news--2020-05-20--Coronavirus: Oscars 2021 'could be postponed' due to COVID-19

Next year 's Oscars could be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic , according to a report .
The 93rd Academy Awards are currently scheduled to take place on 28 February 2021 .
But an industry insider , speaking to Variety about the possibility of the ceremony going ahead , has said : `` It 's likely they 'll be postponed . ''
Some events have made the decision to go virtual rather than cancel or postpone in light of the COVID-19 crisis .
However , as the world 's most recognised awards ceremony , it 's likely Oscars organisers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and glamour associated with the live show .
Walking the red carpet ahead of the event would be impossible for stars , who would instead call in to collect their virtual gongs online .
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has yet to formally announce plans for the event , which airs on the ABC TV channel in America , but has detailed an alteration to the nominations process .
In April , the Academy introduced a temporary rule change for Oscar eligibility due to the impact of coronavirus .
Usually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release in Los Angeles County to qualify .
However , this year relaxed guidelines mean that films released digitally can still qualify if the studio had originally planned a theatrical release .
Theatrical runs scheduled to take place in New York , Chicago , Miami , Atlanta and the Bay Area will also be eligible .
At the time of the rule tweak , Academy president David Rubin told Variety : `` It makes sense when we do n't really know what 's to come in terms of the availability of theatrical exhibition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for this year only and during this time when theatres are not open so great film work can be seen and celebrated . ''
The end of year deadline for film submissions currently remains unchanged .
However , this year 's amended Academy rules note : `` Due to the global pandemic caused by coronavirus/COVID-19 , all dates for the 93rd Academy Awards are subject to change . ''
Many movies have had their release dates pushed back due to the closure of cinemas around the world , including the upcoming James Bond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ host of Disney projects .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Oscars ceremony itself has been postponed three times in its 93-year history .
First in 1938 due to flooding in Los Angeles , delaying the awards by a week .
Second in 1968 out of respect to Dr Martin Luther King Jr , who was murdered just a few days before the event was due to take place .
It was postponed by two days .
And most recently in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by only 24 hours because of an assassination attempt on the then-president Ronald Reagan .
The latest ceremony , held little over three months ago , saw South Korean film Parasite make history by becoming the first foreign language film to take the top prize .

Next year's Oscars could be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report.
The 93rd Academy Awards are currently scheduled to take place on 28 February 2021.
But an industry insider, speaking to Variety about the possibility of the ceremony going ahead, has said: "It's likely they'll be postponed."
Image: Best actress winner Renee Zellweger at this year's Oscars
Some events have made the decision to go virtual rather than cancel or postpone in light of the COVID-19 crisis.
However, as the world's most recognised awards ceremony, it's likely Oscars organisers are keen not to dilute the glitz and glamour associated with the live show.
Walking the red carpet ahead of the event would be impossible for stars, who would instead call in to collect their virtual gongs online.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has yet to formally announce plans for the event, which airs on the ABC TV channel in America, but has detailed an alteration to the nominations process.
Image: Red carpet poses would be off the cards for stars like Angelina Jolie
Image: And moments like Jennifer Lawrence's trip would be hard to capture virtually
In April, the Academy introduced a temporary rule change for Oscar eligibility due to the impact of coronavirus.
Usually a film must have a seven-day theatrical release in Los Angeles County to qualify.
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However, this year relaxed guidelines mean that films released digitally can still qualify if the studio had originally planned a theatrical release.
Theatrical runs scheduled to take place in New York, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta and the Bay Area will also be eligible.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:21 So what's it like to walk the Oscars red carpet?
At the time of the rule tweak, Academy president David Rubin told Variety: "It makes sense when we don't really know what's to come in terms of the availability of theatrical exhibition.
"We need to make allowances for this year only and during this time when theatres are not open so great film work can be seen and celebrated."
The end of year deadline for film submissions currently remains unchanged.
However, this year's amended Academy rules note: "Due to the global pandemic caused by coronavirus/COVID-19, all dates for the 93rd Academy Awards are subject to change."
Many movies have had their release dates pushed back due to the closure of cinemas around the world, including the upcoming James Bond film No Time To Die and a host of Disney projects.
Image: No Time To Die has been postponed until November
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The Oscars ceremony itself has been postponed three times in its 93-year history.
First in 1938 due to flooding in Los Angeles, delaying the awards by a week.
Second in 1968 out of respect to Dr Martin Luther King Jr, who was murdered just a few days before the event was due to take place. It was postponed by two days.
And most recently in 1981, when the show was postponed by only 24 hours because of an assassination attempt on the then-president Ronald Reagan.
The latest ceremony, held little over three months ago, saw South Korean film Parasite make history by becoming the first foreign language film to take the top prize.


news--2020-05-20--Coronavirus: 'Foolish' to rule out negative rates says BoE governor

Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey has refused to rule out cutting interest rates below zero in response to the coronavirus economic crisis .
The Bank has already slashed rates to a record low of 0.1 % as the pandemic drags Britain into what is expected to be the worst recession in living memory .
Mr Bailey told MPs it was now studying how effective that cut had been as well as `` looking very carefully '' at the experience of other countries where negative rates had been implemented .
On the prospect of negative rates , he said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a matter of principle .
`` That would be a foolish thing to do .
`` But that does n't mean we rule things in either . ''
The governor 's comments reinforce his position since the beginning of the crisis - which coincided with him taking over from predecessor Mark Carney - that `` nothing is off the table '' .
But speculation specifically about negative rates has been growing in recent days , as other top officials at Threadneedle Street have also left the door open to the policy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been re-thinking his view on the idea , saying : `` I have changed my position a bit . ''
Lower interest rates are seen as tools to boost the economy because they make it cheaper for firms and households to borrow .
Giving evidence to the Commons Treasury select committee , Mr Bailey cautioned that there were arguments that this might be less effective when they are already near zero .
He added that communicating what a negative rates policy meant would be `` absolutely critical '' since it was one that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it quite challenging to understand '' .
Mr Bailey told MPs the Bank was `` looking very carefully at the experiences of those other central banks that have used negative rates , and a number of them are actually publishing quite interesting assessments at the moment '' .
The Bank of Japan and the European Central Bank have both cut rates below zero .
Mr Bailey 's appearance before MPs came a day after official figures showed a record rise in unemployment claims in April as the coronavirus crisis took its toll on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country was facing a `` severe recession the likes of which we have n't seen '' .
The Bank of England has outlined a scenario for GDP falling by 14 % in 2020 - which would be the worst annual slump for more than 300 years .

Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey has refused to rule out cutting interest rates below zero in response to the coronavirus economic crisis.
The Bank has already slashed rates to a record low of 0.1% as the pandemic drags Britain into what is expected to be the worst recession in living memory.
Mr Bailey told MPs it was now studying how effective that cut had been as well as "looking very carefully" at the experience of other countries where negative rates had been implemented.
On the prospect of negative rates, he said: "We do not rule things out as a matter of principle.
"That would be a foolish thing to do.
"But that doesn't mean we rule things in either."
The governor's comments reinforce his position since the beginning of the crisis - which coincided with him taking over from predecessor Mark Carney - that "nothing is off the table".
But speculation specifically about negative rates has been growing in recent days, as other top officials at Threadneedle Street have also left the door open to the policy.
Mr Bailey admitted that he had also been re-thinking his view on the idea, saying: "I have changed my position a bit."
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Lower interest rates are seen as tools to boost the economy because they make it cheaper for firms and households to borrow.
Giving evidence to the Commons Treasury select committee, Mr Bailey cautioned that there were arguments that this might be less effective when they are already near zero.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 BoE: Economy can recover quickly
He added that communicating what a negative rates policy meant would be "absolutely critical" since it was one that "members of the public would find it quite challenging to understand".
Mr Bailey told MPs the Bank was "looking very carefully at the experiences of those other central banks that have used negative rates, and a number of them are actually publishing quite interesting assessments at the moment".
The Bank of Japan and the European Central Bank have both cut rates below zero.
Mr Bailey's appearance before MPs came a day after official figures showed a record rise in unemployment claims in April as the coronavirus crisis took its toll on jobs.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said that the country was facing a "severe recession the likes of which we haven't seen".
The Bank of England has outlined a scenario for GDP falling by 14% in 2020 - which would be the worst annual slump for more than 300 years.


news--2020-05-20--Coronavirus: Washing hands at least six times a day cuts infection risk by over a third - study

Washing your hands at least six to 10 times a day reduces the risk of catching coronavirus by more than a third , a UK study has claimed .
It looked at data from 2006-2009 on diseases similar to COVID-19 , and found that hand-washing on a frequent basis reduced the chances of contracting an infection by 36 % , compared to doing it zero to five times a day .
The government 's advice since the outbreak began is to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds , and more regularly , especially : • when you get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you blow your nose , cough or sneeze • before you eat or handle food Report author Sarah Beale , from University College London , said : `` Given that COVID-19 appears to demonstrate similar transmission mechanisms to seasonal coronaviruses , these findings support clear public health messaging around the protective effects of handwashing during the pandemic . ''
She added : `` It 's important to highlight that frequency of handwashing is only one aspect of hand hygiene .
`` We also know that both longer duration of handwashing and the context @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or before eating - have been associated with lower overall risk of influenza or influenza-like-illness .
`` Good hand hygiene should be practised at all times regardless of whether you show symptoms or not .
`` This will help protect yourself and prevent unwittingly spreading the virus to others around you . ''
The study , involving 1,633 participants and published in Wellcome Open Research , found that hand-washing more than 10 times did not appear to reduce the risk of infection further .
Frequent hand-washing and the regular use of sanitiser can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sore .
British Skin Foundation spokesperson Dr Anjali Mahto , a consultant dermatologist , told Sky News : `` Repeated cleansing and use of alcohol gel has resulted in lots of my patients suffering with some degree of either excessive dryness or very active hand dermatitis ( eczema ) .
`` Repeated use of soaps , detergents and alcohol gel are a common and important cause of what is known as irritant contact dermatitis .
`` In extreme cases , changes may occur to our skin microbiome , resulting in secondary bacterial infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Staphylococci ) . ''
Dr Mahto has suggested the following tips to keep hands healthy : • Make sure you carry a non-fragranced hand cream at all times and get into the habit of moisturising after washing • Fragrances can potentially worsen dermatitis so as a rule of thumb , if it smells good , unfortunately you probably want to stay away from it for active hand eczema • Ideally use soap and water to wash your hands at home and leave alcohol gel for when you 're out and about • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to both hands before placing in cotton gloves overnight to provide a `` hand mask '' relief for chapped skin : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The British Skin Foundation says those at high risk often have a background of eczema already , or work in an occupation which involves frequent hand washing - such as healthcare professionals , hairdressers , beauticians and agricultural workers .

Washing your hands at least six to 10 times a day reduces the risk of catching coronavirus by more than a third, a UK study has claimed.
It looked at data from 2006-2009 on diseases similar to COVID-19, and found that hand-washing on a frequent basis reduced the chances of contracting an infection by 36%, compared to doing it zero to five times a day.
The government's advice since the outbreak began is to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, and more regularly, especially:
• when you get to work or arrive home
• after you blow your nose, cough or sneeze
• before you eat or handle food
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:13 Department of health coronavirus advice
Report author Sarah Beale, from University College London, said: "Given that COVID-19 appears to demonstrate similar transmission mechanisms to seasonal coronaviruses, these findings support clear public health messaging around the protective effects of handwashing during the pandemic."
She added: "It's important to highlight that frequency of handwashing is only one aspect of hand hygiene.
"We also know that both longer duration of handwashing and the context of handwashing e.g. upon returning home or before eating - have been associated with lower overall risk of influenza or influenza-like-illness.
"Good hand hygiene should be practised at all times regardless of whether you show symptoms or not.
"This will help protect yourself and prevent unwittingly spreading the virus to others around you."
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The study, involving 1,633 participants and published in Wellcome Open Research, found that hand-washing more than 10 times did not appear to reduce the risk of infection further.
Frequent hand-washing and the regular use of sanitiser can leave hands feeling dry, cracked and sore.
Image: The government's advice is to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds
British Skin Foundation spokesperson Dr Anjali Mahto, a consultant dermatologist, told Sky News: "Repeated cleansing and use of alcohol gel has resulted in lots of my patients suffering with some degree of either excessive dryness or very active hand dermatitis (eczema).
"Repeated use of soaps, detergents and alcohol gel are a common and important cause of what is known as irritant contact dermatitis.
"In extreme cases, changes may occur to our skin microbiome, resulting in secondary bacterial infection (e.g. colonisation with bacteria such as Staphylococci)."
Dr Mahto has suggested the following tips to keep hands healthy:
Make sure you carry a non-fragranced hand cream at all times and get into the habit of moisturising after washing
Fragrances can potentially worsen dermatitis so as a rule of thumb, if it smells good, unfortunately you probably want to stay away from it for active hand eczema
Ideally use soap and water to wash your hands at home and leave alcohol gel for when you're out and about
Apply a generous layer of hand cream to both hands before placing in cotton gloves overnight to provide a "hand mask" relief for chapped skin
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The British Skin Foundation says those at high risk often have a background of eczema already, or work in an occupation which involves frequent hand washing - such as healthcare professionals, hairdressers, beauticians and agricultural workers.


news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: Celebrities stand back and pass the mic to the experts

Some stars have attracted criticism during lockdown for making it all about themselves ( you know who you are , Gal Gadot ) .
But now a whole host of celebrities are stepping away from social media , and all in name of a good cause .
Actors including Julia Roberts , Hugh Jackman and Millie Bobby Brown are all taking part in the # passthemic project , which aims to highlight the need for a global response to the coronavirus pandemic .
They will be handing over their social media accounts , along with their numerous followers , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ globe .
The initiative from the ONE Campaign , which fights to end extreme poverty and preventable disease around the world , will start later this week .
Experts include David Anderson ( Nurse , Director of Quality at Nightingale Hospital , Manchester ) , Aya Chebbi ( Youth Envoy , African Union ) and Jen Kates ( Global Health & HIV Policy ) .
Specialists will share their perspectives - grounded in data , science and facts - and talk about why a global response to this pandemic is so crucial if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Other stars who will be taking part include Penelope Cruz , Sarah Jessica Parker and James McEvoy .
Rita Wilson , who along with her husband Tom Hanks , recently recovered from coronavirus , will also be taking part .
The first celebrity to `` pass the mic '' will be Julia Roberts , who will speak with Dr Fauci on Thursday 21 of May .
The takeovers will last throughout the rest of May and into June .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO , Gayle Smith said : `` Beating the virus means listening to the experts and following the science , data and facts to get ahead of it .
`` This impressive group of talent and experts from around the world will put a spotlight on the need for a global response to this pandemic… '' Because none of us are safe until all of us are safe . ''

Some stars have attracted criticism during lockdown for making it all about themselves (you know who you are, Gal Gadot).
But now a whole host of celebrities are stepping away from social media, and all in name of a good cause.
Actors including Julia Roberts, Hugh Jackman and Millie Bobby Brown are all taking part in the #passthemic project, which aims to highlight the need for a global response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Image: Julia Roberts will be the first star to relinquish control of her social media account. Pic: Pass The Mic/ONE Campaign
They will be handing over their social media accounts, along with their numerous followers, to experts and frontline workers from across the globe.
The initiative from the ONE Campaign, which fights to end extreme poverty and preventable disease around the world, will start later this week.
Experts include David Anderson (Nurse, Director of Quality at Nightingale Hospital, Manchester), Aya Chebbi (Youth Envoy, African Union) and Jen Kates (Global Health & HIV Policy).
Specialists will share their perspectives - grounded in data, science and facts - and talk about why a global response to this pandemic is so crucial if we want it to be eradicated.
Image: Millie Bobby Brown is getting involved too. Pic: Pass The Mic/ONE Campaign
Other stars who will be taking part include Penelope Cruz, Sarah Jessica Parker and James McEvoy.
Rita Wilson, who along with her husband Tom Hanks, recently recovered from coronavirus, will also be taking part.
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The first celebrity to "pass the mic" will be Julia Roberts, who will speak with Dr Fauci on Thursday 21 of May.
The takeovers will last throughout the rest of May and into June.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
ONE campaign president and CEO, Gayle Smith said: "Beating the virus means listening to the experts and following the science, data and facts to get ahead of it.
"This impressive group of talent and experts from around the world will put a spotlight on the need for a global response to this pandemic…
"Because none of us are safe until all of us are safe."


news--2020-05-20--Coronavirus: Economic cost and human suffering in US 'like 1930s Great Depression'

The Great Depression of the 1930s was a defining trauma of the 20th century .
It is what every recession is marked against .
After 36 million people filed for unemployment in America , a figure that has n't been seen since that protracted crisis , forecasters are delving into the archives once again to compare .
In West Virginia , a state that has long been at the sharp end of any economic downturn , people agree .
I met many people who felt the two eras share a great deal in terms of economic costs and human suffering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those days glibly here , as West Virginia was very much at the sharp end of loss in the 30s .
At Manna Meal , a soup kitchen in the city of Charleston , they 've seen a big shift in the people turning up hoping to get free meals .
Brooke Parker , deputy executive director , says a lot of the people they 're seeing had jobs before the coronavirus pandemic .
`` They 've always supported themselves , they 've always paid their bills , they 've always got their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go to a food pantry .
`` What they 're experiencing now is just incredible shame and humiliation at having to come and eat somewhere like this . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker I 'm told they account for about 30 percent of the people here - their lives , their security , turned upside down in a matter of weeks .
Jimmy tells me he was a caretaker until very recently , but lost his job and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Along with their income , people are losing their health insurance - the two come hand in hand in America .
West Virginia Health Right is a rare , free clinic in the city , offering hope to people in troubled times .
They , like the soup kitchen , have seen a big change in the people coming through their doors and a sharp spike in patients looking for help with anxiety and depression .
But the clinic is facing its own challenges - drug companies ratcheting up prices for medication @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coordinator , said : `` Different things were so expensive that normally were not expensive .
`` Generics that have been on the market for years went up , some of them by 400 percent , which was ridiculous because they 've been out there forever . ''
Insulin has also been subject to sharp price hikes .
And as Rhonda points out , without it , people inevitably end up in hospital .
Such is the nature of the US healthcare system , that vulnerable people with chronic conditions have to file @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need .
Of course the Great Depression was a protracted crisis that lasted a decade .
It was caused by a financial meltdown and was made worse by bad policy choices , like the Federal Reserve 's decision to raise interest rates .
The banks were far weaker institutions then too .
Some economists claim drawing any comparisons with the Great Depression is n't helpful because the coronavirus fallout will be shorter and less severe .
But some , like Claudia Sahm , of the Washington Centre for Equitable Growth , believe the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the country could well endure many years of this and that congress is the only thing standing in the way of America enduring another depression .
She said they have the hallmarks already of high unemployment , a deflationary spiral and no guarantee there wo n't be a very long slog .
`` America is fundamentally underprepared for recessions and has no social safety net… the aerial images of thousands of people waiting in cars for food banks , are the bread lines of the 1930s . ''
Local tailor Anthony Paranzino @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's going to be a rough recession , '' he said frankly .
His sales are down 70 % from this time last year .
`` But also I also think it 's going to teach some people who 've never known hard times how to kind of figure out ' I 've got to do some stuff for myself ' .
`` We 'll see some repatriation of manufacturing .
I think we 'll see more people paying attention to local businesses like ours . ''
One thing many economists do agree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the need to act quickly early on as the failure of institutions and government prolonged the pain .
The lack of international trade also hampered progress .
The test of this presidency and this congress may well be how willing they are to pile trillions of dollars more into helping to keep people afloat and to trade with other countries .
Neither will be easy decisions or natural reflexes .

The Great Depression of the 1930s was a defining trauma of the 20th century.
It is what every recession is marked against.
After 36 million people filed for unemployment in America, a figure that hasn't been seen since that protracted crisis, forecasters are delving into the archives once again to compare.
In West Virginia, a state that has long been at the sharp end of any economic downturn, people agree.
Image: More and more people are relying on food banks to survive
I met many people who felt the two eras share a great deal in terms of economic costs and human suffering.
And they don't talk about those days glibly here, as West Virginia was very much at the sharp end of loss in the 30s.
At Manna Meal, a soup kitchen in the city of Charleston, they've seen a big shift in the people turning up hoping to get free meals.
Brooke Parker, deputy executive director, says a lot of the people they're seeing had jobs before the coronavirus pandemic.
"They've always supported themselves, they've always paid their bills, they've always got their own food, they've never had to go to a food pantry.
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"What they're experiencing now is just incredible shame and humiliation at having to come and eat somewhere like this."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
I'm told they account for about 30 percent of the people here - their lives, their security, turned upside down in a matter of weeks.
Image: Jimmy was a caretaker but lost his job and is sleeping rough
Jimmy tells me he was a caretaker until very recently, but lost his job and his apartment. Now he's sleeping rough.
Along with their income, people are losing their health insurance - the two come hand in hand in America.
West Virginia Health Right is a rare, free clinic in the city, offering hope to people in troubled times.
They, like the soup kitchen, have seen a big change in the people coming through their doors and a sharp spike in patients looking for help with anxiety and depression.
But the clinic is facing its own challenges - drug companies ratcheting up prices for medication.
Image: Pills being dispensed at West Virginia Health Right - a rare, free clinic
Rhonda Francis, clinical and pharmacy coordinator, said: "Different things were so expensive that normally were not expensive.
"Generics that have been on the market for years went up, some of them by 400 percent, which was ridiculous because they've been out there forever."
Insulin has also been subject to sharp price hikes. And as Rhonda points out, without it, people inevitably end up in hospital.
Such is the nature of the US healthcare system, that vulnerable people with chronic conditions have to file for bankruptcy to get the drugs they need.
Image: US unemployment hit record highs during the Great Depression
Image: People walking along train tracks to collect relief food in West Virginia in 1935
Of course the Great Depression was a protracted crisis that lasted a decade.
It was caused by a financial meltdown and was made worse by bad policy choices, like the Federal Reserve's decision to raise interest rates.
The banks were far weaker institutions then too. Some economists claim drawing any comparisons with the Great Depression isn't helpful because the coronavirus fallout will be shorter and less severe.
But some, like Claudia Sahm, of the Washington Centre for Equitable Growth, believe the images and metrics are as stark, that the country could well endure many years of this and that congress is the only thing standing in the way of America enduring another depression.
She said they have the hallmarks already of high unemployment, a deflationary spiral and no guarantee there won't be a very long slog.
"America is fundamentally underprepared for recessions and has no social safety net… the aerial images of thousands of people waiting in cars for food banks, are the bread lines of the 1930s."
Image: Tailor Anthony Paranzino is optimistic even though sales are down 70% from this time last year
Local tailor Anthony Paranzino is much more optimistic. "It's going to be a rough recession," he said frankly.
His sales are down 70% from this time last year. "But also I also think it's going to teach some people who've never known hard times how to kind of figure out 'I've got to do some stuff for myself'.
"We'll see some repatriation of manufacturing. I think we'll see more people paying attention to local businesses like ours."
One thing many economists do agree on is that the Great Depression highlighted the need to act quickly early on as the failure of institutions and government prolonged the pain. The lack of international trade also hampered progress.
The test of this presidency and this congress may well be how willing they are to pile trillions of dollars more into helping to keep people afloat and to trade with other countries. Neither will be easy decisions or natural reflexes.


news--2020-05-19--Scrap 'unfair and unjust' charges for foreign NHS workers, govt urged

Healthcare workers from overseas should be exempt from a `` devastating '' surcharge they must pay to access NHS services , the Royal College of Nursing ( RCN ) has warned .
All adult migrants who come to the UK from countries outside of the European Economic Area currently have to pay £400 a year - irrespective of whether they use the health service or not .
The immigration health surcharge is going to be increased to £624 a year in October , with parents also expected to pay £470 a year for each dependent child .
The union said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Home Office has denied that a review of the surcharge was ever considered , given how Home Secretary Priti Patel had said a review was taking place three weeks ago .
In a letter to Ms Patel , RCN chief executive Dame Donna Kinnair said the charge must be waived `` as a matter of urgency '' - describing it as an `` unfair and unjust additional financial burden '' on the 77,065 non-EEA nurses who work in health and care nationwide .
`` Not only do healthcare professionals make a significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by virtue of their work , but they also already pay taxes and national insurance that pay toward our services , '' Dame Donna wrote .
`` The proposed increases will serve to exacerbate hardships and will act as a significant barrier to individuals considering working in the UK at precisely the time that they are needed most . ''
Dame Donna said it was `` extremely disappointed '' by the plans to increase the surcharge by 56 % , and claimed the RCN was yet to see evidence that supports the revised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker She also warned the coronavirus pandemic has reaffirmed the importance of internationally educated staff , and said `` patient care would be at risk '' without them .
`` This fee undermines the incredible and life-saving work health and care staff provide to us all , '' Dame Donna added .
The Royal College of Nursing , which has been calling for the policy to be changed for two years , says it has `` already received devastating accounts from members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the impact that it is having on their families ' lives '' .

Healthcare workers from overseas should be exempt from a "devastating" surcharge they must pay to access NHS services, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has warned.
All adult migrants who come to the UK from countries outside of the European Economic Area currently have to pay £400 a year - irrespective of whether they use the health service or not.
The immigration health surcharge is going to be increased to £624 a year in October, with parents also expected to pay £470 a year for each dependent child.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:19 Fears for mental health of NHS staff
The union said it was "alarming" to hear the Home Office has denied that a review of the surcharge was ever considered, given how Home Secretary Priti Patel had said a review was taking place three weeks ago.
In a letter to Ms Patel, RCN chief executive Dame Donna Kinnair said the charge must be waived "as a matter of urgency" - describing it as an "unfair and unjust additional financial burden" on the 77,065 non-EEA nurses who work in health and care nationwide.
"Not only do healthcare professionals make a significant contribution towards our health and care system by virtue of their work, but they also already pay taxes and national insurance that pay toward our services," Dame Donna wrote.
"The proposed increases will serve to exacerbate hardships and will act as a significant barrier to individuals considering working in the UK at precisely the time that they are needed most."
Dame Donna said it was "extremely disappointed" by the plans to increase the surcharge by 56%, and claimed the RCN was yet to see evidence that supports the revised figures.
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She also warned the coronavirus pandemic has reaffirmed the importance of internationally educated staff, and said "patient care would be at risk" without them.
"This fee undermines the incredible and life-saving work health and care staff provide to us all," Dame Donna added.
The Royal College of Nursing, which has been calling for the policy to be changed for two years, says it has "already received devastating accounts from members who are struggling to pay the charge, and the impact that it is having on their families' lives".


news--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Amputee's wife makes him wooden leg after COVID-19 crisis delays treatment

The delay to non-urgent surgeries caused by the coronavirus crisis has n't dented the hopes of one couple to find a solution .
The wife of an amputee used her imagination and skills to fashion a prosthetic leg for her husband from household items .
Atchari Watson and her husband Steve , from County Durham , said they faced a wait of months if they wanted to go ahead with an NHS prosthetic .
On their first attempt , the 57-year-old used a seaside bucket , fibreglass resin and a piece of wood - but Mr Watson said it kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with part of a moon boot and some wood from the shed solved the problem and allowed him to walk around their house .
Mr Watson , a teaching assistant who was in the Army , said : `` My wife is very practical .
She can turn her hand to anything .
`` At first when I saw her rummaging around in the shed I thought she was going to do the garden .
`` The next thing , she had one of our son 's seaside buckets and an old piece @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The next day when she came home from work , she got a moon boot from when I had a cast on my leg , cut it in half and used screws to attach it to a piece of wood and it 's absolutely brilliant . ''
The father-of-three agreed to have the lower part of his leg amputated earlier this year after he suffered a severe broken leg when he fell 5ft in 2018 and had to undergo multiple operations .
He was due to get an assessment for the artificial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancelled his appointment due to the COVID-19 outbreak .
Mr Watson said : `` I am not going to use this regularly but it will be good for getting around the house for the next three to six months .
`` I desperately do not want to divert anybody in the NHS away from anything more important .
`` There are people far worse of than me at the minute . ''

The delay to non-urgent surgeries caused by the coronavirus crisis hasn't dented the hopes of one couple to find a solution.
The wife of an amputee used her imagination and skills to fashion a prosthetic leg for her husband from household items.
Atchari Watson and her husband Steve, from County Durham, said they faced a wait of months if they wanted to go ahead with an NHS prosthetic.
On their first attempt, the 57-year-old used a seaside bucket, fibreglass resin and a piece of wood - but Mr Watson said it kept sliding off.
But a second try with part of a moon boot and some wood from the shed solved the problem and allowed him to walk around their house.
Image: Mr was due to get an assessment on the NHS for the artificial limb last week
Mr Watson, a teaching assistant who was in the Army, said: "My wife is very practical. She can turn her hand to anything.
"At first when I saw her rummaging around in the shed I thought she was going to do the garden.
"The next thing, she had one of our son's seaside buckets and an old piece of wood."
He added: "The next day when she came home from work, she got a moon boot from when I had a cast on my leg, cut it in half and used screws to attach it to a piece of wood and it's absolutely brilliant."
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The father-of-three agreed to have the lower part of his leg amputated earlier this year after he suffered a severe broken leg when he fell 5ft in 2018 and had to undergo multiple operations.
He was due to get an assessment for the artificial limb last week, but health authorities cancelled his appointment due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Mr Watson said: "I am not going to use this regularly but it will be good for getting around the house for the next three to six months.
"I desperately do not want to divert anybody in the NHS away from anything more important.
"There are people far worse of than me at the minute."


news--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Chancellor tells airlines UK bailout 'only as last resort'

Britain 's biggest airlines have been warned that they will only have access to further financial support from taxpayers `` as a last resort '' , as the government insisted that they must first turn to existing shareholders and lenders amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
In a letter seen by Sky News , Rishi Sunak , the chancellor , told the aviation industry that the array of aid schemes announced by the Treasury in the last 10 days - including VAT deferrals and grants to cover employees ' salaries - would provide significant assistance to cash-strapped airlines .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reassess their cashflow positions in the light of Friday 's announcements , '' Mr Sunak wrote .
`` We would expect all companies to be pursuing all possible actions to preserve cash and maximise liquidity , including engaging with shareholders , lenders and the markets and utilising all available assets and facilities . ''
The chancellor told carriers including easyJet , British Airways and Virgin Atlantic that the `` significant importance of the aviation sector to our economy and economic recovery [ means that ] the government is prepared to enter negotiations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a last resort , having exhausted other options '' .
He warned , however , that additional support `` would only be possible if all commercial avenues have been fully explored , including raising further capital from existing investors and discussing arrangements with financial stakeholders '' .
`` Terms would be structured to protect taxpayers ' interest , and the government would expect to have regard to factors including but not limited to whether the business makes a material contribution to the economic activity of the UK , the importance of maintaining a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deliver connectivity and the equitable and fair treatment across businesses in the sector . ''
Mr Sunak 's comments hold open the possibility that the government could take a stake in some British airlines , but underline the remoteness of such a prospect .
Weekend reports suggested that such a plan was at an advanced stage , which industry and government insiders sought to play down .
One airline executive said the industry was pushing for a `` bespoke '' credit facility rather than any taxpayer injection of equity .
Nevertheless , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big airline shareholders such as easyJet 's Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou and Sir Richard Branson 's Virgin Group may need to inject further sums before they can turn to the government for more support .
In his letter , Mr Sunak also hinted that the Treasury was close to unveiling a further credit facility for companies which do not have an investment grade credit rating .
`` I have listened to feedback that suggests some companies including airlines are uncertain whether they can access this Facility - which is for companies rated as investment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I am in discussions to resolve this uncertainty and further announcements will be made shortly . ''
Sky News revealed last week that Rothschild , the investment bank , had been asked to advise ministers on a package of measures , and that one option could include direct taxpayer investments in airline shares .
Sources say the industry has been pressing ministers to provide billions of pounds of liquidity to the sector , as well as freezing air traffic control charges and agreeing to a four-month moratorium on EC261 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers for cancelled flights A number of airline executives , including IAG 's Willie Walsh , Virgin Atlantic chief Shai Weiss and Johan Lundgren , easyJet CEO , have taken temporary pay cuts in the last ten days as the scale of the crisis facing their industry became apparent .
Willie Walsh , the chief executive of BA 's parent company has insisted that it has no need for state aid because of the strength of its balance sheet .
That message was at odds with a memo issued by BA 's chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he referred to making cost reductions that were necessary to ensure the company 's survival .
BA staff were recently informed that they would not be paid bonuses for last year , despite reporting a near-record financial performance .

Britain's biggest airlines have been warned that they will only have access to further financial support from taxpayers "as a last resort", as the government insisted that they must first turn to existing shareholders and lenders amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a letter seen by Sky News, Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, told the aviation industry that the array of aid schemes announced by the Treasury in the last 10 days - including VAT deferrals and grants to cover employees' salaries - would provide significant assistance to cash-strapped airlines.
"The priority for all companies should now be to reassess their cashflow positions in the light of Friday's announcements," Mr Sunak wrote.
Image: Chancellor Rishi Sunak has written to airline industry figures
"We would expect all companies to be pursuing all possible actions to preserve cash and maximise liquidity, including engaging with shareholders, lenders and the markets and utilising all available assets and facilities."
The chancellor told carriers including easyJet, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic that the "significant importance of the aviation sector to our economy and economic recovery [means that] the government is prepared to enter negotiations with individual companies seeking bespoke support as a last resort, having exhausted other options".
He warned, however, that additional support "would only be possible if all commercial avenues have been fully explored, including raising further capital from existing investors and discussing arrangements with financial stakeholders".
"Terms would be structured to protect taxpayers' interest, and the government would expect to have regard to factors including but not limited to whether the business makes a material contribution to the economic activity of the UK, the importance of maintaining a thriving competitive aviation sector in the UK to deliver connectivity and the equitable and fair treatment across businesses in the sector."
Mr Sunak's comments hold open the possibility that the government could take a stake in some British airlines, but underline the remoteness of such a prospect.
Weekend reports suggested that such a plan was at an advanced stage, which industry and government insiders sought to play down.
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One airline executive said the industry was pushing for a "bespoke" credit facility rather than any taxpayer injection of equity.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:29 Flybe crew in tears over job losses
Nevertheless, the chancellor's comments will mean that big airline shareholders such as easyJet's Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou and Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group may need to inject further sums before they can turn to the government for more support.
In his letter, Mr Sunak also hinted that the Treasury was close to unveiling a further credit facility for companies which do not have an investment grade credit rating.
"I have listened to feedback that suggests some companies including airlines are uncertain whether they can access this Facility - which is for companies rated as investment grade or equivalent," he wrote.
"I am in discussions to resolve this uncertainty and further announcements will be made shortly."
Sky News revealed last week that Rothschild, the investment bank, had been asked to advise ministers on a package of measures, and that one option could include direct taxpayer investments in airline shares.
Sources say the industry has been pressing ministers to provide billions of pounds of liquidity to the sector, as well as freezing air traffic control charges and agreeing to a four-month moratorium on EC261, the European law which requires airlines to compensate customers for cancelled flights
A number of airline executives, including IAG's Willie Walsh, Virgin Atlantic chief Shai Weiss and Johan Lundgren, easyJet CEO, have taken temporary pay cuts in the last ten days as the scale of the crisis facing their industry became apparent.
Willie Walsh, the chief executive of BA's parent company has insisted that it has no need for state aid because of the strength of its balance sheet.
That message was at odds with a memo issued by BA's chief executive, Alex Cruz, last week when he referred to making cost reductions that were necessary to ensure the company's survival.
BA staff were recently informed that they would not be paid bonuses for last year, despite reporting a near-record financial performance.


news--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: How criminals are exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to scam the public

Criminals are using the internet , telephones and doorstep calls to exploit fear of the coronavirus pandemic , investigators have warned .
They have revealed a blitz of scams that include the sale of fake sanitisers , bogus demands for donations and false offers to run errands for the elderly and vulnerable .
Some scammers are offering `` health supplements '' that claim to prevent infection from the COVID-19 virus .
Other victims are being tricked into opening email attachments that will reveal their bank details and other personal information .
Lord Toby Harris , chairman of National Trading Standards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At a time when neighbourhoods and communities are coming together to support each other , it is despicable that heartless criminals are exploiting members of the public - including some of our most vulnerable citizens - to line their own pockets .
`` I urge everyone to be on their guard for possible COVID-19 scams and to look out for vulnerable family members , friends and neighbours who may become a target for fraudsters .
`` We 're calling on communities to look out for one another .
If you see anything suspicious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to speak to someone for advice , contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service . ''
NTS says counterfeit hand sanitisers , masks and virus-swabbing kits are being sold online and by door-to-door callers .
Some sanitisers reportedly contain a potentially harmful substance called glutaral ( or glutaraldehyde ) , which was banned for human use in 2014 .
Bogus telephone callers are claiming to be from banks , building societies and utility companies and urging victims to reveal passwords and PIN codes .
Dodgy doorstep callers are urging victims to donate towards research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to distinguish between genuine and bogus charity collectors by asking for identification .
And they warn that as financial hardship bites , loan sharks are likely to be offering to lend money at exorbitant interest rates .
Guy Parker , chief executive of the Advertising Standards Authority , said : `` Consumers who see ads , whether online , in newspapers , social media , posters or elsewhere , that claim to offer cures or treatments for coronavirus should be highly sceptical . ''

Criminals are using the internet, telephones and doorstep calls to exploit fear of the coronavirus pandemic, investigators have warned.
They have revealed a blitz of scams that include the sale of fake sanitisers, bogus demands for donations and false offers to run errands for the elderly and vulnerable.
Some scammers are offering "health supplements" that claim to prevent infection from the COVID-19 virus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Lockdown: The dos and don'ts
Other victims are being tricked into opening email attachments that will reveal their bank details and other personal information.
Lord Toby Harris, chairman of National Trading Standards (NTS), said: "At a time when neighbourhoods and communities are coming together to support each other, it is despicable that heartless criminals are exploiting members of the public - including some of our most vulnerable citizens - to line their own pockets.
"I urge everyone to be on their guard for possible COVID-19 scams and to look out for vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours who may become a target for fraudsters.
"We're calling on communities to look out for one another. If you see anything suspicious, report it to Action Fraud or to speak to someone for advice, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:24 Manchester shopping centre deserted
NTS says counterfeit hand sanitisers, masks and virus-swabbing kits are being sold online and by door-to-door callers.
Some sanitisers reportedly contain a potentially harmful substance called glutaral (or glutaraldehyde), which was banned for human use in 2014.
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Bogus telephone callers are claiming to be from banks, building societies and utility companies and urging victims to reveal passwords and PIN codes.
Dodgy doorstep callers are urging victims to donate towards research for a coronavirus vaccine.
Investigators urge people to distinguish between genuine and bogus charity collectors by asking for identification.
And they warn that as financial hardship bites, loan sharks are likely to be offering to lend money at exorbitant interest rates.
Guy Parker, chief executive of the Advertising Standards Authority, said: "Consumers who see ads, whether online, in newspapers, social media, posters or elsewhere, that claim to offer cures or treatments for coronavirus should be highly sceptical."


news--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Oasis and Warehouse fashion sale plan

The women 's fashion retailers Oasis and Warehouse have begun exploring a sale even as the coronavirus pandemic forces the shutters down on its UK-wide store estate .
Sky News has learnt that The Oasis and Warehouse Group , which is owned by the failed Icelandic lender Kaupthing , has held conversations with potential buyers in the last few days .
The decision to consider a sale comes amid the most turbulent period in the history of the British high street , with all `` non-essential '' retailers ordered by the government to shut from Tuesday .
Oasis and Warehouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade from just over 90 standalone stores and a further 437 concessions in department stores such as Debenhams and Selfridges .
The talks about a sale , which are being run by Deloitte , reflect an unprecedented period of soul-searching by retailers as they explore options to bolster liquidity and plot a path back towards normal trading .
`` Like all businesses operating in these unprecedented times , we continue to work on how we can best navigate through the current challenging circumstances following the COVID-19 outbreak , '' a spokeswoman for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a key focus for the company , Oasis and Warehouse are strong brands and we have very recently received inbound interest from strategically aligned parties regarding a potential transaction .
`` We remain in dialogue with these parties , but there is no certainty at this stage that this will lead to a transaction . ''
It is not the first time that Kaupthing has held talks with bidders for brands that it was left owning after the 2008 financial crisis .
Last year , it sold Karen Millen and Coast to Boohoo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That deal , on which Deloitte also advised , was implemented through a pre-pack administration .
It was unclear on Tuesday whether a similar process would be used to expedite a sale of Oasis and Warehouse .
The chains are run by Hashim Ladha , a former executive at Sir Philip Green 's Arcadia Group and Asos , the online fashion retailer .
People close to Oasis and Warehouse say the company had shown evidence of a turnaround in its performance under Mr Ladha , but that its prospects had been derailed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future ownership of Oasis and Warehouse was expected to be determined in the coming weeks , although the current shutdown could delay the outcome of a sale .
In the last fortnight , Laura Ashley has plunged into administration , with the loss of hundreds of jobs .
Doubts have also been cast over the future of Cath Kidston , the modern vintage designer , which has appointed Alvarez & Marsal to run an accelerated sale process .
Retailers across Britain are scrambling to deal with the financial consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pay their landlords this week when their quarterly rent bills fall due .
Many are hoping to receive emergency funding from the government through schemes to pay staff up to 80 % of their salaries - as long as they do not make them redundant - and to defer VAT payments .
However , most retailers ' creditworthiness means they will not be eligible to participate in the £330bn Covid Corporate Financing Facility unveiled by Rishi Sunak , the chancellor , last week .

The women's fashion retailers Oasis and Warehouse have begun exploring a sale even as the coronavirus pandemic forces the shutters down on its UK-wide store estate.
Sky News has learnt that The Oasis and Warehouse Group, which is owned by the failed Icelandic lender Kaupthing, has held conversations with potential buyers in the last few days.
The company employs 2,300 people.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:24 Manchester shopping centre deserted
The decision to consider a sale comes amid the most turbulent period in the history of the British high street, with all "non-essential" retailers ordered by the government to shut from Tuesday.
Oasis and Warehouse, which target fashion-conscious female customers, trade from just over 90 standalone stores and a further 437 concessions in department stores such as Debenhams and Selfridges.
The talks about a sale, which are being run by Deloitte, reflect an unprecedented period of soul-searching by retailers as they explore options to bolster liquidity and plot a path back towards normal trading.
"Like all businesses operating in these unprecedented times, we continue to work on how we can best navigate through the current challenging circumstances following the COVID-19 outbreak," a spokeswoman for the company said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Lockdown: The dos and don'ts
"Whilst this remains a key focus for the company, Oasis and Warehouse are strong brands and we have very recently received inbound interest from strategically aligned parties regarding a potential transaction.
"We remain in dialogue with these parties, but there is no certainty at this stage that this will lead to a transaction."
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It is not the first time that Kaupthing has held talks with bidders for brands that it was left owning after the 2008 financial crisis.
Last year, it sold Karen Millen and Coast to Boohoo, the successful online clothing business.
That deal, on which Deloitte also advised, was implemented through a pre-pack administration.
It was unclear on Tuesday whether a similar process would be used to expedite a sale of Oasis and Warehouse.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 Central London deserted in lockdown
The chains are run by Hashim Ladha, a former executive at Sir Philip Green's Arcadia Group and Asos, the online fashion retailer.
People close to Oasis and Warehouse say the company had shown evidence of a turnaround in its performance under Mr Ladha, but that its prospects had been derailed by the pandemic.
Insiders said that the future ownership of Oasis and Warehouse was expected to be determined in the coming weeks, although the current shutdown could delay the outcome of a sale.
In the last fortnight, Laura Ashley has plunged into administration, with the loss of hundreds of jobs.
Doubts have also been cast over the future of Cath Kidston, the modern vintage designer, which has appointed Alvarez & Marsal to run an accelerated sale process.
Retailers across Britain are scrambling to deal with the financial consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Scores of prominent chains will refuse to pay their landlords this week when their quarterly rent bills fall due.
Many are hoping to receive emergency funding from the government through schemes to pay staff up to 80% of their salaries - as long as they do not make them redundant - and to defer VAT payments.
However, most retailers' creditworthiness means they will not be eligible to participate in the £330bn Covid Corporate Financing Facility unveiled by Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, last week.


news--2020-03-24--Vue chairman Crozier steps down after owners scrap sale plan

Adam Crozier is stepping down as chairman of Vue International , the UK ’ s third-biggest cinema chain , as the company and its rivals face an extended shutdown over the coronavirus pandemic .
Sky News has learnt that Mr Crozier , the former boss of ITV and the Football Association , is leaving Vue to focus on a reshuffled portfolio of directorships that includes chairing Asos , the online fashion retailer .
Insiders said the search for his successor had been underway since early January , with an appointment expected imminently .
Mr Crozier 's departure comes as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry contend with the implications of the COVID-19 outbreak , which has forced thousands of multiplex sites to temporarily close .
Vue , which is run by Tim Richards , one of the industry 's most successful entrepreneurs , had been contemplating a sale process last autumn , but was hampered by the declining valuations of many of its publicly quoted international competitors .
The British-based company enjoyed the best year in its history in 2019 in revenue and profit terms .
Mr Crozier is leaving after just under three years as Vue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Kantar , the market research business acquired by Bain Capital from WPP Group .
Vue is majority-owned by two Canadian funds : the Alberta Investment Management Corporation ( AIMCo ) and Omers , an Ontario-based pension fund manager .
They each own 37 % of the company , with the remainder held by management and employees .
The business employs more than 5,000 people in the UK , and has said it will continue to pay them through the coronavirus crisis , despite the fact that it has not been able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trades from about 90 sites in Britain , and is valued by bankers at in excess of £2bn .
Like the rest of the industry , it is likely to face a bumpy financial ride given the uncertainty over when government freedom of movement restrictions and social distancing measures will be curtailed .
`` Despite the extraordinary circumstances we find ourselves in as an industry , we are confident that we will survive , and are ready and excited to deal with the massive surge in customer demand once the current public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` Families , couples and individuals who have been cooped up at home for weeks or months will recognise more than ever that the big screen entertainment offers something they can not find in their living rooms , and we are confident of an even brighter future for Vue and the movie industry in the near future . ''
A number of anticipated blockbuster films , including the latest James Bond outing - No Time To Die - have had their releases delayed until later in the year .
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced to limit streaming quality to cope with a surge in demand across Europe .
Vue is the UK 's third-biggest cinema operator by number of screens , trailing just behind Cineworld and Odeon .
Cineworld has seen its share price plunge in recent months , with the fall accelerating in the last fortnight as investors take fright at its increasingly strained balance sheet .

Adam Crozier is stepping down as chairman of Vue International, the UK’s third-biggest cinema chain, as the company and its rivals face an extended shutdown over the coronavirus pandemic.
Sky News has learnt that Mr Crozier, the former boss of ITV and the Football Association, is leaving Vue to focus on a reshuffled portfolio of directorships that includes chairing Asos, the online fashion retailer.
Insiders said the search for his successor had been underway since early January, with an appointment expected imminently.
Mr Crozier's departure comes as the UK and swathes of the global cinema industry contend with the implications of the COVID-19 outbreak, which has forced thousands of multiplex sites to temporarily close.
Vue, which is run by Tim Richards, one of the industry's most successful entrepreneurs, had been contemplating a sale process last autumn, but was hampered by the declining valuations of many of its publicly quoted international competitors.
The British-based company enjoyed the best year in its history in 2019 in revenue and profit terms.
Mr Crozier is leaving after just under three years as Vue's chairman.
Image: Adam Crozier is the former boss of ITV and the Football Association
He recently became chairman of Kantar, the market research business acquired by Bain Capital from WPP Group.
Vue is majority-owned by two Canadian funds: the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo) and Omers, an Ontario-based pension fund manager.
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They each own 37% of the company, with the remainder held by management and employees.
The business employs more than 5,000 people in the UK, and has said it will continue to pay them through the coronavirus crisis, despite the fact that it has not been able to secure rent holidays from landlords.
Vue trades from about 90 sites in Britain, and is valued by bankers at in excess of £2bn.
Like the rest of the industry, it is likely to face a bumpy financial ride given the uncertainty over when government freedom of movement restrictions and social distancing measures will be curtailed.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 How is the lockdown affecting the high street?
"Despite the extraordinary circumstances we find ourselves in as an industry, we are confident that we will survive, and are ready and excited to deal with the massive surge in customer demand once the current public health measures are lifted," Mr Richards said.
"Families, couples and individuals who have been cooped up at home for weeks or months will recognise more than ever that the big screen entertainment offers something they cannot find in their living rooms, and we are confident of an even brighter future for Vue and the movie industry in the near future."
A number of anticipated blockbuster films, including the latest James Bond outing - No Time To Die - have had their releases delayed until later in the year.
Meanwhile, streaming services such as Netflix have been forced to limit streaming quality to cope with a surge in demand across Europe.
Vue is the UK's third-biggest cinema operator by number of screens, trailing just behind Cineworld and Odeon.
Cineworld has seen its share price plunge in recent months, with the fall accelerating in the last fortnight as investors take fright at its increasingly strained balance sheet.


news--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: World leaders to hold virtual summit on global coronavirus response

World leaders are planning an unprecedented virtual summit to coordinate a global response to the Coronavirus pandemic .
The extraordinary event will be convened in the coming days under the G20 presidency currently held by Saudi Arabia .
Saudi organisers told Sky News there is a need to agree on how to move forward collectively on the COVID-19 emergency .
The meeting would follow a virtual summit of G20 finance minsters and central bank governors that was held on Monday .
In that meeting , G20 finance ministers agreed to develop a G20 Joint Action Plan .
They discussed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other international financial institutions to `` deploy all available resources and explore additional measures needed to support financial stability and alleviate liquidity constraints for emerging markets and developing economies '' .
A Saudi official told Sky News the leaders will meet by teleconference to address the lack of cooperation over the virus outbreak across borders .
Leaders will discuss how to work in a concerted international way to improve global planning , coordinate rules on travel , increase production and distribution of medical equipment and most importantly share and disseminate information and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are unable to meet face to face but Saudi organisers are confident the summit can still be an effective step towards building a global response to the crisis .
Just as in international summits in more normal times , the leaders will meet and their experts and officials will meet virtually to follow up with concrete action .
Critics will ask why it is taking so long for world leaders to convene the summit , given the urgency of the situation .
Unfavourable comparisons have been drawn with the international response to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action saved the global financial system from possible collapse .
Gordon Brown , Britain 's prime minister during that crisis , last week said the response was being hampered by 'too much populist nationalism ' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker 'We 've had too much of America first , India first , China first .
We are finding that we are connected whether we like it or not .
We are finding that we are depending on each other whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sky 's Economics Editor Ed Conway tweeted this morning that in 2009 , the G20 came together and agreed coordinated action to bring the world back from the brink of catastrophe .
`` In the teeth of the COVID-19 crisis , which threatens even greater economic damage , the G20 agreed to….draw up an action plan , '' the tweet read .

World leaders are planning an unprecedented virtual summit to coordinate a global response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
The extraordinary event will be convened in the coming days under the G20 presidency currently held by Saudi Arabia.
Saudi organisers told Sky News there is a need to agree on how to move forward collectively on the COVID-19 emergency.
Image: Last week Saudi Arabia called for a 'virtual' G20 summit over COVID-19
The meeting would follow a virtual summit of G20 finance minsters and central bank governors that was held on Monday.
In that meeting, G20 finance ministers agreed to develop a G20 Joint Action Plan.
They discussed the role of the IMF, World Bank and other international financial institutions to "deploy all available resources and explore additional measures needed to support financial stability and alleviate liquidity constraints for emerging markets and developing economies".
A Saudi official told Sky News the leaders will meet by teleconference to address the lack of cooperation over the virus outbreak across borders.
Leaders will discuss how to work in a concerted international way to improve global planning, coordinate rules on travel, increase production and distribution of medical equipment and most importantly share and disseminate information and expertise about the virus.
Image: The role of the IMF, whose managing director is Kristalina Georgieva, will be discussed in the planned virtual summit
World leaders are unable to meet face to face but Saudi organisers are confident the summit can still be an effective step towards building a global response to the crisis.
Just as in international summits in more normal times, the leaders will meet and their experts and officials will meet virtually to follow up with concrete action.
Critics will ask why it is taking so long for world leaders to convene the summit, given the urgency of the situation.
Unfavourable comparisons have been drawn with the international response to the 2008-2009 financial crisis, where swift international action saved the global financial system from possible collapse.
Gordon Brown, Britain's prime minister during that crisis, last week said the response was being hampered by 'too much populist nationalism'.
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'We've had too much of America first, India first, China first. We are finding that we are connected whether we like it or not. We are finding that we are depending on each other whether we like it or not.'
Sky's Economics Editor Ed Conway tweeted this morning that in 2009, the G20 came together and agreed coordinated action to bring the world back from the brink of catastrophe.
"In the teeth of the COVID-19 crisis, which threatens even greater economic damage, the G20 agreed to….draw up an action plan," the tweet read.


news--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: NHS looking for 250,000 volunteers as new hospital announced

The health secretary has announced plans for a 250,000-strong volunteer force to help the NHS deal with the UK 's coronavirus outbreak .
`` We are seeking a quarter of a million volunteers , people in good health to help the NHS , for shopping , for the delivery of medicines and to support those who are shielding to protect their own health , '' Matt Hancock told the government 's daily news conference .
He was speaking after it was revealed that the UK 's death toll from COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , had risen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced that a new hospital , with capacity for 4,000 people , will open at London 's ExCel Centre next week .
The temporary Nightingale Hospital has been set up with the help of the military .
The NEC in Birmingham has also said it `` stands ready '' and is `` well equipped '' to become a temporary hospital , after reports suggested it was another location being considered by ministers .
In recent weeks the government has appealed for retired NHS staff to return to the service .
And the health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have responded , including 2,660 doctors , more than 2,500 pharmacists and other staff , and 6,147 nurses .
`` I pay tribute to each and every one of those who is returning to the NHS at its hour of need , '' Mr Hancock said .
Meanwhile , some 5,500 final-year medics and 18,700 final-year student nurses will `` move to the frontline '' next week .
Mr Hancock added that 7.5 million pieces of protective equipment , including facemasks , had been shipped out in the last 24 hours , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opened earlier on Tuesday .
: : Listen to the Daily Podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Tuesday 's news conference was the first since Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered sweeping measures to halt the spread of the coronavirus in the UK .
People are allowed outside only for `` very limited '' purposes , which are shopping for basic necessities like food and medicine , one form of daily exercise , medical and care needs , and travelling to and from work if it is `` absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from home .
In addition , all shops - apart from certain categories such as food stores and chemists - are to remain closed for at least three weeks and gatherings of more than two people have been banned .
The lockdown was announced after it became clear that some people were failing to follow the government 's advice on social distancing .
Mr Hancock said the measures announced by the government `` are not requests , they are rules '' .
People who break the lockdown rules will be given an initial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court if they do not pay .
But police chiefs warned of phone lines being inundated with calls on Monday night with questions about what movements are still permitted , while MPs have also been calling for answers .
There were pictures of packed London Tube trains on social media on Tuesday , with the government facing criticism over its policy on workers .
British Transport Police has now said 500 officers will be patrolling the rail network nationwide to remind people that only essential journeys should be made .
In particular , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stance on construction workers .
They can continue to go to work as long as they can remain two metres ( 6.5ft ) apart at all times .
`` The judgement we have made is that in work , in many instances , the two-metre rule can be applied , '' Mr Hancock said .
He added : `` Where possible , people should work from home and employers have a duty to ensure that people are more than two metres apart . ''
But some builders and construction workers have reported coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for work , while others have said they feel `` angry and unprotected '' about having to show up .
Dr Jennie Harries , deputy chief medical officer for England , said individuals should raise concerns `` very firmly '' with their bosses if they felt unsafe , but said the government could not individually cover every workplace and every scenario .
London mayor Sadiq Khan has urged the government to take the `` difficult decision '' and ban non-essential construction work .
One area of confusion that has arisen from the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in separate households should still see each other .
Dr Harries said such couples could be spreading coronavirus if they continue to meet up - and suggested they could move in together during the strict restrictions on movement .
`` If you are two individuals , two halves of the couple , living in separate households then ideally they should stay in those households , '' she said .
`` The alternative might be that , for quite a significant period going forward , they should just test the strength of their relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be resident in another household . ''
Dr Harries added : `` What we do not want is people switching in and out of households .
`` It defeats the purpose of reductions in social interactions and will allow the transmission of disease . ''

The health secretary has announced plans for a 250,000-strong volunteer force to help the NHS deal with the UK's coronavirus outbreak.
"We are seeking a quarter of a million volunteers, people in good health to help the NHS, for shopping, for the delivery of medicines and to support those who are shielding to protect their own health," Matt Hancock told the government's daily news conference.
He was speaking after it was revealed that the UK's death toll from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, had risen to 424.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Lockdown: The dos and don'ts
The health secretary also announced that a new hospital, with capacity for 4,000 people, will open at London's ExCel Centre next week.
The temporary Nightingale Hospital has been set up with the help of the military.
The NEC in Birmingham has also said it "stands ready" and is "well equipped" to become a temporary hospital, after reports suggested it was another location being considered by ministers.
In recent weeks the government has appealed for retired NHS staff to return to the service.
And the health secretary revealed that a total of 11,788 have responded, including 2,660 doctors, more than 2,500 pharmacists and other staff, and 6,147 nurses.
"I pay tribute to each and every one of those who is returning to the NHS at its hour of need," Mr Hancock said.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:08 Health Secretary: 'Police will enforce rules'
Meanwhile, some 5,500 final-year medics and 18,700 final-year student nurses will "move to the frontline" next week.
Mr Hancock added that 7.5 million pieces of protective equipment, including facemasks, had been shipped out in the last 24 hours, while a new testing facility in Milton Keynes opened earlier on Tuesday.
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:: Listen to the Daily Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Tuesday's news conference was the first since Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered sweeping measures to halt the spread of the coronavirus in the UK.
People are allowed outside only for "very limited" purposes, which are shopping for basic necessities like food and medicine, one form of daily exercise, medical and care needs, and travelling to and from work if it is "absolutely necessary" and cannot be done from home.
In addition, all shops - apart from certain categories such as food stores and chemists - are to remain closed for at least three weeks and gatherings of more than two people have been banned.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:14 Watch PM's address to the nation
The lockdown was announced after it became clear that some people were failing to follow the government's advice on social distancing.
Mr Hancock said the measures announced by the government "are not requests, they are rules".
People who break the lockdown rules will be given an initial £30 fine and could end up in court if they do not pay.
But police chiefs warned of phone lines being inundated with calls on Monday night with questions about what movements are still permitted, while MPs have also been calling for answers.
There were pictures of packed London Tube trains on social media on Tuesday, with the government facing criticism over its policy on workers.
British Transport Police has now said 500 officers will be patrolling the rail network nationwide to remind people that only essential journeys should be made.
In particular, there has been criticism of ministers' stance on construction workers.
They can continue to go to work as long as they can remain two metres (6.5ft) apart at all times.
"The judgement we have made is that in work, in many instances, the two-metre rule can be applied," Mr Hancock said.
He added: "Where possible, people should work from home and employers have a duty to ensure that people are more than two metres apart."
Image: A packed Tube train at Bethnal Green station
But some builders and construction workers have reported coming under pressure from employers to turn up for work, while others have said they feel "angry and unprotected" about having to show up.
Dr Jennie Harries, deputy chief medical officer for England, said individuals should raise concerns "very firmly" with their bosses if they felt unsafe, but said the government could not individually cover every workplace and every scenario.
London mayor Sadiq Khan has urged the government to take the "difficult decision" and ban non-essential construction work.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:08 Lockdown: Driving through London's empty streets
One area of confusion that has arisen from the government's guidelines is whether couples who live in separate households should still see each other.
Dr Harries said such couples could be spreading coronavirus if they continue to meet up - and suggested they could move in together during the strict restrictions on movement.
"If you are two individuals, two halves of the couple, living in separate households then ideally they should stay in those households," she said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 Is this the answer to NHS prayers?
"The alternative might be that, for quite a significant period going forward, they should just test the strength of their relationship and decide whether they should be permanently be resident in another household."
Dr Harries added: "What we do not want is people switching in and out of households.
"It defeats the purpose of reductions in social interactions and will allow the transmission of disease."


news--2020-03-24--Kim Kardashian hits out at Taylor Swift as feud over 2016 phone call reignites

Kim Kardashian West has hit out at Taylor Swift after an apparently leaked recording reignited their long-running feud .
The argument over the now infamous phone call between Swift and the reality TV star 's husband , rapper Kanye West , erupted once again over the weekend after a full recording of the conversation - about lyrics referencing the singer in one of his songs - appeared online .
Swift , 30 , posted a response to say it proved she had been `` framed '' but called on her fans to concentrate on more important issues and helping others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has now hit back to defend herself and her husband , and also referenced the pandemic - saying she is `` mortified '' the feud is back in the headlines while `` millions of real victims '' are `` suffering '' .
The row started with West 's 2016 song Famous , and to what extent Swift was aware he would include the lyric , `` I made that b*tch famous '' - which she later objected to and described as `` misogynistic '' .
Following its release , Kardashian West , 39 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between West and Swift on Snapchat , which appeared to reveal the singer giving her blessing .
Swift was branded a `` snake '' by many social media users and has described the period as a low point in her life .
But at the weekend , a full recording of the 25-minute conversation appeared online , apparently showing that Swift was never made aware of the `` b*tch '' lyric .
In an Instagram Story post , Swift accused the Wests of illegally recording the call , editing it and manipulating the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then putting `` me , my family , and fans through hell for 4 years '' .
Now , Kardashian West has hit back on Twitter , accusing Swift of reigniting the argument and saying the timing `` feels very self-serving '' during the coronavirus pandemic .
She then accused Swift of being a liar , adding : `` I did n't feel the need to comment a few days ago , and I 'm actually really embarrassed and mortified to be doing it right now , but because she continues to speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left without a choice but to respond because she is actually lying . ''
Addressing the initial row over the Famous lyrics , Kardashian West said her only issue was a statement from Swift 's publicist which stated : `` Kanye did not call for approval , but to ask Taylor to release his single Famous on her Twitter account . ''
In a thread of Twitter posts , Kardashian West said no one had denied the word `` b*tch '' was used without Swift 's permission .
She said : `` At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had not been fully written yet , but as everyone can see in the video , she manipulated the truth of their actual conversation in her statement when her team said she 'declined and cautioned him about releasing a song with such a strong misogynistic message . '
`` The lie was never about the word b*tch , it was always whether there was a call or not and the tone of the conversation . ''
Kardashian West , one of the world 's most successful reality TV stars who has now become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law , denied Swift 's claim she had edited the footage she shared on Snapchat .
`` The full video that recently leaked does n't change the narrative , '' she added .
She also defended West for recording the call , saying he documents the production of each of his albums - comparing it to Swift 's recent Netflix documentary , Miss Americana .
Kardashian West said the footage would have `` remained private or would have gone in the trash had she not lied & forced me to defend him '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ star finished by saying : `` Sorry to bore you all with this .
I know you are all dealing with more serious and important matters . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Swift and West have been involved in one of the most high-profile feuds in modern pop music for years .
It was triggered by West interrupting the star on stage at the 2009 MTV Video Music Award after she was announced as the winner of the prize for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stunned Swift , who was 19 at the time , `` Imma let you finish '' , but `` Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time '' .
It is this moment West references in Famous , with the lyric : `` I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex .
Why ?
I made that b*tch famous . ''
During the phone call , Swift reminded West that before the VMAs incident she had already sold seven million copies of her second album , Fearless .

Kim Kardashian West has hit out at Taylor Swift after an apparently leaked recording reignited their long-running feud.
The argument over the now infamous phone call between Swift and the reality TV star's husband, rapper Kanye West, erupted once again over the weekend after a full recording of the conversation - about lyrics referencing the singer in one of his songs - appeared online.
Swift, 30, posted a response to say it proved she had been "framed" but called on her fans to concentrate on more important issues and helping others during the coronavirus crisis.
Image: The infamous 2009 MTV VMAs moment, when Kanye West interrupted Swift's winning speech
Kardashian West has now hit back to defend herself and her husband, and also referenced the pandemic - saying she is "mortified" the feud is back in the headlines while "millions of real victims" are "suffering".
The row started with West's 2016 song Famous, and to what extent Swift was aware he would include the lyric, "I made that b*tch famous" - which she later objected to and described as "misogynistic".
Following its release, Kardashian West, 39, shared video clips of a conversation between West and Swift on Snapchat, which appeared to reveal the singer giving her blessing.
Swift was branded a "snake" by many social media users and has described the period as a low point in her life.
But at the weekend, a full recording of the 25-minute conversation appeared online, apparently showing that Swift was never made aware of the "b*tch" lyric.
In an Instagram Story post, Swift accused the Wests of illegally recording the call, editing it and manipulating the footage to "frame" her, then putting "me, my family, and fans through hell for 4 years".
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Now, Kardashian West has hit back on Twitter, accusing Swift of reigniting the argument and saying the timing "feels very self-serving" during the coronavirus pandemic.
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
She then accused Swift of being a liar, adding: "I didn't feel the need to comment a few days ago, and I'm actually really embarrassed and mortified to be doing it right now, but because she continues to speak on it, I feel I'm left without a choice but to respond because she is actually lying."
Addressing the initial row over the Famous lyrics, Kardashian West said her only issue was a statement from Swift's publicist which stated: "Kanye did not call for approval, but to ask Taylor to release his single Famous on her Twitter account."
Image: Swift, West and Kardashian West were pictured at the Grammys in 2015 - before the feud reignited again in 2016
In a thread of Twitter posts, Kardashian West said no one had denied the word "b*tch" was used without Swift's permission.
She said: "At the time when they spoke the song had not been fully written yet, but as everyone can see in the video, she manipulated the truth of their actual conversation in her statement when her team said she 'declined and cautioned him about releasing a song with such a strong misogynistic message.'
"The lie was never about the word b*tch, it was always whether there was a call or not and the tone of the conversation."
Image: Swift won six gongs at the American Music Awards last year
Kardashian West, one of the world's most successful reality TV stars who has now become a criminal justice campaigner and is studying law, denied Swift's claim she had edited the footage she shared on Snapchat.
"The full video that recently leaked doesn't change the narrative," she added.
She also defended West for recording the call, saying he documents the production of each of his albums - comparing it to Swift's recent Netflix documentary, Miss Americana.
Kardashian West said the footage would have "remained private or would have gone in the trash had she not lied & forced me to defend him".
The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star finished by saying: "Sorry to bore you all with this. I know you are all dealing with more serious and important matters."
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Swift and West have been involved in one of the most high-profile feuds in modern pop music for years.
It was triggered by West interrupting the star on stage at the 2009 MTV Video Music Award after she was announced as the winner of the prize for best female video.
He told a stunned Swift, who was 19 at the time, "Imma let you finish", but "Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time".
It is this moment West references in Famous, with the lyric: "I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex. Why? I made that b*tch famous."
During the phone call, Swift reminded West that before the VMAs incident she had already sold seven million copies of her second album, Fearless.