news--2020-04-12--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson out of hospital but won't yet return to work, says Downing Street

Boris Johnson has said there is `` no question '' that the NHS saved his life after he was discharged from hospital .
Downing Street announced on Sunday afternoon that the prime minister had left St Thomas ' Hospital in central London , but wo n't immediately return to work as he continues to recover from coronavirus .
In a video message posted to his Twitter account after his seven-night hospital stay , Mr Johnson said : `` I have today left hospital after a week in which the NHS has saved my life , no question .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ express my debt . ''
The prime minister paid tribute to the `` personal courage '' of doctors , nurses , cleaners , cooks and all other healthcare workers at St Thomas ' and named individual staff who had steered him away from danger over the past week .
He paid particular thanks to two nurses - Jenny from New Zealand and Luis from Portugal - who `` stood by my bedside for 48 hours when things could have gone either way '' .
`` The reason in the end my body did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for every second of the night they were watching and they were thinking and they were caring and making the interventions I needed , '' Mr Johnson said .
The prime minister also thanked Britons for the `` sacrifice '' they had made on a sunny Easter weekend by complying with his government 's lockdown measures .
He said the public had `` formed a human shield '' around the NHS .
`` We understood and we decided that if together we could keep our NHS safe , if we could stop our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could not be beaten , '' the prime minister added .
`` And this country would rise together and overcome this challenge , as we have overcome so many challenges in the past . ''
Paying tribute to the `` care and thought and precision '' of all NHS workers across the country , Mr Johnson said this is `` why we will defeat this coronavirus and defeat it together '' .
`` We will win because our NHS is the beating heart of this country .
It is the best of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is powered by love , '' he added .
Mr Johnson 's video message was filmed in Downing Street , where he briefly returned to collect some belongings .
The prime minister will now recuperate at Chequers , his official country retreat in Buckinghamshire , where he is expected to be joined by his pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds .
Ms Symonds said she would `` never , ever be able to repay '' the NHS staff who treated him , adding : `` I will never stop thanking you . ''
`` There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dark indeed , '' she continued .
`` My heart goes out to all those in similar situations , worried sick about their loved ones .
`` Thank you also to everyone who sent such kind messages of support .
Today I 'm feeling incredibly lucky . ''
The prime minister 's father , Stanley Johnson - who previously said his son `` almost took one for the team '' - told Sky News : `` It 's marvellous news , I 'm thrilled and delighted . ''
The prime minister was first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests .
The action was taken due to the 55-year-old 's coronavirus symptoms persisting for more than a week after he was first found to have contracted COVID-19 on 27 March .
Up until his admission to hospital , Mr Johnson had been self-isolating in 11 Downing Street and conducting meetings remotely .
He was moved into intensive care at St Thomas ' when his health deteriorated and he had difficulty breathing on Monday afternoon .
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical care until Thursday , during which time he was supported with oxygen , but did not require the use of a ventilator .
He then spent a further three nights on a low-dependency ward at St Thomas ' , towards the end of which he was said to be taking `` short walks '' and `` playing games and watching films '' .
In his absence , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has been deputising for Mr Johnson - an arrangement that is likely to continue after the prime minister was advised not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ms Symonds , who works for an ocean conservation charity , sent Mr Johnson letters and baby scans to lift his spirits during his time in intensive care .
She has also been ill with coronavirus symptoms in recent weeks , but has not been tested for the virus .
Dr Ian Abbs , chief executive at Guy 's and St Thomas ' NHS trust , said : `` I am incredibly proud of the staff who have cared for the prime minister and pleased that he is now able to continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to pay tribute to the teams whose dedication , skill and compassion made this possible . ''
He added : `` While it is right that we celebrate this good news , our thoughts turn immediately to those who still need our help at this time .
`` On behalf of everyone at Guy 's and St Thomas ' , I 'd ask that people stay home to help us save lives and protect the NHS . ''

Boris Johnson has said there is "no question" that the NHS saved his life after he was discharged from hospital.
Downing Street announced on Sunday afternoon that the prime minister had left St Thomas' Hospital in central London, but won't immediately return to work as he continues to recover from coronavirus.
In a video message posted to his Twitter account after his seven-night hospital stay, Mr Johnson said: "I have today left hospital after a week in which the NHS has saved my life, no question.
"It's hard to find the words to express my debt."
Image: Boris Johnson spent seven nights at St Thomas' Hospital in central London
The prime minister paid tribute to the "personal courage" of doctors, nurses, cleaners, cooks and all other healthcare workers at St Thomas' and named individual staff who had steered him away from danger over the past week.
He paid particular thanks to two nurses - Jenny from New Zealand and Luis from Portugal - who "stood by my bedside for 48 hours when things could have gone either way".
"The reason in the end my body did start to get enough oxygen was because for every second of the night they were watching and they were thinking and they were caring and making the interventions I needed," Mr Johnson said.
The prime minister also thanked Britons for the "sacrifice" they had made on a sunny Easter weekend by complying with his government's lockdown measures.
He said the public had "formed a human shield" around the NHS.
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"We understood and we decided that if together we could keep our NHS safe, if we could stop our NHS from being overwhelmed, then we could not be beaten," the prime minister added.
"And this country would rise together and overcome this challenge, as we have overcome so many challenges in the past."
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Paying tribute to the "care and thought and precision" of all NHS workers across the country, Mr Johnson said this is "why we will defeat this coronavirus and defeat it together".
"We will win because our NHS is the beating heart of this country. It is the best of this country. It is unconquerable. It is powered by love," he added.
Mr Johnson's video message was filmed in Downing Street, where he briefly returned to collect some belongings.
The prime minister will now recuperate at Chequers, his official country retreat in Buckinghamshire, where he is expected to be joined by his pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds.
Ms Symonds said she would "never, ever be able to repay" the NHS staff who treated him, adding: "I will never stop thanking you."
"There were times last week that were very dark indeed," she continued.
"My heart goes out to all those in similar situations, worried sick about their loved ones.
"Thank you also to everyone who sent such kind messages of support. Today I'm feeling incredibly lucky."
The prime minister's father, Stanley Johnson - who previously said his son "almost took one for the team" - told Sky News: "It's marvellous news, I'm thrilled and delighted."
Image: The PM will continue his recovery at Chequers, his official country residence
The prime minister was first admitted to hospital last Sunday night for tests.
The action was taken due to the 55-year-old's coronavirus symptoms persisting for more than a week after he was first found to have contracted COVID-19 on 27 March.
Up until his admission to hospital, Mr Johnson had been self-isolating in 11 Downing Street and conducting meetings remotely.
He was moved into intensive care at St Thomas' when his health deteriorated and he had difficulty breathing on Monday afternoon.
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:: Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Johnson remained in critical care until Thursday, during which time he was supported with oxygen, but did not require the use of a ventilator.
He then spent a further three nights on a low-dependency ward at St Thomas', towards the end of which he was said to be taking "short walks" and "playing games and watching films".
In his absence, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has been deputising for Mr Johnson - an arrangement that is likely to continue after the prime minister was advised not to make an immediate return to work.
Ms Symonds, who works for an ocean conservation charity, sent Mr Johnson letters and baby scans to lift his spirits during his time in intensive care.
She has also been ill with coronavirus symptoms in recent weeks, but has not been tested for the virus.
Dr Ian Abbs, chief executive at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS trust, said: "I am incredibly proud of the staff who have cared for the prime minister and pleased that he is now able to continue his recovery at home.
"I want to pay tribute to the teams whose dedication, skill and compassion made this possible."
Image: Armed police were seen leaving the hospital after the PM was discharged
He added: "While it is right that we celebrate this good news, our thoughts turn immediately to those who still need our help at this time.
"On behalf of everyone at Guy's and St Thomas', I'd ask that people stay home to help us save lives and protect the NHS."


news--2020-06-09--Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe responds to JK Rowling 'anti-trans comments'

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe has spoken out over author JK Rowling 's comments about transgender people and said he hopes her remarks have not `` tarnished or diminished '' fans ' experience of her beloved books .
Actor Radcliffe , who became a worldwide star after playing schoolboy wizard Harry in the blockbuster adaptations of the novels , was responding to a series of tweets Rowling posted over the weekend after which critics accused her of being transphobic .
She took issue with the phrasing of a headline for an opinion article about healthcare equality , titled Opinion : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who menstruate .
`` 'People who menstruate ' .
I 'm sure there used to be a word for those people , '' she tweeted on Saturday .
`` Someone help me out .
Wumben ?
Wimpund ?
Woomud ? ''
The tweet sparked a debate , with many criticising the writer for appearing to define a woman as someone who has a menstrual period , and accused her of making `` anti-trans comments '' - which she strongly denied as `` nonsense '' .
Radcliffe waded into the controversy on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suicide prevention charity The Trevor Project , writing that while Rowling `` is unquestionably responsible for the course my life has taken ... as a human being , I feel compelled to say something at this moment '' .
He said this was not about `` in-fighting between JK Rowling and myself '' , adding : `` Transgender women are women .
`` Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I . ''
The 30-year-old then cited statistics from The Trevor Project , claiming 78 % of transgender and non-binary youth reported being the subject of discrimination due to their gender identity .
He said : `` It 's clear that we need to do more to support transgender and non-binary people , not invalidate their identities , and not cause further harm . ''
Radcliffe also addressed fans on social media who said they could no longer enjoy the Harry Potter series due to their disagreement with Rowling .
`` To all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience of the books has been tarnished or diminished , I am deeply sorry for the pain these comments have caused you , '' he said .
`` I really hope that you do n't entirely lose what was valuable in these stories to you .
`` If these books taught you that love is the strongest force in the universe , capable of overcoming anything ; if they taught you that strength is found in diversity , and that dogmatic ideas of pureness lead to the oppression of vulnerable groups ; if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trans , non-binary , or gender fluid , or that they are gay or bisexual ; if you found anything in these stories that resonated with you and helped you at any time in your life - then that is between you and the book that you read , and it is sacred .
`` And in my opinion nobody can touch that .
It means to you what it means to you and I hope that these comments will not taint that too much . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spotify , Spreaker Rowling posted a series of tweets on Sunday defending her earlier statement .
She tweeted : `` I know and love trans people , but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives .
It is n't hate to speak the truth .
`` The idea that women like me , who 've been empathetic to trans people for decades , feeling kinship because they 're vulnerable in the same way as women - ie , to male violence - 'hate ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real and has lived consequences - is a nonsense .
`` I respect every trans person 's right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them .
I 'd march with you if you were discriminated against on the basis of being trans .
At the same time , my life has been shaped by being female .
I do not believe it 's hateful to say so . ''
It is not the first time Rowling has been accused of being transphobic .
In December she voiced her support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeting that transgender people can not change their biological sex .

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe has spoken out over author JK Rowling's comments about transgender people and said he hopes her remarks have not "tarnished or diminished" fans' experience of her beloved books.
Actor Radcliffe, who became a worldwide star after playing schoolboy wizard Harry in the blockbuster adaptations of the novels, was responding to a series of tweets Rowling posted over the weekend after which critics accused her of being transphobic.
She took issue with the phrasing of a headline for an opinion article about healthcare equality, titled Opinion: Creating a more equal post-COVID-19 world for people who menstruate.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
"'People who menstruate'. I'm sure there used to be a word for those people," she tweeted on Saturday. "Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?"
The tweet sparked a debate, with many criticising the writer for appearing to define a woman as someone who has a menstrual period, and accused her of making "anti-trans comments" - which she strongly denied as "nonsense".
Radcliffe waded into the controversy on Monday in a blog post for the LGBT suicide prevention charity The Trevor Project, writing that while Rowling "is unquestionably responsible for the course my life has taken... as a human being, I feel compelled to say something at this moment".
He said this was not about "in-fighting between JK Rowling and myself", adding: "Transgender women are women.
"Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I."
The 30-year-old then cited statistics from The Trevor Project, claiming 78% of transgender and non-binary youth reported being the subject of discrimination due to their gender identity.
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Image: Rowling and Radcliffe in 2001. The actor said the author 'is unquestionably responsible for the course my life has taken' but he felt 'compelled to say something'
He said: "It's clear that we need to do more to support transgender and non-binary people, not invalidate their identities, and not cause further harm."
Radcliffe also addressed fans on social media who said they could no longer enjoy the Harry Potter series due to their disagreement with Rowling.
"To all the people who now feel that their experience of the books has been tarnished or diminished, I am deeply sorry for the pain these comments have caused you," he said.
"I really hope that you don't entirely lose what was valuable in these stories to you.
"If these books taught you that love is the strongest force in the universe, capable of overcoming anything; if they taught you that strength is found in diversity, and that dogmatic ideas of pureness lead to the oppression of vulnerable groups; if you believe that a particular character is trans, non-binary, or gender fluid, or that they are gay or bisexual; if you found anything in these stories that resonated with you and helped you at any time in your life - then that is between you and the book that you read, and it is sacred.
"And in my opinion nobody can touch that. It means to you what it means to you and I hope that these comments will not taint that too much."
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Rowling posted a series of tweets on Sunday defending her earlier statement.
She tweeted: "I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn't hate to speak the truth.
"The idea that women like me, who've been empathetic to trans people for decades, feeling kinship because they're vulnerable in the same way as women - ie, to male violence - 'hate' trans people because they think sex is real and has lived consequences - is a nonsense.
"I respect every trans person's right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them. I'd march with you if you were discriminated against on the basis of being trans. At the same time, my life has been shaped by being female. I do not believe it's hateful to say so."
It is not the first time Rowling has been accused of being transphobic.
In December she voiced her support for a researcher who was sacked after tweeting that transgender people cannot change their biological sex.


news--2020-06-09--Coronavirus: Steelmaker Celsa close to landing £30m government loan

One of the UK ’ s biggest steel producers is close to securing government funding worth tens of millions of pounds – which would make it the first state-backed coronavirus financing to be agreed outside one of the Treasury ’ s emergency lending schemes .
Sky News has learnt that Celsa Steel UK , which is Spanish-owned and employs hundreds of people in Cardiff , is in advanced negotiations with Whitehall about a loan of roughly £30m .
A steel industry insider said on Tuesday that the talks were close to reaching a conclusion , although they cautioned that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Further details of the loan package , including its proposed repayment terms , whether it involved guaranteeing other payments owed by the company or the security that would be granted to taxpayers , were unclear .
A source close to Celsa Steel UK said the government had been `` extremely supportive '' during the discussions about the loan .
The talks with the company , which describes itself as the UK 's largest producer of reinforcement steel , come amid efforts within government to provide a wider support package for the industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sky News revealed in April that Tata Steel UK , owner of the vast steelworks at Port Talbot , had approached ministers about securing a £500m government loan .
Talks have also been taking place between officials and other players in the sector , including Liberty Steel and British Steel , which is now owned by the Chinese conglomerate Jingye Group .
The government has sought to emphasise that companies should be exploring securing financing from existing shareholders and lenders before approaching it for taxpayers ' support .
It has , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funding requests from companies which are unable to access the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme or the Covid Corporate Finance Facility .
During the crisis , companies including McLaren Group , Petroineos , Jaguar Land Rover and Virgin Atlantic Airways have all made such requests .
The steel industry is deemed by senior ministers to be of strategic importance , meaning further funding could be made available to companies which can not secure funding through existing schemes .
Ed Miliband , the shadow business secretary , told the Financial Times recently that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministers to take equity stakes in steel producers and other key manufacturers .
On Tuesday , Mr Miliband said in response to the publication of the latest Treasury emergency loan scheme figures : `` Despite ministers ' promises that bounce back loans would help , 60 % of larger businesses are rejected or languishing in the queue .
`` An effective scheme is crucial for Britain 's manufacturing sector but many have been locked out by technical Treasury rules , which must change . ''
UK Steel , the industry trade association , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

One of the UK’s biggest steel producers is close to securing government funding worth tens of millions of pounds – which would make it the first state-backed coronavirus financing to be agreed outside one of the Treasury’s emergency lending schemes.
Sky News has learnt that Celsa Steel UK, which is Spanish-owned and employs hundreds of people in Cardiff, is in advanced negotiations with Whitehall about a loan of roughly £30m.
A steel industry insider said on Tuesday that the talks were close to reaching a conclusion, although they cautioned that a formal agreement had yet to be struck.
Image: A number of steel producers have appealed for government help
Further details of the loan package, including its proposed repayment terms, whether it involved guaranteeing other payments owed by the company or the security that would be granted to taxpayers, were unclear.
A source close to Celsa Steel UK said the government had been "extremely supportive" during the discussions about the loan.
The talks with the company, which describes itself as the UK's largest producer of reinforcement steel, come amid efforts within government to provide a wider support package for the industry as it reels from the coronavirus pandemic.
Sky News revealed in April that Tata Steel UK, owner of the vast steelworks at Port Talbot, had approached ministers about securing a £500m government loan.
Image: Tata Steel owns the sprawling Port Talbot works in south Wales
Talks have also been taking place between officials and other players in the sector, including Liberty Steel and British Steel, which is now owned by the Chinese conglomerate Jingye Group.
The government has sought to emphasise that companies should be exploring securing financing from existing shareholders and lenders before approaching it for taxpayers' support.
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It has, however, established Project Birch to assess bespoke funding requests from companies which are unable to access the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme or the Covid Corporate Finance Facility.
During the crisis, companies including McLaren Group, Petroineos, Jaguar Land Rover and Virgin Atlantic Airways have all made such requests.
The steel industry is deemed by senior ministers to be of strategic importance, meaning further funding could be made available to companies which cannot secure funding through existing schemes.
Ed Miliband, the shadow business secretary, told the Financial Times recently that it would be "legitimate" for ministers to take equity stakes in steel producers and other key manufacturers.
On Tuesday, Mr Miliband said in response to the publication of the latest Treasury emergency loan scheme figures: "Despite ministers' promises that bounce back loans would help, 60% of larger businesses are rejected or languishing in the queue.
"An effective scheme is crucial for Britain's manufacturing sector but many have been locked out by technical Treasury rules, which must change."
UK Steel, the industry trade association, has also pleaded for more government support.


news--2020-06-09--Diesel spill: Russia fails to stop fuel seeping into Arctic lake and it may hit nature reserve

Efforts to contain a huge diesel spill in Russia 's Far North have failed to prevent fuel from seeping into a nearby Arctic lake .
Regional governor Alexander Uss told journalists it is impossible to predict whether residue will spread further north into Russia 's Arctic nature reserve after 20,000 tonnes of diesel spilled into a river from a power plant on 29 May .
The incident , which experts say will take water systems `` decades to recover from '' , happened in the Siberian industrial city of Norilsk , 1,800 miles ( 2,900km ) northeast of Moscow .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ says there are high chances the fuel will spread .
`` This is the biggest accident with the highest-ever volume of oil products spilled in the Polar Arctic , '' he said .
`` If the diesel travels up the Pyasina river into the nature reserve , this is nesting time for 30,000 geese .
The river is famous for the Muksun fish , there are reindeer and bears , the situation is quite critical . ''
Last week , Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a federal emergency after the fuel reservoir burst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subsidiary of nickel and palladian giant Norilsk Nickel , turning two rivers deep red .
Norilsk Nickel says it has so far removed some 23,000 cubic metres of contaminated soil from the area and is working around the clock to remove the diesel from both rivers .
The company claims that state-of-the-art containment booms have protected Lake Pyasino and beyond that , the Kara Sea , from contamination which they say is at maximum permissible levels .
The company also says it believes the fuel container split as a result of melting permafrost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other tanks across its enterprises to make sure they are stable .
Siberia and the Arctic have experienced some of the warmest temperatures on record and the leak underscores what can go wrong as Russia 's industrial ambitions in the Far North intersect with a warming climate , putting fragile Arctic ecosystems in the crosshairs .
Russia 's prosecutor general has called for inspections of all industrial installations situated on permafrost as a result of the incident .
That is potentially a lot of work .
Sixty-five percent of the country sits on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's North , and the country is warming at a rate of more than twice the global average .
Russia 's emergencies ministry says the clean-up should be finished within two weeks .
Locals say it will be at least 10 years though before things are back to normal .
`` Nornickel is trying to clean it up but I do n't think they 'll have 100 % success '' , says Grigory Diukarev , who is a representative for the Taimyr Krasnoyarsk regional association of indigenous minorities .
`` This is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they did n't come to any conclusions from the previous two .
They are not telling the whole truth , '' he added .
As with so much in Russia , it is hard to tell what is true and what is not - especially around the situation with Norilsk - as it is a closed city , built from the toil of gulag prisoners , its primary purpose now to service Norilsk Nickel 's industrial goals .
It is where Nadya Tolokonnikova of the protest band Pussy Riot grew up .
Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Snow , about her hometown , highlighting the pollution from sulphur emissions she claims are part of daily life for Norilsk residents .
She also wrote a letter to Mr Putin .
`` Either we leave things as they are and we just die out '' , she wrote in her letter , `` turning our planet into places like Chernobyl and Norilsk , or we figure out how to build a technologically advanced civilisation with clean industries '' .
One year on , as the Kremlin tries to claim that it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activists are demanding a post-pandemic rethink of Russia 's economic powerbase .
`` This is a great chance for Mr Putin to invest in a green recovery package in order to avoid such a situation in Russia again '' , says Mr Chuprov .
`` To use this five trillion-ruble pandemic recovery package to grow new climate-friendly economics and sectors and not to support the oil industry anymore . ''

Efforts to contain a huge diesel spill in Russia's Far North have failed to prevent fuel from seeping into a nearby Arctic lake.
Regional governor Alexander Uss told journalists it is impossible to predict whether residue will spread further north into Russia's Arctic nature reserve after 20,000 tonnes of diesel spilled into a river from a power plant on 29 May.
The incident, which experts say will take water systems "decades to recover from", happened in the Siberian industrial city of Norilsk, 1,800 miles (2,900km) northeast of Moscow.
Vladimir Chuprov, from Greenpeace Russia, says there are high chances the fuel will spread.
Image: Officials claims efforts to clean up the mess are 'around the clock'
"This is the biggest accident with the highest-ever volume of oil products spilled in the Polar Arctic," he said.
"If the diesel travels up the Pyasina river into the nature reserve, this is nesting time for 30,000 geese. The river is famous for the Muksun fish, there are reindeer and bears, the situation is quite critical."
Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a federal emergency after the fuel reservoir burst at a power plant belonging to a subsidiary of nickel and palladian giant Norilsk Nickel, turning two rivers deep red.
Image: Experts fear the fuel will spread further up two rivers and affect wildlife
Norilsk Nickel says it has so far removed some 23,000 cubic metres of contaminated soil from the area and is working around the clock to remove the diesel from both rivers.
The company claims that state-of-the-art containment booms have protected Lake Pyasino and beyond that, the Kara Sea, from contamination which they say is at maximum permissible levels.
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The company also says it believes the fuel container split as a result of melting permafrost and that it is now inspecting all other tanks across its enterprises to make sure they are stable.
Image: Workers are pictured dealing with the spill in the Siberian city of Norilsk
Image: The incident, which workers are battling to recover from, happened last month
Siberia and the Arctic have experienced some of the warmest temperatures on record and the leak underscores what can go wrong as Russia's industrial ambitions in the Far North intersect with a warming climate, putting fragile Arctic ecosystems in the crosshairs.
Russia's prosecutor general has called for inspections of all industrial installations situated on permafrost as a result of the incident.
That is potentially a lot of work. Sixty-five percent of the country sits on permafrost, the long belt across Russia's North, and the country is warming at a rate of more than twice the global average.
Russia's emergencies ministry says the clean-up should be finished within two weeks. Locals say it will be at least 10 years though before things are back to normal.
Image: A state of emergency was declared when the spill turned two rivers a deep red
"Nornickel is trying to clean it up but I don't think they'll have 100% success", says Grigory Diukarev, who is a representative for the Taimyr Krasnoyarsk regional association of indigenous minorities.
"This is the third accident on Nornickel's watch and they didn't come to any conclusions from the previous two. They are not telling the whole truth," he added.
As with so much in Russia, it is hard to tell what is true and what is not - especially around the situation with Norilsk - as it is a closed city, built from the toil of gulag prisoners, its primary purpose now to service Norilsk Nickel's industrial goals.
Image: 20,000 tones of diesel fuel spilled into a river in the Arctic. Pic: Radionova Svetlana/Facebook
It is where Nadya Tolokonnikova of the protest band Pussy Riot grew up. Last year she released a single, Black Snow, about her hometown, highlighting the pollution from sulphur emissions she claims are part of daily life for Norilsk residents. She also wrote a letter to Mr Putin.
"Either we leave things as they are and we just die out", she wrote in her letter, "turning our planet into places like Chernobyl and Norilsk, or we figure out how to build a technologically advanced civilisation with clean industries".
Image: A Greenpeace expert says there are high chances the residue will spread
One year on, as the Kremlin tries to claim that it has contained another crisis, COVID-19, environmental activists are demanding a post-pandemic rethink of Russia's economic powerbase.
"This is a great chance for Mr Putin to invest in a green recovery package in order to avoid such a situation in Russia again", says Mr Chuprov.
"To use this five trillion-ruble pandemic recovery package to grow new climate-friendly economics and sectors and not to support the oil industry anymore."


news--2020-06-09--North Korea cuts all communication with the South

North Korea has said it is cutting all communication with South Korea because Seoul has not stopped leaflet-filled balloons being floated over the border .
Severing communication between the countries was the first step to `` completely shut down all contact means with South Korea '' , said state news agency KCNA .
It said the decision had come from Kim Jong Un 's powerful sister , Kim Yo Jong , and Kim Yong Chol , a former military intelligence chief .
Activists and defectors in the South have been sending balloons over the heavily militarised border for years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's human rights abuses and his nuclear ambitions .
KCNA said South Korea had `` connived at the hostile acts ... by the riff-raff , while trying to dodge heavy responsibility with nasty excuses '' .
It said military and presidential hotlines would shut , as would communications at a Korean liaison office .
North Korea did not answer a daily liaison call on Tuesday morning and also went silent on military hotlines , said a defence spokesperson from the South .
The move comes after Mr Kim 's sister last week called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` mongrel dogs '' .
However , it is not the first time that Pyongyang has pulled the plug .
They last did so amid rising tensions in 2016 , with channels eventually restored in 2018 .
Dozens of hotlines are in place over matters such as military affairs , shipping and aviation , and humanitarian affairs .
With the North 's history of proactive missile tests , they are seen as crucial to avoid a potentially catastrophic misunderstanding .
The two countries are technically still at war after the Korean War in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but not a peace treaty .
Experts said the North 's move was likely to be a ploy to win concessions from its neighbour or bolster internal unity - with the defectors ' actions used as a convenient excuse .
`` North Korea is in a much more dire situation than we think , '' said Choo Jae-woo , a professor at Seoul 's Kyung Hee University .
`` I think they are trying to squeeze something out of the South . ''
Pyongyang is subject to tough economic sanctions over its nuclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Kim over potentially lifting some of them broke down last year .
Business with its biggest trading and aid partner , China , is also believed to have been hit hard when the latter closed the border due to the coronavirus pandemic .

North Korea has said it is cutting all communication with South Korea because Seoul has not stopped leaflet-filled balloons being floated over the border.
Severing communication between the countries was the first step to "completely shut down all contact means with South Korea", said state news agency KCNA.
It said the decision had come from Kim Jong Un's powerful sister, Kim Yo Jong, and Kim Yong Chol, a former military intelligence chief.
Image: Kim Jong Un's sister was said to be one of those who made the decision to cut ties
Activists and defectors in the South have been sending balloons over the heavily militarised border for years.
They usually contain leaflets criticising Mr Kim's human rights abuses and his nuclear ambitions.
KCNA said South Korea had "connived at the hostile acts... by the riff-raff, while trying to dodge heavy responsibility with nasty excuses".
Image: Students took part in a rally in Pyongyang last week to denounce defectors who flee to the South
It said military and presidential hotlines would shut, as would communications at a Korean liaison office.
North Korea did not answer a daily liaison call on Tuesday morning and also went silent on military hotlines, said a defence spokesperson from the South.
The move comes after Mr Kim's sister last week called the defectors "human scum" and "mongrel dogs".
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However, it is not the first time that Pyongyang has pulled the plug. They last did so amid rising tensions in 2016, with channels eventually restored in 2018.
Image: The lines allow the countries to maintain vital military communications. File pic
Dozens of hotlines are in place over matters such as military affairs, shipping and aviation, and humanitarian affairs.
With the North's history of proactive missile tests, they are seen as crucial to avoid a potentially catastrophic misunderstanding.
The two countries are technically still at war after the Korean War in the 1950s was halted with an armistice but not a peace treaty.
Image: Kim Jong Un's regime is under intense pressure from economic sanctions
Experts said the North's move was likely to be a ploy to win concessions from its neighbour or bolster internal unity - with the defectors' actions used as a convenient excuse.
"North Korea is in a much more dire situation than we think," said Choo Jae-woo, a professor at Seoul's Kyung Hee University.
"I think they are trying to squeeze something out of the South."
Pyongyang is subject to tough economic sanctions over its nuclear programme.
Talks between Donald Trump and Mr Kim over potentially lifting some of them broke down last year.
Business with its biggest trading and aid partner, China, is also believed to have been hit hard when the latter closed the border due to the coronavirus pandemic.


news--2020-06-09--Coronavirus: Surgeons wear full PPE in six-hour cancer operations during pandemic

At first glance everything looked normal in the operating theatre .
In the far corner , the consultant surgeon used a 3D console to control the instruments that were snipping away at the man 's prostate cancer .
An anaesthetist and a couple of theatre staff completed the cast .
It was a carefully choreographed scene I had seen many times in almost two decades as a health correspondent .
Only this time everyone was wearing full PPE .
Respiratory masks , visors , and two pairs of gloves securely sealed to a disposable gown .
The staff assume all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test negative - and they take no risks .
It 's hot and uncomfortable to wear - and I wore it for barely an hour .
Imagine a six-hour operation .
But it 's worth it .
A new study has tracked 500 cancer patients who have had surgery at University College Hospital in London , during the peak of the pandemic .
Just 10 were diagnosed with COVID-19 in the weeks that followed - and none died .
That 's a big deal .
Research from Wuhan showed one in five patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That 's because surgery interferes with the immune system .
And cancer would have increased the risks still further .
But the success is n't just down to the PPE .
The building is separate to the main University College Hospital site with its busy A & E that takes all-comers .
Only cancer patients who test negative for the virus are admitted .
Staff also undergo regular tests .
And even if the virus does make it past the front door , clinical rooms are ventilated between patients and the operating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I watched the operation with Professor John Kelly , of University College London 's ( UCL ) Surgery Interventional Science unit , who carried out the research .
He also led the team at the hospital .
He told me : `` The risk is real .
We do not know who comes in with COVID .
Despite having the PPE , with all the risks we are minimising this is functioning really well . ''
Many cancer services have been suspended during the pandemic because the risk of coming into hospital was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients .
But there is now a backlog of thousands of operations , and delays in treatment can cost lives .
I spoke to Dr Veeru Kasivisvanathan , the lead author of the UCL research , in the recovery area just as the first patients were coming out of surgery .
He said it was important the NHS found a way of operating on high-risk patients because a second wave of the virus is highly likely .
`` If you reduce the chances of COVID entering into hospital you can continue high volume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is particularly important because we know globally two million operations are cancelled every week .
Hopefully others can learn from what we have done . ''
The key test is whether patients are confident enough in the safety measures to come to hospital .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker I spoke to Tim Robinson on a video call .
He had surgery 10 days ago and looks really well .
He urged other cancer patients not to hold back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of fears you just ca n't afford to delay .
The hospitals are doing a fantastic job .
You are going to be in safe hands , '' he said .

At first glance everything looked normal in the operating theatre.
Centre stage was a large surgical robot, its arms deep inside a heavily draped patient.
In the far corner, the consultant surgeon used a 3D console to control the instruments that were snipping away at the man's prostate cancer. An anaesthetist and a couple of theatre staff completed the cast.
It was a carefully choreographed scene I had seen many times in almost two decades as a health correspondent.
Image: Out of 500 cancer patients treated at UCH during the pandemic, only 10 got coronavirus, a study shows
Only this time everyone was wearing full PPE. Respiratory masks, visors, and two pairs of gloves securely sealed to a disposable gown.
The staff assume all patients are positive - even when they test negative - and they take no risks.
It's hot and uncomfortable to wear - and I wore it for barely an hour. Imagine a six-hour operation. But it's worth it.
A new study has tracked 500 cancer patients who have had surgery at University College Hospital in London, during the peak of the pandemic. Just 10 were diagnosed with COVID-19 in the weeks that followed - and none died.
That's a big deal. Research from Wuhan showed one in five patients died following surgery if they had coronavirus. That's because surgery interferes with the immune system.
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And cancer would have increased the risks still further.
But the success isn't just down to the PPE.
Image: Staff and patients are tested regularly for the virus
The building is separate to the main University College Hospital site with its busy A&E that takes all-comers. Only cancer patients who test negative for the virus are admitted. Staff also undergo regular tests.
And even if the virus does make it past the front door, clinical rooms are ventilated between patients and the operating theatres are deep cleaned between procedures.
I watched the operation with Professor John Kelly, of University College London's (UCL) Surgery Interventional Science unit, who carried out the research. He also led the team at the hospital.
He told me: "The risk is real. We do not know who comes in with COVID. Despite having the PPE, with all the risks we are minimising this is functioning really well."
Image: Patients who have had surgery during the outbreak are urging others to have their operations too
Many cancer services have been suspended during the pandemic because the risk of coming into hospital was thought to be too high for vulnerable patients. But there is now a backlog of thousands of operations, and delays in treatment can cost lives.
I spoke to Dr Veeru Kasivisvanathan, the lead author of the UCL research, in the recovery area just as the first patients were coming out of surgery.
He said it was important the NHS found a way of operating on high-risk patients because a second wave of the virus is highly likely.
"If you reduce the chances of COVID entering into hospital you can continue high volume cancer surgery with good outcomes for patients, which is particularly important because we know globally two million operations are cancelled every week. Hopefully others can learn from what we have done."
The key test is whether patients are confident enough in the safety measures to come to hospital.
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I spoke to Tim Robinson on a video call. He had surgery 10 days ago and looks really well.
He urged other cancer patients not to hold back.
"Although there were all sorts of fears you just can't afford to delay. The hospitals are doing a fantastic job. You are going to be in safe hands," he said.


news--2020-06-09--Coronavirus: 'Structural racism' must be taken into account when dealing with BAME deaths

`` Structural racism and social inequality '' should be taken into account when looking at the impact of COVID-19 on Britain 's black , Asian and minority ethnic , according to an expert involved in a recent review .
Professor Kevin Fenton was a major part of a Public Health England ( PHE ) report - ordered by the government - into why the BAME community has been disproportionately affected by coronavirus .
It found people from BAME groups were up to twice as likely to die with COVID-19 than those from a white British background .
The review was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sources have told Sky News that these were `` held back '' by the government .
Speaking at a public meeting for Hackney Council , Prof Fenton said : `` Over the last six weeks I 've worked with over 4,000 individuals to understand what are some of the contextual issues that are driving the excess risk amongst , black , Asian and minority ethnic groups . ''
`` Social economic deprivation plays a role in vulnerable communities and those vulnerabilities can have a huge impact on how COVID becomes rooted in communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have .
`` There are factors of risk of exposure to COVID among BAME communities , like occupational risk - if you 're a key worker like taxi driver , or bus driver or if you 're a key worker likely to be infected from COVID .
`` Some of the structural issues , like racism , discrimination , stigma , distrust , fair , these are real issues that are challenging for the communities and are seen as underpinning some of the disparities we see for COVID .
`` Any conversation about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take into consideration these things .
`` What do we do with this learning and where do we go next ?
I think of pace and impact , we are coming out of the first phase of the epidemic , we need to make sure our communities are resilient and prepared and learn the lessons for a second wave in the autumn .
`` We should be looking at how we engage with culturally competent messages , around prevention , around taking control within communities around the steps they can take to prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fenton 's analysis was sent to the government with further recommendations which were not published alongside the report last Tuesday leading to claims details had been `` held back '' by ministers .
A spokesperson from the Governments Equality Office told Sky News : `` Everything that was due to be published was published last week , the minister , Kemi Badenoch , is taking forward work to fill in some of the gaps and judge how best to tackle the various inequalities . ''

"Structural racism and social inequality" should be taken into account when looking at the impact of COVID-19 on Britain's black, Asian and minority ethnic, according to an expert involved in a recent review.
Professor Kevin Fenton was a major part of a Public Health England (PHE) report - ordered by the government - into why the BAME community has been disproportionately affected by coronavirus.
It found people from BAME groups were up to twice as likely to die with COVID-19 than those from a white British background.
The review was also meant to offer recommendations, but sources have told Sky News that these were "held back" by the government.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:13 Health Secretary Matt Hancock said coming from a non-white background was a
Speaking at a public meeting for Hackney Council, Prof Fenton said: "Over the last six weeks I've worked with over 4,000 individuals to understand what are some of the contextual issues that are driving the excess risk amongst, black, Asian and minority ethnic groups."
"Social economic deprivation plays a role in vulnerable communities and those vulnerabilities can have a huge impact on how COVID becomes rooted in communities and transmitted and the impact it can have.
"There are factors of risk of exposure to COVID among BAME communities, like occupational risk - if you're a key worker like taxi driver, or bus driver or if you're a key worker likely to be infected from COVID.
"Some of the structural issues, like racism, discrimination, stigma, distrust, fair, these are real issues that are challenging for the communities and are seen as underpinning some of the disparities we see for COVID.
"Any conversation about what we need to do, should take into consideration these things.
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"What do we do with this learning and where do we go next? I think of pace and impact, we are coming out of the first phase of the epidemic, we need to make sure our communities are resilient and prepared and learn the lessons for a second wave in the autumn.
"We should be looking at how we engage with culturally competent messages, around prevention, around taking control within communities around the steps they can take to prevent this transmission of COVID."
Prof Fenton's analysis was sent to the government with further recommendations which were not published alongside the report last Tuesday leading to claims details had been "held back" by ministers.
A spokesperson from the Governments Equality Office told Sky News: "Everything that was due to be published was published last week, the minister, Kemi Badenoch, is taking forward work to fill in some of the gaps and judge how best to tackle the various inequalities."


news--2020-06-09--Gig economy benefits start-up lures fintech heavyweights

An employee benefits platform aimed at millions of gig economy workers has lured a pair of heavyweight technology investors to its board as the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates concerns about their security and wellbeing .
Sky News understands that pirkx , which launched last year , will announce this week that it has raised nearly £1m in seed funding to accelerate its expansion .
The company will also disclose the appointment of Dan Cobley , a former managing director of Google 's UK and Ireland operations , as its chairman , and Todd Ruppert , a prominent angel investor in fintech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pirkx 's fundraising and board appointments will come during a time of acute insecurity for millions of gig economy workers around the world , many of whom have been left with little or no income as a result of the coronavirus crisis .
More than 5 million people in the UK are estimated to be included in the gig economy bracket .
Many of those who are self-employed or part-time workers have been unable to secure funding through the government 's job retention scheme , leaving them with no way of replacing their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have been unable to trade .
A report in April from the World Economic Forum said that many such workers had felt forced to quit their roles because of concerns about their physical safety , with 70 % expressing unhappiness with the support provided by their `` employer '' .
Pirkx operates by extending conventional employee benefits such as online access to doctors or discounted gym memberships to a company 's entire workforce , regardless of whether or not they are a full-time staff member .
The company 's new funding included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capital firm and SyndicateRoom , another early-stage investor .
Pirkx 's recruitment of Mr Cobley and Mr Ruppert brings two prominent names from the UK tech investment arena on to its board .
Mr Ruppert is a former top executive at the asset manager T Rowe Price , and now advises companies including Seedrs , the crowdfunding platform .
Pirkx 's founder and chief executive , Stella Smith , said its new funding was being raised `` at a time when people really need that extra support '' .
`` We have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brings wellbeing benefits to everyone - whether self-employed working as a hairdresser , an employee within a small or medium sized business , or a volunteer at a charity that may not have the facility to offer huge benefit packages . ''
In addition to its UK operation , pirkx has launched in Australia and plans to go live shortly in South Africa and the US .

An employee benefits platform aimed at millions of gig economy workers has lured a pair of heavyweight technology investors to its board as the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates concerns about their security and wellbeing.
Sky News understands that pirkx, which launched last year, will announce this week that it has raised nearly £1m in seed funding to accelerate its expansion.
The company will also disclose the appointment of Dan Cobley, a former managing director of Google's UK and Ireland operations, as its chairman, and Todd Ruppert, a prominent angel investor in fintech businesses, as a non-executive director.
Pirkx's fundraising and board appointments will come during a time of acute insecurity for millions of gig economy workers around the world, many of whom have been left with little or no income as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
More than 5 million people in the UK are estimated to be included in the gig economy bracket.
Many of those who are self-employed or part-time workers have been unable to secure funding through the government's job retention scheme, leaving them with no way of replacing their wages during a period when their businesses may have been unable to trade.
Image: Pirkx operates by extending conventional employee benefits across all types of workers within a company
A report in April from the World Economic Forum said that many such workers had felt forced to quit their roles because of concerns about their physical safety, with 70% expressing unhappiness with the support provided by their "employer".
Pirkx operates by extending conventional employee benefits such as online access to doctors or discounted gym memberships to a company's entire workforce, regardless of whether or not they are a full-time staff member.
The company's new funding included contributions from Vala Capital, a venture capital firm and SyndicateRoom, another early-stage investor.
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Pirkx's recruitment of Mr Cobley and Mr Ruppert brings two prominent names from the UK tech investment arena on to its board.
Mr Ruppert is a former top executive at the asset manager T Rowe Price, and now advises companies including Seedrs, the crowdfunding platform.
Pirkx's founder and chief executive, Stella Smith, said its new funding was being raised "at a time when people really need that extra support".
"We have been able to create something affordable which truly brings wellbeing benefits to everyone - whether self-employed working as a hairdresser, an employee within a small or medium sized business, or a volunteer at a charity that may not have the facility to offer huge benefit packages."
In addition to its UK operation, pirkx has launched in Australia and plans to go live shortly in South Africa and the US.


news--2020-06-09--Hovis owners eye chance to make dough with £100m sale

Hovis , one of Britain 's most prominent food brands , is to be put up for sale later this year as its shareholders try to cash in on its improved financial performance .
Sky News has learnt that The Gores Group , an investment firm headed by an American billionaire , has hired bankers to sell its controlling 51 % stake in the bread producer , which it acquired six years ago .
City sources said on Tuesday that Hovis had appointed RW Baird to oversee an auction of the business .
Premier Foods , the listed company behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is expected to use the sale process as an opportunity to sell its 49 % stake in the company , according to insiders .
An auction , which is unlikely to get underway until the autumn , would come after a turnaround in Hovis 's fortunes which has been accelerated by a boost to sales during the coronavirus pandemic .
Hovis employs more than 2,700 people and is now focused on its bakery operations , having sold two flour mills in 2018 .
Huge initial demand for ambient food brands during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of the major bread producers : Hovis , Kingsmill , which is owned by Associated British Foods , and family-owned Warburton 's .
Food analysts said they expected Hovis to command a price tag of between £100m and £150m .
Established in 1886 , Hovis became one of Britain 's best-known food brands , cultivating a home-grown image with its famous 1973 television advert showing a boy pushing his loaf-laden bike up a steep hill .
It was named the UK 's most iconic TV commercial in a poll last year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ faces stiff challenges with the category in long-term structural decline as a growing number of consumers switch to bread-free diets .
The company has an estimated 28 % market share in branded and pre-packaged bread , with the UK 's broader bakery market said to be worth £4bn in annual sales .
Under the deal struck with Premier in 2014 , Gores paid £30m for its stake , of which half was deferred and contingent on future performance .
It added that approximately £200m would be invested in Hovis over the next five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reinvigorate the brand .
The deal was motivated in part by Hovis 's declining fortunes and Premier 's strained balance sheet , which has also prompted it to sell other well-known brands during the last decade .
Two years later , Premier wrote off the value of its minority stake , and has only infrequently referred to Hovis in its public announcements since .
Hovis is now run by Nish Kankiwala , a former Pepsico and Burger King executive .
In its results for 2018 , the latest period for which figures have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of £460.9m .
The company said that while bread volumes were down 1.5pc year-on-year , profit margins had improved and earnings before interest , depreciation , tax and amortisation soared by 80pc to £14.6m .
Sources suggested that a combination with one of the other major UK bread producers would be difficult for competition reasons , but that Hovis was likely to attract interest from other branded food groups .
Private equity firms which invest in consumer brands were also likely to bid , they added .
Premier Foods declined to comment on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement : `` We do not comment on market rumour and speculation .
`` Hovis is performing strongly as a business and Gores and Premier Foods remain supportive shareholders . ''

Hovis, one of Britain's most prominent food brands, is to be put up for sale later this year as its shareholders try to cash in on its improved financial performance.
Sky News has learnt that The Gores Group, an investment firm headed by an American billionaire, has hired bankers to sell its controlling 51% stake in the bread producer, which it acquired six years ago.
City sources said on Tuesday that Hovis had appointed RW Baird to oversee an auction of the business.
Premier Foods, the listed company behind Mr Kipling, Bisto and Angel Delight, is expected to use the sale process as an opportunity to sell its 49% stake in the company, according to insiders.
An auction, which is unlikely to get underway until the autumn, would come after a turnaround in Hovis's fortunes which has been accelerated by a boost to sales during the coronavirus pandemic.
Hovis employs more than 2,700 people and is now focused on its bakery operations, having sold two flour mills in 2018.
Huge initial demand for ambient food brands during the UK-wide lockdown is understood to have benefited all of the major bread producers: Hovis, Kingsmill, which is owned by Associated British Foods, and family-owned Warburton's.
Image: Premier Foods has a minority stake in Hovis
Food analysts said they expected Hovis to command a price tag of between £100m and £150m.
Established in 1886, Hovis became one of Britain's best-known food brands, cultivating a home-grown image with its famous 1973 television advert showing a boy pushing his loaf-laden bike up a steep hill.
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It was named the UK's most iconic TV commercial in a poll last year.
Like other producers, however, Hovis faces stiff challenges with the category in long-term structural decline as a growing number of consumers switch to bread-free diets.
The company has an estimated 28% market share in branded and pre-packaged bread, with the UK's broader bakery market said to be worth £4bn in annual sales.
Under the deal struck with Premier in 2014, Gores paid £30m for its stake, of which half was deferred and contingent on future performance.
It added that approximately £200m would be invested in Hovis over the next five years to improve its operational infrastructure and reinvigorate the brand.
The deal was motivated in part by Hovis's declining fortunes and Premier's strained balance sheet, which has also prompted it to sell other well-known brands during the last decade.
Two years later, Premier wrote off the value of its minority stake, and has only infrequently referred to Hovis in its public announcements since.
Hovis is now run by Nish Kankiwala, a former Pepsico and Burger King executive.
In its results for 2018, the latest period for which figures have been published, Hovis Limited recorded revenue of £460.9m.
The company said that while bread volumes were down 1.5pc year-on-year, profit margins had improved and earnings before interest, depreciation, tax and amortisation soared by 80pc to £14.6m.
Sources suggested that a combination with one of the other major UK bread producers would be difficult for competition reasons, but that Hovis was likely to attract interest from other branded food groups.
Private equity firms which invest in consumer brands were also likely to bid, they added.
Premier Foods declined to comment on Tuesday, while Hovis said in a statement: "We do not comment on market rumour and speculation.
"Hovis is performing strongly as a business and Gores and Premier Foods remain supportive shareholders."


news--2020-06-09--Friends co-creator admits she 'didn't do enough' to encourage diversity

One of the creators of Friends has admitted she `` did n't do enough '' to encourage diversity on the hit TV comedy .
Marta Kauffman co-created the much-loved sitcom , which ran from 1994 to 2004 , alongside David Crane .
Friends is still popular today - but has been criticised in recent years for not featuring more black and Asian characters .
Its six stars - Courteney Cox , Jennifer Aniston , Lisa Kudrow , Matt LeBlanc , Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer - were all white , as was the majority of the supporting cast .
Speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Kauffman said that if she had her time again , she `` would 've made very different decisions '' .
According to US media reports , she became tearful when asked what she wished she had known at the beginning of her career in television .
`` I wish I knew then what I know today .
Sorry , I just wish I knew then what I know now .
I would 've made very different decisions .
`` I mean , we 've always encouraged people of diversity in our company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and now all I can think about is , what can I do ? ''
Kauffman , who also co-created Netflix comedy Grace and Frankie , added : `` What can I do differently ?
How can I run my show in a new way ?
And that 's something I not only wish I knew when I started showrunning , but I wish I knew all the way up through last year . ''
It is not the first time one of the Friends cast and crew has commented on the lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to The Guardian last year , Schwimmer , who played Ross Geller , said he was `` well aware '' of the issue and had spoken about it with producers .
He said : `` One of the first girlfriends I had on the show was an Asian American woman and later I dated African American women .
That was a very conscious push on my part . ''
Last month , Kudrow , who played Phoebe Buffay , defended the show , saying it was `` progressive '' at the time but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was made today .
She told The Sunday Times that fans should look at the show as a `` time capsule '' , saying it would be `` completely different '' now .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' Well , it would not be an all-white cast , for sure , '' she said .
`` I 'm not sure what else , but , to me , it should be looked at as a time capsule , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Also , this show thought it was very progressive .
There was a guy whose wife discovered she was gay and pregnant , and they raised the child together .
`` We had surrogacy too .
It was , at the time , progressive . ''
A Friends reunion special had been set to air in May , but was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic .
While not a reboot , the `` unscripted special '' promises fans : `` You 'll get to see us together again for the first time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the show and celebrate all the fun we had . ''

One of the creators of Friends has admitted she "didn't do enough" to encourage diversity on the hit TV comedy.
Marta Kauffman co-created the much-loved sitcom, which ran from 1994 to 2004, alongside David Crane.
Friends is still popular today - but has been criticised in recent years for not featuring more black and Asian characters.
Image: Marta Kauffman co-created the hit sitcom
Its six stars - Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer - were all white, as was the majority of the supporting cast.
Speaking at a virtual TV festival in Texas, Kauffman said that if she had her time again, she "would've made very different decisions".
According to US media reports, she became tearful when asked what she wished she had known at the beginning of her career in television.
"I wish I knew then what I know today. Sorry, I just wish I knew then what I know now. I would've made very different decisions.
"I mean, we've always encouraged people of diversity in our company, but I didn't do enough and now all I can think about is, what can I do?"
Kauffman, who also co-created Netflix comedy Grace and Frankie, added: "What can I do differently? How can I run my show in a new way? And that's something I not only wish I knew when I started showrunning, but I wish I knew all the way up through last year."
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It is not the first time one of the Friends cast and crew has commented on the lack of diversity in the series.
Image: Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer as Ross and Rachel in the last ever episode
Speaking to The Guardian last year, Schwimmer, who played Ross Geller, said he was "well aware" of the issue and had spoken about it with producers.
He said: "One of the first girlfriends I had on the show was an Asian American woman and later I dated African American women. That was a very conscious push on my part."
Last month, Kudrow, who played Phoebe Buffay, defended the show, saying it was "progressive" at the time but would not feature an all-white cast if it was made today.
She told The Sunday Times that fans should look at the show as a "time capsule", saying it would be "completely different" now.
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"Well, it would not be an all-white cast, for sure," she said. "I'm not sure what else, but, to me, it should be looked at as a time capsule, not for what they did wrong.
"Also, this show thought it was very progressive. There was a guy whose wife discovered she was gay and pregnant, and they raised the child together.
"We had surrogacy too. It was, at the time, progressive."
A Friends reunion special had been set to air in May, but was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
While not a reboot, the "unscripted special" promises fans: "You'll get to see us together again for the first time in ages, as we reminisce about the show and celebrate all the fun we had."


news--2020-06-09--Coronavirus: Health minister Helen Whately blames scientists for care home deaths - then quickly row

Coronavirus: Health minister Helen Whately blames scientists for care home deaths - then quickly rows back

A minister said the government could pin the blame on scientific advisers for ministers ' handling of the coronavirus in care homes , before quickly rowing back .
Health minister Helen Whately was challenged over the effect of COVID-19 in adult social care during an interview with Sky News .
She told Kay Burley @ Breakfast that there was guidance for care homes `` very early '' in the coronavirus pandemic .
`` At all points in this we follow the scientific guidance as to what is the right thing to do , '' Ms Whately added .
When it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ca n't stick this on the scientists '' , she replied : `` Well , I can . ''
Challenged about the remark , Ms Whately then backtracked .
`` That 's not what I mean to say , '' she said .
`` To be clear , that is your words .
That is your words .
`` What I mean to say is we have taken the scientific advice at every stage of this process .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scientific advice and then the judgement is made about what is the right decision to take .
`` I know , because I 've been doing the job , that we 're trying to do everything we can for those in care homes because we know they 're at greater risk . ''
Ms Whately 's comment comes after a senior minister told Sky News last month that `` wrong '' advice at the start of the pandemic could have led to mistakes in the government 's response .
Downing Street later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bear responsibility for the decisions made in the response to the virus .
The government has faced criticism during the COVID-19 outbreak for its handling of care homes .
Opponents and voices in the sector have accused ministers of not doing enough to protect residents and staff .
Sky News has reported extensively on the situation in care homes throughout the pandemic .
This includes highlighting fears elderly patients were being discharged from hospital before they were well enough to return , as well as reporting a number of councils threatening to withhold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus if they did not agree to take in COVID-19 patients .
Sky News has also revealed that more than 20 care homes in the northeast of England sent a legal warning to their local council over fears of a collapse in the sector .

A minister said the government could pin the blame on scientific advisers for ministers' handling of the coronavirus in care homes, before quickly rowing back.
Health minister Helen Whately was challenged over the effect of COVID-19 in adult social care during an interview with Sky News.
She told Kay Burley@Breakfast that there was guidance for care homes "very early" in the coronavirus pandemic.
"At all points in this we follow the scientific guidance as to what is the right thing to do," Ms Whately added.
When it was put to the minister that "you can't stick this on the scientists", she replied: "Well, I can."
Challenged about the remark, Ms Whately then backtracked.
"That's not what I mean to say," she said.
"To be clear, that is your words. That is your words.
"What I mean to say is we have taken the scientific advice at every stage of this process.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"We've taken the scientific advice and then the judgement is made about what is the right decision to take.
"I know, because I've been doing the job, that we're trying to do everything we can for those in care homes because we know they're at greater risk."
Ms Whately's comment comes after a senior minister told Sky News last month that "wrong" advice at the start of the pandemic could have led to mistakes in the government's response.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 Minister explains risks of 'wrong science'
Downing Street later appeared to suggest it accepted that ministers bear responsibility for the decisions made in the response to the virus.
The government has faced criticism during the COVID-19 outbreak for its handling of care homes.
Opponents and voices in the sector have accused ministers of not doing enough to protect residents and staff.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 9:05 All adult care homes gain access to testing
Sky News has reported extensively on the situation in care homes throughout the pandemic.
This includes highlighting fears elderly patients were being discharged from hospital before they were well enough to return, as well as reporting a number of councils threatening to withhold funding to help care homes deal with the virus if they did not agree to take in COVID-19 patients.
Sky News has also revealed that more than 20 care homes in the northeast of England sent a legal warning to their local council over fears of a collapse in the sector.


news--2020-06-24--Outsourcers Mitie and Interserve in advanced merger talks

Two of Britain ’ s biggest government outsourcers are locked in talks about a merger of their support services arms that would create a business employing more than 80,000 people in the UK .
Sky News can exclusively reveal that Mitie is in advanced discussions to buy Interserve 's facilities management arm for more than £250m .
A deal could be announced as soon as Thursday , when Mitie is scheduled to announce its full-year results .
City sources said Mitie was expected to launch a £200m rights issue to help fund the deal and strengthen the balance sheet of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however , that a deal had yet to be formally signed and could still fall apart .
If confirmed , the combination of Mitie and Interserve 's support services businesses would create the largest such operation in Britain , with over £3.5bn of revenue .
A deal would fortify Mitie 's finances during a period of intense scrutiny of the government 's reliance on private sector contractors to deliver essential public services during the coronavirus pandemic .
Both Mitie and Interserve have been closely involved with the NHS Nightingale hospitals commissioned by ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been hired to run 11 COVID-19 drive-through testing centres , with Interserve also winning an assortment of government contracts to help deal with the pandemic 's impact .
: : Listen to the The World Tomorrow on Apple podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Rivals such as Serco , which has faced criticism for its handling of elements of the government 's test-and-trace system , have also been heavily involved in Whitehall 's handling of the pandemic , with contracts worth hundreds of millions of pounds handed out in recent months .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Interserve support services group - with a more resilient balance sheet than that of either company on a standalone basis - is likely to be well-received by the Cabinet Office .
The collapse of Carillion in 2018 underlined the fragility of outsourcers operating on often wafer-thin margins , and sparked criticism of the government 's reliance on such businesses .
Last week , Capita said it would sell its education software arm to raise money .
Interserve , which runs the Ministry of Defence training estate in locations such as Gibraltar and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pre-pack administration last year , after which its then chief executive Debbie White began to stabilise the business .
Sources said that the hedge funds which gained control of Interserve last year , which include Angelo Gordon , Cerberus Capital Management and Davidson Kempner Capital Management , would own roughly 25 % of the combined group .
The combination would balance Interserve 's public sector-dominated revenue base with that of Mitie , which generates most of its sales from the private sector .
For Phil Bentley , Mitie 's chief executive , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in April last year , and underline his aim of creating a more profitable outsourcing behemoth .
Investors in both companies are said to have been promised tens of millions of pounds in synergies from the deal , with a broader refinancing of Mitie 's debt facilities also likely to have been under discussion .
Mitie , which runs the Home Office 's detention escorting programme and security at the Bank of England , has seen its shares nearly halve over the last year , but they have still outperformed those of some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ran British Gas and then Cable & Wireless Communications before joining Mitie in 2016 , the company has rebuilt its financial credibility .
Nevertheless , the Interserve support services deal represents a huge bet on his part given the economic uncertainty that is likely to persist in its core market for many months .
On Wednesday , shares in Mitie closed down just under 1 % at 80 , giving it a market value of £295m .
If the deal is concluded , it will leave Interserve with two divisions : a construction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ materials subsidiary .
Both of those are likely to be sold over time .
Banks including Barclays , Evercore , Jefferies , JP Morgan and Santander are working with Mitie on the deal and its equity-raising , while Lazard is advising Interserve .
Both Mitie and Interserve declined to comment on Wednesday evening .

Two of Britain’s biggest government outsourcers are locked in talks about a merger of their support services arms that would create a business employing more than 80,000 people in the UK.
Sky News can exclusively reveal that Mitie is in advanced discussions to buy Interserve's facilities management arm for more than £250m.
A deal could be announced as soon as Thursday, when Mitie is scheduled to announce its full-year results.
Image: Shares in Mitie closed down just under 1% on Wednesday
City sources said Mitie was expected to launch a £200m rights issue to help fund the deal and strengthen the balance sheet of the combined group.
They cautioned, however, that a deal had yet to be formally signed and could still fall apart.
If confirmed, the combination of Mitie and Interserve's support services businesses would create the largest such operation in Britain, with over £3.5bn of revenue.
A deal would fortify Mitie's finances during a period of intense scrutiny of the government's reliance on private sector contractors to deliver essential public services during the coronavirus pandemic.
Both Mitie and Interserve have been closely involved with the NHS Nightingale hospitals commissioned by ministers to assist the health service.
Mitie has been hired to run 11 COVID-19 drive-through testing centres, with Interserve also winning an assortment of government contracts to help deal with the pandemic's impact.
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:: Listen to the The World Tomorrow on Apple podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Rivals such as Serco, which has faced criticism for its handling of elements of the government's test-and-trace system, have also been heavily involved in Whitehall's handling of the pandemic, with contracts worth hundreds of millions of pounds handed out in recent months.
The creation of a combined Mitie and Interserve support services group - with a more resilient balance sheet than that of either company on a standalone basis - is likely to be well-received by the Cabinet Office.
The collapse of Carillion in 2018 underlined the fragility of outsourcers operating on often wafer-thin margins, and sparked criticism of the government's reliance on such businesses.
Last week, Capita said it would sell its education software arm to raise money.
Interserve, which runs the Ministry of Defence training estate in locations such as Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands, itself went through a pre-pack administration last year, after which its then chief executive Debbie White began to stabilise the business.
Sources said that the hedge funds which gained control of Interserve last year, which include Angelo Gordon, Cerberus Capital Management and Davidson Kempner Capital Management, would own roughly 25% of the combined group.
The combination would balance Interserve's public sector-dominated revenue base with that of Mitie, which generates most of its sales from the private sector.
For Phil Bentley, Mitie's chief executive, a deal would consummate interest he initially expressed in April last year, and underline his aim of creating a more profitable outsourcing behemoth.
Investors in both companies are said to have been promised tens of millions of pounds in synergies from the deal, with a broader refinancing of Mitie's debt facilities also likely to have been under discussion.
Mitie, which runs the Home Office's detention escorting programme and security at the Bank of England, has seen its shares nearly halve over the last year, but they have still outperformed those of some competitors.
Under Mr Bentley, who ran British Gas and then Cable & Wireless Communications before joining Mitie in 2016, the company has rebuilt its financial credibility.
Nevertheless, the Interserve support services deal represents a huge bet on his part given the economic uncertainty that is likely to persist in its core market for many months.
On Wednesday, shares in Mitie closed down just under 1% at 80, giving it a market value of £295m.
If the deal is concluded, it will leave Interserve with two divisions: a construction arm and RMD Kwikform, a building materials subsidiary.
Both of those are likely to be sold over time.
Banks including Barclays, Evercore, Jefferies, JP Morgan and Santander are working with Mitie on the deal and its equity-raising, while Lazard is advising Interserve.
Both Mitie and Interserve declined to comment on Wednesday evening.


news--2020-06-24--Coronavirus: Economic impact bigger than first feared, warns IMF

The global economic fall-out from the coronavirus pandemic is likely to be even worse than first thought according to updated forecasts by the International Monetary Fund .
It said that the impact had been `` more negative ... than anticipated '' so far and recovery looked set to be slower .
The IMF had previously warned in April that the pandemic would precipitate the biggest global recession since the Great Depression , with global GDP shrinking by 3 % in 2020 .
It now sees a 4.9 % decline for the year and global growth for next year at 5.4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 5.8 % .
The impact of the downturn on low-income households will be `` particularly acute '' , the IMF said .
It forecasts that developed economies will suffer deeper recessions than developing countries , with European nations including the UK that suffered high COVID-19 death tolls among those set for the sharpest contractions .
The UK economy is forecast to shrink by 10.2 % this year before growing 6.3 % in 2021. : : Listen to the The World Tomorrow on Apple podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Spain and Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % before bouncing back by 6.3 % in 2021 .
France 's economy will shrink by 12.5 % before a 7.3 % rebound , with Germany among the least-badly affected , shrinking by 7.8 % before growing 5.4 % in 2021 , the report suggests .
The IMF 's forecast for the UK is less severe than the Bank of England 's warning in May of a 14 % contraction this year .
The US economy is forecast to shrink by 8 % , a less severe contraction than that projected for Mexico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9.9 % ) and Brazil ( 9.1 % ) .
China , which locked down first and sharply after the emergence of the virus in Wuhan and has largely re-opened its economy by April , is forecast to grow by 1 % in 2020 , before accelerating to 8.2 % next year .
The IMF 's forecast appears to dash hopes of a rapid ' V-shaped '' recovery , with its figures charting a Nike `` swoosh '' arc of rapid decline followed by slower , tapering recovery .
Describing the pandemic as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the IMF says the simultaneous drop in demand and interruption to supply has created `` unique '' circumstances .
It also suggests that those countries that have struggled to control infection rates and thus require longer lockdown periods will be the most badly affected economically .
`` In most recessions , consumers dig into their savings or rely on social safety nets and family support to smooth spending , and consumption is affected relatively less than investment .
`` But this time , consumption and services output have also dropped markedly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reflects a unique combination of factors : voluntary social distancing , lockdowns needed to slow transmission and allow health care systems to handle rapidly rising caseloads , steep income losses , and weaker consumer confidence .
`` Firms have also cut back on investment when faced with precipitous demand declines , supply interruptions , and uncertain future earnings prospects . ''
The report endorses the sort of financial interventions seen in the UK , including support to protect household budgets from the impact of businesses being locked down , and the gradual withdrawal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of demand .
The IMF also calls for targeted government stimulus to help cushion the likely decline of sectors that could be permanently diminished after the pandemic .
The scale of the lockdown 's impact on employment is illustrated by analysis cited in the report showing the global decline in work hours in the second quarter of 2020 is likely to be equivalent to more than 300 million full-time jobs .
Elsewhere in the report , the IMF says it wants to see more co-ordinated international effort to help poorer nations tackle the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easing of `` trade and technology tensions '' that it says `` endanger an eventual recovery from COVID-19 '' - a likely reference to the US-China stand-off .
The report also touches on what could become an unexpected positive outcome to the crisis , calling on policymakers to press ahead with climate change mitigation policies in order to build on the record , but likely temporary , drop in greenhouse emissions in the last four months .
It also emphasises the importance of health care systems being adequately resourced , including in those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in infections '' .
The report adds : `` The international community must vastly step up its support of national initiatives , including through financial assistance to countries with limited health care capacity and channelling of funding for vaccine production as trials advance , so that adequate , affordable doses are quickly available to all countries . ''

The global economic fall-out from the coronavirus pandemic is likely to be even worse than first thought according to updated forecasts by the International Monetary Fund.
It said that the impact had been "more negative... than anticipated" so far and recovery looked set to be slower.
The IMF had previously warned in April that the pandemic would precipitate the biggest global recession since the Great Depression, with global GDP shrinking by 3% in 2020.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:33 'The economic pain of COVID-19 will be deep'
It now sees a 4.9% decline for the year and global growth for next year at 5.4%, down from a previous estimate of 5.8%.
The impact of the downturn on low-income households will be "particularly acute", the IMF said.
It forecasts that developed economies will suffer deeper recessions than developing countries, with European nations including the UK that suffered high COVID-19 death tolls among those set for the sharpest contractions.
The UK economy is forecast to shrink by 10.2% this year before growing 6.3% in 2021.
:: Listen to the The World Tomorrow on Apple podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Spain and Italy are both predicted to contract by 12.8% before bouncing back by 6.3% in 2021.
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France's economy will shrink by 12.5% before a 7.3% rebound, with Germany among the least-badly affected, shrinking by 7.8% before growing 5.4% in 2021, the report suggests.
The IMF's forecast for the UK is less severe than the Bank of England's warning in May of a 14% contraction this year.
Image: IMF forecasts predict the affect of the coronavirus on global economic growth
The US economy is forecast to shrink by 8%, a less severe contraction than that projected for Mexico (10.5%), Argentina (9.9%) and Brazil (9.1%).
China, which locked down first and sharply after the emergence of the virus in Wuhan and has largely re-opened its economy by April, is forecast to grow by 1% in 2020, before accelerating to 8.2% next year.
The IMF's forecast appears to dash hopes of a rapid 'V-shaped" recovery, with its figures charting a Nike "swoosh" arc of rapid decline followed by slower, tapering recovery.
Describing the pandemic as "a crisis like no other" , the IMF says the simultaneous drop in demand and interruption to supply has created "unique" circumstances.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:52 UK economy shrinks by 20.4% due to virus
It also suggests that those countries that have struggled to control infection rates and thus require longer lockdown periods will be the most badly affected economically.
"In most recessions, consumers dig into their savings or rely on social safety nets and family support to smooth spending, and consumption is affected relatively less than investment.
"But this time, consumption and services output have also dropped markedly," it states.
"The pattern reflects a unique combination of factors: voluntary social distancing, lockdowns needed to slow transmission and allow health care systems to handle rapidly rising caseloads, steep income losses, and weaker consumer confidence.
"Firms have also cut back on investment when faced with precipitous demand declines, supply interruptions, and uncertain future earnings prospects."
The report endorses the sort of financial interventions seen in the UK, including support to protect household budgets from the impact of businesses being locked down, and the gradual withdrawal of support to mirror the slow return of demand.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:49 Painful decisions for employers to come
The IMF also calls for targeted government stimulus to help cushion the likely decline of sectors that could be permanently diminished after the pandemic.
The scale of the lockdown's impact on employment is illustrated by analysis cited in the report showing the global decline in work hours in the second quarter of 2020 is likely to be equivalent to more than 300 million full-time jobs.
Elsewhere in the report, the IMF says it wants to see more co-ordinated international effort to help poorer nations tackle the virus including debt relief, and an easing of "trade and technology tensions" that it says "endanger an eventual recovery from COVID-19" - a likely reference to the US-China stand-off.
The report also touches on what could become an unexpected positive outcome to the crisis, calling on policymakers to press ahead with climate change mitigation policies in order to build on the record, but likely temporary, drop in greenhouse emissions in the last four months.
It also emphasises the importance of health care systems being adequately resourced, including in those countries "that have seemingly passed peaks in infections".
The report adds: "The international community must vastly step up its support of national initiatives, including through financial assistance to countries with limited health care capacity and channelling of funding for vaccine production as trials advance, so that adequate, affordable doses are quickly available to all countries."