news--2020-05-03--Coronavirus: DJ Khaled to host virtual concert for COVID-19 charities

DJ Khaled has warned fans that he might look a bit different when he hosts a virtual charity concert tonight .
Like many people around the world under restrictions intended to limit the spread of COVID-19 , he has not had a haircut recently .
He told Sky News : `` I miss getting a haircut - I have n't got a haircut , y'understand ?
`` So , when you see me host this amazing event , please tell all the fans and all the people out there - I do n't want you all to think that my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I wo n't let nobody come into my house until I know things are safe - you understand ?
! ''
The event is a virtual gig in tribute to key workers fighting the virus outbreak in Italy and around the world .
DJ Khaled , a Grammy award-winning US producer , is hosting the event which is organised by football team AC Milan and entertainment company Roc Nation .
Performers will include Alicia Keys , Kelly Rowland , Robin Thicke , Gavin Rossdale and Chris Traynor of Bush , Jay Buchanan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There will also be appearances from entertainment and sporting personalities including Jonas Brothers , Kaká , Thierry Henry , Carlo Cracco , and Danilo Gallinari .
Funds raised will go to Direct Relief and AC Milan 's philanthropic arm Fondazione Milan , charities that are helping people during the COVID-19 virus pandemic .
DJ Khaled said : `` This live stream is a beautiful example of the power of unity - uplifting and inspiring people at a time when that 's needed most .
`` I 'm proud to host such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real superstars , in Italy and all over the world . ''
Ivan Gazidis , chief executive of AC Milan , added : `` This crisis has presented unprecedented challenges for all of us , but the contribution that these key workers have made is humbling , inspiring and will never be forgotten .
`` The participation of such an amazing array of talent in this event will provide a fitting tribute to them and I hope will help to spread a message of hope and optimism during this difficult period . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 8pm UK time on Sunday 3 May and can be watched via AC Milan social channels , the AC Milan official app , and streaming platform TIDAL .
Viewers can donate via the concert 's official fundraising page .

DJ Khaled has warned fans that he might look a bit different when he hosts a virtual charity concert tonight.
Like many people around the world under restrictions intended to limit the spread of COVID-19, he has not had a haircut recently.
He told Sky News: "I miss getting a haircut - I haven't got a haircut, y'understand?
"So, when you see me host this amazing event, please tell all the fans and all the people out there - I don't want you all to think that my hair looks like that every day.
"I won't let nobody come into my house until I know things are safe - you understand?!"
Image: DJ Khaled is the host for the charity concert on Sunday evening
The event is a virtual gig in tribute to key workers fighting the virus outbreak in Italy and around the world.
DJ Khaled, a Grammy award-winning US producer, is hosting the event which is organised by football team AC Milan and entertainment company Roc Nation.
Performers will include Alicia Keys, Kelly Rowland, Robin Thicke, Gavin Rossdale and Chris Traynor of Bush, Jay Buchanan of Rival Sons, and Lola Ponce.
There will also be appearances from entertainment and sporting personalities including Jonas Brothers, Kaká, Thierry Henry, Carlo Cracco, and Danilo Gallinari.
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Funds raised will go to Direct Relief and AC Milan's philanthropic arm Fondazione Milan, charities that are helping people during the COVID-19 virus pandemic.
DJ Khaled said: "This live stream is a beautiful example of the power of unity - uplifting and inspiring people at a time when that's needed most.
"I'm proud to host such a great moment, paying tribute to the real superstars, in Italy and all over the world."
Ivan Gazidis, chief executive of AC Milan, added: "This crisis has presented unprecedented challenges for all of us, but the contribution that these key workers have made is humbling, inspiring and will never be forgotten.
"The participation of such an amazing array of talent in this event will provide a fitting tribute to them and I hope will help to spread a message of hope and optimism during this difficult period."
:: From Milan With Love is at 8pm UK time on Sunday 3 May and can be watched via AC Milan social channels, the AC Milan official app, and streaming platform TIDAL. Viewers can donate via the concert's official fundraising page.


news--2020-05-03--Coronavirus: Billionaire investor Warren Buffett sells all his stakes in US airlines

Warren Buffett 's company Berkshire Hathaway has sold all its stakes in the four largest US airlines because of the coronavirus crisis .
Speaking at the company 's annual meeting , the business tycoon said `` the world has changed '' for the aviation industry due to the global pandemic .
He also revealed he made the wrong decision in investing billions of dollars in the aviation industry .
Berkshire Hathaway , a multinational conglomerate based in Nebraska , had held sizeable positions in the airlines .
According to the company 's filings , it had an 11 % stake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of American Airlines Co , 10 % of Southwest Airlines Co and 9 % of United Airlines at the end of 2019 .
The company was also one of the largest individual holders in the four airlines and in 2016 disclosed it had begun investing in the four carriers after avoiding the aviation sector for years .
Buffett said : `` We made that decision in terms of the airline business .
We took money out of the business basically even at a substantial loss .
`` We will not fund a company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to chew up money in the future . ''
The coronavirus pandemic has led to airline stocks becoming deeply impacted by the near collapse of US travel demand as countries across the world remain in lockdown .
US airlines have cut hundreds of thousands of flights and parked their planes as the demand for US travel falls by around 95 % .
There is currently no clear timetable for when travel will return to pre-crisis levels .
Last month , Berkshire Hathaway disclosed it had sold about 18 % of its Delta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shares .
Buffett said Berkshire had made the mistake of investing around $ 7bn ( £5.5bn ) or $ 8bn ( £6.3bn ) amassing stakes in the four airlines including American Airlines Group Inc .
He said : `` We did not take out anything like $ 7bn or $ 8bn and that was my mistake .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker '' I am the one who made the decision . ''
The billionaire investor said he had previously considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a blow to have essentially your demand dry up ... it is basically that we shut off air travel in this country , '' he added .
Delta said in a statement it was aware of the sale and has `` tremendous respect for Mr Buffett and the Berkshire team '' .
During Saturday 's press conference , housing secretary Robert Jenrick said the government wanted to support the aviation sector `` in any way we can '' .
He said the industry was `` grappling with what the longer term demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ age in which social distancing will be important and in which business travel , for example , might be different '' .

Warren Buffett's company Berkshire Hathaway has sold all its stakes in the four largest US airlines because of the coronavirus crisis.
Speaking at the company's annual meeting, the business tycoon said "the world has changed" for the aviation industry due to the global pandemic.
He also revealed he made the wrong decision in investing billions of dollars in the aviation industry.
Image: Buffett's company, Berkshire Hathaway, had an 11% stake in Delta Air Lines
Berkshire Hathaway, a multinational conglomerate based in Nebraska, had held sizeable positions in the airlines.
According to the company's filings, it had an 11% stake in Delta Air Lines, 10% of American Airlines Co, 10% of Southwest Airlines Co and 9% of United Airlines at the end of 2019.
The company was also one of the largest individual holders in the four airlines and in 2016 disclosed it had begun investing in the four carriers after avoiding the aviation sector for years.
Buffett said: "We made that decision in terms of the airline business. We took money out of the business basically even at a substantial loss.
"We will not fund a company... where we think that it is going to chew up money in the future."
The coronavirus pandemic has led to airline stocks becoming deeply impacted by the near collapse of US travel demand as countries across the world remain in lockdown.
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US airlines have cut hundreds of thousands of flights and parked their planes as the demand for US travel falls by around 95%.
There is currently no clear timetable for when travel will return to pre-crisis levels.
Last month, Berkshire Hathaway disclosed it had sold about 18% of its Delta stake and 4% of its Southwest shares.
Buffett said Berkshire had made the mistake of investing around $7bn (£5.5bn) or $8bn (£6.3bn) amassing stakes in the four airlines including American Airlines Group Inc.
He said: "We did not take out anything like $7bn or $8bn and that was my mistake.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
"I am the one who made the decision."
The billionaire investor said he had previously considered investing in additional airlines.
"It is a blow to have essentially your demand dry up... it is basically that we shut off air travel in this country," he added.
Southwest, American and United declined to comment.
Delta said in a statement it was aware of the sale and has "tremendous respect for Mr Buffett and the Berkshire team".
During Saturday's press conference, housing secretary Robert Jenrick said the government wanted to support the aviation sector "in any way we can".
He said the industry was "grappling with what the longer term demand for its services might be in an age in which social distancing will be important and in which business travel, for example, might be different".


news--2020-05-03--Coronavirus: Isle of Wight residents to find out if they've interacted with a COVID-19 sufferer

An NHS contact-tracing app aimed at limiting the future spread of coronavirus will be trialled on the Isle of Wight this week , a cabinet minister has told Sky News .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps revealed the island in the English Channel will be the first place in the UK where the new , `` exciting '' NHS smartphone app will be used .
It has previously been suggested that areas that trial the contact-tracing app could also have coronavirus lockdown measures eased , in an experiment to see how the entire UK could exit stringent social distancing rules .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Sunday programme , Mr Shapps explained how the NHS app would `` alert people if they 've been near somebody who is later diagnosed with having coronavirus '' .
He added this would be `` a fantastic way to ensure that we are really able to keep a lid on this going forward and we do n't get that second wave '' of COVID-19 infections .
As well as the NHS app , the government have promised to employ 18,000 contact-tracers by the middle of this month , as it pursues a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategy with a view to lifting the UK 's lockdown .
`` Later in the month , that app will be rolled out and deployed - assuming the tests are successful , of course - to the population at large , '' Mr Shapps said , as he explained how a majority of the UK population would need to download the app for it to be effective .
`` The idea is we will encourage as many people to take this up as possible .
`` It 's going to be a huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work , 50 % to 60 % of people to be using this app . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Shapps described downloading the app , when it is available across the country , as `` the best possible way to help the NHS '' .
Referencing the weekly Clap for Our Carers applause , he said : `` On a Thursday night , when people are going out and clapping in future , the ability to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be to download that app , will be a great way to support the NHS . ''
The transport secretary said the app would be `` completely confidential '' and explained people would not be told the specific individual it was they had interacted with , who had been diagnosed with coronavirus .
He also suggested , in future , those coming to the UK would be required to download the app as part of stricter rules at airports .
Mr Shapps could not say how many of the promised 18,000 contact-tracers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that when the app is ready for UK-wide deployment , `` we will have the people in place '' .
`` As you 've seen , people are more than willing to come forward and be incredibly public-spirited when it comes to defeating this as a nation , '' he added .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour 's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds told Sophy Ridge : `` It 's that testing and tracing now that 's going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures of the lockdown in the weeks and months ahead . ''
He added : `` There has to be a strategy for how we can ensure there is a very large take-up of this app , I think it 's obvious that we should need to do that . ''
However , asked if Britons should be compelled to download the app in future , Mr Thomas-Symonds warned : `` Not everybody has a smartphone in the first place to which you could download the app .
`` What is the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secondly , there are also issues around privacy and security .
`` There are people for whom location services on their mobile devices are turned off for particular safety reasons and keeping themselves safe . ''

An NHS contact-tracing app aimed at limiting the future spread of coronavirus will be trialled on the Isle of Wight this week, a cabinet minister has told Sky News.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps revealed the island in the English Channel will be the first place in the UK where the new, "exciting" NHS smartphone app will be used.
It has previously been suggested that areas that trial the contact-tracing app could also have coronavirus lockdown measures eased, in an experiment to see how the entire UK could exit stringent social distancing rules.
Image: Australia's version of a contact-tracing app is known as Covidsafe
Speaking to Sky News' Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme, Mr Shapps explained how the NHS app would "alert people if they've been near somebody who is later diagnosed with having coronavirus".
He added this would be "a fantastic way to ensure that we are really able to keep a lid on this going forward and we don't get that second wave" of COVID-19 infections.
As well as the NHS app, the government have promised to employ 18,000 contact-tracers by the middle of this month, as it pursues a "test, track and trace" strategy with a view to lifting the UK's lockdown.
"Later in the month, that app will be rolled out and deployed - assuming the tests are successful, of course - to the population at large," Mr Shapps said, as he explained how a majority of the UK population would need to download the app for it to be effective.
"The idea is we will encourage as many people to take this up as possible.
"It's going to be a huge national effort. We need for this to work, 50% to 60% of people to be using this app."
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Shapps described downloading the app, when it is available across the country, as "the best possible way to help the NHS".
Referencing the weekly Clap for Our Carers applause, he said: "On a Thursday night, when people are going out and clapping in future, the ability to do something else of use, which will be to download that app, will be a great way to support the NHS."
The transport secretary said the app would be "completely confidential" and explained people would not be told the specific individual it was they had interacted with, who had been diagnosed with coronavirus.
He also suggested, in future, those coming to the UK would be required to download the app as part of stricter rules at airports.
Mr Shapps could not say how many of the promised 18,000 contact-tracers had already been recruited, but vowed that when the app is ready for UK-wide deployment, "we will have the people in place".
"As you've seen, people are more than willing to come forward and be incredibly public-spirited when it comes to defeating this as a nation," he added.
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
Labour's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds told Sophy Ridge: "It's that testing and tracing now that's going to be so important in terms of easing the measures of the lockdown in the weeks and months ahead."
He added: "There has to be a strategy for how we can ensure there is a very large take-up of this app, I think it's obvious that we should need to do that."
However, asked if Britons should be compelled to download the app in future, Mr Thomas-Symonds warned: "Not everybody has a smartphone in the first place to which you could download the app.
"What is the government's strategy in relation to that? Secondly, there are also issues around privacy and security.
"There are people for whom location services on their mobile devices are turned off for particular safety reasons and keeping themselves safe."


news--2020-05-02--Coronavirus: Businesses and unions get first look at government's draft return to work plan

Some FTSE 100 companies are expecting their offices to operate at reduced capacity until the middle of next year , Sky News understands .
It comes as business groups , major employers and unions have received draft government guidelines setting out how companies can resume working safely when lockdown measures are eased .
The proposals will be at the heart of the government 's plan for exiting full lockdown , which will attempt to gradually re-start the economy while keeping the spread of coronavirus suppressed .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to set out his `` road map '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reviewing the current three-week lockdown falling on Thursday .
With many businesses facing restrictions for many months to come the British Chambers of Commerce has urged the government to extend financial support `` for the foreseeable future '' .
Calling for a `` bold '' approach to tackling the economic challenge , the BCC says the government must `` immediately '' begin communicating the means by which they can begin reopening .
It has also called for businesses to have clear guidance on their responsibilities for employee safety , and for any easing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a whole rather than with regional differences .
In proposals for how to reopen the economy sent to the prime minister , BCC President Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith said that measures including the employee furlough scheme will have to be prolonged beyond the current end date of June .
`` To meet social distancing requirements , some commercial and industrial spaces will operate below capacity and customers may not return immediately for fear of contracting the virus or due to reduced income .
`` Businesses welcome the government 's cash support for wages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schemes .
But to safeguard livelihoods , these schemes must extend and adapt through this period .
`` Steps must be taken to incentivise consumer behaviour .
And monetary and fiscal policy must remain supportive for the foreseeable future .
`` This is a time to be bold .
Government should not shy away from sustaining high levels of public spending in order to restart and renew our communities and the economy in the short and medium-term , while not tying the hands of future generations . ''
Establishing safe working protocols across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ central to any exit from the current restrictions , which will also require public transport networks and schools to resume operating in some form to facilitate the return to work .
The Department for Business Energy , Industry and Skills ( BEIS ) has been consulting with the trade unions , business lobby groups and employers for several weeks to produce plans that will be practical and acceptable to all parties .
BEIS is eager that the proposals be `` co-authored '' with unions and employers , and that clear guidance will satisfy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees and customers safe falls .
The guidelines will inform what is likely to be a phased return of businesses when the government decides it is safe to release some of the restrictions imposed on 23 March .
Outdoor retail and some offices may be among the first to be allowed to reopen , with customer-facing businesses such as retailers and pubs , entertainment venues , sport and restaurants likely to face a much longer wait .
The central issue for all businesses will be how to accommodate the government 's safe social-distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed workplaces , and for customers in public-facing businesses like retail .
Where social distancing is not possible employees may be required to wear PPE and enhanced cleaning protocols and access to hand sanitiser will be required for most businesses .
Companies in some sectors , including construction , manufacturing and farming have been able to continue working while essential retailers , largely supermarkets and food shops , have been allowed to remain open .
Some of the lessons they have learned in adopting social distancing will be included in the guidance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ centres will face constraints on space and are likely to have to keep considerable numbers working from home for the foreseeable future .
Avoiding overcrowding on public transport is also a central issue in government planning .
The Confederation of British Industry ( CBI ) said restarting the economy `` must put health first '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Josh Hardie , CBI deputy director general , said : `` The challenge of restarting the economy without compromising health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , businesses and employees is the only way to get it right . ''
He added : `` Restart must put health first , or it will risk sending the economy backwards .
It must continue the government 's approach of flexibility within a framework .
`` This means firms receive clear guidance and can move at speeds that suit their circumstances .
Critically , it also means those who have already invested heavily in safety do n't have to start again . ''

Some FTSE 100 companies are expecting their offices to operate at reduced capacity until the middle of next year, Sky News understands.
It comes as business groups, major employers and unions have received draft government guidelines setting out how companies can resume working safely when lockdown measures are eased.
The proposals will be at the heart of the government's plan for exiting full lockdown, which will attempt to gradually re-start the economy while keeping the spread of coronavirus suppressed.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to set out his "road map" on Sunday, with the deadline for reviewing the current three-week lockdown falling on Thursday.
With many businesses facing restrictions for many months to come the British Chambers of Commerce has urged the government to extend financial support "for the foreseeable future".
Calling for a "bold" approach to tackling the economic challenge, the BCC says the government must "immediately" begin communicating the means by which they can begin reopening.
It has also called for businesses to have clear guidance on their responsibilities for employee safety, and for any easing of lockdown to apply to the country as a whole rather than with regional differences.
In proposals for how to reopen the economy sent to the prime minister, BCC President Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith said that measures including the employee furlough scheme will have to be prolonged beyond the current end date of June.
"To meet social distancing requirements, some commercial and industrial spaces will operate below capacity and customers may not return immediately for fear of contracting the virus or due to reduced income.
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"Businesses welcome the government's cash support for wages and jobs, and the refreshed loan schemes. But to safeguard livelihoods, these schemes must extend and adapt through this period.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 Austria reopens shops as restrictions ease
"Steps must be taken to incentivise consumer behaviour. And monetary and fiscal policy must remain supportive for the foreseeable future.
"This is a time to be bold. Government should not shy away from sustaining high levels of public spending in order to restart and renew our communities and the economy in the short and medium-term, while not tying the hands of future generations."
Establishing safe working protocols across all sectors of the economy will be central to any exit from the current restrictions, which will also require public transport networks and schools to resume operating in some form to facilitate the return to work.
The Department for Business Energy, Industry and Skills (BEIS) has been consulting with the trade unions, business lobby groups and employers for several weeks to produce plans that will be practical and acceptable to all parties.
BEIS is eager that the proposals be "co-authored" with unions and employers, and that clear guidance will satisfy concerns over where legal responsibility for keeping employees and customers safe falls.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:40 How is coronavirus affecting UK communities?
The guidelines will inform what is likely to be a phased return of businesses when the government decides it is safe to release some of the restrictions imposed on 23 March.
Outdoor retail and some offices may be among the first to be allowed to reopen, with customer-facing businesses such as retailers and pubs, entertainment venues, sport and restaurants likely to face a much longer wait.
The central issue for all businesses will be how to accommodate the government's safe social-distancing measure of two metres between colleagues in closed workplaces, and for customers in public-facing businesses like retail.
Where social distancing is not possible employees may be required to wear PPE and enhanced cleaning protocols and access to hand sanitiser will be required for most businesses.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:41 Tory donor wants lockdown lifted
Companies in some sectors, including construction, manufacturing and farming have been able to continue working while essential retailers, largely supermarkets and food shops, have been allowed to remain open.
Some of the lessons they have learned in adopting social distancing will be included in the guidance.
Indoor environments such as offices and call centres will face constraints on space and are likely to have to keep considerable numbers working from home for the foreseeable future.
Avoiding overcrowding on public transport is also a central issue in government planning.
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said restarting the economy "must put health first".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Josh Hardie, CBI deputy director general, said: "The challenge of restarting the economy without compromising health unites us all. Partnership between government, businesses and employees is the only way to get it right."
He added: "Restart must put health first, or it will risk sending the economy backwards. It must continue the government's approach of flexibility within a framework.
"This means firms receive clear guidance and can move at speeds that suit their circumstances. Critically, it also means those who have already invested heavily in safety don't have to start again."


news--2020-03-23--Energy challenger Octopus draws interest from Australia's Origin

One of Britain 's fastest-growing energy suppliers has been holding talks to sell a big stake to a major Australian utility even as the COVID-19 pandemic throws global dealmaking activity off course .
Sky News has learnt that Octopus Energy , which has amassed about 1.5 million customers since launching just over three years ago , has been in detailed negotiations about the sale of a large stake to Origin Energy , a Sydney-listed group .
Energy industry sources said the discussions were ongoing as recently as this month , although it was unclear whether the coronavirus outbreak was hampering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Sydney on Monday , Origin 's shares fell almost 10 % as the global slump in equities continues .
The Australian company 's shares have almost halved in the last 12 months , giving it a market value of AUS $ 7.43bn ( £3.7bn ) .
It was also unclear whether Octopus was in discussions with any other third parties about a stake sale .
Origin and Octopus both declined to comment .
If the talks do proceed to a formal deal , it is likely to crystallise a valuation of at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now established itself as a top 10 gas and electricity supplier in the UK .
Greg Jackson , Octopus Energy 's chief executive , told The Times earlier this year that he had bold ambitions for the company .
`` We 've got to get to five to six million customers in the UK over the next three or four years , '' he says .
Mr Jackson wants to reach 100 million customers globally by 2027 , he told the newspaper .
Octopus owns Kraken Technologies , an IT platform that has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of its cost-efficiency .
On Monday , Octopus announced that it had struck a deal with Germany 's E.ON to use the Kraken technology to serve npower and then E.ON UK customers .
The challenger 's rapid growth has come at a time when many other suppliers - both large and small - have struggled to make money in a market now defined by the price cap introduced last year .
Roughly 20 smaller suppliers have gone bust , while a number of others - including France 's Engie and Sweden 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market by selling their operations .
Last year , Ovo Energy , another relative newcomer , catapulted itself into the ranks of the industry 's giants by buying the residential energy business of SSE .
By contrast , Centrica , the owner of British Gas , has seen its share price slump , and last week parted company with its chairman , who resigned for health reasons , and chief executive .

One of Britain's fastest-growing energy suppliers has been holding talks to sell a big stake to a major Australian utility even as the COVID-19 pandemic throws global dealmaking activity off course.
Sky News has learnt that Octopus Energy, which has amassed about 1.5 million customers since launching just over three years ago, has been in detailed negotiations about the sale of a large stake to Origin Energy, a Sydney-listed group.
Energy industry sources said the discussions were ongoing as recently as this month, although it was unclear whether the coronavirus outbreak was hampering the ability to conclude a transaction.
In Sydney on Monday, Origin's shares fell almost 10% as the global slump in equities continues.
The Australian company's shares have almost halved in the last 12 months, giving it a market value of AUS$7.43bn (£3.7bn).
It was also unclear whether Octopus was in discussions with any other third parties about a stake sale.
Origin and Octopus both declined to comment.
If the talks do proceed to a formal deal, it is likely to crystallise a valuation of at least £1bn for Octopus, which has now established itself as a top 10 gas and electricity supplier in the UK.
Greg Jackson, Octopus Energy's chief executive, told The Times earlier this year that he had bold ambitions for the company.
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"We've got to get to five to six million customers in the UK over the next three or four years," he says.
Mr Jackson wants to reach 100 million customers globally by 2027, he told the newspaper.
Octopus owns Kraken Technologies, an IT platform that has become the envy of the energy industry because of its cost-efficiency.
On Monday, Octopus announced that it had struck a deal with Germany's E.ON to use the Kraken technology to serve npower and then E.ON UK customers.
The challenger's rapid growth has come at a time when many other suppliers - both large and small - have struggled to make money in a market now defined by the price cap introduced last year.
Roughly 20 smaller suppliers have gone bust, while a number of others - including France's Engie and Sweden's Vattenfall - have pulled out of the market by selling their operations.
Last year, Ovo Energy, another relative newcomer, catapulted itself into the ranks of the industry's giants by buying the residential energy business of SSE.
By contrast, Centrica, the owner of British Gas, has seen its share price slump, and last week parted company with its chairman, who resigned for health reasons, and chief executive.


news--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Government texts the nation with COVID-19 lockdown orders

The government has hammered home its coronavirus lockdown message by texting the nation .
An SMS message has been sent out to every active UK phone number telling people to stay at home to `` protect the NHS '' and `` save lives '' .
Britons were warned new rules are `` in force now '' with a link to the latest COVID-19 advice , which says no-one should leave their house unless absolutely necessary or they will face a fine .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the historic lockdown in an address to the nation on Monday night .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ should only go outside for four reasons : work ( if they can ’ t do so from home ) , shopping for food or medicines , exercise once a day , to help someone vulnerable , or for any medical need .
A former Met Police chief superintendent , Dal Babu , said the aim was likely to make people understand there is now a “ much clearer message ” from Downing Street .
He told Sky News ’ Kay Burley @ Breakfast : “ Unfortunately the government has been a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s entirely predictable that emergency services - not just in the NHS , but in the police and fire brigade - will become unwell .
“ So we need to ensure that we ’ ve got capacity and ensure people have that clear message about staying in .
“ This is about saving lives , this is about people not being selfish , not playing Russian roulette with other people 's health .
“ This is about them following the advice - the clear advice we got from the prime minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove did not help criticism that the government has been sending mixed messages when he admitted he gave the wrong advice about travel for children of separated parents .
He initially said kids should stay in the house they are currently in and not move between residences , but later apologised for not being “ clear enough ” .
“ To confirm - while children should not normally be moving between households , we recognise that this may be necessary when children who are under 18 move between separated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is permissible & has been made clear in the guidance . ''
Labour leadership hopeful Rebecca Long-Bailey said the government had “ created a little bit of confusion over the last 24 hours ” with its latest coronavirus advice - particularly on which shops should stay open .
Hitting out at Sports Direct for trying to avoid closure , she told Sky News “ it should n't be up to bad bosses to decide if they bring their workforces in or not today , the government must make clear direction today for @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The government has hammered home its coronavirus lockdown message by texting the nation.
An SMS message has been sent out to every active UK phone number telling people to stay at home to "protect the NHS" and "save lives".
Britons were warned new rules are "in force now" with a link to the latest COVID-19 advice, which says no-one should leave their house unless absolutely necessary or they will face a fine.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:58 PM sets out when Britons can leave home
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the historic lockdown in an address to the nation on Monday night.
He told members of the public they should only go outside for four reasons: work (if they can’t do so from home), shopping for food or medicines, exercise once a day, to help someone vulnerable, or for any medical need.
A former Met Police chief superintendent, Dal Babu, said the aim was likely to make people understand there is now a “much clearer message” from Downing Street.
He told Sky News’ Kay Burley@Breakfast: “Unfortunately the government has been a little bit behind the curve here, because it’s entirely predictable that emergency services - not just in the NHS, but in the police and fire brigade - will become unwell.
“So we need to ensure that we’ve got capacity and ensure people have that clear message about staying in.
“This is about saving lives, this is about people not being selfish, not playing Russian roulette with other people's health.
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“This is about them following the advice - the clear advice we got from the prime minister last night - and staying inside.”
Image: The UK has gone into lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove did not help criticism that the government has been sending mixed messages when he admitted he gave the wrong advice about travel for children of separated parents.
He initially said kids should stay in the house they are currently in and not move between residences, but later apologised for not being “clear enough”.
“To confirm - while children should not normally be moving between households, we recognise that this may be necessary when children who are under 18 move between separated parents,” he tweeted. “This is permissible & has been made clear in the guidance."
Image: Michael Gove rowed back on his comments on moving children between parents' homes
Labour leadership hopeful Rebecca Long-Bailey said the government had “created a little bit of confusion over the last 24 hours” with its latest coronavirus advice - particularly on which shops should stay open.
Hitting out at Sports Direct for trying to avoid closure, she told Sky News “it shouldn't be up to bad bosses to decide if they bring their workforces in or not today, the government must make clear direction today for the sake of public safety”.


news--2020-03-24--Liam Gallagher demands Oasis reunion to help NHS 'when all this is over'

Liam Gallagher has once again called for an Oasis reunion , issuing a `` demand '' for it to happen to raise money for the NHS once the coronavirus outbreak is over .
The younger Gallagher brother , who has long been calling for the group to reform , has been posting regularly on social media throughout the COVID-19 pandemic , sending messages of support and funny videos to encourage fans to wash their hands .
His latest message on Tuesday brought up the much longed-for Oasis reunion once again .
He said he was `` sick of pleading '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oasis reunion after this is all over '' , saying all proceeds should go to the NHS .
Within two hours , the tweet had received more than 60,000 likes and 10,000 retweets .
Liam and his brother and former bandmate Noel have been locked in a long-running feud since the group 's acrimonious split in 2009 .
While Liam has said many times he would love for the band to reform and his `` bags are packed '' ready , Noel has always made it clear that a reunion is unlikely .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ break up of Oasis , with Liam recording two solo albums and Noel performing with his High Flying Birds band .
And any chances of Noel softening on his reunion stance might have been harmed straight away , with Liam following up his reunion NHS tweet with a dig at his brother 's solo work .
`` The only way this lockdown can get any worse is if the ice cream vans start booting round the streets blasting Rkid 's new tunes out he he , '' he said .
So it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least for a while .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Liam has become an unlikely motivator throughout the coronavirus outbreak , offering some much-need light relief with videos turning some of Oasis 's biggest hits into public service announcements .
Wonder-Wash , Soap-ersonic , Champagne Soap-ernova - you get the idea .
Liam Gallagher : rock n roll star and now voice of sensibility in a global crisis .
Next up , we 're hoping for his guide to enforcing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep yourself entertained during lockdown .

Liam Gallagher has once again called for an Oasis reunion, issuing a "demand" for it to happen to raise money for the NHS once the coronavirus outbreak is over.
The younger Gallagher brother, who has long been calling for the group to reform, has been posting regularly on social media throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, sending messages of support and funny videos to encourage fans to wash their hands.
His latest message on Tuesday brought up the much longed-for Oasis reunion once again.
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
He said he was "sick of pleading" and added: "I demand an Oasis reunion after this is all over", saying all proceeds should go to the NHS.
Within two hours, the tweet had received more than 60,000 likes and 10,000 retweets.
Liam and his brother and former bandmate Noel have been locked in a long-running feud since the group's acrimonious split in 2009.
While Liam has said many times he would love for the band to reform and his "bags are packed" ready, Noel has always made it clear that a reunion is unlikely.
Both brothers have enjoyed success since the break up of Oasis, with Liam recording two solo albums and Noel performing with his High Flying Birds band.
And any chances of Noel softening on his reunion stance might have been harmed straight away, with Liam following up his reunion NHS tweet with a dig at his brother's solo work.
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Image: Oasis split in 2009 due to the long-running tensions between Liam and brother Noel
"The only way this lockdown can get any worse is if the ice cream vans start booting round the streets blasting Rkid's new tunes out he he," he said.
So it's probably still off the cards, at least for a while.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Liam has become an unlikely motivator throughout the coronavirus outbreak, offering some much-need light relief with videos turning some of Oasis's biggest hits into public service announcements.
Wonder-Wash, Soap-ersonic, Champagne Soap-ernova - you get the idea.
Liam Gallagher: rock n roll star and now voice of sensibility in a global crisis.
Next up, we're hoping for his guide to enforcing the two-metre rule, and tips on how to keep yourself entertained during lockdown.


news--2020-03-24--Coronavirus lockdown: Boris Johnson is being tested like no leader since Churchill

Normal life to lockdown in just seven short days .
The pace of the change matched only by the acceleration of this disease .
What began as an epidemic thousands of miles away in China has turned into a global pandemic that is now materially affecting all of our lives .
Tens of millions of us now in lockdown , our freedom of movement restricted in ways not seen since the Second World War .
All of us are now conscripted to fight this new enemy .
Mr Johnson is a libertarian .
Locking down the country goes against all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he told the nation `` no prime minister wants to enact measures like this '' but said there were `` no easy options '' .
And there was n't really much choice either for the prime minister when you look at the trajectory of COVID-19 cases and casualties across not just the capital but the whole country .
Mr Johnson himself laid bare the enormity of our predicament only this weekend when he told the public the UK was now only a `` matter of weeks - two or three - behind Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A fortnight ago 463 Italians had lost their lives to COVID-19 .
As of Monday 6,077 people were dead .
But a glimmer of hope too that the Italian lockdown brought in two weeks ago might just be beginning to slow the disease .
The death toll slowed for the second day in a row , while the growth rate of positive COVID-19 cases in Italy fell too .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
The policy decisions now in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further along the coronavirus curve than us .
For when the death toll ticks up , as it will , the public will need to feel that their government did as much as they could to save lives .
For this is an unprecedented health crisis which calls for unprecedented action .
In the past week alone , the government has partly nationalised the private sector - it is helping to pay the wages of millions of workers , it has closed our schools and boarded-up our bars .
It has drafted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And now it has ordered - not asked - us to stay at home for three weeks .
These huge economic and social shifts could take years to unwind .
All of it trying to prepare us for what is to come - a health war that no country could possibly really prepare for and no nation begin to imagine .
Packages for workers and businesses being rolled out - the government will have to offer more support for the self-employed in the coming days - and now draconian social measures .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the coming days will shift to the frontline of this health war - our hospitals .
Those in that daily battle are demanding the government provide the equipment they need , and quickly : the Royal College of Nursing on Monday wrote to the prime minister to ask him to `` personally intervene '' to ensure there is enough protective gear and testing for frontline staff .
Deliveries of personal protective gear are now being rushed out as the NHS gears up for a pandemic as best it can ; buying bed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , re-enlisting thousands of former nurses , doctors and NHS staff to help care for patients .
Thousands more ventilators are being produced and field hospitals being prepared to care for patients as wards fill up .
This lockdown ordered as the last resort measure in trying to help the NHS to cope .
`` If too many people become seriously unwell at one time , the NHS will be unable to handle it , meaning more people are likely to die . ''
Drastic , draconian measures all designed to buy time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister taking the decision he needs to try to save lives .
These are once-in-a-century circumstances that demand day-by-day colossal decisions .
Mr Johnson is being tested like no leader since Churchill and in the coming few weeks the public will decide whether he has met the moment .

The draconian measures revealed by the prime minister go against his libertarian nature, but they are necessary.
Normal life to lockdown in just seven short days. The pace of the change matched only by the acceleration of this disease.
What began as an epidemic thousands of miles away in China has turned into a global pandemic that is now materially affecting all of our lives.
Tens of millions of us now in lockdown, our freedom of movement restricted in ways not seen since the Second World War. All of us are now conscripted to fight this new enemy.
Mr Johnson is a libertarian. Locking down the country goes against all his instincts and that torment showed when he told the nation "no prime minister wants to enact measures like this" but said there were "no easy options".
And there wasn't really much choice either for the prime minister when you look at the trajectory of COVID-19 cases and casualties across not just the capital but the whole country.
Mr Johnson himself laid bare the enormity of our predicament only this weekend when he told the public the UK was now only a "matter of weeks - two or three - behind Italy in the progression of the disease".
A fortnight ago 463 Italians had lost their lives to COVID-19. As of Monday 6,077 people were dead. But a glimmer of hope too that the Italian lockdown brought in two weeks ago might just be beginning to slow the disease. The death toll slowed for the second day in a row, while the growth rate of positive COVID-19 cases in Italy fell too.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
The policy decisions now in the UK must mirror those of nations further along the coronavirus curve than us. For when the death toll ticks up, as it will, the public will need to feel that their government did as much as they could to save lives.
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For this is an unprecedented health crisis which calls for unprecedented action. In the past week alone, the government has partly nationalised the private sector - it is helping to pay the wages of millions of workers, it has closed our schools and boarded-up our bars. It has drafted the army in to help deliver food. And now it has ordered - not asked - us to stay at home for three weeks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:14 PM's full statement to the country
These huge economic and social shifts could take years to unwind. All of it trying to prepare us for what is to come - a health war that no country could possibly really prepare for and no nation begin to imagine.
Packages for workers and businesses being rolled out - the government will have to offer more support for the self-employed in the coming days - and now draconian social measures. As the country hunkers down, the attention in the coming days will shift to the frontline of this health war - our hospitals.
Those in that daily battle are demanding the government provide the equipment they need, and quickly: the Royal College of Nursing on Monday wrote to the prime minister to ask him to "personally intervene" to ensure there is enough protective gear and testing for frontline staff.
Deliveries of personal protective gear are now being rushed out as the NHS gears up for a pandemic as best it can; buying bed and nursing capacity from private healthcare operators, re-enlisting thousands of former nurses, doctors and NHS staff to help care for patients. Thousands more ventilators are being produced and field hospitals being prepared to care for patients as wards fill up.
This lockdown ordered as the last resort measure in trying to help the NHS to cope. "If too many people become seriously unwell at one time, the NHS will be unable to handle it, meaning more people are likely to die."
Drastic, draconian measures all designed to buy time for the NHS to prepare, the prime minister taking the decision he needs to try to save lives.
These are once-in-a-century circumstances that demand day-by-day colossal decisions. Mr Johnson is being tested like no leader since Churchill and in the coming few weeks the public will decide whether he has met the moment.


news--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Italian priest dies after giving his respirator to younger patient he did not know

An Italian priest who contracted coronavirus has died after donating his respirator to a younger patient who was also battling the illness .
Friar Don Giuseppe Berardelli , 72 , was the priest for the parish of Casnigo , a small village just 40 miles north east of Milan .
He died in hospital in Lovere , Bergamo , one of the worst-hit areas in Italy .
According to the hospital , he refused to use a respirator his parishioners had bought for him , and instead gave it to a younger patient he did not know .
In an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website , one healthcare worker said : `` He was a priest who listened to everyone , he knew how to listen , whoever turned to him knew that he could count on his help . ''
Clara Poli , who had been mayor of Fiorano for some years , described the priest as a `` great person '' .
She told the news publication : `` I remember him on his old Guzzi motorbike , he loved his motorbike , and when he was seen passing by he was always cheerful and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and joy to our communities .
`` He does not leave us alone , from up there he watches over us and continues to run through the clouds with his motorcycle , who knows how many projects he is doing up there , also for us . ''
As Bergamo is one of the worst-hit areas in the world for COVID-19 , a disease caused by coronavirus , no funeral was held for Friar Berardelli .
Instead people stood on their balconies at noon on 16 March and gave him a round of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker On 9 March , Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte imposed a national quarantine after the virus spread dramatically in the space of a few weeks .
More people have died after testing positive from coronavirus in Italy than anywhere else in the world - despite the stringent lockdown measures in place .
A total of 6,077 people have died in Italy after contracting the illness , according to Johns Hopkins University .

An Italian priest who contracted coronavirus has died after donating his respirator to a younger patient who was also battling the illness.
Friar Don Giuseppe Berardelli, 72, was the priest for the parish of Casnigo, a small village just 40 miles north east of Milan.
He died in hospital in Lovere, Bergamo, one of the worst-hit areas in Italy.
According to the hospital, he refused to use a respirator his parishioners had bought for him, and instead gave it to a younger patient he did not know.
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
In an obituary on Araberara, an Italian news website, one healthcare worker said: "He was a priest who listened to everyone, he knew how to listen, whoever turned to him knew that he could count on his help."
Clara Poli, who had been mayor of Fiorano for some years, described the priest as a "great person".
She told the news publication: "I remember him on his old Guzzi motorbike, he loved his motorbike, and when he was seen passing by he was always cheerful and full of enthusiasm, he gave peace and joy to our communities.
"He does not leave us alone, from up there he watches over us and continues to run through the clouds with his motorcycle, who knows how many projects he is doing up there, also for us."
As Bergamo is one of the worst-hit areas in the world for COVID-19, a disease caused by coronavirus, no funeral was held for Friar Berardelli.
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Instead people stood on their balconies at noon on 16 March and gave him a round of applause.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
On 9 March, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte imposed a national quarantine after the virus spread dramatically in the space of a few weeks.
More people have died after testing positive from coronavirus in Italy than anywhere else in the world - despite the stringent lockdown measures in place.
A total of 6,077 people have died in Italy after contracting the illness, according to Johns Hopkins University.


news--2020-05-29--Plastic Nile: Pulling up plastic from world's longest river is horribly, frighteningly easy

Fresh off a plane and sleep-deprived is probably not the perfect preparation to see a beach ball of plastic being cut out of the stomach of a conscious calf .
But then I 'm not sure what would prepare me .
From seeing the first incision of the knife into the calf 's belly , to watching the dragging out of what looked like its entire congealed green guts , took a heart-stopping 20 minutes .
My queasiness lasted most of the day .
And the mound they were pulling out of the belly of this live calf was as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picked up the extracted twisted plastic knot , slimy with chewed grass , it was still warm from being inside the animal 's body minutes earlier .
It was also shockingly heavy and terrifically hard .
`` It had to come out , '' Ethiopian vet , Dr Ashenafi Assefa told us , `` If we had n't cut it out , this calf would have died . ''
This was our introduction into just how prolific the problem of plastic is along the Nile - the world 's longest river .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and poisoning future generations .
And as one political activist told us : `` If we do n't do anything to save the Nile , the Nile is going to die . ''
The patient we 've just been watching in Gondar , in northern Ethiopia , was a one-year-old calf .
He 'd been alive for just 12 months and yet he 'd managed to eat enough plastic to fill his stomach so much that he faced certain death unless it was cut out of him .
He was literally eating himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now so much plastic waste even in remote rural communities like Gondar , that the animals can not avoid eating it .
`` He 'll be back here again soon when his stomach fills up again , '' says Dr Ashenafi with the confident air of a man who knows he 's right and who keeps his knives sharpened and ready .
Everyone we spoke to across the five countries we travelled and along the length of the Nile , gave us repeated warnings .
The world needs to do something .
Global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and huge problem .
No one country can do it on its own .
Our river is dying .
The waterways are choking in plastic .
Time and again .
Warning after warning .
Take action .
Take action .
Take action now , they told us .
Sound familiar ?
It should do .
If anything , the global coronavirus pandemic has shown how the world CAN collaborate when it has to .
We 've seen a combined slamming of borders ; a uniform shutting of border gates ; an international swapping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protective equipment as COVID-19 rampages across the earth .
The planet WAS warned of COVID-19 .
But few countries were properly prepared for the deadly virus .
Or if they believed they were prepared , they 're now finding out those preparations have not been enough to avert thousands and thousands of deaths .
There are a host of countries now with teams of scientists all racing to come up with a vaccine for coronavirus .
But while the world 's eyes are all focused on COVID-19 - ( and how can it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plastic problem that existed before the pandemic is STILL there and it will be here AFTER the pandemic .
And in the meantime , that plastic is growing and growing and choking and stifling our rivers which empty out into our oceans .
Our film , The Plastic Nile , shows how desperately needed international collaboration is , if we are to avoid drowning in plastic - because that is what 's happening .
And it 's happening now .
We spoke to illiterate but wise farmers in Egypt who warned us the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've relied on for generations .
They told us , as they sat along the banks of the Nile that is their lifeblood , about how it had changed beyond recognition in their lifetime ; how they could scoop water out of the river to drink when they were children but now it 's so clogged and choked with diseased plastic , you ca n't even see the water in places .
There is nothing quite so informative and revealing as hearing old men with a patchwork of creases etched into their faces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toiling the fields from aged seven to 70 , sitting down and giving you the benefit of seven decades of knowledge .
If they tell me the Nile is sick and they do n't believe their grandchildren will be able to make a living from farming near the waterway because the water is making everyone ill , I believe them .
We spent weeks tracking down smugglers and criminal gangs making , selling and secretly transporting the forbidden cargo of plastic bags in and out of Kenya , South Sudan and Uganda .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ making millions of dollars on a black market which has sprung up as governments try to clamp down on the use of plastic - and it 's a network , it seems , which is frustratingly always one step ahead of the environmental police .
Selling illegal plastic bags maybe seen as harmless .
It 's not like peddling heroin or cocaine or methadone but its addiction is as strong and its effect maybe just as devastating on the whole of humankind .
My partner and his family were brought up in Ethiopia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his childhood was .
It is .
Staggeringly so .
The Blue Nile waterfalls are magical .
But the country has n't avoided the scourge of plastic .
Ethiopia is believed to have the fastest growing plastics industry on the whole of the continent of Africa .
Its plastic bag consumption has risen by nearly 16 % in recent years and combined with its lack of organised garbage disposal , its heading straight into a plastic bag catastrophe .
Much of the plastic is discarded in the streets and on the land @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` tips '' for miles .
It is putrid , festering , alive with bacteria and toxins and it 's not going to suddenly disappear without some tough action .
We discovered when we went to Lake Victoria - one of Africa 's Great Lakes and considered to be the source of the Nile - much more of the plastic is hiding beneath the surface of this huge pool of water .
I dived underneath its waters , now so clouded with dirt that visibility is virtually zero , yet repeatedly came up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clumps of plastic .
I could not see a dicky bird .
It was like swimming in a pool of black darkness .
All I could do was hold the hand of Raila , the professional diver I was with , and feel for the bottom .
As soon as I touched the bottom , I instantly felt objects and pulled them to the surface .
Time and again , I 'd pull out huge clumps of plastic .
It was n't hard .
It was horribly , frighteningly easy .
The plastic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Victoria riverbed and it 's also tucked just beneath the sand .
It is an island of plastic made up of old nappies , bags , tampons , tubs , containers , cutlery , anything you can think of - all plastic .
Plastic , plastic , plastic , floating , sinking , being buried , laying on top , hiding in the rushes , trapped under the tree roots and hitched on the water vegetation branches .
It is everywhere .
A short distance from where we were filming and diving , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a whole family splashing and snorting water at each other and having a delicious soak in the late afternoon sun .
Underneath them , we thought , they 're standing on piles and piles of discarded human detritus .
We did n't imagine when we set out to investigate the problem of plastic along the Nile that the problem would be quite so endemic but that we 'd also meet so many plastic warriors .
There 's Tom , a fisherman in Kisumu , who took us in the middle of the night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stocks are and how the fishing crews are catching plastic as well as fish .
We bonded with Njoki , a kick-ass Kenyan woman who is feistily and fearlessly fighting the criminal plastic bag-manufacturers as well as the corrupt cops they 're in league with .
We spent time with Nhial and his armed guards in Juba as he tracked down and rounded up illegal plastic bag-sellers and tried to educate the population about the evils of plastic .
And we saw the hard work of charity workers in even more remote areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only way they survive - providing them with shelter from the harsh sun , coverage from the soaking rains and a critical mode of transporting essential clean drinking water for not only tens of thousands in the country but millions of others too around the globe .
The answer to plastic pollution is not easy .
It is an addiction , a habit we 're struggling to kick but it is also obvious .
It is not a question of IF it can be done .
The question is can we afford not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sky Documentaries at 9pm on Monday 1 June

Fresh off a plane and sleep-deprived is probably not the perfect preparation to see a beach ball of plastic being cut out of the stomach of a conscious calf. But then I'm not sure what would prepare me.
From seeing the first incision of the knife into the calf's belly, to watching the dragging out of what looked like its entire congealed green guts, took a heart-stopping 20 minutes.
My queasiness lasted most of the day. And the mound they were pulling out of the belly of this live calf was as big as a baby.
Image: A calf has its stomach emptied of plastic in order to save its life
When I picked up the extracted twisted plastic knot, slimy with chewed grass, it was still warm from being inside the animal's body minutes earlier.
It was also shockingly heavy and terrifically hard.
"It had to come out," Ethiopian vet, Dr Ashenafi Assefa told us, "If we hadn't cut it out, this calf would have died."
Image: Plastic is extracted from the calf's insides
This was our introduction into just how prolific the problem of plastic is along the Nile - the world's longest river. It is affecting animal life, damaging livelihoods and poisoning future generations. And as one political activist told us: "If we don't do anything to save the Nile, the Nile is going to die."
The patient we've just been watching in Gondar, in northern Ethiopia, was a one-year-old calf. He'd been alive for just 12 months and yet he'd managed to eat enough plastic to fill his stomach so much that he faced certain death unless it was cut out of him.
He was literally eating himself to death on plastic. There's now so much plastic waste even in remote rural communities like Gondar, that the animals cannot avoid eating it.
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Image: Sky News spent more than two months travelling along the length of the Nile
"He'll be back here again soon when his stomach fills up again," says Dr Ashenafi with the confident air of a man who knows he's right and who keeps his knives sharpened and ready.
Everyone we spoke to across the five countries we travelled and along the length of the Nile, gave us repeated warnings. The world needs to do something.
Global effort is needed to sort this urgent and huge problem. No one country can do it on its own. Our river is dying. The waterways are choking in plastic. Time and again. Warning after warning. Take action. Take action. Take action now, they told us.
Sound familiar? It should do. If anything, the global coronavirus pandemic has shown how the world CAN collaborate when it has to.
Image: The River Nile has a prolific plastic problem
We've seen a combined slamming of borders; a uniform shutting of border gates; an international swapping of solutions, ideas and even personal protective equipment as COVID-19 rampages across the earth.
The planet WAS warned of COVID-19. But few countries were properly prepared for the deadly virus. Or if they believed they were prepared, they're now finding out those preparations have not been enough to avert thousands and thousands of deaths.
There are a host of countries now with teams of scientists all racing to come up with a vaccine for coronavirus. But while the world's eyes are all focused on COVID-19 - (and how can it be any other way) - the plastic problem that existed before the pandemic is STILL there and it will be here AFTER the pandemic.
And in the meantime, that plastic is growing and growing and choking and stifling our rivers which empty out into our oceans.
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Our film, The Plastic Nile, shows how desperately needed international collaboration is, if we are to avoid drowning in plastic - because that is what's happening. And it's happening now.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:39 The world's longest river has a serious plastic pollution problem, causing harm to wildlife and humans.
We spoke to illiterate but wise farmers in Egypt who warned us the plastic enemy is killing the waterway they've relied on for generations.
They told us, as they sat along the banks of the Nile that is their lifeblood, about how it had changed beyond recognition in their lifetime; how they could scoop water out of the river to drink when they were children but now it's so clogged and choked with diseased plastic, you can't even see the water in places.
Image: Crawford walks through land filled with plastic waste
There is nothing quite so informative and revealing as hearing old men with a patchwork of creases etched into their faces, their hands ingrained with dirt from toiling the fields from aged seven to 70, sitting down and giving you the benefit of seven decades of knowledge.
If they tell me the Nile is sick and they don't believe their grandchildren will be able to make a living from farming near the waterway because the water is making everyone ill, I believe them.
We spent weeks tracking down smugglers and criminal gangs making, selling and secretly transporting the forbidden cargo of plastic bags in and out of Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda.
It is an international criminal network now making millions of dollars on a black market which has sprung up as governments try to clamp down on the use of plastic - and it's a network, it seems, which is frustratingly always one step ahead of the environmental police.
Image: A hippo spotted in the Nile
Selling illegal plastic bags maybe seen as harmless. It's not like peddling heroin or cocaine or methadone but its addiction is as strong and its effect maybe just as devastating on the whole of humankind.
My partner and his family were brought up in Ethiopia and eulogised about how beautiful the country of his childhood was. It is. Staggeringly so. The Blue Nile waterfalls are magical. But the country hasn't avoided the scourge of plastic.
Ethiopia is believed to have the fastest growing plastics industry on the whole of the continent of Africa. Its plastic bag consumption has risen by nearly 16% in recent years and combined with its lack of organised garbage disposal, its heading straight into a plastic bag catastrophe.
Image: Crawford at Blue Nile Falls
Much of the plastic is discarded in the streets and on the land, sometimes stretching out and blanketing impromptu "tips" for miles. It is putrid, festering, alive with bacteria and toxins and it's not going to suddenly disappear without some tough action.
We discovered when we went to Lake Victoria - one of Africa's Great Lakes and considered to be the source of the Nile - much more of the plastic is hiding beneath the surface of this huge pool of water.
I dived underneath its waters, now so clouded with dirt that visibility is virtually zero, yet repeatedly came up to the surface time and again with clumps of plastic. I could not see a dicky bird. It was like swimming in a pool of black darkness.
Image: Crawford repeatedly came up to the surface with a handful of plastic
All I could do was hold the hand of Raila, the professional diver I was with, and feel for the bottom. As soon as I touched the bottom, I instantly felt objects and pulled them to the surface. Time and again, I'd pull out huge clumps of plastic. It wasn't hard. It was horribly, frighteningly easy.
The plastic is laying on top of the Lake Victoria riverbed and it's also tucked just beneath the sand. It is an island of plastic made up of old nappies, bags, tampons, tubs, containers, cutlery, anything you can think of - all plastic.
Plastic, plastic, plastic, floating, sinking, being buried, laying on top, hiding in the rushes, trapped under the tree roots and hitched on the water vegetation branches. It is everywhere.
A short distance from where we were filming and diving, there was a bloat of hippos - a whole family splashing and snorting water at each other and having a delicious soak in the late afternoon sun. Underneath them, we thought, they're standing on piles and piles of discarded human detritus.
Image: Crawford sitting near mounds of plastic by the Nile
We didn't imagine when we set out to investigate the problem of plastic along the Nile that the problem would be quite so endemic but that we'd also meet so many plastic warriors. There's Tom, a fisherman in Kisumu, who took us in the middle of the night to show us how depleted the fishing stocks are and how the fishing crews are catching plastic as well as fish.
We bonded with Njoki, a kick-ass Kenyan woman who is feistily and fearlessly fighting the criminal plastic bag-manufacturers as well as the corrupt cops they're in league with.
We spent time with Nhial and his armed guards in Juba as he tracked down and rounded up illegal plastic bag-sellers and tried to educate the population about the evils of plastic.
Image: Much of the plastic is discarded in the streets and on the land
And we saw the hard work of charity workers in even more remote areas of South Sudan where plastic is the only way they survive - providing them with shelter from the harsh sun, coverage from the soaking rains and a critical mode of transporting essential clean drinking water for not only tens of thousands in the country but millions of others too around the globe.
The answer to plastic pollution is not easy. It is an addiction, a habit we're struggling to kick but it is also obvious. It is not a question of IF it can be done. The question is can we afford not to?
Watch The Plastic Nile on Sky Documentaries at 9pm on Monday 1 June


news--2020-05-31--Donald Trump postpones 'outdated' G7 summit as he bids to expand group

Donald Trump is to postpone a G7 meeting planned for next month and wants to expand the group to include Australia , Russia , South Korea and India .
The president said the G7 , whose members are the world 's most advanced economies , was a `` very outdated group of countries '' in its current format .
Mr Trump said : `` I 'm postponing it because I do n't feel that as a G7 it properly represents what 's going on in the world . ''
It was not clear whether Mr Trump 's desire to invite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permanently expand the G7 .
He has suggested Russia be included because of Moscow 's global strategic importance .
White House spokeswoman Alyssa Farah said the president wants the countries to discuss China at the summit after he attacked Beijing over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic .
On Friday he ordered his administration to end special US treatment for Hong Kong after China 's decision to introduce a new security law on the former British colony .
Postponing the G7 summit is a U-turn by Mr Trump who wanted to host the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to demonstrate that the US was returning to normal after the coronavirus epidemic , in which more than 103,000 Americans have died .
He cancelled a G7 meeting in March as the virus spread , but had recently sought to convene it .
French President Emmanuel Macron backed the idea of a meeting , according to the White House , but Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau declined to endorse it because he said there were too many health-related questions .
The German chancellor Angela Merkel said earlier this week she would not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made up of the United States , Britain , France , Japan , Germany , Italy , and Canada , and the European Union also attends .
Australia said it welcomed an official invitation to the Group of Seven ( G7 ) nations and there has been contact on the matter between prime minister Scott Morrison and the US , a government spokesman said on Sunday .
The spokesman added : `` The G7 has been a topic of recent high-level exchanges .
`` Australia would welcome an official invitation .
Strengthening international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a time of unprecedented global challenges . ''

Donald Trump is to postpone a G7 meeting planned for next month and wants to expand the group to include Australia, Russia, South Korea and India.
The president said the G7, whose members are the world's most advanced economies, was a "very outdated group of countries" in its current format.
Mr Trump said: "I'm postponing it because I don't feel that as a G7 it properly represents what's going on in the world."
It was not clear whether Mr Trump's desire to invite the additional countries was an effort to permanently expand the G7.
He has suggested Russia be included because of Moscow's global strategic importance.
White House spokeswoman Alyssa Farah said the president wants the countries to discuss China at the summit after he attacked Beijing over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
On Friday he ordered his administration to end special US treatment for Hong Kong after China's decision to introduce a new security law on the former British colony.
Postponing the G7 summit is a U-turn by Mr Trump who wanted to host the group of major industrialised countries in Washington to demonstrate that the US was returning to normal after the coronavirus epidemic, in which more than 103,000 Americans have died.
He cancelled a G7 meeting in March as the virus spread, but had recently sought to convene it.
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French President Emmanuel Macron backed the idea of a meeting, according to the White House, but Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau declined to endorse it because he said there were too many health-related questions.
The German chancellor Angela Merkel said earlier this week she would not be able to attend.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:17 Trump: Hong Kong is no longer autonomous
The G7 is made up of the United States, Britain, France, Japan, Germany, Italy, and Canada, and the European Union also attends.
Australia said it welcomed an official invitation to the Group of Seven (G7) nations and there has been contact on the matter between prime minister Scott Morrison and the US, a government spokesman said on Sunday.
The spokesman added: "The G7 has been a topic of recent high-level exchanges.
"Australia would welcome an official invitation. Strengthening international cooperation among like-minded countries is valued at a time of unprecedented global challenges."


news--2020-05-31--Warburg Pincus steps in to rescue £1.8bn wealth merger

The buyout firm Warburg Pincus will this week ride to the rescue of a £1.8bn merger of two leading wealth management groups , paving the way for the completion of one of the UK 's biggest corporate deals of the year .
Sky News has learnt that Warburg Pincus is to inject more than £250m into Tilney Smith & Williamson - a move that should secure regulatory approval for the tie-up .
Originally announced last September , the merger will create a privately owned wealth management and professional services group with £45bn of assets under management ( AUM ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wealth manager by AUM , behind the likes of St James 's Place and Quilter .
The transaction is technically structured as an acquisition of S & W by Tilney and other funds owned by Permira , the financial planner 's controlling shareholder .
Scheduled to close in the spring , it ran into trouble with the Financial Conduct Authority ( FCA ) , which objected to the proposed capital structure of the combined group .
According to one source , the City watchdog demanded that the two boards secure new equity of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tie-up .
That revised structure would substantially reduce the indebtedness of the merged group to approximately three times earnings before interest , tax , depreciation and amortisation , according to one insider .
Last month , the companies said the FCA had `` indicated to Tilney and Permira that the original proposed transaction structure had not met with its approval '' .
`` Over the subsequent months , the parties have worked together constructively on developing a revised transaction structure to accommodate the feedback from the FCA .
`` Significant progress has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Under the revised structure , there would be a material new equity investment and thus a significant reduction in the external debt levels of the post-combination combined group . ''
One insider said that Warburg Pincus had been in discussions about injecting new equity into the deal for a number of months .
They added that the £1.8bn enterprise value of the combined group agreed last year would remain following the new capital investment .
It is likely to mean that Warburg Pincus will become the second-largest shareholder in Tilney Smith & Williamson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition as a shareholder will bolster the credibility of the enlarged Tilney Smith & Williamson business given its long track record of investing in financial services assets .
Earlier this year , it was reported by Bloomberg News to be assessing a takeover of Quilter , the listed wealth manager which was spun out of Old Mutual , the financial conglomerate .
Sources said this weekend that its investment in Tilney Smith & Williamson was being finalised this weekend , with an announcement likely as early as Monday morning .
The merger is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and professional services provider at a time when scale is becoming increasingly important in the sector .
The greater cost of regulatory compliance , including from Brussels , has also made it more difficult for smaller players to thrive .
Chris Woodhead , Tilney 's chief executive , described the tie-up as a `` compelling combination '' , while S & W 's joint bosses said it would create a group with `` real scale , broader capabilities and complementary service offerings '' .
`` The investment management and professional services market is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ client needs accelerating , '' S & W 's joint chief executives , David Cobb and Kevin Stopps , said last autumn .
Assuming the Warburg Pincus investment is announced , the merger should complete in the second half of this year .
They warned last month , though , that `` while all parties remain committed to the combination , given the COVID-19 situation and the fact that the revised structure has not yet been agreed , there can be no certainty that the transaction will proceed '' .
Evercore is advising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & W is being advised by KBW .
Warburg Pincus , Permira and S & W declined to comment on Sunday , while Tilney could not be reached for comment .

The buyout firm Warburg Pincus will this week ride to the rescue of a £1.8bn merger of two leading wealth management groups, paving the way for the completion of one of the UK's biggest corporate deals of the year.
Sky News has learnt that Warburg Pincus is to inject more than £250m into Tilney Smith & Williamson - a move that should secure regulatory approval for the tie-up.
Originally announced last September, the merger will create a privately owned wealth management and professional services group with £45bn of assets under management (AUM).
It would become the UK's fourth-largest wealth manager by AUM, behind the likes of St James's Place and Quilter.
The transaction is technically structured as an acquisition of S&W by Tilney and other funds owned by Permira, the financial planner's controlling shareholder.
Scheduled to close in the spring, it ran into trouble with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which objected to the proposed capital structure of the combined group.
According to one source, the City watchdog demanded that the two boards secure new equity of well over £200m before it would approve the tie-up.
That revised structure would substantially reduce the indebtedness of the merged group to approximately three times earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, according to one insider.
Last month, the companies said the FCA had "indicated to Tilney and Permira that the original proposed transaction structure had not met with its approval".
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"Over the subsequent months, the parties have worked together constructively on developing a revised transaction structure to accommodate the feedback from the FCA.
"Significant progress has been made in this respect.
"Under the revised structure, there would be a material new equity investment and thus a significant reduction in the external debt levels of the post-combination combined group."
One insider said that Warburg Pincus had been in discussions about injecting new equity into the deal for a number of months.
They added that the £1.8bn enterprise value of the combined group agreed last year would remain following the new capital investment.
It is likely to mean that Warburg Pincus will become the second-largest shareholder in Tilney Smith & Williamson, behind Permira.
Warburg Pincus's addition as a shareholder will bolster the credibility of the enlarged Tilney Smith & Williamson business given its long track record of investing in financial services assets.
Earlier this year, it was reported by Bloomberg News to be assessing a takeover of Quilter, the listed wealth manager which was spun out of Old Mutual, the financial conglomerate.
Sources said this weekend that its investment in Tilney Smith & Williamson was being finalised this weekend, with an announcement likely as early as Monday morning.
The merger is designed to create a broader-based financial planning and professional services provider at a time when scale is becoming increasingly important in the sector.
The greater cost of regulatory compliance, including from Brussels, has also made it more difficult for smaller players to thrive.
Chris Woodhead, Tilney's chief executive, described the tie-up as a "compelling combination", while S&W's joint bosses said it would create a group with "real scale, broader capabilities and complementary service offerings".
"The investment management and professional services market is changing rapidly, with the evolution of client needs accelerating," S&W's joint chief executives, David Cobb and Kevin Stopps, said last autumn.
Assuming the Warburg Pincus investment is announced, the merger should complete in the second half of this year.
They warned last month, though, that "while all parties remain committed to the combination, given the COVID-19 situation and the fact that the revised structure has not yet been agreed, there can be no certainty that the transaction will proceed".
Evercore is advising Tilney on the deal, while S&W is being advised by KBW.
Warburg Pincus, Permira and S&W declined to comment on Sunday, while Tilney could not be reached for comment.


news--2020-03-26--Coronavirus: Self-employed workers' bailout has 'sting in the tail'

The package of measures has been eagerly awaited by millions of workers This is , as far as the Treasury is concerned , the final part of the big jigsaw puzzle of measures to address the economic impact of COVID-19 .
It is a part which has been eagerly awaited by millions of workers - since the effective shutdown of vast parts of UK plc have affected the self-employed as much as many who work for companies .
And it is , at first glance , extraordinarily generous : the measures to support these workers will cost as much as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It will involve large payouts being given to many workers - in certain cases some of the more well-off in the UK .
And while the Treasury insists this money will only be given to those who can prove their income has been affected by COVID-19 , the workers will not simply have to sit at home doing nothing , as their employee counterparts who are furloughed will .
They will be able to work , earning themselves even more money in the coming months .
While there are limits to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to anyone achieving annual profits above £50,000 in recent years - it is nonetheless a more comprehensive , expensive scheme than many had expected .
But for these workers there is nonetheless a sting in the tail .
The chancellor signalled that after the virus has passed , there will have to be serious conversations about the way the self-employed are treated in the tax system .
This underlines that for many years the Treasury has been at loggerheads with the ranks of self-employed .
It has wanted them to pay more taxes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which employees can not enjoy .
But at every turn they have been defeated by smart campaigners determined to fight the reforms .
Rishi Sunak hinted that one of the quid pro quos of this deal is the Treasury will redouble its efforts to clamp down on these loopholes in the coming years .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He views this package as the last major element of his scheme to prevent unemployment in this country rocketing higher .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be forced to adjust the package in the coming weeks as it becomes clear which parts of society are still being left behind .
All eyes in the Treasury will now be on the early signs of what impact COVID-19 has on jobs , growth and incomes in the coming weeks .

The chancellor signals that after the crisis there will be serious talks about the way sole traders are treated in the tax system.
The package of measures has been eagerly awaited by millions of workers
This is, as far as the Treasury is concerned, the final part of the big jigsaw puzzle of measures to address the economic impact of COVID-19.
It is a part which has been eagerly awaited by millions of workers - since the effective shutdown of vast parts of UK plc have affected the self-employed as much as many who work for companies.
And it is, at first glance, extraordinarily generous: the measures to support these workers will cost as much as £9bn over a period of three months.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Chancellor announces help for self-employed
It will involve large payouts being given to many workers - in certain cases some of the more well-off in the UK.
And while the Treasury insists this money will only be given to those who can prove their income has been affected by COVID-19, the workers will not simply have to sit at home doing nothing, as their employee counterparts who are furloughed will.
They will be able to work, earning themselves even more money in the coming months.
While there are limits to the generosity - it will not be given to anyone achieving annual profits above £50,000 in recent years - it is nonetheless a more comprehensive, expensive scheme than many had expected.
But for these workers there is nonetheless a sting in the tail.
The chancellor signalled that after the virus has passed, there will have to be serious conversations about the way the self-employed are treated in the tax system.
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This underlines that for many years the Treasury has been at loggerheads with the ranks of self-employed.
It has wanted them to pay more taxes, arguing that they benefit from loopholes which employees cannot enjoy.
But at every turn they have been defeated by smart campaigners determined to fight the reforms.
Rishi Sunak hinted that one of the quid pro quos of this deal is the Treasury will redouble its efforts to clamp down on these loopholes in the coming years.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He views this package as the last major element of his scheme to prevent unemployment in this country rocketing higher.
But it is quite conceivable that he might be forced to adjust the package in the coming weeks as it becomes clear which parts of society are still being left behind.
All eyes in the Treasury will now be on the early signs of what impact COVID-19 has on jobs, growth and incomes in the coming weeks.