news--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: BP slumps to loss as industry body warns on UK oil and gas jobs

BP has reported a collapse in quarterly profits after oil demand slumped due to the coronavirus pandemic - as a UK industry body warned of steep job losses in the sector .
The energy giant reported a loss of $ 628m - compared with a profit of $ 2.1bn a year earlier - as it counted the cost of what its chief executive Bernard Looney described as `` supply and demand shocks on a scale never seen before '' .
It came as industry body Oil and Gas UK ( OGUK ) said up to 30,000 jobs in the sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months without help to ease pressures from a collapse in prices caused by the coronavirus crisis .
OGUK issued a plea for additional government and regulatory support as North Sea operations are disrupted by the pandemic and demand for oil and gas plummets because of the effect of lockdowns on the global economy .
With passenger air traffic decimated and road transport also down severely , huge stockpiles of oil have built up resulting in an unprecedented collapse in the price of crude .
BP said : `` Product demand has sharply reduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resulting reduction in demand for crude oil has begun to put severe pressure on storage and logistics , with a substantial effect on prices and has promoted volatility . ''
Finance director Brian Gilvary said : `` We are dealing with an exceptionally challenging environment and the unprecedented effects of demand destruction and price impacts that can be seen in these results are expected to continue through the second quarter . ''
OGUK said more than half of the world 's population had been affected by the COVID-19 crisis - with US oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the first time earlier this month as storage capacity ran out .
It pointed to severe damage in the UK from Brent crude prices dropping steadily over the year to date - hitting a 20-year low of $ 16 dollars a barrel just over a week ago and falling as low as $ 13 .
Gas , the body said , was selling at prices last seen 14 years ago .
Its business outlook report , derived from responses to a survey of OGUK members , was released just a day after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stakes in offshore projects to support operators and jobs .
OGUK warned the current environment would see investment slump by up to £4bn - more than a quarter - to levels not seen since 2000 and nearing figures witnessed in the 1970s .
Coupled with that , drilling was forecast to drop by 50 % - pushing activity to record low levels - as it was not financially viable to extract product at such low prices .
It warned that , because of the weakness across the market , revenues and margins in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a third over the 18-month forecast period .
OGUK said 30 % of respondents to the survey had been successful to date in securing access to government support funds and that meant there was some degree of uncertainty over the immediate risks to employment .
But it warned that , taken with the effects of the 2015-16 price crash , 30,000 jobs could go unless the offshore sector was supported .
It outlined a proposed three-stage framework to cover : immediate needs , industry recovery and `` accelerating '' to a net zero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` Like so many industries , our members have been profoundly impacted by COVID-19 .
`` With historic low oil and gas prices coming so soon after one of the most severe downturns our sector has experienced , these findings confirm an especially bleak outlook for the UK 's oil and gas industry . ''
She continued : `` If the UK is to maintain its supply of domestic energy , protect jobs and build the critical infrastructure it needs to transition to a net zero future , ours is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's why OGUK is today outlining a three-stage framework with a range of measures for governments and regulators to support industry now , stimulate a recovery and accelerate the transition to a net zero future . ''

BP has reported a collapse in quarterly profits after oil demand slumped due to the coronavirus pandemic - as a UK industry body warned of steep job losses in the sector.
The energy giant reported a loss of $628m - compared with a profit of $2.1bn a year earlier - as it counted the cost of what its chief executive Bernard Looney described as "supply and demand shocks on a scale never seen before".
It came as industry body Oil and Gas UK (OGUK) said up to 30,000 jobs in the sector could be lost over the next 18 months without help to ease pressures from a collapse in prices caused by the coronavirus crisis.
OGUK issued a plea for additional government and regulatory support as North Sea operations are disrupted by the pandemic and demand for oil and gas plummets because of the effect of lockdowns on the global economy.
With passenger air traffic decimated and road transport also down severely, huge stockpiles of oil have built up resulting in an unprecedented collapse in the price of crude.
BP said: "Product demand has sharply reduced, notably for mobility.
"The resulting reduction in demand for crude oil has begun to put severe pressure on storage and logistics, with a
substantial effect on prices and has promoted volatility."
Finance director Brian Gilvary said: "We are dealing with an exceptionally challenging environment and the unprecedented effects of demand destruction and price impacts that can be seen in these results are expected to continue through the second quarter."
OGUK said more than half of the world's population had been affected by the COVID-19 crisis - with US oil costs for May delivery even turning negative for the first time earlier this month as storage capacity ran out.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 'We are not there yet,' chancellor says
It pointed to severe damage in the UK from Brent crude prices dropping steadily over the year to date - hitting a 20-year low of $16 dollars a barrel just over a week ago and falling as low as $13.
Gas, the body said, was selling at prices last seen 14 years ago.
Its business outlook report, derived from responses to a survey of OGUK members, was released just a day after unions representing oil workers called for taxpayer stakes in offshore projects to support operators and jobs.
Image: Deirdre Michie, OGUK's chief executive, has warned of a 'bleak outlook' for the UK's domestic energy industry
OGUK warned the current environment would see investment slump by up to £4bn - more than a quarter - to levels not seen since 2000 and nearing figures witnessed in the 1970s.
Coupled with that, drilling was forecast to drop by 50% - pushing activity to record low levels - as it was not financially viable to extract product at such low prices.
It warned that, because of the weakness across the market, revenues and margins in the supply chain could fall by almost a third over the 18-month forecast period.
OGUK said 30% of respondents to the survey had been successful to date in securing access to government support funds and that meant there was some degree of uncertainty over the immediate risks to employment.
But it warned that, taken with the effects of the 2015-16 price crash, 30,000 jobs could go unless the offshore sector was supported.
Image: A barrel of Brent crude oil cost more than $110 in 2014 ahead of a global supply glut that ushered in a new era of uncertainty for the industry
It outlined a proposed three-stage framework to cover: immediate needs, industry recovery and "accelerating" to a net zero future.
OGUK chief executive Deirdre Michie said: "Like so many industries, our members have been profoundly impacted by COVID-19.
"With historic low oil and gas prices coming so soon after one of the most severe downturns our sector has experienced, these findings confirm an especially bleak outlook for the UK's oil and gas industry."
She continued: "If the UK is to maintain its supply of domestic energy, protect jobs and build the critical infrastructure it needs to transition to a net zero future, ours is an industry worth fighting for.
"It's why OGUK is today outlining a three-stage framework with a range of measures for governments and regulators to support industry now, stimulate a recovery and accelerate the transition to a net zero future."


news--2020-04-28--Captain Tom Moore: RAF flypast to mark NHS fundraiser's 100th birthday

Captain Tom Moore 's 100th birthday is to be marked by an RAF flypast , after he raised tens of millions of pounds for the NHS .
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight ( BBMF ) will carry out an aerial salute on Thursday , the Ministry of Defence ( MoD ) announced .
The Second World War veteran captured the nation 's hearts after raising more than £29m for the NHS by walking laps of his garden in Bedfordshire .
Based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire , the BBMF 's fleet includes six Spitfires and a Lancaster bomber .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ weather permitting '' , the flypast would `` celebrate Captain Tom 's birthday and mark his amazing fundraising achievement '' .
He added : `` The great British public is encouraged to follow Captain Tom 's disciplined example and not gather to watch the flypast but continue following PHE ( Public Health England ) guidelines on social distancing . ''
The timing is not being made public over fears crowds may turn up .
Initially , there was going to be a flypast over his home by the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denied permission to fly by the Department for Transport because of the coronavirus lockdown , a spokesperson for the hangar said in a statement .
It added : `` Getting a Spitfire overhead for Captain Tom was always the primary goal and we 're thrilled that this may still be possible . ''
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the RAF flypast meant Captain Tom would be honoured `` in an even more significant way '' .
Captain Tom has received more than 125,000 birthday cards , with senders including the Duke and Duchess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England football captain Harry Kane .
Another £60,000 has been donated within the cards , which have packed a school in Bedfordshire .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Royal portrait artist Darren Baker has presented him with a pastel portrait of himself and a sketch of Keighley , West Yorkshire , where the 99-year-old grew up .
`` We chatted for ages about Yorkshire , '' said Mr Baker , from Huddersfield .
`` He was over the moon - his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

Captain Tom Moore's 100th birthday is to be marked by an RAF flypast, after he raised tens of millions of pounds for the NHS.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) will carry out an aerial salute on Thursday, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced.
The Second World War veteran captured the nation's hearts after raising more than £29m for the NHS by walking laps of his garden in Bedfordshire.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:20 Capt Tom Moore's grandson counts birthday cards
Based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, the BBMF's fleet includes six Spitfires and a Lancaster bomber.
An MoD spokesman said that, "weather permitting", the flypast would "celebrate Captain Tom's birthday and mark his amazing fundraising achievement".
He added: "The great British public is encouraged to follow Captain Tom's disciplined example and not gather to watch the flypast but continue following PHE (Public Health England) guidelines on social distancing."
Image: Thousands of birthday cards being sorted at Bedford School's Great Hall
The timing is not being made public over fears crowds may turn up.
Initially, there was going to be a flypast over his home by the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar, which restores Spitfires.
But it was denied permission to fly by the Department for Transport because of the coronavirus lockdown, a spokesperson for the hangar said in a statement.
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It added: "Getting a Spitfire overhead for Captain Tom was always the primary goal and we're thrilled that this may still be possible."
Image: Another £60,000 has been donated in the cards
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the RAF flypast meant Captain Tom would be honoured "in an even more significant way".
Captain Tom has received more than 125,000 birthday cards, with senders including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Dame Kelly Holmes and England football captain Harry Kane.
Another £60,000 has been donated within the cards, which have packed a school in Bedfordshire.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Royal portrait artist Darren Baker has presented him with a pastel portrait of himself and a sketch of Keighley, West Yorkshire, where the 99-year-old grew up.
"We chatted for ages about Yorkshire," said Mr Baker, from Huddersfield.
"He was over the moon - his smile is as warm as his heart."


news--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: M&S plans 'never the same again' shake-up as lockdown bites

M & S says it will `` change ways of working permanently '' and implement `` very significant '' cost-cutting measures when it publishes annual results next month overshadowed by the coronavirus crisis .
The retailer said it had seen `` severely constrained '' trading in its key clothing and home division during the lockdown and is preparing for more uncertainty during a `` prolonged exit period '' .
Food sales have also been hurt by the closure of cafes and a slowdown in trade at outlets based in railway stations and city centres as the pandemic restricts travel .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ preparing to make changes as it seeks to turn around its fortunes , added that the crisis had `` created a very different way of working and rapid learning for the business at all levels '' .
Under a `` never the same again '' strategy set to be revealed at the results day in three weeks ' time , it will `` outline measures being taken to accelerate the transformation programme and change ways of working permanently '' , the company added .
For now , the beleaguered retailer is shoring up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by making new arrangements with lenders , accessing a government corporate finance support scheme and scrapping a dividend worth £210m .
Even before the lockdown , the company was already looking for a strategy to try to reverse years of relentless decline - which last year saw it relegated from the FTSE 100 after 35 years .
It has already acknowledged that profits for the 2019/20 financial year will fall short of the £440m pencilled in by analysts before the crisis struck .
The company 's latest outlook plans for a subdued period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even after restrictions are lifted .
However it said its food business was on track for a tie-up with online grocer Ocado due to start in September which will make M & S products available for home delivery .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Sophie Lund-Yates , equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown , said the warning of subdued trading was a `` welcome dose of foresight '' by warning over an ongoing hit to trading .
She said : `` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high street 's going to see a sea of shoppers the second lockdown restrictions are lifted . ''
However , the deal with Ocado should put it in a `` good position '' to benefit from a shift to online grocery , the analyst added .

M&S says it will "change ways of working permanently" and implement "very significant" cost-cutting measures when it publishes annual results next month overshadowed by the coronavirus crisis.
The retailer said it had seen "severely constrained" trading in its key clothing and home division during the lockdown and is preparing for more uncertainty during a "prolonged exit period".
Food sales have also been hurt by the closure of cafes and a slowdown in trade at outlets based in railway stations and city centres as the pandemic restricts travel.
M&S, which was already preparing to make changes as it seeks to turn around its fortunes, added that the crisis had "created a very different way of working and rapid learning for the business at all levels".
Under a "never the same again" strategy set to be revealed at the results day in three weeks' time, it will "outline measures being taken to accelerate the transformation programme and change ways of working permanently", the company added.
For now, the beleaguered retailer is shoring up its finances for the next 18 months by making new arrangements with lenders, accessing a government corporate finance support scheme and scrapping a dividend worth £210m.
Even before the lockdown, the company was already looking for a strategy to try to reverse years of relentless decline - which last year saw it relegated from the FTSE 100 after 35 years.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:02 How can the economy get back to work?
It has already acknowledged that profits for the 2019/20 financial year will fall short of the £440m pencilled in by analysts before the crisis struck.
The company's latest outlook plans for a subdued period of trading for the rest of 2020 even after restrictions are lifted.
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However it said its food business was on track for a tie-up with online grocer Ocado due to start in September which will make M&S products available for home delivery.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Sophie Lund-Yates, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said the warning of subdued trading was a "welcome dose of foresight" by warning over an ongoing hit to trading.
She said: "It would be a mistake to think the high street's going to see a sea of shoppers the second lockdown restrictions are lifted."
However, the deal with Ocado should put it in a "good position" to benefit from a shift to online grocery, the analyst added.


news--2020-04-28--Michelle Obama: 'Rare and up-close' Becoming documentary set for release

A new documentary about Michelle Obama is set to be released next week .
The Netflix show will provide a `` rare and up-close look '' at the former first lady during the time she embarked on a tour to promote her memoir , Becoming .
Ms Obama launched the autobiography in November 2018 , and the documentary of the same name follows her on the 34-city tour she took on to promote it across the US .
Directed by Nadia Hallgren , the film will take viewers behind the scenes , Netflix says , highlighting `` the power of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spirit of connection that comes when we openly and honestly share our stories '' .
Mrs Obama said the film shares the stories of the `` amazing '' people she met during her tour .
In a statement , she said that while it is `` hard these days to feel grounded or hopeful '' , she hopes `` like me , you 'll find joy and a bit of respite in what Nadia has made '' .
She also addressed the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown , saying : `` Even as we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off the energy of groups , even as many of us are living with grief , loneliness and fear , we need to stay open and able to put ourselves in other people 's shoes .
`` Empathy is our lifeline here .
It 's what will get us to the other side .
`` Let 's use it to redirect our attention toward what matters most , reconsider our priorities , and find ways to better remake the world in the image of our hopes . ''
The Obamas signed a production @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Becoming comes from their Higher Ground Productions company .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Netflix also shared a trailer for the documentary , showing Mrs Obama , whose husband Barack was president from 2009 to 2017 , at a community event in Philadelphia .
Earlier this year , it was announced that Viola Davis will play Mrs Obama in an upcoming drama about America 's first ladies .
A Showtime production , the drama 's first season will tell the story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Betty Ford and Mrs Obama .
Watch Becoming on Netflix from 6 May

A new documentary about Michelle Obama is set to be released next week.
The Netflix show will provide a "rare and up-close look" at the former first lady during the time she embarked on a tour to promote her memoir, Becoming.
Ms Obama launched the autobiography in November 2018, and the documentary of the same name follows her on the 34-city tour she took on to promote it across the US.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Directed by Nadia Hallgren, the film will take viewers behind the scenes, Netflix says, highlighting "the power of community to bridge our divides and the spirit of connection that comes when we openly and honestly share our stories".
Mrs Obama said the film shares the stories of the "amazing" people she met during her tour.
In a statement, she said that while it is "hard these days to feel grounded or hopeful", she hopes "like me, you'll find joy and a bit of respite in what Nadia has made".
She also addressed the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown, saying: "Even as we can no longer safely gather or feed off the energy of groups, even as many of us are living with grief, loneliness and fear, we need to stay open and able to put ourselves in other people's shoes.
"Empathy is our lifeline here. It's what will get us to the other side.
"Let's use it to redirect our attention toward what matters most, reconsider our priorities, and find ways to better remake the world in the image of our hopes."
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The Obamas signed a production deal with Netflix in 2018, and Becoming comes from their Higher Ground Productions company.
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:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Netflix also shared a trailer for the documentary, showing Mrs Obama, whose husband Barack was president from 2009 to 2017, at a community event in Philadelphia.
Earlier this year, it was announced that Viola Davis will play Mrs Obama in an upcoming drama about America's first ladies.
A Showtime production, the drama's first season will tell the story of three presidential wives, Eleanor Roosevelt, Betty Ford and Mrs Obama.
Watch Becoming on Netflix from 6 May


news--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: The psychology of why lockdown is making our relationships stronger

A poll for Sky News suggests that the coronavirus lockdown is making significant relationships stronger for some .
The data , collected by YouGov and published last week , shows that despite being sadder and more anxious , Britons are building better bonds with those around them .
Some 19 % said the lockdown had strengthened their relationship with their spouse , with 10 % reporting it had got worse .
Around 23 % said relations with their children were better , with 10 % saying they were worse .
Just over a quarter of people ( 26 % ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with only 6 % saying relations were worse .
Here psychologist Honey Langcaster-James explains why lockdown is having a positive effect on some : In terms of the social psychology at play , what we know about group dynamics is that a shared enemy or an external `` other '' often leads to an increase in collective cohesiveness .
Add to this our sense of shared values as we more obviously and overtly engage in a joint purpose , and a shared perception that we are all part of something big and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have a whole host of powerful predictors for increased relationship satisfaction .
Hence , during this time of great fear and loss , the external threat from COVID-19 may actually be bringing us closer together by reminding us that we not only need each other more than ever , but we actually like and enjoy being with each other too .
In this new socially distant society , we are reminded that the presence of others can make life a little better , more enjoyable , and a whole lot easier , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker What about those we are actually at home in lockdown with ?
While for some households there may be increased conflict , cabin fever , and domestic strain , there are also opportunities for improved relationships and teamwork .
There is an old adage that `` absence makes the heart grow fonder '' ; however , a number of social studies have widely debunked this myth and found that proximity is actually a far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationship satisfaction .
So as the world is slowing down , and we are now spending more and more time at home with our nearest and dearest , we have an opportunity to reconnect and rediscover the joy in our relationships .
Being in very close proximity to one another might actually reignite the flame in a previously cooled romantic relationship , or you may have a sudden desire to nip out and share a few words over the back fence with your neighbours even though previously you only really acknowledged them at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together against the invisible enemy outside our doors may well make us appreciate one another more than ever .
Enforced social distance has also motivated us to reach out beyond our own households and local communities to connect with others who we might otherwise have rather complacently ignored in the past .
Some people tell me they are having regular video calls with elderly relatives , meaning that those who were already lonely and isolated might now be enjoying a little more company ( albeit virtual ) than they previously did .
Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ differences aside and offering one another olive branches .
It may sound macabre , but a deadly virus going round rather focuses the mind on just how short and precious life can be , and sadly it sometimes takes the perception of time running out to give us the necessary motivation to reach out , while we still can .
COVID-19 undoubtedly has an awful lot to answer for , but perhaps a glimmer of hope in all of this is that the more this invisible enemy seeks to tear us apart , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep us close .
`` We are all in this together '' has become a familiar phrase .
I wonder whether this virus has turned our sense of `` me '' on its head , and reminded us all that it is `` we '' that really matters after all .

A poll for Sky News suggests that the coronavirus lockdown is making significant relationships stronger for some.
The data, collected by YouGov and published last week, shows that despite being sadder and more anxious, Britons are building better bonds with those around them.
Some 19% said the lockdown had strengthened their relationship with their spouse, with 10% reporting it had got worse. Around 23% said relations with their children were better, with 10% saying they were worse.
Just over a quarter of people (26%) said they were friendlier with their neighbours, with only 6% saying relations were worse.
Here psychologist Honey Langcaster-James explains why lockdown is having a positive effect on some:
In terms of the social psychology at play, what we know about group dynamics is that a shared enemy or an external "other" often leads to an increase in collective cohesiveness.
Add to this our sense of shared values as we more obviously and overtly engage in a joint purpose, and a shared perception that we are all part of something big and are on a common mission, and you have a whole host of powerful predictors for increased relationship satisfaction.
Image: Psychologist Honey Langcaster-James
Hence, during this time of great fear and loss, the external threat from COVID-19 may actually be bringing us closer together by reminding us that we not only need each other more than ever, but we actually like and enjoy being with each other too.
In this new socially distant society, we are reminded that the presence of others can make life a little better, more enjoyable, and a whole lot easier, just by us being there for one another.
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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
What about those we are actually at home in lockdown with? While for some households there may be increased conflict, cabin fever, and domestic strain, there are also opportunities for improved relationships and teamwork.
There is an old adage that "absence makes the heart grow fonder"; however, a number of social studies have widely debunked this myth and found that proximity is actually a far bigger predictor of liking, attraction and relationship satisfaction.
So as the world is slowing down, and we are now spending more and more time at home with our nearest and dearest, we have an opportunity to reconnect and rediscover the joy in our relationships.
Image: Mid-afternoon the M6 motorway is deserted as people heed the official advice and stay at home
Being in very close proximity to one another might actually reignite the flame in a previously cooled romantic relationship, or you may have a sudden desire to nip out and share a few words over the back fence with your neighbours even though previously you only really acknowledged them at Christmas.
Being increasingly interdependent and uniting together against the invisible enemy outside our doors may well make us appreciate one another more than ever.
Enforced social distance has also motivated us to reach out beyond our own households and local communities to connect with others who we might otherwise have rather complacently ignored in the past.
Some people tell me they are having regular video calls with elderly relatives, meaning that those who were already lonely and isolated might now be enjoying a little more company (albeit virtual) than they previously did.
Image: Mutual support in the face of a common enemy is bringing people together
Even estranged family members have been putting their differences aside and offering one another olive branches. It may sound macabre, but a deadly virus going round rather focuses the mind on just how short and precious life can be, and sadly it sometimes takes the perception of time running out to give us the necessary motivation to reach out, while we still can.
COVID-19 undoubtedly has an awful lot to answer for, but perhaps a glimmer of hope in all of this is that the more this invisible enemy seeks to tear us apart, the more our shared humanity will fight to keep us close.
"We are all in this together" has become a familiar phrase. I wonder whether this virus has turned our sense of "me" on its head, and reminded us all that it is "we" that really matters after all.


news--2020-04-28--Google parent reveals coronavirus ad hit but revenue still surges to $41bn

Google 's parent company has revealed a 13 % surge in first quarter revenue despite a `` significant '' hit to advertising sales as the coronavirus crisis gathered pace .
Alphabet - the first of the five big US tech firms to report on their progress during the pandemic - recorded revenue of $ 41.2bn between January and March .
Shares - 8 % down in the year to date amid the stock market chaos since March - rose more than 3 % in after-hours dealing on Wall Street when Alphabet 's figures dropped .
Analysts suggested the revenue figure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picture for the big five - also including Amazon , Microsoft , Apple and Facebook - as companies and consumers alike cut back on their spending in reaction to the COVID-19 crisis .
Lockdown conditions across key markets in Europe and North America meant there was little incentive to advertise in areas such as travel and leisure .
The 13 % revenue growth figure represented the weakest rise in first quarter sales for five years .
Google ad sales were $ 33.8bn - a rise of 10 % on the same period last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , remains the most important constituent of Alphabet 's earnings as it accounts for around 80 % of revenue on an annual basis .
Chief financial officer Ruth Porat told investors : `` Performance was strong during the first two months of the quarter , but then in March we experienced a significant slowdown in ad revenues . ''
The cloud business generated $ 2.8bn in revenue , up 52 % , while YouTube ad sales topped $ 4bn - a third up on a year ago .
The company , which does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' expectations , has already implemented a series of cost-cutting measures including slowing down the pace of hiring and marketing .
Alphabet 's total costs and expenses rose about 12 % in the first quarter from a year ago - topping $ 33bn .
Ms Porat added : `` We are sharpening our focus on executing more efficiently , while continuing to invest in our long-term opportunities . ''

Google's parent company has revealed a 13% surge in first quarter revenue despite a "significant" hit to advertising sales as the coronavirus crisis gathered pace.
Alphabet - the first of the five big US tech firms to report on their progress during the pandemic - recorded revenue of $41.2bn between January and March.
Shares - 8% down in the year to date amid the stock market chaos since March - rose more than 3% in after-hours dealing on Wall Street when Alphabet's figures dropped.
Image: Google CEO Sundar Pichai told investors people were relying on the group's services more than ever during the lockdown
Analysts suggested the revenue figure had settled some nerves over an uncertain picture for the big five - also including Amazon, Microsoft, Apple and Facebook - as companies and consumers alike cut back on their spending in reaction to the COVID-19 crisis.
Lockdown conditions across key markets in Europe and North America meant there was little incentive to advertise in areas such as travel and leisure.
The 13% revenue growth figure represented the weakest rise in first quarter sales for five years.
Google ad sales were $33.8bn - a rise of 10% on the same period last year.
Advertising, mainly via Google, remains the most important constituent of Alphabet's earnings as it accounts for around 80% of revenue on an annual basis.
Chief financial officer Ruth Porat told investors: "Performance was strong during the first two months of the quarter, but then in March we experienced a significant slowdown in ad revenues."
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Image: YouTube ad sales were up by more than 30%
The cloud business generated $2.8bn in revenue, up 52%, while YouTube ad sales topped $4bn - a third up on a year ago.
The company, which does not give guidance on its future earnings' expectations, has already implemented a series of cost-cutting measures including slowing down the pace of hiring and marketing.
Alphabet's total costs and expenses rose about 12% in the first quarter from a year ago - topping $33bn.
Ms Porat added: "We are sharpening our focus on executing more efficiently, while continuing to invest in our long-term opportunities."


news--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Far more deaths from COVID-19 crisis than headline numbers show

The darkest hour is just before dawn , or so they say .
And a glance at the data on how many people are dying in the UK certainly feels like a glimpse into the heart of darkness for this country .
The data is almost overwhelmingly depressing .
Some highlights , or perhaps lowlights : the total number of people who died in England and Wales in the 16th week of the year , the one that began on Easter Monday was , at 22,351 , the highest number of people to have died in any week since comparable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for population growth ( we have a higher population so you might expect higher numbers down to that , all else equal ) the weekly toll was the highest since the first week of 1970 .
The numbers suggest that the COVID-19 death toll - the one we officially get from the government each day - is a significant understatement .
Just as worrying , it appears that even as the deaths in hospitals began to slow , the care home sector is facing a major mortality crisis .
While we have known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressure in recent weeks , now the statistics are starting to bear that out .
And , again , they do not make for pleasant reading .
The number of deaths of COVID-19 in care homes more than doubled between the 15th and 16th week of the year .
But the real concern is those deaths which have not been officially registered as COVID-19 .
To understand why , we need to look not just at the deaths formally attributed to the virus , but at all deaths in care homes .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of deaths in care homes is close to 2,000 .
Yet in the week to April 17 , more than 7,000 people died in care homes .
That is shocking enough but even more disturbing is the detail .
Subtract the average number of deaths each week from what we are seeing this year and you get a horrible number : nearly 10,000 `` excess deaths '' in care homes since mid-March .
But here 's the striking thing : just over 3,000 of those deaths are officially described as COVID-19 deaths .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply do n't have an explanation .
It could be undiagnosed COVID-19 .
It could be other causes of death exacerbated by the lockdown or the changes in hospital policies .
We just do n't know .
But we know a lot of people are dying in care right now and the official COVID-19 death numbers tells , literally , a fraction of the story .
It 's a similar story for all deaths in the UK , though less marked : whereas COVID-19 accounts for only a third of the excess deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around three quarters of the total excess deaths around the country .
In short , the mortality crisis from the coronavirus - whether directly or directly - is causing far more deaths than the headline numbers suggest .
And while most other countries are seeing their trajectories for mortality falling now - as the disease peaks - in England that trajectory is still rising , according to figures from EuroMomo .
Their statistical measure of excess mortality shows that England is now the only country in Europe facing `` extremely high excess deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the above is relentlessly depressing - which it is .
It gives none of us pleasure to report what is happening right now .
In all my years of reporting statistics , there have been few I would rather not report than these ones .
However there is some reassuring news buried amid the gloom .
The first is that it is possible that the UK peak may now be in sight .
It is possible , given the laggy nature of this data , that we have already passed the worst week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And if that is the case , then it represents an achievement of sorts .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker For , as I wrote above , in no single week has the population adjusted total death toll risen above the levels of the 1968 Hong Kong flu .
Why is that a big deal ?
Because by almost every epidemiological measure - case fatality rates in particular - COVID-19 is far worse than the Hong Kong flu .
Without a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the late 1960s and early 1970s ) there would , according to epidemiologists , almost certainly have been hundreds of thousands of deaths in 2020 - not tens of thousands .
So awful as those deaths statistics are , we can at least console ourselves that thanks to the sacrifices made by millions of people around the country through the lockdown , they are at least less hideous than they might otherwise have been .

The darkest hour is just before dawn, or so they say. And a glance at the data on how many people are dying in the UK certainly feels like a glimpse into the heart of darkness for this country.
The data is almost overwhelmingly depressing.
Some highlights, or perhaps lowlights: the total number of people who died in England and Wales in the 16th week of the year, the one that began on Easter Monday was, at 22,351, the highest number of people to have died in any week since comparable records began.
Even once you adjust for population growth (we have a higher population so you might expect higher numbers down to that, all else equal) the weekly toll was the highest since the first week of 1970.
The numbers suggest that the COVID-19 death toll - the one we officially get from the government each day - is a significant understatement.
Just as worrying, it appears that even as the deaths in hospitals began to slow, the care home sector is facing a major mortality crisis.
While we have known anecdotally that care homes have been under pressure in recent weeks, now the statistics are starting to bear that out.
And, again, they do not make for pleasant reading.
The number of deaths of COVID-19 in care homes more than doubled between the 15th and 16th week of the year.
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But the real concern is those deaths which have not been officially registered as COVID-19.
Image: Pre-dug graves for coronavirus deaths in Maker, Cornwall
To understand why, we need to look not just at the deaths formally attributed to the virus, but at all deaths in care homes.
At this time of year the average number of deaths in care homes is close to 2,000. Yet in the week to April 17, more than 7,000 people died in care homes.
That is shocking enough but even more disturbing is the detail.
Subtract the average number of deaths each week from what we are seeing this year and you get a horrible number: nearly 10,000 "excess deaths" in care homes since mid-March.
But here's the striking thing: just over 3,000 of those deaths are officially described as COVID-19 deaths.
As for the remaining 6,600, we simply don't have an explanation.
It could be undiagnosed COVID-19. It could be other causes of death exacerbated by the lockdown or the changes in hospital policies. We just don't know.
But we know a lot of people are dying in care right now and the official COVID-19 death numbers tells, literally, a fraction of the story.
It's a similar story for all deaths in the UK, though less marked: whereas COVID-19 accounts for only a third of the excess deaths in care homes, it accounts for around three quarters of the total excess deaths around the country.
In short, the mortality crisis from the coronavirus - whether directly or directly - is causing far more deaths than the headline numbers suggest.
And while most other countries are seeing their trajectories for mortality falling now - as the disease peaks - in England that trajectory is still rising, according to figures from EuroMomo.
Their statistical measure of excess mortality shows that England is now the only country in Europe facing "extremely high excess deaths".
I apologise that all of the above is relentlessly depressing - which it is.
It gives none of us pleasure to report what is happening right now.
In all my years of reporting statistics, there have been few I would rather not report than these ones.
However there is some reassuring news buried amid the gloom.
The first is that it is possible that the UK peak may now be in sight.
It is possible, given the laggy nature of this data, that we have already passed the worst week for UK mortality in this crisis.
And if that is the case, then it represents an achievement of sorts.
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
For, as I wrote above, in no single week has the population adjusted total death toll risen above the levels of the 1968 Hong Kong flu.
Why is that a big deal? Because by almost every epidemiological measure - case fatality rates in particular - COVID-19 is far worse than the Hong Kong flu.
Without a lockdown (which they didn't have in the late 1960s and early 1970s) there would, according to epidemiologists, almost certainly have been hundreds of thousands of deaths in 2020 - not tens of thousands.
So awful as those deaths statistics are, we can at least console ourselves that thanks to the sacrifices made by millions of people around the country through the lockdown, they are at least less hideous than they might otherwise have been.


news--2020-04-28--Waitrose to name ex-Sainsbury’s executive Bailey as new boss

Waitrose will this week turn to a former Sainsbury ’ s executive to steer it through the coronavirus crisis as its struggling parent , the John Lewis Partnership , hammers out a blueprint aimed at securing its long-term survival .
Sky News has learnt that the partnership 's new chair , Dame Sharon White , has picked James Bailey to be Waitrose 's next boss .
Mr Bailey , whose appointment will be announced to 80,000 employees across the partnership on Wednesday , will replace Rob Collins , who stepped down after a restructuring last year .
One source indicated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from that of Mr Collins , who was the chain 's managing director , but that he would serve as a de facto replacement .
Mr Bailey worked for Sainsbury 's for 18 years , most recently as grocery buying director , where he is said to have been responsible for £16bn of revenue .
He left the chain last year , and is now an adviser and non-executive director at several companies .
His role at Waitrose will be a crucial one as Dame Sharon wrestles with the impact of the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it faces one of the toughest periods in its long history .
The partnership is the largest employee-owned business in Britain , employing about 80,000 people .
Roughly 52,000 of them work at Waitrose , which trades from nearly 340 supermarkets across the UK .
Last week , it emerged that Mr Collins had received a severance package worth nearly £900,000 , while his John Lewis counterpart , Paula Nickolds , was handed just under £1m .
A search for Ms Nickolds ' successor is said to be underway .
The payoffs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partnership because roughly 14,000 John Lewis department store staff are currently furloughed under the government 's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme .
Last week , it emerged that Waitrose had recorded an 8 % rise in sales since the end of January as shoppers stocked up during the UK lockdown .
However , it has been forced to take several steps to shore up its balance sheet , even after the government 's 12-month business rates holiday for the retail sector saved it £135m .
JLP said recently that it would reduce operating costs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly £100m .
It is also negotiating with landlords about switching from quarterly to monthly rent payments , and discussing new banking arrangements with its lenders .
Dame Sharon , the partnership 's board and executive team have agreed to reduce their pay for three months .
The Times reported on Monday that under Dame Sharon , the partnership was examining the possibility of brining in an outside investor to accelerate its move into non-retail services .
It is also expected to announce shortly that an unspecified number of its 50 John Lewis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic , although that news is not likely on Wednesday .

Waitrose will this week turn to a former Sainsbury’s executive to steer it through the coronavirus crisis as its struggling parent, the John Lewis Partnership, hammers out a blueprint aimed at securing its long-term survival.
Sky News has learnt that the partnership's new chair, Dame Sharon White, has picked James Bailey to be Waitrose's next boss.
Mr Bailey, whose appointment will be announced to 80,000 employees across the partnership on Wednesday, will replace Rob Collins, who stepped down after a restructuring last year.
One source indicated that Mr Bailey's title might differ from that of Mr Collins, who was the chain's managing director, but that he would serve as a de facto replacement.
Mr Bailey worked for Sainsbury's for 18 years, most recently as grocery buying director, where he is said to have been responsible for £16bn of revenue.
He left the chain last year, and is now an adviser and non-executive director at several companies.
His role at Waitrose will be a crucial one as Dame Sharon wrestles with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a business which has warned that it faces one of the toughest periods in its long history.
Image: Dame Sharon White took over as partnership chairman from Sir Charlie Mayfield. Pic: JLP
The partnership is the largest employee-owned business in Britain, employing about 80,000 people.
Roughly 52,000 of them work at Waitrose, which trades from nearly 340 supermarkets across the UK.
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Last week, it emerged that Mr Collins had received a severance package worth nearly £900,000, while his John Lewis counterpart, Paula Nickolds, was handed just under £1m.
A search for Ms Nickolds' successor is said to be underway.
The payoffs have provoked criticism from some within the partnership because roughly 14,000 John Lewis department store staff are currently furloughed under the government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
Last week, it emerged that Waitrose had recorded an 8% rise in sales since the end of January as shoppers stocked up during the UK lockdown.
However, it has been forced to take several steps to shore up its balance sheet, even after the government's 12-month business rates holiday for the retail sector saved it £135m.
JLP said recently that it would reduce operating costs, including slashing its marketing budget by nearly £100m.
It is also negotiating with landlords about switching from quarterly to monthly rent payments, and discussing new banking arrangements with its lenders.
Dame Sharon, the partnership's board and executive team have agreed to reduce their pay for three months.
The Times reported on Monday that under Dame Sharon, the partnership was examining the possibility of brining in an outside investor to accelerate its move into non-retail services.
It is also expected to announce shortly that an unspecified number of its 50 John Lewis department stores will not reopen after the coronavirus pandemic, although that news is not likely on Wednesday.
A JLP spokesman declined to comment on Tuesday.


news--2020-04-27--MPs demand urgent action plan to tackle rise in domestic abuse during lockdown

Urgent action is needed to tackle a rise in domestic abuse , triggered by the stay-at-home advice under the coronavirus lockdown , according to a group of MPs .
The Commons Home Affairs Committee warned that without urgent steps to address the issue , families and communities would be dealing with the `` devastating consequences '' for a generation to come .
Calls to helplines for victims have increased markedly - with evidence incidents were becoming more complex and serious with `` higher levels of violence and coercive control '' .
One organisation - Counting Dead Women - has calculated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown began , and 12 April there were at least 16 domestic abuse killings of women and children .
While the committee welcomed a public information campaign launched by the government earlier this month , it said ministers needed to go further with a full action plan led by the home secretary .
The committee said the plan should include access to information and support , prevention and outreach , housing support and refuge accommodation , as well as a `` strong criminal justice response '' .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In particular , it said support services for domestic abuse and vulnerable children needed `` urgent and direct funding '' , otherwise victims would be put `` at much greater risk of harm '' .
It urged ministers to set up an emergency funding package , ringfenced within the £750m fund the government has promised for charities dealing with the coronavirus crisis .
The committee said the national strategy should be backed up by local action plans produced by all local authorities as part of their emergency COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Staying at home is an important part of the strategy to prevent coronavirus from spreading and save lives , but for some people home is n't safe .
`` Urgent action is needed to protect victims and prevent perpetrators from exploiting the lockdown to increase abuse .
`` The emotional , physical and social scars from domestic abuse can last a lifetime .
If we do n't act to tackle it now , we will feel the consequences of rising abuse during the coronavirus crisis for many years to come .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The government has prioritised those at risk of domestic abuse in this national health emergency .
This has included a dedicated national campaign to provide practical help to victims , and supporting charities by giving them the funding and the resources they specifically said they needed to help people through this crisis .
`` We are taking action across government .
Alongside the # youarenotalone campaign , we are increasing funding to boost online services , helplines and technology support at the request of charities , and I am working with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use the government 's £750m fund to further support victims . ''
If you suspect you are being abused and need to speak to someone , there are people who can help you .

Urgent action is needed to tackle a rise in domestic abuse, triggered by the stay-at-home advice under the coronavirus lockdown, according to a group of MPs.
The Commons Home Affairs Committee warned that without urgent steps to address the issue, families and communities would be dealing with the "devastating consequences" for a generation to come.
Calls to helplines for victims have increased markedly - with evidence incidents were becoming more complex and serious with "higher levels of violence and coercive control".
One organisation - Counting Dead Women - has calculated that between 23 March, when the lockdown began, and 12 April there were at least 16 domestic abuse killings of women and children.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:43 Trapped indoors with an abuser
While the committee welcomed a public information campaign launched by the government earlier this month, it said ministers needed to go further with a full action plan led by the home secretary.
The committee said the plan should include access to information and support, prevention and outreach, housing support and refuge accommodation, as well as a "strong criminal justice response".
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 Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In particular, it said support services for domestic abuse and vulnerable children needed "urgent and direct funding", otherwise victims would be put "at much greater risk of harm".
It urged ministers to set up an emergency funding package, ringfenced within the £750m fund the government has promised for charities dealing with the coronavirus crisis.
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The committee said the national strategy should be backed up by local action plans produced by all local authorities as part of their emergency COVID-19 preparations.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:52 Coronavirus domestic abuse campaign launched
Committee chairman Yvette Cooper said: "Staying at home is an important part of the strategy to prevent coronavirus from spreading and save lives, but for some people home isn't safe.
"Urgent action is needed to protect victims and prevent perpetrators from exploiting the lockdown to increase abuse.
"The emotional, physical and social scars from domestic abuse can last a lifetime. If we don't act to tackle it now, we will feel the consequences of rising abuse during the coronavirus crisis for many years to come."
Safeguarding minister Victoria Atkins said: "The government has prioritised those at risk of domestic abuse in this national health emergency. This has included a dedicated national campaign to provide practical help to victims, and supporting charities by giving them the funding and the resources they specifically said they needed to help people through this crisis.
"We are taking action across government. Alongside the #youarenotalone campaign, we are increasing funding to boost online services, helplines and technology support at the request of charities, and I am working with the domestic abuse commissioner about how they can use the government's £750m fund to further support victims."
If you suspect you are being abused and need to speak to someone, there are people who can help you.
:: The National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247
:: Women's Aid
:: Refuge
:: Respect, the helpline for male domestic abuse victims: 0808 8010327
:: Galop, the LGBT+ anti-violence charity: 0800 999 5428


news--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Saturday letter deliveries halted to 'ease burden' on postal workers

Royal Mail says it is to temporarily scrap deliveries of letters on a Saturday following a plea from staff to ease the burden on their workloads during the coronavirus crisis .
The company said the measure was a response to feedback from postmen and postwomen , though the postal workers ' union said it opposed the move .
Royal Mail said it would continue to provide its letter delivery service from Monday to Friday as normal during the COVID-19 pandemic , adding that customers `` should continue to post both letters and parcels as usual on Saturday '' .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from businesses , post offices and post boxes as usual .
Shane O'Riordain , managing director of marketing , regulation and corporate affairs at Royal Mail , said : `` Our postmen and postwomen are working very hard across the UK in challenging conditions .
`` As we said at the start of the coronavirus crisis , there will be some disruption to services .
`` We understand the importance of the postal service in keeping the UK connected at this time .
`` We have also listened to our hard-working colleagues who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burden on them if possible .
As a result , we are making some temporary changes to postal services . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It said this had been done in consultation with the government and postal regulator Ofcom .
But the Communication Workers ' Union ( CWU ) , which remains in dispute with the company on a series of issues relating to job security and modernisation plans , responded by saying : `` We will be seeking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue .
`` The reduction of the Universal Service Obligation was a key factor in our live national strike ballot .
`` The last thing we want to do is call strike action at this point but we will not sit back and see our members ' jobs put at threat and the service to the public worsened . ''
The union had previously called for household deliveries to be cut to three days a week but on a one-day off , one-day on basis , rather than being cut over the weekend @

Royal Mail says it is to temporarily scrap deliveries of letters on a Saturday following a plea from staff to ease the burden on their workloads during the coronavirus crisis.
The company said the measure was a response to feedback from postmen and postwomen, though the postal workers' union said it opposed the move.
Royal Mail said it would continue to provide its letter delivery service from Monday to Friday as normal during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that customers "should continue to post both letters and parcels as usual on Saturday".
It also pledged to continue collecting all mail from businesses, post offices and post boxes as usual.
Shane O'Riordain, managing director of marketing, regulation and corporate affairs at Royal Mail, said: "Our postmen and postwomen are working very hard across the UK in challenging conditions.
"As we said at the start of the coronavirus crisis, there will be some disruption to services.
"We understand the importance of the postal service in keeping the UK connected at this time.
"We have also listened to our hard-working colleagues who have asked us to ease the additional burden on them if possible. As a result, we are making some temporary changes to postal services."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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It said this had been done in consultation with the government and postal regulator Ofcom.
But the Communication Workers' Union (CWU), which remains in dispute with the company on a series of issues relating to job security and modernisation plans, responded by saying: "We will be seeking urgent discussions with the government on this issue.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:16 Loans scheme: Govt 'has not acted decisively'
"The reduction of the Universal Service Obligation was a key factor in our live national strike ballot.
"The last thing we want to do is call strike action at this point but we will not sit back and see our members' jobs put at threat and the service to the public worsened."
The union had previously called for household deliveries to be cut to three days a week but on a one-day off, one-day on basis, rather than being cut over the weekend.


news--2020-04-27--Stephen Graham admits doubting himself after shooting first scenes of new comedy

In the past 12 months , British actor Stephen Graham has starred in Oscar-nominated film The Irishman , been awarded for his role in the critically acclaimed mini-series The Virtues , and made his ( shockingly short-lived ) debut in Line Of Duty , one of the biggest TV hits of recent years .
Now , he is testing his comedy chops in new Sky One buddy cop show - with a twist - Code 404 , alongside his friend and fellow Line Of Duty alumnus Daniel Mays .
Both actors say it was the funniest set they have ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was nervous at first and looked to his co-star for advice .
Speaking to Sky News during an online lockdown interview with other media , the actor said : `` At first , I was quite nervous , actually .
`` I said to Danny , ' I ca n't do this mate , I do n't really know what to do here ' .
And he was great with me because he 's such a generous actor anyway and a lovely fella .
He was like , just do what you do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truth in it .
I was like , 'Okay ' .
And then that 's when I kind of found my place in it . ''
The series sees Mays 's character , Detective Inspector John Major , a Met Police special investigations officer and one of the best coppers in the country , killed off in the first episode , shot down during an undercover sting operation .
However , unlike the shock Line Of Duty deaths that saw both actors killed off after just a few episodes on screen ( Mays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five last year ) , in Code 404 Mays ' character is brought back to life , rebooted thanks to a bit of tech and AI .
Unfortunately , some of the coding or wiring is a little off , leading to a new but not necessarily improved DI Major .
To add insult to injury , in the year it has taken to bring him back , his cop partner Detective Inspector Roy Carver ( Graham ) and Major 's wife Kelly ( Anna Maxwell Martin ) have moved in together .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Graham , there 's a straight man and a funny man .
`` I 'm the straight man .
So Dan 's off doing all these wacky things and his face ... some of the faces he pulls had me in stitches .
He 's great , his comic timing is brilliant .
So I just try and play that kind of fella who 's a little bit p*ssed off and a bit miserable . ''
Mays says he plays `` the mad one '' while Graham 's character is `` the sensible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other really well .
It 's the classic straight man , funny man routine , and you 've seen that with Morecambe and Wise and throughout the whole history of comedy - I 'm not comparing us to Morecambe and Wise , by the way - but it sort of works , and they complement each other very well . ''
What other comparisons could be drawn ?
`` We 're kind of like the adopted children of The Two Ronnies meets The Sweeney , '' says Graham .
Mays has another .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ love child of Short Circuit and Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em . ''
Both say they have never had as much fun on set , assuring this is n't something they say about every show .
`` It was probably the most fun I 've ever had on a set and I 've been lucky , I 've done some really good stuff and some great things , '' says Graham .
`` But I 've never laughed so much .
`` About three weeks into it I realised I had all these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lip .
And I realised , when the camera 's on [ Mays ] , I 'm biting my lip ...
I had proper little dents on the inside of my lip .
The amount of times we corpsed and the fun we had , it was just a joy . ''
Both actors say comedy is important while the nation is in lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic .
`` All TV shows are ... they seem to have taken on a bigger relevance actually , because it is tough times for all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We 're all in quarantine , lockdown .
And I think if there 's ever a time where you need a bit of levity and some laughs and to , you know , just enjoy a TV show , I think Code 404 is the show for you .
`` Of course , we all wish that we were not in the middle of a global pandemic and things were n't how they are .
But if you need a breath of fresh air and to put a smile on your face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Graham , who is from Liverpool but lives in Leicestershire with his wife Hannah Walters , also an actor , and their children , says the hardest thing about being in lockdown is not being able to see other family and friends .
`` The challenge is not being able to see me ma , give her a big cuddle and all that kind of stuff , seeing friends and family , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Day , that was really hard . ''
However , after his busy year at work , Graham says it is nice to spend time at home .
`` I 'm very fortunate , I have n't stopped working for a while , so the benefits for me are to be able to actually spend some quality time with my family .
`` It 's great and we 're spending a lot of time together .
Hannah 's got the home schooling sorted so that 's all right , that seems to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together , it 's lovely . ''
Watch all episodes of Code 404 on Sky One and NOW TV from 29 April

In the past 12 months, British actor Stephen Graham has starred in Oscar-nominated film The Irishman, been awarded for his role in the critically acclaimed mini-series The Virtues, and made his (shockingly short-lived) debut in Line Of Duty, one of the biggest TV hits of recent years.
Now, he is testing his comedy chops in new Sky One buddy cop show - with a twist - Code 404, alongside his friend and fellow Line Of Duty alumnus Daniel Mays.
Both actors say it was the funniest set they have ever worked on, but Graham admits he was nervous at first and looked to his co-star for advice.
Image: The pair play investigative police officers - with Mays's character DI John Major brought back from the dead
Image: Graham's character DI Roy Carver is more than a little surprised by his partner's return
Speaking to Sky News during an online lockdown interview with other media, the actor said: "At first, I was quite nervous, actually.
"I said to Danny, 'I can't do this mate, I don't really know what to do here'. And he was great with me because he's such a generous actor anyway and a lovely fella. He was like, just do what you do, play it normally… just find the truth in it. I was like, 'Okay'. And then that's when I kind of found my place in it."
The series sees Mays's character, Detective Inspector John Major, a Met Police special investigations officer and one of the best coppers in the country, killed off in the first episode, shot down during an undercover sting operation.
However, unlike the shock Line Of Duty deaths that saw both actors killed off after just a few episodes on screen (Mays in series three, Graham in series five last year), in Code 404 Mays' character is brought back to life, rebooted thanks to a bit of tech and AI.
Unfortunately, some of the coding or wiring is a little off, leading to a new but not necessarily improved DI Major.
To add insult to injury, in the year it has taken to bring him back, his cop partner Detective Inspector Roy Carver (Graham) and Major's wife Kelly (Anna Maxwell Martin) have moved in together.
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Image: Both Graham and Mays say they have enjoyed working on a comedy series
Image: Anna Maxwell Martin stars as Kelly, DI Major's wife - and DI Carver's new girlfriend
Like all classic double acts, says Graham, there's a straight man and a funny man.
"I'm the straight man. So Dan's off doing all these wacky things and his face... some of the faces he pulls had me in stitches. He's great, his comic timing is brilliant. So I just try and play that kind of fella who's a little bit p*ssed off and a bit miserable."
Mays says he plays "the mad one" while Graham's character is "the sensible one".
"They complement each other really well. It's the classic straight man, funny man routine, and you've seen that with Morecambe and Wise and throughout the whole history of comedy - I'm not comparing us to Morecambe and Wise, by the way - but it sort of works, and they complement each other very well."
What other comparisons could be drawn?
"We're kind of like the adopted children of The Two Ronnies meets The Sweeney," says Graham.
Mays has another. "Someone said it was like a love child of Short Circuit and Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em."
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Both say they have never had as much fun on set, assuring this isn't something they say about every show.
"It was probably the most fun I've ever had on a set and I've been lucky, I've done some really good stuff and some great things," says Graham. "But I've never laughed so much.
"About three weeks into it I realised I had all these little things on the inside of my lip. And I realised, when the camera's on [Mays], I'm biting my lip... I had proper little dents on the inside of my lip. The amount of times we corpsed and the fun we had, it was just a joy."
Both actors say comedy is important while the nation is in lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic.
"All TV shows are... they seem to have taken on a bigger relevance actually, because it is tough times for all of us," says Mays. "We're all in quarantine, lockdown. And I think if there's ever a time where you need a bit of levity and some laughs and to, you know, just enjoy a TV show, I think Code 404 is the show for you.
"Of course, we all wish that we were not in the middle of a global pandemic and things weren't how they are. But if you need a breath of fresh air and to put a smile on your face, watch a bit of Code 404."
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:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Graham, who is from Liverpool but lives in Leicestershire with his wife Hannah Walters, also an actor, and their children, says the hardest thing about being in lockdown is not being able to see other family and friends.
"The challenge is not being able to see me ma, give her a big cuddle and all that kind of stuff, seeing friends and family," he says. "Especially on Mother's Day, that was really hard."
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However, after his busy year at work, Graham says it is nice to spend time at home.
"I'm very fortunate, I haven't stopped working for a while, so the benefits for me are to be able to actually spend some quality time with my family.
"It's great and we're spending a lot of time together. Hannah's got the home schooling sorted so that's all right, that seems to be the trickiest bit. Spending proper time together, it's lovely."
Watch all episodes of Code 404 on Sky One and NOW TV from 29 April


news--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: The science on face masks is ambiguous - but they may help 'source control'

Masks have become part of the back-to-work uniform as countries exit their lockdowns .
In Spain they are handed to commuters , while in Italy and Germany they are compulsory on public transport and in shops .
And in the United States any face covering - even a scarf - is recommended to reduce the spread of COVID-19 .
Scotland has announced that masks made of cloth should be worn in enclosed spaces - such as on public transport or in a shop .
But the World Health Organisation only recommends them for people who are coughing or sneezing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with symptoms of the virus .
The science is ambiguous - and there have been no studies with the current coronavirus .
It seems clear from the evidence that masks have little effect on the risk of picking up a virus .
One study suggests they reduce the risk by just 6 % .
But they do seem to stop people passing on respiratory infections .
In one trial there were no detectable virus particles in the exhaled air from those wearing masks , but there were in four out of 10 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That 's significant because people with coronavirus can spread it for two-and-a-half days before they develop symptoms .
So wearing a mask may come down to what infectious disease experts call `` source control '' - reducing the amount of virus being passed on to people nearby .
But there are risks of people accidentally contaminating their faces as they take their masks off .
And there is also a danger that people ignore the Scottish government 's advice to source a cloth mask and jeopardise supplies of medical PPE intended for health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but governments are increasingly making the judgement that the benefits outweigh the risks .

Masks have become part of the back-to-work uniform as countries exit their lockdowns.
In Spain they are handed to commuters, while in Italy and Germany they are compulsory on public transport and in shops.
And in the United States any face covering - even a scarf - is recommended to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 Scotland: Face coverings recommended in 'enclosed spaces'
Scotland has announced that masks made of cloth should be worn in enclosed spaces - such as on public transport or in a shop.
But the World Health Organisation only recommends them for people who are coughing or sneezing, or those who are caring for people with symptoms of the virus.
The science is ambiguous - and there have been no studies with the current coronavirus.
It seems clear from the evidence that masks have little effect on the risk of picking up a virus. One study suggests they reduce the risk by just 6%.
But they do seem to stop people passing on respiratory infections.
In one trial there were no detectable virus particles in the exhaled air from those wearing masks, but there were in four out of 10 of those who weren't wearing one.
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That's significant because people with coronavirus can spread it for two-and-a-half days before they develop symptoms.
So wearing a mask may come down to what infectious disease experts call "source control" - reducing the amount of virus being passed on to people nearby.
But there are risks of people accidentally contaminating their faces as they take their masks off.
And there is also a danger that people ignore the Scottish government's advice to source a cloth mask and jeopardise supplies of medical PPE intended for health workers.
It's a balance, but governments are increasingly making the judgement that the benefits outweigh the risks.


news--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Goonies stars and Steven Spielberg discuss sequel rumours in lockdown livestream

As we all know , Goonies never say die .
So 35 years after the classic film 's release , could a sequel be in the works ?
The question was posed during a lockdown reunion of the cast and crew , who got together online for one of the best charity livestreams of the coronavirus pandemic so far .
Stars including Sean Astin ( Mikey ) , Josh Brolin ( Brand ) , Corey Feldman ( Mouth ) , Jeff Cohen ( Chunk ) , Ke Huy Quan ( Data ) , Kerri Green ( Andy ) and Martha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the virtual hangout , alongside producer and writer Steven Spielberg , plus screenplay writer Chris Columbus and director Richard Donner .
Even Cyndi Lauper , who had a cameo on TV in the film with her theme song , The Goonies R Good Enough , and the actors who played villains the Fratelli brothers , Joe Pantoliano and Robert Davi , joined in .
John Matuszak , who played Sloth , and Anne Ramsey , who played Mama Fratelli , both died in the late 1980s .
The Goonies followed a motley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Docks '' area of Astoria , Oregon , in their search for pirate One-Eyed Willy 's buried treasure in order to save their homes .
It has attracted a cult following since its release , and rumours of a sequel have circulated for years .
In the lockdown interview , Spielberg admitted there had been lots of conversations but no ideas had been considered good enough to put into production .
`` Every couple of years , we come up with an idea , but then it does n't hold water , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem is the bar that all of you raised on this genre , I do n't think we 've really successfully been able to find an idea that is better than The Goonies that we all made in the 80s . ''
During the livestream , the stars reminisced about making the film and Astin performed Mikey 's famous `` Troy 's bucket '' monologue - the rousing speech from the bottom of a well that convinced the rest of the Goonies to continue with their quest .
Quan also asked how Chunk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' belly , is `` more fit than any of us now '' .
Cohen replied : `` Yes , it is true .
I did go from Chunk to the hunk that you now see . ''
The reunion was hosted by Frozen star and Goonies superfan Josh Gad as part of his Reunited Apart series , in aid of the Centre for Disaster Philanthropy 's COVID-19 fund .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker At the end of the video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` true heroes '' of the pandemic - the doctors , nurses , police , truck drivers , maintenance workers and others - working throughout lockdown .
`` The Goonies save the world in the movie but you guys are the true heroes , '' said Quan .
The livestream finished with Spielberg saying : `` I 'm going to go right into the other room right now and I 'm gon na watch Goonies . ''
Sound advice for lockdown .
In the words of Mikey Walsh : `` It 's @ @ @ @

As we all know, Goonies never say die. So 35 years after the classic film's release, could a sequel be in the works?
The question was posed during a lockdown reunion of the cast and crew, who got together online for one of the best charity livestreams of the coronavirus pandemic so far.
Stars including Sean Astin (Mikey), Josh Brolin (Brand), Corey Feldman (Mouth), Jeff Cohen (Chunk), Ke Huy Quan (Data), Kerri Green (Andy) and Martha Plimpton (Stef) all took part in the virtual hangout, alongside producer and writer Steven Spielberg, plus screenplay writer Chris Columbus and director Richard Donner.
Image: Josh Brolin (Brand) was among the stars who took part. Pic: Josh Gad/YouTube
Even Cyndi Lauper, who had a cameo on TV in the film with her theme song, The Goonies R Good Enough, and the actors who played villains the Fratelli brothers, Joe Pantoliano and Robert Davi, joined in.
John Matuszak, who played Sloth, and Anne Ramsey, who played Mama Fratelli, both died in the late 1980s.
The Goonies followed a motley crew of kids from the "Goon Docks" area of Astoria, Oregon, in their search for pirate One-Eyed Willy's buried treasure in order to save their homes.
It has attracted a cult following since its release, and rumours of a sequel have circulated for years.
In the lockdown interview, Spielberg admitted there had been lots of conversations but no ideas had been considered good enough to put into production.
"Every couple of years, we come up with an idea, but then it doesn't hold water," the Hollywood director said.
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Image: Steven Spielberg also dropped in. Pic: Josh Gad/YouTube
Image: Jeff Cohen, aka Chunk (on the right above) looks quite different nowadays. Pic: Josh Gad/YouTube
"The problem is the bar that all of you raised on this genre, I don't think we've really successfully been able to find an idea that is better than The Goonies that we all made in the 80s."
During the livestream, the stars reminisced about making the film and Astin performed Mikey's famous "Troy's bucket" monologue - the rousing speech from the bottom of a well that convinced the rest of the Goonies to continue with their quest.
Image: The Goonies was one of the biggest children's films of the 1980s
Quan also asked how Chunk, famous for his "truffle shuffle" belly, is "more fit than any of us now".
Cohen replied: "Yes, it is true. I did go from Chunk to the hunk that you now see."
The reunion was hosted by Frozen star and Goonies superfan Josh Gad as part of his Reunited Apart series, in aid of the Centre for Disaster Philanthropy's COVID-19 fund.
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 Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
At the end of the video, all the stars paid tribute to the "true heroes" of the pandemic - the doctors, nurses, police, truck drivers, maintenance workers and others - working throughout lockdown.
"The Goonies save the world in the movie but you guys are the true heroes," said Quan.
The livestream finished with Spielberg saying: "I'm going to go right into the other room right now and I'm gonna watch Goonies."
Sound advice for lockdown. In the words of Mikey Walsh: "It's our time."


news--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Kim Kardashian offers fan a dinner date to raise money for charity All-In Challenge

Fancy having lunch with Kim Kardashian West and her famous sisters ?
Well , now could be your opportunity .
The reality TV star is offering a fan the chance to join a family dinner as part of the All-In Challenge , which supports US charities during the coronavirus pandemic .
In a video shared on social media , Kardashian West revealed one fan will win lunch with the family during filming of the next season of Keeping Up With The Kardashians , when lockdown measures have lifted .
`` The money raised here will help feed the hungry during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` We 're all in this together . ''
In the description on her All-In Challenge page , it say the winner will get to `` talk motherhood , fashion , beauty and boys with the famous sisters while dining on some of their signature salads '' .
Kardashian West did not give exact details of the guest list , but presumably the winning fan will get to have lunch with Kim , Khloe , Kourtney and possibly even Kylie and Kendall Jenner , too .
To be in with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donation to the All-In Challenge , which is raising money for US charities Meals On Wheels , No Kid Hungry and America 's Food Fund throughout the COVID-19 outbreak .
Taking part in the challenge , Kardashian West joins stars including Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro , who are offering a walk-on role in their upcoming film Killers Of The Flower Moon , and musicians Drake and Justin Bieber .
For Friends fans , the cast are offering the chance to visit the filming of the highly anticipated reunion special in Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tour of Warner Bros studios .
Sharing the news , Jennifer Aniston wrote : `` Ca n't wait to meet and hug you guys when this is all over .
`` Until then , keep Facetiming , calling , DMing , and texting your friends and family .
We got ta stay connected . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It 's 15 years since the much-loved sitcom came to an end , during which time there has been much speculation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a reboot , this `` unscripted special '' promises fans : `` You 'll get to see us together again for the first time in ages , as we reminisce about the show and celebrate all the fun we had . ''
The All-In Challenge was created by Philadelphia 76ers basketball team co-owner Michael Rubin , with those donating to the fund entered into a prize draw to be in with the chance of winning a money-can't-buy experience .
It has so far raised more than $ 21m ( £16.9m ) .

Fancy having lunch with Kim Kardashian West and her famous sisters?
Well, now could be your opportunity.
The reality TV star is offering a fan the chance to join a family dinner as part of the All-In Challenge, which supports US charities during the coronavirus pandemic.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
In a video shared on social media, Kardashian West revealed one fan will win lunch with the family during filming of the next season of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, when lockdown measures have lifted.
"The money raised here will help feed the hungry during this time of crisis," she said. "We're all in this together."
In the description on her All-In Challenge page, it say the winner will get to "talk motherhood, fashion, beauty and boys with the famous sisters while dining on some of their signature salads".
Kardashian West did not give exact details of the guest list, but presumably the winning fan will get to have lunch with Kim, Khloe, Kourtney and possibly even Kylie and Kendall Jenner, too.
To be in with a chance, hopefuls need to make a donation to the All-In Challenge, which is raising money for US charities Meals On Wheels, No Kid Hungry and America's Food Fund throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.
Taking part in the challenge, Kardashian West joins stars including Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, who are offering a walk-on role in their upcoming film Killers Of The Flower Moon, and musicians Drake and Justin Bieber.
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Image: One Friends fan will get to visit the cast for the much-anticipated reunion special
For Friends fans, the cast are offering the chance to visit the filming of the highly anticipated reunion special in Los Angeles, as well as a VIP tour of Warner Bros studios.
Sharing the news, Jennifer Aniston wrote: "Can't wait to meet and hug you guys when this is all over.
"Until then, keep Facetiming, calling, DMing, and texting your friends and family. We gotta stay connected."
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 Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
It's 15 years since the much-loved sitcom came to an end, during which time there has been much speculation over a possible reunion.
While not a reboot, this "unscripted special" promises fans: "You'll get to see us together again for the first time in ages, as we reminisce about the show and celebrate all the fun we had."
The All-In Challenge was created by Philadelphia 76ers basketball team co-owner Michael Rubin, with those donating to the fund entered into a prize draw to be in with the chance of winning a money-can't-buy experience.
It has so far raised more than $21m (£16.9m).