news--2020-05-12--EasyJet tycoon Stelios Haji-Ioannou offers £5m reward to Airbus 'whistleblower'

The founder of easyJet is offering to dip into his pocket by offering a £5m `` reward '' for information that triggers the cancellation of a controversial £4.5bn Airbus order .
Sky News understands that Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou , who launched the low-cost carrier in 1995 , will announce on Tuesday that he will pay the sum to a `` whistleblower '' if more than 100 new aircraft are ditched - a move he insists is essential to the company surviving the coronavirus crisis .
Sir Stelios has mounted an increasingly vocal campaign in recent weeks with the objective of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easyJet 's directors `` scoundrels '' and describing the Toulouse-based plane manufacturer `` the masters of bribery '' .
EasyJet has described the billionaire 's efforts as ill-conceived , and has agreed only to defer the delivery of some of the new planes .
In a statement to be released later , Sir Stelios will ask for information to be emailed to him `` in full confidence '' by any past or current easyJet or Airbus employee - or any supplier to the airline with inside information .
`` As the overwhelming evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planes nor massive liabilities , we need to establish why easyJet directors still want to pursue this route , '' he will say .
Sir Stelios will say that he is willing `` to make stage payments for engaging with any whistleblowers of , say , around £10,000 for some quick wins/tips and will pay more to maintain the dialogue '' .
He will also guarantee to pay any informant 's legal bills , and will pledge full payment of the £5m `` once the Airbus-easyJet contract is cancelled after it has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given by the whistleblower that Airbus secured the orders using their bribery techniques '' .
`` We are looking for small tips , anything from lavish entertainment at the Paris Air Show up to the equivalent of the QPR sponsorship fee , '' he will add .
`` Any unexplained wealth and or any ostentatious spending by easyJet employees could also give us a hint . ''
The easyJet founder 's latest intervention is likely to stoke anger inside the Luton-based carrier , which has furloughed thousands of staff and borrowed £600m under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his family hold 34 % of easyJet 's shares .
He is seeking the removal of its chairman , John Barton , and chief executive Johan Lundgren - along with two other directors - at an extraordinary general meeting later this month .
However , he has accused the board of `` [ riding ] roughshod over the rights of excluded shareholders '' because it does not permit investors to attend in person .
The government 's ban on mass gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic has forced companies to cancel physical shareholder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest in a series of disputes he has had since stepping down as a director , comes amid bleak predictions for the recovery of international air travel .
Last month , British Airways confirmed it was launching a consultation that would put 12,000 staff at risk of redundancy , while Ryanair and Virgin Atlantic Airways have also announced plans to axe roughly 3000 jobs apiece .
At the weekend , Sky News revealed that Virgin Atlantic had placed Alvarez & Marsal on standby to handle an administration process that would form part @ @ @ @

The founder of easyJet is offering to dip into his pocket by offering a £5m "reward" for information that triggers the cancellation of a controversial £4.5bn Airbus order.
Sky News understands that Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, who launched the low-cost carrier in 1995, will announce on Tuesday that he will pay the sum to a "whistleblower" if more than 100 new aircraft are ditched - a move he insists is essential to the company surviving the coronavirus crisis.
Sir Stelios has mounted an increasingly vocal campaign in recent weeks with the objective of seeing the Airbus order cancelled, calling easyJet's directors "scoundrels" and describing the Toulouse-based plane manufacturer "the masters of bribery".
EasyJet has described the billionaire's efforts as ill-conceived, and has agreed only to defer the delivery of some of the new planes.
In a statement to be released later, Sir Stelios will ask for information to be emailed to him "in full confidence" by any past or current easyJet or Airbus employee - or any supplier to the airline with inside information.
"As the overwhelming evidence is that easyJet requires neither more loss-making planes nor massive liabilities, we need to establish why easyJet directors still want to pursue this route," he will say.
Sir Stelios will say that he is willing "to make stage payments for engaging with any whistleblowers of, say, around £10,000 for some quick wins/tips and will pay more to maintain the dialogue".
He will also guarantee to pay any informant's legal bills, and will pledge full payment of the £5m "once the Airbus-easyJet contract is cancelled after it has been proven as a result of the information given by the whistleblower that Airbus secured the orders using their bribery techniques".
"We are looking for small tips, anything from lavish entertainment at the Paris Air Show up to the equivalent of the QPR sponsorship fee," he will add.
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"Any unexplained wealth and or any ostentatious spending by easyJet employees could also give us a hint."
Image: EasyJet founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou pictured in 2015
The easyJet founder's latest intervention is likely to stoke anger inside the Luton-based carrier, which has furloughed thousands of staff and borrowed £600m under a government-backed financing scheme.
Sir Stelios and his family hold 34% of easyJet's shares.
He is seeking the removal of its chairman, John Barton, and chief executive Johan Lundgren - along with two other directors - at an extraordinary general meeting later this month.
However, he has accused the board of "[riding] roughshod over the rights of excluded shareholders" because it does not permit investors to attend in person.
The government's ban on mass gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic has forced companies to cancel physical shareholder meetings.
Sir Stelios's campaign, the latest in a series of disputes he has had since stepping down as a director, comes amid bleak predictions for the recovery of international air travel.
Last month, British Airways confirmed it was launching a consultation that would put 12,000 staff at risk of redundancy, while Ryanair and Virgin Atlantic Airways have also announced plans to axe roughly 3000 jobs apiece.
At the weekend, Sky News revealed that Virgin Atlantic had placed Alvarez & Marsal on standby to handle an administration process that would form part of a restructuring.


news--2020-05-12--Coronavirus: Toyota forecasts 80% drop in profit this year due to pandemic

Toyota has warned that it expects operating profit to plunge by 80 % this year due to the effect of coronavirus on car sales .
The Japanese carmaker is anticipating a fall to 500bn yen ( £3.77bn ) for the financial year ending in March 2021 , compared with 2.44tn yen ( £18.4bn ) a year earlier .
Toyota , like other global manufacturers , is grappling with the economic impact of coronavirus , which has forced car factories to close and sapped demand for new vehicles .
`` The coronavirus has dealt us a bigger shock than the 2008 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Akio Toyoda said .
`` We anticipate a big drop in sales volumes , but despite that we are expecting to remain in the black .
We hope to become a leader of the country 's economic recovery . ''
Toyota is also forecasting that global sales will fall to a nine-year low of 8.9 million vehicles in 2020/21 , compared with 10.46 million in the financial year that 's just ended .
Demand has dried up in countries where many residents are still being told to stay at home or only travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers are more cautious because COVID-19 has triggered job losses and economic uncertainty .
Damage from the pandemic also caused Toyota to lose 145bn yen ( £1.1bn ) in operating profit during the latest quarter - wiping out savings achieved through earlier cost-cutting .
Sales are expected to struggle into December before returning to 2019 levels next year .
Despite the dire forecast , Toyota said spending on research and development would remain unchanged , with operating officer Koji Kobayashi adding : `` We can not stop investing in the future . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ better prepared for a tough year than its rivals .
Carmaking rivals Honda and General Motors have postponed their financial forecasts - blaming uncertainty caused by the coronavirus .
The last time Honda did this was after the 2011 tsunami , earthquake and nuclear disaster , which hit a part of Japan where Honda has factories .
President Takahiro Hachigo said : `` Honda has faced serious problems before , and Honda has overcome them before .
We will do it again , working as a team at Honda . ''

Toyota has warned that it expects operating profit to plunge by 80% this year due to the effect of coronavirus on car sales.
The Japanese carmaker is anticipating a fall to 500bn yen (£3.77bn) for the financial year ending in March 2021, compared with 2.44tn yen (£18.4bn) a year earlier.
Toyota, like other global manufacturers, is grappling with the economic impact of coronavirus, which has forced car factories to close and sapped demand for new vehicles.
Image: Toyota's president Akio Toyoda has forecast a difficult year ahead
"The coronavirus has dealt us a bigger shock than the 2008 global financial crisis," Toyota President Akio Toyoda said.
"We anticipate a big drop in sales volumes, but despite that we are expecting to remain in the black. We hope to become a leader of the country's economic recovery."
Toyota is also forecasting that global sales will fall to a nine-year low of 8.9 million vehicles in 2020/21, compared with 10.46 million in the financial year that's just ended.
Demand has dried up in countries where many residents are still being told to stay at home or only travel if it is essential.
Even potential customers are more cautious because COVID-19 has triggered job losses and economic uncertainty.
Damage from the pandemic also caused Toyota to lose 145bn yen (£1.1bn) in operating profit during the latest quarter - wiping out savings achieved through earlier cost-cutting.
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Sales are expected to struggle into December before returning to 2019 levels next year.
Despite the dire forecast, Toyota said spending on research and development would remain unchanged, with operating officer Koji Kobayashi adding: "We cannot stop investing in the future."
Ample cash reserves mean Toyota is potentially better prepared for a tough year than its rivals.
Carmaking rivals Honda and General Motors have postponed their financial forecasts - blaming uncertainty caused by the coronavirus.
The last time Honda did this was after the 2011 tsunami, earthquake and nuclear disaster, which hit a part of Japan where Honda has factories.
President Takahiro Hachigo said: "Honda has faced serious problems before, and Honda has overcome them before. We will do it again, working as a team at Honda."


news--2020-05-12--Coronavirus: Care homes 'almost compelled' to take people who may have COVID-19

Care homes have been `` almost compelled '' to take people who have not been tested for coronavirus , Sky News has been told .
Official statistics show deaths in care homes made up 40.4 % of the overall number of COVID-19 fatalities across England and Wales in the week to 1 May .
Sky News has revealed several councils threatened to withhold funding to help care homes deal with the coronavirus outbreak if they did not agree to take in patients with the illness .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chair of the National Care Association , said the crisis had been exacerbated by the existing arrangement between care home providers and councils .
Speaking following a Sky News ' special report on deaths in care homes , she said : `` It 's one of those things where you think common sense would prevail , that if somebody has n't been tested as being negative , why would we put them into an environment where there are other vulnerable people at risk ?
`` Providers have told us that they were almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes because they had a contract with the [ local ] authority to do so .
`` I think that these are very challenging decisions that have been taken by individuals that have compelled the sector to move in that way . ''
It comes after Sky News reported on the death of 64-year-old Iris Critchle , who continued to go into work as housekeeper at the care home where she worked in Macclesfield , Cheshire .
Microbiologist Dr Simon Clarke told Sky News that authorities had effectively been `` pouring fuel on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak .
`` We were told that this is a disease that will really affect elderly and infirm people , and some people with underlying health conditions , '' he said .
`` This is not a surprise that elderly and infirm people should be most at risk .
`` I assume that people were shipped out of hospitals to make room for what they knew was coming .
`` Sending them out from hospitals untested into the care homes and then not giving the care homes sufficient PPE really is just pouring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Simon Walls , the clinical lead at St Cecilia 's nursing home , said the virus likely made it into his facility from a patient discharged from hospital who was asymptomatic , then grew ill and went back into hospital , where she died .
`` We were n't able to get tests to test the residents we thought may have had COVID-19 , '' he said .
`` Unfortunately those people passed away .
We did n't know if they died from COVID-19 or natural causes .
But my suspicions are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've documented because of the testing . ''
Asked by Sky News whether he wished to apologise to the families of those who had died in care homes because the government had not done enough to protect them , Health Secretary Matt Hancock previously insisted doing so had been a `` top priority from the start '' .
`` Making sure that care homes have the support they need has been absolutely front of mind , in fact I can remember in one of the very early discussions about coronavirus in January , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week that coronavirus tests would now be available to asymptomatic residents and staff in care homes , as well as symptomatic patients and staff in NHS hospitals .

Care homes have been "almost compelled" to take people who have not been tested for coronavirus, Sky News has been told.
Official statistics show deaths in care homes made up 40.4% of the overall number of COVID-19 fatalities across England and Wales in the week to 1 May.
Sky News has revealed several councils threatened to withhold funding to help care homes deal with the coronavirus outbreak if they did not agree to take in patients with the illness.
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And Nadra Ahmed, chair of the National Care Association, said the crisis had been exacerbated by the existing arrangement between care home providers and councils.
Speaking following a Sky News' special report on deaths in care homes, she said: "It's one of those things where you think common sense would prevail, that if somebody hasn't been tested as being negative, why would we put them into an environment where there are other vulnerable people at risk?
"Providers have told us that they were almost compelled to take people back into care homes because they had a contract with the [local] authority to do so.
"I think that these are very challenging decisions that have been taken by individuals that have compelled the sector to move in that way."
It comes after Sky News reported on the death of 64-year-old Iris Critchle, who continued to go into work as housekeeper at the care home where she worked in Macclesfield, Cheshire.
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Microbiologist Dr Simon Clarke told Sky News that authorities had effectively been "pouring fuel on to the flames" of the coronavirus outbreak.
"We were told that this is a disease that will really affect elderly and infirm people, and some people with underlying health conditions," he said.
"This is not a surprise that elderly and infirm people should be most at risk.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 22:43 Special report: The killer in our care homes
"I assume that people were shipped out of hospitals to make room for what they knew was coming.
"Sending them out from hospitals untested into the care homes and then not giving the care homes sufficient PPE really is just pouring fuel on to the flames."
Simon Walls, the clinical lead at St Cecilia's nursing home, said the virus likely made it into his facility from a patient discharged from hospital who was asymptomatic, then grew ill and went back into hospital, where she died.
"We weren't able to get tests to test the residents we thought may have had COVID-19," he said.
"Unfortunately those people passed away. We didn't know if they died from COVID-19 or natural causes. But my suspicions are the number is much higher than what we've documented because of the testing."
Asked by Sky News whether he wished to apologise to the families of those who had died in care homes because the government had not done enough to protect them, Health Secretary Matt Hancock previously insisted doing so had been a "top priority from the start".
"Making sure that care homes have the support they need has been absolutely front of mind, in fact I can remember in one of the very early discussions about coronavirus in January," he said.
Mr Hancock announced last week that coronavirus tests would now be available to asymptomatic residents and staff in care homes, as well as symptomatic patients and staff in NHS hospitals.


news--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: Markets surge as Europe's reopening buoys recovery hopes

World stock markets have rallied sharply on growing hopes of economic recovery later this year - as some European countries worst hit by the coronavirus further ease lockdown restrictions .
In London , the FTSE 100 climbed by 4.3 % , or more than 200 points , to take the index above 6,000 for only the second time since the outbreak sent equities into meltdown at the start of March .
The rally was in stark contrast to recent grim economic data , with Japan on Monday becoming the latest country to confirm it was in recession - following Germany @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Dow Jones was nearly 4 % higher while markets in Frankfurt and Paris bounced by more than 5 % , and international oil benchmark Brent crude surged 9 % to more than $ 35 a barrel .
The upturn came after Jerome Powell , head of the US Federal Reserve , expressed optimism that America 's economy could begin to recover in the second half of the year .
Mr Powell told US channel CBS on Sunday that once the outbreak has been contained , activity should be able to rebound `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Fed was ready to add to the already-massive programme of interventions designed to help prop up the economy through the crisis .
`` We 're not out of ammunition , not by a long shot , '' the Fed chairman said .
The remarks were in contrast to a bleak assessment of the downturn made by Mr Powell last week - which had prompted a sharp sell-off .
They came as parts of Europe extended their reopening .
Among the businesses to resume were cafes and restaurants admitting customers in Italy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masses , and hairdressers in Belgium were also allowed to operate once again .
Meanwhile , a minister in tourism-dependent Spain said it planned to reopen borders to visitors by the end of June .
Russ Mould , investment director at AJ Bell , said the rally was fuelled by latest data showing new COVID-19 infections and deaths have slowed considerably in Europe , where countries first started easing their strict lockdowns in a limited way a month ago .
Mr Mould said those figures were `` helping alleviate some of the concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Chris Beauchamp , chief market analyst at IG , said that while the market bounce `` might seem odd '' amid the grim economic picture , investors were looking beyond the present into the third and fourth quarters of this year .
`` This is supported by the lack of any real uptick in virus infections so far in those countries that have begun more expansive reopening programmes , which perhaps means the post coronavirus world will not be quite as different to the pre-virus world as many thought , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest gains to encouraging results in early testing of an experimental coronavirus vaccine , made by US company Moderna .

World stock markets have rallied sharply on growing hopes of economic recovery later this year - as some European countries worst hit by the coronavirus further ease lockdown restrictions.
In London, the FTSE 100 climbed by 4.3%, or more than 200 points, to take the index above 6,000 for only the second time since the outbreak sent equities into meltdown at the start of March.
The rally was in stark contrast to recent grim economic data, with Japan on Monday becoming the latest country to confirm it was in recession - following Germany and France.
In New York, the Dow Jones was nearly 4% higher while markets in Frankfurt and Paris bounced by more than 5%, and international oil benchmark Brent crude surged 9% to more than $35 a barrel.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:50 BoE governor issues recession warning
The upturn came after Jerome Powell, head of the US Federal Reserve, expressed optimism that America's economy could begin to recover in the second half of the year.
Mr Powell told US channel CBS on Sunday that once the outbreak has been contained, activity should be able to rebound "substantially".
He also suggested that the Fed was ready to add to the already-massive programme of interventions designed to help prop up the economy through the crisis.
"We're not out of ammunition, not by a long shot," the Fed chairman said.
The remarks were in contrast to a bleak assessment of the downturn made by Mr Powell last week - which had prompted a sharp sell-off.
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Image: Restaurants and cafes reopened in Italy
They came as parts of Europe extended their reopening.
Among the businesses to resume were cafes and restaurants admitting customers in Italy, while churches in the country resumed public masses, and hairdressers in Belgium were also allowed to operate once again.
Meanwhile, a minister in tourism-dependent Spain said it planned to reopen borders to visitors by the end of June.
Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said the rally was fuelled by latest data showing new COVID-19 infections and deaths have slowed considerably in Europe, where countries first started easing their strict lockdowns in a limited way a month ago.
Mr Mould said those figures were "helping alleviate some of the concerns over a second wave in the pandemic".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:43 Europe loosens coronavirus controls
Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, said that while the market bounce "might seem odd" amid the grim economic picture, investors were looking beyond the present into the third and fourth quarters of this year.
"This is supported by the lack of any real uptick in virus infections so far in those countries that have begun more expansive reopening programmes, which perhaps means the post coronavirus world will not be quite as different to the pre-virus world as many thought," he said.
Market-watchers also partly attributed the latest gains to encouraging results in early testing of an experimental coronavirus vaccine, made by US company Moderna.


news--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: Uber workforce down by a quarter as it axes 3,000 more jobs

Uber is cutting a further 3,000 jobs - the second wave of major lay-offs at the company in just two weeks .
It adds to the 3,700 cuts it announced earlier this month , with the total amounting to nearly a quarter of its workforce .
The job losses come after lockdowns across the world due to the coronavirus pandemic slashed demand for its ride-hailing app , with the number of trips dropping by 80 % in April .
Uber will be closing or merging 45 offices across the world and almost all of its departments will be hit by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi said in a note to employees that the company is to re-focus on its core ride-hailing app and takeaway delivery platform Uber Eats .
It is shutting its business for developing products and services and a unit working on artificial intelligence , while also looking at options for its job recruiting app , Uber Works .
Mr Khosrowshahi said : `` This is a decision I struggled with .
`` Our balance sheet is strong , Eats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little better , maybe we can wait this damn virus out… I wanted there to be a different answer… but there simply was no good news to hear .
`` Ultimately , I realised that hoping the world would return to normal within any predictable time frame , so we could pick up where we left off on our path to profitability , was not a viable option . ''
Uber reported a loss of $ 2.9bn for the first quarter , mainly due to a sharp reduction in the value of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people around the world before the pandemic - a figure not including the 3.9 million drivers on its platform globally , who are treated as contractors .

Uber is cutting a further 3,000 jobs - the second wave of major lay-offs at the company in just two weeks.
It adds to the 3,700 cuts it announced earlier this month, with the total amounting to nearly a quarter of its workforce.
The job losses come after lockdowns across the world due to the coronavirus pandemic slashed demand for its ride-hailing app, with the number of trips dropping by 80% in April.
Uber will be closing or merging 45 offices across the world and almost all of its departments will be hit by lay-offs.
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Chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi said in a note to employees that the company is to re-focus on its core ride-hailing app and takeaway delivery platform Uber Eats.
It is shutting its business for developing products and services and a unit working on artificial intelligence, while also looking at options for its job recruiting app, Uber Works.
Mr Khosrowshahi said: "This is a decision I struggled with.
"Our balance sheet is strong, Eats is doing great, Rides looks a little better, maybe we can wait this damn virus out… I wanted there to be a different answer… but there simply was no good news to hear.
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"Ultimately, I realised that hoping the world would return to normal within any predictable time frame, so we could pick up where we left off on our path to profitability, was not a viable option."
Uber reported a loss of $2.9bn for the first quarter, mainly due to a sharp reduction in the value of its overseas investments.
The company employed 28,600 people around the world before the pandemic - a figure not including the 3.9 million drivers on its platform globally, who are treated as contractors.


news--2020-05-18--Australia: German student breaks into museum to take selfies with dinosaurs

A student in Australia spent a `` night at the museum '' after breaking in during the early hours to take selfies with dinosaur exhibits .
CCTV footage shows German student Paul Kuhn , 25 , wandering around the Australian Museum in Sydney on 10 May .
He broke in at around 1am after climbing on to some nearby scaffolding to gain access to the building and was inside for around 40 minutes , New South Wales Police said .
The video shows him crouching down next to a dinosaur skeleton to take a picture with it and stealing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Inspector of NSW Police , Sean Heaney , told reporters in Sydney : `` He 's taken some selfies with some of the displays .
He 's also stolen a hat and a picture ( from ) the wall and eventually left . ''
He appeared in court on Monday charged with two counts of theft - the other relating to a stolen piece of artwork .
The Australian Museum is the oldest in the country , but has been closed to the public since August 2019 for a 12-month renovation period .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow bars and restaurants to open , as well as letting people invite up to five people to visit their home .
Museums are open in the Northern Territory , but visits are restricted to two hours , while museums in South Australia are due to reopen on 8 June .

A student in Australia spent a "night at the museum" after breaking in during the early hours to take selfies with dinosaur exhibits.
CCTV footage shows German student Paul Kuhn, 25, wandering around the Australian Museum in Sydney on 10 May.
He broke in at around 1am after climbing on to some nearby scaffolding to gain access to the building and was inside for around 40 minutes, New South Wales Police said.
The video shows him crouching down next to a dinosaur skeleton to take a picture with it and stealing a cowboy hat before walking out.
Image: CCTV shows the 25-year-old taking pictures of dinosaur skeletons
Chief Inspector of NSW Police, Sean Heaney, told reporters in Sydney: "He's taken some selfies with some of the displays. He's also stolen a hat and a picture (from) the wall and eventually left."
He appeared in court on Monday charged with two counts of theft - the other relating to a stolen piece of artwork.
The Australian Museum is the oldest in the country, but has been closed to the public since August 2019 for a 12-month renovation period.
Image: Mr Kuhn, 25, is seen wearing a cowboy hat after allegedly taking it from inside the museum
Australia has eased coronavirus lockdown restrictions to allow bars and restaurants to open, as well as letting people invite up to five people to visit their home.
Museums are open in the Northern Territory, but visits are restricted to two hours, while museums in South Australia are due to reopen on 8 June.


news--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: Bella Italia owner in talks with creditors about restructuring

The owner of the Bella Italia restaurant chain is in talks with creditors about a radical restructuring that will involve an injection of substantial new funds by its shareholders .
Sky News has learnt that Casual Dining Group ( CDG ) , one of the UK 's biggest high street restaurant operators , is close to unveiling plans for a series of insolvency arrangements aimed at putting the business on a sustainable long-term footing .
Sources said on Monday that an announcement was likely to be made this week .
It is expected to involve company voluntary arrangements ( CVAs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - Bella Italia , Café Rouge and Las Iguanas - with the other being placed into administration .
The proposals represent the latest evidence of how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting a once-thriving sector .
Many thousands of restaurant staff across the country have been furloughed under the government 's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme , including many CDG employees .
Prior to the UK-wide lockdown starting in March , CDG trades from roughly 250 outlets across the UK , and employs about 6,000 people , making it one of the largest restaurant operators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's sites are understood to have been earmarked for closure , with many of the remaining sites likely to be the subject of negotiations about rent reductions .
Preliminary talks are understood to have got under way with landlords late last week .
One source close to CDG said the objective of the plan was to preserve as many jobs and restaurants as possible .
CDG , which is controlled by the private equity giant KKR , is understood to have appointed the advisory firm AlixPartners to work on the restructuring .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , trades from more than 100 sites , while there are roughly 60 Las Iguanas and Café Rouge restaurants apiece .
Responding to an enquiry , a spokesman for CDG said : `` As is widely acknowledged , this is an unprecedented situation for our industry and , like many other companies across the UK , the directors of Casual Dining Group are working closely with our advisers as we consider our next steps . ''
KKR and Pemberton Capital Advisors , another financial investor , have controlled CDG since early 2018 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Management .
Prior to the lockdown , and under new management , CDG 's performance is understood to have improved .
Last year , it appointed Rooney Anand , the former boss of pub and restaurant group Greene King , as its new chairman .
Since the outbreak of the pandemic , a broad array of restaurant operators , such as Prezzo and Wahaca , have drafted in professional advisers to explore their financing options .
Others , including the burger chain Byron , have decided to kick off formal sale processes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ unable to avoid insolvency proceedings .
Earlier on Monday , Sky News revealed that the owner of the Giraffe chain was on the brink of concluding a deal to acquire approximately 30 Carluccio 's outlets , its brand and head office .
The deal , if completed , should salvage the jobs of about 900 of the company 's 2,000 staff .

The owner of the Bella Italia restaurant chain is in talks with creditors about a radical restructuring that will involve an injection of substantial new funds by its shareholders.
Sky News has learnt that Casual Dining Group (CDG), one of the UK's biggest high street restaurant operators, is close to unveiling plans for a series of insolvency arrangements aimed at putting the business on a sustainable long-term footing.
Sources said on Monday that an announcement was likely to be made this week.
It is expected to involve company voluntary arrangements (CVAs) for two of its three brands - Bella Italia, Café Rouge and Las Iguanas - with the other being placed into administration.
The proposals represent the latest evidence of how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting a once-thriving sector.
Many thousands of restaurant staff across the country have been furloughed under the government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, including many CDG employees.
Prior to the UK-wide lockdown starting in March, CDG trades from roughly 250 outlets across the UK, and employs about 6,000 people, making it one of the largest restaurant operators in Britain.
A number of CDG's sites are understood to have been earmarked for closure, with many of the remaining sites likely to be the subject of negotiations about rent reductions.
Image: Sky News reported earlier on Monday that 900 jobs were on the verge of being saved at Carluccio's
Preliminary talks are understood to have got under way with landlords late last week.
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One source close to CDG said the objective of the plan was to preserve as many jobs and restaurants as possible.
CDG, which is controlled by the private equity giant KKR, is understood to have appointed the advisory firm AlixPartners to work on the restructuring.
The company's largest brand, Bella Italia, trades from more than 100 sites, while there are roughly 60 Las Iguanas and Café Rouge restaurants apiece.
Responding to an enquiry, a spokesman for CDG said: "As is widely acknowledged, this is an unprecedented situation for our industry and, like many other companies across the UK, the directors of Casual Dining Group are working closely with our advisers as we consider our next steps."
KKR and Pemberton Capital Advisors, another financial investor, have controlled CDG since early 2018, when they took control from Apollo Global Management.
Prior to the lockdown, and under new management, CDG's performance is understood to have improved.
Last year, it appointed Rooney Anand, the former boss of pub and restaurant group Greene King, as its new chairman.
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, a broad array of restaurant operators, such as Prezzo and Wahaca, have drafted in professional advisers to explore their financing options.
Others, including the burger chain Byron, have decided to kick off formal sale processes.
Carluccio's and Chiquitos have found themselves unable to avoid insolvency proceedings.
Earlier on Monday, Sky News revealed that the owner of the Giraffe chain was on the brink of concluding a deal to acquire approximately 30 Carluccio's outlets, its brand and head office.
The deal, if completed, should salvage the jobs of about 900 of the company's 2,000 staff.


news--2020-05-18--Matrix director hits out at Elon Musk and Ivanka Trump over 'red pill' tweet

The Matrix director Lilly Wachowski has hit out at Elon Musk and Ivanka Trump on Twitter for referencing her 1999 film and the `` red pill '' term that she co-created .
Musk , who has recently become a father , posted a red rose emoji on Twitter and wrote alongside it : `` Take the red pill '' .
The billionaire followed it up with a meme featuring Laurence Fishburne 's character from The Matrix , and joked about taking both night and day flu relief at the same time .
US President Donald Trump 's daughter , Ivanka @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , writing : `` Taken ! ''
.
Director Wachowski responded to Trump 's tweet , writing : `` F*** both of you . ''
The red pill/blue pill concept comes from the first of the Matrix trilogy , when Morpheus , played by Fishburne , offers Keanu Reeves ' character Neo the chance to learn the truth .
In the well-known movie scene , Morpheus says : `` This is your last chance .
After this there is no turning back .
You take the blue pill : the story ends , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe whatever you want to believe .
`` You take the red pill : you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes . ''
In the film , Neo chooses to take the red pill and join the rebellion .
The red pill concept has been adopted online by right wing groups and men 's rights activists since the film 's release .
Wachowski , who came out as transgender in 2016 , followed up her response by sharing a link to the Brave Space Alliance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Support @ BSAllianceChi if you can , '' she wrote .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The fourth Matrix movie , which is directed by Wachowski 's sister , Lana , had been due for release this week , but is now understood to have been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Keanu Reeves and Canadian actress Carrie-Ann Moss will both reprise their roles in the film .
Tesla boss Musk meanwhile has recently ignored government rules , reopening his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the coronavirus lockdown .

The Matrix director Lilly Wachowski has hit out at Elon Musk and Ivanka Trump on Twitter for referencing her 1999 film and the "red pill" term that she co-created.
Musk, who has recently become a father, posted a red rose emoji on Twitter and wrote alongside it: "Take the red pill".
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The billionaire followed it up with a meme featuring Laurence Fishburne's character from The Matrix, and joked about taking both night and day flu relief at the same time.
US President Donald Trump's daughter, Ivanka, quickly replied to his first tweet, writing: "Taken!".
Director Wachowski responded to Trump's tweet, writing: "F*** both of you."
The red pill/blue pill concept comes from the first of the Matrix trilogy, when Morpheus, played by Fishburne, offers Keanu Reeves' character Neo the chance to learn the truth.
In the well-known movie scene, Morpheus says: "This is your last chance. After this there is no turning back. You take the blue pill: the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe.
"You take the red pill: you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes."
In the film, Neo chooses to take the red pill and join the rebellion.
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Image: Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss will both return for the fourth Matrix film
The red pill concept has been adopted online by right wing groups and men's rights activists since the film's release.
Wachowski, who came out as transgender in 2016, followed up her response by sharing a link to the Brave Space Alliance, a Chicago LGBTQ support centre.
"Support @BSAllianceChi if you can," she wrote.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The fourth Matrix movie, which is directed by Wachowski's sister, Lana, had been due for release this week, but is now understood to have been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Keanu Reeves and Canadian actress Carrie-Ann Moss will both reprise their roles in the film.
Tesla boss Musk meanwhile has recently ignored government rules, reopening his California plant despite orders to stay closed during the coronavirus lockdown.


news--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: UK records lowest increase in COVID-19 deaths since lockdown began

The UK has recorded its lowest daily coronavirus fatality figure since the nationwide lockdown began , with 160 further deaths .
The increase - the lowest recorded by the Department of Health since 24 March - takes the total to 34,796 .
The figure includes coronavirus-related fatalities in all settings , including hospitals , care homes and the community .
On Sunday , the UK had recorded its lowest daily number of deaths in 53 days , as 170 new deaths were announced , although today 's figure marks another small drop .
The numbers are typically lower over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily increases have been trending downwards .
At the peak on 2 April , 961 deaths were reported .
In England , a further 122 people have died , bringing the total number of deaths in hospitals in the country to 24,739 .
Seven of those had no known underlying health condition , and they were aged between 50 and 85 .
The number of deaths by region were as follows : In Wales , a further four people have died , taking its total to 1,207 .
The number of deaths in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after six more deaths were reported .
In Scotland , there were two further deaths reported , taking its total to 2,105. : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Earlier today , Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced lockdown measures could be eased in Scotland `` within days '' of 28 May .
The devolved administrations have been more cautious in their approach to lifting restrictions than Downing Street , resulting in some differences in the guidance and rules for each nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the UK aged five and over who has coronavirus symptoms is now eligible for a test , Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said .
A total of 100,678 tests were carried out on 17 May , taking the total carried out to more than 2.6 million , although this includes some people being tested more than once .
Of those tested , 246,406 have now been confirmed to have coronavirus .
The government had aimed to reach 100,000 tests per day by the end of last month , and did manage to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but has been criticised for failing to reach that target on numerous days since .
There is now a larger target of 200,000 tests per day by the end of May .

The UK has recorded its lowest daily coronavirus fatality figure since the nationwide lockdown began, with 160 further deaths.
The increase - the lowest recorded by the Department of Health since 24 March - takes the total to 34,796.
The figure includes coronavirus-related fatalities in all settings, including hospitals, care homes and the community.
On Sunday, the UK had recorded its lowest daily number of deaths in 53 days, as 170 new deaths were announced, although today's figure marks another small drop.
The numbers are typically lower over the weekend and just after, but the daily increases have been trending downwards.
At the peak on 2 April, 961 deaths were reported.
Image: More than 34,000 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in the UK
In England, a further 122 people have died, bringing the total number of deaths in hospitals in the country to 24,739.
Seven of those had no known underlying health condition, and they were aged between 50 and 85.
The number of deaths by region were as follows:
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East of England - 10
London - 10
Midlands - 28
North East & Yorkshire - 28
North West - 24
South East - 16
South West - 6
In Wales, a further four people have died, taking its total to 1,207.
The number of deaths in Northern Ireland has risen to 482, after six more deaths were reported.
In Scotland, there were two further deaths reported, taking its total to 2,105.
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
Earlier today, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced lockdown measures could be eased in Scotland "within days" of 28 May.
The devolved administrations have been more cautious in their approach to lifting restrictions than Downing Street, resulting in some differences in the guidance and rules for each nation since last week.
Meanwhile, everyone across the UK aged five and over who has coronavirus symptoms is now eligible for a test, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said.
A total of 100,678 tests were carried out on 17 May, taking the total carried out to more than 2.6 million, although this includes some people being tested more than once.
Of those tested, 246,406 have now been confirmed to have coronavirus.
The government had aimed to reach 100,000 tests per day by the end of last month, and did manage to surpass its target on 30 April, but has been criticised for failing to reach that target on numerous days since.
There is now a larger target of 200,000 tests per day by the end of May.


news--2020-05-18--Chelsea Flower Show: Queen shows her support as famous event kicks off virtually

The Queen says her grandmother would have been `` delighted '' by people 's passion for gardening and continued enthusiasm for the Chelsea Flower Show , despite the lockdown .
Although the physical show has been scuppered by coronavirus , a five-day `` virtual '' event will take place instead .
The world-famous gardening show has taken place at the Royal Hospital , in Chelsea , London , since 1913 , with the exception of gaps during the two World Wars .
The event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year , including royalty and celebrities .
The Queen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event in person , sent her best wishes in a message .
Her Majesty wrote : `` As Patron of the Royal Horticultural Society ( RHS ) , I was pleased to hear that you will be providing gardening advice and virtual sessions on your website , from Monday 18th to Saturday 23rd May .
`` I am sure that my grandmother , Queen Mary , who first attended the Chelsea Flower Show in 1916 , would be delighted that many people today have an enthusiasm for horticulture , and that gardening remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kingdom . ''
She also shared her favourite flower to mark the first day of the event , revealing that she was rather partial to lily of the valley .
The white bell-shaped flowers , surrounded by dark green leaves , made up part of her coronation bouquet and have been special to her ever since .
The virtual flower show will feature insights into the gardens and nurseries of top gardeners , Chelsea designers and horticultural specialists , with themes for each day ranging from wildlife garden to health and wellbeing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indoor spaces .
Visitors will also be able to go on a lockdown tour of London 's parks , see potting demonstrations , check out a school gardening club and join lunchtime Q & As with garden experts .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The value of gardening in supporting people 's mental health during lockdown has also been highlighted in an RHS poll .
Over half of people with their own garden or outdoor space said they value them more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 10 felt they had helped their mental health in recent weeks .
TV gardener Monty Don , who helps present the show and has previously spoken about his own struggles with depression , called gardens `` desperately important '' , adding that we now need them more than ever .
Statistics revealed one in eight households in England has had no access to a garden during the COVID-19 lockdown .
The RHS Virtual Chelsea Flower Show takes place from Monday 18 May until Saturday 23 May .

The Queen says her grandmother would have been "delighted" by people's passion for gardening and continued enthusiasm for the Chelsea Flower Show, despite the lockdown.
Although the physical show has been scuppered by coronavirus, a five-day "virtual" event will take place instead.
Image: The Queen at the 2018 Chelsea Flower Show, enjoying the roses
The world-famous gardening show has taken place at the Royal Hospital, in Chelsea, London, since 1913, with the exception of gaps during the two World Wars.
The event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, including royalty and celebrities.
The Queen, who would normally have attended the event in person, sent her best wishes in a message.
Image: Gnomes designed by celebrities at the flower show in 2013
Her Majesty wrote: "As Patron of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), I was pleased to hear that you will be providing gardening advice and virtual sessions on your website, from Monday 18th to Saturday 23rd May.
"I am sure that my grandmother, Queen Mary, who first attended the Chelsea Flower Show in 1916, would be delighted that many people today have an enthusiasm for horticulture, and that gardening remains a popular past time in the United Kingdom."
She also shared her favourite flower to mark the first day of the event, revealing that she was rather partial to lily of the valley.
The white bell-shaped flowers, surrounded by dark green leaves, made up part of her coronation bouquet and have been special to her ever since.
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The virtual flower show will feature insights into the gardens and nurseries of top gardeners, Chelsea designers and horticultural specialists, with themes for each day ranging from wildlife garden to health and wellbeing, perfect plants and growing in small and indoor spaces.
Visitors will also be able to go on a lockdown tour of London's parks, see potting demonstrations, check out a school gardening club and join lunchtime Q&As with garden experts.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The value of gardening in supporting people's mental health during lockdown has also been highlighted in an RHS poll.
Over half of people with their own garden or outdoor space said they value them more now than before lockdown, and seven in 10 felt they had helped their mental health in recent weeks.
TV gardener Monty Don, who helps present the show and has previously spoken about his own struggles with depression, called gardens "desperately important", adding that we now need them more than ever.
Statistics revealed one in eight households in England has had no access to a garden during the COVID-19 lockdown.
The RHS Virtual Chelsea Flower Show takes place from Monday 18 May until Saturday 23 May.


news--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: 'Chicken king' salvages 900 jobs at ailing Carluccio's

The owner of the Giraffe restaurant chain is on the verge of striking a deal to buy Carluccio 's , the stricken casual dining group , that will save roughly 900 jobs .
Sky News has learnt that Boparan Restaurants , which is owned by the so-called `` chicken king '' tycoon Ranjit Boparan , is to conclude a takeover of the Carluccio 's brand , head office and approximately 30 restaurants in the coming days .
One source said a transaction with FRP Advisory , which was appointed as administrator to the chain in March , could be announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completed as expected , the deal is expected to involve retaining roughly 900 employees , meaning that more than 1,000 are likely to be left facing redundancy .
Boparan Restaurants ' takeover will guarantee at least a short-term future for a brand that has become a fixture on affluent high streets during the last 20 years .
The chain was founded in 1999 by the late chef Antonio Carluccio , and expanded rapidly during the last decade , at one point operating from more than 100 sites .
In 2018 , it underwent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , enabling it to cut rents and close roughly 35 loss-making restaurants .
Until its recent insolvency amid the COVID-19 crisis , the company was owned by Landmark Group , a Dubai-based company .
It traded from 70 sites until its collapse .
The rescue of parts of Carluccio 's comes amid unprecedented strain on the casual dining sector , with continued uncertainty about the potential viability of thousands of sites when they are allowed to reopen but with social distancing measures in place .
UKHospitality , the industry body , has estimated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months after the lockdown ends for restaurants to return to 70 % of normal trading levels .
Since the coronavirus outbreak began , restaurant chains including Prezzo and Wahaca have called in advisers to help restructure their finances .
Byron , the burger chain , has launched a sale process , while in addition to Carluccio 's , Chiquito 's has fallen into administration .

The owner of the Giraffe restaurant chain is on the verge of striking a deal to buy Carluccio's, the stricken casual dining group, that will save roughly 900 jobs.
Sky News has learnt that Boparan Restaurants, which is owned by the so-called "chicken king" tycoon Ranjit Boparan, is to conclude a takeover of the Carluccio's brand, head office and approximately 30 restaurants in the coming days.
One source said a transaction with FRP Advisory, which was appointed as administrator to the chain in March, could be announced as soon as Monday evening.
Image: Ranjit Boparan
If completed as expected, the deal is expected to involve retaining roughly 900 employees, meaning that more than 1,000 are likely to be left facing redundancy.
Boparan Restaurants' takeover will guarantee at least a short-term future for a brand that has become a fixture on affluent high streets during the last 20 years.
The chain was founded in 1999 by the late chef Antonio Carluccio, and expanded rapidly during the last decade, at one point operating from more than 100 sites.
Image: Antonio Carluccio. Pic: Richard Barker/Shutterstock
In 2018, it underwent a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA), enabling it to cut rents and close roughly 35 loss-making restaurants.
Until its recent insolvency amid the COVID-19 crisis, the company was owned by Landmark Group, a Dubai-based company.
It traded from 70 sites until its collapse.
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The rescue of parts of Carluccio's comes amid unprecedented strain on the casual dining sector, with continued uncertainty about the potential viability of thousands of sites when they are allowed to reopen but with social distancing measures in place.
UKHospitality, the industry body, has estimated that it could take at least six months after the lockdown ends for restaurants to return to 70% of normal trading levels.
Since the coronavirus outbreak began, restaurant chains including Prezzo and Wahaca have called in advisers to help restructure their finances.
Byron, the burger chain, has launched a sale process, while in addition to Carluccio's, Chiquito's has fallen into administration.
FRP declined to comment on Monday morning.


news--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: Don't book your France trip yet - quarantine rules will be reviewed every three weeks

People looking to book a holiday to France should wait until talks about a prospective quarantine across the Channel have concluded , a top minister has told Sky News , with the measures to be reviewed every three weeks .
Boris Johnson announced international travellers flying into the UK would be required to quarantine themselves for two weeks when he addressed the nation last Sunday .
However , Downing Street later added : `` No quarantine measures would apply to travellers coming from France at this stage . ''
The clarification from Number 10 led some people to book trips @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that no quarantine would be imposed .
The government then said there was no exemption for France and that talks were ongoing to negotiate how the border crossing would work to ensure the spread of COVID-19 is contained .
Now , Oliver Dowden , secretary of state for Digital , Culture , Media and Sport , has said details of any quarantine between the UK and France are not yet confirmed .
The Times has reported that lorry drivers travelling between the two countries could be among those who would be exempt from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put that to Mr Dowden , who appeared to confirm it .
He said : `` The reason for allowing some exemptions is to keep the economy going .
If we did n't apply quarantine exemptions to lorry drivers , we would n't be able to get all the freight we need from France from the rest of Europe to Britain .
`` We 're taking some sensible , proportionate exemptions to it and of course all the other restrictions will continue to apply to lorry drivers , but it 's just to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a suitable measure to take . ''
He added that `` discussions with the French are ongoing '' , before denying that the government had sent out confused messaging on the issue .
Mr Dowden said : `` We did say we 're having constructive discussions with the French about quarantine - and that is what 's going on . ''
He added : `` As far as I 'm concerned , we 've been consistent .
We 're looking to introduce these quarantine measures , those measures have n't been introduced yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final details of those .
Those will be coming forward shortly . ''
The initial guidance from Number 10 - that there would be no need to self-isolate if travelling into or from France - prompted optimism that as lockdown measures ease , people could look to holiday in France .
Mr Dowden played down this prospect , telling Sky News : `` I think people should wait to see what the quarantine measures look like and what measures we take in relation to France . ''
He confirmed that at the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the UK and France .
Speaking at a regular Westminster briefing for journalists , the prime minister 's spokesman said the 14-day quarantine will be reviewed every three weeks .
`` The PM has said that those arriving in the UK from overseas will be required to self-isolate in order to prevent infections from abroad and a second wave of cases , '' he said .
`` The work on this is continuing and we will set out more details in due course . ''
Downing Street insisted there had never been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there would be one for Ireland as part of the common travel area .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Asked how long the quarantine regulation would last , Mr Johnson 's spokesman said : `` Any changes brought in will be subject to a rolling review every three weeks to ensure they are in line with the latest scientific advice and that they remain effective and necessary . ''
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has told MPs that final details of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month but `` we should indeed consider further improvements '' .
He was responding to a question from Conservative MP and transport select committee chair Huw Merriman , who asked if `` air bridges '' to let people coming from countries with R rates below one could be exempt from the two-week quarantine proposed .
Mr Shapps confirmed there are `` active discussions '' on what initially be a `` blanket '' policy .
It comes as the boss of Ryanair has described UK government plans to introduce a 14-day quarantine as `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News he believed ministers were `` making stuff up as they go along '' - saying such a precaution was unworkable and unenforceable as the no-frills carrier maintained its plans to resume 40 % of its flight schedule from July .

People looking to book a holiday to France should wait until talks about a prospective quarantine across the Channel have concluded, a top minister has told Sky News, with the measures to be reviewed every three weeks.
Boris Johnson announced international travellers flying into the UK would be required to quarantine themselves for two weeks when he addressed the nation last Sunday.
However, Downing Street later added: "No quarantine measures would apply to travellers coming from France at this stage."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 Is it safe to book a trip to France?
The clarification from Number 10 led some people to book trips to France, safe in the knowledge that no quarantine would be imposed.
The government then said there was no exemption for France and that talks were ongoing to negotiate how the border crossing would work to ensure the spread of COVID-19 is contained.
Now, Oliver Dowden, secretary of state for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, has said details of any quarantine between the UK and France are not yet confirmed.
The Times has reported that lorry drivers travelling between the two countries could be among those who would be exempt from a two-week self-isolation period.
Sky News put that to Mr Dowden, who appeared to confirm it.
He said: "The reason for allowing some exemptions is to keep the economy going. If we didn't apply quarantine exemptions to lorry drivers, we wouldn't be able to get all the freight we need from France from the rest of Europe to Britain.
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"We're taking some sensible, proportionate exemptions to it and of course all the other restrictions will continue to apply to lorry drivers, but it's just to help the flow of traffic that seems a suitable measure to take."
He added that "discussions with the French are ongoing", before denying that the government had sent out confused messaging on the issue.
Mr Dowden said: "We did say we're having constructive discussions with the French about quarantine - and that is what's going on."
He added: "As far as I'm concerned, we've been consistent. We're looking to introduce these quarantine measures, those measures haven't been introduced yet, we're still working out the final details of those. Those will be coming forward shortly."
The initial guidance from Number 10 - that there would be no need to self-isolate if travelling into or from France - prompted optimism that as lockdown measures ease, people could look to holiday in France.
Mr Dowden played down this prospect, telling Sky News: "I think people should wait to see what the quarantine measures look like and what measures we take in relation to France."
Image: Mr Dowden said freight transport must be considered
He confirmed that at the moment there are no quarantine measures in place between the UK and France.
Speaking at a regular Westminster briefing for journalists, the prime minister's spokesman said the 14-day quarantine will be reviewed every three weeks.
"The PM has said that those arriving in the UK from overseas will be required to self-isolate in order to prevent infections from abroad and a second wave of cases," he said.
"The work on this is continuing and we will set out more details in due course."
Downing Street insisted there had never been an exemption for France, but said there would be one for Ireland as part of the common travel area.
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
Asked how long the quarantine regulation would last, Mr Johnson's spokesman said: "Any changes brought in will be subject to a rolling review every three weeks to ensure they are in line with the latest scientific advice and that they remain effective and necessary."
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has told MPs that final details of the quarantine scheme will be confirmed next month but "we should indeed consider further improvements".
He was responding to a question from Conservative MP and transport select committee chair Huw Merriman, who asked if "air bridges" to let people coming from countries with R rates below one could be exempt from the two-week quarantine proposed.
Mr Shapps confirmed there are "active discussions" on what initially be a "blanket" policy.
It comes as the boss of Ryanair has described UK government plans to introduce a 14-day quarantine as "nonsense".
Michael O'Leary told Sky News he believed ministers were "making stuff up as they go along" - saying such a precaution was unworkable and unenforceable as the no-frills carrier maintained its plans to resume 40% of its flight schedule from July.


news--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: Premier League football could return 'within weeks' with matches behind closed doors

Premier League football could return within weeks - with plans for matches to be played behind closed doors , Sky News understands .
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has been in talks with the governing bodies of a number of major sports , and football is expected to be the first to get the green light to resume .
Detailed discussions have reportedly been taking place with officials from Public Health England on the criteria that would have to be met for that to happen because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
A Whitehall source told Sky News : `` We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the TV .
`` It 's not the same as being at the ground but it would give the country a huge lift . ''
Prime Minister Boris Johnson - who himself caught coronavirus - has been briefed on the plans for Premier League matches to be played behind closed doors , according to The Sun .
The newspaper reports that the priority is to finish the season , which would allow the transfer window to open and enable money to trickle down the football pyramid .
Other football leagues and sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ horse racing , could also return .
Jamie Carragher , former Liverpool player and Sky Sports Analyst , said the football season must be allowed to finish , but only if it is safe to do so .
`` I do n't think the football authorities or the Premier League will decide , the virus will decide , '' he told Sky News .
`` Until it 's safe and sound for everyone to go back to playing football ...
I think it 'll be a while for that , then I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get the football finished .
`` I said straight away how much I miss football when it stopped , and it 's difficult to say things like that because of the pandemic we 're going through .
It 's affecting so many people , it 's heart-breaking when you see what 's going on and I 'm well away of that .
`` But I do n't think we should shy away from how much football means to people and what it does for people in their general lives .
`` So I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give people a lift , and I think it will do if the football comes back .
But as I said before , the virus will decide . ''
A government spokesman said : `` Ministers continue to work with sports governing bodies on how live sporting events can resume in the future .
`` This can only happen once we have passed the five tests for easing social distancing measures . ''
Those five tests are : • To make sure the NHS can cope by providing sufficient critical care across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consistent fall in daily death rates with confidence the UK is beyond the peak • Reliable data to show the infection rate is falling to manageable levels • There is enough testing and personal protective equipment ( PPE ) to meet future demand • Any changes in restrictions would not lead to a second peak Sky News sports presenter Jacquie Beltrao said smaller football clubs could `` start to go out of business '' due to the current situation .
`` They of course rely on their gate receipts , they rely on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them money , that is n't happening , '' she said .
Former England and Manchester United player Gary Neville , who is a co-owner of League Two side Salford City , has urged the Premier League to put its hand in its pocket and help save the game .
He told The Football Show on Sky Sports : `` They have a huge opportunity here to do the right thing and prop the game up .
`` Basically , borrowing at this time , three or £400m , £500m - which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a soft deal with a bank on a loan to give the FA , the EFL , players , whoever it is ... `` ...
I 've gone from anger to despair , to almost now pleading with somebody at the Premier League , to just do the right thing for the game . ''
On Saturday , former chancellor Philip Hammond called on ministers to set out plans to begin easing the lockdown and re-start the economy .
With the prime minister expected to return to Downing Street next week , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` clear step change '' in the government 's response to the crisis .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme : `` The reality is that we have to start reopening the economy , but we have to do it living with COVID .
`` We ca n't wait until a vaccine is developed , produced in sufficient quantity and rolled out across the population .
The economy wo n't survive that long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to do it alongside the measures that are in place to protect the population . ''

Premier League football could return within weeks - with plans for matches to be played behind closed doors, Sky News understands.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has been in talks with the governing bodies of a number of major sports, and football is expected to be the first to get the green light to resume.
Detailed discussions have reportedly been taking place with officials from Public Health England on the criteria that would have to be met for that to happen because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Image: There are plans to play football matches behind closed doors
A Whitehall source told Sky News: "We are working hard to get live sport back on the TV.
"It's not the same as being at the ground but it would give the country a huge lift."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson - who himself caught coronavirus - has been briefed on the plans for Premier League matches to be played behind closed doors, according to The Sun.
The newspaper reports that the priority is to finish the season, which would allow the transfer window to open and enable money to trickle down the football pyramid.
Other football leagues and sports, such as tennis, cricket and horse racing, could also return.
Image: Football leagues across Europe have been frozen during the lockdown
Jamie Carragher, former Liverpool player and Sky Sports Analyst, said the football season must be allowed to finish, but only if it is safe to do so.
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"I don't think the football authorities or the Premier League will decide, the virus will decide," he told Sky News.
"Until it's safe and sound for everyone to go back to playing football... I think it'll be a while for that, then I think it is right that we try and get the football finished.
"I said straight away how much I miss football when it stopped, and it's difficult to say things like that because of the pandemic we're going through. It's affecting so many people, it's heart-breaking when you see what's going on and I'm well away of that.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 Carragher: Virus will decide when football returns
"But I don't think we should shy away from how much football means to people and what it does for people in their general lives.
"So I do get the fact that it could give people a lift, and I think it will do if the football comes back. But as I said before, the virus will decide."
A government spokesman said: "Ministers continue to work with sports governing bodies on how live sporting events can resume in the future.
"This can only happen once we have passed the five tests for easing social distancing measures."
Those five tests are:
To make sure the NHS can cope by providing sufficient critical care across the UK
To see a sustained and consistent fall in daily death rates with confidence the UK is beyond the peak
Reliable data to show the infection rate is falling to manageable levels
There is enough testing and personal protective equipment (PPE) to meet future demand
Any changes in restrictions would not lead to a second peak
Sky News sports presenter Jacquie Beltrao said smaller football clubs could "start to go out of business" due to the current situation.
"They of course rely on their gate receipts, they rely on their crowd every other weekend to make them money, that isn't happening," she said.
Former England and Manchester United player Gary Neville, who is a co-owner of League Two side Salford City, has urged the Premier League to put its hand in its pocket and help save the game.
He told The Football Show on Sky Sports: "They have a huge opportunity here to do the right thing and prop the game up.
Image: Gary Neville is urging the Premier League to 'prop the game up'
"Basically, borrowing at this time, three or £400m, £500m - which is a more than affordable number, doing a soft deal with a bank on a loan to give the FA, the EFL, players, whoever it is...
"...I've gone from anger to despair, to almost now pleading with somebody at the Premier League, to just do the right thing for the game."
On Saturday, former chancellor Philip Hammond called on ministers to set out plans to begin easing the lockdown and re-start the economy.
With the prime minister expected to return to Downing Street next week, Mr Hammond said he hoped it would mark a "clear step change" in the government's response to the crisis.
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He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "The reality is that we have to start reopening the economy, but we have to do it living with COVID.
"We can't wait until a vaccine is developed, produced in sufficient quantity and rolled out across the population. The economy won't survive that long.
"But we are going to have to do it alongside the measures that are in place to protect the population."


news--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: People with COVID-19 symptoms more than double number who tested positive, app shows

More than 370,000 people in the UK have symptomatic COVID-19 , according to an app tracking the virus `` in real time '' .
Professor Tim Spector , head of genetic epidemiology at King 's College London , said the COVID symptom tracker , which has been downloaded by nearly 2.7 million people , is generating an `` unprecedented '' amount of data about the disease in the community .
The figures from the app are more than double the 148,377 who have tested positive , according to the Department of Health 's official numbers .
Those behind the tracker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monitoring of COVID in the world and it could therefore play a key role in helping to ease the coronavirus lockdown as well as providing an early warning of COVID-19 hotspots and clusters that flare up .
It has also helped identify a number of other common symptoms beyond those singled out by the official list , including the loss of taste and smell and chronic fatigue .
`` Many new symptoms that have come to light are not being reflected in the hospital statistics and the death records , '' Professor Spector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a persistent cough are known as the classical symptoms - that 's what you need to get tested at the moment - but they 're only part of the story , '' he added .
`` Perhaps two-thirds of people also have other symptoms which are also highly predictive of having a positive swab test and being infectious and the main one we 've seen is actually loss of taste and smell .
`` Around 12 % of people who are displaying symptoms have this very strange symptom and it comes on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many other things that cause it and so it 's highly predictive that you 've been infected and at the moment the official advice is still not to take it that seriously if you do n't have a fever .
`` Yet many people are in that position - they have mild disease , they 've lost their taste and they should really be isolating from other people . ''
He also said : `` Fatigue is another one - so serious fatigue , where you ca n't get out of bed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's also another indication .
`` There 's a whole list of these and ... you can get different symptoms on different days .
We can predict which of those symptoms is likely to lead you to need hospital and which is going to be a mild disease . ''
Prof Spector said the app offered `` an incredible radar system to protect our country and those that are most in need of it '' .
He said : `` Millions are recording every day what 's going on .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - something we really lack in this country about what 's going on in the population with this disease , which has many different ways of presenting itself that we have n't known about really before .
`` Many new symptoms are coming to light and not being reflected in the hospital statistics and the death records .
`` Because we 're seeing things at least a week , maybe 12 days before they get into hospital and so we 're able to track these trends .
`` So , we 're able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually happening around the country , which is extremely important for everybody to know about - both at a local level , but also nationally where we 're feeding the data , too . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker With data being fed to the authorities across the UK , Prof Spector said : `` We are working out ways of predicting where hotspots are going to be , because we think this is going to be really important as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say , below 100,000 cases across the country .
`` As lockdown is eased , maybe in some regions more than others , we can start to see how there might be a new collection of symptoms .
`` A little spark might occur in some part of the country and we can send out teams to go and investigate them , isolate them and lock them down a week before we would with any other method .
`` The more people that use this app round the country , the more we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually be more relaxed about easing some of the lockdown knowing we have got like radar system in place to track it . ''
He also said it had identified further common symptoms of infection .

More than 370,000 people in the UK have symptomatic COVID-19, according to an app tracking the virus "in real time".
Professor Tim Spector, head of genetic epidemiology at King's College London, said the COVID symptom tracker, which has been downloaded by nearly 2.7 million people, is generating an "unprecedented" amount of data about the disease in the community.
The figures from the app are more than double the 148,377 who have tested positive, according to the Department of Health's official numbers.
Image: The COVID symptom tracker is generating an 'unprecedented' amount of data about the disease in the community. File pic
Those behind the tracker app say it is the largest community monitoring of COVID in the world and it could therefore play a key role in helping to ease the coronavirus lockdown as well as providing an early warning of COVID-19 hotspots and clusters that flare up.
It has also helped identify a number of other common symptoms beyond those singled out by the official list, including the loss of taste and smell and chronic fatigue.
"Many new symptoms that have come to light are not being reflected in the hospital statistics and the death records," Professor Spector said.
"Everyone knows that fever and a persistent cough are known as the classical symptoms - that's what you need to get tested at the moment - but they're only part of the story," he added.
"Perhaps two-thirds of people also have other symptoms which are also highly predictive of having a positive swab test and being infectious and the main one we've seen is actually loss of taste and smell.
"Around 12% of people who are displaying symptoms have this very strange symptom and it comes on very suddenly.
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"There's not many other things that cause it and so it's highly predictive that you've been infected and at the moment the official advice is still not to take it that seriously if you don't have a fever.
"Yet many people are in that position - they have mild disease, they've lost their taste and they should really be isolating from other people."
He also said: "Fatigue is another one - so serious fatigue, where you can't get out of bed. You don't have a fever - that's also another indication.
"There's a whole list of these and... you can get different symptoms on different days. We can predict which of those symptoms is likely to lead you to need hospital and which is going to be a mild disease."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 'A tragic and terrible milestone' after more than 20,000 deaths
Prof Spector said the app offered "an incredible radar system to protect our country and those that are most in need of it".
He said: "Millions are recording every day what's going on.
"It's giving us unprecedented amount of data - something we really lack in this country about what's going on in the population with this disease, which has many different ways of presenting itself that we haven't known about really before.
"Many new symptoms are coming to light and not being reflected in the hospital statistics and the death records.
"Because we're seeing things at least a week, maybe 12 days before they get into hospital and so we're able to track these trends.
"So, we're able to see in real time what's actually happening around the country, which is extremely important for everybody to know about - both at a local level, but also nationally where we're feeding the data, too."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
With data being fed to the authorities across the UK, Prof Spector said: "We are working out ways of predicting where hotspots are going to be, because we think this is going to be really important as it plateaus out and we get, say, below 100,000 cases across the country.
"As lockdown is eased, maybe in some regions more than others, we can start to see how there might be a new collection of symptoms.
"A little spark might occur in some part of the country and we can send out teams to go and investigate them, isolate them and lock them down a week before we would with any other method.
"The more people that use this app round the country, the more we can get everybody on board and so actually be more relaxed about easing some of the lockdown knowing we have got like radar system in place to track it."
He also said it had identified further common symptoms of infection.