news--2020-06-01--Coronavirus: How schools in England are keeping staff and pupils safe

Schools across England are beginning to reopen after they were shut to most pupils in March to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
But children who have returned to school have found things very different to when they left , with a host of new safety measures in place .
While it 's up to individual schools to decide how to open safely , the government has issued guidelines on the types of measures it thinks are necessary for children and teachers to stay safe from coronavirus .
So what are the sorts of new measures being adopted by schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be in the size of classes , as the government says primary school children should now be taught in groups no larger than 15 .
The limit also applies to vulnerable children - and children of key workers attending school from other year groups .
For years 10 and 12 students there is no limit on class size , but the guidelines suggest only a quarter of pupils should be physically in school at any one time .
Children at most schools will now be asked to wash their hands as soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being passed between them .
They will then be required to regularly wash them throughout the day .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Plenty of hand sanitiser should also be provided for students in places where enough sinks are not readily available , such as in a classroom .
Areas and objects that are touched by several different people during the day - like desks , chairs , doors , sinks , toilets and light switches - must now all be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the risk of the disease being passed on , children should be provided with their own personal equipment where necessary .
At Handcross Primary School in West Sussex , this means reception children will each get their own set of toys on their desks and are not allowed to share them with anyone else .
They will also continue to use iPads and other tech in school so that they do not have to share textbooks .
The government recommends toys , books and outdoor equipment that has to be shared should not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regularly .
While the guidelines accept that it will not be possible to keep children two metres apart at all times , most schools that are reopening are taking steps to keep them apart where possible .
Stickers on the floor are being used to show pupils how close together they can get in corridors , while desks have been removed to allow children to sit two metres apart from each other .
The government has also recommended implementing one-way systems around schools were possible , so students do not mix outside their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ break time is also limited to those that do not share equipment and that can be done at a distance .
Staggered start times and finish times are now recommended in order to make sure that students from different classes do not mix as they arrive at school .
Parents are also encouraged to cycle or walk to school to reduce the pressure on public transport .
At many schools , parents will no longer be allowed on to school property to reduce the risk of infection .
Instead they will have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gate , while teachers supervise them inside .

Schools across England are beginning to reopen after they were shut to most pupils in March to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
But children who have returned to school have found things very different to when they left, with a host of new safety measures in place.
While it's up to individual schools to decide how to open safely, the government has issued guidelines on the types of measures it thinks are necessary for children and teachers to stay safe from coronavirus.
So what are the sorts of new measures being adopted by schools?
Image: Lessons resume at Queen's Hill Primary School, Costessey, Norfolk.
Smaller class sizes
One of the most noticeable changes will be in the size of classes, as the government says primary school children should now be taught in groups no larger than 15.
The limit also applies to vulnerable children - and children of key workers attending school from other year groups.
For years 10 and 12 students there is no limit on class size, but the guidelines suggest only a quarter of pupils should be physically in school at any one time.
Image: Children have been back at school for the first time in more than a month
Regular cleaning
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Children at most schools will now be asked to wash their hands as soon as they arrive to help stop COVID-19 being passed between them.
They will then be required to regularly wash them throughout the day.
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Plenty of hand sanitiser should also be provided for students in places where enough sinks are not readily available, such as in a classroom.
Areas and objects that are touched by several different people during the day - like desks, chairs, doors, sinks, toilets and light switches - must now all be cleaned regularly.
Image: Communal areas in schools have been taped off as part of the measures.
No sharing of resources
In order to reduce the risk of the disease being passed on, children should be provided with their own personal equipment where necessary.
At Handcross Primary School in West Sussex, this means reception children will each get their own set of toys on their desks and are not allowed to share them with anyone else.
They will also continue to use iPads and other tech in school so that they do not have to share textbooks.
The government recommends toys, books and outdoor equipment that has to be shared should not be used unless it can be cleaned regularly.
Image: Pupils sit at separate desks at Hiltingbury Infant School in Hampshire.
Social distancing
While the guidelines accept that it will not be possible to keep children two metres apart at all times, most schools that are reopening are taking steps to keep them apart where possible.
Stickers on the floor are being used to show pupils how close together they can get in corridors, while desks have been removed to allow children to sit two metres apart from each other.
The government has also recommended implementing one-way systems around schools were possible, so students do not mix outside their class.
Playing games and sports at break time is also limited to those that do not share equipment and that can be done at a distance.
Image: Pupils line up to go into school while maintaing social distancing.
Arriving and departing school
Staggered start times and finish times are now recommended in order to make sure that students from different classes do not mix as they arrive at school.
Parents are also encouraged to cycle or walk to school to reduce the pressure on public transport.
At many schools, parents will no longer be allowed on to school property to reduce the risk of infection.
Instead they will have to drop their children off at the school gate, while teachers supervise them inside.


news--2020-06-01--UK reassesses decision on Huawei role in 5G networks following US sanctions

The UK is reassessing its decision to allow Huawei equipment a limited role within the country 's 5G network following new sanctions imposed on the company in the United States .
Two weeks ago the US announced an expansion on its embargo targeting the company which would prevent computer chips based on American designs from being used in any of its equipment .
Huawei 's executives seemed outraged in their response , describing the US measures as `` arbitrary and pernicious '' and part of a `` relentless pursuit to tighten [ the American government 's ] stranglehold on our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threatens to cut off Huawei 's supply of semiconductors used across its product lines , from radio base stations to servers and smartphones .
The UK 's National Cyber Security Centre , which had stated it was capable of managing the risks that using the Chinese equipment could pose , is now re-evaluating that stance as a result .
`` Following the US announcement of additional sanctions against Huawei , the NCSC is looking carefully at any impact they could have to the UK 's networks , '' a spokesperson confirmed to Sky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made the decision to allow the company 's equipment a limited role , of no greater share than 35 % , within the non-core parts of the UK 's network .
Conservative Party backbenchers who criticised the decision at the time are again adding to the pressure regarding the government 's stance towards China .
They note both Beijing 's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and its controversial security bill targeting the former British colony of Hong Kong , which is meant to enjoy special freedoms , as topics which the UK should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Sky News that they expected the US sanctions to be the driving force behind the NCSC assessment , rather than the political pressure .
In the short term the operators are likely to have enough inventory to continue deploying equipment which has already been developed , while in the long term Huawei will probably be able to develop its own semiconductor designs .
But in the medium term , the sources told Sky News , the impact was likely to be significant .
It is not yet clear whether the NCSC assessment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to supply the equipment or if uptake of the next generation of mobile communications will be delayed as a result of new restrictions .
The security aspects of removing Huawei as an acceptable vendor for the network operators are also unclear .
The NCSC had said the 5G network was enormously improved simply by having three major companies , Huawei , Nokia and Ericsson , providing the equipment .
With just two companies able to provide equipment for the UK 's critical national infrastructure , there is a risk that the country could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A number of China critics have been invited to give evidence about the security of 5G networks to the House of Commons Defence Select Committee on Tuesday .
Among the attendees will be US Senator Tom Cotton , from Arkansas , who applauded President Trump 's decision to terminate the country 's relationship with the World Health Organisation .
Senator Cotton also proposed banning Chinese nationals from studying STEM subjects at a graduate levels in the US .
He said : `` America 's soldiers , sailors , airmen , and Marines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems designed by individuals trained in the United States , incorporating technology stolen from the US military . ''

The UK is reassessing its decision to allow Huawei equipment a limited role within the country's 5G network following new sanctions imposed on the company in the United States.
Two weeks ago the US announced an expansion on its embargo targeting the company which would prevent computer chips based on American designs from being used in any of its equipment.
Huawei's executives seemed outraged in their response, describing the US measures as "arbitrary and pernicious" and part of a "relentless pursuit to tighten [the American government's] stranglehold on our company".
The deeply damaging measure threatens to cut off Huawei's supply of semiconductors used across its product lines, from radio base stations to servers and smartphones.
The UK's National Cyber Security Centre, which had stated it was capable of managing the risks that using the Chinese equipment could pose, is now re-evaluating that stance as a result.
"Following the US announcement of additional sanctions against Huawei, the NCSC is looking carefully at any impact they could have to the UK's networks," a spokesperson confirmed to Sky News.
Boris Johnson had in January made the decision to allow the company's equipment a limited role, of no greater share than 35%, within the non-core parts of the UK's network.
Conservative Party backbenchers who criticised the decision at the time are again adding to the pressure regarding the government's stance towards China.
Image: The UK is reassessing Huawei's role in its 5G network
They note both Beijing's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and its controversial security bill targeting the former British colony of Hong Kong, which is meant to enjoy special freedoms, as topics which the UK should object to.
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Sources at network operators told Sky News that they expected the US sanctions to be the driving force behind the NCSC assessment, rather than the political pressure.
In the short term the operators are likely to have enough inventory to continue deploying equipment which has already been developed, while in the long term Huawei will probably be able to develop its own semiconductor designs.
But in the medium term, the sources told Sky News, the impact was likely to be significant.
It is not yet clear whether the NCSC assessment will give enough time for alternative vendors to supply the equipment or if uptake of the next generation of mobile communications will be delayed as a result of new restrictions.
Image: Huawei has been targeted with new US sanctions
The security aspects of removing Huawei as an acceptable vendor for the network operators are also unclear.
The NCSC had said the 5G network was enormously improved simply by having three major companies, Huawei, Nokia and Ericsson, providing the equipment.
With just two companies able to provide equipment for the UK's critical national infrastructure, there is a risk that the country could become too dependent on a single vendor.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 Raab: 'We are greatly troubled' over Hong Kong
A number of China critics have been invited to give evidence about the security of 5G networks to the House of Commons Defence Select Committee on Tuesday.
Among the attendees will be US Senator Tom Cotton, from Arkansas, who applauded President Trump's decision to terminate the country's relationship with the World Health Organisation.
Senator Cotton also proposed banning Chinese nationals from studying STEM subjects at a graduate levels in the US.
He said: "America's soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines shouldn't have to face Chinese weapons systems designed by individuals trained in the United States, incorporating technology stolen from the US military."


news--2020-03-10--Balfour Beatty delays buyback amid virus turmoil

Balfour Beatty , the construction group , has deferred plans for a £200m-plus share buyback amid stock market turmoil caused by the coronavirus .
Sky News has learnt that Balfour Beatty had been considering announcing the capital return alongside its annual results , which will be released on Wednesday .
One source said the company , which is one of the principal contractors on the HS2 high-speed rail link , had decided against proceeding with the buyback for the time being .
Volatility in equity markets , as well as uncertainty about the impact of COVID-19 on the global economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to delay a decision about the buyback .
Balfour Beatty has experienced an impressive turnaround in its performance under chief executive Leo Quinn and Philip Aiken , its chairman , who joined within a few months of one another just over five years ago .
At the time of their arrival , the City had lost confidence in one of the best-known names in British construction , following a string of profit warnings and uncertainty over its accounting practices .
Balfour Beatty had also been forced to rebuff an audacious merger approach from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into liquidation in early 2018 .
Mr Quinn , a former boss of the banknote printer De La Rue , and Mr Aiken , an experienced infrastructure executive , set about restoring faith in the company among investors and customers , including the government .
The company is expected to update the City on Wednesday on the prospective value of its HS2 work and its wider order book .
Balfour Beatty , which has a market value of about £1.5bn , declined to comment .

Balfour Beatty, the construction group, has deferred plans for a £200m-plus share buyback amid stock market turmoil caused by the coronavirus.
Sky News has learnt that Balfour Beatty had been considering announcing the capital return alongside its annual results, which will be released on Wednesday.
One source said the company, which is one of the principal contractors on the HS2 high-speed rail link, had decided against proceeding with the buyback for the time being.
Volatility in equity markets, as well as uncertainty about the impact of COVID-19 on the global economy, meant it was "prudent" to delay a decision about the buyback.
Balfour Beatty has experienced an impressive turnaround in its performance under chief executive Leo Quinn and Philip Aiken, its chairman, who joined within a few months of one another just over five years ago.
At the time of their arrival, the City had lost confidence in one of the best-known names in British construction, following a string of profit warnings and uncertainty over its accounting practices.
Balfour Beatty had also been forced to rebuff an audacious merger approach from Carillion, which went on to collapse into liquidation in early 2018.
Mr Quinn, a former boss of the banknote printer De La Rue, and Mr Aiken, an experienced infrastructure executive, set about restoring faith in the company among investors and customers, including the government.
The company is expected to update the City on Wednesday on the prospective value of its HS2 work and its wider order book.
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Balfour Beatty, which has a market value of about £1.5bn, declined to comment.


news--2020-03-10--McLaren Group lines up heavyweight Walsh as chairman

The owner of the McLaren Formula One ( F1 ) team is close to naming Paul Walsh , the heavyweight businessman , as its next chairman .
Sky News can reveal that Mr Walsh , a former chief executive of the Guinness-owner Diageo , is in advanced talks about chairing McLaren Group , which also includes the brand 's road-car and applied technology operations .
Sources said the Woking-based company could announce his appointment as early as Wednesday .
Mr Walsh , who is to step down as chairman of the FTSE 100 catering group Compass later this year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Khalifa in the McLaren chairman 's seat .
The arrival of a prominent City figure is likely to stoke speculation that McLaren 's principally Bahrain-based shareholders will eventually consider taking the company public .
However , insiders said on Tuesday that there were no firm plans for an initial public offering ( IPO ) , and that such a move was unlikely to take place before 2023 .
If it does happen , McLaren 's investors are likely to pursue a valuation of well over £2bn .
McLaren is majority-owned by Mumtalakat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with smaller shareholders including Mansour Ojjeh , a Saudi Arabian-born businessman .
Mr Walsh 's expected appointment will come four days before the first grand prix of the 2020 F1 season in Melbourne , Australia .
The sport is grappling with the implications of the global COVID-19 outbreak , and has announced that this month 's race in Bahrain will be staged behind closed doors .
Nevertheless , McLaren is confident of building on its improved F1 performance in 2019 , when it finished fourth in the constructors ' championship behind Mercedes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Its driver line-up this year comprises Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris .
McLaren 's on-track operations , which are headed by Zak Brown and include its participation in the Indianapolis 500 race , account for roughly 20 % of the group 's annual revenues .
It has recently struck sponsorship deals with companies including Darktrace , the cybersecurity software provider , and upgraded British American Tobacco to a `` principal partnership '' - despite the ban on tobacco advertising in the sport .
McLaren 's road-car division , which was previously a semi-independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the world 's most expensive cars , with models including the Senna - named after its legendary former F1 driver , Ayrton Senna .
The unit , which is run by Mike Flewitt , represents the majority of the group 's sales .
In its latest results , McLaren Group said demand in North America and Asia Pacific had remained strong , although volumes are expected to have been severely impacted by the spread of COVID-19 .
The company added that its year-to-date sales for the first nine months of its financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up 19 % on the previous year .
It produced more than 3,700 cars during the period .
McLaren is due to report full-year results next month .
The British company saw its separate divisions reunited following the departure in 2017 of Ron Dennis , the veteran McLaren boss who had steered its F1 team through the most successful period in its history .
He became one of Britain 's best-known businessmen , expanding McLaren 's technology ventures into a wide range of other industries through lucrative commercial partnerships .
Mr Dennis offloaded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bitter dispute with fellow shareholders .
He had presented to McLaren 's board a £1.65bn takeover bid from a consortium of Chinese investors , but did not attract support for it from boardroom colleagues .
Both McLaren and Mr Walsh declined to comment on Tuesday evening .

The owner of the McLaren Formula One (F1) team is close to naming Paul Walsh, the heavyweight businessman, as its next chairman.
Sky News can reveal that Mr Walsh, a former chief executive of the Guinness-owner Diageo, is in advanced talks about chairing McLaren Group, which also includes the brand's road-car and applied technology operations.
Sources said the Woking-based company could announce his appointment as early as Wednesday.
Mr Walsh, who is to step down as chairman of the FTSE 100 catering group Compass later this year, will replace Shaikh Mohammed Bin Essa Al Khalifa in the McLaren chairman's seat.
The arrival of a prominent City figure is likely to stoke speculation that McLaren's principally Bahrain-based shareholders will eventually consider taking the company public.
However, insiders said on Tuesday that there were no firm plans for an initial public offering (IPO), and that such a move was unlikely to take place before 2023.
If it does happen, McLaren's investors are likely to pursue a valuation of well over £2bn.
McLaren is majority-owned by Mumtalakat, the Gulf state's sovereign wealth fund, with smaller shareholders including Mansour Ojjeh, a Saudi Arabian-born businessman.
Mr Walsh's expected appointment will come four days before the first grand prix of the 2020 F1 season in Melbourne, Australia.
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The sport is grappling with the implications of the global COVID-19 outbreak, and has announced that this month's race in Bahrain will be staged behind closed doors.
Nevertheless, McLaren is confident of building on its improved F1 performance in 2019, when it finished fourth in the constructors' championship behind Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull Racing.
Its driver line-up this year comprises Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris.
McLaren's on-track operations, which are headed by Zak Brown and include its participation in the Indianapolis 500 race, account for roughly 20% of the group's annual revenues.
It has recently struck sponsorship deals with companies including Darktrace, the cybersecurity software provider, and upgraded British American Tobacco to a "principal partnership" - despite the ban on tobacco advertising in the sport.
McLaren's road-car division, which was previously a semi-independent company called McLaren Automotive, makes some of the world's most expensive cars, with models including the Senna - named after its legendary former F1 driver, Ayrton Senna.
The unit, which is run by Mike Flewitt, represents the majority of the group's sales.
In its latest results, McLaren Group said demand in North America and Asia Pacific had remained strong, although volumes are expected to have been severely impacted by the spread of COVID-19.
The company added that its year-to-date sales for the first nine months of its financial year had reached more than £1bn, up 19% on the previous year.
It produced more than 3,700 cars during the period.
McLaren is due to report full-year results next month.
The British company saw its separate divisions reunited following the departure in 2017 of Ron Dennis, the veteran McLaren boss who had steered its F1 team through the most successful period in its history.
He became one of Britain's best-known businessmen, expanding McLaren's technology ventures into a wide range of other industries through lucrative commercial partnerships.
Mr Dennis offloaded his stake in a £275m deal following a bitter dispute with fellow shareholders.
He had presented to McLaren's board a £1.65bn takeover bid from a consortium of Chinese investors, but did not attract support for it from boardroom colleagues.
Both McLaren and Mr Walsh declined to comment on Tuesday evening.


news--2020-03-10--Budget 2020: £2.5bn drive to repair 50 million potholes

A £2.5bn drive to repair 50 million potholes over the next five years will be announced in Wednesday 's budget .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak will try to make good on the government 's promise to `` level up '' the country by targeting the cash in the South West , East and North West of England .
He will also pledge hundreds of billions of pounds on improving road , rail and other infrastructure projects .
The measures will come in Mr Sunak 's first budget - less than a month since he became a cabinet minister after his predecessor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lay out the government 's tax and spend plans for 2020 , but planned policies may have to be put on hold because of the coronavirus outbreak .
A staple of these events - tackling potholes - has been promised ahead of the speech .
The Treasury says action is needed to improve infrastructure and deal with a situation where 90 % of insurance claims are related to pothole damage .
Injury-causing crashes involving potholes are three times more likely to impact a cyclist or biker , it is claimed .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity if we are spending our journeys dodging potholes and forking out for the damage they cause , '' Mr Sunak said ahead of the speech .
`` It 's vital we keep roads in good condition .
That 's why we are going to eradicate the scourge of potholes in every part of the country . ''
Labour has branded the move a gimmick , which it claims is simply a new take on an old policy .
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said : `` This rehash of Theresa May 's pothole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Tories trying to patch up problems they have created without getting a grip on the underlying state of infrastructure in this country . ''
He accused the Tories of `` repeating their mistake of the last 10 years '' by launching a `` gimmicky grab-bag of projects '' instead of a national infrastructure strategy .
David Renard , a Conservative councillor and head of the Local Government Association , said he was `` pleased '' with the pothole funding boost but called for councils to get devolved infrastructure and public transport budgets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a boost with the announcement that capital spending will increase from £500bn to £600bn in the next five years .
And the Treasury claims it 's going to triple average net investment seen over the last 40 years - taking it from £22.1bn to £66.2bn .
Sky News economics editor Ed Conway has said `` a far better way of comparing these numbers over time is as a percentage of gross domestic product '' - the total value of goods produced and services provided in a country during one year .
He added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % ( actually just under ) of 2020 's GDP .
`` How does that compare over time ?
Well actually it is still a considerably lower level of net investment than almost all of the 50s , 60s and 70s . ''
No new announcements about the COVID-19 outbreak have been made ahead of the budget , but Sky News understands it has been reshaped to address the immediate economic impacts the emerging global pandemic will have on the economy .

A £2.5bn drive to repair 50 million potholes over the next five years will be announced in Wednesday's budget.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak will try to make good on the government's promise to "level up" the country by targeting the cash in the South West, East and North West of England.
He will also pledge hundreds of billions of pounds on improving road, rail and other infrastructure projects.
The measures will come in Mr Sunak's first budget - less than a month since he became a cabinet minister after his predecessor Sajid Javid sensationally resigned.
He will lay out the government's tax and spend plans for 2020, but planned policies may have to be put on hold because of the coronavirus outbreak.
A staple of these events - tackling potholes - has been promised ahead of the speech.
The Treasury says action is needed to improve infrastructure and deal with a situation where 90% of insurance claims are related to pothole damage.
Injury-causing crashes involving potholes are three times more likely to impact a cyclist or biker, it is claimed.
"We can't level up Britain and spread opportunity if we are spending our journeys dodging potholes and forking out for the damage they cause," Mr Sunak said ahead of the speech.
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"It's vital we keep roads in good condition. That's why we are going to eradicate the scourge of potholes in every part of the country."
Image: The chancellor is less than a month into the job
Labour has branded the move a gimmick, which it claims is simply a new take on an old policy.
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said: "This rehash of Theresa May's pothole fund is another policy announcement that shows the Tories trying to patch up problems they have created without getting a grip on the underlying state of infrastructure in this country."
He accused the Tories of "repeating their mistake of the last 10 years" by launching a "gimmicky grab-bag of projects" instead of a national infrastructure strategy.
David Renard, a Conservative councillor and head of the Local Government Association, said he was "pleased" with the pothole funding boost but called for councils to get devolved infrastructure and public transport budgets.
Image: It is the new government's first budget
Bigger infrastructure projects will also get a boost with the announcement that capital spending will increase from £500bn to £600bn in the next five years.
And the Treasury claims it's going to triple average net investment seen over the last 40 years - taking it from £22.1bn to £66.2bn.
Sky News economics editor Ed Conway has said "a far better way of comparing these numbers over time is as a percentage of gross domestic product" - the total value of goods produced and services provided in a country during one year.
He added: "£66.2bn would be about 3% (actually just under) of 2020's GDP.
"How does that compare over time? Well actually it is still a considerably lower level of net investment than almost all of the 50s, 60s and 70s."
No new announcements about the COVID-19 outbreak have been made ahead of the budget, but Sky News understands it has been reshaped to address the immediate economic impacts the emerging global pandemic will have on the economy.


news--2020-03-09--Businesses blame coronavirus fears for fall in confidence

The post-election bounce in business confidence counted on by Boris Johnson has evaporated , according to new figures .
A survey by the Institute of Directors shows that confidence is at its lowest since September last year , as the global economy struggles with the effects of the coronavirus .
Other challenges cited by business bosses were domestic economic challenges and uncertainty over the UK 's trading status with the European Union .
Around one in five members of the institute said they thought the outbreak of COVID-19 , the illness caused by the coronavirus , represents a high or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further 40 % saw the threat as moderate .
Just over a third said the virus poses little or no direct threat .
One in three directors polled had cancelled or restricted employee travel , more than half had enhanced hygiene efforts and communicated hygiene advice to staff .
More than four out of 10 encouraged remote working as a reaction to the virus outbreak .
Tej Parikh , chief economist at the Institute of Directors , said : `` The coronavirus outbreak poses a significant challenge for the business community , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ providing timely and accurate guidance .
`` The UK 's directors are nothing if not resilient .
Businesses large and small are already responding with agility , with many already taking sensible mitigating actions at this stage .
`` However , with the prospect of orders drying up and staff in quarantine , some firms will be looking at a potential cashflow crunch , and confidence in the economy has taken a knock .
`` Government must be at the ready to take swift action to help cash-strapped businesses bridge this challenging period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an opportune moment to lower business costs and support investment to amplify the post-outbreak recovery . ''

The post-election bounce in business confidence counted on by Boris Johnson has evaporated, according to new figures.
A survey by the Institute of Directors shows that confidence is at its lowest since September last year, as the global economy struggles with the effects of the coronavirus.
Other challenges cited by business bosses were domestic economic challenges and uncertainty over the UK's trading status with the European Union.
Around one in five members of the institute said they thought the outbreak of COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, represents a high or severe threat to their organisations.
A further 40% saw the threat as moderate.
Just over a third said the virus poses little or no direct threat.
One in three directors polled had cancelled or restricted employee travel, more than half had enhanced hygiene efforts and communicated hygiene advice to staff. More than four out of 10 encouraged remote working as a reaction to the virus outbreak.
Tej Parikh, chief economist at the Institute of Directors, said: "The coronavirus outbreak poses a significant challenge for the business community, and it is vital that the government continues providing timely and accurate guidance.
"The UK's directors are nothing if not resilient. Businesses large and small are already responding with agility, with many already taking sensible mitigating actions at this stage.
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"However, with the prospect of orders drying up and staff in quarantine, some firms will be looking at a potential cashflow crunch, and confidence in the economy has taken a knock.
"Government must be at the ready to take swift action to help cash-strapped businesses bridge this challenging period.
"The upcoming Budget also provides an opportune moment to lower business costs and support investment to amplify the post-outbreak recovery."
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays
Virus Outbreak: Your questions answered #AskSkyNews at 12.30pm weekdays


news--2020-03-10--Overshadowed by the coronavirus, this budget will feel very unreal

You 're probably familiar with the typical budget day routine .
The chancellor stands outside Downing Street , parading the red box in front of the waiting photographers .
After a riotous session of Prime Minister 's Questions , the big speech begins .
Bets are made over how long the chancellor will speak for and how many sips of water will be consumed .
How fast will they rush through all the bad news ?
Gordon Brown made a habit of reading out the deficit numbers so quickly no one could keep up .
What rabbits will be pulled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work begins when the chancellor sits down .
This is when the Treasury publishes the full details of the budget .
All eyes turn to the so-called `` score card '' showing how big ( or indeed small ) the exciting measures name-checked in his speech are .
We begin to learn whether this budget constitutes a big giveaway or whether the chancellor is giving with one hand and taking with the other .
The Office for Budget Responsibility ( OBR ) publish their full forecasts and we get to know the nitty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing .
There have been many budgets and fiscal events in recent years but they have all , for the most part , held to the pattern above .
Yet this year 's budget - Rishi Sunak 's first as chancellor - is likely to be very different indeed .
For there will be an air of unreality hanging over the whole thing .
Until only a few weeks ago , the plan was supposed to be roughly as above .
Mr Sunak planned a budget which delivered the Tory manifesto and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the beginning of the Conservatives ' `` levelling up '' agenda .
The OBR was planning to trim its growth forecasts for the next couple of years , along the lines of the Bank of England 's latest projections ( which is to say , down from 1.4 % to just under 1 % in this year ) .
The spreadsheets were nearly finished , the forecasts pretty much tied up .
But then along came the coronavirus .
And the upshot of COVID-19 is that this budget will feel very unreal indeed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growth figures which , while they have been trimmed slightly , will be presented alongside provisos explaining that they are likely to overstate the eventual outcome .
The truth is that the virus outbreak , and the associated changes in behaviour - people cutting back on shopping and going out , people staying home from work - are so fast-moving that they are nearly impossible to model .
What seems likely is that the UK will suffer a large cut to economic growth .
It may face a recession .
In the face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drafts for the budget have been thrown out and replaced by an alternative plan .
Much of the day will be devoted not to talking about the chancellor 's long-term vision but about the short-term fixes he can put into place to help support the fight against the virus and support the wider economy .
The mood in the House of Commons is likely to be more sombre and reflective than usual .
This , after all , is a crisis which , unlike the financial crisis of 2008 , can not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party or another .
It is what economists might call `` exogenous '' - a shock coming from outside that disrupts nearly every part of the economy .
And the other unreal thing about the budget is that everyone knows that whatever he says on Wednesday , the chances are the chancellor will have to announce further measures if the virus outbreak becomes more severe .
He may hold back from the more dramatic shock-and-awe policies but give himself the leeway to impose them if the economic backdrop worsens .
On the basis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Britain was overdue an economic slump or recession .
The only thing we did n't know was what would cause the slump .
Now we know the answer : COVID-19 .
The only question is how deep the slump gets .
We might get some of the answers in this week 's budget .
But there is far more that we do n't know .

You're probably familiar with the typical budget day routine.
The chancellor stands outside Downing Street, parading the red box in front of the waiting photographers.
After a riotous session of Prime Minister's Questions, the big speech begins.
Image: PMQs always runs before the budget
Bets are made over how long the chancellor will speak for and how many sips of water will be consumed.
How fast will they rush through all the bad news? Gordon Brown made a habit of reading out the deficit numbers so quickly no one could keep up.
What rabbits will be pulled from the hat?
The real analytical work begins when the chancellor sits down.
This is when the Treasury publishes the full details of the budget.
All eyes turn to the so-called "score card" showing how big (or indeed small) the exciting measures name-checked in his speech are.
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We begin to learn whether this budget constitutes a big giveaway or whether the chancellor is giving with one hand and taking with the other.
Image: The atmosphere in parliament for this event may be more somber than usual
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) publish their full forecasts and we get to know the nitty gritty of how well the economy is doing.
There have been many budgets and fiscal events in recent years but they have all, for the most part, held to the pattern above.
Yet this year's budget - Rishi Sunak's first as chancellor - is likely to be very different indeed. For there will be an air of unreality hanging over the whole thing.
Until only a few weeks ago, the plan was supposed to be roughly as above.
What seems likely is that the UK will suffer a large cut to economic growth. It may face a recession.
Mr Sunak planned a budget which delivered the Tory manifesto and more besides. This was supposed to be the beginning of the Conservatives' "levelling up" agenda.
The OBR was planning to trim its growth forecasts for the next couple of years, along the lines of the Bank of England's latest projections (which is to say, down from 1.4% to just under 1% in this year).
The spreadsheets were nearly finished, the forecasts pretty much tied up.
But then along came the coronavirus.
Image: Coronavirus has thrown the Treasury's plans into a spin
And the upshot of COVID-19 is that this budget will feel very unreal indeed.
That unreality begins with the economic growth figures which, while they have been trimmed slightly, will be presented alongside provisos explaining that they are likely to overstate the eventual outcome.
The truth is that the virus outbreak, and the associated changes in behaviour - people cutting back on shopping and going out, people staying home from work - are so fast-moving that they are nearly impossible to model.
What seems likely is that the UK will suffer a large cut to economic growth. It may face a recession.
In the face of this economic crisis, the previous drafts for the budget have been thrown out and replaced by an alternative plan.
Much of the day will be devoted not to talking about the chancellor's long-term vision but about the short-term fixes he can put into place to help support the fight against the virus and support the wider economy.
The mood in the House of Commons is likely to be more sombre and reflective than usual.
This, after all, is a crisis which, unlike the financial crisis of 2008, cannot be easily laid at the door of one party or another.
It is what economists might call "exogenous" - a shock coming from outside that disrupts nearly every part of the economy.
Image: Mr Sunak could hold back some more shock-and-awe measures
And the other unreal thing about the budget is that everyone knows that whatever he says on Wednesday, the chances are the chancellor will have to announce further measures if the virus outbreak becomes more severe.
He may hold back from the more dramatic shock-and-awe policies but give himself the leeway to impose them if the economic backdrop worsens.
On the basis of economic cycle lengths in recent decades, Britain was overdue an economic slump or recession.
The only thing we didn't know was what would cause the slump.
Now we know the answer: COVID-19.
The only question is how deep the slump gets.
We might get some of the answers in this week's budget. But there is far more that we don't know.


news--2020-03-10--Budget 2020: New chancellor Rishi Sunak is facing a daunting challenge

The chancellor may keep options in his locker for the medium term In the golden afterglow of that thumping election win , Boris Johnson and his team sketched out an ambition to match the majority .
Theirs was to be a transformative agenda to level up Britain and set the colour of the changed political map .
The former chancellor Sajid Javid hailed it as his `` decade of renewal '' budget .
But this week , another former chancellor offered a new slogan .
George Osborne said : `` I would make this the budget for coronavirus .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccinate the economy against what 's going to happen , if we ca n't vaccinate people against what 's going to happen . ''
As the spread of COVID-19 has moved at speed , so too has the Treasury to reshape this budget to try to address the immediate economic impacts this emerging global pandemic will have on the economy .
`` We are facing a significant short-term shock , '' says one senior government figure .
`` And the response has to be to addressing that and some of the economic impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But we also must keep our eyes on the long-term when the impact on OECD [ Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ] economies begins to unwind . ''
Immediate help will be in three areas : for businesses , for the most economically vulnerable and for public services .
With events moving at a dizzying pace the government has at least done some of the groundwork on how to deal with severe disruption for a very different event - a no-deal Brexit .
Andrea Leadsom , the former business secretary and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that departments across Whitehall had worked up no-deal action plans to help different sectors cope with economic disruption .
These , she said , `` could be dusted off '' and adapted for the current crisis .
For business , the government have drawn up a package of measures to offer immediate relief .
Senior Conservative sources tell me one obvious option is to give businesses payment breaks on VAT and all taxes to help them with short-term cashflow .
They could also scale up employment allowance thresholds beyond smaller businesses to give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insurance contributions for their employees .
The government could even suspend business rates or national insurance payments immediately to help ease the burden on business .
After all , the last thing ministers will want in the coming weeks is a big spike in those applying for Universal Credit because their employers have gone bust and they 've been laid off .
Expect more support too for those working in the gig economy , the self-employed and those on low pay to access financial support should they be forced to self isolate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can claim sick pay from the first day they are off work - it used to be a four-day wait - and is now looking at ways to extend this support to ensure people access support through the benefits system .
The third area will be around public services .
The chancellor has already said the NHS will get all the funding it needs .
On Wednesday , he 'll set out the detail of what that emergency package looks like .
Day-by-day with the focus of the budget shifting and the risks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daunting challenge just weeks into this new job .
The public is nervous and anxious .
On Wednesday , they will care less about the manifesto promises and more about the government 's ability to care for its people and keep us safe .
Mr Sunak knows he will be judged on how he handles the economic challenges of the disease .
Some planned announcements will be pushed back to later in the year as the chancellor concentrates his firepower on dealing with the coronavirus economic shock .
He also needs to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ term in order to flex the economy once the initial economic shock has fed through and he 's trying to get back on track .
On Wednesday , he may flag other policy options he could unleash in a few months ' time - a blanket cut to VAT , or more support for business or personal loans - depending on what sort of symptoms the economy is showing .
But the new chancellor will want to keep a theme of his predecessor 's `` decade of renewal '' in this budget - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signal to the public that this is a government does have a plan for the economy that will help stimulate growth and investment beyond the short term .
The 2019 Conservative manifesto committed to investing up to £100bn in additional infrastructure over the next five years .
On Wednesday , the chancellor will announce plans for `` hundreds of billions of pounds '' of extra investment over the parliament as it seeks to `` level up '' the country .
`` We ca n't lose sight of the longer-term , '' is how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the eve of the budget .
But with the coronavirus epidemic changing hour by hour we are all , for the next few weeks at least , living in a very different timeframe .
This government and this chancellor will not be judged on the next five years .
It will be judged on how it steers us through the next few weeks and months .

Sky News' Beth Rigby says the government will not be judged on the next five years but coming weeks and months.
The chancellor may keep options in his locker for the medium term
In the golden afterglow of that thumping election win, Boris Johnson and his team sketched out an ambition to match the majority.
Theirs was to be a transformative agenda to level up Britain and set the colour of the changed political map.
The former chancellor Sajid Javid hailed it as his "decade of renewal" budget.
Image: Rishi Sunak faces a daunting challenge
But this week, another former chancellor offered a new slogan.
George Osborne said: "I would make this the budget for coronavirus.
"I would do everything I could to vaccinate the economy against what's going to happen, if we can't vaccinate people against what's going to happen."
As the spread of COVID-19 has moved at speed, so too has the Treasury to reshape this budget to try to address the immediate economic impacts this emerging global pandemic will have on the economy.
"We are facing a significant short-term shock," says one senior government figure.
"And the response has to be to addressing that and some of the economic impact primarily on the supply side.
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"But we also must keep our eyes on the long-term when the impact on OECD [Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development] economies begins to unwind."
Immediate help will be in three areas: for businesses, for the most economically vulnerable and for public services.
With events moving at a dizzying pace the government has at least done some of the groundwork on how to deal with severe disruption for a very different event - a no-deal Brexit.
Andrea Leadsom, the former business secretary and a leading Brexiteer, told me last week that departments across Whitehall had worked up no-deal action plans to help different sectors cope with economic disruption.
These, she said, "could be dusted off" and adapted for the current crisis.
For business, the government have drawn up a package of measures to offer immediate relief.
Senior Conservative sources tell me one obvious option is to give businesses payment breaks on VAT and all taxes to help them with short-term cashflow.
They could also scale up employment allowance thresholds beyond smaller businesses to give more firms a relief on paying national insurance contributions for their employees.
Image: The coronavirus epidemic is changing hour by hour
The government could even suspend business rates or national insurance payments immediately to help ease the burden on business.
After all, the last thing ministers will want in the coming weeks is a big spike in those applying for Universal Credit because their employers have gone bust and they've been laid off.
Expect more support too for those working in the gig economy, the self-employed and those on low pay to access financial support should they be forced to self isolate.
The government has already said eligible employees can claim sick pay from the first day they are off work - it used to be a four-day wait - and is now looking at ways to extend this support to ensure people access support through the benefits system.
The third area will be around public services.
Some planned announcements will be pushed back to later in the year as the chancellor concentrates his firepower on dealing with the Coronavirus economic shock
The chancellor has already said the NHS will get all the funding it needs. On Wednesday, he'll set out the detail of what that emergency package looks like.
Day-by-day with the focus of the budget shifting and the risks intensifying, Chancellor Rishi Sunak faces a daunting challenge just weeks into this new job.
The public is nervous and anxious.
On Wednesday, they will care less about the manifesto promises and more about the government's ability to care for its people and keep us safe.
Image: The last thing ministers want is a big spike in applications for Universal Credit
Mr Sunak knows he will be judged on how he handles the economic challenges of the disease.
Some planned announcements will be pushed back to later in the year as the chancellor concentrates his firepower on dealing with the coronavirus economic shock.
He also needs to keep options in his locker for the medium term in order to flex the economy once the initial economic shock has fed through and he's trying to get back on track.
On Wednesday, he may flag other policy options he could unleash in a few months' time - a blanket cut to VAT, or more support for business or personal loans - depending on what sort of symptoms the economy is showing.
Image: Money will go to businesses, the most economically vulnerable and public services
But the new chancellor will want to keep a theme of his predecessor's "decade of renewal" in this budget - not least because he will want to signal to the public that this is a government does have a plan for the economy that will help stimulate growth and investment beyond the short term.
The 2019 Conservative manifesto committed to investing up to £100bn in additional infrastructure over the next five years.
On Wednesday, the chancellor will announce plans for "hundreds of billions of pounds" of extra investment over the parliament as it seeks to "level up" the country.
"We can't lose sight of the longer-term," is how one government source put it to me on the eve of the budget.
But with the coronavirus epidemic changing hour by hour we are all, for the next few weeks at least, living in a very different timeframe.
This government and this chancellor will not be judged on the next five years.
It will be judged on how it steers us through the next few weeks and months.


news--2020-03-10--Coronavirus: Rome 'eerily quiet' as lockdown takes hold in Italian capital

With a clear blue sky and the spring sunshine on their faces the small number of tourists outside Rome 's Colosseum were philosophical about the famous site being closed .
Disappointed to not go inside , they were happy that at least the Italian capital was quiet and they could get around easily and never struggle to find a seat in a cafe .
For many , the coronavirus lockdown in the north felt a long way away , but a few hours later that all changed when the country 's prime minister addressed the nation .
Giuseppe Conte announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Tuesday morning .
It has left Italy reeling , alarmed and above all confused .
All public gatherings are banned , all sports events cancelled and movement will be severely restricted .
If you want to leave your municipality you have to fill in a form with your reasons .
Failing to do so means a fine or even imprisonment .
Italians across the nation watched on TV as he appealed to them for their help : `` Our future and the future of Italy is in our hands , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many Italians that the measures introduced in the north were not enough to contain the virus .
While tourists may have been blase , Italians in Rome have had a sense of when , not if , this might happen .
All the city 's historical sites and museums are shut and deserted .
The Pope is no longer appearing in public but conducting mass via video link .
Hotels are largely empty , waiters stand idle in the city 's restaurants and the streets are eerily quiet with taxis lined up with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only travel for work or family emergencies .
Passengers trying to get on flights will have to justify their travel reasons .
There will be controls at train stations .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Shortly after the prime minister 's address there were reports of long queues outside 24-hour supermarkets , with staff managing a one-in-one-out policy , as stockpiling began .
News reports showed scenes of rioting prisoners angry at visiting rights being cut .
Seven inmates were killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impending sense of doom .
British people have been told if they are returning from anywhere in Italy they must self-isolate for 14 days and worried holidaymakers are concerned about getting home .
Natasha Pearson , a British tourist from Nottinghamshire on holiday with her husband , told Sky News : `` We are anxious .
We also have a son on a ski trip [ in the Italian Alps ] who travelled 24 hours to get there only to be sent straight back to the UK . ''
In Rome 's restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apart .
Police have been checking the rule is obeyed or the owner will be charged .
Now theatres , cinemas and gyms will close .
The streets will become even more deserted .
Rome is due to welcome thousands of Catholics from around the world for Easter celebrations in a few weeks .
In three months the city is meant to be hosting the first match of Euro 2020 .
There is huge concern this country may not have recovered in time .
No wonder the prime minster is pleading for everyone @ @ @ @ @

With a clear blue sky and the spring sunshine on their faces the small number of tourists outside Rome's Colosseum were philosophical about the famous site being closed.
Disappointed to not go inside, they were happy that at least the Italian capital was quiet and they could get around easily and never struggle to find a seat in a cafe.
For many, the coronavirus lockdown in the north felt a long way away, but a few hours later that all changed when the country's prime minister addressed the nation.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:52 The empty streets of Rome
Giuseppe Conte announced the whole country would go into quarantine from Tuesday morning. It has left Italy reeling, alarmed and above all confused.
All public gatherings are banned, all sports events cancelled and movement will be severely restricted.
If you want to leave your municipality you have to fill in a form with your reasons. Failing to do so means a fine or even imprisonment.
Italians across the nation watched on TV as he appealed to them for their help: "Our future and the future of Italy is in our hands," he said.
Image: Rome's Spanish Steps were virtually deserted on Tuesday morning
Image: The capital is far quieter than usual
It has become clear to many Italians that the measures introduced in the north were not enough to contain the virus.
While tourists may have been blase, Italians in Rome have had a sense of when, not if, this might happen.
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All the city's historical sites and museums are shut and deserted. The Pope is no longer appearing in public but conducting mass via video link.
Image: Some tourists are still visiting the city and making the most of the quieter streets
Image: People at the Colosseum a few days before the lockdown was extended
Hotels are largely empty, waiters stand idle in the city's restaurants and the streets are eerily quiet with taxis lined up with nowhere to go.
Italians can now only travel for work or family emergencies.
Passengers trying to get on flights will have to justify their travel reasons. There will be controls at train stations.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Shortly after the prime minister's address there were reports of long queues outside 24-hour supermarkets, with staff managing a one-in-one-out policy, as stockpiling began.
News reports showed scenes of rioting prisoners angry at visiting rights being cut. Seven inmates were killed in the chaos, adding to the impending sense of doom.
British people have been told if they are returning from anywhere in Italy they must self-isolate for 14 days and worried holidaymakers are concerned about getting home.
Natasha Pearson, a British tourist from Nottinghamshire on holiday with her husband, told Sky News: "We are anxious. We also have a son on a ski trip [in the Italian Alps] who travelled 24 hours to get there only to be sent straight back to the UK."
In Rome's restaurants signs tell people to sit one metre apart. Police have been checking the rule is obeyed or the owner will be charged.
Now theatres, cinemas and gyms will close. The streets will become even more deserted.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 Pope delivers blessing via videolink
Rome is due to welcome thousands of Catholics from around the world for Easter celebrations in a few weeks. In three months the city is meant to be hosting the first match of Euro 2020.
There is huge concern this country may not have recovered in time. No wonder the prime minster is pleading for everyone to play their part.


news--2020-03-10--Coronavirus: Virgin Atlantic says it is being 'forced' to fly nearly empty planes

Virgin Atlantic has called for the rules governing landing slots at airports to be relaxed until the coronavirus outbreak is over .
Chief executive Shai Weiss said the airline was being `` forced to fly almost empty planes or lose our valuable slots '' after passenger demand plummeted due to COVID-19 .
Under European law , carriers have to fill their slots at major airports such as Heathrow at least 80 % of the time or they risk losing them .
While the slots are assigned by airports for free , they are valuable commodities and are often worth millions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to passengers across the world travelling on nearly empty flights , as well as reports that carriers are operating `` ghost flights '' without any passengers at all .
Mr Weiss said : `` Given the almost unprecedented impact on global passenger demand , the UK slot coordinator and the European Commission need to now urgently relax the rules for the whole summer .
Common sense must prevail . ''
There has been some temporary lifting of restrictions but only on slots used to fly to China and Hong Kong .
One passenger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to London yesterday on a nearly empty easyJet flight , with just 31 passengers on board .
`` It was quite eerie being on the flight at first , '' she said .
`` But the crew were cheery down at the front .
Passenger wise , you did have some wearing masks , but not everyone , and we all ended up spreading out as there was space to do so . ''
She is now self-isolating for 14 days , after the Foreign Office updated their advice to say that anybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy should self-isolate .
On Monday , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps wrote to the independent airport slot co-ordinator asking them to allow `` flexibility and adaptability '' over slots .
His request was echoed by Tim Alderslade , the chief executive of Airlines UK , the industry body representing UK-registered airlines .
`` Carriers are being forced to fly half-empty planes or risk losing that take-off slot in future , seriously affecting their ability to plan ahead , '' he said .
`` It makes no sense whatsoever under these unique and challenging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aircraft , wasting money and fuel and creating carbon emissions .
`` We urgently need a temporary suspension of the rule - as happened during the financial crisis - to allow airlines to respond to demand and use their aircraft efficiently . ''

Virgin Atlantic has called for the rules governing landing slots at airports to be relaxed until the coronavirus outbreak is over.
Chief executive Shai Weiss said the airline was being "forced to fly almost empty planes or lose our valuable slots" after passenger demand plummeted due to COVID-19.
Under European law, carriers have to fill their slots at major airports such as Heathrow at least 80% of the time or they risk losing them.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 Flights virtually empty across the world
While the slots are assigned by airports for free, they are valuable commodities and are often worth millions of pounds.
The rules have led to passengers across the world travelling on nearly empty flights, as well as reports that carriers are operating "ghost flights" without any passengers at all.
Mr Weiss said: "Given the almost unprecedented impact on global passenger demand, the UK slot coordinator and the European Commission need to now urgently relax the rules for the whole summer. Common sense must prevail."
There has been some temporary lifting of restrictions but only on slots used to fly to China and Hong Kong.
Image: A nearly empty easyJet flight from Italy to the UK before the lockdown was extended
One passenger told Sky News she flew from Verona to London yesterday on a nearly empty easyJet flight, with just 31 passengers on board.
"It was quite eerie being on the flight at first," she said. "But the crew were cheery down at the front. Passenger wise, you did have some wearing masks, but not everyone, and we all ended up spreading out as there was space to do so."
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She is now self-isolating for 14 days, after the Foreign Office updated their advice to say that anybody arriving in the UK from anywhere in Italy should self-isolate.
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On Monday, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps wrote to the independent airport slot co-ordinator asking them to allow "flexibility and adaptability" over slots.
His request was echoed by Tim Alderslade, the chief executive of Airlines UK, the industry body representing UK-registered airlines.
"Carriers are being forced to fly half-empty planes or risk losing that take-off slot in future, seriously affecting their ability to plan ahead," he said.
Image: Many passengers have decided not to travel. Pic: freestyletraveling.com.
"It makes no sense whatsoever under these unique and challenging circumstances to force airlines to fly empty aircraft, wasting money and fuel and creating carbon emissions.
"We urgently need a temporary suspension of the rule - as happened during the financial crisis - to allow airlines to respond to demand and use their aircraft efficiently."


news--2020-03-10--Coronavirus: Startling photos show impact of outbreak on major landmarks worldwide

Coronavirus fears have placed entire countries in lockdown , turned major cities into ghost towns and closed countless popular attractions .
San Marco Square in Venice was pictured completely empty as a result of unprecedented measures imposed by the Italian government .
Just a few short weeks ago - on 16 February - the square was buzzing with partygoers enjoying Venice Carnival 2020 , which was cut short due to the outbreak .
In downtown Rome , the often-busy Campo de ' Fiori was almost empty as Italy 's prime minister ramped up measures against the virus on Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are now only permitted to travel for work or family emergencies .
Islam 's holiest shrine at the holy city of Mecca has been stripped of worshippers after Saudi Arabian authorities suspended umrah , the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca .
The shrine is usually packed with worshippers .
Among the many attractions around the world impacted by the outbreak is Tokyo 's oldest temple , the Sensoji temple .
In busier times , visitors from all over Japan and the world flock to the temple .
Just south of Tokyo , Yokohama Chinatown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opt to stay inside .
It has the largest Chinese community in Japan - and in January , thousands gathered in to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year .
Countless football grounds around the world have postponed or cancelled matches because of the outbreak - and one of them is the Borussia-Park football stadium in Mönchengladbach , Germany .
A major derby scheduled for 11 March is going to be held behind closed doors amid fears that large gatherings could catalyse the spread of the virus .
Hong Kong International Airport has also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Its economy has been hit twice as hard as other countries - having also endured months of violent protests in the city .

Coronavirus fears have placed entire countries in lockdown, turned major cities into ghost towns and closed countless popular attractions.
San Marco Square in Venice was pictured completely empty as a result of unprecedented measures imposed by the Italian government.
Just a few short weeks ago - on 16 February - the square was buzzing with partygoers enjoying Venice Carnival 2020, which was cut short due to the outbreak.
Image: San Marco Square in Venice on 16 February
Image: San Marco Square in Venice on 9 March
In downtown Rome, the often-busy Campo de' Fiori was almost empty as Italy's prime minister ramped up measures against the virus on Monday, locking down the whole country.
People are now only permitted to travel for work or family emergencies.
Image: Campo de' Fiori in downtown Rome on 15 July 2018
Image: Campo de' Fiori in downtown Rome on 10 March
Islam's holiest shrine at the holy city of Mecca has been stripped of worshippers after Saudi Arabian authorities suspended umrah, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca.
The shrine is usually packed with worshippers.
Image: Kaaba at the Grand Mosque on 27 February
Image: Kaaba at the Grand Mosque on 6 March
Among the many attractions around the world impacted by the outbreak is Tokyo's oldest temple, the Sensoji temple.
In busier times, visitors from all over Japan and the world flock to the temple.
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Image: The Sensoji temple on 16 April 2019
Image: The Sensoji temple on 9 March
Just south of Tokyo, Yokohama Chinatown has become a ghost town as shoppers opt to stay inside.
It has the largest Chinese community in Japan - and in January, thousands gathered in to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year.
Image: Yokohama Chinatown on 25 January
Image: Yokohama Chinatown on 10 March
Countless football grounds around the world have postponed or cancelled matches because of the outbreak - and one of them is the Borussia-Park football stadium in Mönchengladbach, Germany.
A major derby scheduled for 11 March is going to be held behind closed doors amid fears that large gatherings could catalyse the spread of the virus.
Image: Borussia-Park football stadium on 18 February
Image: Borussia-Park football stadium on 10 March
Hong Kong International Airport has also faced a huge decline in travellers.
Its economy has been hit twice as hard as other countries - having also endured months of violent protests in the city.
Image: Hong Kong International Airport during a protest on 12 August 2019


news--2020-03-10--Coronavirus: Travellers could lose money if they follow official advice on Italy flights

Travellers could lose their money if they comply with official advice and avoid flying to Italy amid the coronavirus outbreak .
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office ( FCO ) advice is to avoid all but essential travel to Italy - but many airlines have decided to continue to operate to the country .
This leaves passengers with a choice to make between flouting the FCO advice and travelling , or adhering to the restrictions and losing their money .
On Tuesday , British Airways became the first UK airline to suspend flights to Italy , which has been completely locked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meaning its passengers will able to get a refund instead of travelling .
Ryanair has also suspended all flights to Italy , offering customers the option of a full refund or travel credit .
Jet2 customers due to fly to Venice have also had their flights cancelled and have been offered a date change or refund .
Despite the FCO advice , easyJet is still operating flights to Milan , Bologna and Venice , only offering passengers a refund on any government tax they paid if they cancel .
Norwegian Air says it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its flights , and giving everyone due to travel with them to Italy the chance to book for a later date .
It gives no information about refunds .
Package holiday customers due to visit Italy in the coming days should be offered alternative travel arrangements by their operator , otherwise they should be given a refund under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements 2018 regulations .
ABTA , the organisation that governs travel agents , says it is `` too early '' to know whether summer holidays will be affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early , they may have to pay the cancellation fees .
Those people who have booked travel or accommodation directly are encouraged to contact their provider to discuss the options available to them .
Holidaymakers are also being advised to check their travel insurance to see if it covers non-refundable cancellations for those areas where the FCO advice has been put in place .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Those returning from anywhere in Italy are being advised to self-isolate and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even if they do not display COVID-19 symptoms .
Apart from China , Italy has the highest number of cases in the world of coronavirus , with more than 9,000 people testing positive , prompting the country 's government to take the drastic step of locking down the country .

Travellers could lose their money if they comply with official advice and avoid flying to Italy amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice is to avoid all but essential travel to Italy - but many airlines have decided to continue to operate to the country.
This leaves passengers with a choice to make between flouting the FCO advice and travelling, or adhering to the restrictions and losing their money.
On Tuesday, British Airways became the first UK airline to suspend flights to Italy, which has been completely locked down due to the coronavirus outbreak, meaning its passengers will able to get a refund instead of travelling.
Ryanair has also suspended all flights to Italy, offering customers the option of a full refund or travel credit.
Jet2 customers due to fly to Venice have also had their flights cancelled and have been offered a date change or refund.
Despite the FCO advice, easyJet is still operating flights to Milan, Bologna and Venice, only offering passengers a refund on any government tax they paid if they cancel.
Norwegian Air says it is in the process of cancelling some of its flights, and giving everyone due to travel with them to Italy the chance to book for a later date. It gives no information about refunds.
Package holiday customers due to visit Italy in the coming days should be offered alternative travel arrangements by their operator, otherwise they should be given a refund under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements 2018 regulations.
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ABTA, the organisation that governs travel agents, says it is "too early" to know whether summer holidays will be affected, adding that if passengers cancel too early, they may have to pay the cancellation fees.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 13:31 Coronavirus: How worried should we be?
Those people who have booked travel or accommodation directly are encouraged to contact their provider to discuss the options available to them.
Holidaymakers are also being advised to check their travel insurance to see if it covers non-refundable cancellations for those areas where the FCO advice has been put in place.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Those returning from anywhere in Italy are being advised to self-isolate and avoid contact with others for two weeks, even if they do not display COVID-19 symptoms.
Apart from China, Italy has the highest number of cases in the world of coronavirus, with more than 9,000 people testing positive, prompting the country's government to take the drastic step of locking down the country.


news--2020-06-15--Ireland: Micheal Martin set to be next taoiseach after historic coalition deal agreed

Opposition leader Micheal Martin is set to become Ireland 's new taoiseach as the country 's two dominant political parties , Fine Gael and Fianna Fail , struck a deal to enter government together for the first time .
A total of 128 days after an inconclusive general election , laborious talks have finally resulted in agreement between the two historically bitter rivals for a new government , which will also include the Green Party .
Current taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael Leo Varadkar will share the premiership with Mr Martin on a rotating basis over the intended five-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draft programme for government has yet to be published , but is expected to include a major stimulus package for an economy hit hard by the coronavirus crisis , as well as significant commitments on reducing Ireland 's carbon emissions by an average of 7 % a year and an increase in carbon tax .
For decades , an alliance between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail would have been politically unthinkable .
The parties ' roots lie on either side of Ireland 's bitter Civil War of 1922-23 , and even as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two organisations remained intense rivals throughout the 20th century .
Every Irish government since 1932 has been led by one of the two parties .
However , modern parliamentary arithmetic , as the electorate fragmented and turned to other parties like Sinn Fein , as well as the COVID-19 crisis , has now precipitated what is widely being seen as a coalition of necessity .
There is also a possibly belated recognition that the two centrist parties are fairly aligned ideologically and policy-wise .
The Sinn Fein surge in February 's election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government over housing and healthcare , means that Fine Gael and Fianna Fail do n't have enough seats for a working majority on their own .
That has resulted in a return to coalition for Eamon Ryan 's resurgent Green Party , which has extracted significant environmental concessions in exchange for its support .
The parties now have to get the deal approved by their respective memberships .
Fine Gael has an electoral college system , placing heavy emphasis on the parliamentary party , which should secure approval .
Fianna Fail are expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whom will be opposed to coalition with their biggest rivals .
The Greens must secure a two-thirds majority for approval when its members vote on the deal .
The party is also facing a leadership challenge to Eamon Ryan from its deputy leader Catherine Martin .
Mary Lou McDonald 's Sinn Fein , widely deemed to have `` won '' the February election with the largest share of the popular vote , but which fell well short of the seat numbers needed to form a government , will now be the main opposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by determination to keep Sinn Fein out - but it may suit party By Stephen Murphy , Ireland correspondent It 's hard to overstate the intense rivalry that has existed for most of a century between the new government partners , tracing as they do their origins to pro and anti-treaty factions during Ireland 's bloody and bitter struggle for independence from Britain .
However , in a UK context , this deal is not comparable to the Conservatives and Labour forming a coalition .
It 's been clear for decades that when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two centrist parties share many political outlooks , and many of their policies are practically interchangeable .
It has taken a increasingly fragmented vote , and a determination to keep Sinn Fein out of office however , that has led to this historic partnership .
In many ways , the Greens are the big winners in this new deal .
Although very much the makeweights in the new government , they have pushed a hard bargain , and seemed to have secured real concessions on emissions , carbon tax and public transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenge on getting the deal passed by members though .
The leaders need a two-thirds majority and with many new party members over recent months , it 's hard to know which way they will vote .
For Sinn Fein there will be mixed feelings .
For many party supporters , life in opposition will be a bitter pill to swallow after taking the biggest share of the vote in February 's election .
On the other hand , the coming months promise to be a very rocky road for the new administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a coming recession , with surging unemployment and heavy borrowing .
Add to this some very tough decisions on public health as the pandemic continues , and the prospect of a no-deal Brexit further battering Ireland 's economy , and it may well suit Mary Lou McDonald 's party to spend the next few years hammering the big two parties from the opposition benches , building their electoral support , with an eye very much on reaping the rewards at the next general election .

Opposition leader Micheal Martin is set to become Ireland's new taoiseach as the country's two dominant political parties, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, struck a deal to enter government together for the first time.
A total of 128 days after an inconclusive general election, laborious talks have finally resulted in agreement between the two historically bitter rivals for a new government, which will also include the Green Party.
Current taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael Leo Varadkar will share the premiership with Mr Martin on a rotating basis over the intended five-year lifespan of the new government.
Image: Leo Varadkar was appointed taoiseach in 2017
The draft programme for government has yet to be published, but is expected to include a major stimulus package for an economy hit hard by the coronavirus crisis, as well as significant commitments on reducing Ireland's carbon emissions by an average of 7% a year and an increase in carbon tax.
For decades, an alliance between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail would have been politically unthinkable.
The parties' roots lie on either side of Ireland's bitter Civil War of 1922-23, and even as the memory of warfare and bloodshed faded, the two organisations remained intense rivals throughout the 20th century.
Every Irish government since 1932 has been led by one of the two parties.
However, modern parliamentary arithmetic, as the electorate fragmented and turned to other parties like Sinn Fein, as well as the COVID-19 crisis, has now precipitated what is widely being seen as a coalition of necessity.
There is also a possibly belated recognition that the two centrist parties are fairly aligned ideologically and policy-wise.
Advertisement
Image: Micheal Martin (centre) pictured ahead of talks over a coalition deal
The Sinn Fein surge in February's election, as voters punished the Fine Gael-led government over housing and healthcare, means that Fine Gael and Fianna Fail don't have enough seats for a working majority on their own.
That has resulted in a return to coalition for Eamon Ryan's resurgent Green Party, which has extracted significant environmental concessions in exchange for its support.
The parties now have to get the deal approved by their respective memberships.
Fine Gael has an electoral college system, placing heavy emphasis on the parliamentary party, which should secure approval.
Fianna Fail are expected to ballot its members, some of whom will be opposed to coalition with their biggest rivals.
The Greens must secure a two-thirds majority for approval when its members vote on the deal. The party is also facing a leadership challenge to Eamon Ryan from its deputy leader Catherine Martin.
Mary Lou McDonald's Sinn Fein, widely deemed to have "won" the February election with the largest share of the popular vote, but which fell well short of the seat numbers needed to form a government, will now be the main opposition party.
Analysis: Historic deal driven by determination to keep Sinn Fein out - but it may suit party
By Stephen Murphy, Ireland correspondent
It's hard to overstate the intense rivalry that has existed for most of a century between the new government partners, tracing as they do their origins to pro and anti-treaty factions during Ireland's bloody and bitter struggle for independence from Britain.
However, in a UK context, this deal is not comparable to the Conservatives and Labour forming a coalition.
It's been clear for decades that when history is put to one side, the two centrist parties share many political outlooks, and many of their policies are practically interchangeable.
It has taken a increasingly fragmented vote, and a determination to keep Sinn Fein out of office however, that has led to this historic partnership.
In many ways, the Greens are the big winners in this new deal.
Although very much the makeweights in the new government, they have pushed a hard bargain, and seemed to have secured real concessions on emissions, carbon tax and public transport.
The party does face the toughest challenge on getting the deal passed by members though.
The leaders need a two-thirds majority and with many new party members over recent months, it's hard to know which way they will vote.
For Sinn Fein there will be mixed feelings.
For many party supporters, life in opposition will be a bitter pill to swallow after taking the biggest share of the vote in February's election.
On the other hand, the coming months promise to be a very rocky road for the new administration. All the economic data points towards a coming recession, with surging unemployment and heavy borrowing.
Add to this some very tough decisions on public health as the pandemic continues, and the prospect of a no-deal Brexit further battering Ireland's economy, and it may well suit Mary Lou McDonald's party to spend the next few years hammering the big two parties from the opposition benches, building their electoral support, with an eye very much on reaping the rewards at the next general election.


news--2020-06-15--Black Lives Matter: PM urged to deliver 'get serious and deliver' and told BAME people don't need 'a

Black Lives Matter: PM urged to deliver 'get serious and deliver' and told BAME people don't need 'another review'

Boris Johnson is under pressure to `` get serious and deliver '' when it comes to tackling racial inequality , after critics dismissed his announcement of `` another review '' into the issue .
Following widespread protests in the UK in support of the Black Lives Matter movement , the prime minister has promised a cross-government commission to tackle racism .
This will look at `` all aspects of inequality - in employment , in health outcomes , in academic and all other walks of life '' , Mr Johnson said in a newspaper column for his former employer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the commission will report directly to the prime minister and will have an independent chair .
It will look at inequality across the UK , not just that affecting the black , Asian and minority ethnic ( BAME ) community , and will be asked to produce recommendations for the government by the end of this year , the Telegraph added .
Full details of the review are due to be provided in the coming days .
Mr Johnson 's commission is set to be the second review into racial inequality to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 in three years .
In October 2017 , the first data from ex-prime minister Theresa May 's race disparity audit was published .
Shadow justice secretary David Lammy , who chaired the 2017 review of the treatment of BAME individuals in the criminal justice system , told Sky News : `` How many reviews and commissions do we need ?
`` This feels like more taxpayers ' money kicking the issue into the long grass to assuage Black Lives Matter . ''
He claimed the review was `` dreamed up yesterday on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and told the PM : `` This is a tough time , and we need a prime minister that 's going to step up , get serious and deliver .
Deliver for once .
That 's what people want . ''
Following Mr Johnson 's announcement , Nazir Afzal - a former chief prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service - noted how the last few years have also seen reviews into the justice system , deaths in police custody , the Windrush scandal , UK workplaces , and the impact of coronavirus on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These and others identified what needs to be done to tackle racism .
`` Boris Johnson , we do n't need another review .
Just deliver action now . ''
David Isaac , the chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission , also said it was `` time for urgent action '' .
`` We know the scale of the problems we face to tackle the entrenched racial inequality in our country .
It is not new , '' he said .
`` There have been countless reports and the data exists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time for urgent action .
`` We need to see a clear and comprehensive race strategy with clear targets and timescales from the government .
`` We hope this new commission will help deliver that and we stand ready to work with it . ''
Mr Johnson 's former chancellor Sajid Javid welcomed the prime minister 's new commission .
But he added : `` Shining a light on injustice is n't enough .
We need an action plan to tackle it .
`` The racial disparity audit found the data .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Fellow Conservative MP Nusrat Ghani , who served in Mr Johnson 's government until February this year , posted on Twitter : `` Another commission ?
Ok , it 's welcome .
`` But we have the data on obstacles , prejudice and inequalities .
We just need to crack on with real practical solutions which will have a positive impact . ''
Labour 's former shadow home secretary Diane Abbott , the first black female MP , said : `` Black people do n't need another commission .
`` They need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Liberal Democrat MP Christine Jardine , the party 's equalities spokesperson , said the commission 's findings `` must not become simply another report on a shelf in Whitehall '' .
`` The government must implement them without delay , '' she added .
In response to criticism of the new commission , the prime minister said : `` The whole point of having a review is to look at the area where people feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be done .
`` We 've already acted on the Lammy report and we will continue to do more .
`` For instance , young black males that are involved in crime do n't automatically get moved to prosecution , we make sure we have more BAME groups in the prison and probation service ; and more use of body worn cameras so people have confidence in the criminal justice system . ''
Asked about the criticism of the review by Sky 's political editor Beth Rigby , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we can translate some of the diagnosis of the challenges that we 've got with actionable policies . ''
He added : `` So I do understand the restlessness for change .
I think what the prime minister wants to make sure is that with this commission that we can come up with actionable policies , not just a diagnosis of the challenges we face . ''
Downing Street said the new commission will also examine why working-class white boys fell behind in school .

Boris Johnson is under pressure to "get serious and deliver" when it comes to tackling racial inequality, after critics dismissed his announcement of "another review" into the issue.
Following widespread protests in the UK in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, the prime minister has promised a cross-government commission to tackle racism.
This will look at "all aspects of inequality - in employment, in health outcomes, in academic and all other walks of life", Mr Johnson said in a newspaper column for his former employer, the Daily Telegraph.
Image: Former PM Theresa May also conducted a review into racial inequality while in Number 10
The newspaper reported the commission will report directly to the prime minister and will have an independent chair.
It will look at inequality across the UK, not just that affecting the black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) community, and will be asked to produce recommendations for the government by the end of this year, the Telegraph added.
Full details of the review are due to be provided in the coming days.
Mr Johnson's commission is set to be the second review into racial inequality to be carried out on the instructions of Number 10 in three years.
In October 2017, the first data from ex-prime minister Theresa May's race disparity audit was published.
Shadow justice secretary David Lammy, who chaired the 2017 review of the treatment of BAME individuals in the criminal justice system, told Sky News: "How many reviews and commissions do we need?
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 Shadow justice secretary David Lammy has claimed Boris Johnson's planned review was
"This feels like more taxpayers' money kicking the issue into the long grass to assuage Black Lives Matter."
He claimed the review was "dreamed up yesterday on the back of a fag packet" and told the PM: "This is a tough time, and we need a prime minister that's going to step up, get serious and deliver. Deliver for once. That's what people want."
Following Mr Johnson's announcement, Nazir Afzal - a former chief prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service - noted how the last few years have also seen reviews into the justice system, deaths in police custody, the Windrush scandal, UK workplaces, and the impact of coronavirus on BAME groups.
He said: "These and others identified what needs to be done to tackle racism.
"Boris Johnson, we don't need another review. Just deliver action now."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:39 Raab quizzed over PM's new racism review
David Isaac, the chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, also said it was "time for urgent action".
"We know the scale of the problems we face to tackle the entrenched racial inequality in our country. It is not new," he said.
"There have been countless reports and the data exists exposing all the issues. Now is the time for urgent action.
"We need to see a clear and comprehensive race strategy with clear targets and timescales from the government.
"We hope this new commission will help deliver that and we stand ready to work with it."
Mr Johnson's former chancellor Sajid Javid welcomed the prime minister's new commission.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:25 'Trump has caused an awakening' - Malcolm X's daughter
But he added: "Shining a light on injustice isn't enough. We need an action plan to tackle it.
"The racial disparity audit found the data. The commission must deliver the solutions."
Fellow Conservative MP Nusrat Ghani, who served in Mr Johnson's government until February this year, posted on Twitter: "Another commission? Ok, it's welcome.
"But we have the data on obstacles, prejudice and inequalities. We just need to crack on with real practical solutions which will have a positive impact."
Labour's former shadow home secretary Diane Abbott, the first black female MP, said: "Black people don't need another commission.
"They need action on existing reports and reviews."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Liberal Democrat MP Christine Jardine, the party's equalities spokesperson, said the commission's findings "must not become simply another report on a shelf in Whitehall".
"The government must implement them without delay," she added.
In response to criticism of the new commission, the prime minister said: "The whole point of having a review is to look at the area where people feel that there is more that needs to be done.
"We've already acted on the Lammy report and we will continue to do more.
"For instance, young black males that are involved in crime don't automatically get moved to prosecution, we make sure we have more BAME groups in the prison and probation service; and more use of body worn cameras so people have confidence in the criminal justice system."
Asked about the criticism of the review by Sky's political editor Beth Rigby, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: "We want to make sure that we can translate some of the diagnosis of the challenges that we've got with actionable policies."
He added: "So I do understand the restlessness for change. I think what the prime minister wants to make sure is that with this commission that we can come up with actionable policies, not just a diagnosis of the challenges we face."
Downing Street said the new commission will also examine why working-class white boys fell behind in school.