news--2020-04-20--Is Harry and Meghan's tabloid broadside ill-advised?

Pictures of Harry and Meghan were splashed all over the UK papers this weekend .
They may be starting their new life in America , but they still sell newspapers back in Britain and the couple in this latest letter to the tabloid editors are very clearly setting their boundaries .
The couple have had enough of being clickbait and they wo n't be engaging with those papers anymore .
At a time when the coronavirus pandemic is the only thing most of us can think about , some of the front pages still found considerable space for photos of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time they 'd been photographed out and about in Los Angeles , wearing face masks and gloves , handing out food parcels for those affected by the COVID-19 outbreak .
We know that Harry has never been a fan of the paparazzi , and will not have been happy to see photographers or the photos appear in the papers back here .
But still , the announcement that the Sussexes have decided to tell four of the UK 's tabloid papers that they will no longer engage with them , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is not just about the pictures at the weekend , this is a long-running battle between the couple and the papers , one where neither side will back down .
When they announced they were stepping down as senior royals , they told us the way they were going to engage with the media was going to be different and this letter makes that 100 % clear .
The letter sent to editors at the Daily Mail , The Sun , The Mirror and The Express , says `` There will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This policy is not about avoiding criticism .
It 's not about shutting down public conversation or censoring accurate reporting .
`` Media have every right to report on and indeed have an opinion on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex , good or bad .
`` But it ca n't be based on a lie .
They also want to be very clear : this is not in any way a blanket policy for all media . ''
So why send this letter now , when the world is focused on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a little self-indulgent ?
I understand the couple did not want to take this step now , because like everyone else they want to focus their energy and attention on supporting organisations that are responding to the pandemic .
But as legal action with one of the tabloids moves to its next phase , they felt they needed to set out a clear agenda .
On Friday , the first hearing in their case against The Mail on Sunday will take place remotely at the High Court in London .
The couple decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published extracts of a letter Meghan wrote to her father Thomas Markle in 2018 .
We now know from legal documents just released that Meghan will argue that `` the UK tabloid media , particularly the Mail , harassed , humiliated and manipulated TM ( Thomas Markle ) , despite repeated requests to leave him alone '' , and that `` rather than just report the so-called dispute between the Duchess and TM , the Mail contributed towards it '' .
It was last summer that we first found the couple had filed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same time , Prince Harry made it very clear how he felt about the way he believes the media has treated his wife .
: : Listen to the Behind the Headlines podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker At the end of their very successful Africa tour , he issued a ten-paragraph statement condemning the press for a `` ruthless campaign '' against his wife , of `` relentless propaganda '' and `` continual misrepresentations '' .
His desire to protect his family is understandable and this latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place another boundary as they embark on their new life .
Yes they wanted to draw that line as they get ready to do battle in the courts , but when it comes to the court of public opinion , I suspect their timing will be seen as ill advised .

Pictures of Harry and Meghan were splashed all over the UK papers this weekend.
They may be starting their new life in America, but they still sell newspapers back in Britain and the couple in this latest letter to the tabloid editors are very clearly setting their boundaries.
The couple have had enough of being clickbait and they won't be engaging with those papers anymore.
At a time when the coronavirus pandemic is the only thing most of us can think about, some of the front pages still found considerable space for photos of the couple this weekend.
Image: Harry and Meghan have long been critics of the tabloid press. File pic
It was the first time they'd been photographed out and about in Los Angeles, wearing face masks and gloves, handing out food parcels for those affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
We know that Harry has never been a fan of the paparazzi, and will not have been happy to see photographers or the photos appear in the papers back here.
But still, the announcement that the Sussexes have decided to tell four of the UK's tabloid papers that they will no longer engage with them, has come a little out of the blue.
This is not just about the pictures at the weekend, this is a long-running battle between the couple and the papers, one where neither side will back down.
When they announced they were stepping down as senior royals, they told us the way they were going to engage with the media was going to be different and this letter makes that 100% clear.
Advertisement
The letter sent to editors at the Daily Mail, The Sun, The Mirror and The Express, says "There will be no corroboration and zero engagement.
"This policy is not about avoiding criticism. It's not about shutting down public conversation or censoring accurate reporting.
"Media have every right to report on and indeed have an opinion on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, good or bad.
Image: Prince Harry and Meghan are now living in LA
"But it can't be based on a lie. They also want to be very clear: this is not in any way a blanket policy for all media."
So why send this letter now, when the world is focused on coronavirus?
Does it not risk appearing a little self-indulgent?
I understand the couple did not want to take this step now, because like everyone else they want to focus their energy and attention on supporting organisations that are responding to the pandemic.
But as legal action with one of the tabloids moves to its next phase, they felt they needed to set out a clear agenda.
On Friday, the first hearing in their case against The Mail on Sunday will take place remotely at the High Court in London.
The couple decided to take legal action after the newspaper published extracts of a letter Meghan wrote to her father Thomas Markle in 2018.
We now know from legal documents just released that Meghan will argue that "the UK tabloid media, particularly the Mail, harassed, humiliated and manipulated TM (Thomas Markle), despite repeated requests to leave him alone", and that "rather than just report the so-called dispute between the Duchess and TM, the Mail contributed towards it".
It was last summer that we first found the couple had filed action against the paper.
At the same time, Prince Harry made it very clear how he felt about the way he believes the media has treated his wife.
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 Behind the Headlines podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
At the end of their very successful Africa tour, he issued a ten-paragraph statement condemning the press for a "ruthless campaign" against his wife, of "relentless propaganda" and "continual misrepresentations".
His desire to protect his family is understandable and this latest letter to the tabloids is putting in place another boundary as they embark on their new life.
Yes they wanted to draw that line as they get ready to do battle in the courts, but when it comes to the court of public opinion, I suspect their timing will be seen as ill advised.


news--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: US oil price plunges below zero for first time in history as pandemic hits demand

Oil prices in the US have crashed below zero for the first time in history as demand for energy plummeted due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The historic fall was fuelled by traders not wanting to get stuck owning crude oil with nowhere to keep it .
The dramatic decline in demand due to the COVID-19 crisis means storage facilities are nearly full .
Tanks could hit their limits within three weeks , according to analysts , who said the price crash in West Texas Intermediate ( WTI ) crude for May delivery reflected a massive glut of oil .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 40 a barrel .
David Winans , of US Investment Grad Credit Research , said : `` Today 's price move feels like oil is passing a kidney stone .
`` A very painful move but it ca n't last for long , since producers are switching off wells as we speak . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The plunge into negative territory led to the bizarre situation where traders were being paid at least $ 40 to buy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US is traded on a `` future '' contract and whoever owns it when it expires is obliged to take delivery of the barrel .
With the deadline for May contracts up on Tuesday , traders scrambled to offload their barrels , so they were not left to pick up oil which they do not have the ability to collect .
It meant they were willing to pay a lot of money to anyone willing to take the product off their hands .
Normally traders have no problem selling their contracts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants oil , before the deadline .
But international demand has dropped significantly in recent weeks , leading to the market being flooded by oil .
With many storage sites full and unable to take any more , final buyers are difficult to find .
WTI crude for May delivery was trading at just $ 1.5 a barrel on Tuesday morning .
That was after US President Donald Trump responded by promising to top up the nation 's emergency crude oil stockpile .
The Department of Energy is leasing some of the roughly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to US oil companies to help them deal with lack of commercial storage .
The price collapse will not lead directly to significant discounts for drivers at the pumps in the UK .
That is because the price of Brent crude - the international benchmark - is still around the $ 25 mark .

Oil prices in the US have crashed below zero for the first time in history as demand for energy plummeted due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The historic fall was fuelled by traders not wanting to get stuck owning crude oil with nowhere to keep it.
The dramatic decline in demand due to the COVID-19 crisis means storage facilities are nearly full.
Tanks could hit their limits within three weeks, according to analysts, who said the price crash in West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for May delivery reflected a massive glut of oil.
The price fell as low as -$40 a barrel.
David Winans, of US Investment Grad Credit Research, said: "Today's price move feels like oil is passing a kidney stone.
"A very painful move but it can't last for long, since producers are switching off wells as we speak."
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The plunge into negative territory led to the bizarre situation where traders were being paid at least $40 to buy a barrel of oil.
Advertisement
Oil in the US is traded on a "future" contract and whoever owns it when it expires is obliged to take delivery of the barrel.
With the deadline for May contracts up on Tuesday, traders scrambled to offload their barrels, so they were not left to pick up oil which they do not have the ability to collect.
It meant they were willing to pay a lot of money to anyone willing to take the product off their hands.
Normally traders have no problem selling their contracts to a refinery, or other business that wants oil, before the deadline.
But international demand has dropped significantly in recent weeks, leading to the market being flooded by oil.
With many storage sites full and unable to take any more, final buyers are difficult to find.
WTI crude for May delivery was trading at just $1.5 a barrel on Tuesday morning.
That was after US President Donald Trump responded by promising to top up the nation's emergency crude oil stockpile.
The Department of Energy is leasing some of the roughly 77 million barrels of available space in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to US oil companies to help them deal with lack of commercial storage.
The price collapse will not lead directly to significant discounts for drivers at the pumps in the UK.
That is because the price of Brent crude - the international benchmark - is still around the $25 mark.


news--2020-04-20--Coronavirus furlough scheme: 140,000 firms apply for help to pay a million workers

More than 140,000 firms have applied for the government 's job retention scheme since it launched on Monday morning , the chancellor has said .
Speaking at the daily Downing Street briefing , Rishi Sunak announced the grants to help cover the wages of more than one million people during the COVID-19 crisis .
Mr Sunak said : `` HMRC opened the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme at eight o'clock this morning .
`` As of 4pm , over 140,000 firms have applied and the grants they will receive will help pay the wages of more than a million people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ they had n't been furloughed , would have been at risk of losing their job .
`` Firms applying today should receive their cash in six working days .
HMRC will continue to provide updates on the number of people furloughed . ''
Mr Sunak refused to be drawn on the cost of the furlough scheme or whether it would be extended again .
He told the press conference : `` We do n't have an estimate of take up yet - it 's just the first day the scheme is open and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase over the coming days . ''
The Bank of England has said the approval of coronavirus business interruption loans would be sped up if the government agreed to guarantee 100 % of the loans - instead of the current 80 % limit .
Mr Sunak said 12,000 loans had been approved , but added : `` I am not persuaded that moving to a 100 % guarantee is the right thing to do .
`` Some people have made some comparisons with what is going on in other countries .
I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we are doing it is more significant in scope and scale . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But former chancellor Philip Hammond said that while the Treasury support schemes were `` perfectly sustainable and manageable '' in the short-term , the economy will not survive an endless lockdown .
`` The government will have to be prepared to tell people that the high levels of support that are currently being provided can not be provided forever , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chatham House think-tank on Monday .
`` And they can not prevent an essential restructuring as businesses that have become non-viable have to fail and jobs that have become non-viable have to go .
That point will come . ''
His advice to the government on an exit strategy was : `` I think we 've got to start re-opening the economy and I think the sensible compromise is to re-open around a set of conditions which assume that at least for the time being we are coexisting with this virus rather than @ @ @ @

More than 140,000 firms have applied for the government's job retention scheme since it launched on Monday morning, the chancellor has said.
Speaking at the daily Downing Street briefing, Rishi Sunak announced the grants to help cover the wages of more than one million people during the COVID-19 crisis.
Mr Sunak said: "HMRC opened the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme at eight o'clock this morning.
"As of 4pm, over 140,000 firms have applied and the grants they will receive will help pay the wages of more than a million people.
"A million people who, if they hadn't been furloughed, would have been at risk of losing their job.
"Firms applying today should receive their cash in six working days. HMRC will continue to provide updates on the number of people furloughed."
Mr Sunak refused to be drawn on the cost of the furlough scheme or whether it would be extended again.
He told the press conference: "We don't have an estimate of take up yet - it's just the first day the scheme is open and I expect those numbers to continue to increase over the coming days."
The Bank of England has said the approval of coronavirus business interruption loans would be sped up if the government agreed to guarantee 100% of the loans - instead of the current 80% limit.
Advertisement
Mr Sunak said 12,000 loans had been approved, but added: "I am not persuaded that moving to a 100% guarantee is the right thing to do.
"Some people have made some comparisons with what is going on in other countries. I think when you look at the totality of what we are doing it is more significant in scope and scale."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
But former chancellor Philip Hammond said that while the Treasury support schemes were "perfectly sustainable and manageable" in the short-term, the economy will not survive an endless lockdown.
"The government will have to be prepared to tell people that the high levels of support that are currently being provided cannot be provided forever," he told an online forum hosted by the Chatham House think-tank on Monday.
"And they cannot prevent an essential restructuring as businesses that have become non-viable have to fail and jobs that have become non-viable have to go. That point will come."
His advice to the government on an exit strategy was: "I think we've got to start re-opening the economy and I think the sensible compromise is to re-open around a set of conditions which assume that at least for the time being we are coexisting with this virus rather than conquering it."


news--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Prince Charles opens hospital as he praises NHS workers for making 'ultimate sacrifice'

The Prince of Wales has paid tribute to health workers who have `` made the ultimate sacrifice '' as he officially opened a temporary field hospital in Cardiff .
Prince Charles appeared in a pre-recorded video message shown at the Ysbyty Calon Y Ddraig , or the Dragon 's Heart Hospital , which has been constructed at the city 's Principality Stadium .
The facility is the largest temporary hospital in Wales , providing up to 2,000 additional beds for COVID-19 patients with on-site radiography , laboratories and a pharmacy .
Prince Charles , who has himself recovered from coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` That this amazing undertaking should have been completed in such a short time is , rightly , a huge source of pride . ''
The Prince of Wales , who was speaking from his residence in Scotland , continued : `` As the days have gone by , we have become ever more painfully aware of those in our National Health and public services who have made the ultimate sacrifice in caring for others , giving their lives in the service of their fellow men and women , without thought of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Words simply can not express the gratitude and humility that such compassionate courage inspires in us all , and our hearts go out to all who have lost their loved ones in such a tragic way .
`` Today , we honour their memory , and can resolve , in words long used to commemorate those who fell in other conflicts : 'ay haberth nid a heibio ' - their sacrifice shall not be forgotten .
`` We can honour them too by doing all we can to aid those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggle . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A total of 584 people have died in Wales after contracting COVID-19 , after nine new deaths were reported on Monday .
Some of these deaths include NHS workers .
The Dragon 's Heart hospital will care for patients coming to the end of their treatment , who will either need rehabilitation or end-of-life palliative care .
It has already opened its first 330 beds but has not yet welcomed its first patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cardiff and Vale University Health Board , said the stadium `` embodies the heart and soul of the nation '' .
`` We are planning on the basis of what we think we might need to ensure we are as ready as we can be , '' he said .
Prince Charles also praised the `` age-old values of generosity and courage '' displayed by many in the response to the coronavirus pandemic .
`` It has now been weeks since our lives were changed in so many far-reaching ways by this pernicious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ empty and workplaces fall silent .
`` But we have also seen individuals and communities meeting these strange new circumstances with the age-old values of generosity and courage that the people of Wales have always understood so well .
`` We hope and trust that the measures which have been taken , and the hardship that so many are enduring , will help hasten the day when the shadow of this disease will finally be lifted . ''
It follows a rare statement from the Duke of Edinburgh , who thanked key workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life continues '' during the pandemic .
Prince Philip said he recognised the `` vital and urgent work being done by so many to tackle the pandemic '' .
Earlier on Monday , the Duke and Duchess of Sussex told the editors of four tabloid newspapers they would never deal with their outlets again .

The Prince of Wales has paid tribute to health workers who have "made the ultimate sacrifice" as he officially opened a temporary field hospital in Cardiff.
Prince Charles appeared in a pre-recorded video message shown at the Ysbyty Calon Y Ddraig, or the Dragon's Heart Hospital, which has been constructed at the city's Principality Stadium.
The facility is the largest temporary hospital in Wales, providing up to 2,000 additional beds for COVID-19 patients with on-site radiography, laboratories and a pharmacy.
Image: The Dragon's Heart hospital will provide up to 2,000 additional beds
Image: A simulation technician takes part in medical training at the hospital
Prince Charles, who has himself recovered from coronavirus, praised the new facility, saying: "That this amazing undertaking should have been completed in such a short time is, rightly, a huge source of pride."
The Prince of Wales, who was speaking from his residence in Scotland, continued: "As the days have gone by, we have become ever more painfully aware of those in our National Health and public services who have made the ultimate sacrifice in caring for others, giving their lives in the service of their fellow men and women, without thought of reward, and without regard for self.
"Words simply cannot express the gratitude and humility that such compassionate courage inspires in us all, and our hearts go out to all who have lost their loved ones in such a tragic way.
"Today, we honour their memory, and can resolve, in words long used to commemorate those who fell in other conflicts: 'ay haberth nid a heibio' - their sacrifice shall not be forgotten.
"We can honour them too by doing all we can to aid those who are on the front line of this struggle."
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
Advertisement
A total of 584 people have died in Wales after contracting COVID-19, after nine new deaths were reported on Monday. Some of these deaths include NHS workers.
The Dragon's Heart hospital will care for patients coming to the end of their treatment, who will either need rehabilitation or end-of-life palliative care.
It has already opened its first 330 beds but has not yet welcomed its first patient.
Len Richards, chief executive of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said the stadium "embodies the heart and soul of the nation".
Image: Workers listen to the Prince of Wales' message
"We are planning on the basis of what we think we might need to ensure we are as ready as we can be," he said.
Prince Charles also praised the "age-old values of generosity and courage" displayed by many in the response to the coronavirus pandemic.
"It has now been weeks since our lives were changed in so many far-reaching ways by this pernicious virus. We have seen streets become empty and workplaces fall silent.
"But we have also seen individuals and communities meeting these strange new circumstances with the age-old values of generosity and courage that the people of Wales have always understood so well.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 Britain applauds its NHS heroes
"We hope and trust that the measures which have been taken, and the hardship that so many are enduring, will help hasten the day when the shadow of this disease will finally be lifted."
It follows a rare statement from the Duke of Edinburgh, who thanked key workers for ensuring the "infrastructure of our life continues" during the pandemic.
Prince Philip said he recognised the "vital and urgent work being done by so many to tackle the pandemic".
Earlier on Monday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex told the editors of four tabloid newspapers they would never deal with their outlets again.


news--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Danny Dyer turns history teacher in lockdown lessons for kids

TV hardman Danny Dyer - who previously discovered he is related to William the Conqueror and Edward III - is among a host of stars helping to teach the nation 's children during the COVID-19 crisis .
The EastEnders actor will provide a history class for five to seven-year-olds on Henry VIII , the BBC said , as it revealed further details of its virtual learning programme which has now gone live .
Children will be offered lessons held by footballer Sergio Aguero , Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker and Professor Brian Cox .
Aguero will help youngsters learn to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is due to teach science topics such as force , the solar system and gravity .
Former shadow chancellor and Strictly Come Dancing star Ed Balls has been recruited to deliver a maths class for 11 to 14-year-olds .
And Sir David Attenborough will look at geography topics such as oceans and mapping the world .
Along with more than 200 teachers , other celebrities taking part include singers Liam Payne and Mabel , as well as TV presenter Anita Rani and Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse .
Alice Webb , director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` It 's vital that every child is able to continue learning - and the lessons we 're putting on will make sure they have fun at the same time . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The learning programme includes BBC Bitesize Daily , airing on BBC iPlayer and the BBC red button , which will feature six 20-minute programmes each day , aimed at different age groups .
There will also be a maths and English lesson every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education podcasts and programmes on BBC Four on weekday evenings to support GCSE and A-level courses .

TV hardman Danny Dyer - who previously discovered he is related to William the Conqueror and Edward III - is among a host of stars helping to teach the nation's children during the COVID-19 crisis.
The EastEnders actor will provide a history class for five to seven-year-olds on Henry VIII, the BBC said, as it revealed further details of its virtual learning programme which has now gone live.
Children will be offered lessons held by footballer Sergio Aguero, Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker and Professor Brian Cox.
Image: Sergio Aguero will give Spanish lessons
Aguero will help youngsters learn to count in Spanish, and Professor Cox is due to teach science topics such as force, the solar system and gravity.
Former shadow chancellor and Strictly Come Dancing star Ed Balls has been recruited to deliver a maths class for 11 to 14-year-olds.
And Sir David Attenborough will look at geography topics such as oceans and mapping the world.
Image: Ed Balls and his Strictly dance partner Katya Jones
Along with more than 200 teachers, other celebrities taking part include singers Liam Payne and Mabel, as well as TV presenter Anita Rani and Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse.
Alice Webb, director of BBC Children's & Education said: "It's vital that every child is able to continue learning - and the lessons we're putting on will make sure they have fun at the same time."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Advertisement
The learning programme includes BBC Bitesize Daily, airing on BBC iPlayer and the BBC red button, which will feature six 20-minute programmes each day, aimed at different age groups.
There will also be a maths and English lesson every day for different age groups, daily education podcasts and programmes on BBC Four on weekday evenings to support GCSE and A-level courses.


news--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Minister denies 'grotesquely' underestimating front line COVID-19 deaths

Claims the government is `` grotesquely underestimating '' the number of coronavirus-related deaths among front line NHS staff and carers , have been denied .
According to official figures , 43 people who work in care homes or in the NHS have died as result of the COVID-19 pandemic .
However , during an interview , ITV 's Piers Morgan showed culture secretary Oliver Dowden a newspaper report that suggested the real figure was 80 .
The minister insisted he was using the most `` up to date '' numbers available to him .
Mr Dowden was also accused of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died with coronavirus that were in care homes - which is believed to be in the region of 7,500 - much higher than official data .
He said : `` We have figures from the ONS ( Office for National Statistics ) which is 217 but of course the figure is much larger than that because there 's a time lag with those .
`` I 'm using the most up-to-date figures I have been given , and the figure I was given this morning is the one I quoted to you .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently have .
Of course there is a time lag with non-hospital figures .
`` With hospitals , we get those figures out very rapidly and that gives you a snapshot , and that is comparable with other countries around the world . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The culture secretary was also criticised for his decision to personally encourage people to travel to the Cheltenham Festival in March , despite Italy going into lockdown over its own pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` the risk at mass gatherings was no greater or less than it would have been in pubs or restaurants , and the advice at that point was that we did not need to ban mass gatherings '' .
Earlier Mr Dowden told Sky News he was `` confident '' a flight carrying 84 tonnes of personal protective equipment for the NHS will depart from Turkey `` later on this afternoon '' , after it was held up on Sunday .

Claims the government is "grotesquely underestimating" the number of coronavirus-related deaths among front line NHS staff and carers, have been denied.
According to official figures, 43 people who work in care homes or in the NHS have died as result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, during an interview, ITV's Piers Morgan showed culture secretary Oliver Dowden a newspaper report that suggested the real figure was 80.
The minister insisted he was using the most "up to date" numbers available to him.
Mr Dowden was also accused of downplaying the number of people who had died with coronavirus that were in care homes - which is believed to be in the region of 7,500 - much higher than official data.
He said: "We have figures from the ONS (Office for National Statistics) which is 217 but of course the figure is much larger than that because there's a time lag with those.
"I'm using the most up-to-date figures I have been given, and the figure I was given this morning is the one I quoted to you. I have told you the figures we currently have. Of course there is a time lag with non-hospital figures.
"With hospitals, we get those figures out very rapidly and that gives you a snapshot, and that is comparable with other countries around the world."
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
Advertisement
The culture secretary was also criticised for his decision to personally encourage people to travel to the Cheltenham Festival in March, despite Italy going into lockdown over its own pandemic.
He argued that at the time "the risk at mass gatherings was no greater or less than it would have been in pubs or restaurants, and the advice at that point was that we did not need to ban mass gatherings".
Earlier Mr Dowden told Sky News he was "confident" a flight carrying 84 tonnes of personal protective equipment for the NHS will depart from Turkey "later on this afternoon", after it was held up on Sunday.


news--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Bakery chain Le Pain Quotidien on brink of collapse

The bakery chain Le Pain Quotidien is close to collapse as it races to find a buyer for its UK operations , putting 500 more high street jobs at risk .
Sky News has learnt that the Belgian-owned company could appoint administrators as soon as this week .
An emergency sale process for the business , which trades from 26 sites in Britain , has set a deadline of Wednesday for offers .
Alvarez & Marsal , the professional services firm , is overseeing the auction and is likely to be appointed as administrator unless a solvent sale is concluded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday .
One potential bidder said a pre-pack administration was the likeliest outcome .
If it does collapse , Le Pain Quotidien would join Carluccio 's on the coronavirus casualty list , with the closure of restaurant sites having accelerated the financial pain being felt by companies across the leisure sector .
Byron , the burger chain , has brought in KPMG to handle a review of its options .
The Le Pain Quotidien chain in the UK is run by Adrian Johnson , a former executive at EAT and Patisserie Valerie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being run under the code-name Project Sunburst .

The bakery chain Le Pain Quotidien is close to collapse as it races to find a buyer for its UK operations, putting 500 more high street jobs at risk.
Sky News has learnt that the Belgian-owned company could appoint administrators as soon as this week.
An emergency sale process for the business, which trades from 26 sites in Britain, has set a deadline of Wednesday for offers.
Image: Carluccio's is among competitors to have called in administrators during the pandemic crisis
Alvarez & Marsal, the professional services firm, is overseeing the auction and is likely to be appointed as administrator unless a solvent sale is concluded in the coming days, insiders said on Monday.
One potential bidder said a pre-pack administration was the likeliest outcome.
If it does collapse, Le Pain Quotidien would join Carluccio's on the coronavirus casualty list, with the closure of restaurant sites having accelerated the financial pain being felt by companies across the leisure sector.
Byron, the burger chain, has brought in KPMG to handle a review of its options.
The Le Pain Quotidien chain in the UK is run by Adrian Johnson, a former executive at EAT and Patisserie Valerie.
Sources said the sale process was being run under the code-name Project Sunburst.
Advertisement
A&M declined to comment.


news--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: One of three RAF planes collecting PPE from Turkey takes off from UK

A military transport jet has left the UK for Turkey to pick up a delayed cargo of urgently needed personal protective shipment , Sky News understands .
The Atlas plane flew out of an airbase in Oxfordshire and another two Royal Air Force planes are set to follow over the next 24 hours .
With an estimated round trip of 12 hours , the earliest the first planeload of COVID-19 supplies will arrive back at RAF Brize Norton is early on Tuesday morning .
That is two days after housing secretary Robert Jenrick announced that the `` significant '' shipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary Gavin Williamson confirmed the delay and said he hoped they would be landing in the UK on Monday .
Turkish sources said the delay was unrelated to them .
`` There was never a problem from the Turkish authorities , on the contrary all permissions have been issued very swiftly , '' a Turkish official said .
A request for the equipment was only submitted by the UK on Sunday evening , while the Turkish company that is providing the equipment had not applied to the Ministry of Health until today , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , special permission to export PPE must be sought from the health ministry .
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department of Health and Social Care have yet to give a reason for the delay .
But the defence source said he thought it was to do with the equipment from the Turkish manufacturer needing to be in the right place , coupled with `` bureaucracy issues their ( the Turkish ) end '' .
Earlier this morning , culture secretary Oliver Dowden told Sky News he was `` confident '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` later on this afternoon '' .
The delay in the delivery is thought to be on the Turkish side , according to the defence source .
The source said it was to do with the equipment from the Turkish manufacturer needing to be in the right place , coupled with `` bureaucracy issues their ( the Turkish ) end '' .
A second military transport plane is scheduled to fly to Turkey early on Tuesday morning to help bring back the personal protective equipment ( PPE ) and a third is set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the source .
Those timings could slip or the number of flights be reduced depending upon how much can be fitted onto the aircraft that make the journey .
At the same time , if three planeloads are not enough , two additional flights could be put on .
The chief executive of the NHS Confederation , which represents organisations across healthcare , said delays on the shipment from Turkey `` makes a difficult situation worse '' .
Niall Dickson said : `` It would have been better had the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place . ''
Chancellor Rishi Sunak kicked off Monday 's daily briefing on PPE , saying the UK is receiving shipments regularly from domestic suppliers as well as those from overseas , and is expecting a shipment of 140,000 gowns from Myanmar .
But he said the Turkish shipment is still delayed .
Mr Sunak said : `` We 're improving our sourcing internationally and domestically to make sure we can get the PPE we need in what is a very challenging international context .
`` But people on the front line can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything we can and straining everything we can to get the equipment they need . ''

A military transport jet has left the UK for Turkey to pick up a delayed cargo of urgently needed personal protective shipment, Sky News understands.
The Atlas plane flew out of an airbase in Oxfordshire and another two Royal Air Force planes are set to follow over the next 24 hours.
With an estimated round trip of 12 hours, the earliest the first planeload of COVID-19 supplies will arrive back at RAF Brize Norton is early on Tuesday morning.
That is two days after housing secretary Robert Jenrick announced that the "significant" shipment would arrive.
Image: A protester demands more PPE outside St Thomas' Hospital in central London
On Sunday, education secretary Gavin Williamson confirmed the delay and said he hoped they would be landing in the UK on Monday.
Turkish sources said the delay was unrelated to them.
"There was never a problem from the Turkish authorities, on the contrary all permissions have been issued very swiftly," a Turkish official said.
A request for the equipment was only submitted by the UK on Sunday evening, while the Turkish company that is providing the equipment had not applied to the Ministry of Health until today, according to the official.
Since March, special permission to export PPE must be sought from the health ministry.
Advertisement
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department of Health and Social Care have yet to give a reason for the delay.
But the defence source said he thought it was to do with the equipment from the Turkish manufacturer needing to be in the right place, coupled with "bureaucracy issues their (the Turkish) end".
Earlier this morning, culture secretary Oliver Dowden told Sky News he was "confident" the 84 tonnes of PPE would leave Turkey "later on this afternoon".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 'We're working hard to get PPE to front line'
The delay in the delivery is thought to be on the Turkish side, according to the defence source.
The source said it was to do with the equipment from the Turkish manufacturer needing to be in the right place, coupled with "bureaucracy issues their (the Turkish) end".
A second military transport plane is scheduled to fly to Turkey early on Tuesday morning to help bring back the personal protective equipment (PPE) and a third is set to travel later in the morning, according to the source.
Those timings could slip or the number of flights be reduced depending upon how much can be fitted onto the aircraft that make the journey.
At the same time, if three planeloads are not enough, two additional flights could be put on.
The chief executive of the NHS Confederation, which represents organisations across healthcare, said delays on the shipment from Turkey "makes a difficult situation worse".
Niall Dickson said: "It would have been better had the government not made the announcement in the first place."
Chancellor Rishi Sunak kicked off Monday's daily briefing on PPE, saying the UK is receiving shipments regularly from domestic suppliers as well as those from overseas, and is expecting a shipment of 140,000 gowns from Myanmar.
But he said the Turkish shipment is still delayed.
Image: Chancellor Rishi Sunak gives the government's daily coronavirus press briefing
Mr Sunak said: "We're improving our sourcing internationally and domestically to make sure we can get the PPE we need in what is a very challenging international context.
"But people on the front line can rest assured that we're doing absolutely everything we can and straining everything we can to get the equipment they need."


news--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: The 5G conspiracy theory just won't go away - here's why it's nonsense

As a scientifically impossible conspiracy theory linking the deployment of 5G radio antennas to the coronavirus pandemic refuses to go away , Sky News explains why it is nonsense .
According to the conspiracy theories the symptoms of COVID-19 are caused by electromagnetic radiation and not by a virus .
These claims have now been tied to dozens of attacks on telecommunications engineers and masts in the UK , even as information debunking such claims is widespread .
The conspiracy theorists say the coronavirus pandemic is an illness caused by exposure to radio emissions from the new 5G antennas - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries such as Iran , which has seen a deadly outbreak .
The theory has even been mentioned by This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes , whose comments on 5G were described as `` ill-judged '' by TV regulator Ofcom .
To support their claim , the theorists have pointed out that these antennas have continued to be deployed during the lockdown in the UK .
They ask why network engineers are n't staying at home like everyone else .
This is because mobile network engineers are considered key workers maintaining critical national infrastructure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from home , it is crucial that telecommunications networks are functioning .
Sky News found groups on Facebook calling for the harassment of these engineers and celebrating criminal damage to the masts , with one post claiming `` we are being murdered by the world government '' - a common trope in conspiracy theories - and stating it is `` time to fight or die '' .
In reality , the risks of electromagnetic radiation are known and understood by scientists , and so the power that telecommunications masts are able to broadcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these protections are in place , some individuals have reported health problems which they claim are a result of being exposed to levels of radiation beneath these guideline figures .
As the World Health Organisation notes , studies on these individuals have consistently found they ca n't actually detect electromagnetic radiation any more accurately than individuals who do n't claim to have a special sensitivity to it .
The WHO reports there are some indications these symptoms may be due to pre-existing psychiatric conditions , as well as stress reactions as a result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposure , rather than being exposed .
Even then , the way that 5G could harm the body ( which it ca n't ) simply does n't match the symptoms which COVID-19 patients are experiencing .
How can electromagnetic radiation cause harm ?
5G is using a new part of the electromagnetic spectrum , the portion from 22GHz to 86GHz - although much less than this is being used in the UK .
This radiation is incapable of breaking molecular bonds , knocking off electrons from atoms and causing the molecule to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main health dangers associated with electromagnetic radiation .
The conspiracy theorists claim that 5G exposure leads to symptoms including nausea , hair loss , and bone marrow damage - as covered by Full Fact , the UK 's independent fact-checking charity - which does n't match-up with the symptoms of COVID-19 .
These are , however , symptoms of radiation sickness , or acute radiation syndrome - almost exactly as would be described if someone performed a web search for `` radiation sickness '' rather than actually suffered from it .
Even so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tied to huge nuclear incidents , such as the atomic bombings in Japan or the Chernobyl disaster - with rare exceptions , such as the poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko .
What are the symptoms of COVID-19 ?
The strain of the novel coronavirus , officially known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 ( SARS-CoV-2 ) , is believed to have emerged from a coronavirus in bats and crossed over to humans , potentially through an intermediate species , in late 2019 .
Coronaviruses were named for the Latin word `` corona '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` crown '' - this refers to the appearance of the infectious virus under an electron microscope , shows spike proteins emerging from the cell envelope and looks a bit like a crown .
These spike proteins are molecules on the outside of the virus which it uses to grab hold of and penetrate the outer walls of human cells .
Scientists have described these proteins as strong evidence the virus evolved organically and was not created in a laboratory .
Two key features of the spike proteins have allowed the virus to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why the virus , and not radiation sickness , is responsible for the harm it causes .
The first is what 's called the receptor-binding domain ( RBD ) which scientists describe as `` a kind of grappling hook that grips on to host cells '' , while the second is known as the cleavage site , `` a molecular can opener that allows the virus to crack open and enter host cells '' .
Once the virus is inside the host cell it can begin to replicate .
The viruses typically first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or throat - which is where symptoms such as a loss of smell and taste come from .
If the immune system is unable to beat the virus back at this stage , it can then travel down the trachea and attack the lungs .
Because the lung 's alveoli are lined with receptors that these spike proteins are designed to latch on to , they are particularly susceptible to the virus .
But here the fight between the virus particles and the immune system becomes dangerous .
White blood cells fight the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ magnets for other immune system cells which kill anything infected by the virus .
So many dead cells are left behind that the alveoli quickly fill up with pus and fluid , causing pneumonia in patients .
X-ray images and CT scans of coronavirus patients reveal how their lungs are being ravaged by the virus and filled with this sticky mucus that prevents them from inhaling because there is no space for air .
This is how we know that the virus itself and not 5G radiation has led to 165,000 deaths worldwide @

As a scientifically impossible conspiracy theory linking the deployment of 5G radio antennas to the coronavirus pandemic refuses to go away, Sky News explains why it is nonsense.
According to the conspiracy theories the symptoms of COVID-19 are caused by electromagnetic radiation and not by a virus.
These claims have now been tied to dozens of attacks on telecommunications engineers and masts in the UK, even as information debunking such claims is widespread.
The conspiracy theorists say the coronavirus pandemic is an illness caused by exposure to radio emissions from the new 5G antennas - despite these antennas not being present in countries such as Iran, which has seen a deadly outbreak.
The theory has even been mentioned by This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes, whose comments on 5G were described as "ill-judged" by TV regulator Ofcom.
To support their claim, the theorists have pointed out that these antennas have continued to be deployed during the lockdown in the UK. They ask why network engineers aren't staying at home like everyone else.
This is because mobile network engineers are considered key workers maintaining critical national infrastructure. With so many of us working from home, it is crucial that telecommunications networks are functioning.
Sky News found groups on Facebook calling for the harassment of these engineers and celebrating criminal damage to the masts, with one post claiming "we are being murdered by the world government" - a common trope in conspiracy theories - and stating it is "time to fight or die".
Image: One conspiracy theorist advocated attacking 5G engineers
In reality, the risks of electromagnetic radiation are known and understood by scientists, and so the power that telecommunications masts are able to broadcast at is tightly regulated.
Advertisement
Even though these protections are in place, some individuals have reported health problems which they claim are a result of being exposed to levels of radiation beneath these guideline figures.
As the World Health Organisation notes, studies on these individuals have consistently found they can't actually detect electromagnetic radiation any more accurately than individuals who don't claim to have a special sensitivity to it.
The WHO reports there are some indications these symptoms may be due to pre-existing psychiatric conditions, as well as stress reactions as a result of worrying about the health effects of exposure, rather than being exposed.
Even then, the way that 5G could harm the body (which it can't) simply doesn't match the symptoms which COVID-19 patients are experiencing.
Image: The electromagnetic spectrum. Pic: NASA
How can electromagnetic radiation cause harm?
5G is using a new part of the electromagnetic spectrum, the portion from 22GHz to 86GHz - although much less than this is being used in the UK.
This radiation is incapable of breaking molecular bonds, knocking off electrons from atoms and causing the molecule to have an electric charge - which provoke the main health dangers associated with electromagnetic radiation.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 Gove: 5G conspiracy theory 'dangerous nonsense'
The conspiracy theorists claim that 5G exposure leads to symptoms including nausea, hair loss, and bone marrow damage - as covered by Full Fact, the UK's independent fact-checking charity - which doesn't match-up with the symptoms of COVID-19.
These are, however, symptoms of radiation sickness, or acute radiation syndrome - almost exactly as would be described if someone performed a web search for "radiation sickness" rather than actually suffered from it.
Even so, radiation sickness cases are almost always tied to huge nuclear incidents, such as the atomic bombings in Japan or the Chernobyl disaster - with rare exceptions, such as the poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko.
Image: Electron microscope shows virus particles emerging from cells. Pic: NIAID-RML
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
The strain of the novel coronavirus, officially known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is believed to have emerged from a coronavirus in bats and crossed over to humans, potentially through an intermediate species, in late 2019.
Coronaviruses were named for the Latin word "corona", the origin of the English word "crown" - this refers to the appearance of the infectious virus under an electron microscope, shows spike proteins emerging from the cell envelope and looks a bit like a crown.
These spike proteins are molecules on the outside of the virus which it uses to grab hold of and penetrate the outer walls of human cells. Scientists have described these proteins as strong evidence the virus evolved organically and was not created in a laboratory.
Two key features of the spike proteins have allowed the virus to be so deadly - and also explain why the virus, and not radiation sickness, is responsible for the harm it causes.
The first is what's called the receptor-binding domain (RBD) which scientists describe as "a kind of grappling hook that grips on to host cells", while the second is known as the cleavage site, "a molecular can opener that allows the virus to crack open and enter host cells".
Once the virus is inside the host cell it can begin to replicate.
The viruses typically first enter the body through either the nose or throat - which is where symptoms such as a loss of smell and taste come from. If the immune system is unable to beat the virus back at this stage, it can then travel down the trachea and attack the lungs.
Because the lung's alveoli are lined with receptors that these spike proteins are designed to latch on to, they are particularly susceptible to the virus.
But here the fight between the virus particles and the immune system becomes dangerous. White blood cells fight the infection by dumping molecules called chemokines, magnets for other immune system cells which kill anything infected by the virus.
So many dead cells are left behind that the alveoli quickly fill up with pus and fluid, causing pneumonia in patients.
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
X-ray images and CT scans of coronavirus patients reveal how their lungs are being ravaged by the virus and filled with this sticky mucus that prevents them from inhaling because there is no space for air.
This is how we know that the virus itself and not 5G radiation has led to 165,000 deaths worldwide.


news--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Working-class children less likely to take part in lockdown school lessons

Disadvantaged pupils are at risk of falling behind because they are not able to learn online from home , new figures suggest .
Schools were closed a month ago in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus in the UK , leaving students to continue lessons outside the classroom .
But headteachers have told Sky News that , in some schools , 40 % of pupils do not have a home computer .
Many have no internet access or phone either .
Others have home circumstances that make learning difficult .
They are concerned that the most disadvantaged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peers - will see the gap widen if schools remain closed for weeks or months .
New figures from the Sutton Trust found that only 23 % of pupils took part in live or recorded lessons online every day during the first week of the lockdown .
But pupils from middle-class homes were twice as likely ( 30 % ) to take part as working-class pupils ( 16 % ) .
And - with more resources at home - 44 % of better-off pupils were spending more than four hours a day learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for those in working-class families .
Children in working-class homes were 25 % less likely to have spoken to a teacher while at home .
Since schools closed in March , Cheryl Morris and her five children , aged between seven and 18 , have been getting to grips with learning online .
With just one laptop to go around , and limited space at their home in Feltham , west London , they face a constant challenge to get their work done by the end of the day .
`` We normally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do her work first and then go all the way up and try to squeeze them all in through the day , '' she said .
Her 14-year-old son Callum is preparing for his GCSEs , and her 11-year-old boy David has learning difficulties and normally attends a special school .
`` They are definitely going to struggle when they go back , because obviously the routine is all gone , '' she said .
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced that free laptops will be provided to children who either have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as disadvantaged children in Year 10 .
But the digital divide goes far wider .
Victoria Eadie , chief executive of Tudor Park Education Trust in west London , told Sky News at least 30 % of pupils there had been flagged by staff as having no computer at all .
Many others have only one which they need to `` fight over '' with parents and siblings .
`` Keeping children active and engaged in a learning process , even if you 're not really moving forward learning , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` And really that can only be done online because you 've got your teacher there and present . ''
The local MP for Heston , Seema Malhotra , has set up a scheme for members of the public to donate laptops and has collected around 100 , but says at least 1,000 are needed .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The story is the same across the country .
Andy Moorcroft is head of the Challenge Academy Trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pupils across 10 schools .
He said : `` 30 % to 40 % of our students do n't have a computer or sometimes even a phone to use .
`` This is a time when teachers are showing great creativity and innovation , but disadvantaged students , who we know already fall behind , will not be able to access it in the same way .
We worry that if this goes on for many months , the gap will just widen . ''
Tory MP Robert Halfon , chair of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government should put a £700 premium into helping disadvantaged children when they return to school through one-on-one tuition .
Sir Peter Lampl , founder and chairman of the Sutton Trust , a social mobility charity , said : `` Despite the heroic efforts of teachers working in very difficult circumstances , pupils from poorer homes face a double disadvantage .
They have insufficient resources at home to support their learning and they are less likely to be able to access online classes .
`` The widening of the attainment gap over these next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for years to come .
It is crucial we do all we can to address inequalities . ''

Disadvantaged pupils are at risk of falling behind because they are not able to learn online from home, new figures suggest.
Schools were closed a month ago in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus in the UK, leaving students to continue lessons outside the classroom.
But headteachers have told Sky News that, in some schools, 40% of pupils do not have a home computer. Many have no internet access or phone either. Others have home circumstances that make learning difficult.
Image: Cheryl Morris and her five children face a constant challenge to get their work done by the end of the day
They are concerned that the most disadvantaged pupils - who already fall behind their peers - will see the gap widen if schools remain closed for weeks or months.
New figures from the Sutton Trust found that only 23% of pupils took part in live or recorded lessons online every day during the first week of the lockdown.
But pupils from middle-class homes were twice as likely (30%) to take part as working-class pupils (16%).
And - with more resources at home - 44% of better-off pupils were spending more than four hours a day learning. This compared with just 33% for those in working-class families.
Children in working-class homes were 25% less likely to have spoken to a teacher while at home.
Since schools closed in March, Cheryl Morris and her five children, aged between seven and 18, have been getting to grips with learning online.
Advertisement
With just one laptop to go around, and limited space at their home in Feltham, west London, they face a constant challenge to get their work done by the end of the day.
"We normally start with the youngest, try and do her work first and then go all the way up and try to squeeze them all in through the day," she said.
Image: Cheryl Morris and her children live in Feltham
Her 14-year-old son Callum is preparing for his GCSEs, and her 11-year-old boy David has learning difficulties and normally attends a special school.
"They are definitely going to struggle when they go back, because obviously the routine is all gone," she said.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced that free laptops will be provided to children who either have a social worker or are in care, as well as disadvantaged children in Year 10.
But the digital divide goes far wider.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:20 School teacher delivers food to his students
Victoria Eadie, chief executive of Tudor Park Education Trust in west London, told Sky News at least 30% of pupils there had been flagged by staff as having no computer at all.
Many others have only one which they need to "fight over" with parents and siblings.
"Keeping children active and engaged in a learning process, even if you're not really moving forward learning, is incredibly important," she said.
"And really that can only be done online because you've got your teacher there and present."
The local MP for Heston, Seema Malhotra, has set up a scheme for members of the public to donate laptops and has collected around 100, but says at least 1,000 are needed.
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The story is the same across the country.
Andy Moorcroft is head of the Challenge Academy Trust based in Warrington, which has 7,000 pupils across 10 schools.
He said: "30% to 40% of our students don't have a computer or sometimes even a phone to use.
"This is a time when teachers are showing great creativity and innovation, but disadvantaged students, who we know already fall behind, will not be able to access it in the same way. We worry that if this goes on for many months, the gap will just widen."
Tory MP Robert Halfon, chair of the Education Select Committee, has suggested the government should put a £700 premium into helping disadvantaged children when they return to school through one-on-one tuition.
Sir Peter Lampl, founder and chairman of the Sutton Trust, a social mobility charity, said: "Despite the heroic efforts of teachers working in very difficult circumstances, pupils from poorer homes face a double disadvantage. They have insufficient resources at home to support their learning and they are less likely to be able to access online classes.
"The widening of the attainment gap over these next few months threatens to have negative implications for years to come. It is crucial we do all we can to address inequalities."


news--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: City grandees join SME recapitalisation taskforce

Some of the biggest names in the City have been drafted in to devise a plan to recapitalise thousands of small businesses forced to resort to debt funding to steer them through the COVID-19 crisis .
Sky News has learnt that a taskforce orchestrated by TheCityUK , the trade association , will include figures such as Sir John Kingman , the chairman of Legal & General , who played a key role at the Treasury during the 2008 banking crisis .
Lord Blackwell , the Lloyds Banking Group chairman , will also be a member of the committee set up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ReCapitalisation Group ( RCG ) , according to insiders .
The panel has been established to formulate a way forward for the glut of companies which emerge from the coronavirus outbreak saddled with debt they have taken on to aid their chances of survival .
Chaired by Sir Adrian Montague , the Aviva chairman , it will also include Citi executive James Bardrick ; Catherine McGuinness , policy chair at the City of London Corporation ; James Palmer , chair and senior partner of the legal giant Herbert Smith Freehills ; Schroders ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nikhil Rathi , chief executive of the London Stock Exchange .
Omar Ali , EY 's financial services managing partner and chair of the trade body 's long-term competitiveness group , has been asked to lead the technical aspects of the RCG .
Sir Adrian 's involvement is logical because of his role chairing TheCityUK 's leadership council , but his former job as chairman of 3i Group , the listed private equity investor , is also relevant to the challenge facing the RCG .
3i was created after the Second World War @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to back small and medium-sized companies that could not access public equity markets .
The new working group is expected to evaluate whether the mass of companies which utilise the government 's emergency aid programmes , such as the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme ( CBILS ) , will require wholesale recapitalisation .
Sky News revealed earlier this month that new capital could emerge in the form of equity which ranks above that of existing shareholders , retail bonds or another form of equity .
Andrew Bailey , the Bank of England governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the progress of the work .
Insiders pointed out that many of the business-owners which were being forced to borrow to see them through the crisis had never needed debt facilities before .
Other trade bodies , including UK Finance and the CBI , were also involved in the discussion about large-scale corporate recapitalisations .
Rishi Sunak , the chancellor , has launched several bailout initiatives to keep British industry alive during the pandemic .
The Covid Corporate Financing Facility has been set up to enable larger companies with an investment-grade credit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commercial paper to the Bank of England .
CBILS , meanwhile , is a loan scheme aimed at companies with a turnover of up to £45m , offering interest-free and fee-free loans from participating banks for the first 12 months .
A larger version of that programme , providing loans of up to £50m , was launched last week .
The chancellor has also unveiled a job retention scheme enabling employers to 'furlough ' their workers , with up to 80 % of their wages paid by the state until the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend that a further rescue package to pool loans made to sub-investment grade companies is also under consideration at the Treasury .
None of those involved with the RCG would comment on Monday .

Some of the biggest names in the City have been drafted in to devise a plan to recapitalise thousands of small businesses forced to resort to debt funding to steer them through the COVID-19 crisis.
Sky News has learnt that a taskforce orchestrated by TheCityUK, the trade association, will include figures such as Sir John Kingman, the chairman of Legal & General, who played a key role at the Treasury during the 2008 banking crisis.
Lord Blackwell, the Lloyds Banking Group chairman, will also be a member of the committee set up to oversee the work of the new ReCapitalisation Group (RCG), according to insiders.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 'It's an emergency' - BoE governor on virus
The panel has been established to formulate a way forward for the glut of companies which emerge from the coronavirus outbreak saddled with debt they have taken on to aid their chances of survival.
Chaired by Sir Adrian Montague, the Aviva chairman, it will also include Citi executive James Bardrick; Catherine McGuinness, policy chair at the City of London Corporation; James Palmer, chair and senior partner of the legal giant Herbert Smith Freehills; Schroders' chief executive, Peter Harrison; and Nikhil Rathi, chief executive of the London Stock Exchange.
Omar Ali, EY's financial services managing partner and chair of the trade body's long-term competitiveness group, has been asked to lead the technical aspects of the RCG.
Sir Adrian's involvement is logical because of his role chairing TheCityUK's leadership council, but his former job as chairman of 3i Group, the listed private equity investor, is also relevant to the challenge facing the RCG.
3i was created after the Second World War as the Industrial and Commercial Finance Corporation to back small and medium-sized companies that could not access public equity markets.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:46 Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme launches
The new working group is expected to evaluate whether the mass of companies which utilise the government's emergency aid programmes, such as the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), will require wholesale recapitalisation.
Advertisement
Sky News revealed earlier this month that new capital could emerge in the form of equity which ranks above that of existing shareholders, retail bonds or another form of equity.
Andrew Bailey, the Bank of England governor, has asked to be kept informed about the progress of the work.
Insiders pointed out that many of the business-owners which were being forced to borrow to see them through the crisis had never needed debt facilities before.
Other trade bodies, including UK Finance and the CBI, were also involved in the discussion about large-scale corporate recapitalisations.
Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, has launched several bailout initiatives to keep British industry alive during the pandemic.
Image: Sir John Kingman
The Covid Corporate Financing Facility has been set up to enable larger companies with an investment-grade credit rating to raise liquidity by selling their commercial paper to the Bank of England.
CBILS, meanwhile, is a loan scheme aimed at companies with a turnover of up to £45m, offering interest-free and fee-free loans from participating banks for the first 12 months.
A larger version of that programme, providing loans of up to £50m, was launched last week.
The chancellor has also unveiled a job retention scheme enabling employers to 'furlough' their workers, with up to 80% of their wages paid by the state until the end of June.
Sky News revealed at the weekend that a further rescue package to pool loans made to sub-investment grade companies is also under consideration at the Treasury.
None of those involved with the RCG would comment on Monday.


news--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Prince Philip delivers message to key workers in rare statement

The Duke of Edinburgh has thanked key workers who are ensuring the `` infrastructure of our life continues '' during the coronavirus pandemic .
In a rare statement `` on behalf of those of us who remain safe and at home '' , Prince Philip said he recognised the `` vital and urgent work being done by so many to tackle the pandemic '' .
The 98-year-old duke thanked medics and scientists , people working in food production , postal workers , and those collecting our rubbish .
He is affiliated to more than 750 organisations in sectors including technological @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been responding to the COVID-19 outbreak .
In a message published on the Royal Family 's social media channels , he said : `` As we approach World Immunisation Week , I wanted to recognise the vital and urgent work being done by so many to tackle the pandemic ; by those in the medical and scientific professions , at universities and research institutions , all united in working to protect us from COVID-19 .
`` On behalf of those of us who remain safe and at home , I also wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infrastructure of our life continues ; the staff and volunteers working in food production and distribution , those keeping postal and delivery services going , and those ensuring the rubbish continues to be collected . ''
The duke , who will be 99 in June , has been staying with the Queen at Windsor Castle , where their household has been reduced for added safety .
He retired from public life in 2017 , spending most of his time since then at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate .
Her Majesty , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said `` we will meet again '' in a historic address to the nation .
Speaking on Friday , the couple 's grandson , the Duke of Cambridge , said the Royal Family were doing `` everything we can '' to protect them .
Prince William said : `` Obviously I think very carefully about my grandparents , who are the age they 're at - we 're doing everything we can to make sure that they 're isolated away and protected from this .
`` But it does worry me - what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the vulnerable , high-risk people who are going potentially to have to isolate away for quite some time . ''
Prince Philip spent four nights in hospital just before Christmas , being treated for a `` pre-existing condition '' .
Buckingham Palace did not go into details about that condition , or the nature of his treatment .
A collision he was involved in near Sandringham in January last year sparked a debate about whether he was too old to drive at the then age of 97 .

The Duke of Edinburgh has thanked key workers who are ensuring the "infrastructure of our life continues" during the coronavirus pandemic.
In a rare statement "on behalf of those of us who remain safe and at home", Prince Philip said he recognised the "vital and urgent work being done by so many to tackle the pandemic".
The 98-year-old duke thanked medics and scientists, people working in food production, postal workers, and those collecting our rubbish.
Image: The Queen and the duke are staying at Windsor
He is affiliated to more than 750 organisations in sectors including technological research, healthcare and infrastructure which have been responding to the COVID-19 outbreak.
In a message published on the Royal Family's social media channels, he said: "As we approach World Immunisation Week, I wanted to recognise the vital and urgent work being done by so many to tackle the pandemic; by those in the medical and scientific professions, at universities and research institutions, all united in working to protect us from COVID-19.
"On behalf of those of us who remain safe and at home, I also wanted to thank all key workers who ensure the infrastructure of our life continues; the staff and volunteers working in food production and distribution, those keeping postal and delivery services going, and those ensuring the rubbish continues to be collected."
The duke, who will be 99 in June, has been staying with the Queen at Windsor Castle, where their household has been reduced for added safety.
He retired from public life in 2017, spending most of his time since then at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate.
Her Majesty, who will be 94 on Tuesday, recently said "we will meet again" in a historic address to the nation.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 'Let's pull together': William's virus message
Speaking on Friday, the couple's grandson, the Duke of Cambridge, said the Royal Family were doing "everything we can" to protect them.
Advertisement
Prince William said: "Obviously I think very carefully about my grandparents, who are the age they're at - we're doing everything we can to make sure that they're isolated away and protected from this.
"But it does worry me - what's going to happen to a lot of the vulnerable, high-risk people who are going potentially to have to isolate away for quite some time."
William's father Prince Charles has recovered from COVID-19.
Prince Philip spent four nights in hospital just before Christmas, being treated for a "pre-existing condition".
Buckingham Palace did not go into details about that condition, or the nature of his treatment.
A collision he was involved in near Sandringham in January last year sparked a debate about whether he was too old to drive at the then age of 97.


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: France reels as deaths pass 10,000

The number of people who have died in France after contracting coronavirus has swept past 10,000 .
Across the nation , a total of 10,328 have now died with COVID-19 , a rise of 1,417 in the past 24 hours .
A nation that had begun to hope it had got some kind of a grip on the coronavirus pandemic is now confronted by the fact that deaths are still rising at a ferocious pace .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The nervousness is felt everywhere .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but also in the quiet corners of the land , like Cornimont .
At another time it would be a location straight out of a tourist brochure , a beautiful old village with cobbled streets and a handsome church at the heart of a sunlit valley in the east of France .
But it is far too quiet here .
Even by the standards of France , a country with strict lockdown rules , Cornimont has the feel of a ghost town , where people walk past in a hurry , heads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that explains why they are out of their homes .
This region , Grand Est , has seen more than 2,000 deaths attributed to coronavirus .
Many of the roots of France 's pandemic can be traced back to towns in this region , and its effect is already evident .
There is a nervous skittishness here .
Cassandra Thiebaut is a care worker who visits elderly residents in their homes in and around the village .
She stops off at the bakery shop between visits , a mask covering much of her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so have many of the residents .
One of her clients has died .
`` You just have to get on with it , '' she says .
`` But even with all the hygiene precautions we take , these people are fragile and all it takes is one mistake , and then things deteriorate rapidly . ''
Cornimont has good reason to know about that fragility of life .
Drive out of the village for just a couple of minutes and you come to the Couarôge nursing home , a sweeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vantage point that looks out across the valley .
There is space for 115 people in this home .
Over the past month , 25 of the residents have died as the virus swept through it , passing from one person to another .
We talk to the manager , Sophie Vinel , in front of the entrance .
She says the speed with which coronavirus infected the home was overwhelming .
Those with symptoms were isolated but , in some cases , it became obvious that they would not survive .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ death was imminent .
Even then , loved ones had to wear full protective suits as they came to the bedside for the final hour or so .
`` It is so hard , so tough to see so many residents taken by this virus , '' says Ms Vinel .
`` For the staff to see so many deaths .
We just can not believe it . ''
Behind her , through the window , we can see a frail man shuffling across the home 's main living area .
He picks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newspaper and , reading each word , draws his finger down the list of deaths .
It is a long , painful process .
The French health ministry spent weeks announcing the number of people who had died of the virus in hospital , but pointedly failed to include those who had died in care homes in its official statistics .
Now , the statistics have changed in a stark , bleak way .
Thousands of deaths , at homes like Couarôge , have now been added .
For Cornimont , and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis that will leave death , illness and fear in its wake .
And also a chronic sense of unease .
Here , as in the rest of the world , they will wonder when this virus will return .
`` How will our village , and the entire country , pick itself up after this ? ''
says the mayor , Marie-Joseph Clement .
`` Even globally .
How will we ever recover ?
I just do n't know . ''
In the background , a siren is sounding - an ambulance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the peace of a village that wonders if it will ever be the same again .

The number of people who have died in France after contracting coronavirus has swept past 10,000.
Across the nation, a total of 10,328 have now died with COVID-19, a rise of 1,417 in the past 24 hours.
A nation that had begun to hope it had got some kind of a grip on the coronavirus pandemic is now confronted by the fact that deaths are still rising at a ferocious pace.
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
The nervousness is felt everywhere. In the big cities, the industrial towns, but also in the quiet corners of the land, like Cornimont.
At another time it would be a location straight out of a tourist brochure, a beautiful old village with cobbled streets and a handsome church at the heart of a sunlit valley in the east of France.
But it is far too quiet here. Even by the standards of France, a country with strict lockdown rules, Cornimont has the feel of a ghost town, where people walk past in a hurry, heads down, clutching the piece of paper that explains why they are out of their homes.
This region, Grand Est, has seen more than 2,000 deaths attributed to coronavirus.
Many of the roots of France's pandemic can be traced back to towns in this region, and its effect is already evident. There is a nervous skittishness here.
Advertisement
Cassandra Thiebaut is a care worker who visits elderly residents in their homes in and around the village. She stops off at the bakery shop between visits, a mask covering much of her face.
She has contracted the virus, so have many of the residents. One of her clients has died.
"You just have to get on with it," she says. "But even with all the hygiene precautions we take, these people are fragile and all it takes is one mistake, and then things deteriorate rapidly."
Cornimont has good reason to know about that fragility of life. Drive out of the village for just a couple of minutes and you come to the Couarôge nursing home, a sweeping, rounded building that is set on a vantage point that looks out across the valley.
There is space for 115 people in this home. Over the past month, 25 of the residents have died as the virus swept through it, passing from one person to another.
We talk to the manager, Sophie Vinel, in front of the entrance. She says the speed with which coronavirus infected the home was overwhelming. Those with symptoms were isolated but, in some cases, it became obvious that they would not survive.
Image: At one care home in the village, 25 residents have died
Families were not allowed to visit until death was imminent. Even then, loved ones had to wear full protective suits as they came to the bedside for the final hour or so.
"It is so hard, so tough to see so many residents taken by this virus," says Ms Vinel. "For the staff to see so many deaths. We just cannot believe it."
Behind her, through the window, we can see a frail man shuffling across the home's main living area. He picks up the latest copy of the local newspaper and, reading each word, draws his finger down the list of deaths. It is a long, painful process.
The French health ministry spent weeks announcing the number of people who had died of the virus in hospital, but pointedly failed to include those who had died in care homes in its official statistics.
Now, the statistics have changed in a stark, bleak way. Thousands of deaths, at homes like Couarôge, have now been added.
For Cornimont, and other villages like it, this is a crisis that will leave death, illness and fear in its wake. And also a chronic sense of unease. Here, as in the rest of the world, they will wonder when this virus will return.
"How will our village, and the entire country, pick itself up after this?" says the mayor, Marie-Joseph Clement.
"Even globally. How will we ever recover? I just don't know."
In the background, a siren is sounding - an ambulance. Another ambulance, once again breaking the peace of a village that wonders if it will ever be the same again.


news--2020-04-07--Warning after worldwide debt reaches 322% of GDP

Worldwide debt reached 322 % of GDP last year , according to new figures which will worry governments planning post-coronavirus economic recoveries .
Worldwide debt across all sectors rose by $ 10trn ( £8trn ) in 2019 to more than $ 255trn ( £206trn ) , and that was before COVID-19 , which forced many of the world 's governments to bail out businesses and to pay workers in an effort to help them survive the pandemic .
By the end of last year , global debt stood at 322 % of GDP - 40 percentage points higher than at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the Institute of International Finance 's Global Debt Monitor .
The IIF forecast that the global debt burden would rise `` dramatically '' in 2020 , with gross government debt issuance soaring to a record high of more than $ 2.1trn last month - more than double the average of $ 0.9trn in 2017-19 .
A global recession is looming , the monitor said , adding that this would begin with $ 87trn more of global debt than there was at the onset of the 2008 financial crisis .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to commit unprecedented financial stimulus to support their economies .
Debt levels could climb to 342 % of GDP by the end of this year , assuming a doubling of net government borrowing and a 3 % contraction in global GDP , the monitor said .
IIF director Emre Tiftik said : `` With the COVID-19 fiscal response in full swing , the global debt burden is set to rise dramatically in 2020 .
`` Remarkable uncertainty around the scale and duration of the pandemic makes point estimates challenging .
`` A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all but certain . ''
It comes as many European countries continue varying types of lockdowns , many forcing non-essential businesses to close and citizens to remain at home aside from a small list of exceptions .
Italy and Spain - having been among the worst-affected by coronavirus - are likely to face the biggest challenges in revitalising their economies .
Italy had already been struggling economically , having been warned in June last year that its level of national debt was more than twice that allowed by European Union budget rules .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the least equipped to handle the pandemic and its economic fallout .
Last week the managing director of the World Bank told Sky News that the coronavirus could wreak devastation on those parts of the world .
Debt in emerging markets has risen by more than $ 3.5trn ( £2.8trn ) , bringing total debt in these countries to more than $ 71trn ( £57trn ) .
This means the debt in emerging markets is 220 % of GDP , up from 147 % in 2007 .
On 26 March , the G20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) for the global economy and on Thursday the European Central Bank took action to support the 19 economies of the eurozone .
The ECB said it was temporarily easing collateral rules for lending to banks , allowing banks to use a wider range of financial assets as collateral for short-term central bank credit .
This will make it easier for banks to keep lending to companies , leaving them with less reason to restrict credit by calling in or not giving loans .

Worldwide debt reached 322% of GDP last year, according to new figures which will worry governments planning post-coronavirus economic recoveries.
Worldwide debt across all sectors rose by $10trn (£8trn) in 2019 to more than $255trn (£206trn), and that was before COVID-19, which forced many of the world's governments to bail out businesses and to pay workers in an effort to help them survive the pandemic.
By the end of last year, global debt stood at 322% of GDP - 40 percentage points higher than at the beginning of the 2008 financial crisis, according to the Institute of International Finance's Global Debt Monitor.
The IIF forecast that the global debt burden would rise "dramatically" in 2020, with gross government debt issuance soaring to a record high of more than $2.1trn last month - more than double the average of $0.9trn in 2017-19.
A global recession is looming, the monitor said, adding that this would begin with $87trn more of global debt than there was at the onset of the 2008 financial crisis.
The news will worry world leaders as they continue to commit unprecedented financial stimulus to support their economies.
Debt levels could climb to 342% of GDP by the end of this year, assuming a doubling of net government borrowing and a 3% contraction in global GDP, the monitor said.
IIF director Emre Tiftik said: "With the COVID-19 fiscal response in full swing, the global debt burden is set to rise dramatically in 2020.
"Remarkable uncertainty around the scale and duration of the pandemic makes point estimates challenging.
Advertisement
"A sharp upward trajectory in debt levels looks all but certain."
It comes as many European countries continue varying types of lockdowns, many forcing non-essential businesses to close and citizens to remain at home aside from a small list of exceptions.
Italy and Spain - having been among the worst-affected by coronavirus - are likely to face the biggest challenges in revitalising their economies.
Italy had already been struggling economically, having been warned in June last year that its level of national debt was more than twice that allowed by European Union budget rules.
Developing countries are also at risk - the least equipped to handle the pandemic and its economic fallout.
Last week the managing director of the World Bank told Sky News that the coronavirus could wreak devastation on those parts of the world.
Debt in emerging markets has risen by more than $3.5trn (£2.8trn), bringing total debt in these countries to more than $71trn (£57trn).
This means the debt in emerging markets is 220% of GDP, up from 147% in 2007.
On 26 March, the G20 pledged more than $5trn (£4trn) for the global economy and on Thursday the European Central Bank took action to support the 19 economies of the eurozone.
The ECB said it was temporarily easing collateral rules for lending to banks, allowing banks to use a wider range of financial assets as collateral for short-term central bank credit.
This will make it easier for banks to keep lending to companies, leaving them with less reason to restrict credit by calling in or not giving loans.