news--2020-03-16--Stobart lands £700m approach for slice of Southend Airport

Stobart Group , the listed infrastructure conglomerate , has received a £700m approach to buy a stake in Southend Airport - even as the crisis engulfing Britain 's aviation industry deepens .
Sky News has learnt that AviAlliance , the German-based company which operates airports in Athens , Budapest and Puerto Rico , has tabled a proposal to acquire a 25pc stake in the Essex site .
City sources said the approach from AviAlliance had been made in recent days and was under discussion by the Stobart board .
The offer comes in the wake of the collapse of Flybe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which Stobart held a 30 % stake .
Flybe was one of Southend Airport 's biggest customers , although executives have insisted that its long-term ambitions of reaching 20 million passengers annually will not be deterred by the carrier 's demise .
EasyJet and Ryanair - both of which announced savage cuts to their schedules on Monday as the COVID-19 crisis threatened to decimate the airline industry - both operate flights from Southend .
One insider said the approach from AviAlliance valued Southend at about £700m , although Stobart executives are said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to £800m .
At the lower end of that range , the sale of a 25 % stake in the airport would generate proceeds of £175m - almost equivalent to its parent company 's entire market capitalisation of £182m .
The approach from AviAlliance , which could include an option to increase its stake , is likely to be backed by Stobart 's leading shareholders , who have seen its value plunge in recent years .
The company , which also owns interests in biomass plants , rail engineering and former sister company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to recover from a bitter boardroom war .
Its former chief executive Andrew Tinkler was sacked as a director in 2018 and then mounted a legal case to be reinstated .
A bitter legal fight ensued which found that Mr Tinkler had breached his director 's duties but also resulted in Stobart withdrawing its allegation that he had made improper expenses claims .
Some of the company 's directors were criticised by the former chief for using company funds to gerrymander the vote at the subsequent AGM .
Mr Tinkler also tried to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which Stobart participated , and which was led by Virgin Atlantic .
Stobart is understood to be keen to pursue a transaction with AviAlliance , although the coronavirus outbreak may make it harder to agree a valuation .
Based in Germany , AviAlliance was formerly known as Hochtief AirPort and includes Düsseldorf and Hamburg airports in its portfolio .
It is owned by the Public Sector Pension Investment Board , one of Canada 's largest pension funds .
The price tag put on Southend comes as many regional airports fight for survival @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Executives at Southampton have warned that it faces making layoffs as a result of the loss of business from Flybe .
At Southend , which serves two million passengers a year , the runway is being upgraded to accommodate larger aircraft .
A new arrivals terminal capable of handling seven million passengers annually is in the planning phase .
UBS , the investment bank , is understood to be advising Stobart on the approach from AviAlliance .

Stobart Group, the listed infrastructure conglomerate, has received a £700m approach to buy a stake in Southend Airport - even as the crisis engulfing Britain's aviation industry deepens.
Sky News has learnt that AviAlliance, the German-based company which operates airports in Athens, Budapest and Puerto Rico, has tabled a proposal to acquire a 25pc stake in the Essex site.
City sources said the approach from AviAlliance had been made in recent days and was under discussion by the Stobart board.
The offer comes in the wake of the collapse of Flybe, Europe's largest regional airline, in which Stobart held a 30% stake.
Flybe was one of Southend Airport's biggest customers, although executives have insisted that its long-term ambitions of reaching 20 million passengers annually will not be deterred by the carrier's demise.
EasyJet and Ryanair - both of which announced savage cuts to their schedules on Monday as the COVID-19 crisis threatened to decimate the airline industry - both operate flights from Southend.
One insider said the approach from AviAlliance valued Southend at about £700m, although Stobart executives are said to believe it could be worth closer to £800m.
At the lower end of that range, the sale of a 25% stake in the airport would generate proceeds of £175m - almost equivalent to its parent company's entire market capitalisation of £182m.
The approach from AviAlliance, which could include an option to increase its stake, is likely to be backed by Stobart's leading shareholders, who have seen its value plunge in recent years.
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The company, which also owns interests in biomass plants, rail engineering and former sister company Eddie Stobart Logistics, has been struggling to recover from a bitter boardroom war.
Its former chief executive Andrew Tinkler was sacked as a director in 2018 and then mounted a legal case to be reinstated.
A bitter legal fight ensued which found that Mr Tinkler had breached his director's duties but also resulted in Stobart withdrawing its allegation that he had made improper expenses claims.
Some of the company's directors were criticised by the former chief for using company funds to gerrymander the vote at the subsequent AGM.
Mr Tinkler also tried to derail Flybe's takeover by the consortium in which Stobart participated, and which was led by Virgin Atlantic.
Stobart is understood to be keen to pursue a transaction with AviAlliance, although the coronavirus outbreak may make it harder to agree a valuation.
Based in Germany, AviAlliance was formerly known as Hochtief AirPort and includes Düsseldorf and Hamburg airports in its portfolio.
It is owned by the Public Sector Pension Investment Board, one of Canada's largest pension funds.
The price tag put on Southend comes as many regional airports fight for survival in the aftermath of Flybe's collapse.
The Exeter-based airline served UK destinations including Aberdeen, Newquay, Norwich and Southampton.
Executives at Southampton have warned that it faces making layoffs as a result of the loss of business from Flybe.
At Southend, which serves two million passengers a year, the runway is being upgraded to accommodate larger aircraft.
A new arrivals terminal capable of handling seven million passengers annually is in the planning phase.
UBS, the investment bank, is understood to be advising Stobart on the approach from AviAlliance.
A Stobart Group spokesman declined to comment on Monday.


news--2020-03-17--Outsourcers told to prepare for COVID-19 absenteeism

Britain 's biggest outsourcers have been told by the government to prepare for a wave of COVID-19- triggered absenteeism among teams responsible for working on critical national infrastructure projects .
Sky News has obtained a memo sent from the Cabinet Office to private sector companies with major government contracts in areas ranging from prisoner escorting to armed forces recruitment .
In it , officials told outsourcers to disclose their readiness for an average of 21 % of their workforces to be away from work during a projected 16-week outbreak of the infection .
`` We would like all suppliers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliver services on gold contracts and prioritisation of Key Performance Indicators and Service Level Agreements based on criticality of services and vulnerability of service users , '' it said .
The major outsourcers include Capita , Interserve , Mitie and Serco , all of which handle sensitive public service contracts .
The Cabinet Office 's memo also asked private sector suppliers to consider whether a 21 % rate of employee absenteeism would affect their ability to deliver critical national infrastructure services .
It added that government projections were that 80 % of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at some point .
The reliance of government on private sector providers is likely to be closely scrutinised once the coronavirus crisis is over , given the number of controversies surrounding their delivery of contracts in the past .
Capita has seen its shares plunge in recent weeks following a set of financial results which disclosed that its turnaround was proving more expensive and protracted than envisaged .
The Cabinet Office could not be reached for comment .

Britain's biggest outsourcers have been told by the government to prepare for a wave of COVID-19- triggered absenteeism among teams responsible for working on critical national infrastructure projects.
Sky News has obtained a memo sent from the Cabinet Office to private sector companies with major government contracts in areas ranging from prisoner escorting to armed forces recruitment.
In it, officials told outsourcers to disclose their readiness for an average of 21% of their workforces to be away from work during a projected 16-week outbreak of the infection.
"We would like all suppliers to consider minimum number of staff required to deliver services on gold contracts and prioritisation of Key Performance Indicators and Service Level Agreements based on criticality of services and vulnerability of service users," it said.
The major outsourcers include Capita, Interserve, Mitie and Serco, all of which handle sensitive public service contracts.
The Cabinet Office's memo also asked private sector suppliers to consider whether a 21% rate of employee absenteeism would affect their ability to deliver critical national infrastructure services.
It added that government projections were that 80% of the UK population would be infected with COVID-19 at some point.
The reliance of government on private sector providers is likely to be closely scrutinised once the coronavirus crisis is over, given the number of controversies surrounding their delivery of contracts in the past.
Capita has seen its shares plunge in recent weeks following a set of financial results which disclosed that its turnaround was proving more expensive and protracted than envisaged.
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The Cabinet Office could not be reached for comment.


news--2020-06-12--Coronavirus lockdown eases further with 'support bubbles' aimed at relieving social isolation

People in England are now able to set up `` support bubbles '' , a move the prime minister says is aimed at helping those who are lonely as lockdown restrictions continue to be eased .
The new rule means that adults living alone can form a network with one other household , so a grandparent could visit the house of their child and grandchildren .
The change will allow some people to stay overnight at another house , without having to socially distance .
Northern Ireland is adopting a similar relaxation of the regulations for people living alone .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to those who are vulnerable and shielding .
Amy Downes is mum to Harry and James , who are both under five .
She has been making do with support from friends and family online , but is desperately missing human interaction .
Her best friend Alex , who lives alone , is going to join her family in a bubble .
She told Sky News : `` Now that she can actually come into the house and spend a bit of time with us , I am really looking forward to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is going to be really nice .
But for me it is going to be getting Harry back with his little buddy and those two having a bit of fun .
`` From my point of view , it will be really nice to have an extra pair of hands when my partner is in work , when he does have to go in as a teacher .
It is really hard to look after two children .
I find it difficult because this was n't what I expected to do .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nursery . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But not everyone is so enthusiastic about the idea .
Thea Jaffe , a single mother who has been working throughout lockdown , said she found it difficult to think about who to invite .
She said : `` When it was first announced I felt excited because we can finally have some human contact , but when I thought about it more , I started to get confused .
Should I ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we only see him once a month , so maybe a friend ... when you finally start to ask people to bubble with you , it is almost like you are asking them to marry you . ''
For months , high streets have been closed , roads have been deserted and people have only been allowed one bit of exercise a day .
But lockdown measures are now being eased , even though in some areas the R number , which measures the spread of the virus , is now above one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months have been particularly difficult for single parents .
Among the charities trying to help is Gingerbread .
Its chief executive Victoria Benson told Sky News : `` This is the first time the government has considered single parents , it seems .
Many are alone and solely responsible .
It is relentless .
They are full of anxiety .
`` On one level we welcome this to alleviate loneliness and you ca n't underestimate how difficult it is .
However , a lot of people calling our helpline , or on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also , many do n't have anybody they could include .
Their life continues unchanged . ''
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the measures are a `` targeted intervention '' to help those who are most lonely .
`` There are still too many people , particularly those who live by themselves , who are lonely and struggling , '' he said , stressing the measures were not designed for people who do not meet the criteria .
As restrictions are eased and some grandparents are finally able to hug their grandchildren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit friends , it seems human interaction has never been so valued .

People in England are now able to set up "support bubbles", a move the prime minister says is aimed at helping those who are lonely as lockdown restrictions continue to be eased.
The new rule means that adults living alone can form a network with one other household, so a grandparent could visit the house of their child and grandchildren. The change will allow some people to stay overnight at another house, without having to socially distance.
Northern Ireland is adopting a similar relaxation of the regulations for people living alone.
However, the changes do not apply to those who are vulnerable and shielding.
Amy Downes is mum to Harry and James, who are both under five. She has been making do with support from friends and family online, but is desperately missing human interaction.
Her best friend Alex, who lives alone, is going to join her family in a bubble.
She told Sky News: "Now that she can actually come into the house and spend a bit of time with us, I am really looking forward to the weather not putting that off. It is going to be really nice. But for me it is going to be getting Harry back with his little buddy and those two having a bit of fun.
"From my point of view, it will be really nice to have an extra pair of hands when my partner is in work, when he does have to go in as a teacher. It is really hard to look after two children. I find it difficult because this wasn't what I expected to do. I thought Harry was going to be in nursery."
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
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But not everyone is so enthusiastic about the idea.
Thea Jaffe, a single mother who has been working throughout lockdown, said she found it difficult to think about who to invite.
She said: "When it was first announced I felt excited because we can finally have some human contact, but when I thought about it more, I started to get confused. Should I ask my son's father, but then we only see him once a month, so maybe a friend... when you finally start to ask people to bubble with you, it is almost like you are asking them to marry you."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 14:27 10 June: PM unveils 'support bubbles' for singles
For months, high streets have been closed, roads have been deserted and people have only been allowed one bit of exercise a day. But lockdown measures are now being eased, even though in some areas the R number, which measures the spread of the virus, is now above one.
There is no doubt that recent months have been particularly difficult for single parents. Among the charities trying to help is Gingerbread.
Its chief executive Victoria Benson told Sky News: "This is the first time the government has considered single parents, it seems. Many are alone and solely responsible. It is relentless. They are full of anxiety.
"On one level we welcome this to alleviate loneliness and you can't underestimate how difficult it is. However, a lot of people calling our helpline, or on the groups, they seek clarification. But also, many don't have anybody they could include. Their life continues unchanged."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the measures are a "targeted intervention" to help those who are most lonely.
"There are still too many people, particularly those who live by themselves, who are lonely and struggling," he said, stressing the measures were not designed for people who do not meet the criteria.
As restrictions are eased and some grandparents are finally able to hug their grandchildren and those living alone are able to visit friends, it seems human interaction has never been so valued.


news--2020-06-27--Some schools in England to welcome back another year group from next week

From next week primary schools with capacity to accommodate maximum class sizes of 15 pupils will be encouraged to welcome back another year group .
The government is set to announce primary schools will also be able to accept a year group other than reception , year one and year six - but only if the school has capacity to do so while maintaining group sizes of up to 15 and can continue to make sure protective measures are in place .
The new guidance comes after the government was forced to shelve its plan for all primary school children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classroom education before the summer holidays .
The Labour Party has said the short notice of the announcement will contribute to `` widespread confusion '' for schools , pupils and parents .
Currently only reception , year one and year six have been allowed to return , and many reopened schools have not been able to accommodate all three groups .
Last week in the House of Commons , Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said : `` While we are not able to welcome all primary children back for a full month before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sector on the next steps , where we would like schools that have the capacity to bring back more children - in those smaller class sizes - to do so if they are able to before the summer holidays . ''
Labour 's shadow education secretary Rebecca Long Bailey said the announcement of new guidelines without clear advance warning could create further uncertainty for schools , pupils and parents .
`` There 's widespread confusion across the sector , and the government so far has failed to build a consensus between school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within the sector around the safety principles that need to be put in place within schools for a safer wider reopening , '' she told Sky News .
`` There 's a feeling that schools and local authorities have been left to navigate this by themselves , and that should never have been the case .
`` What the government should have done from the start is create a task force to reach a consensus , not only to ensure safety principles were put in place , but also to provide reassurance that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the classroom , and that did n't happen .
The government has to work very quickly to rebuild trust . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour has also called on ministers to reconsider the decision to withdraw funding for free school meals and meal vouchers over the summer holidays .
Last week , the prime minister promised a `` massive catch-up operation '' to help school children who have missed out on education .
Although schools will not be expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government 's hope is that a support package will be in place through the holidays and into the next academic year .
Ministers insist they are working with local authorities to ensure all schools can reopen in September , if it is deemed safe to do so .
A Number 10 source said Mr Johnson had `` ordered detailed plans to be rapidly drawn up '' .
`` The PM is acutely aware that school closures will have a disproportionate impact on all children , and particularly the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months out of school , and this package will be focused on providing extended support for children .
`` The PM is so grateful for the hard work of teachers , parents and schools to keep educating children throughout this difficult period . ''
But in an interview with The Observer , the children 's commissioner for England said the government had not moved fast enough , and risked violating the basic right to education enshrined in a UN convention .
`` It has taken 200 years of campaigning to get children out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ensuring that education was a basic right for all children , '' Anne Longfield told the newspaper .
`` We seem for the first time to be prepared to let that start to go into reverse .
And I think that is a very , very dangerous place to be .
`` We heard from the prime minister back in April that education was one of the top three priorities for easing lockdown , but it seems to have been given up on quite easily . ''
The Department for Education claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to school , pointing to survey results which show 70 % of 18,000 primary schools who responded have opened for eligible year groups .

From next week primary schools with capacity to accommodate maximum class sizes of 15 pupils will be encouraged to welcome back another year group.
The government is set to announce primary schools will also be able to accept a year group other than reception, year one and year six - but only if the school has capacity to do so while maintaining group sizes of up to 15 and can continue to make sure protective measures are in place.
The new guidance comes after the government was forced to shelve its plan for all primary school children to have at least a month of classroom education before the summer holidays.
The Labour Party has said the short notice of the announcement will contribute to "widespread confusion" for schools, pupils and parents.
Currently only reception, year one and year six have been allowed to return, and many reopened schools have not been able to accommodate all three groups.
Last week in the House of Commons, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: "While we are not able to welcome all primary children back for a full month before the summer, we continue to work with the sector on the next steps, where we would like schools that have the capacity to bring back more children - in those smaller class sizes - to do so if they are able to before the summer holidays."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 Failure to reopen schools is 'astonishing'
Labour's shadow education secretary Rebecca Long Bailey said the announcement of new guidelines without clear advance warning could create further uncertainty for schools, pupils and parents.
"There's widespread confusion across the sector, and the government so far has failed to build a consensus between school leaders, trade unions, leading experts within the sector around the safety principles that need to be put in place within schools for a safer wider reopening," she told Sky News.
"There's a feeling that schools and local authorities have been left to navigate this by themselves, and that should never have been the case.
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"What the government should have done from the start is create a task force to reach a consensus, not only to ensure safety principles were put in place, but also to provide reassurance that it was safe to go back into the classroom, and that didn't happen. The government has to work very quickly to rebuild trust."
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Labour has also called on ministers to reconsider the decision to withdraw funding for free school meals and meal vouchers over the summer holidays.
Last week, the prime minister promised a "massive catch-up operation" to help school children who have missed out on education.
Although schools will not be expected to open over the summer, the government's hope is that a support package will be in place through the holidays and into the next academic year.
Image: Plans for all primary school children to have at least a month in the classroom before the holidays were shelved
Ministers insist they are working with local authorities to ensure all schools can reopen in September, if it is deemed safe to do so.
A Number 10 source said Mr Johnson had "ordered detailed plans to be rapidly drawn up".
"The PM is acutely aware that school closures will have a disproportionate impact on all children, and particularly the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children.
"He appreciates the consequences of months out of school, and this package will be focused on providing extended support for children.
"The PM is so grateful for the hard work of teachers, parents and schools to keep educating children throughout this difficult period."
Image: Ministers say they are working with local authorities to ensure all schools can reopen in September
But in an interview with The Observer, the children's commissioner for England said the government had not moved fast enough, and risked violating the basic right to education enshrined in a UN convention.
"It has taken 200 years of campaigning to get children out of the workplace and into the classroom, ensuring that education was a basic right for all children," Anne Longfield told the newspaper.
"We seem for the first time to be prepared to let that start to go into reverse. And I think that is a very, very dangerous place to be.
"We heard from the prime minister back in April that education was one of the top three priorities for easing lockdown, but it seems to have been given up on quite easily."
The Department for Education claims progress is being made on getting children back to school, pointing to survey results which show 70% of 18,000 primary schools who responded have opened for eligible year groups.


news--2020-06-13--Coronavirus: New documents reveal what the next step for social bubbles could be

When can two households mix and when can we bubble with a pair of grandparents ?
They 're two of the big questions many are asking after the government introduced `` support bubbles '' for those living alone .
There might be a clue in the latest documents published by SAGE , the government 's scientific advisory group .
Research by behavioural scientists for SAGE suggests a `` phased '' introduction of bubbles .
We are currently in Phase 1 , where someone living on their own can now bubble with another household .
The science describes this option as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not raise the R rate above one .
Put simply , this kind of bubble wo n't increase the rate the virus is spreading too much .
The next stage is Phase 2 , known as 2+n , where a household of two can join with another household .
For example , two grandparents could bubble with their grandchildren .
The SAGE advice states this could happen `` if no epidemiological adverse effects '' occur during Phase 1 .
Basically , if R can be kept below one , we could with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the next phase .
It 's the same advice for moving onto Phase 3 , when a household bubbling with one person can add a larger household into their bubble .
Several factors determine how much of an impact bubbling has on the epidemic .
They include , the size and nature of the bubbles , how many households create bubbles and how well people in bubbles stick to the rules .
The rules are important , because even small breaches of bubbles would create a `` significant risk of increasing transmission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measure could be reversed if a second wave happens .
The SAGE papers admit decisions about whether to form bubbles could `` create friction and fragmentation '' among friends and families .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker As an alternative , they suggest allowing small groups of people to meet outside , providing social distancing happens .
While the SAGE documents provide a framework for expanding the bubble groups , they do not suggest a timescale .
That will be a @ @ @ @ @

When can two households mix and when can we bubble with a pair of grandparents?
They're two of the big questions many are asking after the government introduced "support bubbles" for those living alone.
There might be a clue in the latest documents published by SAGE, the government's scientific advisory group.
Image: We're in Phase 1, where someone living on their own can now bubble with another household. File pic
Research by behavioural scientists for SAGE suggests a "phased" introduction of bubbles.
We are currently in Phase 1, where someone living on their own can now bubble with another household.
The science describes this option as 1+n, and modelling data shows this would not raise the R rate above one. Put simply, this kind of bubble won't increase the rate the virus is spreading too much.
The next stage is Phase 2, known as 2+n, where a household of two can join with another household. For example, two grandparents could bubble with their grandchildren.
The SAGE advice states this could happen "if no epidemiological adverse effects" occur during Phase 1.
Basically, if R can be kept below one, we could with "caution and proper preparation" move to the next phase.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:26 How will 'support bubbles' work?
It's the same advice for moving onto Phase 3, when a household bubbling with one person can add a larger household into their bubble.
Several factors determine how much of an impact bubbling has on the epidemic. They include, the size and nature of the bubbles, how many households create bubbles and how well people in bubbles stick to the rules.
The rules are important, because even small breaches of bubbles would create a "significant risk of increasing transmission".
A gradual phasing means the measure could be reversed if a second wave happens.
The SAGE papers admit decisions about whether to form bubbles could "create friction and fragmentation" among friends and families.
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As an alternative, they suggest allowing small groups of people to meet outside, providing social distancing happens.
While the SAGE documents provide a framework for expanding the bubble groups, they do not suggest a timescale.
That will be a decision for the politicians.


news--2020-06-13--Banking lobby chief apologises for 'wrong' remarks about Staveley

Britain 's top bank lobbyist has apologised for `` wrong '' and `` inappropriate '' remarks he made about Amanda Staveley , the financier suing Barclays - his former employer - over the cash call that kept it afloat during the 2008 financial crisis .
Sky News has seen a memo sent by Stephen Jones , chief executive of UK Finance , to the trade association 's employees on Friday , in which he said he could not defend `` wholly inappropriate '' comments he made 12 years ago about Ms Staveley .
Mr Jones , who at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barclays executive and has gone on to become one of the City 's most respected figures , is understood to have made the remarks during a period in which Ms Staveley was helping to negotiate a huge capital injection into the UK bank by Abu Dhabi-based funds .
Since March , the UK Finance chief has played a key role in devising with the Treasury the coronavirus financing schemes which have channelled tens of billions of pounds of state-guaranteed loans to small and medium-sized businesses .
In his note to colleagues , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take this opportunity to address the recent media coverage you may have seen which relates to my conduct in 2008 and which has arisen in the context of an ongoing civil action against Barclays by PCP [ Capital Partners , Ms Staveley 's firm ] / Amanda Staveley .
`` The media coverage references correspondence from 2008 and transcripts of internal telephone calls in which I made private comments about Ms Staveley and the claimant company PCP .
`` The comments I made at this time are wholly inappropriate and do not meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rightly expect .
`` I regret making these comments and I can not defend them . ''
The transcripts of those internal calls between Barclays executives could be read aloud in court if , as expected , Mr Jones is called to give evidence at the trial in mid-July .
Ms Staveley alleges that Barclays deceived her over the substantially higher fees it separately paid to Qatari investors which helped bail out the bank and keep it out of the clutches of the government .
The trial , which began earlier this month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A friend of Mr Jones said he was likely to write to Ms Staveley 's lawyers this weekend to convey his apology to her .
City sources said the UK Finance chief this week offered to step down as a judge of the Women in Banking and Finance Awards , due to be held in September , because of the growing furore over his remarks .
His offer , which was made to avoid distracting from a focus on the awards themselves , had been accepted by the organisers , they added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The tone of Mr Jones ' remarks about Ms Staveley - who is separately fronting a consortium bidding to take control of Newcastle United FC - has emerged just days after UK Finance announced that it had achieve gender equality on its board .
Its female directors include some of the most prominent figures in Britain 's financial services sector , such as Charlotte Crosswell , the chief executive of Innovate Finance ; Charlotte Duerden , UK country manager for American Express @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Middle East and Africa chief executive for Morgan Stanley 's institutional securities group .
UK Finance is unusual among City organisations in also being broadly gender-balanced across the rest of its workforce .
Mr Jones , who took charge of UK Finance when it was formed three years ago , was previously the chief financial officer of Santander UK , the Spanish-owned lender .
Since taking up the industry-wide role , he has been heavily involved in a Treasury-sponsored initiative to improve diversity across the financial services sector .
`` As I hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always been a strong advocate for diversity in all respects , '' he wrote in his staff memo .
`` I am proud of what we have achieved so far at UK Finance in this context but know we have more to do both as a company and as an industry .
`` My remarks in 2008 were wrong at the time and are wrong now .
`` I want to apologise to you all for letting you down in not having conducted myself at the time in the way that we all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jones declined to comment further on his memo when contacted by Sky News this weekend .

Britain's top bank lobbyist has apologised for "wrong" and "inappropriate" remarks he made about Amanda Staveley, the financier suing Barclays - his former employer - over the cash call that kept it afloat during the 2008 financial crisis.
Sky News has seen a memo sent by Stephen Jones, chief executive of UK Finance, to the trade association's employees on Friday, in which he said he could not defend "wholly inappropriate" comments he made 12 years ago about Ms Staveley.
Mr Jones, who at the time of the banking crash was a senior Barclays executive and has gone on to become one of the City's most respected figures, is understood to have made the remarks during a period in which Ms Staveley was helping to negotiate a huge capital injection into the UK bank by Abu Dhabi-based funds.
Image: Ms Staveley is suing Barclays over a deal that kept it afloat during the 2008 financial crisis
Since March, the UK Finance chief has played a key role in devising with the Treasury the coronavirus financing schemes which have channelled tens of billions of pounds of state-guaranteed loans to small and medium-sized businesses.
In his note to colleagues, Mr Jones said: "I wanted to take this opportunity to address the recent media coverage you may have seen which relates to my conduct in 2008 and which has arisen in the context of an ongoing civil action against Barclays by PCP [Capital Partners, Ms Staveley's firm]/ Amanda Staveley.
"The media coverage references correspondence from 2008 and transcripts of internal telephone calls in which I made private comments about Ms Staveley and the claimant company PCP.
"The comments I made at this time are wholly inappropriate and do not meet the standards of language and behaviour we rightly expect.
"I regret making these comments and I cannot defend them."
The transcripts of those internal calls between Barclays executives could be read aloud in court if, as expected, Mr Jones is called to give evidence at the trial in mid-July.
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Ms Staveley alleges that Barclays deceived her over the substantially higher fees it separately paid to Qatari investors which helped bail out the bank and keep it out of the clutches of the government.
The trial, which began earlier this month, continues, and Barclays denies wrongdoing.
A friend of Mr Jones said he was likely to write to Ms Staveley's lawyers this weekend to convey his apology to her.
City sources said the UK Finance chief this week offered to step down as a judge of the Women in Banking and Finance Awards, due to be held in September, because of the growing furore over his remarks.
His offer, which was made to avoid distracting from a focus on the awards themselves, had been accepted by the organisers, they added.
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The tone of Mr Jones' remarks about Ms Staveley - who is separately fronting a consortium bidding to take control of Newcastle United FC - has emerged just days after UK Finance announced that it had achieve gender equality on its board.
Its female directors include some of the most prominent figures in Britain's financial services sector, such as Charlotte Crosswell, the chief executive of Innovate Finance; Charlotte Duerden, UK country manager for American Express; and Clare Woodman, Europe, Middle East and Africa chief executive for Morgan Stanley's institutional securities group.
UK Finance is unusual among City organisations in also being broadly gender-balanced across the rest of its workforce.
Mr Jones, who took charge of UK Finance when it was formed three years ago, was previously the chief financial officer of Santander UK, the Spanish-owned lender.
Since taking up the industry-wide role, he has been heavily involved in a Treasury-sponsored initiative to improve diversity across the financial services sector.
"As I hope you know, I am and have always been a strong advocate for diversity in all respects," he wrote in his staff memo.
"I am proud of what we have achieved so far at UK Finance in this context but know we have more to do both as a company and as an industry.
"My remarks in 2008 were wrong at the time and are wrong now.
"I want to apologise to you all for letting you down in not having conducted myself at the time in the way that we all expect of one another."
Mr Jones declined to comment further on his memo when contacted by Sky News this weekend.


news--2020-06-13--Coronavirus: Emotional reunions as families create 'social bubbles' for first time

From teddy bear 's picnics , to TV and treats with Nana , there have been emotional reunions across England as some families created `` social bubbles '' for the first time .
Under new government guidelines , people living alone or single parents with children under 18 can create a `` bubble '' with one other household .
They can visit each other , have overnight stays , and do not need to follow the two metre social distancing rule within their group .
Fred Pearce , 76 , told Sky News `` it 's a very special day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and had a teddy bear 's picnic with his 20-month-old granddaughter - for the first time since lockdown began .
`` It 's been a lonely life , '' Mr Pearce , a widower from Lyme Regis , said .
`` I 've got a lot of very good friends locally but the fact is you still come home to an empty house . ''
Mr Pearce has now entered into a `` bubble '' with his son Rob and his family .
`` It 's been tough because Dad is a long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` So , we were so pleased when the announcement came out about this bubble .
I know it has n't helped everyone , but it 's helped us and we could n't be happier . ''
The vulnerable and people who are shielding can not join `` bubbles '' under the new guidance .
But its intention is to help those who feel lonely or need help with childcare .
Bethany Pike , a single parent from Cheltenham , told Sky News she `` did n't want to let her mum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front door .
Although the family have met up for socially distanced walks , Ms Pike , who has a two-year old daughter , said it was `` a huge relief '' to be able to visit her mother in her house , and vice versa .
She was also grateful for the added hands-on help .
`` We 've all been keeping in touch via technology , but actually being able to be close , hugging , playing , just all of that stuff - it 's those little things that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cherished , '' Ms Pike said .
But for some , the reunions have been bittersweet .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Gemma James , from Solihull , took her young children to visit her grandmother , and their great-grandmother , Marie Heath , with whom they have formed a `` bubble '' .
It was the first time the family have been able to hug their `` Nana Marie '' since Marie 's husband , Henry Heath , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the the children resumed their daily TV and treats tradition , something they used to do with both great-grandparents .
`` It 's been tough , '' Mrs James said .
`` It used to be the four of them on the sofa , and now there is only three .
But I know grandad is very much with us still and he 'll be looking down , happy that today his wish got fulfilled of us being together and looking after Nan and making sure she 's okay . ''

From teddy bear's picnics, to TV and treats with Nana, there have been emotional reunions across England as some families created "social bubbles" for the first time.
Under new government guidelines, people living alone or single parents with children under 18 can create a "bubble" with one other household.
They can visit each other, have overnight stays, and do not need to follow the two metre social distancing rule within their group.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:06 'Support bubbles' allowed between households
Fred Pearce, 76, told Sky News "it's a very special day" as he saw his family - and had a teddy bear's picnic with his 20-month-old granddaughter - for the first time since lockdown began.
"It's been a lonely life," Mr Pearce, a widower from Lyme Regis, said.
"I've got a lot of very good friends locally but the fact is you still come home to an empty house."
Mr Pearce has now entered into a "bubble" with his son Rob and his family.
"It's been tough because Dad is a long way from us," Rob said.
"So, we were so pleased when the announcement came out about this bubble. I know it hasn't helped everyone, but it's helped us and we couldn't be happier."
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Image: Bethany Pike 'didn’t want to let go' of her first lockdown hug with her mum
The vulnerable and people who are shielding cannot join "bubbles" under the new guidance.
But its intention is to help those who feel lonely or need help with childcare.
Bethany Pike, a single parent from Cheltenham, told Sky News she "didn't want to let her mum go" after letting her in the front door.
Although the family have met up for socially distanced walks, Ms Pike, who has a two-year old daughter, said it was "a huge relief" to be able to visit her mother in her house, and vice versa. She was also grateful for the added hands-on help.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:26 How will 'support bubbles' work?
"We've all been keeping in touch via technology, but actually being able to be close, hugging, playing, just all of that stuff - it's those little things that are going to be the best and most cherished," Ms Pike said.
But for some, the reunions have been bittersweet.
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Gemma James, from Solihull, took her young children to visit her grandmother, and their great-grandmother, Marie Heath, with whom they have formed a "bubble".
It was the first time the family have been able to hug their "Nana Marie" since Marie's husband, Henry Heath, died from COVID-19 in April.
Image: Marie Heath entertains her great-grandchildren with 'TV & Treats' in Solihull
Image: Henry Heath, (R) died in April from COVID-19. He used to be part of the 'TV & Treats' gang
Today the the children resumed their daily TV and treats tradition, something they used to do with both great-grandparents.
"It's been tough," Mrs James said.
"It used to be the four of them on the sofa, and now there is only three. But I know grandad is very much with us still and he'll be looking down, happy that today his wish got fulfilled of us being together and looking after Nan and making sure she's okay."


news--2020-06-12--MPs: Behaviour of British Airways towards workers a 'national disgrace'

MPs have criticised the way British Airways has treated its workers during the coronavirus pandemic .
A report by the Commons transport select committee said the airline had made a `` calculated attempt to take advantage '' of the crisis by cutting up to 12,000 jobs and downgrading terms and conditions for most of its remaining employees .
The committee 's report stated : `` The behaviour of British Airways and its parent company towards its employees is a national disgrace .
`` It falls well below the standards we would expect from any employer , especially in light of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this time of national crisis . ''
British Airways , which is owned by International Airlines Group ( IAG ) , is among a number of airlines having to make cuts to survive the drop in demand for travel prompted by the pandemic .
The committee of MPs agreed job losses `` may be sadly inevitable '' but UK employers should not `` proceed hastily '' by firing large numbers of people while the government 's furlough scheme is in place .
By 14 May , British Airways had received nearly £35m from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 22,000 staff , the committee said .
But IAG boss Willie Walsh told MPs the amount received in April was equivalent to less than two days of staff wages .
Unions told the committee that British Airways was considering a `` fire and rehire '' approach and Unite union boss Len McCluskey has accused the airline 's management of behaving like `` industrial thugs '' .
Earlier this month , Mr Walsh told Sky News : `` No decision has been taken in relation to actual redundancies .
`` But what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law - there 's a legal obligation on the company to submit these documents to the elected representatives , then to engage in consultations to give everybody an opportunity to try and reduce , mitigate , do anything we can to reduce the impact of the potential restructuring of the business . ''
He added : `` We want the trade unions to engage with the British Airways management team to represent the people working hard at BA to ensure the airline can have a future . ''
Tory MP Huw Merriman , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This wanton destruction of a loyal workforce can not appear to go without sanction by government , parliamentarians or paying passengers who may choose differently in future .
We view it as a national disgrace . ''
British Airways said in a statement : `` Mr Merriman made clear several weeks ago that the transport select committee 's report would be 'fuelled by the kind and impassioned messages ' he received , rather than the facts .
`` The facts are clear .
The government has no plans to help the sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduction of the 14-day quarantine regulation .
`` We find ourselves in the deepest crisis ever faced by the airline industry .
A crisis not of our making but one which we must address .
`` We will do everything in our power to ensure that British Airways can survive and sustain the maximum number of jobs consistent with the new reality of a changed airline industry in a severely weakened global economy . ''
The committee 's report into the impact of the pandemic on the aviation sector also urged the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of June .
On Friday , IAG , Ryanair and easyJet launched legal action against the government over the quarantine rules .

MPs have criticised the way British Airways has treated its workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
A report by the Commons transport select committee said the airline had made a "calculated attempt to take advantage" of the crisis by cutting up to 12,000 jobs and downgrading terms and conditions for most of its remaining employees.
The committee's report stated: "The behaviour of British Airways and its parent company towards its employees is a national disgrace.
"It falls well below the standards we would expect from any employer, especially in light of the scale of taxpayer subsidy, at this time of national crisis."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 BA contract change could see pay cut by 40%
British Airways, which is owned by International Airlines Group (IAG), is among a number of airlines having to make cuts to survive the drop in demand for travel prompted by the pandemic.
The committee of MPs agreed job losses "may be sadly inevitable" but UK employers should not "proceed hastily" by firing large numbers of people while the government's furlough scheme is in place.
By 14 May, British Airways had received nearly £35m from the government through the wage subsidy scheme for 22,000 staff, the committee said.
But IAG boss Willie Walsh told MPs the amount received in April was equivalent to less than two days of staff wages.
Unions told the committee that British Airways was considering a "fire and rehire" approach and Unite union boss Len McCluskey has accused the airline's management of behaving like "industrial thugs".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:35 Unite: BA 'behaving like industrial thugs'
Earlier this month, Mr Walsh told Sky News: "No decision has been taken in relation to actual redundancies.
"But what we have done is in compliance with the law - there's a legal obligation on the company to submit these documents to the elected representatives, then to engage in consultations to give everybody an opportunity to try and reduce, mitigate, do anything we can to reduce the impact of the potential restructuring of the business."
He added: "We want the trade unions to engage with the British Airways management team to represent the people working hard at BA to ensure the airline can have a future."
Tory MP Huw Merriman, who chairs the committee, said: "This wanton destruction of a loyal workforce cannot appear to go without sanction by government, parliamentarians or paying passengers who may choose differently in future. We view it as a national disgrace."
British Airways said in a statement: "Mr Merriman made clear several weeks ago that the transport select committee's report would be 'fuelled by the kind and impassioned messages' he received, rather than the facts.
"The facts are clear. The government has no plans to help the sector restart and recover as evidenced by the introduction of the 14-day quarantine regulation.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:15 BA owner IAG: Quarantine is 'irrational legislation'
"We find ourselves in the deepest crisis ever faced by the airline industry. A crisis not of our making but one which we must address.
"We will do everything in our power to ensure that British Airways can survive and sustain the maximum number of jobs consistent with the new reality of a changed airline industry in a severely weakened global economy."
The committee's report into the impact of the pandemic on the aviation sector also urged the government to abandon its 14-day quarantine rule at the end of June.
On Friday, IAG, Ryanair and easyJet launched legal action against the government over the quarantine rules.


news--2020-03-22--Coronavirus: Vicar accidentally sets arm on fire while recording virtual sermon

A vicar was left red-faced after accidentally setting his arm on fire while recording a virtual sermon .
Reverend Stephen Beach was performing the service online as people across the UK stay at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus .
In the video , the vicar of St Budeaux Parish Church in Plymouth had his jumper set on fire as he leaned over a some candles , prompting him to calmly exclaim : `` Oh dear , I just caught fire . ''
The 61-year-old luckily was n't harmed in the incident .
He said : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hot .
The nice thing is , it did damage my pullover and my shirt but my arm is fine - there 's no burn on my arm . ''
Both the Church of England and Church of Scotland have now banned mass worship and will be leading services on social media platforms such as Facebook because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Catholic churches are also encouraging people to maintain social distance and stay at home to slow the spread of the virus .
Mr Beach was filming the last part of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but admitted that he had never recorded himself before .
He added : `` The whole thing is a bit surreal - there 's never been a time where we 've deliberately not gone to Sunday worship , so that 's very strange .
`` I 've never phoned so many people really , because normally you go and visit people . ''
Since the accident , Mr Beach said he had other vicars joke about `` being on fire for Jesus '' .
`` People have laughed and laughed , really , @ @ @ @

A vicar was left red-faced after accidentally setting his arm on fire while recording a virtual sermon.
Reverend Stephen Beach was performing the service online as people across the UK stay at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
In the video, the vicar of St Budeaux Parish Church in Plymouth had his jumper set on fire as he leaned over a some candles, prompting him to calmly exclaim: "Oh dear, I just caught fire."
The 61-year-old luckily wasn't harmed in the incident.
He said: "I just felt my arm getting a bit hot. The nice thing is, it did damage my pullover and my shirt but my arm is fine - there's no burn on my arm."
Both the Church of England and Church of Scotland have now banned mass worship and will be leading services on social media platforms such as Facebook because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Catholic churches are also encouraging people to maintain social distance and stay at home to slow the spread of the virus.
Mr Beach was filming the last part of his online sermon when the incident took place but admitted that he had never recorded himself before.
He added: "The whole thing is a bit surreal - there's never been a time where we've deliberately not gone to Sunday worship, so that's very strange.
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"I've never phoned so many people really, because normally you go and visit people."
Since the accident, Mr Beach said he had other vicars joke about "being on fire for Jesus".
"People have laughed and laughed, really," he said.


news--2020-03-22--Coronavirus: PM warns of 'further measures' if people do not stay two metres apart

Boris Johnson has said `` further measures '' may be necessary to prevent the spread of coronavirus if people do not stay two metres apart - including in the open air .
During a COVID-19 briefing in Downing Street , the prime minister warned people not to think that `` fresh air in itself automatically provides some immunity '' .
While being outdoors is `` crucial for health , physical and mental well-being '' , he said the government 's advice must be taken seriously .
`` You have to stay two metres apart and you have to follow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He added : `` Take this advice seriously , follow it , because it 's absolutely crucial . ''
If people do not do that , there is `` no doubt that we will have to bring forward further measures '' , Mr Johnson said .
The prime minister has warned that Britain is only `` two or three '' weeks behind Italy , where the number of dead is now more than 5,400 , making it the worst outbreak anywhere in the world .
Mr Johnson told reporters that the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus was to `` stay at home if you possibly can '' .
He also thanked the `` vast majority '' of people who are `` behaving incredibly responsibly '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Communities department said the government was `` not telling parks to close '' , adding that it was for `` local councils to decide whether or not to keep their parks open '' .
People who do not have coronavirus symptoms can go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are keeping away from each other , it said .
There have been warnings that some major parks in London could be shut if social distancing advice is not followed amid large numbers of visitors .
London is seeing about a third of all UK deaths from COVID-19 .
The Royal Parks , which manages a number of open spaces in the capital , has urged people to `` keep a safe distance from others '' .
It added on Twitter that if people `` do not follow social distancing guidelines , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the parks '' .
Police on Sunday prevented traffic from entering Richmond , Bushy and Greenwich parks , with only workers holding a permit allowed to use the parking areas .
Hammersmith and Fulham Council has already shut its parks `` until further notice '' , while Kew Gardens has been closed `` as a precaution to limit the spread of coronavirus '' .
London mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted a stark message to all those in the capital , telling them that `` life has changed '' .
`` Do not leave your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .

Boris Johnson has said "further measures" may be necessary to prevent the spread of coronavirus if people do not stay two metres apart - including in the open air.
During a COVID-19 briefing in Downing Street, the prime minister warned people not to think that "fresh air in itself automatically provides some immunity".
While being outdoors is "crucial for health, physical and mental well-being", he said the government's advice must be taken seriously.
Image: Runners and cyclists in Richmond Park
"You have to stay two metres apart and you have to follow the social distancing advice," he said.
He added: "Take this advice seriously, follow it, because it's absolutely crucial."
If people do not do that, there is "no doubt that we will have to bring forward further measures", Mr Johnson said.
The prime minister has warned that Britain is only "two or three" weeks behind Italy, where the number of dead is now more than 5,400, making it the worst outbreak anywhere in the world.
Mr Johnson told reporters that the "best bet" to stop the spread of coronavirus was to "stay at home if you possibly can".
He also thanked the "vast majority" of people who are "behaving incredibly responsibly".
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The Communities department said the government was "not telling parks to close", adding that it was for "local councils to decide whether or not to keep their parks open".
People who do not have coronavirus symptoms can go for a walk as long as they are keeping away from each other, it said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:55 An in-depth look at UK coronavirus deaths
There have been warnings that some major parks in London could be shut if social distancing advice is not followed amid large numbers of visitors.
London is seeing about a third of all UK deaths from COVID-19.
The Royal Parks, which manages a number of open spaces in the capital, has urged people to "keep a safe distance from others".
It added on Twitter that if people "do not follow social distancing guidelines, we will have no choice but to close the parks".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:29 Sturgeon: 'Life shouldn't feel normal'
Police on Sunday prevented traffic from entering Richmond, Bushy and Greenwich parks, with only workers holding a permit allowed to use the parking areas.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council has already shut its parks "until further notice", while Kew Gardens has been closed "as a precaution to limit the spread of coronavirus".
London mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted a stark message to all those in the capital, telling them that "life has changed".
"Do not leave your home unless you have to," he said.


news--2020-06-15--Coronavirus: On course for Royal Ascot, but no Queen and no Ladies Day

This week will be the first time the Queen has n't attended Royal Ascot since her coronation in 1953 , as the event is held behind closed doors , due to the coronavirus outbreak .
Some 300,000 usually attend flat racing 's biggest meet of the summer , but this year around 500 people will be allowed in - mainly jockeys , trainers and event staff .
The flowerbeds are brimming with brightly coloured geraniums and the grass freshly cut , but it will be largely for a television audience .
Director of Racing , Nick Smith told Sky News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unusual Royal Ascot .
It has never taken place behind closed doors before .
`` There have been unusual royal meetings in the past , going back to the Black Ascot , specifically when Queen Victoria died and people were dressed in a sombre fashion .
`` We were right at the end of the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001 and people in their finery were walking through disinfectant mats to access the course .
`` And when we were redeveloping the racecourse between 2004 and 2006 , we took Royal Ascot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which was an amazing experience for those involved , but in a different way '' .
There will be extra safety precautions in place this year .
Anyone entering will have their temperature checked and will have to complete an online safety course .
Racehorse trainers can attend , watching the big screen from the parade ring , but carefully distanced two metres apart .
However , owners are banned .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker All races , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field of 24 runners and a restaurant has been transformed into a second weighing room , to ensure people are socially distancing .
And there will be none of the champagne that usually flows on Ladies Day - normally one of the great social occasions in the racing calendar .
Nicky Henderson has been one of the UK 's most successful jumps trainers for nearly 40 years .
He has trained for both the Queen and the Queen Mother .
At the start of the coronavirus pandemic , he contracted the disease himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of horse racing and has a runner at Ascot on Tuesday .
He plans to attend , to show his support .
He said : `` It will be strange being in a place like Ascot , which is normally incredibly busy with people talking and meeting .
`` That is what it is all about .
It is why a lot of people go there because it is a social event .
There is nothing social about tomorrow .
I have a horse to talk to , a jockey to talk to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think it will be funny without an atmosphere .
It will suit some horses really well because sometimes the atmosphere , the cauldron , the build up , the whole thing can affect certain horses .
There will be horses where the occasion gets to them .
It wo n't get to them tomorrow '' .
There is no doubt the event will be markedly different to years gone by , but most horse racing lovers are just pleased to see the sport back , albeit without the frills .

This week will be the first time the Queen hasn't attended Royal Ascot since her coronation in 1953, as the event is held behind closed doors, due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Some 300,000 usually attend flat racing's biggest meet of the summer, but this year around 500 people will be allowed in - mainly jockeys, trainers and event staff.
The flowerbeds are brimming with brightly coloured geraniums and the grass freshly cut, but it will be largely for a television audience.
Image: The flowers will mainly be for the benefit of the TV cameras
Director of Racing, Nick Smith told Sky News: "This will certainly be an unusual Royal Ascot. It has never taken place behind closed doors before.
"There have been unusual royal meetings in the past, going back to the Black Ascot, specifically when Queen Victoria died and people were dressed in a sombre fashion.
"We were right at the end of the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001 and people in their finery were walking through disinfectant mats to access the course.
"And when we were redeveloping the racecourse between 2004 and 2006, we took Royal Ascot on the road to York in 2005, which was an amazing experience for those involved, but in a different way".
Image: It will be the first Royal Ascot the Queen has missed since 1953
There will be extra safety precautions in place this year. Anyone entering will have their temperature checked and will have to complete an online safety course.
Racehorse trainers can attend, watching the big screen from the parade ring, but carefully distanced two metres apart. However, owners are banned.
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All races, including handicaps, will be restricted to a field of 24 runners and a restaurant has been transformed into a second weighing room, to ensure people are socially distancing.
Image: There will none of the excesses of previous years on Ladies Day
And there will be none of the champagne that usually flows on Ladies Day - normally one of the great social occasions in the racing calendar.
Nicky Henderson has been one of the UK's most successful jumps trainers for nearly 40 years. He has trained for both the Queen and the Queen Mother.
Image: Nicky Henderson after receiving his OBE in March 2020
At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, he contracted the disease himself. But he has welcomed the return of horse racing and has a runner at Ascot on Tuesday. He plans to attend, to show his support.
He said: "It will be strange being in a place like Ascot, which is normally incredibly busy with people talking and meeting.
"That is what it is all about. It is why a lot of people go there because it is a social event. There is nothing social about tomorrow. I have a horse to talk to, a jockey to talk to and that is about it.
"I think it will be funny without an atmosphere. It will suit some horses really well because sometimes the atmosphere, the cauldron, the build up, the whole thing can affect certain horses. There will be horses where the occasion gets to them. It won't get to them tomorrow".
There is no doubt the event will be markedly different to years gone by, but most horse racing lovers are just pleased to see the sport back, albeit without the frills.


news--2020-06-16--North Korea blows up joint liaison office with South as row over 'human scum' defectors worsens

North Korea has blown up a joint liaison office with the South as tensions over `` human scum '' defectors sending leaflets into the North grow .
A four-storey building , intended to facilitate dialogue between the two Koreas , was destroyed in the joint industrial complex on the North Korean side of the border at 2.49pm ( 6.49am BST ) .
The office in Kaesong was empty as it was temporarily closed in January due to coronavirus .
Pyongyang 's official Korean Central News Agency said the nation destroyed the office in a `` terrific explosion '' because its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` force ( the ) human scum and those , who have sheltered the scum , to pay dearly for their crimes '' .
This is an apparent reference to North Korean defectors and South Korean activists who for years have floated anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border in balloons - an act the North says violates a series of peace agreements .
Footage from South Korean military surveillance showed the tower and the connected lower building exploding in a cloud of smoke before it crumbled .
Hours before the explosion , The General @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( KPA ) , in the North , said it is getting ready to send troops into the zone between the two countries to `` turn the front line into a fortress '' .
`` Our army will rapidly and thoroughly implement any decisions and orders of the Party and government , '' the KPA said in a statement carried by the official KCNA state news agency .
Just before the explosion , South Korea 's vice unification minister Suh Ho visited Seokmo Island on the western border to witness how prepared the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop people sending leaflets into the North to try to calm tensions .
Kim Yo Jung , the powerful sister of Kim and his potential successor , warned days earlier the North would demolish the `` useless '' inter-Korean liaison office the South is believed to have spent £6.7m refurbishing .
She said she would leave it to the military to come up with the next retaliation step against the `` enemy '' South .
`` Our army is keeping a close watch on the current situation in which the ( North-South ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and getting itself fully ready for providing a sure military guarantee to any external measures to be taken by the party and government , '' said the KPA 's General Staff .
The two Koreas signed a bilateral military agreement in 2018 to reduce tensions across the border , committing to jointly take steps to reduce conventional military threats , such as establishing border buffers on ground and sea , and no-fly zones .
They also removed some frontline guard posts in a symbolic gesture .
In an apparent tit-for-tat against North Korean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North 's military said it would open unspecified areas near the border and its southwestern waters so North Koreans could send anti-South Korea propaganda leaflets to the South .
Last week , North Korea snubbed any positive advances made by the US as it marked the two-year anniversary of the first summit between Donald Trump and Kim by questioning the need to keep `` holding hands '' with the US .
'Testing missiles was not working but blowing up an office meant for peace talks will get the world 's attention' By Tom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an office when you can explode it ?
North Korea showed its charismatic taste for the dramatic by blowing up the inter-Korean liaison office at Kaesong .
Theatrical - but also methodical .
North Korea has been orchestrating a campaign against the South , ostensibly over the issue of propaganda leaflets sent over the border using balloons .
For weeks it has been given warnings , and specific ones .
The threat of the `` complete collapse '' of the office , which is in North Korean territory , was mentioned this weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sending troops back to the demilitarised zone between the two countries - potentially the next step as relations worsen .
North Korea is undoubtedly irked by the leaflets - and South Korea did promise to stop sending them , at the 2018 meeting between Kim Jong Un and Moon Jae-in that led to the establishment of the now smouldering liaison office .
Private citizens , including North Korean defectors , are the ones sending the balloons over , although Seoul has announced plans to introduce legislation banning them .
But more important is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of progress in economic relief , frustration both at South Korea itself , but also the US .
: : Listen to the The World Tomorrow on Apple podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker This is a way of getting more attention , especially after missile launches this year raised only a shrug in Washington .
And not only is this a methodical campaign , it has a very public leader : Kim Yo Jong , Kim Jong Un 's sister , has been front and centre of the domestic propaganda effort .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in public for a long period , with speculation about his health , attention turned to her as a potential successor .
Such public aggression also burnishes her credentials .

North Korea has blown up a joint liaison office with the South as tensions over "human scum" defectors sending leaflets into the North grow.
A four-storey building, intended to facilitate dialogue between the two Koreas, was destroyed in the joint industrial complex on the North Korean side of the border at 2.49pm (6.49am BST).
The office in Kaesong was empty as it was temporarily closed in January due to coronavirus.
Image: The four storey inter-Korean Kaesong building was destroyed
Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency said the nation destroyed the office in a "terrific explosion" because its "enraged people" were determined to "force (the) human scum and those, who have sheltered the scum, to pay dearly for their crimes".
This is an apparent reference to North Korean defectors and South Korean activists who for years have floated anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border in balloons - an act the North says violates a series of peace agreements.
Footage from South Korean military surveillance showed the tower and the connected lower building exploding in a cloud of smoke before it crumbled.
Hours before the explosion, The General Staff of the Korean People's Army (KPA), in the North, said it is getting ready to send troops into the zone between the two countries to "turn the front line into a fortress".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:14 Liaison office blown up by North Korea
"Our army will rapidly and thoroughly implement any decisions and orders of the Party and government," the KPA said in a statement carried by the official KCNA state news agency.
Just before the explosion, South Korea's vice unification minister Suh Ho visited Seokmo Island on the western border to witness how prepared the police and the coast guard were to stop people sending leaflets into the North to try to calm tensions.
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Kim Yo Jung, the powerful sister of Kim and his potential successor, warned days earlier the North would demolish the "useless" inter-Korean liaison office the South is believed to have spent £6.7m refurbishing.
Image: North Korean defectors have sent leaflets denouncing Kim Jong Un in balloons over the border to the North
She said she would leave it to the military to come up with the next retaliation step against the "enemy" South.
"Our army is keeping a close watch on the current situation in which the (North-South) relations are turning worse and worse, and getting itself fully ready for providing a sure military guarantee to any external measures to be taken by the party and government," said the KPA's General Staff.
The two Koreas signed a bilateral military agreement in 2018 to reduce tensions across the border, committing to jointly take steps to reduce conventional military threats, such as establishing border buffers on ground and sea, and no-fly zones.
Image: A North Korean soldier was seen beside his guard post near the demilitarised zone as the liaison building was blown up
They also removed some frontline guard posts in a symbolic gesture.
In an apparent tit-for-tat against North Korean defectors and activists sending messages, the North's military said it would open unspecified areas near the border and its southwestern waters so North Koreans could send anti-South Korea propaganda leaflets to the South.
Last week, North Korea snubbed any positive advances made by the US as it marked the two-year anniversary of the first summit between Donald Trump and Kim by questioning the need to keep "holding hands" with the US.
Image: Kaesong Industrial Complex is shrouded in smoke after the blast
'Testing missiles was not working but blowing up an office meant for peace talks will get the world's attention'
By Tom Cheshire, Asia correspondent
Why merely close an office when you can explode it? North Korea showed its charismatic taste for the dramatic by blowing up the inter-Korean liaison office at Kaesong.
Theatrical - but also methodical. North Korea has been orchestrating a campaign against the South, ostensibly over the issue of propaganda leaflets sent over the border using balloons.
For weeks it has been given warnings, and specific ones. The threat of the "complete collapse" of the office, which is in North Korean territory, was mentioned this weekend.
Image: Kim Jong Un's sister, Kim Yo Jong, warned the liaison office would be destroyed
So too has the threat of sending troops back to the demilitarised zone between the two countries - potentially the next step as relations worsen.
North Korea is undoubtedly irked by the leaflets - and South Korea did promise to stop sending them, at the 2018 meeting between Kim Jong Un and Moon Jae-in that led to the establishment of the now smouldering liaison office.
Private citizens, including North Korean defectors, are the ones sending the balloons over, although Seoul has announced plans to introduce legislation banning them.
But more important is North Korea's frustration at the lack of progress in economic relief, frustration both at South Korea itself, but also the US.
:: Listen to the The World Tomorrow on Apple podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
This is a way of getting more attention, especially after missile launches this year raised only a shrug in Washington.
And not only is this a methodical campaign, it has a very public leader: Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un's sister, has been front and centre of the domestic propaganda effort.
When Kim Jong Un was not seen in public for a long period, with speculation about his health, attention turned to her as a potential successor. Such public aggression also burnishes her credentials.


news--2020-06-16--Coronavirus: Travelodge sweetens landlord deal to seal crunch vote

The budget hotel group Travelodge has sweetened its offer to landlords ahead of a crunch vote on Friday that it says is critical to preserving 10,000 hospitality sector jobs .
Sky News has learnt that the company , whose shareholders include the Wall Street bank Goldman Sachs , has made a string of concessions in a bid to win over angry property-owners .
Landlords , many of whom had organised themselves into an action group , believed they were being forced to shoulder the burden of a financial restructuring being undertaken by Travelodge because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Sources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was now : • proposing to increase the share of profits that would be handed to landlords above a £200m threshold • pledging that shareholders would not be able to take money out of the company until landlords had been fully repaid • making it easier for property-owners to exercise break clauses in their contracts with Travelodge The vote on Travelodge 's Company Voluntary Arrangement ( CVA ) is due to take place on Friday .
Crucially , Secure Income REIT , the vehicle headed by the property entrepreneur Nick Leslau , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revised proposals .
Secure Income , which is Travelodge 's biggest landlord with 123 hotels , had been agitating for an improved deal .
Mr Leslau told Sky News : `` We have been negotiating hard for the benefit of all property-owners to improve the terms of the CVA and the improvements are reflected in the terms outlined today by the company .
`` The landlord-only break clause has certainly been a game-changer and provides those landlords who do not want to continue with Travelodge as their tenant , to take an early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all-important detailed documentation around these new amendments we will be recommending that the Secure Income REIT plc board votes in favour of the CVA this Friday . ''
The restructuring deal , which had been assembled by the chain 's adviser , Deloitte , included a commitment from shareholders to inject up to £40m of new equity , according to a source close to the process .
A previous earlier proposal to secure an additional £60m in borrowing capacity was increased to £100m when the CVA was launched two weeks ago .
Travelodge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payments by hundreds of millions of pounds to see it through the coronavirus pandemic .
Mr Leslau and others have argued that while they are being asked to agree to steep - albeit temporary - rent cuts , the company 's current shareholders will retain 100 % ownership of its equity .
The chain trades from 564 sites , all of which will revert to their full rent agreements from the end of next year if the CVA is approved .

The budget hotel group Travelodge has sweetened its offer to landlords ahead of a crunch vote on Friday that it says is critical to preserving 10,000 hospitality sector jobs.
Sky News has learnt that the company, whose shareholders include the Wall Street bank Goldman Sachs, has made a string of concessions in a bid to win over angry property-owners.
Landlords, many of whom had organised themselves into an action group, believed they were being forced to shoulder the burden of a financial restructuring being undertaken by Travelodge because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sources said on Tuesday that the hotel chain was now:
proposing to increase the share of profits that would be handed to landlords above a £200m threshold
pledging that shareholders would not be able to take money out of the company until landlords had been fully repaid
making it easier for property-owners to exercise break clauses in their contracts with Travelodge
The vote on Travelodge's Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) is due to take place on Friday.
Crucially, Secure Income REIT, the vehicle headed by the property entrepreneur Nick Leslau, is expected to vote in favour of the revised proposals.
Secure Income, which is Travelodge's biggest landlord with 123 hotels, had been agitating for an improved deal.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:52 Landlords 'living in the past' on rents
Mr Leslau told Sky News: "We have been negotiating hard for the benefit of all property-owners to improve the terms of the CVA and the improvements are reflected in the terms outlined today by the company.
"The landlord-only break clause has certainly been a game-changer and provides those landlords who do not want to continue with Travelodge as their tenant, to take an early surrender.
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"Subject to agreeing the all-important detailed documentation around these new amendments we will be recommending that the Secure Income REIT plc board votes in favour of the CVA this Friday."
The restructuring deal, which had been assembled by the chain's adviser, Deloitte, included a commitment from shareholders to inject up to £40m of new equity, according to a source close to the process.
A previous earlier proposal to secure an additional £60m in borrowing capacity was increased to £100m when the CVA was launched two weeks ago.
Travelodge has been proposing to cut its rent payments by hundreds of millions of pounds to see it through the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Leslau and others have argued that while they are being asked to agree to steep - albeit temporary - rent cuts, the company's current shareholders will retain 100% ownership of its equity.
The chain trades from 564 sites, all of which will revert to their full rent agreements from the end of next year if the CVA is approved.
Travelodge declined to comment.


news--2020-06-16--Coronavirus: Charities innovate online to make up a multi-billion pound hit in revenue

UK charities are moving more services online as they try to survive the multi-billion pound hit they have taken during COVID-19 crisis .
Many are starting to reopen their high street shops this week but the scale of the losses through the pandemic means they are also innovating to survive .
The Charity Retail Association has calculated that charity shops lost £285m during the pandemic - the equivalent of £3.4m every day they were closed .
Charities though have also had to scale back fundraising and research from the charity Pro Bono Economics shows the sector is facing a £10.1bn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when more families need to rely on them for help .
The British Heart Foundation is now starting a new postal donation service making it easier for people to support the charity .
Items that weigh up to 10kg can be posted by printing off a freepost label that can be emailed out to people who wish to donate items .
The charity 's chain of 750 shops is also starting to reopen from today with new measures to keep staff , volunteers and customers safer .
Louise Ball who is a regional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of England and Northern Ireland told Sky News : `` We have taken all the right measures to allow us to reopen - we can now do contactless drop offs for donations , we 've limited people in store , hand sanitisers and everything else you would expect .
`` We are so grateful for the public supporting us during this time and we are all going to need the support of the public more than ever . ''
Government guidelines say that donated items have to be stored by charities for 72 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they may be contaminated with COVID-19 .
The charity Sense which supports people living with different disabilities is also ready to reopen its shops .
Head of Retail at Sense , Darryl Neville , told Sky News : `` We do n't know what customers are going to do .
Are they going to come back into shops in the same level and volume ?
`` So we 're looking at how to expand online operations and give people an opportunity to support the charity by buying online .
`` We feel that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our trade online with some smart working and plans that we 're working on . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He added : `` We 've got tree sites at the moment , an eBay shop selling antiques and collectables , Amazon shops and also a Depop ( app ) shop for fashion…..it 's very fast moving as it 's designer and vintage clothes . ''

UK charities are moving more services online as they try to survive the multi-billion pound hit they have taken during COVID-19 crisis.
Many are starting to reopen their high street shops this week but the scale of the losses through the pandemic means they are also innovating to survive.
The Charity Retail Association has calculated that charity shops lost £285m during the pandemic - the equivalent of £3.4m every day they were closed.
Charities though have also had to scale back fundraising and research from the charity Pro Bono Economics shows the sector is facing a £10.1bn funding gap - just at a time when more families need to rely on them for help.
The British Heart Foundation is now starting a new postal donation service making it easier for people to support the charity.
Image: Charity shop can now reopen, but have lost millions during lockdown
Items that weigh up to 10kg can be posted by printing off a freepost label that can be emailed out to people who wish to donate items.
The charity's chain of 750 shops is also starting to reopen from today with new measures to keep staff, volunteers and customers safer.
Louise Ball who is a regional manager for the charity in the north of England and Northern Ireland told Sky News: "We have taken all the right measures to allow us to reopen - we can now do contactless drop offs for donations, we've limited people in store, hand sanitisers and everything else you would expect.
"We are so grateful for the public supporting us during this time and we are all going to need the support of the public more than ever."
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Government guidelines say that donated items have to be stored by charities for 72 hours to minimise the small chance that they may be contaminated with COVID-19.
The charity Sense which supports people living with different disabilities is also ready to reopen its shops.
Head of Retail at Sense, Darryl Neville, told Sky News: "We don't know what customers are going to do. Are they going to come back into shops in the same level and volume?
"So we're looking at how to expand online operations and give people an opportunity to support the charity by buying online.
"We feel that we could get approximately 25% of our trade online with some smart working and plans that we're working on."
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He added: "We've got tree sites at the moment, an eBay shop selling antiques and collectables, Amazon shops and also a Depop (app) shop for fashion…..it's very fast moving as it's designer and vintage clothes."