news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: Trump's China threats over COVID-19 outbreak fuels FTSE slide

Britain 's stalled housing market and investor jitters over Donald Trump threatening fresh tariffs against China has hit leading UK-listed stocks .
The top-flight FTSE 100 index was dragged down a further 2.3 % after suffering its worst one-day loss for a month on Thursday as the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on the global economy became clearer .
It wiped out gains seen earlier in the week after signs of several countries easing coronavirus restrictions .
The slide continued after the US president ramped up the anti-China rhetoric again as he warned of retaliatory tariffs against Beijing as punishment for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump claimed to have seen evidence that coronavirus originated in a Wuhan laboratory , but declined to give details .
Meanwhile back home , fresh data showed the number of mortgages being approved to home buyers plunged to a seven-year low in March .
The sharp fall came amid signs that households were belt-tightening and getting their finances in order by making large repayments on other types of borrowing such as credit cards .
Figures from the Bank of England show that 56,161 mortgages were approved for house purchase in March .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 24 % ) compared with the previous month , and the lowest monthly total since 54,341 approvals were recorded in March 2013 .
Households also paid back a total £3.8bn of consumer credit in March , including personal loans , overdrafts and credit cards , which represented the largest net repayment the Bank 's money and credit report has recorded .
Separate data indicated manufacturers suffered the biggest fall in output and orders for at least three decades in April .
The closely watched Purchasing Managers ' Index ( PMI ) for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with anything below 50 viewed as a sign of a contracting industry .
The drop , from 47.8 in March , is one of the steepest since the IHS Markit/CIPS surveys were first carried out 28 years ago , according to those who compile it .
It also beats the previous lowest score of 34.5 , which was recorded in February 2009 during the financial crisis , and means UK manufacturing has been in decline for 10 of the past 12 months .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spreaker Rob Dobson , director at IHS Markit , which compiles the survey , said : `` UK manufacturing suffered its worst month in recent history in April , as output , order books and employment all fell at rates far surpassing anything seen in the PMI survey 's 28-year history . ''
He added : `` The outstanding question remains how long the current restrictions will need to remain in place , and which sectors can start to safely reopen .
`` The pressure is mounting as the longer the global economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost to industry will grow , and the greater the likelihood that more jobs will be cut . ''

Britain's stalled housing market and investor jitters over Donald Trump threatening fresh tariffs against China has hit leading UK-listed stocks.
The top-flight FTSE 100 index was dragged down a further 2.3% after suffering its worst one-day loss for a month on Thursday as the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on the global economy became clearer.
Image: The number of mortgage approvals plunged to a seven-year low in March
It wiped out gains seen earlier in the week after signs of several countries easing coronavirus restrictions.
The slide continued after the US president ramped up the anti-China rhetoric again as he warned of retaliatory tariffs against Beijing as punishment for failing to contain the outbreak.
Mr Trump claimed to have seen evidence that coronavirus originated in a Wuhan laboratory, but declined to give details.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 Trump confident COVID-19 originated in Wuhan lab
Meanwhile back home, fresh data showed the number of mortgages being approved to home buyers plunged to a seven-year low in March.
The sharp fall came amid signs that households were belt-tightening and getting their finances in order by making large repayments on other types of borrowing such as credit cards.
Figures from the Bank of England show that 56,161 mortgages were approved for house purchase in March.
This was a drop-off of nearly a quarter (24%) compared with the previous month, and the lowest monthly total since 54,341 approvals were recorded in March 2013.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:09 The process of getting back to work
Households also paid back a total £3.8bn of consumer credit in March, including personal loans, overdrafts and credit cards, which represented the largest net repayment the Bank's money and credit report has recorded.
Separate data indicated manufacturers suffered the biggest fall in output and orders for at least three decades in April.
The closely watched Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for the sector fell to 32.6 last month, with anything below 50 viewed as a sign of a contracting industry.
The drop, from 47.8 in March, is one of the steepest since the IHS Markit/CIPS surveys were first carried out 28 years ago, according to those who compile it.
It also beats the previous lowest score of 34.5, which was recorded in February 2009 during the financial crisis, and means UK manufacturing has been in decline for 10 of the past 12 months.
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Rob Dobson, director at IHS Markit, which compiles the survey, said: "UK manufacturing suffered its worst month in recent history in April, as output, order books and employment all fell at rates far surpassing anything seen in the PMI survey's 28-year history."
He added: "The outstanding question remains how long the current restrictions will need to remain in place, and which sectors can start to safely reopen.
"The pressure is mounting as the longer the global economy remains in lockdown, the greater the cost to industry will grow, and the greater the likelihood that more jobs will be cut."


news--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: Elon Musk attacks lockdown measures 'imprisoning people' at home

Elon Musk has described lockdowns as `` forcibly imprisoning people in their homes '' and `` fascist '' in outspoken comments during an earnings call for his electric car company Tesla .
Tesla had initially resisted efforts by California authorities to shut its plant in the San Francisco Bay area under the restrictions until agreeing on 19 March to suspend production .
Mr Musk 's comments overshadowed results showing better than expected sales volumes of 88,400 during the January-March period and a profit of $ 16m - Tesla 's third straight quarter in the black after a long run of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact that coronavirus lockdowns are having across the US economy , hours after it reported the biggest three-month decline in GDP since 2008 and is expected to be heading for a severe recession .
Mr Musk said he did not know when Tesla could resume production in California and called the state 's stay-at-home order a `` serious risk '' to the business .
He added : `` To say that they can not leave their house and they will be arrested if they do , this is fascist .
`` This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Give people back their goddamn freedom !
`` So the extension of the shelter-in-place or , frankly , I would call it , forcibly imprisoning people in their homes against all their constitutional rights , in my opinion , breaking people 's freedoms in ways that are horrible and wrong and not why people came to America or built this country .
`` It will cause great harm , not just to Tesla , but to any companies .
`` And while Tesla will weather the storm , there are many small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Mr Musk 's comments contrasted with those of fellow tech billionaire Mark Zuckerberg , as he presented latest results for Facebook .
Mr Zuckerberg said : `` I worry that reopening certain places too quickly before infection rates have been reduced to very minimal levels will almost guarantee future outbreaks and worse longer-term health and economic outcomes . ''
Mr Musk 's latest comments are not the first time he has stirred controversy during an earnings call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answer analysts ' questions , saying that `` boring , bonehead questions are not cool '' - later apologising for his remarks .

Elon Musk has described lockdowns as "forcibly imprisoning people in their homes" and "fascist" in outspoken comments during an earnings call for his electric car company Tesla.
Tesla had initially resisted efforts by California authorities to shut its plant in the San Francisco Bay area under the restrictions until agreeing on 19 March to suspend production.
Mr Musk's comments overshadowed results showing better than expected sales volumes of 88,400 during the January-March period and a profit of $16m - Tesla's third straight quarter in the black after a long run of losses.
His intervention underscored the massive impact that coronavirus lockdowns are having across the US economy, hours after it reported the biggest three-month decline in GDP since 2008 and is expected to be heading for a severe recession.
Mr Musk said he did not know when Tesla could resume production in California and called the state's stay-at-home order a "serious risk" to the business.
He added: "To say that they cannot leave their house and they will be arrested if they do, this is fascist.
"This is not democratic, this is not freedom. Give people back their goddamn freedom!
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 US workers feel the impact of COVID -19
"So the extension of the shelter-in-place or, frankly, I would call it, forcibly imprisoning people in their homes against all their constitutional rights, in my opinion, breaking people's freedoms in ways that are horrible and wrong and not why people came to America or built this country.
"It will cause great harm, not just to Tesla, but to any companies.
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"And while Tesla will weather the storm, there are many small companies that will not."
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Mr Musk's comments contrasted with those of fellow tech billionaire Mark Zuckerberg, as he presented latest results for Facebook.
Mr Zuckerberg said: "I worry that reopening certain places too quickly before infection rates have been reduced to very minimal levels will almost guarantee future outbreaks and worse longer-term health and economic outcomes."
Mr Musk's latest comments are not the first time he has stirred controversy during an earnings call.
In 2018, he refused to answer analysts' questions, saying that "boring, bonehead questions are not cool" - later apologising for his remarks.


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: David Icke Facebook page removed over COVID-19 conspiracy theories

Facebook has removed a page belonging to conspiracy theorist David Icke after he spread unsubstantiated stories about COVID-19 .
Icke , who has said the world is run by reptiles and the Royal Family are lizards , has claimed 5G is linked to coronavirus .
The video in which he reportedly made that comment was later removed from YouTube .
In another video , on his website , he says he `` obviously '' does not believe there actually is a virus , and says lockdowns are a way of destroying people 's livelihoods and making them dependent on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the page `` for repeatedly violating our policies on harmful misinformation '' .
After it was taken down , Icke described the social network as `` fascist '' and tweeted a picture of Mark Zuckerberg with the caption : `` The little boy gofer for global tyranny . ''
The now deleted page had almost 800,000 followers , but another one , with more than 60,000 , remains active .
Last month , NHS England 's medical director said he was `` outraged and disgusted '' at conspiracy theorists who claim 5G masts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Professor Stephen Powis said the `` 5G story is complete and utter rubbish '' , adding : `` It 's nonsense .
It 's the worst kind of fake news . ''
During the lockdown , a number of mobile masts have been attacked across the country , including one covering the area near Birmingham 's Nightingale Hospital .
Also last month , it emerged that an interview on London Live in which Icke shared unsubstantiated opinions on the causes of COVID-19 was being investigated by media regulator Ofcom .
Ofcom imposed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ESTV , saying that Icke 's words `` risked causing significant harm to viewers '' .
The Centre for Countering Digital Hate said Icke 's conspiracies about coronavirus had been viewed more than 30 million times .
Its chief executive , Imran Ahmed , said that misinformation `` puts all of our lives at risk by encouraging the public not to comply with clinical guidance '' .
Hope Not Hate said it was `` welcome news that Facebook have removed David Icke 's page '' , adding : `` He has promoted dangerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 is a hoax . ''
Icke , a former footballer and sports broadcaster , is also accused of making antisemitic remarks on social media .
Rachel Riley , TV presenter and campaigner against antisemitism welcomed Facebook 's decision , saying : `` The hate preacher was banned from Australia .
Big arenas have rejected him , yet social media orgs allow him a megaphone ( & pocket the profits ) .
Facebook have finally deleted him today !
! ''
Twitter , when asked why it had not removed Icke 's account @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removal of COVID-19 content when it has a call to action that could potentially cause harm '' .
It added : `` As we 've said previously , we will not take enforcement action on every tweet that contains incomplete or disputed information about COVID-19 .
`` Since introducing these policies on 18 March , we 've removed more than 2,200 tweets .
`` As we 've doubled down on tech , our automated systems have challenged more than 3.4 million accounts which were targeting discussions around COVID-19 with spammy or manipulative behaviours @ @

Facebook has removed a page belonging to conspiracy theorist David Icke after he spread unsubstantiated stories about COVID-19.
Icke, who has said the world is run by reptiles and the Royal Family are lizards, has claimed 5G is linked to coronavirus.
The video in which he reportedly made that comment was later removed from YouTube.
In another video, on his website, he says he "obviously" does not believe there actually is a virus, and says lockdowns are a way of destroying people's livelihoods and making them dependent on the state.
Image: Icke (top right) when he was a TV presenter in 1983
Facebook said it had removed the page "for repeatedly violating our policies on harmful misinformation".
After it was taken down, Icke described the social network as "fascist" and tweeted a picture of Mark Zuckerberg with the caption: "The little boy gofer for global tyranny."
The now deleted page had almost 800,000 followers, but another one, with more than 60,000, remains active.
Last month, NHS England's medical director said he was "outraged and disgusted" at conspiracy theorists who claim 5G masts are the true cause of COVID-19.
Professor Stephen Powis said the "5G story is complete and utter rubbish", adding: "It's nonsense. It's the worst kind of fake news."
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During the lockdown, a number of mobile masts have been attacked across the country, including one covering the area near Birmingham's Nightingale Hospital.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 Lifting lockdown: It's all about the 'R'
Also last month, it emerged that an interview on London Live in which Icke shared unsubstantiated opinions on the causes of COVID-19 was being investigated by media regulator Ofcom.
Ofcom imposed a sanction on the channel's owner, ESTV, saying that Icke's words "risked causing significant harm to viewers".
The Centre for Countering Digital Hate said Icke's conspiracies about coronavirus had been viewed more than 30 million times.
Its chief executive, Imran Ahmed, said that misinformation "puts all of our lives at risk by encouraging the public not to comply with clinical guidance".
Hope Not Hate said it was "welcome news that Facebook have removed David Icke's page", adding: "He has promoted dangerous conspiracy theories, including the idea that COVID-19 is a hoax."
Icke, a former footballer and sports broadcaster, is also accused of making antisemitic remarks on social media.
Rachel Riley, TV presenter and campaigner against antisemitism welcomed Facebook's decision, saying: "The hate preacher was banned from Australia. Big arenas have rejected him, yet social media orgs allow him a megaphone (& pocket the profits). Facebook have finally deleted him today!!"
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:26 Robots help COVID patients
Twitter, when asked why it had not removed Icke's account, said it was "prioritising the removal of COVID-19 content when it has a call to action that could potentially cause harm".
It added: "As we've said previously, we will not take enforcement action on every tweet that contains incomplete or disputed information about COVID-19.
"Since introducing these policies on 18 March, we've removed more than 2,200 tweets.
"As we've doubled down on tech, our automated systems have challenged more than 3.4 million accounts which were targeting discussions around COVID-19 with spammy or manipulative behaviours."


news--2020-05-01--Will Smith and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air cast get emotional during virtual reunion

Will Smith was left in tears during a virtual reunion with his Fresh Prince of Bel-Air co-stars as they remembered James Avery , who played Uncle Phil and died in 2013 .
The star shared a clip from his new Snapchat chat show `` Will At Home '' on his Instagram page as the cast marked 30 years since the start of the hit show .
Alfonso Ribeiro ( Carlton ) , Daphne Maxwell Reid ( Aunt Viv ) Joseph Marcell ( Geoffrey ) Karyn Parsons ( Hilary ) , Tatyana M. Ali ( Ashley ) and Smith 's sidekick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video .
The actors appeared very pleased to see each other as they spoke from their homes during the coronavirus lockdown .
During the video they watched clips from the Fresh Prince showing Avery , who played Will 's father figure in the American comedy .
Avery died from complications after open heart surgery when he was 68 .
`` That just makes me teary , '' Smith said , wiping his eyes .
`` The first couple times that I 'm seeing clips of James , you know ? ''
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who played opposite Avery as Aunt Viv .
`` As James would say , 'Solid , ' '' added Marcell .
In a tribute on Instagram , Smith wrote : `` Our show would n't have been HALF what it was without the talent and light that was James Avery .
We all love and miss you , James . ''
At the start of the video Smith and Ribeiro both shouted `` he 's alive , he 's alive '' as Jazzy Jeff joined the Zoom call .
: : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Earlier this week Jazzy Jeff told CNN he believed he had caught coronavirus while on a trip to Idaho in March .
He said he lost his sense of smell , had hallucinations and had been quite unwell .
Marcell told him `` you had us all scared '' , to which the DJ replied : `` Not as scared as I was . ''
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air first aired in September 1990 .
`` You guys are my second family , and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationships , '' Smith said , before signing off .
`` When I look back , the best times in my life will have been on that set . ''

Will Smith was left in tears during a virtual reunion with his Fresh Prince of Bel-Air co-stars as they remembered James Avery, who played Uncle Phil and died in 2013.
The star shared a clip from his new Snapchat chat show "Will At Home" on his Instagram page as the cast marked 30 years since the start of the hit show.
Alfonso Ribeiro (Carlton), Daphne Maxwell Reid (Aunt Viv) Joseph Marcell (Geoffrey) Karyn Parsons (Hilary), Tatyana M. Ali (Ashley) and Smith's sidekick DJ Jazzy Jeff all featured in the video.
"I'm hyped, I'm hyped!" said Smith.
The actors appeared very pleased to see each other as they spoke from their homes during the coronavirus lockdown.
During the video they watched clips from the Fresh Prince showing Avery, who played Will's father figure in the American comedy.
Image: The Fresh Prince cast in 2005: (L-R) James Avery, Daphne Reid, Karyn Parsons, Tatyana Ali, Will Smith, Alfonso Ribeiro
Avery died from complications after open heart surgery when he was 68.
"That just makes me teary," Smith said, wiping his eyes. "The first couple times that I'm seeing clips of James, you know?"
"I loved that man," said Reid, who played opposite Avery as Aunt Viv.
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"As James would say, 'Solid,'" added Marcell.
In a tribute on Instagram, Smith wrote: "Our show wouldn't have been HALF what it was without the talent and light that was James Avery. We all love and miss you, James."
At the start of the video Smith and Ribeiro both shouted "he's alive, he's alive" as Jazzy Jeff joined the Zoom call.
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Earlier this week Jazzy Jeff told CNN he believed he had caught coronavirus while on a trip to Idaho in March. He said he lost his sense of smell, had hallucinations and had been quite unwell.
Marcell told him "you had us all scared", to which the DJ replied: "Not as scared as I was."
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air first aired in September 1990.
"You guys are my second family, and I've been shaped by my interactions and relationships," Smith said, before signing off.
"When I look back, the best times in my life will have been on that set."


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: Councils keen to reopen tips but say police will need to manage queues

Councils are keen to reopen tips as soon as possible but police will need to manage the queues when they do , the Local Government Association has said .
The government has confirmed that some will reopen this weekend , with Housing , Communities and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick saying he hopes more will follow in the weeks to come .
But the LGA , which represents local authorities in England , said a number of issues need to be addressed .
These include ensuring there is sufficient staffing , providing enough protective equipment for workers , and co-ordinating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manage inevitable traffic queues at the sites '' .
The LGA also said ministers need to provide `` clear and explicit guidance '' that visiting tips is permissible under the coronavirus lockdown guidelines .
It comes after Mr Jenrick earlier told the BBC that it was `` perfectly legal '' for people to visit tips that are open .
`` There is no reason why you can not travel to a tip to put household waste there or do recycling , '' Mr Jenrick said .
`` Councils should have the confidence to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' He said that because of high demand , many local authorities may decide to reopen their sites in a `` staged '' manner , adding this was the `` sensible '' thing to do .
`` The longer we delay it , the longer those queues are going to be when the waste sites reopen , '' Mr Jenrick added .
Under the current laws and guidance , people can take their waste to a tip that is open , but only if their journey is `` essential '' , that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home poses a risk of injury or to health .
Mr Jenrick has said the government will be issuing new guidance `` shortly '' that will support councils in reopening tips and doing so `` in line with social distancing guidelines '' .
A Department for the Environment , Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson told Sky News : `` We are working closely with local authorities and the waste industry to see how we can re-open these sites in the coming weeks , to make sure waste collections are prioritised appropriately and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to run as smoothly as possible .
`` Local authorities should maintain black bag collections and prevent waste from building up to protect the environment and public health . ''
Councillor David Renard , the LGA 's environment spokesman , said councils are `` keen to open them [ tips ] as soon as practicable '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But he added : `` For sites to reopen , the government needs to provide clear and explicit guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ household waste and recycling centre ] is compatible with its directive on essential travel .
`` HWRCs can only reopen when they have sufficient staffing and social distancing measures are in place to protect staff and members of the public , which remains paramount .
`` To safely manage visitor flow and pent-up demand , the police will need to manage inevitable traffic queues at the sites , with consideration needing to be given to whether supportive measures , such as a permit system and longer opening hours might be needed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , waste staff must be given personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of infection and to provide reassurance . ''
Cllr Renard continued : `` We are keen to work with the government on resolving these issues so that councils can reopen HWRCs safely and with confidence . ''

Councils are keen to reopen tips as soon as possible but police will need to manage the queues when they do, the Local Government Association has said.
The government has confirmed that some will reopen this weekend, with Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick saying he hopes more will follow in the weeks to come.
But the LGA, which represents local authorities in England, said a number of issues need to be addressed.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 PM to set out plan to get economy moving
These include ensuring there is sufficient staffing, providing enough protective equipment for workers, and co-ordinating the presence of police officers to "manage inevitable traffic queues at the sites".
The LGA also said ministers need to provide "clear and explicit guidance" that visiting tips is permissible under the coronavirus lockdown guidelines.
It comes after Mr Jenrick earlier told the BBC that it was "perfectly legal" for people to visit tips that are open.
"There is no reason why you cannot travel to a tip to put household waste there or do recycling," Mr Jenrick said.
"Councils should have the confidence to reopen them as soon as possible."
He said that because of high demand, many local authorities may decide to reopen their sites in a "staged" manner, adding this was the "sensible" thing to do.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:42 Thousands fined for ignoring lockdown
"The longer we delay it, the longer those queues are going to be when the waste sites reopen," Mr Jenrick added.
Under the current laws and guidance, people can take their waste to a tip that is open, but only if their journey is "essential", that is if the build-up of waste in their home poses a risk of injury or to health.
Mr Jenrick has said the government will be issuing new guidance "shortly" that will support councils in reopening tips and doing so "in line with social distancing guidelines".
A Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson told Sky News: "We are working closely with local authorities and the waste industry to see how we can re-open these sites in the coming weeks, to make sure waste collections are prioritised appropriately and that all parts of the waste system continue to run as smoothly as possible.
"Local authorities should maintain black bag collections and prevent waste from building up to protect the environment and public health."
Councillor David Renard, the LGA's environment spokesman, said councils are "keen to open them [tips] as soon as practicable".
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But he added: "For sites to reopen, the government needs to provide clear and explicit guidance to residents that going to a HWRC [household waste and recycling centre] is compatible with its directive on essential travel.
"HWRCs can only reopen when they have sufficient staffing and social distancing measures are in place to protect staff and members of the public, which remains paramount.
"To safely manage visitor flow and pent-up demand, the police will need to manage inevitable traffic queues at the sites, with consideration needing to be given to whether supportive measures, such as a permit system and longer opening hours might be needed.
"Crucially, for HWRCs to reopen, waste staff must be given personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of infection and to provide reassurance."
Cllr Renard continued: "We are keen to work with the government on resolving these issues so that councils can reopen HWRCs safely and with confidence."


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: Victoria Beckham backtracks on furloughing fashion label staff after outcry

Victoria Beckham has reversed her decision to furlough about 30 staff at her fashion label .
The designer , 46 , placed some of her employees on the government 's business scheme to help firms navigate choppy waters during the coronavirus pandemic .
She faced criticism from the public for her application to the scheme , as her combined net worth with husband David is estimated to be £335m , according to The Sunday Times 2019 Rich List .
A spokeswoman for the business has confirmed to Sky News that the decision had been reversed .
In a statement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been working hard to protect its people and , while adjusting to the impact of COVID-19 and the government lockdown , our decision to furlough a small number of our staff seemed the most appropriate option in keeping with many other businesses .
`` The situation is dynamic , and , with the support of our shareholders , we now believe we can navigate through this crisis without drawing from the government furlough scheme .
Our application was made in the best interests of trying to protect our staff , and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are doing everything we can to ensure we can achieve that without using government assistance . ''
The employees will return to work on 11 May .
The luxury clothing brand , which launched in 2008 , has faced financial difficulty in recent years .
In November , accounts revealed Victoria Beckham Ltd suffered losses of £12.3m in the year to December 2018 after facing a fall in sales .
Ralph Toledano , chairman of the business , said sales of its clothing and accessories stagnated during 2018 after years of growth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with shareholder expectations after `` cutting costs , focusing on its digital channels and refining the product to more closely reflect Victoria Beckham 's aesthetics and values '' , the business said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It expected to become profitable in the fourth quarter of the year and increased its wholesale order book for 2020 .
The reversal comes after football clubs Liverpool and Tottenham also backed down from a decision to furlough staff during the crisis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ - initially announced they would place non-playing staff on the scheme but later said they had reconsidered their applications .

Victoria Beckham has reversed her decision to furlough about 30 staff at her fashion label.
The designer, 46, placed some of her employees on the government's business scheme to help firms navigate choppy waters during the coronavirus pandemic.
She faced criticism from the public for her application to the scheme, as her combined net worth with husband David is estimated to be £335m, according to The Sunday Times 2019 Rich List.
Image: Victoria Beckham Ltd bags are seen on sale in Singapore
A spokeswoman for the business has confirmed to Sky News that the decision had been reversed.
In a statement, she said: "Victoria Beckham Ltd has been working hard to protect its people and, while adjusting to the impact of COVID-19 and the government lockdown, our decision to furlough a small number of our staff seemed the most appropriate option in keeping with many other businesses.
"The situation is dynamic, and, with the support of our shareholders, we now believe we can navigate through this crisis without drawing from the government furlough scheme. Our application was made in the best interests of trying to protect our staff, and that is still our absolute focus.
"We are doing everything we can to ensure we can achieve that without using government assistance."
The employees will return to work on 11 May.
The luxury clothing brand, which launched in 2008, has faced financial difficulty in recent years.
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In November, accounts revealed Victoria Beckham Ltd suffered losses of £12.3m in the year to December 2018 after facing a fall in sales.
Ralph Toledano, chairman of the business, said sales of its clothing and accessories stagnated during 2018 after years of growth.
But the performance was in line with shareholder expectations after "cutting costs, focusing on its digital channels and refining the product to more closely reflect Victoria Beckham's aesthetics and values", the business said.
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It expected to become profitable in the fourth quarter of the year and increased its wholesale order book for 2020.
The reversal comes after football clubs Liverpool and Tottenham also backed down from a decision to furlough staff during the crisis.
Both clubs - which are worth millions - initially announced they would place non-playing staff on the scheme but later said they had reconsidered their applications.


news--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: Calls to charity double as children struggle in lockdown with alcoholic parents

A major UK charity supporting children of alcoholics has said it is facing a surge in calls from young people stuck in toxic and abusive households during lockdown .
The National Association for Children of Alcoholics ( NACOA ) is concerned that safety nets for vulnerable children are falling rapidly due to isolation caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
Sky News has seen about a dozen de-identified emails from children who say their parents have relapsed after years of sobriety and report struggling mentally without the respite of school and friends .
NACOA ambassador Josh Connolly said the charity had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phenomenon '' , when calls drop in the lead up to holidays and then rise sharply .
He said there had been a particularly sharp increase in first-time callers as well as `` dropped calls '' , where frightened children call and hang up several times before speaking .
`` What we 've seen in the past 10 days is that calls have doubled , and we planned for and expected that because that 's exactly what happens , '' he said .
`` People try to be positive and build up this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation so it will be ok , and then reality hits and we start to see these calls surge . ''
In the past week , NACOA has responded to 120 calls for help from young people - up from less than 60 the week before .
And the charity is running at significantly reduced capacity , with only two trained volunteers onsite to answer calls for a few hours a day .
Underreporting means the true figure of children needing help is likely far larger , Mr Connolly said .
Sky News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was `` really struggling '' because her mother had started to drink again after spending 10 years sober .
`` I am in my second year studying ...
I obviously spend all term time there and all my summers travelling and working to avoid home , '' she wrote .
`` However , with the recent crisis I am at home more and my mum is worse than ever , very resentful and violent towards me .
I just feel so lonely and isolated at the moment and do n't know who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote how her dad had started `` stocking wine and ordering huge crates of beer into the house '' , while another said she was frightened of taking her alcoholic mother to hospital due to fear of COVID-19 .
These fears are echoed on the internet - Facebook support pages for loved ones of alcoholics are flooded with comments about family members who are relapsing after losing the in-person support of groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently found that one in five drinkers reported drinking more since the lockdown began .
The same percentage of young people in the UK are affected by their parents ' drinking in ordinary times , NACOA reports .
Mr Connolly had this message for children affected : `` Make sure you put yourself and your wellbeing first as much as you possibly can , because it 's easy to get caught up in trying to control the situation but your mental health is your priority .
`` And remember , you 're not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19-related advice for children struggling with drinking problems in their household .
Mr Connolly urged anyone of any age who needs help to call NACOA 's anonymous phone line on 0800 358 3456 between 2pm-7pm , Monday to Saturday , or to email helpline @ Nacoa.org.uk

A major UK charity supporting children of alcoholics has said it is facing a surge in calls from young people stuck in toxic and abusive households during lockdown.
The National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACOA) is concerned that safety nets for vulnerable children are falling rapidly due to isolation caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Image: A recent study found one in five UK drinkers said they were drinking more during the lockdown
Sky News has seen about a dozen de-identified emails from children who say their parents have relapsed after years of sobriety and report struggling mentally without the respite of school and friends.
NACOA ambassador Josh Connolly said the charity had seen what he called the "Christmas phenomenon", when calls drop in the lead up to holidays and then rise sharply.
He said there had been a particularly sharp increase in first-time callers as well as "dropped calls", where frightened children call and hang up several times before speaking.
"What we've seen in the past 10 days is that calls have doubled, and we planned for and expected that because that's exactly what happens," he said.
"People try to be positive and build up this hope that everyone is going through this situation so it will be ok, and then reality hits and we start to see these calls surge."
In the past week, NACOA has responded to 120 calls for help from young people - up from less than 60 the week before. And the charity is running at significantly reduced capacity, with only two trained volunteers onsite to answer calls for a few hours a day.
Underreporting means the true figure of children needing help is likely far larger, Mr Connolly said.
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Sky News read an email from an 18-year-old saying she was "really struggling" because her mother had started to drink again after spending 10 years sober.
"I am in my second year studying... I obviously spend all term time there and all my summers travelling and working to avoid home," she wrote.
"However, with the recent crisis I am at home more and my mum is worse than ever, very resentful and violent towards me. I just feel so lonely and isolated at the moment and don't know who to turn to."
One girl wrote how her dad had started "stocking wine and ordering huge crates of beer into the house", while another said she was frightened of taking her alcoholic mother to hospital due to fear of COVID-19.
These fears are echoed on the internet - Facebook support pages for loved ones of alcoholics are flooded with comments about family members who are relapsing after losing the in-person support of groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
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Alcohol Change UK research recently found that one in five drinkers reported drinking more since the lockdown began.
The same percentage of young people in the UK are affected by their parents' drinking in ordinary times, NACOA reports.
Mr Connolly had this message for children affected: "Make sure you put yourself and your wellbeing first as much as you possibly can, because it's easy to get caught up in trying to control the situation but your mental health is your priority.
"And remember, you're not alone."
NACOA's website lists COVID-19-related advice for children struggling with drinking problems in their household.
Mr Connolly urged anyone of any age who needs help to call NACOA's anonymous phone line on 0800 358 3456 between 2pm-7pm, Monday to Saturday, or to email helpline@Nacoa.org.uk


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: Sisters jailed for attacking, spitting and coughing at police after breaking lockdown r

Coronavirus: Sisters jailed for attacking, spitting and coughing at police after breaking lockdown rules

Two sisters have been jailed for attacking , coughing and spitting at police after they were stopped for breaking lockdown rules .
Danielle Pryor , 34 , and 33-year-old Sarah , were approached by two police officers in Retford at 11.25pm on 27 April , following reports of a disturbance .
The officers had already spoken to the women earlier in the evening about anti-social behaviour and had told them to go straight home because of the coronavirus restrictions .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker When the police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they became abusive and began to encourage each other to cough and spit at the officers .
Sarah was arrested after squaring up to one of the officers , while Danielle hit an officer in the shin with a crutch she grabbed from a member of the public and scratched his face with her nails .
Four more officers arrived to assist with the arrests and were also attacked by the two women .
Danielle spat at an officer several times as they attempted to get her into a police car , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they drove to the police station .
The sisters appeared at Nottingham Magistrates Court on Wednesday and both pleaded guilty to two assaults on an emergency worker and one count of breaching COVID-19 regulations .
Danielle Pryor was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison , while Sarah Pryor was jailed for 14 weeks .
`` Assaults of this kind are completely unacceptable , '' said Chief Superintendent of Nottinghamshire Police Rob Griffin .
`` To treat our officers with complete contempt and disrespect when they are just trying to do their job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people from coronavirus is a despicable act .
`` Then to proceed with violence and spitting in a bid to purposefully harm and put the officers at risk is beyond belief .
`` I 'm glad that the pair have been dealt with swiftly by the courts and hope that they will reflect on their insufferable behaviour from their prison cells .
`` Anyone found committing these disgraceful acts will be held as an example and treated with the utmost severity . ''

Two sisters have been jailed for attacking, coughing and spitting at police after they were stopped for breaking lockdown rules.
Danielle Pryor, 34, and 33-year-old Sarah, were approached by two police officers in Retford at 11.25pm on 27 April, following reports of a disturbance.
The officers had already spoken to the women earlier in the evening about anti-social behaviour and had told them to go straight home because of the coronavirus restrictions.
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When the police officers tried to speak to them again they became abusive and began to encourage each other to cough and spit at the officers.
Sarah was arrested after squaring up to one of the officers, while Danielle hit an officer in the shin with a crutch she grabbed from a member of the public and scratched his face with her nails.
Four more officers arrived to assist with the arrests and were also attacked by the two women.
Danielle spat at an officer several times as they attempted to get her into a police car, while Sarah kicked another officer in the arm as they drove to the police station.
The sisters appeared at Nottingham Magistrates Court on Wednesday and both pleaded guilty to two assaults on an emergency worker and one count of breaching COVID-19 regulations.
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Danielle Pryor was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison, while Sarah Pryor was jailed for 14 weeks.
"Assaults of this kind are completely unacceptable," said Chief Superintendent of Nottinghamshire Police Rob Griffin.
"To treat our officers with complete contempt and disrespect when they are just trying to do their job, putting themselves at risk to protect people from coronavirus is a despicable act.
"Then to proceed with violence and spitting in a bid to purposefully harm and put the officers at risk is beyond belief.
"I'm glad that the pair have been dealt with swiftly by the courts and hope that they will reflect on their insufferable behaviour from their prison cells.
"Anyone found committing these disgraceful acts will be held as an example and treated with the utmost severity."


news--2020-06-12--Earth's temperature spiked to tie with record for May last month

The temperature of the Earth spiked last month to tie with the record high for May , US meteorologists reported .
The global average temperature was 15.7C meaning it was equal to that of May 2016 , according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA ) .
The two months were the hottest months of May in 141 years of record keeping , the administration added .
They were nearly 1C higher than the 20th century average for Earth .
Temperature on land set a heat record , while ocean temperatures ranked second .
Hot weather was felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay inside in keeping with coronavirus lockdown measures .
The Met Office also said England had its driest May on record - and for Wales it was the second driest .
Parts of Africa , Asia , western Europe , South and Central America experienced record warmth last month .
NOAA climate monitoring chief Deke Arndt said : `` We continue to warm on the long term and in any given month we 're likely to be knocking on the door , close to a record in the era that we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from 2014 to 2020 , have been the seven warmest Mays on record .
This past spring was the second hottest on record behind 2016 .
This year so far has had the second hottest five-month start of a year .
Mr Arndt said it is highly likely that 2020 will be one of the two hottest years since 1880 .

The temperature of the Earth spiked last month to tie with the record high for May, US meteorologists reported.
The global average temperature was 15.7C meaning it was equal to that of May 2016, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The two months were the hottest months of May in 141 years of record keeping, the administration added.
They were nearly 1C higher than the 20th century average for Earth.
Temperature on land set a heat record, while ocean temperatures ranked second.
Hot weather was felt in the UK as people were urged to stay inside in keeping with coronavirus lockdown measures.
The Met Office also said England had its driest May on record - and for Wales it was the second driest.
Parts of Africa, Asia, western Europe, South and Central America experienced record warmth last month.
NOAA climate monitoring chief Deke Arndt said: "We continue to warm on the long term and in any given month we're likely to be knocking on the door, close to a record in the era that we're in."
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The last seven Mays, from 2014 to 2020, have been the seven warmest Mays on record.
This past spring was the second hottest on record behind 2016.
This year so far has had the second hottest five-month start of a year.
Mr Arndt said it is highly likely that 2020 will be one of the two hottest years since 1880.


news--2020-06-13--Lebanon protests: Hundreds take to the streets amid economic crisis

After cautiously re-emerging from months of lockdown , Lebanon is once again in the grips of nationwide demonstrations .
Thousands are protesting against deteriorating economic conditions and a political establishment blamed for rampant corruption and instability .
On Thursday evening , roads were blocked with burning tyres and banks set on fire as Lebanon 's currency collapsed to an all-time low against the US dollar , leaving many unable to afford basic goods .
In downtown Beirut , the epicentre of protests in the capital , demonstrators lit fires and some clashed with the riot police and the army , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Despite the government 's pledge to tackle the crisis , smaller groups of protesters clashed with riot police on Friday in Beirut and the northern city of Tripoli .
The fast deteriorating crisis has resulted in hundreds of thousands of job losses and salaries slashed , leaving many ordinary citizens struggling to pay for necessities such as medicine , school fees , and rent .
Moreover , banks have started capping the amount people can withdraw from their own accounts , leading to scenes of furious depositors demanding their cash .
Although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curbed the spread of coronavirus by quickly imposing a strict nationwide lockdown early on , the restrictions deepened the already severe economic crisis .
Protesters often say they are now more fearful of a pandemic of hunger and poverty sweeping the nation than of COVID-19 .
For more than 20 years Lebanon has pegged its own currency at a rate of 1,507 Lebanese lira ( LL ) per dollar .
But by Thursday it had reached more than 5,500 LL to the dollar on the black market - a 70 % drop since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the country 's population out of pocket .
The country is now drowning in debt , accounting for 170 % of GDP , and money that traditionally flowed in from abroad has dried up amidst local and regional turmoil .
Lebanon is currently negotiating with the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) for an urgent $ 10bn ( £8bn ) financial aid package , but talks got off to a shaky start after disagreements between Lebanon 's prime minister and governor of the central bank .
Even in a moment of such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic leadership has struggled to put aside their disputes and work together , further infuriating the public .
Between October and February , 220,000 jobs had been lost according to research company InfoPro , which does n't take into account the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown .
Food prices have risen by more than 50 % in recent months with cooking programmes now advising viewers how to adapt recipes to fit their financial constraints .
Hospitals are also on the brink of collapse .
In February one of Lebanon 's leading cardiologists told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients because of cash flow problems leaving many to go without urgent care .
Last October , hundreds of thousands of Lebanese took the streets demanding wholesale change .
Tired of political instability , economic mismanagement and a crumbling infrastructure , protesters called for the government to resign .
Some initially referred to this spontaneous outpouring of nationwide anger as `` the Whatsapp revolution '' after the government tried to impose a tax on voice calls made through the internet and other social media apps .
But that 's an oversimplification of one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's recent history .
Protesters directly challenged Lebanon 's political system - a complex sectarian power-sharing agreement - and the country 's leaders who have fought actively to preserve it .
Despite dealing for decades with rolling power-cuts , a waste-management crisis , sectarian tensions and a deteriorating economy , the Lebanese people had been warned off challenging their leaders at the risk of plunging the country into chaos .
For millions of people who 'd lived through a devastating 15-year civil war between 1975-1990 , it was a warning many heeded over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's dysfunction and the perceived corruption of senior politicians continued to build .
One of the defining slogans of the protest movement has been : `` killon yani killon '' or `` all of them means all of them '' .
For perhaps the first time in the nation 's history demonstrations were eschewing party politics and religious affiliation and instead focusing on building a movement that targeted corruption , cronyism and inefficiency across the spectrum .
While they undoubtedly heralded results - the government of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failed to overturn a political system outdated and incapable of delivering change in the eyes of many .
A new government , led by university professor and former minister Hassan Diab since late October , has been roundly rejected by demonstrators and political opponents who claim his appointment was forced through by a political bloc , which includes Hezbollah and the largest Christian party in parliament .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Increasingly frustrated by lack of economic opportunities and political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In January and February protesters tried on several occasions to force their way through roads leading to the parliament building but were met with tear gas and water cannon .
As protesters re-emerge onto the streets there is a sense of dread about the economic disaster unfolding , as well as hope that renewed nationwide action could finally bring about lasting change .
The coming days could determine whether Lebanon slides further into chaos or begins its long road to recovery .

After cautiously re-emerging from months of lockdown, Lebanon is once again in the grips of nationwide demonstrations.
Thousands are protesting against deteriorating economic conditions and a political establishment blamed for rampant corruption and instability.
On Thursday evening, roads were blocked with burning tyres and banks set on fire as Lebanon's currency collapsed to an all-time low against the US dollar, leaving many unable to afford basic goods.
Image: The protests have been triggered by the economic crisis
In downtown Beirut, the epicentre of protests in the capital, demonstrators lit fires and some clashed with the riot police and the army, who fired tear gas at the crowds.
Despite the government's pledge to tackle the crisis, smaller groups of protesters clashed with riot police on Friday in Beirut and the northern city of Tripoli.
The fast deteriorating crisis has resulted in hundreds of thousands of job losses and salaries slashed, leaving many ordinary citizens struggling to pay for necessities such as medicine, school fees, and rent.
Moreover, banks have started capping the amount people can withdraw from their own accounts, leading to scenes of furious depositors demanding their cash.
Although officials have been credited as having successfully curbed the spread of coronavirus by quickly imposing a strict nationwide lockdown early on, the restrictions deepened the already severe economic crisis.
Image: A demonstrator lies on the ground to block a road in Sidon
Protesters often say they are now more fearful of a pandemic of hunger and poverty sweeping the nation than of COVID-19.
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For more than 20 years Lebanon has pegged its own currency at a rate of 1,507 Lebanese lira (LL) per dollar.
But by Thursday it had reached more than 5,500 LL to the dollar on the black market - a 70% drop since this time last year - leaving much of the country's population out of pocket.
The country is now drowning in debt, accounting for 170% of GDP, and money that traditionally flowed in from abroad has dried up amidst local and regional turmoil.
Lebanon is currently negotiating with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for an urgent $10bn (£8bn) financial aid package, but talks got off to a shaky start after disagreements between Lebanon's prime minister and governor of the central bank.
Image: Protests have been held across the country, including the town of Ghazieh, in southern Lebanon
Even in a moment of such severe crisis, Lebanon's political and economic leadership has struggled to put aside their disputes and work together, further infuriating the public.
Between October and February, 220,000 jobs had been lost according to research company InfoPro, which doesn't take into account the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown.
Food prices have risen by more than 50% in recent months with cooking programmes now advising viewers how to adapt recipes to fit their financial constraints.
Hospitals are also on the brink of collapse. In February one of Lebanon's leading cardiologists told Sky News doctors were struggling to treat patients because of cash flow problems leaving many to go without urgent care.
Last October, hundreds of thousands of Lebanese took the streets demanding wholesale change. Tired of political instability, economic mismanagement and a crumbling infrastructure, protesters called for the government to resign.
Image: Lebanese army soldiers open a road that was blocked by demonstrators during a protest in Antelias
Some initially referred to this spontaneous outpouring of nationwide anger as "the Whatsapp revolution" after the government tried to impose a tax on voice calls made through the internet and other social media apps.
But that's an oversimplification of one of the most important moments in Lebanon's recent history.
Protesters directly challenged Lebanon's political system - a complex sectarian power-sharing agreement - and the country's leaders who have fought actively to preserve it.
Despite dealing for decades with rolling power-cuts, a waste-management crisis, sectarian tensions and a deteriorating economy, the Lebanese people had been warned off challenging their leaders at the risk of plunging the country into chaos.
Image: Protesters are demanding political and economic change
For millions of people who'd lived through a devastating 15-year civil war between 1975-1990, it was a warning many heeded over the years. But frustration at Lebanon's dysfunction and the perceived corruption of senior politicians continued to build.
One of the defining slogans of the protest movement has been: "killon yani killon" or "all of them means all of them".
For perhaps the first time in the nation's history demonstrations were eschewing party politics and religious affiliation and instead focusing on building a movement that targeted corruption, cronyism and inefficiency across the spectrum.
While they undoubtedly heralded results - the government of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned after 12-days of continuous protests, they nevertheless failed to overturn a political system outdated and incapable of delivering change in the eyes of many.
A new government, led by university professor and former minister Hassan Diab since late October, has been roundly rejected by demonstrators and political opponents who claim his appointment was forced through by a political bloc, which includes Hezbollah and the largest Christian party in parliament.
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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Increasingly frustrated by lack of economic opportunities and political progress, demonstrations have also turned violent.
In January and February protesters tried on several occasions to force their way through roads leading to the parliament building but were met with tear gas and water cannon.
As protesters re-emerge onto the streets there is a sense of dread about the economic disaster unfolding, as well as hope that renewed nationwide action could finally bring about lasting change.
The coming days could determine whether Lebanon slides further into chaos or begins its long road to recovery.


news--2020-06-13--Coronavirus: Who can have a 'support bubble' and how will they work?

From today , some people in England will be able to form a `` support bubble '' but what does that mean and how will it work ?
Who can have a support bubble ?
Adults living alone or single parents living with children under the age of 18 What can they do ?
They can form a bubble with one other household which means they will effectively be treated as a single household for the purpose of the lockdown rules .
They can visit each other 's homes and stay overnight if they want .
They will not have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Does it matter where the two households are ?
No , but officials have suggested people should stay local if possible .
Can people who are shielding be part of a support bubble ?
No .
At the moment officials say it is too soon for them to join support bubbles .
The prime minister has said that the bubbles are aimed at helping people who live alone and have struggled with a lack of human interaction since lockdown began .
Elderly people living alone could form a bubble with the household @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while single parents could link with their own parents to share childcare .
Couples who do not live together will also be able to visit and stay with each other .
If one half of a couple shares a flat or house with one or more other people , they can see their partner if they live alone .
If both partners share a home with other people , they can not see each other .
And if several people share a flat or house and all have partners who live alone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their partner .
If two grandparents live together in one household , they can only visit their children and grandchildren if their son or daughter is the only adult in his or her household .
If a grandparent lives alone and has two or more children who each live alone , they must choose between them .
What about parents who are separated but share childcare with the children moving between the two households ?
The childcare arrangements can continue .
If the parents are the only adult in their respective households they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The children could potentially be in two bubbles , one for each parent .
Do the bubbles have to be registered ?
No , it will be based on trust .
What if someone in a bubble develops coronavirus symptoms ?
All members of the bubble must isolate themselves for 14 days .
Are there any concerns ?
In a 13 May meeting , the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) urged `` strong caution '' and warned social bubbles could create `` significant unwanted effects '' , particularly if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the group 's main concern was having larger households in a bubble together , something that would bring `` significant risk '' , they said .
The government has not yet proposed this .
Is it only in England ?
A similar scheme in Northern Ireland starts on Saturday .
This allows a person who lives alone to visit someone else 's home , including staying overnight .
They do not qualify if they have a child or children living with them .

From today, some people in England will be able to form a "support bubble" but what does that mean and how will it work?
Who can have a support bubble?
Adults living alone or single parents living with children under the age of 18
What can they do?
They can form a bubble with one other household which means they will effectively be treated as a single household for the purpose of the lockdown rules.
They can visit each other's homes and stay overnight if they want. They will not have to observe the two-metre social distancing rule.
Can people switch between bubbles?
No.
Does it matter where the two households are?
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No, but officials have suggested people should stay local if possible.
Can people who are shielding be part of a support bubble?
No. At the moment officials say it is too soon for them to join support bubbles.
Who could benefit?
The prime minister has said that the bubbles are aimed at helping people who live alone and have struggled with a lack of human interaction since lockdown began.
Elderly people living alone could form a bubble with the household of an adult son or daughter, while single parents could link with their own parents to share childcare.
Couples who do not live together will also be able to visit and stay with each other.
But...
If one half of a couple shares a flat or house with one or more other people, they can see their partner if they live alone. If both partners share a home with other people, they cannot see each other.
And if several people share a flat or house and all have partners who live alone, only one will be able to see their partner.
If two grandparents live together in one household, they can only visit their children and grandchildren if their son or daughter is the only adult in his or her household.
If a grandparent lives alone and has two or more children who each live alone, they must choose between them.
What about parents who are separated but share childcare with the children moving between the two households?
The childcare arrangements can continue. If the parents are the only adult in their respective households they can form a bubble with another household. The children could potentially be in two bubbles, one for each parent.
Do the bubbles have to be registered?
No, it will be based on trust.
What if someone in a bubble develops coronavirus symptoms?
All members of the bubble must isolate themselves for 14 days.
Are there any concerns?
In a 13 May meeting, the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) urged "strong caution" and warned social bubbles could create "significant unwanted effects", particularly if introduced as other rules are eased.
But the group's main concern was having larger households in a bubble together, something that would bring "significant risk", they said. The government has not yet proposed this.
Is it only in England?
A similar scheme in Northern Ireland starts on Saturday. This allows a person who lives alone to visit someone else's home, including staying overnight.
They do not qualify if they have a child or children living with them.


news--2020-06-13--Queen celebrates birthday with scaled back military parade at Windsor Castle

The Queen is celebrating her birthday with a scaled back military parade at Windsor Castle , because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The small ceremonial event , specially designed in just two weeks to ensure the soldiers can maintain social distancing , replaces the traditional Trooping The Colour in central London , which was cancelled due to the COVID-19 restrictions .
It is the monarch 's first appearance at an official outside event since the start of the coronavirus crisis .
Usually thousands of people gather along the Mall and in front of Buckingham Palace to watch the pageant-filled military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Royal Family as they travel in carriages , and on horseback , before appearing on the balcony together .
It is the first time the Trooping The Colour has not been staged since 1955 , when it was cancelled due to a national rail strike .
This year , the public were asked to stay away , with the brief ceremony taking place inside the grounds of Windsor Castle carried out by a detachment from the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards , whose colour was due to be trooped this year at the Queen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The soldiers and band of the Household Division had to learn new ceremonial drill to ensure they stayed at least two metres apart .
Lieutenant Colonel Guy Stone , head of ceremonial events for the Household Division , who led the planning for the one-off event , told Sky News : `` It 's not a thousand soldiers and there are n't hundreds of horses , it 's very much smaller .
`` It 's modest , it 's discreet , it 's appropriate and it 's socially distanced .
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure the Queen 's birthday is marked but also a chance for us to give gratitude for her guidance through this really difficult period . ''
Trooping The Colour has marked the official birthday of the monarch for more than 260 years .
The tradition was started by King George II whose birthday was in November .
Because the weather was n't very good at that time of year he decided to combine an official birthday parade with an annual military parade in the summer .
The Queen has been at Windsor Castle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband the Duke of Edinburgh , who celebrated his 99th birthday last Wednesday .
A new photograph of the couple was released to mark the occasion .
Until the parade , the Queen had not been seen outside at any official events since lockdown started .
However , earlier this week she took part in her first official video call , with her daughter Princess Anne , talking to carers across the country to celebrate their efforts .
She has also recorded two televised messages for the nation during the pandemic , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect her from the virus .
The monarch was photographed two weeks ago riding a pony in the grounds of Windsor Castle .

The Queen is celebrating her birthday with a scaled back military parade at Windsor Castle, because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The small ceremonial event, specially designed in just two weeks to ensure the soldiers can maintain social distancing, replaces the traditional Trooping The Colour in central London, which was cancelled due to the COVID-19 restrictions.
Image: The ceremonial event was specially designed to ensure the soldiers can maintain social distancing
Image: The scaled back parade was designed in just two weeks
It is the monarch's first appearance at an official outside event since the start of the coronavirus crisis.
Usually thousands of people gather along the Mall and in front of Buckingham Palace to watch the pageant-filled military parade and to see members of the Royal Family as they travel in carriages, and on horseback, before appearing on the balcony together.
Image: The brief ceremony was held inside the grounds of Windsor Castle
It is the first time the Trooping The Colour has not been staged since 1955, when it was cancelled due to a national rail strike.
This year, the public were asked to stay away, with the brief ceremony taking place inside the grounds of Windsor Castle carried out by a detachment from the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, whose colour was due to be trooped this year at the Queen's Birthday Parade on Horse Guards.
The soldiers and band of the Household Division had to learn new ceremonial drill to ensure they stayed at least two metres apart.
Image: The Queen has been at Windsor Castle throughout the pandemic
Lieutenant Colonel Guy Stone, head of ceremonial events for the Household Division, who led the planning for the one-off event, told Sky News: "It's not a thousand soldiers and there aren't hundreds of horses, it's very much smaller.
"It's modest, it's discreet, it's appropriate and it's socially distanced.
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"It's a chance for us to really make sure the Queen's birthday is marked but also a chance for us to give gratitude for her guidance through this really difficult period."
Trooping The Colour has marked the official birthday of the monarch for more than 260 years.
The tradition was started by King George II whose birthday was in November. Because the weather wasn't very good at that time of year he decided to combine an official birthday parade with an annual military parade in the summer.
Image: A new photograph of the couple was released to mark the Prince Philip's 99th birthday
The Queen has been at Windsor Castle throughout the pandemic, along with her husband the Duke of Edinburgh, who celebrated his 99th birthday last Wednesday.
A new photograph of the couple was released to mark the occasion.
Until the parade, the Queen had not been seen outside at any official events since lockdown started.
However, earlier this week she took part in her first official video call, with her daughter Princess Anne, talking to carers across the country to celebrate their efforts.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:08 May: The Queen's VE Day anniversary message
She has also recorded two televised messages for the nation during the pandemic, but both were filmed under strict restrictions to protect her from the virus.
The monarch was photographed two weeks ago riding a pony in the grounds of Windsor Castle.


news--2020-06-12--Coronavirus vaccine trial: I like knowing I am a tiny part of what could be our way out

Dr Ellie Cannon tells Sky News about the first stage of her volunteering to be part of a vaccine trial for the coronavirus .
For only the second time during this pandemic I got back on public transport - this time for an appointment at University College London Hospital .
After signing up for the Oxford Vaccine Trial , I was called back this week for my vaccination .
Last week , during my initial appointment I had blood taken for the COVID-19 antibodies , known as IgG .
My test came back negative meaning it is unlikely I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this result , as I have not felt ill in the last few months and thankfully my family have also been well .
Not having antibodies means I am allowed to join the trial as they can now test my blood repeatedly over the next year , to see if I develop antibodies from the vaccination .
I was called back to UCLH for further testing .
Again , we ran through the potential side effects and how I may feel in the next 48 hours .
I also had to have further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explained to me , as was the testing which I would have to do myself .
For the next eight weeks I have to take swabs on myself and post them .
These are the same as the self-swabs you would take if you thought you had COVID - from your nose and throat - and can be done at home on yourself .
I have to take a swab once a week for the trial scientists to know if I develop the infection , even if I do n't develop symptoms .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the vaccination prevents infection .
The doctor at hospital wanted to make sure I was still happy to proceed , and I had to give consent again to be part of the vaccination trial .
And then we were good to go .
This is what is known as a blind trial .
I have not been told what vaccination I would get as they do n't want that to influence my behaviour or symptoms I may develop , or think I develop .
Half the trial volunteers will get the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will get the placebo - in this case a much-used meningitis vaccination .
I will only be told at the end of the trial which I was given .
Every participant is treated exactly the same to ensure there is no bias between the groups .
Once I was happy to go ahead , two nurses came in to check and then give me the injection .
It felt like any other vaccination I have had in my upper arm .
It was stinging for a minute or two but resolved very quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room for 15 minutes to make sure my arm did not swell and to ensure I did n't develop any reaction .
There was no reaction and I was free to go - face mask on of course - back onto the London Underground .
I was advised to take paracetamol for the next day to prevent any flu-like symptoms I develop .
If I do develop any symptoms I have to be in touch with the trial team and , of course , isolate like anyone else .
At the time of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours since the injection and I feel fine with no noticeable side effects .
Next month I 'll be back to the hospital for blood tests - I am hoping we will be in a better stage of the pandemic then , with lower infection rates and more optimistic news .
I definitely feel more positive personally , knowing I am a tiny part of what could be our way out .
For more information on the Oxford Vaccine Trial , click here .

Dr Ellie Cannon tells Sky News about the first stage of her volunteering to be part of a vaccine trial for the coronavirus.
For only the second time during this pandemic I got back on public transport - this time for an appointment at University College London Hospital.
After signing up for the Oxford Vaccine Trial, I was called back this week for my vaccination.
Last week, during my initial appointment I had blood taken for the COVID-19 antibodies, known as IgG. My test came back negative meaning it is unlikely I have had COVID so far.
I expected this result, as I have not felt ill in the last few months and thankfully my family have also been well.
Not having antibodies means I am allowed to join the trial as they can now test my blood repeatedly over the next year, to see if I develop antibodies from the vaccination.
I was called back to UCLH for further testing.
Again, we ran through the potential side effects and how I may feel in the next 48 hours. I also had to have further blood tests.
The process was thoroughly explained to me, as was the testing which I would have to do myself.
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For the next eight weeks I have to take swabs on myself and post them.
These are the same as the self-swabs you would take if you thought you had COVID - from your nose and throat - and can be done at home on yourself.
I have to take a swab once a week for the trial scientists to know if I develop the infection, even if I don't develop symptoms.
This is vital for them to see if the vaccination prevents infection.
The doctor at hospital wanted to make sure I was still happy to proceed, and I had to give consent again to be part of the vaccination trial. And then we were good to go.
This is what is known as a blind trial. I have not been told what vaccination I would get as they don't want that to influence my behaviour or symptoms I may develop, or think I develop.
Half the trial volunteers will get the new ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination. The other half will get the placebo - in this case a much-used meningitis vaccination.
I will only be told at the end of the trial which I was given. Every participant is treated exactly the same to ensure there is no bias between the groups.
Once I was happy to go ahead, two nurses came in to check and then give me the injection.
It felt like any other vaccination I have had in my upper arm. It was stinging for a minute or two but resolved very quickly.
I was monitored in the clinic room for 15 minutes to make sure my arm did not swell and to ensure I didn't develop any reaction.
There was no reaction and I was free to go - face mask on of course - back onto the London Underground.
I was advised to take paracetamol for the next day to prevent any flu-like symptoms I develop. If I do develop any symptoms I have to be in touch with the trial team and, of course, isolate like anyone else.
At the time of writing this, it is a few hours since the injection and I feel fine with no noticeable side effects.
Next month I'll be back to the hospital for blood tests - I am hoping we will be in a better stage of the pandemic then, with lower infection rates and more optimistic news.
I definitely feel more positive personally, knowing I am a tiny part of what could be our way out.
For more information on the Oxford Vaccine Trial, click here.


news--2020-06-13--Premier League players to replace names with 'Black Lives Matter' on shirts for first 12 games of re

Premier League players to replace names with 'Black Lives Matter' on shirts for first 12 games of restart

Premier League players will have their names replaced by 'Black Lives Matter ' on their shirts for the first 12 games of the resumed 2019/20 season .
A Black Lives Matter logo will be on the shirts for the remainder of the season , along with a badge thanking the NHS for their work during the coronavirus pandemic .
The players said in a statement : `` We , the players , stand together with the singular objective of eradicating racial prejudice wherever it exists , to bring about a global society of inclusion , respect , and equal opportunities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or creed .
`` This symbol is a sign of unity from all players , all staff , all clubs , all match officials and the Premier League # blacklivesmatter # playerstogether . ''
The Premier League says it will support players who take a knee before or during matches .
The gesture has come to be recognised as a symbol of anti-racism since it was started by NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers .
The Premier League said it stands alongside the Football Association , English Football League , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' Association and the Professional Game Match Officials Board in opposing discrimination in all its forms .
The statement added : `` The Premier League believes there is no room for racism , anywhere # NoRoomForRacism . ''
Black Lives Matter protests have been triggered across the world by the death of unarmed black man George Floyd in US police custody last month .
An officer held his knee on Mr Floyd 's neck for eight minutes 46 seconds in Minneapolis .
Athletes from many different sports have joined the protests , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black Lives Matter shirts ahead of a friendly against Brentford , while numerous clubs have taken a knee during training sessions as they prepare for the league 's resumption .
Many premier league stars , including Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson , have tweeted in support of the measure .
American Football player Kaepernick began the movement in 2016 by kneeling during the national anthem as a call to end racial injustice and police brutality toward people of colour .
The English Football League will be back in action next weekend and the players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS workers who have been so important to the country during the virus outbreak .
A statement read : `` Sky Bet Championship , League One and League Two Play-Off Clubs will come together next weekend to recognise the brave efforts of our NHS key workers , who have continued to support our wider communities throughout the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Players from across the three divisions will wear shirts featuring an 'NHS Rainbow - Thank You ' emblem and a period of applause will take place prior to all matches from 18-21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ display their gratitude for those working on the front line .
`` We know that many fans of EFL clubs are also NHS key workers and we 're proud of the commitment they , and our clubs , have shown to help the service over the past few months . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Race and Revolution : Is Change Going to Come ?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm - looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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

Premier League players will have their names replaced by 'Black Lives Matter' on their shirts for the first 12 games of the resumed 2019/20 season.
A Black Lives Matter logo will be on the shirts for the remainder of the season, along with a badge thanking the NHS for their work during the coronavirus pandemic.
The players said in a statement: "We, the players, stand together with the singular objective of eradicating racial prejudice wherever it exists, to bring about a global society of inclusion, respect, and equal opportunities for all, regardless of their colour or creed.
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"This symbol is a sign of unity from all players, all staff, all clubs, all match officials and the Premier League #blacklivesmatter #playerstogether."
The Premier League says it will support players who take a knee before or during matches.
The gesture has come to be recognised as a symbol of anti-racism since it was started by NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers.
The Premier League said it stands alongside the Football Association, English Football League, Professional Footballers' Association, League Managers' Association and the Professional Game Match Officials Board in opposing discrimination in all its forms.
The statement added: "The Premier League believes there is no room for racism, anywhere #NoRoomForRacism."
Black Lives Matter protests have been triggered across the world by the death of unarmed black man George Floyd in US police custody last month.
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An officer held his knee on Mr Floyd's neck for eight minutes 46 seconds in Minneapolis.
Athletes from many different sports have joined the protests, including Premier League teams, with Arsenal wearing Black Lives Matter shirts ahead of a friendly against Brentford, while numerous clubs have taken a knee during training sessions as they prepare for the league's resumption.
Image: Colin Kaepernick (R) and Eric Reid of the San Francisco 49ers kneel in protest during the US national anthem in September 2016
Many premier league stars, including Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, have tweeted in support of the measure.
American Football player Kaepernick began the movement in 2016 by kneeling during the national anthem as a call to end racial injustice and police brutality toward people of colour.
The English Football League will be back in action next weekend and the players will be expressing their gratitude to the NHS workers who have been so important to the country during the virus outbreak.
A statement read: "Sky Bet Championship, League One and League Two Play-Off Clubs will come together next weekend to recognise the brave efforts of our NHS key workers, who have continued to support our wider communities throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
"Players from across the three divisions will wear shirts featuring an 'NHS Rainbow - Thank You' emblem and a period of applause will take place prior to all matches from 18-21 June, as clubs and players collectively display their gratitude for those working on the front line.
"We know that many fans of EFL clubs are also NHS key workers and we're proud of the commitment they, and our clubs, have shown to help the service over the past few months."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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--2020-06-13--Coronavirus: Beijing shuts food market and goes into 'wartime emergency mode' after spike in COVID-1

Coronavirus: Beijing shuts food market and goes into 'wartime emergency mode' after spike in COVID-19 cases

A district of Beijing is on a `` wartime emergency '' footing and tourism has been banned in the Chinese capital after a spike in coronavirus cases centred around a food market has sparked fears of a fresh outbreak .
The move comes amid mounting concern over a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Eleven neighbourhoods around the wholesale market in the city 's southwestern Fengtai district have gone into lockdown , where an official said it was in `` wartime emergency mode '' .
The cluster was detected after throat swabs from 45 people , out of 517 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , proved positive for coronavirus , although none of them showed symptoms of COVID-19 , according to the authorities .
Officials have said more than 10,000 people at the market will be tested , and the premises disinfected .
A city spokesman said all six COVID-19 patients confirmed in Beijing on Friday had visited the market .
They are the first locally transmitted cases in the city in more than 50 days .
Health officials in surrounding districts have also been asking residents whether they have visited the Xinfadi market .
The market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently visited it , was reported to have been infected on Thursday .
As well as halting domestic tourism , sporting events have also been suspended in the city , while plans to reopen schools for some students have been dropped .
Pang Xinghuo , an official at the Beijing Centre for Disease Control , said : `` Preliminary judgement suggests these cases may have come into contact with a contaminated environment in the market , or were infected after being in contact with infected people .
`` We can not rule out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sky 's Asia correspondent Siobhan Robbins said : `` People in the area have been told not to leave their houses .
`` It is a worrying time for Beijing because it had n't had a locally transmitted case for almost two months , so it just shows you how tricky COVID-19 is to keep under control , and Beijing is n't taking any chances .
`` Not only are these areas in lockdown , some schools and nurseries in the area were closed on Friday , several other markets have been shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing taking place , officials saying that more than 2,000 wholesale market workers were tested on Friday alone .
`` State media are reporting that the chairman of the market said traces of COVID-19 were found on a salmon chopping board - that has led to people getting concerned about food safety standards and an investigation launched across the city , '' she added .
The virus was first reported at a seafood market in Wuhan , the capital of central China 's Hubei province , in December .
There have now been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 420,000 have died , according to Johns Hopkins University which has been tracking the outbreak .

A district of Beijing is on a "wartime emergency" footing and tourism has been banned in the Chinese capital after a spike in coronavirus cases centred around a food market has sparked fears of a fresh outbreak.
The move comes amid mounting concern over a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eleven neighbourhoods around the wholesale market in the city's southwestern Fengtai district have gone into lockdown, where an official said it was in "wartime emergency mode".
Image: An official has said the area is in 'wartime emergency mode'
The cluster was detected after throat swabs from 45 people, out of 517 tested at the district's Xinfadi market, proved positive for coronavirus, although none of them showed symptoms of COVID-19, according to the authorities.
Officials have said more than 10,000 people at the market will be tested, and the premises disinfected.
A city spokesman said all six COVID-19 patients confirmed in Beijing on Friday had visited the market.
They are the first locally transmitted cases in the city in more than 50 days.
Health officials in surrounding districts have also been asking residents whether they have visited the Xinfadi market.
The market was closed after someone, who had recently visited it, was reported to have been infected on Thursday.
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As well as halting domestic tourism, sporting events have also been suspended in the city, while plans to reopen schools for some students have been dropped.
Pang Xinghuo, an official at the Beijing Centre for Disease Control, said: "Preliminary judgement suggests these cases may have come into contact with a contaminated environment in the market, or were infected after being in contact with infected people.
"We cannot rule out subsequent cases in the future."
Sky's Asia correspondent Siobhan Robbins said: "People in the area have been told not to leave their houses.
"It is a worrying time for Beijing because it hadn't had a locally transmitted case for almost two months, so it just shows you how tricky COVID-19 is to keep under control, and Beijing isn't taking any chances.
"Not only are these areas in lockdown, some schools and nurseries in the area were closed on Friday, several other markets have been shut as well.
"There is mass testing taking place, officials saying that more than 2,000 wholesale market workers were tested on Friday alone.
Image: The Xinfadi wholesale market has been closed by the authorities
"State media are reporting that the chairman of the market said traces of COVID-19 were found on a salmon chopping board - that has led to people getting concerned about food safety standards and an investigation launched across the city," she added.
The virus was first reported at a seafood market in Wuhan, the capital of central China's Hubei province, in December.
There have now been around 7.6 million people infected worldwide and more than 420,000 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University which has been tracking the outbreak.