news--2020-06-04--Alok Sharma: Business secretary tests negative for coronavirus

Business Secretary Alok Sharma has tested negative for coronavirus after appearing visibly unwell in parliament .
The minister had been seen wiping his face with a handkerchief several times while addressing the House of Commons on Wednesday .
Ed Miliband , his opposite number in Labour 's shadow cabinet , passed him a glass of water at one point .
But the business secretary 's spokeswoman said a test revealed he did not have COVID-19 .
`` Mr Sharma would like to thank the parliamentary authorities and Speaker and also for the kind words from parliamentary colleagues and others who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last 24 hours , '' she said .
She did not immediately respond when asked if the Cabinet member would need to continue to self-isolate , amid fears that tests may not come back positive in the early stages of infection .
It had earlier emerged that Mr Sharma held a 45-minute socially-distanced meeting with Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak on Tuesday .
The PM had to self-isolate and later spent time in intensive care after contracting coronavirus earlier this year .
A Downing Street spokesperson said yesterday that the government was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting in the Commons .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker And Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg also defended the move , saying : `` It is important that while we are here , we follow the social distancing rules .
`` Looking across this chamber , and across the palace , there are marks across the palace saying the distance people should keep . ''

Business Secretary Alok Sharma has tested negative for coronavirus after appearing visibly unwell in parliament.
The minister had been seen wiping his face with a handkerchief several times while addressing the House of Commons on Wednesday.
Ed Miliband, his opposite number in Labour's shadow cabinet, passed him a glass of water at one point.
Image: Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak attended a meeting with Alok Sharma on Tuesday
But the business secretary's spokeswoman said a test revealed he did not have COVID-19.
"Mr Sharma would like to thank the parliamentary authorities and Speaker and also for the kind words from parliamentary colleagues and others who have expressed their well wishes over the last 24 hours," she said.
She did not immediately respond when asked if the Cabinet member would need to continue to self-isolate, amid fears that tests may not come back positive in the early stages of infection.
It had earlier emerged that Mr Sharma held a 45-minute socially-distanced meeting with Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak on Tuesday.
The PM had to self-isolate and later spent time in intensive care after contracting coronavirus earlier this year.
A Downing Street spokesperson said yesterday that the government was not reconsidering its move to end virtual voting in the Commons.
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And Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg also defended the move, saying: "It is important that while we are here, we follow the social distancing rules.
"Looking across this chamber, and across the palace, there are marks across the palace saying the distance people should keep."


news--2020-06-04--Coronavirus: British Airways owner burning '£178m of cash a week'

British Airways ( BA ) has told staff its parent firm is burning through £178m of cash a week and the airline does not have `` an absolute right to exist '' as a row with unions intensifies .
In a letter to staff seen by Sky News , BA chief executive Alex Cruz rounds on the GMB and Unite unions , calling a campaign to take Heathrow landing slots away from BA `` bizarre '' and a threat to jobs .
He criticises the government for damaging the industry though the introduction of a 14-day quarantine period from Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter to staff , sent after the Home Secretary unveiled the plans yesterday afternoon , says `` the government has dealt another blow to our industry with the introduction of a travel quarantine for those arriving into the UK '' .
`` Despite our best efforts the amount of flying we will be doing this summer will be limited and fiercely competed . ''
Mr Cruz saves his strongest criticism for unions though - rounding on the GMB and Unite over a refusal to attend talks in the wake of the airline 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I want to save as many jobs as possible .
BA does not have an absolute right to exist .
There are major competitors poised and ready to take our business .
`` So , it is really concerning to me that GMB and Unite refuse point blank to join any discussions about mitigating proposed redundancies and the impact of this dreadful virus .
`` Bizarrely , the unions are now campaigning to have Heathrow slots taken away from British Airways .
I do n't need to tell you that every slot lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permanently lost . ''
Unions are furious over the planned job losses - around a quarter of BA 's workforce - imposed following the devastating impact of travel restrictions on the sector .
Unite general secretary Len McCluskey has called the move ' '' unlawful and immoral '' following the company 's use of the government 's Job Retention Scheme .
He has called on the government to review British Airways 's Heathrow take-off and landing slots , which are highly prized and crucial to BA 's reliance on lucrative trans-Atlantic business travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with pilots union BALPA but Unite and the GMB , which represent cabin crew and other workers like engineers , have so far refused to engage .
But the Unite union says it is the company 's plans to issue widespread redundancy notices and rehire staff on reduced terms that has driven its snub .
Mr McCluskey said `` BA is using this health crisis as cover to impose a long-term plan to slash jobs , pay and conditions .
`` No other employer has threatened to effectively 'fire and rehire ' its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review of British Airways 's domination of UK landing slots amid the airline 's betrayal of its workers and the British public . ''
The BA letter to staff defends the company from widespread criticism - including from MPs and unions - that BA should be using cash reserves built up from parent company IAG 's highly profitable recent years of operation before cutting jobs : '' Some people point to IAG 's cash reserves as the answer , suggesting we have enough cash to sit this out .
The fact is , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business , IAG 's operating cash burn totals £178m every week , '' it said .
`` Others point to the support we have from the UK government 's Job Retention Scheme .
It is very welcome but totals less than two days of cash burn per month as we continue to pay 80 % of furloughed colleagues ' base pay without a cap .
`` We are having to take on hundreds of millions of pounds in new debt , much of which must be repaid over a short term , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to flying will be swallowed up by loan repayments . ''
Mr Cruz ends the letter with a downbeat assessment of the future for the company and the sector , admitting that British Airways will be a smaller company for the foreseeable future .
He wrote : `` Demand for flying in the coming years will be nothing like it has been .
`` There will be fewer customers , flying to fewer destinations .
That is the commercial reality .
We anticipate the BA of tomorrow will be a smaller company , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more efficient as it fights for every customer it carries against our competitors .
`` Our company 's business is international flying and that is not returning quickly . ''

British Airways (BA) has told staff its parent firm is burning through £178m of cash a week and the airline does not have "an absolute right to exist" as a row with unions intensifies.
In a letter to staff seen by Sky News, BA chief executive Alex Cruz rounds on the GMB and Unite unions, calling a campaign to take Heathrow landing slots away from BA "bizarre" and a threat to jobs.
He criticises the government for damaging the industry though the introduction of a 14-day quarantine period from Tuesday as the coronavirus pandemic eases.
Image: BA boss Alex Cruz: 'The BA of tomorrow will be a smaller company'
The letter to staff, sent after the Home Secretary unveiled the plans yesterday afternoon, says "the government has dealt another blow to our industry with the introduction of a travel quarantine for those arriving into the UK".
"Despite our best efforts the amount of flying we will be doing this summer will be limited and fiercely competed."
Mr Cruz saves his strongest criticism for unions though - rounding on the GMB and Unite over a refusal to attend talks in the wake of the airline's decision to cut 12,000 jobs.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:33 Quarantine for travellers starts Monday
"I want to save as many jobs as possible. BA does not have an absolute right to exist. There are major competitors poised and ready to take our business.
"So, it is really concerning to me that GMB and Unite refuse point blank to join any discussions about mitigating proposed redundancies and the impact of this dreadful virus.
"Bizarrely, the unions are now campaigning to have Heathrow slots taken away from British Airways. I don't need to tell you that every slot lost will lead to jobs in BA being permanently lost."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:35 Unite: British Airways 'behaving like industrial thugs'
Image: Cabin crew are among those set to lose their jobs
Unions are furious over the planned job losses - around a quarter of BA's workforce - imposed following the devastating impact of travel restrictions on the sector.
Unite general secretary Len McCluskey has called the move '"unlawful and immoral" following the company's use of the government's Job Retention Scheme.
He has called on the government to review British Airways's Heathrow take-off and landing slots, which are highly prized and crucial to BA's reliance on lucrative trans-Atlantic business travel.
BA says it is in talks with pilots union BALPA but Unite and the GMB, which represent cabin crew and other workers like engineers, have so far refused to engage.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Quarantine 'quite a costly exercise' for UK economy
But the Unite union says it is the company's plans to issue widespread redundancy notices and rehire staff on reduced terms that has driven its snub.
Mr McCluskey said "BA is using this health crisis as cover to impose a long-term plan to slash jobs, pay and conditions.
"No other employer has threatened to effectively 'fire and rehire' its workforce. There should be a government review of British Airways's domination of UK landing slots amid the airline's betrayal of its workers and the British public."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:43 Michael O'Leary calls quarantine 'bonkers'
The BA letter to staff defends the company from widespread criticism - including from MPs and unions - that BA should be using cash reserves built up from parent company IAG's highly profitable recent years of operation before cutting jobs:
"Some people point to IAG's cash reserves as the answer, suggesting we have enough cash to sit this out. The fact is, with almost no revenue coming into the business, IAG's operating cash burn totals £178m every week," it said.
"Others point to the support we have from the UK government's Job Retention Scheme. It is very welcome but totals less than two days of cash burn per month as we continue to pay 80% of furloughed colleagues' base pay without a cap.
"We are having to take on hundreds of millions of pounds in new debt, much of which must be repaid over a short term, so any revenues we make when we return to flying will be swallowed up by loan repayments."
Mr Cruz ends the letter with a downbeat assessment of the future for the company and the sector, admitting that British Airways will be a smaller company for the foreseeable future.
He wrote: "Demand for flying in the coming years will be nothing like it has been.
"There will be fewer customers, flying to fewer destinations. That is the commercial reality. We anticipate the BA of tomorrow will be a smaller company, and one that needs to be even more efficient as it fights for every customer it carries against our competitors.
"Our company's business is international flying and that is not returning quickly."


news--2020-06-04--Coronavirus: Eurozone stimulus bolstered through expanded bond-buying

The European Central Bank ( ECB ) has expanded its coronavirus bond-buying programme by €600bn to €1.35trn ( £1.2trn ) as the single currency area faces the worst recession in its history .
The Bank 's governing council left core interest rates at their record low levels following June 's meeting - held via a teleconference to ensure COVID-19 social distancing .
The expansion of the pandemic emergency support programme was widely predicted but more aggressive than expected as policymakers bid to keep affordable credit flowing to the economy amid an easing of lockdowns .
The ECB 's president , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following the announcement to warn that the euro area was headed for an unprecedented contraction in gross domestic product ( GDP ) of 8.7 % this year .
She said the recovery ahead was likely to be `` gradual '' but pledged the Bank would do `` everything necessary '' to support activity .
`` While survey data and real-time indicators for economic activity have shown some signs of a bottoming-out alongside the gradual easing of the containment measures , the improvement has so far been tepid compared with the speed at which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months , '' she said .
The Bank said the pandemic stimulus would last until the end of June next year at least - an extension of six months on its original timetable .
The support from the Bank is on top of a post eurozone debt crisis bond purchase , or quantitative easing , scheme that had already been restarted to shore up lending amid the downturn caused by the US-China trade war .
The pandemic also prompted support of up to €540bn by eurozone member governments , including credit lines from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovery fund of €750bn , backed by government borrowing , is yet to be fully agreed .
The Bank 's coronavirus bond-buying programme sees the ECB buy corporate and government bonds and other financial assets from banks with newly created money .
It is designed to keep borrowing taps open in the real economy to support activity .
The size of the expansion was greater than some market participants had predicted - helping the euro rally against sterling and the dollar - hitting $ 1.1256 .
Shares surged on major European markets as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'doing whatever it takes ' to bolster demand amid the economic slump .
While the ECB says its purchases are not targeted at supporting debt-laden Italy , the programme has , so far , bought a larger share of Italian bonds than for other countries .
It has been credited with keeping market pressure off a nation that has been among the hardest hit by the pandemic .
Italy 's 10-year borrowing costs tumbled over 15 basis points to 1.40 % - their lowest level since late March - after the ECB 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Quilter Investors , said : `` While it is no surprise to see interest rates left untouched , we were expecting less of an increase in the pandemic bond buying programme given economies across Europe are beginning to reopen and the worst of the crisis appears to be in the rear-view mirror .
`` Needless to say this should be another positive for risk assets , at a time when equities in particular have already rallied strongly from their lows in March .
`` Investors will be watching Europe with interest going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side compared to other regions and remains under-owned by international investors .
`` If Christine Lagarde continues to placate big businesses ' borrowing costs like this , we should see a positive return environment for investors as the economy gets going again . ''

The European Central Bank (ECB) has expanded its coronavirus bond-buying programme by €600bn to €1.35trn (£1.2trn) as the single currency area faces the worst recession in its history.
The Bank's governing council left core interest rates at their record low levels following June's meeting - held via a teleconference to ensure COVID-19 social distancing.
The expansion of the pandemic emergency support programme was widely predicted but more aggressive than expected as policymakers bid to keep affordable credit flowing to the economy amid an easing of lockdowns.
The ECB's president, Christine Lagarde, used a news conference following the announcement to warn that the euro area was headed for an unprecedented contraction in gross domestic product (GDP) of 8.7% this year.
She said the recovery ahead was likely to be "gradual" but pledged the Bank would do "everything necessary" to support activity.
"While survey data and real-time indicators for economic activity have shown some signs of a bottoming-out alongside the gradual easing of the containment measures, the improvement has so far been tepid compared with the speed at which the indicators plummeted in the preceding two months," she said.
The Bank said the pandemic stimulus would last until the end of June next year at least - an extension of six months on its original timetable.
Image: President of the European Central Bank (ECB) Christine Lagarde
The support from the Bank is on top of a post eurozone debt crisis bond purchase, or quantitative easing, scheme that had already been restarted to shore up lending amid the downturn caused by the US-China trade war.
The pandemic also prompted support of up to €540bn by eurozone member governments, including credit lines from the euro bailout fund.
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A longer-term recovery fund of €750bn, backed by government borrowing, is yet to be fully agreed.
The Bank's coronavirus bond-buying programme sees the ECB buy corporate and government bonds and other financial assets from banks with newly created money.
It is designed to keep borrowing taps open in the real economy to support activity.
The size of the expansion was greater than some market participants had predicted - helping the euro rally against sterling and the dollar - hitting $1.1256.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:32 The 'great reset' challenge for global economy
Shares surged on major European markets as investors were encouraged that the Bank was 'doing whatever it takes' to bolster demand amid the economic slump.
While the ECB says its purchases are not targeted at supporting debt-laden Italy, the programme has, so far, bought a larger share of Italian bonds than for other countries.
It has been credited with keeping market pressure off a nation that has been among the hardest hit by the pandemic.
Italy's 10-year borrowing costs tumbled over 15 basis points to 1.40% - their lowest level since late March - after the ECB's announcement.
Hinesh Patel, portfolio manager at Quilter Investors, said: "While it is no surprise to see interest rates left untouched, we were expecting less of an increase in the pandemic bond buying programme given economies across Europe are beginning to reopen and the worst of the crisis appears to be in the rear-view mirror.
"Needless to say this should be another positive for risk assets, at a time when equities in particular have already rallied strongly from their lows in March.
"Investors will be watching Europe with interest going forward as valuations remain on the cheaper side compared to other regions and remains under-owned by international investors.
"If Christine Lagarde continues to placate big businesses' borrowing costs like this, we should see a positive return environment for investors as the economy gets going again."


news--2020-06-04--Coronavirus: Top scientists cast doubt on government's quarantine plans

Some of the UK 's top scientists have cast doubt over the government 's quarantine proposals , as Priti Patel is facing calls to publish the science behind the plans .
Under the current plans , set to be rolled out on Monday , any international arrivals to the UK - apart from a short list of exemptions - will have to quarantine for two weeks to help prevent the spread of coronavirus .
Those who fail to follow the rules could be given a £1,000 fixed penalty notice in England or face potential prosecution .
Speaking at the daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adviser Sir Patrick Vallance confirmed scientists from the government 's SAGE panel ( Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ) had not been asked to provide advice on the specific proposals .
He said quarantines work best for restricting travel from countries with high rates of infection when cases in Britain were low .
The UK is currently seeing higher infection rates than most other European countries .
Sir Patrick also said judgements on when to impose the measures were up to politicians , adding : `` They make the policy and they make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dingwall , a member of SAGE , also questioned the effectiveness of a blanket quarantine .
He told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme : `` We are not seeing new clusters that are taking off from people who have been travelling abroad .
`` I think we would really need to get the level in this country significantly further down before quarantine started to become a useful measure .
`` That I think , even then , we would have to see something that is targeted on countries with a significantly higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and there are n't too many of those around , I 'm afraid . ''
Secretary of state for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis told Sky 's Kay Burley @ Breakfast that the government is trying to `` get the balance right '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He said the fines are a `` real deterrent '' , but we `` do n't want to be in a situation where we live in effectively a police state '' .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are asking people to use their own self responsibility to follow the guidelines , which they have been doing over the previous weeks , '' he said .
But other Tories , led by former prime minister Theresa May , have questioned the quarantine measures - which they say would hit already struggling aviation and tourism industries .
In an urgent question on the aviation industry , sought by Huw Merriman , Mrs May said : `` International air travel is necessary for trade .
`` Without it there is no global Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to close Britain off from the rest of the world , why is the government not taking a lead in developing an international aviation health screening standard , to save jobs and ensure that Britain is open for business ? ''
Former international trade secretary Liam Fox also expressed concerns , saying : `` I 'm afraid I simply can not get my head around the public health mental gymnastics of this policy .
`` If such a barrier was required , why was it not introduced earlier in the outbreak ? ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patel said the UK was `` now more vulnerable '' to new coronavirus infections from abroad .
`` These measures are backed by the science , supported by the public , and essential to save lives , '' she said .
`` We know they will present difficulties for the tourism industry , but that 's why we have an unprecedented package of support , the most comprehensive in the world , for both employees and businesses . ''
The prime minister also backed the plans , but has said he would `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with countries that have low rates of COVID-19 .
But he said this would only be `` when the evidence shows that it is safe to do so '' .

Some of the UK's top scientists have cast doubt over the government's quarantine proposals, as Priti Patel is facing calls to publish the science behind the plans.
Under the current plans, set to be rolled out on Monday, any international arrivals to the UK - apart from a short list of exemptions - will have to quarantine for two weeks to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Those who fail to follow the rules could be given a £1,000 fixed penalty notice in England or face potential prosecution.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 UK 'vulnerable' to infections from abroad
Speaking at the daily news briefing on Wednesday, chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance confirmed scientists from the government's SAGE panel (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies) had not been asked to provide advice on the specific proposals.
He said quarantines work best for restricting travel from countries with high rates of infection when cases in Britain were low.
The UK is currently seeing higher infection rates than most other European countries.
Sir Patrick also said judgements on when to impose the measures were up to politicians, adding: "They make the policy and they make the timing decisions."
Professor Robert Dingwall, a member of SAGE, also questioned the effectiveness of a blanket quarantine.
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "We are not seeing new clusters that are taking off from people who have been travelling abroad.
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Image: Sir Patrick Vallance said timings were up to politicians
"I think we would really need to get the level in this country significantly further down before quarantine started to become a useful measure.
"That I think, even then, we would have to see something that is targeted on countries with a significantly higher level of community transmission than ourselves - and there aren't too many of those around, I'm afraid."
Secretary of state for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis told Sky's Kay Burley @ Breakfast that the government is trying to "get the balance right".
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He said the fines are a "real deterrent", but we "don't want to be in a situation where we live in effectively a police state".
"Although this will be enforced, we are asking people to use their own self responsibility to follow the guidelines, which they have been doing over the previous weeks," he said.
But other Tories, led by former prime minister Theresa May, have questioned the quarantine measures - which they say would hit already struggling aviation and tourism industries.
In an urgent question on the aviation industry, sought by Huw Merriman, Mrs May said: "International air travel is necessary for trade.
"Without it there is no global Britain. So instead of bringing in measures to close Britain off from the rest of the world, why is the government not taking a lead in developing an international aviation health screening standard, to save jobs and ensure that Britain is open for business?"
Former international trade secretary Liam Fox also expressed concerns, saying: "I'm afraid I simply cannot get my head around the public health mental gymnastics of this policy.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:16 After the Pandemic: Life and Society
"If such a barrier was required, why was it not introduced earlier in the outbreak?"
Defending her plans, Home Secretary Priti Patel said the UK was "now more vulnerable" to new coronavirus infections from abroad.
"These measures are backed by the science, supported by the public, and essential to save lives," she said.
Image: Home Secretary Priti Patel has defended her plans
"We know they will present difficulties for the tourism industry, but that's why we have an unprecedented package of support, the most comprehensive in the world, for both employees and businesses."
The prime minister also backed the plans, but has said he would "explore the possibility" of air bridges with countries that have low rates of COVID-19.
But he said this would only be "when the evidence shows that it is safe to do so".


news--2020-06-04--Prince Charles opens up on missing his family during coronavirus lockdown

The Prince of Wales has opened up about missing his family during the coronavirus lockdown , telling Sky News : `` You really just want to give people a hug '' .
The prince said he had been making video calls to loved ones but that it was no replacement for seeing them in person .
Talking about how challenging it was for people who miss their relatives while they are prevented from seeing them by COVID-19 restrictions , he said : `` Well I have n't seen my father for a long time .
: : Listen to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' He 's going to be 99 next week , so yes , or my grandchildren or anything .
I 've been doing the Facetime , it 's all very well but… '' Asked how he had felt being disconnected from his family , he said : `` Well it 's terribly sad , let alone one 's friends .
`` But fortunately at least you can speak to them on telephones and occasionally do this sort of thing .
But it is n't the same , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give people a hug . ''
It is rare to hear the Prince talk this personally about his family in an interview , especially about his father , the Duke of Edinburgh , who celebrates his 99th birthday on 10 June .
Prince Philip has been at Windsor Castle with the Queen since lockdown started .
In the past it has been suggested that Prince Charles and his father have had a sometimes strained relationship .
In an acknowledgement that the coronavirus pandemic has focused everyone 's minds on what really matters in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do totally understand so many people 's frustrations , difficulties , grief and anguish and I mean I 'm just trying to do my best to find and help and encourage ways to enable people to go on doing that , but in a way that does n't wreck everything at the same time around us . ''
He was speaking as part of the Sky News series After The Pandemic : Our New World , being aired this week .
During the interview , he talks about how he was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it quite lightly '' when he caught coronavirus , but that it has made him even more determined to `` push and shout and prod '' to make sure nature is at the centre of the post-COVID-19 recovery .
But pushed on whether he can understand that many people are still just worried about their jobs and making sure their families do n't catch the virus he said : `` Yes , I totally understand all that .
The most important thing is to make sure that the economy can function again .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ their businesses , and everything else , and employment is possible .
`` All these things are going to have to be incremental anyway , but the point is that in order to avoid even worse situations in the future and more disease , we have to , we have to find a way to ensure that in the next 10 years , because otherwise , we will lose this battle against accelerating climate change and global warming because if we go on like this with temperatures rising inexorably then the whole of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have no alternative but to do things in a better way . ''
The prince believes that a `` green recovery '' should be at the centre of global efforts to rebuild economies and could be integral for getting people back to work in the post pandemic world .
Asked if he thought life as we knew it would ever return , he said it was important to give people hope after many difficult weeks .
`` Well , a lot hinges does n't it on finding an effective vaccine , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are a lot of people working on this flat out .
And some reports say that they 're very optimistic .
`` Well that would revolutionise things .
But I think the point about all this is that what we need is to try and rebuild people 's hope .
We do n't have to stop doing everything .
`` We can come back in a far better way that enables us to have something very much approaching normality .
`` For instance there 's a lot of work going on that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the aviation sector .
`` There 's huge potential in things like carbon storage and we have to do that if we 're going to win the battle to keep global temperatures down to enable life to continue and to enable biodiversity to continue .
`` Because if we go on doing it we create all these endless diseases and problems because we 've destroyed the biodiversity .
`` So there is real hope in doing it better and differently as many people have been trying to say all of these years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it enables life to come back again properly . ''

The Prince of Wales has opened up about missing his family during the coronavirus lockdown, telling Sky News: "You really just want to give people a hug".
The prince said he had been making video calls to loved ones but that it was no replacement for seeing them in person.
Talking about how challenging it was for people who miss their relatives while they are prevented from seeing them by COVID-19 restrictions, he said: "Well I haven't seen my father for a long time.
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
"He's going to be 99 next week, so yes, or my grandchildren or anything. I've been doing the Facetime, it's all very well but…"
Asked how he had felt being disconnected from his family, he said: "Well it's terribly sad, let alone one's friends.
"But fortunately at least you can speak to them on telephones and occasionally do this sort of thing. But it isn't the same, is it? You really just want to give people a hug."
It is rare to hear the Prince talk this personally about his family in an interview, especially about his father, the Duke of Edinburgh, who celebrates his 99th birthday on 10 June.
Prince Philip has been at Windsor Castle with the Queen since lockdown started. In the past it has been suggested that Prince Charles and his father have had a sometimes strained relationship.
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In an acknowledgement that the coronavirus pandemic has focused everyone's minds on what really matters in life, the prince said: "I do totally understand so many people's frustrations, difficulties, grief and anguish and I mean I'm just trying to do my best to find and help and encourage ways to enable people to go on doing that, but in a way that doesn't wreck everything at the same time around us."
Image: The Duke of Edinburgh will be 99 on 10 June
He was speaking as part of the Sky News series After The Pandemic: Our New World, being aired this week.
During the interview, he talks about how he was "lucky" and "got away with it quite lightly" when he caught coronavirus, but that it has made him even more determined to "push and shout and prod" to make sure nature is at the centre of the post-COVID-19 recovery.
But pushed on whether he can understand that many people are still just worried about their jobs and making sure their families don't catch the virus he said: "Yes, I totally understand all that. The most important thing is to make sure that the economy can function again.
"And that people's livelihoods and their businesses, and everything else, and employment is possible.
"All these things are going to have to be incremental anyway, but the point is that in order to avoid even worse situations in the future and more disease, we have to, we have to find a way to ensure that in the next 10 years, because otherwise, we will lose this battle against accelerating climate change and global warming because if we go on like this with temperatures rising inexorably then the whole of life becomes increasingly impossible.
"So we have no alternative but to do things in a better way."
The prince believes that a "green recovery" should be at the centre of global efforts to rebuild economies and could be integral for getting people back to work in the post pandemic world.
Asked if he thought life as we knew it would ever return, he said it was important to give people hope after many difficult weeks.
"Well, a lot hinges doesn't it on finding an effective vaccine," he said.
"And I know there are a lot of people working on this flat out. And some reports say that they're very optimistic.
"Well that would revolutionise things. But I think the point about all this is that what we need is to try and rebuild people's hope. We don't have to stop doing everything.
"We can come back in a far better way that enables us to have something very much approaching normality.
"For instance there's a lot of work going on that ensures we can produce sustainable fuel for the aviation sector.
"There's huge potential in things like carbon storage and we have to do that if we're going to win the battle to keep global temperatures down to enable life to continue and to enable biodiversity to continue.
"Because if we go on doing it we create all these endless diseases and problems because we've destroyed the biodiversity.
"So there is real hope in doing it better and differently as many people have been trying to say all of these years. But it will be a new way, but it enables life to come back again properly."


news--2020-06-03--Caitlin Moran: I want to make a BAFTAs Awards pants pact with Gary Lineker

Caitlin Moran is getting ready to watch this year 's televsion BAFTA Awards virtually , at home - which means she can do so comfortably on the sofa , with crisps , in her pants .
The ceremony is always a good night and , she suspects , more of a boozy party than its lavish film counterpart , which is held earlier in the year .
Perhaps surprisingly , the award-winning author and journalist has never attended the film awards ceremony as a guest .
However , this might all change in 2021 as her new film How To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ semi-autobiographical novel of the same name , is due for release this year .
Which brings us on to outfits , and pants , and Gary Lineker .
`` From having been to the TV awards , I suspect the TV awards are more bacchanalian , '' says Moran , speaking on Zoom from home ; no visible bookshelves in the background but `` a bit of greenery for nature '' and a picture of David Bowie , `` because it 's always good to have him close , in case you need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the BAFTA film awards , she continues , is that they 're part of the main awards season at the beginning of the year , which includes the Oscars , Golden Globes and several other ceremonies .
`` Because it 's part of the films award season most of the women who are there , the actresses who are nominated , have n't eaten for about four months at that point .
And they 've got another month before the Oscars finishes before they can finally start eating again because they 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Whereas TV people , the ladies are allowed to eat .
So you 'll just see , you know , Phoebe Waller-Bridge standing in the corner with a fag in one hand and a burger in the other , surrounded by awards , in a way that I suspect maybe Renee Zellweger would n't . ''
An announcement on How To Build A Girl and its release , with plans changed due to the coronavirus lockdown , is coming soon , Moran says , and would n't it be nice if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ film awards invite next year ?
`` I 'd like to compare and contrast and also , if you get invited as talent , the presumption always is that you have to wear a beautiful ballgown and do your hair and have your Cinderella moment on the red carpet , '' she says .
`` I vowed to myself 20 years ago that if I ever did red carpet at a film awards , I would do it dressed up as a Ghostbuster in a jumpsuit , wearing the Proton pack on my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of : I 'm going to be comfortable , and also capable of busting ghosts if I need to .
`` So yes , I 'm hoping that by the time the BAFTA film awards come around , I 'll be there dressed as Peter Venkman from Ghostbusters , with my comfortable shoes on . ''
Remember when Gary Lineker promised to present Match Of The Day in his pants if Leicester City won the Premier League in 2016 ?
( Spoiler alert : they did ! )
Moran has committed herself on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to back down .
`` It 's a vow that I 'm very happy to uphold .
I 've seen far too many ladies jacked up in corsets .
Whenever I go to the TV awards I 'm always wearing , like , a trouser suit .
`` You see these women turning up in these beautiful outfits with tight corsets and perfectly coiffed hair .
And they come up to you by about 11 o'clock and go , ' I 'm so jealous of your trousers .
I am so jealous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do this next year ' .
`` So I 'd like to inspire all the women at every awards ceremony from now on .
Come in your pants !
Come in comfortable shoes !
Come as a Ghostbuster ! ''
`` Well , would n't that be great , if people could just turn up as , like , a pantomime horse ?
Ant and Dec as a pantomime horse ?
Who does n't want to see that ? ''
Before red carpets resume and she needs to think about outfits , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from her sofa .
`` And now I feel like tweeting Gary Lineker and saying , should we make a pants pact ? ''
Moran says .
`` Should we both watch the BAFTAS on TV in our pants and tweet pictures of ourselves ?
`` I quite like the idea of just opening this up to the nation and telling everybody , yeah , let 's just all sit around , let 's make this the pants BAFTAs .
Make this the most comfortable awards ceremony in history .
`` Although , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people just having an excuse to dress up at home anyway .
Why not ?
`` If that beautiful dress has been hanging in your wardrobe for six months now and you 're a bit sad about it , why not use BAFTA as a chance to just pop that on , put on a crown and sit and watch TV eating your popcorn , dressed up like a princess .
`` If you need an excuse to dress up then absolutely go for it .
I personally will be in my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wear that ball gown , men and women alike , you absolutely go for that . ''
Moran was on the judging panel for the television awards ' Must-See Moment Prize , with the shortlist now compiled for a public vote .
The moments on the shortlist are : Arya killing the Night King in Game Of Thrones , the Hot Priest 's confessional scene in Fleabag , Nessa 's proposal to Smith in Gavin & Stacey , Sinead Osbourne 's death from cervical cancer in Coronation Street , Michael 's shock dumping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ murder of undercover officer John Corbett in Line Of Duty .
Moran says during lockdown , TV has been more important than ever .
`` Sometimes we might have a tendency to think of awards ceremonies as just being fluffy and glittery and glamorous and that 's great , '' she says .
`` But I think in the last couple of months , we 've remembered just how absolutely essential to our well-being and our souls and our sanity television is .
And that 's why it 's so great that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of thank the people who 've given us something to talk about , something to laugh over and cry over . ''
She ca n't give away her personal favourite , she says , although `` you 'll probably be able to tell from a certain warmth and passion in my voice '' .
Moran sounds warm and passionate about all of them .
Dammit .
`` Well there was a big debate about whether this was just purely sexy and hot or whether there was a side conversation to be had as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that his name was Neil , and whether that would make him less sexy if his name was Neil .
`` Frankly , I think there 's nothing that would make him less sexy , that 's just a hot moment . ''
Sinead 's death in Coronation Street was picked because it had a knock-on effect in real life , she says .
`` There was a massive uptake in women going and getting cervical cancer tests .
GPs reported that all their appointments were booked out .
When we think of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's on in the corner of the room , but that has almost certainly saved someone 's life . ''
Moran is also a Game Of Thrones fan .
While there was controversy over the ending - `` personally , I liked it '' - Arya 's slaying of the Night King halfway through the final series is arguably the moment that defined it .
`` I think for many people , this was the finale and the ending… the big satisfying moment .
The explosion on social media when that happened was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the whole world going , yes !
Yes !
That is what I wanted to see .
Yes , I will watch that over and over again . ''
She is also a convert to Love Island .
`` So I started off as I think many people [ did ] .
I 'm a 45-year-old woman , I was a bit like , hmmm , Love Island , this seems like a bit of a trashy show .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've got teenage girls , being able to watch a reality show about people courting each other , as I will say , using an old-fashioned phrase , with teenage daughters who are about to go out in the world and start courting people themselves , is actually incredibly educational .
`` Again , we think of it as trashy TV , but the craft - it sounds silly to say this - but the craft involved in Love Island is incredible .
All these dramatic close-ups , huge surging strings like Hans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The whole thing goes out and by the end of it even my husband - who is not a man who likes trashy reality TV - was standing in the doorway with his cup of tea going , 'what 's going to happen ?
Poor Amber !
Mike , you rotter ! '
'' The BAFTA television awards will take place on 31 July in a virtual ceremony hosted by Richard Ayoade

Caitlin Moran is getting ready to watch this year's televsion BAFTA Awards virtually, at home - which means she can do so comfortably on the sofa, with crisps, in her pants.
The ceremony is always a good night and, she suspects, more of a boozy party than its lavish film counterpart, which is held earlier in the year.
Perhaps surprisingly, the award-winning author and journalist has never attended the film awards ceremony as a guest. However, this might all change in 2021 as her new film How To Build A Girl, adapted from her semi-autobiographical novel of the same name, is due for release this year.
Image: Moran at last year's BAFTA TV awards ceremony
Which brings us on to outfits, and pants, and Gary Lineker.
"From having been to the TV awards, I suspect the TV awards are more bacchanalian," says Moran, speaking on Zoom from home; no visible bookshelves in the background but "a bit of greenery for nature" and a picture of David Bowie, "because it's always good to have him close, in case you need an emergency Bowie".
The thing about the BAFTA film awards, she continues, is that they're part of the main awards season at the beginning of the year, which includes the Oscars, Golden Globes and several other ceremonies.
"Because it's part of the films award season most of the women who are there, the actresses who are nominated, haven't eaten for about four months at that point. And they've got another month before the Oscars finishes before they can finally start eating again because they're having to fit into all those dresses.
"Whereas TV people, the ladies are allowed to eat. So you'll just see, you know, Phoebe Waller-Bridge standing in the corner with a fag in one hand and a burger in the other, surrounded by awards, in a way that I suspect maybe Renee Zellweger wouldn't."
An announcement on How To Build A Girl and its release, with plans changed due to the coronavirus lockdown, is coming soon, Moran says, and wouldn't it be nice if it does lead to her first BAFTA film awards invite next year?
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Image: Beanie Feldstein stars in Moran's new film, How To Build A Girl. Pic: Lionsgate
"I'd like to compare and contrast and also, if you get invited as talent, the presumption always is that you have to wear a beautiful ballgown and do your hair and have your Cinderella moment on the red carpet," she says.
"I vowed to myself 20 years ago that if I ever did red carpet at a film awards, I would do it dressed up as a Ghostbuster in a jumpsuit, wearing the Proton pack on my back as a kind of feminist statement of: I'm going to be comfortable, and also capable of busting ghosts if I need to.
"So yes, I'm hoping that by the time the BAFTA film awards come around, I'll be there dressed as Peter Venkman from Ghostbusters, with my comfortable shoes on."
Remember when Gary Lineker promised to present Match Of The Day in his pants if Leicester City won the Premier League in 2016? (Spoiler alert: they did!)
Moran has committed herself on record now. She won't be able to back down.
Image: Gary Lineker presented Match Of The Day in his undies - is he up for the BAFTAs too? Pic: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire
"It's a vow that I'm very happy to uphold. I've seen far too many ladies jacked up in corsets. Whenever I go to the TV awards I'm always wearing, like, a trouser suit.
"You see these women turning up in these beautiful outfits with tight corsets and perfectly coiffed hair. And they come up to you by about 11 o'clock and go, 'I'm so jealous of your trousers. I am so jealous of your trainers. I'm going to do this next year'.
"So I'd like to inspire all the women at every awards ceremony from now on. Come in your pants! Come in comfortable shoes! Come as a Ghostbuster!"
Or just a general fancy dress theme?
"Well, wouldn't that be great, if people could just turn up as, like, a pantomime horse? Ant and Dec as a pantomime horse? Who doesn't want to see that?"
Image: Who you gonna call? A stylist! Moran has vowed to dress as Peter Venkman if she gets an invite to the film BAFTAs next year
Before red carpets resume and she needs to think about outfits, though, there's the TV BAFTAs from her sofa.
"And now I feel like tweeting Gary Lineker and saying, should we make a pants pact?" Moran says. "Should we both watch the BAFTAS on TV in our pants and tweet pictures of ourselves?
"I quite like the idea of just opening this up to the nation and telling everybody, yeah, let's just all sit around, let's make this the pants BAFTAs. Make this the most comfortable awards ceremony in history.
"Although, I am very fond of the idea of people just having an excuse to dress up at home anyway. Why not?
"If that beautiful dress has been hanging in your wardrobe for six months now and you're a bit sad about it, why not use BAFTA as a chance to just pop that on, put on a crown and sit and watch TV eating your popcorn, dressed up like a princess.
"If you need an excuse to dress up then absolutely go for it. I personally will be in my pants. But if you want to wear that ball gown, men and women alike, you absolutely go for that."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:50 Look back at some of the best TV moments of the last year
Moran was on the judging panel for the television awards' Must-See Moment Prize, with the shortlist now compiled for a public vote.
The moments on the shortlist are: Arya killing the Night King in Game Of Thrones, the Hot Priest's confessional scene in Fleabag, Nessa's proposal to Smith in Gavin & Stacey, Sinead Osbourne's death from cervical cancer in Coronation Street, Michael's shock dumping of Amber in Love Island and the murder of undercover officer John Corbett in Line Of Duty.
Moran says during lockdown, TV has been more important than ever.
"Sometimes we might have a tendency to think of awards ceremonies as just being fluffy and glittery and glamorous and that's great," she says.
"But I think in the last couple of months, we've remembered just how absolutely essential to our well-being and our souls and our sanity television is. And that's why it's so great that there are award ceremonies, just to sort of thank the people who've given us something to talk about, something to laugh over and cry over."
She can't give away her personal favourite, she says, although "you'll probably be able to tell from a certain warmth and passion in my voice".
Moran sounds warm and passionate about all of them. Dammit.
Hot Priest telling Fleabag to kneel?
"Well there was a big debate about whether this was just purely sexy and hot or whether there was a side conversation to be had as to whether the priest was telling us that his name was Neil, and whether that would make him less sexy if his name was Neil.
"Frankly, I think there's nothing that would make him less sexy, that's just a hot moment."
Sinead's death in Coronation Street was picked because it had a knock-on effect in real life, she says.
"There was a massive uptake in women going and getting cervical cancer tests. GPs reported that all their appointments were booked out. When we think of soaps, they're just something that's on in the corner of the room, but that has almost certainly saved someone's life."
Image: Didn't she do well? Arya slays the Night King in Game Of Thrones. Pic: HBO/ Sky Atlantic
Image: Who can forget Love Island's dramatic recouplings after the Casa Amor episodes last year?
Moran is also a Game Of Thrones fan. While there was controversy over the ending - "personally, I liked it" - Arya's slaying of the Night King halfway through the final series is arguably the moment that defined it.
"I think for many people, this was the finale and the ending… the big satisfying moment. The explosion on social media when that happened was a proper release. You could feel the whole world going, yes! Yes! That is what I wanted to see. Yes, I will watch that over and over again."
She is also a convert to Love Island.
"So I started off as I think many people [did]. I'm a 45-year-old woman, I was a bit like, hmmm, Love Island, this seems like a bit of a trashy show.
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:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"But if you've got teenage girls, being able to watch a reality show about people courting each other, as I will say, using an old-fashioned phrase, with teenage daughters who are about to go out in the world and start courting people themselves, is actually incredibly educational.
"Again, we think of it as trashy TV, but the craft - it sounds silly to say this - but the craft involved in Love Island is incredible. All these dramatic close-ups, huge surging strings like Hans Zimmer has scored the whole thing.
"The whole thing goes out and by the end of it even my husband - who is not a man who likes trashy reality TV - was standing in the doorway with his cup of tea going, 'what's going to happen? Poor Amber! Mike, you rotter!'"
The BAFTA television awards will take place on 31 July in a virtual ceremony hosted by Richard Ayoade


news--2020-06-04--Coronavirus: Lookers eyes 1,500 job losses as it closes 12 more dealerships

Lookers , the car dealership chain , plans to cut almost a fifth of its workforce under a cost-saving plan after the coronavirus crisis exacerbated a slump in sales .
The company said around 1,500 jobs would go across the business under its plans - with redundancy consultations already under way .
On top of the job losses , Lookers said it was to shut , merge or refranchise a further 12 dealerships - in addition to 15 that were closed last year as the industry battled already weak consumer demand .
The latest decision would leave the Altringham-based company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 136 dealerships nationwide .
All its sites , closed under the coronavirus lockdown restrictions , were largely back open again by 1 June in line with the government 's guidance covering car showrooms , though it still has half its workforce furloughed .
The cost-saving plan would deliver annual savings of about £50m a year , the company said .
Shares , which had lost more than half their market value in the year to date , were 10 % up in morning trading .
It was a different story for Aston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' dealerships , whose shares were 10 % down after it revealed 500 jobs losses under its own turnaround strategy .
Lookers made its plans known after industry figures demonstrated the extent of the pressure on the industry .
The latest sales statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders showed only 20,000 new cars were registered in the UK last month - down 89 % on May 2019 - the worst May performance since 1952 .
Sales were down 51.4 % in the first five months of 2020 as a whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car sales market for Lookers and its rivals for the past 18 months was compounded by the lockdown , which began in March , while the group has also revealed an investigation into possible accounting fraud within the business .
Sky News revealed last month that Lookers had snubbed a merger approach from rival Pendragon .
An insider said the decision was largely a consequence of its board 's existing workload , including contending with the coronavirus crisis and an ongoing investigation by the Financial Conduct Authority .
The pandemic has proved a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raban , who succeeded Andy Bruce in February after he quit amid the trading challenges .
Mr Raban said : `` We have taken the decision to restructure the size of the group 's dealership estate to position the business for a sustainable future , which regrettably means redundancy consultation with a number of our colleagues .
`` This has been a very difficult decision and we will be supporting our people as much as possible throughout the process . ''

Lookers, the car dealership chain, plans to cut almost a fifth of its workforce under a cost-saving plan after the coronavirus crisis exacerbated a slump in sales.
The company said around 1,500 jobs would go across the business under its plans - with redundancy consultations already under way.
On top of the job losses, Lookers said it was to shut, merge or refranchise a further 12 dealerships - in addition to 15 that were closed last year as the industry battled already weak consumer demand.
The latest decision would leave the Altringham-based company, which currently employs 8,100 workers, with 136 dealerships nationwide.
All its sites, closed under the coronavirus lockdown restrictions, were largely back open again by 1 June in line with the government's guidance covering car showrooms, though it still has half its workforce furloughed.
The cost-saving plan would deliver annual savings of about £50m a year, the company said.
Shares, which had lost more than half their market value in the year to date, were 10% up in morning trading.
It was a different story for Aston Martin, a brand sold by Lookers' dealerships, whose shares were 10% down after it revealed 500 jobs losses under its own turnaround strategy.
Image: Sky News reported a month ago that Lookers had rejected merger talks with rival Pendragon
Lookers made its plans known after industry figures demonstrated the extent of the pressure on the industry.
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The latest sales statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders showed only 20,000 new cars were registered in the UK last month - down 89% on May 2019 - the worst May performance since 1952.
Sales were down 51.4% in the first five months of 2020 as a whole, the SMMT reported.
The tough car sales market for Lookers and its rivals for the past 18 months was compounded by the lockdown, which began in March, while the group has also revealed an investigation into possible accounting fraud within the business.
Sky News revealed last month that Lookers had snubbed a merger approach from rival Pendragon.
An insider said the decision was largely a consequence of its board's existing workload, including contending with the coronavirus crisis and an ongoing investigation by the Financial Conduct Authority.
The pandemic has proved a baptism of fire for chief executive Mark Raban, who succeeded Andy Bruce in February after he quit amid the trading challenges.
Mr Raban said: "We have taken the decision to restructure the size of the group's dealership estate to position the business for a sustainable future, which regrettably means redundancy consultation with a number of our colleagues.
"This has been a very difficult decision and we will be supporting our people as much as possible throughout the process."


news--2020-06-04--Hong Kong: Police fire pepper spray as activists mark Tiananmen Square crackdown

Police have fired pepper spray at Hong Kong protesters who were defying a ban to stage candlelit rallies in memory of China 's 1989 Tiananmen Square democracy crackdown .
Hong Kong had banned the annual vigil , due to be held today , for the first time in 30 years because it violates coronavirus lockdown rules stopping gatherings of more than eight people .
However , scuffles broke out in the working-class Mong Kok district in Kowloon , northern Hong Kong , when demonstrators tried to set up roadblocks with metal barriers .
Officers used pepper spray to disperse the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their freedoms , and several people were arrested .
Hong Kong police tweeted that `` some black-clad protesters are blocking roads in Mong Kok .
Police officers are now making arrests . ''
They urged people not to gather in groups because of the coronavirus .
Several thousand people joined the main rally in Victoria Park , with groups of protesters dressed in black carrying flags and chanting slogans such as `` Liberate Hong Kong , revolution of our time '' and `` Fight for freedom , stand with Hong Kong '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ attraction in the heart of Beijing , appeared to be tightened , with more police visible in anticipation of protests .
Attracting huge crowds to an outdoor space each year , the vigil marks the deadly military crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in the square on 4 June 1989 .
Some 31 years ago , hundreds and possibly thousands of people were killed when tanks and troops moved in to break up weeks of student-led protests that had spread to other cities and were seen as a threat to Communist Party rule .
Zhou @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tiananmen Square protests , told Kay Burley @ Breakfast that most of the survivors live outside of China today and are `` still afraid to talk about it '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The anniversary has struck an especially sensitive nerve in the former British-ruled city of Hong Kong after legislators there passed a law earlier on Thursday making it a crime to disrespect China 's national anthem .
The law was passed despite pro-democracy politicians disrupting proceedings twice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they see the bill as an infringement on freedom of expression .
Sharon Hom , executive director of Human Rights in China , said : `` The ban comes amid an alarming acceleration of attacks on the autonomy of Hong Kong and the undermining of the rights and freedoms of the Hong Kong people guaranteed under Hong Kong and international law . ''
The ban also comes as Chinese media and some Beijing officials have voiced support for protests in the US against police brutality .

Police have fired pepper spray at Hong Kong protesters who were defying a ban to stage candlelit rallies in memory of China's 1989 Tiananmen Square democracy crackdown.
Hong Kong had banned the annual vigil, due to be held today, for the first time in 30 years because it violates coronavirus lockdown rules stopping gatherings of more than eight people.
However, scuffles broke out in the working-class Mong Kok district in Kowloon, northern Hong Kong, when demonstrators tried to set up roadblocks with metal barriers.
Image: Participants hold candles as they take part in a memorial vigil in Victoria Park
Officers used pepper spray to disperse the protesters, who accused Beijing of stifling their freedoms, and several people were arrested.
Hong Kong police tweeted that "some black-clad protesters are blocking roads in Mong Kok. Police officers are now making arrests."
They urged people not to gather in groups because of the coronavirus.
Image: Thousands of participants gathered in Victoria Park, Hong Kong
Image: Pro-democracy activists hold candles and shout slogans
Several thousand people joined the main rally in Victoria Park, with groups of protesters dressed in black carrying flags and chanting slogans such as "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our time" and "Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong".
Security around Tiananmen Square, a tourist attraction in the heart of Beijing, appeared to be tightened, with more police visible in anticipation of protests.
Image: Participants hold candles as they take part in a memorial vigil in Victoria Park
Image: A display showing the Goddess of Democracy and lettering that reads 'Free HK' is seen a stall near Victoria Park
Attracting huge crowds to an outdoor space each year, the vigil marks the deadly military crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in the square on 4 June 1989.
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Some 31 years ago, hundreds and possibly thousands of people were killed when tanks and troops moved in to break up weeks of student-led protests that had spread to other cities and were seen as a threat to Communist Party rule.
Zhou Fengsuo, a student leader during the Tiananmen Square protests, told Kay Burley @ Breakfast that most of the survivors live outside of China today and are "still afraid to talk about it".
Image: 2014: The vigil attracts thousands of people every year
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The anniversary has struck an especially sensitive nerve in the former British-ruled city of Hong Kong after legislators there passed a law earlier on Thursday making it a crime to disrespect China's national anthem.
The law was passed despite pro-democracy politicians disrupting proceedings twice to try to prevent the vote - they see the bill as an infringement on freedom of expression.
Image: Banned Beijing Tiananmen Square Massacre anniversary in Hong Kong, China. Pic: Jerome Favre /EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Image: People leave after attending a church mass in Hong Kong to mark the 31st anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown in Beijing
Sharon Hom, executive director of Human Rights in China, said: "The ban comes amid an alarming acceleration of attacks on the autonomy of Hong Kong and the undermining of the rights and freedoms of the Hong Kong people guaranteed under Hong Kong and international law."
Image: People attend a mass outside a church in Hong Kong
The ban also comes as Chinese media and some Beijing officials have voiced support for protests in the US against police brutality.


news--2020-06-03--Coronavirus: Germany to lift travel restrictions - but advises against trips to UK

Germany plans to lift travel restrictions for European countries on 15 June , but is advising against visiting the UK while quarantine rules are in place .
The country issued a warning against all non-essential foreign travel in March in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus .
On Wednesday , foreign minister Heiko Maas said the warning would be replaced with more conventional travel advice `` so long as there are no longer entry bans and no large-scale confinement '' in the countries concerned .
Germany aims to lift travel restrictions for EU countries , other countries outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's passport-free Schengen travel area , and Britain .
Tui also announced on Wednesday it would start its summer flight plan on 17 June after Germany lifts its travel restrictions .
Mr Maas said all countries concerned met the criteria except Norway , due to an entry ban , and Spain , where he said parliament was deciding whether to extend a ban or not .
However , he said the new travel advice is not `` an invitation to travel '' and advised against trips in some cases , `` for instance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is still an obligatory 14-day quarantine for everyone arriving there '' .
Mr Maas added : `` We will continue to make the lifting of the travel warning dependent on how the situation on the ground develops . ''
New warnings could be issued if a country records more than 50 newly infected people per 100,000 over seven days , he said .
The UK government has confirmed plans to impose a 14-day quarantine for people arriving in the country starting next week , despite pleas from the travel industry to drop the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the quarantine will derail plans to rebuild business , while others say the measure comes too late .
Officials say the quarantine will help prevent a second wave of infections , though most neighbouring European countries have lower infection rates .
From Monday , travellers and returning Britons coming from all countries except Ireland will be asked to self-isolate for two weeks , and those who fail to comply may be punished with a £1,000 spot fine , or by prosecution and an unlimited fine .
It comes as other European countries reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the pandemic .
In Portugal , some low-cost flights have resumed to Faro , in the country 's southern Algarve region , from Zurich and Luxembourg .
Economy minister Pedro Siza Viera said Portugal is in `` advanced discussions '' with Germany to establish a so-called `` air corridor '' which could allow tourists who test negative for coronavirus to fly to an area with a low infection rate , such as the Algarve .
Portugal is also in talks with the UK about creating an air corridor , also known as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on gradually allowing tourists in from countries further on in the fight against COVID-19 from 22 June - earlier than its previous target of 1 July .
Tourism accounts for around 12 % of its economy .
Austria is lifting restrictions , including quarantines for all neighbouring countries except Italy as of Thursday .
Foreign minister Alexander Schallenberg said : `` We will lift all the coronavirus-related border and health checks in relation to seven bordering countries - Germany , Liechtenstein , Switzerland , Slovakia , Slovenia , the Czech Republic and Hungary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relax quarantine rules on 15 June and welcome back international tourists after it moved from an `` emergency phase '' to `` alert phase '' .
The Czech Republic and Slovakia are fully opening their common border for travellers on Thursday and fully lifting restrictions that have been adopted to contain the virus .
Tonight and tomorrow night at 8pm , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After The Pandemic : Our New World - a special live programme about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
Thursday 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prince Charles .

Germany plans to lift travel restrictions for European countries on 15 June, but is advising against visiting the UK while quarantine rules are in place.
The country issued a warning against all non-essential foreign travel in March in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus.
On Wednesday, foreign minister Heiko Maas said the warning would be replaced with more conventional travel advice "so long as there are no longer entry bans and no large-scale confinement" in the countries concerned.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 Drive-in circus opens in Germany
Germany aims to lift travel restrictions for EU countries, other countries outside the EU that are part of Europe's passport-free Schengen travel area, and Britain.
Tui also announced on Wednesday it would start its summer flight plan on 17 June after Germany lifts its travel restrictions.
Mr Maas said all countries concerned met the criteria except Norway, due to an entry ban, and Spain, where he said parliament was deciding whether to extend a ban or not.
However, he said the new travel advice is not "an invitation to travel" and advised against trips in some cases, "for instance to Britain, so long as there is still an obligatory 14-day quarantine for everyone arriving there".
Mr Maas added: "We will continue to make the lifting of the travel warning dependent on how the situation on the ground develops."
New warnings could be issued if a country records more than 50 newly infected people per 100,000 over seven days, he said.
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The UK government has confirmed plans to impose a 14-day quarantine for people arriving in the country starting next week, despite pleas from the travel industry to drop the idea.
Airlines and tour companies say the quarantine will derail plans to rebuild business, while others say the measure comes too late.
Officials say the quarantine will help prevent a second wave of infections, though most neighbouring European countries have lower infection rates.
From Monday, travellers and returning Britons coming from all countries except Ireland will be asked to self-isolate for two weeks, and those who fail to comply may be punished with a £1,000 spot fine, or by prosecution and an unlimited fine.
It comes as other European countries reopen their borders and ease travel restrictions imposed during the pandemic.
In Portugal, some low-cost flights have resumed to Faro, in the country's southern Algarve region, from Zurich and Luxembourg.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:32 The 'great reset' challenge for global economy
Economy minister Pedro Siza Viera said Portugal is in "advanced discussions" with Germany to establish a so-called "air corridor" which could allow tourists who test negative for coronavirus to fly to an area with a low infection rate, such as the Algarve.
Portugal is also in talks with the UK about creating an air corridor, also known as an air bridge.
Spain is working on gradually allowing tourists in from countries further on in the fight against COVID-19 from 22 June - earlier than its previous target of 1 July. Tourism accounts for around 12% of its economy.
Austria is lifting restrictions, including quarantines for all neighbouring countries except Italy as of Thursday.
Foreign minister Alexander Schallenberg said: "We will lift all the coronavirus-related border and health checks in relation to seven bordering countries - Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Hungary."
Iceland is also planning to relax quarantine rules on 15 June and welcome back international tourists after it moved from an "emergency phase" to "alert phase".
The Czech Republic and Slovakia are fully opening their common border for travellers on Thursday and fully lifting restrictions that have been adopted to contain the virus.
Tonight and tomorrow night at 8pm, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After The Pandemic: Our New World - a special live programme about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
Thursday's programme will include an exclusive interview with Prince Charles.


news--2020-06-04--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson urges countries to unite in quest to beat 'common enemy'

A global alliance on vaccines has raised £7bn - as Boris Johnson urged all nations to unite in the quest to defeat coronavirus .
The Prime Minister described the challenge of coronavirus as `` the greatest shared endeavour of our lifetimes - the triumph of humanity over disease now and for the generations that follow '' .
Speaking at the Global Vaccine Summit , he urged unity among all nations , describing the need for a NATO-style alliance to defend humanity from the common enemy of COVID-19 .
`` So today we make the choice to unite , to forge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us also renew our collective resolve to find that vaccine that can in the end - who knows how soon it will come , let 's hope it comes as soon as possible - that in the end can defeat coronavirus , '' Mr Johnson said , speaking to a virtual audience across more than 50 nations .
Large pharmaceutical companies and other organisations also took part .
The money pledged will fund existing immunisation programmes to protect 300 million children in the world 's poorest countries against preventable diseases like polio , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
It will also be used to help improve healthcare systems in those nations .
When and if COVID-19 vaccines are discovered , Gavi , the vaccine alliance , will play a key role in distributing the drug to developing countries .
A further $ 567m ( £445m ) was raised for a new financing instrument to help make sure such states are able to access and afford COVID-19 vaccines .
Bill Gates , whose foundation helped set up Gavi 20 years ago , said it was vital that the world renewed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to all life-saving vaccines .
`` We are meeting at a unique time in history , '' he said , speaking - like almost everyone involved - remotely over a computer camera .
`` Never have more people been more aware of the importance of vaccines . ''
The Global Vaccine Summit takes place every five years to raise money for programmes to help tackle preventable diseases in the poorest countries .
Britain agreed to host this year 's event long before the COVID-19 pandemic .
It should have been a three-day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and health ministers travelling to the UK to make their interventions and pledges in person .
The COVID-19 crisis threw those plans in the air , with organisers instead arranging a four-hour virtual summit .
Recorded messages from the likes of President Donald Trump , Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and India 's Prime Minister Narendra Modi were played along with live video interventions from leaders including from German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmad Nasser al-Mohammad Al Sabah .
There was the odd hiccup , with delegates at times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of music between each speech appeared designed to keep everyone who was watching remotely alert .
Of the $ 8.8bn ( £7bn ) raised , the UK was the largest single donor , pledging £330m per year over the five-year period .
A total of 32 countries and 12 foundations , corporations and organisations donated money .
`` Take a bow everybody .
Thank you very , very much , '' Mr Johnson told the summit , speaking over a rather crackly connection .
Mr Johnson likened the need to work together to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European nations , the United States and Canada combine to form the NATO military alliance .
He seemed aware it was a slightly awkward comparison , with states like Russia part of the vaccine alliance .
NATO was established to defend against the former Soviet Union and is now actively pushing back against Russian activities .
Relations between the UK and Russia are particularly frosty .
The UK had invited President Vladimir Putin to participate in the summit , but he declined .
The Russian health minister instead sent a video message .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' I apologise to all those who are n't necessarily members of NATO , '' Mr Johnson said .
`` I hope you will nonetheless see my point .
We now need the same spirit of collaboration and collective defence against the common enemy of the disease . ''

A global alliance on vaccines has raised £7bn - as Boris Johnson urged all nations to unite in the quest to defeat coronavirus.
The Prime Minister described the challenge of coronavirus as "the greatest shared endeavour of our lifetimes - the triumph of humanity over disease now and for the generations that follow".
Image: The PM is seen speaking to a fellow guest at the Global Vaccine Summit
Speaking at the Global Vaccine Summit, he urged unity among all nations, describing the need for a NATO-style alliance to defend humanity from the common enemy of COVID-19.
"So today we make the choice to unite, to forge a path of global cooperation and let us also renew our collective resolve to find that vaccine that can in the end - who knows how soon it will come, let's hope it comes as soon as possible - that in the end can defeat coronavirus," Mr Johnson said, speaking to a virtual audience across more than 50 nations.
Large pharmaceutical companies and other organisations also took part.
The money pledged will fund existing immunisation programmes to protect 300 million children in the world's poorest countries against preventable diseases like polio, diphtheria and measles for the next five years.
It will also be used to help improve healthcare systems in those nations.
When and if COVID-19 vaccines are discovered, Gavi, the vaccine alliance, will play a key role in distributing the drug to developing countries.
A further $567m (£445m) was raised for a new financing instrument to help make sure such states are able to access and afford COVID-19 vaccines.
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Bill Gates, whose foundation helped set up Gavi 20 years ago, said it was vital that the world renewed its commitment to ensuring every child had access to all life-saving vaccines.
"We are meeting at a unique time in history," he said, speaking - like almost everyone involved - remotely over a computer camera.
"Never have more people been more aware of the importance of vaccines."
The Global Vaccine Summit takes place every five years to raise money for programmes to help tackle preventable diseases in the poorest countries.
Britain agreed to host this year's event long before the COVID-19 pandemic.
It should have been a three-day spectacle with world leaders, foreign ministers and health ministers travelling to the UK to make their interventions and pledges in person.
Image: A worker holds a syringe at Beijing-based biotech company Sinovac, where work is taking place to create a coronavirus vaccine
The COVID-19 crisis threw those plans in the air, with organisers instead arranging a four-hour virtual summit.
Recorded messages from the likes of President Donald Trump, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi were played along with live video interventions from leaders including from German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmad Nasser al-Mohammad Al Sabah.
There was the odd hiccup, with delegates at times speaking over each other, while bursts of music between each speech appeared designed to keep everyone who was watching remotely alert.
Of the $8.8bn (£7bn) raised, the UK was the largest single donor, pledging £330m per year over the five-year period.
A total of 32 countries and 12 foundations, corporations and organisations donated money.
"Take a bow everybody. Thank you very, very much," Mr Johnson told the summit, speaking over a rather crackly connection.
Mr Johnson likened the need to work together to fight COVID-19 with the circumstances that saw European nations, the United States and Canada combine to form the NATO military alliance.
He seemed aware it was a slightly awkward comparison, with states like Russia part of the vaccine alliance. NATO was established to defend against the former Soviet Union and is now actively pushing back against Russian activities.
Relations between the UK and Russia are particularly frosty. The UK had invited President Vladimir Putin to participate in the summit, but he declined. The Russian health minister instead sent a video message.
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"I apologise to all those who aren't necessarily members of NATO," Mr Johnson said.
"I hope you will nonetheless see my point. We now need the same spirit of collaboration and collective defence against the common enemy of the disease."


news--2020-06-04--Coronavirus: Premier League to resume with five substitutes allowed after pandemic delay

Premier League teams will be allowed to make five substitutions in the remaining games of the 2019-20 season , the league has said .
Clubs voted to increase the number of changes allowed in each match from three on Thursday in a move designed to help manage players ' workload as they resume a season curtailed since March by the coronavirus pandemic .
Managers will be able to have nine substitutes on the bench in the 92 games that remain to be played in empty stadiums , up from the usual seven .
The league said in a statement : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changes to the rules relating to substitute players .
`` For the remainder of the 2019/20 season , the number of substitutes that can be used during a match will increase from three to five players .
`` This is in line with the temporary law amendment made by the International Football Association Board last month .
`` Shareholders also approved for Clubs to increase the maximum number of substitute players on the bench from seven to nine for the rest of the 2019/20 season . ''
The use of neutral venues where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in principle , the PA news agency said , when the season starts again on 17 June .
This provision could be applied when emergency services dictate it or in the event of a localised lockdown which forces a match or matches to be relocated .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker All the remaining games will be televised , but there is no word yet on which broadcasters will screen which games or a definitive fixture schedule .
Nor has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the season has to be cut short due to a resurgence of the virus .
There had been reports ahead of the meeting of owners and chairmen that some clubs were still hoping for relegation to be ruled out if the season could not be finished .
It has been reported that clubs will only settle on a curtailment model in the event of a competition being suspended for a second time .
The change in the substitutes rule follows a temporary dispensation introduced by the game 's law-making body the International @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are likely to have very little further break before the 2020-21 campaign begins .
The Bundesliga , which returned in May in empty stadiums , has adopted the five substitutes rule .
To prevent unnecessary delays , substitutions can only be made at a maximum of three points in a match .
Clubs were sent the return to play and match day operations draft protocols - covering details on what matches behind closed doors should look like - earlier this week and these were discussed at the meeting .
One of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have confirmed they have received the only positive test for coronavirus from the fifth round of Premier League testing results from tests carried out earlier this week .
The club also announced it has borrowed £175m from the Bank Of England to help it get through the crisis .

Premier League teams will be allowed to make five substitutions in the remaining games of the 2019-20 season, the league has said.
Clubs voted to increase the number of changes allowed in each match from three on Thursday in a move designed to help manage players' workload as they resume a season curtailed since March by the coronavirus pandemic.
Managers will be able to have nine substitutes on the bench in the 92 games that remain to be played in empty stadiums, up from the usual seven.
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The league said in a statement: "Premier League Shareholders today agreed temporary changes to the rules relating to substitute players.
"For the remainder of the 2019/20 season, the number of substitutes that can be used during a match will increase from three to five players.
"This is in line with the temporary law amendment made by the International Football Association Board last month.
"Shareholders also approved for Clubs to increase the maximum number of substitute players on the bench from seven to nine for the rest of the 2019/20 season."
The use of neutral venues where it is deemed necessary has been agreed in principle, the PA news agency said, when the season starts again on 17 June.
This provision could be applied when emergency services dictate it or in the event of a localised lockdown which forces a match or matches to be relocated.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
All the remaining games will be televised, but there is no word yet on which broadcasters will screen which games or a definitive fixture schedule.
Nor has a decision been reached on what will happen if the season has to be cut short due to a resurgence of the virus.
There had been reports ahead of the meeting of owners and chairmen that some clubs were still hoping for relegation to be ruled out if the season could not be finished.
It has been reported that clubs will only settle on a curtailment model in the event of a competition being suspended for a second time.
The change in the substitutes rule follows a temporary dispensation introduced by the game's law-making body the International Football Association Board and will help players who are likely to have very little further break before the 2020-21 campaign begins.
Image: The Bundesliga has resumed in Germany, in empty stadiums
The Bundesliga, which returned in May in empty stadiums, has adopted the five substitutes rule.
To prevent unnecessary delays, substitutions can only be made at a maximum of three points in a match.
Image: Manchester City celebrate winning the 2019 Premier League title
Clubs were sent the return to play and match day operations draft protocols - covering details on what matches behind closed doors should look like - earlier this week and these were discussed at the meeting.
One of the league's biggest clubs, Tottenham Hotspur, have confirmed they have received the only positive test for coronavirus from the fifth round of Premier League testing results from tests carried out earlier this week.
The club also announced it has borrowed £175m from the Bank Of England to help it get through the crisis.