news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: NATO chief denies alliance has responded too slowly to pandemic

NATO is stepping up efforts to help allies to help each other tackle coronavirus and to stop the pandemic from becoming a security crisis , the head of the alliance has said .
Jens Stoltenberg told Sky News it is also possible NATO will assist countries outside the 30-strong bloc but for now the focus is on the `` enormous '' task of supporting member states .
His comments came as a former British defence minister said the alliance needed to `` wake up '' and become more involved in dealing with the fallout from COVID-19 .
Tobias Ellwood , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said adversaries such as China and Russia would otherwise take advantage of any vacuum .
NATO defence ministers are due to hold a virtual meeting on Wednesday to discuss coronavirus , the response , and what lessons can be learned , including how countries must become less reliant on imports for key items such as medical supplies , Mr Stoltenberg said at a news conference on Tuesday .
Speaking afterwards , he denied the alliance had been slow to respond , ceding ground to Moscow and Beijing .
They were both quick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including Italy and the UK .
`` NATO started early to respond but what we did in the beginning is to implement preventative measures , protecting our missions and operations , '' the secretary general said .
He was referring to the alliance 's security tasks such as the deployment of thousands of troops , including British forces , along its eastern flank in the Baltic states and Poland to deter Russian aggression .
`` It is important to remember that NATO 's core task is to make sure this health crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
Now the alliance is using its capabilities - including military aircraft suitable for transporting medical supplies - as well as its organisational structures to assist in the COVID-19 response , he said .
This includes helping to facilitate the delivery of two planeloads of personal protective equipment from Turkey to the UK over the long Easter weekend .
A coordination centre set up to respond to civil emergencies is coordinating requests for assistance from allies and partners .
It has helped to channel medical supplies to North Macedonia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luxembourg gifted material to make protective equipment for health professionals in Spain , according to data provided by NATO .
Norway has donated a field hospital to North Macedonia - the alliance 's newest member , while the Czech Republic channelled medical items to Spain and Italy .
The United States has also said its large contingent of military personnel based in Europe can offer support to allies , Mr Stoltenberg said .
The secretary general , a former Norwegian prime minister , was asked whether he was worried about the actions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European nations - a move seen by some officials as more geopolitical gesture than genuine generosity .
He said : `` Firstly , we all have to do whatever we can to save lives and that is exactly what NATO is doing when we provide on a daily basis different kind of help for NATO allies .
`` Second it is for each and every ally to decide what different kind of help they need and they are ready to receive .
`` Thirdly this is not a competition between countries .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fact that NATO allies are helping each other in many different ways . ''
Mr Stoltenberg brushed off any suggestion that NATO - with individual member states consumed by the crisis - was irrelevant when it came to dealing with coronavirus .
`` You are right that this crisis is special because normally when we have natural disaster it is one or two allies directly affected and all the others can come to provide to the one ally affected , '' he said .
`` Now all allies are affected and of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national ability to protect their own national populations that is a natural thing for all governments to think .
`` At the same time we are seeing that not all allies are affected in the same way at the same time .
Not all allies reach the peak of this crisis at the same time and we have been able to identify surplus stocks , spare capacities and mobilising that to provide help .
It is over time significant what allies do for each other . ''
: : Listen to the Daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spotify , Spreaker This assistance could expand beyond NATO 's borders , where Russia and China are already active .
`` It is also possible to foresee that at some stage we will also provide help to countries outside the NATO alliance , '' the secretary general said .
`` I will be a bit careful about speculating too much now because the task of providing sufficient help to NATO allies is so enormous and that is the main focus of both me , the NATO alliance and also the Supreme Allied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MP Mr Ellwood said he thought that NATO 's actions to-date in response to the unprecedented health emergency had been disappointing .
`` NATO needs to wake up , '' he said in an interview .
`` We need to have a collective attitude towards international security otherwise there are many states and non-states that will take full advantage of the vacuum that we are creating . ''

NATO is stepping up efforts to help allies to help each other tackle coronavirus and to stop the pandemic from becoming a security crisis, the head of the alliance has said.
Jens Stoltenberg told Sky News it is also possible NATO will assist countries outside the 30-strong bloc but for now the focus is on the "enormous" task of supporting member states.
His comments came as a former British defence minister said the alliance needed to "wake up" and become more involved in dealing with the fallout from COVID-19.
Tobias Ellwood, chair of the Commons defence select committee, said adversaries such as China and Russia would otherwise take advantage of any vacuum.
NATO defence ministers are due to hold a virtual meeting on Wednesday to discuss coronavirus, the response, and what lessons can be learned, including how countries must become less reliant on imports for key items such as medical supplies, Mr Stoltenberg said at a news conference on Tuesday.
Speaking afterwards, he denied the alliance had been slow to respond, ceding ground to Moscow and Beijing. They were both quick to send assistance to stricken European countries, including Italy and the UK.
"NATO started early to respond but what we did in the beginning is to implement preventative measures, protecting our missions and operations," the secretary general said.
He was referring to the alliance's security tasks such as the deployment of thousands of troops, including British forces, along its eastern flank in the Baltic states and Poland to deter Russian aggression.
"It is important to remember that NATO's core task is to make sure this health crisis doesn't become a security crisis," he said.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 'There will be more tough times to come'
Now the alliance is using its capabilities - including military aircraft suitable for transporting medical supplies - as well as its organisational structures to assist in the COVID-19 response, he said.
This includes helping to facilitate the delivery of two planeloads of personal protective equipment from Turkey to the UK over the long Easter weekend.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:48 Thousands of military personnel are supporting the NHS
A coordination centre set up to respond to civil emergencies is coordinating requests for assistance from allies and partners. It has helped to channel medical supplies to North Macedonia and Montenegro, also from Turkey, while Luxembourg gifted material to make protective equipment for health professionals in Spain, according to data provided by NATO.
Norway has donated a field hospital to North Macedonia - the alliance's newest member, while the Czech Republic channelled medical items to Spain and Italy.
The United States has also said its large contingent of military personnel based in Europe can offer support to allies, Mr Stoltenberg said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 11:31 Special report: Inside an intensive care unit in Naples
The secretary general, a former Norwegian prime minister, was asked whether he was worried about the actions of Russia and China, sending aid to European nations - a move seen by some officials as more geopolitical gesture than genuine generosity.
He said: "Firstly, we all have to do whatever we can to save lives and that is exactly what NATO is doing when we provide on a daily basis different kind of help for NATO allies.
"Second it is for each and every ally to decide what different kind of help they need and they are ready to receive.
"Thirdly this is not a competition between countries. This is about saving lives and I welcome the fact that NATO allies are helping each other in many different ways."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 'There will be more tough times to come'
Mr Stoltenberg brushed off any suggestion that NATO - with individual member states consumed by the crisis - was irrelevant when it came to dealing with coronavirus.
"You are right that this crisis is special because normally when we have natural disaster it is one or two allies directly affected and all the others can come to provide to the one ally affected," he said.
"Now all allies are affected and of course allies are concerned about their own national ability to protect their own national populations that is a natural thing for all governments to think.
"At the same time we are seeing that not all allies are affected in the same way at the same time. Not all allies reach the peak of this crisis at the same time and we have been able to identify surplus stocks, spare capacities and mobilising that to provide help. It is over time significant what allies do for each other."
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This assistance could expand beyond NATO's borders, where Russia and China are already active.
"It is also possible to foresee that at some stage we will also provide help to countries outside the NATO alliance," the secretary general said.
"I will be a bit careful about speculating too much now because the task of providing sufficient help to NATO allies is so enormous and that is the main focus of both me, the NATO alliance and also the Supreme Allied Commander Europe."
Senior Conservative Party MP Mr Ellwood said he thought that NATO's actions to-date in response to the unprecedented health emergency had been disappointing.
"NATO needs to wake up," he said in an interview.
"We need to have a collective attitude towards international security otherwise there are many states and non-states that will take full advantage of the vacuum that we are creating."


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: WHO funding cut is part of Trump's strategy to shift blame

Yes it might have been coming , but for President Trump to suspend contributions slap bang in the middle of a global pandemic is something else .
There are questions that the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) needs to answer about its handling of this crisis , but now is surely not the moment .
Having laid the ground for the decision a week ago , tweeting that `` the WHO really blew it '' , last night on the White House lawn Trump made good on his threat : `` I 'm instructing my administration to halt funding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review is conducted to assess the WHO 's role in severely mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus .
Everybody knows what 's going on there… '' In 2019 the total WHO annual budget was around $ 6bn ( £4.75bn ) , of which the US contributed nearly $ 400m ( £317m ) .
That makes the US by far the largest donor to the organisation , `` ten times that of China , '' according to Secretary of State Pompeo last month .
And that will have played into Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the US contributes more than the country he sees as both America 's greatest economic rival and the country he has consistently blamed for the spread of the virus .
What happens next is n't clear and wo n't be straightforward .
I understand the White House Office of Management and Budget is still drafting proposals for the president and could recommend a number of different options .
The most likely course of action , I 'm told , is that the money allocated to the WHO will be re-distributed to other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar health programmes .
The more dramatic approach would be to send a bill to Congress asking them to approve a rescinding of funds - a similar approach was taken in 2017 when Trump cut some funding to the United Nations .
However because of social-distancing measures , Congress can not gather to vote , making this course less likely - it would not allow for the quick-fix the White House wants .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker This move is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with world organisations that Donald Trump has sought during his Presidency - the UN , NATO , the World Bank , the Paris Climate Accord and now the WHO .
His reasons are often either personal or financial .
This time it 's the former .
Trump is coming under increasing scrutiny over his early handling of the crisis and at a time when the US economy is in a seriously bad way .
Directing attention and blame to a international body helps shift attention away from his own faults .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The WHO has stayed quiet , except for a passing comment from its head urging countries not to `` politicise '' the crisis .
The UN secretary-general was desperate not to be dragged into a tit-for-tat - an interview we were expecting to conduct with him has n't happened as a result - but Antonio Guterres was finally forced to address the US president head on .
`` The lessons learned will be essential to effectively address similar challenges , as they may arise in the future .
But now is not that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ written statement .
`` As it is not that time , it also not the time to reduce the resources for the operations of the World Health Organisation or any other humanitarian organisation in the fight against the virus . ''
Will Donald Trump receive international support for this move ?
No .
Only a few days ago the UK , America 's close ally , announced it would increase its funding to the WHO by £65m .
Trump is again acting alone .

The US by far the largest donor to the organisation and the reduction comes as the UK increases its contribution.
Yes it might have been coming, but for President Trump to suspend contributions slap bang in the middle of a global pandemic is something else.
There are questions that the World Health Organisation (WHO) needs to answer about its handling of this crisis, but now is surely not the moment.
Having laid the ground for the decision a week ago, tweeting that "the WHO really blew it", last night on the White House lawn Trump made good on his threat: "I'm instructing my administration to halt funding of the World Health Organisation whilst a review is conducted to assess the WHO's role in severely mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus. Everybody knows what's going on there…"
In 2019 the total WHO annual budget was around $6bn (£4.75bn), of which the US contributed nearly $400m (£317m).
That makes the US by far the largest donor to the organisation, "ten times that of China," according to Secretary of State Pompeo last month.
And that will have played into Trump's decision. He will be infuriated that the US contributes more than the country he sees as both America's greatest economic rival and the country he has consistently blamed for the spread of the virus.
What happens next isn't clear and won't be straightforward.
I understand the White House Office of Management and Budget is still drafting proposals for the president and could recommend a number of different options.
The most likely course of action, I'm told, is that the money allocated to the WHO will be re-distributed to other multi-national organisations and maybe even used for similar health programmes.
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The more dramatic approach would be to send a bill to Congress asking them to approve a rescinding of funds - a similar approach was taken in 2017 when Trump cut some funding to the United Nations.
However because of social-distancing measures, Congress cannot gather to vote, making this course less likely - it would not allow for the quick-fix the White House wants.
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This move is the latest in a pattern of battles with world organisations that Donald Trump has sought during his Presidency - the UN, NATO, the World Bank, the Paris Climate Accord and now the WHO.
His reasons are often either personal or financial. This time it's the former. Trump is coming under increasing scrutiny over his early handling of the crisis and at a time when the US economy is in a seriously bad way.
Directing attention and blame to a international body helps shift attention away from his own faults. It's election year, don't forget.
Image: WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the crisis should not be 'politicised'
The WHO has stayed quiet, except for a passing comment from its head urging countries not to "politicise" the crisis.
The UN secretary-general was desperate not to be dragged into a tit-for-tat - an interview we were expecting to conduct with him hasn't happened as a result - but Antonio Guterres was finally forced to address the US president head on.
"The lessons learned will be essential to effectively address similar challenges, as they may arise in the future. But now is not that time," he said in a written statement.
"As it is not that time, it also not the time to reduce the resources for the operations of the World Health Organisation or any other humanitarian organisation in the fight against the virus."
Will Donald Trump receive international support for this move? No.
Only a few days ago the UK, America's close ally, announced it would increase its funding to the WHO by £65m. Trump is again acting alone.


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Scottish Swimming apologises for 'disturbing content' during Zoom workout

Scottish Swimming has apologised after `` disturbing content '' appeared during a virtual workout on video conferencing app Zoom Around 300 people were taking part in the event alongside the likes of Olympic medallist Duncan Scott when it was `` Zoom-bombed '' by an intruder .
In a statement , Scottish Swimming said : `` The video was immediately shut down and the incident referred to the police and their cyber-crime unit .
`` We apologise to everyone involved and deeply regret the outcome of today 's event . ''
The workout had been promoted on the organisation 's social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared publicly on the morning of the event on Tuesday .
Scottish Swimming said it was reviewing security and taking steps so it can not happen again .
Duncan Scott , who won two silvers in the relay at the Rio Olympics , tweeted : `` I am in disgust .
Our open invite WOD cancelled due to a sick individual .
`` I am sorry for what everyone and more importantly what the kids that were apart of the WOD had to see !
! ''
Aimee Wilmott , another Olympic medal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone involved !
There are some awful people in the world , who do some disturbing things , who ruined what was set to be a fun workout ! ''
Zoom has surged in popularity during the coronavirus lockdown as friends and workmates hold group chats , quizzes and meetings .
The prime minister was also pictured using it to communicate with ministers .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker However , concerns have been raised over its security over a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participants gatecrash the event and post unwanted content .
Teachers in Singapore were last week banned from using Zoom following a series of `` very serious incidents '' .
One incident reportedly saw hackers hijack the livestream of a geography lesson for teenage girls - forcing pictures of male genitalia to appear on their screens .
Zoom has embarked on a 90-day plan to tackle privacy and security issues - enlisting the help of a former Facebook security chief as it attempts to regain credibility .

Scottish Swimming has apologised after "disturbing content" appeared during a virtual workout on video conferencing app Zoom
Around 300 people were taking part in the event alongside the likes of Olympic medallist Duncan Scott when it was "Zoom-bombed" by an intruder.
In a statement, Scottish Swimming said: "The video was immediately shut down and the incident referred to the police and their cyber-crime unit.
"We apologise to everyone involved and deeply regret the outcome of today's event."
Image: Olympic swimmer Duncan Scott hit out at the 'Zoom-bomber'
The workout had been promoted on the organisation's social media channels, before the link was shared publicly on the morning of the event on Tuesday.
Scottish Swimming said it was reviewing security and taking steps so it cannot happen again.
Duncan Scott, who won two silvers in the relay at the Rio Olympics, tweeted: "I am in disgust. Our open invite WOD cancelled due to a sick individual.
"I am sorry for what everyone and more importantly what the kids that were apart of the WOD had to see!!"
Aimee Wilmott, another Olympic medal winner, added: "Sorry to everyone involved! There are some awful people in the world, who do some disturbing things, who ruined what was set to be a fun workout!"
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Zoom has surged in popularity during the coronavirus lockdown as friends and workmates hold group chats, quizzes and meetings. The prime minister was also pictured using it to communicate with ministers.
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However, concerns have been raised over its security over a number of other Zoom-bombing cases - when uninvited participants gatecrash the event and post unwanted content.
Teachers in Singapore were last week banned from using Zoom following a series of "very serious incidents".
One incident reportedly saw hackers hijack the livestream of a geography lesson for teenage girls - forcing pictures of male genitalia to appear on their screens.
Zoom has embarked on a 90-day plan to tackle privacy and security issues - enlisting the help of a former Facebook security chief as it attempts to regain credibility.


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: US airlines agree $25bn rescue deal - with strings attached

Major US passenger airlines have agreed in principle to a $ 25bn ( £20bn ) rescue package that will keep workers in their jobs until October as the industry battles the coronavirus crisis .
Washington 's treasury department said the six biggest carriers - American Airlines , United , Delta , Southwest , JetBlue and Alaska Airlines - had accepted the support .
But there are strings attached , including conditions restricting shareholder dividends and executive pay , and the government being given the right to buy certain levels of stock in the companies , at a set price .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has slumped by 95 % due to the pandemic , will begin to recover by the autumn but have warned the travel slowdown might extend into next year .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The government support for the industry will see major carriers receive cash to pay workers , with 30 % eventually paid back .
In the case of smaller carriers receiving $ 100m or less in help , no money will need to be repaid to the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apply for the total salaries and benefits paid in the second and third quarters of 2019 .
Under terms laid out by the government last week , the package will see the government receive warrants - rights to buy certain amounts of stock in companies - over airlines being loaned money , at last week 's closing share prices .
For example , Delta will receive $ 5.4bn of which $ 1.6bn will be a 10-year loan , and provide the government with warrants to acquire about 1 % of Delta stock at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Under the rules , companies receiving the funds can not lay off employees before the end of September or change collective bargaining agreements .
They must also agree to restrictions on returning money to shareholders and executive pay .
The deal came after the Geneva-based International Air Transport Association ( IATA ) , the industry 's trade body , said estimated losses from the pandemic had climbed to $ 314bn ( £246bn ) , 25 % higher than it had previously forecast .
Meanwhile in Beijing , the aviation regulator said China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 33.6bn yuan ( £3.8bn ) in the first quarter of the year with much of the country on lockdown due to the coronavirus .

Major US passenger airlines have agreed in principle to a $25bn (£20bn) rescue package that will keep workers in their jobs until October as the industry battles the coronavirus crisis.
Washington's treasury department said the six biggest carriers - American Airlines, United, Delta, Southwest, JetBlue and Alaska Airlines - had accepted the support.
But there are strings attached, including conditions restricting shareholder dividends and executive pay, and the government being given the right to buy certain levels of stock in the companies, at a set price.
Airlines hope US passenger traffic, which has slumped by 95% due to the pandemic, will begin to recover by the autumn but have warned the travel slowdown might extend into next year.
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The government support for the industry will see major carriers receive cash to pay workers, with 30% eventually paid back.
In the case of smaller carriers receiving $100m or less in help, no money will need to be repaid to the US treasury.
Airlines were told they could apply for the total salaries and benefits paid in the second and third quarters of 2019.
Under terms laid out by the government last week, the package will see the government receive warrants - rights to buy certain amounts of stock in companies - over airlines being loaned money, at last week's closing share prices.
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For example, Delta will receive $5.4bn of which $1.6bn will be a 10-year loan, and provide the government with warrants to acquire about 1% of Delta stock at $24.39 per share over five years.
Under the rules, companies receiving the funds cannot lay off employees before the end of September or change collective bargaining agreements.
They must also agree to restrictions on returning money to shareholders and executive pay.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:38 How COVID-19 has taken its toll on New Orleans
The deal came after the Geneva-based International Air Transport Association (IATA), the industry's trade body, said estimated losses from the pandemic had climbed to $314bn (£246bn), 25% higher than it had previously forecast.
Meanwhile in Beijing, the aviation regulator said China's airlines suffered a total loss of 33.6bn yuan (£3.8bn) in the first quarter of the year with much of the country on lockdown due to the coronavirus.


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Police have dished out 3,203 lockdown fines - as 'car park' trick being used by drug de

Coronavirus: Police have dished out 3,203 lockdown fines - as 'car park' trick being used by drug dealers is exposed

Police have issued 3,203 fines for breaches of coronavirus lockdown laws in just over two weeks .
But they have scrapped 39 fines given to 16 and 17-year-olds - who would not reveal their age - because they have no powers to target children .
There has also been a 28 % fall in overall reported crime compared with the same period ( 27 March to 13 April ) last year .
The figures were given in a briefing by police chiefs who said criminals were having to adapt to the new restrictions .
Lynne Owens , director-general of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drug dealers were frustrated at the travel ban .
She said : `` They are dealing drugs in supermarket car parks and passing themselves off as key workers to try to avoid police . ''
She also said a Polish lorry driver stopped by Border Force officers at Dover on Tuesday night had 14kg of cocaine hidden in a consignment of face masks .
Martin Hewitt , chair of the National Police Chiefs Council ( NPCC ) , said forces were `` in a good position '' to deal with enforcing COVID-19 restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absence .
He said most crime had fallen - with rape down by 37 % , serious assault by 27 % , burglaries down by 37 % and vehicle crime down by 34 % .
Domestic abuse was up by 3 % .
Anti-social behaviour was up by 59 % , largely linked to people ignoring coronavirus restrictions .
Sara Glen , of the NPCC , said although serious assault was down , there were already indications it could rise again with the lockdown set to be extended .
She also said eight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fined for breaking lockdown rules were men , two-thirds of them aged 18-34 .
Some 60 % were white , which Ms Glen said showed police were not acting disproportionately .
The highest number of £60 fines issued by a force was 380 by Lancashire police , possibly because of visitors to Blackpool .
Ms Glen said : `` We absolutely see temperatures and coastal resorts having a challenge there , very much due to barbecues , house parties , beaches , you 've got a lot going on there . ''

Police have issued 3,203 fines for breaches of coronavirus lockdown laws in just over two weeks.
But they have scrapped 39 fines given to 16 and 17-year-olds - who would not reveal their age - because they have no powers to target children.
There has also been a 28% fall in overall reported crime compared with the same period (27 March to 13 April) last year.
The figures were given in a briefing by police chiefs who said criminals were having to adapt to the new restrictions.
Image: Police said a man had been stopped with 14kg of cocaine hidden among face masks. File pic
Lynne Owens, director-general of the National Crime Agency, said county lines drug dealers were frustrated at the travel ban.
She said: "They are dealing drugs in supermarket car parks and passing themselves off as key workers to try to avoid police."
Image: Police found 14kg of cocaine hidden in a consignment of face masks hidden in a lorry at Dover
She also said a Polish lorry driver stopped by Border Force officers at Dover on Tuesday night had 14kg of cocaine hidden in a consignment of face masks.
Image: The drugs were found in a lorry driven by a Polish national
Martin Hewitt, chair of the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), said forces were "in a good position" to deal with enforcing COVID-19 restrictions, in spite of 10% staff absence.
He said most crime had fallen - with rape down by 37%, serious assault by 27%, burglaries down by 37% and vehicle crime down by 34%. Domestic abuse was up by 3%.
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Anti-social behaviour was up by 59%, largely linked to people ignoring coronavirus restrictions.
Sara Glen, of the NPCC, said although serious assault was down, there were already indications it could rise again with the lockdown set to be extended.
She also said eight out of 10 of the 3,203 people fined for breaking lockdown rules were men, two-thirds of them aged 18-34.
Some 60% were white, which Ms Glen said showed police were not acting disproportionately.
The highest number of £60 fines issued by a force was 380 by Lancashire police, possibly because of visitors to Blackpool.
Ms Glen said: "We absolutely see temperatures and coastal resorts having a challenge there, very much due to barbecues, house parties, beaches, you've got a lot going on there."


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: British family spending lockdown in 'perfect' Bali retreat

A British family are spending lockdown in an idyllic bamboo house in Bali after making a last-minute decision to book a one-way ticket as countries began to shut down .
Corinne and Dave Pruden , 39 and 49 , along with their twin toddler sons , flew out on 16 March after booking a ticket from London to Denpasar earlier that morning .
Eight days later the UK went into lockdown , with the closure of non-essential shops and restrictions on movement .
`` We found this house on Airbnb and we were offered a really , really good price @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're in the middle of rice fields .
We thought it was totally perfect , '' Mrs Pruden told Sky News .
`` We bought a blow-up pool and so the boys play with the hose and they jump in the pool every day .
`` We just walk and there 's all these streams the boys can play in .
So every morning we go out for walks through the rice fields , and then in the evenings we often go out for a walk and watch the sunset .
`` Then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so we 're trying to connect them much more to nature . ''
The family have been living in Budapest for five years and own a coffee shop there , but found their takings were plummeting as coronavirus restrictions began to be imposed .
They had been planning to visit friends in Central America and then go backpacking for several months .
`` We had spent about six months preparing for it , so we had rented out our apartment in Budapest , we had set the business up with two managers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changes so we could logistically not be back for six or nine months , '' Mrs Pruden said .
They were staying with family in the UK when the US ordered a foreign travel ban - meaning they could n't take their flight .
Mrs Pruden said : `` We were staying with my mum for a few days and Dave 's parents for a few days and we thought 'What are we going to do ? '
.
`` So we thought , we 're at our parents ' in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we could return to Budapest where we 're healthcare covered , but there was something about us that thought 'we need to go to a happy place , somewhere that 's good for us and good for the boys ' .
`` The only three places that were open to us were Brazil , Thailand and Indonesia .
`` We just wanted to find an area that was relatively normal that we could spend the next however long with [ the boys ] in nature surrounded by nice people , and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those places that we can do that . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' We had to pack , we had to travel two hours from the south coast up to Heathrow , we had to dump our rental car in the wrong location and do all of this in a really short period of time . ''
The family flew to Brunei , where after six hours they managed to board a plane which only had 16 other passengers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feeling because we were doing the opposite of what everyone was doing , '' Mrs Pruden said .
`` The other people taking flights were returning home and we felt sort of courageous but perhaps being a little bit stupid or naive - it was quite hard to pigeonhole our actions and emotions and it was quite stressful . ''
Indonesia has the most coronavirus-related deaths in Asia outside of China , reporting a total of 469 deaths as of Wednesday .
A British tourist on Bali was one of the first deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine estimated in March that as few as 2 % of Indonesia 's coronavirus infections were being reported .
On Tuesday , Indonesia 's president Joko Widodo declared the new coronavirus outbreak a `` non-natural national disaster . ''
The family first stayed near Denpasar , but found there were `` too many people on the streets '' and `` nobody seemed to be taking care of anything '' , so decided to move to the quieter location of Amed on the northeast coast of Bali @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a three-day total lockdown - with residents unable to leave their homes for food or supplies - the family chose to move again to their current location in Ubud .
Mrs Pruden says the family have only gone into Ubud twice and are staying mostly secluded in their bamboo house , where they are receiving fruit and vegetable deliveries from a Michelin star restaurant .
The 39-year-old added that her two-year-old sons have been asking what is happening .
`` We 've explained that a lot of people are getting ill , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can understand .
We 've just said people are getting a bad cough because we do n't want to scare them at all and so we have to be careful of what we touch , '' she said .
Mrs Pruden said the coronavirus pandemic is `` really quite scary '' and her 72-year-old mother has been in self-isolation in the UK for three weeks .
`` When I talk to her , I feel her fear and then I watch the news and read the news , it 's not a nice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removed from it - to the point where if we did n't talk to our family and we did n't watch the news , we really would n't be aware of anything happening here because we 're so isolated with this house .
`` Whenever we get in contact with the real world , we see it 's pretty scary . ''
More than 12,000 people with coronavirus have died in hospitals across the UK , including 778 new deaths announced on Tuesday .

A British family are spending lockdown in an idyllic bamboo house in Bali after making a last-minute decision to book a one-way ticket as countries began to shut down.
Corinne and Dave Pruden, 39 and 49, along with their twin toddler sons, flew out on 16 March after booking a ticket from London to Denpasar earlier that morning.
Eight days later the UK went into lockdown, with the closure of non-essential shops and restrictions on movement.
"We found this house on Airbnb and we were offered a really, really good price and we were totally isolated, we're in the middle of rice fields. We thought it was totally perfect," Mrs Pruden told Sky News.
Image: The bamboo house sits within rice fields. Pic: twintastic_nomads/Instagram
Image: The family is staying in Ubud, Bali. Pic: twintastic_nomads/Instagram
"We bought a blow-up pool and so the boys play with the hose and they jump in the pool every day.
"We just walk and there's all these streams the boys can play in. So every morning we go out for walks through the rice fields, and then in the evenings we often go out for a walk and watch the sunset.
"Then we watched the moon rise yesterday evening, so we're trying to connect them much more to nature."
The family have been living in Budapest for five years and own a coffee shop there, but found their takings were plummeting as coronavirus restrictions began to be imposed.
They had been planning to visit friends in Central America and then go backpacking for several months.
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"We had spent about six months preparing for it, so we had rented out our apartment in Budapest, we had set the business up with two managers, we had set up all these changes so we could logistically not be back for six or nine months," Mrs Pruden said.
Image: The family have been going on walks and watching the sunset. Pic: twintastic_nomads/Instagram
They were staying with family in the UK when the US ordered a foreign travel ban - meaning they couldn't take their flight.
Mrs Pruden said: "We were staying with my mum for a few days and Dave's parents for a few days and we thought 'What are we going to do?'.
"So we thought, we're at our parents' in the UK which is a safe, nice environment, we could return to Budapest where we're healthcare covered, but there was something about us that thought 'we need to go to a happy place, somewhere that's good for us and good for the boys'.
"The only three places that were open to us were Brazil, Thailand and Indonesia.
"We just wanted to find an area that was relatively normal that we could spend the next however long with [the boys] in nature surrounded by nice people, and we decided that Bali was probably one of those places that we can do that."
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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"We had to pack, we had to travel two hours from the south coast up to Heathrow, we had to dump our rental car in the wrong location and do all of this in a really short period of time."
The family flew to Brunei, where after six hours they managed to board a plane which only had 16 other passengers.
"It was a really strange feeling because we were doing the opposite of what everyone was doing," Mrs Pruden said.
"The other people taking flights were returning home and we felt sort of courageous but perhaps being a little bit stupid or naive - it was quite hard to pigeonhole our actions and emotions and it was quite stressful."
Image: The couple are trying to help their children become connected to nature. Pic: twintastic_nomads/Instagram
Indonesia has the most coronavirus-related deaths in Asia outside of China, reporting a total of 469 deaths as of Wednesday.
A British tourist on Bali was one of the first deaths reported in the country.
Academics from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine estimated in March that as few as 2% of Indonesia's coronavirus infections were being reported.
On Tuesday, Indonesia's president Joko Widodo declared the new coronavirus outbreak a "non-natural national disaster."
The family first stayed near Denpasar, but found there were "too many people on the streets" and "nobody seemed to be taking care of anything", so decided to move to the quieter location of Amed on the northeast coast of Bali.
But when the village chief imposed a three-day total lockdown - with residents unable to leave their homes for food or supplies - the family chose to move again to their current location in Ubud.
Image: Mrs Pruden says the family feel 'removed' from the situation. Pic: twintastic_nomads/Instagram
Mrs Pruden says the family have only gone into Ubud twice and are staying mostly secluded in their bamboo house, where they are receiving fruit and vegetable deliveries from a Michelin star restaurant.
The 39-year-old added that her two-year-old sons have been asking what is happening.
"We've explained that a lot of people are getting ill, we've just put it in terms they can understand. We've just said people are getting a bad cough because we don't want to scare them at all and so we have to be careful of what we touch," she said.
Image: The family have bought a blow-up pool. Pic: twintastic_nomads/Instagram
Mrs Pruden said the coronavirus pandemic is "really quite scary" and her 72-year-old mother has been in self-isolation in the UK for three weeks.
"When I talk to her, I feel her fear and then I watch the news and read the news, it's not a nice situation at all and we are luckily removed from it - to the point where if we didn't talk to our family and we didn't watch the news, we really wouldn't be aware of anything happening here because we're so isolated with this house.
"Whenever we get in contact with the real world, we see it's pretty scary."
More than 12,000 people with coronavirus have died in hospitals across the UK, including 778 new deaths announced on Tuesday.


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Ministers hire Wall Street giant on Virgin Atlantic talks

One of Wall Street 's biggest investment banks has been drafted in by ministers to advise them on Virgin Atlantic Airways ' effort to secure hundreds of millions of pounds in taxpayer support .
Sky News has learnt that Morgan Stanley is working with the government on its talks with the airline founded by Sir Richard Branson .
Whitehall sources said the bank had been appointed in recent days to provide additional help in assessing whether as much as £500m of public money should be used to help Virgin Atlantic survive the coronavirus pandemic .
Morgan Stanley 's appointment adds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advisers on aviation rescue talk that already includes EY , the accountancy firm , and Rothschild , the investment bank .
Negotiations with Virgin Atlantic , which is majority-owned by Sir Richard 's Virgin Group , have been underway for about two weeks .
The company is seeking hundreds of millions of pounds in the form of a commercial loan , as well as a government guarantee on further sums owed to it by credit card companies .
Insiders said the talks were progressing but that they might not conclude for several more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stanley 's role could be extended to encompass the government 's talks with other struggling airlines .
Ministers will come under pressure to justify using taxpayers ' money to rescue a company whose two principal shareholders are Sir Richard - a billionaire - and Delta Air Lines , an American carrier .
Earlier this month , Sky News revealed that Heathrow Airport and some of the aviation industry 's biggest manufacturers were mounting a frantic lobbying campaign to secure taxpayer support for Virgin Atlantic .
The Sunday Times reported at the weekend that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministers to argue the case for bailing out the company .
In one of the letters , John Harrison , general counsel and UK chairman of Airbus , warned that Virgin Atlantic 's `` collapse could have an extremely negative impact on the A330 [ aircraft manufacturing ] programme '' .
`` As you will be aware , all wings for these aircraft are designed and manufactured in the UK , and orders from airlines like Virgin are vital for the continuation of our business , '' Mr Harrison wrote .
The please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which Virgin Atlantic regards the coronavirus pandemic as an existential threat .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The company , which recently received a capital injection amounting to more than $ 100m from Virgin Group , has furloughed thousands of staff and seen its top executives agree substantial pay cuts because of the COVID-19 outbreak .
Fewer than a handful of Virgin Atlantic 's planes have been flying in recent weeks .
Last month , Peter Norris , Virgin Group 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an industry-wide support package that could cost in the region of £7.5bn .
Hopes in the airline industry that such a rescue plan might be forthcoming appeared to be dashed last month when Rishi Sunak , the chancellor , indicated that state aid would be available `` only as a last resort '' and after the support of existing government schemes and companies ' existing shareholders had been pursued .
He added that help would only be afforded to companies which had demonstrated their value to the wider UK economy and to competition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US , a $ 25bn rescue package for carriers including American Airlines and United Airlines was announced on Tuesday .
Delta is among the companies in line to receive part of the emergency funding .
As a privately owned company , Virgin Atlantic may find it difficult to raise equity unless it is prepared to find a new investor at a distressed valuation .
Virgin Atlantic was one of the shareholders in Flybe , which also conducted an urgent hunt for new funding before it collapsed last month .
In its letter to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Sunak , Airbus said Virgin Atlantic had played an important role in working towards the decarbonisation of Britain 's aviation industry .
Mr Harrison added that it was `` important for UK passengers to have access to a market that has choice and competition '' .
`` Virgin has a vital role in ensuring this remains the case , and also contributes to the tourism industry in the UK through Virgin Holidays , '' he wrote .
The broader aviation industry has warned that it is running out of time to secure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most prominent players aloft as the coronavirus outbreak creates the biggest crisis in its history .
A spokesman for the DfT said last month : `` The aviation sector is important to the UK economy , and firms can draw upon the unprecedented package of measures announced by the chancellor , including schemes to raise capital , flexibilities with tax bills , and financial support for employees .
`` We are continuing to work closely with the sector and are willing to consider the situation of individual firms , so long as all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all commercial options exhausted , including raising capital from existing investors . ''
Tim Alderslade , the chief executive of lobbying group Airlines UK , has described the situation facing airlines as `` grave '' .
Airlines also want ministers to underwrite hundreds of millions of pounds in regulatory and air traffic control charges as they seek to navigate through the escalating coronavirus crisis .
A Virgin Atlantic spokeswoman said on Wednesday that talks with the government were `` positive and ongoing '' and that the company 's `` cash position remains stable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Transport declined to comment .

One of Wall Street's biggest investment banks has been drafted in by ministers to advise them on Virgin Atlantic Airways' effort to secure hundreds of millions of pounds in taxpayer support.
Sky News has learnt that Morgan Stanley is working with the government on its talks with the airline founded by Sir Richard Branson.
Whitehall sources said the bank had been appointed in recent days to provide additional help in assessing whether as much as £500m of public money should be used to help Virgin Atlantic survive the coronavirus pandemic.
Morgan Stanley's appointment adds it to a line-up of existing government advisers on aviation rescue talk that already includes EY, the accountancy firm, and Rothschild, the investment bank.
Negotiations with Virgin Atlantic, which is majority-owned by Sir Richard's Virgin Group, have been underway for about two weeks.
The company is seeking hundreds of millions of pounds in the form of a commercial loan, as well as a government guarantee on further sums owed to it by credit card companies.
Insiders said the talks were progressing but that they might not conclude for several more weeks.
It is possible that Morgan Stanley's role could be extended to encompass the government's talks with other struggling airlines.
Ministers will come under pressure to justify using taxpayers' money to rescue a company whose two principal shareholders are Sir Richard - a billionaire - and Delta Air Lines, an American carrier.
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Earlier this month, Sky News revealed that Heathrow Airport and some of the aviation industry's biggest manufacturers were mounting a frantic lobbying campaign to secure taxpayer support for Virgin Atlantic.
The Sunday Times reported at the weekend that Manchester Airports Group had also written to ministers to argue the case for bailing out the company.
In one of the letters, John Harrison, general counsel and UK chairman of Airbus, warned that Virgin Atlantic's "collapse could have an extremely negative impact on the A330 [aircraft manufacturing] programme".
"As you will be aware, all wings for these aircraft are designed and manufactured in the UK, and orders from airlines like Virgin are vital for the continuation of our business," Mr Harrison wrote.
The please from industry stakeholders underlined the extent to which Virgin Atlantic regards the coronavirus pandemic as an existential threat.
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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The company, which recently received a capital injection amounting to more than $100m from Virgin Group, has furloughed thousands of staff and seen its top executives agree substantial pay cuts because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Fewer than a handful of Virgin Atlantic's planes have been flying in recent weeks.
Last month, Peter Norris, Virgin Group's chairman, urged Boris Johnson to establish an industry-wide support package that could cost in the region of £7.5bn.
Hopes in the airline industry that such a rescue plan might be forthcoming appeared to be dashed last month when Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, indicated that state aid would be available "only as a last resort" and after the support of existing government schemes and companies' existing shareholders had been pursued.
He added that help would only be afforded to companies which had demonstrated their value to the wider UK economy and to competition in the aviation sector.
In the US, a $25bn rescue package for carriers including American Airlines and United Airlines was announced on Tuesday.
Delta is among the companies in line to receive part of the emergency funding.
As a privately owned company, Virgin Atlantic may find it difficult to raise equity unless it is prepared to find a new investor at a distressed valuation.
Virgin Atlantic was one of the shareholders in Flybe, which also conducted an urgent hunt for new funding before it collapsed last month.
In its letter to Mr Shapps, which was copied to Mr Sunak, Airbus said Virgin Atlantic had played an important role in working towards the decarbonisation of Britain's aviation industry.
Mr Harrison added that it was "important for UK passengers to have access to a market that has choice and competition".
"Virgin has a vital role in ensuring this remains the case, and also contributes to the tourism industry in the UK through Virgin Holidays," he wrote.
The broader aviation industry has warned that it is running out of time to secure funding that would keep some of its most prominent players aloft as the coronavirus outbreak creates the biggest crisis in its history.
Image: Virgin Atlantic was founded by Sir Richard Branson
A spokesman for the DfT said last month: "The aviation sector is important to the UK economy, and firms can draw upon the unprecedented package of measures announced by the chancellor, including schemes to raise capital, flexibilities with tax bills, and financial support for employees.
"We are continuing to work closely with the sector and are willing to consider the situation of individual firms, so long as all other government schemes have been explored and all commercial options exhausted, including raising capital from existing investors."
Tim Alderslade, the chief executive of lobbying group Airlines UK, has described the situation facing airlines as "grave".
Airlines also want ministers to underwrite hundreds of millions of pounds in regulatory and air traffic control charges as they seek to navigate through the escalating coronavirus crisis.
A Virgin Atlantic spokeswoman said on Wednesday that talks with the government were "positive and ongoing" and that the company's "cash position remains stable".
Morgan Stanley and the Department for Transport declined to comment.


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Business loans top £1.1bn - as Sunak urges banks to step up pace

Businesses have been given more than £1.1bn so far under a government-backed emergency loan scheme to help small and medium sized firms survive the lockdown , new figures show .
Total lending under the coronavirus business interruption loan scheme ( CBILS ) has grown by £700m in the past week , industry body UK Finance said .
The figures come after criticism that not enough of the £330bn support package announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak has been reaching struggling firms quickly enough .
Mr Sunak noted in response to the latest data that loan approvals had doubled in a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we continue this upward trajectory . ''
UK Finance said lenders had received 28,461 applications to the scheme from businesses with 6,016 approved to date totalling £1.115bn in value .
Others were still being processed and were `` expected to be approved over the coming days '' .
It issued the update as it was revealed by the Bank of England that £7.6bn had been handed to large firms under its Covid Corporate Financing Facility ( CCFF ) .
The figure was up from £5.5bn a week ago .
Ed Miliband , Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK Finance figures showed the CBILS scheme was `` simply not working well enough '' , comparing it unfavourably to an initiative in Switzerland , where banks extended more than 76,000 loans totalling nearly £12bn to firms in just a few days .
Stephen Jones , the chief executive of UK Finance , told a committee of MPs that countries where governments have fully guaranteed emergency loans , rather than requiring banks to take on some risk , have been able to support firms much faster .
He said earlier : `` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditions facing many businesses and the critical role we must play in helping the country get through this crisis .
`` Frontline staff in local branches and call centres are working incredibly hard to help firms access finance as quickly as possible amid unprecedented demand .
`` Like all businesses they are working at reduced capacity as many staff are self-isolating or looking after family . ''
Mr Jones said many staff had worked through the Easter bank holiday to help process the loans .
Mike Cherry , national chairman of the Federation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These figures represent an improvement but we need to see much more . ''
He suggested that in future the government might need to guarantee the entirety of emergency loans being offered .
`` If volumes do n't improve then all options should be kept on the table , including an upping of the 80 % guarantee , '' Mr Cherry said .
`` Other European nations like Germany have already opted for the 100 % point . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses under lockdown was also underlined in a letter from the head of the Financial Conduct Authority ( FCA ) to insurance companies .
Christopher Woolard , the FCA 's interim chief executive , urged insurers to assess and pay quickly claims made in relation to the pandemic .
But he said most policies for small and medium sized businesses only gave basic cover , with no obligation to pay out because of the coronavirus - adding that there were therefore `` no reasonable grounds '' for the FCA to intervene .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day after UK Finance revealed the scale of support being given to homeowners , with one in nine mortgages now taking a payment holiday under measures designed to support those financially affected by the outbreak .
However , some lenders have defied pressure to ease the burden on households by hiking interest rates on key mortgage products .
Meanwhile , a number of banks have cut dividends and slashed pay for top executives after coming under pressure from the Bank of England .

Businesses have been given more than £1.1bn so far under a government-backed emergency loan scheme to help small and medium sized firms survive the lockdown, new figures show.
Total lending under the coronavirus business interruption loan scheme (CBILS) has grown by £700m in the past week, industry body UK Finance said.
The figures come after criticism that not enough of the £330bn support package announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak has been reaching struggling firms quickly enough.
Mr Sunak noted in response to the latest data that loan approvals had doubled in a week, adding: "It's vital we continue this upward trajectory."
UK Finance said lenders had received 28,461 applications to the scheme from businesses with 6,016 approved to date totalling £1.115bn in value.
Others were still being processed and were "expected to be approved over the coming days".
It issued the update as it was revealed by the Bank of England that £7.6bn had been handed to large firms under its Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF). The figure was up from £5.5bn a week ago.
Ed Miliband, Labour's shadow business secretary, said the UK Finance figures showed the CBILS scheme was "simply not working well enough", comparing it unfavourably to an initiative in Switzerland, where banks extended more than 76,000 loans totalling nearly £12bn to firms in just a few days.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:31 COVID-19 to inflict huge hit on UK economy
Stephen Jones, the chief executive of UK Finance, told a committee of MPs that countries where governments have fully guaranteed emergency loans, rather than requiring banks to take on some risk, have been able to support firms much faster.
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He said earlier: "The banking and finance sector recognises the challenging conditions facing many businesses and the critical role we must play in helping the country get through this crisis.
"Frontline staff in local branches and call centres are working incredibly hard to help firms access finance as quickly as possible amid unprecedented demand.
"Like all businesses they are working at reduced capacity as many staff are self-isolating or looking after family."
Mr Jones said many staff had worked through the Easter bank holiday to help process the loans.
Mike Cherry, national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "These figures represent an improvement but we need to see much more."
He suggested that in future the government might need to guarantee the entirety of emergency loans being offered.
"If volumes don't improve then all options should be kept on the table, including an upping of the 80% guarantee," Mr Cherry said. "Other European nations like Germany have already opted for the 100% point."
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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The pressure facing small businesses under lockdown was also underlined in a letter from the head of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to insurance companies.
Christopher Woolard, the FCA's interim chief executive, urged insurers to assess and pay quickly claims made in relation to the pandemic.
But he said most policies for small and medium sized businesses only gave basic cover, with no obligation to pay out because of the coronavirus - adding that there were therefore "no reasonable grounds" for the FCA to intervene.
The figures on coronavirus emergency loans come a day after UK Finance revealed the scale of support being given to homeowners, with one in nine mortgages now taking a payment holiday under measures designed to support those financially affected by the outbreak.
However, some lenders have defied pressure to ease the burden on households by hiking interest rates on key mortgage products.
Meanwhile, a number of banks have cut dividends and slashed pay for top executives after coming under pressure from the Bank of England.


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Veteran, 99, raises £12m for NHS and vows to keep walking for as long as people donate

A 99-year-old war veteran who has raised more than £12m for the NHS by walking around his garden says he will keep going while people continue to donate .
Captain Tom Moore , who turns 100 at the end of the month , has smashed his original target to raise £1,000 by walking 100 lengths of his Bedfordshire garden .
And donations are continuing to pour in from people wanting to support front line NHS workers fighting the coronavirus .
Speaking to Sky News during a break from his walks , Captain Moore said : `` We set out originally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by me walking up and down 100 times in reference to my 100th birthday .
`` But if I 've done the 100 by tomorrow , I 'll have to continue past my birthday , which wo n't matter because I 'll continue walking while people are contributing money to a marvellous fund for the NHS .
`` With this invisible enemy that we 've got , we 've all got to look forward to the future when we 've beaten this enemy .
`` Whatever people think , we shall get better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' He added : `` We set out to raise £1,000 and we did it but we never anticipated this sort of money which really is absolutely awesome ... it really is outstanding . ''
Health Secretary Matt Hancock paid tribute to Mr Moore at the government 's daily Downing Street news conference , calling him `` an inspiration to us all '' .
After hearing the remarks , Mr Moore told Sky News : `` I was absolutely amazed that somebody like him would talk to me .
`` I mean he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government and for him to make a reference to me is great . ''
After attracting the attention of media from around the world , the Second World War veteran thanked those from overseas who have got in touch with him , saying : `` I 'm so thankful to them that they 're all helping because there is this invisible enemy that we 're all suffering from . ''
Originally from Keighley in West Yorkshire , Mr Moore trained as a civil engineer before enlisting in the Army for the Second World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in India and Burma .
His daughter Hannah said her father had become a `` global beacon of hope '' in his fund-raising efforts .
`` [ It 's ] not exactly what we set out to do but we 're now sharing this with the whole world - this is the world 's story , not ours , '' she said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Moore 's grandson Benji told Sky News : `` It 's incredible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country , and now America and France , its been amazing .
`` I 've been speechless all week and its got to a point where I genuinely have no words .
`` I 'm so proud of him - I 've lived with him practically my whole life , I would n't know anything without him and it 's just been incredible - I ca n't say anything else . ''
The number of donations to Mr Moore 's JustGiving page has risen at breakneck speed over recent days and during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than £50,000 was donated alone .
Donations to NHS Charities Together can be made at : www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tomswalkforthenhs

A 99-year-old war veteran who has raised more than £12m for the NHS by walking around his garden says he will keep going while people continue to donate.
Captain Tom Moore, who turns 100 at the end of the month, has smashed his original target to raise £1,000 by walking 100 lengths of his Bedfordshire garden.
And donations are continuing to pour in from people wanting to support front line NHS workers fighting the coronavirus.
Image: Tom Moore says he wants to help fight 'the invisible enemy'
Speaking to Sky News during a break from his walks, Captain Moore said: "We set out originally to raise a little bit of money by me walking up and down 100 times in reference to my 100th birthday.
"But if I've done the 100 by tomorrow, I'll have to continue past my birthday, which won't matter because I'll continue walking while people are contributing money to a marvellous fund for the NHS.
"With this invisible enemy that we've got, we've all got to look forward to the future when we've beaten this enemy.
"Whatever people think, we shall get better. Things will be better tomorrow."
Image: Captain Tom Moore served in the Second World War. Pic: Justgiving
He added: "We set out to raise £1,000 and we did it but we never anticipated this sort of money which really is absolutely awesome... it really is outstanding."
Health Secretary Matt Hancock paid tribute to Mr Moore at the government's daily Downing Street news conference, calling him "an inspiration to us all".
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After hearing the remarks, Mr Moore told Sky News: "I was absolutely amazed that somebody like him would talk to me.
"I mean he is such an important person in our government and for him to make a reference to me is great."
Image: Matt Hancock called Tom Moore an 'inspiration'
After attracting the attention of media from around the world, the Second World War veteran thanked those from overseas who have got in touch with him, saying: "I'm so thankful to them that they're all helping because there is this invisible enemy that we're all suffering from."
Originally from Keighley in West Yorkshire, Mr Moore trained as a civil engineer before enlisting in the Army for the Second World War, rising to captain and serving in India and Burma.
His daughter Hannah said her father had become a "global beacon of hope" in his fund-raising efforts.
"[It's] not exactly what we set out to do but we're now sharing this with the whole world - this is the world's story, not ours," she said.
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Mr Moore's grandson Benji told Sky News: "It's incredible. The support we've had across the country, and now America and France, its been amazing.
"I've been speechless all week and its got to a point where I genuinely have no words.
"I'm so proud of him - I've lived with him practically my whole life, I wouldn't know anything without him and it's just been incredible - I can't say anything else."
The number of donations to Mr Moore's JustGiving page has risen at breakneck speed over recent days and during his interview with Sky News, more than £50,000 was donated alone.
Donations to NHS Charities Together can be made at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tomswalkforthenhs


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Plea for people to stop using lanterns in NHS tribute

Fresh appeals have been made to the public to stop using sky lanterns in the weekly tribute to NHS workers because of safety and environmental fears .
Animal charities , farmers and the emergency services say the items pose a risk to property and wildlife .
The lanterns , which consist of thin paper , wiring and a small candle , have been promoted by sellers for use in the Clap For Carers campaign to raise money for the NHS during the coronavirus outbreak - but have been blamed for causing serious injuries to livestock and animals .
Ren Shilcock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign , said : `` Though sky lanterns might look pretty in the sky , they pose a serious danger to horses , farm animals and wildlife .
Sadly , many people are unaware of the potentially deadly consequences the release of sky lanterns can have for animals .
`` Not only are they a serious fire hazard , animals can suffer through ingestion , entanglement and entrapment , or simply the sight of a lit lantern in the sky can be terrifying for them and cause them to bolt and harm themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already aware of the dangers sky lanterns pose to animals .
`` We hope others will instead choose to show their support and gratitude to key workers in other ways such as clapping from their homes , placing decorated signs in their windows , donating whatever they can to worthy causes , and of course , staying safely at home . ''
Farmers have expressed their concerns over the increasing use of the lanterns and renewed their appeal for the public to boycott using them .
A spokesperson for the National Farmers ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be well-intentioned and aims to raise money for the NHS , sky lanterns pose a serious fire risk and a danger to animals who may ingest the debris .
`` The NFU has campaigned against their use as we have heard from dozens of farmers over many years about the gruesome injuries sky lanterns have caused to their livestock and other animals , as well as devastating fire damage to hay , straw and farm buildings .
They also land as unnecessary litter wherever they fall .
`` We would also ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unnecessary strain this will cause our already stretched emergency services .
`` We would encourage anyone that does wish to support our invaluable NHS to do so through established charitable routes . ''
Fire chiefs have said the sky lanterns can lead to major incidents and called on the public to find other ways to show their support for NHS staff and key workers .

Fresh appeals have been made to the public to stop using sky lanterns in the weekly tribute to NHS workers because of safety and environmental fears.
Animal charities, farmers and the emergency services say the items pose a risk to property and wildlife.
The lanterns, which consist of thin paper, wiring and a small candle, have been promoted by sellers for use in the Clap For Carers campaign to raise money for the NHS during the coronavirus outbreak - but have been blamed for causing serious injuries to livestock and animals.
Image: Farmers and wildlife charities say lanterns litter the countryside and endanger wildlife. Picture: RSPCA
Ren Shilcock, RSPCA officer for the #EndSkyLitter campaign, said: "Though sky lanterns might look pretty in the sky, they pose a serious danger to horses, farm animals and wildlife. Sadly, many people are unaware of the potentially deadly consequences the release of sky lanterns can have for animals.
"Not only are they a serious fire hazard, animals can suffer through ingestion, entanglement and entrapment, or simply the sight of a lit lantern in the sky can be terrifying for them and cause them to bolt and harm themselves.
"We know many people are already aware of the dangers sky lanterns pose to animals.
"We hope others will instead choose to show their support and gratitude to key workers in other ways such as clapping from their homes, placing decorated signs in their windows, donating whatever they can to worthy causes, and of course, staying safely at home."
Farmers have expressed their concerns over the increasing use of the lanterns and renewed their appeal for the public to boycott using them.
A spokesperson for the National Farmers' Union said: "Although this initiative may be well-intentioned and aims to raise money for the NHS, sky lanterns pose a serious fire risk and a danger to animals who may ingest the debris.
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"The NFU has campaigned against their use as we have heard from dozens of farmers over many years about the gruesome injuries sky lanterns have caused to their livestock and other animals, as well as devastating fire damage to hay, straw and farm buildings. They also land as unnecessary litter wherever they fall.
"We would also ask people to think about the heightened and unnecessary strain this will cause our already stretched emergency services.
"We would encourage anyone that does wish to support our invaluable NHS to do so through established charitable routes."
Fire chiefs have said the sky lanterns can lead to major incidents and called on the public to find other ways to show their support for NHS staff and key workers.


news--2020-04-15--Imagination chief commits to UK workforce amid growing China row

The owners of Imagination Technologies Group have committed to keeping most of its workforce in the UK in an attempt to defuse the escalating row over a state-backed Chinese investor 's effort to seize control of its board .
Sky News has seen a letter from Canyon Bridge Capital Partners - which bought the British chip developer in 2017 for £550m - to the foreign affairs select committee in which it defends its track record as Imagination 's shareholder .
Three of Canyon Bridge 's top executives said that Imagination `` remains domiciled in the UK , and the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
`` Senior management will continue to operate out of the UK in the foreseeable future , and the strategic direction of the business will continue to be set from the UK , '' they said .
`` [ Canyon Bridge ] can affirm that under its ownership , the majority of Imagination 's employees will remain based in the UK . ''
Since Sky News revealed efforts by China Reform Holdings - a state-backed investor in Canyon Bridge 's funds - to take control of Imagination 's board , three of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quit .
One wrote in his resignation letter : `` I will not be part of a company that is effectively controlled by the Chinese government . ''
Canyon Bridge told MPs investigating the situation , which insiders believe would be a precursor to redomiciling Imagination to China , that the board appointments were no longer under discussion .
However , MPs and former company executives are sceptical that the plans have been abandoned .
Ray Bingham , the interim CEO of Imagination and one of the authors of the letter to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` committed to interacting transparently with politicians and officials ; this is the approach which we have taken since Imagination Technologies was acquired by Canyon Bridge in 2017 and we welcome the chance to maintain this dialogue with you '' .
Canyon Bridge insisted that the absence of any redundancy programme since the 2017 takeover and the fact that the bulk of its research and development activity took place in the UK were proof of its commitment to Imagination 's future in Britain .
In a note accompanying their letter , they said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` putting it in the top 15 patent filers in the UK , [ compared to 250 patent filings in 2017 ] '' .
Earlier this week , Sir Hossein Yossaie , who ran Imagination until 2016 , had urged ministers to prevent the company being redomiciled .
The latest development in the row over China Reform 's attempts to gain control of the Apple supplier comes days after Sky News revealed that the Trump administration had also begun investigating the situation .
The intervention by Washington 's Committee on Foreign Investment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two-and-a-half years after it blocked Canyon Bridge 's takeover of Lattice Semiconductors in 2017 .
Imagination 's relationship with Apple , which was rekindled in January with a new licensing deal , is expected to be a focal point of CFIUS 's enquiries .
Ron Black , the chief executive , and Steve Evans , chief product officer , are among the senior employees who have resigned over the dispute .
Mr Bingham is understood to be trying to convince Mr Evans and John Rayfield , who resigned as chief technical officer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday , Imagination issued a statement containing news of Mr Black 's departure and saying that its shareholders were committed to increasing the chip designer 's investment in the UK .
It was , however , short on detail about safeguards to ensure that it would remain a UK-headquartered company .
When Sky News revealed details of China Reform 's plot to take control of Imagination ten days ago , one insider said that the move appeared to have been timed at `` the point of maximum distraction '' for ministers dealing with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oliver Dowden , the culture secretary , has told MPs that the government is urgently seeking clarity about the situation amid concerns about the pace of 'technology transfer ' to China .
He said that officials were `` working with their counterparts in the departments for Business , Energy , and Industrial Strategy , the National Cyber Security Centre , the Foreign Office , and Cabinet Office as a matter of urgency to understand the facts '' .
The British company 's sale to Canyon Bridge was approved by the US government subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ graphics processing unit operating in the US .
MIPS was sold to Tallwood Venture Capital , a California-based investor , which subsequently combined it with Wave , an artificial intelligence processing business .
Imagination boasts that its graphics processing units ( GPUs ) are used in 30 % of the world 's mobile phones and , in total , 11 billion devices globally .

The owners of Imagination Technologies Group have committed to keeping most of its workforce in the UK in an attempt to defuse the escalating row over a state-backed Chinese investor's effort to seize control of its board.
Sky News has seen a letter from Canyon Bridge Capital Partners - which bought the British chip developer in 2017 for £550m - to the foreign affairs select committee in which it defends its track record as Imagination's shareholder.
Three of Canyon Bridge's top executives said that Imagination "remains domiciled in the UK, and the UK remains the company's base of operations".
"Senior management will continue to operate out of the UK in the foreseeable future, and the strategic direction of the business will continue to be set from the UK," they said.
"[Canyon Bridge] can affirm that under its ownership, the majority of Imagination's employees will remain based in the UK."
Since Sky News revealed efforts by China Reform Holdings - a state-backed investor in Canyon Bridge's funds - to take control of Imagination's board, three of the Hertfordshire-based group's top executives have quit.
One wrote in his resignation letter: "I will not be part of a company that is effectively controlled by the Chinese government."
Canyon Bridge told MPs investigating the situation, which insiders believe would be a precursor to redomiciling Imagination to China, that the board appointments were no longer under discussion.
However, MPs and former company executives are sceptical that the plans have been abandoned.
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Ray Bingham, the interim CEO of Imagination and one of the authors of the letter to the committee, said that Canyon Bridge was "committed to interacting transparently with politicians and officials; this is the approach which we have taken since Imagination Technologies was acquired by Canyon Bridge in 2017 and we welcome the chance to maintain this dialogue with you".
Canyon Bridge insisted that the absence of any redundancy programme since the 2017 takeover and the fact that the bulk of its research and development activity took place in the UK were proof of its commitment to Imagination's future in Britain.
In a note accompanying their letter, they said that Imagination filed 304 patents last year, "putting it in the top 15 patent filers in the UK, [compared to 250 patent filings in 2017]".
Earlier this week, Sir Hossein Yossaie, who ran Imagination until 2016, had urged ministers to prevent the company being redomiciled.
The latest development in the row over China Reform's attempts to gain control of the Apple supplier comes days after Sky News revealed that the Trump administration had also begun investigating the situation.
The intervention by Washington's Committee on Foreign Investment in the US (CFIUS) comes two-and-a-half years after it blocked Canyon Bridge's takeover of Lattice Semiconductors in 2017.
Imagination's relationship with Apple, which was rekindled in January with a new licensing deal, is expected to be a focal point of CFIUS's enquiries.
Ron Black, the chief executive, and Steve Evans, chief product officer, are among the senior employees who have resigned over the dispute.
Mr Bingham is understood to be trying to convince Mr Evans and John Rayfield, who resigned as chief technical officer, to remain with the company.
Last Friday, Imagination issued a statement containing news of Mr Black's departure and saying that its shareholders were committed to increasing the chip designer's investment in the UK.
It was, however, short on detail about safeguards to ensure that it would remain a UK-headquartered company.
When Sky News revealed details of China Reform's plot to take control of Imagination ten days ago, one insider said that the move appeared to have been timed at "the point of maximum distraction" for ministers dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
Since then, Oliver Dowden, the culture secretary, has told MPs that the government is urgently seeking clarity about the situation amid concerns about the pace of 'technology transfer' to China.
He said that officials were "working with their counterparts in the departments for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy, the National Cyber Security Centre, the Foreign Office, and Cabinet Office as a matter of urgency to understand the facts".
The British company's sale to Canyon Bridge was approved by the US government subject to its disposal of MIPS, a graphics processing unit operating in the US.
MIPS was sold to Tallwood Venture Capital, a California-based investor, which subsequently combined it with Wave, an artificial intelligence processing business.
Imagination boasts that its graphics processing units (GPUs) are used in 30% of the world's mobile phones and, in total, 11 billion devices globally.