news--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Health worker dies with COVID-19 just days after virus killed her husband

A healthcare assistant has died with coronavirus just days after the virus killed her husband .
Sharon Bamford , 63 , who worked at Swansea 's Singleton Hospital , died on Tuesday becoming the eighth Welsh NHS worker to die with COVID-19 .
Her death came just days after her 73-year-old husband Malcolm died in the same intensive care unit at Morriston Hospital .
Their son Christian , who was also in hospital with coronavirus , has now been discharged , a spokesman for Swansea Bay University Health Board said .
Jan Worthing , director of Singleton Hospital , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by all the patients who have used the services and loved by her colleagues and friends within the team .
`` Sharon 's sad death will leave a massive void within the team and within the Singleton family .
`` Our thoughts and condolences are obviously with their sons Craig and Chris at this devastating time , with the loss of both Sharon and Malcolm .
`` We offer our most sincere condolences to Sharon 's family , friends and colleagues at this extremely sad time . ''
: : Listen to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker

A healthcare assistant has died with coronavirus just days after the virus killed her husband.
Sharon Bamford, 63, who worked at Swansea's Singleton Hospital, died on Tuesday becoming the eighth Welsh NHS worker to die with COVID-19.
Her death came just days after her 73-year-old husband Malcolm died in the same intensive care unit at Morriston Hospital.
Their son Christian, who was also in hospital with coronavirus, has now been discharged, a spokesman for Swansea Bay University Health Board said.
Jan Worthing, director of Singleton Hospital, said: "Sharon was highly thought of by all the patients who have used the services and loved by her colleagues and friends within the team.
"Sharon's sad death will leave a massive void within the team and within the Singleton family.
"Our thoughts and condolences are obviously with their sons Craig and Chris at this devastating time, with the loss of both Sharon and Malcolm.
"We offer our most sincere condolences to Sharon's family, friends and colleagues at this extremely sad time."
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


news--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: UK to have 'socially disruptive measures' until at least the end of the year

The UK is going to have to live with some form of `` socially disruptive measures '' for at least the rest of the year , England 's chief medical officer has said .
Speaking at the daily government coronavirus briefing on Wednesday , Chris Whitty explained that an exit from the lockdown and social distance measures imposed since the outbreak required a `` highly effective vaccine and/or highly effective drugs '' .
The chance of having both by the end of this year was `` incredibly small '' and until then the UK would need to rely on disruptive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This disease will not be eradicated , it will not disappear .
`` In the long run , the exit from this is going to be one of two things , ideally .
`` A vaccine , and there are a variety of ways they can be deployed ... or highly effective drugs so that people stop dying of this disease even if they catch it , or which can prevent this disease in vulnerable people .
`` Until we have those , and the probability of having those any time in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I think we should be realistic about that , we 're going to have to rely on other social measures , which of course are very socially disruptive , as everyone is finding at the moment .
`` But until that point , that is what we will have to do but it will be the best combination that maximises the outlooks .
But it 's going to take a long time and I think we need to be aware of that . ''
The number of daily deaths of people with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off '' , but there will be no `` sudden fall away '' in cases , Mr Whitty said .
However , the downward movement in deaths in other countries has been fairly slow and the UK should expect the same , he added .
`` Even in those countries which started their epidemic curve earlier than the UK , and which are still ahead , the downward slope from the point where we change is a relatively slow one .
`` We should anticipate the same situation in the UK .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sudden fall away of cases . ''
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , who is standing in to lead the government response as Boris Johnson recovers from the virus , warned there could be a second spike in cases and a second lockdown if restrictions are relaxed now .
He said : `` We are making progress through the peak of this virus - but we 're not out of the woods yet . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` at the peak '' of the coronavirus outbreak as the number of UK hospital deaths rose above 18,000 .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock , delivering an update on the government 's COVID-19 response in the House of Commons , thanked the British public for their `` steadfast commitment '' in following lockdown rules .
In his first Prime Minister 's Questions since becoming Labour leader , Sir Keir Starmer accused the government of being behind the curve on lockdown , testing and driving up supplies of Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the news conference , Mr Whitty insisted the UK has enough PPE at the national level but there were local shortages that could persist .
Doctors on the frontline have said they do not have enough PPE , particularly with a shortage of protective gowns .
Mr Whitty said : `` We are still close to the line .
`` At national level we 're not under water on anything that I 'm aware of ... but of course there may be local issues . ''

The UK is going to have to live with some form of "socially disruptive measures" for at least the rest of the year, England's chief medical officer has said.
Speaking at the daily government coronavirus briefing on Wednesday, Chris Whitty explained that an exit from the lockdown and social distance measures imposed since the outbreak required a "highly effective vaccine and/or highly effective drugs".
The chance of having both by the end of this year was "incredibly small" and until then the UK would need to rely on disruptive social distancing measures, he said.
"This disease will not be eradicated, it will not disappear.
"In the long run, the exit from this is going to be one of two things, ideally.
"A vaccine, and there are a variety of ways they can be deployed... or highly effective drugs so that people stop dying of this disease even if they catch it, or which can prevent this disease in vulnerable people.
"Until we have those, and the probability of having those any time in the next calendar year are incredibly small and I think we should be realistic about that, we're going to have to rely on other social measures, which of course are very socially disruptive, as everyone is finding at the moment.
"But until that point, that is what we will have to do but it will be the best combination that maximises the outlooks. But it's going to take a long time and I think we need to be aware of that."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 Plane carrying PPE arrives from Turkey
The number of daily deaths of people with coronavirus in the UK has "flattened off", but there will be no "sudden fall away" in cases, Mr Whitty said.
Advertisement
However, the downward movement in deaths in other countries has been fairly slow and the UK should expect the same, he added.
"Even in those countries which started their epidemic curve earlier than the UK, and which are still ahead, the downward slope from the point where we change is a relatively slow one.
"We should anticipate the same situation in the UK. We should not expect this to be a sudden fall away of cases."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:25 Starmer tackles Raab on coronavirus testing
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is standing in to lead the government response as Boris Johnson recovers from the virus, warned there could be a second spike in cases and a second lockdown if restrictions are relaxed now.
He said: "We are making progress through the peak of this virus - but we're not out of the woods yet."
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
It comes after MPs were told the UK is "at the peak" of the coronavirus outbreak as the number of UK hospital deaths rose above 18,000.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock, delivering an update on the government's COVID-19 response in the House of Commons, thanked the British public for their "steadfast commitment" in following lockdown rules.
In his first Prime Minister's Questions since becoming Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer accused the government of being behind the curve on lockdown, testing and driving up supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required by nurses and doctors.
During the news conference, Mr Whitty insisted the UK has enough PPE at the national level but there were local shortages that could persist.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 UK 'at the peak' of coronavirus outbreak - Hancock
Doctors on the frontline have said they do not have enough PPE, particularly with a shortage of protective gowns.
Mr Whitty said: "We are still close to the line.
"At national level we're not under water on anything that I'm aware of... but of course there may be local issues."


news--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Man who claimed he had COVID-19 and spat at police officers is jailed for six months

A man has been jailed for six months after claiming he had coronavirus and spitting at two police officers while being arrested for domestic assault .
Brandon Wallace was detained by police after officers were called to a woman 's property in Barking , east London , at about 11.45am on Monday .
The 21-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assaulting the woman and criminal damage to her property , the Metropolitan Police said .
He told officers that he had COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus , and then spat at two officers while being put in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Wallace , of no fixed abode , was further arrested on suspicion of assaulting emergency workers and charged later that day .
While in custody , Wallace confirmed that he did not have coronavirus and did not have any symptoms , the Met Police said .
He was sentenced at Barkingside Magistrates ' Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to affray , criminal damage and assaulting emergency workers .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Inspector Alexis Manley said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this man that , in addition to targeting somebody close to him , he was also willing to make false claims about COVID-19 and to spit at officers .
`` He has , at least , pleaded guilty to these offences .
I hope he spends his period in prison to reflect on his behaviour , and that his prison sentence sends a message to others who are willing to commit domestic offences and to target police officers whose job it is to protect Londoners .
`` Such offenders will be arrested and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison sentence is a likely outcome . ''
In a separate incident , Northumbria Police said on Tuesday that Charlene Merrifield , 39 , had been jailed for more than four months after she deliberately coughed at an officer as she was being arrested .
Meanwhile , Callum Heaton , 23 , was jailed earlier this month for a year after spitting at police in Lancashire while claiming he had coronavirus .
In another incident , Michael Gray , 41 , was sentenced in April to 19 weeks in prison after he deliberately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown .

A man has been jailed for six months after claiming he had coronavirus and spitting at two police officers while being arrested for domestic assault.
Brandon Wallace was detained by police after officers were called to a woman's property in Barking, east London, at about 11.45am on Monday.
The 21-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assaulting the woman and criminal damage to her property, the Metropolitan Police said.
He told officers that he had COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, and then spat at two officers while being put in a police van, according to the force.
Wallace, of no fixed abode, was further arrested on suspicion of assaulting emergency workers and charged later that day.
While in custody, Wallace confirmed that he did not have coronavirus and did not have any symptoms, the Met Police said.
He was sentenced at Barkingside Magistrates' Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to affray, criminal damage and assaulting emergency workers.
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
Inspector Alexis Manley said: "It says much about the attitude of this man that, in addition to targeting somebody close to him, he was also willing to make false claims about COVID-19 and to spit at officers.
Advertisement
"He has, at least, pleaded guilty to these offences. I hope he spends his period in prison to reflect on his behaviour, and that his prison sentence sends a message to others who are willing to commit domestic offences and to target police officers whose job it is to protect Londoners.
"Such offenders will be arrested and put before the courts, and a prison sentence is a likely outcome."
In a separate incident, Northumbria Police said on Tuesday that Charlene Merrifield, 39, had been jailed for more than four months after she deliberately coughed at an officer as she was being arrested.
Meanwhile, Callum Heaton, 23, was jailed earlier this month for a year after spitting at police in Lancashire while claiming he had coronavirus.
In another incident, Michael Gray, 41, was sentenced in April to 19 weeks in prison after he deliberately coughed on two officers during the COVID-19 lockdown.


news--2020-04-11--Coronavirus: How is operating

Coronavirus: How is operating

The spread of the coronavirus is having a profound effect on all our lives ; from how we care for those we love the most , to the way we work , and how we spend time with our friends .
Understanding what is happening - and why - has never been more important .
Thank you for letting Sky News keep you well informed on the facts during these disquieting times , as we all work out what the virus means for us , our communities , and our friends and families , in the UK and abroad .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play during this crisis , ensuring you are able to read , watch and listen to accurate non-stop journalism and clear analysis across all our digital , television and audio platforms .
Sky News has a serious and deeply-felt obligation to document how this crisis is affecting the people of the United Kingdom and the rest of the world .
All our correspondents - here and abroad - have had to adapt to deliver daily reporting in a way that 's safe , observing all the rules about social distancing , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking risks .
In all our newsrooms , only essential staff who ca n't perform their roles properly from home are coming to work , spreading out and reducing contact .
Scores of journalists are using technology to work from home to keep the news flowing .
It 's never been more important to tell our audiences what 's going on , and to hold those in authority to account for their decisions .
Remember we are an international news organisation that is free of charge .
• We broadcast to every home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website can be accessed without subscription • Our podcasts can be streamed and listened to when you want We are also independent .
We have no agenda - whatsoever - and will always ensure that those in power are held to account and challenged on your behalf .
Sky News has charted the spread of the coronavirus outbreak since our memorable eyewitness reporting from the city of Wuhan in China 's Hubei province in January .
Our journalists have reported from around the world , and across the UK , putting people at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have revealed what is happening at the epicentre of the European outbreak in Italy .
It 's a sobering watch .
Over the coming weeks and months we promise to work tirelessly to bring you clarity in this uncertain world .
Live news as it happens Every day we 'll bring you live coverage of the prime minister 's news conference alongside the chief medical officer and the chief science officer .
We 'll cover daily updates from the World Health Organisation and the president of the United States , along with any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What it means to you We do n't just report the news - we analyse it , too .
Our specialist teams of editors will give you the context behind the headlines so you can understand why , and what it means for you and your family .
Understanding the science behind the virus and how it could be treated will be crucial in the weeks ahead .
You can rely on our insightful science and technology reporting to guide you .
These are deeply unsettling times for many people whose jobs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our business journalists will offer unrivalled news and context about what it means globally , as well as locally .
Sky News has a track record for interviewing the key news makers .
Every day we will question their decisions , acting as a voice for you .
This is a global pandemic , and our teams of correspondents around the world will continue to provide eyewitness reporting on how it 's affecting people in different countries .
We have a team of data journalists who are analysing the facts and figures so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of the virus .
But most of all , we are putting people at the heart of everything we do .
We will hear how communities and families across Britain are coping , how health workers are operating and focus on the key workers in our society .
We know you have questions , and demand authoritative , accurate answers .
Every day we 'll listen to them and use our experts to give you the clarity you need .
Finally , we promise to remain upbeat .
We 'll tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the rest of the world .
We are in this together .

Dear readers, viewers and listeners,
These are unprecedented times.
The spread of the coronavirus is having a profound effect on all our lives; from how we care for those we love the most, to the way we work, and how we spend time with our friends.
Image: Sky News correspondents are observing all the rules about social distancing
Understanding what is happening - and why - has never been more important.
Thank you for letting Sky News keep you well informed on the facts during these disquieting times, as we all work out what the virus means for us, our communities, and our friends and families, in the UK and abroad.
We recognise the vital role we have to play during this crisis, ensuring you are able to read, watch and listen to accurate non-stop journalism and clear analysis across all our digital, television and audio platforms.
Sky News has a serious and deeply-felt obligation to document how this crisis is affecting the people of the United Kingdom and the rest of the world.
All our correspondents - here and abroad - have had to adapt to deliver daily reporting in a way that's safe, observing all the rules about social distancing, and interviewing people in ingenious ways that avoid taking risks.
In all our newsrooms, only essential staff who can't perform their roles properly from home are coming to work, spreading out and reducing contact. Scores of journalists are using technology to work from home to keep the news flowing.
It's never been more important to tell our audiences what's going on, and to hold those in authority to account for their decisions.
Remember we are an international news organisation that is free of charge.
We broadcast to every home in the UK
Our app and website can be accessed without subscription
Our podcasts can be streamed and listened to when you want
We are also independent. We have no agenda - whatsoever - and will always ensure that those in power are held to account and challenged on your behalf.
Sky News has charted the spread of the coronavirus outbreak since our memorable eyewitness reporting from the city of Wuhan in China's Hubei province in January.
Our journalists have reported from around the world, and across the UK, putting people at the heart of our storytelling.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:45 At the centre of the COVID-19 crisis
We have revealed what is happening at the epicentre of the European outbreak in Italy. It's a sobering watch.
Over the coming weeks and months we promise to work tirelessly to bring you clarity in this uncertain world.
Live news as it happens
Every day we'll bring you live coverage of the prime minister's news conference alongside the chief medical officer and the chief science officer. We'll cover daily updates from the World Health Organisation and the president of the United States, along with any other key leaders and decision makers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 UK can 'turn tide on virus within 12 weeks'
What it means to you
We don't just report the news - we analyse it, too. Our specialist teams of editors will give you the context behind the headlines so you can understand why, and what it means for you and your family.
The scientific facts
Understanding the science behind the virus and how it could be treated will be crucial in the weeks ahead. You can rely on our insightful science and technology reporting to guide you.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 Tuesday: Just how serious could COVID-19 cases be?
The economic cost
These are deeply unsettling times for many people whose jobs, savings and investments are at risk. Our business journalists will offer unrivalled news and context about what it means globally, as well as locally.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 'It's an emergency' - BoE governor on virus
Our leaders and decision makers
Sky News has a track record for interviewing the key news makers. Every day we will question their decisions, acting as a voice for you.
A global pandemic
This is a global pandemic, and our teams of correspondents around the world will continue to provide eyewitness reporting on how it's affecting people in different countries.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:27 Chinese city Wuhan is 'like a ghost town'
Facts and figures
We have a team of data journalists who are analysing the facts and figures so you can have a clear understanding of the spread of the virus.
Putting people first
But most of all, we are putting people at the heart of everything we do. We will hear how communities and families across Britain are coping, how health workers are operating and focus on the key workers in our society.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:41 Care workers face pressure from COVID-19
Your questions... answered
We know you have questions, and demand authoritative, accurate answers. Every day we'll listen to them and use our experts to give you the clarity you need.
Hope and optimism
Finally, we promise to remain upbeat. We'll tell stories of hope and endeavour across Britain and the rest of the world.
We are in this together.
Take care,
John.


news--2020-04-12--Imagination chiefs quit amid threat of Chinese power-grab

Two more of Imagination Technologies ' top executives have submitted their resignations in protest at moves by a state-owned Chinese investor to seize control of its board , further destabilising one of Britain 's most important technology companies .
Sky News has learnt that Steve Evans , chief product officer , and John Rayfield , chief technical officer , both quit early last week amid a growing furore on both sides of the Atlantic about the future ownership of the chip developer .
Mr Evans is understood to have said in his resignation letter : `` I will not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controlled by the Chinese government . ''
Their expected departures have emerged just 48 hours after the departure of Ron Black , chief executive .
The management crisis - which means that one-third of Imagination 's executive management team is set to leave - has been triggered by an attempt by China Reform Holdings to nominate a slate of directors to the Hertfordshire-based company 's board .
Last week , it emerged that an emergency board meeting convened to approve the appointments had been called off following enquiries by senior MPs concerned about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sources said on Sunday that Mr Evans and Mr Rayfield had indicated that they were prepared to reconsider their decisions to quit if the Chinese coup attempt was abandoned .
Ray Bingham , Imagination 's chairman and now interim chief executive , is understood to be trying to convince the pair to remain with the company .
Mr Bingham is the also principal executive at Canyon Bridge Capital Partners , a formerly US-headquartered private equity firm which bought Imagination for £550m in 2017 .
One source said that Mr Evans ' letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had `` taken this decision after carefully considering the current situation with regards to the independence of our business and the future of our staff '' .
`` China Reform have clearly set out to take control of the business for reasons best known to themselves , and I will not be part of a company that is effectively controlled by the Chinese government . ''
He added that his decision would be `` of no surprise to Canyon Bridge and China Reform after the very frank exchanges we have had with them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the source , Mr Evans ' letter concluded : `` If the proposed change of control is somehow reversed and we get assurances from our investors that we can carry on with the critical investments we need to continue transforming the business I would be open to reversing my decision to resign . ''
Mr Rayfield is understood to have said in his resignation letter that China Reform 's move would undermine Imagination 's ability to do business in the US .
Sky News revealed on Saturday that the Committee on Foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington national security body - had begun a probe into the crisis at Imagination .
The move places the British-based company , which counts Apple among its most important customers , at the centre of government investigations on both sides of the Atlantic .
On Friday , Imagination issued a statement containing news of Mr Black 's departure and saying that its shareholders were committed to increasing the chip designer 's investment in the UK .
It was , however , short on detail about safeguards to ensure that it would remain a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's stewardship would remain free from interference from China Reform - which has close links to Beijing - it appears unlikely that the executives who have quit would overturn their decision .
When Sky News revealed details of China Reform 's plot to take control of Imagination last weekend , one insider said that the move appeared to have been timed at `` the point of maximum distraction '' for ministers dealing with the coronavirus pandemic .
Since then , Oliver Dowden , the culture secretary , has told MPs that the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amid concerns about the pace of 'technology transfer ' to China .
He said last week that officials were `` working with their counterparts in the departments for Business , Energy , and Industrial Strategy , the National Cyber Security Centre , the Foreign Office , and Cabinet Office as a matter of urgency to understand the facts '' .
Mr Dowden added that he was seeking an `` urgent meeting '' with Mr Bingham , and that the government remained committed to legislation `` to give the government further powers to scrutinise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Security and Investment Bill '' .
CFIUS 's intervention comes two-and-a-half years after it blocked Canyon Bridge 's takeover of Lattice Semiconductors in 2017 .
Canyon Bridge retains offices in the US but redomiciled to the Cayman Islands after CFIUS 's intervention in the Lattice deal .
Imagination 's relationship with Apple , which was rekindled in January with a new licensing deal , is expected to be a focal point of CFIUS 's enquiries .
The British company 's sale to Canyon Bridge was approved by the US government subject to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ processing unit operating in the US .
MIPS was sold to Tallwood Venture Capital , a California-based investor , which subsequently combined it with Wave , an artificial intelligence processing business .
Imagination boasts that its graphics processing units ( GPUs ) are used in 30 % of the world 's mobile phones and , in total , 11bn devices globally .
It was the tenth most prolific UK-based filer of patents in the European Union last year - ahead of Dyson and the chip designer ARM Holdings , which is owned by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ select committee has launched a separate inquiry into `` foreign asset-stripping of UK companies '' , which comes in the wake of the government 's decision to give Huawei , the Chinese telecoms equipment manufacturer , a role in the construction of Britain 's 5G network .
An Imagination spokesman declined to comment on Sunday .

Two more of Imagination Technologies' top executives have submitted their resignations in protest at moves by a state-owned Chinese investor to seize control of its board, further destabilising one of Britain's most important technology companies.
Sky News has learnt that Steve Evans, chief product officer, and John Rayfield, chief technical officer, both quit early last week amid a growing furore on both sides of the Atlantic about the future ownership of the chip developer.
Mr Evans is understood to have said in his resignation letter: "I will not be part of a company that is effectively controlled by the Chinese government."
Their expected departures have emerged just 48 hours after the departure of Ron Black, chief executive.
The management crisis - which means that one-third of Imagination's executive management team is set to leave - has been triggered by an attempt by China Reform Holdings to nominate a slate of directors to the Hertfordshire-based company's board.
Last week, it emerged that an emergency board meeting convened to approve the appointments had been called off following enquiries by senior MPs concerned about the redomiciling of prized British intellectual property.
Sources said on Sunday that Mr Evans and Mr Rayfield had indicated that they were prepared to reconsider their decisions to quit if the Chinese coup attempt was abandoned.
Ray Bingham, Imagination's chairman and now interim chief executive, is understood to be trying to convince the pair to remain with the company.
Mr Bingham is the also principal executive at Canyon Bridge Capital Partners, a formerly US-headquartered private equity firm which bought Imagination for £550m in 2017.
Advertisement
One source said that Mr Evans' letter of resignation informed the company that he had "taken this decision after carefully considering the current situation with regards to the independence of our business and the future of our staff".
"China Reform have clearly set out to take control of the business for reasons best known to themselves, and I will not be part of a company that is effectively controlled by the Chinese government."
He added that his decision would be "of no surprise to Canyon Bridge and China Reform after the very frank exchanges we have had with them over the recent months".
According to the source, Mr Evans' letter concluded: "If the proposed change of control is somehow reversed and we get assurances from our investors that we can carry on with the critical investments we need to continue transforming the business I would be open to reversing my decision to resign."
Mr Rayfield is understood to have said in his resignation letter that China Reform's move would undermine Imagination's ability to do business in the US.
Sky News revealed on Saturday that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US - a powerful Washington national security body - had begun a probe into the crisis at Imagination.
The move places the British-based company, which counts Apple among its most important customers, at the centre of government investigations on both sides of the Atlantic.
On Friday, Imagination issued a statement containing news of Mr Black's departure and saying that its shareholders were committed to increasing the chip designer's investment in the UK.
It was, however, short on detail about safeguards to ensure that it would remain a UK-headquartered company.
Without guarantees that Imagination's stewardship would remain free from interference from China Reform - which has close links to Beijing - it appears unlikely that the executives who have quit would overturn their decision.
When Sky News revealed details of China Reform's plot to take control of Imagination last weekend, one insider said that the move appeared to have been timed at "the point of maximum distraction" for ministers dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
Since then, Oliver Dowden, the culture secretary, has told MPs that the government is urgently seeking clarity about the situation amid concerns about the pace of 'technology transfer' to China.
He said last week that officials were "working with their counterparts in the departments for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy, the National Cyber Security Centre, the Foreign Office, and Cabinet Office as a matter of urgency to understand the facts".
Mr Dowden added that he was seeking an "urgent meeting" with Mr Bingham, and that the government remained committed to legislation "to give the government further powers to scrutinise foreign transactions in the form of the National Security and Investment Bill".
CFIUS's intervention comes two-and-a-half years after it blocked Canyon Bridge's takeover of Lattice Semiconductors in 2017.
Canyon Bridge retains offices in the US but redomiciled to the Cayman Islands after CFIUS's intervention in the Lattice deal.
Imagination's relationship with Apple, which was rekindled in January with a new licensing deal, is expected to be a focal point of CFIUS's enquiries.
The British company's sale to Canyon Bridge was approved by the US government subject to its disposal of MIPS, a graphics processing unit operating in the US.
MIPS was sold to Tallwood Venture Capital, a California-based investor, which subsequently combined it with Wave, an artificial intelligence processing business.
Imagination boasts that its graphics processing units (GPUs) are used in 30% of the world's mobile phones and, in total, 11bn devices globally.
It was the tenth most prolific UK-based filer of patents in the European Union last year - ahead of Dyson and the chip designer ARM Holdings, which is owned by Japan's SoftBank.
The foreign affairs select committee has launched a separate inquiry into "foreign asset-stripping of UK companies", which comes in the wake of the government's decision to give Huawei, the Chinese telecoms equipment manufacturer, a role in the construction of Britain's 5G network.
An Imagination spokesman declined to comment on Sunday.


news--2020-04-12--Coronavirus: Tim Brooke-Taylor, star of The Goodies, dies after contracting COVID-19

Tim Brooke-Taylor , the comedy star best known for '70s TV show The Goodies , has died aged 79 after contracting coronavirus , his agent has said .
A fixture in British comedy , his career took in radio , television , film and theatre over more than half a century .
In a statement , his representative said : `` It is with great sadness that we announce Tim 's death early today from COVID-19 .
`` We will remember him for so much but must just mention The Goodies and I 'm Sorry I Have n't A Clue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , many fans whom he always treated cheerfully even after long and exhausting rehearsals and recordings .
`` He was an exceptional client and a pleasure to represent . ''
Fellow Goodie Graeme Garden said : `` I am terribly saddened by the loss of a dear colleague and close friend of over 50 years .
`` Tim and I met at Cambridge University in the early 1960s and have enjoyed working together almost constantly from that time onwards , on radio , stage , and TV .
`` He was a funny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a delight to work with .
Audiences found him not only hilarious but also adorable .
`` His loss at this dreadful time is particularly hard to bear , and my thoughts are with Christine , Ben , Edward and their families . ''
Modern-day TV comedy stars , including Stephen Fry , Rob Brydon and David Walliams , were quick to pay tribute .
Walliams recounted his early days as a Goodies fan , while Fry called the news `` devastating '' , calling Brooke-Taylor `` gentle , kind , funny , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
He was a regular panellist on BBC Radio 4 's I 'm Sorry I Have n't A Clue for over 40 years , often alongside Graeme Garden .
Current host Jack Dee said : `` It has come as devastating news to hear that Tim has succumbed to this dreadful virus - especially when we all thought he was recovering .
`` Tim was a delightful man and never anything but great company . ''
Sioned Wiliam , Radio 4 's commissioning editor for comedy , added : `` He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skilful comic '' who will , she said `` be sorely missed by all at Radio 4 . ''
After starting his performing career in the famed Footlights group at Cambridge University , he moved onto radio with I 'm Sorry , I 'll Read That Again .
His break into TV came in 1967 in At Last The 1948 Show , where he starred alongside future Monty Python members John Cleese and Graham Chapman .
The comedian found worldwide fame as part of The Goodies , an anarchic TV comedy which ran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garden and Bill Oddie .
The programme , set in a flat shared by the trio , drew audiences of millions of viewers in its heyday , making them household names in the UK , as well as Australia and New Zealand .
Often compared to groundbreaking post-war radio comedy The Goon Show , The Goodies , written and performed by the trio , was massively popular in its time .
The show was a wild mixture of surreal sketches and sitcom , with the odd song and touch of satire thrown in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while its visual humour , such as a memorable episode that featured a giant kitten toppling the Post Office tower , drew in children .
Brooke-Taylor also appeared on stage , in films such as 1971 's Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory and on other TV shows such as long-running ITV series Me And My Girl and Heartbeat .
He received an OBE in 2011 for services to entertainment , following in the footsteps of Oddie and Garden , even though The Goodies used to satirise the government 's readiness to hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Buxton in 1940 , he is survived by his wife Christine and sons Ben and Edward .

Tim Brooke-Taylor, the comedy star best known for '70s TV show The Goodies, has died aged 79 after contracting coronavirus, his agent has said.
A fixture in British comedy, his career took in radio, television, film and theatre over more than half a century.
In a statement, his representative said: "It is with great sadness that we announce Tim's death early today from COVID-19.
Image: The comedian found worldwide fame as part of the anarchic TV show The Goodies
"We will remember him for so much but must just mention The Goodies and I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.
"He had, of course, many fans whom he always treated cheerfully even after long and exhausting rehearsals and recordings.
"He was an exceptional client and a pleasure to represent."
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Fellow Goodie Graeme Garden said: "I am terribly saddened by the loss of a dear colleague and close friend of over 50 years.
"Tim and I met at Cambridge University in the early 1960s and have enjoyed working together almost constantly from that time onwards, on radio, stage, and TV.
"He was a funny, sociable, generous man who was a delight to work with. Audiences found him not only hilarious but also adorable.
Advertisement
"His loss at this dreadful time is particularly hard to bear, and my thoughts are with Christine, Ben, Edward and their families."
Image: Brooke-Taylor was awarded an OBE in 2011 for services to entertainment
Modern-day TV comedy stars, including Stephen Fry, Rob Brydon and David Walliams, were quick to pay tribute.
Walliams recounted his early days as a Goodies fan, while Fry called the news "devastating", calling Brooke-Taylor "gentle, kind, funny, wise, warm, but piercingly witty".
He was a regular panellist on BBC Radio 4's I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue for over 40 years, often alongside Graeme Garden.
Current host Jack Dee said: "It has come as devastating news to hear that Tim has succumbed to this dreadful virus - especially when we all thought he was recovering.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
"Tim was a delightful man and never anything but great company."
Sioned Wiliam, Radio 4's commissioning editor for comedy, added: "He was charming, quick witted and a hugely skilful comic" who will, she said "be sorely missed by all at Radio 4."
Image: Friends say he was 'a delightful man and never anything but great company'
After starting his performing career in the famed Footlights group at Cambridge University, he moved onto radio with I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again.
His break into TV came in 1967 in At Last The 1948 Show, where he starred alongside future Monty Python members John Cleese and Graham Chapman.
The comedian found worldwide fame as part of The Goodies, an anarchic TV comedy which ran from 1970 to 1982, alongside Graeme Garden and Bill Oddie.
The programme, set in a flat shared by the trio, drew audiences of millions of viewers in its heyday, making them household names in the UK, as well as Australia and New Zealand.
Often compared to groundbreaking post-war radio comedy The Goon Show, The Goodies, written and performed by the trio, was massively popular in its time.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
The show was a wild mixture of surreal sketches and sitcom, with the odd song and touch of satire thrown in.
Its wit appealed to adults, while its visual humour, such as a memorable episode that featured a giant kitten toppling the Post Office tower, drew in children.
The show's songs, notably The Funky Gibbon, achieved chart success.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Brooke-Taylor also appeared on stage, in films such as 1971's Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory and on other TV shows such as long-running ITV series Me And My Girl and Heartbeat.
He received an OBE in 2011 for services to entertainment, following in the footsteps of Oddie and Garden, even though The Goodies used to satirise the government's readiness to hand out gongs in the 1960s.
Born in Buxton in 1940, he is survived by his wife Christine and sons Ben and Edward.


news--2020-04-12--Coronavirus: Refuse to treat patients if you've got inadequate PPE, nurses told

Nurses should refuse to treat coronavirus patients `` as a last resort '' if they are not given adequate personal protective equipment ( PPE ) , according to new guidance .
The Royal College of Nursing ( RCN ) issued the advice to its members in a bid to prevent more frontline deaths , following criticism of the government about the supply of protective gear for NHS staff caring for people with COVID-19 .
Ministers have been accused of being too slow to deliver the equipment , putting health workers at risk and meaning those treating coronavirus patients could pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers are known to have died after contracting the virus .
The RCN 's new guidance states that if sufficient PPE can not be supplied and treatment can not be delayed or carried out in another format , nurses should decline to work .
A spokesman for the union said : `` For nursing staff , this will go against every instinct .
But their safety must not be compromised . ''
The RCN said it would provide legal assistance to those making what it acknowledged was an `` enormously difficult decision '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could face criminal prosecution for corporate manslaughter in `` very rare '' cases for walking away .
The RCN issued a seven-point safety plan for nurses to follow , with step six saying : `` Ultimately , if you have exhausted all other measures to reduce the risk and you have not been given appropriate PPE in line with the UK Infection Prevention and Control guidance , you are entitled to refuse to work .
`` This will be a last resort and the RCN recognises what a difficult step this would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommends those choosing to withdraw care should keep written justifications of their decisions and told nurses to brace for attempts to sack them , claims of clinical negligence , and possibly facing criticism at inquests or even criminal charges .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Among the NHS staff to die after contracting coronavirus was a doctor who had warned the prime minister that health workers urgently needed more PPE .
Abdul Mabud Chowdhury , 52 , died three weeks after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him to `` urgently '' ensure protective gear for `` each and every NHS worker in the UK '' .
It came as a survey of surgeons in England found a third ( 33 % ) did not believe they had an adequate supply of PPE .
The poll of nearly 2,000 surgeons and trainees also found more than half ( 57 % ) said there had been shortages in the past 30 days .
The Royal College of Surgeons of England , which conducted the survey , said there was `` still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get adequate equipment to the front line '' .
At the daily Downing Street briefing on Saturday , Home Secretary Priti Patel said she was `` sorry if people feel there have been failings '' in providing PPE to NHS staff .
She said it was `` inevitable '' that demand would be high for PPE during a global pandemic , but insisted that the government was working to provide resources more widely .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has advised NHS workers to only wear exactly the right amount of PPE , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Herculean effort '' .
His remarks prompted Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to say it was `` quite frankly insulting to imply frontline staff are wasting PPE '' .
On Saturday , the UK recorded the deaths of another 917 coronavirus patients - including an 11-year-old - bringing the total number of deaths to 9,875 .

Nurses should refuse to treat coronavirus patients "as a last resort" if they are not given adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), according to new guidance.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) issued the advice to its members in a bid to prevent more frontline deaths, following criticism of the government about the supply of protective gear for NHS staff caring for people with COVID-19.
Ministers have been accused of being too slow to deliver the equipment, putting health workers at risk and meaning those treating coronavirus patients could pass it on.
Image: Criticism over the supply of PPE has led to protests outside St Thomas' Hospital in London
At least 19 NHS workers are known to have died after contracting the virus.
The RCN's new guidance states that if sufficient PPE cannot be supplied and treatment cannot be delayed or carried out in another format, nurses should decline to work.
A spokesman for the union said: "For nursing staff, this will go against every instinct. But their safety must not be compromised."
The RCN said it would provide legal assistance to those making what it acknowledged was an "enormously difficult decision".
It also warned nurses that they could face criminal prosecution for corporate manslaughter in "very rare" cases for walking away.
The RCN issued a seven-point safety plan for nurses to follow, with step six saying: "Ultimately, if you have exhausted all other measures to reduce the risk and you have not been given appropriate PPE in line with the UK Infection Prevention and Control guidance, you are entitled to refuse to work.
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:28 Paramedic says PPE is 'substandard'
"This will be a last resort and the RCN recognises what a difficult step this would be for nursing staff."
The RCN recommends those choosing to withdraw care should keep written justifications of their decisions and told nurses to brace for attempts to sack them, claims of clinical negligence, and possibly facing criticism at inquests or even criminal charges.
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
Among the NHS staff to die after contracting coronavirus was a doctor who had warned the prime minister that health workers urgently needed more PPE.
Abdul Mabud Chowdhury, 52, died three weeks after writing a message to Boris Johnson asking him to "urgently" ensure protective gear for "each and every NHS worker in the UK".
It came as a survey of surgeons in England found a third (33%) did not believe they had an adequate supply of PPE.
Image: Dr Abdul Mabud Chowdhury died after contracting coronavirus
The poll of nearly 2,000 surgeons and trainees also found more than half (57%) said there had been shortages in the past 30 days.
The Royal College of Surgeons of England, which conducted the survey, said there was "still a lot more work to do to get adequate equipment to the front line".
At the daily Downing Street briefing on Saturday, Home Secretary Priti Patel said she was "sorry if people feel there have been failings" in providing PPE to NHS staff.
She said it was "inevitable" that demand would be high for PPE during a global pandemic, but insisted that the government was working to provide resources more widely.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 'I'm sorry if people feel there have been failures'
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has advised NHS workers to only wear exactly the right amount of PPE, saying that getting it distributed was a "Herculean effort".
His remarks prompted Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to say it was "quite frankly insulting to imply frontline staff are wasting PPE".
On Saturday, the UK recorded the deaths of another 917 coronavirus patients - including an 11-year-old - bringing the total number of deaths to 9,875.


news--2020-04-12--Coronavirus: 'I need more beer!!' - 93-year-old's Facebook appeal goes viral

Staying at home to protect herself against the coronavirus , one 93-year-old had a big problem : she was running out of booze .
Olive Veronesi decided the best way to keep her supplies up during the coronavirus lockdown was to get creative - and now , she 's gone viral on Facebook .
The pensioner , from Pennsylvania , was pictured holding a whiteboard that said : `` I NEED MORE BEER ! ''
In her other hand ?
A can of Coors Light .
The photograph , taken through the window of her home , was uploaded to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ station .
Since then , it has been seen by more than a million people .
Much more importantly , several people have offered to get the beers in for Olive .
: :Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Others shared stories about how they are keeping drink cupboards well stocked for their elderly relatives .
As Olive is in her 90s , she falls into a group that is at higher risk from COVID-19 .
The coronavirus can cause more severe illness in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those over 70 to stay at home , take extra care , and avoid contact with their family members .

Staying at home to protect herself against the coronavirus, one 93-year-old had a big problem: she was running out of booze.
Olive Veronesi decided the best way to keep her supplies up during the coronavirus lockdown was to get creative - and now, she's gone viral on Facebook.
The pensioner, from Pennsylvania, was pictured holding a whiteboard that said: "I NEED MORE BEER!"
In her other hand? A can of Coors Light.
The photograph, taken through the window of her home, was uploaded to the Facebook page of a local TV station.
Since then, it has been seen by more than a million people.
Much more importantly, several people have offered to get the beers in for Olive.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
::Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Others shared stories about how they are keeping drink cupboards well stocked for their elderly relatives.
Advertisement
As Olive is in her 90s, she falls into a group that is at higher risk from COVID-19.
The coronavirus can cause more severe illness in older adults, with many countries urging those over 70 to stay at home, take extra care, and avoid contact with their family members.


news--2020-04-12--Coronavirus: 'We need to be doing more' on PPE, minister admits - but refuses to apologise

The business secretary has refused to apologise over claims health care workers do not have the right equipment to safely deal with patients who have coronavirus - but admitted to Sky News that more needs to be done .
Alok Sharma told Sophy Ridge on Sunday that he was `` sorry for the loss of any life during this pandemic '' as he answered questions about the government 's handling of the coronavirus crisis .
But when asked if he wanted to apologise directly to medical teams caring for COVID-19 patients , he said : `` It is our job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care equipment , that PPE , out to them .
`` Right now , your viewers will be asking , does the government have a plan to get this PPE out to the frontline ?
And the answer is , yes , we do have a plan .
`` We are putting that in place , with millions of pieces of PPE kit going out to the frontline .
Of course , we need to be doing even more . ''
It comes after the Royal College of Nursing advised members they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they do not have adequate personal protective equipment to use .
More than 30 NHS workers are believed to have died after contracting the virus .
Mr Sharma told Sky News health workers should not be put in such a position .
`` It is absolutely right that no medical professional should be placed in a position where they have to make that choice .
`` That for me is self-evident .
That is why we are making sure we get the equipment to the frontline . ''
The Cabinet minister said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be seen outside of a pandemic and that there was a `` unified effort '' to deliver more supplies .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer told Ridge questions would be asked in time about the government 's response , but the `` most important thing is we do have that unity of purpose '' to decrease the death rate , adding : `` We will support the government in that .
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions about where we go next , about what 's happened in the past , but I think the whole nation desperately wants those figures to go down .
`` Every day we see the figures , we shudder at the thought of the families affected by it . ''
Meanwhile , coronavirus hospital deaths in the UK have topped more than 10,000 as 657 more people die in England .

The business secretary has refused to apologise over claims health care workers do not have the right equipment to safely deal with patients who have coronavirus - but admitted to Sky News that more needs to be done.
Alok Sharma told Sophy Ridge on Sunday that he was "sorry for the loss of any life during this pandemic" as he answered questions about the government's handling of the coronavirus crisis.
Image: Medics are concerned about a lack of personal protective equipment
But when asked if he wanted to apologise directly to medical teams caring for COVID-19 patients, he said: "It is our job to make sure we get that health care equipment, that PPE, out to them.
"Right now, your viewers will be asking, does the government have a plan to get this PPE out to the frontline? And the answer is, yes, we do have a plan.
"We are putting that in place, with millions of pieces of PPE kit going out to the frontline. Of course, we need to be doing even more."
It comes after the Royal College of Nursing advised members they have the right to refuse to treat patients if they do not have adequate personal protective equipment to use.
More than 30 NHS workers are believed to have died after contracting the virus.
Mr Sharma told Sky News health workers should not be put in such a position.
"It is absolutely right that no medical professional should be placed in a position where they have to make that choice.
Advertisement
"That for me is self-evident. That is why we are making sure we get the equipment to the frontline."
The Cabinet minister said PPE demand was well beyond anything that would be seen outside of a pandemic and that there was a "unified effort" to deliver more supplies.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer told Ridge questions would be asked in time about the government's response, but the "most important thing is we do have that unity of purpose" to decrease the death rate, adding: "We will support the government in that.
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 Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"We will ask challenging questions, difficult questions about where we go next, about what's happened in the past, but I think the whole nation desperately wants those figures to go down.
"Every day we see the figures, we shudder at the thought of the families affected by it."
Meanwhile, coronavirus hospital deaths in the UK have topped more than 10,000 as 657 more people die in England.
Scotland recorded a further 24 deaths, Wales 18 and Northern Ireland 11.


news--2020-04-12--Coronavirus: Sunak plots new overhaul of emergency loans scheme

Ministers are this weekend preparing to overhaul an emergency loan programme for larger companies whose future has been put at risk of collapse by the COVID-19 pandemic .
Sky News has learnt that the Treasury is drawing up plans to double the interest-free sums available to businesses under the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme ( CLBILS ) to £50m .
Under the proposals , which are set to be signed off by Rishi Sunak , the chancellor , government-guaranteed loans of between £25m and £50m would be available to companies with turnover of more than £250m .
That would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the scheme was unveiled on 3 April , which said the upper threshold for lending would be £25m for companies with sales of between £45m and £500m .
Sources said on Sunday that the Treasury was also likely to remove the upper £500m turnover threshold in an effort to help even larger companies - described as 'the stranded middle '' - which can not access a separate funding initiative operated by the Bank of England because they do not possess an investment grade credit rating .
The revised terms are not yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunak as soon as this week , according to insiders .
The CLBILS scheme is the larger version of the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme , which is targeted at small and medium-sized companies with a maximum turnover of £45m .
CBILS has itself already been overhauled since its launch , with participating banks agreeing to stop demanding personal guarantees from SME customers , and Mr Sunak abolishing a requirement for lenders to first evaluate SMEs ' eligibility for other corporate loan products .
Speaking to Sky News ' Sophy Ridge on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said that £800m had been lent so far under CBILS to 4200 companies .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' I have spent the last couple of days talking directly to some of the largest lenders who are part of this scheme and I have been very clear to say to them that we need to get money out of the door as quickly as possible , '' he said .
`` They understand that… we have set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ literally working around the clock . ''
Sources said they expected the next set of figures to show `` rapid growth '' in the sums being accessed under the scheme .
The speed with which the emergency aid packages have been devised has prompted criticism from many SMEs which say they are being rejected by banks .
Some businesses say , though , that they are impressed at the speed with which ministers are prepared to make adjustments to the bailout programmes where there are apparent bottlenecks .
On Saturday , Sky News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formally appoint Richard Sharp , his former Goldman Sachs boss , as a strategic adviser on the economic repercussions of the pandemic .
A further CBILS flashpoint is emerging over lenders ' rejection of loan applications by companies with private equity backers because of aggregated turnover calculations that were placing them beyond the scheme 's scope .
The dispute is significant because of the substantial chunk of Britain 's economy which is backed by hundreds of billions of pounds of private equity funding - much of it invested in companies with a turnover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , chief executive of UK Finance , said of the earlier revamp of CBILS : `` The reforms to the scheme confirmed by the chancellor will help more viable businesses access the support they need .
`` We continue to work closely with the government and British Business Bank to ensure this scheme works in the best way possible to get money to viable businesses that require it . ''
Banking sources have been at pains to point out that with most branch networks closed and absenteeism at unprecedented levels because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working relentlessly to get the emergency loan schemes up-and-running .
The Treasury and UK Finance declined to comment on the anticipated changes to the CLBILS scheme .

Ministers are this weekend preparing to overhaul an emergency loan programme for larger companies whose future has been put at risk of collapse by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sky News has learnt that the Treasury is drawing up plans to double the interest-free sums available to businesses under the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) to £50m.
Under the proposals, which are set to be signed off by Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, government-guaranteed loans of between £25m and £50m would be available to companies with turnover of more than £250m.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:30 'It's up to the govt to fix the PPE shortage'
That would represent a change from the terms announced when the scheme was unveiled on 3 April, which said the upper threshold for lending would be £25m for companies with sales of between £45m and £500m.
Sources said on Sunday that the Treasury was also likely to remove the upper £500m turnover threshold in an effort to help even larger companies - described as 'the stranded middle" - which cannot access a separate funding initiative operated by the Bank of England because they do not possess an investment grade credit rating.
The revised terms are not yet finalised but could be announced by Mr Sunak as soon as this week, according to insiders.
The CLBILS scheme is the larger version of the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, which is targeted at small and medium-sized companies with a maximum turnover of £45m.
CBILS has itself already been overhauled since its launch, with participating banks agreeing to stop demanding personal guarantees from SME customers, and Mr Sunak abolishing a requirement for lenders to first evaluate SMEs' eligibility for other corporate loan products.
Speaking to Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme, Alok Sharma, business secretary, said that £800m had been lent so far under CBILS to 4200 companies.
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 Nurse confronts 'idiots' in park
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"I have spent the last couple of days talking directly to some of the largest lenders who are part of this scheme and I have been very clear to say to them that we need to get money out of the door as quickly as possible," he said.
"They understand that… we have set this up at pace and everyone is literally working around the clock."
Sources said they expected the next set of figures to show "rapid growth" in the sums being accessed under the scheme.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:33 Man threatened with pepper spray by police
The speed with which the emergency aid packages have been devised has prompted criticism from many SMEs which say they are being rejected by banks.
Some businesses say, though, that they are impressed at the speed with which ministers are prepared to make adjustments to the bailout programmes where there are apparent bottlenecks.
On Saturday, Sky News revealed that Mr Sunak was preparing to formally appoint Richard Sharp, his former Goldman Sachs boss, as a strategic adviser on the economic repercussions of the pandemic.
A further CBILS flashpoint is emerging over lenders' rejection of loan applications by companies with private equity backers because of aggregated turnover calculations that were placing them beyond the scheme's scope.
The dispute is significant because of the substantial chunk of Britain's economy which is backed by hundreds of billions of pounds of private equity funding - much of it invested in companies with a turnover of less than £45m.
Stephen Jones, chief executive of UK Finance, said of the earlier revamp of CBILS: "The reforms to the scheme confirmed by the chancellor will help more viable businesses access the support they need.
"We continue to work closely with the government and British Business Bank to ensure this scheme works in the best way possible to get money to viable businesses that require it."
Banking sources have been at pains to point out that with most branch networks closed and absenteeism at unprecedented levels because of the coronavirus outbreak, the industry has been working relentlessly to get the emergency loan schemes up-and-running.
The Treasury and UK Finance declined to comment on the anticipated changes to the CLBILS scheme.


news--2020-04-11--Coronavirus: Government 'close to lies' over coronavirus deaths, warns expert

A former public health director has accused the government of `` coming very close to lies '' over the UK 's coronavirus death figures .
Professor John Ashton , former regional director of Public Health England , said the number of people dying with COVID-19 could be double what the public is being told .
This is because officials counts are not including deaths outside hospitals , such as those in the community or in care homes , he said .
All deaths are registered by the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) which is published data .
Prof @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president of the Faculty of Public Health , told Sky News : `` At the moment , a lot of what 's going on in these briefings is coming very close to lies and we must prevent this from happening at all costs . ''
He said : `` It may be one and a half times what we 've got…it may even be twice as many…you know if I was to say well if it 's 10 , let 's call it 20….is my truth any better than their truth in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see the data and crawl over it and really see what 's really going on .
`` I mean what was really worrying over the last couple of days , it does n't seem the government actually knows how many doctors and nurses have died .
And you thought , for goodness sake , the hospitals themselves should be able to tell you that .
`` You just need a clerk in Whitehall somewhere to get the numbers from the hospitals and add it up on a piece of paper ... it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The former health director also lambasted Health Secretary Matt Hancock for suggesting personal protective equipment ( PPE ) used by NHS staff is a `` precious resource '' .
He said the implication that health workers were wasting it is `` beyond unacceptable '' .
Question : How much credence do you put in the assertion that these healthcare professionals may have caught COVID-19 somewhere else other than their workplace ?
Answer : Health care workers should not die doing their job so they should be subject to complete scrutiny and we should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know what 's going on .
Because lessons have to be learned on a day-by-day basis to stop other people becoming victims too .
Question : The health secretary spoke about treating PPE as a special resource…how does that resonate with you ?
Answer : The idea that personal protection is a special resource is beyond unacceptable .
You have to give workmen and women the tools with which to do their job…and their job of work in the front line of this highly-contagious virus that can be fatal to health workers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must have proper protection and you know , that 's not just a flimsy pinny , it 's actually proper equipment to be able to wear and to discard .
Let 's be 21st century about this , not Dickensian please .
You ca n't keep people in the dark .
From the very outset they should have been taking people on a journey based on the facts because when it comes to things like making the lockdown stick , people need to be able to see where the rationale is for that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told .
Rather than what falls out from the second theme here , which is consistently over-promising and under-delivering with all the stuff about testing , about personal protection , with the numbers themselves where we do n't know where we are .
We really have got to behave as if we 're in a mature democracy here where we are in this together and everybody is fully in the picture .
But it does n't make things better if you tell lies…and at the moment , I think a lot of what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming very close to lies and we must prevent this from happening at all costs .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Question : Do you find it curious that we got so much detail about even what the prime minister was doing in intensive care or in his ward and yet initially we did n't get the data and detail about the number of health workers who have died ?
Answer : I 'm sure that each of us was shocked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're all wishing him the best for his recovery .
But the amount of attention this is now getting , particularly since he 's on the mend compared to the double figures or more of health workers who 've died or are very sick , I find really shocking in itself , because the NHS workers are putting themselves on the line for us .
Boris Johnson became ill because he had n't applied his own advice about looking out for himself and keeping himself safe from the virus .
I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the health workers who are being put in harm 's way by the lack of personal protection .
Sky News has contacted the Department of Health for a response .

A former public health director has accused the government of "coming very close to lies" over the UK's coronavirus death figures.
Professor John Ashton, former regional director of Public Health England, said the number of people dying with COVID-19 could be double what the public is being told.
This is because officials counts are not including deaths outside hospitals, such as those in the community or in care homes, he said.
All deaths are registered by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) which is published data.
Prof Ashton, who is also a former president of the Faculty of Public Health, told Sky News: "At the moment, a lot of what's going on in these briefings is coming very close to lies and we must prevent this from happening at all costs."
He said: "It may be one and a half times what we've got…it may even be twice as many…you know if I was to say well if it's 10, let's call it 20….is my truth any better than their truth in this?
"We need to be able to see the data and crawl over it and really see what's really going on.
"I mean what was really worrying over the last couple of days, it doesn't seem the government actually knows how many doctors and nurses have died. And you thought, for goodness sake, the hospitals themselves should be able to tell you that.
"You just need a clerk in Whitehall somewhere to get the numbers from the hospitals and add it up on a piece of paper...it's not a difficult task."
Advertisement
The former health director also lambasted Health Secretary Matt Hancock for suggesting personal protective equipment (PPE) used by NHS staff is a "precious resource".
He said the implication that health workers were wasting it is "beyond unacceptable".
He spoke to Sky's special correspondent Alex Crawford.
Question: How much credence do you put in the assertion that these healthcare professionals may have caught COVID-19 somewhere else other than their workplace?
Answer: Health care workers should not die doing their job so they should be subject to complete scrutiny and we should get a quick turnaround on that to know what's going on.
Because lessons have to be learned on a day-by-day basis to stop other people becoming victims too.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 NHS coronavirus deaths 'a heartbreaking story'
Question: The health secretary spoke about treating PPE as a special resource…how does that resonate with you?
Answer: The idea that personal protection is a special resource is beyond unacceptable.
You have to give workmen and women the tools with which to do their job…and their job of work in the front line of this highly-contagious virus that can be fatal to health workers, as to anybody else, means they must have proper protection and you know, that's not just a flimsy pinny, it's actually proper equipment to be able to wear and to discard.
Let's be 21st century about this, not Dickensian please.
You can't keep people in the dark.
From the very outset they should have been taking people on a journey based on the facts because when it comes to things like making the lockdown stick, people need to be able to see where the rationale is for that and to believe what they're being told.
Rather than what falls out from the second theme here, which is consistently over-promising and under-delivering with all the stuff about testing, about personal protection, with the numbers themselves where we don't know where we are.
We really have got to behave as if we're in a mature democracy here where we are in this together and everybody is fully in the picture.
But it doesn't make things better if you tell lies…and at the moment, I think a lot of what's going on in these briefings is coming very close to lies and we must prevent this from happening at all costs.
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
Question: Do you find it curious that we got so much detail about even what the prime minister was doing in intensive care or in his ward and yet initially we didn't get the data and detail about the number of health workers who have died?
Answer: I'm sure that each of us was shocked when the prime minister became ill and we're all wishing him the best for his recovery.
But the amount of attention this is now getting, particularly since he's on the mend compared to the double figures or more of health workers who've died or are very sick, I find really shocking in itself, because the NHS workers are putting themselves on the line for us.
Boris Johnson became ill because he hadn't applied his own advice about looking out for himself and keeping himself safe from the virus.
I think we should be hearing a lot more about the health workers who are being put in harm's way by the lack of personal protection.
Sky News has contacted the Department of Health for a response.


news--2020-04-18--Coronavirus: One in four care homes in London hit by COVID-19

One in four care homes in London has been hit by COVID-19 since the pandemic began , Sky News has learned , raising fears about the rapid spread of coronavirus among those most vulnerable to the disease .
Around 350 care homes in the capital have declared an outbreak of COVID-19 , Public Health England confirmed on Saturday .
The figure , which was correct as of 16 April , means that around 25 % of care homes have reported outbreaks .
Coronavirus is hitting care homes in London harder than in other parts of the country , where 3,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 , according to Public Health England .
The crisis in the capital may be worse than these figures indicate , as Sky News has learned that the leader of one London council was told on Friday that 387 of the city 's care homes had declared outbreaks .
Care homes are required to notify several bodies about outbreaks of coronavirus , including the Care Quality Commission and Public Health England , which then report to directors of public health in local authorities .
The new figures may reopen the argument about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after care home bosses and GPs said the number of those killed was far higher than the official figures .
Coronavirus deaths are not included in the government 's records of fatalities unless the victim has been tested for coronavirus , meaning that many care home deaths are not reported .
The government announced this week that care home residents showing coronavirus symptoms will be tested , along with care home workers .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Thursday that 15 % of care homes - one in seven - had reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only referred to homes with `` two or more cases '' .
Mr Hancock described the figure as `` robust '' , but care home bosses have argued the real figures may be much higher .
Speaking on Tuesday to the BBC , Sir David Behan , executive chairman of care home company HC One , said coronavirus was `` present in 232 of our homes which is about two-thirds of the total number of homes that we run '' .
Sir David 's comments came after the government 's chief scientific adviser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13 % of care homes across Britain had been struck by coronavirus .
There are more than 15,000 care homes in England , estimated to be housing less than 1 % of the country 's population .
According to the most recent figures from the Office for National Statistics , which are for the week ending 3 April , there had been 217 COVID-19-related deaths in care homes in England and Wales , about 5.3 % of all COVID-19 deaths up to that point .

One in four care homes in London has been hit by COVID-19 since the pandemic began, Sky News has learned, raising fears about the rapid spread of coronavirus among those most vulnerable to the disease.
Around 350 care homes in the capital have declared an outbreak of COVID-19, Public Health England confirmed on Saturday.
The figure, which was correct as of 16 April, means that around 25% of care homes have reported outbreaks.
Coronavirus is hitting care homes in London harder than in other parts of the country, where 3,000 care homes have reported an outbreak of COVID-19, according to Public Health England.
The crisis in the capital may be worse than these figures indicate, as Sky News has learned that the leader of one London council was told on Friday that 387 of the city's care homes had declared outbreaks.
Care homes are required to notify several bodies about outbreaks of coronavirus, including the Care Quality Commission and Public Health England, which then report to directors of public health in local authorities.
The new figures may reopen the argument about the spread of coronavirus in care homes, after care home bosses and GPs said the number of those killed was far higher than the official figures.
Coronavirus deaths are not included in the government's records of fatalities unless the victim has been tested for coronavirus, meaning that many care home deaths are not reported.
The government announced this week that care home residents showing coronavirus symptoms will be tested, along with care home workers.
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:57 Liverpool care home staff: COVID-19 is like losing 16 grandparents
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:31 Care worker: 'We lose someone every shift'
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Thursday that 15% of care homes - one in seven - had reported cases of the virus, although he only referred to homes with "two or more cases".
Mr Hancock described the figure as "robust", but care home bosses have argued the real figures may be much higher.
Speaking on Tuesday to the BBC, Sir David Behan, executive chairman of care home company HC One, said coronavirus was "present in 232 of our homes which is about two-thirds of the total number of homes that we run".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:31 Care home staff show 'heroism coming to work'
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:49 Sky News reports from a Sheffield care home
Sir David's comments came after the government's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, said that 13% of care homes across Britain had been struck by coronavirus.
There are more than 15,000 care homes in England, estimated to be housing less than 1% of the country's population.
According to the most recent figures from the Office for National Statistics, which are for the week ending 3 April, there had been 217 COVID-19-related deaths in care homes in England and Wales, about 5.3% of all COVID-19 deaths up to that point.


news--2020-04-18--Coronavirus: Three more emergency service workers die with COVID-19 in UK

Three more emergency service workers have died in the UK after contracting coronavirus , it has emerged .
They were a British Transport Police ( BTP ) detective , a paramedic and a Greater Manchester Police ( GMP ) worker , but it is not known whether they were infected as a result of their work .
The deaths come as it was announced that a further 888 people have died with coronavirus in hospitals in the UK , taking the total number to more than 15,000 .
Marcia Pryce , 61 , worked in GMP 's Force Intelligence Bureau @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 2 April .
She was described by her family as a `` powerhouse '' and had been lovingly referred to by her god children as `` Aunty Marce '' .
Ms Pryce , who worked for the force for more than 30 years , was `` someone you could count on '' and a `` positive influence '' , her sister Amira Asantewa said .
`` It could be a simple conversation , some advice , a beautifully baked cake or a fun evening out .
`` She was passionate and full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on her team , you wanted her in your corner . ''
She added : `` Marcia would want us to go on , to keep each other close and have a cheeky drink to celebrate a life cut short , but a life full of love and joy , when we can once again meet each other . ''
The family have asked that any tributes in Ms Pryce 's memory be donated to the British Heart Foundation .
The death of a North West Ambulance Service paramedic was also announced on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not been named at their family 's request , was married with children and had worked for the service for `` a considerable number of years '' .
They died in hospital on Friday .
North West Ambulance Service chief executive Daren Mochrie described the worker as a `` very dear colleague '' and said the trust was `` supporting our staff during this very sad time '' .
`` We would also like to thank our NHS colleagues for their professionalism and the compassionate care they have shown for our friend , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced the death of father-of-three Detective Constable John Coker , who has been remembered as `` charismatic , kind and thoughtful '' .
Mr Coker , who served with the BTP for more than 10 years , was `` much loved and respected '' and would be `` greatly missed '' , according to the force 's chief constable .
He died on Friday night after being taken ill with coronavirus symptoms on 22 March .
After his health failed to improve , he was admitted to hospital and transferred to an intensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Paying tribute to Mr Coker , who worked at Euston CID , BTP 's Chief Constable Paul Crowther said : `` My thoughts are with John 's family , for whom the last three weeks have been incredibly difficult and who will be struggling to deal with this most distressing outcome .
`` Local colleagues have been in constant contact with John 's wife and will pass on the heartfelt condolences of us all .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming days , weeks and months .
`` Understandably this is a very difficult time for John 's wife and family and they have asked for privacy . ''
He added : `` My thoughts are also with the many officers and staff who worked alongside John , as we each come to terms with this truly awful news .
`` John has been part of the BTP family for over a decade and became a detective constable within the CID department at Euston where he was much loved and respected by all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colleagues remember a man who was charismatic , kind and thoughtful and took everything in his stride .
He will be greatly missed by all in the force . ''
Mr Coker is survived by his wife and their three children .

Three more emergency service workers have died in the UK after contracting coronavirus, it has emerged.
They were a British Transport Police (BTP) detective, a paramedic and a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) worker, but it is not known whether they were infected as a result of their work.
The deaths come as it was announced that a further 888 people have died with coronavirus in hospitals in the UK, taking the total number to more than 15,000.
Marcia Pryce, 61, worked in GMP's Force Intelligence Bureau and passed away with COVID-19 related symptoms on 2 April.
She was described by her family as a "powerhouse" and had been lovingly referred to by her god children as "Aunty Marce".
Ms Pryce, who worked for the force for more than 30 years, was "someone you could count on" and a "positive influence", her sister Amira Asantewa said.
"It could be a simple conversation, some advice, a beautifully baked cake or a fun evening out.
"She was passionate and full of life. You wanted to be on her team, you wanted her in your corner."
She added: "Marcia would want us to go on, to keep each other close and have a cheeky drink to celebrate a life cut short, but a life full of love and joy, when we can once again meet each other."
Advertisement
Image: Marcia Pryce was 'someone you could count on', her family said. Pic: GMP
The family have asked that any tributes in Ms Pryce's memory be donated to the British Heart Foundation.
The death of a North West Ambulance Service paramedic was also announced on Saturday.
The paramedic, who has not been named at their family's request, was married with children and had worked for the service for "a considerable number of years".
They died in hospital on Friday.
North West Ambulance Service chief executive Daren Mochrie described the worker as a "very dear colleague" and said the trust was "supporting our staff during this very sad time".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Treating other NHS staff is 'soul destroying'
"We would also like to thank our NHS colleagues for their professionalism and the compassionate care they have shown for our friend," he added.
The BTP also announced the death of father-of-three Detective Constable John Coker, who has been remembered as "charismatic, kind and thoughtful".
Mr Coker, who served with the BTP for more than 10 years, was "much loved and respected" and would be "greatly missed", according to the force's chief constable.
Image: The police officer was taken ill with coronavirus symptoms on 22 March. Pic: BTP
He died on Friday night after being taken ill with coronavirus symptoms on 22 March.
After his health failed to improve, he was admitted to hospital and transferred to an intensive care unit to receive critical treatment.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Paying tribute to Mr Coker, who worked at Euston CID, BTP's Chief Constable Paul Crowther said: "My thoughts are with John's family, for whom the last three weeks have been incredibly difficult and who will be struggling to deal with this most distressing outcome.
"Local colleagues have been in constant contact with John's wife and will pass on the heartfelt condolences of us all.
"BTP will continue that support over the coming days, weeks and months.
"Understandably this is a very difficult time for John's wife and family and they have asked for privacy."
He added: "My thoughts are also with the many officers and staff who worked alongside John, as we each come to terms with this truly awful news.
"John has been part of the BTP family for over a decade and became a detective constable within the CID department at Euston where he was much loved and respected by all those he worked with.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 11:53 April 2020: This is what life on Earth looks like
"His colleagues remember a man who was charismatic, kind and thoughtful and took everything in his stride. He will be greatly missed by all in the force."
Mr Coker is survived by his wife and their three children.