news--2020-04-06--Coronavirus: Unions call for administrators to protect workers

Unions have called on struggling companies to prioritise workers during the COVID-19 outbreak as concerns grow over the use of government support schemes for employees .
Under the coronavirus job retention scheme the government will pay 80 % of wages , up to a maximum of £2,500 per month , for workers at companies adversely affected by the outbreak .
Many high-profile businesses have taken advantage of the scheme but there are concerns administrators managing collapsed companies may not take advantage of a system designed to protect jobs .
Workers sacked by rent-to-buy retailer Bright House , which collapsed last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should have used the furlough scheme to protect them for at least three months .
Their treatment contrasts with the approach of Debenhams , which went into administration for the second time in a year on Monday , but last week furloughed 22,000 staff .
Their intention is to protect the company from creditors during the forced closure of stores but return to trade after the lockdown ends , though it is not clear how many shops or staff will be retained in the long term .
Bright House employees said hundreds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managers , were made redundant by administrators without consultation or an explanation as to why the furlough scheme was not used .
Tracey Burns , a customer account manager at Bright House for three-and-a-half years , was sacked last week .
She said : `` On a conference call with hundreds of other staff I was told that we were no longer employed , that no redundancy would be paid , no notice period would be paid and we 'd have no pay for the two weeks already worked this month , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only answer they gave us was to apply to the government .
`` I 'm not going to be able to pay my rent , I 'm not going to be able to pay my council tax .
`` I 've applied for universal credit but that will take five or six weeks .
I 've started looking for jobs but they mostly say come back after this is all over .
There 's nothing out there .
I 've got nothing to fall back on . ''
: : Listen to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Frances O'Grady , general secretary of the Trade Unions Congress , said administrators should use the furlough scheme .
`` There 's no excuse for companies laying off their workers at a time like this .
The job retention scheme is there to provide essential support to working families , at no extra cost to employers .
`` Many employers have done the right thing and furloughed their staff .
But we need to see more bosses doing all they can to ensure jobs and livelihoods are safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a grey area in government guidelines that could become critical if companies are forced into collapse by a prolonged lockdown .
Insolvency law states that an administrator 's first responsibility is to try and maintain the company as a going concern and , if that is not possible , to protect creditors .
The law gives administrators great latitude to decide the fate of employees , though the furlough scheme and the unique circumstances of the coronavirus outbreak offer a means of paying salaries not previously available .
Kevin Ellis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` If that company is going to survive and come back out then furloughing the staff is the right thing , otherwise allowing the staff to be made redundant and therefore have the opportunity to find other jobs might be the right thing as well , but it depends on a case by case basis . ''
A spokesperson for Grant Thornton , joint administrators of Bright House , said : `` The joint administrators have been assessing current and future resourcing needs throughout the administration period and in light of the current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Of the c.2,200 employees… around 800 have been retained in their current capacity , around 500 have been furloughed under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and unfortunately , around 900 have been made redundant since the appointment .
The decision to retain or furlough certain roles is based on the ability of the business to adapt its operating model to the COVID-19 environment to maintain its services to customers and the future trading requirements of the administrators . ''

Unions have called on struggling companies to prioritise workers during the COVID-19 outbreak as concerns grow over the use of government support schemes for employees.
Under the coronavirus job retention scheme the government will pay 80% of wages, up to a maximum of £2,500 per month, for workers at companies adversely affected by the outbreak.
Many high-profile businesses have taken advantage of the scheme but there are concerns administrators managing collapsed companies may not take advantage of a system designed to protect jobs.
Image: Bright House collapsed last week and workers say they did not get enough protection
Workers sacked by rent-to-buy retailer Bright House, which collapsed last week, have told Sky News administrators should have used the furlough scheme to protect them for at least three months.
Their treatment contrasts with the approach of Debenhams, which went into administration for the second time in a year on Monday, but last week furloughed 22,000 staff.
Their intention is to protect the company from creditors during the forced closure of stores but return to trade after the lockdown ends, though it is not clear how many shops or staff will be retained in the long term.
Bright House employees said hundreds of workers, many of them low-paid account managers, were made redundant by administrators without consultation or an explanation as to why the furlough scheme was not used.
Tracey Burns, a customer account manager at Bright House for three-and-a-half years, was sacked last week.
She said: "On a conference call with hundreds of other staff I was told that we were no longer employed, that no redundancy would be paid, no notice period would be paid and we'd have no pay for the two weeks already worked this month, including no overtime and expenses.
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"The only answer they gave us was to apply to the government.
"I'm not going to be able to pay my rent, I'm not going to be able to pay my council tax.
"I've applied for universal credit but that will take five or six weeks. I've started looking for jobs but they mostly say come back after this is all over. There's nothing out there. I've got nothing to fall back on."
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Frances O'Grady, general secretary of the Trade Unions Congress, said administrators should use the furlough scheme.
"There's no excuse for companies laying off their workers at a time like this. The job retention scheme is there to provide essential support to working families, at no extra cost to employers.
"Many employers have done the right thing and furloughed their staff. But we need to see more bosses doing all they can to ensure jobs and livelihoods are safe."
The role of administrators appears to be a grey area in government guidelines that could become critical if companies are forced into collapse by a prolonged lockdown.
Image: For much of its long history Debenhams was very successful
Insolvency law states that an administrator's first responsibility is to try and maintain the company as a going concern and, if that is not possible, to protect creditors.
The law gives administrators great latitude to decide the fate of employees, though the furlough scheme and the unique circumstances of the coronavirus outbreak offer a means of paying salaries not previously available.
Kevin Ellis, chairman of PWC told Sky News: "If that company is going to survive and come back out then furloughing the staff is the right thing, otherwise allowing the staff to be made redundant and therefore have the opportunity to find other jobs might be the right thing as well, but it depends on a case by case basis."
A spokesperson for Grant Thornton, joint administrators of Bright House, said: "The joint administrators have been assessing current and future resourcing needs throughout the administration period and in light of the current limitations brought on by the COVID-19 outbreak.
"Of the c.2,200 employees… around 800 have been retained in their current capacity, around 500 have been furloughed under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and unfortunately, around 900 have been made redundant since the appointment. The decision to retain or furlough certain roles is based on the ability of the business to adapt its operating model to the COVID-19 environment to maintain its services to customers and the future trading requirements of the administrators."


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: David Beckham backs meals campaign for key workers

David Beckham is supporting a campaign to provide meals for key workers and healthcare staff during the COVID-19 pandemic - and has also spoken about the benefits of exercise during lockdown .
Like many celebrities , the football star is doing his bit to help good causes as the coronavirus outbreak continues .
After supporting the # clapforcarers campaign , he is now backing One Million Meals , which has been providing thousands of hot and healthy meals to workers around the country .
The organisation is appealing for donations following a surge in demand caused by the increasing number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hospitals including Queen Elizabeth Hospital , Savernake Community Hospital Wiltshire , Watford General Hospital , Leicester Royal Infirmary , Birmingham City Hospital , and Epsom and St Helier Hospitals are among those in need of its services , the organisation said .
A GoFundMe page has been set up and , so far , £11,000 of its £50,000 target has been raised .
Backing the campaign , Beckham said : `` One Million Meals is doing great work on getting nutritious and healthy meals to key workers and healthcare staff .
Your support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also been speaking out about the benefits of exercise , saying people in the UK are `` so lucky '' to still be allowed to leave their homes for a run or or bike ride .
In a video of himself going out for a run in the countryside , shared on social media , Beckham said : `` First day back doing a little bit , always nice to keep fit during a difficult time like this .
`` Keep doing something , it 's important for the body , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around you , so enjoy it . ''
He added in the caption : `` I have been staying home like all of you trying to keep busy with my family .
`` We are so lucky in the UK to be able to leave our homes to exercise . ''
It is now two weeks since the UK 's coronavirus lockdown began , with people allowed to leave their homes for essential shopping and medical trips , for work for key workers , or for exercise .

David Beckham is supporting a campaign to provide meals for key workers and healthcare staff during the COVID-19 pandemic - and has also spoken about the benefits of exercise during lockdown.
Like many celebrities, the football star is doing his bit to help good causes as the coronavirus outbreak continues.
After supporting the #clapforcarers campaign, he is now backing One Million Meals, which has been providing thousands of hot and healthy meals to workers around the country.
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The organisation is appealing for donations following a surge in demand caused by the increasing number of patients being admitted with COVID-19.
Hospitals including Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Savernake Community Hospital Wiltshire, Watford General Hospital, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Birmingham City Hospital, and Epsom and St Helier Hospitals are among those in need of its services, the organisation said.
A GoFundMe page has been set up and, so far, £11,000 of its £50,000 target has been raised.
Backing the campaign, Beckham said: "One Million Meals is doing great work on getting nutritious and healthy meals to key workers and healthcare staff. Your support can make a difference."
Beckham has also been speaking out about the benefits of exercise, saying people in the UK are "so lucky" to still be allowed to leave their homes for a run or or bike ride.
In a video of himself going out for a run in the countryside, shared on social media, Beckham said: "First day back doing a little bit, always nice to keep fit during a difficult time like this.
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"Keep doing something, it's important for the body, for the mind, for everything and everyone around you, so enjoy it."
He added in the caption: "I have been staying home like all of you trying to keep busy with my family.
"We are so lucky in the UK to be able to leave our homes to exercise."
It is now two weeks since the UK's coronavirus lockdown began, with people allowed to leave their homes for essential shopping and medical trips, for work for key workers, or for exercise.


news--2020-04-07--Harry and Meghan reveal the name of their new charitable organisation

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced plans to launch a new charitable organisation named Archewell that aims to `` to do something that matters '' .
Harry and Meghan said they `` look forward '' to launching the foundation , which will replace their Sussex Royal brand now they have stepped down as senior royals .
They are reported to have plans to include their own charity as well as a website .
The couple also revealed their son Archie 's name was inspired by the Greek word `` Arche '' , which means source of action .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported in the Daily Telegraph , has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic .
An announcement divulging further details about the organisation will be made `` when the time is right '' , the couple said .
They are considering how to create their own charity and volunteering services after paperwork regarding their new brand was reportedly filed in the US last month .
The couple also plan to include a wide-ranging website and sharing `` education and training materials '' via films , podcasts and books , according to the newspaper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harry and Meghan said they were focusing their efforts on the coronavirus pandemic but felt `` compelled '' to reveal details of the venture .
The couple said : `` Like you , our focus is on supporting efforts to tackle the global COVID-19 pandemic but faced with this information coming to light , we felt compelled to share the story of how this came to be .
`` Before Sussex Royal came the idea of Arche - the Greek word meaning source of action .
`` We connected to this concept for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one day , and it became the inspiration for our son 's name .
To do something of meaning , to do something that matters . ''
They continued : `` Archewell is a name that combines an ancient word for strength and action , and another that evokes the deep resources we each must draw upon .
`` We look forward to launching Archewell when the time is right . ''
Harry and Meghan moved to Los Angeles with Archie , 11 months ago , to start their new financially independent life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have been living in lockdown close to Hollywood in accordance with the state 's coronavirus containment measures .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The couple officially stepped down as senior royals on 31 March and will no longer be able to use their HRH styles or use Sussex Royal as their brand .
They have delayed announcing a new Instagram handle and brand , with their spokeswoman saying the couple wanted the focus to remain on the global response to @ @ @ @

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced plans to launch a new charitable organisation named Archewell that aims to "to do something that matters".
Harry and Meghan said they "look forward" to launching the foundation, which will replace their Sussex Royal brand now they have stepped down as senior royals.
They are reported to have plans to include their own charity as well as a website.
Image: The couple revealed their son Archie's name was inspired by the Greek word 'Arche'
The couple also revealed their son Archie's name was inspired by the Greek word "Arche", which means source of action.
Their new organisation, which was first reported in the Daily Telegraph, has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
An announcement divulging further details about the organisation will be made "when the time is right", the couple said.
They are considering how to create their own charity and volunteering services after paperwork regarding their new brand was reportedly filed in the US last month.
The couple also plan to include a wide-ranging website and sharing "education and training materials" via films, podcasts and books, according to the newspaper.
In response to the report, Harry and Meghan said they were focusing their efforts on the coronavirus pandemic but felt "compelled" to reveal details of the venture.
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The couple said: "Like you, our focus is on supporting efforts to tackle the global COVID-19 pandemic but faced with this information coming to light, we felt compelled to share the story of how this came to be.
"Before Sussex Royal came the idea of Arche - the Greek word meaning source of action.
"We connected to this concept for the charitable organisation we hoped to build one day, and it became the inspiration for our son's name. To do something of meaning, to do something that matters."
They continued: "Archewell is a name that combines an ancient word for strength and action, and another that evokes the deep resources we each must draw upon.
"We look forward to launching Archewell when the time is right."
Harry and Meghan moved to Los Angeles with Archie, 11 months ago, to start their new financially independent life.
Last month, they were reported to have been living in lockdown close to Hollywood in accordance with the state's coronavirus containment measures.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The couple officially stepped down as senior royals on 31 March and will no longer be able to use their HRH styles or use Sussex Royal as their brand.
They have delayed announcing a new Instagram handle and brand, with their spokeswoman saying the couple wanted the focus to remain on the global response to the coronavirus pandemic.


news--2020-04-06--There may be trouble ahead as Sir Keir Starmer reveals shadow cabinet

Ed Miliband was Labour 's youngest ever leader .
So when he quit after losing the 2015 general election , aged 45 , it was always possible that he would return to frontline politics .
After all , William Hague served as foreign secretary after a disastrous spell as Conservative leader .
Now Mr Miliband is on course for a cabinet comeback if Labour were to win the next election .
He is one of the big winners in Sir Keir Starmer 's shuffle .
The big losers are mostly Jeremy Corbyn 's closest allies , ruthlessly dispatched to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a call-up have been overlooked .
And despite Mr Corbyn 's allies hoping he might remain in the shadow cabinet , there is no job for the outgoing Labour leader , though realistically - with Sir Keir promising change and fresh faces - that was never really a runner .
After serving as an adviser to Gordon Brown before becoming an MP , Mr Miliband - who controversially defeated his brother David to win Labour 's crown in 2010 - held two posts in Mr Brown 's Cabinet .
Mr Miliband spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Brown became prime minister and then , in 2008 , he became energy secretary - a brief now included in his new post as shadow business , energy and industrial secretary .
But , in the next few weeks and months , Mr Miliband 's most high-profile role will be leading Labour 's response to the government 's attempts to help businesses devastated by the coronavirus lockdown .
It could all have been so different .
Mr Miliband - now already 50-1 with Ladbrokes to be the next Labour leader - saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slump from a healthy 14,024 to just 2,370 at December 's general election .
And had Nigel Farage 's Brexit Party , which polled 8,294 votes in a constituency that voted 71.7 % Leave at the EU referendum , bowed to Tory pressure not to stand in key Labour seats , Mr Miliband could now be an ex-MP .
Besides Mr Miliband 's comeback , the other headlines in the new shadow cabinet appointments are rewards for leading supporters of Sir Keir Starmer and a brutal purge by the new leader of prominent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rebecca Long-Bailey , however , remains in the shadow cabinet as shadow education secretary , a post previously held by her friend and flatmate Angela Rayner , now deputy leader .
Did Sir Keir 's new deputy intervene to save her close friend from humiliation ?
The leadership runner-up will be disappointed she 's not succeeding her mentor John McDonnell as shadow chancellor .
A big winner is the leading Windrush campaigner David Lammy , a Harvard-educated barrister and big Starmer supporter , who replaces diehard Corbyn ally Richard Burgon in the senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Starmer backer , Brownite John Healey , is now shadow defence secretary .
Healey ?
Defence ?
Sound familiar ?
His namesake Denis Healey , one of the giants of Labour Party politics , was defence secretary for six years , from 1964-70 .
Emily Thornberry , formerly shadow foreign secretary and briefly a leadership candidate , survives the purge , but is demoted to shadow international trade secretary .
But that could be a high-profile post once Brexit trade talks are back in the news again after coronavirus .
Another Starmer backer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joins the shadow cabinet as shadow transport secretary , replacing Andy McDonald , a Corbyn ally who survives with a sideways move to shadow employment rights and rrotections secretary .
Mr McMahon , although not yet 40 but already a front-bencher after less than five years inpParliament , became an MP after an impressive record as a local government leader .
One to watch for the future .
Ian Murray , Labour 's only MP in Scotland , returns as shadow scotland secretary after being churlishly snubbed by Mr Corbyn over his persistent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Allin-Khan , the A & E doctor who was runner-up to Ms Rayner in the final round of the deputy poll , becomes shadow minister for mental health , which could be a key post during the coronavirus crisis .
She will have been hoping for a more senior post , however .
Although one great survivor , Barry Gardiner , has gone , another - Lord Falconer - is back as shadow attorney general , replacing Corbyn ally Shami Chakrabarti , author of the antisemitism report dismissed by critics as a whitewash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blair 's flatmate , is possibly the only person to have served under Blair , Brown , Miliband , Corbyn and now Starmer .
Newly re-appointed Labour chief whip Nick Brown has served all except Mr Miliband .
So who has missed out ?
There 's no comeback for other leading members of Mr Brown 's cabinet and Mr Miliband 's shadow cabinet , such as Hilary Benn and Yvette Cooper , who were leading figures in last year 's Brexit battles in the House of Commons .
And Jess Phillips , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for leader , has been snubbed so far , but may be given one of the middle ranking shadow ministerial posts to be announced shortly .
There will be outrage on the Labour left at the scale of Sir Keir 's purge of Corbyn allies .
But at the same time there will be smug satisfaction among those centrist Labour MPs delighted by the clear-out of Corbyn allies .
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Of the 14 kicked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Dan Carden , Ian Lavery and Jon Trickett all have the potential to cause trouble from the back benches .
Especially as they will be joined there by Mr Corbyn and Mr McDonnell .
Others , like Tracy Brabin , Peter Dowd , Andrew Gwynne , Barbara Keeley and Rachel Maskell , can rightly claim to be unlucky to be included in the clear-out .
It 's possible they could return in the future , however .
Sir Keir has boasted that his shadow cabinet is gender balanced , with 17 women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BAME members .
Critics claim many of the BAME MPs are in junior roles .
Not so Mr Lammy , though .
The new leader claims his shadow cabinet showcases the breadth , depths and talents of the Labour Party .
Under Mr Corbyn , many of the party 's talents were either ignored , resigned or refused to serve .
There are no refuseniks now .
Or at least so far .
But Sir Keir 's purge is likely to extend shortly to pro-Corbyn allies among senior party staff members , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is likely to be some criticism of the decision to bring back Mr Miliband .
And the resentment of the left over the purge of the Corbynistas should not be underestimated .
Honeymoon period for the new leader ?
Almost certainly , despite coronavirus .
But it could be short-lived and there may be trouble ahead .

Ed Miliband was Labour's youngest ever leader. So when he quit after losing the 2015 general election, aged 45, it was always possible that he would return to frontline politics.
After all, William Hague served as foreign secretary after a disastrous spell as Conservative leader.
Now Mr Miliband is on course for a cabinet comeback if Labour were to win the next election.
He is one of the big winners in Sir Keir Starmer's shuffle.
The big losers are mostly Jeremy Corbyn's closest allies, ruthlessly dispatched to the back benches, while some MPs hoping for a call-up have been overlooked.
And despite Mr Corbyn's allies hoping he might remain in the shadow cabinet, there is no job for the outgoing Labour leader, though realistically - with Sir Keir promising change and fresh faces - that was never really a runner.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:25 Sir Keir: I will build an effective opposition
After serving as an adviser to Gordon Brown before becoming an MP, Mr Miliband - who controversially defeated his brother David to win Labour's crown in 2010 - held two posts in Mr Brown's Cabinet.
Mr Miliband spent a year as Cabinet Office minister after Mr Brown became prime minister and then, in 2008, he became energy secretary - a brief now included in his new post as shadow business, energy and industrial secretary.
But, in the next few weeks and months, Mr Miliband's most high-profile role will be leading Labour's response to the government's attempts to help businesses devastated by the coronavirus lockdown.
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It could all have been so different.
Mr Miliband - now already 50-1 with Ladbrokes to be the next Labour leader - saw his majority in his Doncaster North constituency slump from a healthy 14,024 to just 2,370 at December's general election.
And had Nigel Farage's Brexit Party, which polled 8,294 votes in a constituency that voted 71.7% Leave at the EU referendum, bowed to Tory pressure not to stand in key Labour seats, Mr Miliband could now be an ex-MP.
Image: There is no return to the shadow cabinet for Hilary Benn or Yvette Cooper
Besides Mr Miliband's comeback, the other headlines in the new shadow cabinet appointments are rewards for leading supporters of Sir Keir Starmer and a brutal purge by the new leader of prominent Corbyn supporters.
Defeated pro-Corbyn leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey, however, remains in the shadow cabinet as shadow education secretary, a post previously held by her friend and flatmate Angela Rayner, now deputy leader.
Did Sir Keir's new deputy intervene to save her close friend from humiliation?
The leadership runner-up will be disappointed she's not succeeding her mentor John McDonnell as shadow chancellor.
But education is a meaty portfolio.
A big winner is the leading Windrush campaigner David Lammy, a Harvard-educated barrister and big Starmer supporter, who replaces diehard Corbyn ally Richard Burgon in the senior post of shadow justice secretary.
Another Starmer backer, Brownite John Healey, is now shadow defence secretary.
Healey? Defence? Sound familiar? His namesake Denis Healey, one of the giants of Labour Party politics, was defence secretary for six years, from 1964-70.
Emily Thornberry, formerly shadow foreign secretary and briefly a leadership candidate, survives the purge, but is demoted to shadow international trade secretary.
But that could be a high-profile post once Brexit trade talks are back in the news again after coronavirus.
Image: Defeated leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey has been moved to the shadow education role
Another Starmer backer and rising star, Jim McMahon, joins the shadow cabinet as shadow transport secretary, replacing Andy McDonald, a Corbyn ally who survives with a sideways move to shadow employment rights and rrotections secretary.
Mr McMahon, although not yet 40 but already a front-bencher after less than five years inpParliament, became an MP after an impressive record as a local government leader. One to watch for the future.
Two deputy leadership candidates are promoted.
Ian Murray, Labour's only MP in Scotland, returns as shadow scotland secretary after being churlishly snubbed by Mr Corbyn over his persistent criticism of the former leader.
Rosena Allin-Khan, the A&E doctor who was runner-up to Ms Rayner in the final round of the deputy poll, becomes shadow minister for mental health, which could be a key post during the coronavirus crisis.
She will have been hoping for a more senior post, however.
Although one great survivor, Barry Gardiner, has gone, another - Lord Falconer - is back as shadow attorney general, replacing Corbyn ally Shami Chakrabarti, author of the antisemitism report dismissed by critics as a whitewash.
Lord Falconer, famously once Tony Blair's flatmate, is possibly the only person to have served under Blair, Brown, Miliband, Corbyn and now Starmer.
Newly re-appointed Labour chief whip Nick Brown has served all except Mr Miliband.
So who has missed out?
There's no comeback for other leading members of Mr Brown's cabinet and Mr Miliband's shadow cabinet, such as Hilary Benn and Yvette Cooper, who were leading figures in last year's Brexit battles in the House of Commons.
And Jess Phillips, the outspoken Corbyn critic who very briefly stood for leader, has been snubbed so far, but may be given one of the middle ranking shadow ministerial posts to be announced shortly.
There will be outrage on the Labour left at the scale of Sir Keir's purge of Corbyn allies.
But at the same time there will be smug satisfaction among those centrist Labour MPs delighted by the clear-out of Corbyn allies.
:: Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Of the 14 kicked out, Richard Burgon, Dawn Butler, Dan Carden, Ian Lavery and Jon Trickett all have the potential to cause trouble from the back benches.
Especially as they will be joined there by Mr Corbyn and Mr McDonnell.
Others, like Tracy Brabin, Peter Dowd, Andrew Gwynne, Barbara Keeley and Rachel Maskell, can rightly claim to be unlucky to be included in the clear-out.
It's possible they could return in the future, however.
Sir Keir has boasted that his shadow cabinet is gender balanced, with 17 women and 15 men and there are seven BAME members.
Critics claim many of the BAME MPs are in junior roles. Not so Mr Lammy, though.
The new leader claims his shadow cabinet showcases the breadth, depths and talents of the Labour Party.
Under Mr Corbyn, many of the party's talents were either ignored, resigned or refused to serve.
There are no refuseniks now. Or at least so far.
But Sir Keir's purge is likely to extend shortly to pro-Corbyn allies among senior party staff members, including Labour general secretary Jennie Formby.
There is likely to be some criticism of the decision to bring back Mr Miliband.
And the resentment of the left over the purge of the Corbynistas should not be underestimated.
Honeymoon period for the new leader? Almost certainly, despite coronavirus.
But it could be short-lived and there may be trouble ahead.


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: 'Alarming' rise in people shopping despite virus lockdown

Analysts have reported an `` alarming uplift '' in visits to shops last weekend as the government appealed for people to obey the UK 's lockdown restrictions .
Figures from retail data specialist Springboard showed an 81 % decline in footfall last week compared to the same period last year , as all but essential services were shut in the fight against coronavirus .
But there were widespread reports of people ignoring advice to stay home as the weather improved , with spring sunshine bolstering temperatures through Saturday and Sunday .
Springboard noted visits to shops rising by 9.5 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a week ago .
The figure rose by 21.3 % on the Sunday , despite repeated government warnings on the health and safety implications of visiting public spaces .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The report said : `` The increase on Sunday was particularly noticeable in London ( +51.4 % ) , in other large cities ( +32 % ) and in coastal towns across the UK ( 29.6 % ) which are key locations for leisure trips but less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` With the warm weather set to continue over the four-day Easter weekend , this brings into question what further measures the government will need to enforce to curtail this movement .
`` With the closure of all but essential stores , the four-day bank holiday weekend will be unrecognisable in what is usually the most important trading period for retailers outside of Christmas . ''
Ministers have threatened to tighten lockdown restrictions and ban outdoor exercise unless the public observes the social distancing rules - designed to help lower infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News on Sunday : `` The vast majority of people are following the public health advice , which is absolutely critical , and staying at home .
`` But there are a small minority of people who are still not doing that - it 's quite unbelievable frankly to see that there are some people who are not following the advice . ''

Analysts have reported an "alarming uplift" in visits to shops last weekend as the government appealed for people to obey the UK's lockdown restrictions.
Figures from retail data specialist Springboard showed an 81% decline in footfall last week compared to the same period last year, as all but essential services were shut in the fight against coronavirus.
But there were widespread reports of people ignoring advice to stay home as the weather improved, with spring sunshine bolstering temperatures through Saturday and Sunday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:29 People out. During lockdown. Again
Springboard noted visits to shops rising by 9.5% on Saturday compared with the same day a week ago.
The figure rose by 21.3% on the Sunday, despite repeated government warnings on the health and safety implications of visiting public spaces.
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The report said: "The increase on Sunday was particularly noticeable in London (+51.4%), in other large cities (+32%) and in coastal towns across the UK (29.6%) which are key locations for leisure trips but less significant for essential shopping."
It added: "With the warm weather set to continue over the four-day Easter weekend, this brings into question what further measures the government will need to enforce to curtail this movement.
"With the closure of all but essential stores, the four-day bank holiday weekend will be unrecognisable in what is usually the most important trading period for retailers outside of Christmas."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 'Sunbathing is against the rules'
Ministers have threatened to tighten lockdown restrictions and ban outdoor exercise unless the public observes the social distancing rules - designed to help lower infection rates and protect the NHS.
The Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News on Sunday: "The vast majority of people are following the public health advice, which is absolutely critical, and staying at home.
"But there are a small minority of people who are still not doing that - it's quite unbelievable frankly to see that there are some people who are not following the advice."


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: Miss England abandons crown to return to NHS job as doctor

The current holder of the Miss England title has set aside her crown so she can return to her job as a doctor during the coronavirus crisis .
Bhasha Mukherjee returned to the UK from charity work in India to rejoin her colleagues at Pilgrim Hospital in Boston , Lincolnshire .
Ms Mukherjee said that while the work she was doing in India was important , she felt her time and skills would be of greater use to the NHS during the coronavirus epidemic .
`` I felt that my services , given the training that I 've had - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services would be much more useful in a hospital , '' she said .
`` I 'm not belittling the work , the charity work that I was doing , but in a way , you know , this is what I 've been trained to do , so I wanted to come back and do that .
`` Initially when we were doing all this good work and the happy smiles - we went to so many homes for orphanages and little girls who 'd been abandoned and things like that… but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not feel like wearing my crown .
I did not feel like attending the events . ''
Now in isolation in Derby , Ms Mukherjee said she was waiting to hear when she can get up-to-date training , so she can help fellow medical professionals during the pandemic .
`` The ward that I work in is the respiratory ward , but from what I 'm hearing from my colleagues , the doctors are being sort of filtered and sent wherever they 're needed , '' she said .
: : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' COVID patients are a problem - of course they are - and that 's mainly at ICU and A & E and of course the respiratory ward , but we ca n't forget all the other patients in the other parts of the hospital and a hospital needs to function .
`` At the moment , because of COVID , there 's an additional pressure where most doctors , nurses and resources are prioritised to them .
But we also need to have the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NHS is being so stretched at the moment . ''
Ms Mukherjee has also started a petition to ask that NHS workers can pay reduced rent for accommodation during the crisis .
Some medics are having to rent places because they need to isolate from their families and neighbours .

The current holder of the Miss England title has set aside her crown so she can return to her job as a doctor during the coronavirus crisis.
Bhasha Mukherjee returned to the UK from charity work in India to rejoin her colleagues at Pilgrim Hospital in Boston, Lincolnshire.
Ms Mukherjee said that while the work she was doing in India was important, she felt her time and skills would be of greater use to the NHS during the coronavirus epidemic.
"I felt that my services, given the training that I've had - I'm a trained doctor - my services would be much more useful in a hospital," she said.
"I'm not belittling the work, the charity work that I was doing, but in a way, you know, this is what I've been trained to do, so I wanted to come back and do that.
"Initially when we were doing all this good work and the happy smiles - we went to so many homes for orphanages and little girls who'd been abandoned and things like that… but towards the end of the trip… I did not feel like wearing my crown. I did not feel like attending the events."
Now in isolation in Derby, Ms Mukherjee said she was waiting to hear when she can get up-to-date training, so she can help fellow medical professionals during the pandemic.
"The ward that I work in is the respiratory ward, but from what I'm hearing from my colleagues, the doctors are being sort of filtered and sent wherever they're needed," she said.
Image: Miss England Bhasha Mukherjee has returned from charity work in India
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"COVID patients are a problem - of course they are - and that's mainly at ICU and A&E and of course the respiratory ward, but we can't forget all the other patients in the other parts of the hospital and a hospital needs to function.
"At the moment, because of COVID, there's an additional pressure where most doctors, nurses and resources are prioritised to them. But we also need to have the other patients looked after. That's why the NHS is being so stretched at the moment."
Ms Mukherjee has also started a petition to ask that NHS workers can pay reduced rent for accommodation during the crisis.
Some medics are having to rent places because they need to isolate from their families and neighbours.


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: The European countries beginning to lift lockdown measures

The leaders of Norway , Denmark , Czech Republic and Austria have announced plans to relax coronavirus lockdown restrictions .
Schools and day care centres are set to reopen in Denmark on 15 April in what will be the first steps the country is taking to ease its quarantine rules , while Norway will do so five days later .
Denmark went into lockdown , closing schools , day centres , restaurants , cafes , gyms and borders , on 11 March , making it one of the first European countries to enter quarantine .
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This will probably be a bit like walking the tightrope .
If we stand still along the way we could fall and if we go too fast it can go wrong .
Therefore , we must take one cautious step at a time . ''
`` If we open Denmark too quickly again we risk that infections rise too sharply and then we have to close down again , '' Ms Frederiksen added .
Other restrictions , including the ban on gatherings of more than 10 people , will remain in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ larger gatherings will not be permitted until August .
Denmark has reported 187 coronavirus-related deaths and total of 4,681 infected out of a population of 5.6 million .
The number of people dying each day slowed to seven on Sunday , down from 14 on Saturday and 18 on Friday , with the number of people being admitted to hospital also falling .
Norway will also end its ban on families travelling to their holiday cottages - which are hugely common in the country - on 20 April , when hairdressers and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been told they too will be allowed to reopen .
Prime Minister Erna Solberg announced the move in a news conference after a recent decline in the number of infections , saying : `` We now have control of the virus , so we can open up the community little by little .
We will do it together , controlled and over time . ''
Norway and Denmark 's announcement came shortly after Austria announced it was aiming for a `` resurrection '' the day after Easter .
Austria , which shares a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reopen some shops but widen the requirement to wear face masks from 14 April .
Speaking in Vienna , Chancellor Sebastian Kurz cautioned that an `` emergency brake '' might be needed if the number of people with the virus accelerates again .
He said small shops , hardware stores and garden centres , would be greenlit to open but with limited numbers of people allowed inside and all must wear face masks .
Larger stores will follow on 1 May .
Restaurants , hotels and schools could reopen in mid-May , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Austria , which entered lockdown on 16 March .
Wearing a mask will also become mandatory on public transport , as it is in supermarkets in the country at the moment .
Mr Kurz said the next week `` will be decisive in whether the resurrection after Easter that we all want can take place . ''
On Monday , Austria has seen 220 people die and 12,297 cases of coronavirus in a population of 8.9 million people .
In the Czech Republic , which declared a state of emergency on 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is looking to re-open more stores from Thursday .
Currently , supermarkets , pharmacies and garden stores are allowed to operate .
This will be expanded to include shops selling construction materials , hobby supplies and bicycles , according to their minister for industry and trade .
All stores will be required to have disinfectant and disposable gloves at the entrance for customers , as well as ensuring social distancing rules are adhered to .
More stores may be opened after Easter and the Czech government approved a proposal Monday to ease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enabling people to travel abroad for business , to see family , or for medical reasons .
Anyone returning to the country will have to observe a two week isolation .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Czech Republic has seen 78 people die and 4,822 cases among its 10.7 million population .
Countries such as Singapore and Japan pose as cautionary examples to the European leaders considering lifting restrictions .
Both Asian countries have seen waves of new infections after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a month-long state of emergency Tuesday for Tokyo and six other regions .
Singapore has begun a month-long partial lockdown .

The leaders of Norway, Denmark, Czech Republic and Austria have announced plans to relax coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
Schools and day care centres are set to reopen in Denmark on 15 April in what will be the first steps the country is taking to ease its quarantine rules, while Norway will do so five days later.
Denmark went into lockdown, closing schools, day centres, restaurants, cafes, gyms and borders, on 11 March, making it one of the first European countries to enter quarantine.
Image: Denmark's PM Mette Frederiksen has announced measures to lift part of her country's lockdown
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen made the announcement with caution, saying: "This will probably be a bit like walking the tightrope. If we stand still along the way we could fall and if we go too fast it can go wrong. Therefore, we must take one cautious step at a time."
"If we open Denmark too quickly again we risk that infections rise too sharply and then we have to close down again," Ms Frederiksen added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:04 Police detain swimmer for breaking lockdown
Other restrictions, including the ban on gatherings of more than 10 people, will remain in place until at least 10 May, and larger gatherings will not be permitted until August.
Denmark has reported 187 coronavirus-related deaths and total of 4,681 infected out of a population of 5.6 million.
The number of people dying each day slowed to seven on Sunday, down from 14 on Saturday and 18 on Friday, with the number of people being admitted to hospital also falling.
Norway will also end its ban on families travelling to their holiday cottages - which are hugely common in the country - on 20 April, when hairdressers and other businesses closed due to the outbreak have been told they too will be allowed to reopen.
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Prime Minister Erna Solberg announced the move in a news conference after a recent decline in the number of infections, saying: "We now have control of the virus, so we can open up the community little by little. We will do it together, controlled and over time."
Norway and Denmark's announcement came shortly after Austria announced it was aiming for a "resurrection" the day after Easter.
Image: Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, pictured in parliament, has said easing restrictions may need to be reversed
Austria, which shares a border with hard-hit Italy, will look to reopen some shops but widen the requirement to wear face masks from 14 April.
Speaking in Vienna, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz cautioned that an "emergency brake" might be needed if the number of people with the virus accelerates again.
He said small shops, hardware stores and garden centres, would be greenlit to open but with limited numbers of people allowed inside and all must wear face masks. Larger stores will follow on 1 May.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:53 Lockdown until we know peak is over - Whitty
Restaurants, hotels and schools could reopen in mid-May, depending on the infection and death figures in Austria, which entered lockdown on 16 March.
Wearing a mask will also become mandatory on public transport, as it is in supermarkets in the country at the moment.
Mr Kurz said the next week "will be decisive in whether the resurrection after Easter that we all want can take place."
On Monday, Austria has seen 220 people die and 12,297 cases of coronavirus in a population of 8.9 million people.
In the Czech Republic, which declared a state of emergency on 12 March and shut borders four days later, is looking to re-open more stores from Thursday.
Image: People wearing face masks walk in Prague
Currently, supermarkets, pharmacies and garden stores are allowed to operate. This will be expanded to include shops selling construction materials, hobby supplies and bicycles, according to their minister for industry and trade.
All stores will be required to have disinfectant and disposable gloves at the entrance for customers, as well as ensuring social distancing rules are adhered to.
More stores may be opened after Easter and the Czech government approved a proposal Monday to ease its ban on citizens traveling abroad, enabling people to travel abroad for business, to see family, or for medical reasons. Anyone returning to the country will have to observe a two week isolation.
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The Czech Republic has seen 78 people die and 4,822 cases among its 10.7 million population.
Countries such as Singapore and Japan pose as cautionary examples to the European leaders considering lifting restrictions.
Both Asian countries have seen waves of new infections after easing lockdown measures, with Japan announcing a month-long state of emergency Tuesday for Tokyo and six other regions. Singapore has begun a month-long partial lockdown.


news--2020-04-06--Coronavirus: New York death rate highest among globally comparable regions

New York has the highest death rate from coronavirus when analysed against comparable regions around the world , Sky News can reveal .
The state in the US has witnessed a higher rate of fatalities at all stages of the outbreak when compared to other regions in the US as well as Europe .
Sky News analysis looked at most affected regions in countries with the highest number of deaths including Italy , Spain , France , UK and China .
The chart above illustrates the exponential deaths from COVID-19 .
Spain 's Catalonia and Madrid regions were seeing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to data sourced from the country 's ministry of health .
At the current rate , both regions will see their total death toll double over the next eight to 10 days .
The Lombardy region in Italy , the country with the highest death toll in the world from coronavirus currently , over the past three days has marginally overtaken Madrid in the rate of new deaths .
At the time of this report , the number of people dying from coronavirus in London doubles every five days with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sky News analysis looked at regions in countries worst hit by COVID-19 starting from the day of the 50th fatality for at least seven consecutive days .
: :Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Other regions considered in our analysis includes Emilia-Romagna in Italy and Ticiano , the Italian-speaking region of southern Switzerland .
New Jersey , the second worst hit state in the US , has also become a region with one of the highest coronavirus fatality rates in the world after United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 pandemic .
President Donald Trump earlier warned that the US will reach a `` horrific point '' in terms of death rates after one of the country 's top doctors said the nation should brace for levels of tragedy reminiscent of the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the 9/11 attacks .
It comes as nearly half the world 's population is under some form restriction as governments try to stop the spread of coronavirus and `` flatten the curve '' seen in the graphs above .

New York has the highest death rate from coronavirus when analysed against comparable regions around the world, Sky News can reveal.
The state in the US has witnessed a higher rate of fatalities at all stages of the outbreak when compared to other regions in the US as well as Europe.
Sky News analysis looked at most affected regions in countries with the highest number of deaths including Italy, Spain, France, UK and China.
The chart above illustrates the exponential deaths from COVID-19.
Spain's Catalonia and Madrid regions were seeing the second and third highest number of deaths, according to data sourced from the country's ministry of health.
At the current rate, both regions will see their total death toll double over the next eight to 10 days.
The Lombardy region in Italy, the country with the highest death toll in the world from coronavirus currently, over the past three days has marginally overtaken Madrid in the rate of new deaths.
At the time of this report, the number of people dying from coronavirus in London doubles every five days with the Midlands following an identical trajectory.
The Sky News analysis looked at regions in countries worst hit by COVID-19 starting from the day of the 50th fatality for at least seven consecutive days.
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Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
::Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Other regions considered in our analysis includes Emilia-Romagna in Italy and Ticiano, the Italian-speaking region of southern Switzerland.
New Jersey, the second worst hit state in the US, has also become a region with one of the highest coronavirus fatality rates in the world after United States became the new epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Donald Trump earlier warned that the US will reach a "horrific point" in terms of death rates after one of the country's top doctors said the nation should brace for levels of tragedy reminiscent of the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the 9/11 attacks.
It comes as nearly half the world's population is under some form restriction as governments try to stop the spread of coronavirus and "flatten the curve" seen in the graphs above.


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: Taiwan bans government from using Zoom due to security issues

Taiwan has banned government officials from using Zoom just days after the company admitted to mistakenly routing its users traffic through servers in China .
Taiwan stated that all agencies should avoid using video conferencing services with security flaws , specifically mentioning Zoom , during the COVID-19 lockdown .
Last week security researchers at Citizen Lab detected calls made on Zoom in North America were routed through China , alongside the encryption keys used to protect them .
The Citizen Lab report examined the confidentiality of Zoom meetings and identified `` significant weaknesses '' in the company 's encryption scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' in its infrastructure - which includes the company 's employees in China being exposed to pressure from state authorities .
Relations between Taiwan and China remain fraught , with both countries essentially claiming that the other is part of their territory .
The official name of Taiwan , which is an independent democratic state , is the Republic of China .
There have been just 376 confirmed cases in Taiwan , and five deaths .
The country rapidly responded to reports of an unidentified outbreak in Wuhan and was inspecting passengers flying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Taiwan suggested that services offered by Microsoft and Google would be acceptable alternatives to Zoom .
The software has also been criticised in the UK , with Ministry of Defence staff being banned from using Zoom over security fears - although non-classified Cabinet meetings have taken place using the software .
In a blog post last week - following the FBI also investigating `` Zoombombs '' in which trolls targeted school lessons with pornography - the company 's chief executive said the company was taking security concerns `` extremely seriously '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ short of the community 's - and our own - privacy and security expectations .
For that , I am deeply sorry , '' wrote Eric Yuan .
`` A large number of global institutions ranging from the world 's largest financial services companies , to leading telecommunications providers , government agencies , universities , healthcare and telemedicine practices have done exhaustive security reviews of our user , network and datacenter layers confidently selecting Zoom for complete deployment .
`` Zoom is in communication with governments around the world and is focused on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ informed decisions about their policies . ''

Taiwan has banned government officials from using Zoom just days after the company admitted to mistakenly routing its users traffic through servers in China.
Taiwan stated that all agencies should avoid using video conferencing services with security flaws, specifically mentioning Zoom, during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Last week security researchers at Citizen Lab detected calls made on Zoom in North America were routed through China, alongside the encryption keys used to protect them.
The Citizen Lab report examined the confidentiality of Zoom meetings and identified "significant weaknesses" in the company's encryption scheme, and "potential areas of concern" in its infrastructure - which includes the company's employees in China being exposed to pressure from state authorities.
Relations between Taiwan and China remain fraught, with both countries essentially claiming that the other is part of their territory. The official name of Taiwan, which is an independent democratic state, is the Republic of China.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 11:07 Chinese Minister: 'You can't blame us'
There have been just 376 confirmed cases in Taiwan, and five deaths. The country rapidly responded to reports of an unidentified outbreak in Wuhan and was inspecting passengers flying in from the city from 31 December.
Taiwan suggested that services offered by Microsoft and Google would be acceptable alternatives to Zoom.
The software has also been criticised in the UK, with Ministry of Defence staff being banned from using Zoom over security fears - although non-classified Cabinet meetings have taken place using the software.
In a blog post last week - following the FBI also investigating "Zoombombs" in which trolls targeted school lessons with pornography - the company's chief executive said the company was taking security concerns "extremely seriously".
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"We recognise that we have fallen short of the community's - and our own - privacy and security expectations. For that, I am deeply sorry," wrote Eric Yuan.
A spokesperson for Zoom told Sky News: "Zoom takes user security extremely seriously.
"A large number of global institutions ranging from the world's largest financial services companies, to leading telecommunications providers, government agencies, universities, healthcare and telemedicine practices have done exhaustive security reviews of our user, network and datacenter layers confidently selecting Zoom for complete deployment.
"Zoom is in communication with governments around the world and is focused on providing the information they need to make informed decisions about their policies."


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: WhatsApp to limit message forwarding to tackle misinformation

WhatsApp is introducing a new limit on message forwarding to tackle the spread of misinformation , its parent company Facebook has announced .
The limitations follow a `` significant increase '' in forwarding during the COVID-19 outbreak , according to a company statement .
False claims spreading during the outbreak have included a conspiracy theory linking it to the deployment of 5G masts , prompting suspected arson attacks against telecommunications infrastructure in the UK .
Last year the company was forced to introduce limitations on message forwarding after rumours spread on the platform in India led to several brutal murders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are end-to-end encrypted , it is n't possible for Facebook to analyse their content to see if they reference coronavirus or any other known false stories .
As a result of this , the changes are designed to tackle the most viral messages based solely on how often those messages have been forwarded in the past .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Under the new changes , after a single message has been forwarded more than five times users will only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a single chat at a time instead of five .
Users will still be able to forward the message as many times as they like , but WhatsApp will make them click the forward button to do so each time and not allow them to select multiple chats to forward the message to .
Facebook said that a similar previous change to limits on forwarded messages led to a 25 % drop globally in message forwarding .
`` Is all forwarding bad ?
Certainly not , '' the company stated , announcing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ users forward helpful information , as well as funny videos , memes , and reflections or prayers they find meaningful .
`` In recent weeks , people have also used WhatsApp to organize public moments of support for frontline health workers , '' the company added .
`` However , we 've seen a significant increase in the amount of forwarding which users have told us can feel overwhelming and can contribute to the spread of misinformation .
`` We believe it 's important to slow the spread of these messages down to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the company added .

WhatsApp is introducing a new limit on message forwarding to tackle the spread of misinformation, its parent company Facebook has announced.
The limitations follow a "significant increase" in forwarding during the COVID-19 outbreak, according to a company statement.
False claims spreading during the outbreak have included a conspiracy theory linking it to the deployment of 5G masts, prompting suspected arson attacks against telecommunications infrastructure in the UK.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 Gove: 5G conspiracy theory 'dangerous nonsense'
Last year the company was forced to introduce limitations on message forwarding after rumours spread on the platform in India led to several brutal murders and lynchings.
As messages on WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted, it isn't possible for Facebook to analyse their content to see if they reference coronavirus or any other known false stories.
As a result of this, the changes are designed to tackle the most viral messages based solely on how often those messages have been forwarded in the past.
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
Under the new changes, after a single message has been forwarded more than five times users will only be able to forward it on to a single chat at a time instead of five.
Users will still be able to forward the message as many times as they like, but WhatsApp will make them click the forward button to do so each time and not allow them to select multiple chats to forward the message to.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:10 'We're really climbing towards that peak'
Facebook said that a similar previous change to limits on forwarded messages led to a 25% drop globally in message forwarding.
"Is all forwarding bad? Certainly not," the company stated, announcing the new limitations.
"We know many users forward helpful information, as well as funny videos, memes, and reflections or prayers they find meaningful.
"In recent weeks, people have also used WhatsApp to organize public moments of support for frontline health workers," the company added.
"However, we've seen a significant increase in the amount of forwarding which users have told us can feel overwhelming and can contribute to the spread of misinformation.
"We believe it's important to slow the spread of these messages down to keep WhatsApp a place for personal conversation," the company added.


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: Dairy farmers request government help as demand for milk plummets

Dairy farmers are asking for government support after demand for milk from cafes and restaurants plummeted when the UK went into lockdown .
Processors are not picking up the milk due to a drop in demand from the food services sector and some dairy farmers have been pouring it away following the COVID-19 outbreak .
The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers ( RABDF ) wants the government to help fund a short-term financial support scheme to help dairy farmers who have been severely affected by the pandemic .
The aim of the scheme would be to ensure dairy farmers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so they are able to begin resupplying restaurants , hotels and cafes when they reopen once the lockdown ends .
The association says a failure to back dairy farmers could disrupt the market and lead to a lack of supply later in the year .
Under the scheme , farmers would be reimbursed for the reduced value of their milk or if they are having to dispose of it because their processor relies heavily on the food service sector .
It is estimated around 300 dairy farmers , who produce around one million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefit from the proposed scheme .
They would be reimbursed directly by the government up to their standard milk price under the scheme .
The scheme , which the association wants to be up and running by the end of April , would apply to those who supply a processor who can show their market has been affected solely from the impact of COVID-19 .
Peter Alvis , chairman of RABDF , said : `` This scheme will ensure both short-term and longer-term food security and ease the stress on the industry .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the market place will help to stabilise the current spot price without causing long-term market distortion .
`` It will also allow those affected dairy farmers to continue to pay for invoices for farm inputs to the wider local/rural supply industry beyond the farm gate and will prevent extra cows being culled which will exacerbate the problems in the beef supply chain . ''
National Farmers ' Union dairy board chairman Michael Oakes said : `` The dairy industry is just one of the many sectors affected by the impacts of Covid-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' We have seen the almost complete loss of the food service market and closure of restaurants and cafes during the lockdown which has left some processors with little or no business .
`` This has led to some farmers feeling like they have no option but to dispose of milk on farm . ''
He said the NFU was working urgently with ministers and the supply chain on solutions that could include diverting milk into the retail sector and developing measures to @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Dairy farmers are asking for government support after demand for milk from cafes and restaurants plummeted when the UK went into lockdown.
Processors are not picking up the milk due to a drop in demand from the food services sector and some dairy farmers have been pouring it away following the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) wants the government to help fund a short-term financial support scheme to help dairy farmers who have been severely affected by the pandemic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:10 Farmers forced to dump milk amid lockdown
The aim of the scheme would be to ensure dairy farmers stay in business through the current crisis so they are able to begin resupplying restaurants, hotels and cafes when they reopen once the lockdown ends.
The association says a failure to back dairy farmers could disrupt the market and lead to a lack of supply later in the year.
Under the scheme, farmers would be reimbursed for the reduced value of their milk or if they are having to dispose of it because their processor relies heavily on the food service sector.
It is estimated around 300 dairy farmers, who produce around one million litres of milk a day, could benefit from the proposed scheme.
They would be reimbursed directly by the government up to their standard milk price under the scheme.
The scheme, which the association wants to be up and running by the end of April, would apply to those who supply a processor who can show their market has been affected solely from the impact of COVID-19.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:43 Duncan Bannatyne facing £30m losses
Peter Alvis, chairman of RABDF, said: "This scheme will ensure both short-term and longer-term food security and ease the stress on the industry.
"Removing the excess distressed milk from the market place will help to stabilise the current spot price without causing long-term market distortion.
"It will also allow those affected dairy farmers to continue to pay for invoices for farm inputs to the wider local/rural supply industry beyond the farm gate and will prevent extra cows being culled which will exacerbate the problems in the beef supply chain."
National Farmers' Union dairy board chairman Michael Oakes said: "The dairy industry is just one of the many sectors affected by the impacts of Covid-19.
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"We have seen the almost complete loss of the food service market and closure of restaurants and cafes during the lockdown which has left some processors with little or no business.
"This has led to some farmers feeling like they have no option but to dispose of milk on farm."
He said the NFU was working urgently with ministers and the supply chain on solutions that could include diverting milk into the retail sector and developing measures to support farmers affected by the crisis.


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: One in 14 COVID-19 related deaths not in hospital, figures suggest

Around one in 14 COVID-19 related deaths in England and Wales could be taking place outside hospitals , new data suggests .
Figures compiled by the Office for National Statistics show that in the week ending 27 March , 38 out of the 539 deaths that were registered with coronavirus mentioned on the death certificate occurred in hospices , care homes or other locations .
Of the 38 deaths that did not take place in a hospital , 20 took place in care homes , 15 were in private homes , two were in hospices and one happened elsewhere .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ give an indication of what proportion of coronavirus-related deaths are happening outside of hospital settings .
However , the vast majority of coronavirus-related deaths are taking place in hospitals , and the ONS stressed that this is only preliminary analysis , and the figures cover just one week of data for England and Wales .
The figures come amid suggestions that daily death totals being reported by the Department of Health are not showing the full picture because they only include hospital deaths .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spreaker Sky 's economics editor Ed Conway said : `` There have been some question marks about perhaps over-reporting and under-reporting of COVID-19 deaths from the official numbers that we get from the government every day .
`` These numbers are from the ONS and give you a comprehensive view , not just of how many people have died from COVID-19 , but how many people have died of all causes in England and Wales over the week to the 27 March - when the lockdown was implemented .
`` These numbers include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The ONS data published on Tuesday also showed there were 1,639 deaths relating to COVID-19 in England and Wales up to 27 March , if deaths that were registered up to 1 April were taken into consideration .
Of these deaths , 1,568 were in England .
This compares with 1,649 deaths reported by NHS England for the same period , the ONS said .
The difference is due to different methods of counting and reporting .
The ONS counts all deaths , whereas the daily figures released by the Department of Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And , the ONS figure is often behind the Department of Health figure , because it can take a while before deaths are reported to register offices .
But once ready , they are the most accurate and complete information available , the ONS said .
On Monday , the Department for Health said another 439 patients had died across the UK after contracting coronavirus - bringing the total reported as having died in hospitals to 5,373 .
Public Health Wales and Public Health England released their own figures .
Welsh authorities said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wales , taking the overall number of deaths reported in hospitals there to 193 .
English authorities said the number reported by 5pm Sunday in England had risen to 4,897 .

Around one in 14 COVID-19 related deaths in England and Wales could be taking place outside hospitals, new data suggests.
Figures compiled by the Office for National Statistics show that in the week ending 27 March, 38 out of the 539 deaths that were registered with coronavirus mentioned on the death certificate occurred in hospices, care homes or other locations.
Of the 38 deaths that did not take place in a hospital, 20 took place in care homes, 15 were in private homes, two were in hospices and one happened elsewhere.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 15:00 Coronavirus: Life in lockdown
The provisional figures are the first to give an indication of what proportion of coronavirus-related deaths are happening outside of hospital settings.
However, the vast majority of coronavirus-related deaths are taking place in hospitals, and the ONS stressed that this is only preliminary analysis, and the figures cover just one week of data for England and Wales.
The figures come amid suggestions that daily death totals being reported by the Department of Health are not showing the full picture because they only include hospital deaths.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Sky's economics editor Ed Conway said: "There have been some question marks about perhaps over-reporting and under-reporting of COVID-19 deaths from the official numbers that we get from the government every day.
"These numbers are from the ONS and give you a comprehensive view, not just of how many people have died from COVID-19, but how many people have died of all causes in England and Wales over the week to the 27 March - when the lockdown was implemented.
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"These numbers include deaths which happen outside hospitals."
The ONS data published on Tuesday also showed there were 1,639 deaths relating to COVID-19 in England and Wales up to 27 March, if deaths that were registered up to 1 April were taken into consideration.
Of these deaths, 1,568 were in England. This compares with 1,649 deaths reported by NHS England for the same period, the ONS said.
The difference is due to different methods of counting and reporting.
The ONS counts all deaths, whereas the daily figures released by the Department of Health relates only to deaths in hospitals.
And, the ONS figure is often behind the Department of Health figure, because it can take a while before deaths are reported to register offices.
But once ready, they are the most accurate and complete information available, the ONS said.
On Monday, the Department for Health said another 439 patients had died across the UK after contracting coronavirus - bringing the total reported as having died in hospitals to 5,373.
Public Health Wales and Public Health England released their own figures.
Welsh authorities said that an extra 27 deaths occurred in Wales, taking the overall number of deaths reported in hospitals there to 193.
English authorities said the number reported by 5pm Sunday in England had risen to 4,897.


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: China reports no new COVID-19 deaths for first time during outbreak

China has reported no new coronavirus deaths for the first time during the outbreak .
China 's National Health Commission said it had 32 new confirmed cases , a drop of seven from Monday .
It said all new COVID-19 infections were from people who had returned from overseas .
Authorities began releasing reported daily deaths and cases in January , not long after it gave rise to the global pandemic .
Daily new deaths linked to coronavirus have stayed in single digits for weeks , sometimes hitting just one .
The country has officially recorded 3,331 deaths and 81,740 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticised for potentially under-reporting numbers by experts who are concerned it has prioritised restarting the economy over beating the virus .
China is worried foreign travellers could cause a second outbreak in the country .
It has closed its land and river borders with Russia after the discovery of 59 new cases among Chinese citizens returning home via the crossing near Vladivostok .
All Chinese residents who arrive in the border region aboard Russian domestic flights will be forced to undergo a 14-day quarantine , according to a notice posted on the website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It said that only special passholders will be allowed to travel on the Russian side of the border - but it was not clear whether they would be able to cross into China .
Meanwhile , Hong Kong has extended its initial two-week entry restrictions on non-residents indefinitely .
Non-citizens flying from overseas to Hong Kong will be denied entry , and those coming from mainland China , Macao and Taiwan will be barred from entering if they have been abroad in the past 14 days .
The move comes as the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 915 .
China is not alone in working to prevent a second wave of infections .
More than 160 current and former global leaders have urged the world 's 20 major industrialised nations to approve $ 8bn ( £6.5bn ) in emergency global health funding to hasten the search for a vaccine , cure and treatment for Covid-19 and prevent a second influx .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In an open letter to the governments , the leaders , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called for tens of billions to support countries with weaker health systems and vulnerable populations , as well as at least $ 148bn ( £120bn ) for developing countries to fight the crisis .
They also asked the international community to waive this year 's debt repayments from poorer countries .
While a directive from the G20 leaders ' summit on March 26 recognised the gravity and urgency of the health and economic disaster , the letter said `` we now require urgent specific measures that can be agreed on with speed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a global pledging conference , coordinated by a G20 task force , to commit resources to meet emergency needs .
The 165 signatories included former UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon , 92 former presidents and prime ministers , the current prime ministers of Ethiopia and Bangladesh , Sierra Leone 's president and philanthropist George Soros .

China has reported no new coronavirus deaths for the first time during the outbreak.
China's National Health Commission said it had 32 new confirmed cases, a drop of seven from Monday.
It said all new COVID-19 infections were from people who had returned from overseas.
Image: Coronavirus first emerged in Wuhan, a city in China's central Hubei province, which has partly reopened
Authorities began releasing reported daily deaths and cases in January, not long after it gave rise to the global pandemic.
Daily new deaths linked to coronavirus have stayed in single digits for weeks, sometimes hitting just one.
The country has officially recorded 3,331 deaths and 81,740 cases, but its government has been criticised for potentially under-reporting numbers by experts who are concerned it has prioritised restarting the economy over beating the virus.
China is worried foreign travellers could cause a second outbreak in the country.
It has closed its land and river borders with Russia after the discovery of 59 new cases among Chinese citizens returning home via the crossing near Vladivostok.
All Chinese residents who arrive in the border region aboard Russian domestic flights will be forced to undergo a 14-day quarantine, according to a notice posted on the website of the Chinese consulate in Vladivostok.
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It said that only special passholders will be allowed to travel on the Russian side of the border - but it was not clear whether they would be able to cross into China.
Image: Hong Kong has extended its two-week foreigner travel ban
Meanwhile, Hong Kong has extended its initial two-week entry restrictions on non-residents indefinitely.
Non-citizens flying from overseas to Hong Kong will be denied entry, and those coming from mainland China, Macao and Taiwan will be barred from entering if they have been abroad in the past 14 days.
The move comes as the number of Covid-19 cases in Hong Kong rose to 915.
China is not alone in working to prevent a second wave of infections.
More than 160 current and former global leaders have urged the world's 20 major industrialised nations to approve $8bn (£6.5bn) in emergency global health funding to hasten the search for a vaccine, cure and treatment for Covid-19 and prevent a second influx.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In an open letter to the governments, the leaders, ministers, top executives and scientists also called for tens of billions to support countries with weaker health systems and vulnerable populations, as well as at least $148bn (£120bn) for developing countries to fight the crisis.
They also asked the international community to waive this year's debt repayments from poorer countries.
While a directive from the G20 leaders' summit on March 26 recognised the gravity and urgency of the health and economic disaster, the letter said "we now require urgent specific measures that can be agreed on with speed and at scale".
The group called for a global pledging conference, coordinated by a G20 task force, to commit resources to meet emergency needs.
The 165 signatories included former UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, 92 former presidents and prime ministers, the current prime ministers of Ethiopia and Bangladesh, Sierra Leone's president and philanthropist George Soros.


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: Cressida Dick warns police will force non-compliant public to move on

Those who refuse to leave public spaces when asked by police will be forced to instead , the head of the Metropolitan Police has warned .
She has said , however , that those who do not comply with police requests may be forced to move by her force .
`` It 's extremely important that we all do try to comply with [ the restrictions ] and we in the police of course have our part to play .
`` If we have to we will be very firm in that , if somebody completely refuses - but this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will result in enforcement . ''
Dame Cressida said the restrictions were `` obviously difficult for some members of the public to get used to '' , but that she thought most people would understand her officers using force where necessary .
`` I think the vast majority of the public expect us to do that but the tradition of the Met is always to start by advising people . ''
Dame Cressida did not say whether she believed further , tighter restrictions were required , but that her force were `` ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decide to do next .
She did warn that instances of members of the public , as well as her own officers , being coughed at and spat on by people claiming to have `` corona '' were `` completely unacceptable '' .
`` Some people have been convicted and received very strong sentences for spitting or coughing at a police officer . ''
Dame Cressida did not outline how many officers in her force were off sick , or self-isolating .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commissioner last week called on retired officers to come back and join the force as London tries to cope with the outbreak - so far , more than 300 have applied .
Metropolitan Police said it had begun bespoke training for its first batch of returning officers at Hendon station on Monday .

Those who refuse to leave public spaces when asked by police will be forced to instead, the head of the Metropolitan Police has warned.
public will be encouraged to obey restrictions on gatherings and sunbathing during the current coronavirus crisis. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick has said theon gatherings and sunbathing during the current coronavirus crisis.
She has said, however, that those who do not comply with police requests may be forced to move by her force.
"It's extremely important that we all do try to comply with [the restrictions] and we in the police of course have our part to play.
"If we have to we will be very firm in that, if somebody completely refuses - but this is an absolute last resort - it will result in enforcement."
Image: Dame Cressida said her officers and members of the public had been spat and coughed at by people claiming to have 'corona'
Dame Cressida said the restrictions were "obviously difficult for some members of the public to get used to", but that she thought most people would understand her officers using force where necessary.
"I think the vast majority of the public expect us to do that but the tradition of the Met is always to start by advising people."
Dame Cressida did not say whether she believed further, tighter restrictions were required, but that her force were "ready to assist" in whatever the government decide to do next.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 16:31 Health Secretary Matt Hancock criticised those not social distancing on Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday
She did warn that instances of members of the public, as well as her own officers, being coughed at and spat on by people claiming to have "corona" were "completely unacceptable".
"Some people have been convicted and received very strong sentences for spitting or coughing at a police officer."
Dame Cressida did not outline how many officers in her force were off sick, or self-isolating.
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The commissioner last week called on retired officers to come back and join the force as London tries to cope with the outbreak - so far, more than 300 have applied.
Metropolitan Police said it had begun bespoke training for its first batch of returning officers at Hendon station on Monday.


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson is 'far fitter than he looks' and will pull through, says friend

A friend of Boris Johnson who worked with him when he was mayor of London says the prime minister is a `` really , really strong guy '' and `` far fitter than he looks '' .
Will Walden , who was Mr Johnson 's director of communications at City Hall , said the prime minister would beat COVID-19 .
Mr Johnson is in intensive care in hospital after his symptoms worsened on Monday .
Mr Walden said : `` He will whip anybody 's backside on a tennis court , he runs regularly , he does n't smoke , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think if anyone is in a good position both physically and mentally to fight off the disease then the prime minister is that person . ''
Mr Walden said he had been in touch with Mr Johnson a few times in the last few weeks and added : `` I had a brief exchange with him last week in which I was more concerned about him being in isolation and what he said back to me was , 'Do n't worry , we 're going to beat it ' .
`` What he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Boris , is we as a country will come together and beat this disease , rather than thinking about himself in regard to that - and that 's pretty typical of the man . ''
Mr Walden told Sky News that Mr Johnson would be fighting to get better , but would be frustrated that he was not able to lead the national battle against COVID-19 .
`` He is strong , he will be concerned about the wider battle the country faces against this disease but he will also have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' But this is a terrible setback , his children and his extended family will be very concerned at this worrying time .
However he is a strong man and will pull through . ''
Asked about Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , who has been asked to deputise for the prime minister , Mr Walden said he had always been Mr Johnson 's first choice for the role .
He added : `` Dominic Rabb is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fantastic officials and a fantastic cabinet .
He will make the right decisions . ''

A friend of Boris Johnson who worked with him when he was mayor of London says the prime minister is a "really, really strong guy" and "far fitter than he looks".
Will Walden, who was Mr Johnson's director of communications at City Hall, said the prime minister would beat COVID-19.
Mr Johnson is in intensive care in hospital after his symptoms worsened on Monday.
Mr Walden said: "He will whip anybody's backside on a tennis court, he runs regularly, he doesn't smoke, he drinks moderately.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 9:06 'The Prime Minister is a really strong guy'
"So I think if anyone is in a good position both physically and mentally to fight off the disease then the prime minister is that person."
Mr Walden said he had been in touch with Mr Johnson a few times in the last few weeks and added: "I had a brief exchange with him last week in which I was more concerned about him being in isolation and what he said back to me was, 'Don't worry, we're going to beat it'.
"What he meant by that, which is typical of Boris, is we as a country will come together and beat this disease, rather than thinking about himself in regard to that - and that's pretty typical of the man."
Mr Walden told Sky News that Mr Johnson would be fighting to get better, but would be frustrated that he was not able to lead the national battle against COVID-19.
"He is strong, he will be concerned about the wider battle the country faces against this disease but he will also have been frustrated that he is in hospital.
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"But this is a terrible setback, his children and his extended family will be very concerned at this worrying time. However he is a strong man and will pull through."
Asked about Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who has been asked to deputise for the prime minister, Mr Walden said he had always been Mr Johnson's first choice for the role.
He added: "Dominic Rabb is surrounded by and will be supported by fantastic officials and a fantastic cabinet. He will make the right decisions."