news--2020-06-06--Coronavirus: Shopping centre giant Intu puts administrator on standby

Britain 's biggest shopping centre-owner has put administrators on standby as it enters a crucial fortnight that will determine whether it emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic intact .
Sky News has learnt that Intu Properties , which directly employs more than 2,000 people , is lining up KPMG to handle an insolvency process if lenders refuse to grant a standstill on its vast debt obligations .
The development , which is understood to have been agreed in the last few days as Intu 's board accelerates its contingency planning , underlines the parlous state of the company behind Manchester 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Lakeside in Essex .
Sources said this weekend that the fate of struggling Intu remained in the balance , although people close to the company expressed `` cautious optimism '' that its banks would agree to step back from the brink .
The company , which is run by Matthew Roberts , has requested an 18-month standstill that would grant it relief from covenant tests and payments on debt facility maturities .
Without lenders ' agreement , a waiver that expires on June 26 would almost certainly trigger the company 's collapse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this weekend , however , that Intu could be declared insolvent within a fortnight if it fails to make sufficient progress in the negotiations with lenders .
That would trigger one of the most complex administrations seen in Britain 's property industry for years - and spark fears for a wider commercial real estate sector which has been ravaged by the coronavirus crisis .
Intu has a complex corporate structure , with its 20 shopping centre assets owned by separate special purpose vehicles against which the listed parent company borrows money to fund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £4.5bn of debt , but a market capitalisation at Friday 's closing share price of barely £126m .
It is one of the London stock market 's worst performers , with its shares down almost 90 % during the last year .
The company is an important player in some of the UK 's largest regional economies , employing nearly 3,000 people directly - but with a further 102,000 people working in its 17 UK shopping centres .
This week , Intu published figures showing that a standstill agreement would leave it with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a calamitous rent quarter day in March , when it received less than a third of the money it was owed by retail tenants .
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a vast chunk of Britain 's retail industry to withhold rent payments , with names such as Sir Philip Green 's Arcadia Group , Boots The Chemist , New Look and McDonald 's choosing not to pay landlords .
June 's quarter day , in just over a fortnight , could be even bloodier for the balance sheets of retail landlords like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shopping centres in Birmingham and Brent Cross .
In recent months , bondholders within the various Intu SPVs have appointed advisers to represent their interests as a full-scale financial restructuring has become inevitable .
Even if the listed parent company is forced to appoint administrators , the implications for its individual assets are far from clear .
People close to the company believe its lending syndicate is likely to demur from forcing it into insolvency because of the potential value destruction that would occur .
Securing alternative managers of large shopping centres as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 would be an uncertain process , according to insiders .
It is unclear whether an alternative asset manager with Intu 's expertise or negotiating power would be available .
Intu 's fall from grace has been startling .
It was a constituent of the London stock market 's FTSE-250 index until last year .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Its largest shareholder is John Whittaker , the Peel Group magnate who sold the Trafford Centre to what was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Whittaker could emerge from a restructuring of Intu owning the Manchester shopping destination again .
Earlier this year , Intu tried to raise £1.5bn from an emergency equity-raising , but found its hopes dashed amid turmoil in financial markets caused by the developing coronavirus crisis .
The company recently brought in David Hargrave , a restructuring veteran , to oversee its efforts to stay afloat .

Britain's biggest shopping centre-owner has put administrators on standby as it enters a crucial fortnight that will determine whether it emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic intact.
Sky News has learnt that Intu Properties, which directly employs more than 2,000 people, is lining up KPMG to handle an insolvency process if lenders refuse to grant a standstill on its vast debt obligations.
The development, which is understood to have been agreed in the last few days as Intu's board accelerates its contingency planning, underlines the parlous state of the company behind Manchester's Trafford Centre, the Metrocentre in Gateshead and Lakeside in Essex.
Image: The company is an important player in some of the UK's largest regional economies
Sources said this weekend that the fate of struggling Intu remained in the balance, although people close to the company expressed "cautious optimism" that its banks would agree to step back from the brink.
The company, which is run by Matthew Roberts, has requested an 18-month standstill that would grant it relief from covenant tests and payments on debt facility maturities.
Without lenders' agreement, a waiver that expires on June 26 would almost certainly trigger the company's collapse into administration.
Image: Intu is one of the London stock market's worst performers, with its shares down almost 90%
One banking source warned this weekend, however, that Intu could be declared insolvent within a fortnight if it fails to make sufficient progress in the negotiations with lenders.
That would trigger one of the most complex administrations seen in Britain's property industry for years - and spark fears for a wider commercial real estate sector which has been ravaged by the coronavirus crisis.
Intu has a complex corporate structure, with its 20 shopping centre assets owned by separate special purpose vehicles against which the listed parent company borrows money to fund its operations.
Advertisement
The company has about £4.5bn of debt, but a market capitalisation at Friday's closing share price of barely £126m.
It is one of the London stock market's worst performers, with its shares down almost 90% during the last year.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:20 After The Pandemic: Will working life change?
The company is an important player in some of the UK's largest regional economies, employing nearly 3,000 people directly - but with a further 102,000 people working in its 17 UK shopping centres.
Another 30,000 people work in Intu's broader supply chain.
This week, Intu published figures showing that a standstill agreement would leave it with enough cash to continue operating, even after a calamitous rent quarter day in March, when it received less than a third of the money it was owed by retail tenants.
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a vast chunk of Britain's retail industry to withhold rent payments, with names such as Sir Philip Green's Arcadia Group, Boots The Chemist, New Look and McDonald's choosing not to pay landlords.
June's quarter day, in just over a fortnight, could be even bloodier for the balance sheets of retail landlords like Intu and Hammerson, which owns big shopping centres in Birmingham and Brent Cross.
In recent months, bondholders within the various Intu SPVs have appointed advisers to represent their interests as a full-scale financial restructuring has become inevitable.
Even if the listed parent company is forced to appoint administrators, the implications for its individual assets are far from clear.
People close to the company believe its lending syndicate is likely to demur from forcing it into insolvency because of the potential value destruction that would occur.
Securing alternative managers of large shopping centres as the retail sector attempts to recover from COVID-19 would be an uncertain process, according to insiders.
It is unclear whether an alternative asset manager with Intu's expertise or negotiating power would be available.
Intu's fall from grace has been startling.
It was a constituent of the London stock market's FTSE-250 index until last year.
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 All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Its largest shareholder is John Whittaker, the Peel Group magnate who sold the Trafford Centre to what was then called Capital Shopping Centres in 2011.
Mr Whittaker could emerge from a restructuring of Intu owning the Manchester shopping destination again.
Earlier this year, Intu tried to raise £1.5bn from an emergency equity-raising, but found its hopes dashed amid turmoil in financial markets caused by the developing coronavirus crisis.
The company recently brought in David Hargrave, a restructuring veteran, to oversee its efforts to stay afloat.
Intu declined to comment on Saturday.


news--2020-06-06--Coronavirus: Labour accuses government of covering up recommendations to protect BAME people from CO

Coronavirus: Labour accuses government of covering up recommendations to protect BAME people from COVID-19

Labour 's shadow health secretary has accused the government of `` covering up vital recommendations '' that could help protect black , Asian and minority ethnic ( BAME ) people from COVID-19 .
Jonathan Ashworth 's criticisms come after Whitehall sources told Sky News the recommendations from a Public Health England ( PHE ) review were `` held back '' by the government , adding `` ministers have had this element of the report '' .
On Tuesday , the government issued the data element of the long awaited review , led by PHE national director for health and wellbeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sources it was set to be delayed because of the Black Lives Matter movement .
Data collected by PHE was published - but a `` qualitative assessment '' , including the recommendations for the government , was not .
The published review found people from BAME groups were up to twice as likely to die with COVID-19 than those from a white British background , but there were no recommendations on actions that could be taken to protect BAME lives .
Sources say the second half of the report contains work which looks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ structural racism '' within the UK and has information from 4,000 stakeholders and organisations .
Mr Ashworth told Sky News : `` We know BAME people are more likely to die from COVID and more likely to fall seriously ill with COVID .
This report needs to be published in full .
`` Covering up vital recommendations is completely unacceptable .
Action must be taken to protect those disproportionately at risk from this horrific virus . ''
PHE did not deny that a `` qualitative assessment '' with recommendations for the government was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It said : `` Professor Fenton led PHE 's work on COVID-19 and BAME communities , engaging with a significant number of individuals and organisations within the BAME community over the past couple of months , to hear their views , concerns and ideas about the impact of the virus on their communities . ''
However , a Department of Health and Social Care spokesman denied that only part of the report had been published .
`` On Tuesday PHE published the rapid data review .
The report was published in full , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insight that Professor Fenton and PHE colleagues gathered will inform the important work that equalities minister Kemi Badenoch will now take forward . ''
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The equalities minister admitted in the Commons on Thursday there were `` gaps '' in the report .
`` The report is welcomed , but it has n't gone far enough and we will take it where it needs to get to , '' Ms Badenoch said .
Responding to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` There was more I was hoping to see from this review . ''
But , she said PHE could not collect data for morbidities , occupation and underlying health conditions so could not make recommendations .

Labour's shadow health secretary has accused the government of "covering up vital recommendations" that could help protect black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people from COVID-19.
Jonathan Ashworth's criticisms come after Whitehall sources told Sky News the recommendations from a Public Health England (PHE) review were "held back" by the government, adding "ministers have had this element of the report".
On Tuesday, the government issued the data element of the long awaited review, led by PHE national director for health and wellbeing Professor Kevin Fenton, following suggestions from sources it was set to be delayed because of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Image: British Pakistani nurse Areema Nasreen was one of the first medics to die with COVID-19
Data collected by PHE was published - but a "qualitative assessment", including the recommendations for the government, was not.
The published review found people from BAME groups were up to twice as likely to die with COVID-19 than those from a white British background, but there were no recommendations on actions that could be taken to protect BAME lives.
Sources say the second half of the report contains work which looks at "social inequality" and "structural racism" within the UK and has information from 4,000 stakeholders and organisations.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 COVID-19 death figures analysis
Mr Ashworth told Sky News: "We know BAME people are more likely to die from COVID and more likely to fall seriously ill with COVID. This report needs to be published in full.
"Covering up vital recommendations is completely unacceptable. Action must be taken to protect those disproportionately at risk from this horrific virus."
PHE did not deny that a "qualitative assessment" with recommendations for the government was issued as part of the findings.
Advertisement
Image: Labour's Jonathan Ashworth says the government has failed to publish recommendations to protect BAME people
It said: "Professor Fenton led PHE's work on COVID-19 and BAME communities, engaging with a significant number of individuals and organisations within the BAME community over the past couple of months, to hear their views, concerns and ideas about the impact of the virus on their communities."
However, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesman denied that only part of the report had been published.
"On Tuesday PHE published the rapid data review. The report was published in full," they said.
"The valuable insight that Professor Fenton and PHE colleagues gathered will inform the important work that equalities minister Kemi Badenoch will now take forward."
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The equalities minister admitted in the Commons on Thursday there were "gaps" in the report.
"The report is welcomed, but it hasn't gone far enough and we will take it where it needs to get to," Ms Badenoch said.
Responding to questions from MPs, she added: "There was more I was hoping to see from this review."
But, she said PHE could not collect data for morbidities, occupation and underlying health conditions so could not make recommendations.


news--2020-06-06--Coronavirus: Another 204 UK deaths as England hospital fatalities down

Another 204 people have died with the coronavirus in the UK , according to the the latest Department of Health figures .
The data came alongside an indication that hospital deaths from COVID-19 in England are down .
Public Health England ( PHE ) said that 75 more people had died in hospital , the lowest number since May 25 , and the second lowest since March 25 , just after lockdown began .
The overall number who 've died in the UK after testing positive for the virus in all settings - including care homes - is now 40,465 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the latest daily figures , with 1,557 positive .
Some 5,438,712 tests have now been done in total , with 284,868 positive .
The Department of Health death figures record the situation in all settings as of 5pm on Friday , with the test data accurate as of 9am today .
Their figure - 204 - is the lowest Saturday total since lockdown began Separate coronavirus figures released by health authorities in the different UK nations on Saturday recorded : The health authorities collate their numbers at different times throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tally up to the government 's overall daily total .
According to a regional breakdown by PHE on Friday , transmissions are believed to be around the crucial R number of 1 in the North West and South West .
Sky News science correspondent Thomas Moore said the government would be keeping an anxious eye on the R number- the reproductive rate of the virus - as it continues to ease the lockdown .
If the R number is one , it means each infected person will on average pass coronavirus to one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it means the number of cases will increase exponentially ; while if it is below one , the disease will eventually peter out as not enough new people are being infected .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made keeping the R number below one a critical measure in easing the lockdown .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said local lockdowns could be introduced in the North West and South West if there were flare-ups in certain areas .
But he said the government 's scientific advisory group ( SAGE ) still believed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country .
`` You 're right that the R is closer to one in the South West and in the North West ; the advice from SAGE is that R is below one in all regions , '' he said at the Downing Street briefing on Friday .
`` However , we want to increasingly have an approach in tackling local lockdowns where we spot a flare-up .
`` We 've been doing this over the last few weeks , for instance there was a flare-up in Weston-super-Mare which we successfully got @ @ @ @

Another 204 people have died with the coronavirus in the UK, according to the the latest Department of Health figures.
The data came alongside an indication that hospital deaths from COVID-19 in England are down.
Public Health England (PHE) said that 75 more people had died in hospital, the lowest number since May 25, and the second lowest since March 25, just after lockdown began.
The overall number who've died in the UK after testing positive for the virus in all settings - including care homes - is now 40,465.
There were 218,187 tests carried out, according to the latest daily figures, with 1,557 positive.
Some 5,438,712 tests have now been done in total, with 284,868 positive.
The Department of Health death figures record the situation in all settings as of 5pm on Friday, with the test data accurate as of 9am today. Their figure - 204 - is the lowest Saturday total since lockdown began
Separate coronavirus figures released by health authorities in the different UK nations on Saturday recorded:
England - 75 more deaths
Scotland - 6 more deaths
Northern Ireland - 1 more death
Wales - 10 more deaths
The health authorities collate their numbers at different times throughout the day and so they may not tally up to the government's overall daily total.
Advertisement
According to a regional breakdown by PHE on Friday, transmissions are believed to be around the crucial R number of 1 in the North West and South West.
Sky News science correspondent Thomas Moore said the government would be keeping an anxious eye on the R number- the reproductive rate of the virus - as it continues to ease the lockdown.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 Thomas Moore looks at how COVID-19 has affected overall death figures in England and Wales.
If the R number is one, it means each infected person will on average pass coronavirus to one other.
If it is above one, it means the number of cases will increase exponentially; while if it is below one, the disease will eventually peter out as not enough new people are being infected.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made keeping the R number below one a critical measure in easing the lockdown.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said local lockdowns could be introduced in the North West and South West if there were flare-ups in certain areas.
But he said the government's scientific advisory group (SAGE) still believed the R number was below one across the country.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:46 Sky asks health secretary: Is government cherry-picking positive data?
"You're right that the R is closer to one in the South West and in the North West; the advice from SAGE is that R is below one in all regions," he said at the Downing Street briefing on Friday.
"However, we want to increasingly have an approach in tackling local lockdowns where we spot a flare-up.
"We've been doing this over the last few weeks, for instance there was a flare-up in Weston-super-Mare which we successfully got under control."


news--2020-06-27--Joe Biden to face Donald Trump after securing Democratic presidential nomination

Joe Biden has formally secured the Democratic Party 's presidential nomination and will face President Donald Trump at the polls in November .
The former vice president has been his party 's presumptive nominee since rival Bernie Sanders ended his campaign in April .
But he needed to secure a sufficient number of delegates from elections this week in seven states and the District of Columbia , with a surge in mail ballots making his position official late on Friday .
In a statement on Friday night , Mr Biden said : `` It was an honour to compete alongside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidates the Democratic party has ever fielded and I am proud to say that we are going into this general election a united party . ''
There was little of the traditional fanfare to mark the moment as the nation grapples with the coronavirus pandemic and civil unrest .
Mr Biden said : `` This is a difficult time in America 's history , and Donald Trump 's angry , divisive politics is no answer .
`` The country is crying out for leadership .
Leadership that can unite us .
Leadership that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden spent 36 years in the Senate before becoming Barack Obama 's vice president .
This is 77-year-old Biden 's third bid for the presidency and his success in capturing the Democratic nomination was driven by strong support from black voters .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Since clinching the nomination , Mr Biden has worked to build his appeal among progressives , forming joint task forces with Mr Sanders ' campaign to find common ground on key issues like health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His embrace of his party 's left flank could help him consolidate a Democratic base that remained deeply divided after the 2016 primary and ultimately hurt Hillary Clinton in her defeat to Mr Trump .
But it could also undermine Mr Biden 's attempts to rebuild the Obama coalition , which is often loosely defined as minorities and young people , as well as educated Americans and some working-class voters .
The former vice president has sought , since announcing his candidacy , to cast the election as `` a battle for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and promised to restore order and dignity to the White House while rehabilitating the US image on the world stage .
Such an approach , though , necessarily focuses on being more of an alternative to Mr Trump than offering radically new political ideas .
And that further underscores Mr Biden 's difficult task of trying to unite his party 's base while appealing to voters from far beyond it .
Mr Biden pledged : `` I am going to spend every day between now and November 3 fighting to earn the votes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so that , together , we can win the battle for the soul of this nation , and make sure that as we rebuild our economy , everyone comes along . ''

Joe Biden has formally secured the Democratic Party's presidential nomination and will face President Donald Trump at the polls in November.
The former vice president has been his party's presumptive nominee since rival Bernie Sanders ended his campaign in April.
But he needed to secure a sufficient number of delegates from elections this week in seven states and the District of Columbia, with a surge in mail ballots making his position official late on Friday.
In a statement on Friday night, Mr Biden said: "It was an honour to compete alongside one of the most talented groups of candidates the Democratic party has ever fielded and I am proud to say that we are going into this general election a united party."
There was little of the traditional fanfare to mark the moment as the nation grapples with the coronavirus pandemic and civil unrest.
Image: Mr Biden will go head to head with Donald Trump in the November polls
Mr Biden said: "This is a difficult time in America's history, and Donald Trump's angry, divisive politics is no answer.
"The country is crying out for leadership. Leadership that can unite us. Leadership that can bring us together."
Mr Biden spent 36 years in the Senate before becoming Barack Obama's vice president.
This is 77-year-old Biden's third bid for the presidency and his success in capturing the Democratic nomination was driven by strong support from black voters.
Advertisement
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Since clinching the nomination, Mr Biden has worked to build his appeal among progressives, forming joint task forces with Mr Sanders' campaign to find common ground on key issues like health care, the economy and the environment.
His embrace of his party's left flank could help him consolidate a Democratic base that remained deeply divided after the 2016 primary and ultimately hurt Hillary Clinton in her defeat to Mr Trump.
But it could also undermine Mr Biden's attempts to rebuild the Obama coalition, which is often loosely defined as minorities and young people, as well as educated Americans and some working-class voters.
The former vice president has sought, since announcing his candidacy, to cast the election as "a battle for the soul of the nation", and promised to restore order and dignity to the White House while rehabilitating the US image on the world stage.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:04 'This president is part of the problem'
Such an approach, though, necessarily focuses on being more of an alternative to Mr Trump than offering radically new political ideas.
And that further underscores Mr Biden's difficult task of trying to unite his party's base while appealing to voters from far beyond it.
Mr Biden pledged: "I am going to spend every day between now and November 3 fighting to earn the votes of Americans all across this great country so that, together, we can win the battle for the soul of this nation, and make sure that as we rebuild our economy, everyone comes along."


news--2020-03-28--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson's letter to the nation in full

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has written to 30 million households to update people on the government 's plans to contain the coronavirus in the UK : I am writing to you to update you on the steps we are taking to combat coronavirus .
In just a few short weeks , everyday life in this country has changed dramatically .
We all feel the profound impact of coronavirus not just on ourselves , but on our loved ones and our communities .
I understand completely the difficulties this disruption has caused to your lives , businesses and jobs .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary , for one very simple reason .
If too many people become seriously unwell at one time , the NHS will be unable to cope .
This will cost lives .
We must slow the spread of the disease , and reduce the number of people needing hospital treatment in order to save as many lives as possible .
That is why we are giving one simple instruction - you must stay at home .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who do not live in your home .
You may only leave your home for very limited purposes , such as buying food and medicine , exercising once a day and seeking medical attention .
You can travel to and from work but should work from home if you can .
When you do have to leave your home , you should ensure , wherever possible , that you are two metres apart from anyone outside of your household .
These rules must be observed .
So , if people break the rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disperse gatherings .
I know many of you will be deeply worried about the financial impact on you and your family .
The government will do whatever it takes to help you make ends meet and put food on the table .
The enclosed leaflet sets out more detail about the support available and the rules you need to follow .
You can also find the latest advice at gov.uk/coronavirus From the start , we have sought to put in the right measures at the right time .
We will not hesitate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientific and medical advice tells us we must do .
It 's important for me to level with you - we know things will get worse before they get better .
But we are making the right preparations , and the more we all follow the rules , the fewer lives will be lost and the sooner life can return to normal .
I want to thank everyone who is working flat out to beat the virus , in particular the staff in our fantastic NHS and care sector across England , Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been truly inspirational to see our doctors , nurses and other carers rise magnificently to the needs of the hour .
Thousands of retired doctors and nurses are returning to the NHS - and hundreds of thousands of citizens are volunteering to help the most vulnerable .
It is with that great British spirit that we will beat coronavirus and we will beat it together .
That is why , at this moment of national emergency , I urge you , please , to stay at home , protect the NHS and @ @ @

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has written to 30 million households to update people on the government's plans to contain the coronavirus in the UK:
I am writing to you to update you on the steps we are taking to combat coronavirus.
In just a few short weeks, everyday life in this country has changed dramatically. We all feel the profound impact of coronavirus not just on ourselves, but on our loved ones and our communities.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:09 Will the lockdown really save more lives?
I understand completely the difficulties this disruption has caused to your lives, businesses and jobs. But the action we have taken is absolutely necessary, for one very simple reason.
If too many people become seriously unwell at one time, the NHS will be unable to cope. This will cost lives. We must slow the spread of the disease, and reduce the number of people needing hospital treatment in order to save as many lives as possible.
That is why we are giving one simple instruction - you must stay at home.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
You should not meet friends or relatives who do not live in your home. You may only leave your home for very limited purposes, such as buying food and medicine, exercising once a day and seeking medical attention. You can travel to and from work but should work from home if you can.
Advertisement
When you do have to leave your home, you should ensure, wherever possible, that you are two metres apart from anyone outside of your household.
These rules must be observed. So, if people break the rules, the police will issue fines and disperse gatherings.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:13 First look at the new Nightingale Hospital
I know many of you will be deeply worried about the financial impact on you and your family. The government will do whatever it takes to help you make ends meet and put food on the table.
The enclosed leaflet sets out more detail about the support available and the rules you need to follow. You can also find the latest advice at gov.uk/coronavirus
From the start, we have sought to put in the right measures at the right time. We will not hesitate to go further if that is what the scientific and medical advice tells us we must do.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:00 The PM says he's still in charge - but what happens if more ministers fall ill?
It's important for me to level with you - we know things will get worse before they get better. But we are making the right preparations, and the more we all follow the rules, the fewer lives will be lost and the sooner life can return to normal.
I want to thank everyone who is working flat out to beat the virus, in particular the staff in our fantastic NHS and care sector across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It has been truly inspirational to see our doctors, nurses and other carers rise magnificently to the needs of the hour.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:29 Spain: 'It is really, really bad...'
Thousands of retired doctors and nurses are returning to the NHS - and hundreds of thousands of citizens are volunteering to help the most vulnerable. It is with that great British spirit that we will beat coronavirus and we will beat it together.
That is why, at this moment of national emergency, I urge you, please, to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.
Boris Johnson


news--2020-03-28--Coronavirus: Council workers 'spat on and sworn at' amid pandemic outbreak

Council workers are facing `` sickening physical and verbal assaults '' as they implement social distancing measures , according to the Local Government Association ( LGA ) .
As coronavirus continues to spread , the LGA , which represents councils in England and Wales , say they are becoming increasingly concerned about their staff .
They say raised tensions have led to `` unacceptable '' attacks on social care staff , refuse collectors , highways crews and maintenance workers .
A community safety patrol officer in Southend has been left with a broken leg after a cyclist rode into him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which took place on Southend High Street at around 4.55pm on Thursday and was captured on CCTV .
Officers are appealing for help and have asked anyone with any information or CCTV in the area to contact them .
Workers at household waste and recycling centre in Swindon were spat and sworn at over the weekend .
Staff were abused after restricting the site 's recycling services in a bid to avoid crowds .
Bus drivers have reported being shouted at while driving the children of key workers to school in Northamptonshire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out on Northamptonshire highways say they have also faced abuse .
And a council worker in Bristol also suffered racial abuse outside a council building .
Avon and Somerset Police are treating the incident as a hate crime linked to COVID-19 .
Calling the verbal and physical attacks `` absolutely heartbreaking '' on their official Facebook page , The LGA called on the public to respect and value its workers .
They say council staff are working `` tirelessly '' to keep communities running , `` keeping vulnerable residents safe and essential services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James Jamieson said : `` It is becoming increasingly concerning to hear that local government workers are being subjected to physical and verbal abuse as they try and play their part in keeping the country running through this crisis .
`` This is unacceptable , and it has to stop . ''

Council workers are facing "sickening physical and verbal assaults" as they implement social distancing measures, according to the Local Government Association (LGA).
As coronavirus continues to spread, the LGA, which represents councils in England and Wales, say they are becoming increasingly concerned about their staff.
Image: Bus drivers have been shouted at while driving children to school. File pic
They say raised tensions have led to "unacceptable" attacks on social care staff, refuse collectors, highways crews and maintenance workers.
A community safety patrol officer in Southend has been left with a broken leg after a cyclist rode into him.
Essex Police are investigating the incident, which took place on Southend High Street at around 4.55pm on Thursday and was captured on CCTV.
Officers are appealing for help and have asked anyone with any information or CCTV in the area to contact them.
Workers at household waste and recycling centre in Swindon were spat and sworn at over the weekend.
Staff were abused after restricting the site's recycling services in a bid to avoid crowds.
Bus drivers have reported being shouted at while driving the children of key workers to school in Northamptonshire.
Advertisement
Workers wearing hi-viz jackets while working out on Northamptonshire highways say they have also faced abuse.
And a council worker in Bristol also suffered racial abuse outside a council building.
Avon and Somerset Police are treating the incident as a hate crime linked to COVID-19.
Calling the verbal and physical attacks "absolutely heartbreaking" on their official Facebook page, The LGA called on the public to respect and value its workers.
They say council staff are working "tirelessly" to keep communities running, "keeping vulnerable residents safe and essential services going".
LGA Chairman, councillor James Jamieson said: "It is becoming increasingly concerning to hear that local government workers are being subjected to physical and verbal abuse as they try and play their part in keeping the country running through this crisis.
"This is unacceptable, and it has to stop."


news--2020-03-28--Coronavirus: Italy becoming impatient with lockdown - and social unrest is brewing

Videos have emerged of desperate people in Italy begging for help because they have run out of money and food .
Well into its third week of the coronavirus lockdown , Italy is still seeing many hundreds of people dying each day .
Progress in containing the COVID-19 spread is slow , hope and patience are fading and the economic cost is becoming ever more acute .
The strain is showing in the south of the country where one man in Apulia reportedly called police after the bank closed and they could n't withdraw his mother 's pension - their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at officers , telling them the family has no money , his mother begging them to go to their home so she could show them they have no food .
It 's hard to watch .
It 's what desperation looks like .
Another video has been shared around the country showing a father with his young daughter addressing the Italian prime minister , saying : `` It 's already 15-20 days that we 've been inside and we 're at our limit . ''
He gestures to his little girl who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Like my daughter , other children in a few days wo n't be able to eat this bit of bread .
Rest assured , you will regret this because we 're going to have a revolution . ''
Images have also emerged of police descending on supermarkets in Palermo in Sicily after reports people have started stealing to feed themselves .
And groups have been set up in the last few days on social media to organise raids of supermarkets .
Sky News was sent a video message of a man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to kill .
The mayor of Palermo told Sky News crime gangs are exploiting people 's hardship and inciting violence - he warns a social emergency is next .
`` Discomfort and malaise are growing and we are recording worrying reports of protest and anger that is being exploited by criminals who want to destabilise the system , '' said Leoluca Orlando .
`` The more time passes , the more resources are exhausted .
The few savings people have are running out .
This tells us socio-economic issues will erupt . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ made €25bn available to support families and businesses affected by lockdown .
Some say they 're still waiting for that help .
Others do n't qualify because their employment is not officially recorded .
Italy has a big cash economy of unregistered workers - the large majority of this in the south .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The further south you go , the higher the level of deprivation and the higher the unemployment .
While the virus has n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy , hunger and hardship threaten to be even bigger problems .
Italy is ahead of other countries in this outbreak and unrest threatens to be the next chapter in this crisis .
As the country struggles to bring the virus spread under control , the government has extended lockdown from 3 April with no new deadline .
Lockdown is the only solution to save lives .
But in southern Italy , for many , it feels like it 's threatening their very survival .

Videos have emerged of desperate people in Italy begging for help because they have run out of money and food.
Well into its third week of the coronavirus lockdown, Italy is still seeing many hundreds of people dying each day.
Progress in containing the COVID-19 spread is slow, hope and patience are fading and the economic cost is becoming ever more acute.
Image: Deaths in Italy are the highest in Europe
Image: A desperate man was filmed shouting at a police officer
The strain is showing in the south of the country where one man in Apulia reportedly called police after the bank closed and they couldn't withdraw his mother's pension - their only income.
Footage shows him shouting at officers, telling them the family has no money, his mother begging them to go to their home so she could show them they have no food. It's hard to watch. It's what desperation looks like.
Another video has been shared around the country showing a father with his young daughter addressing the Italian prime minister, saying: "It's already 15-20 days that we've been inside and we're at our limit."
He gestures to his little girl who is eating a piece of bread and says: "Like my daughter, other children in a few days won't be able to eat this bit of bread. Rest assured, you will regret this because we're going to have a revolution."
Image: 'We're at our limit,' the father said
Images have also emerged of police descending on supermarkets in Palermo in Sicily after reports people have started stealing to feed themselves. And groups have been set up in the last few days on social media to organise raids of supermarkets.
Sky News was sent a video message of a man in Sicily with a gun even offering to kill.
Advertisement
The mayor of Palermo told Sky News crime gangs are exploiting people's hardship and inciting violence - he warns a social emergency is next.
Image: Italy has been in lockdown now for three weeks
"Discomfort and malaise are growing and we are recording worrying reports of protest and anger that is being exploited by criminals who want to destabilise the system," said Leoluca Orlando.
"The more time passes, the more resources are exhausted. The few savings people have are running out. This tells us socio-economic issues will erupt."
Italy's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has made €25bn available to support families and businesses affected by lockdown. Some say they're still waiting for that help.
Others don't qualify because their employment is not officially recorded. Italy has a big cash economy of unregistered workers - the large majority of this in the south.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The further south you go, the higher the level of deprivation and the higher the unemployment.
While the virus hasn't reached the same crisis levels in southern Italy, hunger and hardship threaten to be even bigger problems.
Italy is ahead of other countries in this outbreak and unrest threatens to be the next chapter in this crisis.
As the country struggles to bring the virus spread under control, the government has extended lockdown from 3 April with no new deadline.
Lockdown is the only solution to save lives.
But in southern Italy, for many, it feels like it's threatening their very survival.


news--2020-03-28--Coronavirus: Pictures of NHS Nightingale hospital show scale of expected emergency

New pictures have been released from inside an enormous temporary hospital being built in London to fight coronavirus .
Rows upon rows of cubicles hastily being erected at the ExCel centre in the capital 's Docklands reveal the expected scale of the explosion in numbers of COVID-19 patients .
Efforts are being ramped up to ensure the NHS Nightingale Hospital can open next week .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock , who on Friday confirmed he had tested positive for the virus , had announced the procurement of the ExCel centre , which is expected to be able to hold 4,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hosts spectacles and conferences , is being converted with the help of soldiers and trade contractors .
Initially 500 beds equipped with ventilators and oxygen will be used to treat the seriously ill , and their numbers are expected to swell in the city ahead of the rest of the nation .
NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said : `` Across England , we have reconfigured hospital services , so that 33,000 hospital beds are available to treat further coronavirus patients . ''
He has confirmed Birmingham 's National Exhibition Centre and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be converted into temporary hospitals too .
Sites are also expected to be created in Cardiff and Scotland .
The task of boosting critical care capacity has been under way since the health service declared an emergency at the end of January .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Before the scale of the crisis became clear , the UK was believed to have had one of the lowest proportions of intensive care units in Europe .
The National Exhibition Centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beds , with the potential to grow to 2,000 if necessary .
While the facility in Manchester will add 500 more , with the capacity to expand to 1,000 - and Cardiff 's Principality Stadium will provide up to 2,000 more .
Efforts are under way to source the doctors , nurses and non-clinical workers to staff the huge units .

New pictures have been released from inside an enormous temporary hospital being built in London to fight coronavirus.
Rows upon rows of cubicles hastily being erected at the ExCel centre in the capital's Docklands reveal the expected scale of the explosion in numbers of COVID-19 patients.
Efforts are being ramped up to ensure the NHS Nightingale Hospital can open next week.
Image: Inside NHS Nightingale at London's Excel centre
Image: The site will have the capacity to treat 4,000 patients
Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who on Friday confirmed he had tested positive for the virus, had announced the procurement of the ExCel centre, which is expected to be able to hold 4,000 patients.
The site, which usually hosts spectacles and conferences, is being converted with the help of soldiers and trade contractors.
Initially 500 beds equipped with ventilators and oxygen will be used to treat the seriously ill, and their numbers are expected to swell in the city ahead of the rest of the nation.
Image: It is hoped the NHS Nightingale will open next week
Image: The facility is being converted with the help of soldiers and contractors
Image: NHS Nightingale in London
NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said: "Across England, we have reconfigured hospital services, so that 33,000 hospital beds are available to treat further coronavirus patients."
He has confirmed Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre and Manchester's Central Convention Centre are set to be converted into temporary hospitals too.
Sites are also expected to be created in Cardiff and Scotland.
Advertisement
The task of boosting critical care capacity has been under way since the health service declared an emergency at the end of January.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Image: NHS Nightingale is the first of several temporary hospitals being set up
Before the scale of the crisis became clear, the UK was believed to have had one of the lowest proportions of intensive care units in Europe.
The National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham will add an initial 500 beds, with the potential to grow to 2,000 if necessary.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:13 First look at the new Nightingale Hospital
While the facility in Manchester will add 500 more, with the capacity to expand to 1,000 - and Cardiff's Principality Stadium will provide up to 2,000 more.
Efforts are under way to source the doctors, nurses and non-clinical workers to staff the huge units.


news--2020-03-28--Coronavirus: Scottish Secretary Alister Jack self-isolating after showing symptoms

Conservative cabinet member Alister Jack has said he is self-isolating after experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus .
Mr Jack , the Scottish Secretary , said he has not been tested for COVID-19 and his symptoms are a mild temperature and a cough .
The Conservative MP for Dumfries and Galloway said : `` In the past 24 hours , I have developed mild symptoms associated with coronavirus .
`` In line with medical guidance , I am self-isolating and working from home . ''
Mr Jack 's self-isolation comes after the Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Johnson , 55 , said in a video message on Friday morning : `` Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus . ''
He added : `` I am now self-isolating , but I will continue to lead the government 's response via video-conference as we fight this virus . ''
US President Donald Trump has wished the prime minister a `` speedy recovery '' .
Boris Johnson 's chief medical officer Chris Whitty is also self-isolating after experiencing coronavirus symptoms .
Professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home for the next seven days in a statement on Twitter on Friday .
Hundreds of frontline NHS staff will be tested this weekend to find out if they have the coronavirus , as the government moves to ramp up testing for the disease among healthcare workers .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Michael Gove announced that increased COVID-19 antigen testing , developed in partnership with UK businesses , research institutes and universities , will be rolled out immediately to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
New pictures have been released from inside London 's Excel centre , where an enormous temporary hospital is being built .
Rows upon rows of cubicles have revealed the expected scale of the explosion in numbers of coronavirus patients .
Efforts are being ramped up to ensure the NHS Nightingale Hospital can open next week .

Conservative cabinet member Alister Jack has said he is self-isolating after experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus.
Mr Jack, the Scottish Secretary, said he has not been tested for COVID-19 and his symptoms are a mild temperature and a cough.
The Conservative MP for Dumfries and Galloway said: "In the past 24 hours, I have developed mild symptoms associated with coronavirus.
"In line with medical guidance, I am self-isolating and working from home."
Mr Jack's self-isolation comes after the Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced they have tested positive for coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 PM: 'I can continue' with COVID-19
Mr Johnson, 55, said in a video message on Friday morning: "Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus."
He added: "I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government's response via video-conference as we fight this virus."
US President Donald Trump has wished the prime minister a "speedy recovery".
Boris Johnson's chief medical officer Chris Whitty is also self-isolating after experiencing coronavirus symptoms.
Advertisement
Professor Whitty said that he would be staying at home for the next seven days in a statement on Twitter on Friday.
Hundreds of frontline NHS staff will be tested this weekend to find out if they have the coronavirus, as the government moves to ramp up testing for the disease among healthcare workers.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Michael Gove announced that increased COVID-19 antigen testing, developed in partnership with UK businesses, research institutes and universities, will be rolled out immediately to those working in hospitals and social care.
New pictures have been released from inside London's Excel centre, where an enormous temporary hospital is being built.
Rows upon rows of cubicles have revealed the expected scale of the explosion in numbers of coronavirus patients.
Efforts are being ramped up to ensure the NHS Nightingale Hospital can open next week.


news--2020-03-28--Coronavirus: World's oldest man's 112th birthday celebrations cancelled during UK lockdown

The world 's oldest man has had to cancel his 112th birthday celebrations on Sunday because of the coronavirus outbreak .
Bob Weighton , from Alton , Hampshire , only took up the title of the oldest man in the world last month after the previous holder , Japanese man Chitetsu Watanabe , died aged 112 .
Last year , the former teacher and engineer celebrated his 111th birthday with his many friends but this year the supercentenarian - aged 110 or over - will be alone due to the coronavirus lockdown .
`` Everything is cancelled , no visitors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It 's a dead loss as far as celebration is concerned . ''
Mr Weighton , who was born in Hull on 29 March 1908 , was 10-years-old during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic which killed between 50 and 100 million people .
The coronavirus pandemic is said to be the worst outbreak since then , although Mr Weighton said he does not remember it as nobody he knew had it and children do not read newspapers .
He said the `` world is in a bit of a mess '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` nobody knows what is going to happen '' .
`` In the Second World War you knew what you had to do , you might fail but the objectives were clear as Churchill rallied the country behind him , 'We will fight on the beaches ' , etc etc , '' he said .
`` We knew exactly what we had to do .
`` That was an objective that you could possibly reach , but nobody knows how we are going to defeat the virus . ''
The father-of-three , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in self-isolation has meant he has become more dependent on the Brendoncare home where he lives , especially for meals and from his assistant .
`` It means that I have to be more self-sufficient , do my own cooking , cleaning , read the books that I have n't read .
`` I am less capable of doing things for myself than I was 10 years ago - I ca n't lift the weights , I ca n't move as fast , I ca n't even dress myself properly .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days . ''
When it comes to the secret to longevity , Mr Weighton said there is not one .
He said : `` I never intended to be this old .
When you are young , you do n't think about what is going to happen when you 're old , you 're self-engaged , all you think about is the here and now . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Weighton said he reads a lot and constructs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young .
He also turned down the traditional birthday greeting from the Queen because he has `` had about 10 '' already .
`` I do n't see why I should require the Queen to keep giving me cards , '' he said .
`` It costs the taxpayer not her something , so I have selected one in which she is smiling , looking happy and contented and that 's the one I like and I keep that . ''
Mr Weighton happens to be born on the same day as Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Poole , Dorset , and although he does not know her said he would like to `` send her my best wishes '' .

The world's oldest man has had to cancel his 112th birthday celebrations on Sunday because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Bob Weighton, from Alton, Hampshire, only took up the title of the oldest man in the world last month after the previous holder, Japanese man Chitetsu Watanabe, died aged 112.
Last year, the former teacher and engineer celebrated his 111th birthday with his many friends but this year the supercentenarian - aged 110 or over - will be alone due to the coronavirus lockdown.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:23 The secret to living? - 'Avoid dying'
"Everything is cancelled, no visitors, no celebration," he said.
"It's a dead loss as far as celebration is concerned."
Mr Weighton, who was born in Hull on 29 March 1908, was 10-years-old during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic which killed between 50 and 100 million people.
The coronavirus pandemic is said to be the worst outbreak since then, although Mr Weighton said he does not remember it as nobody he knew had it and children do not read newspapers.
He said the "world is in a bit of a mess" at the moment and is concerned because "nobody knows what is going to happen".
"In the Second World War you knew what you had to do, you might fail but the objectives were clear as Churchill rallied the country behind him, 'We will fight on the beaches', etc etc," he said.
Advertisement
"We knew exactly what we had to do.
"That was an objective that you could possibly reach, but nobody knows how we are going to defeat the virus."
Image: Mr Weighton as a young man
The father-of-three, who has 25 great grandchildren, said being in self-isolation has meant he has become more dependent on the Brendoncare home where he lives, especially for meals and from his assistant.
"It means that I have to be more self-sufficient, do my own cooking, cleaning, read the books that I haven't read.
"I am less capable of doing things for myself than I was 10 years ago - I can't lift the weights, I can't move as fast, I can't even dress myself properly.
"I depend very much on other people these days."
Image: The world's oldest man keeps himself young and active by reading and building model windmills
Image: Mr Weighton on his 111th birthday last year
When it comes to the secret to longevity, Mr Weighton said there is not one.
He said: "I never intended to be this old. When you are young, you don't think about what is going to happen when you're old, you're self-engaged, all you think about is the here and now."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Weighton said he reads a lot and constructs model windmills to keep himself active and young.
He also turned down the traditional birthday greeting from the Queen because he has "had about 10" already.
"I don't see why I should require the Queen to keep giving me cards," he said.
"It costs the taxpayer not her something, so I have selected one in which she is smiling, looking happy and contented and that's the one I like and I keep that."
Mr Weighton happens to be born on the same day as Britain's oldest woman, Joan Hocquard, from Poole, Dorset, and although he does not know her said he would like to "send her my best wishes".


news--2020-03-28--Coronavirus: Employees unable to take annual leave can carry it over for two years - government

Employees who can not take all their annual leave due to the coronavirus pandemic will be able to carry it over for two years , the business secretary has said .
Alok Sharma spoke about the move at the government 's daily briefing about the COVID-19 crisis on Saturday .
He said : `` We 've introduced measures to ensure that workers who have not taken all of their statutory annual leave due to COVID-19 will now be able to carry that entitlement over into the next two years .
`` This will protect staff from losing out , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it most . ''
NHS England director Stephen Powis said at the briefing it would be a `` good result '' if there were under 20,000 coronavirus deaths in the UK once the pandemic is over .
He said : `` If we can reduce the transmission rate ... then the virus will start to decline in the population . ''
Mr Powis continued : `` The number of deaths that arise out of this epidemic in the UK , if it 's less than 20,000 , as Sir Patrick Vallance [ the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that would be a good result - although every death , as I 've said , is absolutely a tragedy . ''
Mr Sharma also said there will be new measures to improve the insolvency system to help businesses hit by the coronavirus crisis .
He added that `` red tape '' will be reduced to allow new producers of hand sanitiser to bring products to market `` in a matter of days '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Downing Street : `` We are also introducing a range of measures to boost the supply of personal protective equipment , such as face masks , to protect frontline NHS staff .
`` And we 're removing administrative barriers to the production of hand sanitiser .
`` By reducing the amount of red tape , new suppliers and businesses that produce ingredients for safe hand sanitiser will be able to bring their products to market in a matter of days . ''
The prime minister and his health secretary , Matt Hancock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Boris Johnson sought to show he 's still leading the government 's response by chairing the daily cross-Whitehall crisis response meeting via videolink on Saturday .

Employees who cannot take all their annual leave due to the coronavirus pandemic will be able to carry it over for two years, the business secretary has said.
Alok Sharma spoke about the move at the government's daily briefing about the COVID-19 crisis on Saturday.
He said: "We've introduced measures to ensure that workers who have not taken all of their statutory annual leave due to COVID-19 will now be able to carry that entitlement over into the next two years.
"This will protect staff from losing out, while providing businesses with flexibility when they need it most."
NHS England director Stephen Powis said at the briefing it would be a "good result" if there were under 20,000 coronavirus deaths in the UK once the pandemic is over.
He said: "If we can reduce the transmission rate... then the virus will start to decline in the population."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Theme park becomes drive-thru testing centre
Mr Powis continued: "The number of deaths that arise out of this epidemic in the UK, if it's less than 20,000, as Sir Patrick Vallance [the government's chief scientific adviser] said, that would be a good result - although every death, as I've said, is absolutely a tragedy."
Mr Sharma also said there will be new measures to improve the insolvency system to help businesses hit by the coronavirus crisis.
He added that "red tape" will be reduced to allow new producers of hand sanitiser to bring products to market "in a matter of days".
Advertisement
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Sharma said at the news conference in Downing Street: "We are also introducing a range of measures to boost the supply of personal protective equipment, such as face masks, to protect frontline NHS staff.
"And we're removing administrative barriers to the production of hand sanitiser.
"By reducing the amount of red tape, new suppliers and businesses that produce ingredients for safe hand sanitiser will be able to bring their products to market in a matter of days."
Image: PM Boris Johnson chaired the coronavirus crisis meeting from self-isolation
The prime minister and his health secretary, Matt Hancock, have both tested positive for COVID-19.
Boris Johnson sought to show he's still leading the government's response by chairing the daily cross-Whitehall crisis response meeting via videolink on Saturday.


news--2020-03-28--Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe 'being considered for clemency' in Iran as leave from prison extended

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe 's husband says Iran 's decision to extend her leave from prison by two weeks and consider her for clemency `` feels like baby steps hopefully towards freedom '' .
Richard Ratcliffe said his wife 's father had been told her temporary release from Evin prison in Tehran will now run until 18 April .
The British-Iranian is in relative isolation at her parents ' house in Tehran while the country fights the COVID-19 pandemic .
Her father was also notified that her file had been put forward to the Iranian prosecutor general for consideration for clemency .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I spoke to her yesterday and her mood was pretty upbeat .
Her dad has been down to the prosecutor 's office and got told her furlough has been extended for a couple of weeks so huge relief for her , huge relief for all of us .
`` It 's a first step forward and we 'll see where it goes from here .
Generally her health is much better now she is out of prison , clearly been very tense the last few days .
Tensing up physically on her neck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yesterday . ''
He said the prosecutor general will be making a decision about her clemency but he added : `` I suspect it will need the approval of the supreme leader 's office . ''
Mr Ratcliffe cautioned : `` We 've been here before , thinking we are on the precipice of freedom .
I think with Iran , things can go quite opaque and obscure and you need to keep pushing , so we 'll see what happens , and we 'll see what 's being said .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be easy to tell if she 's out any time soon .
My expectation is it 's baby steps to freedom . ''
Former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt welcomed the news on Twitter - calling it a `` glimmer of hope amidst the darkness '' , adding : `` Let 's pray that this remarkable family are reunited soon . ''
The family 's MP Tulip Siddiq tweeted : `` Every extra day Nazanin is out of jail is better than the alternative - but we must not lose focus on getting her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus in Iran as soon as possible . ''
On a Facebook page used by the family to campaign for Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe 's release , a comment was posted saying the news was `` a step in the right direction - let 's hope it 's the first step home '' .
Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe was arrested at Tehran 's Imam Khomeini International Airport while travelling to introduce Gabriella to her Iranian relatives in 2016 .
She was sentenced to five years in jail over claims of plotting to overthrow Iran 's government , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later given diplomatic protection by the British government , which argues that Iran has failed to meet its obligations under international law .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Earlier this month it was revealed that Iran had temporarily freed about 85,000 prisoners in an effort to combat the spread of coronavirus .
The number of dead from coronavirus has reached 2,517 in Iran and more than 35,000 people have been infected .

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's husband says Iran's decision to extend her leave from prison by two weeks and consider her for clemency "feels like baby steps hopefully towards freedom".
Richard Ratcliffe said his wife's father had been told her temporary release from Evin prison in Tehran will now run until 18 April.
The British-Iranian is in relative isolation at her parents' house in Tehran while the country fights the COVID-19 pandemic.
Image: Nazanin's husband Richard Ratcliffe, with their daughter Gabriella
Her father was also notified that her file had been put forward to the Iranian prosecutor general for consideration for clemency.
Richard Ratcliffe told Sky News: "I spoke to her yesterday and her mood was pretty upbeat. Her dad has been down to the prosecutor's office and got told her furlough has been extended for a couple of weeks so huge relief for her, huge relief for all of us.
"It's a first step forward and we'll see where it goes from here. Generally her health is much better now she is out of prison, clearly been very tense the last few days. Tensing up physically on her neck. It was a lovely phone call yesterday."
He said the prosecutor general will be making a decision about her clemency but he added: "I suspect it will need the approval of the supreme leader's office."
Mr Ratcliffe cautioned: "We've been here before, thinking we are on the precipice of freedom. I think with Iran, things can go quite opaque and obscure and you need to keep pushing, so we'll see what happens, and we'll see what's being said.
"I don't think it's going to be easy to tell if she's out any time soon. My expectation is it's baby steps to freedom."
Advertisement
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt welcomed the news on Twitter - calling it a "glimmer of hope amidst the darkness", adding: "Let's pray that this remarkable family are reunited soon."
The family's MP Tulip Siddiq tweeted: "Every extra day Nazanin is out of jail is better than the alternative - but we must not lose focus on getting her home and away from the danger of coronavirus in Iran as soon as possible."
On a Facebook page used by the family to campaign for Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe's release, a comment was posted saying the news was "a step in the right direction - let's hope it's the first step home".
Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe was arrested at Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport while travelling to introduce Gabriella to her Iranian relatives in 2016.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:37 18 March: Richard Ratcliffe says virus outbreak presents opportunity to reset Iran-UK relations
She was sentenced to five years in jail over claims of plotting to overthrow Iran's government, which she denies.
Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe was later given diplomatic protection by the British government, which argues that Iran has failed to meet its obligations under international law.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Earlier this month it was revealed that Iran had temporarily freed about 85,000 prisoners in an effort to combat the spread of coronavirus.
The number of dead from coronavirus has reached 2,517 in Iran and more than 35,000 people have been infected.


news--2020-05-10--Top Hong Kong watchdog Alder among contenders to head City regulator

One of the world 's top financial regulators is among a pack of contenders to become the next chief executive of the City watchdog as it attempts to steer the financial sector through the coronavirus crisis .
Sky News has learnt that Ashley Alder , who is due to step down later this year after almost a decade at the helm of Hong Kong 's Securities and Futures Commission ( SFC ) , is being considered for the top job at the Financial Conduct Authority ( FCA ) .
The Treasury has been searching for a new FCA chief executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new Bank of England governor in December .
Senior bankers said this weekend that they understood that Mr Alder was among a small number of external candidates to replace Mr Bailey , although the exact stage of the recruitment process is unclear .
Internal contenders include the FCA 's interim chief executive , Chris Woolard , who has worked for the regulator since 2013 .
The choice of Mr Bailey 's successor will be especially crucial given the complex , and often competing , demands on financial regulators in the potentially protracted aftermath @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has announced a series of measures , including forbearance on mortgage and other debt repayments , to ease the strain on consumers .
There remain concerns , however , that the package of remedies unveiled so far will need to be extended during a period when banks , insurers and asset managers have also seen their workforces severely impacted by the pandemic .
Senior bankers were infuriated by a letter from Mr Woolard last month which appeared to cast doubt on their integrity when he wrote that the FCA would be closely scrutinising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Alder 's is a logical name to feature on the shortlist for the job .
Educated in the UK , he began his career in London in 1984 , before moving to Hong Kong with the law firm Herbert Smith five years later .
Watch Sky News at 7pm tonight for the prime minister 's pre-recorded address to the nation over ending the lockdown .
He initially worked at the SFC between 2001 and 2004 , before returning to Herbert Smith and then rejoining the Hong Kong regulator as its boss in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced that Mr Alder would step down when his contract expires in September .
If he does land the job at the Stratford-based FCA , he would be the second Hong Kong-based regulator to take on the post in the space of a decade .
The first , Martin Wheatley , had a chequered track record during his four years at the City watchdog , with his era defined by his promise to `` shoot first and ask questions later '' .
His stance angered a financial services industry which was already in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which emerged in the aftermath of the 2008 banking crisis .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker During Mr Wheatley 's tenure , he oversaw a draconian approach to the payday lending industry , announced a £1.1bn penalty for five banks guilty of rigging foreign exchange markets , and refused to sanction a time limitation on claims for the mis-selling of payment protection insurance .
He fell foul , however , of the then chancellor , George Osborne , who informed Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be renewed the following year .
Mr Wheatley was not the only SFC executive to switch to the UK regulator .
Mark Steward , the FCA 's director of enforcement and market oversight , took the role after nine years at its Hong Kong counterpart .
The final decision about Mr Bailey 's successor rests with the Chancellor Rishi Sunak , although it will also depend partly on the views of an independent interview panel .
Charles Randell , the widely respected FCA chairman , and senior Treasury officials are also likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could not be reached for comment on Sunday .

One of the world's top financial regulators is among a pack of contenders to become the next chief executive of the City watchdog as it attempts to steer the financial sector through the coronavirus crisis.
Sky News has learnt that Ashley Alder, who is due to step down later this year after almost a decade at the helm of Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), is being considered for the top job at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
The Treasury has been searching for a new FCA chief executive since Andrew Bailey was appointed as the new Bank of England governor in December.
Image: The vacancy came up after Andrew Bailey was appointed as the new Bank of England governor
Senior bankers said this weekend that they understood that Mr Alder was among a small number of external candidates to replace Mr Bailey, although the exact stage of the recruitment process is unclear.
Internal contenders include the FCA's interim chief executive, Chris Woolard, who has worked for the regulator since 2013.
The choice of Mr Bailey's successor will be especially crucial given the complex, and often competing, demands on financial regulators in the potentially protracted aftermath of the coronavirus outbreak.
The FCA has announced a series of measures, including forbearance on mortgage and other debt repayments, to ease the strain on consumers.
Image: The final decision about Mr Bailey's successor rests with the Chancellor Rishi Sunak
There remain concerns, however, that the package of remedies unveiled so far will need to be extended during a period when banks, insurers and asset managers have also seen their workforces severely impacted by the pandemic.
Senior bankers were infuriated by a letter from Mr Woolard last month which appeared to cast doubt on their integrity when he wrote that the FCA would be closely scrutinising their treatment of small business customers.
Advertisement
Mr Alder's is a logical name to feature on the shortlist for the job.
Educated in the UK, he began his career in London in 1984, before moving to Hong Kong with the law firm Herbert Smith five years later.
Watch Sky News at 7pm tonight for the prime minister's pre-recorded address to the nation over ending the lockdown.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 BoE: Economy can recover quickly
He initially worked at the SFC between 2001 and 2004, before returning to Herbert Smith and then rejoining the Hong Kong regulator as its boss in 2011.
Last year, the SFC announced that Mr Alder would step down when his contract expires in September.
If he does land the job at the Stratford-based FCA, he would be the second Hong Kong-based regulator to take on the post in the space of a decade.
The first, Martin Wheatley, had a chequered track record during his four years at the City watchdog, with his era defined by his promise to "shoot first and ask questions later".
His stance angered a financial services industry which was already in Westminster's crosshairs because of widespread misconduct which emerged in the aftermath of the 2008 banking crisis.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
During Mr Wheatley's tenure, he oversaw a draconian approach to the payday lending industry, announced a £1.1bn penalty for five banks guilty of rigging foreign exchange markets, and refused to sanction a time limitation on claims for the mis-selling of payment protection insurance.
He fell foul, however, of the then chancellor, George Osborne, who informed Mr Wheatley in 2015 that his contract would not be renewed the following year.
Mr Wheatley was not the only SFC executive to switch to the UK regulator.
Mark Steward, the FCA's director of enforcement and market oversight, took the role after nine years at its Hong Kong counterpart.
The final decision about Mr Bailey's successor rests with the Chancellor Rishi Sunak, although it will also depend partly on the views of an independent interview panel.
Charles Randell, the widely respected FCA chairman, and senior Treasury officials are also likely to influence the choice.
The Treasury could not be reached for comment on Sunday.


news--2020-04-16--Coronavirus: Romanian fruit-pickers flown in to UK for lockdown harvest

Farmers have defended the transportation of workers from Romania to the UK amid the unemployment crisis caused by COVID-19 .
Earlier on Thursday , 150 Romanian field labourers arrived in Essex to pick crops on British farms .
The plane , chartered by the farming group G 's Fresh , landed at Stansted Airport from where the workers were transported to various farms .
Farmers have voiced fears that without the workforce , crops may be left in the ground to rot and be wasted as the nation moves to feed itself during the coronavirus pandemic .
They also argue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many Eastern European workers return to the same farms each year .
Stephanie Hildon , who runs Langmead Herbs in Chichester on almost 3,000 hectares of land , told Sky News her Romanian workforce is loyal and committed .
`` If I was going to be recruiting from the UK and taking on people that are unfortunately out of work that would require a huge amount of retraining to get these people up to speed , '' she said .
`` It 's highly likely that our efficiency levels would drop .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a rather low margin category , that means the price of food goes up .
`` We always advertise in the UK , we have n't been able to recruit in the UK , which is why we 've gone abroad . ''
There has been some anger at the fact that Romanians are being flown in at a time when so many British workers find themselves unemployed .
It has been revealed that 1.4 million people have recently claimed Universal Credit and many millions more have been temporarily suspended from work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plane via the Air Charter Service is one of a number of flights being organised over the coming weeks .
Air Charter alone is arranging at least five flights and has already flown another 1,700 workers from Eastern Europe to Germany .
Seasonal workers arriving at this time of year is not unusual .
Up to 80,000 workers help farmers harvest their crops across the UK , the vast majority from Eastern Europe .
Only 10-15 % of those workers are based in the UK and the rest fly in for the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the years to recruit British workers but following a period of high employment have found it hard .
The Feed the Nation campaign is working to find farming jobs for the unemployed .
So far it has had more than 33,000 applications of which 90 % are British .
But it has only successfully placed 125 people in jobs so far .
The hope from many , including the National Farmers Union , is that interest in the type of work might sustain beyond the crisis .
Its vice president Tom Bradshaw said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He added : `` Now we 're faced with the prospect of needing more recruits and we 've got this pool of UK workers who are unfortunately available because of everything that 's going on so we 're desperately trying to empower the nation to go out and pick for Britain and put fresh fruit and vegetables on people 's plates over the coming months . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Feed the Nation campaign is being run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of roles available for people who are in need of a job '' as the harvesting season begins for most farms from May .

Farmers have defended the transportation of workers from Romania to the UK amid the unemployment crisis caused by COVID-19.
Earlier on Thursday, 150 Romanian field labourers arrived in Essex to pick crops on British farms.
The plane, chartered by the farming group G's Fresh, landed at Stansted Airport from where the workers were transported to various farms.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 Flight carrying farm workers arrives in the UK
Farmers have voiced fears that without the workforce, crops may be left in the ground to rot and be wasted as the nation moves to feed itself during the coronavirus pandemic.
They also argue that harvesting crops is skilled work and many Eastern European workers return to the same farms each year.
Stephanie Hildon, who runs Langmead Herbs in Chichester on almost 3,000 hectares of land, told Sky News her Romanian workforce is loyal and committed.
"If I was going to be recruiting from the UK and taking on people that are unfortunately out of work that would require a huge amount of retraining to get these people up to speed," she said.
"It's highly likely that our efficiency levels would drop. If our efficiency levels drop we're already in a rather low margin category, that means the price of food goes up.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:11 Farms 'short of 80,000' seasonal workers
"We always advertise in the UK, we haven't been able to recruit in the UK, which is why we've gone abroad."
Advertisement
There has been some anger at the fact that Romanians are being flown in at a time when so many British workers find themselves unemployed.
It has been revealed that 1.4 million people have recently claimed Universal Credit and many millions more have been temporarily suspended from work on reduced pay.
The Titan Airways plane via the Air Charter Service is one of a number of flights being organised over the coming weeks.
Air Charter alone is arranging at least five flights and has already flown another 1,700 workers from Eastern Europe to Germany.
Seasonal workers arriving at this time of year is not unusual.
Image: Farmers have argued that harvesting crops is skilled work
Up to 80,000 workers help farmers harvest their crops across the UK, the vast majority from Eastern Europe.
Only 10-15% of those workers are based in the UK and the rest fly in for the season.
Many farmers have tried hard over the years to recruit British workers but following a period of high employment have found it hard.
The Feed the Nation campaign is working to find farming jobs for the unemployed. So far it has had more than 33,000 applications of which 90% are British.
But it has only successfully placed 125 people in jobs so far.
The hope from many, including the National Farmers Union, is that interest in the type of work might sustain beyond the crisis.
Its vice president Tom Bradshaw said it was a "real opportunity".
He added: "Now we're faced with the prospect of needing more recruits and we've got this pool of UK workers who are unfortunately available because of everything that's going on so we're desperately trying to empower the nation to go out and pick for Britain and put fresh fruit and vegetables on people's plates over the coming months."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The Feed the Nation campaign is being run by Concordia which said it "thousands of roles available for people who are in need of a job" as the harvesting season begins for most farms from May.


news--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: Donald Trump hits back at Barack Obama for criticising 'chaotic' pandemic response

Donald Trump has hit back at Barack Obama after his presidential predecessor branded his handling of the coronavirus pandemic a `` chaotic disaster '' .
The US president claimed his administration was `` getting great marks '' and derided Mr Obama 's response to the 2009 H1N1 swine flu outbreak as `` a disaster '' and argued he `` did n't have a clue '' .
He also included in his criticism former vice-president and his Democrat challenger for the White House Joe Biden , who he dubbed `` Sleepy Joe '' .
The war of words came after Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference call with former members of his administration .
The ex-president said : `` What we 're fighting against is these long-term trends in which being selfish , being tribal , being divided , and seeing others as an enemy - that has become a stronger impulse in American life . ''
Mr Obama said that the world 's response to the COVID-19 outbreak had been `` anaemic and spotty '' .
Although he said the fallout from coronavirus in the US would have been bad `` even with the best of governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been an absolute chaotic disaster when that mindset - of 'what 's in it for me ' and 'to heck with everybody else ' - when that mindset is operationalised in our government . ''
The former president also vowed he would be `` campaigning as hard as I can for Joe Biden '' ahead of November 's election .
In response , Mr Trump tweeted : `` We are getting great marks for the handling of the CoronaVirus pandemic , especially the very early BAN of people from China , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Compare that to the Obama/Sleepy Joe disaster known as H1N1 Swine Flu .
Poor marks , bad polls - did n't have a clue ! ''
With more than 75,000 deaths , the US has had more fatalities from COVID-19 than any other country .
Almost 1.3 million people have been infected there so far .
During the swine flu pandemic , there were nearly 61 million cases of infection but fewer than 13,000 deaths over a whole year .
Mr Obama has made few public comments about America 's response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused his administration of failing to stockpile supplies .
White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany has described Mr Trump 's handling of the coronavirus as `` unprecedented '' - and claimed the president 's actions have helped save American lives .
`` While Democrats were pursuing a sham witch hunt against President Trump , President Trump was shutting down travel from China .
While Democrats encouraged mass gatherings , President Trump was deploying PPE , ventilators , and testing across the country , '' she said .
: : Listen to Divided States on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Spreaker Polls suggest that the race between Donald Trump and Mr Biden is tight , with just six months to go until Americans cast their vote .
Mr Obama 's remarks were first reported by Yahoo News , and the former president 's office has declined to comment on the leak .

Donald Trump has hit back at Barack Obama after his presidential predecessor branded his handling of the coronavirus pandemic a "chaotic disaster".
The US president claimed his administration was "getting great marks" and derided Mr Obama's response to the 2009 H1N1 swine flu outbreak as "a disaster" and argued he "didn't have a clue".
He also included in his criticism former vice-president and his Democrat challenger for the White House Joe Biden, who he dubbed "Sleepy Joe".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Trump blames China for outbreak
The war of words came after Mr Obama's comments emerged from a leaked conference call with former members of his administration.
The ex-president said: "What we're fighting against is these long-term trends in which being selfish, being tribal, being divided, and seeing others as an enemy - that has become a stronger impulse in American life."
Mr Obama said that the world's response to the COVID-19 outbreak had been "anaemic and spotty".
Although he said the fallout from coronavirus in the US would have been bad "even with the best of governments", he added: "It has been an absolute chaotic disaster when that mindset - of 'what's in it for me' and 'to heck with everybody else' - when that mindset is operationalised in our government."
The former president also vowed he would be "campaigning as hard as I can for Joe Biden" ahead of November's election.
In response, Mr Trump tweeted: "We are getting great marks for the handling of the CoronaVirus pandemic, especially the very early BAN of people from China, the infectious source, entering the USA.
Advertisement
"Compare that to the Obama/Sleepy Joe disaster known as H1N1 Swine Flu. Poor marks, bad polls - didn't have a clue!"
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
With more than 75,000 deaths, the US has had more fatalities from COVID-19 than any other country. Almost 1.3 million people have been infected there so far.
During the swine flu pandemic, there were nearly 61 million cases of infection but fewer than 13,000 deaths over a whole year.
Mr Obama has made few public comments about America's response to the pandemic, even as Mr Trump accused his administration of failing to stockpile supplies.
White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany has described Mr Trump's handling of the coronavirus as "unprecedented" - and claimed the president's actions have helped save American lives.
"While Democrats were pursuing a sham witch hunt against President Trump, President Trump was shutting down travel from China. While Democrats encouraged mass gatherings, President Trump was deploying PPE, ventilators, and testing across the country," she said.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Polls suggest that the race between Donald Trump and Mr Biden is tight, with just six months to go until Americans cast their vote.
Mr Obama's remarks were first reported by Yahoo News, and the former president's office has declined to comment on the leak.