news--2020-05-03--Coronavirus: Mosques set up temporary mortuaries to cope with surge in COVID-19 deaths

At least 10 mosques in the UK have set up temporary mortuaries to cope with the number of deaths from coronavirus , Sky News has learned .
With large numbers of COVID-19 deaths in cities with large Muslim populations , like Birmingham and London , mosques have been inundated with requests for burials .
One mosque in Birmingham told Sky News they are now carrying out 25 funerals a week because of coronavirus , which is what they 'd normally do in a year .
Green Lane Masjid said they have to Islamically prepare at least five bodies a day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their community .
The mosque 's prayer halls , which would usually be filled with worshippers during the holy month of Ramadan , are now filled with coffins , waiting for those who have succumbed to the virus .
And in the car park , to cope with demand , a 40ft refrigerated container has been drafted in to store 30 extra bodies .
Abid Khan is one of the lead volunteers at the mosque .
He runs a team of 40 people .
He told Sky News : `` We 'll normally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funerals a year , we 've been averaging that many a week . ''
Mr Khan 's day job is as an optometrist , but now he 's working here seven days a week , risking his life .
He added : `` We now do five or six funerals a day .
Including collections of bodies from hospitals and homes .
We 've had pickups in the middle of the night , with teams going out in out-of-hours and they pick up the deceased from homes or care homes in the community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service at the mosque do n't know how long the refrigerated container will have to stay there .
Mr Khan said : `` Because of the COVID-19 crisis there 's been a massive increase in the number of deaths and we 've had to bring in a container .
`` This container can store up to 30 bodies that we 've specially had racked out .
It 's a massive increase in terms of our capacity . ''
The Muslim community has been hit hard by the pandemic in Birmingham ; many families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Masjid , among the largest in the country , is one of the very few mosques offering a funeral service during this outbreak .
Salim Ahmed , head of welfare services , said : `` It 's heartbreaking .
We never imagined that our mosque would have to run this kind of service .
`` I 've been a part of the congregation here for many years and coming to the mosque brings about positive feelings , happy feelings and emotions , now it 's sad .
To imagine there 's people here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a really worrying time . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He added : `` So many people around the country are scared about getting the virus .
You 've got volunteers coming in every day here , having to handle deceased COVID bodies .
`` Loved ones of families have passed away and the way we have to see it is we 're giving them that service , one they really need .
They need that dignity of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's really important that we can help . ''
But this has also had a serious impact on a number of the volunteers who every day are having to deal with dead COVID-19 patients .
Abid Khan told Sky News : `` It 's been difficult , but you have to detach yourself from it and treat it as a job almost .
`` There is a core group of four guys who work here at the mosque who have dealt with this as part of that .
We 've supported each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 've seen , and things we 've had to do , that we would n't be able to discuss beyond that circle because they just would n't be able to understand . ''
Next week Kay Burley will be hosting a live Q & A with Health Secretary Matt Hancock .
You can put your questions to Mr Hancock about the coronavirus and its impact on your life live on Sky News .
Email us your questions - or you can record a video clip of your question on your phone - @ @ @ @ @ @ @

At least 10 mosques in the UK have set up temporary mortuaries to cope with the number of deaths from coronavirus, Sky News has learned.
With large numbers of COVID-19 deaths in cities with large Muslim populations, like Birmingham and London, mosques have been inundated with requests for burials.
One mosque in Birmingham told Sky News they are now carrying out 25 funerals a week because of coronavirus, which is what they'd normally do in a year.
Image: The mosque is now carrying out 25 funerals a week
Green Lane Masjid said they have to Islamically prepare at least five bodies a day because of the surge of deaths within their community.
The mosque's prayer halls, which would usually be filled with worshippers during the holy month of Ramadan, are now filled with coffins, waiting for those who have succumbed to the virus.
And in the car park, to cope with demand, a 40ft refrigerated container has been drafted in to store 30 extra bodies.
Abid Khan is one of the lead volunteers at the mosque. He runs a team of 40 people.
He told Sky News: "We'll normally on average do between 20 to 25 funerals a year, we've been averaging that many a week."
Mr Khan's day job is as an optometrist, but now he's working here seven days a week, risking his life.
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He added: "We now do five or six funerals a day. Including collections of bodies from hospitals and homes. We've had pickups in the middle of the night, with teams going out in out-of-hours and they pick up the deceased from homes or care homes in the community."
Image: Optometrist Abid Khan is working at the mosque seven days a week, risking his life
People who run the funeral service at the mosque don't know how long the refrigerated container will have to stay there.
Mr Khan said: "Because of the COVID-19 crisis there's been a massive increase in the number of deaths and we've had to bring in a container.
"This container can store up to 30 bodies that we've specially had racked out. It's a massive increase in terms of our capacity."
The Muslim community has been hit hard by the pandemic in Birmingham; many families have lost loved ones and Green Lane Masjid, among the largest in the country, is one of the very few mosques offering a funeral service during this outbreak.
Image: A 40ft refrigerated container has been drafted in to store 30 extra bodies
Salim Ahmed, head of welfare services, said: "It's heartbreaking. We never imagined that our mosque would have to run this kind of service.
"I've been a part of the congregation here for many years and coming to the mosque brings about positive feelings, happy feelings and emotions, now it's sad. To imagine there's people here who've died from COVID-19, it's a really worrying time."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He added: "So many people around the country are scared about getting the virus. You've got volunteers coming in every day here, having to handle deceased COVID bodies.
"Loved ones of families have passed away and the way we have to see it is we're giving them that service, one they really need. They need that dignity of their loved ones that have passed away so it's really important that we can help."
Image: Salim Ahmed said volunteers are coming into the mosque every day
But this has also had a serious impact on a number of the volunteers who every day are having to deal with dead COVID-19 patients.
Abid Khan told Sky News: "It's been difficult, but you have to detach yourself from it and treat it as a job almost.
Image: People are volunteering to help with the increased demand at the mosque
"There is a core group of four guys who work here at the mosque who have dealt with this as part of that. We've supported each other.
"There's things that we've seen, and things we've had to do, that we wouldn't be able to discuss beyond that circle because they just wouldn't be able to understand."
Image: ASK THE HEALTH SECRETARY GFX
Next week Kay Burley will be hosting a live Q&A with Health Secretary Matt Hancock. You can put your questions to Mr Hancock about the coronavirus and its impact on your life live on Sky News.
Email us your questions - or you can record a video clip of your question on your phone - and send it to AskTheHealthSecretary@sky.uk


news--2020-06-16--Marcus Rashford prompts government U-turn on free school meals

On this edition of the Sky News Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan , we examine the impact of the England @ @ @ @ @ how children have been treated during the COVID-19 pandemic .
We are joined by our @ @ @ @ @ football coach Dave Horrocks and the YMCA 's Alan Fraser .
Plus , Dr Kojo @ @ @ @ @ Birkbeck School of Law - and comedian Andrew Doyle talk to us about the portrayal @ @ @ @ @ following Black Lives Matter protests .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple @ @ @ @ @ Spotify , Spreaker

On this edition of the Sky News Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan, we examine the impact of the England footballer's campaign and discuss how children have been treated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are joined by our political correspondent Tamara Cohen, football coach Dave Horrocks and the YMCA's Alan Fraser.
Plus, Dr Kojo Koram - law lecturer at Birkbeck School of Law - and comedian Andrew Doyle talk to us about the portrayal of black people in entertainment following Black Lives Matter protests.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Credits:
Producer - Annie Joyce
Assistant producer - Sabah Choudhry
Interviews producer - Oli Foster
Audio credit: Little Britain and Faulty Towers (BBC)


news--2020-06-17--Coronavirus: McLaren weighs sale of stake in Formula One team

McLaren Group is considering the sale of a minority stake in its Formula One ( F1 ) team as it tries to raise hundreds of millions of pounds to steer it through the COVID-19 crisis .
Sky News can reveal that McLaren has raised the prospect of such a deal during discussions with advisers and lenders in the last few days .
Sources said the idea was at `` a conceptual stage '' and was being discussed alongside other funding options , including raising capital from existing bondholders .
Bankers have yet to be formally appointed to handle a process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to involve selling between 20 % and 30 % of McLaren 's F1 business - a deal that would generate tens of millions of pounds .
McLaren is among the most historic names in the F1 paddock , and during more than half a century of competing has won eight F1 constructors ' championships .
The team 's drivers have included the likes of Mika Hakkinen , Lewis Hamilton , Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna .
It has fallen on leaner times on the track during the last decade , although under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , its fortunes have begun to revive .
Insiders suggested that the sale of a minority shareholding would help to provide sufficient funds to assist Mr Brown 's ambition of seeing McLaren compete again for F1 drivers ' and constructors ' titles in the coming years .
An annual budget cap will be introduced across the sport from next year , starting at $ 145m ( £115m ) for each team , falling in the ensuing years to $ 135m ( £107m ) .
One source said that selling a minority stake could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level of the budget cap on a sustainable basis .
The stalled F1 season is due to get underway in Austria next month , with two Grands Prix scheduled to take place at Silverstone as part of the truncated campaign .
McLaren 's on-track operations , which include its participation in the Indianapolis 500 race , account for roughly 20 % of the group 's annual revenues .
The team 's drivers this year are Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz Jr .
It has struck sponsorship deals with companies including Darktrace , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British American Tobacco to a `` principal partnership '' - despite the ban on tobacco advertising in the sport .
If it proceeds with the disposal of a minority stake , it would come as rival British F1 team Williams explores an outright sale in an attempt to remain in business .
Williams ' formal sale process is being handled by bankers at Allen & Co and Lazard .
For McLaren Group , the deliberations about its F1 ownership form part of a broader attempt to refinance the company .
Talks with its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month when it proposed raising between £250m and £275m by mortgaging part of its classic car collection and its spectacular Surrey headquarters .
Some of the funds which have lent money to the group had argued that its outstanding bonds included security over those assets .
However , in recent days , discussions between the two sides are said to have become more constructive , with an agreement possible as early as next week .
McLaren is continuing to consider alternative funding options as well , according to insiders .
The automotive group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarter of the year , as its F1 and road-car operations were hurt by the coronavirus pandemic .
Last month , McLaren cut 1200 jobs across its operations as part of a restructuring plan affecting more than a quarter of its workforce .
McLaren is owned by investors led by Mumtalakat , Bahrain 's sovereign wealth fund , which injected £300m of equity into the company as recently as March .
It is understood to have told lenders that existing shareholders were not willing to inject further equity into McLaren .
McLaren 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accelerated in the wake of a request for a £150m loan from the government being rejected .
Sky News revealed in April that McLaren had approached the Department for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy ( BEIS ) with the funding request after seeing sales of its supercars evaporate .
Orders are said to have rebounded strongly in recent weeks .
McLaren is a major British exporter , supporting thousands of jobs across the UK supply chain .
The talks about financing options comes not long after McLaren parachuted in Paul Walsh , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as executive chairman - a move that stoked speculation that McLaren 's shareholders ultimately wanted to take the company public .
McLaren 's road-car division , which was previously a semi-independent company called McLaren Automotive , makes some of the world 's most expensive cars , with models including the Senna - named after its legendary former F1 driver , Ayrton Senna .
The unit , which is run by Mike Flewitt , represents the majority of the group 's sales .
The British company saw its separate divisions reunited following the departure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ veteran McLaren boss who had steered its F1 team through the most successful period in its history .
He became one of Britain 's best-known businessmen , expanding McLaren 's technology ventures into a wide range of other industries through lucrative commercial partnerships .
Mr Dennis offloaded his stake in a £275m deal following a bitter dispute with fellow shareholders .
He had presented to McLaren 's board a £1.65bn takeover bid from a consortium of Chinese investors , but did not attract support for it from boardroom colleagues .

McLaren Group is considering the sale of a minority stake in its Formula One (F1) team as it tries to raise hundreds of millions of pounds to steer it through the COVID-19 crisis.
Sky News can reveal that McLaren has raised the prospect of such a deal during discussions with advisers and lenders in the last few days.
Sources said the idea was at "a conceptual stage" and was being discussed alongside other funding options, including raising capital from existing bondholders.
Bankers have yet to be formally appointed to handle a process, they added.
Any transaction is likely to involve selling between 20% and 30% of McLaren's F1 business - a deal that would generate tens of millions of pounds.
McLaren is among the most historic names in the F1 paddock, and during more than half a century of competing has won eight F1 constructors' championships.
Image: McLaren last month proposed mortgaging part of its classic car collection and its Surrey headquarters
The team's drivers have included the likes of Mika Hakkinen, Lewis Hamilton, Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna.
It has fallen on leaner times on the track during the last decade, although under its current racing boss, Zak Brown, its fortunes have begun to revive.
Insiders suggested that the sale of a minority shareholding would help to provide sufficient funds to assist Mr Brown's ambition of seeing McLaren compete again for F1 drivers' and constructors' titles in the coming years.
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An annual budget cap will be introduced across the sport from next year, starting at $145m (£115m) for each team, falling in the ensuing years to $135m (£107m).
One source said that selling a minority stake could help enable McLaren to operate at the level of the budget cap on a sustainable basis.
The stalled F1 season is due to get underway in Austria next month, with two Grands Prix scheduled to take place at Silverstone as part of the truncated campaign.
McLaren's on-track operations, which include its participation in the Indianapolis 500 race, account for roughly 20% of the group's annual revenues.
The team's drivers this year are Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz Jr.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:33 Vauxhall boss: 'Showrooms must open'
It has struck sponsorship deals with companies including Darktrace, the cyber security software provider, and upgraded British American Tobacco to a "principal partnership" - despite the ban on tobacco advertising in the sport.
If it proceeds with the disposal of a minority stake, it would come as rival British F1 team Williams explores an outright sale in an attempt to remain in business.
Williams' formal sale process is being handled by bankers at Allen & Co and Lazard.
For McLaren Group, the deliberations about its F1 ownership form part of a broader attempt to refinance the company.
Talks with its syndicate of existing bondholders became fractious last month when it proposed raising between £250m and £275m by mortgaging part of its classic car collection and its spectacular Surrey headquarters.
Some of the funds which have lent money to the group had argued that its outstanding bonds included security over those assets.
However, in recent days, discussions between the two sides are said to have become more constructive, with an agreement possible as early as next week.
McLaren is continuing to consider alternative funding options as well, according to insiders.
The automotive group recorded a £133m loss in the first quarter of the year, as its F1 and road-car operations were hurt by the coronavirus pandemic.
Last month, McLaren cut 1200 jobs across its operations as part of a restructuring plan affecting more than a quarter of its workforce.
McLaren is owned by investors led by Mumtalakat, Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund, which injected £300m of equity into the company as recently as March.
It is understood to have told lenders that existing shareholders were not willing to inject further equity into McLaren.
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McLaren's drive to access new funding has been accelerated in the wake of a request for a £150m loan from the government being rejected.
Sky News revealed in April that McLaren had approached the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) with the funding request after seeing sales of its supercars evaporate.
Orders are said to have rebounded strongly in recent weeks.
McLaren is a major British exporter, supporting thousands of jobs across the UK supply chain.
The talks about financing options comes not long after McLaren parachuted in Paul Walsh, the heavyweight former boss of Diageo, as executive chairman - a move that stoked speculation that McLaren's shareholders ultimately wanted to take the company public.
McLaren's road-car division, which was previously a semi-independent company called McLaren Automotive, makes some of the world's most expensive cars, with models including the Senna - named after its legendary former F1 driver, Ayrton Senna.
The unit, which is run by Mike Flewitt, represents the majority of the group's sales.
The British company saw its separate divisions reunited following the departure in 2017 of Ron Dennis, the veteran McLaren boss who had steered its F1 team through the most successful period in its history.
He became one of Britain's best-known businessmen, expanding McLaren's technology ventures into a wide range of other industries through lucrative commercial partnerships.
Mr Dennis offloaded his stake in a £275m deal following a bitter dispute with fellow shareholders.
He had presented to McLaren's board a £1.65bn takeover bid from a consortium of Chinese investors, but did not attract support for it from boardroom colleagues.
McLaren declined to comment.


news--2020-06-17--Brexit: UK-Australia trade deal could be agreed fairly soon, says high commissioner

Britain and Australia need each other more than ever at this time of acute global tension , the Australian high commissioner said as the two sides launch trade talks .
The UK is also kicking off trade negotiations with New Zealand on Wednesday in a new era for British diplomacy outside the European Union .
Australian high commissioner George Brandis told Sky News a free trade agreement ( FTA ) with London is a `` top priority '' for Canberra and signalled one could be agreed `` fairly soon '' .
But the bond is more than a business opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another stand up for shared values like democracy and the rule of law in the face of challenges from rising powers like China , the top diplomat said .
`` At a time when there are tensions in the world that are growing more acute - and which have been dramatised and thrown in very stark relief by the COVID crisis - the benefit , the importance to each other of like-minded , free-trading liberal democracies like Britain and Australia has never been greater , '' the high commissioner told Sky News .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eyes intelligence sharing alliance along with the United States , Canada and New Zealand .
It is a forum that looks set to have increased prominence as Western allies struggle against the authoritarian tendencies of rivals like China , Russia and Iran .
`` We live in an increasingly difficult , contested world and like-minded nations - people who see the world through similar eyes with similar values like commitment to democracy , liberal societies and freedom - increasingly need to co-operate against potential adversaries '' , Mr Brandis said .
`` In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is strategic co-operation , diplomatic co-operation , intelligence sharing , and in trade - countries like Britain and Australia find that we are more bound together .
`` Our interests and our values are more closely wound up together than has ever been the case before . ''
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison should have travelled to the UK this week to meet Boris Johnson in person to kick off the trade talks .
But the coronavirus pandemic derailed those plans .
Instead the two men are set to speak via video conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan for life after Brexit is founded on boosting exports to the Indo-Pacific region - set to be the centre of global economic growth this century .
Liz Truss , the international trade secretary , said UK businesses traded £29bn in goods and services with Australia and New Zealand last year .
`` Pivoting towards the Asia-Pacific will diversify our trade , increase the resilience of our supply chains and ensure the UK is less vulnerable to political and economic shocks in certain parts of the world , '' she said .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Australian officials that nurturing ties will reduce the impact of economic pressure from countries like China during disagreements .
Canberra has come under fire from Beijing after Mr Morrison called for an independent inquiry into the origins of COVID-19 , which was first identified in the Chinese city of Wuhan .
His remarks prompted Chinese calls for a boycott of Australian goods .
The UK has similarly felt pressure from China after speaking out against Chinese plans to impose a new security law on Hong Kong .
Mr Brandis said Britain and Australia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding that his country 's relationship with Beijing shows it is possible to trade with China and to disagree .
`` China is Australia 's largest trading partner .
It represents 40 % of our trade .
We have a free trade agreement with China , '' he said .
`` The Australian relationship with China demonstrates that you can have a healthy , successful trading and commercial relationship with China while at the same time not being afraid to stand up for your own values as a liberal democracy . ''
Pressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trading partners and reduce reliance on Beijing , the high commissioner said he did not want to make the conversation about China .
Instead , speaking more broadly , he said : `` There are obvious advantages of two countries like Australia and the United Kingdom having a close trading relationship because our systems are complementary , our system of laws is similar , our values are similar , interests are similar , we speak the same language , we have the same Queen .
`` In every dimension it 's possible to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries . ''
For example , he hoped having the UK as an independent voice around the table at the World Trade Organisation would bolster support for multilateral , free and open trade , pushing back on protectionism and barriers .
The high commissioner noted that the UK was Australia 's most important trading partner until 1973 when London joined the European Economic Community , which became the EU .
It is now ranked seventh but Mr Brandis said there is scope to improve .
He was upbeat about Britain 's prospects even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rest of the world can not compensate for the UK leaving the EU , especially as London still needs to agree on the shape of a future relationship with Brussels before the end of the year .
`` I do n't comment on what may happen between the United kingdom and the EU after 31 December , '' the high commissioner said .
`` I simply make this point : The voices of pessimism in discussions about global trade are always in the end thwarted by the reality because merchants , traders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the most profitable markets .
`` The most rapidly growing markets in the world at the moment , and as far as the eye can see , are in the region to the north of Australia . ''
: : Listen to the The World Tomorrow on Apple podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Canberra has yet to finalise a trade deal with the rest of the EU after two years of talks .
Mr Brandis , a former attorney general and seasoned politician , predicted the UK-Australia agreement would be completed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK also wants to join a Pacific trade group , that includes Australia , called the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership ( CPTPP ) .
`` With the FTA between Australia and the United Kingdom wound up , as I hope it will be fairly soon , Australia does expect to be a voice around the table supporting Britain 's aspiration to accede to that plurilateral trade agreement as well , '' the high commissioner added .

Britain and Australia need each other more than ever at this time of acute global tension, the Australian high commissioner said as the two sides launch trade talks.
The UK is also kicking off trade negotiations with New Zealand on Wednesday in a new era for British diplomacy outside the European Union.
Australian high commissioner George Brandis told Sky News a free trade agreement (FTA) with London is a "top priority" for Canberra and signalled one could be agreed "fairly soon".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:28 PM calls for 'oomph' in trade talks
But the bond is more than a business opportunity.
It is also about helping one another stand up for shared values like democracy and the rule of law in the face of challenges from rising powers like China, the top diplomat said.
"At a time when there are tensions in the world that are growing more acute - and which have been dramatised and thrown in very stark relief by the COVID crisis - the benefit, the importance to each other of like-minded, free-trading liberal democracies like Britain and Australia has never been greater," the high commissioner told Sky News.
Both countries are part of the Five Eyes intelligence sharing alliance along with the United States, Canada and New Zealand.
It is a forum that looks set to have increased prominence as Western allies struggle against the authoritarian tendencies of rivals like China, Russia and Iran.
Image: Australian High Commissioner George Brandis, here at a dinner with Prince Charles in March, said the UK and Australia can be allies in democracy
"We live in an increasingly difficult, contested world and like-minded nations - people who see the world through similar eyes with similar values like commitment to democracy, liberal societies and freedom - increasingly need to co-operate against potential adversaries", Mr Brandis said.
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"In so many different ways - whether it is strategic co-operation, diplomatic co-operation, intelligence sharing, and in trade - countries like Britain and Australia find that we are more bound together.
"Our interests and our values are more closely wound up together than has ever been the case before."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 'We're leaving': Brexit transition to end on 31 December
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison should have travelled to the UK this week to meet Boris Johnson in person to kick off the trade talks.
But the coronavirus pandemic derailed those plans. Instead the two men are set to speak via video conference.
A key part of the UK plan for life after Brexit is founded on boosting exports to the Indo-Pacific region - set to be the centre of global economic growth this century.
Liz Truss, the international trade secretary, said UK businesses traded £29bn in goods and services with Australia and New Zealand last year.
"Pivoting towards the Asia-Pacific will diversify our trade, increase the resilience of our supply chains and ensure the UK is less vulnerable to political and economic shocks in certain parts of the world," she said.
Image: The UK supported Australia as it battled wildfires in February
There is also a recognition among British and Australian officials that nurturing ties will reduce the impact of economic pressure from countries like China during disagreements.
Canberra has come under fire from Beijing after Mr Morrison called for an independent inquiry into the origins of COVID-19, which was first identified in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
His remarks prompted Chinese calls for a boycott of Australian goods.
The UK has similarly felt pressure from China after speaking out against Chinese plans to impose a new security law on Hong Kong.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:16 'UK backtracking on Brexit commitments'
Mr Brandis said Britain and Australia stood together on those issues, while adding that his country's relationship with Beijing shows it is possible to trade with China and to disagree.
"China is Australia's largest trading partner. It represents 40% of our trade. We have a free trade agreement with China," he said.
"The Australian relationship with China demonstrates that you can have a healthy, successful trading and commercial relationship with China while at the same time not being afraid to stand up for your own values as a liberal democracy."
Image: Trade talks with New Zealand also begin today
Pressed on whether it still helps to diversify trading partners and reduce reliance on Beijing, the high commissioner said he did not want to make the conversation about China.
Instead, speaking more broadly, he said: "There are obvious advantages of two countries like Australia and the United Kingdom having a close trading relationship because our systems are complementary, our system of laws is similar, our values are similar, interests are similar, we speak the same language, we have the same Queen.
"In every dimension it's possible to imagine, we are like-minded and complementary countries."
For example, he hoped having the UK as an independent voice around the table at the World Trade Organisation would bolster support for multilateral, free and open trade, pushing back on protectionism and barriers.
The high commissioner noted that the UK was Australia's most important trading partner until 1973 when London joined the European Economic Community, which became the EU. It is now ranked seventh but Mr Brandis said there is scope to improve.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:20 EU deal: Some checks will be needed
He was upbeat about Britain's prospects even as sceptics warn new trade deals with the rest of the world cannot compensate for the UK leaving the EU, especially as London still needs to agree on the shape of a future relationship with Brussels before the end of the year.
"I don't comment on what may happen between the United kingdom and the EU after 31 December," the high commissioner said.
"I simply make this point: The voices of pessimism in discussions about global trade are always in the end thwarted by the reality because merchants, traders, entrepreneurs, companies, always gravitate to the most profitable markets.
"The most rapidly growing markets in the world at the moment, and as far as the eye can see, are in the region to the north of Australia."
:: Listen to the The World Tomorrow on Apple podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Canberra has yet to finalise a trade deal with the rest of the EU after two years of talks.
Mr Brandis, a former attorney general and seasoned politician, predicted the UK-Australia agreement would be completed faster than the one with Brussels
The UK also wants to join a Pacific trade group, that includes Australia, called the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
"With the FTA between Australia and the United Kingdom wound up, as I hope it will be fairly soon, Australia does expect to be a voice around the table supporting Britain's aspiration to accede to that plurilateral trade agreement as well," the high commissioner added.


news--2020-06-17--Coronavirus: Teaching unions 'allow parents to think schools are death traps'

Teaching unions have been accused of allowing parents to think schools were `` death traps '' as they warned pupils may be unable to return even in September .
Leaders of the major teaching unions held a combative session with MPs , in which they argued the government 's social distancing guidelines would not allow a full return .
Primary schools have been permitted to partially reopen for three year groups since the start of this month .
But the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced last week that plans for all primary pupils to return before the summer holidays had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union leaders say the guidance that children should be kept within classes of up to 15 pupils which do not mix with others ; and that two-metre distancing should be enforced in secondary schools and colleges , would not allow the full return of all pupils even in the autumn .
It came as the prime minister clashed with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer , suggesting the Opposition and unions were hampering efforts to reopen schools .
In PMQs , Boris Johnson repeatedly challenged Sir Keir to say it was safe for children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wibble-wobble '' over the issue .
Mary Bousted , of the National Education Union , was asked by the chair of the Commons Education Select Committee , Robert Halfon : `` What 's going to change in September if the social distancing rules are still the same ? ''
Ms Bousted , the joint general-secretary of the NEU , replied : `` If the government retains its social distancing rules then they ca n't [ reopen ] . ''
Julie McCulloch , of the Association of School and College Leaders , said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be back in school from September , that 's by far the best solution .
`` But we are not able to do that at present within the government 's own protective measures guidance .
The maths just does n't work .
`` If you can only have up to 15 children in a class and you 're bringing back all children , you need twice as many classrooms and you need twice as many teachers . ''
Ms Bousted said the government should look at using public buildings as overflow classrooms , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an element of home schooling alongside normal attendance - may have to continue .
Furious Conservative MP Jonathan Gullis , a former teacher who represents Stoke-on-Trent North , told the union leaders : `` I 've never been so frustrated in my entire life as listening to this committee . ''
He accused the unions of `` running a political campaign '' against school reopening and added : `` Whether you like it or not it has come across to parents that these schools are death traps and that is not the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to school . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The government and union leaders have clashed about the reopening of primary schools to Year 6 , Year 1 and reception pupils from the start of June .
Mr Williamson says 70 % of primary schools have now reopened to the eligible year groups , although many schools have been open since the start of the lockdown for the children of key workers and the most vulnerable pupils .

Teaching unions have been accused of allowing parents to think schools were "death traps" as they warned pupils may be unable to return even in September.
Leaders of the major teaching unions held a combative session with MPs, in which they argued the government's social distancing guidelines would not allow a full return.
Primary schools have been permitted to partially reopen for three year groups since the start of this month.
But the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced last week that plans for all primary pupils to return before the summer holidays had been shelved amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:14 Plans shelved for all primary pupils' return
Union leaders say the guidance that children should be kept within classes of up to 15 pupils which do not mix with others; and that two-metre distancing should be enforced in secondary schools and colleges, would not allow the full return of all pupils even in the autumn.
It came as the prime minister clashed with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, suggesting the Opposition and unions were
hampering efforts to reopen schools.
In PMQs, Boris Johnson repeatedly challenged Sir Keir to say it was safe for children to return and accused Labour of "wibble-wobble" over the issue.
Mary Bousted, of the National Education Union, was asked by the chair of the Commons Education Select Committee, Robert Halfon: "What's going to change in September if the social distancing rules are still the same?"
Ms Bousted, the joint general-secretary of the NEU, replied: "If the government retains its social distancing rules then they can't [reopen]."
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Julie McCulloch, of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: "Absolutely we want all children to be back in school from September, that's by far the best solution.
"But we are not able to do that at present within the government's own protective measures guidance. The maths just doesn't work.
"If you can only have up to 15 children in a class and you're bringing back all children, you need twice as many classrooms and you need twice as many teachers."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:29 Parents fearful of sending children to school
Ms Bousted said the government should look at using public buildings as overflow classrooms, but that "blended learning" - an element of home schooling alongside normal attendance - may have to continue.
Furious Conservative MP Jonathan Gullis, a former teacher who represents Stoke-on-Trent North, told the union leaders: "I've never been so frustrated in my entire life as listening to this committee."
He accused the unions of "running a political campaign" against school reopening and added: "Whether you like it or not it has come across to parents that these schools are death traps and that is not the case and thousands of children are not going to school."
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 government and union leaders have clashed about the reopening of primary schools to Year 6, Year 1 and reception pupils from the start of June.
Mr Williamson says 70% of primary schools have now reopened to the eligible year groups, although many schools have been open since the start of the lockdown for the children of key workers and the most vulnerable pupils.


news--2020-06-17--Coronavirus: Cruise line CMV races for funds to keep it afloat

A British-based cruise line that employs 4,000 people is racing to secure funding to keep itself afloat after its operations were halted by the coronavirus pandemic .
Sky News has learnt that Cruise & Maritime Voyages ( CMV ) is in emergency talks with lenders and potential investors following the eleventh-hour collapse of a potential rescue deal .
Sources said on Wednesday that CMV , which is based in Essex and counts the Columbus and Marco Polo among its fleet , was attempting to finalise new financing before the end of the week .
They added that Novalpina Capital , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to structure a deal for several weeks with CMV 's existing creditors .
The talks are said to have been abandoned this week when Barclays decided not to offer a £25m state-backed loan under the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme .
Cruise lines have seen their business decimated by the pandemic , with uncertain prospects for a recovery because of the barrage of negative publicity that hit the industry when the initial outbreak spread earlier this year .
Carnival Corporation , which is one of the industry 's largest players , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liquidity to help it survive COVID-19 .
In February , Carnival 's Diamond Princess ship became the epicentre of fears about the cruise industry 's ability to safely navigate the crisis , with 13 of its passengers dying after contracting COVID-19 .
Cunard , which is owned by Carnival , said recently that it was cancelling all cruises due to embark before November 1 .
Carnival is among CMV 's creditors , according to insiders .
Virgin Voyages , which is backed by Sir Richard Branson , has also been forced to delay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which has hundreds of head office and sales staff and thousands of crew on its ships , borrowed about €60m from Macquarie , the Australian bank , as recently as February .
People close to Macquarie said it had provided further support to the company by waiving interest payments and advancing additional funds to support salary payments to crew and repatriation efforts .
An undisclosed number of CMV crew members are still on board its ships and need to be repatriated , according to one source .
It was unclear on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company , which was established just over a decade ago .
A CMV spokeswoman said : `` As the majority of other cruise lines have already done or are presently doing , CMV is also looking for additional financing to improve its liquidity position until sailing will resume again .
`` As such CMV is presently in discussions and negotiations with a number of financial institutions and banks and is confident to finalise these discussions very shortly and so is unable to comment on or disclose details of these discussions with individual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AlixPartners and Duff & Phelps , the professional services firms , have both been advising various stakeholders on CMV 's financial position in recent months .
It is unclear what contingency planning has taken place in the event that the cruise line can not secure the funding it requires .
A source close to Barclays said it had tried to put a CLBILS loan in place but that it had ultimately concluded that one was not workable .
Macquarie , Novalpina and Barclays either declined to comment or did not respond to a @ @ @ @

A British-based cruise line that employs 4,000 people is racing to secure funding to keep itself afloat after its operations were halted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Sky News has learnt that Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) is in emergency talks with lenders and potential investors following the eleventh-hour collapse of a potential rescue deal.
Sources said on Wednesday that CMV, which is based in Essex and counts the Columbus and Marco Polo among its fleet, was attempting to finalise new financing before the end of the week.
They added that Novalpina Capital, a private equity firm, had been trying to structure a deal for several weeks with CMV's existing creditors.
The talks are said to have been abandoned this week when Barclays decided not to offer a £25m state-backed loan under the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme.
Cruise lines have seen their business decimated by the pandemic, with uncertain prospects for a recovery because of the barrage of negative publicity that hit the industry when the initial outbreak spread earlier this year.
Image: Rival Virgin Voyages has delayed its maiden sailings because of the pandemic
Carnival Corporation, which is one of the industry's largest players, has raised billions of dollars of additional liquidity to help it survive COVID-19.
In February, Carnival's Diamond Princess ship became the epicentre of fears about the cruise industry's ability to safely navigate the crisis, with 13 of its passengers dying after contracting COVID-19.
Cunard, which is owned by Carnival, said recently that it was cancelling all cruises due to embark before November 1.
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Carnival is among CMV's creditors, according to insiders.
Virgin Voyages, which is backed by Sir Richard Branson, has also been forced to delay the launch of its services.
Image: Travel has been among the sectors worst affected by COVID-19 disruption
CMV, which has hundreds of head office and sales staff and thousands of crew on its ships, borrowed about €60m from Macquarie, the Australian bank, as recently as February.
People close to Macquarie said it had provided further support to the company by waiving interest payments and advancing additional funds to support salary payments to crew and repatriation efforts.
An undisclosed number of CMV crew members are still on board its ships and need to be repatriated, according to one source.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:07 UK brings in travel quarantine measures
It was unclear on Wednesday which other parties remained in discussions with the company, which was established just over a decade ago.
A CMV spokeswoman said: "As the majority of other cruise lines have already done or are presently doing, CMV is also looking for additional financing to improve its liquidity position until sailing will resume again.
"As such CMV is presently in discussions and negotiations with a number of financial institutions and banks and is confident to finalise these discussions very shortly and so is unable to comment on or disclose details of these discussions with individual parties until they are finalised."
AlixPartners and Duff & Phelps, the professional services firms, have both been advising various stakeholders on CMV's financial position in recent months.
It is unclear what contingency planning has taken place in the event that the cruise line cannot secure the funding it requires.
A source close to Barclays said it had tried to put a CLBILS loan in place but that it had ultimately concluded that one was not workable.
Macquarie, Novalpina and Barclays either declined to comment or did not respond to a request for comment.


news--2020-06-15--Coronavirus: What is the state of play in the Premier League as the competition returns to screens

After an unplanned break of more than three months , top flight football in England will return to screens today , as teams look to get their league campaigns back on track .
In the Premier League , Liverpool look nailed-on to win their first top flight title in 30 years , while Norwich City , Aston Villa and Bournemouth fight for survival .
Meanwhile in the Championship , before it was interrupted by the pandemic , Leeds United were on course to win promotion to the Premier League , alongside West Bromwich Albion , with teams like Luton Town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get ready for the restart of the season , Sky News has rounded up the pre-pandemic state-of-play of the teams in the top two tiers of English football .
Who is at the top of the table ?
Before the league stopped , Liverpool were 25 points clear of nearest rivals and current champions Manchester City , leaving the title well within their reach with nine games left to play .
After only losing one game this season , the title appears to be theirs to lose .
: : Listen to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was praised for his calm comments when the league was halted , when he said `` today , football and football matches do n't seem very important at all , '' despite a major chance the pandemic could have cost his team their first ever Premier League silverware .
The battle for the European places Just below Liverpool and Manchester City , a number of teams are battling for places in next season 's Champions League competition in Europe - which are given to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four .
Leicester and Chelsea lay in third and fourth place respectively , but Manchester United , Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sheffield United are all snapping at their heels , with London clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal behind them .
The team in fifth place will move through to the Europa League competition next season - currently Manchester United .
Which teams could drop out the Premier League ?
At the bottom of the table , Norwich City , Aston Villa and Bournemouth have spent the last three months facing relegation , and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the table and secure their future in the league .
West Ham and Watford are on the same number of points as Bournemouth heading into the league restart and risk slipping into the relegation places , so will be looking over their shoulders in the next few weeks .
Sky Sports News has analysed every team heading into the season restart , which you can read here .
Who is heading for promotion ?
Leeds United are sitting at the top of England 's second tier , and are looking to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time since 2004 , alongside West Bromwich Albion , who are in second place .
Below them , Fulham , Brentford , Nottingham Forest and Preston North End are all in Premier League play-off places , but could move in to the automatic promotion spots as the next few weeks get moving .
Other teams in reaching distance of promotion play-offs include Cardiff City , Blackburn Rovers and Millwall .
Which teams could drop out of the Championship ?
At the other end of the table , Charlton Athletic , Luton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League One after occupying the bottom three spots of the league over the coronavirus-enforced break .
They will be looking to leapfrog teams such as Hull City , Wigan Athletic and Middlesbrough to stay in the Championship .
Stoke City and Huddersfield town , although above the relegation zone , could end up dropping down if the season does not go their way .
You can read the full story so far from the Championship by Sky Sports News here .
The long-awaited return of live football starts on Wednesday night on Sky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ host Sheffield United , followed by Arsenal 's trip to Manchester City .
Twenty-five of the remaining 64 Premier League games shown on Sky Sports will be made free-to-air .
Championship football gets underway again on Saturday 20 June with a host of fixtures - starting with Fulham v Brentford at 12.30 live on Sky Sports Football .
With games being played behind closed doors due to social distancing rules , Sky Sports viewers will be able to choose the option have crowd noise played out while they watch - you can find @ @ @ @

After an unplanned break of more than three months, top flight football in England will return to screens today, as teams look to get their league campaigns back on track.
In the Premier League, Liverpool look nailed-on to win their first top flight title in 30 years, while Norwich City, Aston Villa and Bournemouth fight for survival.
Meanwhile in the Championship, before it was interrupted by the pandemic, Leeds United were on course to win promotion to the Premier League, alongside West Bromwich Albion, with teams like Luton Town and Barnsley looking at relegation.
Image: Liverpool players celebrate in their final match before the lockdown brought an end to fixtures
To get ready for the restart of the season, Sky News has rounded up the pre-pandemic state-of-play of the teams in the top two tiers of English football.
The Premier League
Who is at the top of the table?
Before the league stopped, Liverpool were 25 points clear of nearest rivals and current champions Manchester City, leaving the title well within their reach with nine games left to play. After only losing one game this season, the title appears to be theirs to lose.
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
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was praised for his calm comments when the league was halted, when he said "today, football and football matches don't seem very important at all," despite a major chance the pandemic could have cost his team their first ever Premier League silverware.
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The battle for the European places
Just below Liverpool and Manchester City, a number of teams are battling for places in next season's Champions League competition in Europe - which are given to those teams who finish in the top four.
Image: Manchester City are currently in second place
Leicester and Chelsea lay in third and fourth place respectively, but Manchester United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sheffield United are all snapping at their heels, with London clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal behind them.
The team in fifth place will move through to the Europa League competition next season - currently Manchester United.
Which teams could drop out the Premier League?
At the bottom of the table, Norwich City, Aston Villa and Bournemouth have spent the last three months facing relegation, and will look to move away from the bottom of the table and secure their future in the league.
West Ham and Watford are on the same number of points as Bournemouth heading into the league restart and risk slipping into the relegation places, so will be looking over their shoulders in the next few weeks.
Sky Sports News has analysed every team heading into the season restart, which you can read here.
The Championship
Who is heading for promotion?
Leeds United are sitting at the top of England's second tier, and are looking to make a return to the Premier League for the first time since 2004, alongside West Bromwich Albion, who are in second place.
Below them, Fulham, Brentford, Nottingham Forest and Preston North End are all in Premier League play-off places, but could move in to the automatic promotion spots as the next few weeks get moving.
Other teams in reaching distance of promotion play-offs include Cardiff City, Blackburn Rovers and Millwall.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:29 The Premier League sets date for return
Which teams could drop out of the Championship?
At the other end of the table, Charlton Athletic, Luton Town and Barnsley all face dropping into League One after occupying the bottom three spots of the league over the coronavirus-enforced break.
They will be looking to leapfrog teams such as Hull City, Wigan Athletic and Middlesbrough to stay in the Championship.
Stoke City and Huddersfield town, although above the relegation zone, could end up dropping down if the season does not go their way.
You can read the full story so far from the Championship by Sky Sports News here.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:15 'Glad to see players moving back to playing'
The long-awaited return of live football starts on Wednesday night on Sky Sports Premier League, when Aston Villa host Sheffield United, followed by Arsenal's trip to Manchester City.
Twenty-five of the remaining 64 Premier League games shown on Sky Sports will be made free-to-air.
Championship football gets underway again on Saturday 20 June with a host of fixtures - starting with Fulham v Brentford at 12.30 live on Sky Sports Football.
With games being played behind closed doors due to social distancing rules, Sky Sports viewers will be able to choose the option have crowd noise played out while they watch - you can find out more here.


news--2020-06-17--Coronavirus: Private schools offer to open their doors for summer catch-up sessions

Several private schools are offering to open up their buildings and grounds over the summer for children who have missed out on studying due to the ongoing pandemic , the independent schools chief has said .
A number of fee-paying schools have had their events cancelled or postponed in the summer months , meaning they have more capacity to help pupils amid the coronavirus outbreak .
The Independent Schools Council ( ISC ) , the body that represents more than 1,300 private schools in the UK , has written a letter to Gavin Williamson , the education secretary , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disadvantage gap '' , after COVID-19 put a stop to schools fully re-opening .
In the letter , the ISC says : `` If a national scheme can be organised and catch-up courses can be delivered regionally , independent schools will willingly support extra tuition provision in whatever practical ways they can : providing classrooms , catering and other staffing as far as they are able . ''
Julie Robinson , the chief executive of the ISC said that six independent schools , including Kings College School Wimbledon and Bury Grammar School @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own catch-up classes at their own cost .
It comes as the government is set to announce its own plans for a summer study programme this week .
Ms Robinson also said that 80 % of private schools have expressed an interest in running the courses if they were offered the funding to do so , adding : `` It 's really important for us that we 're not overlooked as a sector .
It would be a total shame .
I think it would be a loss to the country , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are independent schools who wo n't have their usual holiday time bookings and will have space available .
Not so much in term time , because owing to the distancing requirements they ca n't get all of their own pupils in , but in the downtime independent schools can potentially host .
`` Independent schools are poised ready to support and provide a venue for extra catch-up work . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The principle and headteacher at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be able to run catch-up sessions for the first time in August , for year 10 and 12 pupils who have exams next year , as well as those from state schools - should current guidelines allow it .
She said : `` We 're aware that , you know , potentially here we have a generation of young people , not just here in our school but nationally , that have missed out and that 's heartbreaking .
`` So , if it were possible - but that 's a big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolutely love to support pupils in other schools .
`` I know there 's been talk about supporting pupils from a welfare perspective and a mental health perspective and that 's something I think that Bury Grammar School is also really very good at .
`` There is very much a will in this school to support not only our own pupils , but any other young people whose parent schools feel it would be of a benefit to them to come and spend some time here . ''

Several private schools are offering to open up their buildings and grounds over the summer for children who have missed out on studying due to the ongoing pandemic, the independent schools chief has said.
A number of fee-paying schools have had their events cancelled or postponed in the summer months, meaning they have more capacity to help pupils amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The Independent Schools Council (ISC), the body that represents more than 1,300 private schools in the UK, has written a letter to Gavin Williamson, the education secretary, to offer its support and help "close the disadvantage gap", after COVID-19 put a stop to schools fully re-opening.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:26 Marcus Rashford on free school meals
In the letter, the ISC says: "If a national scheme can be organised and catch-up courses can be delivered regionally, independent schools will willingly support extra tuition provision in whatever practical ways they can: providing classrooms, catering and other staffing as far as they are able."
Julie Robinson, the chief executive of the ISC said that six independent schools, including Kings College School Wimbledon and Bury Grammar School, have already offered to run their own catch-up classes at their own cost.
It comes as the government is set to announce its own plans for a summer study programme this week.
Ms Robinson also said that 80% of private schools have expressed an interest in running the courses if they were offered the funding to do so, adding: "It's really important for us that we're not overlooked as a sector. It would be a total shame. I think it would be a loss to the country, a loss to the joint effort.
"There are independent schools who won't have their usual holiday time bookings and will have space available. Not so much in term time, because owing to the distancing requirements they can't get all of their own pupils in, but in the downtime independent schools can potentially host.
"Independent schools are poised ready to support and provide a venue for extra catch-up work."
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The principle and headteacher at Bury Grammar School Jo Anderson is hoping to be able to run catch-up sessions for the first time in August, for year 10 and 12 pupils who have exams next year, as well as those from state schools - should current guidelines allow it.
She said: "We're aware that, you know, potentially here we have a generation of young people, not just here in our school but nationally, that have missed out and that's heartbreaking.
"So, if it were possible - but that's a big if, of course - we would absolutely love to support pupils in other schools.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 Failure to re-open schools is 'astonishing'
"I know there's been talk about supporting pupils from a welfare perspective and a mental health perspective and that's something I think that Bury Grammar School is also really very good at.
"There is very much a will in this school to support not only our own pupils, but any other young people whose parent schools feel it would be of a benefit to them to come and spend some time here."


news--2020-06-17--Coronavirus: HSBC resumes 35,000 job cuts to fury of union

HSBC has told staff its plan to axe 35,000 jobs across its global workforce has been restarted , after it suspended the cuts in April due to the coronavirus crisis .
Europe 's largest lender was accused , by the Unite union , of punishing staff who had gone out of their way to help maintain services during the pandemic after the internal memo came to light , signalling it would oppose the losses .
Chief executive Noel Quinn used the memo to explain that the cost-cutting , first announced in February and due to take place over three years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' as the group faces `` challenging times '' posed by the COVID-19 fallout that has seen its market value tumble by over a third in the year to date .
He told the bank 's 235,000 employees : `` We could not pause the job losses indefinitely - it was always a question of 'not if , but when ' . ''
Mr Quinn said the vast majority of external recruitment would remain frozen .
HSBC has not given a geographical breakdown for the job losses but said in February there would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK where it currently employs around 40,000 staff .
The bank is UK-based but has a major focus in Asia , especially Hong Kong .
Unite said it would `` work vigorously to ensure staff are heard and their jobs protected '' .
Its national officer , Dominic Hook , responded : `` The question that must be asked today is 'Why now HSBC ? '
`` At present , vast numbers of HSBC staff are making massive sacrifices working from home or taking risks travelling into offices and bank branches to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now is the time for HSBC to stand by its workforce and recognise these mighty efforts , and see that the bank 's strength lies within its workforce . ''

HSBC has told staff its plan to axe 35,000 jobs across its global workforce has been restarted, after it suspended the cuts in April due to the coronavirus crisis.
Europe's largest lender was accused, by the Unite union, of punishing staff who had gone out of their way to help maintain services during the pandemic after the internal memo came to light, signalling it would oppose the losses.
Chief executive Noel Quinn used the memo to explain that the cost-cutting, first announced in February and due to take place over three years, was "even more necessary today" as the group faces "challenging times" posed by the COVID-19 fallout that has seen its market value tumble by over a third in the year to date.
Image: Noel Quinn has run HSBC since the summer of 2019
He told the bank's 235,000 employees: "We could not pause the job losses indefinitely - it was always a question of 'not if, but when'."
Mr Quinn said the vast majority of external recruitment would remain frozen.
HSBC has not given a geographical breakdown for the job losses but said in February there would be "meaningful" cuts in the UK where it currently employs around 40,000 staff.
The bank is UK-based but has a major focus in Asia, especially Hong Kong.
Unite said it would "work vigorously to ensure staff are heard and their jobs protected".
Its national officer, Dominic Hook, responded: "The question that must be asked today is 'Why now HSBC?'
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"At present, vast numbers of HSBC staff are making massive sacrifices working from home or taking risks travelling into offices and bank branches to help customers."
He added: "Now is the time for HSBC to stand by its workforce and recognise these mighty efforts, and see that the bank's strength lies within its workforce."


news--2020-06-17--Coronavirus: Toddler dressed as Captain Tom raising cash for NHS with lengths of driveway

A toddler is raising money for the NHS by attempting to walk 100 lengths of his driveway by his first birthday .
Decked out in an assortment of fancy dress , Teddy Kilbane has raised more than £1,000 for NHS Charities Together since beginning the effort at his Portsmouth home .
Alongside outfits of builders and sailors , one was created for the infant in honour of Captain Sir Tom Moore , who his challenge was inspired by .
The former British Army officer raised £32m by walking 100 lengths of his garden before his 100th birthday .
Teddy has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he turns one on 17 July .
Both Teddy 's parents have been involved in the national effort to counter coronavirus .
His mother Kiri is a GP , while his father Liam is a Royal Navy doctor and a trainee orthopaedic surgeon , but was seconded to Portsmouth 's Queen Alexandra Hospital intensive care unit at the height of the COVID-19 crisis .
Mr Kilbane said : `` This all started because he had a little trolley walker thing , we were trying to get him to just toddle around and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I just kept turning it every time he hit a wall so he just kept going from kitchen to living room and I was thinking ' I wonder how far he can go ' .
`` We 've got a shared driveway and it is a really nice flat surface so we went outside so see if he could do a length and he did it .
`` I was very proud and I thought of Captain Tom 's challenge and thought 'you 're one in 57 days , so if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we could probably get to 100 lengths before your birthday . ''
Mr Kilbane said the family were trying to follow a different theme each day .
`` That is becoming tougher as we need more ideas of what to put him in , '' he added .
`` Some of them are distracting - we did a French one with garlic and onions and a french baguette and all he wanted to do was eat the bread which was quite funny . ''
Among those supporting the youngster have been Teddy 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fun , our neighbours all sort of poke their heads out as well which is quite nice , '' Mr Kilbane said .
`` He tends to wave at the cars and wave at the windows even if there is no one there - he just gets distracted and wants to wave so you have to refocus him . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Teddy 's father said his son was currently doing between two and five lengths a day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might be able to do a bit of it without the trolley , '' Mr Kilbane said '' He 's pretty stable with the walker but he 's a bit of a scaredy cat , even trying to make him walk holding one hand he just says no , he 's still working on his confidence . ''

A toddler is raising money for the NHS by attempting to walk 100 lengths of his driveway by his first birthday.
Decked out in an assortment of fancy dress, Teddy Kilbane has raised more than £1,000 for NHS Charities Together since beginning the effort at his Portsmouth home.
Alongside outfits of builders and sailors, one was created for the infant in honour of Captain Sir Tom Moore, who his challenge was inspired by.
Image: Teddy has been decked out in an array of fancy dress, including this one resembling a builder
The former British Army officer raised £32m by walking 100 lengths of his garden before his 100th birthday. Teddy has another 59 lengths left to walk before he turns one on 17 July.
Both Teddy's parents have been involved in the national effort to counter coronavirus.
His mother Kiri is a GP, while his father Liam is a Royal Navy doctor and a trainee orthopaedic surgeon, but was seconded to Portsmouth's Queen Alexandra Hospital intensive care unit at the height of the COVID-19 crisis.
Mr Kilbane said: "This all started because he had a little trolley walker thing, we were trying to get him to just toddle around and he was doing quite well on it.
"I just kept turning it every time he hit a wall so he just kept going from kitchen to living room and I was thinking 'I wonder how far he can go'.
"We've got a shared driveway and it is a really nice flat surface so we went outside so see if he could do a length and he did it.
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"I was very proud and I thought of Captain Tom's challenge and thought 'you're one in 57 days, so if you do less than two laps a day we could probably get to 100 lengths before your birthday."
Image: The infant has 59 lengths left to walk before he turns one on July 17
Mr Kilbane said the family were trying to follow a different theme each day.
"That is becoming tougher as we need more ideas of what to put him in," he added.
"Some of them are distracting - we did a French one with garlic and onions and a french baguette and all he wanted to do was eat the bread which was quite funny."
Among those supporting the youngster have been Teddy's neighbours.
"It has been good fun, our neighbours all sort of poke their heads out as well which is quite nice," Mr Kilbane said.
"He tends to wave at the cars and wave at the windows even if there is no one there - he just gets distracted and wants to wave so you have to refocus him."
Image: Captain Tom Moore completed his garden challenge in April
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Teddy's father said his son was currently doing between two and five lengths a day.
"Hopefully in another month he might be able to do a bit of it without the trolley," Mr Kilbane said
"He's pretty stable with the walker but he's a bit of a scaredy cat, even trying to make him walk holding one hand he just says no, he's still working on his confidence."


news--2020-06-17--Marcus Rashford: Premier League rivals celebrate footballer's food voucher win

As the Premier League is set to return , old foes put aside their rivalries to show support for Marcus Rashford 's successful food voucher campaign .
The 22-year-old Manchester United forward 's open letter to MPs resulted in a government U-turn on Tuesday which will see the free school meals scheme extended into the summer holidays .
And while there is no love lost on the pitch , Rashford 's work garnered congratulations from across the country - including two of his side 's closest rivals .
Down the M62 , Liverpool also complimented Rashford , posting : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the actions of this remarkable role model .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker And Tottenham , who Manchester United face on Friday , posted : `` Amazing work , @ MarcusRashford .
This will make a huge difference to so many young people across our communities . ''
Man United paid tribute to their star , saying : `` A hero .
An inspiration .
One of our own .
We are so proud of you , @ MarcusRashford .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ their say .
Former England striker Gary Lineker praised Rashford for his `` extraordinary campaign and win '' , posting : `` Great to see @ ManUtd 's number 10 changing policy at number 10 . ''
The Professional Footballers ' Association ( PFA ) described Rashford 's work as an `` amazing achievement '' .
Meanwhile , the Premier League has supported players ' wishes for shirts to don the Black Lives Matter ( BLM ) message on the back instead of their names for the first round of matches after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take a knee in a display of solidarity .
It comes as England stars Raheem Sterling , Jadon Sancho , Jordan Henderson , Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lucy Bronze appeared in a video campaign calling for change as a result of the BLM movement .
Players will also take part in a tribute for those who have died with coronavirus and to thank the NHS for their work during the crisis .
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has insisted the messages are not overly political .
`` I think it is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voices to make what I think are ethical and valued judgements , rather than political statements , '' he said .
`` They 're supposed to be unifying messages and we support them and so do the clubs . ''
He added : `` We have been talking to the players about how they wanted to respond to the two big issues - COVID and the response to events in America and they made clear what they wanted to do to us and we and the clubs were happy to support them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We are comfortable , absolutely comfortable , to listen to the players where they have strong opinions and it 's right that they express them . ''

As the Premier League is set to return, old foes put aside their rivalries to show support for Marcus Rashford's successful food voucher campaign.
The 22-year-old Manchester United forward's open letter to MPs resulted in a government U-turn on Tuesday which will see the free school meals scheme extended into the summer holidays.
And while there is no love lost on the pitch, Rashford's work garnered congratulations from across the country - including two of his side's closest rivals.
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Manchester City tweeted: "Fantastic work @MarcusRashford, making Manchester proud."
Down the M62, Liverpool also complimented Rashford, posting: "Children in our region will benefit because of the actions of this remarkable role model.
"From Liverpool With Love."
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And Tottenham, who Manchester United face on Friday, posted: "Amazing work, @MarcusRashford. This will make a huge difference to so many young people across our communities."
Man United paid tribute to their star, saying: "A hero. An inspiration. One of our own. We are so proud of you, @MarcusRashford."
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Others from across the sport had their say.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:26 Marcus Rashford on free school meals
Former England striker Gary Lineker praised Rashford for his "extraordinary campaign and win", posting: "Great to see @ManUtd's number 10 changing policy at number 10."
The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) described Rashford's work as an "amazing achievement".
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Meanwhile, the Premier League has supported players' wishes for shirts to don the Black Lives Matter (BLM) message on the back instead of their names for the first round of matches after the restart.
Players will also be allowed to take a knee in a display of solidarity.
It comes as England stars Raheem Sterling, Jadon Sancho, Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lucy Bronze appeared in a video campaign calling for change as a result of the BLM movement.
Players will also take part in a tribute for those who have died with coronavirus and to thank the NHS for their work during the crisis.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has insisted the messages are not overly political.
"I think it is a good thing that players are using their voices to make what I think are ethical and valued judgements, rather than political statements," he said.
"They're supposed to be unifying messages and we support them and so do the clubs."
He added: "We have been talking to the players about how they wanted to respond to the two big issues - COVID and the response to events in America and they made clear what they wanted to do to us and we and the clubs were happy to support them, as were the PFA and LMA.
"We are comfortable, absolutely comfortable, to listen to the players where they have strong opinions and it's right that they express them."


news--2020-03-27--Coronavirus: Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley 'deeply apologetic' for blunders

Retail tycoon Mike Ashley says he is `` deeply apologetic '' following a series of mistakes in his company 's handling of the coronavirus outbreak .
The boss of Frasers Group , which has Sports Direct and House of Fraser in its stable of companies , published an open letter on Friday morning in which he expressed regrets but also offered use of the company 's truck fleet to the NHS for the delivery of supplies to fight COVID-19 .
He was roundly criticised by MPs for emails to the government , as the country was placed on lockdown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was essential for keeping the nation active .
It later moved to defend its stance in further correspondence before backing down and closing stores .
Mr Ashley said in his letter : `` Our intentions were only to seek clarity from the government as to whether we should keep some of our stores open ; we would never have acted against their advice .
`` In hindsight , our emails to the government were ill-judged and poorly timed , when they clearly had much greater pressures than ours to deal with .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to our employees and the public on this was poor .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
`` To reiterate , I am deeply apologetic about the misunderstandings of the last few days .
We will learn from this and will try not to make the same mistakes in the future . ''
The letter also sounded a note of caution on the impact the COVID-19 crisis was likely to have on the company , which has lost almost half its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - leaving it below £1.6bn .
`` We are working very hard to save our business , so that we can continue to be one of the biggest employers on the UK high street once this pandemic has passed , '' he said .
The tycoon , who also owns Newcastle United , is a colourful but controversial figure in the business world .
Mr Ashley became locked in a fierce battle with MPs and unions in 2016 as Sports Direct was accused of operating `` Victorian workhouse '' conditions at its Shirebrook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a court a year later , as he successfully fought off a case brought by an investment banker , that he was a `` power drinker '' who `` liked to get drunk '' .
Sports Direct 's website remains open for business and is not alone in that sales sphere though Next announced on Thursday evening that it had shut down its online business amid pressure from staff .

Retail tycoon Mike Ashley says he is "deeply apologetic" following a series of mistakes in his company's handling of the coronavirus outbreak.
The boss of Frasers Group, which has Sports Direct and House of Fraser in its stable of companies, published an open letter on Friday morning in which he expressed regrets but also offered use of the company's truck fleet to the NHS for the delivery of supplies to fight COVID-19.
He was roundly criticised by MPs for emails to the government, as the country was placed on lockdown, in which the company claimed Sports Direct was essential for keeping the nation active.
Image: Sports Direct's website remains open for sales
It later moved to defend its stance in further correspondence before backing down and closing stores.
Mr Ashley said in his letter: "Our intentions were only to seek clarity from the government as to whether we should keep some of our stores open; we would never have acted against their advice.
"In hindsight, our emails to the government were ill-judged and poorly timed, when they clearly had much greater pressures than ours to deal with.
"On top of this, our communications to our employees and the public on this was poor.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
"To reiterate, I am deeply apologetic about the misunderstandings of the last few days. We will learn from this and will try not to make the same mistakes in the future."
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The letter also sounded a note of caution on the impact the COVID-19 crisis was likely to have on the company, which has lost almost half its market value in the year to date - leaving it below £1.6bn.
Mr Ashley is a controlling shareholder with a 63% stake.
"We are working very hard to save our business, so that we can continue to be one of the biggest employers on the UK high street once this pandemic has passed," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:20 Govt 'working night and day' to support people
The tycoon, who also owns Newcastle United, is a colourful but controversial figure in the business world.
Mr Ashley became locked in a fierce battle with MPs and unions in 2016 as Sports Direct was accused of operating "Victorian workhouse" conditions at its Shirebrook warehouse operation in Derbyshire.
He told a court a year later, as he successfully fought off a case brought by an investment banker, that he was a "power drinker" who "liked to get drunk".
Sports Direct's website remains open for business and is not alone in that sales sphere though Next announced on Thursday evening that it had shut down its online business amid pressure from staff.


news--2020-03-27--Coronavirus: Stranded cruise passengers split between two ships amid disease fears

More than 220 British nationals are being split between two cruise ships off Panama after four passengers on one of the vessels died amid coronavirus fears .
Hundreds of guests on the MS Zaandam - where the deaths occurred and where two passengers have tested positive for the illness - are being transferred to its sister ship , the MS Rotterdam , if they do not have any symptoms of COVID-19 .
The rest will have to stay aboard the infected ship , where at least 130 people are displaying flu-like symptoms .
The other nationalities of those on board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as Germans , Italians , French , Spanish and New Zealanders .
The Panamanian authorities finally on Friday night gave the Zaandam operated by Holland America Line , permission to travel through the Panama Canal towards its desired destination of Fort Lauderdale , Florida .
The Rotterdam is expected to head to San Diego , maritime affairs minister Noriel Arauz told the AFP news agency .
Still , it remains an anxious time for the more than 1,200 passengers and nearly 600 crew who had been travelling on the Zaandam when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from the village of Mendlesham in Suffolk , were expecting to be transferred to the Rotterdam having spent the past six days cooped up in their cabin on the Zaandam like everybody else on board .
`` I have been walking up and down the cabin from the bed to the door and back again , '' Mrs Deeks , 66 , told Sky News in a video message .
`` That 's 24 steps .
I am trying to do 10,000 steps a day but it 's all becoming a bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lift each other when we 're fed up .
Fortunately we are not fed up at the same time , '' she said .
Her sister Wendy , who was also on the 781-foot Zaandam , was among the first to be moved over to the Rotterdam because she is over 70 and deemed more at risk of complications from the virus .
`` I am a bit concerned we are going to be split up , but we are well and that 's good news , '' Mrs Deeks said .
Another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lucas , 67 , from Warrington - were also on the infected ship and have been transferred to the other one .
`` It was a bit of a shock when we were first informed there was illness on board and we needed to be confined to our cabins , '' Mr Lucas , said , describing the past week .
`` We were kept informed over the few days afterwards that the numbers [ of infected ] were going up , then on Thursday night the captain told us about the four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home .
Our thoughts are with the families of those concerned , '' he said .
`` My wife and I are currently healthy , following guidelines to ensure we stay that way , '' Mr Lucas added .
`` We are a bit disconcerted that we are n't allowed to dock , which would give the medical staff here extra resources and people to treat those with the illness . ''
He said that the couple keep themselves entertained in isolation by doing crosswords and quizzes , including those sent over by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watching films .
Holland America Line said on Friday that four `` older guests '' had died on the Zaandam .
The age and nationalities of those who died have not yet been released .
On Friday night , coronavirus testing kits were brought onto the ship from the Rotterdam .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The cruise company is owned by Carnival Corp , whose Princess Cruises recently suspended voyages for two months after two of its quarantined ships became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Office spokesman said : `` We are doing all we can to help British people on board the Zaandam cruise ship .
`` Our staff are in close contact with the cruise operator and the authorities in the region to ensure British people can get home safely . ''

More than 220 British nationals are being split between two cruise ships off Panama after four passengers on one of the vessels died amid coronavirus fears.
Hundreds of guests on the MS Zaandam - where the deaths occurred and where two passengers have tested positive for the illness - are being transferred to its sister ship, the MS Rotterdam, if they do not have any symptoms of COVID-19.
The rest will have to stay aboard the infected ship, where at least 130 people are displaying flu-like symptoms.
The other nationalities of those on board include Americans, Canadians and Australians as well as Germans, Italians, French, Spanish and New Zealanders.
Image: Cheryl and David Deeks are among more than 220 passengers from the UK on board the MS Zaandam
The Panamanian authorities finally on Friday night gave the Zaandam operated by Holland America Line, permission to travel through the Panama Canal towards its desired destination of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The Rotterdam is expected to head to San Diego, maritime affairs minister Noriel Arauz told the AFP news agency.
Image: Four passengers have died on the MS Zaandam
Still, it remains an anxious time for the more than 1,200 passengers and nearly 600 crew who had been travelling on the Zaandam when the virus struck.
Cheryl and David Deeks, from the village of Mendlesham in Suffolk, were expecting to be transferred to the Rotterdam having spent the past six days cooped up in their cabin on the Zaandam like everybody else on board.
Image: Panamanian authorities have finally given the Zaandam permission to travel through the Panama Canal
"I have been walking up and down the cabin from the bed to the door and back again," Mrs Deeks, 66, told Sky News in a video message.
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"That's 24 steps. I am trying to do 10,000 steps a day but it's all becoming a bit boring now. We're trying to lift each other when we're fed up. Fortunately we are not fed up at the same time," she said.
Her sister Wendy, who was also on the 781-foot Zaandam, was among the first to be moved over to the Rotterdam because she is over 70 and deemed more at risk of complications from the virus.
"I am a bit concerned we are going to be split up, but we are well and that's good news," Mrs Deeks said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 PM: 'I can continue' with COVID-19
Another British couple - 65-year-old Karen and Graham Lucas, 67, from Warrington - were also on the infected ship and have been transferred to the other one.
"It was a bit of a shock when we were first informed there was illness on board and we needed to be confined to our cabins," Mr Lucas, said, describing the past week.
"We were kept informed over the few days afterwards that the numbers [of infected] were going up, then on Thursday night the captain told us about the four deaths on board. It really hit home. Our thoughts are with the families of those concerned," he said.
Image: Passengers on the Zaandam have been confined to their cabins since Sunday
"My wife and I are currently healthy, following guidelines to ensure we stay that way," Mr Lucas added. "We are a bit disconcerted that we aren't allowed to dock, which would give the medical staff here extra resources and people to treat those with the illness."
Image: Canadian passengers Chris and Anna Joiner have also pleaded for help
He said that the couple keep themselves entertained in isolation by doing crosswords and quizzes, including those sent over by family back in the UK, and watching films.
Image: Yadira Garza and Joel Gonzalez are on their honeymoon on the Zaandam
Image: Canadian passenger Anna Joiner in her cabin
Holland America Line said on Friday that four "older guests" had died on the Zaandam. The age and nationalities of those who died have not yet been released.
On Friday night, coronavirus testing kits were brought onto the ship from the Rotterdam.
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The cruise company is owned by Carnival Corp, whose Princess Cruises recently suspended voyages for two months after two of its quarantined ships became hotbeds for coronavirus infections.
A UK Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are doing all we can to help British people on board the Zaandam cruise ship.
"Our staff are in close contact with the cruise operator and the authorities in the region to ensure British people can get home safely."