news--2020-04-16--Clap for Carers: PM joins applause for health workers as he continues coronavirus recovery

Boris Johnson has taken part in this week 's Clap for Carers event , joining many people across the country as they thanked frontline healthcare workers putting their lives at risk during the coronavirus pandemic .
The prime minister is currently recovering from COVID-19 at his Chequers country residence after being discharged from hospital , while foreign secretary Dominic Raab deputises for him .
A Downing Street spokesman said : `` Like millions of people across the country , the prime minister joined in the Clap for Carers this evening , to say thank you for the incredible efforts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care workers . ''
It is now the fourth week since the country started applauding those treating COVID-19 patients in hospitals and care homes , after the idea went viral on social media at the start of the coronavirus lockdown .
Mr Johnson 's fiancee Carrie Symonds said she was `` clapping harder than ever tonight for our carers .
You are the best of Britain '' .
She also paid tribute to Captain Tom Moore , 99 , who has raised more than £15m for an NHS charity by walking 100 laps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Clap for Carers was Mr Raab and Chancellor Rishi Sunak , who have been leading the government 's response to the pandemic in the absence of the prime minister .
The foreign secretary had earlier announced an extension to the UK 's lockdown conditions , that will see people stay home for at least another three weeks .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also stood on his doorstep to applaud those who are working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sir Keir tweeted : `` Every week as millions of us stand on our doorsteps to clap our carers and key workers it is an emotional moment of profound thanks to those who are keeping our country going , putting their health and lives at risk for others .
# ClapForOurCarers '' Joining in the weekly event were carers and nurses themselves - many of whom were stood outside their hospitals or care centres clapping for one another .
Police across the country lined up to put their hands together , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was recently treated in hospital for coronavirus .
Television presenter Holly Willoughby also took part and shared a snap of a broken wooden spoon on Instagram , adding the hashtags # clapforourcarers # nhs .
Another TV host Tess Daly was joined by husband Vernon Kay in applauding workers .
She posted a picture of the couple wearing T-shirts bearing the slogan `` thank you NHS '' .
Clap for Carers happens every Thursday evening at 8pm .

Boris Johnson has taken part in this week's Clap for Carers event, joining many people across the country as they thanked frontline healthcare workers putting their lives at risk during the coronavirus pandemic.
The prime minister is currently recovering from COVID-19 at his Chequers country residence after being discharged from hospital, while foreign secretary Dominic Raab deputises for him.
A Downing Street spokesman said: "Like millions of people across the country, the prime minister joined in the Clap for Carers this evening, to say thank you for the incredible efforts of the country's doctors, nurses and care workers."
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It is now the fourth week since the country started applauding those treating COVID-19 patients in hospitals and care homes, after the idea went viral on social media at the start of the coronavirus lockdown.
Mr Johnson's fiancee Carrie Symonds said she was "clapping harder than ever tonight for our carers. You are the best of Britain".
She also paid tribute to Captain Tom Moore, 99, who has raised more than £15m for an NHS charity by walking 100 laps around his garden.
Also taking part in the Clap for Carers was Mr Raab and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who have been leading the government's response to the pandemic in the absence of the prime minister.
Image: Dominic Raab and Rishi Sunak took part
Image: People on their balconies, clapping for care workers
The foreign secretary had earlier announced an extension to the UK's lockdown conditions, that will see people stay home for at least another three weeks.
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Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also stood on his doorstep to applaud those who are working to keep people safe in the outbreak.
Sir Keir tweeted: "Every week as millions of us stand on our doorsteps to clap our carers and key workers it is an emotional moment of profound thanks to those who are keeping our country going, putting their health and lives at risk for others. #ClapForOurCarers"
Image: Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer applauded care workers on Thursday night
Image: People in Hove stood on their doorsteps to applaud care workers
Joining in the weekly event were carers and nurses themselves - many of whom were stood outside their hospitals or care centres clapping for one another.
Police across the country lined up to put their hands together, as did Liverpool football legend Sir Kenny Dalglish who was recently treated in hospital for coronavirus.
Image: The police also applauded their emergency service colleagues
Image: Nurses clapped, while also paying tribute to fundraiser Captain Tom Moore
Television presenter Holly Willoughby also took part and shared a snap of a broken wooden spoon on Instagram, adding the hashtags #clapforourcarers #nhs.
Another TV host Tess Daly was joined by husband Vernon Kay in applauding workers.
She posted a picture of the couple wearing T-shirts bearing the slogan "thank you NHS".
Clap for Carers happens every Thursday evening at 8pm.


news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer wants lockdown exit strategy revealed this week

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has called on the government to reveal its strategy for exiting the coronavirus lockdown this week .
In a letter to Dominic Raab , who is deputising for Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he recovers from COVID-19 , Sir Keir said that although millions of Britons had stuck to the rules , they `` need a sense of what comes next '' .
He called on ministers to be `` open and transparent '' about how the stringent coronavirus restrictions - brought in by the PM on 23 March - will come to an end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Talk of an exit strategy before we have reached the peak risks confusing the critical message that people need to stay at home in order to protect our NHS and save lives . ''
Sir Keir said in his letter that Labour supported extending the lockdown , which the government is widely expected to do later this week .
But he told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast that `` mistakes were made '' by ministers in the lockdown planning and speed it came into force .
He urged the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transparency is the best way '' to maintaining trust .
`` Plans need to be in place sooner rather than later , he said .
`` Science in the end ca n't tell you what the political strategy is for coming out of lockdown , because that involves political decisions as well as scientific decisions .
`` If we can get a consensus that this is the right strategy going forward , I think that will give trust to the public as well . ''
To that end , Sir Keir called on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the criteria the government will use to inform how and when it intends to ease the lockdown ; to publish the exit strategy now or in the coming week ; and to set out which sectors and core public services are most likely to see restrictions eased .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Responding to the letter , a government source said : `` Our strategy is focused on saving lives .
`` We have been clear that all decisions will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data .
`` Talk of an exit strategy before we have reached the peak risks confusing the critical message that people need to stay at home in order to protect our NHS and save lives . ''

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has called on the government to reveal its strategy for exiting the coronavirus lockdown this week.
In a letter to Dominic Raab, who is deputising for Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he recovers from COVID-19, Sir Keir said that although millions of Britons had stuck to the rules, they "need a sense of what comes next".
He called on ministers to be "open and transparent" about how the stringent coronavirus restrictions - brought in by the PM on 23 March - will come to an end.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 No sign of relaxing lockdown measures
But a government source said: "Talk of an exit strategy before we have reached the peak risks confusing the critical message that people need to stay at home in order to protect our NHS and save lives."
Sir Keir said in his letter that Labour supported extending the lockdown, which the government is widely expected to do later this week.
But he told Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast that "mistakes were made" by ministers in the lockdown planning and speed it came into force.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 How will the lockdown be eventually lifted?
He urged the government to publish its lockdown strategy because "transparency is the best way" to maintaining trust.
"Plans need to be in place sooner rather than later, he said.
"Science in the end can't tell you what the political strategy is for coming out of lockdown, because that involves political decisions as well as scientific decisions.
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"If we can get a consensus that this is the right strategy going forward, I think that will give trust to the public as well."
To that end, Sir Keir called on Mr Raab to commit to laying out the criteria the government will use to inform how and when it intends to ease the lockdown; to publish the exit strategy now or in the coming week; and to set out which sectors and core public services are most likely to see restrictions eased.
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Responding to the letter, a government source said: "Our strategy is focused on saving lives.
"We have been clear that all decisions will be guided by the scientific advice and data.
"Talk of an exit strategy before we have reached the peak risks confusing the critical message that people need to stay at home in order to protect our NHS and save lives."


news--2020-04-16--Coronavirus: No more 'business as usual' with China after COVID-19 crisis, warns Dominic Raab

Dominic Raab has said there is `` no doubt '' it will not be `` business as usual '' with China once the coronavirus crisis is over .
The foreign secretary , who is deputising for Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he recovers from contracting COVID-19 , said there needs to be a `` deep dive '' review into how the virus was able to spread from China .
He added that `` hard questions '' need to be asked about how the coronavirus came about and how its spread was not halted earlier .
`` I think there absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deep dive after the event review of the lessons - including of the outbreak of the virus - and I do n't think we can flinch from that at all , it needs to be driven by the science , '' Mr Raab told the government 's daily COVID-19 news conference .
His remarks came as Sky News learnt the UK is investigating the origin of the coronavirus pandemic , including a possibility it could be linked to a Chinese laboratory conducting research into diseases in bats .
Mr Raab said the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes to the procurement of equipment and the return of UK nationals , adding that the review would need to be carried out in a `` balanced way '' .
However , he went on to say : `` But there is no doubt we ca n't have business as usual after this crisis , and we will have to ask the hard questions about how it came about and how it could n't have been stopped earlier . ''
The outbreak began in the Chinese city of Wuhan at the beginning of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world .
Globally , more than 100,000 people have died after contracting COVID-19 .
MPs have been critical of China 's response in recent weeks .
The Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee warned recently that disinformation propagated by Beijing and other countries was costing lives and hindering the battle against COVID-19 .
As the country where the outbreak originated , China should have played a central role in collecting data on its spread , MPs on the committee said .
Instead they said China had , from the outset , tried to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happening .
It called on the British government , in conjunction with international allies , to actively `` confront and rebut '' disinformation from foreign powers .
The MPs also named Iran and Russia as being behind false information about the coronavirus and suggested other nations might be involved .
But their ire was mainly focused on China .
The committee highlighted the way Li Wenliang , the Wuhan doctor who first raised the alarm about COVID-19 , was forced to confess to `` making false comments '' before he died from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tugendhat said Beijing had at first `` allowed disinformation to spread as quickly as the virus '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He added : `` Rather than helping other countries prepare a swift and strong response , it is increasingly apparent that they manipulated vital information about the virus in order to protect the regime 's image .
`` The government needs to tackle these lies with a clear and quick response , working with our allies to show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ false facts and deadly disinformation . ''

Dominic Raab has said there is "no doubt" it will not be "business as usual" with China once the coronavirus crisis is over.
The foreign secretary, who is deputising for Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he recovers from contracting COVID-19, said there needs to be a "deep dive" review into how the virus was able to spread from China.
He added that "hard questions" need to be asked about how the coronavirus came about and how its spread was not halted earlier.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Relaxing UK lockdown would risk lives - Raab
"I think there absolutely needs to be a very, very deep dive after the event review of the lessons - including of the outbreak of the virus - and I don't think we can flinch from that at all, it needs to be driven by the science," Mr Raab told the government's daily COVID-19 news conference.
His remarks came as Sky News learnt the UK is investigating the origin of the coronavirus pandemic, including a possibility it could be linked to a Chinese laboratory conducting research into diseases in bats.
Mr Raab said the UK and China had good cooperation when it comes to the procurement of equipment and the return of UK nationals, adding that the review would need to be carried out in a "balanced way".
However, he went on to say: "But there is no doubt we can't have business as usual after this crisis, and we will have to ask the hard questions about how it came about and how it couldn't have been stopped earlier."
The outbreak began in the Chinese city of Wuhan at the beginning of the year, but soon spread around the world.
Globally, more than 100,000 people have died after contracting COVID-19.
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MPs have been critical of China's response in recent weeks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:46 Why has the UK lockdown been extended?
The Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee warned recently that disinformation propagated by Beijing and other countries was costing lives and hindering the battle against COVID-19.
As the country where the outbreak originated, China should have played a central role in collecting data on its spread, MPs on the committee said.
Instead they said China had, from the outset, tried to "obfuscate" over what was really happening.
It called on the British government, in conjunction with international allies, to actively "confront and rebut" disinformation from foreign powers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 11:07 Chinese minister: 'You can't blame us'
The MPs also named Iran and Russia as being behind false information about the coronavirus and suggested other nations might be involved.
But their ire was mainly focused on China.
The committee highlighted the way Li Wenliang, the Wuhan doctor who first raised the alarm about COVID-19, was forced to confess to "making false comments" before he died from the virus in February.
Committee chairman Tom Tugendhat said Beijing had at first "allowed disinformation to spread as quickly as the virus".
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He added: "Rather than helping other countries prepare a swift and strong response, it is increasingly apparent that they manipulated vital information about the virus in order to protect the regime's image.
"The government needs to tackle these lies with a clear and quick response, working with our allies to show a united front in the face of false facts and deadly disinformation."


news--2020-04-16--Coronavirus: UK investigates whether COVID-19 started in Chinese lab researching diseases in bats

Britain is among a number of countries investigating the origin of the coronavirus pandemic , including a possibility it could be linked to a Chinese laboratory conducting research into diseases in bats , Sky News has learnt .
It is thought to be considered highly likely that the novel coronavirus did occur naturally and is not man-made .
But that does not rule out the disease perhaps having emerged accidentally from a laboratory in the city of Wuhan in Hubei province , where the first known cases of the illness were recorded .
Sky News understands that the UK and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they try to establish the original source of the COVID-19 outbreak .
NBC News reported on Thursday that the US intelligence community is examining whether it came accidentally from a Wuhan lab studying diseases in bats .
`` It 's a possibility , though not the most likely possibility , '' one official was quoted as saying .
Asked about the intelligence on NBC 's Today show , US secretary of defence Mark Esper said : `` This is something we 've been watching closely now for some time , '' adding that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inconclusive '' so far .
The Wuhan Institute of Virology ( WIV ) is reported to have been studying coronaviruses in bats .
On Tuesday , a Washington Post columnist claimed that US embassy officials in China visited the Institute of Virology two years earlier and sent warnings back to Washington about alleged inadequate safety there .
One cable , dated 19 January 2018 , purportedly read : `` During interactions with scientists at the WIV laboratory , they noted the new lab has a serious shortage of appropriately trained technicians and investigators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The Wuhan Institute of Virology has previously dismissed rumours that the virus may have been artificially synthesised at one of its laboratories or perhaps escaped from such a facility , according to the Reuters news agency .
US President Donald Trump has said his government is trying to determine whether COVID-19 emanated from a Wuhan laboratory .
Mike Pompeo , his secretary of state , said Beijing `` needs to come clean '' on what they know .
The pandemic has stoked new tensions between the two global powers , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China 's records of deaths from the virus , believing the figures to be significantly under-reported .
More than four months into the crisis , the true source of the disease remains a mystery despite initial claims from China that it had originated from a food market in Wuhan .
In January , the director of China 's Centre for Disease Control and Prevention told a briefing `` the origins of the new coronavirus is the wildlife sold illegally in a Wuhan seafood market '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spotify , Spreaker That has been the most commonly held theory but there has been no definitive proof .
The mystery has fuelled a barrage of disinformation , including claims by the Chinese foreign ministry that COVID-19 may have been brought to China by US troops .
Among the other conspiracy theories is one alleging links to 5G telecommunication equipment , which has even led to phone masts across Europe being attacked .

Britain is among a number of countries investigating the origin of the coronavirus pandemic, including a possibility it could be linked to a Chinese laboratory conducting research into diseases in bats, Sky News has learnt.
It is thought to be considered highly likely that the novel coronavirus did occur naturally and is not man-made.
But that does not rule out the disease perhaps having emerged accidentally from a laboratory in the city of Wuhan in Hubei province, where the first known cases of the illness were recorded.
Sky News understands that the UK and others are looking at all possibilities as they try to establish the original source of the COVID-19 outbreak.
NBC News reported on Thursday that the US intelligence community is examining whether it came accidentally from a Wuhan lab studying diseases in bats.
"It's a possibility, though not the most likely possibility," one official was quoted as saying.
Asked about the intelligence on NBC's Today show, US secretary of defence Mark Esper said: "This is something we've been watching closely now for some time," adding that the results of the investigation are "inconclusive" so far.
The Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) is reported to have been studying coronaviruses in bats.
On Tuesday, a Washington Post columnist claimed that US embassy officials in China visited the Institute of Virology two years earlier and sent warnings back to Washington about alleged inadequate safety there.
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One cable, dated 19 January 2018, purportedly read: "During interactions with scientists at the WIV laboratory, they noted the new lab has a serious shortage of appropriately trained technicians and investigators needed to safely operate this high-containment laboratory."
The Wuhan Institute of Virology has previously dismissed rumours that the virus may have been artificially synthesised at one of its laboratories or perhaps escaped from such a facility, according to the Reuters news agency.
US President Donald Trump has said his government is trying to determine whether COVID-19 emanated from a Wuhan laboratory.
Mike Pompeo, his secretary of state, said Beijing "needs to come clean" on what they know.
The pandemic has stoked new tensions between the two global powers, with the United States also highly sceptical of China's records of deaths from the virus, believing the figures to be significantly under-reported.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:26 Backlash against Trump for cutting WHO funds
More than four months into the crisis, the true source of the disease remains a mystery despite initial claims from China that it had originated from a food market in Wuhan.
In January, the director of China's Centre for Disease Control and Prevention told a briefing "the origins of the new coronavirus is the wildlife sold illegally in a Wuhan seafood market".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
That has been the most commonly held theory but there has been no definitive proof.
The mystery has fuelled a barrage of disinformation, including claims by the Chinese foreign ministry that COVID-19 may have been brought to China by US troops.
Among the other conspiracy theories is one alleging links to 5G telecommunication equipment, which has even led to phone masts across Europe being attacked.


news--2020-04-16--Coronavirus: Italy warned us - now they say it will be a long time before we ever return to normal

Italy was the first country in Europe to be badly hit by the coronavirus pandemic .
The first country to show its hospitals overrun with the sick and dead with COVID-19 .
The first to call an unprecedented national lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus .
The first to begin criminal investigations into deaths in care homes .
Now , more than five weeks into its lockdown , Italy 's foreign minister is warning of the long road ahead before life can return to normal .
`` When a region does n't know where to put its coffins , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history you ca n't come back from , '' Luigi Di Maio told Sky News .
`` We 'll only be able to go back to normal once we have discovered a vaccine . ''
Italy 's next deadline on 3 May extends the lockdown to nearly eight weeks , but Italians are no clearer on what that will mean then .
Unlike France , the government here has not detailed a road map out of this crisis , and Mr Di Maio will not commit to what phase two will look like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I want to say one thing and this applies to everyone , not only to Italy .
We will only be able to go back to normality when we have discovered a vaccine .
`` To find this vaccine , we need a great international alliance . ''
He continued : `` If we discover a vaccine by joining forces as soon as possible , there will no longer be a phase two and three , but we will be able to return to embrace and hug as before . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ University next month for a vaccine produced in Italy .
If successful , it has optimistically been predicted that it could be available by September for healthcare workers in the UK .
But for freedoms and travel to fully resume , this could take far longer .
Mr Di Maio would not commit to Italy 's borders reopening by the summer .
He said : `` Making predictions about the summer is premature at this time .
`` As the Minister of Foreign Affairs , I say to Italians living abroad : stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to stop the contagion .
`` And if that 's the case for Italian citizens abroad , it unfortunately also applies to foreign citizens . ''
These travel restrictions and border closures will cost Italy badly .
Nearly 15 % of the country 's workforce is employed in the tourism sector , and it is worth nearly €230bn ( £200bn ) a year to Italy 's economy , 13.2 % of its GDP .
This year , tourism in Italy is predicted to drop to the same level as the 1960s , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at which this crisis escalated in Europe saw borders close as countries turned inwards to fight their own domestic emergencies .
It was not their European friends who came to Italy 's aid , but the less likely geopolitical partners , China and Russia .
EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen has said the EU needs to offer a heartfelt apology for not being there for Italy at the start of the pandemic .
She said : `` You can not overcome a pandemic of this speed and this scale without the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - the numbers , the science , the outlook , but also about our own actions .
`` Yes , it is true that no one was really ready for this .
It is also true that too many were not there on time when Italy needed a helping hand at the very beginning .
`` And yes , for that , it is right that Europe as a whole offers a heartfelt apology . ''
After intense talks , European finance ministers have now proposed a €500bn ( £435bn ) recovery fund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this pandemic .
But there are divisions between the struggling economies of Southern Europe , worst hit by the outbreak , and its more fiscally frugal northern neighbours .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker On Sunday , Pope Francis used his Easter address to warn that `` the EU is presently facing an epochal challenge '' .
Mr Di Maio says the EU will need to find strength to react to this historic challenge at its summit on 23 April .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ going it alone , '' he said .
`` We are not asking that another country pays our debts , but to create market conditions so that Italy can spend all the money it needs to help our businesses and workers , our unemployed , our young and old . ''

Italy was the first country in Europe to be badly hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
The first country to show its hospitals overrun with the sick and dead with COVID-19.
The first to call an unprecedented national lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus. The first to begin criminal investigations into deaths in care homes.
Image: Italy's Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio says the world can only return to normal 'once we have discovered a vaccine'
Italy warned its European neighbours to prepare.
Now, more than five weeks into its lockdown, Italy's foreign minister is warning of the long road ahead before life can return to normal.
"When a region doesn't know where to put its coffins, it's going through a moment in history you can't come back from," Luigi Di Maio told Sky News.
"We'll only be able to go back to normal once we have discovered a vaccine."
Italy's next deadline on 3 May extends the lockdown to nearly eight weeks, but Italians are no clearer on what that will mean then.
Unlike France, the government here has not detailed a road map out of this crisis, and Mr Di Maio will not commit to what phase two will look like, or when measures will be lifted.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 44:03 Special report: Into the Red Zone
"I want to say one thing and this applies to everyone, not only to Italy. We will only be able to go back to normality when we have discovered a vaccine.
"To find this vaccine, we need a great international alliance."
He continued: "If we discover a vaccine by joining forces as soon as possible, there will no longer be a phase two and three, but we will be able to return to embrace and hug as before."
A trial is to begin at Oxford University next month for a vaccine produced in Italy.
If successful, it has optimistically been predicted that it could be available by September for healthcare workers in the UK.
Image: Mr di Maio tells Sky's Sally Lockwood that finding a vaccine needs 'a great international alliance'
But for freedoms and travel to fully resume, this could take far longer.
Mr Di Maio would not commit to Italy's borders reopening by the summer.
He said: "Making predictions about the summer is premature at this time.
"As the Minister of Foreign Affairs, I say to Italians living abroad: stay there - because at this stage we need to stop the contagion.
"And if that's the case for Italian citizens abroad, it unfortunately also applies to foreign citizens."
Image: Italy is Europe's worst-hit country, with more than 21,600 people dying with COVID-19
These travel restrictions and border closures will cost Italy badly.
Nearly 15% of the country's workforce is employed in the tourism sector, and it is worth nearly €230bn (£200bn) a year to Italy's economy, 13.2% of its GDP.
This year, tourism in Italy is predicted to drop to the same level as the 1960s, according to federation Assoturismo.
The speed at which this crisis escalated in Europe saw borders close as countries turned inwards to fight their own domestic emergencies.
It was not their European friends who came to Italy's aid, but the less likely geopolitical partners, China and Russia.
EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen has said the EU needs to offer a heartfelt apology for not being there for Italy at the start of the pandemic.
She said: "You cannot overcome a pandemic of this speed and this scale without the truth.
"The truth about everything - the numbers, the science, the outlook, but also about our own actions.
"Yes, it is true that no one was really ready for this. It is also true that too many were not there on time when Italy needed a helping hand at the very beginning.
"And yes, for that, it is right that Europe as a whole offers a heartfelt apology."
After intense talks, European finance ministers have now proposed a €500bn (£435bn) recovery fund to help the impact on countries from this pandemic.
But there are divisions between the struggling economies of Southern Europe, worst hit by the outbreak, and its more fiscally frugal northern neighbours.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
On Sunday, Pope Francis used his Easter address to warn that "the EU is presently facing an epochal challenge".
Mr Di Maio says the EU will need to find strength to react to this historic challenge at its summit on 23 April.
"No one can delude themselves into going it alone," he said.
"We are not asking that another country pays our debts, but to create market conditions so that Italy can spend all the money it needs to help our businesses and workers, our unemployed, our young and old."


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Woman, 106, believed to be UK's oldest patient to recover from COVID-19 leaves hospital

A 106-year-old woman believed to be the UK 's oldest patient to recover from coronavirus has been discharged from hospital .
Great-grandmother Connie Titchen , who has lived through two World Wars , was admitted to hospital last month with suspected pneumonia and was later diagnosed with COVID-19 .
She suffered from the virus for just under three weeks before being given the all-clear by medics this week .
On leaving Birmingham City Hospital , she said : `` I feel very lucky that I 've fought off this virus .
I ca n't wait to see my family .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the grandmother-of-five and great-grandmother-of-eight has led a `` really active life '' and had loved to dance , cycle and play golf .
Ms Jones added : `` She has always cooked for herself too , although she likes a cheeky McDonald 's every now and then .
I have n't told her they are closed . ''
Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust announced the news of Ms Titchen 's recovery in a Facebook post , writing : `` Someone else we 'd like to give our own round of applause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like others , is heading home from City Hospital having successfully beaten coronavirus .
`` At 106 she is our oldest patient to do so - in fact she may very well be the oldest in the country to do so !
Well done Connie . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ms Jones , 40 , said : `` I think the secret of her old age is that she is physically active and very independent .
`` She had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within 30 days she was walking again .
`` She really is amazing and I know all the family ca n't wait to see her .
She has quite a few fans ! ''
Ms Jones praised staff at City Hospital , saying she `` ca n't fault '' her grandmother 's care .
`` I want to thank the staff for all they have done for her during her stay , '' she added .
Sister Kelly Smith , who looked after Ms Titchen , said : `` It 's been fantastic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amazing and we 've been doing our best to nurse her back to health .
`` We were really pleased when she was given the all clear .
It 's nice to see patients leave our ward after having beaten this virus . ''
There have been several cases of older patients recovering from coronavirus in the UK in recent weeks .
Second World War veteran Albert Chambers , who turns 100 in July , was given a guard of honour from nurses at Tickhill Road Hospital in Doncaster after overcoming COVID-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pictured with his thumbs up after being discharged from hospital in Worcestershire .
There have been more than 12,000 coronavirus-related deaths in hospitals in the UK , with a further 761 deaths announced on Wednesday .

A 106-year-old woman believed to be the UK's oldest patient to recover from coronavirus has been discharged from hospital.
Great-grandmother Connie Titchen, who has lived through two World Wars, was admitted to hospital last month with suspected pneumonia and was later diagnosed with COVID-19.
She suffered from the virus for just under three weeks before being given the all-clear by medics this week.
Image: Connie Titchen said she felt 'very lucky'. Pic: Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust
On leaving Birmingham City Hospital, she said: "I feel very lucky that I've fought off this virus. I can't wait to see my family."
Ms Titchen's granddaughter Alex Jones said the grandmother-of-five and great-grandmother-of-eight has led a "really active life" and had loved to dance, cycle and play golf.
Ms Jones added: "She has always cooked for herself too, although she likes a cheeky McDonald's every now and then. I haven't told her they are closed."
Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust announced the news of Ms Titchen's recovery in a Facebook post, writing: "Someone else we'd like to give our own round of applause to is Connie.
"She, like others, is heading home from City Hospital having successfully beaten coronavirus.
"At 106 she is our oldest patient to do so - in fact she may very well be the oldest in the country to do so! Well done Connie."
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Ms Jones, 40, said: "I think the secret of her old age is that she is physically active and very independent.
"She had a hip operation back in December and within 30 days she was walking again.
"She really is amazing and I know all the family can't wait to see her. She has quite a few fans!"
Ms Jones praised staff at City Hospital, saying she "can't fault" her grandmother's care.
"I want to thank the staff for all they have done for her during her stay," she added.
Sister Kelly Smith, who looked after Ms Titchen, said: "It's been fantastic to see Connie recover. She is amazing and we've been doing our best to nurse her back to health.
"We were really pleased when she was given the all clear. It's nice to see patients leave our ward after having beaten this virus."
There have been several cases of older patients recovering from coronavirus in the UK in recent weeks.
Second World War veteran Albert Chambers, who turns 100 in July, was given a guard of honour from nurses at Tickhill Road Hospital in Doncaster after overcoming COVID-19.
And 101-year-old coronavirus survivor Keith Watson was pictured with his thumbs up after being discharged from hospital in Worcestershire.
There have been more than 12,000 coronavirus-related deaths in hospitals in the UK, with a further 761 deaths announced on Wednesday.


news--2020-04-16--Coronavirus: New details on why you can leave home released by police chiefs

Police chiefs have issued guidance to forces on the `` reasonable '' excuses people can leave their homes during the coronavirus lockdown - including a cooling-off period after arguments .
It comes as Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announced a three-week extension to the country 's lockdown regulations .
Since the coronavirus restrictions were put in place in March , police have spent time and effort on catching people out for an unnecessary drive , dispersing groups in parks or , in some extreme cases , monitoring certain supermarket aisles .
More than 3,200 fines were handed out by police in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to those considered to be flouting the rules .
The National Police Chiefs ' Council ( NPCC ) has now issued guidance for police officers in England to explain the reasons that someone could `` reasonably '' leave their home during the COVID-19 lockdown .
They stress it simply helps officers to interpret on the original government advice .
Shopping - what you can do : • Buy several days ' worth of food , including luxury items and alcohol • Buy a small amount of a staple item or necessity ( for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a loaf of bread or pint of milk ) • Buy tools and supplies to repair a fence panel damaged in bad weather Shoppers who have gone out on their weekly shop to fill their cupboards , fridges and freezers will not be stopped from heading down `` non-essential '' aisles on their trip .
The guidelines add that as long as shops are open , customers have a reasonable excuse to visit them and that it would not be proportionate to stop people buying `` non-essential '' items .
It comes after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing guidelines when an officer posted on social media they were monitoring `` non-essential '' supermarket aisles .
Shopping - what you ca n't do : The NPCC said officers may take action over people who pop out to buy a pot of paint and brushes to simply undertake redecoration of a room ( for example ) , as the regulations relate to upkeep and maintenance , not renovation .
• Going for a run or cycle , practising yoga , walking in the countryside or in cities or attending an allotment • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far more time is spent walking than driving ) • Stopping to rest or to eat lunch while on a long walk • In some circumstances , exercising more than once per day • Driving for a prolonged period with only brief exercise • A short walk to a park bench , when the person remains seated for a much longer period It is clear from the guidelines that sitting or sunbathing in the park is not permitted , but having a rest during a workout is fine .
Police point out that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Work - what you can do : • Key workers or other essential workers can travel to work where it is not reasonably possible to work from home • Some non-key workers or non-essential key workers can travel to work where it is not reasonably possible to work from home What you can not do : • Work in a local park if you 're allowed to work from home • Knock on doors offering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government was issued when schools closed down in March as to who was and was not classed as a key worker - most of whom have been permitted to travel to their place of work .
Some non-key workers have also been allowed to travel to work , should their employer ask them to , or if they can not work from home .
However , the guidelines state that working from home means working from your home and not local parks or gardens .
The NPCC adds that there is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are required to go into work .
Other reasons to leave home - what you can do : • Go to the vet if your pet needs essential treatment • Move to a friend 's address for several days to `` cool off '' following an argument at home What you can not do : • Visit a vet 's surgery in person to renew a prescription ( where this could be done over the phone ) • Visiting a friend in their address or meeting in public to socialise

Police chiefs have issued guidance to forces on the "reasonable" excuses people can leave their homes during the coronavirus lockdown - including a cooling-off period after arguments.
It comes as Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announced a three-week extension to the country's lockdown regulations.
Since the coronavirus restrictions were put in place in March, police have spent time and effort on catching people out for an unnecessary drive, dispersing groups in parks or, in some extreme cases, monitoring certain supermarket aisles.
Image: Britons are being urged to stay at home until 7 May at the earliest
More than 3,200 fines were handed out by police in England between 27 March and 13 April to those considered to be flouting the rules.
The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) has now issued guidance for police officers in England to explain the reasons that someone could "reasonably" leave their home during the COVID-19 lockdown.
They stress it simply helps officers to interpret on the original government advice.
Image: Supermarkets across the country have social distancing measures in place
Shopping - what you can do:
Buy several days' worth of food, including luxury items and alcohol
Buy a small amount of a staple item or necessity (for example a newspaper, pet food, a loaf of bread or pint of milk)
Collect surplus basic food items from a friend
Buy tools and supplies to repair a fence panel damaged in bad weather
Shoppers who have gone out on their weekly shop to fill their cupboards, fridges and freezers will not be stopped from heading down "non-essential" aisles on their trip.
The guidelines add that as long as shops are open, customers have a reasonable excuse to visit them and that it would not be proportionate to stop people buying "non-essential" items.
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It comes after Cambridge Police had to clarify its social distancing guidelines when an officer posted on social media they were monitoring "non-essential" supermarket aisles.
Shopping - what you can't do:
The NPCC said officers may take action over people who pop out to buy a pot of paint and brushes to simply undertake redecoration of a room (for example), as the regulations relate to upkeep and maintenance, not renovation.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 People defy lockdown rules on Good Friday
Exercise - what is allowed:
Going for a run or cycle, practising yoga, walking in the countryside or in cities or attending an allotment
Driving to countryside and walking (where far more time is spent walking than driving)
Stopping to rest or to eat lunch while on a long walk
In some circumstances, exercising more than once per day
What isn't allowed:
Driving for a prolonged period with only brief exercise
A short walk to a park bench, when the person remains seated for a much longer period
It is clear from the guidelines that sitting or sunbathing in the park is not permitted, but having a rest during a workout is fine.
Police point out that exercise "must involve some movement".
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Work - what you can do:
Key workers or other essential workers can travel to work where it is not reasonably possible to work from home
Some non-key workers or non-essential key workers can travel to work where it is not reasonably possible to work from home
Deliver food packages to vulnerable people
What you cannot do:
Work in a local park if you're allowed to work from home
Knock on doors offering to do cash-in-hand work
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 UK lockdown: Could public patience run out?
Clear guidance from the government was issued when schools closed down in March as to who was and was not classed as a key worker - most of whom have been permitted to travel to their place of work.
Some non-key workers have also been allowed to travel to work, should their employer ask them to, or if they cannot work from home.
However, the guidelines state that working from home means working from your home and not local parks or gardens.
The NPCC adds that there is no need for someone to produce proof that they are required to go into work.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 Lockdown: The dos and don'ts
Other reasons to leave home - what you can do:
Go to the vet if your pet needs essential treatment
Move to a friend's address for several days to "cool off" following an argument at home
Provide support to vulnerable people
What you cannot do:


news--2020-06-21--Coronavirus: Health Secretary Matt Hancock criticises Apple's 'intransigence' in wake of app U-turn

The health secretary has criticised Apple over the roll-out of the government 's coronavirus app , accusing it of `` intransigence '' .
Matt Hancock told Sky News the tech firm would not make a change required to make the COVID-19 contact-tracing app work .
Apple said in a statement that it was `` committed to working with the UK government to help tackle COVID-19 '' .
`` We 've been constant collaborators with NHSX and will continue working with them on ways to further optimise the technology while protecting our customers ' privacy , '' a spokesperson added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Notification apps and we look forward to helping the UK government do the same . ''
In a major U-turn , the government confirmed earlier this week that it was abandoning efforts to develop its own coronavirus contact-tracing app in order to focus on technology from Apple and Google .
Speaking to Sophy Ridge On Sunday about the change in tack , Mr Hancock said : `` There were clearly problems with ours because it worked on Android , and Apple would n't make the change to allow it to work on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had brought it in sooner , I wish that Apple had made the change for it to work in Apple phones in the same way that the original works on Android phones , but we will get there . ''
He added : `` The moment that Apple and Google brought forward their technology we started working on that as well .
`` So absolutely it 's perfectly a reasonable point that people make that Apple have in the past also been intransigent in the face of perfectly reasonable requests from democratically elected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular problems , whether that 's about solutions to terrorism or other technical problems .
`` And so absolutely I understand that reluctance on their part and to be fair to Apple they may have good technical reasons for it which are under the skin of things . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Addressing the U-turn at Thursday 's coronavirus news conference in Downing Street , the health secretary defended the move .
Mr Hancock said that joining forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new , improved design .
He added that some of the features of the now-abandoned NHSX app will be incorporated into a new design with the two tech firms .
Mr Hancock said developers had been working on both the NHSX app and the design offered by Apple and Google since May , but a `` technical barrier '' was encountered when testing the NHSX app on the Isle of Wight .
`` We found that our app works well on Android devices but Apple software prevents iPhones being used effectively for contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own technology , '' the health secretary said .
He said the NHSX app was better at measuring distance than the Google-Apple model .
`` As it stands , our app wo n't work because Apple wo n't change their system , but it can measure distance , '' Mr Hancock explained .
`` And their app ca n't measure distance well enough to a standard that we are satisfied with . ''
He said the best way forward was to work together to overcome the issues , adding : `` We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple to bring the best bits of both systems together .
`` We will share our algorithm and the work that we have done on distance calculation and combine that with their work to deliver a new solution . ''
Mr Hancock told Sky News he was `` highly confident '' the app will see the light of day .
But he added : `` Given my experience over the last three or four months on this one , I 'm not going to put a date on it , we 'll just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

The health secretary has criticised Apple over the roll-out of the government's coronavirus app, accusing it of "intransigence".
Matt Hancock told Sky News the tech firm would not make a change required to make the COVID-19 contact-tracing app work.
Apple said in a statement that it was "committed to working with the UK government to help tackle COVID-19".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:48 Hancock on virus app: 'We backed both horses'
"We've been constant collaborators with NHSX and will continue working with them on ways to further optimise the technology while protecting our customers' privacy," a spokesperson added.
"Many countries have successfully launched Exposure Notification apps and we look forward to helping the UK government do the same."
In a major U-turn, the government confirmed earlier this week that it was abandoning efforts to develop its own coronavirus contact-tracing app in order to focus on technology from Apple and Google.
Speaking to Sophy Ridge On Sunday about the change in tack, Mr Hancock said: "There were clearly problems with ours because it worked on Android, and Apple wouldn't make the change to allow it to work on Apple.
"Of course I wish we had brought it in sooner, I wish that Apple had made the change for it to work in Apple phones in the same way that the original works on Android phones, but we will get there."
He added: "The moment that Apple and Google brought forward their technology we started working on that as well.
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"So absolutely it's perfectly a reasonable point that people make that Apple have in the past also been intransigent in the face of perfectly reasonable requests from democratically elected governments to work with them on solving particular problems, whether that's about solutions to terrorism or other technical problems.
"And so absolutely I understand that reluctance on their part and to be fair to Apple they may have good technical reasons for it which are under the skin of things."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Addressing the U-turn at Thursday's coronavirus news conference in Downing Street, the health secretary defended the move.
Mr Hancock said that joining forces with Apple and Google would offer a new, improved design.
He added that some of the features of the now-abandoned NHSX app will be incorporated into a new design with the two tech firms.
Mr Hancock said developers had been working on both the NHSX app and the design offered by Apple and Google since May, but a "technical barrier" was encountered when testing the NHSX app on the Isle of Wight.
"We found that our app works well on Android devices but Apple software prevents iPhones being used effectively for contact tracing unless you are using Apple's own technology," the health secretary said.
He said the NHSX app was better at measuring distance than the Google-Apple model.
"As it stands, our app won't work because Apple won't change their system, but it can measure distance," Mr Hancock explained.
"And their app can't measure distance well enough to a standard that we are satisfied with."
He said the best way forward was to work together to overcome the issues, adding: "We have agreed to join forces with Google and Apple to bring the best bits of both systems together.
"We will share our algorithm and the work that we have done on distance calculation and combine that with their work to deliver a new solution."
Mr Hancock told Sky News he was "highly confident" the app will see the light of day.
But he added: "Given my experience over the last three or four months on this one, I'm not going to put a date on it, we'll just work incredibly hard to make it happen."


news--2020-06-21--Surfing vicar Matt Timms sets up drive-in church service

A vicar with a passion for surfing has created his own drive-in church service in a car park in Newquay , Cornwall .
Reverend Matt Timms of Wave House Church was inspired to set up the outdoor session in an attempt to find a way around the coronavirus ban on church services after they were deemed `` non-essential '' by the government .
Mr Timms told Sky News : `` It started off as a crazy idea in my head . ''
Health and safety restrictions initially hindered his plans , but after some tweaks , Cornwall County Council said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said his congregation were `` elated to have the opportunity to be out together again after months of not being able to see people '' .
The service , which attracted over 50 vehicles , featured a Bible reading and prayers , followed by a screening of surfing film Unstoppable .
Mr Timms says many have spent lockdown in isolation , and so to find a way to bring people together now is `` so , so important '' .
He is now encouraging people to write to their MPs to ask for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The reverend said : `` Obviously , we 're not looking to break all the social distancing rules .
We 're hoping that they will be relaxed soon .
But what today has proved is that there has been a real need for it . ''
For worshippers who could n't get a parking space , the service was also streamed live on Facebook .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Timms explained : `` We 've had to quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ church leaders now we 've become semi-experts in broadcasting . ''
He said he hopes his car-park service will now act as a catalyst to inspire other churches to come up with exciting ways to serve their community .
He said : `` We need to share both the works and the words of Jesus at this time , and if we share this message of hope , then I do n't have to run it all .
Let 's just see what happens from here '' .

A vicar with a passion for surfing has created his own drive-in church service in a car park in Newquay, Cornwall.
Reverend Matt Timms of Wave House Church was inspired to set up the outdoor session in an attempt to find a way around the coronavirus ban on church services after they were deemed "non-essential" by the government.
Image: Reverend Timms said it started as a 'crazy idea' in his head. Pic: Facebook/WaveHouse
Mr Timms told Sky News: "It started off as a crazy idea in my head."
Health and safety restrictions initially hindered his plans, but after some tweaks, Cornwall County Council said the event could go ahead.
He said his congregation were "elated to have the opportunity to be out together again after months of not being able to see people".
The service, which attracted over 50 vehicles, featured a Bible reading and prayers, followed by a screening of surfing film Unstoppable.
Mr Timms says many have spent lockdown in isolation, and so to find a way to bring people together now is "so, so important".
He is now encouraging people to write to their MPs to ask for churches to be allowed to worship together.
The reverend said: "Obviously, we're not looking to break all the social distancing rules. We're hoping that they will be relaxed soon. But what today has proved is that there has been a real need for it."
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For worshippers who couldn't get a parking space, the service was also streamed live on Facebook.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Timms explained: "We've had to quickly adapt, like most churches and most church leaders now we've become semi-experts in broadcasting."
He said he hopes his car-park service will now act as a catalyst to inspire other churches to come up with exciting ways to serve their community.
He said: "We need to share both the works and the words of Jesus at this time, and if we share this message of hope, then I don't have to run it all. Let's just see what happens from here".


news--2020-06-18--Enslaved African man's grave in Bristol smashed in 'retaliation attack' over Colston statue

The grave of an enslaved African man has been vandalised in an apparent `` retaliation attack '' after the statue of slave trader Edward Colston was torn down in Bristol .
The Grade II-listed headstone in memory of Scipio Africanus , who lived in the city in the 18th century , has been smashed and a message scrawled in chalk on flagstones nearby .
The message warned : `` Put Colston 's statue back or things will really heat up . ''
The memorial to Scipio Africanus , who died aged 18 in 1720 , is located in St Mary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Local councillor Mark Weston said the vandalism `` looks like a retaliation attack for the recent events involving the Colston statue '' and asked : `` Where will this end ? ''
`` The listed grave is part of the community 's history .
`` To see it has been wantonly damaged has caused a lot of upset among residents . ''
Cllr Weston added that work to repair the headstone was already under way .
The vicar of Henbury , David Lloyd , said there had been plans to commemorate the 300th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year before the coronavirus outbreak He told Sky News : `` People visit from all over the world to pay their respects and look at the monument . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Avon and Somerset Police said it was investigating a report of criminal damage , which is believed to have happened between midday on Tuesday and 8am on Wednesday .
A force spokesman said : `` Our investigation into what happened is at an early stage .
Officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carried out house-to-house and CCTV inquiries . ''
Police have urged anyone with information about the vandalism to contact them .
The tomb is an early example of a memorial to a man born into slavery and who ended his life as a servant in an English aristocratic household , Historic England states on its website .
Most of the available information about Scipio Africanus is `` inscribed on his tomb '' , it says .
During his life , Scipio Africanus was servant to Charles Howard , the 7th Earl of Suffolk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cherubs , states he was born in about 1702 and died on 12 December 1720 .
Scipio Africanus was given his name by the Earl or by a previous `` owner '' - names of Roman origin were frequently chosen for enslaved people , Historic England states .
Marvin Rees , the mayor of Bristol , described the memorial as an `` iconic piece of Bristol 's history '' .
Earlier this month protesters used ropes to pull down the Colston statue , which was erected in 1895 , from its plinth in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dragged to the harbourside , where it was thrown into the water near Pero 's Bridge - named in honour of enslaved man Pero Jones who lived and died in the city .
Bristol City Council retrieved the statue , which will be displayed in a museum along with placards from the Black Lives Matter protest , from the water on 11 June .

The grave of an enslaved African man has been vandalised in an apparent "retaliation attack" after the statue of slave trader Edward Colston was torn down in Bristol.
The Grade II-listed headstone in memory of Scipio Africanus, who lived in the city in the 18th century, has been smashed and a message scrawled in chalk on flagstones nearby.
The message warned: "Put Colston's statue back or things will really heat up."
Image: A message was written on the ground after the headstone was damaged. Pic: David Lloyd
The memorial to Scipio Africanus, who died aged 18 in 1720, is located in St Mary's churchyard in Henbury, Bristol.
Local councillor Mark Weston said the vandalism "looks like a retaliation attack for the recent events involving the Colston statue" and asked: "Where will this end?"
He told Sky News: "I'm absolutely gutted.
"The listed grave is part of the community's history.
"To see it has been wantonly damaged has caused a lot of upset among residents."
Cllr Weston added that work to repair the headstone was already under way.
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Image: The headstones were wrapped up after the vandalism. Pic: Mark Weston
The vicar of Henbury, David Lloyd, said there had been plans to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Scipio Africanus' death this year before the coronavirus outbreak
He told Sky News: "People visit from all over the world to pay their respects and look at the monument."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Avon and Somerset Police said it was investigating a report of criminal damage, which is believed to have happened between midday on Tuesday and 8am on Wednesday.
A force spokesman said: "Our investigation into what happened is at an early stage. Officers have been at the scene and have carried out house-to-house and CCTV inquiries."
Police have urged anyone with information about the vandalism to contact them.
The tomb is an early example of a memorial to a man born into slavery and who ended his life as a servant in an English aristocratic household, Historic England states on its website.
Most of the available information about Scipio Africanus is "inscribed on his tomb", it says.
During his life, Scipio Africanus was servant to Charles Howard, the 7th Earl of Suffolk.
The headstone, which features black cherubs, states he was born in about 1702 and died on 12 December 1720.
Scipio Africanus was given his name by the Earl or by a previous "owner" - names of Roman origin were frequently chosen for enslaved people, Historic England states.
Marvin Rees, the mayor of Bristol, described the memorial as an "iconic piece of Bristol's history".
Earlier this month protesters used ropes to pull down the Colston statue, which was erected in 1895, from its plinth in Bristol city centre.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 Cheers as protesters pull down slave trader statue
It was then dragged to the harbourside, where it was thrown into the water near Pero's Bridge - named in honour of enslaved man Pero Jones who lived and died in the city.
Bristol City Council retrieved the statue, which will be displayed in a museum along with placards from the Black Lives Matter protest, from the water on 11 June.


news--2020-03-30--Harry and Meghan post final SussexRoyal Instagram message

Harry and Meghan have written their final post on their SussexRoyal Instagram account , thanking followers `` for the support , the inspiration and the shared commitment to the good in the world '' .
From today , the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will no longer use their Sussex Royal Instagram account or website , as they officially start their new independent life .
But they used their final post to draw attention to the COVID-19 outbreak , writing : `` What 's most important right now is the health and wellbeing of everyone across the globe and finding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presented themselves as a result of this pandemic .
`` As we all find the part we are to play in this global shift and changing habits , we are focusing this new chapter to better understand how we can best contribute '' .
To accompany the post , Buckingham Palace released a statement saying : `` The Duke and Duchess of Sussex would prefer that in the immediate weeks and months , the focus remains on the global response to COVID-19 .
`` However , we recognise there are outstanding questions relating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadline . ''
Talking about their Sussex Royal brand , it adds : `` As was agreed with The Royal Family , The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will no longer use the name Sussex Royal for their charitable organisation , Instagram or website .
For now , there will be no additional information on their next steps . ''
Following reports that they have now moved from Canada to Los Angeles , the statement says their focus will now be on family life and their new way of working away from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Duchess of Sussex will spend the next few months focusing on their family and continuing to do what they can , safely and privately , to support and work with their pre-existing charitable commitments while developing their future non-profit organisation , '' it says .
They have hired a top executive who worked for Bill and Melinda Gates to help set up the organisation .
Catherine St Laurent , who the couple describe as `` an incredible asset '' , will start as chief of staff in April and also be executive director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement , she said : `` From our very first conversation , Harry and Meghan have expressed a deep commitment to improving lives and having a positive impact on society .
`` Their perspective on the role that empathy , connection , and compassion can play in that mission is both deeply personal and incredibly timely . ''
In January , Harry and Meghan unexpectedly announced they wanted to step back as senior royals and become financially independent .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiations with the Queen and the rest of the family , it was agreed that they could pursue a new way of life - starting from the 31 March .
The new working arrangements will be reviewed in 12 months .
From today their Instagram account and website will remain online but will no longer be updated .
Their Sussex Royal Foundation will not continue and the winding up process has begun .
Travelyst , an eco-tourism initiative that was set up under the foundation , will continue as an independent non-profit organisation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could help the travel industry once the rates of COVID-19 start to ease .
A spokesperson said : `` The Duke is working closely with each of the Travalyst partners to better understand how this non-profit organisation can aid in global recovery , especially by supporting communities , wildlife and the environment at the same time . ''
Last on Sunday it was confirmed by the palace that Harry and Meghan had made private security arrangements now they are living in the states , after Donald Trump tweeted that American citizens would not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker But it 's still not clear if UK taxpayers are paying for some of their security .
The palace said : `` At the specific request of the Metropolitan Police Service ( MPS ) and Home Office , Buckingham Palace does not comment or provide guidance on security arrangements as it is restricted information . ''

Harry and Meghan have written their final post on their SussexRoyal Instagram account, thanking followers "for the support, the inspiration and the shared commitment to the good in the world".
From today, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will no longer use their Sussex Royal Instagram account or website, as they officially start their new independent life.
But they used their final post to draw attention to the COVID-19 outbreak, writing: "What's most important right now is the health and wellbeing of everyone across the globe and finding solutions for the many issues that have presented themselves as a result of this pandemic.
Instagram Instagram , 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 Instagram 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 Instagram cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Instagram cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
"As we all find the part we are to play in this global shift and changing habits, we are focusing this new chapter to better understand how we can best contribute".
To accompany the post, Buckingham Palace released a statement saying: "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex would prefer that in the immediate weeks and months, the focus remains on the global response to COVID-19.
"However, we recognise there are outstanding questions relating to their future beyond their household transition deadline."
Talking about their Sussex Royal brand, it adds: "As was agreed with The Royal Family, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will no longer use the name Sussex Royal for their charitable organisation, Instagram or website. For now, there will be no additional information on their next steps."
Following reports that they have now moved from Canada to Los Angeles, the statement says their focus will now be on family life and their new way of working away from the Royal Family.
"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will spend the next few months focusing on their family and continuing to do what they can, safely and privately, to support and work with their pre-existing charitable commitments while developing their future non-profit organisation," it says.
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They have hired a top executive who worked for Bill and Melinda Gates to help set up the organisation.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:15 Harry and Meghan bid farewell to royal duties
Catherine St Laurent, who the couple describe as "an incredible asset", will start as chief of staff in April and also be executive director of their new non-profit organisation.
In a statement, she said: "From our very first conversation, Harry and Meghan have expressed a deep commitment to improving lives and having a positive impact on society.
"Their perspective on the role that empathy, connection, and compassion can play in that mission is both deeply personal and incredibly timely."
In January, Harry and Meghan unexpectedly announced they wanted to step back as senior royals and become financially independent.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
After difficult negotiations with the Queen and the rest of the family, it was agreed that they could pursue a new way of life - starting from the 31 March. The new working arrangements will be reviewed in 12 months.
From today their Instagram account and website will remain online but will no longer be updated.
Their Sussex Royal Foundation will not continue and the winding up process has begun.
Travelyst, an eco-tourism initiative that was set up under the foundation, will continue as an independent non-profit organisation, and there are already suggestions it could help the travel industry once the rates of COVID-19 start to ease.
A spokesperson said: "The Duke is working closely with each of the Travalyst partners to better understand how this non-profit organisation can aid in global recovery, especially by supporting communities, wildlife and the environment at the same time."
Image: Donald Trump has said America will not pay for the couple's security
Last on Sunday it was confirmed by the palace that Harry and Meghan had made private security arrangements now they are living in the states, after Donald Trump tweeted that American citizens would not be paying for it.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
But it's still not clear if UK taxpayers are paying for some of their security.
The palace said: "At the specific request of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and Home Office, Buckingham Palace does not comment or provide guidance on security arrangements as it is restricted information."


news--2020-03-30--Coronavirus could mean weather forecasts are less accurate

Weather forecasts could become less accurate as the number of flights across the world continues to decrease due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Since the beginning of flight , aeroplanes have provided important information about the current state of the atmosphere .
The more accurately the current weather is known , the more accurate the forecast will be .
Data reports from aircraft are combined with other information obtained from manned and automated weather stations , weather buoys , radar , radiosondes , wind profiles and satellites .
This gives a whole host of information about air pressure , temperature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sunshine through the depth of the atmosphere .
The European Centre for Medium-Ranged Weather Forecasting ( ECMWF ) notes there has been a 65 % reduction in the number of data reports , from about 50,400 per day on 3 March to under 18,000 on 23 March .
With EasyJet today announcing it will ground its entire fleet of planes for at least two months , this reduction is likely to continue over the coming months - potentially into the summer - and this could well have an impact on weather forecasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the accuracy of our weather forecasting could be affected .
In 2019 , the ECMWF investigated the impact on forecasts if aircraft reports were not used , and they found a large impact at the typical cruising altitude of flights .
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker At this height , the short-range wind and temperature forecasts deteriorated by up to 15 % .
However , there was also a smaller impact near ground level , with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of up to 3 % .
Fortunately , in January this year , extra satellite information was incorporated into forecasts , which could make up for some of this loss of accuracy .
Wind data collected from the European Space Agency 's Aeolus satellite has been shown to significantly improve weather forecasts , and the ECMWF started to use this information on 9 January this year .
Despite this , it is still possible that as the number of flight reports continues to diminish , there may be some reduction in the accuracy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It seems even the weather forecast is n't immune to COVID-19 .

Weather forecasts could become less accurate as the number of flights across the world continues to decrease due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Since the beginning of flight, aeroplanes have provided important information about the current state of the atmosphere.
The more accurately the current weather is known, the more accurate the forecast will be.
Image: Fewer flights are taking off during the pandemic
Data reports from aircraft are combined with other information obtained from manned and automated weather stations, weather buoys, radar, radiosondes, wind profiles and satellites.
This gives a whole host of information about air pressure, temperature, wind, humidity, rainfall amounts and sunshine through the depth of the atmosphere.
The European Centre for Medium-Ranged Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) notes there has been a 65% reduction in the number of data reports, from about 50,400 per day on 3 March to under 18,000 on 23 March.
With EasyJet today announcing it will ground its entire fleet of planes for at least two months, this reduction is likely to continue over the coming months - potentially into the summer - and this could well have an impact on weather forecasts.
With less data reports being made, the accuracy of our weather forecasting could be affected.
In 2019, the ECMWF investigated the impact on forecasts if aircraft reports were not used, and they found a large impact at the typical cruising altitude of flights.
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Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
At this height, the short-range wind and temperature forecasts deteriorated by up to 15%.
However, there was also a smaller impact near ground level, with a reduction in accuracy of the surface pressure of up to 3%.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 Flights virtually empty across the world
Fortunately, in January this year, extra satellite information was incorporated into forecasts, which could make up for some of this loss of accuracy.
Wind data collected from the European Space Agency's Aeolus satellite has been shown to significantly improve weather forecasts, and the ECMWF started to use this information on 9 January this year.
Despite this, it is still possible that as the number of flight reports continues to diminish, there may be some reduction in the accuracy of forecasts over the coming months.
It seems even the weather forecast isn't immune to COVID-19.


news--2020-03-30--Coronavirus: Banks warn on wave of text message 'smishing' scams

The banking industry has warned of a surge in so-called `` smishing '' scams as criminals try to exploit the coronavirus pandemic .
UK Finance spoke up as the public is urged to be vigilant in the face of trickery via phones , the internet and even on the doorstep amid the lockdown to help keep people safe from COVID-19 .
Smishing , UK Finance said , is when criminals use text messages impersonating other organisations in a bid to get personal and financial information or money .
Of particular concern , it said , was the growing use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can make a message appear in a chain of texts alongside previous genuine messages .
The body said the texts often claim to be from government departments , banks or other trusted organisations , offering payments related to the coronavirus outbreak or claiming to be issuing fines .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Its statement read : `` The banking industry continues to work closely with mobile network operators , government and other industry stakeholders to crack down on this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urging consumers to avoid clicking on any links contained within text messages , and to always log into their bank account to update their information or make any legitimate payments .
`` Customers can report suspected spam text texts to their mobile network provider by forwarding them to 7726 . ''

The banking industry has warned of a surge in so-called "smishing" scams as criminals try to exploit the coronavirus pandemic.
UK Finance spoke up as the public is urged to be vigilant in the face of trickery via phones, the internet and even on the doorstep amid the lockdown to help keep people safe from COVID-19.
Smishing, UK Finance said, is when criminals use text messages impersonating other organisations in a bid to get personal and financial information or money.
Of particular concern, it said, was the growing use of a technique called "spoofing" which can make a message appear in a chain of texts alongside previous genuine messages.
The body said the texts often claim to be from government departments, banks or other trusted organisations, offering payments related to the coronavirus outbreak or claiming to be issuing fines.
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Its statement read: "The banking industry continues to work closely with mobile network operators, government and other industry stakeholders to crack down on this type of fraud.
UK Finance is urging consumers to avoid clicking on any links contained within text messages, and to always log into their bank account to update their information or make any legitimate payments.
"Customers can report suspected spam text texts to their mobile network provider by forwarding them to 7726."


news--2020-03-30--Coronavirus: Government relaxes abortion rules during COVID-19 crisis

Women unable to access a clinic will be able to use abortion pills at home as the government temporarily relaxes rules during the coronavirus crisis .
The Department for Health and Social Care will soon be issuing updated guidance in a move welcomed by medical bodies and healthcare charities .
Under the updated guidance , women who need a medical abortion up to ten weeks will be able to hold a telephone or online consultation with a doctor .
They will then be able to use abortion pills at home .
The change in abortion rules is being time limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis is over .
The move had initially been announced last week , but government officials later said it was `` published in error '' .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock subsequently told MPs there were `` no proposals to change any abortion rules '' as part of the COVID-19 response .
Ann Furedi , chief executive of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service ( BPAS ) welcomed the government 's now changed stance on Monday .
She said : `` We welcome the confirmation we have received today that the government will re-instate telemedicine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This will prevent tens of thousands of women from having to travel needlessly to clinics and will also enable many of our healthcare professionals to provide teleconsultations and prescriptions from the safety of their own homes . ''
But Ms Furedi added her charity remains `` extremely concerned '' about the ability of women in other parts of the UK to access abortion care during the pandemic .
`` In Northern Ireland , abortion care is now lawful , but services have not yet been established and telemedical abortion care is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government last week , '' she added .
`` As a result , women are being forced to travel hundreds of miles via ferry and public transport to clinics in England at a time when they are also being told to stay at home to save lives .
`` We urge policymakers to now implement similar measures to permit telemedical abortion services in Northern Ireland as a matter of urgency . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Women ending a pregnancy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take two pills 24 to 48 hours apart .
In 2018 , England followed Scotland and Wales by allowing the second pill to be taken at home in some cases .
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said allowing women to take both abortion pills at home was a `` vital and necessary step '' as the country battles coronavirus .
`` Giving women the option of taking both abortion pills at home following a video consultation is safe and effective and has rightly been judged as a vital and necessary step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 , '' a spokesperson said .
`` Many women will no longer be forced to make the difficult decision between leaving their home and continuing with an unwanted pregnancy . ''
Confirming the action , a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said : `` Public safety and continued access to key services is our priority during this difficult period .
`` We are updating our guidance so women who need an abortion up to ten weeks and ca n't access a clinic can use abortion pills at home .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ temporary basis and must follow a telephone or e-consultation with a doctor .
`` We will set out the next steps , including updated guidance , shortly . ''

Women unable to access a clinic will be able to use abortion pills at home as the government temporarily relaxes rules during the coronavirus crisis.
The Department for Health and Social Care will soon be issuing updated guidance in a move welcomed by medical bodies and healthcare charities.
Under the updated guidance, women who need a medical abortion up to ten weeks will be able to hold a telephone or online consultation with a doctor.
They will then be able to use abortion pills at home.
The change in abortion rules is being time limited for two years or until the coronavirus crisis is over.
Image: Health Secretary Matt Hancock previously said there were 'no proposals' to change abortion rules
The move had initially been announced last week, but government officials later said it was "published in error".
Health Secretary Matt Hancock subsequently told MPs there were "no proposals to change any abortion rules" as part of the COVID-19 response.
Ann Furedi, chief executive of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) welcomed the government's now changed stance on Monday.
She said: "We welcome the confirmation we have received today that the government will re-instate telemedicine for early medical abortion in England.
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"This will prevent tens of thousands of women from having to travel needlessly to clinics and will also enable many of our healthcare professionals to provide teleconsultations and prescriptions from the safety of their own homes."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:39 Dr Alex on the fight against COVID-19
But Ms Furedi added her charity remains "extremely concerned" about the ability of women in other parts of the UK to access abortion care during the pandemic.
"In Northern Ireland, abortion care is now lawful, but services have not yet been established and telemedical abortion care is not permitted under the regulations produced by the government last week," she added.
"As a result, women are being forced to travel hundreds of miles via ferry and public transport to clinics in England at a time when they are also being told to stay at home to save lives.
"We urge policymakers to now implement similar measures to permit telemedical abortion services in Northern Ireland as a matter of urgency."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Women ending a pregnancy in its first ten weeks have to take two pills 24 to 48 hours apart.
In 2018, England followed Scotland and Wales by allowing the second pill to be taken at home in some cases.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said allowing women to take both abortion pills at home was a "vital and necessary step" as the country battles coronavirus.
"Giving women the option of taking both abortion pills at home following a video consultation is safe and effective and has rightly been judged as a vital and necessary step if we are to limit the spread of COVID-19," a spokesperson said.
"Many women will no longer be forced to make the difficult decision between leaving their home and continuing with an unwanted pregnancy."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:14 Relatives grieve over COVID-19 funerals
Confirming the action, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "Public safety and continued access to key services is our priority during this difficult period.
"We are updating our guidance so women who need an abortion up to ten weeks and can't access a clinic can use abortion pills at home.
"This measure will be on a temporary basis and must follow a telephone or e-consultation with a doctor.
"We will set out the next steps, including updated guidance, shortly."