news--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: 75% chance Premier League season will not be completed, says club source

There is a 75 % chance the Premier League season will not be completed due to coronavirus , a senior club source has told Sky Sports News .
English football chiefs decided on Friday to suspend Premier League and all other top-level football fixtures until 3 April at the earliest because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The virus outbreak is causing major disruption to the sporting calendar and may not reach its peak until 10-14 weeks ' time - well after the football season is due to finish .
The Premier League club source told SSN 's Kaveh Solhekol : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will be back in three weeks .
This will go on for months and you wonder even about the start of next season . ''
He added : `` I 'd say there is a 75 % chance the season will not be completed .
There are huge questions to answer .
Does anybody get promoted or relegated ?
`` Many clubs in all four divisions will struggle financially . ''
An emergency Premier League meeting is set to take place on Thursday when football chiefs will decide what happens next .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ these are some of the possible scenarios : • Give the title to Liverpool and have no relegations this season .
Next season there would be 22 teams in the Premier League - with West Brom and Leeds promoted from the Championship • The season is declared null and void and next season begins with the same 20 teams - unlikely , especially because Liverpool are 25 points clear at the top of the table and have all but won their first title for 30 years • The table as it stands now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because it would be unfair to relegate Bournemouth , Aston Villa and Norwich after only 29 matchdays West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady says this season 's Premier League should be declared `` null and void '' if it ca n't be finished due to the pandemic .
Ms Brady , who will attend the Premier League meeting on Thursday , claimed it would be `` the only fair and reasonable thing to do '' if there are further delays to the season .
`` Suspension or cancellation of the league was always a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sun .
`` There is no dodging the possibility that all levels in the EFL , as well as the Premier League , will have to be cancelled and this season declared null and void because if the players ca n't play the games ca n't go ahead .
`` The PL hopes that an interlude of three weeks from today will enable it to restart but that may well be dreamland . ''
She added : `` Who knows who would have gone down or come up if the games have not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ It is ] a huge blow to Liverpool who might be robbed of their first title in 30 years .
This will be discussed between the PL and the clubs next week at an emergency meeting . ''
Relegation-threatened West Ham currently sit 16th in the table , level on points with AFC Bournemouth in 18th .
Premier League clubs are waiting to see what happens at a meeting of European football stakeholders which UEFA has scheduled on Tuesday .
Leading figures in the European game will decide what to do about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League and Euro 2020 .

There is a 75% chance the Premier League season will not be completed due to coronavirus, a senior club source has told Sky Sports News.
English football chiefs decided on Friday to suspend Premier League and all other top-level football fixtures until 3 April at the earliest because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The virus outbreak is causing major disruption to the sporting calendar and may not reach its peak until 10-14 weeks' time - well after the football season is due to finish.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:14 Chelsea star speaks from virus self-isolation
The Premier League club source told SSN's Kaveh Solhekol: "I can't see any chance we will be back in three weeks. This will go on for months and you wonder even about the start of next season."
He added: "I'd say there is a 75% chance the season will not be completed. There are huge questions to answer. Does anybody get promoted or relegated?
"Many clubs in all four divisions will struggle financially."
An emergency Premier League meeting is set to take place on Thursday when football chiefs will decide what happens next.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 What is herd immunity?
If the season is not completed then these are some of the possible scenarios:
Give the title to Liverpool and have no relegations this season. Next season there would be 22 teams in the Premier League - with West Brom and Leeds promoted from the Championship
The season is declared null and void and next season begins with the same 20 teams - unlikely, especially because Liverpool are 25 points clear at the top of the table and have all but won their first title for 30 years
The table as it stands now is the final table - unlikely, because it would be unfair to relegate Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Norwich after only 29 matchdays
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady says this season's Premier League should be declared "null and void" if it can't be finished due to the pandemic.
Advertisement
Ms Brady, who will attend the Premier League meeting on Thursday, claimed it would be "the only fair and reasonable thing to do" if there are further delays to the season.
"Suspension or cancellation of the league was always a certainty," she wrote in The Sun.
"There is no dodging the possibility that all levels in the EFL, as well as the Premier League, will have to be cancelled and this season declared null and void because if the players can't play the games can't go ahead.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 'Europe is new epicentre of pandemic' - WHO
"The PL hopes that an interlude of three weeks from today will enable it to restart but that may well be dreamland."
She added: "Who knows who would have gone down or come up if the games have not actually been played in full?
"[It is] a huge blow to Liverpool who might be robbed of their first title in 30 years. This will be discussed between the PL and the clubs next week at an emergency meeting."
Relegation-threatened West Ham currently sit 16th in the table, level on points with AFC Bournemouth in 18th.
Premier League clubs are waiting to see what happens at a meeting of European football stakeholders which UEFA has scheduled on Tuesday.
Leading figures in the European game will decide what to do about this season's Champions League, Europa League and Euro 2020.


news--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: Chaos for holidaymakers as flights and holidays axed over COVID-19 fears

British holidaymakers ' travel plans have been thrown into disarray after dozens of flights and holidays were cancelled over coronavirus fears .
Jet2 planes heading to Spain turned back mid-flight on Saturday morning after the low-cost airline announced the cancellation of flights to the country , as well as the Balearic and the Canary Islands .
Meanwhile , travel company TUI cancelled holidays to a raft of popular destinations including Spain , Cyprus , Malta , Tunisia , Italy and Jamaica .
The company said it would offer customers alternative holiday options or a full refund .
A two-week state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where 288 people have died and almost 8,000 been diagnosed with COVID-19 .
The Ryanair group said it was `` severely reducing '' flights to and from Spain , the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands from midnight on 15 March until the same time on 19 March .
US President Donald Trump confirmed on Saturday that the UK and Ireland were to be added to America 's European travel ban over the coronavirus pandemic .
The new restrictions will begin at midnight on Monday , eastern standard time ( 0400 GMT ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Office said it was `` advising against all but essential travel to the USA following the US government announcement imposing restrictions on travel from the UK and Ireland '' .
Poland is closing its borders and denying all foreigners entry unless they live in Poland or have personal ties there .
Non-citizens allowed in will be quarantined for 14 days .
All Ryanair Group flights - including Buzz and Lauda - to and from Poland have been cancelled until midnight on 31 March .
TUI said it had cancelled holidays in Spain which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 March and Jamaica between 14 and 28 March .
Holidays in Cyprus departing up to and including 24 March have also been axed , as well as breaks in Malta and Tunisia up to and including 22 March , the company said .
Customers with holidays booked in Italy up to 3 April will be contacted to discuss whether to amend their booking or have a full refund , it added .
• Ten more patients have died in England after testing positive for COVID-19 , bringing the total UK deaths to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Virgin Atlantic bosses that the airline industry needs government aid worth up to £7.5bn , Sky News learns • Hundreds of people , including scientists , have written to the government urging immediate `` more restrictive measures '' be brought in to enforce social distancing • Donald Trump confirms European travel ban is to be extended to the UK and Ireland on Monday , as he tests negative for coronavirus after meeting an infected Brazilian official • Jet2 planes heading to Spain turned back in mid-air as the airline announced it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Private hospital beds may be taken over for coronavirus patients After cancelling flights to Spain , Jet2 said in a statement : `` We know local measures will have a significant impact on our customers ' holidays , which is why we have taken this decision .
`` We are contacting our customers who are currently in these destinations , and who are due to travel , to advise them of their options , so we urge customers not to call us .
`` This is a fast-moving and complex situation and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of urgency , so that we can fly customers back to the UK .
`` The health and safety of our customers is our number one priority , and we would like to thank our customers for their understanding . ''
Jet2 had already cancelled all flights to Italy as well as a host of other destinations , including the Czech Republic , Austria , Malta and Cyprus .
Ryanair said it had cancelled flights `` in response to the decision of the Polish government to 'lock down ' the entire country '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are contacting all affected customers by email to advise them of their options and we urge customers not to call us .
`` This is a fast-moving and complex situation and the safety and well-being of our people and customers is our main priority .
`` We will continue to comply fully with all WHO and EASA guidelines and we will follow any travel restrictions that are imposed . ''
Earlier , LOT Polish Airlines , which flies to UK airports including Heathrow , Edinburgh and Nottingham , suspended all connections from both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 days from 15 March .

British holidaymakers' travel plans have been thrown into disarray after dozens of flights and holidays were cancelled over coronavirus fears.
Jet2 planes heading to Spain turned back mid-flight on Saturday morning after the low-cost airline announced the cancellation of flights to the country, as well as the Balearic and the Canary Islands.
Meanwhile, travel company TUI cancelled holidays to a raft of popular destinations including Spain, Cyprus, Malta, Tunisia, Italy and Jamaica.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:30 COVID-19: The scientific advice
The company said it would offer customers alternative holiday options or a full refund.
A two-week state of emergency is in place in Spain, where 288 people have died and almost 8,000 been diagnosed with COVID-19.
The Ryanair group said it was "severely reducing" flights to and from Spain, the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands from midnight on 15 March until the same time on 19 March.
US President Donald Trump confirmed on Saturday that the UK and Ireland were to be added to America's European travel ban over the coronavirus pandemic.
The new restrictions will begin at midnight on Monday, eastern standard time (0400 GMT).
On Sunday, the UK Foreign Office said it was "advising against all but essential travel to the USA following the US government announcement imposing restrictions on travel from the UK and Ireland".
Advertisement
Poland is closing its borders and denying all foreigners entry unless they live in Poland or have personal ties there. Non-citizens allowed in will be quarantined for 14 days.
All Ryanair Group flights - including Buzz and Lauda - to and from Poland have been cancelled until midnight on 31 March.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 'Europe is new epicentre of pandemic' - WHO
TUI said it had cancelled holidays in Spain which are due to travel between 14 and 16 March and Jamaica between 14 and 28 March.
Holidays in Cyprus departing up to and including 24 March have also been axed, as well as breaks in Malta and Tunisia up to and including 22 March, the company said.
Customers with holidays booked in Italy up to 3 April will be contacted to discuss whether to amend their booking or have a full refund, it added.
In other developments:
After cancelling flights to Spain, Jet2 said in a statement: "We know local measures will have a significant impact on our customers' holidays, which is why we have taken this decision.
"We are contacting our customers who are currently in these destinations, and who are due to travel, to advise them of their options, so we urge customers not to call us.
"This is a fast-moving and complex situation and we are reviewing our programme as a matter of urgency, so that we can fly customers back to the UK.
"The health and safety of our customers is our number one priority, and we would like to thank our customers for their understanding."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:39 Italians sing through coronavirus lockdown
Jet2 had already cancelled all flights to Italy as well as a host of other destinations, including the Czech Republic, Austria, Malta and Cyprus.
Ryanair said it had cancelled flights "in response to the decision of the Polish government to 'lock down' the entire country".
A spokesman added: "We are contacting all affected customers by email to advise them of their options and we urge customers not to call us.
"This is a fast-moving and complex situation and the safety and well-being of our people and customers is our main priority.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 What is herd immunity?
"We will continue to comply fully with all WHO and EASA guidelines and we will follow any travel restrictions that are imposed."
Earlier, LOT Polish Airlines, which flies to UK airports including Heathrow, Edinburgh and Nottingham, suspended all connections from both Poland and Hungary for a period of 10 days from 15 March.


news--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: Hundreds of scientists accuse government of 'risking lives' over COVID-19 plan

Hundreds of scientists have accused the government of `` risking many more lives than necessary '' over its plan to tackle the coronavirus outbreak .
The group of experts from UK universities argue in an open letter that `` going for 'herd immunity ' at this point does not seem a viable option , as this will put NHS at an even stronger level of stress , risking many more lives than necessary '' .
Many of the scientists are drawn from mathematics rather than medicine with very few specialists in infection control and no leading experts in the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ academics who have signed the letter are scientists and there are also a number of PHD students on the list of signatories .
Herd immunity is when a large proportion of the population has become immune to something , thereby providing some protection to others who are not immune .
The signatories say they are also `` deeply preoccupied '' with the timeline of the proposed plan , announced on Thursday , which `` aims at delaying social distancing measures even further '' .
The government has up to now told people they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven days if they have either a high temperature above 37.8C ( 100F ) or a new continuous cough .
It is putting off tighter measures until a predicted peak in cases to avoid so-called `` behavioural fatigue '' - where people could become tired of the strict rules and stop complying .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed the government was n't hoping millions of Britons get coronavirus to give `` herd immunity '' to the whole country , after the concept was floated by the government 's chief scientific adviser .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy - it 's a scientific concept , '' he told Sophy Ridge on Sunday .
`` Our policy is to protect lives and to beat this virus . ''
Thousands of deaths could potentially be avoided if more restrictive measures to enforce social distancing were put in place immediately , say the group of experts , and such action could slow the spread of COVID-19 `` dramatically '' .
They also warn that under `` unconstrained growth '' , the virus could affect `` millions of people in the next few weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' put the NHS at `` serious risk of not being able to cope with the flow of patients needing intensive care '' , it is claimed .
The signatories write : `` We consider the social distancing measures taken as of today as insufficient , and we believe that additional and more restrictive measures should be taken immediately , as is already happening in other countries across the world . ''
They observe that the growth of infections in the UK is `` in line with the growth curves already observed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , France , and Germany '' .
They continue : `` The same data suggests that the number of infected will be in the order of dozens of thousands within a few days . ''
Earlier , it was announced 14 more people had died in the UK after being diagnosed with coronavirus , with 1,372 infections confirmed .
Speaking to Sky News , a behavioural scientist who signed one of the letters said the government 's approach of delaying more restrictive social distancing measures was `` very risky '' .
Professor Nichola @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` The UK government seems to be taking a radically different approach to most other countries and the public have a right to know whether the evidence supporting this approach is strong enough . ''
A Department of Health and Social care spokesman said : `` Herd immunity is not part of our action plan , but is a natural by-product of an epidemic .
`` Our aims are to save lives , protect the most vulnerable , and relieve pressure on our NHS .
`` We have now moved out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and we have experts working round the clock .
Every measure that we have or will introduce will be based on the best scientific evidence .
`` Our awareness of the likely levels of immunity in the country over the coming months will ensure our planning and response is as accurate and effective as possible . ''
Spain is going into lockdown , and the UK and Ireland are to be added to America 's European travel ban at midnight on Monday , eastern standard time ( 0400 GMT ) .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Atlantic bosses that the airline industry needs government aid worth up to £7.5bn , Sky News learns • Hundreds of people , including scientists , have written to the government urging immediate `` more restrictive measures '' be brought in to enforce social distancing • Donald Trump tests negative for coronavirus after meeting an infected Brazilian official • Jet2 planes heading to Spain turned back in mid-air as the airline announced it was cancelling all flights to the country • Private hospital beds may be taken over for coronavirus patients Sky News will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with experts answering your questions # AskSkyNews

Hundreds of scientists have accused the government of "risking many more lives than necessary" over its plan to tackle the coronavirus outbreak.
The group of experts from UK universities argue in an open letter that "going for 'herd immunity' at this point does not seem a viable option, as this will put NHS at an even stronger level of stress, risking many more lives than necessary".
Many of the scientists are drawn from mathematics rather than medicine with very few specialists in infection control and no leading experts in the spread of disease.
Not all of the academics who have signed the letter are scientists and there are also a number of PHD students on the list of signatories.
Herd immunity is when a large proportion of the population has become immune to something, thereby providing some protection to others who are not immune.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
The signatories say they are also "deeply preoccupied" with the timeline of the proposed plan, announced on Thursday, which "aims at delaying social distancing measures even further".
The government has up to now told people they should stay at home and self-isolate for seven days if they have either a high temperature above 37.8C (100F) or a new continuous cough.
It is putting off tighter measures until a predicted peak in cases to avoid so-called "behavioural fatigue" - where people could become tired of the strict rules and stop complying.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:04 This is what happens during lockdown
Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed the government wasn't hoping millions of Britons get coronavirus to give "herd immunity" to the whole country, after the concept was floated by the government's chief scientific adviser.
Advertisement
"Herd immunity is not our goal or policy - it's a scientific concept," he told Sophy Ridge on Sunday.
"Our policy is to protect lives and to beat this virus."
Thousands of deaths could potentially be avoided if more restrictive measures to enforce social distancing were put in place immediately, say the group of experts, and such action could slow the spread of COVID-19 "dramatically".
They also warn that under "unconstrained growth", the virus could affect "millions of people in the next few weeks".
That would "most probably" put the NHS at "serious risk of not being able to cope with the flow of patients needing intensive care", it is claimed.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 What is herd immunity?
The signatories write: "We consider the social distancing measures taken as of today as insufficient, and we believe that additional and more restrictive measures should be taken immediately, as is already happening in other countries across the world."
They observe that the growth of infections in the UK is "in line with the growth curves already observed in other countries, including Italy, Spain, France, and Germany".
They continue: "The same data suggests that the number of infected will be in the order of dozens of thousands within a few days."
Earlier, it was announced 14 more people had died in the UK after being diagnosed with coronavirus, with 1,372 infections confirmed.
Speaking to Sky News, a behavioural scientist who signed one of the letters said the government's approach of delaying more restrictive social distancing measures was "very risky".
Professor Nichola Raihani, from University College London, said: "The UK government seems to be taking a radically different approach to most other countries and the public have a right to know whether the evidence supporting this approach is strong enough."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:39 Italians sing through coronavirus lockdown
A Department of Health and Social care spokesman said: "Herd immunity is not part of our action plan, but is a natural by-product of an epidemic.
"Our aims are to save lives, protect the most vulnerable, and relieve pressure on our NHS.
"We have now moved out of the contain phase and into delay, and we have experts working round the clock. Every measure that we have or will introduce will be based on the best scientific evidence.
"Our awareness of the likely levels of immunity in the country over the coming months will ensure our planning and response is as accurate and effective as possible."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:19 Trump announces UK and Ireland travel ban
Spain is going into lockdown, and the UK and Ireland are to be added to America's European travel ban at midnight on Monday, eastern standard time (0400 GMT).
In other developments:
Sky News will broadcast a special programme at 6:30pm tonight, with experts answering your questions #AskSkyNews


news--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: New Zealand brings in 'world's toughest border restrictions' to fight outbreak

New Zealand will require everyone arriving in the country to isolate themselves for 14 days in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus .
New Zealand has just six confirmed cases of COVID-19 , the illness caused by the virus .
But Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the new rules , which come in from midnight Sunday local time , will mean New Zealand has the toughest restrictions in the world .
In other developments across the world : • Mass gatherings in the UK will be banned from next week under plans being drawn up by ministers • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of sporting events cancelled • US President Donald Trump has declared the outbreak a national emergency In comments reported by Radio NZ , she said : `` Cabinet made far reaching and unprecedented decisions today because these are unprecedented circumstances .
`` As of midnight Sunday every person entering New Zealand , including returning New Zealand citizens and residents , will be required to enter self isolation for 14 days - everybody . ''
However , she added that there would be an exemption for Pacific islands , with arrivals from that region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show any virus symptoms .
She said : `` This decision will mean New Zealand will have the widest ranging and toughest border restrictions of any country in the world . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The move comes after a similar one from Israel , which has said all arrivals will have to isolate themselves for two weeks .
Ms Ardern added : `` We are also encouraging New Zealanders to avoid all non-essential travel overseas - this helps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bringing COVID-19 in .
`` We do not take these decisions lightly , we know these travel restrictions will place a significant strain on the aviation industry and we anticipate some routes will reduce or cease for a period of time . ''
The measures will be reviewed in 16 days .
New Zealand 's border is already closed to international visitors who have travelled to China or Iran , while people arriving from Italy and South Korea , must go into quarantine for 14 days .
All cruise ships will also be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ships will still be allowed .
There will also be new border exit rules for those travelling to the Pacific , where the health system is not well developed and unlikely to cope with a widespread outbreak .
There will be no travel to the islands for people who have travelled outside of New Zealand in the past 14 days , no travel for close or casual contacts of a confirmed case , no travel for anyone who is a confirmed case , and no travel for anyone who has symptoms .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states to use health screening at their borders to try to tackle the virus 's spread .
One of the worst outbreaks of the disease is in Italy , where there are more than 17,000 confirmed cases , 1,266 deaths , with about 1,400 people having recovered .
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said preliminary checks for signs of infection could be done at borders between the 26 nations that make up the passport-free Schengen Area , but also at the EU 's external borders and within individual countries .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bans and controls being put in place in a number of member states .
`` Certain controls may be justified , but general travel bans are not seen as being the most effective by the World Health Organisation .
Moreover , they have a strong social and economic impact .
They disrupt people 's lives and business across the borders . ''
This has not stopped a number of countries making their own moves .
Poland has closed its borders , denying foreigners entry unless they live in Poland or have personal ties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let in have to be quarantined for 14 days .
It comes after World Health Organisation director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Europe had become the `` epicentre of the pandemic , with more reported cases and deaths than the rest of world combined apart from China '' .
Sky News will broadcast a special coronavirus programme at 6.30pm tonight , with experts answering your questions # AskSkyNews

New Zealand will require everyone arriving in the country to isolate themselves for 14 days in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus.
New Zealand has just six confirmed cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus.
But Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the new rules, which come in from midnight Sunday local time, will mean New Zealand has the toughest restrictions in the world.
In other developments across the world:
Mass gatherings in the UK will be banned from next week under plans being drawn up by ministers
in the UK will be banned from next week under plans being drawn up by ministers The London Marathon is among a number of sporting events cancelled
is among a number of sporting events cancelled US President Donald Trump has declared the outbreak a national emergency
In comments reported by Radio NZ, she said: "Cabinet made far reaching and unprecedented decisions today because these are unprecedented circumstances.
"As of midnight Sunday every person entering New Zealand, including returning New Zealand citizens and residents, will be required to enter self isolation for 14 days - everybody."
However, she added that there would be an exemption for Pacific islands, with arrivals from that region required to isolate themselves only if they show any virus symptoms.
She said: "This decision will mean New Zealand will have the widest ranging and toughest border restrictions of any country in the world."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Advertisement
The move comes after a similar one from Israel, which has said all arrivals will have to isolate themselves for two weeks.
Ms Ardern added: "We are also encouraging New Zealanders to avoid all non-essential travel overseas - this helps reduce the risk of a New Zealander bringing COVID-19 in.
"We do not take these decisions lightly, we know these travel restrictions will place a significant strain on the aviation industry and we anticipate some routes will reduce or cease for a period of time."
The measures will be reviewed in 16 days.
New Zealand's border is already closed to international visitors who have travelled to China or Iran, while people arriving from Italy and South Korea, must go into quarantine for 14 days.
All cruise ships will also be banned until 30 June, although cargo ships will still be allowed.
There will also be new border exit rules for those travelling to the Pacific, where the health system is not well developed and unlikely to cope with a widespread outbreak.
There will be no travel to the islands for people who have travelled outside of New Zealand in the past 14 days, no travel for close or casual contacts of a confirmed case, no travel for anyone who is a confirmed case, and no travel for anyone who has symptoms.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 WHO: Europe is new epicentre of pandemic
Meanwhile, the European Union has urged member states to use health screening at their borders to try to tackle the virus's spread.
One of the worst outbreaks of the disease is in Italy, where there are more than 17,000 confirmed cases, 1,266 deaths, with about 1,400 people having recovered.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said preliminary checks for signs of infection could be done at borders between the 26 nations that make up the passport-free Schengen Area, but also at the EU's external borders and within individual countries.
She added: "We've seen travel bans and controls being put in place in a number of member states.
"Certain controls may be justified, but general travel bans are not seen as being the most effective by the World Health Organisation. Moreover, they have a strong social and economic impact. They disrupt people's lives and business across the borders."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:43 Coronavirus: Do UK measures go far enough?
This has not stopped a number of countries making their own moves.
Poland has closed its borders, denying foreigners entry unless they live in Poland or have personal ties to the country. Those who are let in have to be quarantined for 14 days.
It comes after World Health Organisation director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Europe had become the "epicentre of the pandemic, with more reported cases and deaths than the rest of world combined apart from China".
Sky News will broadcast a special coronavirus programme at 6.30pm tonight, with experts answering your questions #AskSkyNews


news--2020-06-21--'Breeding ground for a pandemic': Dog meat still on sale in China, despite new guidelines

Dogs are still being butchered and sold for meat in markets in Yulin , southern China , despite central government reclassifying them as companions , not livestock .
An NGO ( non-governmental organisation ) has warned the continued trade in dog meat could pose public health risks in the form of novel diseases .
Warning : This article contains pictures of dog carcasses .
Dr Peter Li , China policy specialist at Humane Society International , told Sky News : `` We understand that pandemics are caused by a huge concentration of animals of different species - animals with compromised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dogs are such animals , in great concentration , and with huge psychological and physical problems .
Dog meat is a potential breeding ground for a pandemic . ''
Chinese activists visiting Yulin estimated that 400 dog and 200 cat carcasses were being sold each day this week , ahead of an annual dog meat festival that has taken place since at least 2010 .
Distressing footage provided exclusively to Sky News shows stalls hanging with dog carcasses .
Dogs still alive are kept in a cramped cage next to a butchery table @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs changed its animal classification so that dogs are no longer classed as livestock .
These are only guidelines , not law .
But Shenzhen and Zhuhai , both in southern Guangdong province , became the first cities to ban the sale of dog meat earlier this year .
The guidelines appear to have diminished dog meat sales in Yulin , in neighbouring Guangxi province , even if the trade continues .
Activists said all sales had been consolidated into one market .
Some traders told the activists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shut down closer to the festival , which starts on Sunday .
One slaughterhouse operator told them it was now more difficult to import dogs into Guangxi because of a government crackdown on transporting live animals between provinces .
This year , China banned the trade and consumption of wild animals , in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
The vast majority of Chinese people do not eat dogs .
A survey commissioned by the China Animal Welfare Association in collaboration with Humane Society International in 2017 found 64 % of Chinese people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yulin festival , and 51.7 % think the dog meat trade should be banned entirely .
Dr Li told Sky News : `` In the long run , it is really important that China starts legislating a national law to ban the dog meat industry .
`` Because this industry is supported by a host of illegal and immoral activities against China 's own laws , and for China 's reputation and for the safety of the people , and also for the protection of minors , it must be ended . ''

Dogs are still being butchered and sold for meat in markets in Yulin, southern China, despite central government reclassifying them as companions, not livestock.
An NGO (non-governmental organisation) has warned the continued trade in dog meat could pose public health risks in the form of novel diseases.
Warning: This article contains pictures of dog carcasses.
Image: Activists managed to rescue 10 dogs. Pic: Humane Society International
Dr Peter Li, China policy specialist at Humane Society International, told Sky News: "We understand that pandemics are caused by a huge concentration of animals of different species - animals with compromised immune systems.
"A lot of dogs are such animals, in great concentration, and with huge psychological and physical problems. Dog meat is a potential breeding ground for a pandemic."
Chinese activists visiting Yulin estimated that 400 dog and 200 cat carcasses were being sold each day this week, ahead of an annual dog meat festival that has taken place since at least 2010.
Distressing footage provided exclusively to Sky News shows stalls hanging with dog carcasses. Dogs still alive are kept in a cramped cage next to a butchery table.
Earlier this year, China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs changed its animal classification so that dogs are no longer classed as livestock.
These are only guidelines, not law. But Shenzhen and Zhuhai, both in southern Guangdong province, became the first cities to ban the sale of dog meat earlier this year.
Advertisement
Image: Dogs being held in a cage, close to a butchery table. Pic: Humane Society International
The guidelines appear to have diminished dog meat sales in Yulin, in neighbouring Guangxi province, even if the trade continues.
Activists said all sales had been consolidated into one market. Some traders told the activists they were worried their stalls would be shut down closer to the festival, which starts on Sunday.
One slaughterhouse operator told them it was now more difficult to import dogs into Guangxi because of a government crackdown on transporting live animals between provinces.
Image: Dog meat carcasses hanging up in the market. Pic: Humane Society International
This year, China banned the trade and consumption of wild animals, in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The vast majority of Chinese people do not eat dogs.
A survey commissioned by the China Animal Welfare Association in collaboration with Humane Society International in 2017 found 64% of Chinese people want to see an end to the Yulin festival, and 51.7% think the dog meat trade should be banned entirely.
Image: Activists with a couple of the dogs they saved. Pic: Humane Society International
Dr Li told Sky News: "In the long run, it is really important that China starts legislating a national law to ban the dog meat industry.
"Because this industry is supported by a host of illegal and immoral activities against China's own laws, and for China's reputation and for the safety of the people, and also for the protection of minors, it must be ended."


news--2020-06-23--Former chancellor Javid: Cut national insurance to boost economy

Sajid Javid has called for a cut in national insurance to boost the UK 's recovery from the coronavirus crisis .
The MP and former chancellor has said that early hopes of a V-shaped recovery from the pandemic have `` proved optimistic '' .
As well as killing more than 42,000 people in the UK and almost 470,000 worldwide , the virus has resulted in many thousands of business being closed in an effort to limit its spread .
Millions of people are surviving on the government 's furlough scheme , which pays up to 80 % of a person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Centre for Policy Studies ( CPS ) , a right-leaning thinktank , Mr Javid said a `` significant temporary '' reduction in national insurance would make it cheaper for employers to hire staff .
He said that `` some long-term damage to the economy '' was `` unavoidable '' but ministers must make it easier for businesses to employ people .
The report - After The Virus - says : `` If we want to support and stimulate employment , then axiomatically the best option is to cut the payroll tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tax employment less , and all other things being equal you will end up with more of it . ''
Other recommendations made in the report include temporarily cutting VAT and bringing forward `` shovel ready '' infrastructure projects , with Mr Javid arguing that the `` only way out of this crisis is growth '' .
Mr Javid , a Conservative MP , joins former Labour chancellor Alistair Darling in calling for an emergency VAT cut to boost consumer spending .
Robert Colvile , CPS director , said : `` This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private sector with the incentives and flexibility to invest and create jobs , empowered by an infrastructure revolution . ''

Sajid Javid has called for a cut in national insurance to boost the UK's recovery from the coronavirus crisis.
The MP and former chancellor has said that early hopes of a V-shaped recovery from the pandemic have "proved optimistic".
As well as killing more than 42,000 people in the UK and almost 470,000 worldwide, the virus has resulted in many thousands of business being closed in an effort to limit its spread.
Millions of people are surviving on the government's furlough scheme, which pays up to 80% of a person's wage.
In a joint report with the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS), a right-leaning thinktank, Mr Javid said a "significant temporary" reduction in national insurance would make it cheaper for employers to hire staff.
He said that "some long-term damage to the economy" was "unavoidable" but ministers must make it easier for businesses to employ people.
The report - After The Virus - says: "If we want to support and stimulate employment, then axiomatically the best option is to cut the payroll tax - employer's National Insurance.
"Tax employment less, and all other things being equal you will end up with more of it."
Other recommendations made in the report include temporarily cutting VAT and bringing forward "shovel ready" infrastructure projects, with Mr Javid arguing that the "only way out of this crisis is growth".
Advertisement
Mr Javid, a Conservative MP, joins former Labour chancellor Alistair Darling in calling for an emergency VAT cut to boost consumer spending.
Robert Colvile, CPS director, said: "This is a vision for growth driven by a private sector with the incentives and flexibility to invest and create jobs, empowered by an infrastructure revolution."


news--2020-06-23--JD Sports buys back Go Outdoors after pushing it into administration

JD Sports has bought back its Go Outdoors chain for £56.5m after putting it into administration .
The move will `` preserve as many jobs as possible '' , JD Sports said , with a major restructuring plan aimed at retaining the `` majority '' of stores .
Go Outdoors sells camping , fishing and cycling equipment and employs about 2,400 staff .
On Saturday , Sky News had exclusively revealed that Go Outdoors was on the brink of administration - four years after retail giant JD Sports Fashion first bought it for £100m .
Sky 's City editor Mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use an insolvency process to restructure the chain , which trades from 67 shops .
Manchester-based JD Sports , which has a market value of £6.3bn , was said to be keen to retain control of a slimmed-down Go Outdoors .
On Tuesday evening , JD Sports confirmed it had hired administrators from Deloitte .
Options for Go Outdoors included a sale , but JD Sports said the business had a potential future within the wider group `` if fundamentally restructured '' .
Existing staff will be transferred as part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peter Cowgill , executive chairman of JD Sports , said : `` As a consequence of COVID-19 , Go Outdoors was no longer viable as previously structured and would have absorbed capital at an unsustainable rate for the foreseeable future .
`` Having investigated all available options for the business , we firmly believe that this restructuring will provide Go Outdoors with a platform from which it can progress whilst remaining a member of the group .
`` Most importantly , we are pleased that it will protect the maximum number of jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administrator , said : `` Like many high street retailers , Go Outdoors Ltd has been seeking to address a number of underlying business challenges in the current UK retail environment , which have been exacerbated by the impact of COVID-19 .
`` This successful sale will provide Go Outdoors with an opportunity to restructure its business to secure its future for the long term .
`` I 'm particularly pleased that we have been able to secure the employment of all the company 's workforce , and we 'd like to thank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support throughout this process . ''

JD Sports has bought back its Go Outdoors chain for £56.5m after putting it into administration.
The move will "preserve as many jobs as possible", JD Sports said, with a major restructuring plan aimed at retaining the "majority" of stores.
Go Outdoors sells camping, fishing and cycling equipment and employs about 2,400 staff.
On Saturday, Sky News had exclusively revealed that Go Outdoors was on the brink of administration - four years after retail giant JD Sports Fashion first bought it for £100m.
Sky's City editor Mark Kleinman said then that JD was expected to use an insolvency process to restructure the chain, which trades from 67 shops.
Manchester-based JD Sports, which has a market value of £6.3bn, was said to be keen to retain control of a slimmed-down Go Outdoors.
On Tuesday evening, JD Sports confirmed it had hired administrators from Deloitte.
Options for Go Outdoors included a sale, but JD Sports said the business had a potential future within the wider group "if fundamentally restructured".
Existing staff will be transferred as part of the pre-pack administration sale, they added.
Advertisement
Image: Existing staff will be transferred as part of the pre-pack administration sale
Peter Cowgill, executive chairman of JD Sports, said: "As a consequence of COVID-19, Go Outdoors was no longer viable as previously structured and would have absorbed capital at an unsustainable rate for the foreseeable future.
"Having investigated all available options for the business, we firmly believe that this restructuring will provide Go Outdoors with a platform from which it can progress whilst remaining a member of the group.
"Most importantly, we are pleased that it will protect the maximum number of jobs possible."
Michael Magnay, joint administrator, said: "Like many high street retailers, Go Outdoors Ltd has been seeking to address a number of underlying business challenges in the current UK retail environment, which have been exacerbated by the impact of COVID-19.
"This successful sale will provide Go Outdoors with an opportunity to restructure its business to secure its future for the long term.
"I'm particularly pleased that we have been able to secure the employment of all the company's workforce, and we'd like to thank all employees and key stakeholders for their support throughout this process."


news--2020-06-23--Coronavirus: The highs and lows of the daily Downing Street briefings

So , farewell then , Downing Street daily coronavirus news conferences .
We 'll miss you .
For more than three months , they guided a nervous nation through a crisis .
Until this year , daily news briefings only occurred when the nation has been at war .
There were 92 in all - not quite a century - peppered with highlights and lowlights , drama and gaffes .
There were bold - rash , even - promises by ministers and allegations of dodgy statistics .
But throughout the spring they have been part of our daily lives and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And for loyal devotees - and they certainly boosted TV viewing figures - they will be much lamented .
Back in March , before the prime minister announced the lockdown , journalists attended these news conferences inside Number 10 , but since April they were conducted - not always successfully - using video technology .
They were held seven days a week until early June , when the 4pm weekend briefings were scrapped , because - according to 10 Downing Street - viewing figures were `` significantly lower '' .
Shame !
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was hosted by Boris Johnson , flanked by England 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty , and the government 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance .
Over the months that followed , these previously unknown backroom figures became household names .
The nation even fell in love - a little bit - with their geeky , nerdy slides .
The Johnson/ Vallance/ Whitty trio was immediately labelled `` Boris and the boffins '' and fittingly appeared together for a comeback gig - the old band put back together - for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them `` the three amigos '' .
`` We 're going to be winding down the rhythm , '' said the prime minister , nostalgically , announcing the demise of our daily ritual , before praising the `` heroic work '' of his two sidekicks .
No doubt their mood will be one of relief , rather than disappointment , however .
Why are the briefings being axed ?
One answer was the evident lack of enthusiasm in the final news conference from Messrs Vallance and Whitty for the prime minister 's lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two-metre rule .
In recent weeks , there has been a noticeable coolness - if not a growing rift - between the experts and the politicians , as the government faced accusations that its strategy was governed by the politics rather than the scientific advice .
The rift can be traced back to the furore over the prime minster 's chief aide Dominic Cummings ' notorious visit to Durham and his drive to Barnard Castle to `` test his eyesight '' , revealed during the bank holiday weekend at the end of May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalists attempted to quiz Sir Patrick and Professor Whitty about Mr Cummings the prime minister blocked questions .
Not a good look .
Two days earlier , on the day Mr Cummings staged his own remarkable non-apology in the Downing Street garden , the pair were seen walking into Number 10 and then leaving before the prime minister 's news conference .
The obvious conclusion , never denied , was that they had told the prime minister they would not defend Mr Cummings ' actions if questioned about them .
There were also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ruth May , was stood down from appearing at a briefing after she too refused to support Mr Cummings ' trip to his parents ' farm in County Durham .
After 92 news conferences , the final league table of appearances by senior government figures is fairly predictable .
The Health Secretary Matt Hancock came top with 24 , followed by the prime minister on 16 .
Then came Dominic Raab , who stood in for the PM during his illness , on 12 ; Rishi Sunak and Robert Jenrick on seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six ; Michael Gove and George Eustice on four and Priti Patel , Gavin Williamson and Oliver Dowden on three .
Among the experts , described by critics at times as a human shield protecting the politicians , NHS England 's Stephen Powis appeared 22 times ; Sir Patrick 21 times ; Professor Whitty and one of his deputies Jenny Harries 18 times and his other deputy Jonathan Van-Tam nine times .
Other medics and scientists regularly appearing alongside ministers were the government 's testing czar John Newton with ten appearances ; Yvonne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and scientific adviser Angela Maclean with seven .
There were claims , too , that the two deputy chief medical officers , Dr Harries and Professor Van-Tam , were gagged after they criticised Mr Cummings .
The flamboyant and plain-speaking professor , who wore garish pinstripe suits and brightly-coloured ties , failed to appear after he slapped down the primer minister 's courtier on 30 May .
Dr Harries was absent for three weeks after she spoke out .
Memorable moments over the past three months include the prime minister 's chilling warning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March when he said : `` I must level with the British public .
Many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time . ''
Throughout his 24 appearances , there has been the irrepressible optimism of Matt Hancock , in spite of a succession of government blunders and missed targets on testing , apps and PPE .
Eventually Mr Hancock was rapped over the knuckles by the boss of the UK Statistics Authority for his misleading daily testing figures .
There was the accident-prone Robert Jenrick - now up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second-home allegations over his Herefordshire mansion - and his boast that 400,000 PPE gowns were arriving from Turkey the next day .
They did arrive , eventually , but were later found to be useless anyway .
But the award for the gaffe - or implausible statement - of the 92 news conferences has to go the prime minister for his claim after his U-turn on footballer Marcus Rashford 's free school meals campaign last week that he was unaware of it until earlier that day .
Really ?
The England striker launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PM 's spokesman was questioned on it the day before the U-turn and insisted there would be no U-turn .
So what now ?
`` I ca n't wait to go to a pub or a restaurant , even if it may not be compatible with the new diet that I 'm on , '' said Mr Johnson in reply to one of the final questions .
They may not have been perfect , but these 92 news conferences served up a daily diet of news .

Sky News' chief political correspondent takes a look back at the news conferences that became a staple of TV viewing.
So, farewell then, Downing Street daily coronavirus news conferences. We'll miss you.
For more than three months, they guided a nervous nation through a crisis. Until this year, daily news briefings only occurred when the nation has been at war.
There were 92 in all - not quite a century - peppered with highlights and lowlights, drama and gaffes. There were bold - rash, even - promises by ministers and allegations of dodgy statistics.
Image: Boris Johnson put in 16 appearances
But throughout the spring they have been part of our daily lives and essential teatime TV viewing at 5pm. And for loyal devotees - and they certainly boosted TV viewing figures - they will be much lamented.
Back in March, before the prime minister announced the lockdown, journalists attended these news conferences inside Number 10, but since April they were conducted - not always successfully - using video technology.
Image: Journalists were initially allowed to attend - before having to ask questions virtually
They were held seven days a week until early June, when the 4pm weekend briefings were scrapped, because - according to 10 Downing Street - viewing figures were "significantly lower". Shame!
The first daily briefing, on 16 March, was hosted by Boris Johnson, flanked by England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty, and the government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance.
Over the months that followed, these previously unknown backroom figures became household names. The nation even fell in love - a little bit - with their geeky, nerdy slides.
The Johnson/ Vallance/ Whitty trio was immediately labelled "Boris and the boffins" and fittingly appeared together for a comeback gig - the old band put back together - for the final briefing. Some even called them "the three amigos".
Advertisement
Image: Prof Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance were regular faces at the briefings
"We're going to be winding down the rhythm," said the prime minister, nostalgically, announcing the demise of our daily ritual, before praising the "heroic work" of his two sidekicks. No doubt their mood will be one of relief, rather than disappointment, however.
Why are the briefings being axed? One answer was the evident lack of enthusiasm in the final news conference from Messrs Vallance and Whitty for the prime minister's lockdown changes, particularly the scrapping of the two-metre rule.
In recent weeks, there has been a noticeable coolness - if not a growing rift - between the experts and the politicians, as the government faced accusations that its strategy was governed by the politics rather than the scientific advice.
The rift can be traced back to the furore over the prime minster's chief aide Dominic Cummings' notorious visit to Durham and his drive to Barnard Castle to "test his eyesight", revealed during the bank holiday weekend at the end of May.
At one news conference, when journalists attempted to quiz Sir Patrick and Professor Whitty about Mr Cummings the prime minister blocked questions. Not a good look.
Two days earlier, on the day Mr Cummings staged his own remarkable non-apology in the Downing Street garden, the pair were seen walking into Number 10 and then leaving before the prime minister's news conference.
The obvious conclusion, never denied, was that they had told the prime minister they would not defend Mr Cummings' actions if questioned about them.
There were also reports that England's chief nursing officer, Ruth May, was stood down from appearing at a briefing after she too refused to support Mr Cummings' trip to his parents' farm in County Durham.
After 92 news conferences, the final league table of appearances by senior government figures is fairly predictable. The Health Secretary Matt Hancock came top with 24, followed by the prime minister on 16.
Image: Matt Hancock appeared the most times
Then came Dominic Raab, who stood in for the PM during his illness, on 12; Rishi Sunak and Robert Jenrick on seven; Alok Sharma and Grant Shapps on six; Michael Gove and George Eustice on four and Priti Patel, Gavin Williamson and Oliver Dowden on three.
Among the experts, described by critics at times as a human shield protecting the politicians, NHS England's Stephen Powis appeared 22 times; Sir Patrick 21 times; Professor Whitty and one of his deputies Jenny Harries 18 times and his other deputy Jonathan Van-Tam nine times.
Other medics and scientists regularly appearing alongside ministers were the government's testing czar John Newton with ten appearances; Yvonne Doyle of Public Health England with eight and scientific adviser Angela Maclean with seven.
There were claims, too, that the two deputy chief medical officers, Dr Harries and Professor Van-Tam, were gagged after they criticised Mr Cummings.
The flamboyant and plain-speaking professor, who wore garish pinstripe suits and brightly-coloured ties, failed to appear after he slapped down the primer minister's courtier on 30 May. Dr Harries was absent for three weeks after she spoke out.
Memorable moments over the past three months include the prime minister's chilling warning at a very early news conference in March when he said: "I must level with the British public. Many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time."
Image: The trio of faces appeared for one last reunion at the last daily briefing
Throughout his 24 appearances, there has been the irrepressible optimism of Matt Hancock, in spite of a succession of government blunders and missed targets on testing, apps and PPE.
Eventually Mr Hancock was rapped over the knuckles by the boss of the UK Statistics Authority for his misleading daily testing figures.
There was the accident-prone Robert Jenrick - now up to his neck in planning rows and second-home allegations over his Herefordshire mansion - and his boast that 400,000 PPE gowns were arriving from Turkey the next day. They did arrive, eventually, but were later found to be useless anyway.
But the award for the gaffe - or implausible statement - of the 92 news conferences has to go the prime minister for his claim after his U-turn on footballer Marcus Rashford's free school meals campaign last week that he was unaware of it until earlier that day.
Really? The England striker launched his campaign in early June and the PM's spokesman was questioned on it the day before the U-turn and insisted there would be no U-turn.
So what now? "I can't wait to go to a pub or a restaurant, even if it may not be compatible with the new diet that I'm on," said Mr Johnson in reply to one of the final questions.
They may not have been perfect, but these 92 news conferences served up a daily diet of news.


news--2020-06-23--Coronavirus: Car industry warns one in six jobs at risk

Britain 's car industry is calling for a package of support measures including VAT cuts as it claims one in six jobs in the sector are at risk due to the coronavirus crisis .
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders ( SMMT ) said that with a third of workers still furloughed - and government subsidies for those temporarily laid off due to end in the autumn - there is a `` critical need '' for help .
More than 6,000 job cuts have been announced in the sector in June , the SMMT said .
Factories shut down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though some have now reopened , many are operating at reduced output , while some remain shut .
A combination of reduced demand and social distancing are slowing productivity , the SMMT said .
The trade body 's latest survey suggested up to one in six jobs in the industry - which employs nearly a million people including 168,000 in manufacturing - are at risk .
It expects car and van volumes to fall by a third to 920,000 this year .
In April , the number of cars made in Britain fell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level since the Second World War .
Figures from the CBI this week showed car making was among the worst hit industries as manufacturing suffered a record decline in the three months to June .
The SMMT is calling for measures including `` unfettered access to emergency funding , permanent short-time working , business rate holidays , VAT cuts and policies that boost consumer confidence '' .
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said support from the government - which is currently paying 80 % of the salaries of furloughed workers under its job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
`` But the job is n't done yet .
Just as we have seen in other countries , we need a package of support to restart , to build demand , volumes and growth , '' he said The sector , Britain 's biggest exporter of goods , is also worried trading terms with the European Union could worsen after a Brexit transition period finishes at the end of 2020 .
`` A 'no deal ' scenario would severely damage these prospects and could see volumes falling below 850,000 by 2025 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the SMMT said .

Britain's car industry is calling for a package of support measures including VAT cuts as it claims one in six jobs in the sector are at risk due to the coronavirus crisis.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said that with a third of workers still furloughed - and government subsidies for those temporarily laid off due to end in the autumn - there is a "critical need" for help.
More than 6,000 job cuts have been announced in the sector in June, the SMMT said.
Factories shut down in March as the lockdown began and though some have now reopened, many are operating at reduced output, while some remain shut.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:49 Painful decisions for employers to come
A combination of reduced demand and social distancing are slowing productivity, the SMMT said.
The trade body's latest survey suggested up to one in six jobs in the industry - which employs nearly a million people including 168,000 in manufacturing - are at risk.
It expects car and van volumes to fall by a third to 920,000 this year.
In April, the number of cars made in Britain fell by 99.7% - hitting its lowest level since the Second World War.
Figures from the CBI this week showed car making was among the worst hit industries as manufacturing suffered a record decline in the three months to June.
Advertisement
The SMMT is calling for measures including "unfettered access to emergency funding, permanent short-time working, business rate holidays, VAT cuts and policies that boost consumer confidence".
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said support from the government - which is currently paying 80% of the salaries of furloughed workers under its job retention scheme - has been "unprecedented".
"But the job isn't done yet. Just as we have seen in other countries, we need a package of support to restart, to build demand, volumes and growth," he said
The sector, Britain's biggest exporter of goods, is also worried trading terms with the European Union could worsen after a Brexit transition period finishes at the end of 2020.
"A 'no deal' scenario would severely damage these prospects and could see volumes falling below 850,000 by 2025 - the lowest level since 1953," the SMMT said.


news--2020-06-23--Watchdog gives Amazon fresh hope over Deliveroo investment

The competition watchdog is on the verge of reissuing a provisional green light for Amazon to acquire a big stake in Deliveroo - but on a different basis to that which it gave just two months ago .
Sky News has learnt that the Competition and Markets Authority ( CMA ) is expected to announce as soon as Tuesday afternoon that it is minded to approve a deal - announced more than a year ago - for the world 's biggest online retailer to buy a 16 % stake in one of the UK 's most popular restaurant delivery apps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it had concluded that the nature of the shareholding , which would include a seat on the Deliveroo board but would not entail superior voting rights to any other shareholder-director , meant that blocking the deal would not be justified .
The decision is a preliminary one , and could still be overturned by the regulator ahead of a final decision due to be made in August .
Nevertheless , the basis on which the provisional approval is being granted will raise questions about the CMA 's decision-making .
In April , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led to a deterioration in Deliveroo 's finances , to the extent that it could face collapse if the investment from Amazon was not approved .
`` The CMA ... has provisionally concluded that Deliveroo 's exit from the market would be inevitable without access to significant additional funding , which the CMA considers that only Amazon would be willing and able to provide at this time , '' it said at the time .
`` While securing additional funding from other sources may have been possible before the coronavirus outbreak , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finance for early stage businesses such as Deliveroo .
`` The CMA currently considers that the imminent exit of Deliveroo would be worse for competition than allowing the Amazon investment to proceed and has therefore provisionally found that the deal should be cleared . ''
The source said that the watchdog no longer believed that the `` failing firm '' defence was valid , but that its consideration of the investment purely on competition grounds had led it to the same conclusion .
The CMA is now understood to have decided that allowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either the restaurant delivery sector or in grocery deliveries , where Deliveroo has been expanding its presence during the COVID-19 pandemic .
One competition expert said the CMA 's revised rationale for provisionally approving the deal appeared `` strange '' .
`` If the investment has been for a 16 % stake all along , then why had it not been approved on the same basis previously ?
, '' they said .
The CMA had previously argued that by allowing Amazon to lead a $ 575m ( £440m ) fundraising by Deliveroo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the possibility of the internet behemoth returning to a market it exited several years ago .
Deliveroo handles orders for food from chains such as Byron , Pizza Express and Wagamama , and since the coronavirus outbreak has struck partnerships with food retailers such as Marks & Spencer .
In a joint submission earlier this year , the two companies argued that Amazon 's grocery delivery service competes with those of Sainsbury 's and Tesco , while Deliveroo 's is more akin to that of Uber Eats .
They also disputed the CMA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ material influence '' over Deliveroo by virtue of its planned investment , which would equate to an undisclosed minority stake in the British business .
The CMA and Deliveroo declined to comment , while Amazon could not be reached for comment .

The competition watchdog is on the verge of reissuing a provisional green light for Amazon to acquire a big stake in Deliveroo - but on a different basis to that which it gave just two months ago.
Sky News has learnt that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is expected to announce as soon as Tuesday afternoon that it is minded to approve a deal - announced more than a year ago - for the world's biggest online retailer to buy a 16% stake in one of the UK's most popular restaurant delivery apps.
A source close to the CMA said it had concluded that the nature of the shareholding, which would include a seat on the Deliveroo board but would not entail superior voting rights to any other shareholder-director, meant that blocking the deal would not be justified.
The decision is a preliminary one, and could still be overturned by the regulator ahead of a final decision due to be made in August.
Nevertheless, the basis on which the provisional approval is being granted will raise questions about the CMA's decision-making.
In April, it said that the coronavirus pandemic had led to a deterioration in Deliveroo's finances, to the extent that it could face collapse if the investment from Amazon was not approved.
"The CMA... has provisionally concluded that Deliveroo's exit from the market would be inevitable without access to significant additional funding, which the CMA considers that only Amazon would be willing and able to provide at this time," it said at the time.
"While securing additional funding from other sources may have been possible before the coronavirus outbreak, the pandemic has severely limited the availability of finance for early stage businesses such as Deliveroo.
"The CMA currently considers that the imminent exit of Deliveroo would be worse for competition than allowing the Amazon investment to proceed and has therefore provisionally found that the deal should be cleared."
Advertisement
Image: Amazon is the world's biggest online retailer
The source said that the watchdog no longer believed that the "failing firm" defence was valid, but that its consideration of the investment purely on competition grounds had led it to the same conclusion.
The CMA is now understood to have decided that allowing the investment would not damage competition in either the restaurant delivery sector or in grocery deliveries, where Deliveroo has been expanding its presence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
One competition expert said the CMA's revised rationale for provisionally approving the deal appeared "strange".
"If the investment has been for a 16% stake all along, then why had it not been approved on the same basis previously?," they said.
The CMA had previously argued that by allowing Amazon to lead a $575m (£440m) fundraising by Deliveroo, it could diminish competition by removing the possibility of the internet behemoth returning to a market it exited several years ago.
Deliveroo handles orders for food from chains such as Byron, Pizza Express and Wagamama, and since the coronavirus outbreak has struck partnerships with food retailers such as Marks & Spencer.
In a joint submission earlier this year, the two companies argued that Amazon's grocery delivery service competes with those of Sainsbury's and Tesco, while Deliveroo's is more akin to that of Uber Eats.
They also disputed the CMA's suggestion that Amazon would exert "material influence" over Deliveroo by virtue of its planned investment, which would equate to an undisclosed minority stake in the British business.
The CMA and Deliveroo declined to comment, while Amazon could not be reached for comment.


news--2020-06-23--Trump administration's reputation among traders takes a hit after adviser's bombshell TV appearance

When is a trade deal `` over '' ?
That was the key question during an extraordinary few hours in which a key adviser to US President Donald Trump managed to sow confusion on Wall Street in a way seldom seen .
The saga began on Monday evening when Peter Navarro , Mr Trump 's chief trade adviser , gave an interview to Fox News .
During the interview , Mr Navarro criticised China 's government for its handling of COVID-19 , prompting Martha MacCallum , the anchor , to ask whether the trade deal that China and the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replied : `` It 's over .
Yes .
I think that - here is , I think , the turning point .
They [ the Chinese trade negotiators ] came here on 15 January to sign that trade deal .
And that was a full two months after they knew the virus was out and about .
It was at a time when they had already sent hundreds of thousands of people to this country to spread that virus .
`` And it was just minutes after wheels up , when that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hear about this pandemic .
`` And I think everybody here inside their perimeter and around this country now understands that China lied , Americans died . ''
His comments immediately sent US stock futures prices sharply lower - US equity markets had closed for the day - with the Dow Jones future pointing to a fall of 400 points .
The yield on US Treasuries fell as investors reached for a traditional safe haven .
Elsewhere , the Chinese yuan wobbled against the US dollar , while stocks in Shanghai were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prices fell included copper and crude oil - two key barometers of economic activity .
The shocked reaction of investors immediately sparked what Dow Jones Newswires described as a `` scramble '' in the White House .
Senior Trump administration officials , including Larry Kudlow , director of the president 's National Economic Council , were quickly wheeled out to tell reporters that the agreement had not been scrapped .
Mr Navarro issued a statement to the media in which he said : `` My comments have been taken wildly out of context @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do with the phase one trade deal , which remains in place .
I was simply speaking to the lack of trust we now have of the Chinese Communist Party after they lied about the origins of the China virus and foisted a pandemic upon the world . ''
Meanwhile , Mr Trump reached for his favourite communications medium , tweeting : `` The China trade deal is fully intact .
Hopefully they will continue to live up to the terms of the agreement ! ''
His message poured oil on troubled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ session went on , equity markets recovered .
Most Asian stock indices closed higher with the Hang Seng in Hong Kong swinging in one of the biggest ranges in its history .
The episode nonetheless has not helped the Trump administration 's reputation among investors .
Peter Cardillo , chief market economist at broker and wealth manager Spartan Capital , told clients in his daily note : `` It appears this administration is ever so confused as the president says one thing and [ his ] trade adviser says another .
`` These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ round of unsettled markets in spite of the Fed 's printing presses working at full speed . ''
And Kenny Tang Sing-hing , chief executive of the fund manager China Hong Kong Capital Asset Management , told the South China Morning Post : `` US-China trade tensions will continue to roil the markets this year…there will continue to be some noise . ''
While the US-China trade deal lives on , though , the episode is also a pointer to the volatility that can be expected ahead of this autumn 's US presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Japanese bank MUFG , said : `` Last night 's price action does highlight that the foreign exchange market remains sensitive to trade policy uncertainty .
It remains a potential trigger for higher volatility . ''
Moreover , the two are deeply interconnected , with many political economists believing that Mr Trump needs a trade deal with the Chinese to help him secure victory in November - a view given more credence by the recent revelations from John Bolton , Mr Trump 's former national security adviser , that the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's president , to win re-election .
So , as the election draws closer , investors will be watching closely for signs that a deal is more or less likely .
And mixed messaging from the administration is likely to trigger more upheaval .

When is a trade deal "over"?
That was the key question during an extraordinary few hours in which a key adviser to US President Donald Trump managed to sow confusion on Wall Street in a way seldom seen.
The saga began on Monday evening when Peter Navarro, Mr Trump's chief trade adviser, gave an interview to Fox News.
Image: Peter Navarro is Donald Trump's chief trade adviser
During the interview, Mr Navarro criticised China's government for its handling of COVID-19, prompting Martha MacCallum, the anchor, to ask whether the trade deal that China and the US have been negotiating was over.
He replied: "It's over. Yes. I think that - here is, I think, the turning point. They [the Chinese trade negotiators] came here on 15 January to sign that trade deal. And that was a full two months after they knew the virus was out and about. It was at a time when they had already sent hundreds of thousands of people to this country to spread that virus.
"And it was just minutes after wheels up, when that plane took off, that we began to hear about this pandemic.
"And I think everybody here inside their perimeter and around this country now understands that China lied, Americans died."
His comments immediately sent US stock futures prices sharply lower - US equity markets had closed for the day - with the Dow Jones future pointing to a fall of 400 points. The yield on US Treasuries fell as investors reached for a traditional safe haven. Elsewhere, the Chinese yuan wobbled against the US dollar, while stocks in Shanghai were also sent lower. Other assets whose prices fell included copper and crude oil - two key barometers of economic activity.
The shocked reaction of investors immediately sparked what Dow Jones Newswires described as a "scramble" in the White House.
Advertisement
Image: US President Donald Trump has been accused of seeking China's help in winning the next election
Senior Trump administration officials, including Larry Kudlow, director of the president's National Economic Council, were quickly wheeled out to tell reporters that the agreement had not been scrapped.
Mr Navarro issued a statement to the media in which he said: "My comments have been taken wildly out of context.
"They had nothing at all to do with the phase one trade deal, which remains in place. I was simply speaking to the lack of trust we now have of the Chinese Communist Party after they lied about the origins of the China virus and foisted a pandemic upon the world."
Meanwhile, Mr Trump reached for his favourite communications medium, tweeting: "The China trade deal is fully intact. Hopefully they will continue to live up to the terms of the agreement!"
His message poured oil on troubled waters and, as the Asian trading session went on, equity markets recovered. Most Asian stock indices closed higher with the Hang Seng in Hong Kong swinging in one of the biggest ranges in its history.
The episode nonetheless has not helped the Trump administration's reputation among investors.
Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at broker and wealth manager Spartan Capital, told clients in his daily note: "It appears this administration is ever so confused as the president says one thing and [his] trade adviser says another.
"These types of uncertainties could lead to another round of unsettled markets in spite of the Fed's printing presses working at full speed."
Image: The Chinese yuan wobbled against the US dollar following Mr Navarro's interview
And Kenny Tang Sing-hing, chief executive of the fund manager China Hong Kong Capital Asset Management, told the South China Morning Post: "US-China trade tensions will continue to roil the markets this year…there will continue to be some noise."
While the US-China trade deal lives on, though, the episode is also a pointer to the volatility that can be expected ahead of this autumn's US presidential election.
Lee Harman, currency analyst at the Japanese bank MUFG, said: "Last night's price action does highlight that the foreign exchange market remains sensitive to trade policy uncertainty. It remains a potential trigger for higher volatility."
Moreover, the two are deeply interconnected, with many political economists believing that Mr Trump needs a trade deal with the Chinese to help him secure victory in November - a view given more credence by the recent revelations from John Bolton, Mr Trump's former national security adviser, that the president sought help from Xi Jinping, China's president, to win re-election.
So, as the election draws closer, investors will be watching closely for signs that a deal is more or less likely. And mixed messaging from the administration is likely to trigger more upheaval.


news--2020-06-19--Farmers call for green trade policy to help tackle climate change

The government should be pursuing a green trade policy in the wake of COVID-19 and Brexit , if it is serious about tackling climate change , according to the National Farmers ' Union .
The union 's deputy president Stuart Roberts told Sky News that the green recovery being called for must include trade deals with countries pursuing similar net zero goals .
Farmers have pledged to be net zero by 2040 and the UK has said it wants the country as a whole to reach the same target by 2050 .
`` The biggest thing for me is what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we still do n't know , '' said Mr Roberts , who is a cattle , sheep and cereal farmer .
`` We have some of the highest standards and climate-friendly farming in the world and we want to go further , but that would be pointless if we end up doing trade deals with other parts of the world who do n't share those same values , whether those values be around animal welfare or climate change - all those things that under-pin green recovery .
`` For me it 's fairly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ import products into this country that do n't meet our standards .
`` Whether that be around how we use water , whether that be around how we manage our soils , whether that be around the aspiration we have to be net zero as an agricultural economy and actually I think we can use trade policy as a really positive influence on the rest of the world . ''
Mr Roberts says he took a picture on a trip to California which illustrates his views .
In the middle of the desert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ irrigated land where grapes , citrus fruit and almonds were being grown .
He said : `` The land was n't working in harmony with the environment using precious water in an area that does n't have sufficient water supply to produce these crops .
I can only see this becoming more of a challenge because those places that are short of water will get drier . ''
June has seen a huge amount of rainfall and comes hot on the heels of extreme weather at the other end of the spectrum .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ And that followed the wettest February ever .
: : A New Climate is a series of special podcasts from the Sky News Daily .
Listen on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Roberts says farmers are investing in measures to tackle climate change and for him that 's meant a large project to build a new cattle shed and grain store with a roof that will capture half a million litres of rain water a year .
When it 's finished , he says his farm wo n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for any of its farming operations .
The project will also improve the genetics of his cattle which will mean a lower carbon footprint of red meat .
He said : `` You look at every climate change projection and the water resource on the planet will become more and more precious and that for me is a competitive advantage for UK agriculture .
`` If we can capture that water , if we can invest in water , if we can store it and move it , then actually I think we @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The government should be pursuing a green trade policy in the wake of COVID-19 and Brexit, if it is serious about tackling climate change, according to the National Farmers' Union.
The union's deputy president Stuart Roberts told Sky News that the green recovery being called for must include trade deals with countries pursuing similar net zero goals.
Farmers have pledged to be net zero by 2040 and the UK has said it wants the country as a whole to reach the same target by 2050.
Image: Mr Roberts, deputy president of the NFU, at his Hertfordshire farm
"The biggest thing for me is what trade deals we end up doing... we still don't know," said Mr Roberts, who is a cattle, sheep and cereal farmer.
"We have some of the highest standards and climate-friendly farming in the world and we want to go further, but that would be pointless if we end up doing trade deals with other parts of the world who don't share those same values, whether those values be around animal welfare or climate change - all those things that under-pin green recovery.
"For me it's fairly straightforward. I think we don't import products into this country that don't meet our standards.
"Whether that be around how we use water, whether that be around how we manage our soils, whether that be around the aspiration we have to be net zero as an agricultural economy and actually I think we can use trade policy as a really positive influence on the rest of the world."
Mr Roberts says he took a picture on a trip to California which illustrates his views. In the middle of the desert was a stretch of green, highly irrigated land where grapes, citrus fruit and almonds were being grown.
He said: "The land wasn't working in harmony with the environment using precious water in an area that doesn't have sufficient water supply to produce these crops. I can only see this becoming more of a challenge because those places that are short of water will get drier."
Advertisement
Image: A patch of green land in the middle of California inspired Stuart Roberts
June has seen a huge amount of rainfall and comes hot on the heels of extreme weather at the other end of the spectrum.
May was the driest on record. And that followed the wettest February ever.
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
:: A New Climate is a series of special podcasts from the Sky News Daily. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Roberts says farmers are investing in measures to tackle climate change and for him that's meant a large project to build a new cattle shed and grain store with a roof that will capture half a million litres of rain water a year.
When it's finished, he says his farm won't need a single drop of blue water for any of its farming operations.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:32 May: CO2 emissions have fallen dramatically
The project will also improve the genetics of his cattle which will mean a lower carbon footprint of red meat.
He said: "You look at every climate change projection and the water resource on the planet will become more and more precious and that for me is a competitive advantage for UK agriculture.
"If we can capture that water, if we can invest in water, if we can store it and move it, then actually I think we've got this huge potential."