news--2020-05-08--Coronavirus: Dementia charity sees 44% increase in calls during COVID-19 lockdown

The number of people calling the Dementia UK helpline has risen by 44 % during lockdown .
Figures exclusively shared with Sky News show hundreds more are seeking help for relatives with dementia because of COVID-19 .
In March this year 2,114 calls were made to the charity 's helpline , compared to 1,464 in March last year .
Dementia UK say families coping with dementia are `` particularly vulnerable '' during the coronavirus lockdown .
Hannah Riches met her husband Neil when they were both working in the police .
She said her husband was a `` proud '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned upside down '' when at 51 he was diagnosed with early onset dementia .
The couple now live in Berkshire with their 10 and 11-year-old daughters .
Mrs Riches said it has been `` heartbreaking '' watching his condition deteriorate .
`` What 's so sad is seeing him unable to look after himself .
He looked after us all , and seeing the girls having to take on the role of looking after him , is heartbreaking really .
`` I think on some subconscious level he has been aware of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see . ''
For the last six weeks Mrs Riches has been juggling home schooling and caring for her husband at home .
She has struggled with losing a routine during lockdown , and added : `` Normally he has some structure to his week , some social interaction .
`` Neil had choir on a Tuesday , badminton on a Wednesday and then a friend always meets him and takes him for a walk on Thursday .
I realise now those snippets really , really helped give me a break .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much more withdrawn and self-isolated even within the home .
`` He can get agitated , and pace round the house , you ask him what 's wrong and he ca n't tell you , he ca n't voice what it is .
They say you should distract , I try to distract him , but it 's easier said than done . ''
Dementia UK has warned that lockdown is not just causing practical difficulties , but also impacting on the mental health of those caring for loved ones .
Mrs Riches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last seven weeks has been being unable to see her friends and family .
`` People ask 'How do you cope ?
How do you get on ? '
You have to , but also it 's through the support and care and consideration and kindness of my friends and family , that 's how you cope .
`` They look out for you and they help you and they offer you respite and friendship and laughter .
I have had lots of Zoom and FaceTime messages , but it 's not the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's lonely looking after someone with dementia . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Chief executive of Dementia UK Dr Hilda Hayo said families living with the disease are `` vulnerable and challenged '' by the evolving situation , and the confinement measures now in place .
`` Regular support networks such as carer groups , day centres and activities have shut down .
`` Friends and other relatives are being advised not to visit .
For many family carers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at all - and caring for someone with dementia can be a physically and emotionally challenging , 24-hour-a-day job .
`` The person with dementia may experience increased agitation and confusion , as their routines change .
`` If you know that someone who lives near you has dementia , please offer to help them during this difficult time .
Please call the dementia specialist nurses on Dementia UK 's Helpline if you are not sure how . ''

The number of people calling the Dementia UK helpline has risen by 44% during lockdown.
Figures exclusively shared with Sky News show hundreds more are seeking help for relatives with dementia because of COVID-19.
In March this year 2,114 calls were made to the charity's helpline, compared to 1,464 in March last year.
Dementia UK say families coping with dementia are "particularly vulnerable" during the coronavirus lockdown.
Hannah Riches met her husband Neil when they were both working in the police.
Image: Neil was diagnosed with early onset dementia when he was just 51
She said her husband was a "proud" officer, and their lives were "turned upside down" when at 51 he was diagnosed with early onset dementia.
The couple now live in Berkshire with their 10 and 11-year-old daughters. Mrs Riches said it has been "heartbreaking" watching his condition deteriorate.
"What's so sad is seeing him unable to look after himself. He looked after us all, and seeing the girls having to take on the role of looking after him, is heartbreaking really.
"I think on some subconscious level he has been aware of that, that's very difficult to see."
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For the last six weeks Mrs Riches has been juggling home schooling and caring for her husband at home.
She has struggled with losing a routine during lockdown, and added: "Normally he has some structure to his week, some social interaction.
"Neil had choir on a Tuesday, badminton on a Wednesday and then a friend always meets him and takes him for a walk on Thursday. I realise now those snippets really, really helped give me a break.
Image: The couple live in Berkshire with their 10 and 11-year-old daughters
"I've definitely noticed he's become much more withdrawn and self-isolated even within the home.
"He can get agitated, and pace round the house, you ask him what's wrong and he can't tell you, he can't voice what it is. They say you should distract, I try to distract him, but it's easier said than done."
Dementia UK has warned that lockdown is not just causing practical difficulties, but also impacting on the mental health of those caring for loved ones.
Mrs Riches said the most challenging part of the last seven weeks has been being unable to see her friends and family.
"People ask 'How do you cope? How do you get on?' You have to, but also it's through the support and care and consideration and kindness of my friends and family, that's how you cope.
"They look out for you and they help you and they offer you respite and friendship and laughter. I have had lots of Zoom and FaceTime messages, but it's not the same as seeing them.
"It's lonely looking after someone with dementia."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Chief executive of Dementia UK Dr Hilda Hayo said families living with the disease are "vulnerable and challenged" by the evolving situation, and the confinement measures now in place.
"Regular support networks such as carer groups, day centres and activities have shut down.
"Friends and other relatives are being advised not to visit. For many family carers, this means they will get no respite at all - and caring for someone with dementia can be a physically and emotionally challenging, 24-hour-a-day job.
"The person with dementia may experience increased agitation and confusion, as their routines change.
"If you know that someone who lives near you has dementia, please offer to help them during this difficult time. Please call the dementia specialist nurses on Dementia UK's Helpline if you are not sure how."


news--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: Drivers caught travelling hundreds of miles to buy puppies and speakers

Cumbria is an idyllic part of the world - a popular choice for day trippers and staycationers when the weather 's warm .
But with the coronavirus lockdown still in place , this is no normal bank holiday weekend .
Officers from Cumbria 's roads policing unit have shared several examples of motorists who have been caught making non-essential journeys in the county .
The force has issued dozens of fines since the lockdown began , and some of the reasons for breaking the rules have been especially egregious .
On Saturday alone , one driver was stopped as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to purchase a puppy .
Another motorist had set off from London to Manchester to buy an Audi - and then decided to travel to Carlisle so he could treat himself to some speakers he had seen on eBay .
A family from Wigan were given a ticket after being caught heading out for a drive in Windermere .
Officers escorted them from the area .
Police fined one group who made a 250-mile journey from the capital to Ambleside , telling them : `` Unfortunately , London is not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Minutes later , `` succinct words of advice '' were given to a family who had travelled to the Lakes from Southend-on-Sea - a one-way journey that 's 307 miles .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker These breaches have been happening regularly .
On Friday , three men had travelled from Stockport to Cumbria `` to feed the ducks '' .
They were escorted back to the motorway , with officers describing their actions as `` quackers '' .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making a non-essential journey have tried to claim that they were on the road for work , even though this was n't the case .
Even though the Cumbria roads policing unit has tried to be good-humoured about some of the violations they 've seen in recent days , their message is clear : `` Lockdown is still on .
The Lake District is still closed . ''
Police in other parts of the country have also said they are `` fighting a losing battle '' .
In the London borough of Hackney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people '' were ignoring the government 's orders to stay at home - sitting in parks and having pizzas , beers and wine .

Cumbria is an idyllic part of the world - a popular choice for day trippers and staycationers when the weather's warm.
But with the coronavirus lockdown still in place, this is no normal bank holiday weekend.
Officers from Cumbria's roads policing unit have shared several examples of motorists who have been caught making non-essential journeys in the county.
Image: This family of four were driving from London to Motherwell for a three-day break. Pic: @CumbriaRoadsPol
The force has issued dozens of fines since the lockdown began, and some of the reasons for breaking the rules have been especially egregious.
On Saturday alone, one driver was stopped as he attempted to drive from Manchester to Dundee in order to purchase a puppy.
Another motorist had set off from London to Manchester to buy an Audi - and then decided to travel to Carlisle so he could treat himself to some speakers he had seen on eBay.
A family from Wigan were given a ticket after being caught heading out for a drive in Windermere. Officers escorted them from the area.
Police fined one group who made a 250-mile journey from the capital to Ambleside, telling them: "Unfortunately, London is not a reasonable distance to have travelled from."
Minutes later, "succinct words of advice" were given to a family who had travelled to the Lakes from Southend-on-Sea - a one-way journey that's 307 miles.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
These breaches have been happening regularly. On Friday, three men had travelled from Stockport to Cumbria "to feed the ducks".
They were escorted back to the motorway, with officers describing their actions as "quackers".
Some of those stopped by the police for making a non-essential journey have tried to claim that they were on the road for work, even though this wasn't the case.
Image: People in a park in London, where police say they are 'losing the battle' to enforce lockdown rules. Pic: Hackney Police
Even though the Cumbria roads policing unit has tried to be good-humoured about some of the violations they've seen in recent days, their message is clear: "Lockdown is still on. The Lake District is still closed."
Police in other parts of the country have also said they are "fighting a losing battle".
In the London borough of Hackney, officers said "literally hundreds of people" were ignoring the government's orders to stay at home - sitting in parks and having pizzas, beers and wine.


news--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: How lockdown is making us better neighbours and building new communities

Across the UK people have been coming together to help those most in need during the lockdown .
Eugene Petzer who co-founded the mutual aid group Isolation Help Bexley tells Sky News the lockdown has unintentionally created a new sense of community in his borough .
Isolation Help Bexley was set up in March , to help vulnerable people in Bexley during the COVID-19 pandemic .
The idea was to make sure people self-isolating did n't feel isolated .
We initially thought it would just be a few neighbours helping a few neighbours , but since then it 's snowballed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website , by email or phone , we get in touch with them and clarify exactly what they need .
Then whatever their request is - maybe they need shopping , maybe they need a prescription collecting - it goes to different volunteers depending on what they are able to do .
We 've got a map and our own little help desk which manages all of these calls and makes sure that the requests go to the right people .
At the heart of it , it is still neighbours helping neighbours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that deals with the logistics part of it , to make sure that people get help from someone nearby .
The response has been overwhelming .
We still get people registering to volunteer every day , who just want to help .
Usually our daily lives are so disconnected and we all have our own little rituals , going out shopping , going out eating , meeting friends who live somewhere else .
There 's normally none of this talking over the garden fence or visiting the neighbours down the road or two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people together .
It 's formed new friendships .
I 've lived in my current house for five years and have maybe been next door three or four times and the neighbours on the other side have been there maybe once or twice to collect packages .
But since the lockdown happened , people go out .
We clap for carers on a Thursday .
We stand out and have a chat and just talk about stuff .
My next door neighbour and I text each other now , to make sure we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go outside for coffee every day and we talk .
Because of Isolation Help Bexley I 've met and worked with people who under normal circumstances I 'd probably never have met and I 'll definitely stay friends with them when this is all over .
I think that 's going to happen among the volunteers and the people in need as well .
We started a general chat group in WhatsApp for volunteers so they can talk to each other directly .
They 've set each other baking challenges .
They share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideas and stories .
It 's not why we started the group initially but people have just naturally used the network to stay in touch with each other and communicate .
The situation has forced people together and as they get to know their neighbours , I think they 'll start lasting friendships .
Through setting up the group we 've also discovered cases of pre-existing neglect around the borough , which have been incredibly sad .
But the lockdown has brought those cases to light , so now those people are starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways they would n't have been before .
What we all would love to see when the current situation ends is that the work we are doing continues - either in an informal capacity , where people just keep helping each other , or in a more formal capacity .
Maybe we can augment the services that are offered by the local council , befriending our neighbours and making sure people are not isolated and lonely .
One of our founders said originally that she does n't just want this scheme to last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure that come Christmas we can do the same thing .
Whenever people find things difficult we want there to be a core community support group that they can reach out to , with a volunteer base they can tap into , to help with the loneliness and isolation .
That 's the one thing I would most love to see come out of this situation , that the work done by this awesome group of people continues and that we keep lifting each other up and forming stronger communities .

Across the UK people have been coming together to help those most in need during the lockdown.
Eugene Petzer who co-founded the mutual aid group Isolation Help Bexley tells Sky News the lockdown has unintentionally created a new sense of community in his borough.
Image: Eugene Petzer helped set up a mutual aid group in Bexley to look after people in lockdown
Isolation Help Bexley was set up in March, to help vulnerable people in Bexley during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The idea was to make sure people self-isolating didn't feel isolated.
We initially thought it would just be a few neighbours helping a few neighbours, but since then it's snowballed.
When someone requests help via our website, by email or phone, we get in touch with them and clarify exactly what they need.
Then whatever their request is - maybe they need shopping, maybe they need a prescription collecting - it goes to different volunteers depending on what they are able to do.
We've got a map and our own little help desk which manages all of these calls and makes sure that the requests go to the right people.
At the heart of it, it is still neighbours helping neighbours.
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We've just established a team that deals with the logistics part of it, to make sure that people get help from someone nearby.
The response has been overwhelming. We still get people registering to volunteer every day, who just want to help.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:21 Lockdown road: 'I've been making knickers!'
Usually our daily lives are so disconnected and we all have our own little rituals, going out shopping, going out eating, meeting friends who live somewhere else.
There's normally none of this talking over the garden fence or visiting the neighbours down the road or two blocks over.
The lockdown has brought people together. It's formed new friendships.
I've lived in my current house for five years and have maybe been next door three or four times and the neighbours on the other side have been there maybe once or twice to collect packages.
Image: Members of the public clap outside the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
But since the lockdown happened, people go out. We clap for carers on a Thursday. We stand out and have a chat and just talk about stuff.
My next door neighbour and I text each other now, to make sure we get out of the house. I go outside for coffee every day and we talk.
Because of Isolation Help Bexley I've met and worked with people who under normal circumstances I'd probably never have met and I'll definitely stay friends with them when this is all over.
I think that's going to happen among the volunteers and the people in need as well.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:02 South coast shows community spirit
We started a general chat group in WhatsApp for volunteers so they can talk to each other directly.
They've set each other baking challenges. They share pictures of their efforts. They share ideas and stories.
It's not why we started the group initially but people have just naturally used the network to stay in touch with each other and communicate.
The situation has forced people together and as they get to know their neighbours, I think they'll start lasting friendships.
Through setting up the group we've also discovered cases of pre-existing neglect around the borough, which have been incredibly sad.
But the lockdown has brought those cases to light, so now those people are starting to get help and being befriended in ways they wouldn't have been before.
What we all would love to see when the current situation ends is that the work we are doing continues - either in an informal capacity, where people just keep helping each other, or in a more formal capacity.
Maybe we can augment the services that are offered by the local council, befriending our neighbours and making sure people are not isolated and lonely.
One of our founders said originally that she doesn't just want this scheme to last for lockdown, she wants to make sure that come Christmas we can do the same thing.
Whenever people find things difficult we want there to be a core community support group that they can reach out to, with a volunteer base they can tap into, to help with the loneliness and isolation.
That's the one thing I would most love to see come out of this situation, that the work done by this awesome group of people continues and that we keep lifting each other up and forming stronger communities.


news--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: Senior media figures warn of COVID-19 'perfect storm' hitting newspapers

Senior media figures have warned of the coronavirus `` perfect storm '' hitting newspapers , saying the drop in circulation and ad revenue could lead to some outlets disappearing completely .
A sector that has been struggling for a while due to readers moving online , the coronavirus lockdown - now in its seventh week in the UK - has accelerated its decline .
Jim Waterson , media editor of The Guardian , says consumer habits have changed dramatically while people are staying indoors .
`` Things they predicted to happen over the next five years have been happening in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he says .
`` So everything that people thought was going to happen in the medium-term has suddenly happened almost overnight . ''
As many people have stopped commuting to work , those who previously read a physical paper are `` suddenly realising they are happy for the online equivalent '' , he says .
Newspapers in this country are heavily reliant on print sales to subsidise free online content - so a drop in circulation , combined with advertisers pulling their content , has had a devastating effect .
`` This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Waterson says .
`` This is an already struggling industry that has seen one of its main sources of revenue collapse at the same time that its other source of revenue has also collapsed , and the end result might be that we see closures of outlets that people take as part of everyday life . ''
Local news has been hit particularly hard - 50 titles have stopped appearing in print , despite them being a lifeline to local communities and people self-isolating .
Alice Pickthall , senior analyst at subscription research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are feeling the strain most acutely .
However , she says the industry as a whole could lose well over a billion pounds by the end of 2020 .
Circulation has fallen by around 40 % since lockdown started , she says , while ad revenue is down by between 50 % and 80 % .
`` It 's a very bad situation and we 're talking about everyone in this ecosystem and those who are the most vulnerable are the local media , '' she says .
`` The risk there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not sustain themselves , we could lose a very large number of journalists in this country . ''
The cruel irony of the situation is people are flocking to news outlets in higher numbers than ever as they search for information about COVID-19 .
The Times editor John Witherow says digital subscriptions are up significantly , with readers looking for trusted sources of information .
`` We are selling fewer newspapers so those figures are down and of course advertising is adversely affected , so economically it 's not great for newspapers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plus side is there 's a huge demand for news and especially for papers like The Times .
`` We rely on being trustworthy and checking things incredibly carefully and that 's what readers want . ''
Mr Witherow reiterates that the main concern is for local papers , which were already struggling before the pandemic hit .
`` There 's a big issue for the country as a whole , because we all want local newspapers , they 're really important for communities and giving guidance to people , '' he says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as some already have , I think that 's a real problem . ''
At the News UK printing site in Broxbourne , Hertfordshire , where The Times and The Sun are printed , it 's pretty much business as usual .
The printing machines fire up at around 9.30pm and minutes later , copies of both papers fly off the presses .
Staff tell me they 're proud to be keeping the service going and relieved to be working as normal in such uncertain times .
It 's a real thrill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and watch as ink starts to appear on the vast sheets of paper overhead .
It makes you appreciate the physical paper even more when you see the work that goes into it .
As Nick Taylor , the site 's printing manager , sums it up : `` It 's just nice to have it in your hand : see it , read it , feel it - smell it , even . ''
The Sun editor Victoria Newton says she is `` confident they will come through this very well '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are still selling and there are more deliveries , she says , and while some ad revenue has gone down , it has increased in other areas .
`` We 're lucky , we 're still in business and able to produce newspapers and a considerable number of people are still buying them , '' she says .
Ms Newton is also optimistic about the paper 's online performance , with traffic increasing as people seek `` analysis and information about how they would be affected '' .
: : Listen to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker One solution being offered by MP Damian Collins , former chair of the digital , culture , media and sport select committee , is to capitalise on the success of the internet ; he wants tech giants to pay for the news shared on their sites .
Big platforms such as Google and Facebook have never `` really compensated the news organisations properly for the value of the content shared through those services '' , he says .
And if nothing is done , he warns : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organisations go out of business and more people increasingly reliant on the sorts of disinformation and low quality news that circulates like a virus through social media . ''

Senior media figures have warned of the coronavirus "perfect storm" hitting newspapers, saying the drop in circulation and ad revenue could lead to some outlets disappearing completely.
A sector that has been struggling for a while due to readers moving online, the coronavirus lockdown - now in its seventh week in the UK - has accelerated its decline.
Jim Waterson, media editor of The Guardian, says consumer habits have changed dramatically while people are staying indoors.
Image: More people are reading online, but print sales and ad revenue are down for most newspapers
"Things they predicted to happen over the next five years have been happening in the space of five weeks," he says. "So everything that people thought was going to happen in the medium-term has suddenly happened almost overnight."
As many people have stopped commuting to work, those who previously read a physical paper are "suddenly realising they are happy for the online equivalent", he says.
Newspapers in this country are heavily reliant on print sales to subsidise free online content - so a drop in circulation, combined with advertisers pulling their content, has had a devastating effect.
"This is basically a perfect storm," Mr Waterson says. "This is an already struggling industry that has seen one of its main sources of revenue collapse at the same time that its other source of revenue has also collapsed, and the end result might be that we see closures of outlets that people take as part of everyday life."
Local news has been hit particularly hard - 50 titles have stopped appearing in print, despite them being a lifeline to local communities and people self-isolating.
Alice Pickthall, senior analyst at subscription research service Enders Analysis, says local papers are feeling the strain most acutely.
Advertisement
However, she says the industry as a whole could lose well over a billion pounds by the end of 2020. Circulation has fallen by around 40% since lockdown started, she says, while ad revenue is down by between 50% and 80%.
"It's a very bad situation and we're talking about everyone in this ecosystem and those who are the most vulnerable are the local media," she says.
"The risk there is if that revenue collapses and they cannot sustain themselves, we could lose a very large number of journalists in this country."
The cruel irony of the situation is people are flocking to news outlets in higher numbers than ever as they search for information about COVID-19.
YouTube YouTube , 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 YouTube 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 YouTube cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow YouTube cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
The Times editor John Witherow says digital subscriptions are up significantly, with readers looking for trusted sources of information.
"We are selling fewer newspapers so those figures are down and of course advertising is adversely affected, so economically it's not great for newspapers," he says. "But the plus side is there's a huge demand for news and especially for papers like The Times.
"We rely on being trustworthy and checking things incredibly carefully and that's what readers want."
Mr Witherow reiterates that the main concern is for local papers, which were already struggling before the pandemic hit.
"There's a big issue for the country as a whole, because we all want local newspapers, they're really important for communities and giving guidance to people," he says.
"If they start to disappear, as some already have, I think that's a real problem."
At the News UK printing site in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, where The Times and The Sun are printed, it's pretty much business as usual.
Image: The Sun and The Times are printed at the News UK site in Hertfordshire
The printing machines fire up at around 9.30pm and minutes later, copies of both papers fly off the presses. Staff tell me they're proud to be keeping the service going and relieved to be working as normal in such uncertain times.
It's a real thrill to see the machines slowly power up and watch as ink starts to appear on the vast sheets of paper overhead. It makes you appreciate the physical paper even more when you see the work that goes into it.
As Nick Taylor, the site's printing manager, sums it up: "It's just nice to have it in your hand: see it, read it, feel it - smell it, even."
The Sun editor Victoria Newton says she is "confident they will come through this very well", despite sales being hit.
Papers are still selling and there are more deliveries, she says, and while some ad revenue has gone down, it has increased in other areas.
"We're lucky, we're still in business and able to produce newspapers and a considerable number of people are still buying them," she says.
Ms Newton is also optimistic about the paper's online performance, with traffic increasing as people seek "analysis and information about how they would be affected".
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
One solution being offered by MP Damian Collins, former chair of the digital, culture, media and sport select committee, is to capitalise on the success of the internet; he wants tech giants to pay for the news shared on their sites.
Big platforms such as Google and Facebook have never "really compensated the news organisations properly for the value of the content shared through those services", he says.
And if nothing is done, he warns: "We're going to see more news organisations go out of business and more people increasingly reliant on the sorts of disinformation and low quality news that circulates like a virus through social media."


news--2020-05-09--Andy Serkis: Gollum actor raises £280,000 for charity after mammoth 'Hobbitathon' reading

Andy Serkis has raised more than £280,000 for charity after completing a live , continuous reading of The Hobbit .
It took the actor just under 11 hours to finish JRR Tolkien 's fantasy novel , as more than 650,000 people online across the world watched him taking on the `` Hobbitathon '' challenge during the coronavirus lockdown .
He included different voices in the gruelling feat , including of course his famous Gollum character .
Serkis only had a few two-minute breaks during the marathon read , including one at 11am to respect the VE Day silence .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifting people 's spirits as the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions continue .
And the money raised will be split equally between NHS Charities Together and Best Beginnings , which works to support babies , toddlers , pregnant families and new parents , and aims to reduce inequality .
Serkis , who earlier this year received the BAFTA Award for outstanding British contribution to cinema , started the Hobbitathon at 10am on Friday and finished just before 9pm .
He said on social media afterwards : `` Thank you all so much for tuning in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Best Beginnings , who between them support frontline workers , parents and babies .
I am truly humbled by the response !
`` Because of you , we raised more than £280,000 and counting !
Thank you again to @ harpercollins and the Tolkien Estate for making this all happen .
`` We are going to investigate with them more opportunities to share today 's `` one-time '' live event , so stay tuned .
And with that , I bid you goodnight from London - and to you and your loved ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign target has now been increased to £350,000 .
Ahead of the challenge , Serkis told Sky News he had a 60-page practice run .
He also said he would be armed with food and energy drinks to keep breaks to a minimum .
`` Sitting in a comfortable chair I have a real tendency to fall asleep very easily , '' he said .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Serkis also said he was inspired by Captain Tom Moore , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions of pounds for the NHS 's COVID-19 efforts by walking laps of his garden .
`` Captain Tom and so many people running marathons , '' he said .
`` I just thought , what 's the equivalent ?
If you ca n't actually run a marathon if you 're trapped indoors , an armchair marathon would be good .
And what a great story to do it with . ''
NHS Charities Together is the umbrella organisation bringing together all the official charities of the health service .
Serkis has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than six years .

Andy Serkis has raised more than £280,000 for charity after completing a live, continuous reading of The Hobbit.
It took the actor just under 11 hours to finish JRR Tolkien's fantasy novel, as more than 650,000 people online across the world watched him taking on the "Hobbitathon" challenge during the coronavirus lockdown.
He included different voices in the gruelling feat, including of course his famous Gollum character.
Image: It took the actor almost 11 hours to read the entire book
Serkis only had a few two-minute breaks during the marathon read, including one at 11am to respect the VE Day silence.
The challenge was aimed at providing entertainment and lifting people's spirits as the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions continue.
And the money raised will be split equally between NHS Charities Together and Best Beginnings, which works to support babies, toddlers, pregnant families and new parents, and aims to reduce inequality.
Serkis, who earlier this year received the BAFTA Award for outstanding British contribution to cinema, started the Hobbitathon at 10am on Friday and finished just before 9pm.
He said on social media afterwards: "Thank you all so much for tuning in and for supporting NHS Charities Together and Best Beginnings, who between them support frontline workers, parents and babies. I am truly humbled by the response!
"Because of you, we raised more than £280,000 and counting! Thank you again to @harpercollins and the Tolkien Estate for making this all happen.
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"We are going to investigate with them more opportunities to share today's "one-time" live event, so stay tuned. And with that, I bid you goodnight from London - and to you and your loved ones, stay well."
Image: Serkis is best known for starring as Gollum in The Hobbit and Lord Of The Rings films
The GoFundMe campaign target has now been increased to £350,000.
Ahead of the challenge, Serkis told Sky News he had a 60-page practice run.
He also said he would be armed with food and energy drinks to keep breaks to a minimum.
"Sitting in a comfortable chair I have a real tendency to fall asleep very easily," he said.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Serkis also said he was inspired by Captain Tom Moore, the centenarian who has raised tens of millions of pounds for the NHS's COVID-19 efforts by walking laps of his garden.
"Captain Tom and so many people running marathons," he said. "I just thought, what's the equivalent? If you can't actually run a marathon if you're trapped indoors, an armchair marathon would be good. And what a great story to do it with."
NHS Charities Together is the umbrella organisation bringing together all the official charities of the health service.
Serkis has been an ambassador of Best Beginnings for more than six years.


news--2020-05-02--Apple blossom thrives after warm spring and mild winter

A bumper year for apple blossom has been created by weeks of sunshine that has boosted the chances of a good harvest , the National Trust has said .
The mild winter and a warm summer last year along with temperatures soaring to 24C during this spring 's flowering season with little rain during April have resulted in a heavy bloom for apple trees .
Bees being more active as a result of the sunshine and the lack of strong winds allowed blossom to open for longer , so more flowers could be pollinated .
The National Trust , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orchards across England , Wales and Northern Ireland , and grows heritage varieties , said there had been outstanding displays at some of its sites .
Dave Bouch , head gardener at Cotehele , in Cornwall , which has 10 acres of orchards and more than 125 varieties of apple tree including the Cornish Honeypinnick , Limberlimb , Pig 's Nose and Lemon Pippin , said : `` It has been an exceptional year for blossom this spring .
`` Apples are biennial when it comes to cropping , so they will naturally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crop is very dependent on rainfall over the coming months .
`` That said , the scales are tipped towards a great crop this autumn . ''
Apple blossom appeared early in many parts of the country , such as the 17th century orchard at Ardress in Northern Ireland where trees flowered two weeks ahead of schedule due to the warm conditions .
Tenant farmer Greg MacNeice who produces cider from the 5,000 trees on site said : `` We have had the earliest blossom in a long time .
`` Like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're feeling the impacts of climate change , and these milder and wetter winters mean our spring growth in the apple trees also gets going earlier . ''
The National Trust launched # BlossomWatch in March to encourage people to take notice of blooming trees from their windows or in their gardens in the face of the COVID-19 lockdown .
The campaign , which is asking people to share images on social media , has proved popular with thousands of images posted online .
Nick Fraser , head gardener at Nunnington Hall in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sixth week of lockdown now and people are craving nature .
`` Perhaps one of the reasons why this year 's blossom seems so spectacular is that we 're all paying closer attention to it , we 're taking time to properly stop and look and reflect . ''

A bumper year for apple blossom has been created by weeks of sunshine that has boosted the chances of a good harvest, the National Trust has said.
The mild winter and a warm summer last year along with temperatures soaring to 24C during this spring's flowering season with little rain during April have resulted in a heavy bloom for apple trees.
Bees being more active as a result of the sunshine and the lack of strong winds allowed blossom to open for longer, so more flowers could be pollinated.
Image: Bees have been more active because of sunshine and lack of strong winds
The National Trust, which looks after more than 200 traditional apple orchards across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and grows heritage varieties, said there had been outstanding displays at some of its sites.
Dave Bouch, head gardener at Cotehele, in Cornwall, which has 10 acres of orchards and more than 125 varieties of apple tree including the Cornish Honeypinnick, Limberlimb, Pig's Nose and Lemon Pippin, said: "It has been an exceptional year for blossom this spring.
"Apples are biennial when it comes to cropping, so they will naturally have better years than others, and the crop is very dependent on rainfall over the coming months.
"That said, the scales are tipped towards a great crop this autumn."
Apple blossom appeared early in many parts of the country, such as the 17th century orchard at Ardress in Northern Ireland where trees flowered two weeks ahead of schedule due to the warm conditions.
Tenant farmer Greg MacNeice who produces cider from the 5,000 trees on site said: "We have had the earliest blossom in a long time.
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"Like elsewhere in the British Isles, we're feeling the impacts of climate change, and these milder and wetter winters mean our spring growth in the apple trees also gets going earlier."
Image: People have been encouraged to look at nature during the lockdown
The National Trust launched #BlossomWatch in March to encourage people to take notice of blooming trees from their windows or in their gardens in the face of the COVID-19 lockdown.
The campaign, which is asking people to share images on social media, has proved popular with thousands of images posted online.
Nick Fraser, head gardener at Nunnington Hall in North Yorkshire: "We're into the sixth week of lockdown now and people are craving nature.
"Perhaps one of the reasons why this year's blossom seems so spectacular is that we're all paying closer attention to it, we're taking time to properly stop and look and reflect."


news--2020-05-02--Coronavirus: Byron owners launch bid to flip burger chain

The owners of burger restaurant chain Byron will launch an auction next week as the coronavirus pandemic threatens hundreds of thousands of jobs in the casual dining sector .
Sky News has learnt that Byron , which employs 1,200 people at 51 outlets across Britain , has asked KPMG to begin contacting potential buyers on Monday .
The timing of the sale - with its restaurants closed and the prospects for their reopening uncertain due to the coronavirus lockdown - underlines the pessimism which has engulfed a once thriving part of the economy .
It was unclear this weekend whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sources close to the process said that other options would be explored alongside a sale , including a refinancing under the existing majority shareholder , Three Hills Capital Partners .
It is also continuing to examine whether it can access any of the Treasury 's emergency lending programmes , having already used the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to subsidise the wages of most of its staff .
KPMG was appointed in March to begin a review of Byron 's options .
Byron was founded in 2007 with two sites , growing rapidly - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eventually boasting 71 sites by the end of 2016 .
The chain 's profile was inadvertently boosted by pictures of the then chancellor , George Osborne , eating one of its burgers the night before he delivered the government 's comprehensive spending review in 2013 .
Its expansion was ill-fated , with dozens of sites saddled with excessive rents and insufficient revenues , forcing the chain into a company voluntary arrangement just over two years ago .
The restructuring saw it wipe out its debts , close 20 sites and slash rents across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , the company recorded turnover of £70.9m , with a gross profit of £31.6m .
A source said that the COVID-19 outbreak had come at `` a frustrating time for Byron '' , which is said to have been making progress in its turnaround plan under chief executive Simon Wilkinson .
Mr Wilkinson , a former boss of La Tasca , joined just over a year ago .
He is understood to have placed all of Byron 's hourly employees on minimum-hour payment terms to ensure they were protected during the lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a range of restaurant operators and financial investors as part of the process .
The level of appetite to acquire Byron will reflect wider sentiment about the future of the UK casual dining sector , after leading restaurateurs prepared to warn this week that ministers should not permit the sector 's reopening too quickly .
In a draft letter seen by Sky News , leading industry figures said ending the lockdown without ongoing financial support from taxpayers would lead to the permanent closure of many businesses .
: : Listen to the All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Restaurant chains have been granted a 12-month business rates holiday , VAT deferral , and access to a separate grant scheme depending upon the rateable value of their properties .
Many , including Burger King and Yo !
, the sushi chain , have withheld quarterly rent bills that were due at the end of March .
That support has not , however , prevented the collapse of a number of chains .
Carluccio 's has fallen into administration , with the tycoon behind Giraffe in exclusive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its sites and jobs .
Wahaca and Prezzo have called in advisers to help restructure their finances and tap government funding , while Chiquito 's has also called in administrators .
Le Pain Quotidien may finalise a sale in the coming days using a pre-pack insolvency process .
Byron and Three Hills both declined to comment this weekend .

The owners of burger restaurant chain Byron will launch an auction next week as the coronavirus pandemic threatens hundreds of thousands of jobs in the casual dining sector.
Sky News has learnt that Byron, which employs 1,200 people at 51 outlets across Britain, has asked KPMG to begin contacting potential buyers on Monday.
The timing of the sale - with its restaurants closed and the prospects for their reopening uncertain due to the coronavirus lockdown - underlines the pessimism which has engulfed a once thriving part of the economy.
Image: Coronavirus is threatening hundreds of thousands of jobs in the casual dining sector, including Carluccio's, which has fallen into administration
It was unclear this weekend whether a solvent sale would be possible.
Sources close to the process said that other options would be explored alongside a sale, including a refinancing under the existing majority shareholder, Three Hills Capital Partners.
It is also continuing to examine whether it can access any of the Treasury's emergency lending programmes, having already used the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to subsidise the wages of most of its staff.
KPMG was appointed in March to begin a review of Byron's options.
Byron was founded in 2007 with two sites, growing rapidly - like many of its rivals - and eventually boasting 71 sites by the end of 2016.
The chain's profile was inadvertently boosted by pictures of the then chancellor, George Osborne, eating one of its burgers the night before he delivered the government's comprehensive spending review in 2013.
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Its expansion was ill-fated, with dozens of sites saddled with excessive rents and insufficient revenues, forcing the chain into a company voluntary arrangement just over two years ago.
The restructuring saw it wipe out its debts, close 20 sites and slash rents across much of its ongoing estate.
Last year, the company recorded turnover of £70.9m, with a gross profit of £31.6m.
A source said that the COVID-19 outbreak had come at "a frustrating time for Byron", which is said to have been making progress in its turnaround plan under chief executive Simon Wilkinson.
Mr Wilkinson, a former boss of La Tasca, joined just over a year ago.
He is understood to have placed all of Byron's hourly employees on minimum-hour payment terms to ensure they were protected during the lockdown.
One insider said KPMG would contact a range of restaurant operators and financial investors as part of the process.
The level of appetite to acquire Byron will reflect wider sentiment about the future of the UK casual dining sector, after leading restaurateurs prepared to warn this week that ministers should not permit the sector's reopening too quickly.
In a draft letter seen by Sky News, leading industry figures said ending the lockdown without ongoing financial support from taxpayers would lead to the permanent closure of many businesses.
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Restaurant chains have been granted a 12-month business rates holiday, VAT deferral, and access to a separate grant scheme depending upon the rateable value of their properties.
Many, including Burger King and Yo!, the sushi chain, have withheld quarterly rent bills that were due at the end of March.
That support has not, however, prevented the collapse of a number of chains.
Carluccio's has fallen into administration, with the tycoon behind Giraffe in exclusive talks to salvage a limited number of its sites and jobs.
Wahaca and Prezzo have called in advisers to help restructure their finances and tap government funding, while Chiquito's has also called in administrators.
Le Pain Quotidien may finalise a sale in the coming days using a pre-pack insolvency process.
Byron and Three Hills both declined to comment this weekend.


news--2020-05-02--Coronavirus: Car dealer Lookers snubs merger talks with rival Pendragon

Lookers , the car dealer at the centre of an accounting fraud probe , has snubbed a tentative merger approach from rival Pendragon as the industry tries to engineer its long-term survival .
Sky News has learnt that Pendragon contacted Lookers in the last fortnight to sound it out about a prospective tie-up amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Industry sources said this weekend that Lookers , which sells car marques including Aston Martin , Bentley and Mini from 150 sites across the UK , had rejected the approach .
One insider said the decision not to engage with Pendragon was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ existing workload , including contending with the COVID-19 crisis and an ongoing investigation by the Financial Conduct Authority .
There are no live discussions under way between the two companies , meaning they are unlikely to be forced to confirm the approach in statements to the stock market next week .
A merger would have created a group with annual sales of close to £10bn , but a combined market capitalisation of little more than £200m .
In 2006 , Lookers fought off a hostile takeover bid from Pendragon that valued the target @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have fallen by nearly 75 % during the last year , while those of Pendragon , which trades under brands including Stratstone , Evans Halshaw and Quickco , have slumped by almost two-thirds .
In February , Pendragon installed US motor industry veteran Bill Berman as its new chief executive , and announced weeks later that he had asked for 20 % of his salary to be donated to the NHS .
It has furloughed 80 % of its UK employees as a result of its dealership closures .
One Pendragon shareholder suggested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking an alternative merger partner elsewhere .
Physical car dealers are grappling with a complete collapse in business during the six weeks of the UK 's lockdown , although some online dealers report that they are continuing to trade reasonably well .
In March , Cazoo , the online car seller founded by Lovefilm and Zoopla founder Alex Chesterman , raised £100m from investors to accelerate its expansion .
The FCA has intervened in the motor finance market since the coronavirus crisis began by attempting to buy consumers more time with repayment holidays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looks unlikely , however , with the SMMT saying that new car registrations fell 4 % in March .
The following month 's figure is likely to have been even bleaker .
Lookers said last week that it had reopened 31 of its sites to provide repair and maintenance services , although the majority of its dealerships remain closed .
It too has appointed a new chief executive , naming Mark Raban to the role in February .
The company said recently of its internal fraud investigation that restrictions on movement arising from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ongoing .
`` Initial indications have identified some operating divisions where certain non-cash balance sheet accounts have not been fully reconciled , in accordance with group policy .
`` These items are expected to give rise to a one-off , non-cash charge , however this part of the investigation is still ongoing .
`` While the aggregate impact of the fraud investigation is not yet known , the board currently anticipates that the group will still be profitable for FY 2019 on an underlying [ profit before tax ] basis . ''
Lookers @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Lookers, the car dealer at the centre of an accounting fraud probe, has snubbed a tentative merger approach from rival Pendragon as the industry tries to engineer its long-term survival.
Sky News has learnt that Pendragon contacted Lookers in the last fortnight to sound it out about a prospective tie-up amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Industry sources said this weekend that Lookers, which sells car marques including Aston Martin, Bentley and Mini from 150 sites across the UK, had rejected the approach.
Image: Pendragon sells cars from more than 220 locations in the UK and US
One insider said the decision not to engage with Pendragon was largely a consequence of its board's existing workload, including contending with the COVID-19 crisis and an ongoing investigation by the Financial Conduct Authority.
There are no live discussions under way between the two companies, meaning they are unlikely to be forced to confirm the approach in statements to the stock market next week.
A merger would have created a group with annual sales of close to £10bn, but a combined market capitalisation of little more than £200m.
In 2006, Lookers fought off a hostile takeover bid from Pendragon that valued the target at almost £260m.
Shares in Lookers have fallen by nearly 75% during the last year, while those of Pendragon, which trades under brands including Stratstone, Evans Halshaw and Quickco, have slumped by almost two-thirds.
In February, Pendragon installed US motor industry veteran Bill Berman as its new chief executive, and announced weeks later that he had asked for 20% of his salary to be donated to the NHS.
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It has furloughed 80% of its UK employees as a result of its dealership closures.
One Pendragon shareholder suggested that the company could be interested in seeking an alternative merger partner elsewhere.
Physical car dealers are grappling with a complete collapse in business during the six weeks of the UK's lockdown, although some online dealers report that they are continuing to trade reasonably well.
In March, Cazoo, the online car seller founded by Lovefilm and Zoopla founder Alex Chesterman, raised £100m from investors to accelerate its expansion.
The FCA has intervened in the motor finance market since the coronavirus crisis began by attempting to buy consumers more time with repayment holidays.
A rapid revival of the sector looks unlikely, however, with the SMMT saying that new car registrations fell 4% in March.
The following month's figure is likely to have been even bleaker.
Lookers said last week that it had reopened 31 of its sites to provide repair and maintenance services, although the majority of its dealerships remain closed.
It too has appointed a new chief executive, naming Mark Raban to the role in February.
The company said recently of its internal fraud investigation that restrictions on movement arising from the coronavirus crisis meant that it remained ongoing.
"Initial indications have identified some operating divisions where certain non-cash balance sheet accounts have not been fully reconciled, in accordance with group policy.
"These items are expected to give rise to a one-off, non-cash charge, however this part of the investigation is still ongoing.
"While the aggregate impact of the fraud investigation is not yet known, the board currently anticipates that the group will still be profitable for FY 2019 on an underlying [profit before tax] basis."
Lookers and Pendragon both declined to comment.


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande record COVID-19 charity duet

Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande have recorded a duet to raise money for the children of health and emergency workers dealing with the coronavirus pandemic .
The song , called Stuck With U , will be released on 8 May , with proceeds going to the First Responder Children 's Foundation .
The stars shared an image showing two figures sharing a house by the cartoonist Liana Finck .
Both the picture , and the song 's title , appear to refer to the coronavirus lockdown .
Bieber , 26 , said on Instagram that the money would `` fund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responders who have been impacted by COVID-19 '' .
Grande , also 26 , said in a statement : `` We hope we make a big difference with this and we hope it uplifts you and makes you feel happy . ''
Together , they have 316 million followers on Instagram .
It is not the first time the pair have collaborated , after performing live together and remixing each other 's songs .
Scooter Braun , who manages both singers , said the single was the first in a series to benefit @ @

Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande have recorded a duet to raise money for the children of health and emergency workers dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
The song, called Stuck With U, will be released on 8 May, with proceeds going to the First Responder Children's Foundation.
The stars shared an image showing two figures sharing a house by the cartoonist Liana Finck.
Image: Both singers posted this image. Pic: Ariana Grande/Instagram
Both the picture, and the song's title, appear to refer to the coronavirus lockdown.
Bieber, 26, said on Instagram that the money would "fund grants and scholarships for children of first responders who have been impacted by COVID-19".
Grande, also 26, said in a statement: "We hope we make a big difference with this and we hope it uplifts you and makes you feel happy."
Together, they have 316 million followers on Instagram.
Image: The proceeds will go to children of first responders. Pic: Ariana Grande/Instagram
It is not the first time the pair have collaborated, after performing live together and remixing each other's songs.
Scooter Braun, who manages both singers, said the single was the first in a series to benefit charities.


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: Ebola drug remdesivir given 'emergency approval' to treat COVID-19 in the US

US regulators will allow experimental drug remdesivir to be used on seriously ill COVID-19 patients .
US President Donald Trump announced the news alongside Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen Hahn , who said the drug would be available for patients receiving hospital treatment for COVID-19 .
Remdesivir is an antiviral drug that was originally developed to tackle ebola .
A government-sponsored study has showed that remdesivir shortened recovery time by 31 % - about four days on average - for patients in hospital with the virus .
The study of 1,063 patients is the largest of remdesivir , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that those given the drug were able to leave hospital in 11 days on average , compared with 15 days for the control group .
It is not yet clear whether remdesivir is preventing COVID-19 deaths but it is the first drug to show promise in fighting COVID-19 , which has killed more than 235,000 people worldwide .
Remdesivir has been authorised by the Food and Drug Administration under its emergency powers .
Normally , `` substantial evidence '' - usually in the form of more studies - would be required to prove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But , due to the pandemic , the FDA only requires a drug maker to prove that the drug 's potential benefits outweigh its risks .
It will still need full approval but the FDA can give this if Gilead Sciences or other researchers provide more evidence of remdesivir 's safety and effectiveness .
The drug , which is given intravenously in hospital , has not been tested on people with the milder form of the virus .
Cathy Burgess , a lawyer specialising in FDA issues , said : `` This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you would n't expect to have any sort of full approval at this point .
`` But obviously they want to get this out to patients as quickly as possible . ''
The news comes as Mr Trump said he was hoping for fewer than 100,000 US deaths from the coronavirus , more than the 60,000 to 70,000 he had talked about on Monday .
Gilead Sciences chief executive Daniel O'Day called the move an important first step and said the company was donating 1.5 million vials of the drug .
Late in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hydroxychloroquine , for emergency use after Mr Trump repeatedly touted it as a cure .
But no studies have shown it to work and some have even shown significant safety concerns .
In April , the regulator warned doctors against prescribing it aside from in hospital or for research , due to the risk of those side effects .

US regulators will allow experimental drug remdesivir to be used on seriously ill COVID-19 patients.
US President Donald Trump announced the news alongside Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen Hahn, who said the drug would be available for patients receiving hospital treatment for COVID-19.
Remdesivir is an antiviral drug that was originally developed to tackle ebola.
A government-sponsored study has showed that remdesivir shortened recovery time by 31% - about four days on average - for patients in hospital with the virus.
The study of 1,063 patients is the largest of remdesivir, which belongs to Gilead Sciences.
It found that those given the drug were able to leave hospital in 11 days on average, compared with 15 days for the control group.
It is not yet clear whether remdesivir is preventing COVID-19 deaths but it is the first drug to show promise in fighting COVID-19, which has killed more than 235,000 people worldwide.
Remdesivir has been authorised by the Food and Drug Administration under its emergency powers.
Normally, "substantial evidence" - usually in the form of more studies - would be required to prove the drug's safety and effectiveness.
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But, due to the pandemic, the FDA only requires a drug maker to prove that the drug's potential benefits outweigh its risks.
It will still need full approval but the FDA can give this if Gilead Sciences or other researchers provide more evidence of remdesivir's safety and effectiveness.
The drug, which is given intravenously in hospital, has not been tested on people with the milder form of the virus.
Cathy Burgess, a lawyer specialising in FDA issues, said: "This is a very, very early stage so you wouldn't expect to have any sort of full approval at this point.
"But obviously they want to get this out to patients as quickly as possible."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:40 April: Gilead - drugs trials 'starting to show some results'
The news comes as Mr Trump said he was hoping for fewer than 100,000 US deaths from the coronavirus, more than the 60,000 to 70,000 he had talked about on Monday.
Gilead Sciences chief executive Daniel O'Day called the move an important first step and said the company was donating 1.5 million vials of the drug.
Late in March the FDA authorised malaria drug, hydroxychloroquine, for emergency use after Mr Trump repeatedly touted it as a cure.
But no studies have shown it to work and some have even shown significant safety concerns.
In April, the regulator warned doctors against prescribing it aside from in hospital or for research, due to the risk of those side effects.


news--2020-05-02--Coronavirus: Rolls Royce 'to cut 8,000 jobs' as pandemic lockdown hits air travel

Rolls Royce is reportedly planning to cut up to 8,000 jobs after aircraft manufacturers slashed production during the coronavirus pandemic .
The British civil engineering giant - which makes engines for planes - currently employs 52,000 people .
As many as 15 % could lose their jobs , the Financial Times reports , quoting company sources .
That would exceed the 5,000 redundancies the firm made after the 9/11 terror attack in 2001. : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Rolls Royce 's UK civil aviation workforce - especially those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 116-year-old company - is expected to bear the brunt of the cuts .
The aviation industry has been badly hit by the pandemic as many flights across the world have been suspended .
The impact has forced aircraft manufacturers to cut production - Airbus has cut its production by a third and has furloughed 3,200 staff .
Ryanair announced on Friday that it is preparing to cut 3,000 jobs , or 15 % of its 19,000 workforce , and IAG plans to slash 12,000 staff at British Airways , or almost 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the planned job losses will be a blow to the government , whose furlough scheme is designed to help prevent firms making redundancies as world economies shrink under coronavirus lockdowns .
About a quarter of Rolls Royce 's UK civil workforce has already been furloughed .
But the schemes only last until the end of June and the global aerospace industry is now bracing for a sharp and protracted fall in demand after more than a decade of booming orders .
Rolls Royce has opened negotiations with unions and measures could still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Stephen Daintith , Rolls Royce 's finance director , told employees this week that the group expected its civil aerospace business to be a third smaller as a result of the crisis and that job losses could be expected .
The company told Sky News : `` The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented .
We have taken swift action to increase our liquidity , dramatically reduce our spending in 2020 , and strengthen our resilience in these exceptionally challenging times .
`` But we will need to take further action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right , which means we are working closely with our employee and trade union representatives and then we will consult with everyone affected .
`` We have promised to give our people further details of the impact of the current situation on the size of our workforce before the end of this month . ''

Rolls Royce is reportedly planning to cut up to 8,000 jobs after aircraft manufacturers slashed production during the coronavirus pandemic.
The British civil engineering giant - which makes engines for planes - currently employs 52,000 people.
As many as 15% could lose their jobs, the Financial Times reports, quoting company sources.
That would exceed the 5,000 redundancies the firm made after the 9/11 terror attack in 2001.
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Rolls Royce's UK civil aviation workforce - especially those based in Derby, historic home of the 116-year-old company - is expected to bear the brunt of the cuts.
The aviation industry has been badly hit by the pandemic as many flights across the world have been suspended.
The impact has forced aircraft manufacturers to cut production - Airbus has cut its production by a third and has furloughed 3,200 staff.
Ryanair announced on Friday that it is preparing to cut 3,000 jobs, or 15% of its 19,000 workforce, and IAG plans to slash 12,000 staff at British Airways, or almost 30% of the 42,000 employed.
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News of the planned job losses will be a blow to the government, whose furlough scheme is designed to help prevent firms making redundancies as world economies shrink under coronavirus lockdowns.
About a quarter of Rolls Royce's UK civil workforce has already been furloughed.
But the schemes only last until the end of June and the global aerospace industry is now bracing for a sharp and protracted fall in demand after more than a decade of booming orders.
Rolls Royce has opened negotiations with unions and measures could still be found to reduce the final number.
Stephen Daintith, Rolls Royce's finance director, told employees this week that the group expected its civil aerospace business to be a third smaller as a result of the crisis and that job losses could be expected.
The company told Sky News: "The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented. We have taken swift action to increase our liquidity, dramatically reduce our spending in 2020, and strengthen our resilience in these exceptionally challenging times.
"But we will need to take further action.
"We have to do this right, which means we are working closely with our employee and trade union representatives and then we will consult with everyone affected.
"We have promised to give our people further details of the impact of the current situation on the size of our workforce before the end of this month."


news--2020-05-02--Coronavirus: 'Death cafes' are opening on Zoom and Facebook. What are they and why are they 'inundat

Coronavirus: 'Death cafes' are opening on Zoom and Facebook. What are they and why are they 'inundated'?

Before lockdown , `` death cafes '' were a unique space offering complete strangers the opportunity to meet and speak openly about the often tricky topic of dying .
A subject many people find uncomfortable , these centres provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere for those who want to discuss death in a relaxed setting , usually over tea and cake .
With coronavirus spreading they were being inundated with more people than ever trying to come to terms with the thought of dying - but were having to turn people away due to lockdown .
So they have now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nicole Stanfield , who runs the Taunton death cafe in Somerset , has been using Zoom and conducting Facebook lives to hold her meet-ups .
She says she has seen a huge increase in interest since the COVID-19 outbreak .
Participants want to talk about how the grieving process has changed and how to plan for end of life , she says .
`` I feel like people have an increased sense of urgency now , and death seems less abstract when we hear about the number of dead every day in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they should talk about and plan for death while it 's still possible . ''
Caroline Dent , who runs the Finsbury Park death cafe in north London , says online meetings are gaining momentum .
`` They are full and booked with a reservation list for each cafe , '' she says .
Ms Dent says people want to discuss their worries about death itself and also about the business of dying .
`` There is a lot of anxiety because death was 'over there ' up until this pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's around all of us and it does n't discriminate . ''
The rules around social distancing mean funerals have also changed significantly , with some also moving online .
Rabbi Miriam Berger , who lost her grandfather to coronavirus in March , officiated the funeral herself via Zoom , with family members dialling in from all over the world .
`` By having all those faces on the screen , and by knowing we could see into each other 's eyes via those camera screens , actually created an intimacy you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world , it created a real sense of togetherness , '' she says .
`` You could flick through the pages of screen after screen of family and friends who had joined us - we had over 200 people there with us - and actually that makes a difference , because we did feel supported and we did feel there were family and friends around us , we just were n't physically at the cemetery together . ''
Conducting the funeral via Zoom actually made it easier for her 96-year-old grandmother , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to travel to the graveside but was still able to see many of her friends and family .
`` Her words were , ' I can really feel the love on this screen , I can really hear all of your love ' - and I think that was powerful for all of us , because it gave a sense of exactly what we needed her to feel in that moment . ''
However , despite technology filling a void for now and the family finding some solace in the short-term , Rabbi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I think there 's going to be the sense that so many of us have been affected by this time , so many families will have had a bereavement within them and some will have had multiple bereavements , '' she says .
`` I think we will not totally understand what trauma society has been through perhaps for many years after we 've gone out of lockdown . ''
Mireille Hayden is an end of life doula , providing support and advice for families experiencing death and dying .
She also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic will help change attitudes towards death .
`` It is very difficult but we have n't been facing it for centuries , '' she says .
`` Being faced with it on a daily basis is engaging people in the conversation and making people think , it could happen to me , whatever my age , so I need to have that conversation , put my plans in place ; I need to make sure my close ones , loved ones and family are provided for and looked after . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Her hope is this pandemic helps makes conversations about death easier .
`` What we 're trying to do is help people put their plans in place and trying to deliver all the services that we were before lockdown , like death cafes and workshops - but virtually , so people can access that support and get all the help they need to put plans in place . ''

Before lockdown, "death cafes" were a unique space offering complete strangers the opportunity to meet and speak openly about the often tricky topic of dying.
A subject many people find uncomfortable, these centres provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere for those who want to discuss death in a relaxed setting, usually over tea and cake.
With coronavirus spreading they were being inundated with more people than ever trying to come to terms with the thought of dying - but were having to turn people away due to lockdown.
Image: Nicole Stanfield runs Taunton death cafe in Somerset
So they have now moved online, offering their services virtually.
Nicole Stanfield, who runs the Taunton death cafe in Somerset, has been using Zoom and conducting Facebook lives to hold her meet-ups.
She says she has seen a huge increase in interest since the COVID-19 outbreak.
Participants want to talk about how the grieving process has changed and how to plan for end of life, she says.
"I feel like people have an increased sense of urgency now, and death seems less abstract when we hear about the number of dead every day in the news.
"People are realising that they should talk about and plan for death while it's still possible."
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Image: Online meetings for the Finsbury Park group are gaining momentum, says organiser Caroline Dent
Caroline Dent, who runs the Finsbury Park death cafe in north London, says online meetings are gaining momentum.
"They are full and booked with a reservation list for each cafe," she says.
Ms Dent says people want to discuss their worries about death itself and also about the business of dying.
"There is a lot of anxiety because death was 'over there' up until this pandemic. Now, it's 'here' - it's around all of us and it doesn't discriminate."
The rules around social distancing mean funerals have also changed significantly, with some also moving online.
Image: Rabbi Miriam Berger held her grandfather's funeral on Zoom
Rabbi Miriam Berger, who lost her grandfather to coronavirus in March, officiated the funeral herself via Zoom, with family members dialling in from all over the world.
"By having all those faces on the screen, and by knowing we could see into each other's eyes via those camera screens, actually created an intimacy you don't think of within a virtual world, it created a real sense of togetherness," she says.
"You could flick through the pages of screen after screen of family and friends who had joined us - we had over 200 people there with us - and actually that makes a difference, because we did feel supported and we did feel there were family and friends around us, we just weren't physically at the cemetery together."
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Conducting the funeral via Zoom actually made it easier for her 96-year-old grandmother, she says, as she didn't have to travel to the graveside but was still able to see many of her friends and family.
"Her words were, 'I can really feel the love on this screen, I can really hear all of your love' - and I think that was powerful for all of us, because it gave a sense of exactly what we needed her to feel in that moment."
However, despite technology filling a void for now and the family finding some solace in the short-term, Rabbi Berger has concerns for the future.
"I think there's going to be the sense that so many of us have been affected by this time, so many families will have had a bereavement within them and some will have had multiple bereavements," she says.
"I think we will not totally understand what trauma society has been through perhaps for many years after we've gone out of lockdown."
Image: Mireille Hayden is an end of life doula and also runs a death cafe
Mireille Hayden is an end of life doula, providing support and advice for families experiencing death and dying.
She also runs a death cafe, and hopes the pandemic will help change attitudes towards death.
"It is very difficult but we haven't been facing it for centuries," she says.
"Being faced with it on a daily basis is engaging people in the conversation and making people think, it could happen to me, whatever my age, so I need to have that conversation, put my plans in place; I need to make sure my close ones, loved ones and family are provided for and looked after."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Her hope is this pandemic helps makes conversations about death easier.
"What we're trying to do is help people put their plans in place and trying to deliver all the services that we were before lockdown, like death cafes and workshops - but virtually, so people can access that support and get all the help they need to put plans in place."


news--2020-05-02--Coronavirus: Lockdown hampers fund-raising efforts for four-year-old's cancer vaccine

A four-year-old boy may not be able to get a life-saving vaccine he needs for cancer after plans to raise funds were hit by the coronavirus lockdown .
Liam Scott has spent most of the last year receiving gruelling treatment for neuroblastoma , a rare cancer that affects around 100 children in the UK every year .
The end of his treatment is finally approaching but his family fear there is a high chance the cancer could return .
An experimental vaccine could prevent a recurrence but it is only available in New York and his family are struggling to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 lockdown .
Parents Claire and Michael Scott , of Sevenoaks in Kent , have been trying to raise £232,000 to pay for the treatment .
Ms Scott said : `` He has been in so much pain .
`` As a parent you ca n't even begin to explain how you feel because you want it to be you , you want to take all that away from them and there 's nothing you can do .
You just feel so helpless . ''
Liam was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave birth to his baby sister Kylie .
Ms Scott , 40 , said she and her husband were `` absolutely devastated '' when doctors diagnosed the cancer .
It is hoped Liam will be in remission after his last round of immunotherapy finishes at the end of August but his parents want to get him the vaccine as soon as possible to stop the cancer returning .
The treatment is being trialled at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in Manhattan .
Ms Scott said : `` The aim is that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returning because this cancer that he has has a high return rate .
`` They say it 's a hard one to get rid of . ''
The family needs the cash to pay for several rounds of treatment , accommodation and flights .
Ms Scott said : `` For me as a parent I just want to get him on that plane .
`` Sadly all those marathons and races that we have had in the pipeline have all been postponed because of the coronavirus . ''
Their fundraiser can be accessed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ footballer has stepped in to raise as much money as he can for Liam .
Former Dagenham and Redbridge player Charlie Holmes plans to run 140 miles - 10 miles a day for two weeks - to raise cash and his efforts are live-streamed on Instagram every day with DJs also getting involved to keep people entertained .
Holmes , 21 , said : `` I thought I would try and get as much money as I could for him .
`` I have got a lot of support from all my friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that one person who has a large following ( to share the story ) and it would take off . ''
Holmes ' fundraiser can be accessed through his justgiving page .

A four-year-old boy may not be able to get a life-saving vaccine he needs for cancer after plans to raise funds were hit by the coronavirus lockdown.
Liam Scott has spent most of the last year receiving gruelling treatment for neuroblastoma, a rare cancer that affects around 100 children in the UK every year.
The end of his treatment is finally approaching but his family fear there is a high chance the cancer could return.
An experimental vaccine could prevent a recurrence but it is only available in New York and his family are struggling to raise the money they need because of the COVID-19 lockdown.
Parents Claire and Michael Scott, of Sevenoaks in Kent, have been trying to raise £232,000 to pay for the treatment.
Ms Scott said: "He has been in so much pain.
"As a parent you can't even begin to explain how you feel because you want it to be you, you want to take all that away from them and there's nothing you can do. You just feel so helpless."
Liam was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in July 2019, the day after Ms Scott gave birth to his baby sister Kylie.
Ms Scott, 40, said she and her husband were "absolutely devastated" when doctors diagnosed the cancer.
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Paw Patrol fan Liam has undergone painful treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy.
It is hoped Liam will be in remission after his last round of immunotherapy finishes at the end of August but his parents want to get him the vaccine as soon as possible to stop the cancer returning.
The treatment is being trialled at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in Manhattan.
Ms Scott said: "The aim is that it protects the body and prevents cancer from returning because this cancer that he has has a high return rate.
"They say it's a hard one to get rid of."
The family needs the cash to pay for several rounds of treatment, accommodation and flights.
Image: Liam was diagnosed with rare cancer neuroblastoma
Ms Scott said: "For me as a parent I just want to get him on that plane.
"Sadly all those marathons and races that we have had in the pipeline have all been postponed because of the coronavirus."
Their fundraiser can be accessed at their solvingkidscancer page.
A local footballer has stepped in to raise as much money as he can for Liam.
Former Dagenham and Redbridge player Charlie Holmes plans to run 140 miles - 10 miles a day for two weeks - to raise cash and his efforts are live-streamed on Instagram every day with DJs also getting involved to keep people entertained.
Holmes, 21, said: "I thought I would try and get as much money as I could for him.
"I have got a lot of support from all my friends and family.
"I just need that one person who has a large following (to share the story) and it would take off."
Holmes' fundraiser can be accessed through his justgiving page.