news--2020-04-16--Innovation agency Nesta backs UK edtech start-up BibliU

An arm of Nesta , the global innovation agency , is investing millions of pounds in an education company that works with more than 40 % of British universities to provide digital access to textbooks and research materials .
Sky News understands that Nesta Impact Investments , which backs 'mission-led ' companies with the objective of seeking a social and financial return , is leading a $ 10m Series-A funding round for BibliU , a digital learning platform .
The deal , which will be announced this week , will also include backing from Guinness Asset Management and investment clients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office .
Talks about the funding round began several months ago , prior to the coronavirus outbreak .
Start-up investors say , however , that edtech is among the technology-driven sectors expected to benefit from longer-term changes in consumption that may be driven by the COVID-19 pandemic .
Demand for online learning is also expected to grow as more adults work from home , rather than offices .
`` BibliU is proud to be an innovator for higher education , building an accessible solution for modern students - ensuring that amidst a growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ research materials are accessible to every student , '' Dave Sherwood , chief executive , said .
The company , which counts Oxford University and Imperial College London among its customers , aids students ' ability to access learning material using online platforms .
It also works with more than 2000 education publishers .
BibliU claims to have created Europe 's largest digital education content programme through a partnership with Coventry University .
Alongside the funding round , Sean Devine , an education sector veteran , is joining BibliU as chairman .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ institutions have the opportunity to harness technology to deliver new ways of learning , '' Lisa Barclay , an investment director at Nesta , said .

An arm of Nesta, the global innovation agency, is investing millions of pounds in an education company that works with more than 40% of British universities to provide digital access to textbooks and research materials.
Sky News understands that Nesta Impact Investments, which backs 'mission-led' companies with the objective of seeking a social and financial return, is leading a $10m Series-A funding round for BibliU, a digital learning platform.
The deal, which will be announced this week, will also include backing from Guinness Asset Management and investment clients of Stonehage Fleming, the international family office.
Talks about the funding round began several months ago, prior to the coronavirus outbreak.
Start-up investors say, however, that edtech is among the technology-driven sectors expected to benefit from longer-term changes in consumption that may be driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Demand for online learning is also expected to grow as more adults work from home, rather than offices.
"BibliU is proud to be an innovator for higher education, building an accessible solution for modern students - ensuring that amidst a growing necessity for remote education - textbooks and research materials are accessible to every student," Dave Sherwood, chief executive, said.
The company, which counts Oxford University and Imperial College London among its customers, aids students' ability to access learning material using online platforms.
It also works with more than 2000 education publishers.
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BibliU claims to have created Europe's largest digital education content programme through a partnership with Coventry University.
Alongside the funding round, Sean Devine, an education sector veteran, is joining BibliU as chairman.
"Now more than ever before, education institutions have the opportunity to harness technology to deliver new ways of learning," Lisa Barclay, an investment director at Nesta, said.


news--2020-04-16--Coronavirus: Mother Stacey Fresco was given hours to live but survives after being turned onto stoma

Coronavirus: Mother Stacey Fresco was given hours to live but survives after being turned onto stomach

Mother-of-two Stacey Fresco was given just hours to live by doctors battling her coronavirus - but one incredibly risky decision changed everything .
Stacey 's husband Adam was told to prepare for the worst on Mother 's Day by doctors at Whipps Cross Hospital in east London after her condition worsened in ICU .
Speaking to Sky News , Mr Fresco told how his daughters , aged 21 and 23 , read out their Mother 's Day cards to Stacey before saying goodbye to her .
He said : `` I remember saying to the doctor , 'Is there anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to save her ] that has worked anywhere else ? '
, which is an impossible question for him to answer .
`` When we were back in the waiting room , Dr Dave came back in and said , 'Look , there 's one more thing we can try ' , and he described proning .
But the caveat was that it was really risky… and would more than likely lead to a fatal heart attack .
`` But she was going to die anyway , so the three of us discussed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there was nothing left to lose , we had to try it . ''
Proning involves moving a patient onto their stomach for 12 hours to help move fluid accumulated in a patient 's lungs , increase oxygen flow and promote the use of a different part of the lungs .
Mrs Fresco 's doctor said if anything could go wrong in the COVID-19 treatment , it would go wrong `` really quickly '' , so the trio waited at the hospital .
Mr Fresco added : `` He came back after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fighting , still surviving .
He said , 'Go home , we 'll ring you if anything bad happens . '
And that night the phone did n't ring .
They turned her the next day , on Monday night , for 15 hours , and the phone did n't ring again . ''
The following day , Mr Fresco received a phone call saying the treatment was working , and by Thursday he spoke to his wife on the phone after a nurse called him .
`` I spoke to her and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she had to keep fighting , '' he said .
`` The nurse said that when Stacey heard my voice , she opened her eyes , and when I said , 'You have to keep fighting ' , she mumbled , 'Okay ' .
`` The staff there were just brilliant .
One nurse gave me her personal mobile number so I could send her a picture of myself and the kids , which she then printed out and taped to some of the equipment around Stacy 's bed . ''
He added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Stacey during her stay in ICU .
After a few days in different units , she then spent a further 20 days recovering in hospital before being sent home .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Describing her condition now , he added : `` She 's really good .
She 's exhausted , she 's very weak .
She says she feels like she 's been hit by several trucks .
But everyday I can see that she 's getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time whether it takes six weeks or six months .
We 've got time for her to recuperate , which I 'm just eternally grateful for . ''
Mr Fresco has requested people donate to the Barts Charity Trust , which Whipps Cross Hospital is a part of .

Mother-of-two Stacey Fresco was given just hours to live by doctors battling her coronavirus - but one incredibly risky decision changed everything.
Stacey's husband Adam was told to prepare for the worst on Mother's Day by doctors at Whipps Cross Hospital in east London after her condition worsened in ICU.
Speaking to Sky News, Mr Fresco told how his daughters, aged 21 and 23, read out their Mother's Day cards to Stacey before saying goodbye to her.
He said: "I remember saying to the doctor, 'Is there anything weird or wacky you can do [to save her] that has worked anywhere else?', which is an impossible question for him to answer.
Image: Stacey nearly died after contracting COVID-19. She was later saved by proning treatment
"When we were back in the waiting room, Dr Dave came back in and said, 'Look, there's one more thing we can try', and he described proning. But the caveat was that it was really risky… and would more than likely lead to a fatal heart attack.
"But she was going to die anyway, so the three of us discussed it and we came to the conclusion that there was nothing left to lose, we had to try it."
Proning involves moving a patient onto their stomach for 12 hours to help move fluid accumulated in a patient's lungs, increase oxygen flow and promote the use of a different part of the lungs.
Mrs Fresco's doctor said if anything could go wrong in the COVID-19 treatment, it would go wrong "really quickly", so the trio waited at the hospital.
Mr Fresco added: "He came back after an hour and said she was still fighting, still surviving. He said, 'Go home, we'll ring you if anything bad happens.' And that night the phone didn't ring. They turned her the next day, on Monday night, for 15 hours, and the phone didn't ring again."
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The following day, Mr Fresco received a phone call saying the treatment was working, and by Thursday he spoke to his wife on the phone after a nurse called him.
"I spoke to her and told her that we loved her, she had to keep fighting," he said. "The nurse said that when Stacey heard my voice, she opened her eyes, and when I said, 'You have to keep fighting', she mumbled, 'Okay'.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
"The staff there were just brilliant. One nurse gave me her personal mobile number so I could send her a picture of myself and the kids, which she then printed out and taped to some of the equipment around Stacy's bed."
He added medics would routinely whisper words of encouragement to Stacey during her stay in ICU. After a few days in different units, she then spent a further 20 days recovering in hospital before being sent home.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Describing her condition now, he added: "She's really good. She's exhausted, she's very weak. She says she feels like she's been hit by several trucks. But everyday I can see that she's getting slightly stronger. And we've got time whether it takes six weeks or six months. We've got time for her to recuperate, which I'm just eternally grateful for."
Mr Fresco has requested people donate to the Barts Charity Trust, which Whipps Cross Hospital is a part of.


news--2020-04-16--Coronavirus: Shirtmaker TM Lewin seeks bids amid pandemic shutdown

TM Lewin , the London-based shirtmaker founded in 1898 , is in talks with potential buyers as the coronavirus pandemic continues to wreak havoc across the British high street .
Sky News has learnt that advisers to TM Lewin 's owners have asked interested parties to submit offers for the company this week .
The auction is being run by Alantra , a corporate finance firm .
Sources said on Thursday that Bain Capital , the private equity group which has backed TM Lewin through its debt investment arm since 2015 , was keen to offload the business .
TM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK and five in Australia , is renowned as one of the most prominent names on Jermyn Street , the west end street populated by tailors and shirtmakers .
Approximately 650 of the company 's 700 staff have been furloughed under the government 's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme .
The remaining employees are involved in its digital operations and supply chain .
TM Lewin is chaired by Beatrice Lafon and run by Sven Gaede , its chief executive .
The sale process makes TM Lewin the latest in a string of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ownership during a period of extreme financial uncertainty .
Debenhams and Oasis and Warehouse Group have already called in administrators , while Cath Kidston is on the brink of insolvency as it races to find a buyer .
The owner of Office , the shoe retailer , is also canvassing interest from potential buyers .

TM Lewin, the London-based shirtmaker founded in 1898, is in talks with potential buyers as the coronavirus pandemic continues to wreak havoc across the British high street.
Sky News has learnt that advisers to TM Lewin's owners have asked interested parties to submit offers for the company this week.
The auction is being run by Alantra, a corporate finance firm.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 How is the lockdown affecting the high street?
Sources said on Thursday that Bain Capital, the private equity group which has backed TM Lewin through its debt investment arm since 2015, was keen to offload the business.
TM Lewin, which trades from 66 stores in the UK and five in Australia, is renowned as one of the most prominent names on Jermyn Street, the west end street populated by tailors and shirtmakers.
Approximately 650 of the company's 700 staff have been furloughed under the government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
The remaining employees are involved in its digital operations and supply chain.
TM Lewin is chaired by Beatrice Lafon and run by Sven Gaede, its chief executive.
The sale process makes TM Lewin the latest in a string of fashion retailers to explore a change of ownership during a period of extreme financial uncertainty.
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Debenhams and Oasis and Warehouse Group have already called in administrators, while Cath Kidston is on the brink of insolvency as it races to find a buyer.
The owner of Office, the shoe retailer, is also canvassing interest from potential buyers.
A TM Lewin spokesman declined to comment.


news--2020-04-06--Coronavirus: Will 'coronabonds' help Europe's economic recovery?

You 've heard of government bonds , you 've heard of corporate bonds and you may even have heard of muni bonds , a popular asset class in the United States .
Coming next , possibly , will be coronabonds .
But that all depends on the outcome of a huge debate in the Eurozone which is due to be settled this week .
Governments in countries such as the United States , the United Kingdom and Japan are all going to spend vast sums to navigate their way through this crisis by borrowing - issuing massive amounts of debt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Eurozone , likewise , can issue debt denominated in the euro .
However , as was seen during the Eurozone sovereign debt crisis of 2011-12 , the borrowing cost of each Eurozone member can vary dramatically depending on how investors assess the ability of each member to finance their borrowing costs .
During that crisis , the yield - a proxy for borrowing costs - on bonds issued by the Greek , Spanish , Portuguese and Italian governments shot up , reflecting an expectation among investors that they might not be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the then president of the European Central Bank ( ECB ) , rode to the rescue by saying he would do `` whatever it takes '' - which turned out to be introducing negative interest rates and buying in some €2.6trn worth of Eurozone government bonds ( quantitative easing , or QE , in the jargon ) .
Yet that episode only kicked into the long grass a debate that has continued to nag away at members of the Eurozone ever since : should the Eurozone issue debt on a joint basis ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' is on the agenda .
Such bonds would be commonly issued by the Eurozone as a whole to fund the huge amount of borrowing required for Eurozone members to navigate their way through the COVID-19 crisis .
The idea was proposed by the leaders of nine Eurozone members - France , Spain , Portugal , Italy , Ireland , Greece , Belgium , Luxembourg and Slovenia - in a letter to Charles Michel , the president of the European Council , on 25 March .
The attraction for countries like Greece and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be lower because , with the entire Eurozone standing behind their debt obligations , investors would regard them as less likely to default .
For those countries which are renowned for their frugal attitude towards borrowing , such as Austria , Finland , the Netherlands and , of course , Germany , the attraction is less obvious other than as a display of solidarity .
That , alone , is enough for some politicians in more fiscally conservative countries .
Nils Schmid , foreign affairs spokesman for the SPD - the junior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governing coalition - told the Financial Times that issuing coronabonds would show that `` we 've learned from the Eurozone debt crisis . ''
He added : `` Then , a lot of countries felt abandoned , and the aftermath of that is still being felt . ''
The attitude of Germany , as the Eurozone 's wealthiest and most important member , will determine whether the idea goes ahead .
That is why Berlin is being lobbied intensively ahead of a teleconference of the Eurozone 's 19 finance ministers on Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Allgemeine Zeitung , one of Germany 's most influential newspapers , by Thierry Breton and Paolo Gentiloni , respectively the EU 's internal market commissioner and the economy commissioner .
They wrote that the issue of collective debt would be proof of `` unshakeable solidarity '' .
That appears not to have swayed Mrs Merkel who , according to her chief of staff , continues to be sceptical about the idea .
In the absence of support from the Germans the chances are that , in classic European tradition , some kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rounds is that debt could be issued by the European Commission through the European Financial Stability Mechanism ( EFSM ) , the vehicle used to bail out Greece , Portugal and Ireland during the Eurozone sovereign debt crisis , which is funded by the EU budget .
Another is that the European Stability Mechanism ( ESM ) , the Eurozone 's bail-out fund , makes credit facilities available to all Eurozone members .
This solution is favoured by Germany and has been supported by France .
A third is that the European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes funds available that could be tapped by smaller companies .
And a fourth is the creation of a 'corona fund ' , with a fixed lifespan of five to 10 years , which would provide cheap credit to EU countries .
This has been proposed by France and is thought to be tacitly supported by the Dutch provided that it is a one-off fund .
A fifth option , seen as the most likely , would be the creation of an unemployment insurance scheme , funded by the EU budget , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to EU governments to help those workers who would otherwise lose their jobs during the current crisis .
But coronabonds themselves look too divisive .
As Christopher Dembik , head of macro analysis at Saxo Bank , puts it : `` As the Union is not facing a life-or-death crisis , it is likely that coronabonds will be out of the discussion . ''
Lorenzo Codogno , a former chief economist at the Italian Treasury and now visiting professor at the London School of Economics , warns that using the ESM might not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries because it might be seen in some quarters as a `` Trojan Horse for the Troika [ the triumvirate of the IMF , EU and ECB that enforced austerity in countries like Greece after its bail-out ] '' .
He said : `` A good result in my view would be the one in which Eurozone countries agree on a big recovery plan managed by the EIB , the Commission , or any other European institution , financed by joint long-term issuance , i.e .
safe assets . ''
So , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , the fact they are even being discussed is important .
Critics of the Eurozone have long argued the euro is unsustainable without some form of debt-sharing , or 'debt mutualisation ' in the jargon , whereby German and Dutch taxpayers stand behind the borrowings of their Greek and Italian counterparts .
The Italians were horrified when , last month , Mr Draghi 's successor at the ECB , Christine Lagarde , said it was not her job to bring down Italy 's borrowing costs relative to those of Germany .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on their own .
Much more of that and Rome may well conclude it is indeed better off outside the Eurozone .
And , in the absence of support from elsewhere in the EU or the Eurozone , such a decision might be forced by events .
As Professor Codogno puts it : `` At some point , financial markets will test Italy 's resilience and the ECB 's commitment . ''

You've heard of government bonds, you've heard of corporate bonds and you may even have heard of muni bonds, a popular asset class in the United States.
Coming next, possibly, will be coronabonds.
But that all depends on the outcome of a huge debate in the Eurozone which is due to be settled this week.
Governments in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan are all going to spend vast sums to navigate their way through this crisis by borrowing - issuing massive amounts of debt in their own currency.
Members of the Eurozone, likewise, can issue debt denominated in the euro. However, as was seen during the Eurozone sovereign debt crisis of 2011-12, the borrowing cost of each Eurozone member can vary dramatically depending on how investors assess the ability of each member to finance their borrowing costs. During that crisis, the yield - a proxy for borrowing costs - on bonds issued by the Greek, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian governments shot up, reflecting an expectation among investors that they might not be able to do so.
Mario Draghi, the then president of the European Central Bank (ECB), rode to the rescue by saying he would do "whatever it takes" - which turned out to be introducing negative interest rates and buying in some €2.6trn worth of Eurozone government bonds (quantitative easing, or QE, in the jargon).
Yet that episode only kicked into the long grass a debate that has continued to nag away at members of the Eurozone ever since: should the Eurozone issue debt on a joint basis?
This is why the idea of 'coronabonds' is on the agenda.
Such bonds would be commonly issued by the Eurozone as a whole to fund the huge amount of borrowing required for Eurozone members to navigate their way through the COVID-19 crisis.
Advertisement
The idea was proposed by the leaders of nine Eurozone members - France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece, Belgium, Luxembourg and Slovenia - in a letter to Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, on 25 March.
The attraction for countries like Greece and Italy is obvious. Their borrowing costs would be lower because, with the entire Eurozone standing behind their debt obligations, investors would regard them as less likely to default.
For those countries which are renowned for their frugal attitude towards borrowing, such as Austria, Finland, the Netherlands and, of course, Germany, the attraction is less obvious other than as a display of solidarity.
That, alone, is enough for some politicians in more fiscally conservative countries. Nils Schmid, foreign affairs spokesman for the SPD - the junior partners in German Chancellor Angela Merkel's governing coalition - told the Financial Times that issuing coronabonds would show that "we've learned from the Eurozone debt crisis."
He added: "Then, a lot of countries felt abandoned, and the aftermath of that is still being felt."
Image: Many other governments are all going to spend vast sums to recover after the pandemic
The attitude of Germany, as the Eurozone's wealthiest and most important member, will determine whether the idea goes ahead. That is why Berlin is being lobbied intensively ahead of a teleconference of the Eurozone's 19 finance ministers on Tuesday.
The latest lobbying came in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, one of Germany's most influential newspapers, by Thierry Breton and Paolo Gentiloni, respectively the EU's internal market commissioner and the economy commissioner.
They wrote that the issue of collective debt would be proof of "unshakeable solidarity".
That appears not to have swayed Mrs Merkel who, according to her chief of staff, continues to be sceptical about the idea.
In the absence of support from the Germans the chances are that, in classic European tradition, some kind of fudge will emerge.
One idea doing the rounds is that debt could be issued by the European Commission through the European Financial Stability Mechanism (EFSM), the vehicle used to bail out Greece, Portugal and Ireland during the Eurozone sovereign debt crisis, which is funded by the EU budget.
Another is that the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), the Eurozone's bail-out fund, makes credit facilities available to all Eurozone members. This solution is favoured by Germany and has been supported by France.
A third is that the European Investment Bank, another EU-wide body, makes funds available that could be tapped by smaller companies.
And a fourth is the creation of a 'corona fund', with a fixed lifespan of five to 10 years, which would provide cheap credit to EU countries. This has been proposed by France and is thought to be tacitly supported by the Dutch provided that it is a one-off fund.
A fifth option, seen as the most likely, would be the creation of an unemployment insurance scheme, funded by the EU budget, in which around €100bn would be made available to EU governments to help those workers who would otherwise lose their jobs during the current crisis.
But coronabonds themselves look too divisive.
As Christopher Dembik, head of macro analysis at Saxo Bank, puts it: "As the Union is not facing a life-or-death crisis, it is likely that coronabonds will be out of the discussion."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:13 Italy's medical community in state of trauma
Lorenzo Codogno, a former chief economist at the Italian Treasury and now visiting professor at the London School of Economics, warns that using the ESM might not be palatable to Italy and some other countries because it might be seen in some quarters as a "Trojan Horse for the Troika [the triumvirate of the IMF, EU and ECB that enforced austerity in countries like Greece after its bail-out]".
He said: "A good result in my view would be the one in which Eurozone countries agree on a big recovery plan managed by the EIB, the Commission, or any other European institution, financed by joint long-term issuance, i.e. safe assets."
So, while coronabonds may not be signed off this week, the fact they are even being discussed is important.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:24 Queen: 'We'll meet again'
Critics of the Eurozone have long argued the euro is unsustainable without some form of debt-sharing, or 'debt mutualisation' in the jargon, whereby German and Dutch taxpayers stand behind the borrowings of their Greek and Italian counterparts.
The Italians were horrified when, last month, Mr Draghi's successor at the ECB, Christine Lagarde, said it was not her job to bring down Italy's borrowing costs relative to those of Germany.
The clear implication was that the Italians were on their own.
Much more of that and Rome may well conclude it is indeed better off outside the Eurozone.
And, in the absence of support from elsewhere in the EU or the Eurozone, such a decision might be forced by events.
As Professor Codogno puts it: "At some point, financial markets will test Italy's resilience and the ECB's commitment."


news--2020-04-06--Coronavirus: World leaders wish Johnson a speedy recovery from COVID-19

US President Donald Trump has said that Americans are praying for Boris Johnson 's recovery .
Mr Trump opened his daily coronavirus news conference at the White House with a tribute to Britain 's prime minister , saying : `` I want to send best wishes to a very good friend of mine , and a friend to our nation , Prime Minister Boris Johnson .
`` We are very saddened to hear that he was taken into intensive care this afternoon .
`` Americans are all praying for his recovery - he 's been a really good friend and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , does n't quit , does n't give up . ''
Mr Trump confirmed that his administration has contacted `` all of Johnson 's doctors '' .
And the president said he has asked two leading companies that helped find treatments for AIDS and Ebola to contact London immediately .
Discussing coronavirus , he later added : `` When you get into intensive care it really , really gets serious with this disease . ''
: :Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker News that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been met with well wishes from around the world , as well as from British politicians .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak tweeted to say he was thinking about the prime minister and his pregnant fiancee , Carrie Symonds , and added : `` I know he 'll be getting the best care possible and will come out of this even stronger . ''
While in her post , the Home Secretary , Priti Patel said that she was wishing Mr Johnson a `` speedy recovery '' , and said `` we are thinking of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speaker of the House of Commons , said `` I know the thoughts and prayers of everyone across the House are with the Prime Minister and his family right now .
`` We all wish him a speedy recovery . ''
Former prime minister Theresa May offered him her thoughts and prayers - and urging people to stay at home , she warned : `` This horrific virus does not discriminate . ''
Mrs May 's predecessor David Cameron told Mr Johnson : `` We all want you safe , well and back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also been support from politicians from other parties , including the new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer , who tweeted to say it was `` terribly sad news '' .
In a post , he said : `` All the country 's thoughts are with the prime minister and his family during this incredibly difficult time . ''
His remarks were echoed by Jeremy Corbyn , who thanked the NHS for their `` hard work and dedication '' .
Former Labour leader Ed Miliband , who now holds the role of shadow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deeply concerned '' to hear about Boris Johnson 's condition .
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said that St Thomas ' Hospital , where Mr Johnson is being treated , has `` some of the finest medical staff in the world '' and that the PM `` could n't be in safer hands '' .
Acting Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey offered his `` best wishes for an early full recovery '' , and said the country must beat COVID-19 together .
Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that her `` thoughts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - sending him every good wish '' .
And the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby asked people to join him in `` praying for Boris Johnson and his loved ones '' .
Politicians across Europe have also offered their best wishes to the prime minister , with French President Emmanuel Macron saying he was thinking of Mr Johnson `` at this difficult time '' .
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez , who is also battling a major coronavirus crisis , has tweeted his `` solidarity and wishes '' to his British counterpart .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ days for our countries , but from strength and unity we will be able to win this battle .
A hug to all the British people . ''
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte offered Mr Johnson 's family `` and the British people lots of strength '' , and said he `` hoped to be able to speak to him soon in good health '' .
And Ursula von der Leyen , president of the EU Commission , offered Mr Johnson a `` speedy and full recovery '' .
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
Britain has no formal succession plan should the prime minister become incapacitated , but he has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to deputise for him `` where necessary '' .
Downing Street said last night : `` Over the course of this afternoon , the condition of the prime minister has worsened and , on the advice of his medical team , he has been moved to the intensive care unit at the hospital .
`` The PM has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deputise for him where necessary .
The PM is receiving excellent care , and thanks all NHS staff for their hard work and dedication . ''

US President Donald Trump has said that Americans are praying for Boris Johnson's recovery.
Mr Trump opened his daily coronavirus news conference at the White House with a tribute to Britain's prime minister, saying: "I want to send best wishes to a very good friend of mine, and a friend to our nation, Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
"We are very saddened to hear that he was taken into intensive care this afternoon.
Image: Donald Trump has described Boris Johnson is a 'very good friend'
"Americans are all praying for his recovery - he's been a really good friend and something very special: strong, resolute, doesn't quit, doesn't give up."
Mr Trump confirmed that his administration has contacted "all of Johnson's doctors".
And the president said he has asked two leading companies that helped find treatments for AIDS and Ebola to contact London immediately.
Discussing coronavirus, he later added: "When you get into intensive care it really, really gets serious with this disease."
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
Image: Boris Johnson's pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds has had symptoms of coronavirus
News that Mr Johnson's condition has deteriorated has been met with well wishes from around the world, as well as from British politicians.
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Chancellor Rishi Sunak tweeted to say he was thinking about the prime minister and his pregnant fiancee, Carrie Symonds, and added: "I know he'll be getting the best care possible and will come out of this even stronger."
While in her post, the Home Secretary, Priti Patel said that she was wishing Mr Johnson a "speedy recovery", and said "we are thinking of you".
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Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, said "I know the thoughts and prayers of everyone across the House are with the Prime Minister and his family right now.
"We all wish him a speedy recovery."
Former prime minister Theresa May offered him her thoughts and prayers - and urging people to stay at home, she warned: "This horrific virus does not discriminate."
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Mrs May's predecessor David Cameron told Mr Johnson: "We all want you safe, well and back in 10 Downing Street."
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There has also been support from politicians from other parties, including the new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who tweeted to say it was "terribly sad news".
In a post, he said: "All the country's thoughts are with the prime minister and his family during this incredibly difficult time."
His remarks were echoed by Jeremy Corbyn, who thanked the NHS for their "hard work and dedication".
Former Labour leader Ed Miliband, who now holds the role of shadow business secretary, said he was "deeply concerned" to hear about Boris Johnson's condition.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said that St Thomas' Hospital, where Mr Johnson is being treated, has "some of the finest medical staff in the world" and that the PM "couldn't be in safer hands".
Acting Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey offered his "best wishes for an early full recovery", and said the country must beat COVID-19 together.
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that her "thoughts are with the PM and his family - sending him every good wish".
And the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby asked people to join him in "praying for Boris Johnson and his loved ones".
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Politicians across Europe have also offered their best wishes to the prime minister, with French President Emmanuel Macron saying he was thinking of Mr Johnson "at this difficult time".
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is also battling a major coronavirus crisis, has tweeted his "solidarity and wishes" to his British counterpart.
He added: "These are difficult days for our countries, but from strength and unity we will be able to win this battle. A hug to all the British people."
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte offered Mr Johnson's family "and the British people lots of strength", and said he "hoped to be able to speak to him soon in good health".
And Ursula von der Leyen, president of the EU Commission, offered Mr Johnson a "speedy and full recovery".
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Britain has no formal succession plan should the prime minister become incapacitated, but he has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to deputise for him "where necessary".
Downing Street said last night: "Over the course of this afternoon, the condition of the prime minister has worsened and, on the advice of his medical team, he has been moved to the intensive care unit at the hospital.
"The PM has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is the first secretary of state, to deputise for him where necessary. The PM is receiving excellent care, and thanks all NHS staff for their hard work and dedication."


news--2020-04-06--Coronavirus: Derbyshire police officer's megaphone rap gave 'inaccurate' advice

Derbyshire police have said an officer who gave inaccurate messages in a coronavirus rap was trying to spread advice in a `` lighthearted way '' .
A video of the message echoing from the window of a police car has attracted a mixed response on social media .
The officer says through a megaphone : `` Yo , this is Derby police .
Do n't be afraid , we come in peace .
We 've got a message , so listen up quick .
Take our advice and you may not get sick .
`` Stay at home whenever you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the streets with your fam .
Do n't walk around in two or more , or we 'll come knocking at your door .
`` Only go to the shop for essential things , like bread , milk , fruit and cheese strings .
Go stretch your legs , but only one time .
Do as we say or you might get a fine .
`` Please help us to fight this disease .
Lots of love from your favourite PCs . ''
Derbyshire Police spokesman Joey Severn said the rap was an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We encourage our officers to engage in the public in many ways , '' he said .
`` We try to do what we think will make the biggest impression on the public .
We will try any way possible to get our message across to people . ''
Another Derbyshire Police spokesman later told Sky News the officer `` took some 'artistic licence ' with the guidelines , as some of the points she makes are not entirely accurate '' .
He said it was `` not strictly true that you 'should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or more ' - as if you are exercising with members of the same household this may be in a small group of more than two '' .
`` The same applies to 'Do n't go on the streets with your fam ' - as again if these family members are from the same household and you are taking your daily exercise then this would be permissible . ''
The spokesman said he hoped people would accept the rap as `` a lighthearted attempt to deliver the advice '' , adding that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are an essential food item .
The person who posted the video praised the `` brilliant '' rap , but the majority of comments were n't so complimentary .
`` How embarrassing , '' wrote one person on social media , while another said the police were now `` a laughing stock '' .
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Derbyshire police 's lockdown tactics also attracted attention recently when they used drones to film people walking in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a bid to stop people flocking to a scenic spot .

Derbyshire police have said an officer who gave inaccurate messages in a coronavirus rap was trying to spread advice in a "lighthearted way".
A video of the message echoing from the window of a police car has attracted a mixed response on social media.
The officer says through a megaphone: "Yo, this is Derby police. Don't be afraid, we come in peace. We've got a message, so listen up quick. Take our advice and you may not get sick.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 Lockdown: The dos and don'ts
"Stay at home whenever you can. Don't go out on the streets with your fam. Don't walk around in two or more, or we'll come knocking at your door.
"Only go to the shop for essential things, like bread, milk, fruit and cheese strings. Go stretch your legs, but only one time. Do as we say or you might get a fine.
"Please help us to fight this disease. Lots of love from your favourite PCs."
Derbyshire Police spokesman Joey Severn said the rap was an initiative of one police officer.
"We encourage our officers to engage in the public in many ways," he said.
"We try to do what we think will make the biggest impression on the public. We will try any way possible to get our message across to people."
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Another Derbyshire Police spokesman later told Sky News the officer "took some 'artistic licence' with the guidelines, as some of the points she makes are not entirely accurate".
He said it was "not strictly true that you 'shouldn't walk around in groups of two or more' - as if you are exercising with members of the same household this may be in a small group of more than two".
"The same applies to 'Don't go on the streets with your fam' - as again if these family members are from the same household and you are taking your daily exercise then this would be permissible."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:27 Derbyshire police use drone to catch hikers
The spokesman said he hoped people would accept the rap as "a lighthearted attempt to deliver the advice", adding that he would not comment on whether cheese strings are an essential food item.
The person who posted the video praised the "brilliant" rap, but the majority of comments weren't so complimentary.
"How embarrassing," wrote one person on social media, while another said the police were now "a laughing stock".
:: Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Derbyshire police's lockdown tactics also attracted attention recently when they used drones to film people walking in the countryside and dyed bright blue water black in a bid to stop people flocking to a scenic spot.


news--2020-04-06--Coronavirus: 'Don't underestimate how unpleasant this will be,' body recovery teams warned

Members of special body recovery teams tasked with collecting people who have died in their homes after contracting coronavirus have been warned they should not `` underestimate how unpleasant this task is going to be '' .
Training is taking place for small units of police , fire brigade and health service staff , who have been assembled in an effort to ease pressure on under-strain hospitals and the London Ambulance Service ( LAS ) during the COVID-19 crisis .
Clad head-to-toe in personal protective equipment ( PPE ) , the teams will attend houses , care homes , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identity of the deceased , and support bereaved families before they are taken to a mortuary .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Pandemic Multi-Agency Response Teams ( Pmart ) , began work in the capital last week amid projections that around one third of suspected coronavirus deaths could happen outside hospitals .
Metropolitan Police Superintendent Wayne Matthews told them not to `` underestimate how unpleasant this task is going to be '' .
He said : `` This is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are asking the officers to do is essentially deal with one fatality , then another and then another .
`` So obviously the mental robustness and physical aptitude to be able to do this is why we asked for volunteers , people who felt they were able to do this . ''
He added that after dealing with a case , the teams had the option of a `` decompression period '' to deal with any mental toll .
`` The numbers we 're working on are 30 % of fatalities in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community , '' Supt .
Matthews continued .
`` It 's recognised and understood that this is a difficult task , a very challenging task , for our staff and all of the blue light responders who are involved in this so we have been clear that anyone involved will be a volunteer . ''
Bereaved families are being asked not to travel to register offices to notify officials of relatives ' deaths , as register offices will contact them by phone .
Families will still choose their own funeral directors to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said detectives on the squads would also assess the scene of deaths for any signs of `` suspicious circumstances '' .
`` We understand people are now socially isolating , people are being held and that can obviously put up instances of domestic abuse , '' he said .
`` We need to make sure that in any of the mortality we are dealing with there are no suspicious circumstances . ''
A total of eight units are operating across the capital at any one time around the clock , made up of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a clinician , volunteers were told .
Where a clinician is not available to confirm the death , LAS staff will be sent to addresses separately .
Firefighter Lisa Barker , 28 , said she signed up to help ease pressure on health services and allow them to prioritise emergency cases .
She said : `` Everyone 's of the same mindset ... we want to serve the people of London in the best capacity we can .
`` If you are in a position you can volunteer and be part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the end of their lives , preserve that dignity , everyone 's happy to do that and step up . ''

Members of special body recovery teams tasked with collecting people who have died in their homes after contracting coronavirus have been warned they should not "underestimate how unpleasant this task is going to be".
Training is taking place for small units of police, fire brigade and health service staff, who have been assembled in an effort to ease pressure on under-strain hospitals and the London Ambulance Service (LAS) during the COVID-19 crisis.
Clad head-to-toe in personal protective equipment (PPE), the teams will attend houses, care homes, and hospices to confirm the death and the identity of the deceased, and support bereaved families before they are taken to a mortuary.
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 Pandemic Multi-Agency Response Teams (Pmart), began work in the capital last week amid projections that around one third of suspected coronavirus deaths could happen outside hospitals.
Metropolitan Police Superintendent Wayne Matthews told them not to "underestimate how unpleasant this task is going to be".
He said: "This is a very emotionally demanding role.
"What we are asking the officers to do is essentially deal with one fatality, then another and then another.
"So obviously the mental robustness and physical aptitude to be able to do this is why we asked for volunteers, people who felt they were able to do this."
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He added that after dealing with a case, the teams had the option of a "decompression period" to deal with any mental toll.
"The numbers we're working on are 30% of fatalities in relation to COVID-19 will occur within the community," Supt. Matthews continued.
"It's recognised and understood that this is a difficult task, a very challenging task, for our staff and all of the blue light responders who are involved in this so we have been clear that anyone involved will be a volunteer."
Bereaved families are being asked not to travel to register offices to notify officials of relatives' deaths, as register offices will contact them by phone.
Families will still choose their own funeral directors to make arrangements for loved ones.
Mr Matthews said detectives on the squads would also assess the scene of deaths for any signs of "suspicious circumstances".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 14:54 The lives and fortunes of those living in the UK during the COVID-19 crisis
"We understand people are now socially isolating, people are being held and that can obviously put up instances of domestic abuse," he said.
"We need to make sure that in any of the mortality we are dealing with there are no suspicious circumstances."
A total of eight units are operating across the capital at any one time around the clock, made up of a police constable, detective, firefighter and a clinician, volunteers were told.
Where a clinician is not available to confirm the death, LAS staff will be sent to addresses separately.
Firefighter Lisa Barker, 28, said she signed up to help ease pressure on health services and allow them to prioritise emergency cases.
She said: "Everyone's of the same mindset... we want to serve the people of London in the best capacity we can.
"If you are in a position you can volunteer and be part of a solution to help Londoners, even at the end of their lives, preserve that dignity, everyone's happy to do that and step up."


news--2020-04-06--Coronavirus: 1.3 billion smokers urged to quit to reduce COVID-19 risks

All smokers have been urged to quit their habit and cigarette companies have been told to stop producing and selling tobacco during the coronavirus pandemic .
Professor John Newton , Public Health England 's director of health , said `` there has never been a more important time to stop smoking , not only for your own health but to protect those around you '' .
COVID-19 attacks the respiratory system and smoking can cause damage to the lungs and airways .
PHE officials also highlighted a survey from Wuhan , China , where the outbreak began , which found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more likely to develop severe disease .
As well as smoking , the study found age , maximum body temperature on admission and respiratory failure were among other significant factors .
The study took place between 30 December last year and 15 January 2020 and was published in the Chinese Medical Journal .
An additional warning for smokers from PHE is that the virus can be given an easier route of entry into a person 's body during the act of smoking which sees the smoker repeatedly raise their hands to their mouth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for people to quit smoking in light of the pandemic .
Experts from the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease have said they are `` deeply concerned '' about coronavirus ' impact on the world 's 1.3 billion smokers - particularly those in poorer countries whose healthcare systems are already overburdened .
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Gan Quan , a public health specialist and director of the union , said : `` The best thing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to immediately stop producing , marketing and selling tobacco . ''
Mr Quan said governments around the world have a `` moral imperative '' to advise smokers to stop .
`` This is the absolute best time to quit smoking , '' he said .
The World Health Organisation and the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention also warned smoking can expose people to serious complications from COVID-19 .

All smokers have been urged to quit their habit and cigarette companies have been told to stop producing and selling tobacco during the coronavirus pandemic.
Professor John Newton, Public Health England's director of health, said "there has never been a more important time to stop smoking, not only for your own health but to protect those around you".
COVID-19 attacks the respiratory system and smoking can cause damage to the lungs and airways.
Image: The world's 1.3bn smokers have been told to quit as COVID-19 can affect them more severely
PHE officials also highlighted a survey from Wuhan, China, where the outbreak began, which found smokers who developed COVID-19 were 14 times more likely to develop severe disease.
As well as smoking, the study found age, maximum body temperature on admission and respiratory failure were among other significant factors.
The study took place between 30 December last year and 15 January 2020 and was published in the Chinese Medical Journal.
An additional warning for smokers from PHE is that the virus can be given an easier route of entry into a person's body during the act of smoking which sees the smoker repeatedly raise their hands to their mouth.
PHE is not alone in calling for people to quit smoking in light of the pandemic.
Experts from the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease have said they are "deeply concerned" about coronavirus' impact on the world's 1.3 billion smokers - particularly those in poorer countries whose healthcare systems are already overburdened.
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Gan Quan, a public health specialist and director of the union, said: "The best thing the tobacco industry can do to fight COVID-19 is to immediately stop producing, marketing and selling tobacco."
Mr Quan said governments around the world have a "moral imperative" to advise smokers to stop.
"This is the absolute best time to quit smoking," he said.
The World Health Organisation and the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention also warned smoking can expose people to serious complications from COVID-19.


news--2020-04-06--Speeding driver tells police he broke virus lockdown to drive 120 miles for 'cheap bread'

A motorist caught speeding at 110mph told police he had travelled more than 100 miles to London to buy bread @ @ @ @ @ Officers stopped the man at about 10:40pm on Sunday as he was heading back to @ @ @ @ @ He was with his two young children and told police he had travelled to the @ @ @ @ @ bread was £1 cheaper there during the coronavirus outbreak .
The driver was given two @ @ @ @ @ to court for the speeding , Leicestershire Police said .
The distance between Nottingham and @ @ @ @ @ miles and police said the man was stopped near Junction 22 in Leicestershire .
The @ @ @ @ @ of the fine , the force said .
The second notice was under the Health @ @ @ @ @ comes with a £60 fine .
It came into force in March to give police @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus lockdown restrictions .

A motorist caught speeding at 110mph told police he had travelled more than 100 miles to London to buy bread because it was cheaper.
Officers stopped the man at about 10:40pm on Sunday as he was heading back to Nottingham on the M1.
He was with his two young children and told police he had travelled to the capital because a loaf of bread was £1 cheaper there during the coronavirus outbreak.
The driver was given two fixed penalty notices and reported to court for the speeding, Leicestershire Police said.
The distance between Nottingham and London is more than 120 miles and police said the man was stopped near Junction 22 in Leicestershire.
The courts will decide the level of the fine, the force said.
The second notice was under the Health Protection Regulations 2020, which comes with a £60 fine.
It came into force in March to give police powers to punish anyone breaking the coronavirus lockdown restrictions.


news--2020-04-06--Coronavirus: Aliens and Emmerdale actor Jay Benedict dies 'due to COVID-19 complications'

Actor Jay Benedict , who appeared in a range of films and TV shows , from Aliens to Emmerdale , has died due to complications from coronavirus .
The actor , who also appeared in Batman film The Dark Knight Rises alongside Christian Bale and Tom Hardy , died on Saturday , aged 68 .
A statement posted on his website said : `` It is with profound sorrow that we must announce Jay 's death on the 4th of April due to complications arising from a COVID-19 infection . ''
Benedict played Newt 's father in Alien sequel Aliens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starred in Emmerdale in 1997 , playing businessman Doug Hamilton .
During a career in entertainment spanning more than 40 years , he also appeared in UK TV favourites including The Bill , Jonathan Creek , Casualty and Foyle 's War .
On stage , he starred in The Trial Of Jane Fonda , and Two-Way Mirror , alongside Abi Titmuss .
Born in California , Benedict 's family left the US for Europe when he was a child .
As well as his acting career , he also lent his voice to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifts , theatre foyers and other public spaces .
`` The irritatingly soothing voice requesting that you take your seat and switch off your mobile phone is quite probably him , '' his website says .
He also worked behind the camera , running post-production company Sync Or Swim , with recent projects including Downton Abbey , Dickensian and Call The Midwife .
Benedict is one of several famous faces who have died after contracting coronavirus .
British comedian Eddie Large , Fountains Of Wayne frontman Adam Schlesinger , US country star Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' Roll songwriter Alan Merrill all died last week .
Other stars , including Tom Hanks and Idris Elba , have recovered after testing positive for the disease .

Actor Jay Benedict, who appeared in a range of films and TV shows, from Aliens to Emmerdale, has died due to complications from coronavirus.
The actor, who also appeared in Batman film The Dark Knight Rises alongside Christian Bale and Tom Hardy, died on Saturday, aged 68.
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A statement posted on his website said: "It is with profound sorrow that we must announce Jay's death on the 4th of April due to complications arising from a COVID-19 infection."
Benedict played Newt's father in Alien sequel Aliens alongside Sigourney Weaver in 1986, and starred in Emmerdale in 1997, playing businessman Doug Hamilton.
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During a career in entertainment spanning more than 40 years, he also appeared in UK TV favourites including The Bill, Jonathan Creek, Casualty and Foyle's War.
On stage, he starred in The Trial Of Jane Fonda, and Two-Way Mirror, alongside Abi Titmuss.
Born in California, Benedict's family left the US for Europe when he was a child.
As well as his acting career, he also lent his voice to video games and TV adverts - plus lifts, theatre foyers and other public spaces. "The irritatingly soothing voice requesting that you take your seat and switch off your mobile phone is quite probably him," his website says.
He also worked behind the camera, running post-production company Sync Or Swim, with recent projects including Downton Abbey, Dickensian and Call The Midwife.
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Image: Benedict starred on stage alongside Abi Titmuss in Two-Way Mirror
Benedict is one of several famous faces who have died after contracting coronavirus.
British comedian Eddie Large, Fountains Of Wayne frontman Adam Schlesinger, US country star Joe Diffie and I Love Rock 'n' Roll songwriter Alan Merrill all died last week.
Other stars, including Tom Hanks and Idris Elba, have recovered after testing positive for the disease.


news--2020-04-06--Coronavirus: Deaths in Spain fall for fourth day in a row

Coronavirus deaths in Spain have slowed for the fourth day in a row , with emergency rooms in the Madrid region returning almost to normal a week after being stretched to breaking point .
Spain has been hit hard by the pandemic and is second only to Italy for the number of people who have died from COVID-19 .
The downturn in fatalities comes as its government considers a gradual relaxation of the lockdown which has been in place since the middle of March .
On Monday , Spain reported 637 deaths over the previous 24 hours , a further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 809 on Saturday , 932 on Friday and 950 on Thursday .
It is the lowest number of death in 13 days - but more than 13,055 people have died in total .
`` The pandemic 's growth rate is slowing down in almost every region , '' said Maria Jose Sierra , deputy head of Spain ’ s health emergency committee .
Monday 's data also showed total cases rose to 135,032 , the highest in Europe and second in the world after the United States .
However , the 4,273 new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks .
Stress on emergency rooms in Madrid , which has a population of 6.6 million in its metropolitan area , is beginning to ease .
The regional government reported that patients waiting for treatment had dropped to 390 cases , around a tenth of the arrivals compared with last week .
`` What we are considering now is the return of beds that have been used for positive COVID patients to transform them back to the normal activity in hospitals , '' said Madrid 's regional health minister , Enrique Ruiz .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials have said testing would need to be carried out much more extensively , including to identify carriers who may have no symptoms or only very mild symptoms .
`` We are preparing ourselves for de-escalation for which it is important to know who is contaminated to be able to gradually lift Spanish citizens ' lockdown , '' said foreign minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya .
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the lockdown is set to last until at least 26 April , meaning the country will have been in quarantine for six weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some restrictions after Easter .
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Spaniards - like many across Europe and the world - are becoming restless and frustrated with the quarantine measures .
Robert from Zaragoza tweeted : `` I 'd love to be in a bar , listening to good music and accompanied by many litres of beer - but no , I 'm lying in bed and already sick of this confinement .
`` I only hope at some @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Coronavirus deaths in Spain have slowed for the fourth day in a row, with emergency rooms in the Madrid region returning almost to normal a week after being stretched to breaking point.
Spain has been hit hard by the pandemic and is second only to Italy for the number of people who have died from COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:10 Spanish doctors forced into tough decisions
The downturn in fatalities comes as its government considers a gradual relaxation of the lockdown which has been in place since the middle of March.
On Monday, Spain reported 637 deaths over the previous 24 hours, a further drop from the 674 on Sunday, 809 on Saturday, 932 on Friday and 950 on Thursday.
It is the lowest number of death in 13 days - but more than 13,055 people have died in total.
"The pandemic's growth rate is slowing down in almost every region," said Maria Jose Sierra, deputy head of Spain’s health emergency committee.
Image: Spain has seen more than 13,000 die after contracting the virus
Monday's data also showed total cases rose to 135,032, the highest in Europe and second in the world after the United States.
However, the 4,273 new infections recorded is the lowest in two weeks.
Stress on emergency rooms in Madrid, which has a population of 6.6 million in its metropolitan area, is beginning to ease.
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The regional government reported that patients waiting for treatment had dropped to 390 cases, around a tenth of the arrivals compared with last week.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:24 Elation as 94-year-old beats COVID-19 in Spain
"What we are considering now is the return of beds that have been used for positive COVID patients to transform them back to the normal activity in hospitals," said Madrid's regional health minister, Enrique Ruiz.
Before the lockdown is relaxed, Spanish officials have said testing would need to be carried out much more extensively, including to identify carriers who may have no symptoms or only very mild symptoms.
Image: The country has been on lockdown since mid-March
"We are preparing ourselves for de-escalation for which it is important to know who is contaminated to be able to gradually lift Spanish citizens' lockdown," said foreign minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the lockdown is set to last until at least 26 April, meaning the country will have been in quarantine for six weeks.
However, he is considering easing some restrictions after Easter.
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Spaniards - like many across Europe and the world - are becoming restless and frustrated with the quarantine measures.
Robert from Zaragoza tweeted: "I'd love to be in a bar, listening to good music and accompanied by many litres of beer - but no, I'm lying in bed and already sick of this confinement.
"I only hope at some point we return to normality."


news--2020-04-06--Coronavirus: Calls to National Domestic Abuse Helpline rise by 25% in lockdown

There has been a 25 % rise in phone calls to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline in a five-day period in the coronavirus lockdown , according to the support charity Refuge .
The organisation reported the increase in calls during the week beginning 30 March , seven days after Prime Minister Boris Johnson introduced significant restrictions on the movement of people in the UK .
Refuge also said visits to their website , nationaldahelpline.org.uk , in that same period had gone up by 150 % compared with the last week in February .
The charity 's chief executive Sandra Horley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` aggravate pre-existing abuse behaviours '' by abusers .
`` While in lockdown or self-isolation , women and children are likely to be spending concentrated periods of time with perpetrators , potentially escalating the threat of domestic abuse and further restricting their freedom . ''
Ms Horley emphasised that domestic abuse is not always physical , but rather a `` pattern of controlling , threatening and coercive behaviour , which can also be emotional , economic , psychological or sexual .
`` Abuse is a choice a perpetrator makes , and isolation is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tool of control . ''
Government guidelines say the public must remain at home as much as possible in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 - people should shop for groceries as infrequently as possible and only leave their house for one form of exercise a day .
But there have been concerns that the measures leave domestic abuse victims vulnerable .
Sky News previously spoke to one victim who said being told to stay home with an abusive partner had made things `` much more intense '' .
`` I feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It 's absolutely draining , emotionally and mentally .
`` Usually it 's quite easy to get out and away from a situation but obviously at times like this you ca n't get out and away .
Routes of escape are very , very limited , '' they told Sky 's Katerina Vittozzi .
Additional financial hardship due to job losses , looking after children full-time and many more hours at home were also adding to their strain .
`` This immense pressure can become catastrophic .
I can see how emotional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some cases .
`` I wake up dreading to wake up .
And go to sleep dreading to go to sleep because I know I 'll have to wake up and do it all again , '' they said .
The Home Secretary Priti Patel has said abuse victims can leave their homes in order to escape their perpetrators .
In a column released by the Mail on Sunday at the end of March , Ms Patel said she realised that homes were not a `` safe haven '' for everyone , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their crimes .
But Labour 's shadow policing minister Louise Haigh has called for the government to implement a national strategy on domestic abuse and lockdown , as well as emergency funding .
`` In the midst of COVID-19 , '' she said on Twitter , `` we ... absolutely should have a Domestic Abuse Register to enable the police to monitor offenders and provide support to victims '' .
The Home Secretary has also been urged by more than 50 specialist black and ethnic minority organisations to provide additional funds for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the added strain .
The signatories of a letter produced by the Step Up Migrant Women coalition warn that Ms Patel 's pledges do not go far enough .
The group also says those who are abused should be treated as victims first by prioritising their safety before their immigration status .
`` At a time when safety and healthcare is what we all need , migrant women victims of domestic abuse are denied these fundamental lifelines , '' the letter organised by the Latin American Women 's Rights Service and Amnesty International @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Step Up Migrant Women coalition reports that four in five migrant women are turned away from refuges and are often too scared to seek healthcare The coalition also says migrant women are prevented from reporting domestic abuse to the police as perpetrators threaten them with deportation .
If you suspect you are being abused and need to speak to someone , there are people who can help you .

There has been a 25% rise in phone calls to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline in a five-day period in the coronavirus lockdown, according to the support charity Refuge.
The organisation reported the increase in calls during the week beginning 30 March, seven days after Prime Minister Boris Johnson introduced significant restrictions on the movement of people in the UK.
Refuge also said visits to their website, nationaldahelpline.org.uk, in that same period had gone up by 150% compared with the last week in February.
The charity's chief executive Sandra Horley has said self-isolation has the potential to "aggravate pre-existing abuse behaviours" by abusers.
Image: 'Isolation is already used by many perpetrators as a tool of control', Refuge's chief executive has said
"While in lockdown or self-isolation, women and children are likely to be spending concentrated periods of time with perpetrators, potentially escalating the threat of domestic abuse and further restricting their freedom."
Ms Horley emphasised that domestic abuse is not always physical, but rather a "pattern of controlling, threatening and coercive behaviour, which can also be emotional, economic, psychological or sexual.
"Abuse is a choice a perpetrator makes, and isolation is already used by many perpetrators as a tool of control."
Government guidelines say the public must remain at home as much as possible in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 - people should shop for groceries as infrequently as possible and only leave their house for one form of exercise a day.
But there have been concerns that the measures leave domestic abuse victims vulnerable.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:36 Sky News' Katerina Vittozzi speaks to a woman with an abusive partner who now has to spend more time with him under lockdown
Sky News previously spoke to one victim who said being told to stay home with an abusive partner had made things "much more intense".
"I feel like I'm in a big fog. It's absolutely draining, emotionally and mentally.
"Usually it's quite easy to get out and away from a situation but obviously at times like this you can't get out and away. Routes of escape are very, very limited," they told Sky's Katerina Vittozzi.
Image: Charities and Labour says the home secretary's pledges to help domestic abuse victims do not go far enough
Additional financial hardship due to job losses, looking after children full-time and many more hours at home were also adding to their strain.
"This immense pressure can become catastrophic. I can see how emotional and mental abuse could turn physical in some cases.
"I wake up dreading to wake up. And go to sleep dreading to go to sleep because I know I'll have to wake up and do it all again," they said.
The Home Secretary Priti Patel has said abuse victims can leave their homes in order to escape their perpetrators.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:28 Sophy Ridge has been talking to Labour MP Rosie Duffield who shared her experience of domestic abuse in the House of Commons
In a column released by the Mail on Sunday at the end of March, Ms Patel said she realised that homes were not a "safe haven" for everyone, and pledged that domestic abusers will be punished for their crimes.
But Labour's shadow policing minister Louise Haigh has called for the government to implement a national strategy on domestic abuse and lockdown, as well as emergency funding.
"In the midst of COVID-19," she said on Twitter, "we...absolutely should have a Domestic Abuse Register to enable the police to monitor offenders and provide support to victims".
Image: Step Up Migrant Women, a coalition of more than 50 specialist black and ethnic minority organisations, warns Ms Patel needs to do more
The Home Secretary has also been urged by more than 50 specialist black and ethnic minority organisations to provide additional funds for frontline services to help them cope with the added strain.
The signatories of a letter produced by the Step Up Migrant Women coalition warn that Ms Patel's pledges do not go far enough.
The group also says those who are abused should be treated as victims first by prioritising their safety before their immigration status.
"At a time when safety and healthcare is what we all need, migrant women victims of domestic abuse are denied these fundamental lifelines," the letter organised by the Latin American Women's Rights Service and Amnesty International UK said.
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 Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The Step Up Migrant Women coalition reports that four in five migrant women are turned away from refuges and are often too scared to seek healthcare
The coalition also says migrant women are prevented from reporting domestic abuse to the police as perpetrators threaten them with deportation.
If you suspect you are being abused and need to speak to someone, there are people who can help you.
:: The National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247
:: Women's Aid
:: Refuge
:: Respect, the helpline for male domestic abuse victims: 0808 8010327
:: Galop, the LGBT+ anti-violence charity: 0800 999 5428


news--2020-04-05--Coronavirus: Queen draws on wartime spirit in emotional message to nation

This was an historic address .
Emotional and heartfelt .
Words of solidarity and support from the Queen in her own personally written message .
During her 68-year reign she has witnessed many moments of crisis and national tragedy but even Britain 's longest reigning monarch has never experienced a global pandemic of this kind before .
There was talk of the difficulties we are all facing , how the coronavirus crisis has disrupted all of our lives , how families are separated , and in the worst cases grieving the loss of their relatives .
But drawing on her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proud member of the wartime generation , her words appeared to embody that wartime spirit , encouraging the country to remain united and resolute .
Nobody could miss the echoes of that famous Second World War song by Dame Vera Lynn as her majesty said : `` We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure , better days will return : we will be with our friends again ; we will be with our families again ; we will meet again . ''
At a time of so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regularly repeat how proud she is of how the country is dealing with the crisis .
Describing her gratitude for the hard work of all the NHS staff and all the key workers keeping the country going .
Although this message was written by the Queen and her advisers , we know that Number 10 would have had sight of it before it was recorded and maybe suggested a few points that if possible they would like included .
But in many ways it was only natural the Queen would refer to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was done in a softly softly way , praising those who are sticking to the guidelines , in the hope we 'll all continue to obey the advice .
Her message was n't just heard in homes across the UK , but across the Commonwealth and the rest of the world .
She is recognised globally as a head of state without equal , and respected for her decades of public service and duty .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said : `` While we have faced challenges before , this one is different .
This time we join with all nations across the globe in a common endeavour , using the great advances of science and our instinctive compassion to heal .
We will succeed - and that success will belong to every one of us . ''
The decision to release this message was hugely significant .
It is only the fifth time in her 68-year reign that the Queen has recorded a televised address of this kind .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the UK went into lockdown , there is a need to lift morale , as we 're warned that harder times are still to come .
Once again the Queen has provided a sense of reassurance , bringing the country together to watch her message , and encouraging unity as she has done so many times before .

The historic address was the fifth time that the Queen has recorded a televised address of this kind in her 68-year reign.
This was an historic address. Emotional and heartfelt. Words of solidarity and support from the Queen in her own personally written message.
During her 68-year reign she has witnessed many moments of crisis and national tragedy but even Britain's longest reigning monarch has never experienced a global pandemic of this kind before.
There was talk of the difficulties we are all facing, how the coronavirus crisis has disrupted all of our lives, how families are separated, and in the worst cases grieving the loss of their relatives.
But drawing on her decades of life experience and as a proud member of the wartime generation, her words appeared to embody that wartime spirit, encouraging the country to remain united and resolute.
Nobody could miss the echoes of that famous Second World War song by Dame Vera Lynn as her majesty said: "We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again."
At a time of so much uncertainty, the Queen chose to regularly repeat how proud she is of how the country is dealing with the crisis.
Describing her gratitude for the hard work of all the NHS staff and all the key workers keeping the country going.
Although this message was written by the Queen and her advisers, we know that Number 10 would have had sight of it before it was recorded and maybe suggested a few points that if possible they would like included.
But in many ways it was only natural the Queen would refer to the current advice to stay indoors, but it was done in a softly softly way, praising those who are sticking to the guidelines, in the hope we'll all continue to obey the advice.
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Her message wasn't just heard in homes across the UK, but across the Commonwealth and the rest of the world. She is recognised globally as a head of state without equal, and respected for her decades of public service and duty.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
She was speaking to the world when she said: "While we have faced challenges before, this one is different. This time we join with all nations across the globe in a common endeavour, using the great advances of science and our instinctive compassion to heal. We will succeed - and that success will belong to every one of us."
The decision to release this message was hugely significant. It is only the fifth time in her 68-year reign that the Queen has recorded a televised address of this kind.
And the timing was crucial, two weeks since the UK went into lockdown, there is a need to lift morale, as we're warned that harder times are still to come.
Once again the Queen has provided a sense of reassurance, bringing the country together to watch her message, and encouraging unity as she has done so many times before.