news--2020-04-11--Trump administration probes China's Imagination plot

The Trump administration has launched an urgent probe into attempts by a state-owned Chinese investor to seize control of Imagination Technologies Group , the British-based chip developer .
Sky News can reveal that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US ( CFIUS ) , a powerful national security body based in Washington , has begun making enquiries about the intentions of China Reform Holdings , which has close links to Beijing .
The move places Imagination , which counts Apple among its most important customers , at the centre of government investigations on both sides of the Atlantic amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fuelled by the coronavirus pandemic .
CFIUS is understood to have written to Canyon Bridge Capital Partners , which took control of Imagination two-and-a-half years ago in a £550m deal , in the last few days .
The committee , which blocked Canyon Bridge 's takeover of Lattice Semiconductors in 2017 , is said to have written an `` extremely detailed '' letter to the private equity investor .
Canyon Bridge was based in the US , and retains offices there , but redomiciled to the Cayman Islands after CFIUS 's intervention in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker CFIUS is likely to be interested in any possible risk to intellectual property developed in the US prior to Imagination 's takeover .
Imagination 's relationship with Apple , which was rekindled in January with a new licensing deal , is also expected to be a focal point .
The British company 's sale to Canyon Bridge was approved by the US government subject to its disposal of MIPS , a graphics processing unit operating in the US .
MIPS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a California-based investor , which subsequently combined it with Wave , an artificial intelligence processing business .
News of CFIUS 's probe comes after a troubled week for Hertfordshire-based Imagination , which employs 550 people in the UK and 300 more around the world .
Sky News revealed last weekend that its UK workforce could be endangered by a plot being hatched by China Reform to take control of its board by nominating four new directors .
Imagination is said to have been told that China Reform ultimately wanted to move the company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the world 's most populous country .
An emergency board meeting had been scheduled for Tuesday , but was called off just 24 hours before it was due to take place , with Canyon Bridge offering reassurances to the UK government that it was committed to Britain .
On Friday , however , the company said that Ron Black , its chief executive , had resigned .
He is thought to have been forced out because of the escalating row about Imagination 's future .
In a statement , the chip designer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the global economy is under significant stress , Imagination is well positioned to benefit from trends towards continued automation , connectivity , and widespread implementation of AI technologies . ''
Ray Bingham , a Canyon Bridge executive who has been appointed as Imagination 's executive chairman , added : `` Since acquiring Imagination Technologies in 2017 , we 've made great progress in transforming the company and we remain fully committed to the UK and to supporting our customers around the world .
`` Our strategy will benefit the company 's headquarters and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our customers and staff . ''
No details were provided , however , of how Imagination would be `` increasing its investment in the UK '' .
Imagination is regarded as one of Britain 's most important technology companies , and boasts that its graphics processing units ( GPUs ) are used in 30 % of the world 's mobile phones and , in total , 11bn devices globally .
It was the tenth most prolific UK-based filer of patents in the European Union last year - ahead of Dyson and the chip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Japan 's SoftBank .
The UK government is also pursuing an investigation into events at Imagination .
Oliver Dowden , the culture secretary , told MPs this week that officials were `` working with their counterparts in the departments for Business , Energy , and Industrial Strategy , the National Cyber Security Centre , the Foreign Office , and Cabinet Office as a matter of urgency to understand the facts '' .
He added that he was seeking an `` urgent meeting '' with Ray Bingham , Imagination 's executive chairman and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owner , Canyon Bridge Capital Partners .
Mr Dowden told four select committee chairs that the government remained committed to legislation `` to give the government further powers to scrutinise foreign transactions in the form of the National Security and Investment Bill '' .
`` The Bill will strengthen our powers by building on our current merger and takeover regime and will be wide reaching and broad enough to keep pace with technological innovation , '' he wrote .
Although the board meeting - which was convened to elect four China Reform nominees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry sources say that China Reform 's move has raised significant issues about the ownership and control of British technology assets .
The foreign affairs select committee has launched a separate inquiry into `` foreign asset-stripping of UK companies '' , which comes in the wake of the government 's decision to give Huawei , the Chinese telecoms equipment manufacturer , a role in the construction of Britain 's 5G network .
An Imagination spokesman declined to comment on Saturday .

The Trump administration has launched an urgent probe into attempts by a state-owned Chinese investor to seize control of Imagination Technologies Group, the British-based chip developer.
Sky News can reveal that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US (CFIUS), a powerful national security body based in Washington, has begun making enquiries about the intentions of China Reform Holdings, which has close links to Beijing.
The move places Imagination, which counts Apple among its most important customers, at the centre of government investigations on both sides of the Atlantic amid expectations of a surge in protectionist sentiment fuelled by the coronavirus pandemic.
Image: Apple is one of Imagination Technologies' most important customers
CFIUS is understood to have written to Canyon Bridge Capital Partners, which took control of Imagination two-and-a-half years ago in a £550m deal, in the last few days.
The committee, which blocked Canyon Bridge's takeover of Lattice Semiconductors in 2017, is said to have written an "extremely detailed" letter to the private equity investor.
Canyon Bridge was based in the US, and retains offices there, but redomiciled to the Cayman Islands after CFIUS's intervention in the Lattice deal.
The firm's main backer is China Reform Holdings, a state-controlled venture capital investor.
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 Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
CFIUS is likely to be interested in any possible risk to intellectual property developed in the US prior to Imagination's takeover.
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Imagination's relationship with Apple, which was rekindled in January with a new licensing deal, is also expected to be a focal point.
The British company's sale to Canyon Bridge was approved by the US government subject to its disposal of MIPS, a graphics processing unit operating in the US.
MIPS was sold to Tallwood Venture Capital, a California-based investor, which subsequently combined it with Wave, an artificial intelligence processing business.
News of CFIUS's probe comes after a troubled week for Hertfordshire-based Imagination, which employs 550 people in the UK and 300 more around the world.
Sky News revealed last weekend that its UK workforce could be endangered by a plot being hatched by China Reform to take control of its board by nominating four new directors.
Imagination is said to have been told that China Reform ultimately wanted to move the company's headquarters and its intellectual property assets to the world's most populous country.
An emergency board meeting had been scheduled for Tuesday, but was called off just 24 hours before it was due to take place, with Canyon Bridge offering reassurances to the UK government that it was committed to Britain.
On Friday, however, the company said that Ron Black, its chief executive, had resigned.
He is thought to have been forced out because of the escalating row about Imagination's future.
In a statement, the chip designer said: "At a time when the global economy is under significant stress, Imagination is well positioned to benefit from trends towards continued automation, connectivity, and widespread implementation of AI technologies."
Ray Bingham, a Canyon Bridge executive who has been appointed as Imagination's executive chairman, added: "Since acquiring Imagination Technologies in 2017, we've made great progress in transforming the company and we remain fully committed to the UK and to supporting our customers around the world.
"Our strategy will benefit the company's headquarters and global business development and our priority remains our customers and staff."
No details were provided, however, of how Imagination would be "increasing its investment in the UK".
Imagination is regarded as one of Britain's most important technology companies, and boasts that its graphics processing units (GPUs) are used in 30% of the world's mobile phones and, in total, 11bn devices globally.
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 UK government is also pursuing an investigation into events at Imagination.
Oliver Dowden, the culture secretary, told MPs this week that officials were "working with their counterparts in the departments for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy, the National Cyber Security Centre, the Foreign Office, and Cabinet Office as a matter of urgency to understand the facts".
He added that he was seeking an "urgent meeting" with Ray Bingham, Imagination's executive chairman and a partner at the chip designer's owner, Canyon Bridge Capital Partners.
Mr Dowden told four select committee chairs that the government remained committed to legislation "to give the government further powers to scrutinise foreign transactions in the form of the National Security and Investment Bill".
"The Bill will strengthen our powers by building on our current merger and takeover regime and will be wide reaching and broad enough to keep pace with technological innovation," he wrote.
Although the board meeting - which was convened to elect four China Reform nominees as directors - has been cancelled, industry sources say that China Reform's move has raised significant issues about the ownership and control of British technology assets.
The foreign affairs select committee has launched a separate inquiry into "foreign asset-stripping of UK companies", which comes in the wake of the government's decision to give Huawei, the Chinese telecoms equipment manufacturer, a role in the construction of Britain's 5G network.
An Imagination spokesman declined to comment on Saturday.


news--2020-04-10--Coronavirus: 'We're frightened' - Inside one of the UK's worst-hit hospitals

It 's one of the worst affected hospitals in London and is now working at nearly four times its normal critical care capacity because of COVID-19 .
Wards at Croydon University Hospital in south London - like the one we have been invited to - were once used for looking after elderly orthopaedic patients .
Now , they are filled with those suffering from COVID-19 - a disease we still know so little about .
Some of the stricken cough and wheeze into oxygen bags , and these are the less serious coronavirus patients .
These patients have not had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are not receiving mechanical breathing support , and there are no teams of alien-looking medics dressed head to toe in hazmat suits wearing goggles .
This is an insight into an `` ordinary '' hospital ward operating in extraordinary times .
Those here still require an intense , methodical amount of care - care which will need to be 24 hours a day , seven days a week .
And all of this care needs to be done while observing the strictest of hygiene protocols to ensure there is no cross-contamination and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic in the UK has yet to come , and no one can really know when that will be , or how this will end .
About half of Croydon University Hospital is already devoted to caring for coronavirus patients .
The hospital 's chief executive , Matthew Kershaw , expects that percentage to rise over the coming weeks and months .
However , he appears confident that the hospital will not reach a time when it is entirely taken over by the virus .
The people of Croydon will be hoping he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only highly contagious but deadly too .
The hospital 's managers are anxiously trying to balance a difficult message that this disease is dangerous and we all need to abide by the social distancing rules and staying at home - without creating unnecessary fear and panic .
Of those who have been admitted to this hospital , about a quarter have n't survived - and that has taken its toll on the staff who are battling against their own fears over the disease .
Chief nurse Elaine Clancy told us : `` Patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well… frightened that they ca n't automatically make patients better , they ca n't make this better ... and they 're frightened for themselves , their loved ones and their colleagues . ''
Every single person who is discharged is treated like a lottery winner .
Ward leader Marion Spence told us : `` We cheer them on… if this was a football field , it would be filled with people cheering .
We give them a good clap and cheer them on… and even on the phone , we tell the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming home ! '
'' : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The hospital staff - like many in Britain - are stretched .
They 're coping with their own illnesses in their families ; and the self-isolation and retreat from work that demands .
It has meant getting help from unusual quarters .
On the ward where we are , there is a young woman who used to be serving gin and tonics in the first class cabin of a British Airways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tajah Duncan was furloughed but could n't stay at home waiting for the situation to return to normal .
`` I decided to be one of the ones to come and help because I know this hospital particularly needed extra support , '' she said .
`` I wanted to be one of the ones who could help with that . ''
You only have to look at Pamela Mills , sitting attached to an oxygen mask next to her hospital bed , to realise it is a long way back once you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the ward to talk to her , and is clearly keen to tell us her experience .
She has already been in the hospital for a fortnight but tells us : `` It sort of goes in sections ... if I get up , go to the bathroom and come back , I have to fight for breath for a little while and then it all eases down .
`` I seem to go through , sort of like a really horrible day when you think , you know , I just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there .
And then you get a few days when you 're a bit more light than the dark… you just ca n't tell . ''
I ask her what today has been like .
`` Boring , '' she replies - laughing .
Within seconds she is overwhelmed by a terrible hacking cough , apparently triggered by her laughing .
The coughing goes on for several seconds and halts her talking altogether .
If there 's been an upside to this , the hospital staff tell us , it 's been the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camaraderie .
Teams have laughed together but they have also cried together .
It has been a huge emotional strain on both staff , patients and their families but it has engendered a community spirit that few believe existed .

It's one of the worst affected hospitals in London and is now working at nearly four times its normal critical care capacity because of COVID-19.
Wards at Croydon University Hospital in south London - like the one we have been invited to - were once used for looking after elderly orthopaedic patients. Now, they are filled with those suffering from COVID-19 - a disease we still know so little about.
Some of the stricken cough and wheeze into oxygen bags, and these are the less serious coronavirus patients.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:30 Patients with COVID-19 speak from hospital
These patients have not had to be admitted to intensive care, they are not receiving mechanical breathing support, and there are no teams of alien-looking medics dressed head to toe in hazmat suits wearing goggles.
This is an insight into an "ordinary" hospital ward operating in extraordinary times.
Those here still require an intense, methodical amount of care - care which will need to be 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And all of this care needs to be done while observing the strictest of hygiene protocols to ensure there is no cross-contamination and no spread.
Image: Medics prepare to feed patients inside one of the wards at Croydon University Hospital
The peak of the pandemic in the UK has yet to come, and no one can really know when that will be, or how this will end.
About half of Croydon University Hospital is already devoted to caring for coronavirus patients.
Image: Dozens of cards have been sent in to the workers at the hospital as a thank-you for caring for their loved ones
The hospital's chief executive, Matthew Kershaw, expects that percentage to rise over the coming weeks and months. However, he appears confident that the hospital will not reach a time when it is entirely taken over by the virus.
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The people of Croydon will be hoping he is right.
Image: Croydon University Hospital is one of the worst-affected healthcare facilities in London
This disease is not only highly contagious but deadly too. The hospital's managers are anxiously trying to balance a difficult message that this disease is dangerous and we all need to abide by the social distancing rules and staying at home - without creating unnecessary fear and panic.
Of those who have been admitted to this hospital, about a quarter haven't survived - and that has taken its toll on the staff who are battling against their own fears over the disease.
Image: One relative wrote a message for the doctors and nurses after they cared for her mother
Chief nurse Elaine Clancy told us: "Patients are understandably frightened, staff are frightened as well… frightened that they can't automatically make patients better, they can't make this better... and they're frightened for themselves, their loved ones and their colleagues."
Every single person who is discharged is treated like a lottery winner.
Ward leader Marion Spence told us: "We cheer them on… if this was a football field, it would be filled with people cheering. We give them a good clap and cheer them on… and even on the phone, we tell the relatives 'It's good news… she's coming home!'"
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The hospital staff - like many in Britain - are stretched. They're coping with their own illnesses in their families; and the self-isolation and retreat from work that demands.
It has meant getting help from unusual quarters. On the ward where we are, there is a young woman who used to be serving gin and tonics in the first class cabin of a British Airways plane just a few weeks ago.
Tajah Duncan was furloughed but couldn't stay at home waiting for the situation to return to normal. "I decided to be one of the ones to come and help because I know this hospital particularly needed extra support," she said. "I wanted to be one of the ones who could help with that."
Image: Ward leader Marion Spence at Croydon University Hospital has drawn features on her mask
You only have to look at Pamela Mills, sitting attached to an oxygen mask next to her hospital bed, to realise it is a long way back once you contract the virus.
Pamela invites us into the ward to talk to her, and is clearly keen to tell us her experience.
Image: A few weeks ago, Tajah Duncan served as BA cabin crew. Now, she's helping out in the hospital
She has already been in the hospital for a fortnight but tells us: "It sort of goes in sections... if I get up, go to the bathroom and come back, I have to fight for breath for a little while and then it all eases down.
"I seem to go through, sort of like a really horrible day when you think, you know, I just want to go to bed and stay there. And then you get a few days when you're a bit more light than the dark… you just can't tell."
I ask her what today has been like. "Boring," she replies - laughing.
Within seconds she is overwhelmed by a terrible hacking cough, apparently triggered by her laughing. The coughing goes on for several seconds and halts her talking altogether.
Image: Two radiographers examine a detector, which has been covered in plastic, for a mobile x-ray machine
If there's been an upside to this, the hospital staff tell us, it's been the bonding, the pulling together, the camaraderie. Teams have laughed together but they have also cried together.
It has been a huge emotional strain on both staff, patients and their families but it has engendered a community spirit that few believe existed.


news--2020-04-11--Coronavirus: UK records 917 new coronavirus deaths - including an 11-year-old

The UK has recorded 917 new coronavirus deaths - including an 11-year-old .
This brings the total number of UK deaths to 9,875 , according to the Department of Health , making it likely that the toll will pass 10,000 on Easter Sunday .
The figures are accurate as of 5pm on Friday .
The rise in cases announced on Saturday was slightly lower than the rise of 980 announced on Friday .
England reported 823 new deaths , with victims aged between 11 and 102 , NHS England said .
Thirty-three of them had no known underlying health conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 94 .
The deaths include 208 in London , 197 in the North West of England , and 165 in the Midlands .
The total number of deaths in England is now 8,937 .
Scotland announced 47 new coronavirus deaths , taking the total there to 542 , while Wales reported 36 deaths , bringing the overall number there to 351 .
Another 15 people have died in Northern Ireland , taking the total there to 107. : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least 19 NHS workers , something Health Secretary Matt Hancock described as a `` heartbreaking story '' .
Mr Hancock told Sky News on Saturday that he is not aware of a link between the deaths and a shortage of personal protective equipment but that an investigation would be carried out .
There has also been criticism of Mr Hancock 's comments during a Friday news conference , where he said PPE needed to be used `` appropriately '' .
He had said : `` We need everyone to treat PPE like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everyone should use the equipment they clinically need , in line with the guidelines : no more and no less . ''
Labour Party leader Keir Starmer had described the implication that NHS workers were wasting PPE as `` quite frankly insulting '' .
Meanwhile , Prime Minister Boris Johnson is making `` very good progress '' in his recovery from COVID-19 , a Downing Street spokesman has said .
Mr Johnson has been doing sudoku and watching films such as the Lord Of The Rings trilogy while in hospital .
Across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases of the virus as at 9am on Saturday .
Worldwide , more than 1.7 million people have tested positive for the virus , with more than 103,000 deaths , according to data from US university Johns Hopkins .

The UK has recorded 917 new coronavirus deaths - including an 11-year-old.
This brings the total number of UK deaths to 9,875, according to the Department of Health, making it likely that the toll will pass 10,000 on Easter Sunday.
The figures are accurate as of 5pm on Friday.
The rise in cases announced on Saturday was slightly lower than the rise of 980 announced on Friday.
England reported 823 new deaths, with victims aged between 11 and 102, NHS England said.
Thirty-three of them had no known underlying health conditions - they were aged between 29 and 94.
The deaths include 208 in London, 197 in the North West of England, and 165 in the Midlands.
The total number of deaths in England is now 8,937.
Scotland announced 47 new coronavirus deaths, taking the total there to 542, while Wales reported 36 deaths, bringing the overall number there to 351.
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Another 15 people have died in Northern Ireland, taking the total there to 107.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Also among the UK dead are at least 19 NHS workers, something Health Secretary Matt Hancock described as a "heartbreaking story".
Mr Hancock told Sky News on Saturday that he is not aware of a link between the deaths and a shortage of personal protective equipment but that an investigation would be carried out.
There has also been criticism of Mr Hancock's comments during a Friday news conference, where he said PPE needed to be used "appropriately".
He had said: "We need everyone to treat PPE like the precious resource it is.
"Everyone should use the equipment they clinically need, in line with the guidelines: no more and no less."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 NHS coronavirus deaths 'a heartbreaking story'
Labour Party leader Keir Starmer had described the implication that NHS workers were wasting PPE as "quite frankly insulting".
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is making "very good progress" in his recovery from COVID-19, a Downing Street spokesman has said.
Mr Johnson has been doing sudoku and watching films such as the Lord Of The Rings trilogy while in hospital.
Across the UK, there had been 78,991 confirmed cases of the virus as at 9am on Saturday.
Worldwide, more than 1.7 million people have tested positive for the virus, with more than 103,000 deaths, according to data from US university Johns Hopkins.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: France and Germany count economic cost of crisis

Europe 's biggest economies have begun counting the cost to growth from the coronavirus crisis - as leaders across the continent struggle to reach agreement on how to mitigate its impact .
France 's central bank said it had entered recession with an estimated 6 % contraction in GDP in the first quarter of the year , while forecasts also predicted a grim downturn for Germany .
But a 16-hour meeting between European leaders that stretched overnight into Wednesday morning failed to reach agreement on how to help the eurozone cope with the damage .
The Bank of France estimate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the January-March period comes after the economy shrank by 0.1 % in the fourth quarter of 2019 - and two quarters in a row of decline meets the definition of a recession .
France has been on lockdown since 17 March and the central bank estimates that every two weeks under the stay-at-home orders could reduce annual economic activity by 1.5 percentage points .
Meanwhile Germany , Europe 's biggest economy , is predicted to shrink by 4.2 % this year , according to a report by the country 's leading forecasters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to save households and companies across the continent from going bankrupt .
A video conference meeting between 19 eurozone finance ministers broke off due to differences over aid conditions and a proposal to issue joint bonds to pay for the crisis .
Talks were due to resume on Thursday .
On the table is a €500bn ( £431bn ) package , partly consisting of €240bn in emergency loans from the existing European Stability Mechanism ( ESM ) .
But Italy , which has been the epicentre of the crisis in Europe , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That is because it comes with conditions to carry out economic reforms - raising the spectre of the harsh austerity imposed on Greece during the eurozone debt crisis nearly a decade ago .
Italy says that makes the ESM the wrong tool to address the fall-out from the coronavirus crisis , since it is no country 's fault .
Germany has proposed waiving most conditions on the money , but the Netherlands has pushed for requiring reform promises .
German finance minister Olaf Scholz said countries were close to a deal on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the package - covering credit guarantees to keep companies afloat and support to help companies avoid lay-offs .
He said the position of Germany and other countries was that loans should come with minimal conditions and `` should not mean that , as happened 10 years ago , commissars or a troika travel to the countries and develop a program for the long-term '' .
Italy , backed by France , Spain and six other countries , had pushed to go even farther than using the ESM and rely on a shared bond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money at low interest rates and favourable conditions such as long repayment .
But Germany and the Netherlands have resisted common borrowing .

Europe's biggest economies have begun counting the cost to growth from the coronavirus crisis - as leaders across the continent struggle to reach agreement on how to mitigate its impact.
France's central bank said it had entered recession with an estimated 6% contraction in GDP in the first quarter of the year, while forecasts also predicted a grim downturn for Germany.
But a 16-hour meeting between European leaders that stretched overnight into Wednesday morning failed to reach agreement on how to help the eurozone cope with the damage.
The Bank of France estimate of the scale of the downturn in the January-March period comes after the economy shrank by 0.1% in the fourth quarter of 2019 - and two quarters in a row of decline meets the definition of a recession.
France has been on lockdown since 17 March and the central bank estimates that every two weeks under the stay-at-home orders could reduce annual economic activity by 1.5 percentage points.
Meanwhile Germany, Europe's biggest economy, is predicted to shrink by 4.2% this year, according to a report by the country's leading forecasters.
Image: France's finance minister Bruno Le Maire was among those taking part in a eurozone conference call
Yet deadlock remains between European leaders about how to save households and companies across the continent from going bankrupt.
A video conference meeting between 19 eurozone finance ministers broke off due to differences over aid conditions and a proposal to issue joint bonds to pay for the crisis.
Talks were due to resume on Thursday.
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On the table is a €500bn (£431bn) package, partly consisting of €240bn in emergency loans from the existing European Stability Mechanism (ESM).
But Italy, which has been the epicentre of the crisis in Europe, has rejected the use of the ESM.
That is because it comes with conditions to carry out economic reforms - raising the spectre of the harsh austerity imposed on Greece during the eurozone debt crisis nearly a decade ago.
Italy says that makes the ESM the wrong tool to address the fall-out from the coronavirus crisis, since it is no country's fault.
Germany has proposed waiving most conditions on the money, but the Netherlands has pushed for requiring reform promises.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 'We could be facing another Great Depression'
German finance minister Olaf Scholz said countries were close to a deal on the bailout loans and other parts of the package - covering credit guarantees to keep companies afloat and support to help companies avoid lay-offs.
He said the position of Germany and other countries was that loans should come with minimal conditions and "should not mean that, as happened 10 years ago, commissars or a troika travel to the countries and develop a program for the long-term".
Italy, backed by France, Spain and six other countries, had pushed to go even farther than using the ESM and rely on a shared bond issue backed by all countries to raise money at low interest rates and favourable conditions such as long repayment.
But Germany and the Netherlands have resisted common borrowing.


news--2020-04-09--Coronavirus: Is the lockdown making you tired? Here is why

Since lockdown began , Kameron McIntyre has been plagued with feeling exhausted and having stark , vivid dreams .
`` I get this feeling that I have n't even slept .
I feel like I 've gone through something turbulent mentally , '' the 27-year-old explains .
Mr McIntyre , who lives in London but is from Ireland , has been furloughed from his job at a skincare brand .
His dreams , problems with feeling tired and uncertainty around his job are contributing to his anxiety and depression .
`` I feel exhausted , literally exhausted , I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he told Sky News .
`` Some of the dreams I 've been having recently are very vivid… I had a dream all my relatives died and I think my big concern about that is that I 'm stuck over here . ''
He is not alone .
For the majority of Britons , day-to-day life now sees people stay at home , indoors for most if not all of the day .
Having no commute to work means extra time in bed and no pubs open means there are fewer reasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , many people are reporting they are finding it harder to wake up in the morning , feeling fatigued during the day and when they do get to sleep at night , are experiencing strange and vivid dreams .
Professor Colin A Espie , Professor of Sleep Medicine at Oxford University , explains that the changes to our lives as a result of the lockdown measures are impacting our 24-hour sleep-wake cycles , known as circadian rhythms .
`` I 've definitely noted more people having issues with sleep , '' Professor Espie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lots of talk about staying well in the day by staying home and looking after yourself , but it 's also important to stay well during the night time . ''
He adds : `` Sleep is central to our lives and because it happens automatically we take it for granted .
Now we are in one place [ most of the day ] it is easy for sleep and wakefulness to merge . ''
This , he says , amounts to a `` dampening '' of our circadian rhythms and can make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel unusually groggy in the morning .
The role of natural outside light is important in how a person 's sleep cycle functions with receptors in our eyes reacting most strongly to white light from the sun .
Professor Espie explained : `` We use daylight as a thing that trains our 24-hour body clock .
`` People are getting less daylight and not getting up as early .
That loss of light and change of habit allows the body clock to drift and can lead to a sense of malaise .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to get daylight .
This means get up at your usual time , unless it was very early , getting dressed and so on .
`` This helps keep the rhythm , and if you do your exercise outside , do it early in the day to make the most of the outside light early on . ''
• None Going to sleep at your regular time that suits you , whether you are an early riser or a night owl • None Not getting into bed too early , only just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • None Allowing for your sleep space to have low lighting • None If a person ca n't sleep , they should get out of bed and do something else for a short while before trying again • None Keeping to a routine during the day , including getting up at a normal time and getting dressed • None Getting daily exposure to day light , be that through exercise or even just standing at your front door .
Avoiding sleeping outside of your usual routine is also important .
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it 's hard to sleep more than you need .
By sleeping outside of normal times , a person 's sleep pattern will fragment and make it harder , with sleep often becoming lighter , '' Professor Espie explains .
People feeling sleepy may yawn or involuntarily fall asleep , and should consider a rest or short nap .
But a person feeling fatigue ( general tiredness , a low mood , a lack of energy ) would be better suited to doing an activity rather than trying to sleep , following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sleeping out of turn from fatigue can make it harder to sleep at night , which can fuel the anxiety and stress many are already experiencing during this pandemic .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Professor Espie explains : `` When people were panic buying food it 's because the threat of having no food is alarming .
You can compare that to if people then also think that they ca n't sleep , they then worry that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you sleep fine you do n't think about it , it 's only when it goes wrong and then the more you try to sleep , the harder it can seem to achieve . ''
It is not just impacting people who are staying indoors for most of the day .
Key workers , including those working on the front lines to tackle coronavirus , are also experiencing changes to their sleep .
Steph Barker , 26 , a cardiac physiologist in the NHS , told Sky News : `` Once you get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else because it 's so much effort to think about anything . ''
She said she had been having unusual dreams .
`` There was one where I went to see a musical , and then suddenly the main actress got sick and it turned out I was the understudy , but I did n't know the lines , '' she said .
Professor Espie explains that dreams occur in REM ( rapid eye movement ) sleep , the first episode of which is 60 or so minutes after you fall asleep , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having dreams that make little sense is normal , but adds : `` At times of stress , however , we might have dreams that feel as if they have more emotional or anxious content .
`` And of course we probably are a bit more anxious than usual just now .
It should n't surprise us that we are the same person whether we are awake or asleep .
That 's pretty much all that is happening . ''
But , he warned , there exists a risk dreams can be over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take the interpretation of dreams way too far , '' he said .
`` I 've seen so much nonsense about this in the media .
People who do this have little or no understanding about sleep science combined with a lot of confidence in their opinions .
`` We should n't bother listening to them . ''

Since lockdown began, Kameron McIntyre has been plagued with feeling exhausted and having stark, vivid dreams.
"I get this feeling that I haven't even slept. I feel like I've gone through something turbulent mentally," the 27-year-old explains.
Mr McIntyre, who lives in London but is from Ireland, has been furloughed from his job at a skincare brand. His dreams, problems with feeling tired and uncertainty around his job are contributing to his anxiety and depression.
Image: Kameron McIntyre has struggled with feeling exhausted since lockdown began
"I feel exhausted, literally exhausted, I've literally no motivation to do anything," he told Sky News.
"Some of the dreams I've been having recently are very vivid… I had a dream all my relatives died and I think my big concern about that is that I'm stuck over here."
He is not alone.
For the majority of Britons, day-to-day life now sees people stay at home, indoors for most if not all of the day. Having no commute to work means extra time in bed and no pubs open means there are fewer reasons to stay out late.
Despite this, many people are reporting they are finding it harder to wake up in the morning, feeling fatigued during the day and when they do get to sleep at night, are experiencing strange and vivid dreams.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:33 'Please stay home this bank holiday weekend'
Professor Colin A Espie, Professor of Sleep Medicine at Oxford University, explains that the changes to our lives as a result of the lockdown measures are impacting our 24-hour sleep-wake cycles, known as circadian rhythms.
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"I've definitely noted more people having issues with sleep," Professor Espie told Sky News.
"There's lots of talk about staying well in the day by staying home and looking after yourself, but it's also important to stay well during the night time."
He adds: "Sleep is central to our lives and because it happens automatically we take it for granted. Now we are in one place [most of the day] it is easy for sleep and wakefulness to merge."
This, he says, amounts to a "dampening" of our circadian rhythms and can make people feel fatigued during the day and feel unusually groggy in the morning.
The role of natural outside light is important in how a person's sleep cycle functions with receptors in our eyes reacting most strongly to white light from the sun.
Professor Espie explained: "We use daylight as a thing that trains our 24-hour body clock.
"People are getting less daylight and not getting up as early. That loss of light and change of habit allows the body clock to drift and can lead to a sense of malaise.
"It's important to maintain a routine and to get daylight. This means get up at your usual time, unless it was very early, getting dressed and so on.
"This helps keep the rhythm, and if you do your exercise outside, do it early in the day to make the most of the outside light early on."
Image: Getting daylight, including while exercising, is beneficial
Professor Espie suggested a series of tips to improve a person's sleep cycle:
Going to sleep at your regular time that suits you, whether you are an early riser or a night owl
Not getting into bed too early, only just before you hope to go to sleep
Allowing for your sleep space to have low lighting
If a person can't sleep, they should get out of bed and do something else for a short while before trying again
Keeping to a routine during the day, including getting up at a normal time and getting dressed
Getting daily exposure to day light, be that through exercise or even just standing at your front door.
Avoiding sleeping outside of your usual routine is also important.
"It's easy to eat more than you need but it's hard to sleep more than you need. By sleeping outside of normal times, a person's sleep pattern will fragment and make it harder, with sleep often becoming lighter," Professor Espie explains.
People feeling sleepy may yawn or involuntarily fall asleep, and should consider a rest or short nap.
But a person feeling fatigue (general tiredness, a low mood, a lack of energy) would be better suited to doing an activity rather than trying to sleep, following a daily routine and getting enough daylight.
Sleeping out of turn from fatigue can make it harder to sleep at night, which can fuel the anxiety and stress many are already experiencing during this pandemic.
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:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Professor Espie explains: "When people were panic buying food it's because the threat of having no food is alarming. You can compare that to if people then also think that they can't sleep, they then worry that they are unable to.
"When you sleep fine you don't think about it, it's only when it goes wrong and then the more you try to sleep, the harder it can seem to achieve."
It is not just impacting people who are staying indoors for most of the day. Key workers, including those working on the front lines to tackle coronavirus, are also experiencing changes to their sleep.
Steph Barker, 26, a cardiac physiologist in the NHS, told Sky News: "Once you get home you can't face doing anything else because it's so much effort to think about anything."
Image: Steph Barker has found her dreams have changed since the pandemic broke out
She said she had been having unusual dreams.
"There was one where I went to see a musical, and then suddenly the main actress got sick and it turned out I was the understudy, but I didn't know the lines," she said.
Professor Espie explains that dreams occur in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, the first episode of which is 60 or so minutes after you fall asleep, repeating throughout the night.
He said having dreams that make little sense is normal, but adds: "At times of stress, however, we might have dreams that feel as if they have more emotional or anxious content.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:41 Meet the 103-year-old COVID-19 survivor
"And of course we probably are a bit more anxious than usual just now. It shouldn't surprise us that we are the same person whether we are awake or asleep. That's pretty much all that is happening."
But, he warned, there exists a risk dreams can be over analysed.
"There are people who take the interpretation of dreams way too far," he said.
"I've seen so much nonsense about this in the media. People who do this have little or no understanding about sleep science combined with a lot of confidence in their opinions.
"We shouldn't bother listening to them."


news--2020-04-11--Coronavirus: Spain records lowest number of dead for 19 days

Spain has recorded its lowest number of deaths for 19 days , suggesting the outbreak there may have peaked .
It reported 510 coronavirus fatalities on Saturday , taking the total to 16,353 .
The number of confirmed COVID-19 infections increased from 157,022 to 161,852 .
Sky News correspondent Alex Rossi , who is in Barcelona , said the rate of infection is `` now hovering around 2-3 % - think back two or three weeks ago , and it was up to 20 % '' .
Spaniards have been kept off the streets since the middle of last month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the world may now be at least partially lifted .
`` The government is preparing new scenarios of de-escalation , '' Health Minister Salvador Illa told reporters .
While the formal lockdown will probably continue until May , some restrictions will be lifted on Monday .
Factories will reopen and people in sectors including construction will be allowed to go back to work .
There are fears , however , that if measures are lifted too rapidly , there could be a large secondary coronavirus infection .
`` These are very complex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Illa said .
The head of the World Health Organisation , Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , has warned that easing restrictions prematurely could `` lead to a deadly resurgence '' .
Those who do return to work should maintain social distancing , said Maria Jose Sierra , deputy head of health emergencies .
She added that `` if there is a person who shows the slightest symptom , they should contact the health system and remain in self-isolation '' .
Alex Rossi said the number of dead may be much higher than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in hospital are tested .
`` Anecdotal evidence suggests the numbers of people who have passed away in care homes or in their own homes could be quite large , '' he said .

Spain has recorded its lowest number of deaths for 19 days, suggesting the outbreak there may have peaked.
It reported 510 coronavirus fatalities on Saturday, taking the total to 16,353.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 infections increased from 157,022 to 161,852.
Image: People social distancing as they wait to enter a supermarket in Madrid
Sky News correspondent Alex Rossi, who is in Barcelona, said the rate of infection is "now hovering around 2-3% - think back two or three weeks ago, and it was up to 20%".
Spaniards have been kept off the streets since the middle of last month, and one of the strictest lockdowns in the world may now be at least partially lifted.
"The government is preparing new scenarios of de-escalation," Health Minister Salvador Illa told reporters.
Image: The number suggests the spread of the disease may have peaked
While the formal lockdown will probably continue until May, some restrictions will be lifted on Monday.
Factories will reopen and people in sectors including construction will be allowed to go back to work.
There are fears, however, that if measures are lifted too rapidly, there could be a large secondary coronavirus infection.
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"These are very complex decisions that require multi-disciplinary analysis," Mr Illa said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:16 WHO boss wishes Boris Johnson 'all the best'
The head of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has warned that easing restrictions prematurely could "lead to a deadly resurgence".
Those who do return to work should maintain social distancing, said Maria Jose Sierra, deputy head of health emergencies.
She added that "if there is a person who shows the slightest symptom, they should contact the health system and remain in self-isolation".
Alex Rossi said the number of dead may be much higher than the official figure suggests, because only those in hospital are tested.
"Anecdotal evidence suggests the numbers of people who have passed away in care homes or in their own homes could be quite large," he said.


news--2020-04-11--Coronavirus: 'I'm sorry if people feel there have been failings' over PPE, says Home Secretary

The home secretary has said she is `` sorry if people feel there have been failings '' in providing personal protective equipment ( PPE ) to NHS staff .
Priti Patel was asked about the issue at the daily Downing Street news conference after 19 NHS workers were confirmed to have died with coronavirus .
She said it was `` inevitable '' that demand would be high for PPE during a global pandemic , but said that the government is working to provide resources more widely .
She said : `` The government is working across every single agency that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work with : The Health and Safety Executive , Public Health England , various groups and organisations across the supply chain .
`` We already know that , certainly from a police and fire perspective , and this links over to prisons and other key public services , we 've absolutely secured our supply chain .
Ms Patel continued : `` Every single aspect of public service requires different guidance around PPE , and also different types of guidance , and that 's exactly what we 've all been working through .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Sky News said it was a `` heartbreaking story '' and it affects everyone in the NHS to see their colleagues die .
Mr Hancock said he was not aware of any link between lack of PPE and the deaths , but did say that a full investigation would be carried out to understand how those health workers contracted coronavirus on the front line .
He said : `` My heart goes out to their families ... the fact that such a high proportion are from people that moved to this country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart-rending ... to see people who have literally given their lives for the NHS who were moved here to give that service and I think we should pay tribute to them . ''
Talking about personal protective equipment , the health secretary said that although he will not criticise people for wearing more than necessary , health workers should use it `` appropriately '' , saying it is a `` precious resource '' and it is a logistical effort to get it to the millions working in health and social care .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily press briefing to only wear exactly the right amount of PPE , as getting it distributed was a `` Herculean effort '' .
Responding to Mr Hancock 's suggestion that frontline workers could be wearing too much PPE , Labour leader Keir Starmer tweeted : `` It is quite frankly insulting to imply front line staff are wasting PPE .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' There are horrific stories of NHS staff and care workers not having the equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The government must act to ensure supplies are delivered . ''
Mr Hancock also reiterated his message that people should spend the Easter weekend indoors , despite warmer weather .

The home secretary has said she is "sorry if people feel there have been failings" in providing personal protective equipment (PPE) to NHS staff.
Priti Patel was asked about the issue at the daily Downing Street news conference after 19 NHS workers were confirmed to have died with coronavirus.
She said it was "inevitable" that demand would be high for PPE during a global pandemic, but said that the government is working to provide resources more widely.
Image: Priti Patel says the government is working to provide PPE more widely
She said: "The government is working across every single agency that (the public) would expect us to work with: The Health and Safety Executive, Public Health England, various groups and organisations across the supply chain.
"We already know that, certainly from a police and fire perspective, and this links over to prisons and other key public services, we've absolutely secured our supply chain.
Ms Patel continued: "Every single aspect of public service requires different guidance around PPE, and also different types of guidance, and that's exactly what we've all been working through."
Earlier, Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News said it was a "heartbreaking story" and it affects everyone in the NHS to see their colleagues die.
Mr Hancock said he was not aware of any link between lack of PPE and the deaths, but did say that a full investigation would be carried out to understand how those health workers contracted coronavirus on the front line.
He said: "My heart goes out to their families... the fact that such a high proportion are from people that moved to this country to work for the NHS is really heart-rending... to see people who have literally given their lives for the NHS who were moved here to give that service and I think we should pay tribute to them."
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Talking about personal protective equipment, the health secretary said that although he will not criticise people for wearing more than necessary, health workers should use it "appropriately", saying it is a "precious resource" and it is a logistical effort to get it to the millions working in health and social care.
Mr Hancock advised health workers at Friday's daily press briefing to only wear exactly the right amount of PPE, as getting it distributed was a "Herculean effort".
Responding to Mr Hancock's suggestion that frontline workers could be wearing too much PPE, Labour leader Keir Starmer tweeted: "It is quite frankly insulting to imply front line staff are wasting PPE.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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"There are horrific stories of NHS staff and care workers not having the equipment they need to keep them safe.
"The government must act to ensure supplies are delivered."
Mr Hancock also reiterated his message that people should spend the Easter weekend indoors, despite warmer weather.


news--2020-04-11--Coronavirus: Nottingham frontline nurse had bike stolen - but not all was lost

A nurse who had her bike stolen while serving on the coronavrius frontline has thanked police `` from the bottom of her heart `` after they gave her a replacement and caught the thieves .
Karen Udtohan , who works on the COVID-19 admissions ward at the Queen 's Medical Centre in Nottingham , discovered the bicycle missing after returning from a busy night shift .
Her boyfriend , whose bike it was , rang the police and reported the theft to the on-site security , who said there had been a number that evening .
Within hours , Nottinghamshire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men were arrested a short time later in connection with the thefts .
Ms Udtohan said : `` I 'd finished work after a busy and stressful night dealing with a number of patients .
I made my way back to where I 'd left my bike and had planned to meet my boyfriend .
When I got there , I could n't see my bicycle .
`` At first , I was in denial and thought I must have forgotten where I 'd left it - but when I found the broken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken . ''
Despite the arrests , Ms Udtohan was still without a bike - until the police stepped in to help .
The force found a bike from its own fleet used by neighbourhood policing teams across the county , which had become surplus to requirements .
Ms Udtohan said : `` One of the officers looking into our case offered to give me a replacement bicycle and I am so grateful '' It 's a really nice bike and they even included a pannier bag . ''
She added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the officers have put into this case .
`` I am happy that the thieves have been caught already and hope that the action on this case is a lesson to anyone who thinks about stealing .
`` I could n't believe that people would do something like this , we work incredibly hard in the NHS and I am pleased that the people who did this have been brought to justice .
`` I just wanted to say 'thank you ' from the bottom of my heart to Nottinghamshire Police .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this unprecedented time - the police are heroes , too . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Chief Superintendent Rob Griffin said : `` As soon as the bike burglaries were reported to Nottinghamshire Police , everyone at Nottinghamshire Police was desperate to make sure that those responsible were caught and brought before the courts for what is a truly shocking series of incidents that targeted key workers working on the frontline to tackle the pandemic .
`` During this outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect the NHS and , as the police , we will do everything in our power to help protect our fellow key workers and the public we serve at such a difficult time .
`` Donating a bicycle is the least we could do to show our appreciation and support for the incredible work Karen and her colleagues are doing . ''
David Moran , 35 , of Courtleet Way , and Craig Lancaster , 29 , of Camrose Close , appeared at Nottingham Magistrates ' Court on 30 March where they pleaded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's cycle storage unit .
Both men are due to appear at Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing on 20 April .

A nurse who had her bike stolen while serving on the coronavrius frontline has thanked police "from the bottom of her heart " after they gave her a replacement and caught the thieves.
Karen Udtohan, who works on the COVID-19 admissions ward at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham, discovered the bicycle missing after returning from a busy night shift.
Image: The theft happened at Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham
Her boyfriend, whose bike it was, rang the police and reported the theft to the on-site security, who said there had been a number that evening.
Within hours, Nottinghamshire Police made a CCTV appeal and two men were arrested a short time later in connection with the thefts.
Ms Udtohan said: "I'd finished work after a busy and stressful night dealing with a number of patients. I made my way back to where I'd left my bike and had planned to meet my boyfriend. When I got there, I couldn't see my bicycle.
"At first, I was in denial and thought I must have forgotten where I'd left it - but when I found the broken D-lock, I knew it had been taken."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:37 Hancock: 'Stay home however warm the weather'
Despite the arrests, Ms Udtohan was still without a bike - until the police stepped in to help.
The force found a bike from its own fleet used by neighbourhood policing teams across the county, which had become surplus to requirements.
Ms Udtohan said: "One of the officers looking into our case offered to give me a replacement bicycle and I am so grateful
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"It's a really nice bike and they even included a pannier bag."
She added: "I really appreciate all the effort that the officers have put into this case.
"I am happy that the thieves have been caught already and hope that the action on this case is a lesson to anyone who thinks about stealing.
"I couldn't believe that people would do something like this, we work incredibly hard in the NHS and I am pleased that the people who did this have been brought to justice.
"I just wanted to say 'thank you' from the bottom of my heart to Nottinghamshire Police. The NHS aren't the only heroes during this unprecedented time - the police are heroes, too."
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Chief Superintendent Rob Griffin said: "As soon as the bike burglaries were reported to Nottinghamshire Police, everyone at Nottinghamshire Police was desperate to make sure that those responsible were caught and brought before the courts for what is a truly shocking series of incidents that targeted key workers working on the frontline to tackle the pandemic.
"During this outbreak, we all have a duty to protect the NHS and, as the police, we will do everything in our power to help protect our fellow key workers and the public we serve at such a difficult time.
"Donating a bicycle is the least we could do to show our appreciation and support for the incredible work Karen and her colleagues are doing."
David Moran, 35, of Courtleet Way, and Craig Lancaster, 29, of Camrose Close, appeared at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on 30 March where they pleaded guilty to the burglary of the hospital's cycle storage unit.
Both men are due to appear at Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing on 20 April.


news--2020-04-11--Coronavirus: Vaccine could be ready as early as September, according to scientist

A vaccine for COVID-19 could be ready as soon as September , according to a professor from Oxford University .
Sarah Gilbert is a professor of vaccinology and says that she is `` 80 % confident '' a COVID-19 vaccine being developed by her team will work .
Her team at Oxford is part of a global effort to find a vaccine for coronavirus which has killed more than 100,000 people around the world , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Professor Gilbert has said that human trials are set to take place within the next fortnight , and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week to get a vaccine rushed through .
She told The Times newspaper : `` I think there 's a high chance that it will work based on other things that we have done with this type of vaccine .
`` It 's not just a hunch and as every week goes by we have more data to look at .
I would go for 80 % , that 's my personal view . ''
She added that having something ready by the autumn is `` just about possible if everything goes perfectly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can promise it 's going to work '' .
The lockdown in the UK could make it more difficult to test the vaccine , as human contact is low , so researchers will have to conduct trials somewhere with a higher rate of transmission , to get a quicker result .
Earlier in the week , researchers at Southampton University said they had discovered that the virus has `` low shielding '' , meaning a vaccine could be easier to develop .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK is at the forefront of vaccine funding , and pumped £210m into an international fund last month - the biggest contribution at the time for a vaccine .
The government has also said that it would be willing to buy millions of doses , should trials prove successful .
However , despite the optimism from Oxford , other vaccine developers have said it could be up to a year before something is ready to distribute .
Ministers have been under pressure to explain details of the government 's exit-strategy from the ongoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is too early to consider removing the widespread restrictions while the number of dead still rises .

A vaccine for COVID-19 could be ready as soon as September, according to a professor from Oxford University.
Sarah Gilbert is a professor of vaccinology and says that she is "80% confident" a COVID-19 vaccine being developed by her team will work.
Her team at Oxford is part of a global effort to find a vaccine for coronavirus which has killed more than 100,000 people around the world, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Image: Professor Sarah Gilbert believes a vaccine could be ready by September. Pic: University of Oxford
Professor Gilbert has said that human trials are set to take place within the next fortnight, and that she has been working seven days a week to get a vaccine rushed through.
She told The Times newspaper: "I think there's a high chance that it will work based on other things that we have done with this type of vaccine.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:04 March: 'We're aiming for a billion COVID-19 vaccines'
"It's not just a hunch and as every week goes by we have more data to look at. I would go for 80%, that's my personal view."
She added that having something ready by the autumn is "just about possible if everything goes perfectly", but warned that "nobody can promise it's going to work".
The lockdown in the UK could make it more difficult to test the vaccine, as human contact is low, so researchers will have to conduct trials somewhere with a higher rate of transmission, to get a quicker result.
Earlier in the week, researchers at Southampton University said they had discovered that the virus has "low shielding", meaning a vaccine could be easier to develop.
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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
The UK is at the forefront of vaccine funding, and pumped £210m into an international fund last month - the biggest contribution at the time for a vaccine.
The government has also said that it would be willing to buy millions of doses, should trials prove successful.
However, despite the optimism from Oxford, other vaccine developers have said it could be up to a year before something is ready to distribute.
Ministers have been under pressure to explain details of the government's exit-strategy from the ongoing lockdown, but scientists say that it is too early to consider removing the widespread restrictions while the number of dead still rises.


news--2020-04-11--Coronavirus will not overcome us, says the Queen in first ever recorded Easter message

The Queen has recorded her first ever Easter message , drawing on her own personal faith to reassure the nation : `` We know that coronavirus will not overcome us . ''
Describing how churches up and down the country are closed due to coronavirus , she insists that `` Easter is n't cancelled '' and that the message at the heart of holy week is more relevant than ever due to the COVID-19 outbreak .
She said : `` This year , Easter will be different for many of us , but by keeping apart we keep others safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indeed , we need Easter as much as ever .
`` The discovery of the risen Christ on the first Easter Day gave his followers new hope and fresh purpose , and we can all take heart from this .
`` We know that coronavirus will not overcome us .
As dark as death can be - particularly for those suffering with grief - light and life are greater .
May the living flame of the Easter hope be a steady guide as we face the future . ''
Her Majesty recorded the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Windsor Castle , the same room where she filmed her historic televised address which was shown last weekend .
It is the first time in her 68-year reign that she has ever recorded a message to mark Holy week .
Using the Easter story and the religious customs associated with it to reinforce her message she said : `` Many religions have festivals which celebrate light overcoming darkness .
Such occasions are often accompanied by the lighting of candles .
`` They seem to speak to every culture , and appeal to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ none .
They are lit on birthday cakes and to mark family anniversaries , when we gather happily around a source of light .
It unites us .
`` As darkness falls on the Saturday before Easter Day , many Christians would normally light candles together .
In church , one light would pass to another , spreading slowly and then more rapidly as more candles are lit .
It 's a way of showing how the good news of Christ 's resurrection has been passed on from the first Easter by every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message which was posted on all the royal family social media channels , she goes on to wish everyone `` of all faiths and denominations a blessed Easter '' .
The message was recorded on Friday at Windsor Castle , with strict precautions taken to make sure there was no risk to the 93-year-old monarch .
As with the television broadcast , the equipment had been set up ahead of the recording and cleaned before the Queen came into contact with it .
A sound recordist was in a room next door .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Church of England and Defender of Faith , has often spoken about the importance of her own personal faith , describing the life of Jesus Christ as `` an inspiration and an anchor in my life '' .
Her Easter message was released this evening because she did n't want to overshadow traditional Easter messages delivered by religious leaders every year .
Her Majesty 's televised address last weekend was watched by an audience of 24 million people .
In the address she talked about how social distancing is challenging but has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said `` though self-isolating may at times be hard , many people of all faiths , and of none , are discovering that it presents an opportunity to slow down , pause and reflect , in prayer or meditation '' .
Her Majesty said she was `` deeply disappointed '' that the annual Maundy Thursday service at Windsor Castle , where she hands out Maundy money to pensioners had to be cancelled due to the virus .
Churches , like all religious places of worship have been closed because of the restrictions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and York have also told clergy not to enter churches even on their own to pray or stream services over Easter .
But clergy across the country have said more people do appear to be re-engaging with their faith , with huge numbers watching online sermons and services , compared to the normal size of congregations that physically go to church .
The shift to online services is acknowledged by Prince William in a message he has sent to the Church of Scotland , in his new role as Lord High Commissioner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In a letter to the Moderator of the Church of Scotland he said : `` You have had to close your Churches at the very moment when you normally come together , and when your communities need you the most .
`` It is heartening to see how the Church of Scotland , like so many other faith communities across the country , is re-inventing itself digitally to continue providing worship , support and guidance for your congregations . ''

The Queen has recorded her first ever Easter message, drawing on her own personal faith to reassure the nation: "We know that coronavirus will not overcome us."
Describing how churches up and down the country are closed due to coronavirus, she insists that "Easter isn't cancelled" and that the message at the heart of holy week is more relevant than ever due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
She said: "This year, Easter will be different for many of us, but by keeping apart we keep others safe. But Easter isn't cancelled; indeed, we need Easter as much as ever.
"The discovery of the risen Christ on the first Easter Day gave his followers new hope and fresh purpose, and we can all take heart from this.
"We know that coronavirus will not overcome us. As dark as death can be - particularly for those suffering with grief - light and life are greater. May the living flame of the Easter hope be a steady guide as we face the future."
Her Majesty recorded the audio broadcast in the White Drawing room at Windsor Castle, the same room where she filmed her historic televised address which was shown last weekend.
It is the first time in her 68-year reign that she has ever recorded a message to mark Holy week.
Using the Easter story and the religious customs associated with it to reinforce her message she said: "Many religions have festivals which celebrate light overcoming darkness. Such occasions are often accompanied by the lighting of candles.
"They seem to speak to every culture, and appeal to people of all faiths, and of none. They are lit on birthday cakes and to mark family anniversaries, when we gather happily around a source of light. It unites us.
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"As darkness falls on the Saturday before Easter Day, many Christians would normally light candles together. In church, one light would pass to another, spreading slowly and then more rapidly as more candles are lit. It's a way of showing how the good news of Christ's resurrection has been passed on from the first Easter by every generation until now."
In the message which was posted on all the royal family social media channels, she goes on to wish everyone "of all faiths and denominations a blessed Easter".
The message was recorded on Friday at Windsor Castle, with strict precautions taken to make sure there was no risk to the 93-year-old monarch.
As with the television broadcast, the equipment had been set up ahead of the recording and cleaned before the Queen came into contact with it. A sound recordist was in a room next door.
The Queen as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England and Defender of Faith, has often spoken about the importance of her own personal faith, describing the life of Jesus Christ as "an inspiration and an anchor in my life".
Her Easter message was released this evening because she didn't want to overshadow traditional Easter messages delivered by religious leaders every year.
Her Majesty's televised address last weekend was watched by an audience of 24 million people.
In the address she talked about how social distancing is challenging but has given some time for reflection, she said "though self-isolating may at times be hard, many people of all faiths, and of none, are discovering that it presents an opportunity to slow down, pause and reflect, in prayer or meditation".
Her Majesty said she was "deeply disappointed" that the annual Maundy Thursday service at Windsor Castle, where she hands out Maundy money to pensioners had to be cancelled due to the virus.
Churches, like all religious places of worship have been closed because of the restrictions on social gatherings.
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have also told clergy not to enter churches even on their own to pray or stream services over Easter.
But clergy across the country have said more people do appear to be re-engaging with their faith, with huge numbers watching online sermons and services, compared to the normal size of congregations that physically go to church.
The shift to online services is acknowledged by Prince William in a message he has sent to the Church of Scotland, in his new role as Lord High Commissioner, which was announced in January this year.
In a letter to the Moderator of the Church of Scotland he said: "You have had to close your Churches at the very moment when you normally come together, and when your communities need you the most.
"It is heartening to see how the Church of Scotland, like so many other faith communities across the country, is re-inventing itself digitally to continue providing worship, support and guidance for your congregations."


news--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: Leaked WHO files show China 'delayed releasing important information'

China delayed releasing important coronavirus information during the early days of the outbreak , according to leaked WHO documents and recordings of WHO meetings obtained by the Associated Press ( AP ) .
The delay led to frustration for officials in the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) , even as they publicly praised China for its transparency .
The country waited more than one week before publishing the genome of the novel coronavirus on 11 January , despite the fact three different government labs had fully sequenced the genetic code .
`` Tight controls on information and competition within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blame , according to dozens of interviews and internal documents , '' AP reported .
And for two weeks afterwards , China also delayed providing the WHO with more detailed data on patients and cases , according to the recordings , making it difficult for officials to judge whether the virus could spread between people , and what risk it might mean for the rest of the world .
One WHO official reportedly complained : `` We 're going on very minimal information .
It 's clearly not enough for you to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` WHO staffers debated how to press China for gene sequences and detailed patient data without angering authorities , worried about losing access and getting Chinese scientists into trouble . ''
The Chinese government did not comment on AP 's report , but has repeatedly said it has acted transparently .
`` Since the beginning of the outbreak , we have been continuously sharing information on the epidemic with the WHO , and the international community in an open , transparent and responsible manner , '' said Liu Mingzhu , an official with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , at a news briefing on 15 May .
In a statement , the WHO said : `` Our leadership and staff have worked night and day in compliance with the organisation 's rules and regulations to support and share information with all member states equally , and engage in frank and forthright conversations with governments at all levels . ''
International law requires countries to report information that may affect public health but the WHO does not have enforcement powers .
Officials compared China 's lack of cooperation with other countries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and did not happen in Congo and other places , '' Dr Michael Ryan , WHO 's chief of emergencies , told colleagues in the second week of January , according to the report .
`` We need to see the data .
It 's absolutely important at this point . ''
The Wuhan Institute of Virology sequenced the genome of the virus by 2 January - a short time after the first efforts to decode the genetic map of the virus began in late December , and other labs were also racing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January , the Chinese National Health Commission issued a secret notice ordering labs studying the virus to destroy their samples or send them to approved institutes .
The notice also banned labs from publishing information about the virus without the approval of the government .
By the end of 5 January , three other Chinese labs had sequenced it , including the Chinese Centre for Disease Control ( CDC ) .
According to AP , the Shanghai Public Clinical Health Center notified the National Health Commission that , according to the sequence : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passages .
We recommend taking preventative measures in public areas . ''
The genetic sequence was finally published on 11 January by the Shanghai lab , a move which angered officials at the Chinese CDC .
The Shanghai lab was temporarily closed by authorities .
It was not until 20 January that Chinese authorities confirmed sustained human-to-human transmission of the virus and Chinese President Xi Jinping called for the `` timely publication of epidemic information and deepening of international cooperation '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

China delayed releasing important coronavirus information during the early days of the outbreak, according to leaked WHO documents and recordings of WHO meetings obtained by the Associated Press (AP).
The delay led to frustration for officials in the World Health Organisation (WHO), even as they publicly praised China for its transparency.
The country waited more than one week before publishing the genome of the novel coronavirus on 11 January, despite the fact three different government labs had fully sequenced the genetic code.
Image: The outbreak began in Wuhan, in China's central Hubei province. File pic
"Tight controls on information and competition within the Chinese public health system were to blame, according to dozens of interviews and internal documents," AP reported.
And for two weeks afterwards, China also delayed providing the WHO with more detailed data on patients and cases, according to the recordings, making it difficult for officials to judge whether the virus could spread between people, and what risk it might mean for the rest of the world.
One WHO official reportedly complained: "We're going on very minimal information. It's clearly not enough for you to do proper planning."
AP said: "WHO staffers debated how to press China for gene sequences and detailed patient data without angering authorities, worried about losing access and getting Chinese scientists into trouble."
The Chinese government did not comment on AP's report, but has repeatedly said it has acted transparently.
"Since the beginning of the outbreak, we have been continuously sharing information on the epidemic with the WHO, and the international community in an open, transparent and responsible manner," said Liu Mingzhu, an official with the National Health Commission's International Department, at a news briefing on 15 May.
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In a statement, the WHO said: "Our leadership and staff have worked night and day in compliance with the organisation's rules and regulations to support and share information with all member states equally, and engage in frank and forthright conversations with governments at all levels."
International law requires countries to report information that may affect public health but the WHO does not have enforcement powers.
Officials compared China's lack of cooperation with other countries.
"This would not happen in Congo and did not happen in Congo and other places," Dr Michael Ryan, WHO's chief of emergencies, told colleagues in the second week of January, according to the report.
"We need to see the data. It's absolutely important at this point."
The Wuhan Institute of Virology sequenced the genome of the virus by 2 January - a short time after the first efforts to decode the genetic map of the virus began in late December, and other labs were also racing to sequence the genome.
On 3 January, the Chinese National Health Commission issued a secret notice ordering labs studying the virus to destroy their samples or send them to approved institutes.
The notice also banned labs from publishing information about the virus without the approval of the government.
By the end of 5 January, three other Chinese labs had sequenced it, including the Chinese Centre for Disease Control (CDC).
Image: In China, 4,638 have died with the virus, according to the Johns Hopkins University
According to AP, the Shanghai Public Clinical Health Center notified the National Health Commission that, according to the sequence: "It should be contagious through respiratory passages. We recommend taking preventative measures in public areas."
The genetic sequence was finally published on 11 January by the Shanghai lab, a move which angered officials at the Chinese CDC. The Shanghai lab was temporarily closed by authorities.
It was not until 20 January that Chinese authorities confirmed sustained human-to-human transmission of the virus and Chinese President Xi Jinping called for the "timely publication of epidemic information and deepening of international cooperation".
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This week Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: Upper Crust finds novel way to keep dividend

The transport catering group which owns Upper Crust and Ritazza has found a novel way to preserve part of the £27m dividend it pledged before the scale of the coronavirus pandemic became clear .
Sky News has learnt that SSP Group will announce this week that it is asking shareholders who are in line to receive the payment to return it to the company in the form of a new equity injection .
The plan , which is understood to have the support of SSP 's leading institutional investors , is likely to be announced alongside its half-year results on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unexpected boardroom conundrum arising from the COVID-19 crisis : how to keep a dividend payment that the company was legally obliged to make just weeks after tapping the same investors for £215m of new capital .
SSP is heavily dependent on footfall at transport locations such as airports and railway stations , meaning its revenue base has been hit hard by the pandemic .
It had been due to pay its final dividend at the end of March , but was able to agree a deferral with the London Stock Exchange until this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it had been wrestling for weeks to find a workable mechanism to have some of the money repaid to it .
Making the payment was a legal obligation for the company , according to one City lawyer , who said the only way to preserve the capital would be to have it voluntarily returned by investors .
It is unlikely that all of SSP 's investors who are entitled to the dividend will agree to return it , but one insider estimated that well over half of the £27m was likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman said on Tuesday evening : `` Discussions are ongoing and we will make further announcements as appropriate . ''
One insider said the company had `` looked at a number of ways to achieve the return of the money , but unlike other companies who have been able to cancel their dividend , SSP could not do that because it had already been approved at its AGM '' .
This week until Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

The transport catering group which owns Upper Crust and Ritazza has found a novel way to preserve part of the £27m dividend it pledged before the scale of the coronavirus pandemic became clear.
Sky News has learnt that SSP Group will announce this week that it is asking shareholders who are in line to receive the payment to return it to the company in the form of a new equity injection.
The plan, which is understood to have the support of SSP's leading institutional investors, is likely to be announced alongside its half-year results on Wednesday morning.
It will highlight an unexpected boardroom conundrum arising from the COVID-19 crisis: how to keep a dividend payment that the company was legally obliged to make just weeks after tapping the same investors for £215m of new capital.
SSP is heavily dependent on footfall at transport locations such as airports and railway stations, meaning its revenue base has been hit hard by the pandemic.
It had been due to pay its final dividend at the end of March, but was able to agree a deferral with the London Stock Exchange until this Thursday.
Sources close to the company said it had been wrestling for weeks to find a workable mechanism to have some of the money repaid to it.
Making the payment was a legal obligation for the company, according to one City lawyer, who said the only way to preserve the capital would be to have it voluntarily returned by investors.
It is unlikely that all of SSP's investors who are entitled to the dividend will agree to return it, but one insider estimated that well over half of the £27m was likely to flow back to it.
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An SSP spokesman said on Tuesday evening: "Discussions are ongoing and we will make further announcements as appropriate."
One insider said the company had "looked at a number of ways to achieve the return of the money, but unlike other companies who have been able to cancel their dividend, SSP could not do that because it had already been approved at its AGM".
This week until Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk