news--2020-05-01--Canadian pensioners lead £12m funding for cash deposit platform Flagstone

The venture capital arm of one of Canada 's biggest pension funds is leading a £12m fundraising for a London-based fintech backed by MoneySuperMarket , the price comparison site .
Sky News understands that OMERS Ventures has become a shareholder in Flagstone , a cash deposit platform which transmits money between accounts from well-known providers such as HSBC and Nationwide in search of the highest interest rates .
The fundraising has been under discussion for some time , but its completion during the coronavirus crisis underlines its shareholders ' confidence in the company 's prospects , according to one backer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ability to attract new funding during the pandemic has evaporated , leading to concerns about the financial viability of thousands of UK start-ups .
Moneysupermarket and Kindred Capital , another existing investor , also participated in Flagstone 's latest funding round .
Flagstone was set up in 2013 , and has since transmitted more than £5bn in deposits on behalf of individuals , wealth managers , companies and charities .
Its platform provides access to hundreds of cash deposit accounts offered by more than 40 financial institutions .
The fintech group helps clients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deposits by enabling them to take advantage of protection offered under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme , which provides a government guarantee up to £85,000 for customer accounts .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Flagstone 's cash deposit platform is used by Revolut , the digital bank , and is the exclusive provider to clients of the Charities Aid Foundation and St James 's Place , the wealth manager .
Simon Merchant , co-founder and co-managing partner of Flagstone , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acceleration of our plans to extend our penetration of the UK market to new customer segments '' .
The company last raised new funds less than a year ago , and the latest round is likely to have been completed at a significant premium to its last valuation .
Harry Briggs , OMERS Ventures managing partner , said : `` The [ Flagstone ] founders know this market inside out and have quietly built the runaway market-leader in the UK by addressing systemic issues in the banking system by using smart technology to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ income and reduce risk .
`` In these uncertain times , everyone - households , small businesses , charities - is anxious about cash , and Flagstone helps people make their money work harder for them at the click of a button . ''

The venture capital arm of one of Canada's biggest pension funds is leading a £12m fundraising for a London-based fintech backed by MoneySuperMarket, the price comparison site.
Sky News understands that OMERS Ventures has become a shareholder in Flagstone, a cash deposit platform which transmits money between accounts from well-known providers such as HSBC and Nationwide in search of the highest interest rates.
The fundraising has been under discussion for some time, but its completion during the coronavirus crisis underlines its shareholders' confidence in the company's prospects, according to one backer.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:09 The process of getting back to work
Many technology companies have found their ability to attract new funding during the pandemic has evaporated, leading to concerns about the financial viability of thousands of UK start-ups.
Moneysupermarket and Kindred Capital, another existing investor, also participated in Flagstone's latest funding round.
Flagstone was set up in 2013, and has since transmitted more than £5bn in deposits on behalf of individuals, wealth managers, companies and charities.
Its platform provides access to hundreds of cash deposit accounts offered by more than 40 financial institutions.
The fintech group helps clients diversify the concentration risk of their cash deposits by enabling them to take advantage of protection offered under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, which provides a government guarantee up to £85,000 for customer accounts.
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Flagstone's cash deposit platform is used by Revolut, the digital bank, and is the exclusive provider to clients of the Charities Aid Foundation and St James's Place, the wealth manager.
Simon Merchant, co-founder and co-managing partner of Flagstone, said its new financing would "support the acceleration of our plans to extend our penetration of the UK market to new customer segments".
The company last raised new funds less than a year ago, and the latest round is likely to have been completed at a significant premium to its last valuation.
Harry Briggs, OMERS Ventures managing partner, said: "The [Flagstone] founders know this market inside out and have quietly built the runaway market-leader in the UK by addressing systemic issues in the banking system by using smart technology to help empower users to earn more interest income and reduce risk.
"In these uncertain times, everyone - households, small businesses, charities - is anxious about cash, and Flagstone helps people make their money work harder for them at the click of a button."


news--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: These are the healthcare workers who have died from COVID-19

More than 100 healthcare workers have died in the UK since the coronavirus outbreak began .
Dozens more deaths are @ @ @ @ @ , but have not yet been confirmed by Sky News .
Doctors , nurses , @ @ @ @ @ and paramedics are among those who have died after being infected with COVID-19 .
Behind @ @ @ @ @ of a beloved family member and colleague .
Tap to read more about 100 of @ @ @ @ @ and the things people have said about them .

More than 100 healthcare workers have died in the UK since the coronavirus outbreak began.
Dozens more deaths are reported to have taken place, but have not yet been confirmed by Sky News.
Doctors, nurses, carers, porters, cleaners and paramedics are among those who have died after being infected with COVID-19.
Behind each number is the death of a beloved family member and colleague.
Tap to read more about 100 of those who have died, and the things people have said about them.


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: 'Vulgar' man spits blood into shocked officer's eye

A 41-year-old man has pleaded guilty to assault after spitting blood into a police officer 's eye .
Body-cam footage of the incident on 18 April shows Temisan Oritsejafor being placed in handcuffs during his arrest at a block of flats in Coventry , before he turns and spits in the face of PC Annie Napier .
As people rush to help her , shocked and tearful PC Napier tells them she is okay , but `` just scared about corona stuff '' .
West Midlands Police have confirmed she did not suffer any ill-effects from the incident .
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Oritsejafor , who was on bail for assaulting another officer a few weeks earlier , has since pleaded guilty to two charges of assault on an emergency worker , and a further charge of assault .
PC Napier said it was `` a shock '' and `` very unpleasant '' when she was spat on , and highlighted the additional risks involved with being an officer during the COVID-19 pandemic .
She added that she was `` pleased the force and the courts take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Superintendent Jenny Skryme said it was `` vulgar and unacceptable to spit at anybody , but even more so a key worker who is putting themselves at risk to keep people safe and catch criminals '' .
She added : `` Our officers are bravely and repeatedly on the front line despite the understandable safety concerns across the country .
`` This type of assault on our staff is deplorable and should n't , and wo n't , be tolerated . ''
Oritsejafor , of Attoxhall Road in the city , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Warwick Crown Court .

A 41-year-old man has pleaded guilty to assault after spitting blood into a police officer's eye.
Body-cam footage of the incident on 18 April shows Temisan Oritsejafor being placed in handcuffs during his arrest at a block of flats in Coventry, before he turns and spits in the face of PC Annie Napier.
As people rush to help her, shocked and tearful PC Napier tells them she is okay, but "just scared about corona stuff".
West Midlands Police have confirmed she did not suffer any ill-effects from the incident.
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Oritsejafor, who was on bail for assaulting another officer a few weeks earlier, has since pleaded guilty to two charges of assault on an emergency worker, and a further charge of assault.
PC Napier said it was " a shock" and "very unpleasant" when she was spat on, and highlighted the additional risks involved with being an officer during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She added that she was "pleased the force and the courts take these assaults so seriously".
Meanwhile, Superintendent Jenny Skryme said it was "vulgar and unacceptable to spit at anybody, but even more so a key worker who is putting themselves at risk to keep people safe and catch criminals".
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She added: "Our officers are bravely and repeatedly on the front line despite the understandable safety concerns across the country.
"This type of assault on our staff is deplorable and shouldn't, and won't, be tolerated."
Oritsejafor, of Attoxhall Road in the city, is remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing at Warwick Crown Court.


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: Unions accuse BA of 'hidden agenda' as layoffs loom

Trade union officials have accused British Airways bosses of having a `` hidden agenda '' as the airline prepares to make up to 12,000 workers redundant amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Sky News has seen a letter from Unite , one of the unions representing thousands of BA staff , which said the company was effectively preparing to sack its entire workforce before re-employing many of them on `` vastly reduced terms and conditions '' .
The allegation from Unite underlines the labour relations crisis now facing the UK flag carrier , with Balpa , the pilots ' union , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ substantive case for the cuts .
One source said BA 's handling of the process could trigger legal action .
The airline has risked further anger from BA employees over the proposals that could lead to more than a quarter of its 43,000 employees redundant by signalling that it will offer only statutory redundancy terms to those affected .
Roughly 4,000 of its Heathrow-based staff are expected to lose their jobs , with half of BA 's supervisors at the airport facing the axe .
On Thursday , Sky News ' business reporter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ redundancy proposals would also lead to more than 25 % of BA pilots being made jobless , sparking a furious response from Balpa .
Unite said in its letter that BA 's consultation notice `` spells out in clear language , not only the number of redundancies but also the hidden agenda : that all those not being made permanently redundant would effectively be dismissed and those deemed suitable are to be reemployed via different contracts and on vastly reduced terms and conditions '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spreaker BA said last month that it would furlough more than 20,000 staff , taking money from the government to subsidise the wages of workers who would otherwise be made redundant .
Unite complained that the airline had `` availed itself of millions of pounds of taxpayers ' money , ostensibly to avoid making staff redundant '' .
It added : `` But they have not honoured that commitment or the spirit for which it was intended .
`` In fact , it would appear that BA has simply sought to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them in their absence .
`` Unite believes this to be wrong , both legally and morally , and intend to challenge BA on both fronts , with every resource available to us . ''
BA could not be reached for comment .

Trade union officials have accused British Airways bosses of having a "hidden agenda" as the airline prepares to make up to 12,000 workers redundant amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Sky News has seen a letter from Unite, one of the unions representing thousands of BA staff, which said the company was effectively preparing to sack its entire workforce before re-employing many of them on "vastly reduced terms and conditions".
The allegation from Unite underlines the labour relations crisis now facing the UK flag carrier, with Balpa, the pilots' union, arguing that BA had not made a substantive case for the cuts.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:28 Millions of jobs need Heathrow 'up and running'
One source said BA's handling of the process could trigger legal action.
The airline has risked further anger from BA employees over the proposals that could lead to more than a quarter of its 43,000 employees redundant by signalling that it will offer only statutory redundancy terms to those affected.
Roughly 4,000 of its Heathrow-based staff are expected to lose their jobs, with half of BA's supervisors at the airport facing the axe.
On Thursday, Sky News' business reporter, Scott Beasley, revealed that the redundancy proposals would also lead to more than 25% of BA pilots being made jobless, sparking a furious response from Balpa.
Unite said in its letter that BA's consultation notice "spells out in clear language, not only the number of redundancies but also the hidden agenda: that all those not being made permanently redundant would effectively be dismissed and those deemed suitable are to be reemployed via different contracts and on vastly reduced terms and conditions".
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
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BA said last month that it would furlough more than 20,000 staff, taking money from the government to subsidise the wages of workers who would otherwise be made redundant.
Unite complained that the airline had "availed itself of millions of pounds of taxpayers' money, ostensibly to avoid making staff redundant".
It added: "But they have not honoured that commitment or the spirit for which it was intended.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 'We've never faced this in airline industry'
"In fact, it would appear that BA has simply sought to take advantage of staff being furloughed and dismiss them in their absence.
"Unite believes this to be wrong, both legally and morally, and intend to challenge BA on both fronts, with every resource available to us."
BA could not be reached for comment.


news--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: US vaccine trial shows promising early results, biotech firm says

A vaccine trial in the United States is showing promising early data , after the vaccine reportedly produced protective antibodies in a small group of healthy volunteers .
Eight people took part in the safety trial by Moderna , which started in March , and the vaccine was shown to be safe while all participants produced antibodies , the biotech firm said .
Experts say the early results are encouraging , but only a small sample has been used so far and the vaccine will need further testing .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has now been given the green light to start the second stage of human testing .
The results , led by the National Institutes of Health , have not been peer reviewed or published in a medical journal .
The Moderna trial is one of more than 100 under development across the world , as scientists race to find a viable vaccine .
An analysis of the response to the Moderna vaccine found people who received a 100 microgram dose and a 25 microgram dose had levels of protective antibodies higher than those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had recovered from COVID-19 .
Those who received the higher dose produced more antibodies than those given the lower dose .
`` These are significant findings but it is a Phase 1 clinical trial that only included eight people .
It was designed for safety .
Not for efficacy , '' said Dr Amesh Adalja , an infectious disease expert at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security who was not involved in the study .
He said many glitches can occur between now and the time the vaccine is tested for its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` What we do see is encouraging . ''
In the second stage of the trial , the vaccine will be further tested for its effectiveness and to find the optimal dose .
Moderna has said it will now test a 50 mcg dose .
There will need to be a balancing act between providing a high enough dosage to produce immunity , but also sparing the amount of vaccine required in each shot so that more of the vaccine can be produced .
`` In the context of a pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supply and the lower the dose , the more people we expect to be able to protect , '' said the company 's chief medical officer Tal Zaks .
Moderna says it expects to start a larger third-stage trial in July .
During the early testing of Moderna 's vaccine , three participants showed `` flu-like '' symptoms following a second shot of the highest dose .
The company said it believed the symptoms showed a strong immune response .
Last week , US regulators fast-tracked the vaccine trial and backed it with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moderna says would enable it to supply millions of doses per month in 2020 .
Experts predict a safe and effective vaccine could take 12 to 18 months to develop .

A vaccine trial in the United States is showing promising early data, after the vaccine reportedly produced protective antibodies in a small group of healthy volunteers.
Eight people took part in the safety trial by Moderna, which started in March, and the vaccine was shown to be safe while all participants produced antibodies, the biotech firm said.
Experts say the early results are encouraging, but only a small sample has been used so far and the vaccine will need further testing.
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
It has now been given the green light to start the second stage of human testing.
The results, led by the National Institutes of Health, have not been peer reviewed or published in a medical journal.
The Moderna trial is one of more than 100 under development across the world, as scientists race to find a viable vaccine.
An analysis of the response to the Moderna vaccine found people who received a 100 microgram dose and a 25 microgram dose had levels of protective antibodies higher than those found in the blood of people who had recovered from COVID-19.
Those who received the higher dose produced more antibodies than those given the lower dose.
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"These are significant findings but it is a Phase 1 clinical trial that only included eight people. It was designed for safety. Not for efficacy," said Dr Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security who was not involved in the study.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:36 Why a COVID-19 vaccine may not be shared
He said many glitches can occur between now and the time the vaccine is tested for its effectiveness in thousands of people, but added: "What we do see is encouraging."
In the second stage of the trial, the vaccine will be further tested for its effectiveness and to find the optimal dose.
Moderna has said it will now test a 50 mcg dose.
There will need to be a balancing act between providing a high enough dosage to produce immunity, but also sparing the amount of vaccine required in each shot so that more of the vaccine can be produced.
"In the context of a pandemic, we expect demand to far outstrip supply and the lower the dose, the more people we expect to be able to protect," said the company's chief medical officer Tal Zaks.
Moderna says it expects to start a larger third-stage trial in July.
During the early testing of Moderna's vaccine, three participants showed "flu-like" symptoms following a second shot of the highest dose.
The company said it believed the symptoms showed a strong immune response.
Last week, US regulators fast-tracked the vaccine trial and backed it with $483m (£396m), which Moderna says would enable it to supply millions of doses per month in 2020.
Experts predict a safe and effective vaccine could take 12 to 18 months to develop.


news--2020-05-18--US Space Force plane rockets to orbit on secret mission

A US Space Force plane has successfully launched into orbit on a secret mission with a compartment full of science experiments .
The X-37B - the military 's space plane - was launched on board a United Launch Alliance ( ULA ) Atlas 5 rocket on Sunday from Cape Canaveral in Florida .
It will be the sixth flight of the X-37B , a solar-powered plane that is flown by remote control without a crew and looks like a mini space shuttle .
The purpose of the mission or the length of time the spacecraft will remain in orbit has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lasted a record of two years before it landed at NASA 's Kennedy Space Center last year .
The space plane is carrying a satellite built by air force cadets and features an extra compartment for experiments , including several for NASA .
The launch was originally planned for Saturday morning but was postponed due to poor weather conditions .
The US Space Force will conduct the secret mission , however the vehicle will remain an asset of the US Air Force .
ULA said the launch was dedicated to those responding to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honoured to partner with the US Space Force to dedicate this mission to first responders , frontline workers , and those affected by COVID-19 .
It is truly a unique time in our history and I want to thank the entire team for their continued dedication and focus on mission success , '' said ULA 's Gary Wentz .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Space Force is the sixth and youngest branch of the US Armed Forces and the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formation of the independent US Air Force in 1947 .
President Donald Trump has made it clear he thinks the newest service is critical to the future of American defence .
After being presented the Space Force flag during a short Oval office event on Friday , he said the US is building a `` super-duper missile '' that can travel `` 17 times faster than what we have right now '' .

A US Space Force plane has successfully launched into orbit on a secret mission with a compartment full of science experiments.
The X-37B - the military's space plane - was launched on board a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas 5 rocket on Sunday from Cape Canaveral in Florida.
It will be the sixth flight of the X-37B, a solar-powered plane that is flown by remote control without a crew and looks like a mini space shuttle.
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 purpose of the mission or the length of time the spacecraft will remain in orbit has not been revealed.
The previous mission lasted a record of two years before it landed at NASA's Kennedy Space Center last year.
The space plane is carrying a satellite built by air force cadets and features an extra compartment for experiments, including several for NASA.
The launch was originally planned for Saturday morning but was postponed due to poor weather conditions.
The US Space Force will conduct the secret mission, however the vehicle will remain an asset of the US Air Force.
ULA said the launch was dedicated to those responding to the coronavirus pandemic.
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"We were honoured to partner with the US Space Force to dedicate this mission to first responders, frontline workers, and those affected by COVID-19. It is truly a unique time in our history and I want to thank the entire team for their continued dedication and focus on mission success," said ULA's Gary Wentz.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The Space Force is the sixth and youngest branch of the US Armed Forces and the first branch of the military established since the formation of the independent US Air Force in 1947.
President Donald Trump has made it clear he thinks the newest service is critical to the future of American defence.
After being presented the Space Force flag during a short Oval office event on Friday, he said the US is building a "super-duper missile" that can travel "17 times faster than what we have right now".


news--2020-05-18--One crew member dead as Canada air force aerobatics plane crashes into house

A jet from the Canadian air force 's aerobatics team that was on a tour intended to raise national morale during the coronavirus pandemic has crashed , killing one crew member and seriously injuring the other .
Video shot by a witness showed two of the Snowbirds ' Canadair Tutor single-engine aircraft taking off from Kamloops Airport in British Columbia on Sunday morning .
One of the aircraft subsequently climbed into the sky before rolling over and plunging to the ground .
The footage appears to show at least one person ejecting from the plane before it disappears behind trees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One member of the Canadian Forces ' Snowbirds team has died and one has sustained serious injuries , '' the armed forces confirmed on Twitter .
Officials in Kamloops - about 320km ( 200 miles ) northeast of Vancouver in the West Coast Canadian province - said the jet hit a residential home , sparking a fire .
A photo posted by local television station CFJC showed at least one house on fire in the Brocklehurst area of Kamloops , a city with a population of more than 90,000 .
Rose Miller lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plane hit .
She went to her front window when she heard the roar of jet engines .
Ms Miller said she heard a loud bang and wondered whether it might be a sonic boom .
Then she watched the plane smash onto the ground .
`` It looked to me like it was mostly on the road , but it just exploded .
It went everywhere , '' she said .
`` In fact , I got a big , huge piece in my backyard .
The cops said it was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performed at airshows across Canada and the US for decades and are considered a key tool for raising awareness about and recruiting for the air force .
Eleven aircraft are used during shows , with nine flying and two kept as spares .
The air force obtained its Tutor jets in 1963 and has used them in air demonstrations since 1971 .
Prior to Sunday 's crash , seven pilots and one passenger had been killed and several aircraft had been lost over the course of the Snowbirds ' history .

A jet from the Canadian air force's aerobatics team that was on a tour intended to raise national morale during the coronavirus pandemic has crashed, killing one crew member and seriously injuring the other.
Video shot by a witness showed two of the Snowbirds' Canadair Tutor single-engine aircraft taking off from Kamloops Airport in British Columbia on Sunday morning.
One of the aircraft subsequently climbed into the sky before rolling over and plunging to the ground.
The footage appears to show at least one person ejecting from the plane before it disappears behind trees and an explosion is heard.
"One member of the Canadian Forces' Snowbirds team has died and one has sustained serious injuries," the armed forces confirmed on Twitter.
Image: The jet hit a house and sparked a fire
Officials in Kamloops - about 320km (200 miles) northeast of Vancouver in the West Coast Canadian province - said the jet hit a residential home, sparking a fire.
A photo posted by local television station CFJC showed at least one house on fire in the Brocklehurst area of Kamloops, a city with a population of more than 90,000.
Rose Miller lives directly across the street from where the plane hit.
She went to her front window when she heard the roar of jet engines.
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Ms Miller said she heard a loud bang and wondered whether it might be a sonic boom. Then she watched the plane smash onto the ground.
"It looked to me like it was mostly on the road, but it just exploded. It went everywhere," she said.
"In fact, I got a big, huge piece in my backyard. The cops said it was the ejection seat."
Image: The Snowbirds team seen flying over Toronto on 10 May
The Snowbirds have performed at airshows across Canada and the US for decades and are considered a key tool for raising awareness about and recruiting for the air force.
Eleven aircraft are used during shows, with nine flying and two kept as spares.
The air force obtained its Tutor jets in 1963 and has used them in air demonstrations since 1971.
Prior to Sunday's crash, seven pilots and one passenger had been killed and several aircraft had been lost over the course of the Snowbirds' history.


news--2020-05-18--Nissan UK plant could become SUV hub - report

Nissan is reportedly working on a plan to scale back its European business - which includes its car plant in Sunderland , the UK 's biggest .
The plan would see the Japanese giant 's European arm focus on sports utility and commercial vehicles , as well as more effective sharing and products and investments with its partner Renault , sources told Reuters .
It is part of a three-year global turnaround plan to be unveiled on 28 May , the news agency said .
That would see the Sunderland plant switch permanently to two daily shifts from three , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It could also see the company 's factory in Barcelona close , putting around 3,000 jobs at risk , the sources told Reuters .
Nissan has been searching for direction since the arrest of long-standing boss Carlos Ghosn in November 2018 on charges of financial misconduct - which he denies .
The devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the car industry has added to pressure on the company to come up with a new strategy .
Under the reported plan , Nissan 's Sunderland plant would become the hub for its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produce their Renault counterparts , the Kadjar and Capture .
Asked about the Reuters report , a Nissan spokesman told Sky News : `` We are not commenting on speculation . ''

Nissan is reportedly working on a plan to scale back its European business - which includes its car plant in Sunderland, the UK's biggest.
The plan would see the Japanese giant's European arm focus on sports utility and commercial vehicles, as well as more effective sharing and products and investments with its partner Renault, sources told Reuters.
It is part of a three-year global turnaround plan to be unveiled on 28 May, the news agency said.
That would see the Sunderland plant switch permanently to two daily shifts from three, but become a key hub for SUVs.
It could also see the company's factory in Barcelona close, putting around 3,000 jobs at risk, the sources told Reuters.
Nissan has been searching for direction since the arrest of long-standing boss Carlos Ghosn in November 2018 on charges of financial misconduct - which he denies.
The devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the car industry has added to pressure on the company to come up with a new strategy.
Under the reported plan, Nissan's Sunderland plant would become the hub for its Qashqai and Juke SUVs and could also produce their Renault counterparts, the Kadjar and Capture.
Asked about the Reuters report, a Nissan spokesman told Sky News: "We are not commenting on speculation."
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Nissan's Sunderland plant employs about 6,000 workers.


news--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: Professor Brian Cox says trust in science could be eroded if misused by politicians

One of Britain 's best-known scientists has warned public trust in science could be eroded if it is misused by politicians and blamed for poor decisions made during the coronavirus pandemic .
Brian Cox , the physicist , TV presenter and Royal Society professor for public engagement with science , said the public has to have confidence in scientific advice to accept big challenges facing society , such as climate change .
Boris Johnson and ministers have regularly said they are `` following the science '' in their COVID-19 strategy , but scientists are increasingly concerned that they will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` The politicisation of scientific advice may deliver some short-term political advantages .
`` It 's very tempting to blame the science if decisions are made which subsequently turn out to be suboptimal in some way .
`` But this will have serious long-term consequences .
It undermines public trust in science and that matters .
`` The big existential questions we face as a society require in a democracy , voters , the public , to understand what science is and what uncertainty is , because we do n't know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a news briefing organised for the Royal Society , the world 's oldest independent scientific academy .
He said the scientific advice being given to ministers should be transparent so the public could see the evidence for themselves .
The government has been strongly criticised for dragging its feet in publishing the names of experts on its Scientific Advisory Committee for Emergencies ( SAGE ) .
It has still only published a small selection of the advice considered by the committee during the pandemic .
`` We have to be transparent in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all to see , with all its nuance and contradictions at the moment , so people see how the process works , and also see how uncertainty leads to progress .
`` Science can provide certainty .
In physics we are certain that everything is made of atoms and we are certain that the Earth goes round the Sun .
`` But certainty arrives , eventually , because of the embrace of doubt .
`` We are in a fast-moving situation .
New knowledge is being generated in large quantities in unprecedented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is no such thing as THE science in this case .
We are too early on the curve of understanding for that to be the case . ''
Dr Sir Venki Ramakrishnan , president of the Royal Society , said : `` Science at the frontiers is always uncertain .
`` Scientists will often disagree on issues and the truth will take time to establish .
`` So often there is not such a thing as THE science .
One has to consider the scientific advice and the government will have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because urgency is an issue .
`` But they also have to be prepared to change tack as new evidence comes to light . ''
He said the virus was only recognised as a human health threat in December , yet already scientists have sequenced its genetic code , devised a rapid test , and are developing vaccines and anti-viral drugs .
`` To do that in 2-3 months is astonishing .
A decade ago it would not have been possible . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spreaker Professor Cox said politicians have to be prepared to change the strategy as new evidence on the virus emerges .
`` That is not something that has to be apologised for .
It 's the lesson of science .
`` Changing your mind in the face of new evidence , data and modelling is the sign that you are learning .
`` If the advice changes because of new knowledge that is a good thing . ''

One of Britain's best-known scientists has warned public trust in science could be eroded if it is misused by politicians and blamed for poor decisions made during the coronavirus pandemic.
Brian Cox, the physicist, TV presenter and Royal Society professor for public engagement with science, said the public has to have confidence in scientific advice to accept big challenges facing society, such as climate change.
Boris Johnson and ministers have regularly said they are "following the science" in their COVID-19 strategy, but scientists are increasingly concerned that they will be blamed for government decisions.
Image: Professor Cox says scientists are concerned they will be blamed for government decisions. File pic
Professor Cox said: "The politicisation of scientific advice may deliver some short-term political advantages.
"It's very tempting to blame the science if decisions are made which subsequently turn out to be suboptimal in some way.
"But this will have serious long-term consequences. It undermines public trust in science and that matters.
"The big existential questions we face as a society require in a democracy, voters, the public, to understand what science is and what uncertainty is, because we don't know everything."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 12:45 Shapps: Our approach is science-led, not popularist
Professor Cox was speaking at a news briefing organised for the Royal Society, the world's oldest independent scientific academy.
He said the scientific advice being given to ministers should be transparent so the public could see the evidence for themselves.
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The government has been strongly criticised for dragging its feet in publishing the names of experts on its Scientific Advisory Committee for Emergencies (SAGE).
It has still only published a small selection of the advice considered by the committee during the pandemic.
"We have to be transparent in making the scientific advice to government available for all to see, with all its nuance and contradictions at the moment, so people see how the process works, and also see how uncertainty leads to progress.
"Science can provide certainty. In physics we are certain that everything is made of atoms and we are certain that the Earth goes round the Sun.
"But certainty arrives, eventually, because of the embrace of doubt.
"We are in a fast-moving situation. New knowledge is being generated in large quantities in unprecedented short time scales.
"So, there is no such thing as THE science in this case. We are too early on the curve of understanding for that to be the case."
Dr Sir Venki Ramakrishnan, president of the Royal Society, said: "Science at the frontiers is always uncertain.
"Scientists will often disagree on issues and the truth will take time to establish.
"So often there is not such a thing as THE science. One has to consider the scientific advice and the government will have to make the best decisions it can now because urgency is an issue.
"But they also have to be prepared to change tack as new evidence comes to light."
He said the virus was only recognised as a human health threat in December, yet already scientists have sequenced its genetic code, devised a rapid test, and are developing vaccines and anti-viral drugs.
"To do that in 2-3 months is astonishing. A decade ago it would not have been possible."
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Professor Cox said politicians have to be prepared to change the strategy as new evidence on the virus emerges.
"That is not something that has to be apologised for. It's the lesson of science.
"Changing your mind in the face of new evidence, data and modelling is the sign that you are learning.
"If the advice changes because of new knowledge that is a good thing."


news--2020-05-18--Liam and Chris Hemsworth perform together for Roald Dahl charity project

Despite their numerous Hollywood credits , it turns out that brothers Chris and Liam Hemsworth have never acted together on screen .
But that has now changed , as the Australian siblings have joined up ( albeit via Zoom ) with a host of other celebrities to read Roald Dahl 's James and the Giant Peach .
The brothers play the hero 's villainous aunts - Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker - in the first episode of the much-loved tale .
The story , which was originally written by Dahl to entertain his daughters , will be raising money for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charity and Partners in Health , which are fighting coronavirus around the world .
Led by Oscar-winning filmmaker Taika Waititi , stars including Meryl Streep , Ryan Reynolds and Benedict Cumberbatch will tell the story in full across 10 episodes .
All actors will perform from their own homes , allowing a tantalising peak into their living rooms , offices and kitchens around the world .
The line-up of readers , from the world of film , TV , fashion and music , have over 40 Emmys , Grammys , Oscars and Tony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lending their storytelling skills include Cate Blanchett , Cara Delevingne and Lupita Nyong ' o .
Waititi narrates the book and improvises sound effects throughout each chapter .
The New Zealander was recently announced as the writer , director and executive producer of two original Roald Dahl animated series for Netflix .
He 's also developing an original series based on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and an original show about Oompa-Loompas .
Speaking about the project , Waititi said : `` This wacky , wonderful tale is about resilience in children , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sense of isolation which could n't been more relevant today . ''
A former fighter pilot , Roald Dahl wrote 20 books for children during his career , and one of his books is sold every 2.5 seconds .
Dahl 's daughter Ophelia set up charity Partners In Health in 1987 , and following the writer 's death in 1990 , his wife Felicity set up the Marvellous Children 's Charity in his name .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It will raise critical funds that will allow Partners In Health to invest in local health systems that deliver high-quality , dignified care to fight this disease .
`` We 're so grateful to Taika Waititi and the Roald Dahl Story Company for pulling together this extraordinary initiative and amazing array of talent .
It will undoubtedly help in the fight against the long-standing health inequities we see in many parts of the world . ''
Every donation made to Partners in Health will be matched by the Roald Dahl Story Company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Children 's Charity provides specialist nurses to seriously ill children in the UK and Partners in Health is helping fight COVID-19 in some of the most vulnerable communities around the world .
The first episodes of James And The Giant Peach , With Taika And Friends are now available on the Roald Dahl YouTube channel , with new episodes released every Monday , Wednesday and Friday at 6pm UK time .

Despite their numerous Hollywood credits, it turns out that brothers Chris and Liam Hemsworth have never acted together on screen.
But that has now changed, as the Australian siblings have joined up (albeit via Zoom) with a host of other celebrities to read Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach.
The brothers play the hero's villainous aunts - Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker - in the first episode of the much-loved tale.
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 story, which was originally written by Dahl to entertain his daughters, will be raising money for both Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity and Partners in Health, which are fighting coronavirus around the world.
Led by Oscar-winning filmmaker Taika Waititi, stars including Meryl Streep, Ryan Reynolds and Benedict Cumberbatch will tell the story in full across 10 episodes.
All actors will perform from their own homes, allowing a tantalising peak into their living rooms, offices and kitchens around the world.
Image: Streep joined the cast in the second episode
The line-up of readers, from the world of film, TV, fashion and music, have over 40 Emmys, Grammys, Oscars and Tony award wins between them.
Other actors lending their storytelling skills include Cate Blanchett, Cara Delevingne and Lupita Nyong'o.
Waititi narrates the book and improvises sound effects throughout each chapter.
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The New Zealander was recently announced as the writer, director and executive producer of two original Roald Dahl animated series for Netflix.
He's also developing an original series based on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and an original show about Oompa-Loompas.
Image: Avid reader Benedict Cumberbatch also worked on the project
Speaking about the project, Waititi said: "This wacky, wonderful tale is about resilience in children, triumph over adversity and dealing with a sense of isolation which couldn't been more relevant today."
A former fighter pilot, Roald Dahl wrote 20 books for children during his career, and one of his books is sold every 2.5 seconds.
Dahl's daughter Ophelia set up charity Partners In Health in 1987, and following the writer's death in 1990, his wife Felicity set up the Marvellous Children's Charity in his name.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Speaking about the project, Ophelia said: "It will raise critical funds that will allow Partners In Health to invest in local health systems that deliver high-quality, dignified care to fight this disease.
"We're so grateful to Taika Waititi and the Roald Dahl Story Company for pulling together this extraordinary initiative and amazing array of talent. It will undoubtedly help in the fight against the long-standing health inequities we see in many parts of the world."
Every donation made to Partners in Health will be matched by the Roald Dahl Story Company and partners.
Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity provides specialist nurses to seriously ill children in the UK and Partners in Health is helping fight COVID-19 in some of the most vulnerable communities around the world.
The first episodes of James And The Giant Peach, With Taika And Friends are now available on the Roald Dahl YouTube channel, with new episodes released every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6pm UK time.


news--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: Celtic declared Scottish Premiership champions as season ends early

Celtic have been crowned Scottish Premiership champions after a decision to end the season early due to the coronavirus pandemic - but relegated Hearts are not ruling out taking legal action .
The Scottish Professional Football League ( SPFL ) held a board meeting on Monday and decided to bring the season to an end , meaning a 51st league title for Celtic .
It said clubs expressed a unanimous view that there is no prospect of completing the season .
The SPFL added it is now able to pay out around £7m in fees `` to help clubs stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 42 SPFL clubs voted - after some controversy - to end the season in the Scottish Championship , League One and League Two as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
Final season placings have been determined by points per game up to the last game played on 13 March .
Celtic had 80 points from 30 games , so picked up 2.66 points per game , while Rangers finished second with 2.31 points per game .
Celtic boss Neil Lennon said : `` We would have loved to play out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted .
`` We were desperate to continue the blistering form we were in when the season was suspended .
However , do not in any way let this detract from our achievement .
`` While many will seek to challenge us , the title is ours and we deserve it .
We are indeed champions for a reason . ''
Hearts , who were four points behind second-bottom Hamilton with both sides having eight games left to play , are contemplating legal action .
The Edinburgh club released a statement , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outset that we do n't believe it is right that any club should be unfairly penalised because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` Hearts will shortly submit a member 's resolution that we believe is a pragmatic solution to the issues the game currently faces and a way forward that the clubs can unite behind .
`` It is our belief that this resolution , if supported , will provide an opportunity to avoid disproportionately disadvantaging - financially and otherwise - any club .
`` The club has been taking legal advice throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so .
`` We hope that the resolution being prepared will avoid the need to go down this route .
`` Legal action would be both time consuming and expensive .
However the cost to the club of relegation would outweigh these considerations . ''
SPFL chairman Murdoch MacLennan said : `` We would all have rather seen the league season played out on pitches , in stadiums and in front of supporters .
`` This is not the way anybody involved with Scottish football would have wanted to conclude the league season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circumstances that we are facing , the board has agreed that it is the only practical way forward . ''
He added that COVID-19 had `` wreaked havoc '' on sporting competitions around the world and the repercussions `` will be felt for a long time '' .
The SPFL board was given the power to end the season in the Premiership if it became clear the fixtures could not be played .
However , the Scottish season has not been completely cancelled as the Scottish FA remains committed to completing the Scottish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ semi-final stage .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker SPFL chief executive , Neil Doncaster , said it would be a `` complicated and difficult challenge '' for Scottish football to return to normality .
He said : `` This decision now enables us to pay out around £7m in fees to help clubs stay afloat during this incredibly difficult time .
We will begin processing these payments immediately .
`` The focus of all those involved in the game will now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and running again safely as soon as possible .
`` Nobody should be under any illusion as to how complicated and difficult a challenge it will be to return Scottish football to normality . ''

Celtic have been crowned Scottish Premiership champions after a decision to end the season early due to the coronavirus pandemic - but relegated Hearts are not ruling out taking legal action.
The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) held a board meeting on Monday and decided to bring the season to an end, meaning a 51st league title for Celtic.
It said clubs expressed a unanimous view that there is no prospect of completing the season.
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 SPFL added it is now able to pay out around £7m in fees "to help clubs stay afloat".
In April, the 42 SPFL clubs voted - after some controversy - to end the season in the Scottish Championship, League One and League Two as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Final season placings have been determined by points per game up to the last game played on 13 March.
Celtic had 80 points from 30 games, so picked up 2.66 points per game, while Rangers finished second with 2.31 points per game.
Celtic boss Neil Lennon said: "We would have loved to play out the season, it is what we all wanted.
"We were desperate to continue the blistering form we were in when the season was suspended. However, do not in any way let this detract from our achievement.
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"While many will seek to challenge us, the title is ours and we deserve it. We are indeed champions for a reason."
Hearts, who were four points behind second-bottom Hamilton with both sides having eight games left to play, are contemplating legal action.
The Edinburgh club released a statement, saying: "We have stated from the outset that we don't believe it is right that any club should be unfairly penalised because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Hearts will shortly submit a member's resolution that we believe is a pragmatic solution to the issues the game currently faces and a way forward that the clubs can unite behind.
"It is our belief that this resolution, if supported, will provide an opportunity to avoid disproportionately disadvantaging - financially and otherwise - any club.
"The club has been taking legal advice throughout this process and are continuing to do so.
"We hope that the resolution being prepared will avoid the need to go down this route.
"Legal action would be both time consuming and expensive. However the cost to the club of relegation would outweigh these considerations."
SPFL chairman Murdoch MacLennan said: "We would all have rather seen the league season played out on pitches, in stadiums and in front of supporters.
Image: The Scottish Premiership final standings, calculated by points per game in league matches played to 13 March
"This is not the way anybody involved with Scottish football would have wanted to conclude the league season but, given the grave and unprecedented circumstances that we are facing, the board has agreed that it is the only practical way forward."
He added that COVID-19 had "wreaked havoc" on sporting competitions around the world and the repercussions "will be felt for a long time".
The SPFL board was given the power to end the season in the Premiership if it became clear the fixtures could not be played.
However, the Scottish season has not been completely cancelled as the Scottish FA remains committed to completing the Scottish Cup, with the tournament at the semi-final stage.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
SPFL chief executive, Neil Doncaster, said it would be a "complicated and difficult challenge" for Scottish football to return to normality.
He said: "This decision now enables us to pay out around £7m in fees to help clubs stay afloat during this incredibly difficult time. We will begin processing these payments immediately.
"The focus of all those involved in the game will now turn to how we get football up and running again safely as soon as possible.
"Nobody should be under any illusion as to how complicated and difficult a challenge it will be to return Scottish football to normality."


news--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: Goldman-backed Trussle in talks about fundraising

An online mortgage broker backed by Goldman Sachs , the Wall Street banking giant , is in talks to raise millions of pounds in funding amid expectations that the coronavirus outbreak will halt more than half a million housing transactions in Britain this year .
Sky News understands that Trussle , which launched just over four years ago , is in talks with investors including Goldman about a new funding round .
The company is also exploring the possibility of becoming one of the first applicants for taxpayers ' money through the Future Fund , the government-backed vehicle which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ size of Trussle 's anticipated fundraising was unclear on Monday .
It last raised money in January , when it announced a £7.5m capital increase led by a division of the Dutch lender , Rabobank .
Trussle has sought to position itself as a consumer champion , saying it wants to help address statistics it has cited suggesting there are more than 2m people losing out on an average of £4,500 a year by being on the wrong mortgage .
Goldman became a shareholder in the business two years ago .
Simon Williams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We 're continuing to make good progress at Trussle during these challenging times . ''
He said that Ian Larkin , who took over as chief executive in March , had `` had a huge impact on the business '' .
`` It 's never been a more important time to help customers manage their finances , '' he said .
`` When coronavirus hit , Trussle shifted its focus onto remortgage customers , and as a result April was one of its strongest months to date in terms of new submissions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Trussle 's investors remained supportive of the company .
`` At the same time , we are always assessing opportunities to accelerate growth and we will consider the Future Fund when the details are published .
`` This could be a great opportunity for the government to support the UK 's most innovative start-ups . ''
The Future Fund will enable growth companies to apply for up to £5m of public money , with the loans converting to equity at a discount to the most recent funding round if they are not @ @

An online mortgage broker backed by Goldman Sachs, the Wall Street banking giant, is in talks to raise millions of pounds in funding amid expectations that the coronavirus outbreak will halt more than half a million housing transactions in Britain this year.
Sky News understands that Trussle, which launched just over four years ago, is in talks with investors including Goldman about a new funding round.
The company is also exploring the possibility of becoming one of the first applicants for taxpayers' money through the Future Fund, the government-backed vehicle which is expected to launch this week.
The size of Trussle's anticipated fundraising was unclear on Monday.
It last raised money in January, when it announced a £7.5m capital increase led by a division of the Dutch lender, Rabobank.
Trussle has sought to position itself as a consumer champion, saying it wants to help address statistics it has cited suggesting there are more than 2m people losing out on an average of £4,500 a year by being on the wrong mortgage.
Goldman became a shareholder in the business two years ago.
Simon Williams, Trussle's chairman, said: "We're continuing to make good progress at Trussle during these challenging times."
Image: The housing market has suffered an activity slump amid the coronavirus crisis
He said that Ian Larkin, who took over as chief executive in March, had "had a huge impact on the business".
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"It's never been a more important time to help customers manage their finances," he said.
"When coronavirus hit, Trussle shifted its focus onto remortgage customers, and as a result April was one of its strongest months to date in terms of new submissions to lenders."
Mr Williams said that Trussle's investors remained supportive of the company.
"At the same time, we are always assessing opportunities to accelerate growth and we will consider the Future Fund when the details are published.
"This could be a great opportunity for the government to support the UK's most innovative start-ups."
The Future Fund will enable growth companies to apply for up to £5m of public money, with the loans converting to equity at a discount to the most recent funding round if they are not repaid.


news--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: Trump takes disputed medicine as 'preventative' measure against COVID-19

Donald Trump says he is taking hydroxychloroquine as a preventative measure against coronavirus , despite it being unproven as an effective COVID-19 treatment .
The US president revealed he has been taking the malaria drug for the last week and a half in pill form and has had `` zero symptoms '' .
Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ( NIAID ) , earlier said there was no evidence the drug could prevent coronavirus .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it could be an effective therapy to treat COVID-19 patients , although two separate studies published in the medical journal BMJ said patients given the drug did not improve significantly over those who did not .
Asked whether he could provide any evidence hydroxychloroquine has a preventative effect , Mr Trump told reporters : `` I get a lot of positive calls about it . ''
He continued : `` I 've heard a lot of good stories .
And if it is not good , I will tell you right .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by it .
It has been around for 40 years for malaria , for lupus , for other things . ''
The US Food and Drug Administration has warned against the use of hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 patients outside of a hospital setting or clinical trial due to the risk of serious heart rhythm problems .
Mr Trump has backed the drug as a potential coronavirus cure , despite warnings from top medical professionals in his administration .
The president said he requested the drug from the White House physician and it had not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a letter to the White House Press Secretary , the president 's physician , Commander Sean Conley said he and Mr Trump had discussed the merits of the drug on several occasions and `` we concluded the potential benefit from treatment outweighed the relative risks '' .
Hydroxychloroquine is still being studied by the US and other countries as a potential COVID-19 treatment .
One study of 150 patients with mild to moderate coronavirus in China found patients on the drug did not get better significantly faster than those who did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher in patients who took the drug .
The trial was not placebo controlled , which is considered the gold standard for clinical data .
On Thursday , the National Institutes of Health in the US said it began a study to evaluate the combination of the antibiotic azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine .
The study will assess whether the combination of the drugs can prevent COVID-19 sufferers from being taken to hospital or dying from the virus .

Donald Trump says he is taking hydroxychloroquine as a preventative measure against coronavirus, despite it being unproven as an effective COVID-19 treatment.
The US president revealed he has been taking the malaria drug for the last week and a half in pill form and has had "zero symptoms".
Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), earlier said there was no evidence the drug could prevent coronavirus.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
He did say there was some anecdotal evidence it could be an effective therapy to treat COVID-19 patients, although two separate studies published in the medical journal BMJ said patients given the drug did not improve significantly over those who did not.
Asked whether he could provide any evidence hydroxychloroquine has a preventative effect, Mr Trump told reporters: "I get a lot of positive calls about it."
He continued: "I've heard a lot of good stories. And if it is not good, I will tell you right.
"I'm not going to get hurt by it. It has been around for 40 years for malaria, for lupus, for other things."
The US Food and Drug Administration has warned against the use of hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 patients outside of a hospital setting or clinical trial due to the risk of serious heart rhythm problems.
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Mr Trump has backed the drug as a potential coronavirus cure, despite warnings from top medical professionals in his administration.
Image: A health ministry worker in El Salvador holds several packages of hydroxychloroquine pills
The president said he requested the drug from the White House physician and it had not been recommended by his doctor.
However in a letter to the White House Press Secretary, the president's physician, Commander Sean Conley said he and Mr Trump had discussed the merits of the drug on several occasions and "we concluded the potential benefit from treatment outweighed the relative risks".
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
Hydroxychloroquine is still being studied by the US and other countries as a potential COVID-19 treatment.
One study of 150 patients with mild to moderate coronavirus in China found patients on the drug did not get better significantly faster than those who did not take it.
Adverse reactions were also higher in patients who took the drug.
The trial was not placebo controlled, which is considered the gold standard for clinical data.
On Thursday, the National Institutes of Health in the US said it began a study to evaluate the combination of the antibiotic azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine.
The study will assess whether the combination of the drugs can prevent COVID-19 sufferers from being taken to hospital or dying from the virus.


news--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: China pledges £1.6bn to tackle COVID-19

Chinese President Xi Jinping has indicated a vaccine discovered by China would be made wildly available China is promising £1.64bn to help the global fight against COVID-19 .
China President Xi Jinping made the pledge in a speech which is being seen by some as trying to claim the moral high ground from the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) .
He also promised any vaccine discovered by China would be made a `` global public good '' .
President Xi was among a number of world leaders addressing the 73rd World Health Assembly , the decision making body of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is being held by teleconference .
Top of the agenda was the thorny issue of how the causes and spread of the pandemic should be investigated .
More than a hundred nations expressed support for a draft resolution proposed by the EU and Australia calling for a review .
China has resisted calls for an international investigation .
The virus first appeared in the Chinese city of Wuhan .
It is believed to have originated in an animal species , possibly bats , before leaping the species barrier and infecting humans .
China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new virus and then denied it could pass from human-to-human until far too late .
China has also spread disinformation about the causes , claiming the US military may have brought it to China or that it might have started in Italy .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker In China 's defence , supporters point out it sequenced the genome of the virus early and imposed an effective lockdown , once it realised the gravity of the threat .
Xi Jinping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Australian draft resolution but voiced vague support for the idea of `` supporting global research by scientists on the source and transmission routes of the virus '' .
Hopes of a united global response to the pandemic have been hampered by sharpening US-Chinese divisions over its cause .
US president Donald Trump says he is currently not speaking to Xi Jinping .
Mr Trump is critical both of China and the WHO , and has withdrawn US funding for the global health body .
Critics say he is scapegoating China to cover for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is likely to continue doing so in the run up to the presidential election .

Chinese president Xi Jinping's vow comes as the international community voices support for an investigation into the virus origin.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has indicated a vaccine discovered by China would be made wildly available
China is promising £1.64bn to help the global fight against COVID-19.
China President Xi Jinping made the pledge in a speech which is being seen by some as trying to claim the moral high ground from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
He also promised any vaccine discovered by China would be made a "global public good".
Image: A market in Wuha, the city where the outbreak began
President Xi was among a number of world leaders addressing the 73rd World Health Assembly, the decision making body of the WHO. This year the meeting is being held by teleconference.
Top of the agenda was the thorny issue of how the causes and spread of the pandemic should be investigated.
More than a hundred nations expressed support for a draft resolution proposed by the EU and Australia calling for a review. China has resisted calls for an international investigation.
The virus first appeared in the Chinese city of Wuhan. It is believed to have originated in an animal species, possibly bats, before leaping the species barrier and infecting humans.
China's critics say it covered up the new virus and then denied it could pass from human-to-human until far too late.
China has also spread disinformation about the causes, claiming the US military may have brought it to China or that it might have started in Italy.
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In China's defence, supporters point out it sequenced the genome of the virus early and imposed an effective lockdown, once it realised the gravity of the threat.
Xi Jinping did not refer directly to the European Australian draft resolution but voiced vague support for the idea of "supporting global research by scientists on the source and transmission routes of the virus".
Hopes of a united global response to the pandemic have been hampered by sharpening US-Chinese divisions over its cause. US president Donald Trump says he is currently not speaking to Xi Jinping.
Image: Donald Trump has lambasted China and WHO
Mr Trump is critical both of China and the WHO, and has withdrawn US funding for the global health body.
Critics say he is scapegoating China to cover for his administration's mishandling of the pandemic and is likely to continue doing so in the run up to the presidential election.


news--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: William and Kate join stars in mental health message

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have joined sports stars , musicians and actors in a special radio message to highlight the importance of talking about our mental health during the coronavirus pandemic .
Prince William and Kate took part in the recording which also featured England captain Harry Kane , singer-songwriter Dua Lipa , actor David Tennant and two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua .
They joined forces to mark the start of Mental Health Awareness Week and highlight how people can support each other during the COVID-19 crisis .
The minute-long message was broadcast simultaneously at 10.59am to more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every radio station in the UK .
: : Listen to Coronavirus : In This Together on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or Spreaker The Duke of Cambridge said : `` We 're all connected .
`` And sometimes just talking about how you 're feeling can make a big difference .
So right now , let 's join together across the UK and reach out to someone . ''
The duchess added : `` If you 're struggling , it 's important to talk about it .
`` Or if someone you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OK to ask how they are .
Use this moment to send a message . ''
The official theme of Mental Health Awareness week is kindness , in response to the coronavirus outbreak .
The radio message was produced by Radiocentre and Heads Together , the mental health campaign co-ordinated by The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge .
The importance of treating mental health with the same emphasis as physical health is a cornerstone of William and Kate 's charity work .
Since the start of the pandemic they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to signpost mental health support , including help for NHS staff .
To coincide with mental health week , their Heads Together initiative has also teamed up with Instagram to launch a series of new guides on the social media platform focusing on wellness and mental health .
They 'll feature posts from some of their charity partners , influencers and supporters , signposting where people can get reliable help and advice , including A Guide to Talking , A Guide to Self-Care , and A Guide to Kindness .

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have joined sports stars, musicians and actors in a special radio message to highlight the importance of talking about our mental health during the coronavirus pandemic.
Prince William and Kate took part in the recording which also featured England captain Harry Kane, singer-songwriter Dua Lipa, actor David Tennant and two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
They joined forces to mark the start of Mental Health Awareness Week and highlight how people can support each other during the COVID-19 crisis.
The minute-long message was broadcast simultaneously at 10.59am to more than 20 million radio listeners, across every radio station in the UK.
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The Duke of Cambridge said: "We're all connected.
"And sometimes just talking about how you're feeling can make a big difference. So right now, let's join together across the UK and reach out to someone."
The duchess added: "If you're struggling, it's important to talk about it.
"Or if someone you know is acting differently, it's OK to ask how they are. Use this moment to send a message."
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The official theme of Mental Health Awareness week is kindness, in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
The radio message was produced by Radiocentre and Heads Together, the mental health campaign co-ordinated by The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
The importance of treating mental health with the same emphasis as physical health is a cornerstone of William and Kate's charity work.
Since the start of the pandemic they have supported a number of nationwide initiatives to signpost mental health support, including help for NHS staff.
To coincide with mental health week, their Heads Together initiative has also teamed up with Instagram to launch a series of new guides on the social media platform focusing on wellness and mental health.
They'll feature posts from some of their charity partners, influencers and supporters, signposting where people can get reliable help and advice, including A Guide to Talking, A Guide to Self-Care, and A Guide to Kindness.


news--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: Man interviewed over death of railway worker who was spat on at station

Police have interviewed a man in connection with an incident involving a railway worker who died with coronavirus .
Belly Mujinga died after being spat at by a member of the public claiming to have COVID-19 on the concourse of Victoria Station in London .
A British Transport Police spokesman said : `` Following a number of inquiries into an incident at London Victoria station on March 21 , officers identified a 57-year-old man from London in connection .
`` He was interviewed under caution today at a London police station .
`` Detectives will continue to collate evidence and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` They are not looking to identify anyone further in relation to the incident . ''
Ms Mujinga , 47 , who had an 11-year-old daughter , died in hospital in Barnet , north London , on 5 April - 11 days after the attack .
Ms Mujinga 's family expressed their anger at how she was not given any PPE , despite having underlying respiratory problems .
Her husband , Lusamba Gode Katalay , said : `` They were n't given masks , or gloves , so they were exposed to everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company and the state who have to look at that . ''
According to her family , Ms Mujinga and her colleague had asked not to be sent back out and to instead work from inside the ticket office following the incident .
But their request was refused and they were told people were needed to work outside .
Staff at Victoria Station had expressed their shock at Ms Mujinga 's death and voiced fears for their own safety .
Gate worker Victor Bangura , 34 , said : `` I was very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would expect it to happen to .
`` She was a nice person , looked healthy , she was a mother .
Imagine you see someone now like me and the next time they are dead . ''

Police have interviewed a man in connection with an incident involving a railway worker who died with coronavirus.
Belly Mujinga died after being spat at by a member of the public claiming to have COVID-19 on the concourse of Victoria Station in London.
A British Transport Police spokesman said: "Following a number of inquiries into an incident at London Victoria station on March 21, officers identified a 57-year-old man from London in connection.
"He was interviewed under caution today at a London police station.
"Detectives will continue to collate evidence and investigate the circumstances behind the incident.
"They are not looking to identify anyone further in relation to the incident."
Ms Mujinga, 47, who had an 11-year-old daughter, died in hospital in Barnet, north London, on 5 April - 11 days after the attack.
Image: Belly Mujinga and her husband Lusamba Gode Katalay
Ms Mujinga's family expressed their anger at how she was not given any PPE, despite having underlying respiratory problems.
Her husband, Lusamba Gode Katalay, said: "They weren't given masks, or gloves, so they were exposed to everyone. It's her employer, the company and the state who have to look at that."
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According to her family, Ms Mujinga and her colleague had asked not to be sent back out and to instead work from inside the ticket office following the incident.
But their request was refused and they were told people were needed to work outside.
Staff at Victoria Station had expressed their shock at Ms Mujinga's death and voiced fears for their own safety.
Gate worker Victor Bangura, 34, said: "I was very shocked. It is the last person I would expect it to happen to.
"She was a nice person, looked healthy, she was a mother. Imagine you see someone now like me and the next time they are dead."


news--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: Twenty busiest London train and Tube stations to avoid

Transport for London has published a list of the busiest stations in an effort to help commuters avoid overcrowding hotspots .
TfL continues to urge people to avoid using its services , especially during peak hours , unless it is for an essential journey .
The list will be updated over the coming weeks , as commuters are urged to opt for cycling or walking where possible .
London transport services had been reduced because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Following an agreement with the government to secure a £1.6bn bailout , TfL has pledged to return services to `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as possible '' .
Even when services are restored to full strength , the capacity on board trains and at stations will be restricted .
Passengers are told they might have to queue to enter some stations , with attempts to observe two-metre social distancing being enforced `` wherever possible '' .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker On Monday , TfL increased the number of Tube services running to 75 % , buses to 85 % and had 80 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service in operation .
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan , who looks after TfL , said : `` Even when services are running at the highest possible frequency , the need to maintain safe social distancing will dramatically reduce capacity on the Tube to just 13-15 % .
`` We are making it safer for people who have no alternative but to use public transport by reopening stations , installing hand sanitiser points , introducing one-way systems and reminding people of the need to stay two metres apart .
`` We are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid at what times . ''
Peak times on the Tube are from 5.45am to 8.15am and 4pm to 5.30pm .

Transport for London has published a list of the busiest stations in an effort to help commuters avoid overcrowding hotspots.
TfL continues to urge people to avoid using its services, especially during peak hours, unless it is for an essential journey.
The 20 stations are:
Barking
Brixton
Canada Water
Canary Wharf
Canning Town
Clapham Junction
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East Croydon
East Ham
Lewisham
Leyton
Liverpool Street (Tube)
London Bridge (Tube)
North Acton
Seven Sisters
Stratford
Walthamstow Central
West Croydon
West Ham
Wood Green
Woolwich Arsenal
The list will be updated over the coming weeks, as commuters are urged to opt for cycling or walking where possible.
Image: Transport services in London have been reduced
London transport services had been reduced because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Following an agreement with the government to secure a £1.6bn bailout, TfL has pledged to return services to "as close to 100% as soon as possible".
Even when services are restored to full strength, the capacity on board trains and at stations will be restricted.
Passengers are told they might have to queue to enter some stations, with attempts to observe two-metre social distancing being enforced "wherever possible".
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On Monday, TfL increased the number of Tube services running to 75%, buses to 85% and had 80% of London Overground and Docklands Light Railway service in operation.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who looks after TfL, said: "Even when services are running at the highest possible frequency, the need to maintain safe social distancing will dramatically reduce capacity on the Tube to just 13-15%.
"We are making it safer for people who have no alternative but to use public transport by reopening stations, installing hand sanitiser points, introducing one-way systems and reminding people of the need to stay two metres apart.
"We are also making sure Londoners know which stations to avoid at what times."
Peak times on the Tube are from 5.45am to 8.15am and 4pm to 5.30pm.


news--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: Self-employed support scheme receives two million claims

A government scheme to support self-employed workers during the pandemic has received more than two million claims , totalling £6bn , the chancellor Rishi Sunak has told MPs .
The scheme , launched last week , provides one-off grants of up to £7,500 for those whose livelihoods have been adversely affected by the outbreak .
It was announced after a clamour for targeted help for traders such as plumbers , electricians , hairdressers and freelancers who were not covered by the UK 's Job Retention Scheme for temporarily laid-off workers .
Delivering an update to parliament on the self-employed scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Those people will have the money in their bank accounts within six working days of their claim . ''
Mr Sunak also told MPs that the original JRS furloughing initiative - which pays 80 % of wages of those who are temporarily laid off by their employers - now covered eight million workers .
That was up on 7.5 million last week , when the chancellor said the furlough scheme was costing around £8bn a month .
The Office for Budget Responsibility ( OBR ) has estimated that the self-employed scheme will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For the furloughing scheme , the fiscal watchdog has so far pencilled in a £50bn net cost to the taxpayer .
Overall , the OBR currently expects the government 's response to the coronavirus to the coronavirus crisis to cost taxpayers £123bn , roughly comparable to the annual budget for NHS England .

A government scheme to support self-employed workers during the pandemic has received more than two million claims, totalling £6bn, the chancellor Rishi Sunak has told MPs.
The scheme, launched last week, provides one-off grants of up to £7,500 for those whose livelihoods have been adversely affected by the outbreak.
It was announced after a clamour for targeted help for traders such as plumbers, electricians, hairdressers and freelancers who were not covered by the UK's Job Retention Scheme for temporarily laid-off workers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:43 HMRC gives update on grants for self-employed
Delivering an update to parliament on the self-employed scheme on Monday, Mr Sunak said: "Those people will have the money in their bank accounts within six working days of their claim."
Mr Sunak also told MPs that the original JRS furloughing initiative - which pays 80% of wages of those who are temporarily laid off by their employers - now covered eight million workers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:04 'Going back to work puts my family at risk'
That was up on 7.5 million last week, when the chancellor said the furlough scheme was costing around £8bn a month.
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has estimated that the self-employed scheme will cost £10.5bn in the current financial year.
For the furloughing scheme, the fiscal watchdog has so far pencilled in a £50bn net cost to the taxpayer.
Overall, the OBR currently expects the government's response to the coronavirus to the coronavirus crisis to cost taxpayers £123bn, roughly comparable to the annual budget for NHS England.