news--2020-02-14--Coronavirus crisis: UK's biggest drugmaker warns of COVID-19 impact

The outbreak , which started in Wuhan , has killed nearly 1,400 people Pharmaceuticals giant AstraZeneca today became the latest company to count the cost of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak in China .
AstraZeneca , which last year overtook GlaxoSmithKline to become Britain 's biggest drugmaker by stock market value , admitted on Friday that coronavirus would have an impact on its 2020 earnings .
The Cambridge-based company said that sales were expected to increase by a `` high single-digit to a low double-digit percentage '' during 2020 , with earnings per share - the amount of profit after tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue - growing by between 15 % -19 % .
It added : `` All guidance assumes an unfavourable impact from China lasting up to a few months as a result of the recent novel coronavirus ( Covid-19 ) outbreak .
`` The company will monitor closely the development of the epidemic and anticipates providing an update at the time of the Q1 2020 results . ''
City analysts had been pencilling-in growth of around 20-21 % this year and , as a result , shares of AstraZeneca briefly fell by 5 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increasingly important market for AstraZeneca which , with 17,000 employees there , is the biggest multinational pharmaceuticals company in the country .
Around a fifth of the company 's earnings came from China in 2019 and were up some 35 % on 2018 .
AstraZeneca is one of the first major UK-listed companies to try to put a figure on the likely impact of the outbreak .
Pascal Soriot , the chief executive , said AZ has spent a lot of time trying to work this out and had decided to take a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He told CNBC , sister channel to Sky News : `` We have a relatively good understanding , at this stage , of the impact it could have and that 's why we felt we needed to include that in our guidance .
`` Now of course we have to recognise that things are changing and we have to see how the epidemic develops , but we have included the impact of the coronavirus in our forecast , assuming it only lasts for a few months and improves over time . ''
Asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the outbreak would only be for a few months , Mr Soriot replied : `` Of course we have to be modest here and admit we do n't know , we ca n't predict the future , but I have to say that the Chinese government has swung a lot of resources , a lot of effort , at controlling the disease as much as they can in the country .
`` There has been a lot of work done , also , to control travel , to stop people from spreading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hubei region , Wuhan [ the city where the disease first appeared ] is really controlled and blocked to communications and to people travelling back and forth .
`` This effort should have an impact over time and that 's why we believe that we 'll get past this epidemic .
`` Remember , about 10 years ago , the H1N1 [ swine ] flu epidemic , we got past that one , too . ''
Mr Soriot said that the virus led to a lower mortality than swine flu but that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I would not say it 's totally controlled yet , but I would say that over the next two to three months , we would hope to see it come under control . ''
The coronavirus update came as AstraZeneca delivered a mixed set of annual results .
Among the positives , full year sales rose by 10 % to $ 24.4bn , with sales of AstraZeneca 's new medicines growing even more rapidly - by 59 % .
New medicines represented 42 % of sales during the year .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AstraZeneca was perceived by the City as too dependent on old blockbuster medicines whose profitability was hit as they lost patent protection and cheap generic copycat versions of those products came onto the market .
Mr Soriot , however , succeeded in convincing investors that the company 's pipeline of new products would more than make up for these over time .
It was one reason why he was able , in 2014 , to persuade them not to support US rival Pfizer 's £70bn takeover approach - a rare example of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Doubters were convinced when in 2018 , a year later than originally targeted , AstraZeneca reported a rise in quarterly sales for the first time since 2014 .
Mr Soriot could point out with satisfaction today that the company has now notched up six consecutive quarters of sales growth and now has nine drugs with annual sales of more than $ 1bn each .
Of the three therapy areas in which the company has sought to specialise - oncology , cardiovascular , renal and metabolism ( CVRM ) and respiratory , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Star performers again included Tagrisso , AstraZeneca 's lung cancer drug , whose sales rose by 79 % during the year to hit $ 3.2bn .
Lynparza , a treatment for ovarian cancer , saw its sales rise by 85 % to $ 1.2bn .
And Imfinzi , a treatment for lung and bladder cancer , also achieved blockbuster status with sales of $ 1.5bn .
Yet in other areas Mr Soriot could also point to progress .
Brilinta , AstraZeneca 's heart attack drug , grew sales by 20 % to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diabetes treatment , saw sales rise by 11 % to $ 1.5bn .
It all meant that full-year core operating profit , which is AstraZeneca 's preferred measure , rose by 13 % to $ 6.4bn .
Those were the good points .
On the downside , sales of some of the new medicines in the latest quarter fell short of expectations , including those of Tagrisso .
Adam Barker , healthcare analyst at stockbroker Shore Capital , said that , as well as the warning on coronavirus , the shares had also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per share had come in slightly below expectations due to the company spending more on research and development and in other areas .
But he said that , unlike some of its competitors , AstraZeneca deserved credit for at least trying to quantify how much coronavirus will cost it .
He added : `` Given the strong run in AstraZeneca 's share price the shares are now arguably `` priced for perfection '' and so any sign of weakness will be taken negatively . ''
He pointed out that , as a multiple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now trade at a 40 % premium to those of their peers .
That does mean that the shares may suffer the odd bad day .
However , given the company 's history over the last decade or so , it is a situation with which Mr Soriot will probably be comfortable .

AstraZeneca is one of the first big pharmaceutical firms to try and put a number on a coronavirus hit, Ian King writes.
The outbreak, which started in Wuhan, has killed nearly 1,400 people
Pharmaceuticals giant AstraZeneca today became the latest company to count the cost of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak in China.
AstraZeneca, which last year overtook GlaxoSmithKline to become Britain's biggest drugmaker by stock market value, admitted on Friday that coronavirus would have an impact on its 2020 earnings.
The Cambridge-based company said that sales were expected to increase by a "high single-digit to a low double-digit percentage" during 2020, with earnings per share - the amount of profit after tax divided by the number of shares in issue - growing by between 15%-19%.
It added: "All guidance assumes an unfavourable impact from China lasting up to a few months as a result of the recent novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.
Image: AstraZeneca employs thousands in China - an increasingly important market for the firm
"The company will monitor closely the development of the epidemic and anticipates providing an update at the time of the Q1 2020 results."
City analysts had been pencilling-in growth of around 20-21% this year and, as a result, shares of AstraZeneca briefly fell by 5% before slightly recovering.
China is an increasingly important market for AstraZeneca which, with 17,000 employees there, is the biggest multinational pharmaceuticals company in the country. Around a fifth of the company's earnings came from China in 2019 and were up some 35% on 2018.
AstraZeneca is one of the first major UK-listed companies to try to put a figure on the likely impact of the outbreak.
Pascal Soriot, the chief executive, said AZ has spent a lot of time trying to work this out and had decided to take a deliberately conservative approach in updating investors.
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Image: Pascal Soriot has led AstraZeneca since 2012
He told CNBC, sister channel to Sky News: "We have a relatively good understanding, at this stage, of the impact it could have and that's why we felt we needed to include that in our guidance.
"Now of course we have to recognise that things are changing and we have to see how the epidemic develops, but we have included the impact of the coronavirus in our forecast, assuming it only lasts for a few months and improves over time."
Asked why he was confident that the impact of the outbreak would only be for a few months, Mr Soriot replied: "Of course we have to be modest here and admit we don't know, we can't predict the future, but I have to say that the Chinese government has swung a lot of resources, a lot of effort, at controlling the disease as much as they can in the country.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 'COVID-19 more severe in men over 40'
"There has been a lot of work done, also, to control travel, to stop people from spreading the disease. And so in the Hubei region, Wuhan [the city where the disease first appeared] is really controlled and blocked to communications and to people travelling back and forth.
"This effort should have an impact over time and that's why we believe that we'll get past this epidemic.
"Remember, about 10 years ago, the H1N1 [swine] flu epidemic, we got past that one, too."
Mr Soriot said that the virus led to a lower mortality than swine flu but that it was more contagious.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:49 Coronavirus: Military medics head to Wuhan
He added: "I would not say it's totally controlled yet, but I would say that over the next two to three months, we would hope to see it come under control."
The coronavirus update came as AstraZeneca delivered a mixed set of annual results.
Among the positives, full year sales rose by 10% to $24.4bn, with sales of AstraZeneca's new medicines growing even more rapidly - by 59%. New medicines represented 42% of sales during the year.
This is important because, for many years, AstraZeneca was perceived by the City as too dependent on old blockbuster medicines whose profitability was hit as they lost patent protection and cheap generic copycat versions of those products came onto the market.
Image: AstraZeneca's headquarters are in Cambridge
Mr Soriot, however, succeeded in convincing investors that the company's pipeline of new products would more than make up for these over time. It was one reason why he was able, in 2014, to persuade them not to support US rival Pfizer's £70bn takeover approach - a rare example of a FTSE-100 company seeing off a hostile bidder.
Doubters were convinced when in 2018, a year later than originally targeted, AstraZeneca reported a rise in quarterly sales for the first time since 2014.
Mr Soriot could point out with satisfaction today that the company has now notched up six consecutive quarters of sales growth and now has nine drugs with annual sales of more than $1bn each.
Of the three therapy areas in which the company has sought to specialise - oncology, cardiovascular, renal and metabolism (CVRM) and respiratory, it was the former which again stood out. Star performers again included Tagrisso, AstraZeneca's lung cancer drug, whose sales rose by 79% during the year to hit $3.2bn.
Lynparza, a treatment for ovarian cancer, saw its sales rise by 85% to $1.2bn. And Imfinzi, a treatment for lung and bladder cancer, also achieved blockbuster status with sales of $1.5bn.
Yet in other areas Mr Soriot could also point to progress. Brilinta, AstraZeneca's heart attack drug, grew sales by 20% to $1.6bn. And Farxinga, its diabetes treatment, saw sales rise by 11% to $1.5bn.
It all meant that full-year core operating profit, which is AstraZeneca's preferred measure, rose by 13% to $6.4bn.
Those were the good points. On the downside, sales of some of the new medicines in the latest quarter fell short of expectations, including those of Tagrisso.
Adam Barker, healthcare analyst at stockbroker Shore Capital, said that, as well as the warning on coronavirus, the shares had also been hit by the fact that earnings per share had come in slightly below expectations due to the company spending more on research and development and in other areas.
But he said that, unlike some of its competitors, AstraZeneca deserved credit for at least trying to quantify how much coronavirus will cost it.
He added: "Given the strong run in AstraZeneca's share price the shares are now arguably "priced for perfection" and so any sign of weakness will be taken negatively."
He pointed out that, as a multiple of expected earnings, AstraZeneca's shares now trade at a 40% premium to those of their peers.
That does mean that the shares may suffer the odd bad day.
However, given the company's history over the last decade or so, it is a situation with which Mr Soriot will probably be comfortable.


news--2020-02-14--Euro area growth slows to seven-year low as France and Italy contract

Economic growth in the 19-nation area which use the euro has fallen back - led by the French and Italian economies finding a reverse gear .
An early estimate of eurozone output by the EU 's Eurostat service found collective growth of 0.1 % in the final three months of 2019 following a figure of 0.3 % in the July-September quarter .
That left the year-on-year rate of growth at 0.9 % - its weakest level for seven years .
The slowdown in the final three months was driven by the bloc 's three largest economies as France contracted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The dominant force that is Germany continued to stagnate - recording zero growth .
Europe 's manufacturing powerhouse has been plagued by weak demand abroad - mostly a consequence of the US-China trade war and its knock-on global effects that have hit order books .
It has relied on consumer spending and services businesses to prop up output .
The slowdown has also coincided with a period of massive structural change in its flagship car industry - bruised since the VW diesel emissions scandal and forcing firms to invest billions on electric @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak threatens to add to Germany 's export headaches as its key market of China is gripped by business disruption through efforts to contain the COVID-19 strain .
The possibility of a no-deal Brexit at the conclusion of this year 's transition period is another risk .
UK growth for the final quarter of 2019 was separately measured at 0 % - hit by political and economic uncertainty linked to Brexit , December 's general election and the effects of the trade war .
However , unlike in the eurozone , the Bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after noting a pick-up in economic activity since Boris Johnson secured his large majority .
The European Central Bank announced in September that it was restarting its bond-buying programme in a bid to help support lending alongside a negative interest rate policy .
The bank , now under the leadership of Christine Lagarde , has left the door open to the possibility of further stimulus .
The remarks - coupled with the safe haven status of the dollar amid coronavirus uncertainty - have helped push the euro to near-three year lows against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern about a political vacuum in Germany after the resignation of Angela Merkel 's heir apparent as leader of their CDU party - the largest in the current governing coalition .
But Barret Kupelian , senior economist at PwC , said there was some good news in the Eurostat figures .
He wrote : `` The bright spot in the eurozone continues to lie in the peripheral economies .
`` With the exception of Greece , all of the bailout economies have surpassed pre-crisis output levels and continue to grow at strong rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growth could pick up later in the year if the global economy stabilises .
`` However , there are many uncertainties relating to global trade as well as the coronavirus , which could end up disproportionately affecting some of the larger eurozone economies . ''

Economic growth in the 19-nation area which use the euro has fallen back - led by the French and Italian economies finding a reverse gear.
An early estimate of eurozone output by the EU's Eurostat service found collective growth of 0.1% in the final three months of 2019 following a figure of 0.3% in the July-September quarter.
That left the year-on-year rate of growth at 0.9% - its weakest level for seven years.
The slowdown in the final three months was driven by the bloc's three largest economies as France contracted by 0.1% and Italy shed 0.3%.
The dominant force that is Germany continued to stagnate - recording zero growth.
Image: European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has left the door open to further stimulus
Europe's manufacturing powerhouse has been plagued by weak demand abroad - mostly a consequence of the US-China trade war and its knock-on global effects that have hit order books.
It has relied on consumer spending and services businesses to prop up output.
The slowdown has also coincided with a period of massive structural change in its flagship car industry - bruised since the VW diesel emissions scandal and forcing firms to invest billions on electric and autonomous vehicle technology.
The coronavirus outbreak threatens to add to Germany's export headaches as its key market of China is gripped by business disruption through efforts to contain the COVID-19 strain.
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The possibility of a no-deal Brexit at the conclusion of this year's transition period is another risk.
UK growth for the final quarter of 2019 was separately measured at 0% - hit by political and economic uncertainty linked to Brexit, December's general election and the effects of the trade war.
Image: Investors are concerned about who will lead Germany after Angela Merkel's heir apparent quit a party leader
However, unlike in the eurozone, the Bank of England has held off providing support after noting a pick-up in economic activity since Boris Johnson secured his large majority.
The European Central Bank announced in September that it was restarting its bond-buying programme in a bid to help support lending alongside a negative interest rate policy.
The bank, now under the leadership of Christine Lagarde, has left the door open to the possibility of further stimulus.
The remarks - coupled with the safe haven status of the dollar amid coronavirus uncertainty - have helped push the euro to near-three year lows against the greenback.
Another factor has been growing concern about a political vacuum in Germany after the resignation of Angela Merkel's heir apparent as leader of their CDU party - the largest in the current governing coalition.
But Barret Kupelian, senior economist at PwC, said there was some good news in the Eurostat figures.
He wrote: "The bright spot in the eurozone continues to lie in the peripheral economies.
"With the exception of Greece, all of the bailout economies have surpassed pre-crisis output levels and continue to grow at strong rates."
He added: "Eurozone growth could pick up later in the year if the global economy stabilises.
"However, there are many uncertainties relating to global trade as well as the coronavirus, which could end up disproportionately affecting some of the larger eurozone economies."


news--2020-02-14--Coronavirus cases rise as experts warn 'fake news' could make outbreak worse

China 's Hubei province says there have been thousands of new cases of the coronavirus as experts warned drastic measures to stop its spread have been `` too little , too late '' .
There is now a total of 64,441 suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 , the disease which is caused by the coronavirus , worldwide .
Of these cases , 63,859 are in mainland China .
There have been 1,383 deaths from COVID-19 .
The figures have been collated by Johns Hopkins University 's Center for Systems Science and Engineering .
Adam Kamradt-Scott , an infectious diseases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the figures show drastic measures implemented by China to stop the spread of the coronavirus `` appear to have been too little , too late '' .
• Researchers in America have released images that show what the virus looks like under the microscope • Japan confirmed its first coronavirus death on Thursday - a woman in her 80s living near Tokyo • The first person confirmed to have coronavirus in London took an Uber to hospital and walked into an A & E department - and two hospital staff are now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Simon Stevens has said many more people in the UK may need to self-isolate to stop the spread of the virus • German airline Lufthansa will suspend all flights to mainland China until 28 March • Royal Caribbean has announced it is cancelling 18 cruises across South East Asia • Grime star Stormzy has rescheduled part of his world tour due to the outbreak , moving several Asia gigs • Organisers of this summer 's Olympics in Japan insisted the event `` remains on track '' and `` there is no case for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or moving the Games '' .
New research has found the rise of `` fake news '' - including misinformation and inaccurate advice on social media - could make disease outbreaks such as COVID-19 worse .
In an analysis of how the spread of misinformation affects the spread of disease , scientists at East Anglia University ( UEA ) said any successful efforts to stop people sharing fake news could help save lives .
Professor of medicine Paul Hunter said : `` When it comes to COVID-19 , there has been a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circulating on the internet - about how the virus originated , what causes it and how it is spread .
`` Misinformation means that bad advice can circulate very quickly - and it can change human behaviour to take greater risks . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The researchers created theoretical simulations of outbreaks of norovirus , flu and monkeypox .
Their models took into account studies of real behaviour , how different diseases are spread , incubation periods and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frequency of social media posting and real-life information sharing .
They also took into account how lower trust in authorities is linked to a tendency to believe conspiracies , how people interact in `` information bubbles '' online , and the fact that `` worryingly , people are more likely to share bad advice on social media than good advice from trusted sources '' .
The researchers found that a 10 % reduction in the amount of harmful advice being circulated has a mitigating impact on the severity of an outbreak , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to share harmful advice has the same positive effect .
Passengers who spent two weeks at sea after being turned away by five countries over coronavirus fears have started disembarking in Cambodia .
The MS Westerdam , carrying 1,455 passengers and 802 crew , docked in Sihanoukville on Thursday .
It had anchored offshore early in the morning to allow officials to board and collect samples from passengers with any signs of ill health or flu-like symptoms .
After tests , no one on board was found to be carrying the virus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister Hun Sen greeted the passengers with handshakes and bouquets of roses , with some tourists handing him chocolates in exchange as a `` show of our appreciation '' .
The ship 's operator , Holland America Line , a unit of Miami-based Carnival Corp , said charter flights were being organised to help passengers return home .
Meanwhile another cruise ship , which has been quarantined off a Japanese port , has more than 200 people confirmed with the disease .
Officials have said they will allow some elderly people to @ @ @ @

China's Hubei province says there have been thousands of new cases of the coronavirus as experts warned drastic measures to stop its spread have been "too little, too late".
There is now a total of 64,441 suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19, the disease which is caused by the coronavirus, worldwide.
Of these cases, 63,859 are in mainland China. There have been 1,383 deaths from COVID-19.
The figures have been collated by Johns Hopkins University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering.
Adam Kamradt-Scott, an infectious diseases expert at the University of Sydney, said the figures show drastic measures implemented by China to stop the spread of the coronavirus "appear to have been too little, too late".
Image: American researchers have produced up-close images of the 2019 coronavirus. Pic: NIAID-RML
In other developments:
Researchers in America have released images that show what the virus looks like under the microscope
Japan confirmed its first coronavirus death on Thursday - a woman in her 80s living near Tokyo
on Thursday - a woman in her 80s living near Tokyo The first person confirmed to have coronavirus in London took an Uber to hospital and walked into an A&E department - and two hospital staff are now in self-isolation
in London took an Uber to hospital and walked into an A&E department - and two hospital staff are now in self-isolation NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens has said many more people in the UK may need to self-isolate to stop the spread of the virus
to stop the spread of the virus German airline Lufthansa will suspend all flights to mainland China until 28 March
Royal Caribbean has announced it is cancelling 18 cruises across South East Asia
Grime star Stormzy has rescheduled part of his world tour due to the outbreak, moving several Asia gigs
due to the outbreak, moving several Asia gigs Organisers of this summer's Olympics in Japan insisted the event "remains on track" and "there is no case for any contingency plans of cancelling the Games or moving the Games".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 Patient celebrates his release from quarantine
"Fake news" could make COVID-19 worse
New research has found the rise of "fake news" - including misinformation and inaccurate advice on social media - could make disease outbreaks such as COVID-19 worse.
In an analysis of how the spread of misinformation affects the spread of disease, scientists at East Anglia University (UEA) said any successful efforts to stop people sharing fake news could help save lives.
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 'COVID-19 more severe in men over 40'
Professor of medicine Paul Hunter said: "When it comes to COVID-19, there has been a lot of speculation, misinformation and fake news circulating on the internet - about how the virus originated, what causes it and how it is spread.
"Misinformation means that bad advice can circulate very quickly - and it can change human behaviour to take greater risks."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The researchers created theoretical simulations of outbreaks of norovirus, flu and monkeypox.
Their models took into account studies of real behaviour, how different diseases are spread, incubation periods and recovery times, and the speed and frequency of social media posting and real-life information sharing.
They also took into account how lower trust in authorities is linked to a tendency to believe conspiracies, how people interact in "information bubbles" online, and the fact that "worryingly, people are more likely to share bad advice on social media than good advice from trusted sources".
The researchers found that a 10% reduction in the amount of harmful advice being circulated has a mitigating impact on the severity of an outbreak, while making 20% of a population unable to share harmful advice has the same positive effect.
Image: Passengers are now being allowed off the cruise ship after it docked in Cambodia
Cruise passengers disembark in Cambodia and Japan
Passengers who spent two weeks at sea after being turned away by five countries over coronavirus fears have started disembarking in Cambodia.
The MS Westerdam, carrying 1,455 passengers and 802 crew, docked in Sihanoukville on Thursday.
It had anchored offshore early in the morning to allow officials to board and collect samples from passengers with any signs of ill health or flu-like symptoms.
After tests, no one on board was found to be carrying the virus, Cambodia's health ministry said.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen greeted the passengers with handshakes and bouquets of roses, with some tourists handing him chocolates in exchange as a "show of our appreciation".
The ship's operator, Holland America Line, a unit of Miami-based Carnival Corp, said charter flights were being organised to help passengers return home.
Meanwhile another cruise ship, which has been quarantined off a Japanese port, has more than 200 people confirmed with the disease.
Officials have said they will allow some elderly people to disembark on Friday.


news--2020-02-14--Coronavirus: Everyone returning to Beijing must 'self-isolate or be punished'

Everyone returning to Beijing must self-isolate for two weeks to protect against coronavirus otherwise they will be punished , Chinese state media reported .
City authorities , quoted in the Beijing Daily newspaper , said anybody who refuses to quarantine themselves or follow official rules on containing the new coronavirus will be punished - although they did not specify how .
A notice from Beijing 's virus prevention working group said : `` From now on , all those who have returned to Beijing should stay at home or submit to group observation for 14 days after arriving .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centralised observation and other prevention and control measures will be held accountable under law . ''
Anybody returning to the Chinese capital will have to submit travel plans to their community in advance , the notice said .
There was no specific mention of foreign visitors arriving from outside China , and how or whether the restrictions would apply to them .
• A total of 1,384 people have died from COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus - most in mainland China but one each in Hong Kong , the Philippines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed since the virus started in mid-December in Wuhan , with 63,866 in mainland China , according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University and the World Health Organisation • There were 5,090 suspected new cases in Hubei province , central China , on Friday • The first case in Africa was confirmed on Friday after a `` foreigner '' tested positive in Egypt • Two British Labour MPs cancelled all engagements after they were among 250 people at the UK Bus Summit on 6 February which was also attended by a patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rig worker was placed in isolation as he was tested for COVID-19 after returning from Thailand • A ninth person in the UK was confirmed as having the virus on Sunday after a Chinese woman who had flown from China walked into a London hospital 's A & E - having arrived in an Uber taxi • All 2,257 passengers and crew on the MS Westerdam cruise ship were at last allowed off after Cambodia let them dock , having been stranded for two weeks after ports in Thailand , Japan , Taiwan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away over fears they would spread the new virus , despite none testing positive .
Beijing 's announcement came as the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) said its investigation into the outbreak will start this weekend after the last of 12 WHO experts lands , and will focus on how the new coronavirus is spreading and the severity of COVID-19 .
WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the joint mission with China will also seek more details on how , where and when the more than 1,700 healthworkers in China infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died , according to Zeng Yixin , vice director of the National Health Commission .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker About 500 million people in China are affected by movement and travel restrictions , as more cities , including Beijing and Shanghai , this week imposed lockdowns in an attempt to halt the spread of COVID-19 .
Last week President Xi Jinping warned top officials efforts to contain the virus had gone too far and were threatening the economy .
People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday , but cities remain empty , with Shanghai and Beijing 's streets and subways largely deserted , with many shops and restaurants empty or shut .
Wuhan , the city of 11 million people where the outbreak began , is under the most severe lockdown , with all public transport , taxis and ride-hailing services shut down .
Volunteer drivers are risking their own health by secretly helping to ferry medical staff and those in vital jobs to and from work after responding to requests on messaging groups .
Others are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers , many who have come from across China , in hotels that have offered their rooms .

Everyone returning to Beijing must self-isolate for two weeks to protect against coronavirus otherwise they will be punished, Chinese state media reported.
City authorities, quoted in the Beijing Daily newspaper, said anybody who refuses to quarantine themselves or follow official rules on containing the new coronavirus will be punished - although they did not specify how.
A notice from Beijing's virus prevention working group said: "From now on, all those who have returned to Beijing should stay at home or submit to group observation for 14 days after arriving.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 13:31 Special report: how bad could the coronavirus outbreak get?
"Those who refuse to accept home or centralised observation and other prevention and control measures will be held accountable under law."
Anybody returning to the Chinese capital will have to submit travel plans to their community in advance, the notice said.
There was no specific mention of foreign visitors arriving from outside China, and how or whether the restrictions would apply to them.
Other major coronavirus updates:
A total of 1,384 people have died from COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus - most in mainland China but one each in Hong Kong, the Philippines and Japan
, the disease caused by the virus - most in mainland China but one each in Hong Kong, the Philippines and Japan 64,460 cases have been confirmed since the virus started in mid-December in Wuhan, with 63,866 in mainland China, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University and the World Health Organisation
There were 5,090 suspected new cases in Hubei province, central China, on Friday
The first case in Africa was confirmed on Friday after a "foreigner" tested positive in Egypt
Two British Labour MPs cancelled all engagements after they were among 250 people at the UK Bus Summit on 6 February which was also attended by a patient with COVID-19
cancelled all engagements after they were among 250 people at the UK Bus Summit on 6 February which was also attended by a patient with COVID-19 A North Sea oil rig worker was placed in isolation as he was tested for COVID-19 after returning from Thailand
A ninth person in the UK was confirmed as having the virus on Sunday after a Chinese woman who had flown from China walked into a London hospital's A&E - having arrived in an Uber taxi
hospital's A&E - having arrived in an Uber taxi All 2,257 passengers and crew on the MS Westerdam cruise ship were at last allowed off after Cambodia let them dock, having been stranded for two weeks after ports in Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines and Guam turned them away over fears they would spread the new virus, despite none testing positive.
Image: Su, 28 (L) and Jia, 29, got married - wearing face masks - at a registry office on Valentine's Day in Shanghai
Image: Workers in protective suits register residents and take their temperatures on a housing estate in Wuhan
Beijing's announcement came as the World Health Organisation (WHO) said its investigation into the outbreak will start this weekend after the last of 12 WHO experts lands, and will focus on how the new coronavirus is spreading and the severity of COVID-19.
WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the joint mission with China will also seek more details on how, where and when the more than 1,700 healthworkers in China infected so far contracted COVID-19.
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Six have died, according to Zeng Yixin, vice director of the National Health Commission.
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About 500 million people in China are affected by movement and travel restrictions, as more cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, this week imposed lockdowns in an attempt to halt the spread of COVID-19.
Last week President Xi Jinping warned top officials efforts to contain the virus had gone too far and were threatening the economy.
People returned from the Chinese New Year holiday on Monday, but cities remain empty, with Shanghai and Beijing's streets and subways largely deserted, with many shops and restaurants empty or shut.
Image: Passengers on the MS Westerdam waved their towels before disembarking in Cambodia
Image: Labour MPs Alex Sobel and Lilian Greenwood have cancelled their engagements after attending the UK Bus Summit
Wuhan, the city of 11 million people where the outbreak began, is under the most severe lockdown, with all public transport, taxis and ride-hailing services shut down.
Volunteer drivers are risking their own health by secretly helping to ferry medical staff and those in vital jobs to and from work after responding to requests on messaging groups.
Others are desperately trying to find accommodation for medical workers, many who have come from across China, in hotels that have offered their rooms.


news--2020-02-14--Designer masks at London Fashion Week as coronavirus disruption casts shadow over event

Designer face masks were the quirky `` must-have '' accessory at London Fashion Week - as the boss of the British Fashion Council said the industry was cautiously waiting to assess the impact of the coronavirus .
The outbreak has overshadowed the start of the event , with essential factories in China shut down and influential editors , investors and buyers unable to attend .
Caroline Rush , the British Fashion Council 's chief executive , said : `` Until we get through that first quarter and understand potentially what the next three months might look like I think businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are looking to a three , six , 12-month scenario . ''
In an effort to stop the potential spread of the virus , hand sanitiser was placed on check-in desks , and between shows catwalk areas were thoroughly cleaned .
For fashion , the impact has been far reaching , affecting the health of the industry in ways that simply can not be wiped away .
Designer Yuhan Wang , who opened this year 's event , was forced to make last-minute changes .
`` Due to the virus , all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were n't able to arrive , '' she told Sky News .
`` With all the factories shut down and the couriers not working I had to just cut down the looks . ''
Widening travel restrictions have meant many Asian journalists , models , influencers and buyers have been forced to stay away .
Crucially , there is real concern about the bigger implications ; that what is happening in Asia is massively disrupting a supply chain which so many fashion brands heavily rely on .
Mrs Rush said : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ audience , that has production in China , is being affected by the coronavirus at the moment . ''
China 's influence in fashion has steadily increased over the last two decades .
Its potential has become a focus for many brands , with Chinese spending accounting for one third of the global luxury market last year , according to management consultancy Bain & Company .
The indefinite closure of factories in China presents a real dilemma for the high street - to switch where they manufacture or hold their nerve ?
Next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China and roughly half of Primark 's clothes come from 525 Chinese factories .
Both brands could potentially face millions of pounds of stock being delayed .
As for the effects of the virus on Asian shopping habits , British brand Burberry says it has had to temporarily close 24 out its 64 stores in mainland China .
Chief executive Marco Gobbetti warned the brand has seen `` a material negative effect on luxury demand '' .
Tamara Cincik , founder of Fashion Roundtable , an organisation that advocates for sustainable growth in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ From what I 've heard there is interest in bringing some manufacturing for high street brands from multinationals to the UK because there are concerns about hitting targets from some UK outlets .
`` This exposes the flip side of the direction of travel that 's been happening for the last 40 years .
`` If we do n't have enough manufacturing workers but we want to bring manufacturing back to the UK , either for sustainability or because we need to for a virus outbreak in China , then we need to @ @ @ @ @ @

Designer face masks were the quirky "must-have" accessory at London Fashion Week - as the boss of the British Fashion Council said the industry was cautiously waiting to assess the impact of the coronavirus.
The outbreak has overshadowed the start of the event, with essential factories in China shut down and influential editors, investors and buyers unable to attend.
Image: Despite the masks being used as a sartorial statement, the outbreak is having a serious effect on the industry
Caroline Rush, the British Fashion Council's chief executive, said: "Until we get through that first quarter and understand potentially what the next three months might look like I think businesses will be cautious.
"Certainly businesses are looking to a three, six, 12-month scenario."
In an effort to stop the potential spread of the virus, hand sanitiser was placed on check-in desks, and between shows catwalk areas were thoroughly cleaned.
Image: Caroline Rush says she thinks fashion businesses will take a cautious approach for the moment
For fashion, the impact has been far reaching, affecting the health of the industry in ways that simply cannot be wiped away.
Designer Yuhan Wang, who opened this year's event, was forced to make last-minute changes.
"Due to the virus, all the handcrafted things which are made in China weren't able to arrive," she told Sky News.
"With all the factories shut down and the couriers not working I had to just cut down the looks."
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Image: Designer Yuhan Wang had to adjust her looks because of the shut down of Chinese factories
Widening travel restrictions have meant many Asian journalists, models, influencers and buyers have been forced to stay away.
Crucially, there is real concern about the bigger implications; that what is happening in Asia is massively disrupting a supply chain which so many fashion brands heavily rely on.
Mrs Rush said: "I think any industry that has a Chinese audience, that has production in China, is being affected by the coronavirus at the moment."
China's influence in fashion has steadily increased over the last two decades.
Its potential has become a focus for many brands, with Chinese spending accounting for one third of the global luxury market last year, according to management consultancy Bain & Company.
The indefinite closure of factories in China presents a real dilemma for the high street - to switch where they manufacture or hold their nerve?
Next sources 20% of its clothes from China and roughly half of Primark's clothes come from 525 Chinese factories.
Image: Between each show seats and sets were wiped down
Both brands could potentially face millions of pounds of stock being delayed.
As for the effects of the virus on Asian shopping habits, British brand Burberry says it has had to temporarily close 24 out its 64 stores in mainland China.
Chief executive Marco Gobbetti warned the brand has seen "a material negative effect on luxury demand".
Tamara Cincik, founder of Fashion Roundtable, an organisation that advocates for sustainable growth in the fashion industry, said: "From what I've heard there is interest in bringing some manufacturing for high street brands from multinationals to the UK because there are concerns about hitting targets from some UK outlets.
"This exposes the flip side of the direction of travel that's been happening for the last 40 years.
"If we don't have enough manufacturing workers but we want to bring manufacturing back to the UK, either for sustainability or because we need to for a virus outbreak in China, then we need to support the domicile talent."


news--2020-06-08--Coronavirus pandemic: What it's like for travellers arriving in UK under 14-day quarantine rules

Travellers arriving in the UK have to self-isolate for 14 days from today to help stop the spread of COVID-19 .
Some airlines have described the new rules as `` unlawful '' and `` ineffective '' , but how do those having to quarantine for two weeks feel about the new rules ?
Here , Sky News speaks to people arriving in the UK today about their experience so far ... She went to the Netherlands to visit her partner 's younger sister , who is pregnant .
They took the first flight they could get out of the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a while , and were on the way back home after the visit .
`` We found out all the information before travelling - what to do and what not to do , '' she said .
Ms Nganga is not particularly bothered about the quarantine rules and thinks spot checks on quarantine are a good idea , but is not sure how they would be possible at the moment .
He has lived in the Netherlands for four years , but because of the coronavirus his fashion retail business is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to the UK .
On his experience with the UK 's quarantine rules so far , he said : `` I filled in the form last night .
It was really unclear actually . ''
Mr Blackshore said he was worried about going back to the UK , as it feels a lot healthier in the Netherlands , but is not too concerned about self-isolating for two weeks as he does not have any plans when he arrives back in the UK .
Travelled from Paris to St Pancras International , London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Paris said : `` I filled in the form and they gave me a leaflet , I know there are penalties for anyone who breaks the quarantine law and I intend to respect it .
`` I 'll just work from home for the next two weeks .
It 's no problem . ''
Flew from the Philippines to Manchester Airport Mr Morretti had been stuck in the Philippines for nearly 90 days after travelling there to visit family .
He was getting a lift from Manchester Airport with his sister back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The quarantine should have been done months ago - doing it now seems pointless .
`` You have to do what you are told though or face a £1,000 fine . ''
Travelled from Paris to St Pancras International , London , via Eurostar The engineer , 30 , from Senegal in West Africa , said : `` I do n't really mind it , it 's a good way of protecting each other because I do n't know whether I 'm carrying the virus or not .
`` I 'm responsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I will just work from home and stay in the garden . ''
He flew in from Pakistan with his mother and they were getting a lift with a relative back to Nelson , Lancashire .
`` The quarantine should have happened a while ago but it 's for the well-being of the public , '' he told Sky News .
`` Fourteen days is just 14 days .
It 's not 14 weeks .
`` It 's the right thing to to do if I can be less of a burden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paris to St Pancras International , London , via Eurostar The 30-year-old financial broker arrived in London after travelling on the first Eurostar from Paris .
He said : `` It 's a bit strange that the rest of Europe is opening up and the UK is doing this .
`` It 's no problem for me .
I 'm lucky that I can work from home , so that 's what I 'll do . ''
The artist had been on a work trip to the Netherlands and was catching a train @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Let 's stay positive about this .
We need good positive vibes right now .
`` I 'm an artist so I 'll just be getting creative in quarantine . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker

Travellers arriving in the UK have to self-isolate for 14 days from today to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Some airlines have described the new rules as "unlawful" and "ineffective", but how do those having to quarantine for two weeks feel about the new rules?
Here, Sky News speaks to people arriving in the UK today about their experience so far...
Dora Nganga
Flew to London Heathrow from Amsterdam
Image: Dora Nganga is not too worried about quarantine rules
She went to the Netherlands to visit her partner's younger sister, who is pregnant. They took the first flight they could get out of the UK and were happy to escape the lockdown for a while, and were on the way back home after the visit.
"We found out all the information before travelling - what to do and what not to do," she said.
Ms Nganga is not particularly bothered about the quarantine rules and thinks spot checks on quarantine are a good idea, but is not sure how they would be possible at the moment.
Ben Blackshore
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Flew to London Heathrow from Amsterdam
Image: Ben Blackshore was flying to the UK from Amsterdam
He has lived in the Netherlands for four years, but because of the coronavirus his fashion retail business is now unviable so he was having to go back to the UK.
On his experience with the UK's quarantine rules so far, he said: "I filled in the form last night. It was really unclear actually."
Mr Blackshore said he was worried about going back to the UK, as it feels a lot healthier in the Netherlands, but is not too concerned about self-isolating for two weeks as he does not have any plans when he arrives back in the UK.
Flore Blondelle
Travelled from Paris to St Pancras International, London, via Eurostar
Image: Flore Blondelle is a tech worker from Paris
The 30-year-old tech worker from Paris said: "I filled in the form and they gave me a leaflet, I know there are penalties for anyone who breaks the quarantine law and I intend to respect it.
"I'll just work from home for the next two weeks. It's no problem."
Tony Morretti
Flew from the Philippines to Manchester Airport
Image: Tony Morretti flew from the Philippines to Manchester
Mr Morretti had been stuck in the Philippines for nearly 90 days after travelling there to visit family.
He was getting a lift from Manchester Airport with his sister back home to Nottinghamshire.
He said: "The quarantine should have been done months ago - doing it now seems pointless.
"You have to do what you are told though or face a £1,000 fine."
Fatima Camara
Travelled from Paris to St Pancras International, London, via Eurostar
Image: Fatima Camara plans to work from home and stay in the garden
The engineer, 30, from Senegal in West Africa, said: "I don't really mind it, it's a good way of protecting each other because I don't know whether I'm carrying the virus or not.
"I'm responsible so I would have quarantined myself anyway. I will just work from home and stay in the garden."
Sajad Ali
Flew from Lahore to Manchester Airport
Image: Sajad Ali flew from Lahore to Manchester
He flew in from Pakistan with his mother and they were getting a lift with a relative back to Nelson, Lancashire.
"The quarantine should have happened a while ago but it's for the well-being of the public," he told Sky News.
"Fourteen days is just 14 days. It's not 14 weeks.
"It's the right thing to to do if I can be less of a burden on the NHS."
Eli Hammiche
Travelled from Paris to St Pancras International, London, via Eurostar
Image: Eli Hammiche jumped on the first Eurostar from Paris
The 30-year-old financial broker arrived in London after travelling on the first Eurostar from Paris.
He said: "It's a bit strange that the rest of Europe is opening up and the UK is doing this.
"It's no problem for me. I'm lucky that I can work from home, so that's what I'll do."
Terry Aaron
Flew from Amsterdam to Manchester Airport
Image: Artist Terry Aaron flew from Amsterdam to Manchester
The artist had been on a work trip to the Netherlands and was catching a train home to York.
He said: "Let's stay positive about this. We need good positive vibes right now.
"I'm an artist so I'll just be getting creative in quarantine."
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news--2020-06-08--Coronavirus: UK records lowest rise in COVID-19 deaths since lockdown began

The UK has recorded its lowest daily rise in the number of coronavirus-related deaths since the lockdown was implemented in March , according to government figures .
Some 55 deaths were reported across the UK as of 5pm on Sunday , taking the total to 40,597 , and marking the smallest increase in fatalities since 21 March .
Figures on Monday tend to be lower as there is a lag in reporting deaths over the weekend .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the fatalities were `` still 55 too many '' but said he was `` thankful '' the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures came as it was revealed that London reported no new coronavirus-related deaths in hospitals in the last 24 hours .
NHS England said a small number of deaths did occur , but they will be announced in the coming days .
Deaths were highest in the Midlands and the north of England .
For the second day in a row , Scotland and Northern Ireland reported no new coronavirus-related deaths .
In Wales , three more deaths were announced .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of new cases of coronavirus across the UK - 1,205 - is also the lowest since lockdown began on 23 March .
A total of 138,183 coronavirus tests were carried out on 7 June , although figures for how many people were tested have been unavailable for a number of days .
Individual health authorities in the home nations collate their numbers at different times throughout the day and so they may not tally up to the UK government 's overall daily total .
The daily figures for each UK nation are @

The UK has recorded its lowest daily rise in the number of coronavirus-related deaths since the lockdown was implemented in March, according to government figures.
Some 55 deaths were reported across the UK as of 5pm on Sunday, taking the total to 40,597, and marking the smallest increase in fatalities since 21 March.
Figures on Monday tend to be lower as there is a lag in reporting deaths over the weekend.
Image: A cyclist wearing a protective face mask on Westminster Bridge, London
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the fatalities were "still 55 too many" but said he was "thankful" the number had fallen.
The release of the figures came as it was revealed that London reported no new coronavirus-related deaths in hospitals in the last 24 hours.
NHS England said a small number of deaths did occur, but they will be announced in the coming days.
Deaths were highest in the Midlands and the north of England.
For the second day in a row, Scotland and Northern Ireland reported no new coronavirus-related deaths.
In Wales, three more deaths were announced.
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The number of new cases of coronavirus across the UK - 1,205 - is also the lowest since lockdown began on 23 March.
A total of 138,183 coronavirus tests were carried out on 7 June, although figures for how many people were tested have been unavailable for a number of days.
Individual health authorities in the home nations collate their numbers at different times throughout the day and so they may not tally up to the UK government's overall daily total.
The daily figures for each UK nation are:


news--2020-06-08--Coronavirus: Hospitality chief pleads with PM to tackle £1.4bn rent bill

The boss of Britain 's biggest hospitality trade group has urged Boris Johnson to help the industry tackle a looming £1.4bn rent bill , even as the government prepares to allow an earlier-than-expected reopening of pubs and restaurants .
Sky News has seen a letter sent last week by Kate Nicholls , UK Hospitality 's chief executive , in which she asks the prime minister to intervene to aid the survival of thousands of her members .
It is the latest request for support from an industry which has been left on its knees by the coronavirus pandemic .
Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help to `` address the issue of rent debt which has built up in the sector over a prolonged period of closure and which , if left unaddressed , will significantly impair recovery '' .
She said the deferral of rent for three months meant that £1.4bn of rent would be payable by the end of this month `` unless it is further deferred and by the end of September , three quarters of the annual cost will be levied by landlords in one payment '' .
`` This is simply unsustainable and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business failure , '' she wrote .
The letter was sent prior to the publication of a report in the Financial Times which said that ministers were drawing up plans to reopen pubs and restaurants on June 22 .
One hospitality executive said the government had not raised that date as a possibility during recent talks with the industry .
They added that while it would be welcome , an earlier reopening would not by itself offer hospitality businesses the support they required .
`` The key thing is not just date but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open but it is still 2 metres then one in five say they can not reopen , and it will reduce revenue to 30pc of normal levels , meaning they are not viable , '' the executive said .
`` So unless the reopening comes with either a package of support on rent to fund sub-economic reopening or it comes with changes on social distancing it could have little impact . ''

The boss of Britain's biggest hospitality trade group has urged Boris Johnson to help the industry tackle a looming £1.4bn rent bill, even as the government prepares to allow an earlier-than-expected reopening of pubs and restaurants.
Sky News has seen a letter sent last week by Kate Nicholls, UK Hospitality's chief executive, in which she asks the prime minister to intervene to aid the survival of thousands of her members.
It is the latest request for support from an industry which has been left on its knees by the coronavirus pandemic.
Ms Nicholls' letter requests that the PM help to "address the issue of rent debt which has built up in the sector over a prolonged period of closure and which, if left unaddressed, will significantly impair recovery".
Image: Restaurants across the UK remain shut
She said the deferral of rent for three months meant that £1.4bn of rent would be payable by the end of this month "unless it is further deferred and by the end of September, three quarters of the annual cost will be levied by landlords in one payment".
"This is simply unsustainable and will unless tackled will result in widespread business failure," she wrote.
The letter was sent prior to the publication of a report in the Financial Times which said that ministers were drawing up plans to reopen pubs and restaurants on June 22.
One hospitality executive said the government had not raised that date as a possibility during recent talks with the industry.
They added that while it would be welcome, an earlier reopening would not by itself offer hospitality businesses the support they required.
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Image: Boris Johnson could green-light an earlier-than-expected reopening of pubs and cafes
"The key thing is not just date but social distancing as if we are to open but it is still 2 metres then one in five say they cannot reopen, and it will reduce revenue to 30pc of normal levels, meaning they are not viable," the executive said.
"So unless the reopening comes with either a package of support on rent to fund sub-economic reopening or it comes with changes on social distancing it could have little impact."


news--2020-06-08--JK Rowling faces online backlash over 'anti-trans comments'

JK Rowling has come under fire for making `` anti-trans comments '' on Twitter .
The Harry Potter author had taken issue with the phrasing of a headline for an opinion article about healthcare equality , titled Opinion : Creating a more equal post-COVID-19 world for people who menstruate .
`` 'People who menstruate ' .
I 'm sure there used to be a word for those people , '' she tweeted on Saturday .
`` Someone help me out .
Wumben ?
Wimpund ?
Woomud ? ''
The tweet sparked a debate , with many criticising the writer for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has a menstrual period .
Twitter users pointed out that many people who identify as women , such as transgender women and women who have gone through the menopause , may not get their periods , while some people who do not identify as female may still menstruate , such as trans men .
One Twitter user said : `` What happens when women enter menopause ?
What about women who had hysterectomies ?
Women who do n't menstruate because of hormonal issues ?
Are they not women ?
Nothing you say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Another said : `` That 's interesting , because I have endometriosis and an IUD in place to treat it , and therefore , I no longer menstruate .
I have n't had a menstrual cycle since early high school , and I 'm 21 .
I guess I 'm not a woman anymore ? ''
A third added : `` I know you know this because you have been told over and over and over again , but transgender men can menstruate .
Non-binary people menstruate .
I , a 37-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not menstruated in a decade .
Women are not defined by their periods . ''
She tweeted : `` I know and love trans people , but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives .
It is n't hate to speak the truth .
`` The idea that women like me , who 've been empathetic to trans people for decades , feeling kinship because they 're vulnerable in the same way as women - ie , to male violence - 'hate ' trans people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has lived consequences - is a nonsense . ''
Her additional tweets were also met with criticism , however , with some claiming her use of language was `` erasing the concept of sex '' .
One person replied : `` As a physician , I want people to know that sex exists on a bimodal biological spectrum just like gender exists on a bimodal sociological spectrum .
While most identify as either female or male , there are intersex and trans individuals whose identities are just as valid and real . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ smart person .
How do you not yet understand the difference between sex and gender ?
The only way I can possibly explain your ignorance at this point is willfulness .
It 's incredibly disappointing . ''
Following Rowling 's comments , actress Jameela Jamil tweeted : `` To JK Rowling '' : verb : To go out of your way to destroy your iconic legacy . ''
TV presenter Jonathan Ross jumped to the author 's defence , tweeting : `` I just ate too many brownies .
Again .
Oh , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right and magnificent .
For those accusing her of transphobia , please read what she wrote .
She clearly is not . ''
In December , Rowling received backlash after tweeting her support for researcher Maya Forstater , who lost her job after stating that people can not change their biological sex .
Rowling tweeted : `` Dress however you please .
Call yourself whatever you like .
Sleep with any consenting adult who 'll have you .
Live your best life in peace and security .
But force women out of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
# IStandWithMaya # ThisIsNotADrill '' .

JK Rowling has come under fire for making "anti-trans comments" on Twitter.
The Harry Potter author had taken issue with the phrasing of a headline for an opinion article about healthcare equality, titled Opinion: Creating a more equal post-COVID-19 world for people who menstruate.
"'People who menstruate'. I'm sure there used to be a word for those people," she tweeted on Saturday. "Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?"
The tweet sparked a debate, with many criticising the writer for appearing to define a woman as someone who has a menstrual period.
Twitter users pointed out that many people who identify as women, such as transgender women and women who have gone through the menopause, may not get their periods, while some people who do not identify as female may still menstruate, such as trans men.
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
One Twitter user said: "What happens when women enter menopause? What about women who had hysterectomies? Women who don't menstruate because of hormonal issues? Are they not women? Nothing you say stops trans women from being women."
Another said: "That's interesting, because I have endometriosis and an IUD in place to treat it, and therefore, I no longer menstruate. I haven't had a menstrual cycle since early high school, and I'm 21. I guess I'm not a woman anymore?"
A third added: "I know you know this because you have been told over and over and over again, but transgender men can menstruate. Non-binary people menstruate. I, a 37-year old woman with a uterus, have not menstruated in a decade. Women are not defined by their periods."
Rowling subsequently posted a series of tweets defending her earlier statement.
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She tweeted: "I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn't hate to speak the truth.
"The idea that women like me, who've been empathetic to trans people for decades, feeling kinship because they're vulnerable in the same way as women - ie, to male violence - 'hate' trans people because they think sex is real and has lived consequences - is a nonsense."
Image: Jameela Jamil took issue with the author's comments
Her additional tweets were also met with criticism, however, with some claiming her use of language was "erasing the concept of sex".
One person replied: "As a physician, I want people to know that sex exists on a bimodal biological spectrum just like gender exists on a bimodal sociological spectrum. While most identify as either female or male, there are intersex and trans individuals whose identities are just as valid and real."
Another said: "You're a smart person. How do you not yet understand the difference between sex and gender? The only way I can possibly explain your ignorance at this point is willfulness. It's incredibly disappointing."
Following Rowling's comments, actress Jameela Jamil tweeted: "To JK Rowling": verb: To go out of your way to destroy your iconic legacy."
TV presenter Jonathan Ross jumped to the author's defence, tweeting: "I just ate too many brownies. Again. Oh, and also. @jk_rowling is both right and magnificent. For those accusing her of transphobia, please read what she wrote. She clearly is not."
In December, Rowling received backlash after tweeting her support for researcher Maya Forstater, who lost her job after stating that people cannot change their biological sex.
Rowling tweeted: "Dress however you please. Call yourself whatever you like. Sleep with any consenting adult who'll have you. Live your best life in peace and security. But force women out of their jobs for stating that sex is real? #IStandWithMaya #ThisIsNotADrill".


news--2020-06-08--Japanese car giant Honda probes suspected cyber attack

Honda , the Japanese car manufacturer , is investigating a suspected cyber attack that underlines multinationals ’ growing vulnerability to such incidents amid the surge in home-based working during the coronavirus pandemic .
Sky News has learnt that Honda began experiencing issues with its IT network in Japan and Europe on Monday , with technology sources saying that the company believed it was the result of unauthorised attempts to breach its systems .
Further details of the apparent attack , including whether it involved an attempt to access customer data , are unclear .
Honda , which is due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement issued to Sky News : `` Honda can confirm that there is an issue with its IT network .
`` This is currently under investigation , to understand the cause .
`` At this point , there is no effect on either Japanese production or dealer activities , and no customer impact .
`` In Europe , we are investigating to understand the nature of any impact .
`` We can confirm some impact in Europe and are currently investigating the exact nature . ''
The suspected cyber-attack comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of its plants in Japan after discovering ransomware in its IT network .
It makes the Japanese carmaker the latest in a string of big corporate names , including easyJet , to be hit by cyber-security issues since the outbreak of COVID-19 .

Honda, the Japanese car manufacturer, is investigating a suspected cyber attack that underlines multinationals’ growing vulnerability to such incidents amid the surge in home-based working during the coronavirus pandemic.
Sky News has learnt that Honda began experiencing issues with its IT network in Japan and Europe on Monday, with technology sources saying that the company believed it was the result of unauthorised attempts to breach its systems.
Further details of the apparent attack, including whether it involved an attempt to access customer data, are unclear.
Image: It is unclear if Honda customer data has been exposed
Honda, which is due to close its Swindon factory next year, said in a statement issued to Sky News: "Honda can confirm that there is an issue with its IT network.
"This is currently under investigation, to understand the cause.
"At this point, there is no effect on either Japanese production or dealer activities, and no customer impact.
"In Europe, we are investigating to understand the nature of any impact.
"We can confirm some impact in Europe and are currently investigating the exact nature."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 How will the economy be reignited?
The suspected cyber-attack comes three years after Honda suspended production at one of its plants in Japan after discovering ransomware in its IT network.
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It makes the Japanese carmaker the latest in a string of big corporate names, including easyJet, to be hit by cyber-security issues since the outbreak of COVID-19.


news--2020-06-08--Coronavirus: Travel firms oppose 14-day quarantine rules for UK arrivals

Travellers arriving in the UK must self-isolate for 14 days from today under new rules being described by some airlines as `` unlawful '' and `` ineffective '' .
British Airways has begun legal proceedings after sending a pre-action letter , which is the first stage in a judicial review , to ministers on Friday .
Backed by Ryanair and EasyJet , a statement released by all three airlines said : `` These measures are disproportionate and unfair on British citizens as well as international visitors arriving in the UK .
`` We urge the UK govt to remove this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devastating effect on UK 's tourism industry and will destroy ( even more ) thousands of jobs in this unprecedented crisis . ''
The quarantine rules mean all passengers - bar a handful of exemptions - will have to fill out an online locator form giving their contact and travel details and the address of where they will isolate .
Regulations for England include fixed penalty notices of £1,000 or prosecution for anyone who breaches the rules , with police being allowed to use `` reasonable force '' to make sure people comply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ checks at the border and may refuse entry to a non-resident foreign national who refuses to comply with the regulations .
But the airlines argue the measures are more stringent than the guidelines applied to people who actually have COVID-19 , if you live in Scotland to date the rules will not apply , and it will affect people from countries with lower R rates than the UK .
Willie Walsh , the chief executive of BA 's owner IAG told Sky News on Friday : `` We do believe it is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the letter , seen by The Sunday Times , argues the restrictions are disproportionate .
It said : `` In our view , the government has failed to identify a valid justification for the blanket nature of the regulations , especially given the extremely severe nature of the self-isolation provisions that apply . ''
Meanwhile , Heathrow boss John Holland-Kaye said the quarantine rules put a third of the airport 's 75,000 workforce at risk .
`` I do n't want to see that happen .
But we 'll have to make that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks . ''
Home Secretary Priti Patel has insisted the rule is `` backed by the science '' and is `` essential '' to save lives .
`` We know they will present difficulties for the tourism industry , but that 's why we have an unprecedented package of support , the most comprehensive in the world , for both employees and businesses , '' she said .
`` But we will all suffer if we get this wrong .
That 's why it 's crucial that we introduce these measures now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ms Patel confirmed the first review of the quarantine measures would take place in the week beginning 28 June , with the government considering `` international travel corridors '' to allow future quarantine-free travel from destinations deemed safe .
They could be in place for a year , when the legislation expires , unless the government decides to scrap it sooner .

Travellers arriving in the UK must self-isolate for 14 days from today under new rules being described by some airlines as "unlawful" and "ineffective".
British Airways has begun legal proceedings after sending a pre-action letter, which is the first stage in a judicial review, to ministers on Friday.
Backed by Ryanair and EasyJet, a statement released by all three airlines said: "These measures are disproportionate and unfair on British citizens as well as international visitors arriving in the UK.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:15 BA owner IAG: Quarantine is 'irrational legislation'
"We urge the UK govt to remove this ineffective visitor quarantine which will have a devastating effect on UK's tourism industry and will destroy (even more) thousands of jobs in this unprecedented crisis."
The quarantine rules mean all passengers - bar a handful of exemptions - will have to fill out an online locator form giving their contact and travel details and the address of where they will isolate.
Regulations for England include fixed penalty notices of £1,000 or prosecution for anyone who breaches the rules, with police being allowed to use "reasonable force" to make sure people comply.
Border Force officers will carry out checks at the border and may refuse entry to a non-resident foreign national who refuses to comply with the regulations.
But the airlines argue the measures are more stringent than the guidelines applied to people who actually have COVID-19, if you live in Scotland to date the rules will not apply, and it will affect people from countries with lower R rates than the UK.
Willie Walsh, the chief executive of BA's owner IAG told Sky News on Friday: "We do believe it is an irrational piece of legislation."
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And the letter, seen by The Sunday Times, argues the restrictions are disproportionate.
It said: "In our view, the government has failed to identify a valid justification for the blanket nature of the regulations, especially given the extremely severe nature of the self-isolation provisions that apply."
Meanwhile, Heathrow boss John Holland-Kaye said the quarantine rules put a third of the airport's 75,000 workforce at risk.
"I don't want to see that happen. But we'll have to make that decision, within the next couple of weeks."
Home Secretary Priti Patel has insisted the rule is "backed by the science" and is "essential" to save lives.
"We know they will present difficulties for the tourism industry, but that's why we have an unprecedented package of support, the most comprehensive in the world, for both employees and businesses," she said.
"But we will all suffer if we get this wrong. That's why it's crucial that we introduce these measures now."
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
Ms Patel confirmed the first review of the quarantine measures would take place in the week beginning 28 June, with the government considering "international travel corridors" to allow future quarantine-free travel from destinations deemed safe.
They could be in place for a year, when the legislation expires, unless the government decides to scrap it sooner.


news--2020-06-07--Complete fishing bans would see UK become 'world leader' in how we protect our seas

Fishing , dredging and other damaging activities could be completely banned from areas of England 's coastal waters following the results of an independent review commissioned by the government .
The report by former fisheries minister Richard Benyon recommends a minimum of five pilot sites are set aside as Highly Protected Marine Areas ( HPMAs ) without delay , to ensure ocean ecosystems can recover to their former pristine state .
Sky Ocean Rescue has campaigned for improved marine protection , highlighting the absurdity of gravel extraction and industrial fishing being permitted in existing conservation zones .
But under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be allowed and ships would only be able to pass through .
Mr Benyon , who praised Sky News for its campaign , said : `` This is n't just about protection , it is about recovery .
`` Our marine environment is not in a good state .
We 've got pollution , climate change and acidification .
`` This is an opportunity for the government to be a world leader in how we protect our seas . ''
Flamborough Head , Yorkshire , and part of Lundy Island in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in English waters , together accounting for less than two square miles of sea .
The new HPMAs would be considerably larger , but Mr Benyon said fishermen have nothing to fear .
`` The fishing industry can benefit from the large amount of fish and shellfish that spill out into neighbouring areas of water and can be sustainably exploited , '' he said .
`` There is a sweet spot , if we can get it right , where everybody benefits . ''
Sky News followed UN Patron of the Oceans Lewis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the English Channel in 2018 , the first person to do so .
He was met on the beach at Dover by Michael Gove , environment secretary at the time , who subsequently commissioned the review of marine protection .
Pugh said the report was a significant step forward for England 's coastal waters .
But he said there must not be further delay .
`` There is so much science on the importance of highly protected marine areas and yet the government still insists that we must have this pilot project of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England .
`` My message to the government is please stop dipping in your toes .
Dive in with enthusiasm .
These things work .
`` Our children need them , our incredible wildlife need them , our tourism industry needs it . ''
Although a `` blue belt '' of marine protected areas surround the coast , they only protect key features such as reefs or seagrass rather than the entire ecosystem .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Marine biologists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parks '' because they look good on a map , but do little to protect the ocean .
Marine life is likely to bounce back swiftly in response to improved protection .
Conservation charity The Seahorse Trust said this spring divers had recorded the highest number of spiny seahorses in Studland Bay , Dorset , since 2008 .
It says because of the COVID-19 lockdown no boats have been allowed to anchor in the seagrass beds where they breed .
The charity wants Studland Bay to become one of the HPMA pilot sites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has committed to meeting the UN target of protecting 30 % of its waters by 2030 .
Sky 's Ocean Rescue campaign encourages people to reduce their single-use plastics .
You can find out more about the campaign and how to get involved at www.skyoceanrescue.com

Fishing, dredging and other damaging activities could be completely banned from areas of England's coastal waters following the results of an independent review commissioned by the government.
The report by former fisheries minister Richard Benyon recommends a minimum of five pilot sites are set aside as Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) without delay, to ensure ocean ecosystems can recover to their former pristine state.
Sky Ocean Rescue has campaigned for improved marine protection, highlighting the absurdity of gravel extraction and industrial fishing being permitted in existing conservation zones.
But under the proposed HPMAs no extractive or destructive activities would be allowed and ships would only be able to pass through.
Mr Benyon, who praised Sky News for its campaign, said: "This isn't just about protection, it is about recovery.
"Our marine environment is not in a good state. We've got pollution, climate change and acidification.
"This is an opportunity for the government to be a world leader in how we protect our seas."
Flamborough Head, Yorkshire, and part of Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel are the only no-take zones in English waters, together accounting for less than two square miles of sea.
The new HPMAs would be considerably larger, but Mr Benyon said fishermen have nothing to fear.
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"The fishing industry can benefit from the large amount of fish and shellfish that spill out into neighbouring areas of water and can be sustainably exploited," he said.
"There is a sweet spot, if we can get it right, where everybody benefits."
Image: Endurance swimmer and ocean advocate Lewis Pugh
Sky News followed UN Patron of the Oceans Lewis Pugh as he swam the length of the English Channel in 2018, the first person to do so.
He was met on the beach at Dover by Michael Gove, environment secretary at the time, who subsequently commissioned the review of marine protection.
Pugh said the report was a significant step forward for England's coastal waters. But he said there must not be further delay.
"There is so much science on the importance of highly protected marine areas and yet the government still insists that we must have this pilot project of five of them in the waters around England.
"My message to the government is please stop dipping in your toes. Dive in with enthusiasm. These things work.
"Our children need them, our incredible wildlife need them, our tourism industry needs it."
Although a "blue belt" of marine protected areas surround the coast, they only protect key features such as reefs or seagrass rather than the entire ecosystem.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Marine biologists have strongly criticised them as "paper parks" because they look good on a map, but do little to protect the ocean.
Marine life is likely to bounce back swiftly in response to improved protection.
Conservation charity The Seahorse Trust said this spring divers had recorded the highest number of spiny seahorses in Studland Bay, Dorset, since 2008.
It says because of the COVID-19 lockdown no boats have been allowed to anchor in the seagrass beds where they breed.
The charity wants Studland Bay to become one of the HPMA pilot sites to guarantee permanent protection.
The government has committed to meeting the UN target of protecting 30% of its waters by 2030.
Sky's Ocean Rescue campaign encourages people to reduce their single-use plastics. You can find out more about the campaign and how to get involved at www.skyoceanrescue.com


news--2020-06-08--George Floyd protests: Boris Johnson says violent demonstrators will 'face full force of the law'

Boris Johnson has admitted feelings that black and ethnic minority groups face discrimination are often `` founded on a cold reality '' .
The prime minister posted a video message on his Twitter account on Monday night following a weekend of demonstrations across the UK sparked by the killing of George Floyd in America .
Mr Johnson admitted there was `` much more to do '' in eradicating prejudice in the UK .
He said that Mr Floyd 's dying words of `` I ca n't breathe '' had `` awakened an anger and a widespread and incontrovertible , undeniable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people from black and minority ethnic groups do face discrimination : in education , in employment , in the application of the criminal law '' .
`` We who lead and who govern simply ca n't ignore those feelings because in too many cases , I am afraid , they will be founded on a cold reality , '' the prime minister added .
But the prime minister said he would not support those who `` flout the rules on social distancing '' during Black Lives Matter demonstrations , amid the continuing coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who break the law , or attack the police , or desecrate public monuments '' , he added , as he vowed perpertrators would `` face the full force of the law '' .
At the weekend , almost 50 police officers were injured in London following clashes with demonstrators .
A statue of Winston Churchill outside parliament was daubed with graffiti branding Britain 's wartime leader a `` racist '' , while in Bristol , the statue of a slave trader was toppled and then thrown into the city 's harbour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We have a democracy in this country .
`` If you want to change the urban landscape , you can stand for election , or vote for someone who will .
`` And so I must say clearly that those who attack public property or the police - who injure the police officers who are trying to keep us all safe - those people will face the full force of the law ; not just because of the hurt and damage they are causing , but because of the damage they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to represent .
`` They are hijacking a peaceful protest and undermining it in the eyes of many who might otherwise be sympathetic . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Earlier on Monday , Downing Street said Mr Johnson does not think Britain is a racist country .
`` The prime minister does n't doubt that there continues to be discrimination and racism but does not agree that this is a racist country , '' the prime minister 's official spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant progress on this issue but there remains more to do and we will not be complacent in our efforts to stamp out racism and discrimination where it happens . ''
Downing Street also said the removal of the statue of Edward Colston in Bristol was a `` criminal act '' .
But Mr Johnson 's spokesman did not answer directly when asked if it was right that there were still statues of figures involved in the slave trade in public spaces .
`` The prime minister 's view is that in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there is a democratic process which should be followed , '' he said .
`` People can campaign for the removal of a statue but what happened yesterday was a criminal act and when the criminal law is broken that is unacceptable and the police will want to hold to account those responsible . ''
The spokesman added : `` The PM absolutely understands the strength of feeling , but in this country we settle our differences democratically and if people wanted the removal of the statue there are democratic routes which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sir Keir Starmer said the Colston statue should not have been removed by the protesters , but added it was wrong for it to have remained in place for so long .
He told LBC Radio : `` It should n't be done in that way .
Completely wrong to pull a statue down like that . ''
The Metropolitan Police said 36 people were arrested in London on Sunday for offences including violent disorder , criminal damage and assaulting police .
They added that 35 officers reported suffering injuries , with two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head wound , while another sustained a shoulder injury after being hit by a thrown bottle .
On Saturday , 29 people were arrested and 14 officers injured in the capital .
Speaking in the Commons , Home Secretary Priti Patel said ministers `` strongly support the right to protest peacefully '' .
`` But that does not extend to the violent behaviour that we have witnessed across the country throughout the weekend , '' she told MPs .
Ms Patel also revealed that the government will look at doubling the minimum sentence @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Boris Johnson has admitted feelings that black and ethnic minority groups face discrimination are often "founded on a cold reality".
The prime minister posted a video message on his Twitter account on Monday night following a weekend of demonstrations across the UK sparked by the killing of George Floyd in America.
Mr Johnson admitted there was "much more to do" in eradicating prejudice in the UK.
Image: Protesters clashed with police in London
He said that Mr Floyd's dying words of "I can't breathe" had "awakened an anger and a widespread and incontrovertible, undeniable feeling of injustice, a feeling that people from black and minority ethnic groups do face discrimination: in education, in employment, in the application of the criminal law".
"We who lead and who govern simply can't ignore those feelings because in too many cases, I am afraid, they will be founded on a cold reality," the prime minister added.
But the prime minister said he would not support those who "flout the rules on social distancing" during Black Lives Matter demonstrations, amid the continuing coronavirus pandemic.
Nor would he "indulge those who break the law, or attack the police, or desecrate public monuments", he added, as he vowed perpertrators would "face the full force of the law".
At the weekend, almost 50 police officers were injured in London following clashes with demonstrators.
A statue of Winston Churchill outside parliament was daubed with graffiti branding Britain's wartime leader a "racist", while in Bristol, the statue of a slave trader was toppled and then thrown into the city's harbour by a crowd.
Advertisement
Mr Johnson said: "We have a democracy in this country.
"If you want to change the urban landscape, you can stand for election, or vote for someone who will.
"And so I must say clearly that those who attack public property or the police - who injure the police officers who are trying to keep us all safe - those people will face the full force of the law; not just because of the hurt and damage they are causing, but because of the damage they are doing to the cause they claim to represent.
"They are hijacking a peaceful protest and undermining it in the eyes of many who might otherwise be sympathetic."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Earlier on Monday, Downing Street said Mr Johnson does not think Britain is a racist country.
"The prime minister doesn't doubt that there continues to be discrimination and racism but does not agree that this is a racist country," the prime minister's official spokesman said.
"We have made very significant progress on this issue but there remains more to do and we will not be complacent in our efforts to stamp out racism and discrimination where it happens."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 11:32 Policing minister condemns Bristol 'mob rule'
Downing Street also said the removal of the statue of Edward Colston in Bristol was a "criminal act".
But Mr Johnson's spokesman did not answer directly when asked if it was right that there were still statues of figures involved in the slave trade in public spaces.
"The prime minister's view is that in this country, where there is strong opinion, there is a democratic process which should be followed," he said.
"People can campaign for the removal of a statue but what happened yesterday was a criminal act and when the criminal law is broken that is unacceptable and the police will want to hold to account those responsible."
The spokesman added: "The PM absolutely understands the strength of feeling, but in this country we settle our differences democratically and if people wanted the removal of the statue there are democratic routes which can be followed."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:53 Protesters topple slave trader statue
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the Colston statue should not have been removed by the protesters, but added it was wrong for it to have remained in place for so long.
He told LBC Radio: "It shouldn't be done in that way. Completely wrong to pull a statue down like that."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:31 'Churchill was a racist' written on statue
The Metropolitan Police said 36 people were arrested in London on Sunday for offences including violent disorder, criminal damage and assaulting police.
They added that 35 officers reported suffering injuries, with two needing hospital treatment.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:23 PM: UK protests 'subverted by thuggery'
One suffered a head wound, while another sustained a shoulder injury after being hit by a thrown bottle.
On Saturday, 29 people were arrested and 14 officers injured in the capital.
Speaking in the Commons, Home Secretary Priti Patel said ministers "strongly support the right to protest peacefully".
"But that does not extend to the violent behaviour that we have witnessed across the country throughout the weekend," she told MPs.
Ms Patel also revealed that the government will look at doubling the minimum sentence for individuals who assault emergency workers.