news--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Up to 20,000 troops on standby to help deal with COVID-19 outbreak

Up to 20,000 service personnel will be put on standby to help combat the coronavirus , with troops gearing up to drive oxygen tankers , support the police and boost hospital capacity .
On Thursday , reservists will be put on notice to mobilise if required as part of a war-like effort to prepare the armed forces in case the government calls upon them in large numbers .
But the military must also deal with the threat posed by COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
Commanders are taking steps to isolate or quarantine personnel on the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the ability to respond to a terrorist attack or to protect UK skies from hostile aircraft - to ensure they are not sick .
In addition , all holiday leave has been cancelled for troops deployed on operations overseas , while training exercises in Canada and Kenya have been postponed .
`` The men and women of our armed forces stand ready to protect Britain and her citizens from all threats , including COVID-19 , '' Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said .
`` The unique flexibility and dedication of the services means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the whole of society in this time of need .
`` From me downwards the entirety of the Ministry of Defence and the armed forces are dedicated to getting the nation through this global pandemic . ''
Soldiers , sailors and airmen are already helping other government departments and local authorities with their planning for the pandemic .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
But the military input could rise significantly if the crisis escalates and the government is forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for assistance .
In anticipation , up to 10,000 soldiers , sailors , airmen and Royal Marines will be put on a higher readiness to mobilise .
This is on top of a force of about the same size that is already on standby to respond to any emergency in the UK - so a doubling of capacity .
Reservists could be required to step up in specialist roles , such as engineers or technicians .
Many of the doctors and nurses in the armed forces are reservists who work already for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deal with an anticipated spike in demand for hospital beds is an area that the armed forces is offering advice on .
Planners are looking at options possibly to convert a hotel into a makeshift medical facility or perhaps military barracks .
The armed forces could even set up tented field hospitals or use a hospital ship .
A decision has already been taken to train 150 service personnel to drive oxygen tankers to support the NHS if required .
They will begin training on Monday , the MoD said .
Also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Science and Technology Laboratory at Porton Down .
They are supporting efforts to understand the virus and tackle the spread .
`` Putting more personnel at a higher state of readiness and having our reserves on standby gives us greater flexibility to support public services as and when they require our assistance , '' said Major General Charlie Stickland , Assistance Chief of the Defence Staff Operations and Commitments .
`` Our servicemen and women are committed to maintain our operational output and delivering any support the government requires . ''
But he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a time when the military is already stretched following decades of cuts in manpower and equipment .
Military chiefs must also deal with the expectation they could lose up to 20 % of service personnel at peak periods of the pandemic due to illness , the need to care for family members or the need to self-isolate , according to defence sources .
The codename for the push to `` deliver COVID-19 resilience '' to the military 's operations at home is known as Operation Rescript .
The effort to do the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Broadshare .
This also includes support for the UK 's overseas territories such as the Falkland Islands .
Both involve giving support to the rest of government if needed .
General Sir Richard Barrons , a former senior commander , said the Ministry of Defence will have plans in place to ensure key tasks to protect the country are still able to function even with the virus making some troops sick .
`` The military is used to thinking about force protection .
They know that the enemy has a vote , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while the military will have to build up resilience even further around core operations like the nuclear deterrent and the ability to respond to a terrorist attack , it could reduce activities in other areas such as training .
`` But that has a knock-on effect on readiness of people to do things in the future , '' he said .
`` Another thing you can not stop is recruiting as the military will empty out fast . ''

Up to 20,000 service personnel will be put on standby to help combat the coronavirus, with troops gearing up to drive oxygen tankers, support the police and boost hospital capacity.
On Thursday, reservists will be put on notice to mobilise if required as part of a war-like effort to prepare the armed forces in case the government calls upon them in large numbers.
But the military must also deal with the threat posed by COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Image: Troops could drive oxygen tankers, support the police and boost hospital capacity
Commanders are taking steps to isolate or quarantine personnel on the UK's most important security missions - such as the ability to respond to a terrorist attack or to protect UK skies from hostile aircraft - to ensure they are not sick.
In addition, all holiday leave has been cancelled for troops deployed on operations overseas, while training exercises in Canada and Kenya have been postponed.
"The men and women of our armed forces stand ready to protect Britain and her citizens from all threats, including COVID-19," Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said.
"The unique flexibility and dedication of the services means that we are able to provide assistance across the whole of society in this time of need.
"From me downwards the entirety of the Ministry of Defence and the armed forces are dedicated to getting the nation through this global pandemic."
Soldiers, sailors and airmen are already helping other government departments and local authorities with their planning for the pandemic.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
But the military input could rise significantly if the crisis escalates and the government is forced to call on the Ministry of Defence for assistance.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 'Let's pull together': William's virus message
In anticipation, up to 10,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Royal Marines will be put on a higher readiness to mobilise.
This is on top of a force of about the same size that is already on standby to respond to any emergency in the UK - so a doubling of capacity.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 PM: UK schools to close from Friday
Reservists could be required to step up in specialist roles, such as engineers or technicians.
Many of the doctors and nurses in the armed forces are reservists who work already for the NHS.
Boosting the UK's capacity to deal with an anticipated spike in demand for hospital beds is an area that the armed forces is offering advice on.
Planners are looking at options possibly to convert a hotel into a makeshift medical facility or perhaps military barracks. The armed forces could even set up tented field hospitals or use a hospital ship.
A decision has already been taken to train 150 service personnel to drive oxygen tankers to support the NHS if required. They will begin training on Monday, the MoD said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 Who is most at risk if they are infected by the coronavirus?
Also getting involved are scientists from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory at Porton Down. They are supporting efforts to understand the virus and tackle the spread.
"Putting more personnel at a higher state of readiness and having our reserves on standby gives us greater flexibility to support public services as and when they require our assistance," said Major General Charlie Stickland, Assistance Chief of the Defence Staff Operations and Commitments.
"Our servicemen and women are committed to maintain our operational output and delivering any support the government requires."
But he added the demand from the coronavirus comes at a time when the military is already stretched following decades of cuts in manpower and equipment.
Military chiefs must also deal with the expectation they could lose up to 20% of service personnel at peak periods of the pandemic due to illness, the need to care for family members or the need to self-isolate, according to defence sources.
The codename for the push to "deliver COVID-19 resilience" to the military's operations at home is known as Operation Rescript.
The effort to do the same for defence activities overseas is Operation Broadshare. This also includes support for the UK's overseas territories such as the Falkland Islands.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:10 Life with coronavirus in York
Both involve giving support to the rest of government if needed.
General Sir Richard Barrons, a former senior commander, said the Ministry of Defence will have plans in place to ensure key tasks to protect the country are still able to function even with the virus making some troops sick.
"The military is used to thinking about force protection. They know that the enemy has a vote," he said.
Sir Richard said that while the military will have to build up resilience even further around core operations like the nuclear deterrent and the ability to respond to a terrorist attack, it could reduce activities in other areas such as training.
"But that has a knock-on effect on readiness of people to do things in the future," he said. "Another thing you cannot stop is recruiting as the military will empty out fast."


news--2020-03-19--Coronavirus: Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs open hotels to NHS staff free of charge

Gary Neville has announced that the two hotels he part-owns with former Manchester United team-mate Ryan Giggs will be made available free of charge to NHS workers .
Hotel Football , located near Old Trafford , and The Stock Exchange in the city centre are owned by the pair through their GG Hospitality group .
It comes after Premier League club Chelsea offered NHS workers free accommodation for the next two months at the Millennium Hotel at its Stamford Bridge ground to help with the COVID-19 outbreak .
The cost of the rooms will be covered by club owner Roman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he and Giggs will do the same , with the scheme in place from Friday onwards in order to help accommodate medical workers during the coronavirus crisis .
`` Over the last week we have been in consultation with the health services in the Greater Manchester area , in particular the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust , '' Neville said in a video posted on social media .
`` Our 176 beds will be occupied by National Health Service workers and medical professionals from Friday onwards .
`` It 's at this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our industry needs to show solidarity , not just for our staff in these uncertain times but obviously for those who need the accommodation most in the coming months .
`` It 's something we 're delighted to have come into agreement with .
It will operate free of charge and our staff will operate the hotels as normal .
`` The health workers will be able to stay there without any cost whatsoever in these next few months when they need isolation away from family members who may be affected by what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we wish everybody all the best . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Chelsea said in its statement on Wednesday : `` Many of the medical staff will be working long shifts and may not be able to travel home or would otherwise have to make long commutes .
Local accommodation helps maintain the health and well-being of these crucial personnel at this critical time .
`` This will be for a two-month period , and then reconsidered in light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff will be those working in hospitals in the North-West London region , but that may extend to hospitals in other districts . ''
It added : `` The number of rooms utilised will depend on demand but potentially all the rooms in the Millennium Hotel could be given over for this purpose .
No staff showing symptoms will use the hotel .
`` Millennium Hotels and Resorts , who manage the hotel , are supportive and assisting the club in providing this service to the NHS . ''

Gary Neville has announced that the two hotels he part-owns with former Manchester United team-mate Ryan Giggs will be made available free of charge to NHS workers.
Hotel Football, located near Old Trafford, and The Stock Exchange in the city centre are owned by the pair through their GG Hospitality group.
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It comes after Premier League club Chelsea offered NHS workers free accommodation for the next two months at the Millennium Hotel at its Stamford Bridge ground to help with the COVID-19 outbreak.
The cost of the rooms will be covered by club owner Roman Abramovich.
Sky Sports football expert Neville said he and Giggs will do the same, with the scheme in place from Friday onwards in order to help accommodate medical workers during the coronavirus crisis.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 Coronavirus: Which groups are most at risk?
"Over the last week we have been in consultation with the health services in the Greater Manchester area, in particular the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust," Neville said in a video posted on social media.
"Our 176 beds will be occupied by National Health Service workers and medical professionals from Friday onwards.
"It's at this time that I think the whole of our industry needs to show solidarity, not just for our staff in these uncertain times but obviously for those who need the accommodation most in the coming months.
"It's something we're delighted to have come into agreement with. It will operate free of charge and our staff will operate the hotels as normal.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:41 Coronavirus advice to be aired in TV adverts
"The health workers will be able to stay there without any cost whatsoever in these next few months when they need isolation away from family members who may be affected by what's going on.
"Stay safe and we wish everybody all the best."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Chelsea said in its statement on Wednesday: "Many of the medical staff will be working long shifts and may not be able to travel home or would otherwise have to make long commutes. Local accommodation helps maintain the health and well-being of these crucial personnel at this critical time.
"This will be for a two-month period, and then reconsidered in light of circumstances at the time. NHS staff will be those working in hospitals in the North-West London region, but that may extend to hospitals in other districts."
It added: "The number of rooms utilised will depend on demand but potentially all the rooms in the Millennium Hotel could be given over for this purpose. No staff showing symptoms will use the hotel.
"Millennium Hotels and Resorts, who manage the hotel, are supportive and assisting the club in providing this service to the NHS."


news--2020-03-19--Coronavirus: Archbishop of Canterbury to lead first virtual Church of England service

The Archbishop of Canterbury is due to lead the Church of England 's first virtual Sunday service for worshippers staying at home because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The service has been recorded in the crypt chapel at Lambeth Palace in London and includes prayers , hymns and a short sermon , the Church of England said .
It will be broadcast across 39 local BBC radio stations at 8am this weekend .
The move comes after the CofE suspended all services until further notice earlier this week due to the coronavirus crisis , saying it must become `` a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months '' .
It followed a joint letter to parishes from the Most Rev Justin Welby and the Archbishop of York John Sentamu , who described the COVID-19 outbreak as a defining moment for the Church .
`` Are we truly a church for all , or just the church for ourselves ? ''
they said .
They wrote `` our life is going to be less characterised by attendance at church on Sunday and more characterised by the prayer and service we offer '' .
The CofE must now be `` rooted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they added .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Speaking at Westminster on Wednesday , the Archbishop of Canterbury likened the coronavirus pandemic to a nuclear explosion , saying : `` The crisis through which we are passing will change this nation in deep and unpredictable ways . ''
He added : `` Like a nuclear explosion , the initial impact is colossal but the fallout lasts for years and will shape us in ways we ca n't even begin to predict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address this Sunday , he is expected to encourage worshippers to help the vulnerable who are self-isolating by giving to a food bank and doing their shopping .

The Archbishop of Canterbury is due to lead the Church of England's first virtual Sunday service for worshippers staying at home because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The service has been recorded in the crypt chapel at Lambeth Palace in London and includes prayers, hymns and a short sermon, the Church of England said.
It will be broadcast across 39 local BBC radio stations at 8am this weekend.
The move comes after the CofE suspended all services until further notice earlier this week due to the coronavirus crisis, saying it must become "a different sort of church in these coming months".
It followed a joint letter to parishes from the Most Rev Justin Welby and the Archbishop of York John Sentamu, who described the COVID-19 outbreak as a defining moment for the Church.
Image: The Most Reverend Archbishop of York John Sentamu. Pic:David Hartley/Shutterstock
"Are we truly a church for all, or just the church for ourselves?" they said.
They wrote "our life is going to be less characterised by attendance at church on Sunday and more characterised by the prayer and service we offer".
The CofE must now be "rooted in prayer and serving others," they added.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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Speaking at Westminster on Wednesday, the Archbishop of Canterbury likened the coronavirus pandemic to a nuclear explosion, saying: "The crisis through which we are passing will change this nation in deep and unpredictable ways."
He added: "Like a nuclear explosion, the initial impact is colossal but the fallout lasts for years and will shape us in ways we can't even begin to predict at the moment."
In his address this Sunday, he is expected to encourage worshippers to help the vulnerable who are self-isolating by giving to a food bank and doing their shopping.


news--2020-03-19--Coronavirus lockdown: How cities worldwide are doing it - and what London might do next

Tens of millions of people have found themselves under some form of lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic - and some measures are stricter than others .
When this drastic step was introduced in Wuhan , Hubei province in China - the origin of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak - people across the rest of the globe were astounded .
The ripple effects of that shockwave have been far-reaching , as governments rush to stop the spread of the deadly disease and mitigate the impact of the pandemic on peoples lives and world economies .
With London now braced for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the approaches taken by the different countries .
On 23 January - after a then-unnamed virus had killed 17 people and infected hundreds - China locked down Wuhan , a city of 11 million people .
Checkpoints , roadblocks and the suspension of all urban transport brought the coronavirus-hit megacity to a standstill .
Situated on the country 's largest river , the Yangtze , a national thoroughfare , it is one of the country 's largest transport hubs .
It is twice the size of Shanghai by land area , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Schools and universities were shut - and while there was some panic buying , most people responded to the official advice to stay home .
It was the first time we saw people wandering desolated streets with face masks as images and videos of an entire city in lockdown were posted on social media sites .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
The outbreak , the first cases of which dated back to December 2019 , was linked to Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the severity of the mutating virus .
Chinese President Xi Jinping described the situation as `` grave '' and said the government was stepping up efforts to restrict travel and public gatherings in other parts of the country amid the start of the Lunar New Year .
Now , for the first time since the outbreak started , China has said there have been no new cases in Wuhan and its surrounding Hubei province in the past 24 hours .
Some restrictions have been lifted - medical staff deployed to Wuhan from across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 70,000 people have been discharged from hospital .
In fact , the country is reporting a long-awaited slowdown in the number of new cases overall .
The lockdown began in the worst-affected country in Europe on 8 March .
Around 16 million Italians were quarantined across the entire Lombardy region and 14 provinces in four other northern regions - including the financial capital Milan and the tourist hotspot of Venice .
Leaks to the media before regional civic leaders were alerted about the unprecedented decree caused widespread panic and confusion .
Packed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - mainly students and workers - rushed back to their apartments to grab their belongings and scrambled to the nearest railway station to head back to their homes in the south .
This is turn led to its own outcry by southern officials , who urged those heading back to think twice for fear of the virus spreading across the rest of the country .
The lockdown was soon expanded to the whole country - and it has now been extended beyond the original end date of 3 April .
It followed Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with immediate effect from 14 March .
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed the restrictions on the country 's 47 million citizens as part of a 15-day state of emergency .
People are only allowed to leave their homes to buy food and medicine , commute to work , or go to provide care .
All schools , universities , restaurants , bars and hotels nationwide along with non-essential stores have been shut .
The curbs are being enforced by the police and army , with violators facing fines .
`` These are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We will ( eventually ) return to the routine of our jobs and again visit our friends and loved ones ... Until that time comes , let 's not waste energies that are essential now .
Let 's not lose our way . ''
Some 67 million were put under lockdown on Tuesday for two weeks .
Drastic curbs on public life like in other countries have been introduced with all bars , cafes , restaurants , entertainment venues and non-essential stores told to shut .
Factories are also shut .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave their homes to buy food , go to work , seek medical care or get some exercise on their own .
Schools are only open for the children of health workers , while employers have been urged to help set up remote working for staff .
Police patrols of the streets have been stepped up to enforce the unprecedented peacetime restrictions , with checkpoints set up nationwide .
Those who breach the conditions will be fined .
Tourist hotspots including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum in Paris remain deserted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday ordered restaurants , bars and cafes to only sell food on a takeaway or delivery basis as they fight to halt the spread of COVID-19 .
Bill de Blasio has also moved to close nightclubs , cinemas , theatres and concert venues .
The mayor of New York said : `` This is not a decision I make lightly .
`` These places are part of the heart and soul of our city .
They are part of what it means to be a New Yorker .
But our city is facing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respond with a wartime mentality . ''
It is unclear how long the businesses in the state will remain closed .
Similarly in Los Angeles , Mayor Eric Garcetti issued an executive order on Sunday to close bars , nightclubs , entertainment venues and gyms until at least 31 March .
Although up to 40 Tube stations are set to close - Downing Street says there is `` zero prospect '' of restrictions on travel in and out of London .
Nonetheless , the prime minister has urged Britons to avoid visiting pubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-essential travel .
Boris Johnson has stressed the urgency of Londoners paying special attention to the social distancing guidance already issued to avoid confined spaces and to work from home - relieving the pressure on London 's health system and helping to slow the spread of the virus .
Streets that are normally packed stand empty , monuments appear eerily deserted and tourist attractions , museums and theatres continue to close .
Mr Johnson has said police would maintain responsibility for maintaining law and order and there are no plans to use the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is considering closing most shops in the capital by the weekend , according to Whitehall sources , although pharmacies and supermarkets are expected to stay open under the tougher measures .
There are concerns that some in the capital and elsewhere are not taking the PM 's advice seriously enough - and a mandatory closure order for places such as pubs is still a possibility .

Tens of millions of people have found themselves under some form of lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic - and some measures are stricter than others.
When this drastic step was introduced in Wuhan, Hubei province in China - the origin of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak - people across the rest of the globe were astounded.
The ripple effects of that shockwave have been far-reaching, as governments rush to stop the spread of the deadly disease and mitigate the impact of the pandemic on peoples lives and world economies.
With London now braced for a possible lockdown, here's a look at the approaches taken by the different countries.
Image: Cases in China have slowed down significantly
Wuhan, China
On 23 January - after a then-unnamed virus had killed 17 people and infected hundreds - China locked down Wuhan, a city of 11 million people.
Checkpoints, roadblocks and the suspension of all urban transport brought the coronavirus-hit megacity to a standstill.
Situated on the country's largest river, the Yangtze, a national thoroughfare, it is one of the country's largest transport hubs. It is twice the size of Shanghai by land area, and eight times the size of Hong Kong.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:14 'Wuhan shake' - how to greet people in China
Schools and universities were shut - and while there was some panic buying, most people responded to the official advice to stay home.
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It was the first time we saw people wandering desolated streets with face masks as images and videos of an entire city in lockdown were posted on social media sites.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
The outbreak, the first cases of which dated back to December 2019, was linked to Wuhan's seafood market with officials warning of the severity of the mutating virus.
Chinese President Xi Jinping described the situation as "grave" and said the government was stepping up efforts to restrict travel and public gatherings in other parts of the country amid the start of the Lunar New Year.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:14 China practises COVID-19 takedown procedure
Now, for the first time since the outbreak started, China has said there have been no new cases in Wuhan and its surrounding Hubei province in the past 24 hours.
Some restrictions have been lifted - medical staff deployed to Wuhan from across China have started returning home and more than 70,000 people have been discharged from hospital.
In fact, the country is reporting a long-awaited slowdown in the number of new cases overall.
Italy
The lockdown began in the worst-affected country in Europe on 8 March.
Around 16 million Italians were quarantined across the entire Lombardy region and 14 provinces in four other northern regions - including the financial capital Milan and the tourist hotspot of Venice.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:27 Elderly Italian man emotional over COVID-19
Leaks to the media before regional civic leaders were alerted about the unprecedented decree caused widespread panic and confusion.
Packed bars and restaurants quickly emptied as people - mainly students and workers - rushed back to their apartments to grab their belongings and scrambled to the nearest railway station to head back to their homes in the south.
This is turn led to its own outcry by southern officials, who urged those heading back to think twice for fear of the virus spreading across the rest of the country.
The lockdown was soon expanded to the whole country - and it has now been extended beyond the original end date of 3 April.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:04 'Stay at home': Lockdown warning in Benidorm
Spain
It followed Italy in putting the whole country into lockdown with immediate effect from 14 March.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed the restrictions on the country's 47 million citizens as part of a 15-day state of emergency.
People are only allowed to leave their homes to buy food and medicine, commute to work, or go to provide care.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Coronavirus: Which groups are most at risk?
All schools, universities, restaurants, bars and hotels nationwide along with non-essential stores have been shut.
The curbs are being enforced by the police and army, with violators facing fines.
"These are extraordinary times," the PM said.
"We will (eventually) return to the routine of our jobs and again visit our friends and loved ones... Until that time comes, let's not waste energies that are essential now. Let's not lose our way."
Image: The empty square in front of the pyramid of the Louvre museum and (below) a deserted Rue de Rivoli, in Paris, France
France
Some 67 million were put under lockdown on Tuesday for two weeks.
Drastic curbs on public life like in other countries have been introduced with all bars, cafes, restaurants, entertainment venues and non-essential stores told to shut. Factories are also shut.
President Emmanuel Macron said citizens can only leave their homes to buy food, go to work, seek medical care or get some exercise on their own.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:16 The misinformation outbreak
Schools are only open for the children of health workers, while employers have been urged to help set up remote working for staff.
Police patrols of the streets have been stepped up to enforce the unprecedented peacetime restrictions, with checkpoints set up nationwide.
Those who breach the conditions will be fined.
Tourist hotspots including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum in Paris remain deserted.
Image: Strict restrictions are now in force across New York City and Los Angeles (below)
New York and Los Angeles
The mayors of both American cities on Tuesday ordered restaurants, bars and cafes to only sell food on a takeaway or delivery basis as they fight to halt the spread of COVID-19.
Bill de Blasio has also moved to close nightclubs, cinemas, theatres and concert venues.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:04 Arnie gives coronavirus tips from hot tub
The mayor of New York said: "This is not a decision I make lightly.
"These places are part of the heart and soul of our city. They are part of what it means to be a New Yorker. But our city is facing an unprecedented threat, and we must respond with a wartime mentality."
It is unclear how long the businesses in the state will remain closed.
Similarly in Los Angeles, Mayor Eric Garcetti issued an executive order on Sunday to close bars, nightclubs, entertainment venues and gyms until at least 31 March.
Image: Will London be also placed in lockdown?
London
Although up to 40 Tube stations are set to close - Downing Street says there is "zero prospect" of restrictions on travel in and out of London.
Nonetheless, the prime minister has urged Britons to avoid visiting pubs and restaurants - and advised against all non-essential travel.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:41 Coronavirus advice aired in TV adverts
Boris Johnson has stressed the urgency of Londoners paying special attention to the social distancing guidance already issued to avoid confined spaces and to work from home - relieving the pressure on London's health system and helping to slow the spread of the virus.
Streets that are normally packed stand empty, monuments appear eerily deserted and tourist attractions, museums and theatres continue to close.
Mr Johnson has said police would maintain responsibility for maintaining law and order and there are no plans to use the military for this purpose.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 10:45 How long will schools remain closed?
The government is considering closing most shops in the capital by the weekend, according to Whitehall sources, although pharmacies and supermarkets are expected to stay open under the tougher measures.
There are concerns that some in the capital and elsewhere are not taking the PM's advice seriously enough - and a mandatory closure order for places such as pubs is still a possibility.


news--2020-03-19--Coronavirus: Bank of England makes its most dramatic move in decades - but will it work?

It is saying something that the Bank of England 's decision to cut interest rates to the lowest level since it was set up in 1694 is not the biggest story to come out of the institution today .
But there we are .
Doubtless most attention will be focused on that unprecedented decision to take UK borrowing costs down to the unparalleled low of 0.1 % .
This , after all , really might be rock bottom for mortgage and savings rates .
While some other countries have delved into the weird world of negative interest rates , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes that more unlikely .
But in a sense , the bigger decision from the Bank today was to restart the presses .
It dabbled with a bit of what economists call quantitative easing in the wake of the EU referendum , but it was a slightly half-hearted thing : an extra £60bn of money pumped from the Bank into the government bond market .
But this is the single biggest increase in QE ever .
Unlike every other time the Bank started its electronic printing presses , the objective is not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a gradual way but to get it all in there as soon as feasible .
It is , in other words , perhaps the single most dramatic move the Bank of England has taken in recent decades , including even its financial era interventions .
But that , according to governor Andrew Bailey , is a sign of the times .
Speaking to journalists on a conference call shortly after the move was announced , he said : `` We 've seen very sharp moves in financial markets in the last few days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if not disorderly then were bordering on disorderly .
`` We were seeing very sharp tightening in conditions , sharp movements into cash , sharp movements into dollars .
We could see that reflected in exchange rates , in gilt yields , in spreads in markets .
It was getting beyond the orderly . ''
In the past 48 hours there has been a mass sell off in global markets with a considerable pressure on the UK in particular .
The pound dropped to the lowest level since 1985 amid concern about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus outbreak .
Mr Bailey added that rumours over the past 24 hours of a possible lockdown imposed on London had caused extra stress in markets .
He added : `` The time to act is now not later when we have the data .
We were not going to wait until [ the scheduled monetary policy committee meeting ] next week : these things are moving too fast . ''
It comes just 24 hours after Mr Bailey told Sky News `` the Bank of England 's not done '' .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest rate cuts , more quantitative easing and even more radical measures in the coming days .
It is a sign of how concerned investors are in the UK 's economic response to COVID-19 that he and the Monetary Policy Committee have had to act so soon .
And it is a sign of how concerned investors were in the UK and its currency that rather than falling , as a currency usually does when its central bank cuts its interest rate , the pound actually rose in the following hours .
Most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did n't rule out going even further in the coming weeks , possibly even using printed money to finance government giveaways to the public .
The moves today were dramatic .
But they may not be the last we hear from the Bank of England in the coming days .

It is saying something that the Bank of England's decision to cut interest rates to the lowest level since it was set up in 1694 is not the biggest story to come out of the institution today. But there we are.
Doubtless most attention will be focused on that unprecedented decision to take UK borrowing costs down to the unparalleled low of 0.1%.
This, after all, really might be rock bottom for mortgage and savings rates. While some other countries have delved into the weird world of negative interest rates, the structure of the UK's financial system makes that more unlikely.
Image: Pedestrians shelter under umbrellas in front of the Royal Exchange and the Bank of England, in London
But in a sense, the bigger decision from the Bank today was to restart the presses.
It dabbled with a bit of what economists call quantitative easing in the wake of the EU referendum, but it was a slightly half-hearted thing: an extra £60bn of money pumped from the Bank into the government bond market.
But this is the single biggest increase in QE ever. Unlike every other time the Bank started its electronic printing presses, the objective is not to dribble the money into the markets in a gradual way but to get it all in there as soon as feasible.
It is, in other words, perhaps the single most dramatic move the Bank of England has taken in recent decades, including even its financial era interventions.
But that, according to governor Andrew Bailey, is a sign of the times.
Speaking to journalists on a conference call shortly after the move was announced, he said: "We've seen very sharp moves in financial markets in the last few days, with assets moving into conditions which if not disorderly then were bordering on disorderly.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:44 Radical money printing plan considered
"We were seeing very sharp tightening in conditions, sharp movements into cash, sharp movements into dollars. We could see that reflected in exchange rates, in gilt yields, in spreads in markets. It was getting beyond the orderly."
In the past 48 hours there has been a mass sell off in global markets with a considerable pressure on the UK in particular.
The pound dropped to the lowest level since 1985 amid concern about the UK's exposure and reaction to the virus outbreak. Mr Bailey added that rumours over the past 24 hours of a possible lockdown imposed on London had caused extra stress in markets.
He added: "The time to act is now not later when we have the data. We were not going to wait until [the scheduled monetary policy committee meeting] next week: these things are moving too fast."
It comes just 24 hours after Mr Bailey told Sky News "the Bank of England's not done".
He said he hadn't ruled out more interest rate cuts, more quantitative easing and even more radical measures in the coming days. It is a sign of how concerned investors are in the UK's economic response to COVID-19 that he and the Monetary Policy Committee have had to act so soon.
And it is a sign of how concerned investors were in the UK and its currency that rather than falling, as a currency usually does when its central bank cuts its interest rate, the pound actually rose in the following hours.
Most intriguing of all, Mr Bailey again didn't rule out going even further in the coming weeks, possibly even using printed money to finance government giveaways to the public.
The moves today were dramatic. But they may not be the last we hear from the Bank of England in the coming days.


news--2020-03-19--Coronavirus: Minister says there 'isn't a shortage of food' because of COVID-19 pandemic

The government has reassured people that there `` is n't a shortage of food '' because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Environment Secretary George Eustice told MPs in the Commons that there is `` significant resilience in our food supply chain '' amid public concern over COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
He said : `` There is n't a shortage of food , the challenge that we 've had is getting food to shelves in time when people have been purchasing more . ''
Supermarkets have stepped up their efforts to stop panic buying in recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ range of products .
Stores have moved to reassure people that enough stock is being delivered every night , urging shoppers to purchase goods as they normally would .
But long queues have been reported up and down the country , with many people turning up before supermarkets even open .
There have also been reports of people pushing two trolleys around shops .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Facing questions from MPs on Thursday , Mr Eustice outlined the steps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach stores .
He said one thing ministers are looking at is changing competition law to allow retailers and haulage companies to work together .
`` We have taken steps including setting aside delivery curfews so that lorries can run around the clock , relaxing driver hours to ensure the deliveries can take place more frequently , and we are in discussions with other government colleagues in MHCLG [ the Ministry of Housing , Communities and Local Government ] around other support that we would deliver locally to get food to those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environment secretary Luke Pollard said millions were `` already in food poverty '' , adding : `` This is now an immediate family emergency for many of those . ''
He asked : `` With food banks running low on food , many volunteers of food banks over the age of 70 and soon needing to self-isolate , what steps is he taking to assist those in genuine hunger today ? ''
The environment secretary replied : `` I 've been in regular , daily calls with the food supply sector that included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in dialogue with supermarkets to ensure we can make sure they get access to the supplies that they need . ''
Mr Eustice added that the government was working on `` specific proposals '' to help the `` most vulnerable '' .
Mr Pollard called on the government to make sure that `` every supermarket , not just the Co-Op , are still contributing to food banks '' .
He said : `` We wo n't get through this crisis unless there 's government intervention to support those people and ensure that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
Mr Eustice replied : `` We must take action to set aside any obstacles to making the food supply chain operate in a way that will ensure people have food .
`` On the issue of food banks , as I said , we are in discussions with supermarkets about this .
We have also had discussions with them around competition law and will take whatever action is necessary to ensure they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` For the most vulnerable , we are working on proposals which my colleagues in the MHCLG will be announcing shortly . ''

The government has reassured people that there "isn't a shortage of food" because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Environment Secretary George Eustice told MPs in the Commons that there is "significant resilience in our food supply chain" amid public concern over COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
He said: "There isn't a shortage of food, the challenge that we've had is getting food to shelves in time when people have been purchasing more."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:22 Shops 'will not run out of products'
Supermarkets have stepped up their efforts to stop panic buying in recent days, restricting purchases across a wide range of products.
Stores have moved to reassure people that enough stock is being delivered every night, urging shoppers to purchase goods as they normally would.
But long queues have been reported up and down the country, with many people turning up before supermarkets even open.
There have also been reports of people pushing two trolleys around shops.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Facing questions from MPs on Thursday, Mr Eustice outlined the steps the government is taking to help deliveries reach stores.
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He said one thing ministers are looking at is changing competition law to allow retailers and haulage companies to work together.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:48 Minister: 'Food resilience is there'
"We have taken steps including setting aside delivery curfews so that lorries can run around the clock, relaxing driver hours to ensure the deliveries can take place more frequently, and we are in discussions with other government colleagues in MHCLG [the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government] around other support that we would deliver locally to get food to those who are self-isolating."
Labour's shadow environment secretary Luke Pollard said millions were "already in food poverty", adding: "This is now an immediate family emergency for many of those."
He asked: "With food banks running low on food, many volunteers of food banks over the age of 70 and soon needing to self-isolate, what steps is he taking to assist those in genuine hunger today?"
The environment secretary replied: "I've been in regular, daily calls with the food supply sector that included discussions around food banks and we are in dialogue with supermarkets to ensure we can make sure they get access to the supplies that they need."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:23 Supermarket queues stretch through aisles
Mr Eustice added that the government was working on "specific proposals" to help the "most vulnerable".
Mr Pollard called on the government to make sure that "every supermarket, not just the Co-Op, are still contributing to food banks".
He said: "We won't get through this crisis unless there's government intervention to support those people and ensure that we have those food supply chains remaining open."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
Mr Eustice replied: "We must take action to set aside any obstacles to making the food supply chain operate in a way that will ensure people have food.
"On the issue of food banks, as I said, we are in discussions with supermarkets about this. We have also had discussions with them around competition law and will take whatever action is necessary to ensure they can jointly plan their approach to the matters.
"For the most vulnerable, we are working on proposals which my colleagues in the MHCLG will be announcing shortly."


news--2020-06-14--Coronavirus: US cases surge as COVID-19 spreads to more states

Coronavirus continues to spread to more US states with record numbers of cases and people needing hospital treatment despite nationwide plans to reopen the economy .
Alabama , Florida and South Carolina reported a record number of new cases for the third day in a row on Saturday .
Health officials are partly attributing the spike in cases to gatherings over the Memorial Day holiday weekend in late May .
Oklahoma also reported record new cases for the second day in a row , as well as Alaska for the first time in weeks .
Meanwhile , the states of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of new cases .
In Louisiana , which had been one of the earlier virus hotspots , new cases were again on the rise with over 1,200 - the most the state has had since 21 May .
There were over 25,000 new cases reported across the US on Saturday , the highest number for a Saturday since 2 May , partly due to a significant increase in testing over the past six weeks .
Many US states also have record numbers of patients being hospitalised , which is not affected by increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas and Utah all had a record number of patients go into hospital on Saturday .
And in South Carolina , 69 % to 77 % of hospital beds are occupied , depending on the region .
Utah 's government announced last week that most of the state would pause its reopening , however no state is considering a second shutdown as they face budget shortfalls and unemployment .
Many states went ahead with reopenings before meeting government infection rate guidelines for doing so .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Spreaker Fears of a second wave of coronavirus infections prompted health officials to advise the public to wear masks and avoid large gatherings .
Mr Trump , who has refused to wear a mask at a series of recent public events , is still planning to hold his first campaign rally since early March on Saturday in Tulsa , Oklahoma .
However , attendees will have to agree not to blame the campaign if they contract COVID-19 .
The Tulsa City-County Health Department 's director said he wished the Trump campaign would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` significant increase in our case trends '' .

Coronavirus continues to spread to more US states with record numbers of cases and people needing hospital treatment despite nationwide plans to reopen the economy.
Alabama, Florida and South Carolina reported a record number of new cases for the third day in a row on Saturday.
Health officials are partly attributing the spike in cases to gatherings over the Memorial Day holiday weekend in late May.
Oklahoma also reported record new cases for the second day in a row, as well as Alaska for the first time in weeks.
Image: Donald Trump is planning an indoor rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Meanwhile, the states of Arizona and Nevada reported a near-record number of new cases.
In Louisiana, which had been one of the earlier virus hotspots, new cases were again on the rise with over 1,200 - the most the state has had since 21 May.
There were over 25,000 new cases reported across the US on Saturday, the highest number for a Saturday since 2 May, partly due to a significant increase in testing over the past six weeks.
Many US states also have record numbers of patients being hospitalised, which is not affected by increased testing.
Arkansas, North Carolina, Texas and Utah all had a record number of patients go into hospital on Saturday.
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And in South Carolina, 69% to 77% of hospital beds are occupied, depending on the region.
Utah's government announced last week that most of the state would pause its reopening, however no state is considering a second shutdown as they face budget shortfalls and unemployment.
Many states went ahead with reopenings before meeting government infection rate guidelines for doing so.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Fears of a second wave of coronavirus infections prompted health officials to advise the public to wear masks and avoid large gatherings.
Mr Trump, who has refused to wear a mask at a series of recent public events, is still planning to hold his first campaign rally since early March on Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
However, attendees will have to agree not to blame the campaign if they contract COVID-19.
The Tulsa City-County Health Department's director said he wished the Trump campaign would move the date back because of a "significant increase in our case trends".


news--2020-06-15--Coronavirus: China halts salmon imports after new outbreak in Beijing

China has stopped importing salmon from Europe after the coronavirus was found on chopping boards used for foreign fish .
Chinese authorities confirmed a spike of 79 coronavirus cases over four days in Beijing , where an outbreak was traced to a market that supplies much of the city 's meat and vegetables .
State-run newspapers said the virus was discovered on chopping boards used for imported salmon at the Xinfadi market .
Authorities also locked down the neighbourhood around a second market , where three cases were confirmed .
Inspectors found 40 samples of the virus at one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chains to take salmon off their shelves over the weekend .
Beijing had reported no new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases for more than 50 days prior to the current outbreak .
According to Jiemian.com , Chile , Norway , the Faroe Islands , Australia , Canada are the main sources of salmon imports .
Norwegian fish companies said they had suspended salmon sales to China .
Regin Jacobsen , chief executive of salmon supplier Bakkafrost , said : `` We ca n't send any salmon to China now , the market is closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it had also paused sales .
However , the country 's food safety authority said there was no evidence of fish posing a risk .
A Norway Seafood Council spokesman said : `` We have seen no official statements saying what was the route of the coronavirus .
`` On the other side , food safety bodies have been adamant about the risks of coronavirus and seafood in general , in terms of them not being connected . ''
Wu Zunyou , chief epidemiologist at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China Daily he could not confirm salmon in the market was the source just based on the chopping board testing positive .
He said : `` There may be other possibilities such as that one owner of a cutting board was infected , or other food sold by an owner of a cutting board tainted it .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' Or a buyer from other cities caused the virus ' spread in the market .
`` The flow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and many things were sold .
It is not likely the exact source of transmission will be found in a short time . ''
According to the World Health Organisation , it is very unlikely for a person to catch COVID-19 from food because thorough cooking will kill it .
It says the risk from a package that has been moved and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also very low .

China has stopped importing salmon from Europe after the coronavirus was found on chopping boards used for foreign fish.
Chinese authorities confirmed a spike of 79 coronavirus cases over four days in Beijing, where an outbreak was traced to a market that supplies much of the city's meat and vegetables.
State-run newspapers said the virus was discovered on chopping boards used for imported salmon at the Xinfadi market.
Authorities also locked down the neighbourhood around a second market, where three cases were confirmed.
Inspectors found 40 samples of the virus at one of the markets, which prompted some supermarket chains to take salmon off their shelves over the weekend.
Beijing had reported no new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases for more than 50 days prior to the current outbreak.
Image: Norway has suspended salmon sales to China
According to Jiemian.com, Chile, Norway, the Faroe Islands, Australia, Canada are the main sources of salmon imports.
Norwegian fish companies said they had suspended salmon sales to China.
Regin Jacobsen, chief executive of salmon supplier Bakkafrost, said: "We can't send any salmon to China now, the market is closed."
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Norway Royal Salmon also said it had also paused sales.
However, the country's food safety authority said there was no evidence of fish posing a risk.
A Norway Seafood Council spokesman said: "We have seen no official statements saying what was the route of the coronavirus.
"On the other side, food safety bodies have been adamant about the risks of coronavirus and seafood in general, in terms of them not being connected."
Wu Zunyou, chief epidemiologist at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, backed the statement.
He told China Daily he could not confirm salmon in the market was the source just based on the chopping board testing positive.
He said: "There may be other possibilities such as that one owner of a cutting board was infected, or other food sold by an owner of a cutting board tainted it.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"Or a buyer from other cities caused the virus' spread in the market.
"The flow of people in the market was big, and many things were sold. It is not likely the exact source of transmission will be found in a short time."
According to the World Health Organisation, it is very unlikely for a person to catch COVID-19 from food because thorough cooking will kill it.
It says the risk from a package that has been moved and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also very low.


news--2020-06-15--Coronanvirus: BP to take hit of up to £14bn as crisis hits oil demand

BP says it is to take a series of non-cash write downs and charges of up to $ 17.5bn ( £14bn ) as it navigates challenges posed by the coronanvirus crisis .
The oil firm said it had revised down its long-term price assumptions following the collapse witnessed since COVID-19 gripped the global economy this year .
It said the asset value and price review conclusions were also based on expectations that the pandemic 's aftermath would accelerate `` the pace of transition to a lower carbon economy and energy system '' .
BP had revealed in February an ambition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2050 or sooner amid pressure on the industry to treat tackling climate change as its top priority .
It said on Monday : `` As part of its long-term strategic planning , and in the context of its continuing focus on capital discipline , BP is also reviewing its intent to develop some of its exploration intangible assets .
`` These actions will lead to non-cash impairment charges and write-offs in the second quarter , estimated to be in an aggregate range of $ 13bn to $ 17.5bn post-tax . ''
BP 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an average of around $ 55 per barrel for Brent crude from 2021-2050 .
Its current reserves previously had an assumed value of $ 75 per barrel .
June contracts for Brent stood at $ 37 early on Monday morning .
Brent witnessed an intraday fall of more than 3 % at one stage as financial markets took fright more widely over fears of a second wave of coronavirus infections - particularly in China where authorities in Beijing have closed a popular consumer goods market following a spike in cases .
BP has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ value this year to date as investors fret over the damage already done to demand and the world economy .
Shares fell by a further 5 % in early trading on the FTSE 100 on Monday though later recovered some of that decline .
Chief executive Bernard Looney told investors he expected the impact to be `` enduring '' .
`` We have reset our price outlook to reflect that impact and the likelihood of greater efforts to 'build back better ' towards a Paris-consistent world .
`` We are also reviewing our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a significant charge in our upcoming results , but I am confident that these difficult decisions - rooted in our net zero ambition and reaffirmed by the pandemic - will better enable us to compete through the energy transition . ''

BP says it is to take a series of non-cash write downs and charges of up to $17.5bn (£14bn) as it navigates challenges posed by the coronanvirus crisis.
The oil firm said it had revised down its long-term price assumptions following the collapse witnessed since COVID-19 gripped the global economy this year.
It said the asset value and price review conclusions were also based on expectations that the pandemic's aftermath would accelerate "the pace of transition to a lower carbon economy and energy system".
BP had revealed in February an ambition to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner amid pressure on the industry to treat tackling climate change as its top priority.
It said on Monday: "As part of its long-term strategic planning, and in the context of its continuing focus on capital discipline, BP is also reviewing its intent to develop some of its exploration intangible assets.
Image: Bernard Looney, the chief executive of BP, succeeded Bob Dudley. Pic: BP
"These actions will lead to non-cash impairment charges and write-offs in the second quarter, estimated to be in an aggregate range of $13bn to $17.5bn post-tax."
BP's new long-term price assumptions were set at an average of around $55 per barrel for Brent crude from 2021-2050.
Its current reserves previously had an assumed value of $75 per barrel.
June contracts for Brent stood at $37 early on Monday morning.
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Brent witnessed an intraday fall of more than 3% at one stage as financial markets took fright more widely over fears of a second wave of coronavirus infections - particularly in China where authorities in Beijing have closed a popular consumer goods market following a spike in cases.
BP has lost almost a third of its market value this year to date as investors fret over the damage already done to demand and the world economy. Shares fell by a further 5% in early trading on the FTSE 100 on Monday though later recovered some of that decline.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:52 UK economy shrinks by 20.4% due to virus
Chief executive Bernard Looney told investors he expected the impact to be "enduring".
"We have reset our price outlook to reflect that impact and the likelihood of greater efforts to 'build back better' towards a Paris-consistent world.
"We are also reviewing our development plans. All that will result in a significant charge in our upcoming results, but I am confident that these difficult decisions - rooted in our net zero ambition and reaffirmed by the pandemic - will better enable us to compete through the energy transition."


news--2020-06-15--It's a big moment in the history of Big Oil

There was a fair degree of scepticism four months ago when Bernard Looney , BP 's new chief executive , unveiled plans for the oil major to go net zero carbon by 2050 .
Investors were concerned at the lack of detail - something BP promised to flesh out later this year .
Campaigners on climate change , meanwhile , said the company was not going far enough .
Charlie Kronick , oil adviser at Greenpeace UK , said : `` How will they reach net zero ?
Will it be through offsetting ?
When will they stop wasting billions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ca n't burn ? ''
Rachel Kennerley , of Friends of the Earth , added : `` The world is burning , and they want to carry on supplying the fuel .
Governments must call time on dirty gas , coal and oil , and on those companies wanting to keep the fossil fuel addiction alive and kicking . ''
It would appear that Mr Looney is , to an extent , in agreement .
While the headlines have naturally been grabbed by the huge write-downs announced by BP on Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charges is not their sheer size , but the reason for them .
: : Listen to the The World Tomorrow on Apple podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The company clearly believes that the COVID-19 pandemic will change the world forever and that one of those changes will be an acceleration in the transition to a lower carbon world .
That means a hit to demand for oil and , accordingly , lower oil and gas prices .
And that , in turn , means that not all of the projects in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic at an average Brent crude price of $ 55 a barrel instead of the $ 75 a barrel previously assumed .
It was all summed up in this crucial paragraph in BP 's statement today : `` BP is ... reviewing its intent to develop some of its exploration prospects . ''
Put another way , in the words beloved of climate change campaigners , some of the oil BP was previously planning to pump until today will now be `` left in the ground '' .
It is a big moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The announcement is the first public acknowledgement from a major oil and gas producer that the pandemic could result in the energy transition - and the accompanying fall in oil and gas prices - being more rapid than expected .
Shares of BP fell by as much as 6.5 % at one point on the news but , arguably , investors ought to have seen this coming after Mr Looney told the Financial Times last month : `` I can only see COVID-19 adding to the challenges of oil in the years ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's all going to play out .
But it 's gotten more likely to have oil be less in demand . ''
The big question for investors now is whether BP is likely to cut its dividend in the way its rival Shell did last month .
This would have huge implications for millions of savers because , following the Shell cut , BP is now the biggest single payer of dividends to UK pension funds .
Most analysts suggest it would be logical for BP to now cut its payout in view @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and gas prices set to fall , oil and gas production likely to be lower and heavy investment likely to be needed in low carbon investments , the company will be looking to save cash .
Biraj Borkhataria , an analyst at RBC Capital Markets , said : `` BP 's balance sheet was stretched even without this impairment and is likely to look even more stretched following it .
The dividend will need to be right-sized to suit the environment and BP 's longer-term plans . ''
Allen Good , equity analyst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` While BP did n't comment on the dividend , the implications from the announcement do n't support a continuation at current levels , in our view .
`` A dividend cut was already a possibility after the sharp drop in oil prices in March , given BP 's high debt load , and the probability increased after Shell cut its dividend .
`` Now BP management is signalling continued uncertainty , lower oil prices , and a desire to invest outside of the oil and gas business , all factors cited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Jason Gammel , oil and gas analyst at broker Jefferies International , added : `` The Shell dividend cut does give it some cover .
BP is currently yielding 11.0 % vs Shell at 3.8 % ; if the stocks should trade at similar yields then BP is pricing in a 65 % cut . ''
BP 's dividend aside , another big question is whether other oil and gas majors , having seen what BP has done , decide to step up the pace of transition themselves .
Shell , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it intends to become a net zero emissions energy business by 2050 and other European majors , such as Total of France and Repsol of Spain , also have ambitions to transition into low or zero carbon companies .
Yet that puts extra strain on the balance sheet at a time of weakening oil and gas prices and makes dividend cuts likely there too .
Total and Repsol have yet to cut their payouts .
The bigger difference is with the US majors , ExxonMobil and Chevron , both of which are furiously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to maintain their dividends .
Both are also dragging their feet in terms of a transition to a world capable of meeting the Paris climate goals .

There was a fair degree of scepticism four months ago when Bernard Looney, BP's new chief executive, unveiled plans for the oil major to go net zero carbon by 2050.
Investors were concerned at the lack of detail - something BP promised to flesh out later this year.
Campaigners on climate change, meanwhile, said the company was not going far enough.
Charlie Kronick, oil adviser at Greenpeace UK, said: "How will they reach net zero? Will it be through offsetting? When will they stop wasting billions on drilling for new oil and gas we can't burn?"
Rachel Kennerley, of Friends of the Earth, added: "The world is burning, and they want to carry on supplying the fuel. Governments must call time on dirty gas, coal and oil, and on those companies wanting to keep the fossil fuel addiction alive and kicking."
It would appear that Mr Looney is, to an extent, in agreement.
While the headlines have naturally been grabbed by the huge write-downs announced by BP on Monday, the most interesting aspect to these impairment charges is not their sheer size, but the reason for them.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the The World Tomorrow on Apple podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The company clearly believes that the COVID-19 pandemic will change the world forever and that one of those changes will be an acceleration in the transition to a lower carbon world.
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That means a hit to demand for oil and, accordingly, lower oil and gas prices.
And that, in turn, means that not all of the projects in which BP has been investing will be economic at an average Brent crude price of $55 a barrel instead of the $75 a barrel previously assumed.
Image: BP chief executive Bernard Looney appears to agree with campaigners
It was all summed up in this crucial paragraph in BP's statement today: "BP is... reviewing its intent to develop some of its exploration prospects."
Put another way, in the words beloved of climate change campaigners, some of the oil BP was previously planning to pump until today will now be "left in the ground".
It is a big moment in the history of Big Oil. The announcement is the first public acknowledgement from a major oil and gas producer that the pandemic could result in the energy transition - and the accompanying fall in oil and gas prices - being more rapid than expected.
Shares of BP fell by as much as 6.5% at one point on the news but, arguably, investors ought to have seen this coming after Mr Looney told the Financial Times last month: "I can only see COVID-19 adding to the challenges of oil in the years ahead. We don't know how it's all going to play out. But it's gotten more likely to have oil be less in demand."
The big question for investors now is whether BP is likely to cut its dividend in the way its rival Shell did last month.
This would have huge implications for millions of savers because, following the Shell cut, BP is now the biggest single payer of dividends to UK pension funds.
Image: BP is among the firms that are under pressure to do more to limit carbon emissions
Most analysts suggest it would be logical for BP to now cut its payout in view of the fact that, with oil and gas prices set to fall, oil and gas production likely to be lower and heavy investment likely to be needed in low carbon investments, the company will be looking to save cash.
Biraj Borkhataria, an analyst at RBC Capital Markets, said: "BP's balance sheet was stretched even without this impairment and is likely to look even more stretched following it. The dividend will need to be right-sized to suit the environment and BP's longer-term plans."
Allen Good, equity analyst at investment research firm Morningstar, said: "While BP didn't comment on the dividend, the implications from the announcement don't support a continuation at current levels, in our view.
"A dividend cut was already a possibility after the sharp drop in oil prices in March, given BP's high debt load, and the probability increased after Shell cut its dividend.
"Now BP management is signalling continued uncertainty, lower oil prices, and a desire to invest outside of the oil and gas business, all factors cited by Shell's management in its decision."
Jason Gammel, oil and gas analyst at broker Jefferies International, added: "The Shell dividend cut does give it some cover. BP is currently yielding 11.0% vs Shell at 3.8%; if the stocks should trade at similar yields then BP is pricing in a 65% cut."
BP's dividend aside, another big question is whether other oil and gas majors, having seen what BP has done, decide to step up the pace of transition themselves. Shell, too, has published proposals on how it intends to become a net zero emissions energy business by 2050 and other European majors, such as Total of France and Repsol of Spain, also have ambitions to transition into low or zero carbon companies.
Yet that puts extra strain on the balance sheet at a time of weakening oil and gas prices and makes dividend cuts likely there too. Total and Repsol have yet to cut their payouts.
The bigger difference is with the US majors, ExxonMobil and Chevron, both of which are furiously cutting costs in order to be able to maintain their dividends.
Both are also dragging their feet in terms of a transition to a world capable of meeting the Paris climate goals.


news--2020-02-18--HSBC to cut 35,000 jobs and shed assets in major overhaul

Banking giant HSBC will cut 35,000 jobs over the next three years and shed assets in a major overhaul .
Some $ 100bn ( £77bn ) in assets will be cast off and the bank 's investment branch slashed as it seeks to become leaner and more competitive .
Interim chief executive Noel Quinn said : `` The totality of this programme is that our headcount is likely to go from 235,000 to closer to 200,000 over the next three years . ''
Sky News City editor Mark Kleinman said this would be HSBC 's third major restructure in 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business in the US and Europe would `` bear the brunt of this jobs cull '' .
He added : `` This plan to cut tens of thousands of jobs is a pattern we 've seen across the banking industry since the financial crisis of 2008 because ultra low interest rates for the last decade have depressed the returns and performance of big international banks like HSBC . ''
HSBC reported its 2019 profit before tax was $ 13.35bn ( £10.2bn ) , down from $ 19.89bn ( £15.3bn ) the previous year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Analysts had expected around $ 20bn ( £15.4bn ) .
The bank blamed $ 7.3bn ( £5.6bn ) in write-offs linked to its global banking and markets and commercial banking business units in Europe .
HSBC is Europe 's largest bank by assets but makes around half of its revenue and 90 % of its profit in Asia .
In recent times , it has faced a number of challenges : slowing growth in its main markets , the coronavirus , anti-government protests in Hong Kong , and the UK 's withdrawal from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the bank said the coronavirus , which has infected more than 70,000 people around the world , most of them in China , had significantly affected its staff and customers .
Mr Quinn said : `` Longer term , it is also possible that we may see revenue reductions from lower lending and transaction volumes , and further credit losses stemming from disruption to customer supply chains . ''
HSBC 's chief financial officer Ewan Stevenson said the bank could be forced to take $ 600m ( £460m ) in additional provisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues .
He said : `` There will be revenue impacts which will become progressively more acute if the coronavirus was to continue beyond the next month to six weeks . ''
Regarding Brexit , HSBC group chairman Mark Tucker added : `` Now that the UK has officially left the EU , negotiations can begin on their future relationship .
`` This has provided some certainty , but no trade negotiation is ever straightforward .
It is essential that the eventual agreement protects and fosters the many benefits that financial services provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` At the same time as remaining close to Europe , the UK must also strengthen its links with other key partners , including the US , China and South East Asia .
We look forward to working with governments to help achieve this . ''
Mr Tucker said he expected growth to stabilise in 2020 but `` at a slightly lower rate than in recent years '' , adding : `` This underlines the need to make the most of the opportunities ahead . ''
HSBC shares had fallen 6.5 % @ @ @ @ @ @

Banking giant HSBC will cut 35,000 jobs over the next three years and shed assets in a major overhaul.
Some $100bn (£77bn) in assets will be cast off and the bank's investment branch slashed as it seeks to become leaner and more competitive.
Interim chief executive Noel Quinn said: "The totality of this programme is that our headcount is likely to go from 235,000 to closer to 200,000 over the next three years."
Image: Noel Quinn has run HSBC since the summer of 2019
Sky News City editor Mark Kleinman said this would be HSBC's third major restructure in 10 years and that the under-performing investment banking business in the US and Europe would "bear the brunt of this jobs cull".
He added: "This plan to cut tens of thousands of jobs is a pattern we've seen across the banking industry since the financial crisis of 2008 because ultra low interest rates for the last decade have depressed the returns and performance of big international banks like HSBC."
HSBC reported its 2019 profit before tax was $13.35bn (£10.2bn), down from $19.89bn (£15.3bn) the previous year - a drop of 33%. Analysts had expected around $20bn (£15.4bn).
The bank blamed $7.3bn (£5.6bn) in write-offs linked to its global banking and markets and commercial banking business units in Europe.
HSBC is Europe's largest bank by assets but makes around half of its revenue and 90% of its profit in Asia.
In recent times, it has faced a number of challenges: slowing growth in its main markets, the coronavirus, anti-government protests in Hong Kong, and the UK's withdrawal from the European Union.
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In its results, the bank said the coronavirus, which has infected more than 70,000 people around the world, most of them in China, had significantly affected its staff and customers.
Mr Quinn said: "Longer term, it is also possible that we may see revenue reductions from lower lending and transaction volumes, and further credit losses stemming from disruption to customer supply chains."
HSBC's chief financial officer Ewan Stevenson said the bank could be forced to take $600m (£460m) in additional provisions against loan losses if the virus spread continues.
He said: "There will be revenue impacts which will become progressively more acute if the coronavirus was to continue beyond the next month to six weeks."
Regarding Brexit, HSBC group chairman Mark Tucker added: "Now that the UK has officially left the EU, negotiations can begin on their future relationship.
"This has provided some certainty, but no trade negotiation is ever straightforward. It is essential that the eventual agreement protects and fosters the many benefits that financial services provide to both the UK and the EU.
"At the same time as remaining close to Europe, the UK must also strengthen its links with other key partners, including the US, China and South East Asia. We look forward to working with governments to help achieve this."
Mr Tucker said he expected growth to stabilise in 2020 but "at a slightly lower rate than in recent years", adding: "This underlines the need to make the most of the opportunities ahead."
HSBC shares had fallen 6.5% by the close of trading.


news--2020-02-18--Glencore support for coal at odds with global climate goals

Increasingly , as the drive to reduce carbon emissions intensifies , resources producers are being asked by investors what they are doing .
The likes of BHP , the world 's biggest mining company , have been quick to try and get on the front foot by , for example , linking executive pay to emissions reduction .
The latest big name to unveil its ambitions in the sector was BP last week .
The big focus during the last year or so has been the challenge of reducing so-called 'Scope 3 ' emissions - those caused by a company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production of power of the production of steel , rather than by the company itself .
It is a subject on which , until today , Glencore had remained silent .
Among all of the world 's big diversified mining companies - BHP , Rio Tinto , Glencore , Anglo-American and Canada 's Teck Resources - Glencore stands out as being the biggest exporter and producer of thermal coal .
That might suggest it has more to do than some of its competitors in when it comes to reducing 'Scope 3 ' emissions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Glasenberg , the company 's chief executive .
Reiterating the company 's commitment to transitioning to a low-carbon economy , he said on Tuesday that the company was projecting a 30 % reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2035 .
He added : `` Looking at our coal reserve base and where our coal production is going , it is depleting over the years .
`` We are utilising , digging the material out of the ground and…especially in Colombia and South Africa , we are depleting reserves .
`` So what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that by the year 2035 , our coal production will reduce by around 30 % .
And therefore our Scope 3 emissions , whilst coal is being burnt in those power stations , is reducing . ''
South African-born Mr Glasenberg said that , unlike competitors such as Rio Tinto , the company would not be selling its coal assets .
He added : `` We are not selling coal assets to get Scope 3 off our books .
If you sell the assets , get rid of them , spin them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occurring . ''
He insisted Glencore would not stop producing thermal coal because demand for the higher-quality coal it is producing in Australia remains strong among Asian steel producers and power plant operators .
He said demand for the company 's South African-produced coal was also holding up due to strong sales to India , Pakistan and Bangladesh , which account for three-quarters of Glencore 's South African coal output .
Mr Glasenberg , 63 , also highlighted how much of Glencore 's capital expenditure was going towards developing production of so-called 'transition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and nickel , which are used in electric car production .
The company is already one of the world 's biggest cobalt producers .
He went on : `` With the transition to electric vehicles , with two million electric vehicles being produced in the world this year and growing further , we believe around the year 2030 , we 'll need another 75,000 tonnes of cobalt . ''
He was speaking as Glencore , which is the world 's biggest commodities trader and which employs 160,000 people worldwide , reported its first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss of $ 404m for 2019 compared with a profit of $ 3.4bn in 2018 and came after the company wrote $ 2.8bn from the value of its assets , particularly its Colombian coal , Chad oil and African copper assets .
Some $ 1bn was written from the value of the Colombian coal assets alone .
This reflected a 39 % drop in the price of Colombian coal being exported to Europe reflecting competition from cheaper liquefied natural gas and measures from the EU aimed at reducing use of coal .
Steve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` It 's competing with low gas prices particularly in Europe - that 's really what 's dented the economics and prospects for getting a good price for that product . ''
Mr Glasenberg said that , if there was no turnaround in the price of Colombian coal , `` there may have to be some hard decisions made '' .
The business is currently breaking even .
He went on : `` If we are losing cash in any assets , we 're not going to keep mining it…we 've done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done it in coal . ''
He said world coal prices had been supported recently because China , the world 's biggest coal producer , had suffered from lower production due to the outbreak of COVID-19 .
Yeun Low , of broker Shore Capital , said : `` Glencore 's 2019 financials were disappointing , reflecting the US-China trade war , weaker commodity prices and some operational challenges at ramp-up/development assets . ''
But John Meyer , head of research at SP Angel , a corporate finance firm that specialises in covering mining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's marketing division will come into its own this year resolving supply chain issues for customers affected by the coronavirus .
This should serve to offset some of the impact of lower oil and metals prices .
`` If the coronavirus is contained within China then Glencore looks well placed for recovery , if not , then Glencore may still outperform other miners on the strength of its trading division . ''
Mr Glasenberg , who has been chief executive for the last 18 years and who with a 9.04 % stake is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked about succession planning .
He said he was confident that his successor would be someone who had been working for Glencore for between 20-25 years : `` They [ will ] know the company , the culture of this company , how it operates . ''
Shares of Glencore , which floated on the London Stock Exchange in May 2011 at a price of 530p each , fell by 10.55p to 226.1p .
Mr Glasenberg 's approach towards emissions is one that will probably further polarise views towards Glencore .
Investors are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce the carbon intensity of their operations .
BlackRock , the world 's biggest asset manager , recently said it would divest from companies that , by mid-2020 , were still generating more than a quarter of their revenues from thermal coal production .
Mr Glasenberg has paid heed to that by ensuring that Glencore - in which BlackRock owns a 4.95 % stake - does not exceed that cap .
His announcement today that 'Scope 3 ' emissions will fall by 30 % by 2035 is also rather more bold , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set by some other resources companies .
But his insistence that the company will carry on producing coal , provided it remains profitable , is unlikely to win him many friends among environmental campaigners .
In reality Glencore 's dependence on coal , compared with the other big global miners , means that the company has little choice but to carry on depleting its reserves .

Increasingly, as the drive to reduce carbon emissions intensifies, resources producers are being asked by investors what they are doing.
The likes of BHP, the world's biggest mining company, have been quick to try and get on the front foot by, for example, linking executive pay to emissions reduction.
The latest big name to unveil its ambitions in the sector was BP last week.
The big focus during the last year or so has been the challenge of reducing so-called 'Scope 3' emissions - those caused by a company's customers, for example through the production of power of the production of steel, rather than by the company itself.
Image: Glencore is a FTSE 100 company
It is a subject on which, until today, Glencore had remained silent.
Among all of the world's big diversified mining companies - BHP, Rio Tinto, Glencore, Anglo-American and Canada's Teck Resources - Glencore stands out as being the biggest exporter and producer of thermal coal.
That might suggest it has more to do than some of its competitors in when it comes to reducing 'Scope 3' emissions.
Not so, according to Ivan Glasenberg, the company's chief executive.
Reiterating the company's commitment to transitioning to a low-carbon economy, he said on Tuesday that the company was projecting a 30% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2035.
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Image: Demand for coal remains high in developing economies such as India
He added: "Looking at our coal reserve base and where our coal production is going, it is depleting over the years.
"We are utilising, digging the material out of the ground and…especially in Colombia and South Africa, we are depleting reserves.
"So what we are saying here is that our projection is that by the year 2035, our coal production will reduce by around 30%. And therefore our Scope 3 emissions, whilst coal is being burnt in those power stations, is reducing."
South African-born Mr Glasenberg said that, unlike competitors such as Rio Tinto, the company would not be selling its coal assets.
He added: "We are not selling coal assets to get Scope 3 off our books. If you sell the assets, get rid of them, spin them out, Scope 3 will still be occurring."
He insisted Glencore would not stop producing thermal coal because demand for the higher-quality coal it is producing in Australia remains strong among Asian steel producers and power plant operators.
Image: Glencore CEO Ivan Glasenberg
He said demand for the company's South African-produced coal was also holding up due to strong sales to India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, which account for three-quarters of Glencore's South African coal output.
Mr Glasenberg, 63, also highlighted how much of Glencore's capital expenditure was going towards developing production of so-called 'transition metals', like copper, cobalt and nickel, which are used in electric car production. The company is already one of the world's biggest cobalt producers.
He went on: "With the transition to electric vehicles, with two million electric vehicles being produced in the world this year and growing further, we believe around the year 2030, we'll need another 75,000 tonnes of cobalt."
He was speaking as Glencore, which is the world's biggest commodities trader and which employs 160,000 people worldwide, reported its first loss in four years.
A net loss of $404m for 2019 compared with a profit of $3.4bn in 2018 and came after the company wrote $2.8bn from the value of its assets, particularly its Colombian coal, Chad oil and African copper assets.
Some $1bn was written from the value of the Colombian coal assets alone. This reflected a 39% drop in the price of Colombian coal being exported to Europe reflecting competition from cheaper liquefied natural gas and measures from the EU aimed at reducing use of coal.
Steve Kalmin, chief financial officer, said: "It's competing with low gas prices particularly in Europe - that's really what's dented the economics and prospects for getting a good price for that product."
Mr Glasenberg said that, if there was no turnaround in the price of Colombian coal, "there may have to be some hard decisions made". The business is currently breaking even.
He went on: "If we are losing cash in any assets, we're not going to keep mining it…we've done it before in zinc. We've done it in coal."
Image: Widespread disruption from COVID-19 across Asia could benefit Glencore through rising coal prices
He said world coal prices had been supported recently because China, the world's biggest coal producer, had suffered from lower production due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
The results received a mixed reception from analysts.
Yeun Low, of broker Shore Capital, said: "Glencore's 2019 financials were disappointing, reflecting the US-China trade war, weaker commodity prices and some operational challenges at ramp-up/development assets."
But John Meyer, head of research at SP Angel, a corporate finance firm that specialises in covering mining stocks, told clients: "Glencore's marketing division will come into its own this year resolving supply chain issues for customers affected by the coronavirus. This should serve to offset some of the impact of lower oil and metals prices.
"If the coronavirus is contained within China then Glencore looks well placed for recovery, if not, then Glencore may still outperform other miners on the strength of its trading division."
Mr Glasenberg, who has been chief executive for the last 18 years and who with a 9.04% stake is Glencore's second-biggest shareholder, was also asked about succession planning.
He said he was confident that his successor would be someone who had been working for Glencore for between 20-25 years: "They [will] know the company, the culture of this company, how it operates."
Shares of Glencore, which floated on the London Stock Exchange in May 2011 at a price of 530p each, fell by 10.55p to 226.1p.
Mr Glasenberg's approach towards emissions is one that will probably further polarise views towards Glencore.
Investors are undoubtedly keen for companies like his to reduce the carbon intensity of their operations. BlackRock, the world's biggest asset manager, recently said it would divest from companies that, by mid-2020, were still generating more than a quarter of their revenues from thermal coal production.
Mr Glasenberg has paid heed to that by ensuring that Glencore - in which BlackRock owns a 4.95% stake - does not exceed that cap.
His announcement today that 'Scope 3' emissions will fall by 30% by 2035 is also rather more bold, not to mention more precise, than those set by some other resources companies.
But his insistence that the company will carry on producing coal, provided it remains profitable, is unlikely to win him many friends among environmental campaigners.
In reality Glencore's dependence on coal, compared with the other big global miners, means that the company has little choice but to carry on depleting its reserves.