news--2020-06-02--EasyJet shrugs off quarantine uncertainty to promise 75% of routes by August

EasyJet has shrugged off uncertainty over the government 's quarantine plans , announcing it will run 75 % of its routes by August .
The British airline plans to resume flying this month , although it will have only 30 % capacity compared to last summer .
Domestic flights in Britain and flights between Britain and France will be the initial focus of the airline 's new timetable , expected to run from 15 June .
As restrictions ease , it will add more routes - flying 50 % of its 1,022 routes in July and 75 % in August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make most arrivals to the UK undertake a 14-day quarantine , something the travel industry has criticised .
In March , easyJet grounded its 337 planes , due to travel restrictions and a fall in demand due to the coronavirus outbreak .
Aviation experts have said it could be years before the industry returns to its pre-pandemic size and easyJet is among a number of airlines that have had to make cuts in an effort to survive .
Last week easyJet announced plans to cut up to 4,500 jobs , a move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % - of the Luton-based airline 's 15,000-strong workforce .
Other carriers , including British Airways and Ryanair , have already announced major job losses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
However , it has also emerged that , along with cruise operator Carnival , easyJet is set to lose its place in the FTSE 100 index .
The airline lost as much as two-thirds of its market value during the peak of the pandemic and its market capitalisation was ranked only 125th based on the close of trading on Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the index on Wednesday and it requires companies to be ranked at least 110th .
Russ Mould , investment director at AJ Bell , said : `` EasyJet would need a big rally , but it could come back in September ( when the next re-shuffle is due ) .
`` With airlines , anything is possible . ''
This week from today to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '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

EasyJet has shrugged off uncertainty over the government's quarantine plans, announcing it will run 75% of its routes by August.
The British airline plans to resume flying this month, although it will have only 30% capacity compared to last summer.
Domestic flights in Britain and flights between Britain and France will be the initial focus of the airline's new timetable, expected to run from 15 June.
As restrictions ease, it will add more routes - flying 50% of its 1,022 routes in July and 75% in August.
The optimism is despite government plans to make most arrivals to the UK undertake a 14-day quarantine, something the travel industry has criticised.
In March, easyJet grounded its 337 planes, due to travel restrictions and a fall in demand due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Aviation experts have said it could be years before the industry returns to its pre-pandemic size and easyJet is among a number of airlines that have had to make cuts in an effort to survive.
Last week easyJet announced plans to cut up to 4,500 jobs, a move that represents nearly a third - 30% - of the Luton-based airline's 15,000-strong workforce.
Other carriers, including British Airways and Ryanair, have already announced major job losses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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EasyJet shares closed up 2.6%.
However, it has also emerged that, along with cruise operator Carnival, easyJet is set to lose its place in the FTSE 100 index.
The airline lost as much as two-thirds of its market value during the peak of the pandemic and its market capitalisation was ranked only 125th based on the close of trading on Monday.
FTSE Russell will announce its quarterly shuffle of the index on Wednesday and it requires companies to be ranked at least 110th.
Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: "EasyJet would need a big rally, but it could come back in September (when the next re-shuffle is due).
"With airlines, anything is possible."
This week from today to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: Mortgage payment holiday extended as house prices 'slow sharply'

The City regulator has extended the mortgage payment holiday application deadline for customers struggling to meet payments as a closely-watched report charts a `` sharp '' decline in house prices amid the coronavirus crisis .
Nationwide 's study registered the biggest monthly fall in house prices for 11 years in May as it warned of an extended slump in both mortgage and housing market activity , despite restrictions on viewings and agents ' work being eased last month in England .
Its measure of house prices fell by 1.7 % in May from April , the biggest decline since February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the average value .
In annual terms , prices rose by 1.8 % , slowing from 3.7 % .
Nationwide said the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mindset of homebuyers was likely to weigh on the market .
A survey it conducted suggested people had put off moving as a result of the lockdown and would-be buyers were planning to wait six months on average .
The mortgage lender 's report was released as data from the Bank of England confirmed the extent of the slump in lending - highlighting just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record low and an 80 % fall since February .
The central bank showed net mortgage lending of just £300m in April - down from £4.3bn - while repayments on mortgage lending tumbled 26 % to £13.9bn , partly reflecting the impact of payment holidays .
The Financial Conduct Authority ( FCA ) had announced earlier on Tuesday that the deadline for mortgage payment holiday applications had been extended by three months - until 31 October .
A ban on lender repossessions of properties was also confirmed for the same date .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people were able to comply with the government 's policy to self-isolate if they needed to .
The FCA said : `` Lenders will continue to support customers who have already had a payment holiday where they need further help .
`` Firms should contact their customers to find out what they can re-pay and , for those who remain in temporary financial difficulty , offer further support , which will include the option of a further three-month full or part payment holiday . ''
Economists widely believe the impact on earnings during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prices as the year continues .
Samuel Tombs , economist with Pantheon Macroeconomics , said : `` The huge size of the blow from COVID-19 to households incomes and the deterioration in consumers confidence suggests that house prices must drop .
`` We look for a 5 % decline in prices by the end of the third quarter . ''

The City regulator has extended the mortgage payment holiday application deadline for customers struggling to meet payments as a closely-watched report charts a "sharp" decline in house prices amid the coronavirus crisis.
Nationwide's study registered the biggest monthly fall in house prices for 11 years in May as it warned of an extended slump in both mortgage and housing market activity, despite restrictions on viewings and agents' work being eased last month in England.
Its measure of house prices fell by 1.7% in May from April, the biggest decline since February 2009, wiping just over £4,000 from the average value.
In annual terms, prices rose by 1.8%, slowing from 3.7%.
Nationwide said the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mindset of homebuyers was likely to weigh on the market.
A survey it conducted suggested people had put off moving as a result of the lockdown and would-be buyers were planning to wait six months on average.
Image: Mortgage customers granted payment help will not see a negative impact on their credit file, the FCA has promised
The mortgage lender's report was released as data from the Bank of England confirmed the extent of the slump in lending - highlighting just 15,848 mortgage approvals in April - a record low and an 80% fall since February.
The central bank showed net mortgage lending of just £300m in April - down from £4.3bn - while repayments on mortgage lending tumbled 26% to £13.9bn, partly reflecting the impact of payment holidays.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) had announced earlier on Tuesday that the deadline for mortgage payment holiday applications had been extended by three months - until 31 October.
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A ban on lender repossessions of properties was also confirmed for the same date.
The regulator said the measure would ensure that people were able to comply with the government's policy to self-isolate if they needed to.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 57:17 After The Pandemic: How will society change?
The FCA said: "Lenders will continue to support customers who have already had a payment holiday where they need further help.
"Firms should contact their customers to find out what they can re-pay and, for those who remain in temporary financial difficulty, offer further support, which will include the option of a further three-month full or part payment holiday."
Economists widely believe the impact on earnings during the UK lockdown will also hit house prices as the year continues.
Samuel Tombs, economist with Pantheon Macroeconomics, said: "The huge size of the blow from COVID-19 to households incomes and the deterioration in consumers confidence suggests that house prices must drop.
"We look for a 5% decline in prices by the end of the third quarter."


news--2020-06-02--George Floyd death: Tear gas fired as thousands attend banned protest in Paris

Officers in Paris fired tear gas after thousands gathered for a banned protest against police brutality .
The demonstration was held outside the Tribunal de Paris , the capital 's main courthouse , amid growing global outrage over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Protesters were also paying homage to Adama Traore , 24 , a black man who died in the custody of French police in July 2016. : : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Mr Traore 's family claim he died of asphyxiation and his last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Floyd : `` I ca n't breathe . ''
Police banned the protest hours before it was due to start , citing coronavirus restrictions forbidding gatherings of more than 10 people .
But thousands wearing masks and carrying Black Lives Matter placards defied the ban , with protesters singing the French national anthem through the glass doors of the courthouse to officers on the other side .
When cries of `` Justice for Adama '' started to die down on Tuesday evening and the demonstration came to an end , some were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ setting fire to nearby buildings .
Similar tensions broke out in Marseille amid fury that the Traore case is still unresolved four years after this death .
Investigations are still ongoing , with medical reports proving inconclusive .
Mr Traore 's death is being likened to Mr Floyd 's as a symbol of police brutality .
Dominique Sopo of the French anti-racism charity SOS Racisme said : `` When you refuse to treat the problem of racism ... it leads to what we see in the United States .
The case of George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Mr Floyd , 46 , was unarmed when a white police officer called Derek Chauvin pressed his knee on his neck in Minneapolis despite complaints he could not breathe .
He died shortly after , resulting in Chauvin facing a count of third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter .
Protests over his death quickly spread across the US and beyond , with many turning violent and a number of people shot , despite his family 's pleas for demonstrations to remain peaceful .

Officers in Paris fired tear gas after thousands gathered for a banned protest against police brutality.
The demonstration was held outside the Tribunal de Paris, the capital's main courthouse, amid growing global outrage over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Protesters were also paying homage to Adama Traore, 24, a black man who died in the custody of French police in July 2016.
Image: The protest was held in solidarity with George Floyd and 24-year-old Frenchman Adama Traore
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Mr Traore's family claim he died of asphyxiation and his last words were the same as those of George Floyd: "I can't breathe."
Police banned the protest hours before it was due to start, citing coronavirus restrictions forbidding gatherings of more than 10 people.
But thousands wearing masks and carrying Black Lives Matter placards defied the ban, with protesters singing the French national anthem through the glass doors of the courthouse to officers on the other side.
When cries of "Justice for Adama" started to die down on Tuesday evening and the demonstration came to an end, some were seen pelting riot police with debris and setting fire to nearby buildings.
Similar tensions broke out in Marseille amid fury that the Traore case is still unresolved four years after this death. Investigations are still ongoing, with medical reports proving inconclusive.
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Image: One activist wears a face mask with Mr Floyd and Mr Traore's last words written on it
Mr Traore's death is being likened to Mr Floyd's as a symbol of police brutality.
Dominique Sopo of the French anti-racism charity SOS Racisme said: "When you refuse to treat the problem of racism... it leads to what we see in the United States. The case of George Floyd echoes what we fear in France."
Image: One protester is seen with a placard saying: 'Adama George'
Mr Floyd, 46, was unarmed when a white police officer called Derek Chauvin pressed his knee on his neck in Minneapolis despite complaints he could not breathe.
He died shortly after, resulting in Chauvin facing a count of third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
Protests over his death quickly spread across the US and beyond, with many turning violent and a number of people shot, despite his family's pleas for demonstrations to remain peaceful.


news--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: Government-backed loans to support virus-hit businesses top £31bn

Three government-backed loan schemes for UK businesses have paid out more than £31bn to date , according to updated Treasury data on taxpayer support for firms and workers ' wages .
The latest figures showed almost 750,000 companies had seen loans approved by Sunday 31 May under the emergency COVID-19 funding initiatives ; the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme ( CBILS ) , Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme ( CLBILS ) and Bounce Back Loan Scheme ( BBLS ) .
The data showed that £31.3bn had been paid out by banks - up from £27.5bn a week ago .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ demand for the BBLS , in which sums - 100 % guaranteed by the government - can be borrowed up to a maximum of £50,000 .
The Treasury said £21.3bn had been dispersed by lenders to 699,354 companies .
The total number of applications for bounce back loans stood at more than 873,000 .
A sum of £8.9bn had been lent to nearly 46,000 companies under CBILS , and a further £1.1bn to 191 companies as part of CLBILS , the figures showed .
It was also confirmed that the number of workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Retention Scheme , also known as the furlough scheme , which is aimed at limiting the lockdown 's impact on employment , had topped 8.7 million - up from 8.4 million a week earlier .
The Treasury put the cost at £17.5bn to date .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker There are growing worries about the total cost of the taxpayers ' support - estimated by the Office for Budget Responsibility to top £120bn - and the government 's exposure should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
RBS chairman Sir Howard Davies told a Sunday Times panel last week that a central pool should be set up to carry bad debts held by banks under the scheme , should borrowers go under in the looming recession for the UK economy .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced changes to the Job Retention Scheme ( CJRS ) last week that will let businesses bring back staff part-time from July , but introduce a taper requiring firms to contribute to salaries from August .
The scheme itself is to be closed at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
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

Three government-backed loan schemes for UK businesses have paid out more than £31bn to date, according to updated Treasury data on taxpayer support for firms and workers' wages.
The latest figures showed almost 750,000 companies had seen loans approved by Sunday 31 May under the emergency COVID-19 funding initiatives; the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) and Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS).
The data showed that £31.3bn had been paid out by banks - up from £27.5bn a week ago.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 11:27 Business Secretary: 'This is a sensitive time'
The growth continued to be led by demand for the BBLS, in which sums - 100% guaranteed by the government - can be borrowed up to a maximum of £50,000.
The Treasury said £21.3bn had been dispersed by lenders to 699,354 companies.
The total number of applications for bounce back loans stood at more than 873,000.
A sum of £8.9bn had been lent to nearly 46,000 companies under CBILS, and a further £1.1bn to 191 companies as
part of CLBILS, the figures showed.
It was also confirmed that the number of workers' wages being supported by the Job Retention Scheme, also known as the furlough scheme, which is aimed at limiting the lockdown's impact on employment, had topped 8.7 million - up from 8.4 million a week earlier.
The Treasury put the cost at £17.5bn to date.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:12 Sunak outlines when furlough scheme will end
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
There are growing worries about the total cost of the taxpayers' support - estimated by the Office for Budget Responsibility to top £120bn - and the government's exposure should small firms default on bounce back loans.
RBS chairman Sir Howard Davies told a Sunday Times panel last week that a central pool should be set up to carry bad debts held by banks under the scheme, should borrowers go under in the looming recession for the UK economy.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced changes to the Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) last week that will let businesses bring back staff part-time from July, but introduce a taper requiring firms to contribute to salaries from August.
The scheme itself is to be closed at the end of October.
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. 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: Drugs gangs dress children as key workers to evade police detection

Vulnerable youths are being dressed up as key workers by drugs gangs to evade detection from the police during the lockdown .
The Children 's Society told Sky News that young drug runners have continued to be used by `` county lines '' gangs since all bars , restaurants and shops have been forced to close and transport was heavily restricted .
Sources have told us that drug dealers have been dressing up as dog walkers and meeting in busy hospital and supermarket car parks during the lockdown .
It comes as Scotland Yard reveals around 10 % of county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest ever police operation to tackle the drugs-trafficking phenomenon .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In November last year , the Metropolitan Police teamed up with several other forces in England and Wales to launch a nationwide blitz to take out illegal drugs gangs after a £20m funding boost from the Home Office .
A further £5m was announced last week .
The growth in the exploitative trade that sees organised gangs moving drugs out of urban areas to smaller towns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are between 800 to 1,000 drug supply lines actively in operation .
Met Commissioner Cressida Dick revealed how 87 of these routes have been taken out and several drug kingpins have been arrested .
In the six-month operation , 183 people have been charged with drug-trafficking .
Of those , two-thirds were known gang members and have previous convictions for carrying weapons .
James Simmons from the Children 's Society said : `` We are seeing a move to use private hire car companies and taxi companies to move children .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as key workers in order for them to avoid detection at this time . ''
`` If they were being transported in trains , if they were in public spaces they 'd be more visible and that 's why we 've seen exploiters dressing children up - using outfits that are for key workers so they can pass without being noticed - that 's why we 're also seeing them using taxis that no one is paying attention to . ''
Sky News understands that a common outfit would be a supermarket worker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ busy supermarkets and hospital car parks .
Children also dress as delivery drivers in order to do home drop-offs .
The children 's society says the public should be alert to children visiting addresses where there are no other children .
Dame Cressida Dick also said that the lockdown has been a challenging time for police , but it had made it easier to identify county lines runners .
Arrests have increased by 50 % in lockdown , compared with the same period last year .
Commissioner Dick said : `` Over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our fight against violent drug dealers .
`` The close partnerships formed with colleagues nationally have been crucial to this success , and I am grateful to them all for the part they have played - even throughout the last 10 challenging weeks .
Across policing the commitment to driving down violence has never wavered .
`` Over the last year , we have developed a significant evidence base which shows how criminals use telecommunications to run their operations .
We will work with whoever necessary to restrict the ability of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destroy the business model of county lines entirely . ''

Vulnerable youths are being dressed up as key workers by drugs gangs to evade detection from the police during the lockdown.
The Children's Society told Sky News that young drug runners have continued to be used by "county lines" gangs since all bars, restaurants and shops have been forced to close and transport was heavily restricted.
Sources have told us that drug dealers have been dressing up as dog walkers and meeting in busy hospital and supermarket car parks during the lockdown.
It comes as Scotland Yard reveals around 10% of county lines have been shut down after the biggest ever police operation to tackle the drugs-trafficking phenomenon.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In November last year, the Metropolitan Police teamed up with several other forces in England and Wales to launch a nationwide blitz to take out illegal drugs gangs after a £20m funding boost from the Home Office. A further £5m was announced last week.
The growth in the exploitative trade that sees organised gangs moving drugs out of urban areas to smaller towns or villages has reached the point where there are between 800 to 1,000 drug supply lines actively in operation.
Met Commissioner Cressida Dick revealed how 87 of these routes have been taken out and several drug kingpins have been arrested.
In the six-month operation, 183 people have been charged with drug-trafficking. Of those, two-thirds were known gang members and have previous convictions for carrying weapons.
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James Simmons from the Children's Society said: "We are seeing a move to use private hire car companies and taxi companies to move children. We're also seeing exploiters dress children up as key workers in order for them to avoid detection at this time."
"If they were being transported in trains, if they were in public spaces they'd be more visible and that's why we've seen exploiters dressing children up - using outfits that are for key workers so they can pass without being noticed - that's why we're also seeing them using taxis that no one is paying attention to."
Sky News understands that a common outfit would be a supermarket worker - and drugs are being sold in busy supermarkets and hospital car parks.
Children also dress as delivery drivers in order to do home drop-offs. The children's society says the public should be alert to children visiting addresses where there are no other children.
Dame Cressida Dick also said that the lockdown has been a challenging time for police, but it had made it easier to identify county lines runners.
Image: Cressida Dick said the lockdown has been a challenging time for police
Arrests have increased by 50% in lockdown, compared with the same period last year.
Commissioner Dick said: "Over the last year we have made significant progress in our fight against violent drug dealers.
"The close partnerships formed with colleagues nationally have been crucial to this success, and I am grateful to them all for the part they have played - even throughout the last 10 challenging weeks. Across policing the commitment to driving down violence has never wavered.
"Over the last year, we have developed a significant evidence base which shows how criminals use telecommunications to run their operations. We will work with whoever necessary to restrict the ability of these individuals to carry out this activity and destroy the business model of county lines entirely."


news--2020-06-02--UK weather: Large parts of Britain to wake up to rain after driest May on record

Britain 's dry spell is due to come to an abrupt end tomorrow with rain and thunder forecast for large parts of the country after the driest May on record .
Most of England and Wales will wake up to rain on Wednesday with risks of `` heavy bursts '' in the north of England , the Midlands , southwest England and Wales , the Met Office said .
London and the South East will be cloudy tomorrow morning , with more chance of rain and `` thundery showers '' pushing south and eastwards as the day goes on .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ weather in recent weeks , with May 2020 officially the sunniest calendar month on record .
But the air will feel a lot cooler from tomorrow , with temperatures dropping to highs of 19C ( 66F ) in the South , compared to highs of 28C ( 82F ) in May .
The unsettled weather could make it more difficult to socialise , with people in England , Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland only allowed to meet people they do n't live with outdoors .
Cooler and wetter conditions could empty parks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since coronavirus lockdown measures were eased in all four nations .
Sky weather presenter Kirsty McCabe said : `` After our dry and sunny spell of weather , it 's all change with cooler and unsettled conditions for the rest of the week .
`` Outbreaks of showery rain will push southwards across Scotland and Northern Ireland into Ireland , northern England and north Wales this evening , with the threat of some heavier downpours . ''
She said that the rain will continue for some through Thursday and into the weekend , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ east of England .
Parts of western Scotland and Northern Ireland will escape much of the bad weather , with dry sunny spells predicted up until Saturday .

Britain's dry spell is due to come to an abrupt end tomorrow with rain and thunder forecast for large parts of the country after the driest May on record.
Most of England and Wales will wake up to rain on Wednesday with risks of "heavy bursts" in the north of England, the Midlands, southwest England and Wales, the Met Office said.
London and the South East will be cloudy tomorrow morning, with more chance of rain and "thundery showers" pushing south and eastwards as the day goes on.
Britons have got used to much warmer weather in recent weeks, with May 2020 officially the sunniest calendar month on record.
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But the air will feel a lot cooler from tomorrow, with temperatures dropping to highs of 19C (66F) in the South, compared to highs of 28C (82F) in May.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 May 2020 confirmed as driest on record
The unsettled weather could make it more difficult to socialise, with people in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland only allowed to meet people they don't live with outdoors.
Image: Showers will push south and eastwards through Wednesday
Image: Conditions will be much cooler for the rest of the week
Cooler and wetter conditions could empty parks and beaches, which have been full since coronavirus lockdown measures were eased in all four nations.
Sky weather presenter Kirsty McCabe said: "After our dry and sunny spell of weather, it's all change with cooler and unsettled conditions for the rest of the week.
"Outbreaks of showery rain will push southwards across Scotland and Northern Ireland into Ireland, northern England and north Wales this evening, with the threat of some heavier downpours."
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She said that the rain will continue for some through Thursday and into the weekend, with showers heaviest in the north and east of England.
Parts of western Scotland and Northern Ireland will escape much of the bad weather, with dry sunny spells predicted up until Saturday.


news--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: Collection of photos released to document life in lockdown in England

A collection of 200 photographs has been released , archiving life in lockdown across the UK so it can be preserved for years to come .
The new coronavirus lockdown images are being added to the Historic England Archive , and were whittled down from almost 3,000 submissions from the public after a call-out for photographs .
Members of the public were asked to share pictures with the organisation that documented their experience over seven days of lockdown , between 29 April and 5 May .
It is the first time since the Second World War that the public have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ archive , with the latest collection aiming to trigger conversations about identity .
The collection includes people clapping on their balconies , rainbows in windows , have-a-go haircuts , shoppers in PPE and empty high streets .
Alongside the public photographs , ten contemporary artists were also asked to produce images , with at least five images from each artist going into the collection .
Claudia Kenyatta , director of regions at Historic England , said : `` The fascinating response to our Picturing Lockdown call-out sheds light on our collective and individual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into this unusual time that will be accessible for future generations to see and learn from .
`` Our thanks go out to all who submitted their work , to our 10 contemporary artists , and to our photography team who have produced an inspiring range of images . ''
The Historic England Archive includes more than 12 million photographs of life in country throughout the ages .

A collection of 200 photographs has been released, archiving life in lockdown across the UK so it can be preserved for years to come.
The new coronavirus lockdown images are being added to the Historic England Archive, and were whittled down from almost 3,000 submissions from the public after a call-out for photographs.
Members of the public were asked to share pictures with the organisation that documented their experience over seven days of lockdown, between 29 April and 5 May.
Image: A man in full protective gear buying essentials at a shop in Wolverhampton. Pic: Anand Chhabra
Image: Households in Sheffield doing their own haircuts during the lockdown. Pic: Historic England
Image: This building in Bristol offers a message of hope. Pic: John Lee
It is the first time since the Second World War that the public have been asked to take photos for the archive, with the latest collection aiming to trigger conversations about identity.
The collection includes people clapping on their balconies, rainbows in windows, have-a-go haircuts, shoppers in PPE and empty high streets.
Image: People have taken to sewing their own masks. Pic: Peter Crush
Image: A woman keeps commuters safe in Leeds by cleaning the railings with key workers keeping the country moving. Pic: Samantha Toolsie
Image: Banging pots and pans for the NHS became common place on Thursday evenings. Pic: Danny Burrows
Alongside the public photographs, ten contemporary artists were also asked to produce images, with at least five images from each artist going into the collection.
Claudia Kenyatta, director of regions at Historic England, said: "The fascinating response to our Picturing Lockdown call-out sheds light on our collective and individual experiences of lockdown and provide a snapshot into this unusual time that will be accessible for future generations to see and learn from.
Image: Shops remained open - but staff took precautions. Pic: Gemma Mancinelli
Image: This man in Sheffield found a novel way of keeping fit - by exercising in the kitchen. Pic: Historic England
Image: Balconies and doorsteps were filled with noise as the public clapped for carers on Thursday nights. Pic: Shuvaseesh Das
"Our thanks go out to all who submitted their work, to our 10 contemporary artists, and to our photography team who have produced an inspiring range of images."
The Historic England Archive includes more than 12 million photographs of life in country throughout the ages.


news--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: Summer holidays back on? Quarantine-free air bridges could be in place 'by end of June'

Air bridges between Britain and some countries with low infection rates could be in place by the end of the month enabling people to travel without having to spend two weeks self-isolating on their return .
Current plans mean all international arrivals - apart from people carrying out a limited number of specified roles - would need to quarantine for 14 days from Monday .
The plan has been criticised by travel and hospitality businesses , and ministers are understood to be considering introducing air bridges when the policy is reviewed three weeks after it comes into force .
Agreements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries before any policy could be introduced .
According to The Daily Telegraph , the prime minister is `` personally in favour '' of the idea .
Further details of the quarantine proposal are expected to be laid before parliament later .
Housing minister Simon Clarke would not `` speculate '' on suggestions some destinations could be exempt from the quarantine rules .
`` We all want to be able to get foreign holidays back on the table as soon as it 's safe to do so , but I ca n't speculate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show .
`` The policy is clear : a two-week quarantine effective as of Monday 8 June . ''
Defending the quarantine proposals , Mr Clarke added : `` We 've got case numbers coming down substantially now in the UK and we do n't want to import new risk , new cases from abroad at this very sensitive and delicate stage . ''
But he stressed the government does n't want the measures to `` be in place longer than is necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it on a three-weekly basis and hopefully we can transition out of it as quickly as possible as the numbers continue to come down , '' Mr Clarke said .
`` But I think many of the public want to know we 're taking robust action to stop new cases coming into the UK after all the sacrifices they 've mades since March . ''
It comes as MPs return to Westminster after the government dropped virtual proceedings , despite concerns that shielding politicians will be unable to attend .
The government has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtual voting that allowed MPs to have their say from afar during the pandemic , but opposition parties are seeking to retain it .
Meanwhile , Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said the contact-tracing system was `` up and running '' and was `` successful '' following reports of problems with technology and staff saying they were being paid up to £27.75 per hour for doing nothing .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Asked during Monday 's daily media briefing why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Hancock said 25,000 had been hired and it was a good thing there were so many .
He said : `` It 's successful , I 'm very glad to report that those who are asked to isolate by the contact tracers are expressing the willingness to do so and we track that very carefully .
`` The level of incidence of disease has come down and so actually we have more capacity than we need , this is a good thing . ''
Professor John Newton , the government 's testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well , adding : `` We do have a lot of capacity . ''
This week from today to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Air bridges between Britain and some countries with low infection rates could be in place by the end of the month enabling people to travel without having to spend two weeks self-isolating on their return.
Current plans mean all international arrivals - apart from people carrying out a limited number of specified roles - would need to quarantine for 14 days from Monday.
The plan has been criticised by travel and hospitality businesses, and ministers are understood to be considering introducing air bridges when the policy is reviewed three weeks after it comes into force.
Agreements would need to be reached with other countries before any policy could be introduced.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the prime minister is "personally in favour" of the idea.
Further details of the quarantine proposal are expected to be laid before parliament later.
Housing minister Simon Clarke would not "speculate" on suggestions some destinations could be exempt from the quarantine rules.
"We all want to be able to get foreign holidays back on the table as soon as it's safe to do so, but I can't speculate on policy questions of that nature," he told Sky News' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show.
"The policy is clear: a two-week quarantine effective as of Monday 8 June."
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Defending the quarantine proposals, Mr Clarke added: "We've got case numbers coming down substantially now in the UK and we don't want to import new risk, new cases from abroad at this very sensitive and delicate stage."
But he stressed the government doesn't want the measures to "be in place longer than is necessary".
"We will be reviewing it on a three-weekly basis and hopefully we can transition out of it as quickly as possible as the numbers continue to come down," Mr Clarke said.
"But I think many of the public want to know we're taking robust action to stop new cases coming into the UK after all the sacrifices they've mades since March."
It comes as MPs return to Westminster after the government dropped virtual proceedings, despite concerns that shielding politicians will be unable to attend.
The government has tabled a motion preventing the resumption of virtual voting that allowed MPs to have their say from afar during the pandemic, but opposition parties are seeking to retain it.
Meanwhile, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said the contact-tracing system was "up and running" and was "successful" following reports of problems with technology and staff saying they were being paid up to £27.75 per hour for doing nothing.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Asked during Monday's daily media briefing why some contact tracers had no work, Mr Hancock said 25,000 had been hired and it was a good thing there were so many.
He said: "It's successful, I'm very glad to report that those who are asked to isolate by the contact tracers are expressing the willingness to do so and we track that very carefully.
"The level of incidence of disease has come down and so actually we have more capacity than we need, this is a good thing."
Professor John Newton, the government's testing coordinator, said the system was working well, adding: "We do have a lot of capacity."
This week from today to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. 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--Growing rivalry with China risks 'eventual conflict' warns defence committee chair

Boris Johnson is set to chair a meeting of Britain 's National Security Council ( NSC ) on Tuesday , with China the one topic on the agenda , Sky News understands .
The gathering of top ministers comes as the chair of the defence select committee wrote to the prime minister , urging him to work with the US on a new blueprint for global unity or risk a growing rivalry with Beijing escalating into `` eventual conflict '' .
Tobias Ellwood suggested the idea of an `` Atlantic Charter 2.0 '' be raised at the next NSC .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ China passed a new security law for Hong Kong , saying the move violated an Anglo-Sino agreement to guarantee the rights and freedoms of the former British territory .
Dominic Raab , the foreign secretary , offered to extend visa privileges to hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong citizens if China refused to back down .
In another move that could anger Beijing , British intelligence officials are revisiting a decision to allow the Chinese telecommunications company Huawei to play a part in the UK 's 5G network following new US sanctions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only be the second time the government 's main decision-making body on security issues has met since the coronavirus lockdown .
The development was first reported on Twitter by the Mail on Sunday 's Harry Cole .
Sky News reported on Monday that the UK is set to rethink its policy on China amid what appears to be a hardening of views within government in the wake of the pandemic .
In his letter to the prime minister , Mr Ellwood wrote that `` national and international opinions regarding China are changing '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denied by Beijing - that China suppressed crucial information on COVID-19 when a new kind of illness was first reported in the city of Wuhan late last year .
The senior MP also cited a decision by the Chinese government last week to pass a new security law for Hong Kong despite Britain , the United States and others saying it violated the guarantees afforded the former British territory under its semi-autonomous status .
`` Western policy , to date , has focused on deepening engagement in the hope that China would evolve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard-fought principles of liberty and open trade , '' Mr Ellwood wrote .
`` We must face reality and recognise that China is pursuing a very different course that unless challenged could lead to a geo-political clash of ideology and potentially eventual conflict . ''
He urged Mr Johnson to follow in the footsteps of Sir Winston Churchill and Franklin D Roosevelt who devised the original Atlantic Charter in 1941 as the Second World War was raging .
Their shared vision on Allied war aims and how the world might look afterwards formed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and multilateral institutions , including the United Nations .
`` I believe it is time for Britain and the United States to once again step forward and coordinate allied objectives to prepare us for a long competition against China , '' Mr Ellwood said .
`` We need an Atlantic Charter 2.0 , with the United States and Britain leading the pursuit to design a new and defendable international architecture .
Its purpose would be to establish a fresh international framework to promote and defend human rights , democracy , and trade ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed model envisioned by Beijing . ''
His call is supported by a US lawmaker , Republican Senator Tom Cotton .
Mr Cotton is due to give evidence later on Tuesday before the defence select committee as part of a parliamentary inquiry into the use of Chinese technology in the UK 's next generation 5G communications network .
China 's ambassador to London dismissed talk about a `` new Cold War '' between Washington and Beijing when he appeared on a Sky News panel on Monday night as part of a special live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
`` China is not the former Soviet Union , '' Liu Xiaoming said .
He also defended Beijing 's actions regarding Hong Kong .
`` It is not Chinese suppression .
What is going on in Hong Kong is violence , it is a risk to the national security .
These perpetrators storm the parliament , '' he said , referring to previous pro-democracy demonstrations in the territory .
`` If the same thing happened in the streets of London , if the rioters stormed the UK parliament , what will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The UK government and police would sit back and let these sorts of things go on ?
`` I think any responsible government has to take measures .
`` People do n't realise that [ the principle of ] one country , two systems has achieved great success since Hong Kong returned to China . ''
: : Listen to the Behind the Headline podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker This week from today to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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

Boris Johnson is set to chair a meeting of Britain's National Security Council (NSC) on Tuesday, with China the one topic on the agenda, Sky News understands.
The gathering of top ministers comes as the chair of the defence select committee wrote to the prime minister, urging him to work with the US on a new blueprint for global unity or risk a growing rivalry with Beijing escalating into "eventual conflict".
Tobias Ellwood suggested the idea of an "Atlantic Charter 2.0" be raised at the next NSC.
Britain last week expressed deep concern after China passed a new security law for Hong Kong, saying the move violated an Anglo-Sino agreement to guarantee the rights and freedoms of the former British territory.
Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, offered to extend visa privileges to hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong citizens if China refused to back down.
In another move that could anger Beijing, British intelligence officials are revisiting a decision to allow the Chinese telecommunications company Huawei to play a part in the UK's 5G network following new US sanctions on the firm.
The NSC gathering will only be the second time the government's main decision-making body on security issues has met since the coronavirus lockdown.
The development was first reported on Twitter by the Mail on Sunday's Harry Cole. Sky News reported on Monday that the UK is set to rethink its policy on China amid what appears to be a hardening of views within government in the wake of the pandemic.
Image: Tobias Ellwood has suggested an 'Atlantic Charter 2.0'
In his letter to the prime minister, Mr Ellwood wrote that "national and international opinions regarding China are changing".
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He pointed to the suspicion - denied by Beijing - that China suppressed crucial information on COVID-19 when a new kind of illness was first reported in the city of Wuhan late last year.
The senior MP also cited a decision by the Chinese government last week to pass a new security law for Hong Kong despite Britain, the United States and others saying it violated the guarantees afforded the former British territory under its semi-autonomous status.
"Western policy, to date, has focused on deepening engagement in the hope that China would evolve into a responsible global citizen that embraced hard-fought principles of liberty and open trade," Mr Ellwood wrote.
"We must face reality and recognise that China is pursuing a very different course that unless challenged could lead to a geo-political clash of ideology and potentially eventual conflict."
He urged Mr Johnson to follow in the footsteps of Sir Winston Churchill and Franklin D Roosevelt who devised the original Atlantic Charter in 1941 as the Second World War was raging.
Their shared vision on Allied war aims and how the world might look afterwards formed the basis of a number of treaties and multilateral institutions, including the United Nations.
"I believe it is time for Britain and the United States to once again step forward and coordinate allied objectives to prepare us for a long competition against China," Mr Ellwood said.
"We need an Atlantic Charter 2.0, with the United States and Britain leading the pursuit to design a new and defendable international architecture. Its purpose would be to establish a fresh international framework to promote and defend human rights, democracy, and trade (including digital) in contrast to the closed model envisioned by Beijing."
Image: The 1941 meeting between Sir Winston Churchill and Franklin D, Roosevelt led to the Atlantic Charter
His call is supported by a US lawmaker, Republican Senator Tom Cotton.
Mr Cotton is due to give evidence later on Tuesday before the defence select committee as part of a parliamentary inquiry into the use of Chinese technology in the UK's next generation 5G communications network.
China's ambassador to London dismissed talk about a "new Cold War" between Washington and Beijing when he appeared on a Sky News panel on Monday night as part of a special live series to discuss the world after the pandemic.
"China is not the former Soviet Union," Liu Xiaoming said.
He also defended Beijing's actions regarding Hong Kong. "It is not Chinese suppression. What is going on in Hong Kong is violence, it is a risk to the national security. These perpetrators storm the parliament," he said, referring to previous pro-democracy demonstrations in the territory.
"If the same thing happened in the streets of London, if the rioters stormed the UK parliament, what will the UK reaction [be]? The UK government and police would sit back and let these sorts of things go on?
"I think any responsible government has to take measures.
"People don't realise that [the principle of] one country, two systems has achieved great success since Hong Kong returned to China."
:: Listen to the Behind the Headline podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
This week from today to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. 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--Man died after 'brushing off' tiny cut from kitchen knife 'during row with friend'

A man died after suffering a tiny cut from the tip of a kitchen knife following a row over a coat between two friends , a court has heard .
James O'Keefe probably `` brushed off '' the 1.5cm-deep wound to his right thigh and did not seek medical help , the Old Bailey was told .
Unbeknown to the 47-year-old , it had sliced a varicose vein , causing the `` severe , prolonged and unchecked bleeding '' that killed him .
His friend , George Nolan , is now on trial for manslaughter at the Old Bailey .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had got into an argument while drinking at the flat of another friend , Jan Farnham , in Crouch End , north London , on 9 December last year .
Mr Farnham allegedly later found Mr O'Keefe with his trouser leg soaked with blood , claiming Nolan had stabbed him .
Jurors were told Mr O'Keefe then went into the bathroom and collapsed in the bath , as Mr Farnham rushed to get help .
A knife with the victim 's blood on it was found the following day in a communal bin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was arrested , the court heard .
Mr Evans said : `` Based on the medical evidence and the blood staining inside the flat , it would appear that James O'Keefe suffered a single stab wound that bled profusely , unchecked and untreated for a lengthy period of time , before he collapsed in the bathroom .
`` In all likelihood , James O'Keefe did not appreciate the potential seriousness of the injury he had suffered .
`` Whether this was because he was intoxicated or whether he lost consciousness is not known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the wound bled profusely .
No doubt unbeknownst to him , the knife wound damaged an underlying varicose vein . ''
Mr Evans said that given the shallow wound , the prosecution 's case was that Nolan stabbed Mr O'Keefe with the intention of causing him harm but not severe harm .
He had claimed an argument erupted between Mr O'Keefe and Mr Farnham over a coat the victim was refusing to return .
Nolan claimed in a defence statement that he had tried to reason with Mr O'Keefe , who then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bat and threatened him .
Mr Evans said : `` It is the defendant 's case that he picked up a knife inside the flat in order to deter James O'Keefe , who was armed and advancing upon him , and that O'Keefe suffered the injury to his thigh as a result of stumbling towards him while he was holding the knife . ''
The trial at the Old Bailey got under way despite last-minute information that one of the jurors who attended court on Monday `` may or may not '' be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began on Tuesday , Judge Nigel Lickley QC told the remaining jurors : `` Shortly before 2pm it was brought to my attention that one of the jury panel yesterday may or may not have been infected with coronavirus .
`` It appears that on May 23 he had some symptoms and called the NHS who advised him to isolate for seven days .
`` He did not have a test and a few days before he was due to come here he felt much better so that is why he came .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ any of them had any concerns , but all of the men and women - sitting in court two metres from one another - confirmed they were happy to continue .
Each juror has a mini bottle of hand sanitiser , a mask , gloves and tissues laid out at their work stations in the well of the court .
The Old Bailey is one of a handful of criminal courts testing social distancing measures .

A man died after suffering a tiny cut from the tip of a kitchen knife following a row over a coat between two friends, a court has heard.
James O'Keefe probably "brushed off" the 1.5cm-deep wound to his right thigh and did not seek medical help, the Old Bailey was told.
Unbeknown to the 47-year-old, it had sliced a varicose vein, causing the "severe, prolonged and unchecked bleeding" that killed him.
His friend, George Nolan, is now on trial for manslaughter at the Old Bailey.
Prosecutor Julian Evans told jurors the pair had got into an argument while drinking at the flat of another friend, Jan Farnham, in Crouch End, north London, on 9 December last year.
Mr Farnham allegedly later found Mr O'Keefe with his trouser leg soaked with blood, claiming Nolan had stabbed him.
Jurors were told Mr O'Keefe then went into the bathroom and collapsed in the bath, as Mr Farnham rushed to get help.
A knife with the victim's blood on it was found the following day in a communal bin near Mr Farnham's flat and Nolan was arrested, the court heard.
Mr Evans said: "Based on the medical evidence and the blood staining inside the flat, it would appear that James O'Keefe suffered a single stab wound that bled profusely, unchecked and untreated for a lengthy period of time, before he collapsed in the bathroom.
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"In all likelihood, James O'Keefe did not appreciate the potential seriousness of the injury he had suffered.
"Whether this was because he was intoxicated or whether he lost consciousness is not known.
"What is clear though is that the wound bled profusely. No doubt unbeknownst to him, the knife wound damaged an underlying varicose vein."
Mr Evans said that given the shallow wound, the prosecution's case was that Nolan stabbed Mr O'Keefe with the intention of causing him harm but not severe harm.
The 55-year-old, of Tottenham, north London, denied manslaughter.
He had claimed an argument erupted between Mr O'Keefe and Mr Farnham over a coat the victim was refusing to return.
Nolan claimed in a defence statement that he had tried to reason with Mr O'Keefe, who then armed himself with a small wooden rounders bat and threatened him.
Mr Evans said: "It is the defendant's case that he picked up a knife inside the flat in order to deter James O'Keefe, who was armed and advancing upon him, and that O'Keefe suffered the injury to his thigh as a result of stumbling towards him while he was holding the knife."
The trial at the Old Bailey got under way despite last-minute information that one of the jurors who attended court on Monday "may or may not" be infected with coronavirus.
Before the trial began on Tuesday, Judge Nigel Lickley QC told the remaining jurors: "Shortly before 2pm it was brought to my attention that one of the jury panel yesterday may or may not have been infected with coronavirus.
"It appears that on May 23 he had some symptoms and called the NHS who advised him to isolate for seven days.
"He did not have a test and a few days before he was due to come here he felt much better so that is why he came."
He asked the remaining jurors if any of them had any concerns, but all of the men and women - sitting in court two metres from one another - confirmed they were happy to continue.
Each juror has a mini bottle of hand sanitiser, a mask, gloves and tissues laid out at their work stations in the well of the court.
The Old Bailey is one of a handful of criminal courts testing social distancing measures.


news--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: The worst is over - but excess COVID-19 deaths are still horribly high

Coronavirus : The worst is over - but excess COVID-19 deaths are still horribly high Coronavirus : The worst is over - but excess COVID-19 deaths are still horribly high The are now around 62,000 excess deaths in the UK The good news first : not only is the worst period of the pandemic now over , the number who are dying is now dropping down towards normal levels .
There has been no second spike in the deaths numbers and excess mortality , which is the number dying above typical seasonal levels , is down to the lowest level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Within a week or two , it looks quite likely that the UK will no longer have excess mortality and the numbers who have died are far below those feared by many epidemiologists early on in the outbreak .
But the bad news is those numbers are nonetheless horribly high .
The total number of excess deaths is now up to around 62,000 .
Of those , around 48,000 are accounted for by COVID-19 , which implies either that COVID deaths are being undercounted or that there have been many thousands of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the lockdown or from changes to health practices .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker When you compare the UK 's excess death numbers to the size of the population it has one of , if not the worst , death tolls in the world , with 929 deaths per million of the population .
It is worth being cautious over these numbers as they get revised very frequently , but there is no disguising that as things stand the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any other country - developed or developing .
Look at the UK nations in turn and there is another divergence .
While Northern Ireland has half the deaths per head of the population ( 445 per million ) , England has 966 per million and Scotland 855 per million .
Wales has 690 per million .
It will take some time before we know the full toll of the pandemic .
Even once excess mortality has dropped down to `` normal '' levels we will still need to see how it looks some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already clear that the impact of this pandemic is very significant indeed .

The total number of excess deaths is now up to around 62,000, and of those, around 48,000 are accounted for by COVID-19.
Coronavirus: The worst is over - but excess COVID-19 deaths are still horribly high
The are now around 62,000 excess deaths in the UK
The good news first: not only is the worst period of the pandemic now over, the number who are dying is now dropping down towards normal levels.
There has been no second spike in the deaths numbers and excess mortality, which is the number dying above typical seasonal levels, is down to the lowest level since the early weeks of the pandemic.
Within a week or two, it looks quite likely that the UK will no longer have excess mortality and the numbers who have died are far below those feared by many epidemiologists early on in the outbreak.
But the bad news is those numbers are nonetheless horribly high. The total number of excess deaths is now up to around 62,000.
Of those, around 48,000 are accounted for by COVID-19, which implies either that COVID deaths are being undercounted or that there have been many thousands of deaths caused indirectly by the disease - from the lockdown or from changes to health practices.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
When you compare the UK's excess death numbers to the size of the population it has one of, if not the worst, death tolls in the world, with 929 deaths per million of the population.
It is worth being cautious over these numbers as they get revised very frequently, but there is no disguising that as things stand the outbreak has hit the UK worse than almost any other country - developed or developing.
Look at the UK nations in turn and there is another divergence. While Northern Ireland has half the deaths per head of the population (445 per million), England has 966 per million and Scotland 855 per million. Wales has 690 per million.
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It will take some time before we know the full toll of the pandemic.
Even once excess mortality has dropped down to "normal" levels we will still need to see how it looks some months from now.
But it is already clear that the impact of this pandemic is very significant indeed.


news--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: Face masks and social distancing do work, but are not foolproof, says study

Social distancing can limit the chance of catching coronavirus to under 3 % , according to the most comprehensive study so far .
Keeping one metre apart reduces the risk of transmission to 2.6 % , while a two-metre gap decreases the chance of infection by a further 50 % .
The international report , published in The Lancet , analysed data from 172 studies in 16 countries .
It found that by wearing a face mask there is just a 3 % chance of catching Covid-19 .
Although some of the evidence is considered `` low certainty '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that social distancing measures and face coverings will be key in slowing the spread of the virus and allowing lockdown restrictions to be eased safely .
However , the report warns that even combining and properly using face masks , goggles and social distancing does n't provide complete protection .
The authors suggest that healthcare workers should wear respirators rather than surgical masks for `` greater protection '' .
Governments across the world have taken different approaches to safety measures , including social distancing and the compulsory wearing of face masks , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In France , China and Hong Kong , parts of the hospitality sector have reopened with a one-metre rule in place , while Spain has far stricter mandatory face mask rules than most other countries in Europe .
The aim of the report , which combines studies from around the globe and analyses all available evidence , is to help determine which measures might reduce transmission .
However , the report also says that a surge in demand for face masks could `` divert supplies from health-care workers and other caregivers at highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to `` quickly address access issues for face masks to ensure that they are equally available for all '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker As lockdown in the UK begins to ease , Boris Johnson faces a difficult balancing act between preventing a second wave of the virus and the risk that some businesses could collapse if the rules are too stringent .
The hospitality industry has begun lobbying for the social distancing guideline to be cut from two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be used as evidence that venues can start to reopen .
Matty Hall , who co-owns The Lexington pub and concert venue in Angel , says that a two-metre rule would reduce capacity from 200 down to 30 , meaning it would n't be financially viable to reopen .
As well as ensuring tables are spaced apart and the bar sectioned off , they would have to put a system in place for using the toilets and only one person could use the stairs at a time .
`` With one metre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the bills but we certainly would n't be able to turn a profit or run in that manner indefinitely '' , says Mr Hall .
`` It would perhaps slow us going bust '' .
However , housing minister Simon Clarke stressed the two-metre rule was `` based on the advice of our scientific community '' .
`` Obviously we 're determined to make sure that we do keep the public safe , '' he told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show .
`` We follow the best advice that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a fantastic globally respected scientific community and that 's the readout they 've given us . ''
He added : `` We believe that it is right that we maintain two metres as the appropriate guideline for people to be apart from others . ''
This week from today to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 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

Social distancing can limit the chance of catching coronavirus to under 3%, according to the most comprehensive study so far.
Keeping one metre apart reduces the risk of transmission to 2.6%, while a two-metre gap decreases the chance of infection by a further 50%.
The international report, published in The Lancet, analysed data from 172 studies in 16 countries.
It found that by wearing a face mask there is just a 3% chance of catching Covid-19.
Eye protection lowers the risk to 5.5%.
Although some of the evidence is considered "low certainty", the study provides the clearest picture yet that social distancing measures and face coverings will be key in slowing the spread of the virus and allowing lockdown restrictions to be eased safely.
However, the report warns that even combining and properly using face masks, goggles and social distancing doesn't provide complete protection.
The authors suggest that healthcare workers should wear respirators rather than surgical masks for "greater protection".
Governments across the world have taken different approaches to safety measures, including social distancing and the compulsory wearing of face masks, in part due to conflicting scientific opinions.
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In France, China and Hong Kong, parts of the hospitality sector have reopened with a one-metre rule in place, while Spain has far stricter mandatory face mask rules than most other countries in Europe.
The aim of the report, which combines studies from around the globe and analyses all available evidence, is to help determine which measures might reduce transmission.
However, the report also says that a surge in demand for face masks could "divert supplies from health-care workers and other caregivers at highest risk for infection" and that governments need to "quickly address access issues for face masks to ensure that they are equally available for all".
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As lockdown in the UK begins to ease, Boris Johnson faces a difficult balancing act between preventing a second wave of the virus and the risk that some businesses could collapse if the rules are too stringent.
The hospitality industry has begun lobbying for the social distancing guideline to be cut from two metres to one. The Lancet report will be used as evidence that venues can start to reopen.
Matty Hall, who co-owns The Lexington pub and concert venue in Angel, says that a two-metre rule would reduce capacity from 200 down to 30, meaning it wouldn't be financially viable to reopen.
As well as ensuring tables are spaced apart and the bar sectioned off, they would have to put a system in place for using the toilets and only one person could use the stairs at a time.
"With one metre we might be able to pay some of the bills but we certainly wouldn't be able to turn a profit or run in that manner indefinitely", says Mr Hall.
"It would perhaps slow us going bust".
However, housing minister Simon Clarke stressed the two-metre rule was "based on the advice of our scientific community".
"Obviously we're determined to make sure that we do keep the public safe," he told Sky News' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show.
"We follow the best advice that we can commission.
"The UK has a fantastic globally respected scientific community and that's the readout they've given us."
He added: "We believe that it is right that we maintain two metres as the appropriate guideline for people to be apart from others."
This week from today to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. 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: Government scraps COVID-19 briefings at weekends due to low viewing figures

The government has scrapped its weekend coronavirus briefings , Number 10 has announced .
From this week , the news conferences fronted by a senior government minister from Downing Street will no longer take place on Saturdays or Sundays .
Number 10 said `` significantly lower '' viewing figures were behind the move .
However , there was a fresh commitment for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to lead at least one of the five COVID-19 briefings a week , alongside scientific and medical experts .
`` From this week , the press conferences will be on weekdays only - so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Mr Johnson 's official spokesman said .
`` The prime minister will take a press conference every week .
`` Others will be led by secretaries of state , alongside scientific and medical experts where relevant . ''
Asked why the change was being made , the spokesman said : `` It is just a fact that the numbers who are viewing at weekends do tend to be significantly lower . ''
Last Saturday 's news conference was notable for Professor Jonathan Van Tam , England 's deputy chief medical officer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear '' and `` apply to all '' .
He spoke in reference to the row over the prime minister 's chief adviser Dominic Cummings , who police said may have breached the rules .
At Sunday 's news conference , Dr Jenny Harries - Prof Van Tam 's fellow deputy chief medical officer - said she `` absolutely '' agreed with her colleague .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker By contrast , last week the prime minister intervened to stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical officer , and Sir Patrick Vallance , the government 's chief scientific adviser , from answering questions about Mr Cummings .
Prof Whitty later stressed he had a `` desire not to get pulled into politics '' , while Sir Patrick added : `` I 'm a civil servant , I 'm politically neutral , I do n't want to get involved in politics at all . ''
Home Secretary Priti Patel is the only female cabinet minister to have appeared at the daily briefings .
Mr Johnson has admitted he `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ female representation '' at the news conferences .

The government has scrapped its weekend coronavirus briefings, Number 10 has announced.
From this week, the news conferences fronted by a senior government minister from Downing Street will no longer take place on Saturdays or Sundays.
Number 10 said "significantly lower" viewing figures were behind the move.
However, there was a fresh commitment for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to lead at least one of the five COVID-19 briefings a week, alongside scientific and medical experts.
"From this week, the press conferences will be on weekdays only - so no longer on Saturdays and Sundays," Mr Johnson's official spokesman said.
"The prime minister will take a press conference every week.
"Others will be led by secretaries of state, alongside scientific and medical experts where relevant."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 UK still in a 'very dangerous moment' on COVID-19
Asked why the change was being made, the spokesman said: "It is just a fact that the numbers who are viewing at weekends do tend to be significantly lower."
Last Saturday's news conference was notable for Professor Jonathan Van Tam, England's deputy chief medical officer, stressing the coronavirus lockdown rules are "clear" and "apply to all".
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He spoke in reference to the row over the prime minister's chief adviser Dominic Cummings, who police said may have breached the rules.
At Sunday's news conference, Dr Jenny Harries - Prof Van Tam's fellow deputy chief medical officer - said she "absolutely" agreed with her colleague.
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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By contrast, last week the prime minister intervened to stop Professor Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, and Sir Patrick Vallance, the government's chief scientific adviser, from answering questions about Mr Cummings.
Prof Whitty later stressed he had a "desire not to get pulled into politics", while Sir Patrick added: "I'm a civil servant, I'm politically neutral, I don't want to get involved in politics at all."
Home Secretary Priti Patel is the only female cabinet minister to have appeared at the daily briefings.
Mr Johnson has admitted he "would have liked to have had more female representation" at the news conferences.


news--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: Rohingya becomes first to die from COVID-19 in world's biggest refugee camp

A Rohingya refugee has become the first to die from coronavirus in Bangladesh , as infections rise in camps holding more than one million people who fled from Mynamar .
The 71-year-old man died while in quarantine at the main Kutupalong camp on Saturday , but samples confirmed he had COVID-19 on Monday .
Louise Donovan , spokesperson for UN refugee agency ( UNHCR ) in the Cox 's Bazar district , told Sky News : `` We are very , very worried .
We knew some months ago that this was inevitable : : Listen to the Daily podcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spotify , Spreaker '' The UNHCR is deeply saddened to learn of this development and sends our condolences to the family and the wider Rohingya community .
`` We are focusing on increasing the testing capacity to reduce the risk of the spread . ''
According to the World Health Organisation there are currently 29 confirmed COVID-19 cases among the refugee population in the camps .
In the wider Cox 's Bazar district , there are now 702 cases and 13 people have died .
With almost a million Rohingya refugees living in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as many as 60,000 to 90,000 people are squeezed into each square kilometre .
Families with up to a dozen members share tiny dwellings in what has become the world 's largest refugee camp .
Catalin Bercaru , WHO spokesperson , told Sky News : `` The death is extremely sad and tragic .
`` The conditions here are indeed challenging due to the density of people , we have been preparing over the months to increase capacity of tracing , testing , quarantine and isolation . ''
More than 740,000 Rohingya @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brutal military crackdown in Myanmar , where more than 200,000 refugees were already due to previous suppression .
The Bangladesh government had imposed a complete lockdown in the district of Cox 's Bazar in April , when a number of infections were recorded .
The first Rohingya refugee diagnosed with the virus was on 14 May .
Since then officials have blocked roads leading to several areas of the camps , where most of the infections have been recorded .
Thousands of people have been placed in quarantine as the number of cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are all working round the clock to ensure that testing is available to refugees , those who are identified as COVID-19 positive have adequate facilities in place to care for them . ''
Omar , a Rohingya refugee , told Sky News : `` We are very scared now .
`` The news has made us really worried for our families as the condition in the camps is not good to prevent the virus from spreading .
`` People are also scared and not going to health clinics if they have fever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government says it has scaled down internet connectivity and network in the camps to combat criminal activity .
Omar said : `` This has caused a lot of problems as we do n't get critical information and messages of awareness from humanitarian workers , which is so important now .
`` This has also caused a lot of rumours . ''
If not contained , it is feared the virus could ravage the camps where families with seven to 10 members live in the same room .
Maintaining social distancing , personal protection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenge in such densely populated areas .
Ms Donavan said : `` We continue to ask the world community for its solidarity particularly to these vulnerable people who depend 100 % on donations .
`` With the pandemic , more is needed and [ the humanitarian community ] additionally need $ 177m ( £141m ) to fight COVID-19 in the camps of Cox 's Bazar . ''
Bangladesh lifted its two-month lockdown on Sunday , even as the number of coronavirus cases rose .
More than 60,000 cases and around 700 deaths have @ @ @ @ @ @

A Rohingya refugee has become the first to die from coronavirus in Bangladesh, as infections rise in camps holding more than one million people who fled from Mynamar.
The 71-year-old man died while in quarantine at the main Kutupalong camp on Saturday, but samples confirmed he had COVID-19 on Monday.
Louise Donovan, spokesperson for UN refugee agency (UNHCR) in the Cox's Bazar district, told Sky News: "We are very, very worried. We knew some months ago that this was inevitable
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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"The UNHCR is deeply saddened to learn of this development and sends our condolences to the family and the wider Rohingya community.
"We are focusing on increasing the testing capacity to reduce the risk of the spread."
According to the World Health Organisation there are currently 29 confirmed COVID-19 cases among the refugee population in the camps.
In the wider Cox's Bazar district, there are now 702 cases and 13 people have died.
With almost a million Rohingya refugees living in the 34 camps in Cox's Bazar, as many as 60,000 to 90,000 people are squeezed into each square kilometre.
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Families with up to a dozen members share tiny dwellings in what has become the world's largest refugee camp.
Image: Children at the Kutupalong refugee camp for Rohingya Muslims in Cox's Bazar
Catalin Bercaru, WHO spokesperson, told Sky News: "The death is extremely sad and tragic.
"The conditions here are indeed challenging due to the density of people, we have been preparing over the months to increase capacity of tracing, testing, quarantine and isolation."
More than 740,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh in 2017 amid a brutal military crackdown in Myanmar, where more than 200,000 refugees were already due to previous suppression.
The Bangladesh government had imposed a complete lockdown in the district of Cox's Bazar in April, when a number of infections were recorded.
Image: A Rohingya refugee family in Kutupalong camp in Cox's Bazaar, Bangladesh
The first Rohingya refugee diagnosed with the virus was on 14 May.
Since then officials have blocked roads leading to several areas of the camps, where most of the infections have been recorded.
Thousands of people have been placed in quarantine as the number of cases increased.
Ms Donavan said: "We are all working round the clock to ensure that testing is available to refugees, those who are identified as COVID-19 positive have adequate facilities in place to care for them."
Image: Refugees in Balukhali camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. File pic
Omar, a Rohingya refugee, told Sky News: "We are very scared now.
"The news has made us really worried for our families as the condition in the camps is not good to prevent the virus from spreading.
"People are also scared and not going to health clinics if they have fever or other symptoms."
The Bangladesh government says it has scaled down internet connectivity and network in the camps to combat criminal activity.
Omar said: "This has caused a lot of problems as we don't get critical information and messages of awareness from humanitarian workers, which is so important now.
"This has also caused a lot of rumours."
Image: A Rohingya refugee walks through a camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
If not contained, it is feared the virus could ravage the camps where families with seven to 10 members live in the same room.
Maintaining social distancing, personal protection and general hygiene would all be a challenge in such densely populated areas.
Ms Donavan said: "We continue to ask the world community for its solidarity particularly to these vulnerable people who depend 100% on donations.
"With the pandemic, more is needed and [the humanitarian community] additionally need $177m (£141m) to fight COVID-19 in the camps of Cox's Bazar."
Bangladesh lifted its two-month lockdown on Sunday, even as the number of coronavirus cases rose. More than 60,000 cases and around 700 deaths have been reported in the country.


news--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: Coastguard responded to nearly 450 incidents during 'busiest weekend of 2020'

HM Coastguard says it responded to nearly 450 incidents during its `` busiest weekend of 2020 '' , as thousands of people across the UK flocked to beaches and beauty spots to enjoy the hot weather .
It warned `` coronavirus has n't gone away '' , and that `` we all need to follow the rules '' .
On Sunday , it had the highest number of call-outs so far this year , with 241 incidents - a 168 % increase on the 2019 May average .
Saturday was its second busiest , with 206 - a total of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition , search and rescue helicopters were involved in 50 call-outs , and lifeboats were involved in 202 .
On Monday , new guidance allowing up to six people to meet outdoors went into effect in England , but there are claims some are flouting the rules .
On Saturday , three people were seriously injured after jumping into the sea from the limestone arch of Durdle Door , leading to a council leader to call for a ban on anyone travelling further than five miles , describing `` awful scenes '' on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Councillor Vikki Slade , the leader of Bournemouth , Christchurch and Poole Council , said she had witnessed people breaking social distancing rules in her district , with illegal parking , widespread barbecues and council staff being abused when going about their work .
HM Coastguard Duty Commander Matt Leat has said the government guidelines `` should continue to be observed by everyone '' .
He said : `` Boating , swimming and other sea-based activities are now allowed again across the UK , as is spending time on the beach .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people need to respect the sea and the coast to ensure the safety of themselves and their families .
He added : `` Regardless of how well you know the coast , or how experienced you are in your chosen sport , the sea can still catch you out .
`` If you are visiting the beach with your children , have fun but stay safe .
Make sure you have sight of your children at all times .
He said if anyone gets into trouble at sea or on the coast they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coastguard , which will `` come to your aid '' .
But he warned `` coronavirus has n't gone away and we all need to follow the rules .
`` Remember your choices might put people , including yourself and frontline responders , at risk .
`` Take extra care in these extraordinary times .
# BeBeachSafe . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker This week from today to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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

HM Coastguard says it responded to nearly 450 incidents during its "busiest weekend of 2020", as thousands of people across the UK flocked to beaches and beauty spots to enjoy the hot weather.
It warned "coronavirus hasn't gone away", and that "we all need to follow the rules".
On Sunday, it had the highest number of call-outs so far this year, with 241 incidents - a 168% increase on the 2019 May average.
Saturday was its second busiest, with 206 - a total of 447 incidents over the weekend.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:14 People enjoy the sunshine in the South East
In addition, search and rescue helicopters were involved in 50 call-outs, and lifeboats were involved in 202.
On Monday, new guidance allowing up to six people to meet outdoors went into effect in England, but there are claims some are flouting the rules.
On Saturday, three people were seriously injured after jumping into the sea from the limestone arch of Durdle Door, leading to a council leader to call for a ban on anyone travelling further than five miles, describing "awful scenes" on beaches in Dorset over the weekend.
Councillor Vikki Slade, the leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, said she had witnessed people breaking social distancing rules in her district, with illegal parking, widespread barbecues and council staff being abused when going about their work.
HM Coastguard Duty Commander Matt Leat has said the government guidelines "should continue to be observed by everyone".
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He said: "Boating, swimming and other sea-based activities are now allowed again across the UK, as is spending time on the beach.
"However, now more than ever, people need to respect the sea and the coast to ensure the safety of themselves and their families.
He added: "Regardless of how well you know the coast, or how experienced you are in your chosen sport, the sea can still catch you out.
Image: HM Coastguard says it had its 'busiest weekend of 2020'
"If you are visiting the beach with your children, have fun but stay safe. Make sure you have sight of your children at all times.
He said if anyone gets into trouble at sea or on the coast they should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, which will "come to your aid".
But he warned "coronavirus hasn't gone away and we all need to follow the rules.
"Remember your choices might put people, including yourself and frontline responders, at risk.
"Take extra care in these extraordinary times. #BeBeachSafe."
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
This week from today to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. 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