news--2020-06-02--After The Pandemic: Britons want a different post-virus economy but will they get it?

The majority of Britons want the economy to be `` significantly '' different after the pandemic passes , according to a poll for Sky News .
A survey carried out by YouGov for Sky News underlines that most people in the UK see the crisis as an opportunity to change the nature of the economy , with many calling for permanently higher spending and borrowing in future years .
When asked about the structure of Britain 's economy - the types of jobs that people do , and the different things British companies sell and invest in - some 57 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` significantly different to how it was before the coronavirus '' .
Only 25 % said it should go back to how it was before the virus , with 17 % unsure .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The polling also found that 49 % of people thought the government should keep public spending high even if it meant a higher national debt , with only 20 % arguing for borrowing to be cut back in the coming years .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nature of globalisation and the public finances , with many arguing that the changes during this recession - including dramatically higher public spending and reduced reliance on international trade - should become permanent in the future .
Former Labour chancellor Alistair Darling said that some things should indeed change in the coming years .
He said the government should also consider whether to raise taxes on wealth , though he said existing taxes such as council tax would be better vehicles than new taxes .
`` The inability or reluctance to tackle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while now and I think the government does need to look at that , and council taxes are the most obvious thing , '' Lord Darling said , pointing out that the valuation bands have not been changed since the early 1990s .
`` Now do n't get me wrong , every government takes one look at changing council tax , then they remember the poll tax and say : 'Right , what 's the next thing ? '
`` But it is so out of kilter now with reality .
It needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a question of inheritance tax , which you know , it 's more noted for the fact you can avoid paying it rather than that they do pay it .
`` I would strongly advise the chancellor there 's not really a time to spend too much time in the laboratory , seeing your thing work .
There are things I think you can do now with the instruments at your disposal that would mean that we get through recovery . ''
However , the former Conservative chancellor Norman Lamont said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call for changes to the status quo , the likely scale of change was exaggerated .
`` There will be changes , '' said Lord Lamont .
`` Obviously the consequences of this recession , this downturn , this freezing of the economy , will be with us for a long time . ''
He said that he did not see the case for a wealth tax , calling it `` a wealth-destroying tax '' and adding : `` I think life may end up more similar to how it is now than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of talk about social distancing becoming semi-permanent .
Well , I think that 's frankly unreal .
It 's completely against human nature , but it would also bankrupt whole swathes of the economy in this country , particularly the hospitality industry , which employs over three million people - more than the financial services industry . ''
This week from today to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

The majority of Britons want the economy to be "significantly" different after the pandemic passes, according to a poll for Sky News.
A survey carried out by YouGov for Sky News underlines that most people in the UK see the crisis as an opportunity to change the nature of the economy, with many calling for permanently higher spending and borrowing in future years.
When asked about the structure of Britain's economy - the types of jobs that people do, and the different things British companies sell and invest in - some 57% of Britons said it should be "significantly different to how it was before the coronavirus". Only 25% said it should go back to how it was before the virus, with 17% unsure.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The polling also found that 49% of people thought the government should keep public spending high even if it meant a higher national debt, with only 20% arguing for borrowing to be cut back in the coming years.
The survey comes amid a growing debate about the nature of globalisation and the public finances, with many arguing that the changes during this recession - including dramatically higher public spending and reduced reliance on international trade - should become permanent in the future.
Former Labour chancellor Alistair Darling said that some things should indeed change in the coming years. He said the government should also consider whether to raise taxes on wealth, though he said existing taxes such as council tax would be better vehicles than new taxes.
"The inability or reluctance to tackle wealth has been a problem for a while now and I think the government does need to look at that, and council taxes are the most obvious thing," Lord Darling said, pointing out that the valuation bands have not been changed since the early 1990s.
"Now don't get me wrong, every government takes one look at changing council tax, then they remember the poll tax and say: 'Right, what's the next thing?'
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"But it is so out of kilter now with reality. It needs to be looked at. And there's a question of inheritance tax, which you know, it's more noted for the fact you can avoid paying it rather than that they do pay it.
"I would strongly advise the chancellor there's not really a time to spend too much time in the laboratory, seeing your thing work. There are things I think you can do now with the instruments at your disposal that would mean that we get through recovery."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:42 After The Pandemic: Global voices
However, the former Conservative chancellor Norman Lamont said that while it was natural for people to call for changes to the status quo, the likely scale of change was exaggerated.
"There will be changes," said Lord Lamont. "Obviously the consequences of this recession, this downturn, this freezing of the economy, will be with us for a long time."
He said that he did not see the case for a wealth tax, calling it "a wealth-destroying tax" and adding: "I think life may end up more similar to how it is now than people imagine.
"We hear a lot of talk about social distancing becoming semi-permanent. Well, I think that's frankly unreal. It's completely against human nature, but it would also bankrupt whole swathes of the economy in this country, particularly the hospitality industry, which employs over three million people - more than the financial services industry."
This week from today to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: Ministers to unveil £10bn trade credit scheme

A government-backed scheme to guarantee payments through industry supply chains will have the capacity to insure £10bn of transactions when it is unveiled in the coming days .
Sky News has learnt that the details of a new trade credit insurance guarantee programme are on the verge of being finalised by Whitehall and industry officials as they seek to ease one of the pressure points on Britain 's post-coronavirus economy .
An announcement could come as soon as this week , according to insurance executives .
A source said on Tuesday that the scheme could involve the government bearing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ credit insurance contracts , with insurers responsible for the rest .
The capacity of the scheme means the state could theoretically be on the hook for as much as £2bn of insurance losses , but insiders believe the volume of transactions insured under it will be far lower .
`` £2bn would be an absolute worst-case scenario , '' one executive said .
The government said last month that it would put in place a temporary backstop to guarantee business-to-business transactions , and that further details would be announced in due course .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ out if a customer defaults on payment .
According to figures published by the Treasury this month , in 2018 , £450m was paid in trade credit insurance premiums to cover more than £350bn of B2B transactions .
It added that as of April this year , more than £171bn of business activity insured , covering transactions between approximately 13,000 suppliers and 650,000 buyers .
John Glen , economic secretary to the Treasury , said last month : `` By guaranteeing business-to-business transactions currently supported by trade credit insurance , we will help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy .
`` This is on top of an unprecedented package of support we have put in place to help protect individuals , businesses and the economy . ''
The business minister , Paul Scully , said the trade credit insurance guarantee would be `` essential as we seek to reopen new sectors of the economy and get the UK back to work in a way that is safe for everyone '' .
The scheme has been assembled amid concerns that a sudden spike in insolvencies arising from COVID-19 would exacerbate the risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade credit cover , suppliers often demand payment for goods upfront , exacerbating the strain on an already struggling company 's cashflow .
The big players in the trade credit insurance sector , which include Atradius , Coface and Euler Hermes , therefore play a critical role in sectors that they help to finance , such as manufacturing and retail .
The new scheme is set to run until the end of this year .
Last month , the Association of British Insurers ( ABI ) said the programme `` could help speed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued availability of trade credit insurance in the face of unprecedented financial pressures currently being faced across most business sectors '' .
This week from today to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
If you 'd like to be in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

A government-backed scheme to guarantee payments through industry supply chains will have the capacity to insure £10bn of transactions when it is unveiled in the coming days.
Sky News has learnt that the details of a new trade credit insurance guarantee programme are on the verge of being finalised by Whitehall and industry officials as they seek to ease one of the pressure points on Britain's post-coronavirus economy.
An announcement could come as soon as this week, according to insurance executives.
A source said on Tuesday that the scheme could involve the government bearing the first 20% of losses on trade credit insurance contracts, with insurers responsible for the rest.
The capacity of the scheme means the state could theoretically be on the hook for as much as £2bn of insurance losses, but insiders believe the volume of transactions insured under it will be far lower.
"£2bn would be an absolute worst-case scenario," one executive said.
The government said last month that it would put in place a temporary backstop to guarantee business-to-business transactions, and that further details would be announced in due course.
Trade credit insurance provides cover that pays out if a customer defaults on payment.
According to figures published by the Treasury this month, in 2018, £450m was paid in trade credit insurance premiums to cover more than £350bn of B2B transactions.
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It added that as of April this year, more than £171bn of business activity insured, covering transactions between approximately 13,000 suppliers and 650,000 buyers.
John Glen, economic secretary to the Treasury, said last month: "By guaranteeing business-to-business transactions currently supported by trade credit insurance, we will help to maintain a vital cog in our economy.
"This is on top of an unprecedented package of support we have put in place to help protect individuals, businesses and the economy."
The business minister, Paul Scully, said the trade credit insurance guarantee would be "essential as we seek to reopen new sectors of the economy and get the UK back to work in a way that is safe for everyone".
The scheme has been assembled amid concerns that a sudden spike in insolvencies arising from COVID-19 would exacerbate the risk of insurance contracts being pulled.
Without trade credit cover, suppliers often demand payment for goods upfront, exacerbating the strain on an already struggling company's cashflow.
The big players in the trade credit insurance sector, which include Atradius, Coface and Euler Hermes, therefore play a critical role in sectors that they help to finance, such as manufacturing and retail.
The new scheme is set to run until the end of this year.
Last month, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) said the programme "could help speed up the economic recovery, ensuring the continued availability of trade credit insurance in the face of unprecedented financial pressures currently being faced across most business sectors".
This week from today to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-06-02--Long queues and lost MPs: Socially distanced voting didn't go all that well in Westminster

It dates from 1097 and its place in London 's history is almost unrivalled .
Charles I and the gunpowder plot conspirators were tried there and in recent years , Nelson Mandela , Barack Obama and the Queen - four times - have addressed parliament there .
But on the day MPs returned to the Commons after the Whitsun recess , a packed Westminster Hall resembled the snake-like queuing areas of Disneyland , Alton Towers or a budget airline check-in .
These were not members of the public standing in line , however , but MPs waiting to vote on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Jacob Rees-Mogg , to scrap the so-called `` remote parliament '' and return to the normal raucous , rowdy atmosphere of the chamber and traditional voting in crowded , sweaty , heaving division lobbies .
The reason for the long queues : the speaker , Sir Lindsay Hoyle , had declared that Public Health England had ruled the division lobbies were a health hazard and a breeding ground for COVID-19 when packed with grunting , sneezing , coughing MPs during voting .
And vote for Mr Rees-Mogg 's reforms they did - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took a while .
A long while .
About an hour-and-a-quarter for two votes , the time that would normally take for four or five divisions .
While this marathon of parliamentary democracy was going on , what was revealing and perhaps even alarming was how some - even very senior - MPs do n't know their way around Westminster .
I personally performed what I regard as a public service when I had to direct the Chancellor Rishi Sunak - the second most powerful member of Boris Johnson 's government - from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 's not as if he 's in charge of anything important , '' snarled a grumpy Labour MP who witnessed my good deed .
He was n't the only lost soul , however .
A number of MPs of many years ' standing who ought to have known better , were equally lost .
When the lost souls eventually found their way to Westminster Hall , the first vote , rejecting a plea to keep remote voting , was defeated after nearly 45 minutes by 242-185 , which meant only 427 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took part .
The second , approving Mr Rees-Mogg 's proposals by 261-163 , took a mere half an hour or so .
The government 's majority was bigger this time because a number of Tory rebels in the first vote abstained in the second .
Did the shorter time taken for the second division mean MPs were getting the hang of this socially distanced voting ?
Well , three hours later they had a chance to do it all again , in a showdown on parliamentary boundary changes .
During that vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of MPs wearing face masks to remove them , no doubt fearing there were imposters casting a vote !
Earlier , Mr Rees-Mogg , lampooned as `` the member for the 18th century '' and famous - or infamous - for lying down and stretching his long legs out on the government frontbench during a debate last year , was making the case for a return to the old ways .
Opening a debate limited to 90 minutes , he spoke for nearly 35 , largely due to taking dozens of interventions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deputy speaker , Dame Eleanor Laing , who desperately tried to speed up proceedings , not altogether successfully .
Ahead of the debate , Labour 's wily and wise chief whip , Nick Brown , had predicted a `` Rees-Mogg conga '' .
If only .
At least the Cuban carnival dance moves at a decent pace .
This one was painfully slow .
Since MPs could n't vote in the Aye and No lobbies and had to stay two metres apart , they were forced to queue in Westminster Hall before voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ queueing while the debate was still going on , a good quarter of an hour before the division bell rang .
But the queue moved so slowly that MPs were n't just queuing in Westminster Hall .
The line trailed back out into New Palace Yard , under the underpass beneath Bridge Street and up the escalator into Portcullis House .
It was estimated that the queue was 1km long - nothing if you 're waiting to see the attractions at Disneyland or Alton Towers , but hopefully longer than an airport check-in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubt say that MPs are n't used to queuing to fly economy .
And they did n't like this experience one bit .
There was lots of moaning when they returned to the Central Lobby after the first vote .
Complaints like `` ridiculous '' , `` shambles '' and `` ****-up in a brewery '' spluttered from the lips of gasping , perspiring honourable members , especially those who had to queue outdoors in the heat of New Palace Yard .
Many MPs tweeted their annoyance .
After the chaos and confusion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MPs had deliberately walked along the queue in a bid to embarrass Mr Rees-Mogg .
Surely not ?
Perish the thought .
If true , that will have been clocked by the speaker , Sir Lindsay Hoyle , who took himself from the chair to observe personally what was going on during the vote .
Another wily operator , the speaker .
His letter to MPs on the eve of these votes suggested that Sir Lindsay was no fan of what Mr Rees-Mogg was proposing .
He will probably have concluded that after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along these lines does n't work .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Not only does it exclude the likes of Tory MP Robert Halfon , who could n't come to vote because of a medical condition , and Labour 's Margaret Hodge , who is too old at 75 , but the whole process takes too long and is a waste of time .
And if the government persists with votes like these , what 's to stop Labour - or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that matter - forcing votes for the hell of it when they would n't normally , just to cause the government grief ?
The government 's aim in attempting to bring the Commons back to normal was to set an example to the public .
But it does seem unjust to disenfranchise MPs on the grounds of medical conditions , age , pregnancy , maternity leave or other factors .
With the cushion of its 80-seat majority , the government has won these votes comfortably .
Ever the traditionalist , Mr Rees-Mogg does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opponents on remote voting because he does n't want to risk the possibility of it becoming permanent .
But for as long as COVID-19 rules and Public Health England 's warnings remain in place , we have n't heard the last of this row .
But at least the chancellor knows the way from the Central Lobby to Westminster Hall now .
I hope !

It dates from 1097 and its place in London's history is almost unrivalled.
Charles I and the gunpowder plot conspirators were tried there and in recent years, Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama and the Queen - four times - have addressed parliament there.
But on the day MPs returned to the Commons after the Whitsun recess, a packed Westminster Hall resembled the snake-like queuing areas of Disneyland, Alton Towers or a budget airline check-in.
Image: Conservative MP John Redwood (R) is seen queuing with colleagues in a courtyard on the parliamentary estate
These were not members of the public standing in line, however, but MPs waiting to vote on moves by the Leader of the Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg, to scrap the so-called "remote parliament" and return to the normal raucous, rowdy atmosphere of the chamber and traditional voting in crowded, sweaty, heaving division lobbies.
The reason for the long queues: the speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, had declared that Public Health England had ruled the division lobbies were a health hazard and a breeding ground for COVID-19 when packed with grunting, sneezing, coughing MPs during voting.
And vote for Mr Rees-Mogg's reforms they did - eventually. But this socially distanced voting took a while. A long while.
About an hour-and-a-quarter for two votes, the time that would normally take for four or five divisions.
While this marathon of parliamentary democracy was going on, what was revealing and perhaps even alarming was how some - even very senior - MPs don't know their way around Westminster.
I personally performed what I regard as a public service when I had to direct the Chancellor Rishi Sunak - the second most powerful member of Boris Johnson's government - from the Central Lobby to Westminster Hall.
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Image: Conservative MP John Redwood (R) is seen queuing with colleagues in a courtyard on the parliamentary estate
"It's not as if he's in charge of anything important," snarled a grumpy Labour MP who witnessed my good deed.
He wasn't the only lost soul, however. A number of MPs of many years' standing who ought to have known better, were equally lost.
When the lost souls eventually found their way to Westminster Hall, the first vote, rejecting a plea to keep remote voting, was defeated after nearly 45 minutes by 242-185, which meant only 427 of the 600+ MPs eligible to vote took part.
The second, approving Mr Rees-Mogg's proposals by 261-163, took a mere half an hour or so. The government's majority was bigger this time because a number of Tory rebels in the first vote abstained in the second.
Did the shorter time taken for the second division mean MPs were getting the hang of this socially distanced voting?
Well, three hours later they had a chance to do it all again, in a showdown on parliamentary boundary changes.
Image: MPs queuing up to vote in the House of Commons
During that vote, deputy Speaker Nigel Evans ordered a number of MPs wearing face masks to remove them, no doubt fearing there were imposters casting a vote!
Earlier, Mr Rees-Mogg, lampooned as "the member for the 18th century" and famous - or infamous - for lying down and stretching his long legs out on the government frontbench during a debate last year, was making the case for a return to the old ways.
Opening a debate limited to 90 minutes, he spoke for nearly 35, largely due to taking dozens of interventions, which exasperated and annoyed the senior deputy speaker, Dame Eleanor Laing, who desperately tried to speed up proceedings, not altogether successfully.
Ahead of the debate, Labour's wily and wise chief whip, Nick Brown, had predicted a "Rees-Mogg conga". If only. At least the Cuban carnival dance moves at a decent pace. This one was painfully slow.
Since MPs couldn't vote in the Aye and No lobbies and had to stay two metres apart, they were forced to queue in Westminster Hall before voting in the chamber itself. Many began queueing while the debate was still going on, a good quarter of an hour before the division bell rang.
But the queue moved so slowly that MPs weren't just queuing in Westminster Hall. The line trailed back out into New Palace Yard, under the underpass beneath Bridge Street and up the escalator into Portcullis House.
It was estimated that the queue was 1km long - nothing if you're waiting to see the attractions at Disneyland or Alton Towers, but hopefully longer than an airport check-in for flying economy.
Image: Jacob Rees Mogg answering questions in the House of Commons
Critics would no doubt say that MPs aren't used to queuing to fly economy. And they didn't like this experience one bit.
There was lots of moaning when they returned to the Central Lobby after the first vote.
Complaints like "ridiculous", "shambles" and "****-up in a brewery" spluttered from the lips of gasping, perspiring honourable members, especially those who had to queue outdoors in the heat of New Palace Yard. Many MPs tweeted their annoyance.
After the chaos and confusion, one senior Tory MP claimed some MPs had deliberately walked along the queue in a bid to embarrass Mr Rees-Mogg. Surely not? Perish the thought.
If true, that will have been clocked by the speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who took himself from the chair to observe personally what was going on during the vote.
Another wily operator, the speaker. His letter to MPs on the eve of these votes suggested that Sir Lindsay was no fan of what Mr Rees-Mogg was proposing.
He will probably have concluded that after these farcical scenes, socially distanced voting along these lines doesn't work.
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Not only does it exclude the likes of Tory MP Robert Halfon, who couldn't come to vote because of a medical condition, and Labour's Margaret Hodge, who is too old at 75, but the whole process takes too long and is a waste of time.
And if the government persists with votes like these, what's to stop Labour - or the SNP or Lib Dems, for that matter - forcing votes for the hell of it when they wouldn't normally, just to cause the government grief?
The government's aim in attempting to bring the Commons back to normal was to set an example to the public.
But it does seem unjust to disenfranchise MPs on the grounds of medical conditions, age, pregnancy, maternity leave or other factors.
With the cushion of its 80-seat majority, the government has won these votes comfortably.
Ever the traditionalist, Mr Rees-Mogg doesn't want to give way to his opponents on remote voting because he doesn't want to risk the possibility of it becoming permanent.
But for as long as COVID-19 rules and Public Health England's warnings remain in place, we haven't heard the last of this row.
But at least the chancellor knows the way from the Central Lobby to Westminster Hall now. I hope!


news--2020-05-26--Coronavirus: Financial centres warn over protectionism risks

Representatives of the City and other international financial centres will warn this week that governments must avoid `` the self-defeating lure of protectionism '' and seek a coordinated response to aid the global economy 's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic .
Sky News understands that the World Alliance of International Financial Centers ( WAIFC ) , a Brussels-based not-for-profit group , will emphasise the need to back SMEs with public and private funding during the months ahead .
The WAIFC , whose members include financial services-focused bodies in Frankfurt , Moscow , Paris , Qatar , Tokyo and Toronto , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underline the importance of investment in digital infrastructure .
`` During the phases of lockdowns , we have experienced the importance of digital services in finance and beyond , '' it will stress in a statement to be issued on Wednesday .
The organisation 's intervention will come as fears deepen that the coronavirus pandemic will spark a new era of more aggressive protectionism , with trade tensions between the US and China already exacerbated by the crisis .
Large multinationals such as BMW , Nestle and HSBC have already warned of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Financial Times reported this month .
The US is not part of the financial centres ' global alliance .
Finance executives are concerned that the international economic response to COVID-19 has appeared much more fragmented than the comparable response during the financial crisis of 2008 .
`` This is going to undermine the possible impact of the various monetary and fiscal initiatives that have been put in place at national level , '' one senior figure said .
`` This ca n't continue and international leadership is going to have to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In its statement , the WAIFC will argue that such a coordinated response to the pandemic is vital .
`` Our authorities have started to address these issues nationally , but we firmly believe that international cooperation for a global economic response is critical .
`` We need to support various initiatives , including fiscal and monetary stimulus .
`` In this way , mitigation action will be much more effective . ''
It will add that the industries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pivotal role in assisting the millions of people who have lost their jobs during the pandemic .
`` Many people have lost their jobs due to the current crisis , and others are employed only part-time with lower wages .
`` The financial industry needs to support them for keeping our societies together , '' the statement will say .
The body will also urge governments to `` avoid the self-defeating lure of protectionism and work together to open trade and investment constructively and sustainably for our economies '' .
`` And in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we reconsider our economic models and give a new priority to long-term perspectives , innovative business models , sustainable economies , and environmental and social considerations . ''

Representatives of the City and other international financial centres will warn this week that governments must avoid "the self-defeating lure of protectionism" and seek a coordinated response to aid the global economy's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
Sky News understands that the World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC), a Brussels-based not-for-profit group, will emphasise the need to back SMEs with public and private funding during the months ahead.
The WAIFC, whose members include financial services-focused bodies in Frankfurt, Moscow, Paris, Qatar, Tokyo and Toronto, will say that the COVID-19 pandemic will underline the importance of investment in digital infrastructure.
"During the phases of lockdowns, we have experienced the importance of digital services in finance and beyond," it will stress in a statement to be issued on Wednesday.
The organisation's intervention will come as fears deepen that the coronavirus pandemic will spark a new era of more aggressive protectionism, with trade tensions between the US and China already exacerbated by the crisis.
Large multinationals such as BMW, Nestle and HSBC have already warned of a rise in protectionist sentiment in Washington, the Financial Times reported this month.
The US is not part of the financial centres' global alliance.
Finance executives are concerned that the international economic response to COVID-19 has appeared much more fragmented than the comparable response during the financial crisis of 2008.
"This is going to undermine the possible impact of the various monetary and fiscal initiatives that have been put in place at national level," one senior figure said.
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"This can't continue and international leadership is going to have to come from somewhere."
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In its statement, the WAIFC will argue that such a coordinated response to the pandemic is vital.
"Our authorities have started to address these issues nationally, but we firmly believe that international cooperation for a global economic response is critical.
"We need to support various initiatives, including fiscal and monetary stimulus.
"In this way, mitigation action will be much more effective."
It will add that the industries represented by the WAIFC must play a pivotal role in assisting the millions of people who have lost their jobs during the pandemic.
"Many people have lost their jobs due to the current crisis, and others are employed only part-time with lower wages.
"The financial industry needs to support them for keeping our societies together," the statement will say.
The body will also urge governments to "avoid the self-defeating lure of protectionism and work together to open trade and investment constructively and sustainably for our economies".
"And in the long run, it is essential that we reconsider our economic models and give a new priority to long-term perspectives, innovative business models, sustainable economies, and environmental and social considerations."


news--2020-05-26--Coronavirus: 2,000 jobs at risk as sandwich maker Adelie collapses

More than 2,000 jobs are at risk after one of Britain 's biggest sandwich and food-to-go suppliers was forced to call in administrators .
Sky News has learnt that Adelie Foods , which has been in rescue talks for weeks , has appointed Deloitte to handle an insolvency process .
Employees at the company , which is headquartered close to Heathrow Airport , were informed about the development on Tuesday afternoon .
It comes as Britain 's food-to-go market faces a stiff challenge to recover from the coronavirus crisis , with restaurant and coffee shop chains , along with all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to close since March .
Deloitte is understood to be assessing whether it can stitch together a deal to salvage Adelie from administration .
The company had been in talks with listed food supplier Greencore about a deal , while Samworth , another player in the market , could also be among the contenders to buy it out of administration .
Adelie , which supplies coffee shop chains including Caffè Nero and supermarkets such as Lidl , is understood to have been close to a deal with a major industry player , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support from watchdogs in time , insiders said .
Prior to calling in administrators , Adelie was owned by Intermediate Capital Group , its former lender .
It took ownership in 2016 , after the company lost key contracts with Asda and J Sainsbury .
A large chunk of Adelie 's employee base has been furloughed since March under the government 's Job Retention Scheme .
Rob Harding , restructuring partner at Deloitte and Joint Administrator , said : `` The current pandemic is having a devastating effect on consumer-facing businesses and suppliers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The impact of COVID-19 on the Company 's order book resulted in a material funding requirement and , as a result , we have been working hard with Adelie 's management to try and secure a buyer to ensure the right longer-term future for the business . ''

More than 2,000 jobs are at risk after one of Britain's biggest sandwich and food-to-go suppliers was forced to call in administrators.
Sky News has learnt that Adelie Foods, which has been in rescue talks for weeks, has appointed Deloitte to handle an insolvency process.
Employees at the company, which is headquartered close to Heathrow Airport, were informed about the development on Tuesday afternoon.
It comes as Britain's food-to-go market faces a stiff challenge to recover from the coronavirus crisis, with restaurant and coffee shop chains, along with all other non-essential retailers, having been forced to close since March.
Deloitte is understood to be assessing whether it can stitch together a deal to salvage Adelie from administration.
The company had been in talks with listed food supplier Greencore about a deal , while Samworth, another player in the market, could also be among the contenders to buy it out of administration.
Adelie, which supplies coffee shop chains including Caffè Nero and supermarkets such as Lidl, is understood to have been close to a deal with a major industry player, but a transaction could not gain the required support from watchdogs in time, insiders said.
Prior to calling in administrators, Adelie was owned by Intermediate Capital Group, its former lender.
It took ownership in 2016, after the company lost key contracts with Asda and J Sainsbury.
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A large chunk of Adelie's employee base has been furloughed since March under the government's Job Retention Scheme.
Rob Harding, restructuring partner at Deloitte and Joint Administrator, said: "The current pandemic is having a devastating effect on consumer-facing businesses and suppliers into them, such as Adelie.
"The impact of COVID-19 on the Company's order book resulted in a material funding requirement and, as a result, we have been working hard with Adelie's management to try and secure a buyer to ensure the right longer-term future for the business."


news--2020-05-26--Coronavirus: Drones to deliver COVID-19 tests and PPE to Isle of Mull

Drones are delivering urgently needed medical supplies such as coronavirus test kits and personal protective equipment to a Scottish island .
As part of a two-week trial , the supplies will be flown between Lorn and Islands District General Hospital in Oban on Scotland 's west coast to the Mull and Iona Community Hospital in Craignure on the Isle of Mull - about 12 miles ( 19km ) over sea .
Health authorities in Argyll and Bute said the scheme will enable patients to be diagnosed more quickly .
London-based drone delivery firm Skyports have partnered Thales to conduct the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will take about 15 minutes .
Currently , the supplies are mainly delivered via road and a 45-minute ferry crossing .
If the scheme is successful , the hope is that drone deliveries can be set up for other health boards across the UK .
Skyports said it marks a milestone for UK drone flights as the medical deliveries will be going out of sight of the machine 's operator , which is currently not allowed , but the company has worked with the Civil Aviation Authority to make the trial happen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and social care partnership chief officer , said : `` I am delighted that Argyll and Bute health and social care partnership is again at the forefront in Scotland using new technologies to benefit our patients .
`` The use of drones provides real opportunities to improve services and will help enable quicker diagnosis for our patients . ''
Duncan Walker , Skyports chief executive officer , said : `` Delivery drones are a fast and reliable solution for vital medical supplies . ''
He added that the company is `` proud to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to people in `` harder-to-reach areas '' .
On 22 March , Mull was the first Scottish island to declare a shut down ahead of the government 's lockdown orders , with only a handful of COVID-19 cases recorded so far .
Only the island 's 2,600 permanent residents - not those who have second homes there - are allowed on the island .
: : Listen to Coronavirus : In This Together on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or Spreaker There has been a reduction in ferry services and checks are carried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential workers with company letters and ID are allowed on the ferry .
Islanders quickly grouped together to form a Mull Crisis Management group , with volunteers helping with shopping for vulnerable people at the island 's only supermarket , mental health support and fundraising for businesses and NHS services .
The drone delivery trial is due to run until 5 June .

Drones are delivering urgently needed medical supplies such as coronavirus test kits and personal protective equipment to a Scottish island.
As part of a two-week trial, the supplies will be flown between Lorn and Islands District General Hospital in Oban on Scotland's west coast to the Mull and Iona Community Hospital in Craignure on the Isle of Mull - about 12 miles (19km) over sea.
Health authorities in Argyll and Bute said the scheme will enable patients to be diagnosed more quickly.
Image: The drones will be flown from Oban to the Isle of Mull
London-based drone delivery firm Skyports have partnered Thales to conduct the trial and operate the flights, which will take about 15 minutes.
Currently, the supplies are mainly delivered via road and a 45-minute ferry crossing.
If the scheme is successful, the hope is that drone deliveries can be set up for other health boards across the UK.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 Drones deliver medical supplies to Mull
Skyports said it marks a milestone for UK drone flights as the medical deliveries will be going out of sight of the machine's operator, which is currently not allowed, but the company has worked with the Civil Aviation Authority to make the trial happen.
Joanna Macdonald, Argyll and Bute health and social care partnership chief officer, said: "I am delighted that Argyll and Bute health and social care partnership is again at the forefront in Scotland using new technologies to benefit our patients.
"The use of drones provides real opportunities to improve services and will help enable quicker diagnosis for our patients."
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Image: The Isle of Mull shut its borders to non-permanent residents ahead of the Scottish lockdown to protect its small community
Duncan Walker, Skyports chief executive officer, said: "Delivery drones are a fast and reliable solution for vital medical supplies."
He added that the company is "proud to assist the NHS" in providing healthcare to people in "harder-to-reach areas".
On 22 March, Mull was the first Scottish island to declare a shut down ahead of the government's lockdown orders, with only a handful of COVID-19 cases recorded so far.
Only the island's 2,600 permanent residents - not those who have second homes there - are allowed on the island.
:: Listen to Coronavirus: In This Together on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker
There has been a reduction in ferry services and checks are carried out to ensure only permanent residents and essential workers with company letters and ID are allowed on the ferry.
Islanders quickly grouped together to form a Mull Crisis Management group, with volunteers helping with shopping for vulnerable people at the island's only supermarket, mental health support and fundraising for businesses and NHS services.
The drone delivery trial is due to run until 5 June.


news--2020-05-25--Coronavirus: Experts warn cancer treatment which could save lives is being 'rationed'

Cancer experts are warning the NHS is `` rationing '' an innovative cancer treatment which could help deal with an expected surge in cases and `` save lives '' .
In an open letter to NHS England and Health Secretary Matt Hancock , the experts are calling for stereotactic ablative radiotherapy ( SABR ) to be rolled out to all cancer centres .
They warn that failure to act would be a `` tragic lost opportunity '' .
Many cancer patients have had their treatments put on hold as hospitals deal with the coronavirus pandemic , while there are fears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer cases in the coming weeks and months .
The letter said : `` Cancer is generally a disease of older age and associated with risk factors such as smoking , alcohol and obesity , which result in additional co-morbidities .
`` This is clearly a higher risk demographic who are being advised to self-isolate , causing anxiety about seeking help for cancer-related symptoms .
Hence , there is a 'perfect storm ' for delayed diagnosis and reduced access to services . ''
Recent analysis by University College London has estimated a 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the next 12 months .
Researchers from the Institute of Cancer Research and Public Health England also found that a three-month delay to surgery across all stage one to three cancers is estimated to cause more than 4,700 additional deaths per year in England .
Around half of England ’ s radiotherapy centres are permitted to use SABR , which is usually used to treat some lung and prostate cancers .
But experts now say the treatment should be given as an option to some patients with other cancers who are unable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SABR requires fewer hospital visits than other treatments , meaning patients have less chance of contracting COVID-19 , and studies suggest it is much less risky than surgery .
A recent study in China found the mortality rate of patients who contracted COVID-19 after having surgery was more than 20 % .
Dr Clive Peedell , a consultant clinical oncologist who wrote the letter along with Action Radiotherapy , says SABR is an effective alternative to surgery in many cases .
`` We do n't know from the clinical trials yet whether it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it 's likely to be very close , '' he told Sky News .
`` So the patient will be told 'you can wait for surgery , but there 's a risk your cancer would progress , and that can increase your mortality rate , or you can go for this stereotactic radiotherapy treatment ' .
`` It gives people an option , rather than just being stuck at home frightened that their cancer might progress . ''
He says virtually all cancer centres have the capability to deliver the treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running `` in the next few months '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' They will need some training , they will need some oversight , but we have a buddying system where sites that are less experienced can be buddied up with others that already use the treatment , '' he said .
There are current plans to bolster SABR services by 2022 , but the experts say this must be brought forward - or cancer services could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Action Radiotherapy , said : `` We were at capacity to start with so when we get more patients coming through , we will not be able to deal with it .
`` We 've got some real big solutions here and it 's crazy that we 've got machinery here that could solve some of the backlog and help improve survival , and yet we 're not being allowed to use it .
It 's madness . ''
Not all cancer cases will be suitable for this treatment , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are currently unable to have surgery .
Martin Ducksbury , a grandfather of five , was diagnosed with a small kidney tumour in November .
The 64-year-old was due to have an operation on 25 March , but it was cancelled the morning before - and he has now been told it could be another six to eight weeks before the surgery can be carried out safely .
`` I 've got this lung problem , a lung disease which is ongoing , '' he said .
`` I would 've had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that was full of COVID patients .
`` I spoke to [ my consultant ] and she said that they could do it if I wanted to , but if I got the virus then it would kill me because of the lung problem . ''
Tony O ’ Sullivan , a retired consultant paediatrician and co-chair of Keep Our NHS Public , also had his prostate cancer surgery cancelled after it was deemed `` non-urgent '' .
He had already packed his bags when he received a call saying the operation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The longer the wait , the risk goes up , '' he said .
`` It 's being in limbo that 's the most worrying… I do n't know if it could be months or potentially years . ''
An NHS spokesperson said : `` The NHS provides advanced radiotherapy for lung cancer in 26 specialist centres across the country for those patients where it is clinically appropriate . ''
They said the NHS is aiming to deliver advanced radiotherapy services at all hospitals by March 2022 , `` despite dealing with an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Price warned the issue is `` not going to go away '' , adding : `` This is actually about saving lives now . ''

Cancer experts are warning the NHS is "rationing" an innovative cancer treatment which could help deal with an expected surge in cases and "save lives".
In an open letter to NHS England and Health Secretary Matt Hancock, the experts are calling for stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) to be rolled out to all cancer centres.
They warn that failure to act would be a "tragic lost opportunity".
Image: A 4D scan of a tumour with the radiotherapy dose plan. Pic: James Cook University Hospital/Jim Daniel
Many cancer patients have had their treatments put on hold as hospitals deal with the coronavirus pandemic, while there are fears there could be a huge backlog of cancer cases in the coming weeks and months.
The letter said: "Cancer is generally a disease of older age and associated with risk factors such as smoking, alcohol and obesity, which result in additional co-morbidities.
"This is clearly a higher risk demographic who are being advised to self-isolate, causing anxiety about seeking help for cancer-related symptoms. Hence, there is a 'perfect storm' for delayed diagnosis and reduced access to services."
Recent analysis by University College London has estimated a 20% increase in cancer deaths in England over the next 12 months.
Researchers from the Institute of Cancer Research and Public Health England also found that a three-month delay to surgery across all stage one to three cancers is estimated to cause more than 4,700 additional deaths per year in England.
Around half of England’s radiotherapy centres are permitted to use SABR, which is usually used to treat some lung and prostate cancers.
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But experts now say the treatment should be given as an option to some patients with other cancers who are unable to have surgery during the pandemic.
SABR requires fewer hospital visits than other treatments, meaning patients have less chance of contracting COVID-19, and studies suggest it is much less risky than surgery.
Image: There are plans to roll out SABR to all hospitals by 2022
A recent study in China found the mortality rate of patients who contracted COVID-19 after having surgery was more than 20%.
Dr Clive Peedell, a consultant clinical oncologist who wrote the letter along with Action Radiotherapy, says SABR is an effective alternative to surgery in many cases.
"We don't know from the clinical trials yet whether it’s definitely as effective as surgery, but it's likely to be very close," he told Sky News.
Image: Dr Clive Peedell says the treatment can give people another option
"So the patient will be told 'you can wait for surgery, but there's a risk your cancer would progress, and that can increase your mortality rate, or you can go for this stereotactic radiotherapy treatment'.
"It gives people an option, rather than just being stuck at home frightened that their cancer might progress."
He says virtually all cancer centres have the capability to deliver the treatment, and they could be up and running "in the next few months".
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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"They will need some training, they will need some oversight, but we have a buddying system where sites that are less experienced can be buddied up with others that already use the treatment," he said.
There are current plans to bolster SABR services by 2022, but the experts say this must be brought forward - or cancer services could be overwhelmed.
Professor Pat Price, chair of Action Radiotherapy, said: "We were at capacity to start with so when we get more patients coming through, we will not be able to deal with it.
"We've got some real big solutions here and it's crazy that we've got machinery here that could solve some of the backlog and help improve survival, and yet we're not being allowed to use it. It's madness."
Not all cancer cases will be suitable for this treatment, but the experts believe it could help some who are currently unable to have surgery.
Martin Ducksbury, a grandfather of five, was diagnosed with a small kidney tumour in November.
Image: Martin Ducksbury with his wife, Jackie
The 64-year-old was due to have an operation on 25 March, but it was cancelled the morning before - and he has now been told it could be another six to eight weeks before the surgery can be carried out safely.
"I've got this lung problem, a lung disease which is ongoing," he said.
"I would've had to go into intensive care after my operation and that was full of COVID patients.
"I spoke to [my consultant] and she said that they could do it if I wanted to, but if I got the virus then it would kill me because of the lung problem."
Tony O’Sullivan, a retired consultant paediatrician and co-chair of Keep Our NHS Public, also had his prostate cancer surgery cancelled after it was deemed "non-urgent".
Image: Tony O'Sullivan is a retired consultant paediatrician
He had already packed his bags when he received a call saying the operation would not be going ahead.
"The longer the wait, the risk goes up," he said. "It's being in limbo that's the most worrying… I don't know if it could be months or potentially years."
An NHS spokesperson said: "The NHS provides advanced radiotherapy for lung cancer in 26 specialist centres across the country for those patients where it is clinically appropriate."
They said the NHS is aiming to deliver advanced radiotherapy services at all hospitals by March 2022, "despite dealing with an unprecedented global pandemic".
But Professor Price warned the issue is "not going to go away", adding: "This is actually about saving lives now."


news--2020-05-26--Coronavirus: Councils urged to continue homeless support after fears help 'fizzled out'

Councils have been urged to carry on helping rough sleepers into accommodation during the coronavirus outbreak after claims efforts and funding had `` fizzled out '' .
The government 's homelessness adviser Dame Louise Casey told local authorities not to `` discriminate '' against people seeking shelter and safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
She called for work to help people off the streets to continue until lockdown is lifted .
Sky News has spoken to the charity Crisis , which helps homeless people .
The charity has warned the `` get everyone in '' drive to accommodate rough sleepers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the end of March was leaving some people without help .
Matt Downie , director of policy , said that in some local areas the drive to get people off the streets had `` fizzled out '' , with some councils just focused on supporting those already in hotels .
He added that some councils had `` run out of money and energy to continue to make sure the job 's still done '' , after exhausting the £3.2m funding from the UK government .
And Mr Downie warned some local authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking help normally have to go through - such as proving a local connection to the area or lawful immigration status .
Speaking on Tuesday , Dame Louise said councils should be helping anyone who needs it .
`` The virus is still here and we have n't found a vaccine .
Until we 're able to organise for people who are street homeless and in communal night shelters , a way they can be safe , then actually the job is n't done .
`` The virus does n't choose whether you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus does n't discriminate on that basis .
Until we 're through that we 've got to play by the book and make sure from a humanitarian perspective we 're being sensible .
`` And if we think they are genuine long-term rough sleepers , we bring them in off the street . ''
She added that 14,600 people have been helped into accommodation so far - of whom between 5,000 and 7,000 were sleeping rough before the pandemic .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one of the areas with the highest number of rough sleepers in England , the council leader has indicated help is in limited supply .
In a letter to stakeholders on 12 May , Rachael Robathan said : `` The answer however , can not simply be to spend more money on expensive accommodation and services within Westminster .
`` Westminster will do its part , but this has to be a national effort . ''
She added she had raised her `` concerns '' with the government about `` the levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` the need for a national effort '' to help rough sleepers post-lockdown .

Councils have been urged to carry on helping rough sleepers into accommodation during the coronavirus outbreak after claims efforts and funding had "fizzled out".
The government's homelessness adviser Dame Louise Casey told local authorities not to "discriminate" against people seeking shelter and safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
She called for work to help people off the streets to continue until lockdown is lifted.
Image: Rough sleepers are particularly vulnerable during the emergency 'stay at home' measures
Sky News has spoken to the charity Crisis, which helps homeless people.
The charity has warned the "get everyone in" drive to accommodate rough sleepers when coronavirus cases ballooned in the UK at the end of March was leaving some people without help.
Matt Downie, director of policy, said that in some local areas the drive to get people off the streets had "fizzled out", with some councils just focused on supporting those already in hotels.
He added that some councils had "run out of money and energy to continue to make sure the job's still done", after exhausting the £3.2m funding from the UK government.
And Mr Downie warned some local authorities were also readopting tests that rough sleepers seeking help normally have to go through - such as proving a local connection to the area or lawful immigration status.
Speaking on Tuesday, Dame Louise said councils should be helping anyone who needs it.
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Image: Nearly 15,000 people have been helped into accommodation since the virus took hold in the UK
"Lockdown isn't over," said Dame Louise.
"The virus is still here and we haven't found a vaccine. Until we're able to organise for people who are street homeless and in communal night shelters, a way they can be safe, then actually the job isn't done.
"The virus doesn't choose whether you're from Portugal or Kent, the virus doesn't discriminate on that basis. Until we're through that we've got to play by the book and make sure from a humanitarian perspective we're being sensible.
"And if we think they are genuine long-term rough sleepers, we bring them in off the street."
She added that 14,600 people have been helped into accommodation so far - of whom between 5,000 and 7,000 were sleeping rough before the pandemic.
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But in Westminster, one of the areas with the highest number of rough sleepers in England, the council leader has indicated help is in limited supply.
In a letter to stakeholders on 12 May, Rachael Robathan said: "The answer however, cannot simply be to spend more money on expensive accommodation and services within Westminster.
"Westminster will do its part, but this has to be a national effort."
She added she had raised her "concerns" with the government about "the levels of funding" given to councils and "the need for a national effort" to help rough sleepers post-lockdown.


news--2020-05-26--Coronavirus: 'Local lockdowns' to be introduced in UK for future coronavirus 'flare-ups'

Future `` flare-ups '' of coronavirus infections could lead to localised lockdown measures , the health secretary has said .
Matt Hancock revealed stricter social distancing measures could be introduced in certain areas in future as part of the NHS `` test and trace '' system for continuing to suppress the spread of COVID-19 .
`` We will have local lockdowns in future where there are flare-ups , '' he said at the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing on Tuesday .
`` We have a system we are putting in place with a combination of Public Health England and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the local directors of public health who play an absolutely crucial role in the decision-making in the system - to make sure if there is a local flare-up there is a local lockdown , '' he continued .
`` And so local lockdowns will be part of the future system that we put in place as part of the NHS test and trace system . ''
The government has said it will have 25,000 contact-tracers trained and ready to start work on 1 June .
Their role will be to trace and advise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact with someone testing positive for coronavirus .
A contact-tracing NHS app has also been trialled on the Isle of Wight .
The government 's road map for easing lockdown restrictions set out how the Joint Biosecurity Centre would have a `` response function '' that could address local spikes in infections , in partnership with local public health agencies .
This could lead to local schools , businesses or workplaces being closed in areas with high prevalence of infection , it said .
The latest figures on confirmed cases show they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 495 confirmed cases per 100,000 population in Sunderland .
In parts of the South West , the figures are as low as 105 per 100,000 in South Somerset .
Barrow-in-Furness ( with 831 confirmed cases per 100,000 ) has the highest figure for England and the whole of the UK .
However , some regions may have done more testing than others , so they will have detected more cases .
Tuesday 's daily briefing was again dominated by questions about the actions of Dominic Cummings , the prime minister 's chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown rules .
Mr Hancock defended asking the public to self-isolate in the test and trace programme despite Mr Cummings 's actions , saying : `` They 're not doing it for me , people are doing this for their loved ones .
`` If you 're phoned up and asked to self-isolate even though you 're perfectly healthy because you 've been in close contact with somebody who 's tested positive , then it 's your civic duty to then self-isolate , for yourself , for your community , for your family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together to do this . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Hancock also used the daily briefing to reveal the government is to rebuild its stockpile of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) .
He said : `` I can announce that we have now signed contracts to manufacture two billion items of PPE here in the UK .
`` Around the world , we 've signed deals with over 100 new suppliers , including agreeing contracts for a further @ @ @ @ @

Future "flare-ups" of coronavirus infections could lead to localised lockdown measures, the health secretary has said.
Matt Hancock revealed stricter social distancing measures could be introduced in certain areas in future as part of the NHS "test and trace" system for continuing to suppress the spread of COVID-19.
"We will have local lockdowns in future where there are flare-ups," he said at the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing on Tuesday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:37 UK to produce 2bn items of PPE
"We have a system we are putting in place with a combination of Public Health England and the new joint biosecurity centre - along with the local directors of public health who play an absolutely crucial role in the decision-making in the system - to make sure if there is a local flare-up there is a local lockdown," he continued.
"And so local lockdowns will be part of the future system that we put in place as part of the NHS test and trace system."
The government has said it will have 25,000 contact-tracers trained and ready to start work on 1 June.
Their role will be to trace and advise people who may have come into close contact with someone testing positive for coronavirus.
A contact-tracing NHS app has also been trialled on the Isle of Wight.
The government's road map for easing lockdown restrictions set out how the Joint Biosecurity Centre would have a "response function" that could address local spikes in infections, in partnership with local public health agencies.
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This could lead to local schools, businesses or workplaces being closed in areas with high prevalence of infection, it said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:25 Excess deaths of 64,000 during pandemic
The latest figures on confirmed cases show they are relatively high in the North East, with 495 confirmed cases per 100,000 population in Sunderland.
In parts of the South West, the figures are as low as 105 per 100,000 in South Somerset.
Barrow-in-Furness (with 831 confirmed cases per 100,000) has the highest figure for England and the whole of the UK.
However, some regions may have done more testing than others, so they will have detected more cases.
Tuesday's daily briefing was again dominated by questions about the actions of Dominic Cummings, the prime minister's chief adviser, who is accused of breaching lockdown rules.
Mr Hancock defended asking the public to self-isolate in the test and trace programme despite Mr Cummings's actions, saying: "They're not doing it for me, people are doing this for their loved ones.
"If you're phoned up and asked to self-isolate even though you're perfectly healthy because you've been in close contact with somebody who's tested positive, then it's your civic duty to then self-isolate, for yourself, for your community, for your family, and we all need to come together to do this."
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Mr Hancock also used the daily briefing to reveal the government is to rebuild its stockpile of personal protective equipment (PPE).
He said: "I can announce that we have now signed contracts to manufacture two billion items of PPE here in the UK.
"Around the world, we've signed deals with over 100 new suppliers, including agreeing contracts for a further 3.7 billion gloves."


news--2020-05-26--Coronavirus: Doctor and nurse who cancelled wedding due to pandemic tie the knot in hospital

A doctor and nurse who were forced to cancel their wedding due to the coronavirus pandemic have got married at the hospital where they both work .
Jann Tipping , 34 , and Annalan Navaratnam , 30 , from Tulse Hill , south London , planned to tie the knot in August , but feared their families would not be able to travel from Northern Ireland and Sri Lanka because of COVID-19 .
Instead , the couple - who work at St Thomas ' in London - decided to exchange vows as soon as possible , accepting their guests would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permission to have a private ceremony in the Grade 2-listed chapel at the hospital , which has features dating back to when St Thomas ' opened on its current site - opposite the Houses of Parliament - in 1870 .
Jann , an ambulatory emergency nurse , said they were `` so grateful '' to the chaplaincy team , who `` went the extra mile to make it possible '' during the pandemic .
She said : `` We wanted to have the ceremony while everyone was still healthy , even if it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us on a screen . ''
`` We wanted to make sure we could celebrate while we were all still able to , '' she added .
`` A date was set within two weeks and we had n't bought my dress , our rings and other things we needed , so we rushed to get everything done quickly . ''
Annalan , an acute medical registrar , who has been working at St Thomas ' for a year , said they `` wanted to get married from the moment I proposed '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so happy that we 've been able to commit ourselves to one another , and that the hospital has been able to support us to do that . ''
Reverend Mia Hilborn - head of spiritual healthcare at Guy 's and St Thomas ' NHS Foundation Trust - conducted the ceremony on Friday 24 April , with just two witnesses present .
She said : `` At such a challenging time for staff , as chaplains we strive to offer as much support as we can .
I was delighted to be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Annalan in the beautiful chapel at St Thomas ' .
`` It was a lovely service and I was thrilled to be part of it . ''
Jann said : `` It was nice being just us , it felt very intimate .
`` One of our witnesses live streamed the service so our friends and family could watch .
It was a lovely wedding and the chapel is beautiful , although it did feel surreal getting married where we work , and in a hospital .
`` St Thomas ' is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and especially to me , having been here for the last six years .
`` Now there 's an extra reason why it 's so important to us . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker After the ceremony , the newlyweds hosted a virtual drinks reception for their guests , which included their first dance and speeches .
They had sent guests champagne for the reception to their homes in advance .
Jann said : `` We had a beautiful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It was a nice thing to happen in the middle of an anxious time . ''

A doctor and nurse who were forced to cancel their wedding due to the coronavirus pandemic have got married at the hospital where they both work.
Jann Tipping, 34, and Annalan Navaratnam, 30, from Tulse Hill, south London, planned to tie the knot in August, but feared their families would not be able to travel from Northern Ireland and Sri Lanka because of COVID-19.
Instead, the couple - who work at St Thomas' in London - decided to exchange vows as soon as possible, accepting their guests would have to watch remotely.
Image: Jann Tipping and Annalan Navaratnam, had planned to get married in August Pic: Rebecca Carpenter Photography
They sought permission to have a private ceremony in the Grade 2-listed chapel at the hospital, which has features dating back to when St Thomas' opened on its current site - opposite the Houses of Parliament - in 1870.
Jann, an ambulatory emergency nurse, said they were "so grateful" to the chaplaincy team, who "went the extra mile to make it possible" during the pandemic.
She said: "We wanted to have the ceremony while everyone was still healthy, even if it meant our loved ones having to watch us on a screen."
"We wanted to make sure we could celebrate while we were all still able to," she added.
"A date was set within two weeks and we hadn't bought my dress, our rings and other things we needed, so we rushed to get everything done quickly."
Annalan, an acute medical registrar, who has been working at St Thomas' for a year, said they "wanted to get married from the moment I proposed".
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He said: "We're so happy that we've been able to commit ourselves to one another, and that the hospital has been able to support us to do that."
Image: Jann and Annalan said it felt 'surreal' getting married in a hospital. Pic: Rebecca Carpenter Photography
Reverend Mia Hilborn - head of spiritual healthcare at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust - conducted the ceremony on Friday 24 April, with just two witnesses present.
She said: "At such a challenging time for staff, as chaplains we strive to offer as much support as we can. I was delighted to be able to get special permission to marry Jann and Annalan in the beautiful chapel at St Thomas'.
"It was a lovely service and I was thrilled to be part of it."
Jann said: "It was nice being just us, it felt very intimate.
"One of our witnesses live streamed the service so our friends and family could watch. It was a lovely wedding and the chapel is beautiful, although it did feel surreal getting married where we work, and in a hospital.
"St Thomas' is such a special place to us both, and especially to me, having been here for the last six years.
"Now there's an extra reason why it's so important to us."
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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After the ceremony, the newlyweds hosted a virtual drinks reception for their guests, which included their first dance and speeches.
They had sent guests champagne for the reception to their homes in advance.
Jann said: "We had a beautiful wedding day which we will always remember.
"It was a nice thing to happen in the middle of an anxious time."


news--2020-05-26--Coronavirus: Faulty dementia-linked gene doubles risk of getting severe COVID-19, study says

A faulty gene linked to dementia doubles the risk of developing severe COVID-19 , according to new research .
Using data from the UK Biobank , scientists from the universities of Exeter and Connecticut found a high risk of coronavirus among people of European ancestry who carry two faulty copies of the APOE gene .
One in 36 Biobank participants of that background has those mutations , which increase the risk of Alzheimer 's by up to 14 times .
They also raise the chance of developing heart disease , compared to people with the non-faulty gene .
Scientists from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk of getting a severe form of COVID-19 is doubled by the presence of the copies , even if a patient has neither Alzheimer 's nor heart disease .
During their research , they found that 2.36 % of UK Biobank participants with European ancestries had the faulty gene .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Among those who tested positive for COVID-19 , the figure more than doubled , rising to 5.13 % .
It is hoped that discovering why that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideas for treatments .
The same team has previously discovered that people with dementia are three times more likely to get severe COVID-19 - possibly because of the high prevalence of the virus in care homes .
`` This is an exciting result because we might now be able to pinpoint how this faulty gene causes vulnerability to COVID-19 , '' said Dr Chia-Ling Kuo from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine .
`` It 's also important because it shows again that increasing disease risks that appear inevitable with ageing might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which could help us understand why some people stay active to age 100 and beyond , while others become disabled and die in their sixties . ''
Professor David Melzer , who led the team , said : `` Several studies have now shown that people with dementia are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19 .
`` This study suggests that this high risk may not simply be due to the effects of dementia , advancing age or frailty , or exposure to the virus in care homes . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this underlying genetic change , which puts them at risk for both COVID-19 and dementia . ''
The UK Biobank collects health and genetic data on 500,000 people .
The study is published in the Journal of Gerontology : Medical Sciences .

A faulty gene linked to dementia doubles the risk of developing severe COVID-19, according to new research.
Using data from the UK Biobank, scientists from the universities of Exeter and Connecticut found a high risk of coronavirus among people of European ancestry who carry two faulty copies of the APOE gene.
One in 36 Biobank participants of that background has those mutations, which increase the risk of Alzheimer's by up to 14 times.
They also raise the chance of developing heart disease, compared to people with the non-faulty gene.
Scientists from both universities' medical schools say the risk of getting a severe form of COVID-19 is doubled by the presence of the copies, even if a patient has neither Alzheimer's nor heart disease.
During their research, they found that 2.36% of UK Biobank participants with European ancestries had the faulty gene.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Among those who tested positive for COVID-19, the figure more than doubled, rising to 5.13%.
It is hoped that discovering why that is the case will lead to new ideas for treatments.
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The same team has previously discovered that people with dementia are three times more likely to get severe COVID-19 - possibly because of the high prevalence of the virus in care homes.
"This is an exciting result because we might now be able to pinpoint how this faulty gene causes vulnerability to COVID-19," said Dr Chia-Ling Kuo from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine.
"It's also important because it shows again that increasing disease risks that appear inevitable with ageing might actually be due to specific biological differences, which could help us understand why some people stay active to age 100 and beyond, while others become disabled and die in their sixties."
Professor David Melzer, who led the team, said: "Several studies have now shown that people with dementia are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19.
"This study suggests that this high risk may not simply be due to the effects of dementia, advancing age or frailty, or exposure to the virus in care homes."
"The effect could be partly due to this underlying genetic change, which puts them at risk for both COVID-19 and dementia."
The UK Biobank collects health and genetic data on 500,000 people.
The study is published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences.


news--2020-05-26--Coronavirus: Cheltenham Festival and Liverpool v Atletico Madrid 'led to spike' in COVID-19 deaths

The Cheltenham Festival and Liverpool 's final pre-lockdown match against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League contributed to an increase in coronavirus deaths in the UK , a scientist has said .
Professor Tim Spector , from King 's College London , said the two events - held from 16 to 19 March and on 11 March respectively - had `` caused increased suffering and death that would n't otherwise have occurred '' .
He said data from an app used to report COVID-19 symptoms showed that Cheltenham and the North West both became `` key hotspots '' for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cities already being in lockdown by the time the sports fixtures took place , Prime Minister Boris Johnson waited until 23 March to announce his own `` stay at home '' message in the UK .
More than 251,000 people attended the Cheltenham Festival this year - a drop of nearly 15,000 compared to 2019 .
Liverpool 's exit from the last-16 of the Champions League was watched by around 52,000 people inside Anfield , including 3,000 visiting supporters who had travelled from Madrid - where such events had already been suspended .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown , the number of coronavirus cases in the UK stood at 6,650 and the number of deaths was 336 .
Since then , nearly 37,000 people have died in the UK after contracting COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus , and there have been more than 262,000 cases .
Last month , Liverpool City Council announced plans to jointly investigate the spread of the virus in Merseyside , alongside the University of Liverpool and John Moores University , following the match .
Professor Spector , who works in genetic epidemiology research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Cheltenham Festival and the Liverpool game against Atletico Madrid , we saw the number of people reporting COVID symptoms in the COVID Symptom Study app from those particular areas increase and both areas became key hotspots in the UK .
`` This suggests that both events were , in part , a cause for the spread of COVID-19 in those areas . ''
Two days before the Atletico match , Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden had rebuffed growing calls for a ban on mass outdoor gatherings .
He told Sky News ' Kay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'll take evidence from the experts and base our decisions on the facts that we receive from them , particularly the chief medical officer [ Professor Chris Whitty ] . ''
`` I think in terms of postponing mass sporting events or cancelling them , I think it 's very premature to talk about that sort of thing .
We 'll be driven by the evidence , but there is no evidence at the moment to justify such cancellation . ''
Data from the Kings College study shows a higher number of cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surrounding areas from 22 March to 29 March .
The government has said the events took place within `` clear guidance '' given at the time .
A spokesman for the Department for Digital , Culture , Media and Sport told Sky News : `` It is our absolute priority to protect people 's health and our advice to the public is based on direct , continuous consultation with scientific and medical experts .
`` There are many factors that could influence the number of cases in a particular area , including population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the position of an area on the pandemic curve . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It comes after a football match held in Bergamo , northern Italy , days before the first case of the virus being transferred locally was confirmed in the country , was dubbed a `` biological bomb '' by scientists .
Atalanta 's home Champions League tie against Valencia saw more than 44,000 fans attend the game at the San Siro stadium in Milan on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the population of Bergamo , in the Lombardy region , went to the game .
Lombardy was the Italian region worst hit by the pandemic , and helped make Italy the most badly affected country in Europe until it was overtaken in cases by Spain and the UK - and also in deaths by the UK .
Nearly 33,000 people have died in Italy after contracting COVID-19 , with more than 15,000 deaths in Lombardy .

The Cheltenham Festival and Liverpool's final pre-lockdown match against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League contributed to an increase in coronavirus deaths in the UK, a scientist has said.
Professor Tim Spector, from King's College London, said the two events - held from 16 to 19 March and on 11 March respectively - had "caused increased suffering and death that wouldn't otherwise have occurred".
He said data from an app used to report COVID-19 symptoms showed that Cheltenham and the North West both became "key hotspots" for the coronavirus.
Image: Atletico Madrid fans watched their side beat Liverpool at Anfield
Despite several European countries and cities already being in lockdown by the time the sports fixtures took place, Prime Minister Boris Johnson waited until 23 March to announce his own "stay at home" message in the UK.
More than 251,000 people attended the Cheltenham Festival this year - a drop of nearly 15,000 compared to 2019.
Liverpool's exit from the last-16 of the Champions League was watched by around 52,000 people inside Anfield, including 3,000 visiting supporters who had travelled from Madrid - where such events had already been suspended.
By the time Mr Johnson ordered the lockdown, the number of coronavirus cases in the UK stood at 6,650 and the number of deaths was 336.
Since then, nearly 37,000 people have died in the UK after contracting COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, and there have been more than 262,000 cases.
Last month, Liverpool City Council announced plans to jointly investigate the spread of the virus in Merseyside, alongside the University of Liverpool and John Moores University, following the match.
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Image: People with COVID-19 symptoms in the North West, logged from 22 March to 29 March. Pic: Kings College London
Image: People with COVID-19 symptoms in the South West, logged from 22 March to 29 March. Pic: Kings College London
Professor Spector, who works in genetic epidemiology research, said: "Two weeks after the Cheltenham Festival and the Liverpool game against Atletico Madrid, we saw the number of people reporting COVID symptoms in the COVID Symptom Study app from those particular areas increase and both areas became key hotspots in the UK.
"This suggests that both events were, in part, a cause for the spread of COVID-19 in those areas."
Two days before the Atletico match, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden had rebuffed growing calls for a ban on mass outdoor gatherings.
He told Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast show: "We'll take evidence from the experts and base our decisions on the facts that we receive from them, particularly the chief medical officer [Professor Chris Whitty]."
"I think in terms of postponing mass sporting events or cancelling them, I think it's very premature to talk about that sort of thing. We'll be driven by the evidence, but there is no evidence at the moment to justify such cancellation."
Image: Premier League football remains suspended
Data from the Kings College study shows a higher number of cases in Cheltenham and Liverpool compared to their surrounding areas from 22 March to 29 March.
The government has said the events took place within "clear guidance" given at the time.
A spokesman for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport told Sky News: ''It is our absolute priority to protect people's health and our advice to the public is based on direct, continuous consultation with scientific and medical experts.
"There are many factors that could influence the number of cases in a particular area, including population density, age, general health, and the position of an area on the pandemic curve."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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It comes after a football match held in Bergamo, northern Italy, days before the first case of the virus being transferred locally was confirmed in the country, was dubbed a "biological bomb" by scientists.
Atalanta's home Champions League tie against Valencia saw more than 44,000 fans attend the game at the San Siro stadium in Milan on 19 February.
Around a third of the population of Bergamo, in the Lombardy region, went to the game.
Lombardy was the Italian region worst hit by the pandemic, and helped make Italy the most badly affected country in Europe until it was overtaken in cases by Spain and the UK - and also in deaths by the UK.
Nearly 33,000 people have died in Italy after contracting COVID-19, with more than 15,000 deaths in Lombardy.