to vehicles.
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Image: Merrifield protested against her arrest before she was asked to get in the police van
Officers spotted her nearby with two bricks in her hand.
Police also found a Ford Focus had been damaged on the street after a windscreen wiper had been snapped off.
Merrifield was searched and no knife was found. She was arrested on suspicion of affray.
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She admitted assault of an emergency worker, criminal damage and a public order offence when appearing before magistrates in South Tyneside on 15 April, along with breach of a suspended sentence.
Merrifield, of no fixed address, was jailed for 21 weeks.


news--2020-03-26--Coronavirus: Public urged to 'clap for our carers' and applaud NHS workers tonight

The British public have been been urged to take part in a nationwide salute tonight to thank NHS staff battling the spread of coronavirus .
Organisers of the `` Clap for our Carers '' initiative have planned a round of applause in a show of appreciation to doctors , nurses and all those tackling the COVID-19 outbreak .
It is set to take place at 8pm this evening from the nation 's doorsteps , windows , gardens and balconies .
Backing the gesture , the Department for Health tweeted : `` Join the nation at 8pm tonight to say THANK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff on the frontline , who are working tirelessly across the country in the fight against # coronavirus '' .
More than 470 deaths linked to coronavirus have been recorded in the UK so far .
In a statement , campaigners behind the initiative `` during these unprecedented times '' NHS workers `` need to know that we are grateful '' .
They added : `` Please join us on 26th March at 8pm for a big applause ( from front doors , garden , balcony , windows , living rooms etc ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GPs and carers our appreciation for their ongoing hard work and fight against this virus . ''
When asked whether the prime minister would be taking part , Boris Johnson 's spokesman said : `` The prime minister will take every opportunity that is available to him to express his support for the fantastic efforts of the NHS . ''
Despite the gesture , doctors and nurses have repeatedly complained about not having enough personal protective equipment ( PPE ) and feeling like `` cannon fodder '' in the fight against the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of testing for healthcare workers .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In response to the increasing demands on the NHS , the government is opening a temporary hospital at an exhibition centre in east London and asking manufacturers to produce thousands of ventilators .
It also issued a call for 250,000 volunteers to sign up to help the NHS and vulnerable people affected by the outbreak .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Thursday that 560,000 people had already volunteered .

The British public have been been urged to take part in a nationwide salute tonight to thank NHS staff battling the spread of coronavirus.
Organisers of the "Clap for our Carers" initiative have planned a round of applause in a show of appreciation to doctors, nurses and all those tackling the COVID-19 outbreak.
It is set to take place at 8pm this evening from the nation's doorsteps, windows, gardens and balconies.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:18 Nation asked to 'clap for our carers' tonight
Backing the gesture, the Department for Health tweeted: "Join the nation at 8pm tonight to say THANK YOU to all health and social care staff on the frontline, who are working tirelessly across the country in the fight against #coronavirus".
More than 470 deaths linked to coronavirus have been recorded in the UK so far.
In a statement, campaigners behind the initiative "during these unprecedented times" NHS workers "need to know that we are grateful".
They added: "Please join us on 26th March at 8pm for a big applause (from front doors, garden, balcony, windows, living rooms etc) to show all nurses; doctors; GPs and carers our appreciation for their ongoing hard work and fight against this virus."
When asked whether the prime minister would be taking part, Boris Johnson's spokesman said: "The prime minister will take every opportunity that is available to him to express his support for the fantastic efforts of the NHS."
Despite the gesture, doctors and nurses have repeatedly complained about not having enough personal protective equipment (PPE) and feeling like "cannon fodder" in the fight against the virus.
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They have also reported a lack of testing for healthcare workers.
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In response to the increasing demands on the NHS, the government is opening a temporary hospital at an exhibition centre in east London and asking manufacturers to produce thousands of ventilators.
It also issued a call for 250,000 volunteers to sign up to help the NHS and vulnerable people affected by the outbreak. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Thursday that 560,000 people had already volunteered.


news--2020-03-26--Coronavirus: Ministers tell outsourcing giants to pool workforces

Britain 's biggest outsourcing groups are to pool their workforces to ensure the delivery of public sector contracts in an unprecedented move to deal with the COVID-19 crisis .
Sky News has learnt that the Cabinet Office , which manages the government 's relationship with companies such as Capita and Serco , has told the industry that it wants to create a `` clearing house '' through which furloughed employees of one business could be redeployed on a contract managed by a rival .
The move , which could be implemented within days , would be designed to ensure the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prisons at a time when contractors ' workforces face severe reductions through illness and self-isolation .
Whitehall sources said on Thursday night that the Cabinet Office had briefed outsourcers on plans for the staff pooling system this week .
Other companies involved in the initiative include Interserve and Mitie .
It would echo elements of co-operation within sectors such as the food retail industry , where competition law has formally been suspended to enable greater co-operation between supermarkets at a time of huge strain on their supply chain .
The Competition and Markets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more flexible about collaboration between industry rivals during the pandemic but has warned companies not to exploit temporary relaxations of its regime .
The Cabinet Office 's move to pool outsourcers ' workforces comes within days of it warning the industry that it needed to be better prepared for a wave of absenteeism among teams responsible for working on critical national infrastructure projects .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In a memo sent last week seen by Sky News , officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an average of 21 % of their workforces to be away from work during a projected 16-week outbreak of the infection .
`` We would like all suppliers to consider minimum number of staff required to deliver services on gold contracts and prioritisation of Key Performance Indicators and Service Level Agreements based on criticality of services and vulnerability of service users , '' it said .
None of the outsourcers would comment on the pooling plan on Thursday .

Britain's biggest outsourcing groups are to pool their workforces to ensure the delivery of public sector contracts in an unprecedented move to deal with the COVID-19 crisis.
Sky News has learnt that the Cabinet Office, which manages the government's relationship with companies such as Capita and Serco, has told the industry that it wants to create a "clearing house" through which furloughed employees of one business could be redeployed on a contract managed by a rival.
The move, which could be implemented within days, would be designed to ensure the continuity of service delivery in hospitals and prisons at a time when contractors' workforces face severe reductions through illness and self-isolation.
Whitehall sources said on Thursday night that the Cabinet Office had briefed outsourcers on plans for the staff pooling system this week.
Other companies involved in the initiative include Interserve and Mitie.
It would echo elements of co-operation within sectors such as the food retail industry, where competition law has formally been suspended to enable greater co-operation between supermarkets at a time of huge strain on their supply chain.
The Competition and Markets Authority has said that it will be more flexible about collaboration between industry rivals during the pandemic but has warned companies not to exploit temporary relaxations of its regime.
The Cabinet Office's move to pool outsourcers' workforces comes within days of it warning the industry that it needed to be better prepared for a wave of absenteeism among teams responsible for working on critical national infrastructure projects.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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In a memo sent last week seen by Sky News, officials told outsourcers to disclose their readiness for an average of 21% of their workforces to be away from work during a projected 16-week outbreak of the infection.
"We would like all suppliers to consider minimum number of staff required to deliver services on gold contracts and prioritisation of Key Performance Indicators and Service Level Agreements based on criticality of services and vulnerability of service users," it said.
None of the outsourcers would comment on the pooling plan on Thursday.


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Around 10 more UK sites could become makeshift hospitals

Officials are looking to convert around 10 more sites across the country into makeshift coronavirus hospitals similar to the ExCel exhibition centre in London , Sky News understands .
Military planners are already examining five locations in support of the Department of Health and Social Care , a Whitehall source said .
They would not confirm any of the areas , but said they would likely include major cities like Manchester , Birmingham and Newcastle .
A second source with knowledge of government planning for the COVID-19 pandemic said the aim was to convert between eight to 10 sites into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they would not be as large as the ExCel conversion , which will see the creation of two wards , each with the capacity for 2,000 beds .
A third source said the number was set to be between 10 and 13 - though he described the planned facilities as annexes to local hospitals .
Matt Hancock , the health secretary , revealed on Tuesday that the exhibition hall in east London would open next week as the renamed NHS Nightingale Hospital .
The facility will initially have capacity for about 500 patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and military medics .
Information provided by a fourth source revealed that military planners could be asked to look for 10 `` Excel-type '' hospital sites across the country .
The Ministry of Defence last week said it was creating a COVID-19 Support Force to help the government in its response to the pandemic .
: : Listen to the Daily Podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Up to 20,000 military personnel are on standby to assist .
Among the tasks they are already looking into is how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bed capacity amid concerns about the anticipated influx of patients as the outbreak worsens .

Officials are looking to convert around 10 more sites across the country into makeshift coronavirus hospitals similar to the ExCel exhibition centre in London, Sky News understands.
Military planners are already examining five locations in support of the Department of Health and Social Care, a Whitehall source said.
Image: The London ExCel centre will have two wards, each with the capacity for 2,000 beds
They would not confirm any of the areas, but said they would likely include major cities like Manchester, Birmingham and Newcastle.
A second source with knowledge of government planning for the COVID-19 pandemic said the aim was to convert between eight to 10 sites into hospital facilities.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:33 'Love and protect the NHS' - COVID-19 patient
However the source said they would not be as large as the ExCel conversion, which will see the creation of two wards, each with the capacity for 2,000 beds.
A third source said the number was set to be between 10 and 13 - though he described the planned facilities as annexes to local hospitals.
Matt Hancock, the health secretary, revealed on Tuesday that the exhibition hall in east London would open next week as the renamed NHS Nightingale Hospital.
The facility will initially have capacity for about 500 patients, and will be staffed by NHS and military medics.
Information provided by a fourth source revealed that military planners could be asked to look for 10 "Excel-type" hospital sites across the country.
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The Ministry of Defence last week said it was creating a COVID-19 Support Force to help the government in its response to the pandemic.
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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Up to 20,000 military personnel are on standby to assist.
Among the tasks they are already looking into is how to help the NHS generate more hospital bed capacity amid concerns about the anticipated influx of patients as the outbreak worsens.


news--2020-03-26--Coronavirus: Bank of England warns of 'sharp' virus hit as stocks resume slide

The Bank of England has warned of possible longer-term damage to the economy from the coronavirus crisis .
It issued its latest commentary on the effects of the disruption from COVID-19 as its rate-setting committee maintained interest rates at their joint-record low of 0.1 % following two earlier emergency cuts this month .
It spoke up just before US government figures highlighted the pressure on economies from lockdown conditions when it revealed 3.3 million people claimed jobless benefits in the past week - shattering American records .
The figures were likely to be seen as a wake-up call as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agree a major government relief package .
Donald Trump 's $ 2trn rescue plan has hit political headwinds in its path through Congress but cleared a Senate vote overnight .
The package includes $ 58bn for the mostly-grounded airline industry - split between grants and loans to cover pay cheques - with companies drawing support unable to cut staff until the end of September or change their labour agreements .
Crisis-hit Boeing , already reeling from the grounding of the 737 MAX , gets $ 17bn .
It is understood most Americans would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,200 each .
The package has dominated investor sentiment for the past two days .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker After a jittery finish to trading in the US on Wednesday , the Nikkei in Tokyo was 4.5 % down amid falls across Asia though the Dow Jones on Wall St rose 6 % as the dire jobless claims numbers bolstered investor hopes that more relief measures would be offered globally .
In London , the FTSE 100 Index ended the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5,815 despite the Bank of England , as had been widely expected , making no further policy shifts at the latest meeting of its monetary policy committee .
In addition to the earlier rate cuts , it has already also boosted its bond-buying programme by £200bn , in a baptism of fire for new governor , Andrew Bailey .
It said on Thursday that it stood ready to expand its purchases of UK government and corporate bonds should it be deemed necessary .
A summary of the meeting said : `` The spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are likely to be needed to contain it have evolved significantly .
`` The economic consequences of these developments are becoming more apparent and a very sharp reduction in activity is likely .
`` Given the severity of that disruption , there is a risk of longer-term damage to the economy , especially if there are business failures on a large scale or significant increases in unemployment . ''
• Intu Properties , the owner of shopping centres including Lakeside in Essex , confirmed a story by Sky News when it reported that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was due to be paid by tenants on 25 March , had been withheld .
• London office and UK retail site owner British Land said it was supporting its store tenants , such as those in its Meadowhall centre in Sheffield , with rent deferrals totalling £40m .
The group suspended future dividend payments and construction work at its key London development sites .
• Topps Tiles , the specialist tiling retailer , said it was trading online only - reporting a 3.1 % fall in like-for-like sales in the 12 weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance for the full year .
• Lloyd 's of London , the insurance market , said it was in a `` strong position to respond to the impacts of COVID-19 '' with net resources in 2019 topping £39bn and a return to profit for the year , hitting £2.5bn .
• Dixons Carphone , which recently announced the permanent closure of its Carphone Warehouse stores in a move unrelated to the crisis , said demand for working from home technology had lifted online sales in electrical goods by 23 % in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development , regulators said listed companies would be given an additional two months from the end of their financial years to publish their audited financial statements .
The Office for National Statistics also published retail sales data for February showing a flat performance .
Wet weather was blamed while there was also a delay to the shipment of popular goods from China as the country fought its battle against COVID-19 .

The Bank of England has warned of possible longer-term damage to the economy from the coronavirus crisis.
It issued its latest commentary on the effects of the disruption from COVID-19 as its rate-setting committee maintained interest rates at their joint-record low of 0.1% following two earlier emergency cuts this month.
It spoke up just before US government figures highlighted the pressure on economies from lockdown conditions when it revealed 3.3 million people claimed jobless benefits in the past week - shattering American records.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Trump 'hopeful' people can work again by Easter
The figures were likely to be seen as a wake-up call as the US is the last major economy to agree a major government relief package.
Donald Trump's $2trn rescue plan has hit political headwinds in its path through Congress but cleared a Senate vote overnight.
The package includes $58bn for the mostly-grounded airline industry - split between grants and loans to cover pay cheques - with companies drawing support unable to cut staff until the end of September or change their labour agreements.
Crisis-hit Boeing, already reeling from the grounding of the 737 MAX, gets $17bn.
Image: Boeing 737 MAX planes were grounded a year ago after a second fatal crash
It is understood most Americans would qualify for cheques of up to $1,200 each.
The package has dominated investor sentiment for the past two days.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
After a jittery finish to trading in the US on Wednesday, the Nikkei in Tokyo was 4.5% down amid falls across Asia though the Dow Jones on Wall St rose 6% as the dire jobless claims numbers bolstered investor hopes that more relief measures would be offered globally.
In London, the FTSE 100 Index ended the day more than 2% up at 5,815 despite the Bank of England, as had been widely expected, making no further policy shifts at the latest meeting of its monetary policy committee.
Image: Andrew Bailey took over as governor of the Bank of England on 16 March
In addition to the earlier rate cuts, it has already also boosted its bond-buying programme by £200bn, in a baptism of fire for new governor, Andrew Bailey.
It said on Thursday that it stood ready to expand its purchases of UK government and corporate bonds should it be deemed necessary.
A summary of the meeting said: "The spread of the disease and the measures that are likely to be needed to contain it have evolved significantly.
"The economic consequences of these developments are becoming more apparent and a very sharp reduction in activity is likely.
"Given the severity of that disruption, there is a risk of longer-term damage to the economy, especially if there are business failures on a large scale or significant increases in unemployment."
Image: Intu also owns Manchester's Trafford Centre
Of UK companies reporting new coronavirus updates:
Intu Properties, the owner of shopping centres including Lakeside in Essex, confirmed a story by Sky News when it reported that 71% of its rental income that was due to be paid by tenants on 25 March, had been withheld.
when it reported that 71% of its rental income that was due to be paid by tenants on 25 March, had been withheld. London office and UK retail site owner British Land said it was supporting its store tenants, such as those in its Meadowhall centre in Sheffield, with rent deferrals totalling £40m. The group suspended future dividend payments and construction work at its key London development sites.
Topps Tiles, the specialist tiling retailer, said it was trading online only - reporting a 3.1% fall in like-for-like sales in the 12 weeks to 21 March. It withdrew financial guidance for the full year.
Lloyd's of London, the insurance market, said it was in a "strong position to respond to the impacts of COVID-19" with net resources in 2019 topping £39bn and a return to profit for the year, hitting £2.5bn.
Dixons Carphone, which recently announced the permanent closure of its Carphone Warehouse stores in a move unrelated to the crisis, said demand for working from home technology had lifted online sales in electrical goods by 23% in the past three weeks.
In a separate development, regulators said listed companies would be given an additional two months from the end of their financial years to publish their audited financial statements.
The Office for National Statistics also published retail sales data for February showing a flat performance.
Wet weather was blamed while there was also a delay to the shipment of popular goods from China as the country fought its battle against COVID-19.


news--2020-03-26--Royal Navy shadows Russian warships after 'unusually high levels of activity' in Channel and North S

Royal Navy shadows Russian warships after 'unusually high levels of activity' in Channel and North Sea

Nine Royal Navy vessels have shadowed seven Russian warships after detecting `` unusually high levels of activity '' in the Channel and North Sea .
It comes as the Royal Navy has been preparing to help the NHS and other government departments deal with the coronavirus crisis .
Royal Navy sailors and aircrew have been monitoring every movement of the Russian ships using state-of-the-art radar , surveillance cameras and sensors , allowing them to track their course and speed as they passed the British Isles .
They were supported by Merlin and Wildcat helicopters of 814 and 815 Naval Air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily Podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Portsmouth-based HMS Tyne spent more than a week working in the English Channel keeping a close eye on the Russian vessels as they passed the south coast .
Lieutenant Nick Ward , HMS Tyne 's executive officer , said : `` As the Armed Forces are helping the NHS save lives in the UK , it 's essential the Navy continues to deliver the tasks we have always performed to help keep Britain safe . ''
He added that the work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our patrol vessels perform in support of the Royal Navy 's commitments '' .
`` This is our core business and represents an enduring commitment to uphold the security of the UK , '' he said .
During the operations , three Steregushchiy-class corvettes , two Ropucha-class landing ships and two Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates were observed , as well as their supporting auxiliary ships and tugs .
HMS Sutherland watched on as the Merlin helicopter carried out a number of intelligence-gathering sorties over the Russian ships as they passed through the Channel .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hannah Lee , said : `` Our successful integration into the maritime group proves our ability to adapt to task group operations at short notice .
`` Having proved we can work together and contributed once again to NATO operations , we now look to return to UK national tasks in support of the very highest defence priorities . ''
Meanwhile , the Royal Navy 's logistics specialists and military planners have been working with the wider Armed Forces to help the coronavirus response effort .
Sky News ' foreign affairs editor Deborah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns by senior officials about how this coronavirus pandemic across the world is a huge distraction for governments and could potentially be exploited by adversaries .
`` And that 's why , while you 've got up to 20,000 military personnel on standby to help the government in its COVID-19 response , you have also got preparations underway to ensure that critical military operations such as the Royal Navy shadowing Russian vessels off the coast are able to continue . ''

Nine Royal Navy vessels have shadowed seven Russian warships after detecting "unusually high levels of activity" in the Channel and North Sea.
It comes as the Royal Navy has been preparing to help the NHS and other government departments deal with the coronavirus crisis.
Royal Navy sailors and aircrew have been monitoring every movement of the Russian ships using state-of-the-art radar, surveillance cameras and sensors, allowing them to track their course and speed as they passed the British Isles.
They were supported by Merlin and Wildcat helicopters of 814 and 815 Naval Air Squadrons.
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Portsmouth-based HMS Tyne spent more than a week working in the English Channel keeping a close eye on the Russian vessels as they passed the south coast.
Lieutenant Nick Ward, HMS Tyne's executive officer, said: "As the Armed Forces are helping the NHS save lives in the UK, it's essential the Navy continues to deliver the tasks we have always performed to help keep Britain safe."
He added that the work "represents one of the many roles our patrol vessels perform in support of the Royal Navy's commitments".
"This is our core business and represents an enduring commitment to uphold the security of the UK," he said.
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During the operations, three Steregushchiy-class corvettes, two Ropucha-class landing ships and two Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates were observed, as well as their supporting auxiliary ships and tugs.
HMS Sutherland watched on as the Merlin helicopter carried out a number of intelligence-gathering sorties over the Russian ships as they passed through the Channel.
HMS Sutherland's operations officer, Lieutenant Hannah Lee, said: "Our successful integration into the maritime group proves our ability to adapt to task group operations at short notice.
Image: A military lorry delivers a consignment of medical masks to St Thomas' hospital amid the coronavirus crisis
"Having proved we can work together and contributed once again to NATO operations, we now look to return to UK national tasks in support of the very highest defence priorities."
Meanwhile, the Royal Navy's logistics specialists and military planners have been working with the wider Armed Forces to help the coronavirus response effort.
Sky News' foreign affairs editor Deborah Haynes said: "This really underlines concerns by senior officials about how this coronavirus pandemic across the world is a huge distraction for governments and could potentially be exploited by adversaries.
"And that's why, while you've got up to 20,000 military personnel on standby to help the government in its COVID-19 response, you have also got preparations underway to ensure that critical military operations such as the Royal Navy shadowing Russian vessels off the coast are able to continue."


news--2020-03-26--Coronavirus: Wellie-maker Hunter on march for new investors

Hunter , the premium boot-maker whose brand is a fixture in celebrity and festival-goers ' wardrobes , is searching for new investment after finding its fortunes derailed by the coronavirus pandemic .
Sky News has learnt that Hunter , a double-royal warrant-holder that was founded 160 years ago , has asked AlixPartners , the professional services firm , to oversee a quickfire stake sale .
The move has been triggered by a slump in demand as COVID-19 hammers consumer brand sales .
The cancellation of live entertainment events and music festivals such as Glastonbury has had a particularly severe impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the company .
One insider said on Thursday that Hunter 's future would be endangered without new investment .
The terms of any prospective deal are unclear .
The stark picture facing the company comes despite the fact that its last financial year was the best in its history .
Hunter , which has been controlled by Searchlight Capital Partners since 2012 , was traditionally dominated by sales of Wellington boots , but over the last five years has diversified into a broader array of lifestyle products .
20 % of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while its geographical expansion means it now has a large - albeit challenged - business in North America .
As well as Searchlight , Pentland Group , the owner of Berghaus and Speedo , is a minority shareholder in Hunter .
The bootmaker has struck recent collaborations with Stella McCartney , Peppa Pig and The Walt Disney Company to create new product ranges .
It has also reduced its exposure to physical retail outlets , and now has only three flagship stores and three more standalone shops .
Hunter 's search for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consumer brands which are seeking new funding on an accelerated basis .
With little visibility about the timing or trajectory of the global economy 's recovery from the coronavirus outbreak , many retailers and the brands they sell are facing a battle for survival .
Hunter also finds itself in the 'squeezed middle ' of companies which are currently ineligible for either of the government 's principal emergency loan schemes .

Hunter, the premium boot-maker whose brand is a fixture in celebrity and festival-goers' wardrobes, is searching for new investment after finding its fortunes derailed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Sky News has learnt that Hunter, a double-royal warrant-holder that was founded 160 years ago, has asked AlixPartners, the professional services firm, to oversee a quickfire stake sale.
The move has been triggered by a slump in demand as COVID-19 hammers consumer brand sales.
The cancellation of live entertainment events and music festivals such as Glastonbury has had a particularly severe impact on Hunter, according to people close to the company.
One insider said on Thursday that Hunter's future would be endangered without new investment.
The terms of any prospective deal are unclear.
The stark picture facing the company comes despite the fact that its last financial year was the best in its history.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:35 Confusion continues over 'essential' jobs
Hunter, which has been controlled by Searchlight Capital Partners since 2012, was traditionally dominated by sales of Wellington boots, but over the last five years has diversified into a broader array of lifestyle products.
20% of its sales are now generated by non-footwear products, while its geographical expansion means it now has a large - albeit challenged - business in North America.
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As well as Searchlight, Pentland Group, the owner of Berghaus and Speedo, is a minority shareholder in Hunter.
The bootmaker has struck recent collaborations with Stella McCartney, Peppa Pig and The Walt Disney Company to create new product ranges.
It has also reduced its exposure to physical retail outlets, and now has only three flagship stores and three more standalone shops.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:43 US Senate backs $2trn COVID-19 bill
Hunter's search for new backers echoes that of other prominent consumer brands which are seeking new funding on an accelerated basis.
With little visibility about the timing or trajectory of the global economy's recovery from the coronavirus outbreak, many retailers and the brands they sell are facing a battle for survival.
Hunter also finds itself in the 'squeezed middle' of companies which are currently ineligible for either of the government's principal emergency loan schemes.
Hunter declined to comment.


news--2020-03-26--Coronavirus: NHS staff thank public after national applause

NHS staff have thanked the public after people across the UK stood on their doorsteps and applauded healthcare workers .
Speaking on Twitter , A & E charge nurse Craig Leathard said that it had been a `` real hard week for everybody ... but I 've just took the team outside to listen and that is absolutely ...
I do n't think there 's any words for that . ''
`` But to everybody , thank you ! ''
The general public , as well as members of the Royal Family and other famous faces , came out in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday , by clapping and cheering from their homes or balconies .
Prince Charles , 71 , was pictured at Birkhall , his private home on the Balmoral estate in Scotland .
Camilla , who is isolating from Charles , was seen in separate footage clapping on her own as she looked out of an open window .
The Duchess of Cornwall , has tested negative for the virus .
Charles , who reportedly has only mild symptoms of the illness , was said to be `` enormously touched '' by well-wishers ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day after it was revealed he had contracted the disease .
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge , William and Kate , posted a video of their three children George , Charlotte and Louis , clapping , while Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak also joined in from Downing Street .
It comes just hours after the government confirmed that 584 people in the UK have died with coronavirus and almost 12,000 people are confirmed as having the disease .
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex posted a message on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thank you for all that you continue to do !
Applauding you from across the pond . ''
Many across the UK joined in , with some holding signs , cheering and letting off fireworks .
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also took part , appearing to cheer in a video .
Journalist and former Labour Party aide Alastair Campbell posted an Instagram video of him playing the bagpipes , leading his street in tribute to a neighbour who works in the NHS .
One supporter played Tina Turner 's ( Simply ) The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along .
Emergency services , including police officers and firemen , also showed their support .
In a post on Twitter , the stars of James Bond - including 007 himself , Daniel Craig - filmed themselves clapping .
The organisers of the Clap for Carers campaign , which was started online , say it was held because `` during these unprecedented times , [ NHS staff ] need to know we are grateful '' .
A number of landmarks , including the Wembley Arch , Royal Albert Hall , Lincoln Cathedral and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tribute .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted : `` On behalf of the whole country , I want to thank all the incredible nurses , doctors , NHS support staff and carers who are working flat out to fight coronavirus . ''
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said in a video message for LBC : `` My colleagues in the NHS do so much to look after us , especially in our hour of need and never more so than during the coronavirus crisis . ''
The tribute is part of the # lightitblue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a way to say thank you to hardworking healthcare staff .
There are now calls for the show of solidarity to take place on a weekly basis during the pandemic .

NHS staff have thanked the public after people across the UK stood on their doorsteps and applauded healthcare workers.
Speaking on Twitter, A&E charge nurse Craig Leathard said that it had been a "real hard week for everybody... but I've just took the team outside to listen and that is absolutely... I don't think there's any words for that."
"But to everybody, thank you!"
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:13 Royal children salute NHS carers
The general public, as well as members of the Royal Family and other famous faces, came out in support of the NHS at 8pm on Thursday, by clapping and cheering from their homes or balconies.
Prince Charles, 71, was pictured at Birkhall, his private home on the Balmoral estate in Scotland.
Camilla, who is isolating from Charles, was seen in separate footage clapping on her own as she looked out of an open window. The Duchess of Cornwall, has tested negative for the virus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:54 People across the UK have taken part in a national applause of thanks for health workers
Charles, who reportedly has only mild symptoms of the illness, was said to be "enormously touched" by well-wishers' kind words after receiving hundreds of messages the day after it was revealed he had contracted the disease.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate, posted a video of their three children George, Charlotte and Louis, clapping, while Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak also joined in from Downing Street.
It comes just hours after the government confirmed that 584 people in the UK have died with coronavirus and almost 12,000 people are confirmed as having the disease.
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Image: Boris Johnson joined in outside Number 10
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex posted a message on their Instagram story, writing: "Thank you for all that you continue to do! Applauding you from across the pond."
Many across the UK joined in, with some holding signs, cheering and letting off fireworks.
Image: Barbara Leigh, aged 93, rings a bell for the NHS with her family - across the road from Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester
Image: Staff from the Royal Liverpool University Hospital
Image: Woodford Green, London
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also took part, appearing to cheer in a video.
Journalist and former Labour Party aide Alastair Campbell posted an Instagram video of him playing the bagpipes, leading his street in tribute to a neighbour who works in the NHS.
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One supporter played Tina Turner's (Simply) The Best to their street as others clapped along.
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Emergency services, including police officers and firemen, also showed their support.
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In a post on Twitter, the stars of James Bond - including 007 himself, Daniel Craig - filmed themselves clapping.
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The organisers of the Clap for Carers campaign, which was started online, say it was held because "during these unprecedented times, [NHS staff] need to know we are grateful".
Image: People clap from a block of flats opposite St Thomas' Hospital in London. Pic: Facundo Arrizabalaga/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Image: Dr Olivera Potparic, an anaesthetist originally from Serbia, applauds her colleagues after finishing a 12-hour shift
Image: Nick and Karen Giddens and their dog Macy in Leicester
A number of landmarks, including the Wembley Arch, Royal Albert Hall, Lincoln Cathedral and the Principality Stadium were lit up in tribute.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: "On behalf of the whole country, I want to thank all the incredible nurses, doctors, NHS support staff and carers who are working flat out to fight coronavirus."
Image: Tyne Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne
Image: Belfast City Hall is lit up in support
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said in a video message for LBC: "My colleagues in the NHS do so much to look after us, especially in our hour of need and never more so than during the coronavirus crisis."
The tribute is part of the #lightitblue campaign, which has been organised as a way to say thank you to hardworking healthcare staff.
There are now calls for the show of solidarity to take place on a weekly basis during the pandemic.


news--2020-03-19--Coronavirus: Who are the key workers who can still send their children to school?

Schools in England will shut on Friday as the government ramps up measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus .
Announcing the closures in parliament yesterday , Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said exceptions would be made for the children of key workers and children who are most vulnerable .
`` The scientific advice shows that the settings are safe for this small number of children attending , '' he said .
`` But asking others to stay away will just go towards helping us slow the spread of this virus . ''
The government has not yet released a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ count as key workers .
However , it said NHS staff , police and supermarket delivery drivers are examples of the sorts of jobs that will be covered .
Anybody who works in those three areas will therefore definitely still be able to send their children to school if they need to and other jobs are likely to be added to the list .
The term key workers is most regularly used in the UK to refer to crucial public sector employees who would struggle to afford housing in the area they work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the local authority but it usually includes the several of the following roles : • Prison officers and some other prison staff During the current pandemic other private sector roles are also likely to be added to the list , as are people employed in the armed forces .
Sky News understands from Network Rail that rail staff will also be classed as key workers , in order to keep the train network operational across the country .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable children are the other group of people allowed to continue sending their children to school .
The government says this group will include those who have a social worker and those with Education , Health and Care Plans - a legal document that describes a child 's special educational needs and the support they require .

Schools in England will shut on Friday as the government ramps up measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Announcing the closures in parliament yesterday, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said exceptions would be made for the children of key workers and children who are most vulnerable.
"The scientific advice shows that the settings are safe for this small number of children attending," he said.
"But asking others to stay away will just go towards helping us slow the spread of this virus."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 PM: UK schools to close from Friday
The government has not yet released a full list of the jobs that will count as key workers.
However, it said NHS staff, police and supermarket delivery drivers are examples of the sorts of jobs that will be covered.
Anybody who works in those three areas will therefore definitely still be able to send their children to school if they need to and other jobs are likely to be added to the list.
Image: Police staff will also definitely be included in the list of key workers
The term key workers is most regularly used in the UK to refer to crucial public sector employees who would struggle to afford housing in the area they work.
The exact list of jobs varies according to the local authority but it usually includes the several of the following roles:
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Clinical National Health Service staff
Teachers and nursery nurses
Police officers, community support officers and some civilian police staff
Prison officers and some other prison staff
Probation Service staff
Social workers, educational psychologists and therapists
Local authority planners
Firefighters
Connexions personal advisers
Some Ministry of Defence personnel
Environmental health officers
Highways England traffic officers
During the current pandemic other private sector roles are also likely to be added to the list, as are people employed in the armed forces.
Sky News understands from Network Rail that rail staff will also be classed as key workers, in order to keep the train network operational across the country.
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The parents of vulnerable children are the other group of people allowed to continue sending their children to school.
The government says this group will include those who have a social worker and those with Education, Health and Care Plans - a legal document that describes a child's special educational needs and the support they require.