news--2020-05-29--Coronavirus: Businesses must pay towards furlough scheme from August, chancellor announces

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has unveiled plans for employers to start paying towards the wages of their furloughed staff .
Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ( CJRS ) let businesses bring back staff part time from July , but introduce a taper requiring firms to contribute to salaries from August .
Mr Sunak has also announced that financial help will be extended for sole traders for a further three months , although the grant available will be reduced by 10 % , to 70 % of profits .
The government said the furlough scheme will close to new entrants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial support will not be extended past October .
It comes as ministers try to get people safely back to work and restart the economy as the coronavirus lockdown is eased .
Speaking at the daily press conference , Mr Sunak said : `` As we reopen the economy , there is broad consensus across the political and economic spectrum , the furlough scheme can not continue indefinitely . ''
But fears are likely to persist that the reduced support could lead to a wave of redundancies as the economy heads into recession @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top priority has always been to support people , protect jobs and businesses through this crisis .
`` The furlough and self-employment schemes have been a lifeline for millions of people and businesses .
`` We stood behind Britain 's businesses and workers as we came into this crisis and we stand behind them as we come through the other side .
`` Now , as we begin to re-open our country and kick-start our economy , these schemes will adjust to ensure those who are able to work can do so , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world . ''
The job retention scheme has so far helped a million businesses cover the wages of 8.4 million staff unable to work during lockdown , at a cost of £15bn .
In June and July , the existing support will continue with the government still paying 80 % of salaries , capped at £2,500 , with firms not required to pay anything .
However , from 1 July - a month earlier than previously announced - firms will be able to bring staff back part time , but will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The main changes start in August when the level of support will begin to reduce and businesses will have to contribute .
• August - The government will pay 80 % of wages up to a cap of £2,500 , but employers will start to pay national insurance and pension contributions • September - The government will pay 70 % of wages up to a cap of £2,190 , with employers paying 10 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October - The government will pay 60 % of wages up to a cap of £1,875 , with employers paying 20 % of wages plus contributions Mr Sunak also announced that support for the self-employed would be extended , but at a reduced rate .
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme has so far seen 2.3 million claims worth £6.8bn .
Those eligible will be able to claim a second and final grant in August , but it will be only cover 70 % of their profits over a three-month period , capped at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which covered 80 % , capped at £7,500 .
Applications for the second grant will open in August .
The chancellor said that efforts must turn towards economic recovery and there would be `` no further extensions to the schemes '' .
`` Now , our thoughts , our energies , our resources must turn to looking forward to planning for the recovery and we will need the dynamism of our whole economy as we fight our way back to prosperity .
`` Not everything will look the same as before .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can simply put the key in the lock , open the door and step into the world as it was in January .
`` We will develop new measures to grow the economy , to back business , to boost skills and to help people thrive in the new post-COVID world .
`` Today , a new national collective effort begins to reopen our country and kick-start our economy . ''
The Institute for Fiscal Studies ( IFS ) estimates the total cost of the support programmes could `` easily breach £100bn - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a normal year '' .
IFS director Paul Johnson said : `` Extending the CJRS to part-time workers and allowing this to start a month earlier than previously announced makes sense .
`` It wo n't help those who are already working part time - unless their employers furlough them before June 10th and bring them back part time in July .
`` Keeping the payment to furloughed employees at 80 % throughout risks undermining the emphasis on persuading people to return to work either full or part time . ''
Responding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` The changes announced will help ensure the schemes stay effective as we begin a cautious recovery .
`` Introducing part-time furloughing as more stores and factories start to open will help employees to return to work gradually and safely . ''
However , she warned that firms not able to open until later , such as pubs and restaurants , may need further support in the coming months .
TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady also welcomed the changes but stressed the need for the government to look to the future .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not afford the misery of mass unemployment .
The government must start planning now to build on the job retention scheme with a national recovery plan that prioritises protecting and creating jobs . ''
Adam Marshall , director general of the British Chambers of Commerce said : `` The furlough scheme has helped companies preserve millions of jobs through lockdown , but many firms still face significant uncertainty ahead .
`` On that basis , closing the scheme to new applicants in June feels premature , and risks undermining some of the work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Analysis : The chancellor could be the only cabinet minister to have improved his reputation during the pandemic Rishi Sunak has again surprised business with the generosity of his latest big announcement : companies will begin to contribute to the salaries of furloughed staff at a far slower rate than many expected .
The chancellor knows this is the critical moment , the point of maximum danger .
So far he is perhaps the only cabinet minister to have significantly improved his reputation during this crisis .
That could soon change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ package due to end this autumn , many businesses are already calculating which staff to keep and which to sack .
If in the coming months we see mass job losses , Mr Sunak 's job retention scheme will have been a failure , and one with a price tag of approximately £80bn .
He wo n't have prevented redundancies , just delayed them .
To try to avoid that , he is withdrawing the economic life-support slowly and carefully .
There may be disappointment at the lack of 'sector specific deals ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which may struggle to return to normal before they have to start contributing to the pay of furloughed staff .
And the big unknown remains consumer confidence .
Yes , employees can return to their offices and workplaces , but if people and companies are n't spending , it 's pointless .
And the UK 's coronavirus recession could then be even worse than feared .
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has unveiled plans for employers to start paying towards the wages of their furloughed staff .
Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) let businesses bring back staff part time from July, but introduce a taper requiring firms to contribute to salaries from August.
Mr Sunak has also announced that financial help will be extended for sole traders for a further three months, although the grant available will be reduced by 10%, to 70% of profits.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 'Series of steps' to move people off furlough
The government said the furlough scheme will close to new entrants on 30 June and the programmes of financial support will not be extended past October.
It comes as ministers try to get people safely back to work and restart the economy as the coronavirus lockdown is eased.
Speaking at the daily press conference, Mr Sunak said: "As we reopen the economy, there is broad consensus across the political and economic spectrum, the furlough scheme cannot continue indefinitely."
But fears are likely to persist that the reduced support could lead to a wave of redundancies as the economy heads into recession.
Mr Sunak added: "Our top priority has always been to support people, protect jobs and businesses through this crisis.
"The furlough and self-employment schemes have been a lifeline for millions of people and businesses.
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"We stood behind Britain's businesses and workers as we came into this crisis and we stand behind them as we come through the other side.
"Now, as we begin to re-open our country and kick-start our economy, these schemes will adjust to ensure those who are able to work can do so, while remaining amongst the most generous in the world."
The job retention scheme has so far helped a million businesses cover the wages of 8.4 million staff unable to work during lockdown, at a cost of £15bn.
In June and July, the existing support will continue with the government still paying 80% of salaries, capped at £2,500, with firms not required to pay anything.
However, from 1 July - a month earlier than previously announced - firms will be able to bring staff back part time, but will be responsible for paying their wages while in work.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The main changes start in August when the level of support will begin to reduce and businesses will have to contribute.
August - The government will pay 80% of wages up to a cap of £2,500, but employers will start to pay national insurance and pension contributions
September - The government will pay 70% of wages up to a cap of £2,190, with employers paying 10% of wages as well as contributions
October - The government will pay 60% of wages up to a cap of £1,875, with employers paying 20% of wages plus contributions
Mr Sunak also announced that support for the self-employed would be extended, but at a reduced rate.
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme has so far seen 2.3 million claims worth £6.8bn.
Those eligible will be able to claim a second and final grant in August, but it will be only cover 70% of their profits over a three-month period, capped at £6,570, rather than the previous payment which covered 80%, capped at £7,500.
Applications for the second grant will open in August.
Image: Some 8.4 million UK workers have been furloughed
The chancellor said that efforts must turn towards economic recovery and there would be "no further extensions to the schemes".
"Now, our thoughts, our energies, our resources must turn to looking forward to planning for the recovery and we will need the dynamism of our whole economy as we fight our way back to prosperity.
"Not everything will look the same as before. It won't be the case that we can simply put the key in the lock, open the door and step into the world as it was in January.
"We will develop new measures to grow the economy, to back business, to boost skills and to help people thrive in the new post-COVID world.
"Today, a new national collective effort begins to reopen our country and kick-start our economy."
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) estimates the total cost of the support programmes could "easily breach £100bn - about 11% of total government spending in a normal year".
IFS director Paul Johnson said: "Extending the CJRS to part-time workers and allowing this to start a month earlier than previously announced makes sense.
"It won't help those who are already working part time - unless their employers furlough them before June 10th and bring them back part time in July.
"Keeping the payment to furloughed employees at 80% throughout risks undermining the emphasis on persuading people to return to work either full or part time."
Responding, CBI director-general Dame Carolyn Fairbairn said: "The changes announced will help ensure the schemes stay effective as we begin a cautious recovery.
"Introducing part-time furloughing as more stores and factories start to open will help employees to return to work gradually and safely."
However, she warned that firms not able to open until later, such as pubs and restaurants, may need further support in the coming months.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Chancellor: Self-employed scheme extended
TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady also welcomed the changes but stressed the need for the government to look to the future.
She said: "The UK cannot afford the misery of mass unemployment. The government must start planning now to build on the job retention scheme with a national recovery plan that prioritises protecting and creating jobs."
Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce said: "The furlough scheme has helped companies preserve millions of jobs through lockdown, but many firms still face significant uncertainty ahead.
"On that basis, closing the scheme to new applicants in June feels premature, and risks undermining some of the work already done to preserve businesses and jobs."
Analysis: The chancellor could be the only cabinet minister to have improved his reputation during the pandemic
By Joe Pike, political correspondent
Rishi Sunak has again surprised business with the generosity of his latest big announcement: companies will begin to contribute to the salaries of furloughed staff at a far slower rate than many expected.
The chancellor knows this is the critical moment, the point of maximum danger. So far he is perhaps the only cabinet minister to have significantly improved his reputation during this crisis. That could soon change.
With the Treasury's COVID-19 support package due to end this autumn, many businesses are already calculating which staff to keep and which to sack.
If in the coming months we see mass job losses, Mr Sunak's job retention scheme will have been a failure, and one with a price tag of approximately £80bn. He won't have prevented redundancies, just delayed them.
To try to avoid that, he is withdrawing the economic life-support slowly and carefully.
There may be disappointment at the lack of 'sector specific deals' for industries like hospitality and the arts, which may struggle to return to normal before they have to start contributing to the pay of furloughed staff.
And the big unknown remains consumer confidence. Yes, employees can return to their offices and workplaces, but if people and companies aren't spending, it's pointless. And the UK's coronavirus recession could then be even worse than feared.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-05-29--UK weather: May set to be driest on record as lockdown sees water firms experience huge demand

People in parts of the UK are being asked to help `` make sure there is enough water for everyone '' , as companies see huge demand during what looks set to become the driest May on record .
The Met Office is predicting that some regions , especially in the south of England , will have the lowest rainfall figures ever this month when the final statistics are collated on Monday .
Several providers say customers have been using more water than normal , with South East Water saying people doing extra gardening and DIY during the coronavirus lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being used .
South East Water said it has been pumping an additional 78 million litres a day through its network to keep up .
Customers are being asked to help by `` taking simple steps , such as not watering lawns , reusing paddling pool water , and only using dishwashers and washing machines on full loads '' .
The firm said such measures would help make sure there 's enough water for everyone after such a dry month .
The dry May comes towards the tail-end of what has already been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Although there are a few days left until the end of the meteorological spring , we 've already seen the record beaten for the sunniest spring since records began , '' said Sky News weather presenter Nazaneen Ghaffar .
`` From the 1 March until now , the UK as a whole has had 573.2 hours of sunshine , beating the previous spring record of 553.3 hours , set back in 1948 . ''
Ghaffar added : `` England on its own has experienced 631.1 hours so far and has beaten its own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` As well as this , it looks like May is set to be the driest on record .
`` So far , England has only received 16 % of its average rainfall . ''
The Environment Agency ( EA ) has said most water companies have `` appropriate '' reserves .
It also stressed that its calls for people to use their water wisely should not deter anyone from regular hand-washing as part of the fight against COVID-19 .
But it confirmed United Utilities had applied to take water from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the county .
It also warned further measures may be needed in the North West if the dry spell continues .
Yorkshire Water said its reservoirs are around 75 % full , which is lower than normal for this time of year , and that is has seen people `` use more water than they normally would '' .
A spokeswoman said it has the ability to move water around its grid network to fulfil demand , but she also asked households to help conserve supplies .
Water UK , which represents water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always worth using water wisely '' , and `` especially when people are spending more time at home '' .
But it said that there were `` no plans for any hosepipe bans this summer '' .
`` We work closely with all water companies throughout the year , to ensure their drought plans are up to date and activated as needed , '' said a spokesman .
`` At this time , most companies across the country have appropriate water reserves for this time of year .
`` While dry weather since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in some reservoirs , this is not unusual during a hot , dry spell , and they can recover quickly when the rain returns . ''
: : Listen to Coronavirus : In This Together on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Meanwhile , the Yorkshire Dales National Park has issued a fire warning to visitors as the dry spell has left `` tinder dry grass and moorland '' .
Chief executive David Butterworth said : `` Nobody should be lighting fires or barbecues in the countryside and everyone should be taking their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire . ''
Even more people are expected to head outdoors to enjoy the sunshine after Prime Minister Boris Johnson further loosened lockdown rules , allowing larger groups of people from different households to meet .
Forecasters say conditions are expected to stay `` largely , dry , sunny and warm '' , with no rain expected in the next week , except across northern and western parts .
The highest temperature recorded so far this year is 28.2C ( 82.7F ) at Santon Downham , Suffolk , on 20 May .

People in parts of the UK are being asked to help "make sure there is enough water for everyone", as companies see huge demand during what looks set to become the driest May on record.
The Met Office is predicting that some regions, especially in the south of England, will have the lowest rainfall figures ever this month when the final statistics are collated on Monday.
Several providers say customers have been using more water than normal, with South East Water saying people doing extra gardening and DIY during the coronavirus lockdown had contributed to an additional 14% being used.
Image: South East Water is asking customers to reusing paddling pool water for their garden. File pic
South East Water said it has been pumping an additional 78 million litres a day through its network to keep up.
Customers are being asked to help by "taking simple steps, such as not watering lawns, reusing paddling pool water, and only using dishwashers and washing machines on full loads".
The firm said such measures would help make sure there's enough water for everyone after such a dry month.
The dry May comes towards the tail-end of what has already been the sunniest spring in decades.
"Although there are a few days left until the end of the meteorological spring, we've already seen the record beaten for the sunniest spring since records began," said Sky News weather presenter Nazaneen Ghaffar.
"From the 1 March until now, the UK as a whole has had 573.2 hours of sunshine, beating the previous spring record of 553.3 hours, set back in 1948."
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Image: South East Water says gardening has contributed to an additional 14% of water use. File pic
Ghaffar added: "England on its own has experienced 631.1 hours so far and has beaten its own previous record for spring of 594.3 hours.
"As well as this, it looks like May is set to be the driest on record.
"So far, England has only received 16% of its average rainfall."
Image: Some regions are on course for the driest May on record
The Environment Agency (EA) has said most water companies have "appropriate" reserves.
It also stressed that its calls for people to use their water wisely should not deter anyone from regular hand-washing as part of the fight against COVID-19.
But it confirmed United Utilities had applied to take water from a Cumbrian lake to help with supplies in the county.
It also warned further measures may be needed in the North West if the dry spell continues.
Yorkshire Water said its reservoirs are around 75% full, which is lower than normal for this time of year, and that is has seen people "use more water than they normally would".
A spokeswoman said it has the ability to move water around its grid network to fulfil demand, but she also asked households to help conserve supplies.
Image: Low water levels at the Lindley Wood Reservoir near Otley, West Yorkshire
Water UK, which represents water companies, has said it is "always worth using water wisely", and "especially when people are spending more time at home".
But it said that there were "no plans for any hosepipe bans this summer".
"We work closely with all water companies throughout the year, to ensure their drought plans are up to date and activated as needed," said a spokesman.
"At this time, most companies across the country have appropriate water reserves for this time of year.
"While dry weather since late March has led to a decline in some reservoirs, this is not unusual during a hot, dry spell, and they can recover quickly when the rain returns."
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 Coronavirus: In This Together on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Meanwhile, the Yorkshire Dales National Park has issued a fire warning to visitors as the dry spell has left "tinder dry grass and moorland".
Chief executive David Butterworth said: "Nobody should be lighting fires or barbecues in the countryside and everyone should be taking their litter home to reduce the instances of fire."
Even more people are expected to head outdoors to enjoy the sunshine after Prime Minister Boris Johnson further loosened lockdown rules, allowing larger groups of people from different households to meet.
Forecasters say conditions are expected to stay "largely, dry, sunny and warm", with no rain expected in the next week, except across northern and western parts.
The highest temperature recorded so far this year is 28.2C (82.7F) at Santon Downham, Suffolk, on 20 May.


news--2020-05-29--George Floyd death: Minneapolis police station set on fire during protests as Trump attacks 'thugs'

Donald Trump has attacked who he called `` thugs '' in Minneapolis , Minnesota , after a third night of violent protests over the death of an unarmed black man in custody .
Demonstrators set fire to a police station as anger mounted after George Floyd died on Monday .
In tweets about the latest unrest , the president said he `` ca n't stand back and watch this happen to a great American city '' , and vowed `` when the looting starts , the shooting starts '' - which sparked a violation ruling by Twitter for `` glorifying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been `` a total lack of leadership '' among the city 's authorities as the protests intensified .
He said : `` Either the very weak radical left mayor , Jacob Frey , gets his act together and brings the city under control , or I will send in the National Guard and get the job done right . ''
In a second tweet , Mr Trump wrote : `` These thugs are dishonouring the memory of George Floyd , and I wo n't let that happen .
Just spoke to Governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military is with him all the way .
Any difficulty and we will assume control but , when the looting starts , the shooting starts .
Thank you ! ''
The latter post was deemed by Twitter to have `` violated '' its `` rules about glorifying violence '' and users had to click on a view button to read it .
Mr Floyd died after a white officer , Derek Chauvin , was filmed kneeling on his neck while he was handcuffed , for at least eight minutes while arresting him for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a shop .
The 46-year-old can be heard in the widely-circulated mobile phone footage saying he could not breathe , before paramedics are seen lifting him on to a stretcher and into an ambulance - he was later pronounced dead in hospital .
The video showed `` a murder right before our very eyes '' , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told TV broadcaster MSNBC .
She said : `` It 's so very , very sad because the American people saw an execution , a murder right before our very eyes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has to be justice in that case . ''
On Thursday evening , cheering protesters broke into a police precinct after the department abandoned it , setting it on fire and letting off fireworks , as violence spread across the US over Mr Floyd 's death .
Demonstrators in New York defying coronavirus rules against public gatherings clashed with police , while some blocked traffic in downtown Denver .
In Minneapolis , a police spokesman confirmed that staff had evacuated the 3rd precinct station - which covers the area where Mr Floyd was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the safety of our personnel '' .
Video streamed live online showed people entering the building , where fire alarms went off and sprinklers came on as blazes were set .
Windows of shops were also smashed .
The city 's governor , Tim Waltz , called in the National Guard - which tweeted that it had activated more than 500 soldiers across the area .
It said a `` key objective '' was to make sure fire departments could respond to calls , and in a follow-up post , it said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department '' to assist - but no move was made to put out the fire .
Local leaders have repeatedly urged demonstrators to avoid violence and to `` please stay at home '' .
In a tweet , St Paul Mayor , Melvin Carter - who is black - said : `` Please do not come here to protest .
Please keep the focus on George Floyd , on advancing our movement and on preventing this from ever happening again . ''
The US attorney 's office and the FBI in Minneapolis said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation '' into Mr Floyd 's death .
Donald Trump had previously asked the Bureau to get involved , and it is also looking into whether Mr Floyd 's civil rights were violated .
Derek Chauvin and three other police officers involved in his arrest were sacked on Tuesday .
Officials have called for criminal charges to be brought against Mr Chauvin , who has had 17 complaints filed against him during his 19-year service , online city records show .
Sixteen complaints were closed with no discipline , and the remaining grievance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chauvin 's driveway has been splattered with red paint and the word `` murderer '' .
He has not spoken publicly since Mr Floyd 's death , and his lawyer has not responded to calls seeking comment .

Donald Trump has attacked who he called "thugs" in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after a third night of violent protests over the death of an unarmed black man in custody.
Demonstrators set fire to a police station as anger mounted after George Floyd died on Monday.
In tweets about the latest unrest, the president said he "can't stand back and watch this happen to a great American city", and vowed "when the looting starts, the shooting starts" - which sparked a violation ruling by Twitter for "glorifying violence".
Image: Twitter deemed that this Trump post violated its rules
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:29 Protests spread over death in police custody
Mr Trump claimed there had been "a total lack of leadership" among the city's authorities as the protests intensified.
He said: "Either the very weak radical left mayor, Jacob Frey, gets his act together and brings the city under control, or I will send in the National Guard and get the job done right."
In a second tweet, Mr Trump wrote: "These thugs are dishonouring the memory of George Floyd, and I won't let that happen. Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!"
The latter post was deemed by Twitter to have "violated" its "rules about glorifying violence" and users had to click on a view button to read it.
Image: Protesters set fire to the entrance of a police station during a third night of violence
Image: Demonstrators gathered around the police station
Mr Floyd died after a white officer, Derek Chauvin, was filmed kneeling on his neck while he was handcuffed, for at least eight minutes while arresting him for allegedly using a fake $20 note in a shop.
The 46-year-old can be heard in the widely-circulated mobile phone footage saying he could not breathe, before paramedics are seen lifting him on to a stretcher and into an ambulance - he was later pronounced dead in hospital.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:36 Video shows officer kneeling on man who later died
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:08 Redacted bodycam video of arrest death
The video showed "a murder right before our very eyes", House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told TV broadcaster MSNBC.
She said: "It's so very, very sad because the American people saw an execution, a murder right before our very eyes.
"It wasn't self-defence. There has to be justice in that case."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:35 Multiple arrests at NYC protest clashes
On Thursday evening, cheering protesters broke into a police precinct after the department abandoned it, setting it on fire and letting off fireworks, as violence spread across the US over Mr Floyd's death.
Demonstrators in New York defying coronavirus rules against public gatherings clashed with police, while some blocked traffic in downtown Denver.
Image: Demonstrations have spread to other US cities, including in New York
Image: Activists clash with police during protests in New York
In Minneapolis, a police spokesman confirmed that staff had evacuated the 3rd precinct station - which covers the area where Mr Floyd was detained - "in the interest of the safety of our personnel".
Video streamed live online showed people entering the building, where fire alarms went off and sprinklers came on as blazes were set. Windows of shops were also smashed.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:25 Driver hits George Floyd protester
The city's governor, Tim Waltz, called in the National Guard - which tweeted that it had activated more than 500 soldiers across the area.
It said a "key objective" was to make sure fire departments could respond to calls, and in a follow-up post, it said it was "here with the Minneapolis Fire Department" to assist - but no move was made to put out the fire.
Image: Cars have also been set on fire in Minneapolis
Local leaders have repeatedly urged demonstrators to avoid violence and to "please stay at home".
In a tweet, St Paul Mayor, Melvin Carter - who is black - said: "Please do not come here to protest. Please keep the focus on George Floyd, on advancing our movement and on preventing this from ever happening again."
The US attorney's office and the FBI in Minneapolis said they are conducting "a robust criminal investigation" into Mr Floyd's death.
Donald Trump had previously asked the Bureau to get involved, and it is also looking into whether Mr Floyd's civil rights were violated.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Derek Chauvin and three other police officers involved in his arrest were sacked on Tuesday.
Officials have called for criminal charges to be brought against Mr Chauvin, who has had 17 complaints filed against him during his 19-year service, online city records show.
Sixteen complaints were closed with no discipline, and the remaining grievance generated two letters of reprimand.
Mr Chauvin's driveway has been splattered with red paint and the word "murderer".
He has not spoken publicly since Mr Floyd's death, and his lawyer has not responded to calls seeking comment.


news--2020-05-29--Coronavirus: Current lockdown plans are 'confusing' for the vulnerable millions shielding, governmen

Coronavirus: Current lockdown plans are 'confusing' for the vulnerable millions shielding, government warned

Millions of vulnerable people shielding during the coronavirus outbreak must get more clarity about when their lives can start to return to normal as lockdown across the UK eases , a group of charities has demanded .
Dozens of organisations representing those deemed `` clinically vulnerable '' and facing harsher rules have urged the government to `` be clearer with communication '' about announcements affecting them during the COVID-19 pandemic..
They said as restrictions are loosened across the four nations , the around 2.2 million people shielding will find the restrictions stopping them from leaving the house , seeing family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bear '' .
`` Messaging to this group is currently confused , '' wrote the bosses of charities including Diabetes UK , the British Lung Foundation and Macmillan Cancer Support in an open letter to ministers .
`` Some people have received texts advising them to shield until the end of July , and others have been advised to continue to shield indefinitely by their clinician .
`` It is imperative that clear guidance to those who are shielding is issued as soon as possible . ''
Current advice from the UK government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home at all times and avoid any face-to-face contact to protect yourself '' until the end of June .
Those who fall into the group include people with specific cancers , rare diseases that significantly increase the risk of infection , those on some immunosuppressive therapies and pregnant women with significant heart disease .
It used to include anybody aged over 70 regardless of medical condition , but that advice has now been withdrawn .
The letter from charities on Friday calls for `` urgent and direct communication from government with those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should expect when the shielding deadline expires at the end of next month .
Otherwise people will be left `` confused and anxious '' as lockdown restrictions are eased , they warn .
At the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing on Thursday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said : `` At this stage , I am afraid that those who have been asked to shield themselves should continue to do so . ''
He added he is `` looking carefully at how we can make your life easier '' and that `` we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Millions of vulnerable people shielding during the coronavirus outbreak must get more clarity about when their lives can start to return to normal as lockdown across the UK eases, a group of charities has demanded.
Dozens of organisations representing those deemed "clinically vulnerable" and facing harsher rules have urged the government to "be clearer with communication" about announcements affecting them during the COVID-19 pandemic..
They said as restrictions are loosened across the four nations, the around 2.2 million people shielding will find the restrictions stopping them from leaving the house, seeing family or going to work "harder to bear".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:17 The PM makes 'cautious' lockdown changes
"Messaging to this group is currently confused," wrote the bosses of charities including Diabetes UK, the British Lung Foundation and Macmillan Cancer Support in an open letter to ministers.
"Some people have received texts advising them to shield until the end of July, and others have been advised to continue to shield indefinitely by their clinician.
"It is imperative that clear guidance to those who are shielding is issued as soon as possible."
Current advice from the UK government is that people shielding should "stay at home at all times and avoid any face-to-face contact to protect yourself" until the end of June.
Those who fall into the group include people with specific cancers, rare diseases that significantly increase the risk of infection, those on some immunosuppressive therapies and pregnant women with significant heart disease.
It used to include anybody aged over 70 regardless of medical condition, but that advice has now been withdrawn.
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The letter from charities on Friday calls for "urgent and direct communication from government with those who are vulnerable" explaining what they should expect when the shielding deadline expires at the end of next month.
Otherwise people will be left "confused and anxious" as lockdown restrictions are eased, they warn.
At the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing on Thursday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "At this stage, I am afraid that those who have been asked to shield themselves should continue to do so."
He added he is "looking carefully at how we can make your life easier" and that "we want to say more on that soon".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: Virgin Atlantic puts advisers on standby as industry teeters

Virgin Atlantic Airways has put advisers on standby to handle a potential administration as it races to secure a £500m rescue that would enable Sir Richard Branson ’ s flagship company to survive the coronavirus pandemic .
Sky News has learnt that Virgin Atlantic retained Alvarez & Marsal ( A & M ) , a restructuring specialist , earlier this week to assemble contingency plans for an insolvency process at the airline .
Sources said this weekend that A & M 's work would be focused on options for a pre-pack administration that would see a restructured and financially viable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The firm 's appointment does not mean that insolvency is inevitable , but reflects the legal obligation of Virgin Atlantic 's directors to prepare for such an outcome , according to aviation experts .
A pre-pack deal would wipe out the equity of existing shareholders - Sir Richard 's holding company and Delta Air Lines .
The news of A & M 's role has emerged just days after Virgin Atlantic said it would axe more than 3,000 jobs - or about one-third of its workforce - to aid its survival battle .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 36-year tenure at Gatwick Airport , reducing the size of its fleet and putting its Boeing 747s into early retirement .
Virgin Atlantic 's board remains in discussions with the government and private investors about providing new capital that would allow the company to implement its restructuring plans .
Houlihan Lokey , the investment bank advising Virgin Atlantic on the process , is understood to be in ongoing talks with up to a dozen parties , said to include Apollo Global Management , Centerbridge and Cerberus Capital Management .
Further negotiations are said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the course of next week .
A pre-pack administration , which paves the way for new investors to take control of a restructured company , is a well-established method in Britain .
Such a procedure is particularly complex in the airline industry , however , because an insolvency would automatically terminate Virgin Atlantic 's aircraft leasing and take-off and landing slot agreements .
Emergency laws to reform the UK 's insolvency procedures are likely to be presented to parliament next week .
Directors in boardrooms across Britain are wrestling with the impact of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Sunday 's announcement by Boris Johnson will offer optimism about their recovery prospects .
In the airline industry , bosses are dismayed that the government is preparing to introduce a two-week quarantine requirement for anyone flying into the country .
A call between airlines and ministers is scheduled to take place on Sunday to discuss the plans .
Virgin Atlantic is already anticipating that customer demand will be at least 40 % lower during 2020 , with only a gradual recovery next year .
This week , Willie Walsh , the outgoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , International Airlines Group , dampened hopes that it would resume flying if the government introduced a 14-day quarantine requirement .
Airlines , airports and aviation services groups wrote to the prime minister on Thursday to beg for an extension to the emergency job retention scheme `` for a few more months '' .
The Treasury has , to date , been lukewarm about the idea of committing taxpayers ' money to Virgin Atlantic , partly because of its ownership by billionaire Sir Richard and Delta Air Lines , a US carrier which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington .
The company recently received a capital injection amounting to more than $ 100m from Sir Richard 's Virgin Group .
It has also furloughed thousands of staff and seen its top executives agree substantial pay cuts because of the COVID-19 outbreak .
Fewer than a handful of Virgin Atlantic 's planes have been flying since the UK lockdown began in March , when Peter Norris , Virgin Group 's chairman , urged Mr Johnson to establish an industry-wide support package that could cost in the region of £7.5bn .
Hopes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan might be forthcoming appeared to be dashed , however , when Rishi Sunak , the chancellor , indicated that state aid would be available `` only as a last resort '' and after the support of existing government schemes and companies ' existing shareholders had been pursued .
Sir Richard recently made an impassioned defence of his group 's financial affairs , warning that the transatlantic airline he founded in the 1980s was likely to collapse without government support .
He has already seen Virgin Australia fall into a process called voluntary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk .
Virgin Atlantic is seeking hundreds of millions of pounds in the form of a commercial loan , as well as a government guarantee on further sums owed to it by credit card companies .
The Financial Times reported on Saturday that Sir Richard was now free to sell hundreds of millions of pounds worth of shares in Virgin Galactic , his New York-listed space tourism venture .
Last month , Heathrow Airport and some of the aviation industry 's biggest manufacturers , including Airbus and Rolls Royce Holdings launched a frantic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Virgin Atlantic .
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said : `` Because of significant costs to our business caused by unprecedented market conditions which the COVID-19 crisis has brought with it , we are exploring all available options to obtain additional external funding .
`` We continue to take decisive action to reduce our costs , preserve cash and protect as many jobs as possible .
`` Discussions with a number of stakeholders continue and are constructive , meanwhile the airline remains in a stable position .
`` Virgin Atlantic is committed to continuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to consumers and businesses in Britain and beyond , once we emerge from this crisis . ''
BA , meanwhile , is consulting on up to 12,000 redundancies , while Ryanair has said it plans to axe 3,000 jobs .
Around 8,000 posts are under threat at Rolls Royce as the airline industry faces the gravest crisis in its history .

Virgin Atlantic Airways has put advisers on standby to handle a potential administration as it races to secure a £500m rescue that would enable Sir Richard Branson’s flagship company to survive the coronavirus pandemic.
Sky News has learnt that Virgin Atlantic retained Alvarez & Marsal (A&M), a restructuring specialist, earlier this week to assemble contingency plans for an insolvency process at the airline.
Sources said this weekend that A&M's work would be focused on options for a pre-pack administration that would see a restructured and financially viable carrier emerge from the COVID-19 crisis.
Image: Virgin Atlantic is already anticipating that customer demand will be at least 40% lower during 2020
The firm's appointment does not mean that insolvency is inevitable, but reflects the legal obligation of Virgin Atlantic's directors to prepare for such an outcome, according to aviation experts.
A pre-pack deal would wipe out the equity of existing shareholders - Sir Richard's holding company and Delta Air Lines.
The news of A&M's role has emerged just days after Virgin Atlantic said it would axe more than 3,000 jobs - or about one-third of its workforce - to aid its survival battle.
The company's plans include ending its 36-year tenure at Gatwick Airport, reducing the size of its fleet and putting its Boeing 747s into early retirement.
Virgin Atlantic's board remains in discussions with the government and private investors about providing new capital that would allow the company to implement its restructuring plans.
Houlihan Lokey, the investment bank advising Virgin Atlantic on the process, is understood to be in ongoing talks with up to a dozen parties, said to include Apollo Global Management, Centerbridge and Cerberus Capital Management.
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Further negotiations are said to be planned with Whitehall officials during the course of next week.
A pre-pack administration, which paves the way for new investors to take control of a restructured company, is a well-established method in Britain.
Such a procedure is particularly complex in the airline industry, however, because an insolvency would automatically terminate Virgin Atlantic's aircraft leasing and take-off and landing slot agreements.
Emergency laws to reform the UK's insolvency procedures are likely to be presented to parliament next week.
Directors in boardrooms across Britain are wrestling with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, with little expectation that Sunday's announcement by Boris Johnson will offer optimism about their recovery prospects.
In the airline industry, bosses are dismayed that the government is preparing to introduce a two-week quarantine requirement for anyone flying into the country.
A call between airlines and ministers is scheduled to take place on Sunday to discuss the plans.
Virgin Atlantic is already anticipating that customer demand will be at least 40% lower during 2020, with only a gradual recovery next year.
This week, Willie Walsh, the outgoing chief executive of British Airways' parent, International Airlines Group, dampened hopes that it would resume flying if the government introduced a 14-day quarantine requirement.
Airlines, airports and aviation services groups wrote to the prime minister on Thursday to beg for an extension to the emergency job retention scheme "for a few more months".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 'Branson can bail himself out'
The Treasury has, to date, been lukewarm about the idea of committing taxpayers' money to Virgin Atlantic, partly because of its ownership by billionaire Sir Richard and Delta Air Lines, a US carrier which has itself just been bailed out by Washington.
The company recently received a capital injection amounting to more than $100m from Sir Richard's Virgin Group.
It has also furloughed thousands of staff and seen its top executives agree substantial pay cuts because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Fewer than a handful of Virgin Atlantic's planes have been flying since the UK lockdown began in March, when Peter Norris, Virgin Group's chairman, urged Mr Johnson to establish an industry-wide support package that could cost in the region of £7.5bn.
Hopes in the airline industry that such a rescue plan might be forthcoming appeared to be dashed, however, when Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, indicated that state aid would be available "only as a last resort" and after the support of existing government schemes and companies' existing shareholders had been pursued.
Sir Richard recently made an impassioned defence of his group's financial affairs, warning that the transatlantic airline he founded in the 1980s was likely to collapse without government support.
He has already seen Virgin Australia fall into a process called voluntary administration, putting thousands of jobs at risk.
Virgin Atlantic is seeking hundreds of millions of pounds in the form of a commercial loan, as well as a government guarantee on further sums owed to it by credit card companies.
The Financial Times reported on Saturday that Sir Richard was now free to sell hundreds of millions of pounds worth of shares in Virgin Galactic, his New York-listed space tourism venture.
Last month, Heathrow Airport and some of the aviation industry's biggest manufacturers, including Airbus and Rolls Royce Holdings launched a frantic lobbying campaign to secure taxpayer support for Virgin Atlantic.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: "Because of significant costs to our business caused by unprecedented market conditions which the COVID-19 crisis has brought with it, we are exploring all available options to obtain additional external funding.
"We continue to take decisive action to reduce our costs, preserve cash and protect as many jobs as possible.
"Discussions with a number of stakeholders continue and are constructive, meanwhile the airline remains in a stable position.
"Virgin Atlantic is committed to continuing to provide essential connectivity on competitive terms to consumers and businesses in Britain and beyond, once we emerge from this crisis."
BA, meanwhile, is consulting on up to 12,000 redundancies, while Ryanair has said it plans to axe 3,000 jobs.
Around 8,000 posts are under threat at Rolls Royce as the airline industry faces the gravest crisis in its history.


news--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: Travel quarantine deals further blow to stricken airlines

The pandemic has pushed major carriers to the brink and prompted thousands of redundancies Coronavirus has been catastrophic for the airline industry .
The COVID-19 pandemic has grounded more than 90 % of flights globally , destroyed millions of holiday and business travel plans , pushed major carriers to the brink and prompted almost 20,000 redundancies in the UK alone , with many more potentially to come .
And now air passengers arriving in Britain will soon have to quarantine for a fortnight as part of a move to avoid a second peak of the coronavirus .
Measures that require @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the average holiday mean there is now even less prospect of international travellers bailing out businesses and communities .
And for British holidaymakers the restrictions will kill off the already slim prospect of foreign breaks going ahead this summer , unless they can stomach a fortnight of isolation on their return .
Amid the wreckage of an episode likely to change air travel for a generation , until now there had been one tiny speck of light for British airports and operators and their prospective customers - passengers did not face any restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earliest days of the outbreak , when passengers were handed leaflets advising them to seek help if they had a temperature , there have been no interventions at all to address potential virus carriers arriving by air .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker That is now set to change , with airlines having been told the prime minister will order the imposition of 14-day self-isolation period for all travellers arriving by air at UK airports .
They will have to declare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a digital form and will be warned they could face spot checks organised by the Border Force .
Arrivals from the Republic of Ireland will be exempt , along with key workers such as those involved in other parts of the transport chain like shipping and road freight .
When the measure will be imposed is unclear , with suggestions it may not begin for three weeks , coinciding with the potential date for easing some of the current restrictions on economic and social activity .
Whenever it comes , the impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge .
At a stroke it is likely to reduce even further the trickle of passengers still travelling by air .
Daily arrivals at UK airports have already fallen from a 300,000-a-day average to around 15,000 , a drop of 95 % .
The measures will lead to further pressure from airlines and airports for enhanced support for the industry .
The government has thus far resisted calls for an industry-specific bailout , expecting shareholders in major carriers to step up before the taxpayer .
They also point to the job support furlough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cost of near closure , but British Airways , Ryanair and Virgin Atlantic have already announced 18,000 redundancies between them .
BA 's owner believes it will be 2023 before aviation returns to its pre-outbreak level , while analysts believe there may be a permanent reduction in travel as a consequence of the outbreak , which has ushered in new ways of working alongside fear of contagion .
The Foreign Office already advises against all but essential travel anywhere in the world , and UK airports have warned that social distancing measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ departure queues a kilometre long .
Also yet to be explained is the government 's rationale for imposing the restrictions now , having explicitly and repeatedly ruled them out earlier in the outbreak .
Official figures show that just 273 of 18.1 million arrivals were quarantined early in the outbreak - all passengers on planes from Wuhan , China , or extracted from cruise ships .
Previously , ministers and experts have implied that there was little point in imposing quarantine measures as the virus was so widespread it would make little impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak in abeyance and the reinfection rate below one , may be justified as an attempt to keep it that way .
How long the measures will last , how and on what terms they will be reviewed , and what will remain of the air industry when they do , remain to be seen .
The only thing that is clear is the sky .

Measures requiring people to stay isolated for longer than the average holiday removes the one speck of light for the industry.
The pandemic has pushed major carriers to the brink and prompted thousands of redundancies
Coronavirus has been catastrophic for the airline industry.
The COVID-19 pandemic has grounded more than 90% of flights globally, destroyed millions of holiday and business travel plans, pushed major carriers to the brink and prompted almost 20,000 redundancies in the UK alone, with many more potentially to come.
And now air passengers arriving in Britain will soon have to quarantine for a fortnight as part of a move to avoid a second peak of the coronavirus.
Image: At a stroke, the move is likely to reduce even further the trickle of passengers still travelling by air
Measures that require people to stay isolated for longer than the average holiday mean there is now even less prospect of international travellers bailing out businesses and communities.
And for British holidaymakers the restrictions will kill off the already slim prospect of foreign breaks going ahead this summer, unless they can stomach a fortnight of isolation on their return.
Amid the wreckage of an episode likely to change air travel for a generation, until now there had been one tiny speck of light for British airports and operators and their prospective customers - passengers did not face any restrictions on arrival.
Aside from the very earliest days of the outbreak, when passengers were handed leaflets advising them to seek help if they had a temperature, there have been no interventions at all to address potential virus carriers arriving by air.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:21 Airlines face uncertain future
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
That is now set to change, with airlines having been told the prime minister will order the imposition of 14-day self-isolation period for all travellers arriving by air at UK airports.
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They will have to declare the address at which they are staying on a digital form and will be warned they could face spot checks organised by the Border Force.
Arrivals from the Republic of Ireland will be exempt, along with key workers such as those involved in other parts of the transport chain like shipping and road freight.
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
When the measure will be imposed is unclear, with suggestions it may not begin for three weeks, coinciding with the potential date for easing some of the current restrictions on economic and social activity.
Whenever it comes, the impact on passengers and the industry will be huge.
At a stroke it is likely to reduce even further the trickle of passengers still travelling by air.
Daily arrivals at UK airports have already fallen from a 300,000-a-day average to around 15,000, a drop of 95%.
The measures will lead to further pressure from airlines and airports for enhanced support for the industry.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:03 How airlines are responding to COVID challenge
The government has thus far resisted calls for an industry-specific bailout, expecting shareholders in major carriers to step up before the taxpayer.
They also point to the job support furlough scheme as a significant means of offsetting the cost of near closure, but British Airways, Ryanair and Virgin Atlantic have already announced 18,000 redundancies between them.
BA's owner believes it will be 2023 before aviation returns to its pre-outbreak level, while analysts believe there may be a permanent reduction in travel as a consequence of the outbreak, which has ushered in new ways of working alongside fear of contagion.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 'We've never faced this in airline industry'
The Foreign Office already advises against all but essential travel anywhere in the world, and UK airports have warned that social distancing measures and possible temperature checks could lead to departure queues a kilometre long.
Also yet to be explained is the government's rationale for imposing the restrictions now, having explicitly and repeatedly ruled them out earlier in the outbreak.
Official figures show that just 273 of 18.1 million arrivals were quarantined early in the outbreak - all passengers on planes from Wuhan, China, or extracted from cruise ships.
Previously, ministers and experts have implied that there was little point in imposing quarantine measures as the virus was so widespread it would make little impact.
The imposition now, with the outbreak in abeyance and the reinfection rate below one, may be justified as an attempt to keep it that way.
How long the measures will last, how and on what terms they will be reviewed, and what will remain of the air industry when they do, remain to be seen.
The only thing that is clear is the sky.


news--2020-05-09--Sheridan Smith 'overwhelmed with love' after she gives birth to baby boy

Sheridan Smith has given birth to a baby boy , the actress announced on Twitter .
Smith , 38 , said she and fiance Jamie Horn are `` completely overwhelmed with love '' following the birth .
She tweeted to tell fans that `` our little man has arrived '' .
The message was posted alongside a photo of her son holding onto one of her fingers .
The actress revealed the gender of the baby to her fans in November .
She recently said she felt `` lucky '' to be pregnant during the coronavirus pandemic because it gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has starred in the ITV lockdown drama Isolation Stories , playing a heavily pregnant woman who faces childbirth alone , which was entitled Mel and filmed by insurance broker Horn .
Smith has starred in an array of roles in dramas such as Mrs Biggs and Cilla and for her work on stage in Legally Blonde and Funny Girl .
Stars including Steph McGovern , Stacey Dooley , Michelle Hardwick and football pundit Gary Lineker shared messages with Smith on social media after she announced the news .
McGovern wrote : `` Congratulations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Love to all three of you . ''
Lineker said : `` Congratulations to you both . ''
The birth was described by Hardwick as `` gorgeous news '' .

Sheridan Smith has given birth to a baby boy, the actress announced on Twitter.
Smith, 38, said she and fiance Jamie Horn are "completely overwhelmed with love" following the birth.
She tweeted to tell fans that "our little man has arrived".
The message was posted alongside a photo of her son holding onto one of her fingers.
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 actress revealed the gender of the baby to her fans in November.
She recently said she felt "lucky" to be pregnant during the coronavirus pandemic because it gave her life "focus".
Smith has starred in the ITV lockdown drama Isolation Stories, playing a heavily pregnant woman who faces childbirth alone, which was entitled Mel and filmed by insurance broker Horn.
Smith has starred in an array of roles in dramas such as Mrs Biggs and Cilla and for her work on stage in Legally Blonde and Funny Girl.
Image: Smith with fiance Jamie Horn
Stars including Steph McGovern, Stacey Dooley, Michelle Hardwick and football pundit Gary Lineker shared messages with Smith on social media after she announced the news.
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McGovern wrote: "Congratulations! So pleased for you both.
"Love to all three of you."
Lineker said: "Congratulations to you both."
The birth was described by Hardwick as "gorgeous news".


news--2020-05-09--More than 140 migrants intercepted in Channel - highest number in one day

A record number of migrants crossed the English Channel on Friday .
On 8 May , 145 people were brought ashore - and one boat was carrying 51 people .
A further 82 migrants were picked up on Saturday .
Chris Philp , minister for immigration compliance and the courts , said : `` We are all working night and day to dismantle and arrest the criminal gangs who trade in people smuggling .
`` The recent increase in crossings is totally unacceptable and it is sickening that smugglers are willing to put people 's lives at risk , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including seven children , were intercepted in the English Channel - the highest daily total at the time .
Border officials and coastguards in Britain and France have intercepted numerous attempted crossings in recent months as migrants have repeatedly tried to travel from destinations in Asia and Africa to Britain .
Both countries have agreed to step up efforts to try to stem the flow of migrants crossing the Channel in small boats .
Earlier this week , Home Secretary Priti Patel held a telephone call with her French counterpart Christophe Castaner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shores - or intercepted in UK territorial waters - surged to around 1,200 this year .
A total of 1,900 migrants arrived in the UK by small boat in the whole of 2019 .
Sky News has been told that since the coronavirus lockdown began on 23 March , around 700 men , women and children have been intercepted in small boats in British waters and on south coast beaches .
The British government has repeatedly warned immigrants not to attempt to make the dangerous crossing by small boat .
Last year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But despite the extra resources - on both sides of the Channel - the numbers attempting the crossing have continued to grow , aided by a sophisticated people-smuggling network which continues to thrive despite dozens of arrests across several European countries .
`` These people are fleeing terrifying situations in some of the most dangerous parts of the world .
They aim for the UK because they want to be safe , '' said Clare Moseley , founder of the Care4Calais charity .
The English Channel is the world 's busiest shipping lane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through it every day .

A record number of migrants crossed the English Channel on Friday.
On 8 May, 145 people were brought ashore - and one boat was carrying 51 people.
A further 82 migrants were picked up on Saturday.
Chris Philp, minister for immigration compliance and the courts, said: "We are all working night and day to dismantle and arrest the criminal gangs who trade in people smuggling.
"The recent increase in crossings is totally unacceptable and it is sickening that smugglers are willing to put people's lives at risk, including children."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:41 Dozens of migrants intercepted at Dover
In February 102 migrants, including seven children, were intercepted in the English Channel - the highest daily total at the time.
Border officials and coastguards in Britain and France have intercepted numerous attempted crossings in recent months as migrants have repeatedly tried to travel from destinations in Asia and Africa to Britain.
Both countries have agreed to step up efforts to try to stem the flow of migrants crossing the Channel in small boats.
Earlier this week, Home Secretary Priti Patel held a telephone call with her French counterpart Christophe Castaner after the number of migrants reaching UK shores - or intercepted in UK territorial waters - surged to around 1,200 this year.
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A total of 1,900 migrants arrived in the UK by small boat in the whole of 2019.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:19 5 March: Migrants intercepted at UK border
Sky News has been told that since the coronavirus lockdown began on 23 March, around 700 men, women and children have been intercepted in small boats in British waters and on south coast beaches.
The British government has repeatedly warned immigrants not to attempt to make the dangerous crossing by small boat. Last year, two migrants drowned in separate incidents.
But despite the extra resources - on both sides of the Channel - the numbers attempting the crossing have continued to grow, aided by a sophisticated people-smuggling network which continues to thrive despite dozens of arrests across several European countries.
"These people are fleeing terrifying situations in some of the most dangerous parts of the world. They aim for the UK because they want to be safe," said Clare Moseley, founder of the Care4Calais charity.
The English Channel is the world's busiest shipping lane, with 500 to 600 ships passing through it every day.


news--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: Las Vegas star Roy Horn of Siegfried & Roy dies with COVID-19

Magician Roy Horn , best known as part of the Las Vegas performing duo of Siegfried & Roy , has died at the age of 75 after contracting coronavirus .
The entertainer tested positive for COVID-19 last month and was said to have been `` responding well to treatment '' .
Horn and Siegfried Fischbacher were world renowned for their Las Vegas shows involving white lions and tigers .
In a statement , Fischbacher said : `` Today , the world has lost one of the greats of magic , but I have lost my best friend .
`` From @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roy and I , together , would change the world .
There could be no Siegfried without Roy , and no Roy without Siegfried .
`` Roy was a fighter his whole life including during these final days .
I give my heartfelt appreciation to the team of doctors , nurses and staff at Mountain View Hospital who worked heroically against this insidious virus that ultimately took Roy 's life . ''
Magician David Copperfield tweeted : `` A wonderful artist , a legend - Roy gave so much to entertainment and our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I always loved seeing Siegfried & Roy , two great immigrants who set a new standard for entertainment .
No one could match their talent and energy .
`` They literally had the best show in the history of Vegas .
I loved watching Roy 's magic and stunts .
I ca n't believe he 's gone .
`` I 'll always be grateful for their big hearts and kindness .
When my mom came to visit , it was a big deal for her to see Siegfried and Roy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ queen .
My thoughts are with Roy 's family , Siegfried , and all of their fans . ''
Horn and Fischbacher , both Germans , launched their Las Vegas show at the Mirage in 1990 , performing elaborate tricks alongside animals .
However , the act unravelled in October 2003 when a tiger named Mantecore mauled Roy during a live performance .
The attack severed his spine , caused severe blood loss and inflicted several critical injuries , permanently affecting his ability to move , walk and speak .

Magician Roy Horn, best known as part of the Las Vegas performing duo of Siegfried & Roy, has died at the age of 75 after contracting coronavirus.
The entertainer tested positive for COVID-19 last month and was said to have been "responding well to treatment".
Horn and Siegfried Fischbacher were world renowned for their Las Vegas shows involving white lions and tigers.
Image: Horn died at Mountain View Hospital after contracting coronavirus
In a statement, Fischbacher said: "Today, the world has lost one of the greats of magic, but I have lost my best friend.
"From the moment we met, I knew Roy and I, together, would change the world. There could be no Siegfried without Roy, and no Roy without Siegfried.
"Roy was a fighter his whole life including during these final days. I give my heartfelt appreciation to the team of doctors, nurses and staff at Mountain View Hospital who worked heroically against this insidious virus that ultimately took Roy's life."
Magician David Copperfield tweeted: "A wonderful artist, a legend - Roy gave so much to entertainment and our community."
Image: Horn feeds a four-month-old tiger cub at Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden at the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas in 2008
Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger added: "I always loved seeing Siegfried & Roy, two great immigrants who set a new standard for entertainment. No one could match their talent and energy.
"They literally had the best show in the history of Vegas. I loved watching Roy's magic and stunts. I can't believe he's gone.
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"I'll always be grateful for their big hearts and kindness. When my mom came to visit, it was a big deal for her to see Siegfried and Roy, and they made her feel like the queen. My thoughts are with Roy's family, Siegfried, and all of their fans."
Image: Horn and Fischbacher in their private apartment at the Mirage Hotel on the Vegas Strip, with one of their performing white lions in 2011
Horn and Fischbacher, both Germans, launched their Las Vegas show at the Mirage in 1990, performing elaborate tricks alongside animals.
However, the act unravelled in October 2003 when a tiger named Mantecore mauled Roy during a live performance.
The attack severed his spine, caused severe blood loss and inflicted several critical injuries, permanently affecting his ability to move, walk and speak.


news--2020-05-07--VE Day: 'You will always be remembered,' PM tells Second World War veterans

Boris Johnson has declared that the UK 's response to the coronavirus demands the same effort and courage as the armed forces showed in the Second World War .
In a letter to veterans on the 75th anniversary of VE Day , the prime minister laments that the country will not be able to celebrate with parades and street parties because of the virus .
Mr Johnson has already visited Westminster Abbey to light a candle of remembrance , and he will observe a nationwide two-minute silence on the steps of 10 Downing Street at 11am .
In his emotional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On this anniversary , we are engaged in a new struggle against the coronavirus which demands the same spirit of national endeavour that you exemplified 75 years ago .
`` We can not pay our tribute with the parades and street celebrations we enjoyed in the past ; your loved ones may be unable to visit in person .
`` But please allow us , your proud compatriots , to be the first to offer our gratitude , our heartfelt thanks and our solemn pledge : you will always be remembered . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes as he prepares for a TV address about COVID-19 in which he will announce changes to lockdown rules - some of which will come into force on Monday .
In an attempt to downplay expectations raised by the PM in the Commons on Wednesday , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said changes to the lockdown restrictions will be relatively minor .
`` Any changes in the short term will be modest , small , incremental and very carefully monitored , '' Mr Raab said at the latest daily coronavirus news conference in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the future the R level goes back up or that people are n't following the rules , we must have the ability then to put back measures in place .
`` For the moment it is really important , particularly as people look towards a warm bank holiday weekend , that we continue to follow the guidance in place at this time . ''
In a VE Day video message , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer praises the creation of the NHS and welfare state by Clement Atlee 's post-war Labour government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal times we would be paying tribute to their achievements in street parties , in gatherings and events at the Cenotaph .
This year we ca n't do that , this year we ca n't be together .
`` We commemorate those who stood together for a better future .
We remember their service , and also their sacrifice . ''
The new Leader of the Opposition has also written for The Daily Telegraph , and said : `` We owe so much to the generation of VE Day .
We must do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them through the current crisis .
`` We have all heard the harrowing stories of the virus spreading through care homes , with families unable to say their last goodbyes .
`` The crisis in our care homes has gone on for too long , and we must do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable , many of whom protected our country in its darkest hour . ''
In his letter to veterans , Mr Johnson pays tribute to Sir Winston Churchill , his political hero , of whom he wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How One Man Made History - while he was London mayor in 2014 .
No doubt mindful of the life-or-death choices he now faces , the PM says Sir Winston took `` agonising decisions '' and declares : `` His leadership was magnificent , yet he was the first to say that it was you , the Britons of that generation , who possessed the lion 's heart ; his task was to give the roar . ''
Addressing veterans directly , the 55-year-old writes : `` Those of us born after 1945 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owe .
`` Without your trial and sacrifice , many of us would not be here at all ; if we were , we would surely not be free .
To us , you are quite simply the greatest generation of Britons who ever lived .
`` Our celebration of the anniversary of the victory might give the impression that Hitler 's downfall was somehow inevitable .
You know better .
`` You will remember moments of crisis , even desperation , as our country endured setback , defeat and grievous loss .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ valour , fortitude and quiet yet invincible courage . ''
The 75th anniversary of VE Day had been expected to be one of the most memorable events of 2020 , with the government moving the May Bank Holiday from Monday to Friday to allow celebrations to take place .
But social distancing requirements have meant the cancellation of a veterans ' procession , street parties , the creation of Victory Park featuring examples of Second World War life in London 's St James ' Park , and broadcasts from public spaces of Churchill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will make a TV address from Windsor , her second televised message during the coronavirus outbreak , following her 5 April broadcast which concluded with a nod to the words of Vera Lynn 's classic wartime anthem : `` We will meet again . ''
In parliament , VE Day will be marked with tributes by the Speakers of the Commons and the Lords , followed by a wreath laying service in Westminster Hall , to coincide with the two-minute silence at 11am .
A trumpeter from the Band of the Scots Guard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle will read extracts from a speech given by Churchill in the Commons on May 8 1945 , in which he announced the surrender of Germany , bringing the Second World War to an end in Europe .

Boris Johnson has declared that the UK's response to the coronavirus demands the same effort and courage as the armed forces showed in the Second World War.
In a letter to veterans on the 75th anniversary of VE Day, the prime minister laments that the country will not be able to celebrate with parades and street parties because of the virus.
Mr Johnson has already visited Westminster Abbey to light a candle of remembrance, and he will observe a nationwide two-minute silence on the steps of 10 Downing Street at 11am.
Image: Boris Johnson lights a candle at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior
In his emotional letter, the PM writes: "On this anniversary, we are engaged in a new struggle against the coronavirus which demands the same spirit of national endeavour that you exemplified 75 years ago.
"We cannot pay our tribute with the parades and street celebrations we enjoyed in the past; your loved ones may be unable to visit in person.
"But please allow us, your proud compatriots, to be the first to offer our gratitude, our heartfelt thanks and our solemn pledge: you will always be remembered."
Mr Johnson's tribute to war heroes comes as he prepares for a TV address about COVID-19 in which he will announce changes to lockdown rules - some of which will come into force on Monday.
In an attempt to downplay expectations raised by the PM in the Commons on Wednesday, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said changes to the lockdown restrictions will be relatively minor.
Image: Britons across the country have been putting up bunting to mark VE Day Local resident Clarrie Jackson prepares the flag bunting on May 07, 2020 in Northampton, United Kingdom.
"Any changes in the short term will be modest, small, incremental and very carefully monitored," Mr Raab said at the latest daily coronavirus news conference in Downing Street.
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"If we find in the future the R level goes back up or that people aren't following the rules, we must have the ability then to put back measures in place.
"For the moment it is really important, particularly as people look towards a warm bank holiday weekend, that we continue to follow the guidance in place at this time."
Image: Children at a primary school in Derby held a VE Day lunch party
In a VE Day video message, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer praises the creation of the NHS and welfare state by Clement Atlee's post-war Labour government.
Sir Keir said: "In normal times we would be paying tribute to their achievements in street parties, in gatherings and events at the Cenotaph. This year we can't do that, this year we can't be together.
"We commemorate those who stood together for a better future. We remember their service, and also their sacrifice."
Image: Huge crowds in Trafalgar Square celebrate VE Day on 8 May 1945
The new Leader of the Opposition has also written for The Daily Telegraph, and said: "We owe so much to the generation of VE Day. We must do everything we can to care and support them through the current crisis.
"We have all heard the harrowing stories of the virus spreading through care homes, with families unable to say their last goodbyes.
"The crisis in our care homes has gone on for too long, and we must do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable, many of whom protected our country in its darkest hour."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 What VE Day was like for the Queen
In his letter to veterans, Mr Johnson pays tribute to Sir Winston Churchill, his political hero, of whom he wrote a biography - The Churchill Factor, How One Man Made History - while he was London mayor in 2014.
No doubt mindful of the life-or-death choices he now faces, the PM says Sir Winston took "agonising decisions" and declares: "His leadership was magnificent, yet he was the first to say that it was you, the Britons of that generation, who possessed the lion's heart; his task was to give the roar."
Image: In a letter to veterans, Mr Johnson wrote: 'Without your trial and sacrifice, many of us would not be here at all'
Addressing veterans directly, the 55-year-old writes: "Those of us born after 1945 are acutely aware of the debt we owe.
"Without your trial and sacrifice, many of us would not be here at all; if we were, we would surely not be free. To us, you are quite simply the greatest generation of Britons who ever lived.
"Our celebration of the anniversary of the victory might give the impression that Hitler's downfall was somehow inevitable. You know better.
"You will remember moments of crisis, even desperation, as our country endured setback, defeat and grievous loss.
"What made the difference was your valour, fortitude and quiet yet invincible courage."
Image: The prime minister described WWII veterans as 'the greatest generation of Britons who ever lived'
The 75th anniversary of VE Day had been expected to be one of the most memorable events of 2020, with the government moving the May Bank Holiday from Monday to Friday to allow celebrations to take place.
But social distancing requirements have meant the cancellation of a veterans' procession, street parties, the creation of Victory Park featuring examples of Second World War life in London's St James' Park, and broadcasts from public spaces of Churchill's famous victory speech.
The Queen will make a TV address from Windsor, her second televised message during the coronavirus outbreak, following her 5 April broadcast which concluded with a nod to the words of Vera Lynn's classic wartime anthem: "We will meet again."
Image: The Dean of Westminster and prime minister Boris Johnson process towards the RAF Chapel within Westminster Abbey
In parliament, VE Day will be marked with tributes by the Speakers of the Commons and the Lords, followed by a wreath laying service in Westminster Hall, to coincide with the two-minute silence at 11am.
A trumpeter from the Band of the Scots Guard will sound the Last Post and Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle will read extracts from a speech given by Churchill in the Commons on May 8 1945, in which he announced the surrender of Germany, bringing the Second World War to an end in Europe.


news--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: Garden centres to reopen as first steps to ease lockdown revealed

Garden centres in England will be allowed to open from Wednesday as part of first-step measures to gradually ease the coronavirus-related lockdown .
The prime minister will announce on Sunday that garden centres will be allowed to open their doors to customers from 13 May .
Bosses will have to make sure visitors stick to strict social distancing measures , such as keeping two metres away from others , and will be expected to put restrictions in place to control shop numbers in a similar way to supermarkets .
UK supermarkets have introduced queuing systems and one-way aisles to limit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one another , while also creating cleaning stations where trolley and basket handles can be disinfected .
The confirmation follows the announcement by the Welsh government that garden centres will be able to open from Monday .
First Minister Mark Drakeford , speaking at a briefing in Cardiff on Friday , said : `` Our second planned change to the regulations is to allow garden centres to reopen , provided the social distancing rules can be applied . ''
The Welsh Labour leader also said councils could plan to reopen recycling centres - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities by Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick .
Boris Johnson will formally make the announcement about garden centres during his Sunday evening address to the nation .
Environment Secretary George Eustice used his appearance at the Downing Street daily briefing to dampen expectations about a wholesale lifting of lockdown restrictions by the prime minister , stating that there `` is n't going to be any dramatic overnight change '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Meanwhile , Sky News spoke to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily exercise in London 's Battersea Park - with noticeably more out and about compared to previous weekends .
When asked about lockdown , local resident , Leon Lloyd said : `` Yes , it definitely needs to be lifted around about now .
`` A lot of the people are not really sticking to the rules anyway .
And on a hot day like today people should be out and about visiting their families and stuff . ''
Ian Travers , who is now retired , was of a similar opinion .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister should go as far as he can to reduce it .
`` I think people have been very good so far , but there is a tipping point that will arrive sooner or later . ''

Garden centres in England will be allowed to open from Wednesday as part of first-step measures to gradually ease the coronavirus-related lockdown.
The prime minister will announce on Sunday that garden centres will be allowed to open their doors to customers from 13 May.
Bosses will have to make sure visitors stick to strict social distancing measures, such as keeping two metres away from others, and will be expected to put restrictions in place to control shop numbers in a similar way to supermarkets.
UK supermarkets have introduced queuing systems and one-way aisles to limit the interaction customers and staff have with one another, while also creating cleaning stations where trolley and basket handles can be disinfected.
The confirmation follows the announcement by the Welsh government that garden centres will be able to open from Monday.
First Minister Mark Drakeford, speaking at a briefing in Cardiff on Friday, said: "Our second planned change to the regulations is to allow garden centres to reopen, provided the social distancing rules can be applied."
The Welsh Labour leader also said councils could plan to reopen recycling centres - a measure already recommended to English local authorities by Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick.
Boris Johnson will formally make the announcement about garden centres during his Sunday evening address to the nation.
Environment Secretary George Eustice used his appearance at the Downing Street daily briefing to dampen expectations about a wholesale lifting of lockdown restrictions by the prime minister, stating that there "isn't going to be any dramatic overnight change".
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Meanwhile, Sky News spoke to a number of people as they took their daily exercise in London's Battersea Park - with noticeably more out and about compared to previous weekends.
When asked about lockdown, local resident, Leon Lloyd said: "Yes, it definitely needs to be lifted around about now.
"A lot of the people are not really sticking to the rules anyway. And on a hot day like today people should be out and about visiting their families and stuff."
Ian Travers, who is now retired, was of a similar opinion. He said: "I think the prime minister should go as far as he can to reduce it.
"I think people have been very good so far, but there is a tipping point that will arrive sooner or later."