news--2020-06-10--Coronavirus: Public loses faith as the road map out of lockdown is constantly redrawn

A woman in a mask walks past a satirical poster depicting Boris Johnson as former British prime minister Neville Chamberlain delivering his “ Peace for Our Time ” speech A nation in fear of a terrible disease , traumatised by tens of thousands of deaths but anxious too about what this lockdown would mean for their livelihoods and their future : Boris Johnson knew the scale of the task he faced when he told the public he had a `` road map '' to both `` beat the virus '' and `` re-open society '' The 50-page strategy document the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give us all clear signposting and staging on our journey towards a 'new normal ' of living with COVID-19 .
Loosening the lockdown was predicated on five tests - from protecting the NHS to seeing a sustained fall in the death rate .
At the heart of the public messaging was a commitment to keeping the reproduction number R below one and a new COVID Alert Level System to inform the speed of lockdown lifting .
And yet we find ourselves a month later easing the lockdown against the backdrop of an R @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May ( at 0.7-0.9 ) across the country , and potentially above one in the North West , according to data published by Public Health England and Cambridge university .
The COVID Alert Level is still at 4 , and yet Mr Johnson is sticking to his plan to re-open retail outlets from 15 June and the wider hospitality industry from 4 July .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ministers point to the sustained fall in death rates and confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abeyance .
But there are some scientists - and politicians - who worry that ministers are potentially lifting the lockdown too early and risking a resurgence of infections as the looming economic crash comes into view .
Health secretary Matt Hancock insisted `` there just is n't a trade off '' when I put that argument to him at the daily briefing on Monday : `` If we do n't have control of this virus then the economy will suffer yet more .
It is just simplistic to say that there is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` A second spike would be hugely damaging to the economy .
Of course , there are arguments over timing .
But.. things are moving in the right direction , that is why we are able to say that coronavirus is in retreat . ''
There are those in Mr Hancock 's party who are not so sure .
One former senior minister told me this week the government is facing the `` worst of both worlds '' because it had to open up the economy to try to save jobs at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relatively high compared with other European countries which have been on a similar journey .
David Davis , the former Brexit secretary , believes the government must re-open the economy , get people back to work and try to manage the disease by effective track and trace .
`` They 're being very nervous .
They 're terrified of having a second lockdown .
Absolutely terrified .
But the truth is we need to get back to work .
`` Actually , unemployment and economic damage kills people as well , actually rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if we 're not very careful .
`` We 've got to suppress the virus , that does n't mean suppressing the economy .
They are not the same thing . ''
These are all difficult choices and there will be trade-offs - whether ministers admit it or not .
That the government is opening theme parks , betting shops and even pubs before schools re-admit all their pupils shows the manner in which education has been put on the back burner as the government prioritised first a health crisis and now an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as public health ones are now driving government decisions : That the government is pressing on with easing the lockdown despite the R number still hovering near one , and the COVID Alert Level still at level 4 , is evidence enough that the route map is being adjusted as we go along .
And as the road map gets re-drawn , public confidence in No 10 's ability to take them safely on this journey out of lock down is falling away .
The UK government now has the joint-lowest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for how it has managed coronavirus , according to a poll out this week by YouGov .
Mr Johnson 's personal approval rating has dropped 29 points to -7 from the launch of his road map on May 10 to now .
It is perhaps a reminder to the PM and his team that if you 're trying to take people with you , be honest about the route .

Education loses out to public health and the economy as the government tries to control the crisis.
A woman in a mask walks past a satirical poster depicting Boris Johnson as former British prime minister Neville Chamberlain delivering his “Peace for Our Time” speech
A nation in fear of a terrible disease, traumatised by tens of thousands of deaths but anxious too about what this lockdown would mean for their livelihoods and their future: Boris Johnson knew the scale of the task he faced when he told the public he had a "road map" to both "beat the virus" and "re-open society"
The 50-page strategy document the government published in May was meant to give us all clear signposting and staging on our journey towards a 'new normal' of living with COVID-19.
Loosening the lockdown was predicated on five tests - from protecting the NHS to seeing a sustained fall in the death rate. At the heart of the public messaging was a commitment to keeping the reproduction number R below one and a new COVID Alert Level System to inform the speed of lockdown lifting.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:23 'Good and bad' news from latest coronavirus data
And yet we find ourselves a month later easing the lockdown against the backdrop of an R rate marginally worse than it was in May (at 0.7-0.9) across the country, and potentially above one in the North West, according to data published by Public Health England and Cambridge university.
The COVID Alert Level is still at 4, and yet Mr Johnson is sticking to his plan to re-open retail outlets from 15 June and the wider hospitality industry from 4 July.
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Ministers point to the sustained fall in death rates and confirmed cases as evidence that the disease is in abeyance. But there are some scientists - and politicians - who worry that ministers are potentially lifting the lockdown too early and risking a resurgence of infections as the looming economic crash comes into view.
Health secretary Matt Hancock insisted "there just isn't a trade off" when I put that argument to him at the daily briefing on Monday: "If we don't have control of this virus then the economy will suffer yet more. It is just simplistic to say that there is a trade-off between the economy and health.
"A second spike would be hugely damaging to the economy. Of course, there are arguments over timing. But.. things are moving in the right direction, that is why we are able to say that coronavirus is in retreat."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:17 Plans for pupils to return to school scrapped
There are those in Mr Hancock's party who are not so sure. One former senior minister told me this week the government is facing the "worst of both worlds" because it had to open up the economy to try to save jobs at a time when the infection rate was still relatively high compared with other European countries which have been on a similar journey.
David Davis, the former Brexit secretary, believes the government must re-open the economy, get people back to work and try to manage the disease by effective track and trace.
"They're being very nervous. They're terrified of having a second lockdown. Absolutely terrified. But the truth is we need to get back to work.
"Actually, unemployment and economic damage kills people as well, actually rather more than are dying from coronavirus, if we're not very careful.
"We've got to suppress the virus, that doesn't mean suppressing the economy. They are not the same thing."
These are all difficult choices and there will be trade-offs - whether ministers admit it or not.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 Pubs and restaurants not opening yet
That the government is opening theme parks, betting shops and even pubs before schools re-admit all their pupils shows the manner in which education has been put on the back burner as the government prioritised first a health crisis and now an economic one.
And those economic considerations as well as public health ones are now driving government decisions: That the government is pressing on with easing the lockdown despite the R number still hovering near one, and the COVID Alert Level still at level 4, is evidence enough that the route map is being adjusted as we go along.
And as the road map gets re-drawn, public confidence in No 10's ability to take them safely on this journey out of lock down is falling away.
The UK government now has the joint-lowest approval rating worldwide (alongside Mexico) for how it has managed coronavirus, according to a poll out this week by YouGov.
Mr Johnson's personal approval rating has dropped 29 points to -7 from the launch of his road map on May 10 to now. It is perhaps a reminder to the PM and his team that if you're trying to take people with you, be honest about the route.


news--2020-06-09--Coronavirus: Making face masks compulsory in public would stop second wave, says study

Requiring everyone to wear a face mask in public , combined with on/off lockdowns would prevent a second wave of coronavirus for 18 months , according to new research .
The modelling study from the universities of Cambridge and Greenwich suggested that this would create the time gap needed to find a vaccine or effective treatment by keeping the COVID-19 reproduction number ( R rate ) below 1.0 , something not possible with lockdowns alone .
Researchers concluded that even homemade masks with limited effectiveness could dramatically reduce transmission rates if worn by enough people , regardless of whether they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Richard Stutt , part of a team that usually models the spread of crop diseases at Cambridge 's department of plant sciences , said : `` Our analyses support the immediate and universal adoption of face masks by the public .
`` If widespread face mask use by the public is combined with physical distancing and some lockdown , it may offer an acceptable way of managing the pandemic and re-opening economic activity long before there is a working vaccine . ''
In the study , population-level models were combined with different levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown .
The negative aspects of mask use , such as increased face touching , were also considered .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In all modelling scenarios , researchers found routine face mask use by 50 % or more of the population reduced COVID-19 spread to an R less than 1.0 .
The research found that even homemade or inefficient masks still provided a `` population-level benefit '' .
Professor John Colvin , co-author from the University of Greenwich , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perception that wearing a face mask means you consider others a danger .
`` In fact , by wearing a mask you are primarily protecting others from yourself .
`` Cultural and even political issues may stop people wearing face masks , so the message needs to be clear : 'my mask protects you , your mask protects me ' .
`` In the UK , the approach to face masks should go further than just public transport .
`` The most effective way to restart daily life is to encourage everyone to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in public . ''

Requiring everyone to wear a face mask in public, combined with on/off lockdowns would prevent a second wave of coronavirus for 18 months, according to new research.
The modelling study from the universities of Cambridge and Greenwich suggested that this would create the time gap needed to find a vaccine or effective treatment by keeping the COVID-19 reproduction number (R rate) below 1.0, something not possible with lockdowns alone.
Image: Population-level models were combined with different levels of mask adoption
Researchers concluded that even homemade masks with limited effectiveness could dramatically reduce transmission rates if worn by enough people, regardless of whether they show symptoms.
Lead author, Dr Richard Stutt, part of a team that usually models the spread of crop diseases at Cambridge's department of plant sciences, said: "Our analyses support the immediate and universal adoption of face masks by the public.
"If widespread face mask use by the public is combined with physical distancing and some lockdown, it may offer an acceptable way of managing the pandemic and re-opening economic activity long before there is a working vaccine."
In the study, population-level models were combined with different levels of mask adoption and varying periods of lockdown.
Image: Face masks will be mandatory on public transport from 15 June
The negative aspects of mask use, such as increased face touching, were also considered.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In all modelling scenarios, researchers found routine face mask use by 50% or more of the population reduced COVID-19 spread to an R less than 1.0.
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This flattened future disease waves and allowed less-stringent lockdowns.
The research found that even homemade or inefficient masks still provided a "population-level benefit".
Professor John Colvin, co-author from the University of Greenwich, said: "There is a common perception that wearing a face mask means you consider others a danger.
"In fact, by wearing a mask you are primarily protecting others from yourself.
"Cultural and even political issues may stop people wearing face masks, so the message needs to be clear: 'my mask protects you, your mask protects me'.
"In the UK, the approach to face masks should go further than just public transport.
"The most effective way to restart daily life is to encourage everyone to wear some kind of mask whenever they are in public."


news--2020-06-10--Coronavirus: PM's plans to get more pupils back to school 'lie in tatters', Starmer says

Government plans to get more pupils back to school in England during the coronavirus pandemic `` lie in tatters '' , Sir Keir Starmer has said , as he told the prime minister the UK 's number of COVID-19 deaths should `` haunt us '' .
The Labour leader and Boris Johnson clashed in the Commons at PMQs .
It was the first time they faced each other since it was confirmed ministers have dropped plans for all primary school pupils to return before the summer holidays during the coronavirus outbreak .
A phased reopening got under way on 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Year 1 and Year 6 as the COVID-19 lockdown continues to be eased .
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has promised to `` work with the sector '' and said the government would like to see schools who `` have the capacity '' to bring back more pupils before the end of the summer term where possible .
Critics have said a full return for primary schools was impossible because of capacity issues , staff shortages and social distancing .
Raising the issue in the Commons , Sir Keir called on Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taskforce to be set up to look at bringing more pupils back to school .
`` We all want as many children back into school as soon as it 's possible and as soon as it 's safe , '' the Labour leader said .
`` What was required for that to happen was a robust national plan , consensus among all key stakeholders and strong leadership from the top - all three are missing .
`` The current arrangements lie in tatters , parents have lost confidence in the government 's approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months ' worth of schooling and inequality will now go up .
`` Several weeks ago I suggested setting up a national taskforce so everyone could put their shoulder to the wheel .
It 's not too late , will the prime minister take me up on this ? ''
Mr Johnson accused his opposite number of mixed messages on the subject , telling MPs : `` Last week he was telling the House that it was not yet safe for kids to go back to school , this week he 's saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to school .
I really think he needs to make up his mind . ''
He told Sir Keir to encourage `` his friends in the left-wing trade unions '' to help get schools ready .
And the PM defended his government 's `` extremely cautious approach '' on the matter , adding : `` 97 % of schools that have submitted data are now seeing kids come back to school . ''
Mr Johnson suggested he had already spoken with the Labour leader about his schools plan , prompting Sir Keir to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
The Opposition leader continued : `` The prime minister and I have never discussed our letter in any phone call - he knows it and I know it .
`` The taskforce has never been the subject of a conversation between him and me one-to-one or in any other circumstance on the telephone .
He knows it so please drop that . ''
Sir Keir described the UK as an `` outlier '' when it comes to reopening schools , accusing Mr Johnson of `` flailing around '' and `` trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' It 's time he took responsibility for his own failings , '' the Labour leader demanded .
`` This mess was completely avoidable .
The consequences are stark . ''
Sir Keir said the government risked `` further inequality '' in England if it did not extend the national voucher scheme to ensure vulnerable children got free meals over the summer .
Mr Johnson told the Commons that ministers were aware of the `` particular difficulties faced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` That 's why we 're announcing a further £63m of local welfare assistance to be used by local authorities at their discretion to help the most vulnerable families . ''
The PM claimed his government has `` put its arms around the people of this country '' throughout the pandemic .
Sir Keir and Mr Johnson also clashed over the UK 's number of coronavirus-related deaths , which now stands at more than 40,000 .
The Labour leader said the figure should `` haunt us '' , adding that the Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths since the pandemic began .
He noted that last week the PM said he was proud of the government 's response to the virus , telling Mr Johnson there can be `` no pride '' in those figures .
`` On the death figures for this country , we mourn every one and we grieve for them and for their relatives and their friends , '' the PM said in response .
He added : `` The best scientific evidence and advice is that we must wait until the epidemic has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draw the relevant international conclusions . ''
Mr Johnson also highlighted the `` astonishing '' achievement of the NHS Nightingale hospitals being built , as well as the way `` this country came together to drive down , to follow the social distancing rules in spite of all the doubt that was cast on the advice '' .

Government plans to get more pupils back to school in England during the coronavirus pandemic "lie in tatters", Sir Keir Starmer has said, as he told the prime minister the UK's number of COVID-19 deaths should "haunt us".
The Labour leader and Boris Johnson clashed in the Commons at PMQs.
It was the first time they faced each other since it was confirmed ministers have dropped plans for all primary school pupils to return before the summer holidays during the coronavirus outbreak.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:27 Chancellor: School closures a 'tragedy'
A phased reopening got under way on 1 June for pupils in nursery, reception, Year 1 and Year 6 as the COVID-19 lockdown continues to be eased.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has promised to "work with the sector" and said the government would like to see schools who "have the capacity" to bring back more pupils before the end of the summer term where possible.
Critics have said a full return for primary schools was impossible because of capacity issues, staff shortages and social distancing.
Raising the issue in the Commons, Sir Keir called on Mr Johnson to back his calls for a national taskforce to be set up to look at bringing more pupils back to school.
"We all want as many children back into school as soon as it's possible and as soon as it's safe," the Labour leader said.
"What was required for that to happen was a robust national plan, consensus among all key stakeholders and strong leadership from the top - all three are missing.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:32 Schools struggling with social distancing
"The current arrangements lie in tatters, parents have lost confidence in the government's approach, millions of children will miss six months' worth of schooling and inequality will now go up.
"Several weeks ago I suggested setting up a national taskforce so everyone could put their shoulder to the wheel. It's not too late, will the prime minister take me up on this?"
Mr Johnson accused his opposite number of mixed messages on the subject, telling MPs: "Last week he was telling the House that it was not yet safe for kids to go back to school, this week he's saying that not enough kids are going back to school. I really think he needs to make up his mind."
He told Sir Keir to encourage "his friends in the left-wing trade unions" to help get schools ready.
And the PM defended his government's "extremely cautious approach" on the matter, adding: "97% of schools that have submitted data are now seeing kids come back to school."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:17 Plans for pupils to return to school scrapped
Mr Johnson suggested he had already spoken with the Labour leader about his schools plan, prompting Sir Keir to reply "let's have this out".
The Opposition leader continued: "The prime minister and I have never discussed our letter in any phone call - he knows it and I know it.
"The taskforce has never been the subject of a conversation between him and me one-to-one or in any other circumstance on the telephone. He knows it so please drop that."
Sir Keir described the UK as an "outlier" when it comes to reopening schools, accusing Mr Johnson of "flailing around" and "trying to blame others".
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"It's time he took responsibility for his own failings," the Labour leader demanded.
"This mess was completely avoidable. The consequences are stark."
Sir Keir said the government risked "further inequality" in England if it did not extend the national voucher scheme to ensure vulnerable children got free meals over the summer.
Mr Johnson told the Commons that ministers were aware of the "particular difficulties faced by vulnerable families".
He continued: "That's why we're announcing a further £63m of local welfare assistance to be used by local authorities at their discretion to help the most vulnerable families."
The PM claimed his government has "put its arms around the people of this country" throughout the pandemic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 Pubs and restaurants not opening yet
Sir Keir and Mr Johnson also clashed over the UK's number of coronavirus-related deaths, which now stands at more than 40,000.
The Labour leader said the figure should "haunt us", adding that the Office for National Statistics has recorded 63,000 excess deaths since the pandemic began.
He noted that last week the PM said he was proud of the government's response to the virus, telling Mr Johnson there can be "no pride" in those figures.
"On the death figures for this country, we mourn every one and we grieve for them and for their relatives and their friends," the PM said in response.
He added: "The best scientific evidence and advice is that we must wait until the epidemic has been through its whole cycle in order to draw the relevant international conclusions."
Mr Johnson also highlighted the "astonishing" achievement of the NHS Nightingale hospitals being built, as well as the way "this country came together to drive down, to follow the social distancing rules in spite of all the doubt that was cast on the advice".


news--2020-06-10--Palestine says it will declare statehood along pre-1967 border if Israel annexes West Bank

In a dramatic announcement designed to grab global attention , the Palestinian prime minister has vowed that he will declare independence for Palestine if Israel follows through on its threat to annex parts of the Palestinian Territories .
Speaking from his office in Ramallah to an audience of foreign media organisations , including Sky News , Mohammad Shtayyeh said that the Palestinian Authority would unilaterally declare an independent state along the 1967 partitions , with Jerusalem as its capital .
`` If Israel is going to annex after July 1st , we are going to go from the interim period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a state on the ground .
That is where we will be heading in the next phase .
This authority can not continue to be an authority without any authority , '' Mr Shtayyeh said .
`` What does the manifestation of the state on the ground mean ?
It means that there will be a founding council , there will be a constitutional declaration , and Palestine will be on the borders of '67 with Jerusalem as its capital and we will call our international community to recognise this fact .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeatedly threatened to apply Israeli sovereignty to Israeli-Jewish settlements which are within the geographical area of the West Bank .
More than 700,000 Israeli Jews now live in settlements , ranging from small village outposts to large city-like developments , on land allocated to Palestinians as part of the Oslo Peace Accords in 1993 .
The settlements are illegal under international law .
Mr Shtayyeh , educated in the UK and a veteran of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process , said the design of the Oslo Accords was based on a process of `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including the West Bank and Gaza , would over time become a Palestinian state .
The Israeli encroachment into the Palestinian territory and the pledge now to apply Israeli sovereignty to settlements in that territory will cause irreparable damage to the peace process which began with the Oslo Accords , he said .
`` This annexation is a total erosion of our aspirations .
The annexation is a total erosion of the geographic place of the future Palestinian state , '' he said .
`` And the world has to choose between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure the international community will choose international law and not annexation .
`` We can not anymore make ourselves blind on this critical emerging reality .
We have to wake up and face the moment of truth and I think we are awake and we are facing the moment of truth for us as Palestinian leadership and that is why nowhere on earth that we can live with this annexation . ''
In January , the Trump administration revealed the US president 's so-called `` deal of the century '' plan for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US government no longer considered the Israeli settlements to be incompatible with international law .
The Trump plan gave approval for the annexation of parts of the West Bank and in return , over time , proposed the creation of a Palestinian State - but only on 70 % of West Bank land originally allocated for Palestinians under the Oslo Accords .
The plan proposed that Israel give over other uninhabited desert land in the far south of Israel to the Palestinians as a concession .
`` This peace process has reached a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's irreversible , '' Mr Shtayyeh said of the Trump plan and the subsequent annexation pledge .
But he added that the Palestinian Authority would `` ... continue to maintain law and order .
We will not allow things to go into chaos under any circumstances .
I think the other side of the coin is support for Palestine as well '' .
On Wednesday , German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas will meet Mr Netanyahu in Jerusalem and urge him not to go ahead with the annexation plan .
Germany takes over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the United Nations in July putting it in a uniquely central role at a critical period .
Mr Maas will also hold talks with Mr Shtayyeh and President Mahmoud Abbas , though he was barred by Israel from entering the West Bank .
The Israeli government cited coronavirus restrictions , a reason without logic given that movement for those with travel permits or foreign passports is constant at checkpoints between the West Bank and Israel .
It 's not at all clear quite how the annexation will look like on the ground @ @ @ @ @ @ @ details of the plan even to his own ministries or military who will need to deal with any fallout .
The Israeli parliament , the Knesset , will begin to discuss the issue on 1 July but Mr Netanyahu has this week hinted that he may push ahead with the application of sovereignty immediately after that date .
Mr Netanyahu 's annexation pledge has proved to be unpopular with liberal Israelis who question the point of it , as well as with hardline settlers who do not think it goes far enough .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Trump plan , which they see as a concession .
Last month , the Palestinian Authority cut off all its security arrangements with their Israeli counterparts , and last week it officially nullified the provisions of the Oslo Accords .
The move means that financial and tax arrangements between Israel and the Palestinians have been cut and salaries are not being paid .
Mr Shtayyeh admitted that what he called `` Israeli extortion attempts '' to withhold tax transfers meant that the Palestinian economy `` is getting worse '' , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over our positions for money '' .

In a dramatic announcement designed to grab global attention, the Palestinian prime minister has vowed that he will declare independence for Palestine if Israel follows through on its threat to annex parts of the Palestinian Territories.
Speaking from his office in Ramallah to an audience of foreign media organisations, including Sky News, Mohammad Shtayyeh said that the Palestinian Authority would unilaterally declare an independent state along the 1967 partitions, with Jerusalem as its capital.
"If Israel is going to annex after July 1st, we are going to go from the interim period of the Palestinian Authority into the manifestation of a state on the ground. That is where we will be heading in the next phase. This authority cannot continue to be an authority without any authority," Mr Shtayyeh said.
"What does the manifestation of the state on the ground mean? It means that there will be a founding council, there will be a constitutional declaration, and Palestine will be on the borders of '67 with Jerusalem as its capital and we will call our international community to recognise this fact."
Image: The Israeli settlement of Efrat in the Gush Etzion settlement block in the Israeli-occupied West Bank
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly threatened to apply Israeli sovereignty to Israeli-Jewish settlements which are within the geographical area of the West Bank.
More than 700,000 Israeli Jews now live in settlements, ranging from small village outposts to large city-like developments, on land allocated to Palestinians as part of the Oslo Peace Accords in 1993. The settlements are illegal under international law.
Mr Shtayyeh, educated in the UK and a veteran of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, said the design of the Oslo Accords was based on a process of "incrementalism" in which the Palestinian areas, including the West Bank and Gaza, would over time become a Palestinian state.
The Israeli encroachment into the Palestinian territory and the pledge now to apply Israeli sovereignty to settlements in that territory will cause irreparable damage to the peace process which began with the Oslo Accords, he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 September 2019: Netanyahu vows to annex part of West Bank
"This annexation is a total erosion of our aspirations. The annexation is a total erosion of the geographic place of the future Palestinian state," he said.
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"And the world has to choose between international law and annexation and I am sure the international community will choose international law and not annexation.
"We cannot anymore make ourselves blind on this critical emerging reality. We have to wake up and face the moment of truth and I think we are awake and we are facing the moment of truth for us as Palestinian leadership and that is why nowhere on earth that we can live with this annexation."
Image: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding talks with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas today
In January, the Trump administration revealed the US president's so-called "deal of the century" plan for the region.
It controversially declared that the US government no longer considered the Israeli settlements to be incompatible with international law.
The Trump plan gave approval for the annexation of parts of the West Bank and in return, over time, proposed the creation of a Palestinian State - but only on 70% of West Bank land originally allocated for Palestinians under the Oslo Accords.
The plan proposed that Israel give over other uninhabited desert land in the far south of Israel to the Palestinians as a concession.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:28 November 2019: US softens its stance on Israeli settlements in the West Bank
"This peace process has reached a serious impasse and frankly I think it's irreversible," Mr Shtayyeh said of the Trump plan and the subsequent annexation pledge.
But he added that the Palestinian Authority would "...continue to maintain law and order. We will not allow things to go into chaos under any circumstances. I think the other side of the coin is support for Palestine as well".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:12 Bethlehem's struggle for peace - December 2019
On Wednesday, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas will meet Mr Netanyahu in Jerusalem and urge him not to go ahead with the annexation plan.
Germany takes over the rotating presidencies of both the European Union and the United Nations in July putting it in a uniquely central role at a critical period.
Mr Maas will also hold talks with Mr Shtayyeh and President Mahmoud Abbas, though he was barred by Israel from entering the West Bank.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:26 January 2020: Is Trump's 'deal of the century' dead on arrival?
The Israeli government cited coronavirus restrictions, a reason without logic given that movement for those with travel permits or foreign passports is constant at checkpoints between the West Bank and Israel.
It's not at all clear quite how the annexation will look like on the ground. Mr Netanyahu has not revealed any details of the plan even to his own ministries or military who will need to deal with any fallout.
The Israeli parliament, the Knesset, will begin to discuss the issue on 1 July but Mr Netanyahu has this week hinted that he may push ahead with the application of sovereignty immediately after that date.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:37 Trump's peace plan has 'elements of apartheid'
Mr Netanyahu's annexation pledge has proved to be unpopular with liberal Israelis who question the point of it, as well as with hardline settlers who do not think it goes far enough.
Settler organisations reject the Palestinian state element of the Trump plan, which they see as a concession.
Last month, the Palestinian Authority cut off all its security arrangements with their Israeli counterparts, and last week it officially nullified the provisions of the Oslo Accords.
The move means that financial and tax arrangements between Israel and the Palestinians have been cut and salaries are not being paid.
Mr Shtayyeh admitted that what he called "Israeli extortion attempts" to withhold tax transfers meant that the Palestinian economy "is getting worse", but he said he would "not haggle over our positions for money".


news--2020-06-10--Coronavirus: Number of deaths 'could have been halved if lockdown introduced a week earlier'

Coronavirus deaths could have been reduced `` by at least half '' if the UK had gone into lockdown a week earlier , one of government 's former key advisers has told MPs .
Professor Neil Ferguson , of London 's Imperial College , said he believed the right decisions were taken by ministers over COVID-19 but questioned whether they were taken at the right time .
He told the House of Commons science committee of MPs : `` The epidemic was doubling every three to four days before lockdown interventions were introduced .
`` So , had we introduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have reduced the final toll by at least a half . ''
He continued : `` Whilst I think the measures , given what we knew about this virus then in terms of its transmission and its lethality , were warranted - I would n't second-guess them at this point - certainly had we introduced them earlier , we would have seen many fewer deaths . ''
Prof Ferguson said he estimated that the number of deaths directly caused by coronavirus would be more than 50,000 , meaning 25,000 lives could have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week earlier .
In March , Prof Ferguson estimated that the pandemic would cause at most 20,000 deaths .
He told MPs that scientists had `` underestimated how far into the epidemic this country was '' in March .
He also said government advisers did not anticipate how high deaths in care homes would be , as they acted on the assumption that residents would be shielded .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker When pressed about the comments at the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said there was a limited amount of information about the virus at the time .
`` All such judgements will need to be examined in the fullness of time , '' he added .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson also defended the decision-making in the lead-up to lockdown and insisted the government had followed the advice of SAGE ( Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ) .
Prof Whitty and the government 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance are among the scientists on SAGE , and Prof Ferguson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced to quit after being caught breaking lockdown rules .
The lockdown measures were announced by the prime minister on 23 March and have been gradually eased since - `` support bubbles '' will be the next major change , to be introduced from the weekend .
Asked by Sky 's Beth Rigby what the biggest regret is over the coronavirus response , Mr Johnson said `` we 're going to have to look back at all of it and the lessons we can learn , '' but that it was `` premature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson opened the briefing by detailing the latest number of coronavirus-related deaths in the UK .
According to Department of Health figures , a further 245 people in the UK have died with coronavirus as of 5pm on Tuesday , taking the total to 41,128 deaths .
The figures from the Department of Health cover coronavirus-related deaths in all settings , including hospitals , care homes and the community .
The daily figures for each UK nation are : Individual health authorities in the home nations collate their numbers at different times throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tally up to the UK government 's overall daily total .
Race and Revolution : Is Change Going to Come ?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm - looking at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests , and examining institutional racism and how we fix it .
If you would like to be part of our virtual audience , and have a chance of putting a question to our panel , please send your name , location and question to newsdebates @ sky.uk

Coronavirus deaths could have been reduced "by at least half" if the UK had gone into lockdown a week earlier, one of government's former key advisers has told MPs.
Professor Neil Ferguson, of London's Imperial College, said he believed the right decisions were taken by ministers over COVID-19 but questioned whether they were taken at the right time.
He told the House of Commons science committee of MPs: "The epidemic was doubling every three to four days before lockdown interventions were introduced.
"So, had we introduced lockdown measures a week earlier, we would have reduced the final toll by at least a half."
Image: Professor Neil Ferguson questioned whether decisions were taken at the right time
He continued: "Whilst I think the measures, given what we knew about this virus then in terms of its transmission and its lethality, were warranted - I wouldn't second-guess them at this point - certainly had we introduced them earlier, we would have seen many fewer deaths."
Prof Ferguson said he estimated that the number of deaths directly caused by coronavirus would be more than 50,000, meaning 25,000 lives could have been saved by going into lockdown a week earlier.
In March, Prof Ferguson estimated that the pandemic would cause at most 20,000 deaths.
He told MPs that scientists had "underestimated how far into the epidemic this country was" in March.
He also said government advisers did not anticipate how high deaths in care homes would be, as they acted on the assumption that residents would be shielded.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
When pressed about the comments at the government's daily coronavirus briefing, England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said there was a limited amount of information about the virus at the time.
"All such judgements will need to be examined in the fullness of time," he added.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson also defended the decision-making in the lead-up to lockdown and insisted the government had followed the advice of SAGE (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies).
Prof Whitty and the government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance are among the scientists on SAGE, and Prof Ferguson was also a member until he was forced to quit after being caught breaking lockdown rules.
The lockdown measures were announced by the prime minister on 23 March and have been gradually eased since - "support bubbles" will be the next major change, to be introduced from the weekend.
Asked by Sky's Beth Rigby what the biggest regret is over the coronavirus response, Mr Johnson said "we're going to have to look back at all of it and the lessons we can learn," but that it was "premature" to do so now.
Mr Johnson opened the briefing by detailing the latest number of coronavirus-related deaths in the UK.
According to Department of Health figures, a further 245 people in the UK have died with coronavirus as of 5pm on Tuesday, taking the total to 41,128 deaths.
The figures from the Department of Health cover coronavirus-related deaths in all settings, including hospitals, care homes and the community.
The daily figures for each UK nation are:
Scotland - 12 new deaths - total 2,434
Northern Ireland - 0 new deaths - total remains 537
England - 88 new deaths - total hospital deaths 27,707
Wales - nine new deaths - total 1,419
Individual health authorities in the home nations collate their numbers at different times throughout the day and so they may not tally up to the UK government's overall daily total.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:23 'Good and bad' news from latest coronavirus data
Race and Revolution: Is Change Going to Come?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm - looking at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests, and examining institutional racism and how we fix it.
If you would like to be part of our virtual audience, and have a chance of putting a question to our panel, please send your name, location and question to newsdebates@sky.uk


news--2020-06-10--Coronavirus: 'Tragedy' many school pupils won't be back until autumn - Chancellor Rishi Sunak

The chancellor has said it is a `` tragedy '' that many children will not be back in school until this autumn , in a blunt warning about the consequences of the lockdown for Britain 's health , society and economy .
Talking to Sky News at a John Lewis department store amid preparations for the easing of the coronavirus lockdown , Rishi Sunak urged shoppers to return to the high street when general shops begin opening up in the coming weeks .
The longer the economy was shut down for , the worse the implications , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ school u-turn , in which plans for all England 's primary children to return for a month before the summer break were dropped , the chancellor said : `` I personally think every day our children are not at school is a tragedy .
`` It 's obviously going to have an impact on their futures .
`` That 's why I 'm so glad that as part of our measured and deliberate plan , we were able to reopen schools on 1 June for a number of pupils , especially our youngest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the teachers and schools for making that a possibility , because I think that is something that is so vital for our country and for those childrens ' futures . ''
Mr Sunak added : `` We ca n't do it all in one go , we have to take careful and measured and deliberate steps to do it , but that 's what we 're doing .
`` We 're working towards a plan that we 've had .
The good news is every week that goes on , we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government was meeting its self-imposed five tests to reopen the economy , despite concerns from government scientists about the resurgence of the disease .
He added that he was `` proud '' of the government 's record in combating the disease - though he conceded that it had to `` iterate '' and change plans along the way .
The chancellor also addressed the protests in this country and the US over racism and police brutality , saying : `` Of course racism exists ...
I understand people want change but it does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We have to take a moment to recognise the enormous progress that 's been made . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Asked whether he had experience racism himself , Mr Sunak said : `` Absolutely , I have .
`` It stings in a way that very few other things have . ''
Talking about the reopening of general shops , which is due to begin on Monday , the chancellor said : `` Last month we set out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slowly and today we 're at the next stage of that plan where next week we 'll be able to open shops again in our country .
`` And that 's because we 've met the five tests that we set out .
`` I hope that when all these shops open people should have the confidence to know that they can go out again in safety .
And that 's very important . ''

The chancellor has said it is a "tragedy" that many children will not be back in school until this autumn, in a blunt warning about the consequences of the lockdown for Britain's health, society and economy.
Talking to Sky News at a John Lewis department store amid preparations for the easing of the coronavirus lockdown, Rishi Sunak urged shoppers to return to the high street when general shops begin opening up in the coming weeks.
The longer the economy was shut down for, the worse the implications, he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:14 Plans shelved for all primary pupils' return
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:31 Chancellor: 'We've met the five tests'
Talking the day after the government's school u-turn, in which plans for all England's primary children to return for a month before the summer break were dropped, the chancellor said: "I personally think every day our children are not at school is a tragedy.
"It's obviously going to have an impact on their futures.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:28 Rishi Sunak says he understands there's 'work to do' in addressing racism in the UK but admits 'enormous progress' has been made.
"That's why I'm so glad that as part of our measured and deliberate plan, we were able to reopen schools on 1 June for a number of pupils, especially our youngest children.
"I'm so grateful to the teachers and schools for making that a possibility, because I think that is something that is so vital for our country and for those childrens' futures."
Mr Sunak added: "We can't do it all in one go, we have to take careful and measured and deliberate steps to do it, but that's what we're doing.
"We're working towards a plan that we've had. The good news is every week that goes on, we're making progress."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 Pubs and restaurants not opening yet
He insisted the government was meeting its self-imposed five tests to reopen the economy, despite concerns from government scientists about the resurgence of the disease.
He added that he was "proud" of the government's record in combating the disease - though he conceded that it had to "iterate" and change plans along the way.
The chancellor also addressed the protests in this country and the US over racism and police brutality, saying: "Of course racism exists... I understand people want change but it doesn't happen with vandalism and violence.
"We have to take a moment to recognise the enormous progress that's been made."
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Asked whether he had experience racism himself, Mr Sunak said: "Absolutely, I have.
"It stings in a way that very few other things have."
Talking about the reopening of general shops, which is due to begin on Monday, the chancellor said: "Last month we set out a clear plan to reopen our country slowly and today we're at the next stage of that plan where next week we'll be able to open shops again in our country.
"And that's because we've met the five tests that we set out.
"I hope that when all these shops open people should have the confidence to know that they can go out again in safety. And that's very important."


news--2020-06-10--Coronavirus: COVID-19 was brought into UK by 1,300 travellers, mainly from Europe - study finds

COVID-19 was brought into the UK on at least 1,356 occasions by travellers mainly from Europe , a major study of the genetics of the virus has found .
Spain and France were where most travellers who then spread the disease came from , researchers from the University of Oxford , University of Edinburgh and the COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium ( COG-UK ) found .
The analysis found China , where the virus originated , had a less than 1 % impact on cases in the UK .
Researchers looked at the genetic code of more than 24,000 samples from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worldwide and looked at the numbers of inbound travellers to the UK as well as the estimated numbers of infections worldwide .
The geneticists then pieced the route of transmission from each person who came into the UK with COVID-19 and spread it to others .
They found the virus had 1,356 origins - not one - and believe this is actually an underestimate .
They estimate 80 % of all those who came to the UK and spread COVID-19 arrived between 28 February and 29 March - when the UK was debating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into lockdown .
Researchers found the numbers of people travelling into the UK and spreading coronavirus rose rapidly in early March and peaked around 15 March before quickly declining to a low level in April after the lockdown started on 23 March .
Early cases came into the UK from Italy and China , but by early March travellers from Spain who passed on COVID-19 surpassed both of them , then those from France from mid to late-March .
A football match between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid at Anfield on 11 March was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 in the UK .
But , the researchers said that likely had a negligible impact on the numbers of transmissions as an estimated 3,000 fans travelled from Spain , among a total of 20,000 passengers from Spain a day in mid-March .
Although travel from France is as frequent as from Spain , researchers said the epidemic in France happened later , by which point there were fewer inbound travellers .
Of all inbound passengers in 2020 , 50 % have been British nationals .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spotify , Spreaker Professor Sharon Peacock , director of COG-UK , said : `` The COG-UK consortium has now sequenced more than 24,000 genomes .
This is providing the foundation for a better understanding of this outbreak .
`` It also helps us shape our future response , including the development of systems to predict the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 into the UK .
`` This could inform policy decisions on travel , and may provide valuable information to other countries through international collaboration . ''

COVID-19 was brought into the UK on at least 1,356 occasions by travellers mainly from Europe, a major study of the genetics of the virus has found.
Spain and France were where most travellers who then spread the disease came from, researchers from the University of Oxford, University of Edinburgh and the COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium (COG-UK) found.
The analysis found China, where the virus originated, had a less than 1% impact on cases in the UK.
Researchers looked at the genetic code of more than 24,000 samples from people with COVID-19 in the UK and worldwide and looked at the numbers of inbound travellers to the UK as well as the estimated numbers of infections worldwide.
The geneticists then pieced the route of transmission from each person who came into the UK with COVID-19 and spread it to others.
They found the virus had 1,356 origins - not one - and believe this is actually an underestimate.
They estimate 80% of all those who came to the UK and spread COVID-19 arrived between 28 February and 29 March - when the UK was debating whether to halt international travel and go into lockdown.
Researchers found the numbers of people travelling into the UK and spreading coronavirus rose rapidly in early March and peaked around 15 March before quickly declining to a low level in April after the lockdown started on 23 March.
Early cases came into the UK from Italy and China, but by early March travellers from Spain who passed on COVID-19 surpassed both of them, then those from France from mid to late-March.
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Image: Most of the imported cases were from Spain, with fewer than 1% from China. File pic
A football match between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid at Anfield on 11 March was largely blamed for an increased spread of COVID-19 in the UK.
But, the researchers said that likely had a negligible impact on the numbers of transmissions as an estimated 3,000 fans travelled from Spain, among a total of 20,000 passengers from Spain a day in mid-March.
Although travel from France is as frequent as from Spain, researchers said the epidemic in France happened later, by which point there were fewer inbound travellers.
Of all inbound passengers in 2020, 50% have been British nationals.
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Professor Sharon Peacock, director of COG-UK, said: "The COG-UK consortium has now sequenced more than 24,000 genomes. This is providing the foundation for a better understanding of this outbreak.
"It also helps us shape our future response, including the development of systems to predict the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 into the UK.
"This could inform policy decisions on travel, and may provide valuable information to other countries through international collaboration."


news--2020-06-10--Brexit: EU's Michel Barnier tells Britain he will not allow 'cherry picking' in trade deal talks

The EU 's Brexit negotiator has told Britain he will not allow `` cherry picking '' in the talks between the two sides on a future trade deal .
Michel Barnier said the UK is seeking a future relationship with Brussels that is very close to that of an EU member - and this was unacceptable to the bloc .
`` Britain is demanding a lot more from the EU than Canada , Japan or other partners , '' he said .
`` We can not and we will not allow this cherry picking . ''
Britain left the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years of membership and is currently in an 11-month transition period , which ends in December .
This time frame is being used to negotiate a free trade agreement and sort out the terms of the future relationship that will govern ties between the UK and the EU in the future .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Prime Minister Boris Johnson has insisted he will not extend the Brexit transition period beyond the end of this year , despite warnings that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made striking a deal impossible .
The latest round of talks between the two sides concluded on Friday , with a breakthrough continuing to prove elusive .
Four days of discussions took place via video link .
Mr Barnier said afterwards there had been `` no significant areas '' of progress '' .
David Frost , the UK 's Brexit negotiator , said they would have to `` intensify and accelerate '' the discussions if there was to be any chance of a deal being struck .
The latest talks had been intended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summit later this month to review progress .
Both sides suggested the system of remote meetings , which has been put in place because of the COVID-19 outbreak , had reached its limit .
There was an acknowledgement that officials would need to start meeting again face to face if they were to move forward .
British officials remain confident the high-level talks will still go ahead , although a date has yet to be fixed .
The video call summit is expected to involve Mr Johnson , European Commission President Ursula von @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michel and possibly David-Sassoli , president of the European Parliament .
Officials on the British side have previously indicated they regard this month as an `` inflection point '' in the talks , but a senior member of the negotiating team has acknowledged the coronavirus situation meant there would be some delay .
He insisted , however , that the negotiations could not be allowed to drag on into the autumn without clear evidence that striking an agreement was possible .
`` We are not up for a long negotiation over the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knows what is going to happen .
October is too late for us to conclude this , '' the official said .
`` We need to work intensively now and into July to see if we can find the high-level trade-offs that unlock a deal within all our important negotiating parameters . ''

The EU's Brexit negotiator has told Britain he will not allow "cherry picking" in the talks between the two sides on a future trade deal.
Michel Barnier said the UK is seeking a future relationship with Brussels that is very close to that of an EU member - and this was unacceptable to the bloc.
"Britain is demanding a lot more from the EU than Canada, Japan or other partners," he said.
"We cannot and we will not allow this cherry picking."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:45 UK needs to be 'realistic' about Brexit deal
Britain left the EU at the end of January after 47 years of membership and is currently in an 11-month transition period, which ends in December.
This time frame is being used to negotiate a free trade agreement and sort out the terms of the future relationship that will govern ties between the UK and the EU in the future.
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson has insisted he will not extend the Brexit transition period beyond the end of this year, despite warnings that disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic has made striking a deal impossible.
The latest round of talks between the two sides concluded on Friday, with a breakthrough continuing to prove elusive.
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Four days of discussions took place via video link.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:20 EU deal: Some checks will be needed
Mr Barnier said afterwards there had been "no significant areas" of progress".
David Frost, the UK's Brexit negotiator, said they would have to "intensify and accelerate" the discussions if there was to be any chance of a deal being struck.
The latest talks had been intended to lay the ground for a high-level summit later this month to review progress.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:46 Brexit extension called for by Barnier
Both sides suggested the system of remote meetings, which has been put in place because of the COVID-19 outbreak, had reached its limit.
There was an acknowledgement that officials would need to start meeting again face to face if they were to move forward.
British officials remain confident the high-level talks will still go ahead, although a date has yet to be fixed.
The video call summit is expected to involve Mr Johnson, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel and possibly David-Sassoli, president of the European Parliament.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:43 Now the UK is out of the EU, what next?
Officials on the British side have previously indicated they regard this month as an "inflection point" in the talks, but a senior member of the negotiating team has acknowledged the coronavirus situation meant there would be some delay.
He insisted, however, that the negotiations could not be allowed to drag on into the autumn without clear evidence that striking an agreement was possible.
"We are not up for a long negotiation over the next months well into the autumn where nobody knows what is going to happen. October is too late for us to conclude this," the official said.
"We need to work intensively now and into July to see if we can find the high-level trade-offs that unlock a deal within all our important negotiating parameters."


news--2020-06-09--Prince Philip: Rare new photo of Duke of Edinburgh with Queen released to mark his 99th birthday

A rare new photograph of the Duke of Edinburgh with the Queen has been released to mark his 99th birthday .
The picture was taken on 1 June and shows the couple standing side by side in the quadrangle at Windsor Castle .
With the duke turning 99 today and the Queen now 94 , they look remarkably well , both standing up unaided as the photograph is taken .
Her Majesty is wearing a yellow floral-patterned dress , designed by her stylist and dresser Angela Kelly , with the Cullinan V diamond brooch .
Prince Philip is wearing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sky 's royal commentator Alastair Bruce said the blazer is one of the duke 's favourites for a special reason .
He said : `` The Duke of Edinburgh has frequently chosen to wear his Grenadier Guards boating jacket , which is the name given to a blazer in the Household Division .
`` This one is special because it was left to Prince Philip by his long-time friend Lieutenant Colonel Sir Eric Penn .
`` Sir Eric had been to auctions to gather a button from every reign back to King William @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with every reign , as it includes the monarch 's cypher .
`` When Sir Eric explained the buttons to Prince Philip , who was Colonel of the Grenadiers , His Royal Highness jokingly asked to be given it when he died .
`` When Sir Eric did die , his widow took the garment and a diagram showing where every button should go .
`` It was a few days before the Queen 's birthday parade , much like today , and Lady Penn was received by Prince Philip who was wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The prince tried it on and , apart from the sleeve length it was a perfect fit .
He has worn it as a favourite ever since . ''
He added : `` The prince also wears the Household Division tie because he served first as a colonel with the Welsh Guards , whose year to Troop their Colour this was to be .
`` He went on to be colonel of the Grenadier Guards and was , for many years , senior colonel of the Household Division . ''
Trooping the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend but was cancelled due to coronavirus .
Buckingham Palace is n't sharing any details of what the duke might be doing on his birthday , simply saying he is spending it privately at Windsor Castle .
The couple have been living there ever since the COVID-19 lockdown started and the current rules on social distancing will inevitably hamper any plans for family celebrations .
Last week , Prince Charles talked to Sky News about how he missed his father , saying that not seeing family was one of the hardest parts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Well I have n't seen my father for a long time .
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 ... '' And asked how he 's felt being disconnected from his family , he added : `` 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is it .
You really want to give people a hug . ''
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are the only royal couple to celebrate their platinum wedding anniversary , marking 70 years of marriage in 2017 .
As Britain 's longest-serving consort he has carried out more than 22,000 solo public engagements , but has often jokingly described himself as `` the world 's most experienced plaque unveiler '' .
: : Listen to the Behind the Headlines podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Philip in public , except for attending big family events , after he announced he was stepping back from public duties in 2017 .
In recent years , he has spent most of his retirement living at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate .
The last time he was seen was in January being driven away from the estate on the day that the Queen held a family meeting about Prince Harry and Meghan 's future .
In December , he spent four nights in hospital being treated for a pre-existing medical condition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eve .

A rare new photograph of the Duke of Edinburgh with the Queen has been released to mark his 99th birthday.
The picture was taken on 1 June and shows the couple standing side by side in the quadrangle at Windsor Castle.
With the duke turning 99 today and the Queen now 94, they look remarkably well, both standing up unaided as the photograph is taken.
Her Majesty is wearing a yellow floral-patterned dress, designed by her stylist and dresser Angela Kelly, with the Cullinan V diamond brooch.
Prince Philip is wearing a blazer and his Household Division tie. Sky's royal commentator Alastair Bruce said the blazer is one of the duke's favourites for a special reason.
He said: "The Duke of Edinburgh has frequently chosen to wear his Grenadier Guards boating jacket, which is the name given to a blazer in the Household Division.
"This one is special because it was left to Prince Philip by his long-time friend Lieutenant Colonel Sir Eric Penn.
"Sir Eric had been to auctions to gather a button from every reign back to King William IV. The regiment's button changes with every reign, as it includes the monarch's cypher.
"When Sir Eric explained the buttons to Prince Philip, who was Colonel of the Grenadiers, His Royal Highness jokingly asked to be given it when he died.
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Image: The Duke of Edinburgh is now aged 99
"When Sir Eric did die, his widow took the garment and a diagram showing where every button should go.
"It was a few days before the Queen's birthday parade, much like today, and Lady Penn was received by Prince Philip who was wearing his bearskin cap and a vest.
"The prince tried it on and, apart from the sleeve length it was a perfect fit. He has worn it as a favourite ever since."
He added: "The prince also wears the Household Division tie because he served first as a colonel with the Welsh Guards, whose year to Troop their Colour this was to be.
"He went on to be colonel of the Grenadier Guards and was, for many years, senior colonel of the Household Division."
Trooping the Colour was due to take place this weekend but was cancelled due to coronavirus.
Buckingham Palace isn't sharing any details of what the duke might be doing on his birthday, simply saying he is spending it privately at Windsor Castle.
The couple have been living there ever since the COVID-19 lockdown started and the current rules on social distancing will inevitably hamper any plans for family celebrations.
Last week, Prince Charles talked to Sky News about how he missed his father, saying that not seeing family was one of the hardest parts of the pandemic.
He said: "Well I haven't seen my father for a long time. 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..." And asked how he's felt being disconnected from his family, he added: "Well it's terribly sad, let alone one's friends.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 22:44 In Full: Prince Charles on life after the pandemic
"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 want to give people a hug."
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are the only royal couple to celebrate their platinum wedding anniversary, marking 70 years of marriage in 2017.
As Britain's longest-serving consort he has carried out more than 22,000 solo public engagements, but has often jokingly described himself as "the world's most experienced plaque unveiler".
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It has become increasingly rare to see Prince Philip in public, except for attending big family events, after he announced he was stepping back from public duties in 2017.
In recent years, he has spent most of his retirement living at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate.
The last time he was seen was in January being driven away from the estate on the day that the Queen held a family meeting about Prince Harry and Meghan's future.
In December, he spent four nights in hospital being treated for a pre-existing medical condition, before being allowed home on Christmas Eve.


news--2020-06-10--Coronavirus: 'Most realistic' scenario says 10m will be on NHS waiting list by Christmas

Ten million people could be on waiting lists for NHS treatment by Christmas , health bosses have warned .
The combined effects of following social distancing measures , a backlog of treatments and staffing challenges are the main factors that will cause waiting lists to swell , a report by the NHS Confederation said .
According to the organisation representing health and care leaders , this is the most realistic scenario - and it would more than double the 4.2 million people who are currently waiting for treatment .
Even under the best-case scenario , where there is a faster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the waiting list will rise to eight million by the end of the year .
The most pessimistic scenario assumes there will be a lack of treatments or a vaccine for COVID-19 and a second wave of infections , pushing the waiting list to 11 million .
Health leaders want the government to warn the public that they should not expect the same level of service from the NHS for many months .
England in particular `` faces an uphill battle '' as it contends with thousands of sick and recovering coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , stroke and heart disease patients .
In a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson , the NHS Confederation warned it is not possible to just `` switch on '' services immediately - adding that some departments will only be able to operate at about 60 % of normal levels .
Some NHS staff are so exhausted and traumatised from caring for coronavirus patients that they will need support .
NHS Confederation chief executive Niall Dickson said : `` The NHS wants to get back to providing these vital services - the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK , but we also know the measures to combat it have come at a terrible cost to those who have not been able to access the care , treatment and support they need and to many whose conditions have gone undiagnosed .
`` There is a real determination to rise to this challenge , but it will need extra funding and capacity , not least in rehabilitation and recovery services in the community where so much of the coming demand will be felt . ''
Despite `` recent short-term financial commitments '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is rapidly deteriorating , the confederation 's report added .
• The current deal with the independent sector is extended until the end of the financial year `` to provide capacity to support the NHS to manage the backlog of treatment '' • Further assurances are given about the availability of personal protective equipment , as well as the effectiveness of the Test and Trace programme • Nightingale Hospitals are maintained in case there is a new spike in coronavirus infections • A review into `` burnout and wider wellbeing '' across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A Royal College of Nursing spokesman said : `` For burnt-out nursing staff on short-staffed wards , care homes or clinics , it will be a struggle to restart services .
`` The legacy of this pandemic is yet to dawn - the professionals are still focused on the here and now .
`` As services begin to return , the government must continue to invest in the workforce so that an exhausted profession - already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this pandemic - is properly supported . ''
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said : `` Ministers need to take heed of these warnings from NHS leaders now .
`` It is inevitable that the COVID-19 pandemic will impact our health service in the months ahead but it is vital that ministers begin to address this backlog of delayed treatment and rising clinical need . ''
A Department of Health spokeswoman said : `` Guidance has already been issued to the NHS on how they should start to restore urgent services in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide the resources , funding and support our health service needs . ''

Ten million people could be on waiting lists for NHS treatment by Christmas, health bosses have warned.
The combined effects of following social distancing measures, a backlog of treatments and staffing challenges are the main factors that will cause waiting lists to swell, a report by the NHS Confederation said.
According to the organisation representing health and care leaders, this is the most realistic scenario - and it would more than double the 4.2 million people who are currently waiting for treatment.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:27 Deaths of 91 NHS workers could be investigated
Even under the best-case scenario, where there is a faster return to normal, it is anticipated that the waiting list will rise to eight million by the end of the year.
The most pessimistic scenario assumes there will be a lack of treatments or a vaccine for COVID-19 and a second wave of infections, pushing the waiting list to 11 million.
Health leaders want the government to warn the public that they should not expect the same level of service from the NHS for many months.
England in particular "faces an uphill battle" as it contends with thousands of sick and recovering coronavirus patients while also trying to treat cancer, stroke and heart disease patients.
In a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the NHS Confederation warned it is not possible to just "switch on" services immediately - adding that some departments will only be able to operate at about 60% of normal levels.
Some NHS staff are so exhausted and traumatised from caring for coronavirus patients that they will need support.
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NHS Confederation chief executive Niall Dickson said: "The NHS wants to get back to providing these vital services - the virus has inflicted pain and suffering throughout the UK, but we also know the measures to combat it have come at a terrible cost to those who have not been able to access the care, treatment and support they need and to many whose conditions have gone undiagnosed.
"There is a real determination to rise to this challenge, but it will need extra funding and capacity, not least in rehabilitation and recovery services in the community where so much of the coming demand will be felt."
Despite "recent short-term financial commitments", many hospitals say their financial position is rapidly deteriorating, the confederation's report added.
The NHS Confederation recommended:
The current deal with the independent sector is extended until the end of the financial year "to provide capacity to support the NHS to manage the backlog of treatment"
Further assurances are given about the availability of personal protective equipment, as well as the effectiveness of the Test and Trace programme
Nightingale Hospitals are maintained in case there is a new spike in coronavirus infections
A review into "burnout and wider wellbeing" across the NHS and social care workforce is launched
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A Royal College of Nursing spokesman said: "For burnt-out nursing staff on short-staffed wards, care homes or clinics, it will be a struggle to restart services.
"The legacy of this pandemic is yet to dawn - the professionals are still focused on the here and now.
"As services begin to return, the government must continue to invest in the workforce so that an exhausted profession - already facing 40,000 vacancies at the start of this pandemic - is properly supported."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:40 Nurse reunites with children after two months apart
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: "Ministers need to take heed of these warnings from NHS leaders now.
"It is inevitable that the COVID-19 pandemic will impact our health service in the months ahead but it is vital that ministers begin to address this backlog of delayed treatment and rising clinical need."
A Department of Health spokeswoman said: "Guidance has already been issued to the NHS on how they should start to restore urgent services in a safe way.
"We will continue to provide the resources, funding and support our health service needs."


news--2020-06-10--Coronavirus: Monsoon Accessorize and Quiz to close stores and cut jobs in double blow for high stree

Coronavirus: Monsoon Accessorize and Quiz to close stores and cut jobs in double blow for high street

In a double whammy for the high street , fashion retailer Monsoon Accessorize has closed 35 of its stores , while competitor Quiz has placed more than 80 outlets into administration .
Both have been shut since the UK went into a lockdown in 23 March 23 due the coronavirus pandemic , and face significant financial stress as they look to reopen sites and begin their recovery .
The government has said non-essential shops can resume from Monday 15 June , so long as they keep staff and customers safe with practices such as enhanced cleaning and social distancing rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's financial troubles last month , which put more than 3,500 jobs at risk .
Under a so-called pre-pack administration , the company has been brought out of insolvency by founder Peter Simon using buyout company Adena Brands .
As part of the deal , Mr Simon 's holding company will invest up to £15m into the business and will enter talks with landlords to seek rent reduction on 162 stores .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It is hoped that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stores and 2,300 jobs .
Mr Simon said : `` We will now try to save as many of our stores as possible , depending on the outcome of various discussions with landlords . ''
Meanwhile , clothing chain Quiz has put 82 standalone stores into administration to offload loss-making sites .
The retailer will cut 93 jobs , with the remaining 822 staff also expected to be impacted .
In a similar pre-pack administration to that secured by Monsoon , Quiz will buy back some stock and assets for £1.3m and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Quiz said its concessions and international operations remain unaffected by the insolvency process .
Quiz chief executive Tarak Ramzan said : `` It is with deep sadness and regret for some of our colleagues and partners that we had to take this decision to restructure the group 's operations .
`` Whilst we have taken pro-active actions over the past 18 months to drive footfall to our stores and renegotiate leases to improve performance , the significant economic uncertainty we now face as consumers and businesses emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sustainable future for the group , we have taken this decision to place the subsidiary which operates our stores into administration .
`` We continue to believe that stores , with appropriate property costs and flexible lease terms , can continue to be a relevant pillar in our omni-channel model and we will be seeking to re-open Quiz stores where we believe it is prudent and economic to do so . ''

In a double whammy for the high street, fashion retailer Monsoon Accessorize has closed 35 of its stores, while competitor Quiz has placed more than 80 outlets into administration.
Both have been shut since the UK went into a lockdown in 23 March 23 due the coronavirus pandemic, and face significant financial stress as they look to reopen sites and begin their recovery.
The government has said non-essential shops can resume from Monday 15 June, so long as they keep staff and customers safe with practices such as enhanced cleaning and social distancing rules.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:44 The new COVID-19 shopping rules
Sky News first reported of Monsoon's financial troubles last month, which put more than 3,500 jobs at risk.
Under a so-called pre-pack administration, the company has been brought out of insolvency by founder Peter Simon using buyout company Adena Brands.
As part of the deal, Mr Simon's holding company will invest up to £15m into the business and will enter talks with landlords to seek rent reduction on 162 stores.
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
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It is hoped that the plan will save up to 100 stores and 2,300 jobs.
Mr Simon said: "We will now try to save as many of our stores as possible, depending on the outcome of various discussions with landlords."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:24 Retailers feeling the pressures of lockdown
Meanwhile, clothing chain Quiz has put 82 standalone stores into administration to offload loss-making sites.
The retailer will cut 93 jobs, with the remaining 822 staff also expected to be impacted.
In a similar pre-pack administration to that secured by Monsoon, Quiz will buy back some stock and assets for £1.3m and will aim to renegotiate rent agreements with landlords.
Quiz said its concessions and international operations remain unaffected by the insolvency process.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 PM sets date for non-essential retail to reopen
Quiz chief executive Tarak Ramzan said: "It is with deep sadness and regret for some of our colleagues and partners that we had to take this decision to restructure the group's operations.
"Whilst we have taken pro-active actions over the past 18 months to drive footfall to our stores and renegotiate leases to improve performance, the significant economic uncertainty we now face as consumers and businesses emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic has meant that, in order to ensure a sustainable future for the group, we have taken this decision to place the subsidiary which operates our stores into administration.
"We continue to believe that stores, with appropriate property costs and flexible lease terms, can continue to be a relevant pillar in our omni-channel model and we will be seeking to re-open Quiz stores where we believe it is prudent and economic to do so."


news--2020-06-10--Coronavirus: Adults living alone can form 'support bubble' with one other household, says Boris John

Coronavirus: Adults living alone can form 'support bubble' with one other household, says Boris Johnson

Adults living alone in England , including single parents with children under 18 , will be able to form a `` support bubble '' with one other household , the prime minister has announced .
The new rules begin on Saturday and are intended to ease the challenges of social isolation during the coronavirus lockdown .
Members of a bubble can visit each other indoors and stay overnight at their home , effectively acting as one household .
There is no need to stick to the two-metre social distancing rule .
A single-person household is allowed to join with one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living alone would be able to visit the house of their child and grandchildren .
It will also allow single parents to get childcare help from others , and couples who live apart to meet indoors .
Speaking during the government 's daily coronavirus briefing , Boris Johnson said the measures were a `` targeted intervention '' to help those who are most lonely .
`` There are still too many people , particularly those who live by themselves , who are lonely and struggling , '' he said .
The bubble policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are shielding , meaning guidelines stay the same for the `` clinically extremely vulnerable '' .
Mr Johnson stressed the measures were not designed for people who do not meet the criteria , who should continue to socially distance and only meet outdoors .
He said the government `` wo n't hesitate to apply the brakes '' if needed .
The prime minister added that people can not switch the support bubble or connect with multiple households .
And if one person in the bubble develops coronavirus symptoms then everyone must follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - coming in on Monday in England - include the reopening of non-essential shops and zoos , as long as they can carry out proper social distancing .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Commuters will also be expected to wear a face covering on public transport from next week - or risk a fine .
Hospital visitors and outpatients will have to do the same .
On schools , ministers yesterday admitted they would not be asking primaries to fully reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to return until September at the earliest .

Adults living alone in England, including single parents with children under 18, will be able to form a "support bubble" with one other household, the prime minister has announced.
The new rules begin on Saturday and are intended to ease the challenges of social isolation during the coronavirus lockdown.
Members of a bubble can visit each other indoors and stay overnight at their home, effectively acting as one household.
There is no need to stick to the two-metre social distancing rule.
Image: People living alone will now be able to stay overnight at another household
A single-person household is allowed to join with one other multi-person household, meaning a grandparent living alone would be able to visit the house of their child and grandchildren.
It will also allow single parents to get childcare help from others, and couples who live apart to meet indoors.
Speaking during the government's daily coronavirus briefing, Boris Johnson said the measures were a "targeted intervention" to help those who are most lonely.
"There are still too many people, particularly those who live by themselves, who are lonely and struggling," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:50 Whitty says testing could have been better
The bubble policy, however, does not include those who are shielding, meaning guidelines stay the same for the "clinically extremely vulnerable".
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Mr Johnson stressed the measures were not designed for people who do not meet the criteria, who should continue to socially distance and only meet outdoors.
He said the government "won't hesitate to apply the brakes" if needed.
The prime minister added that people cannot switch the support bubble or connect with multiple households.
And if one person in the bubble develops coronavirus symptoms then everyone must follow the relevant isolation advice.
Other changes - coming in on Monday in England - include the reopening of non-essential shops and zoos, as long as they can carry out proper social distancing.
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Commuters will also be expected to wear a face covering on public transport from next week - or risk a fine.
Hospital visitors and outpatients will have to do the same.
On schools, ministers yesterday admitted they would not be asking primaries to fully reopen, with many pupils now not expected to return until September at the earliest.