news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: New Zealand health minister demoted for taking family to beach during lockdown

New Zealand 's health minister has been demoted after he flouted the country 's lockdown rules to take his family to the beach .
David Clark described himself as an `` idiot '' after he broke the coronavirus social-distancing measures put in place in March , early on in the country 's COVID-19 lockdown .
He drove around 12 miles to the coast from his home in Dunedin on New Zealand 's South Island to take a walk with his family .
Mr Clark had earlier admitted driving to a trail at a park near his home to go mountain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief medical officer stood down on Sunday after she was caught making trips to her second home - flouting her own social distancing measures .
In a statement , Dr Clark said : `` As the health minister it 's my responsibility to not only follow the rules but set an example to other New Zealanders .
`` At a time when we are asking New Zealanders to make historic sacrifices I 've let the team down .
I 've been an idiot , and I understand why people will be angry with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern admitted that `` under normal circumstances '' she would have sacked Mr Clark , but decided to keep him in his role as health minister amid the global pandemic and instead demote him to the bottom of the cabinet rankings .
He has also been stripped of his role as associate finance minister .
`` We can not afford massive disruption in the health sector or to our response , '' Ms Ardern said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that reason alone , Dr Clark will maintain his role .
`` But he does need to pay a price - he broke the rules .
`` While he maintains his health portfolio , I am stripping him of his role as associate finance minister and demoting him to the bottom of our cabinet rankings .
`` I expect better , and so does New Zealand . ''
The country 's national lockdown was extended for a second time this week .
The prime minister has been widely praised for her leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which has seen one death in the country and more than 1,100 cases by Tuesday evening .

New Zealand's health minister has been demoted after he flouted the country's lockdown rules to take his family to the beach.
David Clark described himself as an "idiot" after he broke the coronavirus social-distancing measures put in place in March, early on in the country's COVID-19 lockdown.
He drove around 12 miles to the coast from his home in Dunedin on New Zealand's South Island to take a walk with his family.
Mr Clark had earlier admitted driving to a trail at a park near his home to go mountain biking.
Image: David Clark has called him self an 'idiot'
It comes as Scotland's chief medical officer stood down on Sunday after she was caught making trips to her second home - flouting her own social distancing measures.
In a statement, Dr Clark said: "As the health minister it's my responsibility to not only follow the rules but set an example to other New Zealanders.
"At a time when we are asking New Zealanders to make historic sacrifices I've let the team down. I've been an idiot, and I understand why people will be angry with me."
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Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern admitted that "under normal circumstances" she would have sacked Mr Clark, but decided to keep him in his role as health minister amid the global pandemic and instead demote him to the bottom of the cabinet rankings.
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He has also been stripped of his role as associate finance minister.
"We cannot afford massive disruption in the health sector or to our response," Ms Ardern said in a statement.
"For that reason, and that reason alone, Dr Clark will maintain his role.
"But he does need to pay a price - he broke the rules.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 Easter Bunny an 'essential worker' - NZ PM
"While he maintains his health portfolio, I am stripping him of his role as associate finance minister and demoting him to the bottom of our cabinet rankings.
"I expect better, and so does New Zealand."
The country's national lockdown was extended for a second time this week.
The prime minister has been widely praised for her leadership and frankness during the coronavirus pandemic, which has seen one death in the country and more than 1,100 cases by Tuesday evening.


news--2020-04-07--Man attacks police and dog after being asked if journey essential during coronavirus lockdown

A man attacked three police officers and a police dog after being asked if his journey was essential during the coronavirus lockdown - in what has been called a `` truly horrifying '' incident .
Nelson Nelson , 29 , struck the canine several times with a plank of wood with nails in it during the `` violent rampage '' on Saturday .
British Transport Police ( BTP ) said two of their officers had been on patrol at Nottingham train station when they noticed Nelson trying to board a train .
They asked him if his journey was definitely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threatened to `` knock them out '' , according to the force .
He was refused travel and taken out of the station where he punched the officers in the face and they both fell to the ground , one becoming unconscious .
Nelson was then chased by the other officer and Nottinghamshire Police officers managed to find him before the attacker charged at an officer and punched him .
Nelson , from Aldridge in Walsall , then struck the canine with the wood , cutting the dog 's chin , before being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be carrying a knife .
The force said their two officers were taken to hospital .
One had severe concussion and bruising to her face , while the other suffered ligament damage to his jaw and thumb , as well as bruising and swelling across his body .
The Nottinghamshire Police officer and police dog were not seriously injured and did not need treatment .
The four-year-old canine , named Quantum , nearly died in another attack two years ago when he was stabbed by an offender , police say .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guilty to two counts of actual bodily harm , assault with intent to resist arrest , assault of an emergency worker , possession of an offensive weapon , possession of a bladed article and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Magistrates sent the case to the Crown Court as they felt the case was too serious for their sentencing powers .
`` There is never an excuse for this sort of behaviour , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think this violent rampage began after Nelson was simply asked if his journey was essential , '' he said .
`` Thankfully , no one was more seriously injured , and the officers involved are receiving the support they need . ''
Chief Constable Craig Guildford of Nottinghamshire Police said it was a `` particularly nasty case '' involving a vicious and sustained assault .
`` The officers acted swiftly , bravely and decisively in assisting their British Transport Police colleagues and I 'm convinced PD Quantum prevented further serious injury to them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nelson has been remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on 27 April .

A man attacked three police officers and a police dog after being asked if his journey was essential during the coronavirus lockdown - in what has been called a "truly horrifying" incident.
Nelson Nelson, 29, struck the canine several times with a plank of wood with nails in it during the "violent rampage" on Saturday.
British Transport Police (BTP) said two of their officers had been on patrol at Nottingham train station when they noticed Nelson trying to board a train.
They asked him if his journey was definitely needed and he then became abusive and threatened to "knock them out", according to the force.
He was refused travel and taken out of the station where he punched the officers in the face and they both fell to the ground, one becoming unconscious.
Nelson was then chased by the other officer and Nottinghamshire Police officers managed to find him before the attacker charged at an officer and punched him.
Image: The attacks took place near Nottingham train station. Pic: Google Maps
Nelson, from Aldridge in Walsall, then struck the canine with the wood, cutting the dog's chin, before being arrested.
BTP said he was found to be carrying a knife.
The force said their two officers were taken to hospital.
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One had severe concussion and bruising to her face, while the other suffered ligament damage to his jaw and thumb, as well as bruising and swelling across his body.
The Nottinghamshire Police officer and police dog were not seriously injured and did not need treatment.
The four-year-old canine, named Quantum, nearly died in another attack two years ago when he was stabbed by an offender, police say.
At Nottingham Magistrates' Court, Nelson pleaded guilty to two counts of actual bodily harm, assault with intent to resist arrest, assault of an emergency worker, possession of an offensive weapon, possession of a bladed article and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.
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Magistrates sent the case to the Crown Court as they felt the case was too serious for their sentencing powers.
British Transport Police Chief Inspector Gareth Davies called the incident "truly horrifying".
"There is never an excuse for this sort of behaviour, but it's all the more shocking to think this violent rampage began after Nelson was simply asked if his journey was essential," he said.
"Thankfully, no one was more seriously injured, and the officers involved are receiving the support they need."
Chief Constable Craig Guildford of Nottinghamshire Police said it was a "particularly nasty case" involving a vicious and sustained assault.
"The officers acted swiftly, bravely and decisively in assisting their British Transport Police colleagues and I'm convinced PD Quantum prevented further serious injury to them or the public," he said.
Nelson has been remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on 27 April.


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: Man jailed for coughing on police - and saying he wanted their children to get COVID-19

A man who deliberately coughed on two police officers during the coronavirus lockdown has been jailed .
Michael Gray , 41 , was sentenced to 19 weeks in prison after he admitted assaulting an emergency services worker and using threatening words and behaviour .
Two patrol officers had approached the defendant in Brixton last Thursday as he appeared to be harassing three women .
When they checked his details , they found he was wanted on warrant for failing to appear in court .
On his arrest , Gray intentionally coughed towards the officers and , while in custody , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stated that he hoped to infect them with COVID-19 so that they would pass it on to their children .
At a hearing before Croydon magistrates , Gray was given eight weeks for the assault on police officers and 11 weeks for a separate drug driving offence .
He was also fined £100 for the public order offence .
Gray , of south Norwood , south London , was also disqualified from driving for 26 months .
On Tuesday , Superintendent Kris Wright said : `` This attack on our officers whilst carrying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lambeth and Southwark is an attack on every one of us .
`` Both officers displayed the finest qualities of the Met , in spite of threats to , and the risk of Covid-19 infection through this man 's actions , and even worse his desire to cause harm to the officers ' children .
`` I am grateful to the court that it treated this matter with the seriousness it deserves .
`` Whilst these type of assaults are thankfully rare , currently we all have a duty to do everything we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` My officers are doing everything they can to keep the public safe and police to the very best of their abilities , and we are grateful that the vast majority of people are making every effort to comply with the measures the government has introduced . ''

A man who deliberately coughed on two police officers during the coronavirus lockdown has been jailed.
Michael Gray, 41, was sentenced to 19 weeks in prison after he admitted assaulting an emergency services worker and using threatening words and behaviour.
Two patrol officers had approached the defendant in Brixton last Thursday as he appeared to be harassing three women.
When they checked his details, they found he was wanted on warrant for failing to appear in court.
On his arrest, Gray intentionally coughed towards the officers and, while in custody, threatened to spit at them.
He stated that he hoped to infect them with COVID-19 so that they would pass it on to their children.
At a hearing before Croydon magistrates, Gray was given eight weeks for the assault on police officers and 11 weeks for a separate drug driving offence.
He was also fined £100 for the public order offence.
Gray, of south Norwood, south London, was also disqualified from driving for 26 months.
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On Tuesday, Superintendent Kris Wright said: "This attack on our officers whilst carrying out their duties protecting the communities of Lambeth and Southwark is an attack on every one of us.
"Both officers displayed the finest qualities of the Met, in spite of threats to, and the risk of Covid-19 infection through this man's actions, and even worse his desire to cause harm to the officers' children.
"I am grateful to the court that it treated this matter with the seriousness it deserves.
"Whilst these type of assaults are thankfully rare, currently we all have a duty to do everything we can to 'protect the protectors'.
"My officers are doing everything they can to keep the public safe and police to the very best of their abilities, and we are grateful that the vast majority of people are making every effort to comply with the measures the government has introduced."


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Ministers race to reform insolvency laws

The government is racing to overhaul insolvency laws as the coronavirus pandemic threatens to unleash a deluge of corporate and individual bankruptcies across the UK .
Sky News has learnt that the Insolvency Service , which sits within the Department for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy ( BEIS ) , has begun canvassing views among restructuring professionals about urgent changes to company legislation .
The reforms , which would be implemented through emergency laws , could include a moratorium on winding-up petitions against companies , and suspending rules on wrongful trading in order to afford more protections for directors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The government is also considering what emergency legislation could be introduced to help struggling businesses , and we are very grateful to our stakeholders that have taken time to get in touch and propose possible measures '' , the Insolvency Service said in a notice to the profession .
`` We are also working closely with other government departments on what measures short of legislation might help . ''
The German government has already introduced emergency laws to ban winding-up petitions during the COVID-19 crisis .
Insiders said that business groups including the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those pressing for urgent reforms in the UK .
A degree of pressure on company directors to call in administrators has been lifted by government measures announced in the last few days , including the deferral of VAT payments and a moratorium on commercial property evictions for non-payment of rent .
One insolvency practitioner said there was unlikely to be an immediate deluge of companies collapsing into administration while they had the option of 'furloughing ' staff and having their wages paid by the yet-to-be-launched Coronavirus Jobs Retention Scheme .
Nevertheless , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imminent reform of laws to provide companies with more clarity as they navigate one of the most tumultuous periods in economic history .
In a paper submitted to the Insolvency Service by the insolvency law committee of the City of London Law Society - a copy of which has been seen by Sky News - the government was urged to remove creditors ' ability to present winding-up petitions , with the introduction instead of a 90-day grace period triggered by directors `` stating that the company is facing temporary liquidity or operational challenges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 '' .
The paper also suggested that the existing ten-day moratorium period within which company directors file a notice of intention to appoint administrators should be extended .
`` A reasonable period within which to put measures in place to overcome the temporary liquidity problem which [ would ] be less than the 90 day period of protection under the proposals made above in respect of winding-up petitions because companies who could not put such measures in place expeditiously would retain the ability to go into administration with a view to their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it said .
Another key element of the lawyers ' reform proposals relates to rules around wrongful trading , which is a criminal offence .
In their paper , they argued that directors `` should not be made liable if , acting reasonably , they misjudged the potential negative impact of COVID-19 on their business in particular they should not be exposed to personal liability for incurring any indebtedness under the emergency borrowing arrangements provided by or supported by the government to assist in this crisis '' .
It also raised concerns about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pensions legislation , which it said `` might discourage companies drawing down on secured facilities if that could have the effect of having a material detrimental effect on the defined pension scheme if the company does not ultimately survive as a result of COVID-19 '' .
`` While it may be that the directors and the lenders will have a 'reasonable excuse ' in pursuing the secured lending , we wonder if this is the right time to be introducing such criminal sanctions , '' the committee said .
The committee of lawyers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency legislation .
`` If the short-term impact of Covid-19 is not satisfactorily countered , and viable businesses are not preserved , there will be lasting damage to the wider economy , '' it said .
Whitehall sources said the government was likely to respond to the proposals from insolvency practitioners in the coming days .

The government is racing to overhaul insolvency laws as the coronavirus pandemic threatens to unleash a deluge of corporate and individual bankruptcies across the UK.
Sky News has learnt that the Insolvency Service, which sits within the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), has begun canvassing views among restructuring professionals about urgent changes to company legislation.
The reforms, which would be implemented through emergency laws, could include a moratorium on winding-up petitions against companies, and suspending rules on wrongful trading in order to afford more protections for directors, according to industry sources.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:23 Coronavirus: Govt to enforce business rules through police
"The government is also considering what emergency legislation could be introduced to help struggling businesses, and we are very grateful to our stakeholders that have taken time to get in touch and propose possible measures", the Insolvency Service said in a notice to the profession.
"We are also working closely with other government departments on what measures short of legislation might help."
The German government has already introduced emergency laws to ban winding-up petitions during the COVID-19 crisis.
Insiders said that business groups including the CBI and Institute of Directors were among those pressing for urgent reforms in the UK.
A degree of pressure on company directors to call in administrators has been lifted by government measures announced in the last few days, including the deferral of VAT payments and a moratorium on commercial property evictions for non-payment of rent.
One insolvency practitioner said there was unlikely to be an immediate deluge of companies collapsing into administration while they had the option of 'furloughing' staff and having their wages paid by the yet-to-be-launched Coronavirus Jobs Retention Scheme.
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Nevertheless, he added, there was a need for imminent reform of laws to provide companies with more clarity as they navigate one of the most tumultuous periods in economic history.
In a paper submitted to the Insolvency Service by the insolvency law committee of the City of London Law Society - a copy of which has been seen by Sky News - the government was urged to remove creditors' ability to present winding-up petitions, with the introduction instead of a 90-day grace period triggered by directors "stating that the company is facing temporary liquidity or operational challenges as a result of circumstances related to Covid-19".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:45 Self-employed fear for their future
The paper also suggested that the existing ten-day moratorium period within which company directors file a notice of intention to appoint administrators should be extended.
"A reasonable period within which to put measures in place to overcome the temporary liquidity problem which [would] be less than the 90 day period of protection under the proposals made above in respect of winding-up petitions because companies who could not put such measures in place expeditiously would retain the ability to go into administration with a view to their rescue as a going concern," it said.
Another key element of the lawyers' reform proposals relates to rules around wrongful trading, which is a criminal offence.
In their paper, they argued that directors "should not be made liable if, acting reasonably, they misjudged the potential negative impact of COVID-19 on their business in particular they should not be exposed to personal liability for incurring any indebtedness under the emergency borrowing arrangements provided by or supported by the government to assist in this crisis".
It also raised concerns about the implications of criminal sanctions in new pensions legislation, which it said "might discourage companies drawing down on secured facilities if that could have the effect of having a material detrimental effect on the defined pension scheme if the company does not ultimately survive as a result of COVID-19".
"While it may be that the directors and the lenders will have a 'reasonable excuse' in pursuing the secured lending, we wonder if this is the right time to be introducing such criminal sanctions," the committee said.
The committee of lawyers sought to highlight the importance of enacting emergency legislation.
"If the short-term impact of Covid-19 is not satisfactorily countered, and viable businesses are not preserved, there will be lasting damage to the wider economy," it said.
Whitehall sources said the government was likely to respond to the proposals from insolvency practitioners in the coming days.
The Insolvency Service declined to comment.


news--2020-03-25--Airlines call on government to underwrite industry charges

Airlines have called on the government to underwrite hundreds of millions of pounds in regulatory and air traffic control charges as they seek to navigate through the escalating coronavirus crisis .
Sky News has obtained a letter sent on Wednesday by Airlines UK , the industry 's main lobbying group , to Grant Shapps , the transport secretary , in which it calls again for a package of emergency support .
In the letter , Airlines UK urged the government to suspend - rather than defer - air passenger duty payments for six months following the end of the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of air traffic control ( ATC ) and Civil Aviation Authority ( CAA ) charges for the whole of 2020 , `` with payments guaranteed by [ the government ] so National Air Traffic Services and the CAA can continue to be paid and function as critical enablers of the wider UK aviation landscape , both through the current crisis and then into the recovery phase '' .
Airlines UK , whose members include British Airways , easyJet , Ryanair and Virgin Atlantic , also repeated a call for a moratorium on all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law which requires airlines to refund passengers for cancelled flights .
`` Carriers should also be permitted to issue vouchers instead of refunds and , should refunds be required , carriers should be permitted to defer payment until the crisis period is over and as defined by air traffic volumes , rather than time period , '' the group said .
The letter from Airlines UK comes a day after Rishi Sunak , the chancellor , told British carriers that they could expect to engage in discussions with the government about `` bespoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resort '' .
Mr Sunak said airlines would need to exhaust the resources of their existing shareholders and financial stakeholders before the government would consider an injection of debt or equity .
Tim Alderslade , Airlines UK chief executive , said : `` A million people work in UK aviation all over the country .
`` It is one of the UK 's international assets , as the third largest globally behind only China and the US .
`` We welcome that the Government will enter into negotiations with individual airlines , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on policy actions that could be taken now which could also have a considerable impact . ''
Mr Alderslade added that airlines welcomed Mr Sunak 's confirmation that the government would be prepared to enter talks with individual airlines about `` bespoke support '' .
The latest industry data suggests that aggregate passenger revenues will fall globally by $ 252bn as a result of the virus outbreak .
Markets with severe travel restrictions now cover 98 % of global passenger revenues , Airlines UK said .
Mr Alderslade also urged Mr Shapps to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Retention Scheme unveiled by Mr Sunak late last week .
`` Please can we urge that further clarity is provided as soon as possible owing to the severe cash pressures that airlines are facing , '' he wrote .
Mr Sunak 's comments held open the possibility that the government could take a stake in some British airlines , but underlined the remoteness of such a prospect .
The Treasury is keen for major airline shareholders such as easyJet 's Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou and Virgin Atlantic 's Sir Richard Branson to inject further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government for more support .
Mr Sunak also hinted that the Treasury was close to unveiling a further credit facility for companies which do not have an investment grade credit rating .
`` I have listened to feedback that suggests some companies including airlines are uncertain whether they can access this Facility - which is for companies rated as investment grade or equivalent , '' he wrote .
`` I am in discussions to resolve this uncertainty and further announcements will be made shortly . ''
Sky News revealed last week that Rothschild @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked to advise ministers on a package of measures , and that one option could include direct taxpayer investments in airline shares .

Airlines have called on the government to underwrite hundreds of millions of pounds in regulatory and air traffic control charges as they seek to navigate through the escalating coronavirus crisis.
Sky News has obtained a letter sent on Wednesday by Airlines UK, the industry's main lobbying group, to Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, in which it calls again for a package of emergency support.
In the letter, Airlines UK urged the government to suspend - rather than defer - air passenger duty payments for six months following the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It called for the waiving of air traffic control (ATC) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) charges for the whole of 2020, "with payments guaranteed by [the government] so National Air Traffic Services and the CAA can continue to be paid and function as critical enablers of the wider UK aviation landscape, both through the current crisis and then into the recovery phase".
Airlines UK, whose members include British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair and Virgin Atlantic, also repeated a call for a moratorium on all litigated claims under EC261, the European law which requires airlines to refund passengers for cancelled flights.
"Carriers should also be permitted to issue vouchers instead of refunds and, should refunds be required, carriers should be permitted to defer payment until the crisis period is over and as defined by air traffic volumes, rather than time period," the group said.
The letter from Airlines UK comes a day after Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, told British carriers that they could expect to engage in discussions with the government about "bespoke" aid "only as a last resort".
Mr Sunak said airlines would need to exhaust the resources of their existing shareholders and financial stakeholders before the government would consider an injection of debt or equity.
Tim Alderslade, Airlines UK chief executive, said: "A million people work in UK aviation all over the country.
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"It is one of the UK's international assets, as the third largest globally behind only China and the US.
"We welcome that the Government will enter into negotiations with individual airlines, but we also want to work with them on policy actions that could be taken now which could also have a considerable impact."
Mr Alderslade added that airlines welcomed Mr Sunak's confirmation that the government would be prepared to enter talks with individual airlines about "bespoke support".
The latest industry data suggests that aggregate passenger revenues will fall globally by $252bn as a result of the virus outbreak.
Markets with severe travel restrictions now cover 98% of global passenger revenues, Airlines UK said.
Mr Alderslade also urged Mr Shapps to provide more detail about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme unveiled by Mr Sunak late last week.
"Please can we urge that further clarity is provided as soon as possible owing to the severe cash pressures that airlines are facing," he wrote.
Mr Sunak's comments held open the possibility that the government could take a stake in some British airlines, but underlined the remoteness of such a prospect.
The Treasury is keen for major airline shareholders such as easyJet's Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou and Virgin Atlantic's Sir Richard Branson to inject further sums before they can turn to the government for more support.
Mr Sunak also hinted that the Treasury was close to unveiling a further credit facility for companies which do not have an investment grade credit rating.
"I have listened to feedback that suggests some companies including airlines are uncertain whether they can access this Facility - which is for companies rated as investment grade or equivalent," he wrote.
"I am in discussions to resolve this uncertainty and further announcements will be made shortly."
Sky News revealed last week that Rothschild, the investment bank, had been asked to advise ministers on a package of measures, and that one option could include direct taxpayer investments in airline shares.


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Retail vulture funds eye remnants of Laura Ashley

A pack of retail vulture funds are vying to take over the remnants of the Laura Ashley fashion and furniture chain which collapsed into insolvency earlier this week .
Sky News has learnt that Hilco and Retail Realisations were preparing to table offers for Laura Ashley 's remaining estate of 77 stores ahead of a deadline set by administrators on Wednesday .
Gordon Brothers , another specialist in liquidating distressed retailers ' stock , is also said to have been examining an offer for the business .
Laura Ashley plunged into administration earlier this week , blaming the COVID-19 pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business had been struggling , however for some time , and had launched a frantic search for £25m of new funding prior to the outbreak of the virus .
Hilco , which owns Homebase and previously owned HMV , was in talks to inject that capital prior to Laura Ashley 's collapse .
Retail Realisations has worked on the liquidation of retailers including Comet and Austin Reed .
A source close to the situation said that talks were ongoing with potential buyers .
PricewaterhouseCoopers , which was appointed to oversee the insolvency process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's 147 UK stores , triggering more than 700 redundancies .
A further 1,900 people work for the company , although the remaining shops have been shut following a government order to all 'non-essential ' retailers .
`` The strategy announced [ on Monday [ , which includes the permanent closure of 70 stores , provides a viable solution to help restructure the business , albeit there are some stores that have not been closed where we will be entering into discussions with landlords to seek to agree changes to lease terms to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joint administrator , said .
`` Like many other retailers Laura Ashley has been hit hard by market headwinds and weaker consumer spending .
For a retail sector already under severe pressure , the current environment driven by COVID-19 is unprecedented . ''
Laura Ashley , which was founded in 1953 by Laura and Bernard Ashley in their London flat , became popular because of its floral print designs .
Notable fans of its styles included the late Diana , Princess of Wales .
In February , it looked to have secured crucial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ borrowing facility from Wells Fargo , the American Bank .
The company , which was valued at more than £200m when it floated during the 1980s , was valued by the stock market at just £10m prior to the suspension of its shares .
As well as its UK stores , it also has shops in Ireland and France , and franchise and licensee operations in 25 other countries .
The retail sector is facing extraordinary pressure from the pandemic , with most chains now temporarily closed .
Some relief has been granted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government aid schemes , although uncertainty over the length of the coronavirus disruption means that many retailers remain anxious about their long-term prospects .

A pack of retail vulture funds are vying to take over the remnants of the Laura Ashley fashion and furniture chain which collapsed into insolvency earlier this week.
Sky News has learnt that Hilco and Retail Realisations were preparing to table offers for Laura Ashley's remaining estate of 77 stores ahead of a deadline set by administrators on Wednesday.
Gordon Brothers, another specialist in liquidating distressed retailers' stock, is also said to have been examining an offer for the business.
Laura Ashley plunged into administration earlier this week, blaming the COVID-19 pandemic for a collapse in sales.
The business had been struggling, however for some time, and had launched a frantic search for £25m of new funding prior to the outbreak of the virus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:23 Coronavirus: Govt to enforce business rules through police
Hilco, which owns Homebase and previously owned HMV, was in talks to inject that capital prior to Laura Ashley's collapse.
Retail Realisations has worked on the liquidation of retailers including Comet and Austin Reed.
A source close to the situation said that talks were ongoing with potential buyers.
PricewaterhouseCoopers, which was appointed to oversee the insolvency process, immediately closed 70 of Laura Ashley's 147 UK stores, triggering more than 700 redundancies.
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A further 1,900 people work for the company, although the remaining shops have been shut following a government order to all 'non-essential' retailers.
"The strategy announced [on Monday[, which includes the permanent closure of 70 stores, provides a viable solution to help restructure the business, albeit there are some stores that have not been closed where we will be entering into discussions with landlords to seek to agree changes to lease terms to improve viability," Rob Lewis, joint administrator, said.
"Like many other retailers Laura Ashley has been hit hard by market headwinds and weaker consumer spending. For a retail sector already under severe pressure, the current environment driven by COVID-19 is unprecedented."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Trump 'hopeful' people can work again by Easter
Laura Ashley, which was founded in 1953 by Laura and Bernard Ashley in their London flat, became popular because of its floral print designs.
Notable fans of its styles included the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
In February, it looked to have secured crucial support in the form of a £20m borrowing facility from Wells Fargo, the American Bank.
The company, which was valued at more than £200m when it floated during the 1980s, was valued by the stock market at just £10m prior to the suspension of its shares.
As well as its UK stores, it also has shops in Ireland and France, and franchise and licensee operations in 25 other countries.
The retail sector is facing extraordinary pressure from the pandemic, with most chains now temporarily closed.
Some relief has been granted to them in the form of emergency government aid schemes, although uncertainty over the length of the coronavirus disruption means that many retailers remain anxious about their long-term prospects.
A PwC spokesman declined to comment.


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus outbreak sparks acts of generosity around the world

The coronavirus outbreak has brought tragedy to thousands of people - but it has also brought out the best in others looking to help where they can .
Organisers of the Cannes Film Festival have opened their doors to the town 's homeless who have nowhere to go as the city remains in lockdown .
The annual event in the French Riviera , which hosts the biggest names in cinema , was due to take place from 12 May to 23 May but was postponed until late June .
So instead it opened its doors the homeless on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people here every night , '' said Dominique Aude-Lasset , an official at Cannes Town Hall .
There are concerns over the impact COVID-19 could have on France 's estimated 12,000 homeless people , with many not having access to sanitation and suffering from underlying health conditions .
At the iconic building , the new occupants have their temperatures checked , have access to an eating area , showers , a communal space with a television , beds , and kennels for their dogs .
In London , Michelin star-winning chef Andrew Wong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurant , has been preparing free food boxes for the most vulnerable .
`` Whatever we can do in the immediate future - if we can help one person and make them temporarily happy , give them one meal , then that 's enough for the moment , '' he said .
The cook-at-home boxes are intended to help those struggling to buy food during the lockdown .
Mr Wong said : `` We 're working together with our local church , which has many links with local charities , who have also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to people in isolation , but also to food banks and the homeless . ''
He added : `` There are things in this world which are more important than profit and money , and if we if we go under , at least try and go under with a good heart . ''
Elsewhere in Haiti , boy and girl scouts have been in the streets with portable sinks to allow people to wash their hands on the go , while promoting the importance of hand washing in slowing the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basins are connected to the water supply of a local church or school and the youngsters play catchy music with lyrics encouraging hygiene methods to attract people .
Many in the densely populated country are anxious about being hit hard given the lack of sanitation , infrastructure and overwhelmed healthcare services .
However , so far there have been just six confirmed cases .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In Canada , a refugee family from Syria have given back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her a food parcel while she was self-isolating .
Robin Stevenson had received a phone call from the family she helped in 2016 - and who now run a grocery shop .
`` They told me there was food on my porch .
They waved from the sidewalk and said that they could bring more food in a few days if needed - though I think there is enough here that even with a teenager in the house , we should be just fine , '' she said .
`` They are kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become good friends over the past few years .
It 's been lovely seeing the kids grow - the smallest was just a baby when they came here .
I am sure we will always be connected . ''
Ms Stevenson , an author originally from Leeds , has sponsored several refugees in the past four years .
`` One thing that I have seen over and over again is just how much newcomers help others and contribute to the communities they resettle in , '' she said .
`` Canada is better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have come here - and while no one should be forced to leave their country , we are lucky to have them . ''
And the former governor of California and film star Arnold Schwarzenegger donated $ 1m ( £848,000 ) to a frontline responders fund , in an effort to get crucial supplies to doctors and scientists .
He tweeted : `` I never believed in sitting on the couch and complaining about how bad things are , I always believed we should all do our part to make things better .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect our real action heroes on the frontlines in our hospitals , and I 'm proud to be part of it . ''

The coronavirus outbreak has brought tragedy to thousands of people - but it has also brought out the best in others looking to help where they can.
Organisers of the Cannes Film Festival have opened their doors to the town's homeless who have nowhere to go as the city remains in lockdown.
The annual event in the French Riviera, which hosts the biggest names in cinema, was due to take place from 12 May to 23 May but was postponed until late June.
Image: The venue for the Cannes Film Festival is being offered to the homeless
So instead it opened its doors the homeless on Friday.
"We have between 50 and 70 people here every night," said Dominique Aude-Lasset, an official at Cannes Town Hall.
There are concerns over the impact COVID-19 could have on France's estimated 12,000 homeless people, with many not having access to sanitation and suffering from underlying health conditions.
At the iconic building, the new occupants have their temperatures checked, have access to an eating area, showers, a communal space with a television, beds, and kennels for their dogs.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:06 Gary Neville's hotel opens to NHS workers
In London, Michelin star-winning chef Andrew Wong, who has had to close his restaurant, has been preparing free food boxes for the most vulnerable.
"Whatever we can do in the immediate future - if we can help one person and make them temporarily happy, give them one meal, then that's enough for the moment," he said.
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The cook-at-home boxes are intended to help those struggling to buy food during the lockdown.
Image: Mr Wong said there were 'things in this world which are more important than profit and money'
Mr Wong said: "We're working together with our local church, which has many links with local charities, who have also got volunteers who are going to distribute it to people in isolation, but also to food banks and the homeless."
He added: "There are things in this world which are more important than profit and money, and if we if we go under, at least try and go under with a good heart."
Elsewhere in Haiti, boy and girl scouts have been in the streets with portable sinks to allow people to wash their hands on the go, while promoting the importance of hand washing in slowing the spread of the virus.
Image: Scouts in Haiti have been spending time encouraging others to wash their hands
The portable wash basins are connected to the water supply of a local church or school and the youngsters play catchy music with lyrics encouraging hygiene methods to attract people.
Many in the densely populated country are anxious about being hit hard given the lack of sanitation, infrastructure and overwhelmed healthcare services. However, so far there have been just six confirmed cases.
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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In Canada, a refugee family from Syria have given back to a woman who sponsored them by bringing her a food parcel while she was self-isolating.
Robin Stevenson had received a phone call from the family she helped in 2016 - and who now run a grocery shop.
"They told me there was food on my porch. They waved from the sidewalk and said that they could bring more food in a few days if needed - though I think there is enough here that even with a teenager in the house, we should be just fine," she said.
Image: The family left eight bags of food for Ms Stevenson
"They are kind and incredibly generous people and we've become good friends over the past few years. It's been lovely seeing the kids grow - the smallest was just a baby when they came here. I am sure we will always be connected."
Ms Stevenson, an author originally from Leeds, has sponsored several refugees in the past four years.
"One thing that I have seen over and over again is just how much newcomers help others and contribute to the communities they resettle in," she said.
"Canada is better and stronger because of the refugees who have come here - and while no one should be forced to leave their country, we are lucky to have them."
Image: Schwarzenegger said 'we should all do our part'
And the former governor of California and film star Arnold Schwarzenegger donated $1m (£848,000) to a frontline responders fund, in an effort to get crucial supplies to doctors and scientists.
He tweeted: "I never believed in sitting on the couch and complaining about how bad things are, I always believed we should all do our part to make things better.
"This is a simple way to protect our real action heroes on the frontlines in our hospitals, and I'm proud to be part of it."


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: NHS volunteers say 'we really can make a difference'

The NHS says it has been `` bowled-over '' after more than 500,000 people signed up to be a volunteer responder - 24 hours after the health secretary made an urgent appeal for help during the coronavirus crisis .
On Tuesday , Matt Hancock said the health service was looking for 250,000 people to assist in providing a range of services to the 1.5 million people in England considered to be the most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Jayne Marshall , from Derbyshire , was amongst the first to put her name forward .
`` My mum is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation , '' she told Sky News , `` I ca n't get to see her , so I thought , at least I can try and do something for somebody else . ''
She added : `` I wanted to be of use . ''
`` Since the lockdown in particular you feel useless , you feel powerless , so volunteering I think is really important . ''
Volunteers will be drafted in to help in four main areas ; patient transport , shopping and the collection of medicines , transporting medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who are self-isolating .
Gavin Palin , from Cheshire , has been an NHS volunteer for more than 20 years , and is currently helping a local community group deliver supplies directly to the vulnerable .
`` The demand for what volunteers do is much greater now , '' he says , `` so it 's really challenging in that sense '' .
`` But we really can make a difference .
And the more of us volunteers there are , the easier it 'll be for everyone . ''
: : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Since she started self-isolating two weeks ago , Jan McKeown , from Crewe , has already been receiving help with her shopping .
`` I do feel very vulnerable , '' she told Sky News , `` and trying to get shopping has been causing me a lot of stress '' .
`` But what the volunteers have been doing has been amazing .
`` It really is helping me to feel safer . ''

The NHS says it has been "bowled-over" after more than 500,000 people signed up to be a volunteer responder - 24 hours after the health secretary made an urgent appeal for help during the coronavirus crisis.
On Tuesday, Matt Hancock said the health service was looking for 250,000 people to assist in providing a range of services to the 1.5 million people in England considered to be the most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Image: Jayne Marshall cannot currently visit her mum so wanted to at least help others
Jayne Marshall, from Derbyshire, was amongst the first to put her name forward.
"My mum is in a care home, in a lockdown situation," she told Sky News, "I can't get to see her, so I thought, at least I can try and do something for somebody else."
She added: "I wanted to be of use."
Image: Jayne Marshall's mum is in lockdown in a care home
"Since the lockdown in particular you feel useless, you feel powerless, so volunteering I think is really important."
Volunteers will be drafted in to help in four main areas; patient transport, shopping and the collection of medicines, transporting medical supplies, and providing social calls for those who are self-isolating.
Gavin Palin, from Cheshire, has been an NHS volunteer for more than 20 years, and is currently helping a local community group deliver supplies directly to the vulnerable.
"The demand for what volunteers do is much greater now," he says, "so it's really challenging in that sense".
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"But we really can make a difference. And the more of us volunteers there are, the easier it'll be for everyone."
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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Since she started self-isolating two weeks ago, Jan McKeown, from Crewe, has already been receiving help with her shopping.
Image: Jan McKeown says volunteers have been 'amazing'
"I do feel very vulnerable," she told Sky News, "and trying to get shopping has been causing me a lot of stress".
"But what the volunteers have been doing has been amazing.
"It really is helping me to feel safer."


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: British nurses in Australia want to come home to help

Dozens of former NHS nurses in Australia are hoping to return to the UK to assist in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic .
Laura Mclaughlin - who has lived in Sydney for three years - has organised a group of more than 50 NHS staff who want to return to Britain and take part in its response to the COVID-19 outbreak .
The 27-year-old , who previously worked as an accident and emergency nurse in Southport , Merseyside , said she had been in touch with former colleagues in the UK , who said they were `` so short-staffed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to secure a seat on a flight from Darwin to Heathrow , but many others - including doctors and physiotherapists - were still searching for a route back to the UK .
`` We 've been to the embassy , trying to get hold of people to help us , but we 're just getting no answers , '' said Ms Mclaughlin .
`` I do n't think it 's good enough .
We need to be prioritising flights for the NHS key workers to be getting home to be helping the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flight confirmed for tomorrow , but it 's still helping all the other people along the way trying to get home . ''
She said flights were costing upwards of $ 13,000 ( £6,600 ) , adding that most did not `` have that sort of money '' .
`` We 're really keen to come and help but we 're all feeling a little bit like everyone has turned their back on us at the moment , '' said Ms Mclaughlin .
`` It 's such a long way to be stuck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the embassy or the government . ''
She said bringing back nurses from retirement was a good idea but said there were young nurses around the world eager to return home to help .
Ned Starling , a paramedic who has worked for London Ambulance Service for five years , said he spent all of Tuesday looking for flights from Sydney .
The 28-year-old had been travelling around Australia with his girlfriend , who is also a nurse .
He said he was in a Facebook group with another 500 NHS workers trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Australia .
He said : `` If there 's any way of just promoting this idea that if there is repatriation , there 's a whole bunch of useful people that are willing to come back now , as soon as possible , to work .
`` I personally feel that these are people that need to be back in the country .
`` My reason for wanting to come back is really because I want to provide some help at home . ''
Ms Mclaughlin is one of a few who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first non-stop Qantas flight from Darwin to Heathrow , with its flagship Sydney to London service - which stops in Singapore - brought to a halt .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The temporary route is expected to take 16 hours and 45 minutes and will run this week , before the airline suspends all international flights until 31 May .
A Foreign and Commonwealth Office ( FCO ) spokeswoman said : `` We recognise British tourists abroad are finding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of the unprecedented international travel and domestic restrictions that are being introduced around the world - often with very little or no notice .
`` The FCO is working around the clock to support British travellers in this situation to allow them to come back to the UK . ''
Earlier , Dominic Raab , the foreign secretary , announced special flights were being set up to bring home Britons stranded because of the coronavirus lockdown .
He said Singapore had agreed to be the transit hub where people stuck in countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could fly through on their way back to the UK .
He also assured travellers unable to afford the cost of a plane ticket back they could get an emergency loan to cover the cost .

Dozens of former NHS nurses in Australia are hoping to return to the UK to assist in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
Laura Mclaughlin - who has lived in Sydney for three years - has organised a group of more than 50 NHS staff who want to return to Britain and take part in its response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The 27-year-old, who previously worked as an accident and emergency nurse in Southport, Merseyside, said she had been in touch with former colleagues in the UK, who said they were "so short-staffed".
Image: Ms Mclaughlin is one of a few able to fly back to the UK
She said she was able to secure a seat on a flight from Darwin to Heathrow, but many others - including doctors and physiotherapists - were still searching for a route back to the UK.
"We've been to the embassy, trying to get hold of people to help us, but we're just getting no answers," said Ms Mclaughlin.
"I don't think it's good enough. We need to be prioritising flights for the NHS key workers to be getting home to be helping the pandemic.
"I have hopefully got this flight confirmed for tomorrow, but it's still helping all the other people along the way trying to get home."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:46 Hancock issues call for 250,000 NHS volunteers
She said flights were costing upwards of $13,000 (£6,600), adding that most did not "have that sort of money".
"We're really keen to come and help but we're all feeling a little bit like everyone has turned their back on us at the moment," said Ms Mclaughlin.
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"It's such a long way to be stuck with no flights with no help from the embassy or the government."
She said bringing back nurses from retirement was a good idea but said there were young nurses around the world eager to return home to help.
Ned Starling, a paramedic who has worked for London Ambulance Service for five years, said he spent all of Tuesday looking for flights from Sydney.
Image: The pandemic is expected to put huge pressure on the NHS
The 28-year-old had been travelling around Australia with his girlfriend, who is also a nurse. He said he was in a Facebook group with another 500 NHS workers trying to get back to the UK from Australia.
He said: "If there's any way of just promoting this idea that if there is repatriation, there's a whole bunch of useful people that are willing to come back now, as soon as possible, to work.
"I personally feel that these are people that need to be back in the country.
"My reason for wanting to come back is really because I want to provide some help at home."
Ms Mclaughlin is one of a few who have been able to secure a seat on the first non-stop Qantas flight from Darwin to Heathrow, with its flagship Sydney to London service - which stops in Singapore - brought to a halt.
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 temporary route is expected to take 16 hours and 45 minutes and will run this week, before the airline suspends all international flights until 31 May.
A Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) spokeswoman said: "We recognise British tourists abroad are finding it difficult to return to the UK because of the unprecedented international travel and domestic restrictions that are being introduced around the world - often with very little or no notice.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:08 Lockdown: Driving through London's empty streets
"The FCO is working around the clock to support British travellers in this situation to allow them to come back to the UK."
Earlier, Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, announced special flights were being set up to bring home Britons stranded because of the coronavirus lockdown.
He said Singapore had agreed to be the transit hub where people stuck in countries like Australia, New Zealand and Peru could fly through on their way back to the UK.
He also assured travellers unable to afford the cost of a plane ticket back they could get an emergency loan to cover the cost.


news--2020-03-25--No trace of suspending party loyalty as Jeremy Corbyn takes PMQs bow

Jeremy Corbyn ended his time at Prime Minister 's Questions as he started it , probing at Boris Johnson , seeking his weak spots .
The Labour leader promised his voice would not be `` stilled '' despite handing the reins of his party over to someone else within weeks .
`` I 'll be arguing… I 'll be demanding justice for people in this country and the rest of the world , '' he said , as the two men shared a few sparing warm remarks to mark the occasion .
This was Mr Corbyn 's 136th session facing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six extra questions in light of the coronavirus crisis sweeping the world .
He used them , in his characteristic style , to demand more for those suffering most during the lockdown : the low-paid and those in insecure work .
In an exchange typical of his time at the despatch box , the Labour leader said the virus only served to highlight that the UK is deeply divided .
`` No one is an island and no one is self-made '' , he said .
`` The well-being of the most wealthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office… we have to recognise the value of each other and the strength of a society which cares for each other and cares for us all . ''
Boris Johnson agreed , thanking him for his words .
Earlier he had thrown a gentle barb in Mr Corbyn 's direction , suggesting his successor may not be delighted that the current leader plans to remain vocal within the Commons .
Many have criticised Mr Corbyn for his performance during Prime Minister 's Questions , including those on his own side who feel his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ style not suited to TV news programmes .
Initially MPs laughed at his style of using messages sent in from people around the UK to make his points about inequality .
Slowly though , the laughter at this device stopped .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Today , his questions were focused on those facing the toughest time during the virus outbreak : the self-employed who feel they have to go to work , care workers , those who are stuck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In contrast to other leaders , including the SNP , there was no trace of suspending party loyalty as he became frustrated at the prime minister and warned him `` this is no time for levity '' during a lighter moment in the session .
In short , Mr Corbyn used his last opportunity to question a Conservative prime minister in the same way he has used every other .
He was the thorn in Mr Johnson 's side and never his ally , showing none of the collegiate tone adopted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unprecedented times .
In a fitting final tribute , his most senior advisers were asked to leave the press gallery for breaking the rules by taking photos of their boss 's final question time .
Right to the end , Mr Corbyn and his team have sought to make their own rules .

Jeremy Corbyn ended his time at Prime Minister's Questions as he started it, probing at Boris Johnson, seeking his weak spots.
The Labour leader promised his voice would not be "stilled" despite handing the reins of his party over to someone else within weeks.
"I'll be arguing… I'll be demanding justice for people in this country and the rest of the world," he said, as the two men shared a few sparing warm remarks to mark the occasion.
Image: The Conservative and Labour leaders battle it out at PMQs
This was Mr Corbyn's 136th session facing a Conservative leader and he was given six extra questions in light of the coronavirus crisis sweeping the world.
He used them, in his characteristic style, to demand more for those suffering most during the lockdown: the low-paid and those in insecure work.
In an exchange typical of his time at the despatch box, the Labour leader said the virus only served to highlight that the UK is deeply divided.
"No one is an island and no one is self-made", he said.
"The well-being of the most wealthy depends on the outsourced worker cleaning their office… we have to recognise the value of each other and the strength of a society which cares for each other and cares for us all."
Boris Johnson agreed, thanking him for his words.
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Image: Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn shared few warm remarks
Earlier he had thrown a gentle barb in Mr Corbyn's direction, suggesting his successor may not be delighted that the current leader plans to remain vocal within the Commons.
Many have criticised Mr Corbyn for his performance during Prime Minister's Questions, including those on his own side who feel his questions are not forensic enough and his style not suited to TV news programmes.
Initially MPs laughed at his style of using messages sent in from people around the UK to make his points about inequality.
Slowly though, the laughter at this device stopped.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Today, his questions were focused on those facing the toughest time during the virus outbreak: the self-employed who feel they have to go to work, care workers, those who are stuck abroad and people applying for universal credit.
In contrast to other leaders, including the SNP, there was no trace of suspending party loyalty as he became frustrated at the prime minister and warned him "this is no time for levity" during a lighter moment in the session.
In short, Mr Corbyn used his last opportunity to question a Conservative prime minister in the same way he has used every other.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:25 'I was condemned for wanting to invest money'
He was the thorn in Mr Johnson's side and never his ally, showing none of the collegiate tone adopted by his front bench colleagues even in such unprecedented times.
In a fitting final tribute, his most senior advisers were asked to leave the press gallery for breaking the rules by taking photos of their boss's final question time.
Right to the end, Mr Corbyn and his team have sought to make their own rules.


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus 'spreading like a bullet train' in New York, governor says

Coronavirus is spreading `` like a bullet train '' through New York , the state 's governor has said as he warned of dire consequences unless emergency medical equipment arrives soon .
The state has recorded at least 210 deaths , or one third of the US total , and has more than 25,000 confirmed coronavirus cases .
Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Tuesday : `` One of the forecasters said to me : 'We were looking at a freight train coming across the country . '
`` We 're now looking at a bullet train .
The apex is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is sooner than we thought . ''
Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Some 2,000 ventilators have been shipped to New York and 2,000 more will be sent on Wednesday , US vice president Mike Pence said .
But Mr Cuomo said they needed 30,000 and demanded that President Donald Trump use wartime authority to force manufacturers to produce them .
Mr Trump has invoked the Korean War-era Defence Production Act to deter hoarding , but has been reluctant to use it to force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaving New York City should self-quarantine for 14 days , the woman in charge of the US response to the pandemic has said .
Deborah Birx , the White House coronavirus coordinator , said people leaving the area might not be sick , but could have been exposed to the virus .
Ms Birx told a White House briefing `` about 56 % of all the cases in the United States are coming out of that metro area , and 60 % of all the new cases are coming out of the metro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people succumbing to this disease . ''
Dr Anthony Fauci , the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , who is advising Mr Trump on the pandemic , said about one per 1,000 people leaving New York are infected .
That , he said , is eight to 10 times more than in other areas .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) said on Tuesday the US has the potential to become the new epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic .
The warnings come as Mr Trump said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opened up and just raring to go '' by Easter ( 12 April ) , but later said `` our decision will be based on hard facts and data '' .
New York 's mayor , Bill de Blasio , said he respectfully disagreed with the president and that `` we are looking at months .
`` April will unquestionably be worse than March .
And right now , my fear is that May could be worse than April .
`` That 's the reality we 're facing .
I think the notion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , back to normal in the month of April is absolutely inconceivable at this point . ''
Overnight , the White House reached agreement with US senate leaders to pump $ 2trn ( £1.7trn ) into the US economy in an unprecedented aid package .
The money will go to help businesses , workers and the country 's healthcare system .

Coronavirus is spreading "like a bullet train" through New York, the state's governor has said as he warned of dire consequences unless emergency medical equipment arrives soon.
The state has recorded at least 210 deaths, or one third of the US total, and has more than 25,000 confirmed coronavirus cases.
Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Tuesday: "One of the forecasters said to me: 'We were looking at a freight train coming across the country.'
"We're now looking at a bullet train. The apex is higher than we thought and the apex is sooner than we thought."
Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Some 2,000 ventilators have been shipped to New York and 2,000 more will be sent on Wednesday, US vice president Mike Pence said.
But Mr Cuomo said they needed 30,000 and demanded that President Donald Trump use wartime authority to force manufacturers to produce them.
Mr Trump has invoked the Korean War-era Defence Production Act to deter hoarding, but has been reluctant to use it to force businesses to manufacture essential supplies.
Everyone leaving New York City should self-quarantine for 14 days, the woman in charge of the US response to the pandemic has said.
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Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus coordinator, said people leaving the area might not be sick, but could have been exposed to the virus.
Ms Birx told a White House briefing "about 56% of all the cases in the United States are coming out of that metro area, and 60% of all the new cases are coming out of the metro New York area and 31% of the people succumbing to this disease."
Dr Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who is advising Mr Trump on the pandemic, said about one per 1,000 people leaving New York are infected.
That, he said, is eight to 10 times more than in other areas.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Trump 'hopeful' people can work again by Easter
The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday the US has the potential to become the new epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic.
The warnings come as Mr Trump said he hoped to have the country "opened up and just raring to go" by Easter (12 April), but later said "our decision will be based on hard facts and data".
New York's mayor, Bill de Blasio, said he respectfully disagreed with the president and that "we are looking at months.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 'We're going big' - Trump on virus stimulus
"April will unquestionably be worse than March. And right now, my fear is that May could be worse than April.
"That's the reality we're facing. I think the notion that we could be, quote unquote, back to normal in the month of April is absolutely inconceivable at this point."
Overnight, the White House reached agreement with US senate leaders to pump $2trn (£1.7trn) into the US economy in an unprecedented aid package.
The money will go to help businesses, workers and the country's healthcare system.


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Nearly half the world's population now under restrictions

Nearly half the world ’ s population is under some form restriction as governments move to stop the spread of coronavirus , Sky News analysis has revealed .
At least three billion people across 41 countries face some form of restriction , such as being urged to work from home , with more than 1.5 billion under stringent lockdown .
Large parts of Western Europe are currently under lockdown , with the UK one of the latest countries to ask its citizens to stay at home , with penalties imposed on those seen in large gatherings .
Sky News analysis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investment bank UBS , graded the restrictions based on intensity - from school closures at the lower-end to lack of freedom of movement at the severe-end , like much of China during February .
China has since relaxed restrictions on movement as the number of people dying from coronavirus has fallen sharply .
According to its national health commission , the vast majority of China 's cases have been in people coming into the country rather than from community spread .
Similarly , Japan 's education ministry has said it will not renew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from world health authorities .
UBS say that 27 out of 41 countries being monitored by tem now have 'severe ' mobility restrictions in place .
At least 37 countries have schools closed until the end of March , with many governments giving local authorities powers to keep schools closed indefinitely .
Data from most countries show restrictions of social gatherings to varying degrees .
Police in the UK have been asked to break up gatherings of more than two people whereas Russia - which saw its first death due to COVID-19 this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impose a city-wide lockdown on Moscow .
Large parts of the world saw new restrictions this week on restaurants , which were previously allowed to seat customers during the day at a safe distance from each other but are now only allowed to stay open to provide delivery or takeout services .
According to the World Health Organisation , at least 196 countries and territories have reported cases of COVID-19 infections .
There are now more than 450,000 suspected and confirmed cases of coronavirus worldwide , with more than 20,000 deaths , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracking the outbreak .

Nearly half the world’s population is under some form restriction as governments move to stop the spread of coronavirus, Sky News analysis has revealed.
At least three billion people across 41 countries face some form of restriction, such as being urged to work from home, with more than 1.5 billion under stringent lockdown.
Large parts of Western Europe are currently under lockdown, with the UK one of the latest countries to ask its citizens to stay at home, with penalties imposed on those seen in large gatherings.
Sky News analysis, based on data from the Swiss investment bank UBS, graded the restrictions based on intensity - from school closures at the lower-end to lack of freedom of movement at the severe-end, like much of China during February.
China has since relaxed restrictions on movement as the number of people dying from coronavirus has fallen sharply.
According to its national health commission, the vast majority of China's cases have been in people coming into the country rather than from community spread.
Similarly, Japan's education ministry has said it will not renew restrictions on schools from April despite warnings from world health authorities.
UBS say that 27 out of 41 countries being monitored by tem now have 'severe' mobility restrictions in place.
At least 37 countries have schools closed until the end of March, with many governments giving local authorities powers to keep schools closed indefinitely.
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Data from most countries show restrictions of social gatherings to varying degrees.
Police in the UK have been asked to break up gatherings of more than two people whereas Russia - which saw its first death due to COVID-19 this week - has said it will not impose a city-wide lockdown on Moscow.
Large parts of the world saw new restrictions this week on restaurants, which were previously allowed to seat customers during the day at a safe distance from each other but are now only allowed to stay open to provide delivery or takeout services.
According to the World Health Organisation, at least 196 countries and territories have reported cases of COVID-19 infections.
There are now more than 450,000 suspected and confirmed cases of coronavirus worldwide, with more than 20,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the outbreak.


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Parliament to shut down tonight over COVID-19 spread fears

Parliament is shutting down a week early because of fears over the spread of coronavirus .
MPs will be sent back to their constituencies for Easter recess tonight , as soon as new laws handing emergency lockdown powers to the government are passed .
Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg thanked them for `` coming together '' to unanimously back the Coronavirus Bill , which now only needs sign off by the House of Lords .
But some MPs have told Sky News they should be staying in parliament to scrutinise crucial details of Downing Street 's plan to battle COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK .
The Commons was due to go into recess anyway on Tuesday 31 March 2020 for three weeks - until 21 April 2020 .
Now the government has brought forward the departure because it says it wants to protect staff .
MPs have been told off recently for sitting too close together in the main chamber , which can only seat around 400 of the 650 of them anyway .
The government 's social distancing advice states that everyone should stay two metre away from each other to limit contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parties welcomed the news , with one telling Sky News `` it 's about bloody time '' and another complaining `` it should have happened weeks ago '' .
But several Labour MPs expressed fears they will even less time to press the government on vital questions raised by constituents about the coronavirus pandemic .
Wes Streeting said he was `` really worried '' as the promise of measures to help self-employed people during the lockdown has yet to materialise .
He also raised concerns about needing urgent answers on protective kit and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the amount of non-essential work still taking place .
`` Our ability to hold the government to account and push them in the right direction is seriously diminished when parliament is in recess .
This does n't feel right , '' he told Sky News .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Rosie Duffield said Labour backbenchers were having to frantically message each other questions to ask ministers on behalf of the country .
`` Obviously we understand that it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from home - but it 's still a little bit unnerving that parliament wo n't be sitting in a time of such crisis , '' she told Sky News .
While MP Chris Evans tweeted : `` Very concerned that parliament is going into recess without a proper package in place for the self employed .
`` My inbox is inundated with the very real concerns that they have , so far , been neglected by government .
It 's such a stressful time , they need help and support now . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ assembly have had their planned three-week recess scrapped .
First Minister Mark Drakeford said `` it is important '' they still get a chance to scrutinise the Welsh government on the actions being taken .
`` New ways of working have been adopted by the Welsh government and in the Senedd to protect all members of staff and elected members , '' he assured workers in Cardiff .

Parliament is shutting down a week early because of fears over the spread of coronavirus.
MPs will be sent back to their constituencies for Easter recess tonight, as soon as new laws handing emergency lockdown powers to the government are passed.
Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg thanked them for "coming together" to unanimously back the Coronavirus Bill, which now only needs sign off by the House of Lords.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Lockdown: The dos and don'ts
But some MPs have told Sky News they should be staying in parliament to scrutinise crucial details of Downing Street's plan to battle COVID-19, which has so far killed 424 people in the UK.
The Commons was due to go into recess anyway on Tuesday 31 March 2020 for three weeks - until 21 April 2020.
Now the government has brought forward the departure because it says it wants to protect staff.
MPs have been told off recently for sitting too close together in the main chamber, which can only seat around 400 of the 650 of them anyway.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:27 Police tell sunbathers: 'It's not a holiday'
The government's social distancing advice states that everyone should stay two metre away from each other to limit contact.
Staff members from across the political parties welcomed the news, with one telling Sky News "it's about bloody time" and another complaining "it should have happened weeks ago".
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But several Labour MPs expressed fears they will even less time to press the government on vital questions raised by constituents about the coronavirus pandemic.
Wes Streeting said he was "really worried" as the promise of measures to help self-employed people during the lockdown has yet to materialise.
He also raised concerns about needing urgent answers on protective kit and testing for NHS staff, as well as the amount of non-essential work still taking place.
"Our ability to hold the government to account and push them in the right direction is seriously diminished when parliament is in recess. This doesn't feel right," he told Sky News.
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Rosie Duffield said Labour backbenchers were having to frantically message each other questions to ask ministers on behalf of the country.
"Obviously we understand that it's important we lead by example and work from home - but it's still a little bit unnerving that parliament won't be sitting in a time of such crisis," she told Sky News.
While MP Chris Evans tweeted: "Very concerned that parliament is going into recess without a proper package in place for the self employed.
"My inbox is inundated with the very real concerns that they have, so far, been neglected by government. It's such a stressful time, they need help and support now."
In Wales, members of the devolved assembly have had their planned three-week recess scrapped.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said "it is important" they still get a chance to scrutinise the Welsh government on the actions being taken.
"New ways of working have been adopted by the Welsh government and in the Senedd to protect all members of staff and elected members," he assured workers in Cardiff.


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson facing pressure over workers at building sites

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing growing calls to intervene and stop non-essential construction workers heading to building sites as the UK looks to slow the spread of coronavirus .
MPs from across the political spectrum have called for more stringent rules so workers are not put at risk of getting COVID-19 and public transport is not overwhelmed .
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick told Sky News that construction on open air sites can continue but workers should follow social distancing advice .
However , many builders have pointed out this is almost impossible on construction sites where hundreds of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in close contact and eating in packed canteens .
Some complained they feel `` angry and unprotected '' going to work , while others say employers are pressurising them to come in so they are concerned they will not be paid if they stay at home .
Listed housebuilders Persimmon and Bellway confirmed on Wednesday morning they were beginning a phased shutdown of their sites , despite the regulations currently allowing them to operate .
Bellway cited the need to keep workers safe alongside difficulties sourcing construction materials .
Persimmon said it had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only being made safe and secure .
Their updates followed the lead of rivals Taylor Wimpey and Barratt Developments who had already announced a suspension of ordinary activity .
Brian Berry , chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders , said : `` Our members want to do the right thing , but the advice coming from government is anything but clear . ''
A Cabinet Office spokesman told Sky News those who can not work from home should go to work if they are feeling well .
Mr Jenrick said any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ socially distance should `` think about closing down your business '' .
He told Kay Burley @ Breakfast : `` If you do n't follow those rules there will be enforcement action taken against you . ''
On Monday evening , the government announced a recruitment drive for 250,000 volunteers who are in good health and can help vulnerable people .
The NHS has said the volunteers will support the 1.5m vulnerable people who have been asked to `` shield '' themselves from COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ east London exhibition centre would made into a field hospital with 4,000 beds to cope with the outbreak .
The efforts to deal with the pandemic came as the UK saw its biggest daily spike in deaths from coronavirus with 89 , taking the nationwide total to 424 .
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the UK now stands at 8,077 , up 1,427 from 6,650 on Monday .
The prime minister said people could only go to work if `` absolutely necessary '' on Monday when he announced new measures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But on Tuesday , Mr Hancock said those who can not work from home - including key workers in the NHS and social care - should go to work to `` keep the country running '' .
He said construction workers were among those who could keep working - as long as they could remain two metres apart at all times .
Sir Iain Duncan Smith and Andy Burnham are among the politicians calling for changes to be made .
London mayor Sadiq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to act in order to get more people to stay at home as photos appeared on social media showing busy Tube trains .
Elsewhere , the health secretary said 11,788 recently retired NHS workers had responded to calls to return to work , including 2,660 doctors , more than 2,500 pharmacists and 6,147 nurses .
Mr Hancock said : `` I pay tribute to each and every one of those who is returning to the NHS at its hour of need . ''
He also said about 5,500 final-year medics and 18,700 final-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the front line '' next week .

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing growing calls to intervene and stop non-essential construction workers heading to building sites as the UK looks to slow the spread of coronavirus.
MPs from across the political spectrum have called for more stringent rules so workers are not put at risk of getting COVID-19 and public transport is not overwhelmed.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick told Sky News that construction on open air sites can continue but workers should follow social distancing advice.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:23 Coronavirus: Govt to enforce business rules through police
However, many builders have pointed out this is almost impossible on construction sites where hundreds of them work together, often having to be in close contact and eating in packed canteens.
Some complained they feel "angry and unprotected" going to work, while others say employers are pressurising them to come in so they are concerned they will not be paid if they stay at home.
Listed housebuilders Persimmon and Bellway confirmed on Wednesday morning they were beginning a phased shutdown of their sites, despite the regulations currently allowing them to operate.
Bellway cited the need to keep workers safe alongside difficulties sourcing construction materials.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:45 Workers face sack if they refuse to go in
Persimmon said it had stopped all non-essential work and sites were only being made safe and secure.
Their updates followed the lead of rivals Taylor Wimpey and Barratt Developments who had already announced a suspension of ordinary activity.
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Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said: "Our members want to do the right thing, but the advice coming from government is anything but clear."
A Cabinet Office spokesman told Sky News those who cannot work from home should go to work if they are feeling well.
Mr Jenrick said any businesses that couldn't guarantee labourers could socially distance should "think about closing down your business".
He told Kay Burley@Breakfast: "If you don't follow those rules there will be enforcement action taken against you."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:46 Hancock issues call for 250,000 NHS volunteers
On Monday evening, the government announced a recruitment drive for 250,000 volunteers who are in good health and can help vulnerable people.
The NHS has said the volunteers will support the 1.5m vulnerable people who have been asked to "shield" themselves from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock also announced that an east London exhibition centre would made into a field hospital with 4,000 beds to cope with the outbreak.
The efforts to deal with the pandemic came as the UK saw its biggest daily spike in deaths from coronavirus with 89, taking the nationwide total to 424.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the UK now stands at 8,077, up 1,427 from 6,650 on Monday.
The prime minister said people could only go to work if "absolutely necessary" on Monday when he announced new measures.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
But on Tuesday, Mr Hancock said those who cannot work from home - including key workers in the NHS and social care - should go to work to "keep the country running".
He said construction workers were among those who could keep working - as long as they could remain two metres apart at all times.
Sir Iain Duncan Smith and Andy Burnham are among the politicians calling for changes to be made.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:22 Inside a packed London tube train
London mayor Sadiq Khan's office called for the government to act in order to get more people to stay at home as photos appeared on social media showing busy Tube trains.
Elsewhere, the health secretary said 11,788 recently retired NHS workers had responded to calls to return to work, including 2,660 doctors, more than 2,500 pharmacists and 6,147 nurses.
Mr Hancock said: "I pay tribute to each and every one of those who is returning to the NHS at its hour of need."
He also said about 5,500 final-year medics and 18,700 final-year student nurses were set to "move to the front line" next week.


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Chinese students using private jets to flee US amid COVID-19 outbreak

Chinese students from wealthy families are asking their parents to pay for seats on private jets to bring them home from the US where the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread .
In China , where the pandemic began late last year , authorities have managed to get on top of the disease , but the US is struggling to cope in some areas .
More than 50,000 infections have been recorded in the US , while Chinese officials say they have not seen any new locally transmitted cases in six of the past eight days .
New York state has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 in a single day , putting the total above 30,000 .
Jeff Gong , a lawyer in Shanghai , offered his daughter , a high school student in Wisconsin , either 180,000 yuan ( £21,376 ) or a ticket on a private flight home .
`` My daughter begged me to get her back home ... She said 'No papa , I do n't want the money , I want to go home ' , '' he said .
Families are worried that time is running out .
On Tuesday , 3,102 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and from China were cancelled , according to aviation data provider VariFlight .
Annelies Garcia , of Private Fly , a global booking service for charter flights , said : `` [ Education ] agents and schools are the ones making contact on behalf of the Chinese families looking to group together to arrange a private charter , given the lack of airline flights . ''
Beijing has banned all chartered flights from overseas and Shanghai is expected to follow suit soon , while Hong Kong and Macau have blocked transit flights .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ prices are skyrocketing .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
The US-based Air Charter Service can offer passengers a 14-seat Bombardier 6000 from Los Angeles to Shanghai for 2.3 million yuan ( £273,000 ) , or about £19,400 per seat .
Glenn Phillips , from the company , said : `` We have arranged a number of private jets travelling from the US to China repatriating Chinese nationals with routes including New York and Boston to Shanghai , San Jose to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

Chinese students from wealthy families are asking their parents to pay for seats on private jets to bring them home from the US where the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread.
In China, where the pandemic began late last year, authorities have managed to get on top of the disease, but the US is struggling to cope in some areas.
More than 50,000 infections have been recorded in the US, while Chinese officials say they have not seen any new locally transmitted cases in six of the past eight days.
New York state has recorded more than 5,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in a single day, putting the total above 30,000.
Jeff Gong, a lawyer in Shanghai, offered his daughter, a high school student in Wisconsin, either 180,000 yuan (£21,376) or a ticket on a private flight home.
"My daughter begged me to get her back home ... She said 'No papa, I don't want the money, I want to go home'," he said.
Families are worried that time is running out.
On Tuesday, 3,102 out of 3,800 planned commercial flights to and from China were cancelled, according to aviation data provider VariFlight.
Annelies Garcia, of Private Fly, a global booking service for charter flights, said: "[Education] agents and schools are the ones making contact on behalf of the Chinese families looking to group together to arrange a private charter, given the lack of airline flights."
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Beijing has banned all chartered flights from overseas and Shanghai is expected to follow suit soon, while Hong Kong and Macau have blocked transit flights.
And as opportunities to escape dwindle, prices are skyrocketing.
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The US-based Air Charter Service can offer passengers a 14-seat Bombardier 6000 from Los Angeles to Shanghai for 2.3 million yuan (£273,000), or about £19,400 per seat.
Glenn Phillips, from the company, said: "We have arranged a number of private jets travelling from the US to China repatriating Chinese nationals with routes including New York and Boston to Shanghai, San Jose to Hong Kong and Los Angeles to Guangzhou."