news--2020-04-02--Jeremy Corbyn has transformed Labour - but will his legacy as leader hold?

Jeremy Corbyn has transformed Labour - but will his legacy as leader hold ?
Jeremy Corbyn has transformed Labour - but will his legacy as leader hold ?
Jeremy Corbyn will bow out as leader on Saturday after five years in the job Jeremy Corbyn this weekend bows out as Labour leader .
He has lost two general elections , he will leave his post with fewer MPs than when he started and the latest polls put the Labour Party a staggering 26 percentage points behind the Conservatives , a lead for the Tories not seen since the Falklands War @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave a leader downcast .
But Mr Corbyn measures his success in different ways to more conventional politicians .
He might not have won command of Downing Street , but his has been a political movement that has transformed the Labour Party .
And it is not just within the Labour Party where Mr Corbyn feels he has won the argument .
The outgoing Labour leader also believes the government 's response to the coronavirus crisis proves `` the validity of the arguments '' he put forward in the election .
A socialist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twice rejected by the country at the ballot box , but Mr Corbyn believes he has nevertheless changed the political weather .
`` I do n't think you can say we 've lost the argument , '' he said .
`` I think we have put forward the arguments and in many ways what is happening now over coronavirus proves the validity of the arguments we put forward .
`` I was condemned in November for wanting to invest in the economy to invest in decent pay , and to pay important workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the government has last understood that the only way we 'll get through this crisis is by investing in all aspects of our society and our economy . ''
A health crisis that has triggered an economic crisis which could take years to unwind , the Labour leader believes that the level of state involvement into the economy , by necessity rather than ideological design , proves the `` the free markets can not answer coronavirus '' .
And in many ways , he is right .
: : Listen to All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Conservative party is ramping up the state to try to cope with this health , economic and social crisis .
Boris Johnson 's administration is helping to pay people 's wages , offering renters protection from eviction , taking over rail franchises , borrowing tens of billions to support workers and businesses .
Of course , these changes have been rung in because of acute crisis rather than a big ideological shift in the mindset of the British people to Mr Corbyn 's vision of socialism .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the party in 2015 `` precisely to change the economic direction of the Labour party '' , he must be wondering if that legacy can really hold .
Because when his successor - most likely to be Sir Keir Starmer - replaces him on Saturday , he will have to make a clear choice .
Will it be enough to transform Labour 's fortunes by changing the messenger at the top of the party or will the real leader conclude that big chunks of Mr Corbyn 's socialist policy platform needs changing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ influence on the Labour Party for better or for worse depending on which side of the bitter Labour divide you sit .
His influence was profound within the movements but the rise of Sir Keir over the obvious Corbyn heir Rebecca Long-Bailey in this leadership contest perhaps tells us that a big majority of the 600,000-strong membership do want to turn the page on the Corbyn era .
It is true that he did win some of the arguments within the party and even within the country when it came to ending austerity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work out how the party might once again win power .
Mr Corbyn 's era is over .
He will be worried that Corbynism is too .

His influence has been profound, but his successor could opt to turn the page in a bid to end Labour's electoral drought.
Jeremy Corbyn has transformed Labour - but will his legacy as leader hold?
Jeremy Corbyn will bow out as leader on Saturday after five years in the job
Jeremy Corbyn this weekend bows out as Labour leader.
He has lost two general elections, he will leave his post with fewer MPs than when he started and the latest polls put the Labour Party a staggering 26 percentage points behind the Conservatives, a lead for the Tories not seen since the Falklands War.
It is a record that might leave a leader downcast. But Mr Corbyn measures his success in different ways to more conventional politicians.
He might not have won command of Downing Street, but his has been a political movement that has transformed the Labour Party.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:54 The rise and fall of Jeremy Corbyn
And it is not just within the Labour Party where Mr Corbyn feels he has won the argument.
The outgoing Labour leader also believes the government's response to the coronavirus crisis proves "the validity of the arguments" he put forward in the election.
A socialist policy consensus in the Labour party, twice rejected by the country at the ballot box, but Mr Corbyn believes he has nevertheless changed the political weather.
"I don't think you can say we've lost the argument," he said.
"I think we have put forward the arguments and in many ways what is happening now over coronavirus proves the validity of the arguments we put forward.
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"I was condemned in November for wanting to invest in the economy to invest in decent pay, and to pay important workers like cleaners properly.
"And now, the government has last understood that the only way we'll get through this crisis is by investing in all aspects of our society and our economy."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Corbyn criticises COVID-19 testing
A health crisis that has triggered an economic crisis which could take years to unwind, the Labour leader believes that the level of state involvement into the economy, by necessity rather than ideological design, proves the "the free markets cannot answer coronavirus".
And in many ways, he is right.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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The Conservative party is ramping up the state to try to cope with this health, economic and social crisis.
Boris Johnson's administration is helping to pay people's wages, offering renters protection from eviction, taking over rail franchises, borrowing tens of billions to support workers and businesses.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:25 'I was condemned for wanting to invest money'
Of course, these changes have been rung in because of acute crisis rather than a big ideological shift in the mindset of the British people to Mr Corbyn's vision of socialism.
And while he says he became leader of the party in 2015 "precisely to change the economic direction of the Labour party", he must be wondering if that legacy can really hold.
Because when his successor - most likely to be Sir Keir Starmer - replaces him on Saturday, he will have to make a clear choice.
Will it be enough to transform Labour's fortunes by changing the messenger at the top of the party or will the real leader conclude that big chunks of Mr Corbyn's socialist policy platform needs changing too?
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:31 Corbyn: I won't fight another election
Mr Corbyn had a huge influence on the Labour Party for better or for worse depending on which side of the bitter Labour divide you sit.
His influence was profound within the movements but the rise of Sir Keir over the obvious Corbyn heir Rebecca Long-Bailey in this leadership contest perhaps tells us that a big majority of the 600,000-strong membership do want to turn the page on the Corbyn era.
It is true that he did win some of the arguments within the party and even within the country when it came to ending austerity.
The task of his successor is to work out how the party might once again win power.
Mr Corbyn's era is over. He will be worried that Corbynism is too.


news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Life imitates art as people recreate masterpieces at home

While art galleries in cities across the world remain closed due to the coronavirus crisis , art fans are being encouraged to become artists themselves .
The Getty Museum in Los Angeles has challenged its fans to recreate iconic works using props they have to hand while at staying at home .
2 .
Find three things lying around your house 3 .
Recreate the artwork with those items - and share online Getty staff said the challenge was inspired by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and an Instagram account called Between Art and Quarantine and are inviting people to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The museum has been closed since 14 March and will remain closed until further notice .
The results , which have been posted across social media sites such as Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag # Gettymuseumchallenge have provided some much-needed amusement during these unprecedented times .
One example shared on the Getty website was a recreation of Vincent Van Gogh 's Irises using just raw carrot , Play-Doh and wooden beads .
Another follower recreated a Frida Kahlo self-portrait using a coat hanger , paper towels and spoons .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cat was photographed posing on a sofa .
Top tips for making an uncanny replica of the original include enlisting pets or children ; making it edible by using food and going abstract .
Social media and other digital tools have become crucial for museums and institutions during this period of lockdown .
Visitors can view exhibitions and artefacts online and take virtual tours which is great for keeping boredom at bay .

While art galleries in cities across the world remain closed due to the coronavirus crisis, art fans are being encouraged to become artists themselves.
The Getty Museum in Los Angeles has challenged its fans to recreate iconic works using props they have to hand while at staying at home.
Image: This Twitter user recreated a Frida Kahlo self-portrait
The museum gave three tips:
1. Choose your favourite artwork
2. Find three things lying around your house
3. Recreate the artwork with those items - and share online
Getty staff said the challenge was inspired by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and an Instagram account called Between Art and Quarantine and are inviting people to use downloadable artworks from Getty's online collection.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
The museum has been closed since 14 March and will remain closed until further notice.
The results, which have been posted across social media sites such as Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #Gettymuseumchallenge have provided some much-needed amusement during these unprecedented times.
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Image: There is obviously no shortage of toilet rolls in this household
One example shared on the Getty website was a recreation of Vincent Van Gogh's Irises using just raw carrot, Play-Doh and wooden beads.
Another follower recreated a Frida Kahlo self-portrait using a coat hanger, paper towels and spoons.
In a recreation of a Picasso, a contortionist cat was photographed posing on a sofa.
Image: This Twitter user enlisted some children to help with his recreation
Top tips for making an uncanny replica of the original include enlisting pets or children; making it edible by using food and going abstract.
Social media and other digital tools have become crucial for museums and institutions during this period of lockdown.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Visitors can view exhibitions and artefacts online and take virtual tours which is great for keeping boredom at bay.


news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Sir Philip Green to use taxpayer money to pay staff during shutdown

Sir Philip Green 's Arcadia group has been given taxpayer backing through the government 's job retention scheme to furlough 14,500 workers .
The news comes just days after Sky News revealed that the group was halting payments to its pension scheme to help it get through the coronavirus crisis .
Arcadia said in a statement : `` Safeguarding jobs through this period is critical and we are grateful for the government support offered by the job retention scheme which will enable us to 'furlough ' a substantial number of our colleagues who are unable to work .
`` All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21 March and the majority of our head office employees will be furloughed from 5 April . ''
The government 's job retention scheme covers 80 % of an employee 's wage , to a maximum of £2,500 per month , at no risk or expense to the employer .
Group chief executive Ian Grabiner said : `` The actions we have taken are essential in order that we can manage our business through these unprecedented times .
`` We are grateful for the support and understanding of our staff and all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The board and senior leadership team are to reduce their salaries by 25-50 % and Mr Grabiner has chosen to receive no salary or benefits until further notice , Arcadia said .
Arcadia , which has made billions of pounds for Sir Philip and his family , was already struggling before the coronavirus outbreak forced all non-essential shops to close .
Sky News revealed last month that the company - which is behind high street brands including Burton , Dorothy Perkins and Topshop - was suspending rent payments to landlords , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Look and Body Shop .
In June last year , Sir Philip had narrowly secured creditor 's support for a rescue with a controversial CVA ( company voluntary arrangement ) .
As well as the £175m cash contributions into Arcadia 's pension scheme it was also granted security over a further £210m of property and other assets .
In return , Arcadia signalled its intention to close dozens of stores and reduce rents at hundreds more .
As part of the reorganisation of his companies , Sir Philip , who was also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , paid $ 1 to buy back his private equity partner 's 25 % stake in Topshop and Topman .
The rescue deal also required to company to pay £25m annually into its pension scheme for the next three years - monthly payments of just over £2m .
Those contributions are now said to have been postponed for at least three months - and possibly longer , depending upon the length of the COVID-19 shutdown .

Sir Philip Green's Arcadia group has been given taxpayer backing through the government's job retention scheme to furlough 14,500 workers.
The news comes just days after Sky News revealed that the group was halting payments to its pension scheme to help it get through the coronavirus crisis.
Arcadia said in a statement: "Safeguarding jobs through this period is critical and we are grateful for the government support offered by the job retention scheme which will enable us to 'furlough' a substantial number of our colleagues who are unable to work.
"All store employees have been furloughed effective from 21 March and the majority of our head office employees will be furloughed from 5 April."
The government's job retention scheme covers 80% of an employee's wage, to a maximum of £2,500 per month, at no risk or expense to the employer.
Group chief executive Ian Grabiner said: "The actions we have taken are essential in order that we can manage our business through these unprecedented times.
"We are grateful for the support and understanding of our staff and all of our stakeholders during this incredibly challenging time."
The board and senior leadership team are to reduce their salaries by 25-50% and Mr Grabiner has chosen to receive no salary or benefits until further notice, Arcadia said.
Arcadia, which has made billions of pounds for Sir Philip and his family, was already struggling before the coronavirus outbreak forced all non-essential shops to close.
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Sky News revealed last month that the company - which is behind high street brands including Burton, Dorothy Perkins and Topshop - was suspending rent payments to landlords, joining the likes of Burger King, New Look and Body Shop.
In June last year, Sir Philip had narrowly secured creditor's support for a rescue with a controversial CVA (company voluntary arrangement).
As well as the £175m cash contributions into Arcadia's pension scheme it was also granted security over a further £210m of property and other assets.
In return, Arcadia signalled its intention to close dozens of stores and reduce rents at hundreds more.
As part of the reorganisation of his companies, Sir Philip, who was also criticised after the 2016 collapse of BHS, paid $1 to buy back his private equity partner's 25% stake in Topshop and Topman.
The rescue deal also required to company to pay £25m annually into its pension scheme for the next three years - monthly payments of just over £2m.
Those contributions are now said to have been postponed for at least three months - and possibly longer, depending upon the length of the COVID-19 shutdown.


news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: 5G mast set on fire after 'baseless' conspiracy theory link to pandemic

A 5G mast has been set on fire in a suspected arson attack after the technology was linked online to the spread of coronavirus .
Videos claiming to be of a 70ft ( 21m ) tower in the Sparkhill area of Birmingham in flames were posted to social media on Thursday evening .
West Midlands Fire Service said eight firefighters from two crews were called to an incident on Spring Road at 8.18pm .
It said : `` The incident involved a 70ft telecommunications tower which was alight .
Crews extinguished the fire and confirmed there was no smoke or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Western Power attended to isolate power to the tower and the incident was left with them and police . ''
A West Midlands Police spokesman said : `` We 're aware of a fire involving a phone mast , but are awaiting further details on its cause . ''
Several videos claiming to show 5G towers on fire were posted to a page on Facebook which was created on Thursday and taken down by the platform on Friday .
Campaign group The Centre For Countering Digital Hate said the first footage was posted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the name of paddymann123 at 10pm and was viewed hundreds of thousands of times .
It was accompanied by the message : `` Say no to 5G '' and has since been shared on Twitter , on 5G conspiracy Facebook groups and on YouTube .
A different video posted on Twitter on Thursday , showing two men installing 5G cables under a road being berated by a woman claiming that 5G kills people , received 1.6 million views on Twitter .
Mobile UK , the network providers ' trade body , said `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic to spread false rumours and theories about the safety of 5G technologies '' .
It added : `` More worryingly some people are also abusing our key workers and making threats to damage infrastructure under the pretence of claims about 5G .
`` The theories that are being spread about 5G on social media are baseless and are not grounded in accepted scientific theory .
Facebook said the banned page was deleted for breaching its policies because it has the potential to cause real world harm .
However , one user claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moderators for promoting violence , only to receive a response saying it was not deemed to be in violation of Facebook 's community standards .

A 5G mast has been set on fire in a suspected arson attack after the technology was linked online to the spread of coronavirus.
Videos claiming to be of a 70ft (21m) tower in the Sparkhill area of Birmingham in flames were posted to social media on Thursday evening.
West Midlands Fire Service said eight firefighters from two crews were called to an incident on Spring Road at 8.18pm.
Image: A 5G tower. File pic
It said: "The incident involved a 70ft telecommunications tower which was alight. Crews extinguished the fire and confirmed there was no smoke or fire spread to surrounding properties.
"Western Power attended to isolate power to the tower and the incident was left with them and police."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:38 Nurse 'overwhelmed' by help to make scrubs
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "We're aware of a fire involving a phone mast, but are awaiting further details on its cause."
Several videos claiming to show 5G towers on fire were posted to a page on Facebook which was created on Thursday and taken down by the platform on Friday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Why hasn't Sweden gone into lockdown?
Campaign group The Centre For Countering Digital Hate said the first footage was posted to Instagram by a local man under the name of paddymann123 at 10pm and was viewed hundreds of thousands of times.
It was accompanied by the message: "Say no to 5G" and has since been shared on Twitter, on 5G conspiracy Facebook groups and on YouTube.
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A different video posted on Twitter on Thursday, showing two men installing 5G cables under a road being berated by a woman claiming that 5G kills people, received 1.6 million views on Twitter.
Mobile UK, the network providers' trade body, said "certain groups are using the COVID -19 pandemic to spread false rumours and theories about the safety of 5G technologies".
It added: "More worryingly some people are also abusing our key workers and making threats to damage infrastructure under the pretence of claims about 5G.
"The theories that are being spread about 5G on social media are baseless and are not grounded in accepted scientific theory.
Facebook said the banned page was deleted for breaching its policies because it has the potential to cause real world harm.
However, one user claimed they reported the page early on to moderators for promoting violence, only to receive a response saying it was not deemed to be in violation of Facebook's community standards.


news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Marvel Cinematic Universe, Mulan and Indiana Jones all hit with delays

The next seven entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe have been delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic .
With cinemas worldwide having closed their doors as people stay home to combat the spread of the deadly disease , major releases from several studios have been pushed back - some by upwards of a year .
The next James Bond film , No Time To Die , was due to arrive this week but is now aiming for a November opening , while there have also been delays for throwback sequels Top Gun : Maverick and Ghostbusters : Afterlife .
Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upcoming slate , which includes delays for each and every Marvel film scheduled for the next few years .
Setting the changes in motion is a move for Black Widow , starring Scarlett Johanssen , which is set for 6 November rather than its original date of 1 May .
Eternals , the first big screen appearance for a group of immortal superheroes that made their comic book debut in 1976 , will now release on 12 February 2021 .
Then comes Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings on 7 May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of Madness , with Benedict Cumberbatch reprising the lead role , on 5 November .
Pushed from November 2021 to 18 February 2022 is Thor : Love and Thunder - the fourth instalment in the Thor series that will see Natalie Portman playing a female version of the character .
Sequels for Black Panther and Captain Marvel will follow on 6 May and 8 July respectively - the former of which was always slated for that date .
The knock-on effect of the coronavirus pandemic on the Marvel line-up will no doubt disappoint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see how the franchise follows on from the record-breaking Avengers : Endgame last year .
Other new dates announced for upcoming Disney films impacted by COVID-19 include the live action remake of animated classic Mulan , which was due to be released last week but will now arrive on 24 July .
Jungle Cruise , which is based on a Disneyland ride of the same name , has been moved an entire year to July 2021 , while the as-yet untitled fifth instalment in the Indiana Jones series has been pencilled in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revealed back in February that filming had been due to begin this summer , but the coronavirus pandemic has likely put paid to that prospect .

The next seven entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe have been delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
With cinemas worldwide having closed their doors as people stay home to combat the spread of the deadly disease, major releases from several studios have been pushed back - some by upwards of a year.
The next James Bond film, No Time To Die, was due to arrive this week but is now aiming for a November opening, while there have also been delays for throwback sequels Top Gun: Maverick and Ghostbusters: Afterlife.
Now Disney has confirmed huge changes to its upcoming slate, which includes delays for each and every Marvel film scheduled for the next few years.
Image: More than half a dozen Marvel films are in production
Setting the changes in motion is a move for Black Widow, starring Scarlett Johanssen, which is set for 6 November rather than its original date of 1 May.
Eternals, the first big screen appearance for a group of immortal superheroes that made their comic book debut in 1976, will now release on 12 February 2021.
Then comes Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings on 7 May, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse Of Madness, with Benedict Cumberbatch reprising the lead role, on 5 November.
Pushed from November 2021 to 18 February 2022 is Thor: Love and Thunder - the fourth instalment in the Thor series that will see Natalie Portman playing a female version of the character.
Sequels for Black Panther and Captain Marvel will follow on 6 May and 8 July respectively - the former of which was always slated for that date.
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The knock-on effect of the coronavirus pandemic on the Marvel line-up will no doubt disappoint fans, who have been eagerly waiting to see how the franchise follows on from the record-breaking Avengers: Endgame last year.
Image: Black Panther's sequel will not arrive until 2022
Other new dates announced for upcoming Disney films impacted by COVID-19 include the live action remake of animated classic Mulan, which was due to be released last week but will now arrive on 24 July.
Jungle Cruise, which is based on a Disneyland ride of the same name, has been moved an entire year to July 2021, while the as-yet untitled fifth instalment in the Indiana Jones series has been pencilled in for 29 July 2022.
Harrison Ford revealed back in February that filming had been due to begin this summer, but the coronavirus pandemic has likely put paid to that prospect.


news--2020-04-03--Bill Withers: Ain't No Sunshine and Lean On Me star dies of heart complications

Soul singer Bill Withers , famous for a number of timeless classics such as Lean On Me and Ai n't No Sunshine , has died aged 81 .
The three-time Grammy winner , who withdrew from making music in the mid-1980s , died from heart complications , his family said .
His death comes as people across the world have found comfort in his music during the coronavirus pandemic , with healthcare workers , choirs , artists and more sharing their own renditions of Lean On Me .
In a statement , his family said : `` We are devastated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devoted husband and father .
`` A solitary man with a heart driven to connect to the world at large , with his poetry and music , he spoke honestly to people and connected them to each other .
`` As private a life as he lived close to intimate family and friends , his music forever belongs to the world .
In this difficult time , we pray his music offers comfort and entertainment as fans hold tight to loved ones . ''
Withers grew up in the coal mining town of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last of six children .
He overcame a childhood stutter but did not begin his professional musical career until he was in his early thirties , after joining the navy at 17 .
He was the artist behind a number of hits from the 1970s and '80s that have stood the test of time , including Lovely Day and Just The Two Of Us .
Lean On Me , an ode to the power of friendship , was performed at the inaugurations of both Barack Obama and Bill Clinton , and , along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among Rolling Stone 's list of the 500 greatest songs of all time .
Lovely Day , notable for its memorable sustained note of almost 19 seconds at the end , was his only song to make the top 10 in the UK .
Despite a relatively brief musical career , stopping recording in 1985 as he left `` the hype and the hoopla '' of the spotlight for a more private life , he produced nine albums and his songs provide the soundtracks of countless engagements , weddings and parties still to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on and remained a major influence on a number of artists who followed .
His track Grandma 's Hands was sampled on Blackstreet 's No Diggity in 1996 , while Just The Two of Us was covered by Will Smith in 1997 and sampled by Eminem in his song Bonnie and Clyde in the same year .
Withers was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2015 by Stevie Wonder , saying in his acceptance speech that it was like `` a lion opening the door for a kitty kat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been a `` wonderful , odd odyssey , with ups , downs and sometimes screw-me-arounds '' , but that he would `` always remember the good things '' .
`` Bottom line is , check this out : Stevie Wonder knows my name - and the brother just put me in the Hall of Fame . ''
Paying tribute , Paul Williams , president and chairman of ASCAP ( American Society of Composers , Authors and Publishers , said : `` We lost a giant of songwriting today .
`` Bill Withers ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profound in the American songbook - universal in the way they touch people all over the world , transcending genre and generation .
`` He was a beautiful man with a stunning sense of humour and a gift for truth . ''
Withers is survived by his wife , Marcia , and children , Todd and Kori .

Soul singer Bill Withers, famous for a number of timeless classics such as Lean On Me and Ain't No Sunshine, has died aged 81.
The three-time Grammy winner, who withdrew from making music in the mid-1980s, died from heart complications, his family said.
His death comes as people across the world have found comfort in his music during the coronavirus pandemic, with healthcare workers, choirs, artists and more sharing their own renditions of Lean On Me.
Image: Withers was the voice behind timeless hits such as Lean On Me and Ain't No Sunshine. Pic: Alan Messer/Shutterstock
Image: Withers (centre) pictured with Muhammad Ali and Don King in 2008. Pic: Antidoteusa/Kobal/Shutterstock
In a statement, his family said: "We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father.
"A solitary man with a heart driven to connect to the world at large, with his poetry and music, he spoke honestly to people and connected them to each other.
"As private a life as he lived close to intimate family and friends, his music forever belongs to the world. In this difficult time, we pray his music offers comfort and entertainment as fans hold tight to loved ones."
Withers grew up in the coal mining town of Slab Fork, West Virginia, the last of six children. He overcame a childhood stutter but did not begin his professional musical career until he was in his early thirties, after joining the navy at 17.
He was the artist behind a number of hits from the 1970s and '80s that have stood the test of time, including Lovely Day and Just The Two Of Us.
Lean On Me, an ode to the power of friendship, was performed at the inaugurations of both Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, and, along with Ain't No Sunshine, is among Rolling Stone's list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.
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Lovely Day, notable for its memorable sustained note of almost 19 seconds at the end, was his only song to make the top 10 in the UK.
Despite a relatively brief musical career, stopping recording in 1985 as he left "the hype and the hoopla" of the spotlight for a more private life, he produced nine albums and his songs provide the soundtracks of countless engagements, weddings and parties still to this day.
They have also lived on and remained a major influence on a number of artists who followed.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
His track Grandma's Hands was sampled on Blackstreet's No Diggity in 1996, while Just The Two of Us was covered by Will Smith in 1997 and sampled by Eminem in his song Bonnie and Clyde in the same year.
Withers was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2015 by Stevie Wonder, saying in his acceptance speech that it was like "a lion opening the door for a kitty kat".
He said his career had been a "wonderful, odd odyssey, with ups, downs and sometimes screw-me-arounds", but that he would "always remember the good things".
"Bottom line is, check this out: Stevie Wonder knows my name - and the brother just put me in the Hall of Fame."
Image: Withers was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by Stevie Wonder
Paying tribute, Paul Williams, president and chairman of ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, said: "We lost a giant of songwriting today.
"Bill Withers' songs are among the most treasured and profound in the American songbook - universal in the way they touch people all over the world, transcending genre and generation.
"He was a beautiful man with a stunning sense of humour and a gift for truth."
Withers is survived by his wife, Marcia, and children, Todd and Kori.


news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Struggling Debenhams to put administrators on standby

Shareholders in Debenhams are preparing to place the 242 year-old department store chain into administration as they seek to protect the business from creditors during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Sky News has learnt that the retailer , which employs about 22,000 people , could file a notice of intention to appoint administrators as early as next week .
KPMG , the accountancy firm , is understood to be among those on standby to handle the process .
The prospective appointment would be designed to shield the company from legal claims from creditors during the coronavirus outbreak .
A firm decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not been taken and it remains possible that an alternative outcome could yet emerge .
The move would come just days after Debenhams put the vast majority of its workforce on `` furlough '' , following the closure of its 142 stores across the UK .
Employees ' wages will now be covered for three months by the government 's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme .
Its online operations would continue to trade during any period of insolvency , sources said on Friday .
Debenhams has hundreds of millions of pounds of inventory on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requires because of the UK being in lockdown and ministers ' order that all non-essential shops should shut .
One insider said there was a realistic prospect of suppliers taking legal action against the company for deferring the payment of invoices .
People close to the company pointed out , however , that the chain 's shareholders , which include the American hedge funds Silver Point Capital and GoldenTree Asset Management , remained confident that it has a viable future .
`` This [ appointing administrators ] would not be the precursor to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It would be a way of protecting the balance sheet during a period of vastly reduced revenue . ''
In a statement issued to Sky News on Friday , a Debenhams spokesman said : `` Like all retailers , Debenhams is making contingency plans reflecting the extraordinary current circumstances .
`` Our owners and lenders remain highly supportive and whatever actions we may take will be with a view to protecting the business during the current situation .
`` While our stores remain closed in line with government guidance , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been furloughed , our website continues to trade and we are accepting customer orders , gift cards and returns . ''
If the filing for administration does take place , it would represent another turbulent chapter in Debenhams ' recent history .
The chain 's holding company entered insolvency proceedings almost exactly a year ago following a bitter public battle with the Sports Direct tycoon Mike Ashley , whose Frasers Group had become its biggest shareholder .
It is unclear whether Mr Ashley , who is in the process of trying to sell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to try to acquire Debenhams again .
The likeliest outcome of an administration process would be a pre-pack sale back to its current owners , with the company shed of its existing financial liabilities .
Debenhams has already written to landlords to inform them that it requires a five-month rent holiday , while this week it notified suppliers of a 31-day delay to some payments .
The department store operator , which traces its roots to 1778 , has been working on a plan to permanently close 50 shops , leaving around 110 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 have closed already , leaving 28 more locations to be identified .
For much of its history , Debenhams was highly profitable , becoming an established 'anchor ' tenant on many high streets and in shopping centres around the UK .
It relisted on the London stock market in 2006 following a spell in private equity ownership that proved lucrative for CVC Capital Partners and TPG but which left its balance sheet saddled with what proved to be unsustainable debts .
Last April , it launched a Company Voluntary Arrangement to secure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Legal challenges to the CVA have now been overcome , prompting suggestions that it could turn to a second such .
That idea is said to have been discounted for the time being in favour of a filing for administration .
The potential decision to file for administration comes as Debenhams also seeks a new chief executive .
Sky News revealed last month that Stefaan Vansteenkiste is to step down this year , after taking over as chief executive last August .
The search could be put on hold while it undertakes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Vansteenkiste had always been envisaged to be a temporary appointment by Debenhams ' owners .
If it survives , the chain is likely to want a new boss in place in time for the peak Christmas trading period - assuming high streets have resumed trading in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic .

Shareholders in Debenhams are preparing to place the 242 year-old department store chain into administration as they seek to protect the business from creditors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sky News has learnt that the retailer, which employs about 22,000 people, could file a notice of intention to appoint administrators as early as next week.
KPMG, the accountancy firm, is understood to be among those on standby to handle the process.
The prospective appointment would be designed to shield the company from legal claims from creditors during the coronavirus outbreak.
A firm decision to appoint administrators has, however, not been taken and it remains possible that an alternative outcome could yet emerge.
The move would come just days after Debenhams put the vast majority of its workforce on "furlough", following the closure of its 142 stores across the UK.
Employees' wages will now be covered for three months by the government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
Its online operations would continue to trade during any period of insolvency, sources said on Friday.
Debenhams has hundreds of millions of pounds of inventory on order from suppliers that it no longer requires because of the UK being in lockdown and ministers' order that all non-essential shops should shut.
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One insider said there was a realistic prospect of suppliers taking legal action against the company for deferring the payment of invoices.
People close to the company pointed out, however, that the chain's shareholders, which include the American hedge funds Silver Point Capital and GoldenTree Asset Management, remained confident that it has a viable future.
"This [appointing administrators] would not be the precursor to a planned closure," said one.
"It would be a way of protecting the balance sheet during a period of vastly reduced revenue."
Image: Debenhams' flagship store is on London's Oxford Street
In a statement issued to Sky News on Friday, a Debenhams spokesman said: "Like all retailers, Debenhams is making contingency plans reflecting the extraordinary current circumstances.
"Our owners and lenders remain highly supportive and whatever actions we may take will be with a view to protecting the business during the current situation.
"While our stores remain closed in line with government guidance, and the majority of our store-facing colleagues have been furloughed, our website continues to trade and we are accepting customer orders, gift cards and returns."
If the filing for administration does take place, it would represent another turbulent chapter in Debenhams' recent history.
The chain's holding company entered insolvency proceedings almost exactly a year ago following a bitter public battle with the Sports Direct tycoon Mike Ashley, whose Frasers Group had become its biggest shareholder.
It is unclear whether Mr Ashley, who is in the process of trying to sell Newcastle United FC, has any appetite to try to acquire Debenhams again.
The likeliest outcome of an administration process would be a pre-pack sale back to its current owners, with the company shed of its existing financial liabilities.
Debenhams has already written to landlords to inform them that it requires a five-month rent holiday, while this week it notified suppliers of a 31-day delay to some payments.
The department store operator, which traces its roots to 1778, has been working on a plan to permanently close 50 shops, leaving around 110 as its core estate.
Just over 20 have closed already, leaving 28 more locations to be identified.
For much of its history, Debenhams was highly profitable, becoming an established 'anchor' tenant on many high streets and in shopping centres around the UK.
It relisted on the London stock market in 2006 following a spell in private equity ownership that proved lucrative for CVC Capital Partners and TPG but which left its balance sheet saddled with what proved to be unsustainable debts.
Last April, it launched a Company Voluntary Arrangement to secure agreement for store closures and rent cuts.
Legal challenges to the CVA have now been overcome, prompting suggestions that it could turn to a second such .
That idea is said to have been discounted for the time being in favour of a filing for administration.
The potential decision to file for administration comes as Debenhams also seeks a new chief executive.
Image: Stefaan Vansteenkiste is to step down this year. Pic: Debenhams
Sky News revealed last month that Stefaan Vansteenkiste is to step down this year, after taking over as chief executive last August.
The search could be put on hold while it undertakes the next phase of its restructuring efforts.
Mr Vansteenkiste had always been envisaged to be a temporary appointment by Debenhams' owners.
If it survives, the chain is likely to want a new boss in place in time for the peak Christmas trading period - assuming high streets have resumed trading in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.


news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Mexican brewer suspends Corona beer production

The brewer of the Mexican beer Corona is suspending production because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Grupo Modelo said the decision had been made after its business activities were declared non-essential under a government order .
Corona and the company 's other brands , which include Pacifico and Modelo , are exported to 180 countries .
`` We are in the process of lowering production at our plants to the bare minimum , '' the company said in a statement , adding it would complete the suspension in the following days .
The Mexican government this week declared a health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activities after the number of coronavirus cases in the country surpassed 1,000 .
On Thursday , it reported 1,510 cases and 50 deaths .
The brewer said in a statement that the suspension will go into place from Sunday and that it was already in the process of scaling down production to a level at which it could resume once the suspension is lifted .
`` If the federal government considers it appropriate to issue some clarification confirming beer as an agro-industrial product , at Grupo Modelo we are ready to execute a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our staff working from home and at the same time guaranteeing the supply of beer , '' the statement said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
Agriculture and food production in general are considered essential activities .
Grupo Modelo , which is part of the brewing group Anheuser-Busch InBev , operates 11 breweries in Mexico .
Corona means crown in Spanish and the symbol is used on the beer 's labelling .
COVID-19 is known as coronavirus because of its @ @ @

The brewer of the Mexican beer Corona is suspending production because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Grupo Modelo said the decision had been made after its business activities were declared non-essential under a government order.
Image: COVID-19 is known as coronavirus because of its crown-like shape under a microscope
Corona and the company's other brands, which include Pacifico and Modelo, are exported to 180 countries.
"We are in the process of lowering production at our plants to the bare minimum," the company said in a statement, adding it would complete the suspension in the following days.
The Mexican government this week declared a health emergency and ordered the suspension of non-essential activities after the number of coronavirus cases in the country surpassed 1,000.
On Thursday, it reported 1,510 cases and 50 deaths.
The brewer said in a statement that the suspension will go into place from Sunday and that it was already in the process of scaling down production to a level at which it could resume once the suspension is lifted.
"If the federal government considers it appropriate to issue some clarification confirming beer as an agro-industrial product, at Grupo Modelo we are ready to execute a plan with more than 75% of our staff working from home and at the same time guaranteeing the supply of beer," the statement said.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
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Agriculture and food production in general are considered essential activities.
Grupo Modelo, which is part of the brewing group Anheuser-Busch InBev, operates 11 breweries in Mexico.
Corona means crown in Spanish and the symbol is used on the beer's labelling. COVID-19 is known as coronavirus because of its crown-like shape.


news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Britain's high streets suffer worst month on record due to COVID-19 lockdown

Britain 's high streets have suffered their worst month on record , as the coronavirus lockdown hammered retailers .
Figures for March from the BDO high street sales tracker show that like-for-like sales fell by 17.9 % for the month and instore sales plunged 34.1 % .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a lockdown in the middle of March aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19 , the illness caused by the coronavirus .
This included ordering people to stay home with a few exceptions , such as essential work and shopping for essential supplies .
It also included closing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stores saw sales dive 40.4 % over the month , while lifestyle shops lost 24.6 % .
Homeware store sales declined by 26.1 % .
Online sales were up , however , with people forced to do any non-essential shopping from home .
Non-store like-for-like sales increased 13.7 % , although fashion retailers reported lower online demand .
Sophie Michael , head of retail and wholesale at BDO , said : `` It 's no surprise that March was the worst month on record for the high street , as the COVID-19 outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for discretionary items .
`` Understandably , shoppers are being very cautious with their pounds , as concerns about job security grip the nation .
`` For most retailers , in-store sales make up the largest portion of their revenue , so they are having to rely solely on non-store channels and adapt aggressively to survive .
`` It is likely that the pandemic has only sped up the shift away from in-store shopping as consumers become even more accustomed to buying on-line . ''
Meanwhile , the Deloitte Consumer Tracker has found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ optimism , consumer confidence reached a record low by the end of the first quarter .
The tracker , which started in 2011 , looks at quarterly changes in confidence across six measures including job security , household disposable income , debt , education and welfare and general health and well-being .
Confidence in job security saw the biggest quarterly decline , falling by 15 percentage points to -20 , indicating that UK consumers are increasingly worried about the impact the pandemic will have on the economy and their jobs .
Some 35 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost money from the cancellation of planning holidays and events , due to the coronavirus .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ian Stewart , chief economist at Deloitte , said : `` The shock to the economy that we have seen in a matter of weeks is causing jobs losses on a greater scale than in the financial crisis .
`` The government is leaning against the downturn with unprecedented support for jobs , incomes and businesses .
Despite this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the economy have generated a sharp downturn in consumer confidence .
`` With the peak of the virus outbreak not yet reached , consumers enter the second quarter of the year expecting things to get worse before they get better . ''

Britain's high streets have suffered their worst month on record, as the coronavirus lockdown hammered retailers.
Figures for March from the BDO high street sales tracker show that like-for-like sales fell by 17.9% for the month and instore sales plunged 34.1%.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a lockdown in the middle of March aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus.
This included ordering people to stay home with a few exceptions, such as essential work and shopping for essential supplies.
It also included closing all non-essential shops.
Consequently, fashion stores saw sales dive 40.4% over the month, while lifestyle shops lost 24.6%. Homeware store sales declined by 26.1%.
Online sales were up, however, with people forced to do any non-essential shopping from home. Non-store like-for-like sales increased 13.7%, although fashion retailers reported lower online demand.
Sophie Michael, head of retail and wholesale at BDO, said: "It's no surprise that March was the worst month on record for the high street, as the COVID-19 outbreak had an immediate impact on consumer demand for discretionary items.
"Understandably, shoppers are being very cautious with their pounds, as concerns about job security grip the nation.
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"For most retailers, in-store sales make up the largest portion of their revenue, so they are having to rely solely on non-store channels and adapt aggressively to survive.
"It is likely that the pandemic has only sped up the shift away from in-store shopping as consumers become even more accustomed to buying on-line."
Meanwhile, the Deloitte Consumer Tracker has found that, despite starting the year with optimism, consumer confidence reached a record low by the end of the first quarter.
The tracker, which started in 2011, looks at quarterly changes in confidence across six measures including job security, household disposable income, debt, education and welfare and general health and well-being.
Confidence in job security saw the biggest quarterly decline, falling by 15 percentage points to -20, indicating that UK consumers are increasingly worried about the impact the pandemic will have on the economy and their jobs.
Some 35% of consumers also said they had lost money from the cancellation of planning holidays and events, due to the coronavirus.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Ian Stewart, chief economist at Deloitte, said: "The shock to the economy that we have seen in a matter of weeks is causing jobs losses on a greater scale than in the financial crisis.
"The government is leaning against the downturn with unprecedented support for jobs, incomes and businesses. Despite this, worries about job security and the state of the economy have generated a sharp downturn in consumer confidence.
"With the peak of the virus outbreak not yet reached, consumers enter the second quarter of the year expecting things to get worse before they get better."


news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Airport giants beg for 12-month rates holiday

The quartet of companies which dominate ground operations at Britain 's airports are begging the Treasury for a 12-month business rates holiday as they stand on the brink of financial ruin .
Sky News has seen a letter sent by executives from Dnata , Menzies Aviation , Swissport and WFS to Rishi Sunak , the chancellor , which warns that `` the collapse of the UK aviation system has already begun '' .
The four bosses said they had seen their revenue fall by 95 % during the last week , and urged Mr Sunak to waive the sector 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us to reduce our cash costs and keep essential aviation operations running '' .
Between them , the groups employed 25,000 people before the coronavirus outbreak - with more than 10,000 laid off so far as the aviation industry has been engulfed by the pandemic .
Companies such as Swissport provide services to airlines , including refuelling , baggage handling and departure gate operations .
The executives expressed their disappointment that they had been unable to secure a meeting with the Treasury to outline the crisis facing the industry .
They added that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government when it earmarked specific sectors for rates relief .
`` If the hospitality sector has been granted such business rate relief , we strongly believe that the same business rates relief should apply to aviation to significantly help critical cash flow at this time .
`` After all , our businesses ' personnel have been officially designated key workers , something the hospitality sector teams have not . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A rates holiday for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because they collectively operate from more than 1000 `` rateable and now virtually unused properties , many of which support our cargo operations , passenger handling , baggage halls , fuel delivery services and maintenance facilities '' .
The four companies are understood to pay between £3m and £6m in business rates annually .

The quartet of companies which dominate ground operations at Britain's airports are begging the Treasury for a 12-month business rates holiday as they stand on the brink of financial ruin.
Sky News has seen a letter sent by executives from Dnata, Menzies Aviation, Swissport and WFS to Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, which warns that "the collapse of the UK aviation system has already begun".
The four bosses said they had seen their revenue fall by 95% during the last week, and urged Mr Sunak to waive the sector's business rates for 2020 "to allow us to reduce our cash costs and keep essential aviation operations running".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Grounded planes stack up on Oklahoma runway
Between them, the groups employed 25,000 people before the coronavirus outbreak - with more than 10,000 laid off so far as the aviation industry has been engulfed by the pandemic.
Companies such as Swissport provide services to airlines, including refuelling, baggage handling and departure gate operations.
The executives expressed their disappointment that they had been unable to secure a meeting with the Treasury to outline the crisis facing the industry.
They added that their businesses had been unfairly treated by the government when it earmarked specific sectors for rates relief.
"If the hospitality sector has been granted such business rate relief, we strongly believe that the same business rates relief should apply to aviation to significantly help critical cash flow at this time.
"After all, our businesses' personnel have been officially designated key workers, something the hospitality sector teams have not."
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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
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A rates holiday for the ground handlers was required, they added, because they collectively operate from more than 1000 "rateable and now virtually unused properties, many of which support our cargo operations, passenger handling, baggage halls, fuel delivery services and maintenance facilities".
The four companies are understood to pay between £3m and £6m in business rates annually.


news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Medical chiefs call for patients to be enrolled in clinical trials

The UK 's top medical experts have urged clinicians to enrol coronavirus patients in clinical trials .
In an open letter , the country 's chief medical officers and NHS England medical director Professor Stephen Powis called for patients to be involved in trials taking place across primary care , hospitals and intensive care units .
`` As yet , there are no proven treatments for COVID-19 , '' they said .
`` We need to gather reliable evidence through clinical trials .
`` Using international evidence and UK expertise the most promising potential treatments , at this stage , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running national clinical trials to gather evidence across the whole disease spectrum . ''
The three main national trials are : Principle ( for higher risk patients in primary care ) , Recovery ( for those in hospital ) , and REMAP-CAP ( for critically ill patients ) .
Several other studies , including one which monitors immunosuppressed children and young people , are also being encouraged .
The chief medical officers , including Professor Chris Whitty , said evidence from the trials `` will be used to inform treatment decisions and benefit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The faster that patients are recruited , the sooner we will get reliable results , '' they urged .
The letter said using treatments without taking part in a trial would be a `` wasted opportunity '' .
The Recovery trial is being run by the University of Oxford and will test a number of treatment options for those in hospital , including a drug used to treat HIV and hydroxychloroquine , which is related to an anti-malarial drug .
More than 50 sites across the world are taking part in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ develop community-acquired pneumonia ( CAP ) .
It is a syndrome in which individuals who have not been hospitalised recently develop an acute infection of the lungs , often caused by viral infections .
New potential treatments specific to COVID-19 will be tested at these sites .
The Principle trial is open to people aged 50 to 64 who have COVID-19 symptoms and have an underlying condition such as heart disease , asthma or cancer .
It is also open to those aged 65 or over , with or without other illnesses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is hydroxychloroquine , but other potential treatments will be used as they are identified .
It came as it was announced another 684 people had died in the UK after contracting coronavirus - bringing the total number of deaths to 3,605 .

The UK's top medical experts have urged clinicians to enrol coronavirus patients in clinical trials.
In an open letter, the country's chief medical officers and NHS England medical director Professor Stephen Powis called for patients to be involved in trials taking place across primary care, hospitals and intensive care units.
"As yet, there are no proven treatments for COVID-19," they said. "We need to gather reliable evidence through clinical trials.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:14 Hancock celebrates hospital opening
"Using international evidence and UK expertise the most promising potential treatments, at this stage, have been identified and the UK is running national clinical trials to gather evidence across the whole disease spectrum."
The three main national trials are: Principle (for higher risk patients in primary care), Recovery (for those in hospital), and REMAP-CAP (for critically ill patients).
Several other studies, including one which monitors immunosuppressed children and young people, are also being encouraged.
The chief medical officers, including Professor Chris Whitty, said evidence from the trials "will be used to inform treatment decisions and benefit patients in the immediate future".
"The faster that patients are recruited, the sooner we will get reliable results," they urged.
Image: Chief medical officer for England Chris Whitty
The letter said using treatments without taking part in a trial would be a "wasted opportunity".
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The Recovery trial is being run by the University of Oxford and will test a number of treatment options for those in hospital, including a drug used to treat HIV and hydroxychloroquine, which is related to an anti-malarial drug.
More than 50 sites across the world are taking part in the REMAP-CAP trial, which helps patients who develop community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).
It is a syndrome in which individuals who have not been hospitalised recently develop an acute infection of the lungs, often caused by viral infections.
New potential treatments specific to COVID-19 will be tested at these sites.
The Principle trial is open to people aged 50 to 64 who have COVID-19 symptoms and have an underlying condition such as heart disease, asthma or cancer.
It is also open to those aged 65 or over, with or without other illnesses.
The first drug that will be trialled is hydroxychloroquine, but other potential treatments will be used as they are identified.
It came as it was announced another 684 people had died in the UK after contracting coronavirus - bringing the total number of deaths to 3,605.


news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Thousands of paedophiles preying on children online during lockdown

Schoolchildren are at extra risk from online paedophiles while they are stuck at home during the coronavirus crisis , investigators have warned .
In a new assessment the National Crime Agency ( NCA ) says there are at least 300,000 sex abusers posing a threat , some of whom are discussing how to exploit the school shutdown .
A separate survey has revealed that 10 % of schoolchildren claim they can do as they want online while they are housebound .
The NCA is urging children , parents and carers to ensure they are safe online and has launched a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in home schooling .
NCA director Rob Jones said : `` Though we are working around the virus like everyone else , we are continuing to pursue high-risk online offenders to ensure they are arrested , and children are safeguarded .
`` Preventing offences occurring is always crucial and now more so than ever when there is masses of online traffic and a possible elevated threat to children . ''
To illustrate the risks the agency has produced a series of 15-minute activity packages for parents and carers to complete with children .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media platforms and the website thinkyouknow.co.uk .
A survey by insurers Zurich has revealed that one-in-10 seven to 17-year-olds claim they are unmonitored online during the lockdown as theirs parents struggle to cope with working from home and home schooling .
The company said it found that a fifth of those surveyed admitted chatting to strangers online and that children as young as seven spend nearly three hours a week broadcasting live videos of themselves .
Zurich said the survey , commissioned as part of its Safer Schools initiative , showed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the schools closed .
The survey also revealed that nearly three-quarters of children had a camera on their computers .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The survey was led by child protection specialists the Ineqe Safeguarding Group , whose CEO Jim Gamble said : `` Whilst everyone is locked down in their homes , there may be a tendency to think that our children and young people are somehow safer , simply because we know exactly where they are .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ might not be .
`` Children will be spending more time online than ever before .
They may be tempted to join groups , share intimate images and participate in live-streaming activity as they attempt to build an online audience .
`` We ca n't ignore the fact that sex offenders are also sitting at home and most will access the internet . ''
Simon Bailey , of the National Police Chiefs Council , said : `` It is sickening to think that some criminals are looking to exploit the coronavirus crisis to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues that the pandemic will cause for law enforcement , child protection is still a priority . ''

Schoolchildren are at extra risk from online paedophiles while they are stuck at home during the coronavirus crisis, investigators have warned.
In a new assessment the National Crime Agency (NCA) says there are at least 300,000 sex abusers posing a threat, some of whom are discussing how to exploit the school shutdown.
A separate survey has revealed that 10% of schoolchildren claim they can do as they want online while they are housebound.
The NCA is urging children, parents and carers to ensure they are safe online and has launched a package of educational aids to be used in home schooling.
NCA director Rob Jones said: "Though we are working around the virus like everyone else, we are continuing to pursue high-risk online offenders to ensure they are arrested, and children are safeguarded.
"Preventing offences occurring is always crucial and now more so than ever when there is masses of online traffic and a possible elevated threat to children."
Image: The National Crime Agency has produced a series of 15-minute activity packages for parents and carers
To illustrate the risks the agency has produced a series of 15-minute activity packages for parents and carers to complete with children.
They are available on the NCA's social media platforms and the website thinkyouknow.co.uk.
A survey by insurers Zurich has revealed that one-in-10 seven to 17-year-olds claim they are unmonitored online during the lockdown as theirs parents struggle to cope with working from home and home schooling.
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The company said it found that a fifth of those surveyed admitted chatting to strangers online and that children as young as seven spend nearly three hours a week broadcasting live videos of themselves.
Zurich said the survey, commissioned as part of its Safer Schools initiative, showed a rise of 17% in live streaming since the schools closed.
The survey also revealed that nearly three-quarters of children had a camera on their computers.
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The survey was led by child protection specialists the Ineqe Safeguarding Group, whose CEO Jim Gamble said: "Whilst everyone is locked down in their homes, there may be a tendency to think that our children and young people are somehow safer, simply because we know exactly where they are. However, the truth is that they might not be.
"Children will be spending more time online than ever before. They may be tempted to join groups, share intimate images and participate in live-streaming activity as they attempt to build an online audience.
"We can't ignore the fact that sex offenders are also sitting at home and most will access the internet."
Simon Bailey, of the National Police Chiefs Council, said: "It is sickening to think that some criminals are looking to exploit the coronavirus crisis to cause harm online.
"Despite the issues that the pandemic will cause for law enforcement, child protection is still a priority."


news--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: The strangers 'virtually adopting' grandparents and grandchildren

When Rosie Kirkin feels afraid about the war the world is fighting against the coronavirus pandemic , the 88-year-old recalls a lesson she learned during a very different war she faced as a child .
`` In times like these , we 've got to be kind and help each other and realise how necessary it is to reach out and be close emotionally , '' she said .
`` And to not be afraid to open up to strangers by making new friends . ''
That desire to connect - with the help of technology - has seen Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her through her time in isolation at her Surrey care home .
CHD Living launched its Adopt A Grandparent campaign last year to link elderly and lonely residents in their Surrey and south London care homes with local children and adults who do n't have or see grandparents .
When lockdown was announced and residents could no longer receive visits from their loved ones or their `` adopted grandchildren '' , the group bought online portals and swapped the face-to-fact visits with video chats .
In the past two weeks , volunteer registration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40,000 , including applications from all over the world .
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Ms Kirkin was nervous when she received the first call from her `` grandchild '' , Anika Brandt , but after 20 minutes she was already inviting her new friend over for when she was next allowed visitors .
`` Anika was very easy to talk to .
We talked about each other 's families ; I talked about how I love embroidery and ice-skating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Brandt about how she recently ice-skated while pushing someone in a wheelchair at a CHD Living event , Ms Brandt realised she had seen that video on social media .
`` I recognised her getting around the ice rink quite impressively , '' she said .
`` We were probably paired because we have similar interests in being active - although we obviously ca n't do all the same activities due to our age .
`` She is so lovely and friendly and funny ; when I get off the phone I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much it brightened my day . ''
The experience was particularly rewarding for Ms Brandt , who lost her last grandparent two years ago .
`` I think it 's helped both Rosie and me , '' she said .
`` There are n't a lot of things you can do in a time like this but this is one positive thing you can do in the world . ''
CHD Living 's head of hospitality and communications , Shaleeza Hasham , said the campaign helped relieve feelings of loneliness and isolation for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disproportionately with these feelings without the added stress of the COVD-19 crisis .
`` It 's a tough time for the people we look after as some have dementia , will not understand why they 're required to isolate and are n't used to seeing staff in PPE [ personal protective equipment ] , '' Ms Hasham said .
`` But while there is a lot of angst and fear there is a lot of positivity globally and we 're seeing so much of that in our homes . ''
Ms Hasham spoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talking on the portal to a young child , and asked a staff member if she too could adopt a granddaughter - adding she 'd like her to be from Australia , enjoy reading and like horses .
`` We 're overwhelmed with the interest in volunteers in the past few weeks and it 's allowed us to pair residents with potential grandchildren from so many countries , based on their likes , dislikes and hobbies .
`` It 's so humbling to see how many people want to give up an hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time and just support each other . ''

When Rosie Kirkin feels afraid about the war the world is fighting against the coronavirus pandemic, the 88-year-old recalls a lesson she learned during a very different war she faced as a child.
"In times like these, we've got to be kind and help each other and realise how necessary it is to reach out and be close emotionally," she said.
"And to not be afraid to open up to strangers by making new friends."
Image: Rosie Kirkin, 88, has adopted a 'grandchild' to help with loneliness during isolation
That desire to connect - with the help of technology - has seen Ms Kirkin virtually adopt a grandchild to help her through her time in isolation at her Surrey care home.
CHD Living launched its Adopt A Grandparent campaign last year to link elderly and lonely residents in their Surrey and south London care homes with local children and adults who don't have or see grandparents.
When lockdown was announced and residents could no longer receive visits from their loved ones or their "adopted grandchildren", the group bought online portals and swapped the face-to-fact visits with video chats.
In the past two weeks, volunteer registration have grown from a few hundred to 40,000, including applications from all over the world.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
Ms Kirkin was nervous when she received the first call from her "grandchild", Anika Brandt, but after 20 minutes she was already inviting her new friend over for when she was next allowed visitors.
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"Anika was very easy to talk to. We talked about each other's families; I talked about how I love embroidery and ice-skating."
When Ms Kirkin started telling Ms Brandt about how she recently ice-skated while pushing someone in a wheelchair at a CHD Living event, Ms Brandt realised she had seen that video on social media.
"I recognised her getting around the ice rink quite impressively," she said.
Image: Anika says she speaks to Rosie about her family and their shared interests
"We were probably paired because we have similar interests in being active - although we obviously can't do all the same activities due to our age.
"She is so lovely and friendly and funny; when I get off the phone I would tell anyone who would listen how much it brightened my day."
The experience was particularly rewarding for Ms Brandt, who lost her last grandparent two years ago.
"I think it's helped both Rosie and me," she said.
"There aren't a lot of things you can do in a time like this but this is one positive thing you can do in the world."
Image: CHD Living staff help the residents work the online portal, which they use to link up with their 'grandchildren'
CHD Living's head of hospitality and communications, Shaleeza Hasham, said the campaign helped relieve feelings of loneliness and isolation for the older generation, who already suffered disproportionately with these feelings without the added stress of the COVD-19 crisis.
"It's a tough time for the people we look after as some have dementia, will not understand why they're required to isolate and aren't used to seeing staff in PPE [personal protective equipment]," Ms Hasham said.
"But while there is a lot of angst and fear there is a lot of positivity globally and we're seeing so much of that in our homes."
Ms Hasham spoke of how one resident overheard a friend talking on the portal to a young child, and asked a staff member if she too could adopt a granddaughter - adding she'd like her to be from Australia, enjoy reading and like horses.
"We're overwhelmed with the interest in volunteers in the past few weeks and it's allowed us to pair residents with potential grandchildren from so many countries, based on their likes, dislikes and hobbies.
"It's so humbling to see how many people want to give up an hour a day or a week of their time and just support each other."


news--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Price of street drugs rises due to lockdown measures, dealer says

The price of street drugs has risen in London during the coronavirus pandemic due to strict lockdown measures , a wholesale cocaine supplier has told Sky News .
The London-based co-ordinator , who sells drugs to smaller dealers in the capital , said the price of a kilogram of cocaine has surged from £36,000 to £40,000 .
This means regular users who still want access to the product are having to pay more because of a fall in supply .
The wholesale dealer , who asked not be named , says he has been busier than normal while lockdown measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of his customers have switched to purchasing more cannabis than cocaine , as the government has asked people to stay inside to help slow the spread of coronavirus .
Sky News has seen WhatsApp messages which reveal many street dealers have stopped selling drugs because police are checking more vehicles on the roads in accordance with `` stay home '' advice .
One drug user said : `` Nobody wants to drive as the chances of getting pulled over are much greater now . ''
Other messages show how the price of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading up to the lockdown , with dealers concerned they would be unable to shift their stock .
One message , sent by a dealer to multiple customers , used Sky News branding to mockingly suggest `` cocaine kills the coronavirus '' .
`` Breaking news , this just in .
`` Not much time left until we ca n't deliver anymore to you , given the recent circumstances .
`` Call now while there 's time to make sure you have enough vaccinations to last you the imminent quarantine . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £100 , 3 vaccines for £140 , 4 vaccines for £180 '' .
Drugs like cocaine and MDMA are more associated with going out and partying , which is not happening under government instructions to self-isolate at home to protect the NHS .
Some drug users said they bought `` party packs '' , which typically contain both class A and class B drugs , ahead of the lockdown in anticipation that it would become more difficult to buy them .
Another cannabis smoker said they bought a `` virus-sized pack of weed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shutdown .
One cannabis smoker , who asked not to be named , said : `` The price of cannabis seems to be starting to go up .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' I 've had one of my dealers say they might have to put everything on hold due to police checks making it way more risky to be driving about doing deliveries . ''
Another regular drug buyer added : `` There 's a guy near me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all hours of the day . ''
He continued : `` Everyone I know who gets stuck in bought party bags to see them through .
`` A good friend of mine almost got gripped on Monday when he was cycling about doing drops .
`` That was in Stoke Newington . ''
Prime Minister Boris Johnson introduced lockdown measures last week in effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus .
The guidance means people should stay at home for three weeks and only go out for limited purposes , such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of exercise a day .

The price of street drugs has risen in London during the coronavirus pandemic due to strict lockdown measures, a wholesale cocaine supplier has told Sky News.
The London-based co-ordinator, who sells drugs to smaller dealers in the capital, said the price of a kilogram of cocaine has surged from £36,000 to £40,000.
This means regular users who still want access to the product are having to pay more because of a fall in supply.
The wholesale dealer, who asked not be named, says he has been busier than normal while lockdown measures are in place.
Image: A text message from one drug user
He added that some of his customers have switched to purchasing more cannabis than cocaine, as the government has asked people to stay inside to help slow the spread of coronavirus.
Sky News has seen WhatsApp messages which reveal many street dealers have stopped selling drugs because police are checking more vehicles on the roads in accordance with "stay home" advice.
One drug user said: "Nobody wants to drive as the chances of getting pulled over are much greater now."
Other messages show how the price of drugs dropped in London in the days leading up to the lockdown, with dealers concerned they would be unable to shift their stock.
One message, sent by a dealer to multiple customers, used Sky News branding to mockingly suggest "cocaine kills the coronavirus".
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The text reads: "CORONA VACCINE SPECIAL.
"Breaking news, this just in.
Image: A drug dealer's mass text to customers
"Not much time left until we can't deliver anymore to you, given the recent circumstances.
"Call now while there's time to make sure you have enough vaccinations to last you the imminent quarantine."
The message then advertises "2 vaccines for £100, 3 vaccines for £140, 4 vaccines for £180".
The text ends with: "Stay healthy."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:14 Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces lockdown measures
Drugs like cocaine and MDMA are more associated with going out and partying, which is not happening under government instructions to self-isolate at home to protect the NHS.
Some drug users said they bought "party packs", which typically contain both class A and class B drugs, ahead of the lockdown in anticipation that it would become more difficult to buy them.
Another cannabis smoker said they bought a "virus-sized pack of weed weeks ago" to see them through the shutdown.
One cannabis smoker, who asked not to be named, said: "The price of cannabis seems to be starting to go up.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"I've had one of my dealers say they might have to put everything on hold due to police checks making it way more risky to be driving about doing deliveries."
Another regular drug buyer added: "There's a guy near me who zips around on a scooter at all hours of the day."
He continued: "Everyone I know who gets stuck in bought party bags to see them through.
"A good friend of mine almost got gripped on Monday when he was cycling about doing drops.
Image: A cannabis smoker said they bought a 'virus-sized pack of weed weeks ago' to see them through lockdown
"That was in Stoke Newington."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson introduced lockdown measures last week in effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
The guidance means people should stay at home for three weeks and only go out for limited purposes, such as buying groceries or carrying out one form of exercise a day.