news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Record hiring streak ends as 701,000 jobs are lost in the US

All good things come to an end and , after a record-breaking 113 consecutive months of job creation in the United States , it was confirmed that US employers shed jobs in March rather than creating them .
The monthly non-farm payroll figures , generally regarded as the single most important data release every month in financial markets , revealed that 701,000 US jobs were lost last month .
That was the worst monthly drop since March 2009 when the world was in the grip of the global financial crisis .
And the rise in the US jobless rate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the worst such increase since January 1975 - another month in which great swathes of the world economy were convulsing .
That there was a rise in unemployment came as no surprise given the coronavirus-inflicted slowdown in the world 's biggest economy .
Yet the extent to which jobs were shed during the month was still significantly worse than economists on Wall Street had been expecting .
They had pencilled in a drop of just 100,000 jobs and an unemployment rate of 3.8 % because the jobless figures tend to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for much of the month , shops , bars and restaurants in the US had remained open as usual .
The biggest contributor to the job losses was the leisure and hospitality sector , where 459,000 jobs were shed , mainly in restaurants and bars .
The US Labor Department , which compiles the figures , also reported that `` notable declines also occurred in health care and social assistance , professional and business services , retail trade , and construction . ''
Some 1.3 million Americans during the month did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demographic groups , the biggest increase in job losses was among teenagers , where the unemployment rate jumped from 11 % in February to 14.3 % last month .
Among ethnic groups , the jobless rate among white Americans rose from 3.1 % to 4 % and among black and African Americans from 5.8 % to 6.7 % .
Among Asian Americans , the jobless rate rose from 2.5 % to 4.1 % , while among Hispanic or Latino Americans the jobless rate rose from 4.4 % to 6 % .
Economists warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registered as unemployed during the last two weeks , the figures were likely to get worse in coming months .
Some states , such as Nevada and Georgia , have only in the last week ordered non-essential workers to stay at home .
Neil Williams , senior economic adviser to the international business of investment manager Federated Hermes , said : `` At this pace , we could see a US unemployment rate of 13 % by June [ because ] labour market data are traditionally a lagging indicator . ''
Ronald Temple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manager Lazard Asset Management , added : `` This is only the beginning of the record-setting increase in unemployment .
The magnitude of the economic hit will depend in large part on the timing and scale of federal aid to small businesses , so they can keep employees on the payroll , and to households to mitigate the hit to consumption .
`` Early indications are that the small business program is off to a bumpy start , while demand is overwhelming . ''
Jan Hatzius , chief economist at investment bank Goldman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could hit 15 % in coming months .
Mr Hatzius , who is predicting a quarter-on-quarter drop of 34 % on an annualised basis , said : `` We think April is probably going to be the worst month and after April , there will be a small recovery , assuming the medical news improves and infection comes down . ''
`` By the end of the year we have the level of GDP at about 5 % lower than the year earlier level . ''
And Hinesh Patel , portfolio manager at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` These unemployment numbers from the US are likely to be just the start .
The depth of the global financial crisis saw 800,000 jobs lost in one month , so we are already not far off that number .
What we have today is looking more like war-time numbers . ''
Mr Patel said that many of the jobs lost thus far were likely to be low paid and among workers with low level of savings .
He said this ought to serve as a wake-up call to US politicians .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ helicopter money is n't going to cut it given the magnitude of the damage expected .
`` Secondly , the drop in employment is considerably lower against expectations , showing the pace of economic weakness is going to be much sharper than expected .
`` We are on the cusp of a global economic recession that increasingly looks like it could become a depression . ''
Stock markets in both the US and in Europe fell after the numbers were released .
Despite that , the S & P500 - America 's most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finish higher for a second consecutive week , unlike the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq .
In Europe , the FTSE-100 finished lower for the seventh week in eight , while the DAX 30 in Germany and the CAC 40 in France also ended the week lower .
If there was a positive in the figures , it was that average earnings continued to rise , hitting an average $ 28.62 an hour - up from $ 28.51 in February and $ 27.76 in March last year .
That , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some lower-paid Americans lost their jobs last month .

All good things come to an end and, after a record-breaking 113 consecutive months of job creation in the United States, it was confirmed that US employers shed jobs in March rather than creating them.
The monthly non-farm payroll figures, generally regarded as the single most important data release every month in financial markets, revealed that 701,000 US jobs were lost last month.
That was the worst monthly drop since March 2009 when the world was in the grip of the global financial crisis.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:31 Record 6.6 million Americans seek jobless aid
And the rise in the US jobless rate, from 3.5% to 4.4%, was the worst such increase since January 1975 - another month in which great swathes of the world economy were convulsing.
That there was a rise in unemployment came as no surprise given the coronavirus-inflicted slowdown in the world's biggest economy.
Yet the extent to which jobs were shed during the month was still significantly worse than economists on Wall Street had been expecting. They had pencilled in a drop of just 100,000 jobs and an unemployment rate of 3.8% because the jobless figures tend to be a lagging indicator and on the basis that, for much of the month, shops, bars and restaurants in the US had remained open as usual.
The biggest contributor to the job losses was the leisure and hospitality sector, where 459,000 jobs were shed, mainly in restaurants and bars.
The US Labor Department, which compiles the figures, also reported that "notable declines also occurred in health care and social assistance, professional and business services, retail trade, and construction."
Some 1.3 million Americans during the month did not work due to illness.
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Looking at demographic groups, the biggest increase in job losses was among teenagers, where the unemployment rate jumped from 11% in February to 14.3% last month.
Among ethnic groups, the jobless rate among white Americans rose from 3.1% to 4% and among black and African Americans from 5.8% to 6.7%. Among Asian Americans, the jobless rate rose from 2.5% to 4.1%, while among Hispanic or Latino Americans the jobless rate rose from 4.4% to 6%.
Economists warned that, with 10 million Americans having registered as unemployed during the last two weeks, the figures were likely to get worse in coming months. Some states, such as Nevada and Georgia, have only in the last week ordered non-essential workers to stay at home.
Neil Williams, senior economic adviser to the international business of investment manager Federated Hermes, said: "At this pace, we could see a US unemployment rate of 13% by June [because] labour market data are traditionally a lagging indicator."
Ronald Temple, head of US equity at fund manager Lazard Asset Management, added: "This is only the beginning of the record-setting increase in unemployment. The magnitude of the economic hit will depend in large part on the timing and scale of federal aid to small businesses, so they can keep employees on the payroll, and to households to mitigate the hit to consumption.
"Early indications are that the small business program is off to a bumpy start, while demand is overwhelming."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Trump 'hopeful' people can work again by Easter
Jan Hatzius, chief economist at investment bank Goldman Sachs, told CNBC that US unemployment could hit 15% in coming months.
Mr Hatzius, who is predicting a quarter-on-quarter drop of 34% on an annualised basis, said: "We think April is probably going to be the worst month and after April, there will be a small recovery, assuming the medical news improves and infection comes down."
"By the end of the year we have the level of GDP at about 5% lower than the year earlier level."
And Hinesh Patel, portfolio manager at wealth management firm Quilter Investors, added: "These unemployment numbers from the US are likely to be just the start. The depth of the global financial crisis saw 800,000 jobs lost in one month, so we are already not far off that number. What we have today is looking more like war-time numbers."
Mr Patel said that many of the jobs lost thus far were likely to be low paid and among workers with low level of savings.
He said this ought to serve as a wake-up call to US politicians.
Mr Patel added: "The planned helicopter money isn't going to cut it given the magnitude of the damage expected.
"Secondly, the drop in employment is considerably lower against expectations, showing the pace of economic weakness is going to be much sharper than expected.
"We are on the cusp of a global economic recession that increasingly looks like it could become a depression."
Stock markets in both the US and in Europe fell after the numbers were released. Despite that, the S&P500 - America's most important stock index - looked set to finish higher for a second consecutive week, unlike the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq. In Europe, the FTSE-100 finished lower for the seventh week in eight, while the DAX 30 in Germany and the CAC 40 in France also ended the week lower.
If there was a positive in the figures, it was that average earnings continued to rise, hitting an average $28.62 an hour - up from $28.51 in February and $27.76 in March last year.
That, however, may simply reflect the fact that some lower-paid Americans lost their jobs last month.


news--2020-04-04--Coronavirus: Vintage retailer Cath Kidston lines up administrators

The accelerating flow of high street coronavirus casualties looks set to continue this weekend as Cath Kidston , the modern vintage retailer , lines up administrators in a bid to secure its long-term future .
Sky News has learnt that Cath Kidston filed a notice of intention to appoint Alvarez & Marsal ( A & M ) as administrator late on Friday .
The move comes a fortnight after A & M was instructed to find a buyer for the business , which is owned by Baring Private Equity Asia .
The sale process is ongoing , and a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takeover are said to have been received .
In a statement , a Cath Kidston spokesman said : `` The notice of intention forms part of the process by which Cath Kidston is continuing to work with Alvarez & Marsal to explore all options for the company in the current climate '' .
News of the filing comes 24 hours after Sky News revealed that Debenhams was on the verge of appointing administrators for the second time in a year .
Laura Ashley , Carluccio 's and BrightHouse , the rent-to-own chain , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ descent into insolvency proceedings .
The notice of intention to appoint A & M does not automatically mean that Cath Kidston will fall into administration , but buys the company ten days of breathing space from creditors .
The brand , known for its floral and polka dot designs , was set up by its eponymous former boss in 1993 .
Cath Kidston employs about 800 people , and trades from 60 stores in the UK - including a flagship outlet on London 's Piccadilly that opened in 2016 .
It has become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ designers , growing from a single shop in West London selling car boot finds and vintage fabric into a globally recognised brand offering fashion , homewares and accessories .
It made a fortune for its founder when she sold a stake to private equity firm TA Associates exactly 10 years ago in a deal reportedly worth £100m .
In 2014 , Baring Private Equity Asia became a substantial shareholder in the company , before taking full control two years later .
Baring hoped to capitalise on Cath Kidston 's popularity in the Far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening in Seoul , South Korea , in 2014 .
However , it has lost more than £27m in the last two financial years , and made a further £11m loss before interest , tax , depreciation and amortisation in the nine months to December , according to information sent to potential bidders .
Globally , it trades from more than 200 shops , and boasts brand awareness of 70 % in the UK .
A pre-pack administration is among the likeliest outcomes being explored , according to insiders .
Almost 40 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from tourists and international business , particularly from Asia .
A turnaround strategy drawn up by Melinda Paraie , who joined as chief executive from luxury goods brand Coach in 2018 , had begun to bear fruit prior to the coronavirus pandemic .
Under Ms Paraie , Cath Kidston has slashed operating costs by axing 40 % of head office staff and closing a number of shops .
It has also sought to boost digital sales through a new online platform .

The accelerating flow of high street coronavirus casualties looks set to continue this weekend as Cath Kidston, the modern vintage retailer, lines up administrators in a bid to secure its long-term future.
Sky News has learnt that Cath Kidston filed a notice of intention to appoint Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) as administrator late on Friday.
The move comes a fortnight after A&M was instructed to find a buyer for the business, which is owned by Baring Private Equity Asia.
The sale process is ongoing, and a number of credible expressions of interest in a takeover are said to have been received.
Image: Cath Kidston trades from more than 200 shops, and boasts brand awareness of 70% in the UK
In a statement, a Cath Kidston spokesman said: "The notice of intention forms part of the process by which Cath Kidston is continuing to work with Alvarez & Marsal to explore all options for the company in the current climate".
News of the filing comes 24 hours after Sky News revealed that Debenhams was on the verge of appointing administrators for the second time in a year.
Laura Ashley, Carluccio's and BrightHouse, the rent-to-own chain, have all blamed COVID-19 for hastening their descent into insolvency proceedings.
The notice of intention to appoint A&M does not automatically mean that Cath Kidston will fall into administration, but buys the company ten days of breathing space from creditors.
The brand, known for its floral and polka dot designs, was set up by its eponymous former boss in 1993.
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Cath Kidston employs about 800 people, and trades from 60 stores in the UK - including a flagship outlet on London's Piccadilly that opened in 2016.
Image: Sky News revealed that Debenhams was on the verge of appointing administrators for the second time in a year
It has become one of the most popular modern vintage designers, growing from a single shop in West London selling car boot finds and vintage fabric into a globally recognised brand offering fashion, homewares and accessories.
It made a fortune for its founder when she sold a stake to private equity firm TA Associates exactly 10 years ago in a deal reportedly worth £100m.
In 2014, Baring Private Equity Asia became a substantial shareholder in the company, before taking full control two years later.
Baring hoped to capitalise on Cath Kidston's popularity in the Far East, with its 100th overseas store opening in Seoul, South Korea, in 2014.
However, it has lost more than £27m in the last two financial years, and made a further £11m loss before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation in the nine months to December, according to information sent to potential bidders.
Globally, it trades from more than 200 shops, and boasts brand awareness of 70% in the UK.
Image: Cath Kidston employs about 800 people, and trades from 60 stores in the UK
A pre-pack administration is among the likeliest outcomes being explored, according to insiders.
Almost 40% of Cath Kidston's revenue is generated from tourists and international business, particularly from Asia.
A turnaround strategy drawn up by Melinda Paraie, who joined as chief executive from luxury goods brand Coach in 2018, had begun to bear fruit prior to the coronavirus pandemic.
Under Ms Paraie, Cath Kidston has slashed operating costs by axing 40% of head office staff and closing a number of shops.
It has also sought to boost digital sales through a new online platform.


news--2020-04-04--Coronavirus: New Labour leader Starmer pledges to work 'constructively' with government over COVID-1

Coronavirus: New Labour leader Starmer pledges to work 'constructively' with government over COVID-19

New Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to work `` constructively '' with the government over the coronavirus pandemic .
Sir Keir , who was elected Jeremy Corbyn 's successor on Saturday , has accepted an offer from Prime Minister Boris Johnson to attend a COVID-19 briefing next week .
The pair spoke on the phone earlier .
A spokesperson for the Labour leader said : `` Keir offered to work constructively with the government on how best to respond to the coronavirus outbreak , accepted the prime minister 's offer to meet next week and agreed arrangements for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In his victory speech , Sir Keir said Labour had a `` shared purpose '' with the government in getting the country through the coronavirus pandemic .
He added : `` Under my leadership , we will engage constructively with the government , not opposition for opposition 's sake .
Not scoring party political points or making impossible demands .
`` But with the courage to support where that 's the right thing to do .
`` But we will test the arguments that are put forward .
`` We will shine a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see mistakes or faltering government or things not happening as quickly as they should we 'll challenge that and call that out .
`` Our purpose when we do that is the same as the government 's , to save lives and to protect our country , a shared purpose . ''
Mr Johnson wrote on Twitter : `` I have just spoken to @ Keir_Starmer & congratulated him on becoming Labour leader .
`` We agreed on the importance of all party leaders continuing to work constructively together through this national emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other opposition leaders to a briefing next week . ''
The PM has written to opposition party leaders , telling them `` we have a duty to work together at this moment of national emergency '' .
The letter states : `` Therefore , I would like to invite all leaders of opposition parties in parliament to a briefing with myself , the chief medical officer and chief scientific adviser next week .
`` I want to listen to your views and update you on the measures we have taken so far , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic support to businesses and individuals across the country .
`` The government I lead will act in the national interest at all times and be guided by the best scientific evidence , and of course we will continue to engage constructively with all political parties on the national effort to defeat this pandemic .
`` I have no doubt that - as we have so many times in the past - the people of the United Kingdom will rise to this current challenge , and we will beat coronavirus together . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Liberal Democrats , said : `` At this moment of national crisis , the role of all opposition parties must be to support measures to tackle the coronavirus , whilst also standing up for the most vulnerable by properly scrutinising the government .
`` I look forward to working with Keir Starmer on that task . ''
The UK has been in lockdown for more than 10 days , after the government announced stringent measures to try and limit the spread of COVID-19 .
A leading scientist and government adviser has said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks if there are signs the epidemic is slowing .
Imperial College London Professor Neil Ferguson said the UK 's epidemic was expected to plateau in the next week to 10 days , but said people 's behaviour was critical to determining what happens next .
The Department of Health and Social Care said on Saturday that 708 more people had died in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus , bringing the total deaths in the UK to 4,313 .

New Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to work "constructively" with the government over the coronavirus pandemic.
Sir Keir, who was elected Jeremy Corbyn's successor on Saturday, has accepted an offer from Prime Minister Boris Johnson to attend a COVID-19 briefing next week.
The pair spoke on the phone earlier.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:59 New Labour leader: The challenges ahead
A spokesperson for the Labour leader said: "Keir offered to work constructively with the government on how best to respond to the coronavirus outbreak, accepted the prime minister's offer to meet next week and agreed arrangements for Privy Council briefings and discussions."
In his victory speech, Sir Keir said Labour had a "shared purpose" with the government in getting the country through the coronavirus pandemic.
He added: "Under my leadership, we will engage constructively with the government, not opposition for opposition's sake. Not scoring party political points or making impossible demands.
"But with the courage to support where that's the right thing to do.
"But we will test the arguments that are put forward.
"We will shine a torch on critical issues and where we see mistakes or faltering government or things not happening as quickly as they should we'll challenge that and call that out.
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"Our purpose when we do that is the same as the government's, to save lives and to protect our country, a shared purpose."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:31 Starmer: 'We've got a mountain to climb'
Mr Johnson wrote on Twitter: "I have just spoken to @Keir_Starmer & congratulated him on becoming Labour leader.
"We agreed on the importance of all party leaders continuing to work constructively together through this national emergency.
"I have invited him and other opposition leaders to a briefing next week."
The PM has written to opposition party leaders, telling them "we have a duty to work together at this moment of national emergency".
The letter states: "Therefore, I would like to invite all leaders of opposition parties in parliament to a briefing with myself, the chief medical officer and chief scientific adviser next week.
"I want to listen to your views and update you on the measures we have taken so far, such as rapidly expanding testing and providing economic support to businesses and individuals across the country.
"The government I lead will act in the national interest at all times and be guided by the best scientific evidence, and of course we will continue to engage constructively with all political parties on the national effort to defeat this pandemic.
"I have no doubt that - as we have so many times in the past - the people of the United Kingdom will rise to this current challenge, and we will beat coronavirus together."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:11 'We cannot afford to relax'
Sir Ed Davey, acting leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: "At this moment of national crisis, the role of all opposition parties must be to support measures to tackle the coronavirus, whilst also standing up for the most vulnerable by properly scrutinising the government.
"I look forward to working with Keir Starmer on that task."
The UK has been in lockdown for more than 10 days, after the government announced stringent measures to try and limit the spread of COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 Hancock: 'Stay in this weekend'
A leading scientist and government adviser has said social distancing measures could be relaxed within weeks if there are signs the epidemic is slowing.
Imperial College London Professor Neil Ferguson said the UK's epidemic was expected to plateau in the next week to 10 days, but said people's behaviour was critical to determining what happens next.
The Department of Health and Social Care said on Saturday that 708 more people had died in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus, bringing the total deaths in the UK to 4,313.


news--2020-04-04--Sir Keir Starmer: New Labour leader is a natural fit - but still provokes more questions than answer

Sir Keir Starmer: New Labour leader is a natural fit - but still provokes more questions than answers

Is he the high-flying young human rights lawyer who some believe was the inspiration for Mark Darcy in The Diary of Bridget Jones ?
Is he the wily politician who quit the shadow cabinet in 2016 in an attempt to get rid of Jeremy Corbyn , then happily served as shadow Brexit secretary rarely speaking out against his boss ?
Or is he the bland leadership contender who amassed support from across the Labour Party by being all things to all people ?
The answer : Even his natural supporters are n't quite sure .
Sir Keir won the Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enemies .
He carefully recruited staff for his campaign team from all wings of the party , avoided any whiff of controversy and bristled at attempts to categorise or pigeon-hole his politics .
He certainly looks the part .
Colleagues joke that Sir Keir is `` straight out of central casting '' and if an e-fit was created from all the attributes a political leader should possess , it would match him perfectly .
Most Labour members have now come to the realisation that Jeremy Corbyn 's replacement should be a winner .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , distress and desolation that they felt after the party 's devastating general election performance in December .
Electability and unity have therefore been the two key tenets of Starmer 's campaign .
Uniting a divided party is a noble aim , yet there is scant evidence he is able to make tough decisions , especially those which may anger certain sections of his party .
Concentrating on collaboration and consensus has its limits .
With widespread confusion over what sort of a leader Keir Starmer intends to be , allies realise he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ define himself .
Otherwise others - particularly the Conservatives - will do that for him .
The most pressing , and perhaps consequential , decisions are who to put in his shadow cabinet , with the first appointments expected tomorrow .
Sorting Labour 's antisemitism problem is also a priority , and likely to be tackled within his first week .
Yet with party politics paused due to the coronavirus crisis , his biggest challenge may be striking the right tone in tense times - holding the government to account without attempting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unity .
Named after Labour 's first parliamentary leader Keir Hardie , he was born in Southwark , south London , and grew up in Oxted , Surrey .
His father was a toolmaker and his mother a nurse forced to quit her job due to Still 's Disease , an auto-immune condition which left her in a wheelchair and unable to eat .
He studied at Reigate Grammar alongside Norman Cook ( aka Fatboy Slim ) and Andrew Cooper , who later became a Tory peer and director of strategy to David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' politics and joined the Labour Party as a teenager .
He studied law at Leeds University and was a postgraduate student at Oxford .
His socialism was evident in his work as a young barrister .
He focused on human rights cases including assisting the `` McLibel Two '' - a pair of environment activists sued by McDonald 's for distributing a leaflet critical of the company .
He was later appointed Director of Public Prosecutions ( DPP ) running a large organisation in the Crown Prosecution Service , experience that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grips with Labour 's unwieldy structures .
He was knighted in 2014 .
In 2015 Keir Starmer succeeded Frank Dobson as MP for Holborn and St Pancras , a safe Labour seat in central London .
A lifelong pro-European and internationalist , in 2016 he was appointed shadow Brexit secretary , a role in which he edged the party towards backing a second referendum , a position criticised by many for helping lose pro-Leave seats in Labour 's northern heartlands .
Married with two children , Sir Keir is a football fan and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arsenal season ticket holder , he has witnessed the perils of leadership and splits amongst supporters .
Like Arsene Wenger , Jeremy Corbyn was loved by many for his fundamental philosophy and the purity of his mission .
But in both politics and football , fans ultimately want a winner .
If Keir Starmer is to get his team back to winning ways it will be over many years through steady , solid leadership .
But until we find out who he really is , it is tough to judge how he might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains a man who provokes more questions than answers .

Who is Keir Starmer?
Is he the high-flying young human rights lawyer who some believe was the inspiration for Mark Darcy in The Diary of Bridget Jones?
Is he the wily politician who quit the shadow cabinet in 2016 in an attempt to get rid of Jeremy Corbyn, then happily served as shadow Brexit secretary rarely speaking out against his boss?
Or is he the bland leadership contender who amassed support from across the Labour Party by being all things to all people?
The answer: Even his natural supporters aren't quite sure.
Sir Keir won the Labour crown without picking a side or making enemies. He carefully recruited staff for his campaign team from all wings of the party, avoided any whiff of controversy and bristled at attempts to categorise or pigeon-hole his politics.
He certainly looks the part. Colleagues joke that Sir Keir is "straight out of central casting" and if an e-fit was created from all the attributes a political leader should possess, it would match him perfectly.
Image: Sir Keir during his DPP days
Most Labour members have now come to the realisation that Jeremy Corbyn's replacement should be a winner. It is difficult to underestimate the pain, distress and desolation that they felt after the party's devastating general election performance in December.
Electability and unity have therefore been the two key tenets of Starmer's campaign. Uniting a divided party is a noble aim, yet there is scant evidence he is able to make tough decisions, especially those which may anger certain sections of his party.
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Concentrating on collaboration and consensus has its limits.
With widespread confusion over what sort of a leader Keir Starmer intends to be, allies realise he will only have a short time to define himself. Otherwise others - particularly the Conservatives - will do that for him.
The most pressing, and perhaps consequential, decisions are who to put in his shadow cabinet, with the first appointments expected tomorrow. Sorting Labour's antisemitism problem is also a priority, and likely to be tackled within his first week.
Yet with party politics paused due to the coronavirus crisis, his biggest challenge may be striking the right tone in tense times - holding the government to account without attempting to sow division at a time of national unity.
Named after Labour's first parliamentary leader Keir Hardie, he was born in Southwark, south London, and grew up in Oxted, Surrey.
His father was a toolmaker and his mother a nurse forced to quit her job due to Still's Disease, an auto-immune condition which left her in a wheelchair and unable to eat.
He studied at Reigate Grammar alongside Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim) and Andrew Cooper, who later became a Tory peer and director of strategy to David Cameron.
Sir Keir adopted his parents' politics and joined the Labour Party as a teenager. He studied law at Leeds University and was a postgraduate student at Oxford.
His socialism was evident in his work as a young barrister. He focused on human rights cases including assisting the "McLibel Two" - a pair of environment activists sued by McDonald's for distributing a leaflet critical of the company.
He was later appointed Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) running a large organisation in the Crown Prosecution Service, experience that he claims is perfect preparation for getting to grips with Labour's unwieldy structures. He was knighted in 2014.
In 2015 Keir Starmer succeeded Frank Dobson as MP for Holborn and St Pancras, a safe Labour seat in central London.
A lifelong pro-European and internationalist, in 2016 he was appointed shadow Brexit secretary, a role in which he edged the party towards backing a second referendum, a position criticised by many for helping lose pro-Leave seats in Labour's northern heartlands.
Married with two children, Sir Keir is a football fan and plays five-a-side on Sundays. As an Arsenal season ticket holder, he has witnessed the perils of leadership and splits amongst supporters.
Like Arsene Wenger, Jeremy Corbyn was loved by many for his fundamental philosophy and the purity of his mission. But in both politics and football, fans ultimately want a winner.
If Keir Starmer is to get his team back to winning ways it will be over many years through steady, solid leadership. But until we find out who he really is, it is tough to judge how he might achieve that.
For now, he remains a man who provokes more questions than answers.


news--2020-04-04--Coronavirus: Police block entrance to hospital after oxygen supply problems

Police blocked access to a hospital after it discovered a problem with its oxygen equipment - potentially affecting COVID-19 patients .
Watford General Hospital declared a critical incident on Saturday and told anyone except women in labour to stay away .
A `` small number '' of patients were transferred to other hospitals in the area .
West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust said the technical issue did not pose `` any risk '' to its patients and was resolved by 10.30pm on Saturday .
Sky News correspondent Ali Fortescue said police were blocking `` all the paths '' into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone going in was having to explain their reason for being there .
The trust had transferred patients to other hospitals in the area and tweeted telling people not to go to A & E until further notice even in an emergency .
It advised people instead to visit other nearby hospitals or seek advice through the 111 helpline .
Deputy chief executive Helen Brown said : `` We know that our NHS colleagues and the police are exceptionally busy at the moment , but this did n't stop them stepping in to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 29 people had died at West Hertfordshire NHS Trust hospitals after being diagnosed with Covid-19 .
The trust is responsible for Watford General as well as Hemel Hempstead and St Albans City hospitals .

Police blocked access to a hospital after it discovered a problem with its oxygen equipment - potentially affecting COVID-19 patients.
Watford General Hospital declared a critical incident on Saturday and told anyone except women in labour to stay away.
A "small number" of patients were transferred to other hospitals in the area.
West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust said the technical issue did not pose "any risk" to its patients and was resolved by 10.30pm on Saturday.
Sky News correspondent Ali Fortescue said police were blocking "all the paths" into the hospital during the day, adding that anyone going in was having to explain their reason for being there.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 'Please don't go outside this weekend'
The trust had transferred patients to other hospitals in the area and tweeted telling people not to go to A&E until further notice even in an emergency.
It advised people instead to visit other nearby hospitals or seek advice through the 111 helpline.
Deputy chief executive Helen Brown said: "We know that our NHS colleagues and the police are exceptionally busy at the moment, but this didn't stop them stepping in to help."
As of 5pm Thursday, 29 people had died at West Hertfordshire NHS Trust hospitals after being diagnosed with Covid-19.
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The trust is responsible for Watford General as well as Hemel Hempstead and St Albans City hospitals.


news--2020-04-04--Coronavirus: LGBT+ charity says young people should 'pause' coming out in lockdown

LGBT+ young people should `` hit pause '' on coming out while self-isolating with their families during the coronavirus pandemic , a UK charity has advised .
The Albert Kennedy Trust ( AKT ) , a UK charity that helps young LGBT+ people facing homelessness , told Sky News their advice would be to `` think hard '' before coming out during this time .
`` If you 're a young person and you 're thinking of coming out , press pause on that until you get support , '' said Tim Sigsworth , AKT 's CEO .
Mr Sigsworth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their child coming out in this particularly stressful time and warned of the dangers of being homeless during the pandemic .
`` You ca n't predict at these completely unprecedented times how your parents will react .
They , like you , are under a lot of stress and they may not react in a positive way .
`` We 're all being told to self-isolate , so being on the streets , it has to be the most dangerous place for a vulnerable young person at the moment , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people at risk of homelessness if their families reject them .
LGBT+ people make up a quarter of the UK 's young homeless population , according to the charity .
AKT also say more than three quarters of LGBT+ homeless people say their family rejecting them is their primary reason for being homeless .
Although many aspects of society have improved for the LGBT+ community , such as the introduction of gay marriage and transphobia being categorised as a hate crime , being open with family members can still be risky .
Research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 10 adults would feel uncomfortable if their child came out .
One in five worry about how family members would respond to them having an LGBT+ child .
Since the UK went into lockdown , councils have been asked to house all rough sleepers , but it can be hard to house clients who show symptoms of the virus .
`` We had a young person very early on in the crisis who was staying in a hostel , but then started to show symptoms and the hostel asked them to leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They had nowhere to stay and no family ; their family had rejected them .
They had no work , no options other than the street . ''
Some charities are now working with hotels to house rough sleepers and enable them to self-isolate if needs be .
But for those young people staying with family who are considering coming out , AKT 's advice is clear .
`` Talk to somebody , get some advice .
Maybe pause for the minute and let 's look at what your situation is . ''

LGBT+ young people should "hit pause" on coming out while self-isolating with their families during the coronavirus pandemic, a UK charity has advised.
The Albert Kennedy Trust (AKT), a UK charity that helps young LGBT+ i people facing homelessness, told Sky News their advice would be to "think hard" before coming out during this time.
"If you're a young person and you're thinking of coming out, press pause on that until you get support," said Tim Sigsworth, AKT's CEO.
Image: One in ten adults would feel uncomfortable if their child came out, according to research from YouGov
Mr Sigsworth expressed concern for how families may react to their child coming out in this particularly stressful time and warned of the dangers of being homeless during the pandemic.
"You can't predict at these completely unprecedented times how your parents will react. They, like you, are under a lot of stress and they may not react in a positive way.
"We're all being told to self-isolate, so being on the streets, it has to be the most dangerous place for a vulnerable young person at the moment," he said.
Coming out can put young people at risk of homelessness if their families reject them. LGBT+ people make up a quarter of the UK's young homeless population, according to the charity.
AKT also say more than three quarters of LGBT+ homeless people say their family rejecting them is their primary reason for being homeless.
Although many aspects of society have improved for the LGBT+ community, such as the introduction of gay marriage and transphobia i being categorised as a hate crime, being open with family members can still be risky.
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Research by AKT and YouGov found that one in 10 adults would feel uncomfortable if their child came out. One in five worry about how family members would respond to them having an LGBT+ child.
Since the UK went into lockdown, councils have been asked to house all rough sleepers, but it can be hard to house clients who show symptoms of the virus.
Image: LGBT+ rights have come far in recent years, such as the introduction of equal marriage and the categorising of transphobia as a hate crime
"We had a young person very early on in the crisis who was staying in a hostel, but then started to show symptoms and the hostel asked them to leave," Mr Sigsworth said.
"They had nowhere to stay and no family; their family had rejected them. They had no work, no options other than the street."
Some charities are now working with hotels to house rough sleepers and enable them to self-isolate if needs be. But for those young people staying with family who are considering coming out, AKT's advice is clear.
"Talk to somebody, get some advice. Maybe pause for the minute and let's look at what your situation is."


news--2020-04-04--New Labour leader will take control of a tired and fractious party

It has been a contest from another era - a competition to answer yesterday 's question .
Dominated by issues now fading from the forefront of people 's mind : Was Labour right to promise a second referendum ?
Was Jeremy Corbyn too left wing ?
How do you deal with antisemitism ?
Through no fault of their own , the final three contestants - Sir Keir Starmer , Lisa Nandy and Rebecca Long-Bailey - spent most of a four month campaign arguing over a future that will bear no relation to the one we now face .
When this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for millions and unparalleled government intervention was a Corbynite dream .
Now it is a Tory reality - leaving no certainty over how an official opposition should respond .
And the victor must lead a fractious , tired Labour party that looked , frankly , like it needed a period of social distancing from itself , struggling to answer the big questions created from the worst defeat since 1935 .
But maybe - after that December election drubbing - leaving behind much of the recent past is for the best ?
The story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how Jeremy Corbyn 's fearsome political network - Momentum , key unions and the enlarged Labour membership - really struggled to dominate the conversation .
Yet listen to some on the Corbynite left , and you would think they 'd achieved their goals .
Speaking to Sky News , shadow chancellor John McDonnell said : `` The centre of gravity overall has shifted .
In some ways I think the left have won the argument . ''
Several fans of Mr Corbyn who transferred allegiance to Ms Long-Bailey rejected that change was needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But in reality , the Corbynite left splintered in this election , with unions splitting off from Mr Corbyn 's preferred successor , and many tens of thousands of people joining Labour in the weeks after the election to vote to change the party 's direction .
Many unions - including loyal supporters of Mr Corbyn through tough times - disagreed that opposition is a price worth paying for purity any longer .
Tim Roache , the general secretary of the GMB union and one of the most powerful figures in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( This moment is ) is a fork in the road .
`` If people think more of the same is going to cut it , frankly it wo n't .
I would say to those people - what are you interested in ?
Are you interested in power ?
Because that 's all my members are interested in .
They do n't want another five years , let alone another 10 years of Conservative rule . ''
Both the polling and Labour MPs are united that the `` fork in the road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between Mr Starmer and Ms Nandy on one side - representing a change of direction - and Corbynite favourite Ms Long-Bailey on the other representing continuity .
Lord McNicol , general secretary of the Labour party , told me that the choice would determine `` the future of the Labour party '' .
The election poses fundamental questions for Labour 's future .
But in the campaign Ms Long-Bailey 's prescription was not so much about challenging substance , as presentation .
She told me the election defeat can be put down to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies .
`` I think we just did n't have a campaign that a ) had a message or b ) picked out certain policies that were popular and packaged them in a way that would be articulated properly .
`` We were also faced with a backdrop of other issues like Brexit , antisemitisim , such as division within the party… '' That exacerbated the problems we were facing and not having that dynamic campaign if I 'm honest . ''
Labour party chairman Ian Lavery , a supporter after deciding not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said personality trumped promises , hinting that factionalism was the driving force in this contest .
He told Sky News : `` Keir might be saying things similar to Becky and Lisa .
And Lisa might be saying similar things .
But it 's who you can really trust to carry forward the policies .
`` I 'll be perfectly honest - I 've got more trust in Rebecca Long-Bailey than Keir to carry on continuing with policies from the last five years . ''
The contest for the deputy leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one for the top job , with potentially longer term consequences for the new leader .
Richard Burgon , the leading Corbynite of the next generation , preached passionately at socialist rallies , whipping up dormant anger about the 2016 coup against Mr Corbyn .
He told one rally : `` I 'll never forget the way you stood by Jeremy , by our socialist politics , our anti-austerity internationalist politics .
`` In the same way I 'll never forget those who let us down .
Those who betrayed us .
Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the plate in 2017 . ''
He was not shy of naming names of those who backed the coup by resigning from the shadow cabinet after the 2016 referendum , telling me : `` ( I ) do n't think Keir should have resigned at time of an attempted coup .
`` Lisa should n't have either or chaired Owen Smith 's campaign .
Ultimately they let the members down .
They turned what was a crisis for Conservatives into crisis for the Labour Party .
`` As far as I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insult to Labour members but also to Labour voters who rely upon as remaining united . ''
Even Mr McDonnell engaged in the blame game , both at the rally and to me afterwards .
`` I value people with consistency .
Rebecca Long-Bailey has advocated for a policy programme we 've supported .
`` I think she 's articulate and confident .
Both Keir and Lisa were part of the coup against Jeremy - so I do take that into account , but it 's not an overriding factor . ''
An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in normal times , would have been whether Sir Keir or Ms Nandy needed to endorse quite so much of Mr Corbyn 's manifestos which lost two elections .
Given the assumption that Momentum and key Corbyn supporting unions would do a better job in this contest , it might have been a reasonable assumption then .
But is it now , or has coronavirus wiped out more of Jeremy Corbyn 's legacy , for good or ill ?
Andrew Fisher , Mr Corbyn 's former head of policy , disagrees his legacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won , his old boss was victor .
`` I think if it 's a referendum on Jeremy Corbyn he 's already won because if you look at the policy consensus - all the candidates are saying they 're in favour of public ownership of rail and core utilities .
`` All of them will say they 're in favour of scrapping tuition fees .
All of them are anti-austerity now .
`` Those positions were n't party positions when Jeremy took over as leader . ''
British politics , and the landscape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognition once more since he said that just a month ago .
The new leader , inheriting a party further to the left than at any point since Michael Foot , is now having to navigate how closely to work with Boris Johnson - working out what an opposition actually does in a national emergency .
It is a course into the unknown .

It has been a contest from another era - a competition to answer yesterday's question.
Dominated by issues now fading from the forefront of people's mind: Was Labour right to promise a second referendum? Was Jeremy Corbyn too left wing? How do you deal with antisemitism?
Through no fault of their own, the final three contestants - Sir Keir Starmer, Lisa Nandy and Rebecca Long-Bailey - spent most of a four month campaign arguing over a future that will bear no relation to the one we now face.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:15 Why did Labour lose their heartland?
When this contest began in December, state handouts for millions and unparalleled government intervention was a Corbynite dream.
Now it is a Tory reality - leaving no certainty over how an official opposition should respond.
And the victor must lead a fractious, tired Labour party that looked, frankly, like it needed a period of social distancing from itself, struggling to answer the big questions created from the worst defeat since 1935.
But maybe - after that December election drubbing - leaving behind much of the recent past is for the best?
The story of the last four months has been how Jeremy Corbyn's fearsome political network - Momentum, key unions and the enlarged Labour membership - really struggled to dominate the conversation.
Yet listen to some on the Corbynite left, and you would think they'd achieved their goals.
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Speaking to Sky News, shadow chancellor John McDonnell said: "The centre of gravity overall has shifted. In some ways I think the left have won the argument."
Several fans of Mr Corbyn who transferred allegiance to Ms Long-Bailey rejected that change was needed at all when speaking to Sky News.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:37 Was Jeremy Corbyn to blame for the election defeat?
But in reality, the Corbynite left splintered in this election, with unions splitting off from Mr Corbyn's preferred successor, and many tens of thousands of people joining Labour in the weeks after the election to vote to change the party's direction.
Many unions - including loyal supporters of Mr Corbyn through tough times - disagreed that opposition is a price worth paying for purity any longer.
Tim Roache, the general secretary of the GMB union and one of the most powerful figures in the movement, told Sky News: "(This moment is) is a fork in the road.
"If people think more of the same is going to cut it, frankly it won't. I would say to those people - what are you interested in? Are you interested in power? Because that's all my members are interested in. They don't want another five years, let alone another 10 years of Conservative rule."
Both the polling and Labour MPs are united that the "fork in the road" was the clarity of the choice between Mr Starmer and Ms Nandy on one side - representing a change of direction - and Corbynite favourite Ms Long-Bailey on the other representing continuity.
Lord McNicol, general secretary of the Labour party, told me that the choice would determine "the future of the Labour party".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:54 From activist and rebel, to Leader of the Opposition - here's how Jeremy Corbyn rose to power.
The election poses fundamental questions for Labour's future. But in the campaign Ms Long-Bailey's prescription was not so much about challenging substance, as presentation.
She told me the election defeat can be put down to "a matter of communication about our policies.
"I think we just didn't have a campaign that a) had a message or b) picked out certain policies that were popular and packaged them in a way that would be articulated properly.
"We were also faced with a backdrop of other issues like Brexit, antisemitisim, such as division within the party…
"That exacerbated the problems we were facing and not having that dynamic campaign if I'm honest."
Labour party chairman Ian Lavery, a supporter after deciding not to run himself, was more blunt. He said personality trumped promises, hinting that factionalism was the driving force in this contest.
He told Sky News: "Keir might be saying things similar to Becky and Lisa. And Lisa might be saying similar things. But it's who you can really trust to carry forward the policies.
"I'll be perfectly honest - I've got more trust in Rebecca Long-Bailey than Keir to carry on continuing with policies from the last five years."
The contest for the deputy leadership was more bitter and divided than the one for the top job, with potentially longer term consequences for the new leader.
Richard Burgon, the leading Corbynite of the next generation, preached passionately at socialist rallies, whipping up dormant anger about the 2016 coup against Mr Corbyn.
He told one rally: "I'll never forget the way you stood by Jeremy, by our socialist politics, our anti-austerity internationalist politics.
"In the same way I'll never forget those who let us down. Those who betrayed us. Those who handed the victory to the Tories on the plate in 2017."
He was not shy of naming names of those who backed the coup by resigning from the shadow cabinet after the 2016 referendum, telling me: "(I) don't think Keir should have resigned at time of an attempted coup.
"Lisa shouldn't have either or chaired Owen Smith's campaign. Ultimately they let the members down. They turned what was a crisis for Conservatives into crisis for the Labour Party.
"As far as I'm concerned that was absolutely awful. An insult to Labour members but also to Labour voters who rely upon as remaining united."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:22 Was Jeremy Corbyn to blame for the election defeat?
Even Mr McDonnell engaged in the blame game, both at the rally and to me afterwards.
"I value people with consistency. Rebecca Long-Bailey has advocated for a policy programme we've supported.
"I think she's articulate and confident. Both Keir and Lisa were part of the coup against Jeremy - so I do take that into account, but it's not an overriding factor."
An overriding question of this leadership contest, in normal times, would have been whether Sir Keir or Ms Nandy needed to endorse quite so much of Mr Corbyn's manifestos which lost two elections.
Given the assumption that Momentum and key Corbyn supporting unions would do a better job in this contest, it might have been a reasonable assumption then.
But is it now, or has coronavirus wiped out more of Jeremy Corbyn's legacy, for good or ill?
Andrew Fisher, Mr Corbyn's former head of policy, disagrees his legacy will fade, telling me that whoever won, his old boss was victor.
"I think if it's a referendum on Jeremy Corbyn he's already won because if you look at the policy consensus - all the candidates are saying they're in favour of public ownership of rail and core utilities.
"All of them will say they're in favour of scrapping tuition fees. All of them are anti-austerity now.
"Those positions weren't party positions when Jeremy took over as leader."
British politics, and the landscape of the nation, has changed beyond recognition once more since he said that just a month ago.
The new leader, inheriting a party further to the left than at any point since Michael Foot, is now having to navigate how closely to work with Boris Johnson - working out what an opposition actually does in a national emergency.
It is a course into the unknown.


news--2020-04-04--Coronavirus: Boxer Anthony Yarde's grandmother dies just days after his father

British boxer Anthony Yarde has announced his grandmother has died after contracting coronavirus , just a few days after his father 's death as a result of the pandemic .
Yarde 's father , who the boxer said had been `` fit with no health issues '' , died last Friday .
And the 28-year-old light-heavyweight said his grandmother passed away on Thursday - and again appealed to people to stay at home .
`` It 's serious ! ''
Yarde wrote on social media .
`` People are still going out when they do n't need to .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opinions about COVID-19 and I have mine but I just know opinions ai n't worth risking your life and others .
Yarde 's next fight was set to be against fellow Briton Lyndon Arthur on 11 April , but the event has been delayed until 11 July because of the pandemic .
Yarde 's promoter Frank Warren wrote on Twitter : `` We are extremely sad to learn that Anthony Yarde has now lost his Nan to the coronavirus .
`` We ca n't begin to imagine what Anthony and his family are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to them .
`` Please listen to his heartfelt personal plea , stay at home to save lives . ''

British boxer Anthony Yarde has announced his grandmother has died after contracting coronavirus, just a few days after his father's death as a result of the pandemic.
Yarde's father, who the boxer said had been "fit with no health issues", died last Friday.
And the 28-year-old light-heavyweight said his grandmother passed away on Thursday - and again appealed to people to stay at home.
"It's serious!" Yarde wrote on social media.
"People are still going out when they don't need to.
"I know there's a lot of opinions about COVID-19 and I have mine but I just know opinions ain't worth risking your life and others.
"Just stay home."
Yarde's next fight was set to be against fellow Briton Lyndon Arthur on 11 April, but the event has been delayed until 11 July because of the pandemic.
Yarde's promoter Frank Warren wrote on Twitter: "We are extremely sad to learn that Anthony Yarde has now lost his Nan to the coronavirus.
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"We can't begin to imagine what Anthony and his family are going through and our sincere condolences go out to them.
"Please listen to his heartfelt personal plea, stay at home to save lives."


news--2020-04-04--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson's pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds has had symptoms of coronavirus

Boris Johnson 's fiancee Carrie Symonds , who is pregnant with the couple 's first child , says she has spent the past week in bed with symptoms of coronavirus .
Posting on social media , Ms Symonds said she has not yet been tested for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
Mr Johnson is currently self-isolating after contracting coronavirus .
Ms Symonds said on Twitter : `` I 've spent the past week in bed with the main symptoms of Coronavirus . ''
`` I have n't needed to be tested and , after seven days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm on the mend . ''
The 32-year-old , who is at least six months pregnant , advised other expectant parents to keep up to date with relevant guidance from The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists .
`` Being pregnant with COVID-19 is obviously worrying .
To other pregnant women , please do read and follow the most up to date guidance which I found to be v [ sic ] reassuring , '' she said .
Mr Johnson , 55 , has already been in his Downing Street flat for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolation time for those living alone .
But the prime minister will continue to remain away from others as he still is suffering from a high temperature , a symptom of COVID-19 .
Ms Symonds , a former communications head for the Conservative Party , is believed to have left Downing Street more than a week ago for her flat in Camberwell in South London .
In a photo on her Instagram account , Ms Symonds can be seen lying in bed with the couple 's dog , Dilyn - `` Self-isolating is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the photo 's caption reads .
The Chief Medical Officer placed those who are pregnant in a vulnerable group last month , which means expectant parents should reduce social contact through social distancing measures , particularly those in their third trimester .
• Avoiding anyone who has symptoms which may suggest the coronavirus • Working from home , where possible The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists say that those who are pregnant are still no more likely to contract COVID-19 than the general population .
However , the College says pregnancy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alter how their bodies handle severe viral infections .
The College also advises that expectant parents continue to attend antenatal and postnatal appointments as normal , unless they have had symptoms of COVID-19 .
Those with symptoms should contact their community midwife to postpone routine visits until their isolation period is over .
Mr Johnson and Ms Symonds were last seen together in public at the Commonwealth Day Service on 9 March .
The couple got engaged at the end of 2019 , and their first child together is due in the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living together in residence above 10 Downing Street since the prime minister took over as leader of the Conservatives .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Johnson will become the first prime minister to marry while in office in over 170 years .
Mr Johnson already has four children from his second wife .
Mr Johnson also has a daughter with art consultant Helen Macintyre and there has been speculation - about which he has refused to answer questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child .

Boris Johnson's fiancee Carrie Symonds, who is pregnant with the couple's first child, says she has spent the past week in bed with symptoms of coronavirus.
Posting on social media, Ms Symonds said she has not yet been tested for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Mr Johnson is currently self-isolating after contracting coronavirus.
Ms Symonds said on Twitter: "I've spent the past week in bed with the main symptoms of Coronavirus."
"I haven't needed to be tested and, after seven days of rest, I feel stronger and I'm on the mend."
The 32-year-old, who is at least six months pregnant, advised other expectant parents to keep up to date with relevant guidance from The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
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"Being pregnant with COVID-19 is obviously worrying. To other pregnant women, please do read and follow the most up to date guidance which I found to be v [sic] reassuring," she said.
Mr Johnson, 55, has already been in his Downing Street flat for seven days, the recommended amount of isolation time for those living alone.
But the prime minister will continue to remain away from others as he still is suffering from a high temperature, a symptom of COVID-19.
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Image: A post by Carrie Symonds on Instagram reveals the couple got engaged at the end of last year
Ms Symonds, a former communications head for the Conservative Party, is believed to have left Downing Street more than a week ago for her flat in Camberwell in South London.
In a photo on her Instagram account, Ms Symonds can be seen lying in bed with the couple's dog, Dilyn - "Self-isolating isn't so bad with this one," the photo's caption reads.
The Chief Medical Officer placed those who are pregnant in a vulnerable group last month, which means expectant parents should reduce social contact through social distancing measures, particularly those in their third trimester.
Image: Carrie Symonds (centre) was previously the head of communications for the Conservative Party
These measures include:
Staying away from public places
Avoiding anyone who has symptoms which may suggest the coronavirus
Avoiding non-essential use of public transport
Working from home, where possible
Avoiding gatherings with family or friends
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists say that those who are pregnant are still no more likely to contract COVID-19 than the general population.
However, the College says pregnancy in a small number of people can alter how their bodies handle severe viral infections.
The College also advises that expectant parents continue to attend antenatal and postnatal appointments as normal, unless they have had symptoms of COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 17:45 Pregnant women: How to stay well in lockdown
Those with symptoms should contact their community midwife to postpone routine visits until their isolation period is over.
Mr Johnson and Ms Symonds were last seen together in public at the Commonwealth Day Service on 9 March.
The couple got engaged at the end of 2019, and their first child together is due in the "early summer".
Both have been living together in residence above 10 Downing Street since the prime minister took over as leader of the Conservatives.
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:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Johnson will become the first prime minister to marry while in office in over 170 years.
Mr Johnson already has four children from his second wife.
Mr Johnson also has a daughter with art consultant Helen Macintyre and there has been speculation - about which he has refused to answer questions - that he has fathered another extra-marital child.


news--2020-04-04--State-owned Chinese investor to seize control of chip designer Imagination

A state-controlled Chinese investor is trying to seize control of Imagination Technologies Group , the British chip designer – sparking fears that its prized intellectual property assets could disappear from the UK .
Sky News can exclusively reveal that Imagination , which was taken over in 2017 in a £550m deal , has scheduled an emergency board meeting next week to discuss the appointment of four representatives of China Reform Holdings as directors .
Senior MPs , including the chairs of four Commons select committees , have been alerted to the move , and are this weekend planning to urge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of potential risks to national security .
The government intelligence agency , GCHQ , and the National Cyber Security Centre have also been informed of the developments , according to Westminster insiders .
Imagination makes graphics processing units ( GPUs ) for customers including Apple and Samsung , and is one of the UK 's most important technology companies .
Its designs are used in 30 % of the world 's mobile phones and 40 % of automotive GPUs .
Customers in the car industry include Audi , Hyundai and Toyota .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intellectual property are `` used by billions of people across the globe in their phones , cars , homes , and workplaces '' .
In total , its designs are present in more products than there are people on Earth , making it a vital player in the rapidly expanding 'internet of things ' .
Imagination , which is headquartered in Hertfordshire , is directly owned by Canyon Bridge Capital Partners , a Cayman Islands-based private equity firm .
Canyon Bridge 's main investor is China Reform Holdings , which is one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ links to Beijing 's State Council , the country 's top decision-making body .
Sources in Westminster said on Saturday that senior Imagination executives were understood to be `` deeply concerned '' about the impending boardroom takeover and its implications .
One said that China Reform had indicated to the company that it ultimately wanted to redomicile it to China - a move that would have inevitable consequences for hundreds of important British technology jobs .
It would compound deepening fears about the pace of the 'technology transfer ' to the world 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic is stoking fresh international enmity towards China and raising renewed questions about globalisation .
One source said that China Reform 's move appeared to be timed to coincide with `` the point of maximum distraction '' for ministers , with governments around the world almost entirely consumed by the task of dealing with COVID-19 .
Imagination employs roughly 650 people in Britain , and 900 in total around the world .
It was the tenth most prolific UK-based filer of patents in the European Union last year - ahead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is owned by Japan 's SoftBank .
The relationship between Imagination and Apple , which resulted in a new licensing deal being struck in January , means that senior figures in the Trump administration might also raise questions about a Chinese takeover of the UK company 's board .
One source pointed to the backdrop of the fluctuating US-China trade war , suggesting that it would help solidify opposition in Washington to such a move .
In 2017 , America 's powerful Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bridge of Lattice Semiconductor following an executive order from President Trump .
In the wake of that decision , Canyon Bridge relocated its head office from the US to the light-touch Cayman Islands .
The emergency board meeting to nominate four China Reform officials as Imagination directors is expected to be held on Tuesday .
It was unclear this weekend whether Imagination executives , including the CEO Ron Black , a semiconductor industry veteran , had been consulted on the move .
Senior MPs , including Tom Tugendhat , who chairs the foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister to urge an assessment by GCHQ of the national security implications of the impending board changes .
In a joint letter from the chairs of four Commons committees - business , energy and industrial strategy ; digital , culture , media and sport ; defence and foreign affairs - the MPs this weekend urged Mr Johnson to contact Imagination executives and CFIUS to obtain more information about China Reform .
`` They want assurances that Imagination Technologies will remain a UK-based company that is able to continue its operations and innovations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with their letter .
Mr Tugendhat told Sky News : `` Technology transfer out of the UK is costing us - not only in lost jobs , but lost seedbeds of innovation .
`` We 've been so busy taking back control from Brussels we seem not to have noticed how fast our companies and technologies are falling into the grasp of other nations . ''
Imagination is said to be taking legal advice on whether the boardroom coup can be prevented .
The situation is erupting amid ongoing criticism of the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese telecoms equipment manufacturer , a role in the construction of Britain 's 5G network .
Huawei 's insistence that it is a private company , with no control exerted by Beijing , has continued to draw a sceptical response from the likes of Sir Iain Duncan Smith , the former Conservative leader .
Last weekend , Sir Iain wrote in the Mail on Sunday that China 's trading partners would need to rethink their relationship with the country once the world had got to grips with the coronavirus outbreak .
`` For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to China in the desperate hope of winning trade deals , '' he wrote .
`` But once we get clear of this terrible pandemic , it is imperative that we all rethink that relationship and put it on a much more balanced and honest basis . '
Since the 2016 Brexit referendum , the government has sought to strengthen the regime around foreign takeovers of UK companies .
Theresa May 's administration introduced a tougher national security test for buyers of assets in areas such as technology , requiring buyers to notify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The tightening of the rules came in the wake of SoftBank 's £24bn takeover of ARM Holdings in 2016 .
Since then , ministers have forced Melrose Industries and Advent International to make binding commitments about their stewardship of the industrial groups GKN Holdings and Cobham respectively .
However , they elected not to intervene in Canyon Bridge 's takeover of Imagination .
`` We have been encouraged that the focus of the UK government has and continues to be one of welcoming this type of investment .
.
.
that will help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a partner at Canyon Bridge , said in 2017 .
`` They certainly asked about UK headquarters , UK jobs , UK R & D in particular .
.
.
Our focus is about creating and building on the rich technology resources that are right here [ in the UK ] . ''
Imagination declined to comment on Saturday , while neither Canyon Bridge or China Reform Holdings could be reached for comment .

A state-controlled Chinese investor is trying to seize control of Imagination Technologies Group, the British chip designer – sparking fears that its prized intellectual property assets could disappear from the UK.
Sky News can exclusively reveal that Imagination, which was taken over in 2017 in a £550m deal, has scheduled an emergency board meeting next week to discuss the appointment of four representatives of China Reform Holdings as directors.
Senior MPs, including the chairs of four Commons select committees, have been alerted to the move, and are this weekend planning to urge Boris Johnson to intervene on the grounds of potential risks to national security.
The government intelligence agency, GCHQ, and the National Cyber Security Centre have also been informed of the developments, according to Westminster insiders.
Imagination makes graphics processing units (GPUs) for customers including Apple and Samsung, and is one of the UK's most important technology companies.
Its designs are used in 30% of the world's mobile phones and 40% of automotive GPUs.
Customers in the car industry include Audi, Hyundai and Toyota.
The company boasts that products based on its intellectual property are "used by billions of people across the globe in their phones, cars, homes, and workplaces".
In total, its designs are present in more products than there are people on Earth, making it a vital player in the rapidly expanding 'internet of things'.
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Imagination, which is headquartered in Hertfordshire, is directly owned by Canyon Bridge Capital Partners, a Cayman Islands-based private equity firm.
Canyon Bridge's main investor is China Reform Holdings, which is one of thousands of Chinese state-owned enterprises and has links to Beijing's State Council, the country's top decision-making body.
Sources in Westminster said on Saturday that senior Imagination executives were understood to be "deeply concerned" about the impending boardroom takeover and its implications.
One said that China Reform had indicated to the company that it ultimately wanted to redomicile it to China - a move that would have inevitable consequences for hundreds of important British technology jobs.
It would compound deepening fears about the pace of the 'technology transfer' to the world's most populous nation at a time when the coronavirus pandemic is stoking fresh international enmity towards China and raising renewed questions about globalisation.
One source said that China Reform's move appeared to be timed to coincide with "the point of maximum distraction" for ministers, with governments around the world almost entirely consumed by the task of dealing with COVID-19.
Imagination employs roughly 650 people in Britain, and 900 in total around the world.
It was the tenth most prolific UK-based filer of patents in the European Union last year - ahead of Dyson and the chip designer ARM Holdings, which is owned by Japan's SoftBank.
The relationship between Imagination and Apple, which resulted in a new licensing deal being struck in January, means that senior figures in the Trump administration might also raise questions about a Chinese takeover of the UK company's board.
One source pointed to the backdrop of the fluctuating US-China trade war, suggesting that it would help solidify opposition in Washington to such a move.
In 2017, America's powerful Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) blocked a takeover by Canyon Bridge of Lattice Semiconductor following an executive order from President Trump.
In the wake of that decision, Canyon Bridge relocated its head office from the US to the light-touch Cayman Islands.
The emergency board meeting to nominate four China Reform officials as Imagination directors is expected to be held on Tuesday.
It was unclear this weekend whether Imagination executives, including the CEO Ron Black, a semiconductor industry veteran, had been consulted on the move.
Senior MPs, including Tom Tugendhat, who chairs the foreign affairs committee, have written to the prime minister to urge an assessment by GCHQ of the national security implications of the impending board changes.
In a joint letter from the chairs of four Commons committees - business, energy and industrial strategy; digital, culture, media and sport; defence and foreign affairs - the MPs this weekend urged Mr Johnson to contact Imagination executives and CFIUS to obtain more information about China Reform.
"They want assurances that Imagination Technologies will remain a UK-based company that is able to continue its operations and innovations here," said one person familiar with their letter.
Mr Tugendhat told Sky News: "Technology transfer out of the UK is costing us - not only in lost jobs, but lost seedbeds of innovation.
"We've been so busy taking back control from Brussels we seem not to have noticed how fast our companies and technologies are falling into the grasp of other nations."
Imagination is said to be taking legal advice on whether the boardroom coup can be prevented.
The situation is erupting amid ongoing criticism of the government's decision to allow Huawei, the Chinese telecoms equipment manufacturer, a role in the construction of Britain's 5G network.
Huawei's insistence that it is a private company, with no control exerted by Beijing, has continued to draw a sceptical response from the likes of Sir Iain Duncan Smith, the former Conservative leader.
Last weekend, Sir Iain wrote in the Mail on Sunday that China's trading partners would need to rethink their relationship with the country once the world had got to grips with the coronavirus outbreak.
"For too long, nations have lamely kow-towed to China in the desperate hope of winning trade deals," he wrote.
"But once we get clear of this terrible pandemic, it is imperative that we all rethink that relationship and put it on a much more balanced and honest basis.'
Since the 2016 Brexit referendum, the government has sought to strengthen the regime around foreign takeovers of UK companies.
Theresa May's administration introduced a tougher national security test for buyers of assets in areas such as technology, requiring buyers to notify the government of any potential issues.
The tightening of the rules came in the wake of SoftBank's £24bn takeover of ARM Holdings in 2016.
Since then, ministers have forced Melrose Industries and Advent International to make binding commitments about their stewardship of the industrial groups GKN Holdings and Cobham respectively.
However, they elected not to intervene in Canyon Bridge's takeover of Imagination.
"We have been encouraged that the focus of the UK government has and continues to be one of welcoming this type of investment . . . that will help accelerate success," Ray Bingham, a partner at Canyon Bridge, said in 2017.
"They certainly asked about UK headquarters, UK jobs, UK R&D in particular . . . Our focus is about creating and building on the rich technology resources that are right here [in the UK]."
Imagination declined to comment on Saturday, while neither Canyon Bridge or China Reform Holdings could be reached for comment.