cityam--2020-11-14--Ban on new petrol and diesel car sales to be brought forward to 2030

Boris Johnson is set to announce that the ban on petrol and diesel vehicles will be brought forward to 2030 .
The announcement is expected as part of a landmark speech laying out the government ’ s 10 point plan for climate change .
Read more : Volkswagen to invest €73bn in digitalisation and electric cars Back in February the ban on the sale of such vehicles was brought forward to 2035 , but the Prime Minister is now expected to go further , the FT reported .
Electric cars currently make up just seven per cent of the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the announcement will jump start the industry .
Ian Plummer , director at Auto Trader , said : “ In order to meet the government ’ s new ban of petrol and diesel cars by 2030 , the sale of EVs must overtake the sale of traditional ICE cars by 2024 .
“ But , on the current sales trajectory this won ’ t happen until 2029 .
It ’ s clear that electric vehicles need to be the preferred option to the masses and not just to those who are environmentalists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can afford their high price tags , but that isn ’ t the case yet.
” The deadline for sales of plug-in hybrids is expected to stay at 2035 , it was reported .
Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data At the moment , electric vehicles remain more expensive than diesel models , and critics have argued that the government must spend a considerable amount to help convince people to switch to a new model .
The FT said that around £500m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infrastructure would be rolled out in the new year .
RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said that the new date would present a “ monumental challenge ” to the car industry .
“ We believe many more rapid charging devices are needed in order to give drivers the confidence that they can make longer journeys in a convenient and time efficient manner ” , he added .
Tom Clarke , head of electric vehicle strategy at insurers LV , said the government should follow France and Germany in providing consumers with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read more : Bentley gently goes green : Electric-only by 2030 “ We ’ re calling on the Government to follow France and Germany ’ s recent electric vehicle announcements and provide more fiscal incentives and nudges for electric vehicles to drive uptake ” , he said .
“ Based on our research , we support the motion to introduce different VAT rates for EVs , an initiative which has been suggested by the Behavioural Insights Team and Transport Research Laboratory in their report for Department for Transport .
”

Ban on new petrol and diesel car sales to be brought forward to 2030
Boris Johnson is set to announce that the ban on petrol and diesel vehicles will be brought forward to 2030.
The announcement is expected as part of a landmark speech laying out the government’s 10 point plan for climate change.
Back in February the ban on the sale of such vehicles was brought forward to 2035, but the Prime Minister is now expected to go further, the FT reported.
Electric cars currently make up just seven per cent of the UK car market, but it is hoped that the announcement will jump start the industry.
Ian Plummer, director at Auto Trader, said: “In order to meet the government’s new ban of petrol and diesel cars by 2030, the sale of EVs must overtake the sale of traditional ICE cars by 2024.
“But, on the current sales trajectory this won’t happen until 2029. It’s clear that electric vehicles need to be the preferred option to the masses and not just to those who are environmentalists, early adopters or the wealthy that can afford their high price tags, but that isn’t the case yet.”
The deadline for sales of plug-in hybrids is expected to stay at 2035, it was reported.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
At the moment, electric vehicles remain more expensive than diesel models, and critics have argued that the government must spend a considerable amount to help convince people to switch to a new model.
The FT said that around £500m in fresh funding for electric car charging infrastructure would be rolled out in the new year.
RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said that the new date would present a “monumental challenge” to the car industry.
“We believe many more rapid charging devices are needed in order to give drivers the confidence that they can make longer journeys in a convenient and time efficient manner”, he added.
Tom Clarke, head of electric vehicle strategy at insurers LV, said the government should follow France and Germany in providing consumers with more incentives to buy the vehicles.
“We’re calling on the Government to follow France and Germany’s recent electric vehicle announcements and provide more fiscal incentives and nudges for electric vehicles to drive uptake”, he said.
“Based on our research, we support the motion to introduce different VAT rates for EVs, an initiative which has been suggested by the Behavioural Insights Team and Transport Research Laboratory in their report for Department for Transport.”


cityam--2020-11-14--Tata Steel UK future in doubt  as firm begins break up of operations

Tata Steel has announced plans to make its UK business “ self-sustaining ” while selling its Dutch operations .
The Indian giant said that it was no longer prepared to sustain the loss-making operation and would instead begin to break up its European operations .
Tata employs 7,000 people in Wales , including 4,000 at its plant in Port Talbot .
The Welsh government said that the decision was “ extremely worrying ” .
Tata also said that it was in early stage discussions with Swedish steelmaker SSAB about buying its Dutch operations .
“ SSAB has participated in several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steel industry , ” it said .
Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data “ The discussions with Tata are ongoing but no decisions have been made.
” The company has been in talks with the UK government for months over a £500m rescue package to continue operating .
On a conference call , officials said that they were pursuing “ all options to make the business self-sustaining ” .
The emergency funding was being pursued under the government ’ s Project Birch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support for businesses deemed of critical national importance .
Read more : Tata Motors denies it plans to sell its stake in Jaguar Land Rover

Tata Steel UK future in doubt as firm begins break up of operations
Tata Steel has announced plans to make its UK business “self-sustaining” while selling its Dutch operations.
The Indian giant said that it was no longer prepared to sustain the loss-making operation and would instead begin to break up its European operations.
Tata employs 7,000 people in Wales, including 4,000 at its plant in Port Talbot.
The Welsh government said that the decision was “extremely worrying”.
Tata also said that it was in early stage discussions with Swedish steelmaker SSAB about buying its Dutch operations.
“SSAB has participated in several different discussions concerning consolidations in the European steel industry,” it said.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
“The discussions with Tata are ongoing but no decisions have been made.”
The company has been in talks with the UK government for months over a £500m rescue package to continue operating.
On a conference call, officials said that they were pursuing “all options to make the business self-sustaining”.
The emergency funding was being pursued under the government’s Project Birch initiative, which looks to provide financial support for businesses deemed of critical national importance.


cityam--2020-11-14--Don't let lockdown ruin your weekend: From take away pints to virtual clubbing

As we enter the second weekend of lockdown 2 , things seem rather bleak .
As if the total closure of bars , restaurants , galleries , cinemas and theatres wasn ’ t enough , it ’ s also forecast to rain for most of the weekend .
Thankfully , we ’ re here to cheer you up a bit .
With the latest movies to stream , restaurant delivery boxes to gorge upon and even pints to take-away , here ’ s the weekly City A.M. culture and entertainment round-up , lockdown edition .
The internet is a truly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed look no further than takeawaypints.co.uk , an invaluable resource showing all of the places you can get a proper draft pint to drink as you mooch along the road .
If you happen to be in the City , you can enjoy a frothy lager at The Phoenix ( Throgmorton St ) , The Lion ( 31 Houndsditch ) , The Old Change Bar & Kitchen ( 2-3 Old Change Ct ) , Ekte Nordic Kitchen ( Bloomberg Arcade ) , Homeslice ( Queen St ) , Locke at Broken Wharf ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s personal hangout , The Bunch of Grapes in Leadenhall Market .
Wherever you are in london , check out the interactive map to find the closest takeaway beer to you .
The prospect of another month without restaurants is frankly too much to bear , especially with the nights drawing in and the temperature dropping .
Thankfully you can support your favourite chefs and have a slap-up meal , all without breaking quarrantine .
Here ’ s a round up of our favourite home delivery services , from pre-shaken cocktails to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week If even take-away pints sounds like too much trouble , here are some amazing bottles of wine you can order straight to your door – picked by our new wine columnist Dom Jacobs to celebrate Trump ’ s eviction from the White House .
Check it out here .
Prepare to spend another month in front of the TV .
Thankfully there are some interesting new films out this week , especially for documentary fans .
Our critic James Luxford says Lennox Lewis : The Untold Story is a sympathetic telling of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stays close to the truth – a gripping tale of a man who side-stepped the pitfalls of fame on his way to greatness .
From one legend to another – Billie tells the story of singer Billie Holiday through a series of never-before aired interviews .
It ’ s a fascinating glimpse into the life of a talent taken tragically young .
Read about it here .
If you ’ re looking for something a little more mainstream , here ’ s our weekly catch-up of the new Disney+ series The Mandalorian .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ If none of that appeals then break out the glow-sticks , put on some banging techno and just go large in your living room .
Here ’ s our guide to the new phenomena of virtual clubbing – where there ’ s never a queue for the loos and the bouncers will always let you in .

Don’t let lockdown ruin your weekend: From take away pints to virtual clubbing
Lola’s in Your Lounge at the Hippodrome
As we enter the second weekend of lockdown 2, things seem rather bleak. As if the total closure of bars, restaurants, galleries, cinemas and theatres wasn’t enough, it’s also forecast to rain for most of the weekend.
Thankfully, we’re here to cheer you up a bit. With the latest movies to stream, restaurant delivery boxes to gorge upon and even pints to take-away, here’s the weekly City A.M. culture and entertainment round-up, lockdown edition.
Take away pints
The internet is a truly wonderful thing, and if proof were needed look no further than takeawaypints.co.uk, an invaluable resource showing all of the places you can get a proper draft pint to drink as you mooch along the road.
If you happen to be in the City, you can enjoy a frothy lager at The Phoenix (Throgmorton St), The Lion (31 Houndsditch), The Old Change Bar & Kitchen (2-3 Old Change Ct), Ekte Nordic Kitchen (Bloomberg Arcade), Homeslice (Queen St), Locke at Broken Wharf (Broken Wharf), and City A.M.’s personal hangout, The Bunch of Grapes in Leadenhall Market.
Wherever you are in london, check out the interactive map to find the closest takeaway beer to you.
Restaurants-in-a-box
Vallebona
Take Cuvee
Nutshell
Fallow
Restaurant Kits
Crockers Henley
Arros QD DIY Paella Kit
Kricket
Pied à Terre
Stein’s at Home
The prospect of another month without restaurants is frankly too much to bear, especially with the nights drawing in and the temperature dropping. Thankfully you can support your favourite chefs and have a slap-up meal, all without breaking quarrantine. Here’s a round up of our favourite home delivery services, from pre-shaken cocktails to paella kits.
Our wines of the week
If even take-away pints sounds like too much trouble, here are some amazing bottles of wine you can order straight to your door – picked by our new wine columnist Dom Jacobs to celebrate Trump’s eviction from the White House. Check it out here.
Streaming
Prepare to spend another month in front of the TV. Thankfully there are some interesting new films out this week, especially for documentary fans.
Lennox: The Untold Story
Our critic James Luxford says Lennox Lewis: The Untold Story is a sympathetic telling of the fighter’s journey that nevertheless stays close to the truth – a gripping tale of a man who side-stepped the pitfalls of fame on his way to greatness.
Read the review here.
The story of Billie Holiday is told in the documentary Billie
From one legend to another – Billie tells the story of singer Billie Holiday through a series of never-before aired interviews. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the life of a talent taken tragically young. Read about it here.
The Mandalorian Season 2
If you’re looking for something a little more mainstream, here’s our weekly catch-up of the new Disney+ series The Mandalorian.
Or why not go clubbing instead?
Lola’s in Your Lounge at the Hippodrome
If none of that appeals then break out the glow-sticks, put on some banging techno and just go large in your living room. Here’s our guide to the new phenomena of virtual clubbing – where there’s never a queue for the loos and the bouncers will always let you in.


cityam--2020-11-14--Why virtual clubbing could lift your lockdown blues

Ibiza may be the world ’ s best-known clubbing destination , but for real connoisseurs of nasty techno , Berlin is where it ’ s at .
Read more : How to eat well during a pandemic , from pre-mixed cocktails to Michelin home delivery Most famous among its venues is the legendary Berghain , a vast concrete cathedral to dance music where club nights turn into club days and back into club nights , and the world ’ s top DJs provide the entertainment .
It ’ s so successful that it ’ s developed a reputation for being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – if you don ’ t Sprechen Sie Deutsch , you ’ re out of luck .
At a recent event , however , Berghain out Berghained itself by turning away 40,000 clubbers , which must be some kind of record .
The night in question was Club Quarantäne – a virtual party taking place over the internet .
Turning away so many potential visitors was a self referential joke by the event organisers – a quick press of F5 gave devotees of dance music another shot at getting past those bouncers – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ realm .
Club Quarantäne is one of many virtual events now taking place as the entertainment industry attempts to deal with the waves of restrictions and lockdown that make regular trading impossible .
Another interesting solution to the problem of hosting live events without crowds is the latest concert announced by former Oasis singer Liam Gallacher .
On 5 December he will play a gig on a boat chugging down the Thames .
For £16.50 , you can tune in live through your browser or an app and watch him serenade the indifferent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in many ways , harder work than live entertainment , ” says Jillian George-Lewis , Creative Entertainment Programmer at The Hippodrome , which has been hosting a series of digital events called Lola ’ s in Your Lounge since the start of covid restrictions .
“ The biggest issue is , without doubt , tech .
Online performances , like all performances , run into tech problems and I really missed having our sound and lighting engineers on hand .
There ’ s also the issue of communication .
When someone is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not easy to get a message to them if something is going wrong .
“ Early in the season , I booked in my great friend the comedy magician Christian Lee , who accidentally spent his whole Instagram Live set with the camera on its side .
I was frantically texting his wife to tell him to turn it round but she was hiding upstairs as she was sick of his jokes !
Whenever we see him now , we speak to him with our heads tilted , which he doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do.
” Lola ’ s in Your Lounge encompasses a wide variety of live sessions , including singers , magicians and musicians doing live sets from their homes .
There are also workshops on things as diverse as hula hooping , HIIT fitness classes , vintage hair and make-up classes from burlesque performers and vegan baking sessions .
Given live online cabaret acts are essentially a new medium , George-Lewis says she ’ s been surprised with how quickly people have taken to it , with audiences quickly starting to act in similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It was great to see some genuine interaction with the performers , with people chatting on the live streams and requesting songs.
” Unlike other live online events , the Hippodrome season is free for its social media followers , although it has experimented with a more exclusive “ pre-show Zoom party ” at which those on the guestlist could hang out with west end singer Ryan Molloy before a live performance .
“ Everyone made cocktails and it was a lot of fun .
My memories of the set are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a real-life night out !
” for a lot of people with certain disabilities or health issues , this is normal life for them , so I think it ’ s vital that venues , shows and producers consider making more of their productions accessible from home or share access to their back catalogue of performances .
George-Lewis says she ’ s desperate to see physical live events resume , but says the new virtual events platforms should have a place going forward .
“ It ’ s a new way to engage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constantly evolve the ways we use technology to reach a bigger audience .
and keep striving for inclusivity .
It ’ s especially important for people with disabilities or health issues who might not otherwise be able to attend live shows.
” So while a trip to Berghain may be out for the foreseeable future , don ’ t be disheartened .
Shake up some cocktails , plug your laptop into the TV and experience the closest we have to live entertainment , all without having to worry about getting a cab home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s in Your Lounge is on 22 November at 3pm on FB Live .
The Hippodrome is also launching a season of socially distant concerts from 2-20 December – buy tickets at fw-live.com .

Why virtual clubbing could lift your lockdown blues
Lola’s in Your Lounge at the Hippodrome
Ibiza may be the world’s best-known clubbing destination, but for real connoisseurs of nasty techno, Berlin is where it’s at.
Most famous among its venues is the legendary Berghain, a vast concrete cathedral to dance music where club nights turn into club days and back into club nights, and the world’s top DJs provide the entertainment. It’s so successful that it’s developed a reputation for being virtually impossible for tourists to get in – if you don’t Sprechen Sie Deutsch, you’re out of luck.
At a recent event, however, Berghain out Berghained itself by turning away 40,000 clubbers, which must be some kind of record. The night in question was Club Quarantäne – a virtual party taking place over the internet. Turning away so many potential visitors was a self referential joke by the event organisers – a quick press of F5 gave devotees of dance music another shot at getting past those bouncers – a luxury rarely granted in the physical realm.
Club Quarantäne is one of many virtual events now taking place as the entertainment industry attempts to deal with the waves of restrictions and lockdown that make regular trading impossible.
Another interesting solution to the problem of hosting live events without crowds is the latest concert announced by former Oasis singer Liam Gallacher. On 5 December he will play a gig on a boat chugging down the Thames. For £16.50, you can tune in live through your browser or an app and watch him serenade the indifferent grey water.
Liam Gallacher will perform an online set on a boat down the Thames
“Online programming is, in many ways, harder work than live entertainment,” says Jillian George-Lewis, Creative Entertainment Programmer at The Hippodrome, which has been hosting a series of digital events called Lola’s in Your Lounge since the start of covid restrictions.
“The biggest issue is, without doubt, tech. Online performances, like all performances, run into tech problems and I really missed having our sound and lighting engineers on hand. There’s also the issue of communication. When someone is streaming from their phone it’s not easy to get a message to them if something is going wrong.
“Early in the season, I booked in my great friend the comedy magician Christian Lee, who accidentally spent his whole Instagram Live set with the camera on its side. I was frantically texting his wife to tell him to turn it round but she was hiding upstairs as she was sick of his jokes! Whenever we see him now, we speak to him with our heads tilted, which he doesn’t find anywhere near as funny as I do.”
Lola’s in Your Lounge encompasses a wide variety of live sessions, including singers, magicians and musicians doing live sets from their homes. There are also workshops on things as diverse as hula hooping, HIIT fitness classes, vintage hair and make-up classes from burlesque performers and vegan baking sessions.
Given live online cabaret acts are essentially a new medium, George-Lewis says she’s been surprised with how quickly people have taken to it, with audiences quickly starting to act in similar ways as they would a live performance. “It was great to see some genuine interaction with the performers, with people chatting on the live streams and requesting songs.”
Unlike other live online events, the Hippodrome season is free for its social media followers, although it has experimented with a more exclusive “pre-show Zoom party” at which those on the guestlist could hang out with west end singer Ryan Molloy before a live performance. “Everyone made cocktails and it was a lot of fun. My memories of the set are a little hazy though, just like a real-life night out!”
for a lot of people with certain disabilities or health issues, this is normal life for them, so I think it’s vital that venues, shows and producers consider making more of their productions accessible from home or share access to their back catalogue of performances.
George-Lewis says she’s desperate to see physical live events resume, but says the new virtual events platforms should have a place going forward. “It’s a new way to engage people and we as an industry must constantly evolve the ways we use technology to reach a bigger audience. and keep striving for inclusivity. It’s especially important for people with disabilities or health issues who might not otherwise be able to attend live shows.”
So while a trip to Berghain may be out for the foreseeable future, don’t be disheartened. Shake up some cocktails, plug your laptop into the TV and experience the closest we have to live entertainment, all without having to worry about getting a cab home afterwards.
• The next Lola’s in Your Lounge is on 22 November at 3pm on FB Live. The Hippodrome is also launching a season of socially distant concerts from 2-20 December – buy tickets at fw-live.com.


cityam--2020-11-14--Our recovery from Covid-19 is a chance not to build walls, but to cooperate

As we make our way through the second round of national Covid-19 restrictions , life today is very different to what we expected 12 months ago .
The UK last week passed the tragic milestone of 50,000 deaths linked to this terrible virus , while many businesses and households across the country continue to struggle due to the economic fallout .
These are tough times .
And yet , I am confident that there will be light at the end of this long tunnel .
London has endured through plagues , fires and countless other disasters in the past , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not once more rise to this challenge by building back better .
So as I start my second full year as lord mayor — the first to serve a second year in office since 1861 — it is clear to me that we must use this time to prepare and ensure that London is in the best possible shape when the recovery restarts .
That is why I was delighted last week when the City of London Corporation , alongside the World Economic Forum and the Green Finance Institute , brought together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Green Horizon Summit .
A number of welcome announcements were made , notably the chancellor ’ s commitment to issuing the UK ’ s first green gilt in 2021 and setting out a pathway towards mandatory climate disclosures .
This demonstrates the critical role that the City has to play in supporting the transition to net zero , and in doing so driving our economic recovery forwards .
Regulation also has a vital role to play in underpinning our recovery .
At a virtual event alongside the Financial Conduct Authority ( FCA ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I stressed the need to place innovation , agility and openness at the heart of our regulatory framework .
That is why we are supporting the government ’ s Fintech Strategic Review , alongside Innovate Finance .
It is also why we are working with the FCA on their Digital Sandbox Pilot , which will allow companies to test their new products and services — especially those innovatively tackling challenges related to or exacerbated by coronavirus — in a safe environment .
In order to remain globally competitive , it is also important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather than away from them .
Open trade has always been a cornerstone of our culture .
I firmly believe that the only way we are going to manage the economic recovery from Covid-19 is to cooperate , not build walls .
The City of London Corporation is therefore calling for a return to global regulatory coherence in the lead-up to the UK ’ s presidency of the G7 and our hosting of COP26 next November .
Fragmentation only breaks what we have built together .
It is bad for business and bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy chair Catherine McGuinness has been engaging closely with the UK government and the European Union to ensure a deal is struck .
By creating a new relationship , built on strong regulatory cooperation , we can collaborate on common challenges such as climate change .
Life may continue to look very different over the coming months , but by working together we can emerge from this period stronger and greener .
Read more : Explainer : What are green bonds ?
And how will the UK ’ s first green gilts work @

Our recovery from Covid-19 is a chance not to build walls, but to cooperate
As we make our way through the second round of national Covid-19 restrictions, life today is very different to what we expected 12 months ago.
The UK last week passed the tragic milestone of 50,000 deaths linked to this terrible virus, while many businesses and households across the country continue to struggle due to the economic fallout.
These are tough times. And yet, I am confident that there will be light at the end of this long tunnel. London has endured through plagues, fires and countless other disasters in the past, and there is no reason why we cannot once more rise to this challenge by building back better.
So as I start my second full year as lord mayor — the first to serve a second year in office since 1861 — it is clear to me that we must use this time to prepare and ensure that London is in the best possible shape when the recovery restarts.
That is why I was delighted last week when the City of London Corporation, alongside the World Economic Forum and the Green Finance Institute, brought together a range of global voices at the Green Horizon Summit.
A number of welcome announcements were made, notably the chancellor’s commitment to issuing the UK’s first green gilt in 2021 and setting out a pathway towards mandatory climate disclosures. This demonstrates the critical role that the City has to play in supporting the transition to net zero, and in doing so driving our economic recovery forwards.
Regulation also has a vital role to play in underpinning our recovery. At a virtual event alongside the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Bank of England last week, I stressed the need to place innovation, agility and openness at the heart of our regulatory framework.
That is why we are supporting the government’s Fintech Strategic Review, alongside Innovate Finance. It is also why we are working with the FCA on their Digital Sandbox Pilot, which will allow companies to test their new products and services — especially those innovatively tackling challenges related to or exacerbated by coronavirus — in a safe environment.
In order to remain globally competitive, it is also important that we turn towards our international partners rather than away from them.
Open trade has always been a cornerstone of our culture. I firmly believe that the only way we are going to manage the economic recovery from Covid-19 is to cooperate, not build walls.
The City of London Corporation is therefore calling for a return to global regulatory coherence in the lead-up to the UK’s presidency of the G7 and our hosting of COP26 next November.
Fragmentation only breaks what we have built together. It is bad for business and bad for consumers, which is why our policy chair Catherine McGuinness has been engaging closely with the UK government and the European Union to ensure a deal is struck. By creating a new relationship, built on strong regulatory cooperation, we can collaborate on common challenges such as climate change.
Life may continue to look very different over the coming months, but by working together we can emerge from this period stronger and greener.
Main image credit: Getty


cityam--2020-11-14--The Masters: prize money at this weekend's iconic golf tournament

Winning the Masters is more about green jackets than greenbacks , but the prize money isn ’ t to be sniffed at either .
This article details how payouts at men ’ s golf ’ s most iconic tournament compare with those at the other three majors .
It will also illustrate how the Masters prize money has increased over time , and reveal who has earned the most at Augusta National .
Read more : Champions League 2020-21 : How prize money is calculated and why the winners don ’ t always get paid the most How The Masters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Masters has the cachet , but the US Open offers the most cash of the four men ’ s majors .
Bryson DeChambeau banked $ 2.25m from a total prize fund of $ 12.5m when he won the US Open earlier this year .
Whoever prevails at Augusta this week , meanwhile , will pick up $ 2.07m from a total purse of $ 11.5m .
The US PGA Championship is the next most lucrative , followed by the Open Championships .
All have total prize funds in excess of $ 10m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , prize money at the Masters has steadily increased .
Both the total prize fund and the winner ’ s prize have grown by around 50 per cent since 2013. Who are the highest earners at The Masters ?
The identity of the two highest earning players in Masters history should come as no surprise .
Tiger Woods won his fifth green jacket last year in an incredible storyline , taking his overall earnings at Augusta to $ 9.49m .
Three-time winner Phil Mickelson , meanwhile , is a relatively close second on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is how far in front of the rest Woods and Mickelson are .
At sixth Justin Rose is the highest-placed player yet to win the Masters .
Rose is one of two Englishmen in the top 10 , with Lee Westwood , who has also never finished better than second ( twice ) .
Note : Final prize money for the 2020 Masters had not been confirmed at the time of publication but was expected to remain the same as last year .
This article will be updated if that changes .

The Masters 2021: How much prize money players can at this week’s iconic golf tournament
Five-time winner Tiger Woods has won more Masters prize money than anyone else
Winning the Masters is more about Green Jackets than greenbacks, but the prize money isn’t to be sniffed at either.
This article details how payouts at men’s golf’s most iconic tournament compare with those at the other three majors.
It will also illustrate how the Masters prize money has increased over time, and reveal who has earned the most at Augusta National.
How The Masters compares with golf’s other majors
The Masters has the cachet, but the US Open offers the most cash of the four men’s majors.
Bryson DeChambeau banked $2.25m from a total prize fund of $12.5m when he won the US Open earlier this year.
Whoever prevails at Augusta this week, meanwhile, will pick up $2.07m from a total purse of $11.5m.
The US PGA Championship is the next most lucrative, followed by the Open Championships. All have total prize funds in excess of $10m.
How Masters prize money has increased
In keeping with the other majors, prize money at the Masters has steadily increased.
Both the total prize fund and the winner’s prize have grown by around 50 per cent since 2013.
Who are the highest earners at The Masters?
The identity of the two highest earning players in Masters history should come as no surprise.
Five-time winner Tiger Woods has pocketed $9.49m, while triple champion Phil Mickelson is a relatively close second on $8.02m.
But what is notable is how far in front of the rest Woods and Mickelson are.
Dustin Johnson’s win last year lifted him to fourth in all-time earnings.
At sixth Justin Rose is the highest-placed player yet to win the Masters.
Rose is one of two Englishmen in the top 10, with Lee Westwood, who has also never finished better than second (twice).
Note: Final prize money for the 2021 Masters had not been confirmed at the time of publication but was expected to remain the same as last year. This article will be updated if that changes.


cityam--2020-11-14--Weekly outlook, 16-20 November: will FTSE rally continue?

After the best week for the FTSE 100 since April , investors will be keen to see if markets can keep the rally going , with a slew of heavyweights set to report .
Last Monday Pfizer ’ s announcement that its vaccine was 90 per cent effective in treating the coronavirus disease sent stocks soaring .
Read more : Wall Street opens higher but FTSE 100 slips as virus cases continue to rise Traders cheered the news , which raised hopes that life could get back to normal far sooner than had been previously anticipated .
The rally did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as rising numbers of coronavirus cases reminded investors that there is still a long way to go in the battle against the disease .
Shares in the telecoms giant have been trading at their lowest levels since 2002 in recent months , with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic compounding a challenging situation for the firm .
The acquisition of Liberty Global left the firm with €42bn of debt on the balance sheet , while Vodafone is also facing fierce competition in its core German , Spanish , Italian and UK markets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russ Mould said : “ July ’ s first-quarter trading update offered little solace , as service revenues fell 1.3 per cent year-on-year on a like-for-like basis , with the core European markets down 2.6 per cent – remember that Germany , Spain , Italy and the UK generated two-thirds of profits in the year to March 2020.
” Analysts are expecting earnings to drop eight per cent to €14.3bn for the period , so investors will be hoping the firm can trump forecasts .
Read more : Vodafone shares slide as operator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Back in October the low-budget carrier warned that it was facing the first ever yearly loss in its history after the worst crisis in aviation history .
However , last week ’ s vaccine announcement sent shares heavenwards , with Easyjet stock flying up 40 per cent after months in the doldrums .
Chief exec Johan Lundgren will no doubt strike an optimistic tone as he addresses investors , with further indications that the government is mulling bringing in a system to shorten quarantine by the end of the year .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leisure travel – central to Easyjet ’ s business model – is banned until 2 December under the current lockdown .
Hargreaves Lansdown analyst Susannah Streeter said : “ The relief that a vaccine will soon be rolled out is likely to increase customer confidence and the airline will certainly be hoping it will lead to a surge in bookings for the crucial spring and summer period.
” Read more : Easyjet on track for first ever full year loss It ’ s been something of an annus horribilis for the tobacco giant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sudden change of chief executive , a dividend cut and a slump in the share price .
A trading statement from new boss Stefan Bomhard in October was aimed at calming investors after the turbulent ride , and more of the same will be top of shareholders ’ lists .
In that update Bomhard said that revenues from tobacco sales were set to come in ahead of expectations in a glimmer of hope for the blue chip .
Read more : Imperial Brands revenue flat as pandemic drives smoking pick up Having cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1996 in May , investors will be hoping for clarity on the future direction of payouts .
Royal Mail was also unable to avoid the carnage of the spring , as markets around the world went into meltdown as the coronavirus spread around the world .
However , said Michael Hewson of CMC Markets , shares had embarked on a “ slow steady recovery ” since falling as long as 120p earlier in the year .
But , he added , investors have finally cottoned on to the fact that shares in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It took a while for investors to wake up to this fact , but wake up they did , with the management of the business also playing a part in the share price decline .
“ Royal Mail ’ s biggest problem has been its higher cost base relative to its peers as well as its loss-making letters division .
Parcels on the other hand has the potential to make up for that now that so much shopping is now done on-line .
“ Now that Rico Back has departed as chief exec @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will re-engage with the work force and help push through further efficiencies to make Royal Mail work practices more in line with the 21st century.
” Lockdown decimated the UK retail sector , but since April there have been five straight months of gains for the sector , which helped to propel the third quarter ’ s record 15.5 per cent bounceback in GDP .
But the reality of a second lockdown , coming as it does right in the middle of the traditionally lucrative build up to Christmas , could spell more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expecting a 0.2 per cent decline in October , but Hewson said it would probably be a “ last hurrah ” for the industry before a further slide .
Read more : First lockdown cost food and drink industry £751m a week in lost sales , research shows “ One thing seems certain – Q4 is likely to see a sharp slowdown from the resilience that we saw in Q3 ” , he added .
• China and the US also report last month ’ s retail figures

Weekly outlook, 16-20 November: will FTSE rally continue?
After the best week for the FTSE 100 since April, investors will be keen to see if markets can keep the rally going, with a slew of heavyweights set to report.
Last Monday Pfizer’s announcement that its vaccine was 90 per cent effective in treating the coronavirus disease sent stocks soaring.
Traders cheered the news, which raised hopes that life could get back to normal far sooner than had been previously anticipated.
The rally did slow at the end of the week, as rising numbers of coronavirus cases reminded investors that there is still a long way to go in the battle against the disease.
Vodafone first half results – 16 November
Shares in the telecoms giant have been trading at their lowest levels since 2002 in recent months, with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic compounding a challenging situation for the firm.
The acquisition of Liberty Global left the firm with €42bn of debt on the balance sheet, while Vodafone is also facing fierce competition in its core German, Spanish, Italian and UK markets.
AJ Bell’s investment director Russ Mould said: “July’s first-quarter trading update offered little solace, as service revenues fell 1.3 per cent year-on-year on a like-for-like basis, with the core European markets down 2.6 per cent – remember that Germany, Spain, Italy and the UK generated two-thirds of profits in the year to March 2020.”
Analysts are expecting earnings to drop eight per cent to €14.3bn for the period, so investors will be hoping the firm can trump forecasts.
Easyjet full year results – 17 November
Back in October the low-budget carrier warned that it was facing the first ever yearly loss in its history after the worst crisis in aviation history.
However, last week’s vaccine announcement sent shares heavenwards, with Easyjet stock flying up 40 per cent after months in the doldrums.
Chief exec Johan Lundgren will no doubt strike an optimistic tone as he addresses investors, with further indications that the government is mulling bringing in a system to shorten quarantine by the end of the year.
However, it should not be forgotten that international leisure travel – central to Easyjet’s business model – is banned until 2 December under the current lockdown.
Hargreaves Lansdown analyst Susannah Streeter said: “The relief that a vaccine will soon be rolled out is likely to increase customer confidence and the airline will certainly be hoping it will lead to a surge in bookings for the crucial spring and summer period.”
Imperial Brands full year results – 17 November
It’s been something of an annus horribilis for the tobacco giant, with two profit warnings, a sudden change of chief executive, a dividend cut and a slump in the share price.
A trading statement from new boss Stefan Bomhard in October was aimed at calming investors after the turbulent ride, and more of the same will be top of shareholders’ lists.
In that update Bomhard said that revenues from tobacco sales were set to come in ahead of expectations in a glimmer of hope for the blue chip.
Having cut the dividend for the first time since 1996 in May, investors will be hoping for clarity on the future direction of payouts.
Royal Mail first half results – 19 November
Royal Mail was also unable to avoid the carnage of the spring, as markets around the world went into meltdown as the coronavirus spread around the world.
However, said Michael Hewson of CMC Markets, shares had embarked on a “slow steady recovery” since falling as long as 120p earlier in the year.
But, he added, investors have finally cottoned on to the fact that shares in the business had always been overvalued:
“It took a while for investors to wake up to this fact, but wake up they did, with the management of the business also playing a part in the share price decline.
“Royal Mail’s biggest problem has been its higher cost base relative to its peers as well as its loss-making letters division. Parcels on the other hand has the potential to make up for that now that so much shopping is now done on-line.
“Now that Rico Back has departed as chief exec, the hope is that new management will re-engage with the work force and help push through further efficiencies to make Royal Mail work practices more in line with the 21st century.”
UK October retail sales – 20 November
Lockdown decimated the UK retail sector, but since April there have been five straight months of gains for the sector, which helped to propel the third quarter’s record 15.5 per cent bounceback in GDP.
But the reality of a second lockdown, coming as it does right in the middle of the traditionally lucrative build up to Christmas, could spell more trouble for the sector.
Analysts are expecting a 0.2 per cent decline in October, but Hewson said it would probably be a “last hurrah” for the industry before a further slide.
“One thing seems certain – Q4 is likely to see a sharp slowdown from the resilience that we saw in Q3”, he added.
In addition


cityam--2020-11-14--Commuters face hike in rail fares in New Year

Commuters are facing the prospect of a New Year ’ s hike in rail fares as the cost of a multi-billion pound bailout of the country ’ s railways begins to be felt .
For the first time in eight years , fares could rise by more than the rate of inflation when the new prices kick in next year .
Read more : Rail franchises paid out £90m in delay refunds last year The Times reported that fares might be lifted by one per cent above the inflation rate , with a decision expected as part of the spending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Department for Transport and the Treasury are ongoing , with a first deadline for informing the rail industry already missed .
It takes about two months for rail firms to upload the new fares onto databases and ticket machines .
Last month the Office for Road and Rail ( ORR ) said that the number of passengers on UK trains had fallen to levels not seen since the 1800s due to the pandemic .
Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has the industry concerned that commuters will continue to stay away .
In the first six months of the year , £3.5bn in taxpayer money was spent propping up rail franchises .
Companies will remain under emergency government control until 2022 to ensure services continue .
When the emergency measures expire , the rail franchise system will be replaced , ministers have confirmed .
The inflation rate was at 1.6 per cent this July , suggesting that an increase of 2.6 per cent is on the cards , the Times reported .
Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in delay refunds last year That means the price of an average annual season ticket could rise from £3,064 to £3,144 .
A Department for Transport spokesman said : “ While we won ’ t comment on speculation , we must ensure any changes are fair to taxpayers .
”

Commuters face hike in rail fares in New Year
41 per cent of businesses increased recruitment activity in second quarter of this year
Commuters are facing the prospect of a New Year’s hike in rail fares as the cost of a multi-billion pound bailout of the country’s railways begins to be felt.
For the first time in eight years, fares could rise by more than the rate of inflation when the new prices kick in next year.
The Times reported that fares might be lifted by one per cent above the inflation rate, with a decision expected as part of the spending review on 25 November.
Negotiations between the Department for Transport and the Treasury are ongoing, with a first deadline for informing the rail industry already missed.
It takes about two months for rail firms to upload the new fares onto databases and ticket machines.
Last month the Office for Road and Rail (ORR) said that the number of passengers on UK trains had fallen to levels not seen since the 1800s due to the pandemic.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
And the prospect of a hike in fares has the industry concerned that commuters will continue to stay away.
In the first six months of the year, £3.5bn in taxpayer money was spent propping up rail franchises.
Companies will remain under emergency government control until 2022 to ensure services continue.
When the emergency measures expire, the rail franchise system will be replaced, ministers have confirmed.
The inflation rate was at 1.6 per cent this July, suggesting that an increase of 2.6 per cent is on the cards, the Times reported.
That means the price of an average annual season ticket could rise from £3,064 to £3,144.
A Department for Transport spokesman said: “While we won’t comment on speculation, we must ensure any changes are fair to taxpayers.”


cityam--2020-11-14--Aer Lingus set to snub Stobart Air over new deal

Stobart Air looks set to stop running regional flights for Aer Lingus from 2023 after the Irish carrier suggested it was unlikely to renew its current contract .
Yesterday Aer Lingus told the company that it would not be the preferred supplier for the new commercial arrangement .
It came as it emerged that new carrier Emerald Airlines would challenge for the contract instead .
Irish media reported that the airline , which was set up by Dublin Aerospace boss Conor McCarthy , had already booked the gig .
The decision not to renew Stobart ’ s deal would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which has run the regional routes for a decade .
Chief executive Warwick Brady said that the decision was a “ disappointing ” one , but would not change the company ’ s plans to sell the division .
Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data “ Whilst a disappointing decision by Aer Lingus , we believe that Stobart Air is a strategic and attractive asset for a potential buyer with number of options open to it in terms of continued operations beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , he said .
“ It is well placed to build on eight years of reliable , customer focused connectivity between Ireland and the UK and utilise its European Air Operator Certificate to operate out of Ireland and seek further franchise or independent flying arrangements.
” The airline added that it was in discussions with a number of suitors over the sale of the division , which it expected to complete by the end of the financial year .
Should Stobart Air not be awarded a new commercial agreement , Stobart Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ break clause for the lease agreement of eight ATR aircraft in April 2023 at a cost to the Group of $ 21.2m , it added .

Aer Lingus set to snub Stobart Air over new deal
Isle of Man based company Ettyl will buy Eskens entire shareholding in Stobart Air for £2 plus the value of any cash on the balance sheet, and £15m for the Carlisle Lake District Airport.
Stobart Air looks set to stop running regional flights for Aer Lingus from 2023 after the Irish carrier suggested it was unlikely to renew its current contract.
Yesterday Aer Lingus told the company that it would not be the preferred supplier for the new commercial arrangement.
It came as it emerged that new carrier Emerald Airlines would challenge for the contract instead.
Irish media reported that the airline, which was set up by Dublin Aerospace boss Conor McCarthy, had already booked the gig.
The decision not to renew Stobart’s deal would be a major blow to the company, which has run the regional routes for a decade.
Chief executive Warwick Brady said that the decision was a “disappointing” one, but would not change the company’s plans to sell the division.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
“Whilst a disappointing decision by Aer Lingus, we believe that Stobart Air is a strategic and attractive asset for a potential buyer with number of options open to it in terms of continued operations beyond its current franchise agreement with Aer Lingus”, he said.
“It is well placed to build on eight years of reliable, customer focused connectivity between Ireland and the UK and utilise its European Air Operator Certificate to operate out of Ireland and seek further franchise or independent flying arrangements.”
The airline added that it was in discussions with a number of suitors over the sale of the division, which it expected to complete by the end of the financial year.
Should Stobart Air not be awarded a new commercial agreement , Stobart Group can exercise its right to an early break clause for the lease agreement of eight ATR aircraft in April 2023 at a cost to the Group of $21.2m, it added.


cityam--2020-11-15--Lobbyists given access to confidential government Covid briefings

An influential lobbyist was given access to UK government Covid briefings on future restrictions and briefed clients about an upcoming lockdown , it has been revealed .
Former Sun political editor , and current chairman of Portland Communications , George Pascoe-Watson worked as an unpaid adviser to the UK government during the first wave of Covid in April .
Read more : Labour turns spotlight on Covid deals between government and Tory donors He had access for six months to daily briefings led by NHS Test and Trace minister Lord James Bethell and advised on how to communicate policy decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports that Pascoe-Watson emailed clients on October 15 , telling them he had been “ privately advised ” that new London restrictions would last six months until the spring .
“ Decision-makers have told me personally , ” he wrote .
Two weeks later he wrote to clients to say Boris Johnson would implement another national lockdown and would “ announce next week that he is prepared to ‘ sacrifice November to save December ’ ” .
The email was sent just days before the Prime Minister announced England would be locked down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It comes as Labour has just called for a public inquiry into the awarding of Covid-related contracts by the UK government amid claims of widespread cronyism .
Pascoe-Watson told the Times that he had “ fully declared my role and responsibilities at Portland Communications to the Department of Health and Social Care ” and that “ the information shared with clients on October 15 and 29 was in no way connected to the test and trace calls , in which I was no longer a participant ” .
Environment secretary George Eustice told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s role was entirely above board .
“ The reality is that in dealing with this pandemic lots of people have come forward to offer their help and I think in the case of George Pascoe-Watson and Lord Feldman these were unpaid roles , ” he said .
Read more : NHS providers urge Rishi Sunak to invest extra £4bn due to Covid challenges “ They were volunteering help , if you like , to assist government with what has been a very difficult situation , particularly around Test and Trace and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understanding is that they all went through a Cabinet Office process and the Civil Service were involved in the recruitment and the porcessess around it .
”

Lobbyists given access to confidential government Covid briefings
The Sunday Times reports that Pascoe-Watson emailed clients on October 15, telling them he had been “privately advised” that new London restrictions would last six months until the spring.
An influential lobbyist was given access to UK government Covid briefings on future restrictions and briefed clients about an upcoming lockdown, it has been revealed.
Former Sun political editor, and current chairman of Portland Communications, George Pascoe-Watson worked as an unpaid adviser to the UK government during the first wave of Covid in April.
He had access for six months to daily briefings led by NHS Test and Trace minister Lord James Bethell and advised on how to communicate policy decisions to the public.
The Sunday Times reports that Pascoe-Watson emailed clients on October 15, telling them he had been “privately advised” that new London restrictions would last six months until the spring.
“Decision-makers have told me personally,” he wrote.
Two weeks later he wrote to clients to say Boris Johnson would implement another national lockdown and would “announce next week that he is prepared to ‘sacrifice November to save December’”.
The email was sent just days before the Prime Minister announced England would be locked down until 2 December at the earliest.
It comes as Labour has just called for a public inquiry into the awarding of Covid-related contracts by the UK government amid claims of widespread cronyism.
Pascoe-Watson told the Times that he had “fully declared my role and responsibilities at Portland Communications to the Department of Health and Social Care” and that “the information shared with clients on October 15 and 29 was in no way connected to the test and trace calls, in which I was no longer a participant”.
Environment secretary George Eustice told Times Radio that he thought Pascoe-Watson’s role was entirely above board.
“The reality is that in dealing with this pandemic lots of people have come forward to offer their help and I think in the case of George Pascoe-Watson and Lord Feldman these were unpaid roles,” he said.
“They were volunteering help, if you like, to assist government with what has been a very difficult situation, particularly around Test and Trace and the communications around that.
“And my understanding is that they all went through a Cabinet Office process and the Civil Service were involved in the recruitment and the porcessess around it.”


cityam--2020-11-15--Weekly outlook, 16-20 November: will FTSE rally continue?


cityam--2020-11-15--Vaccine refusers may be barred from pubs and offices: Senior Tory MP

People who refuse to take a Covid-19 vaccine may be barred from restaurants , pubs and offices , a senior Conservative MP has suggested .
Tom Tugendhat , MP for Tonbridge , Edenbridge and Malling and chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee , told HuffPost UK he could “ certainly see the day ” when people are refused entry into pubs and restaurants , and they may not be allowed to return to their work place until they have had the vaccine .
“ If vaccination works and if we are confident it ’ s safe , and all indications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can certainly see the day when businesses say : ‘ Look , you ’ ve got to return to the office and if you ’ re not vaccinated you ’ re not coming in ’ .
” Tugendhat added that the use of ‘ vaccination certificates ’ may also become standard practice as employers and venues could demand to see such documentation before people are allowed to entering their premises .
As a result , people who refuse the vaccine may find it hard to return to normal life , he added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ week that any vaccine will be optional and children will not be forced to get a vaccination .
His comments followed reports that a vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech is more than 90 % effective .
The news led to a spike in financial market activity worldwide .
Read more : Pfizer ’ s Covid-19 vaccine news set off a $ 2 trillion trading frenzy on markets The UK government has asked the NHS to be ready to deploy any Covid-19 vaccine from early next month .
Once it starts rolling out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first in line , Hancock said .
The UK anticipates to have 10m doses of the vaccine available by the end of the year .
The UK government said earlier this week it is actively fighting anti-vaxxers .
Prime minister Boris Johnson revealed that money splurged by vaccine taskforce chief Kate Bingham on private PR companies was necessary to combat anti-vaccine conspiracy theories .
Johnson , who has labelled vaccine refusers as “ nuts “ , told the House of Commons that the spending was necessary to reassure people vaccines were safe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The expenditure [ helps to ] raise awareness of vaccines , to fight the anti-vaxxers and to persuade the people of this country – 300,000 – to take part in trials without which we can ’ t have vaccines , ” Johnson told MPs .
Read more : How does a vaccine affect investment sentiment in the Square Mile ?

Anti-vaxxers may be barred from pubs and offices: Senior Tory MP
The UK has formally kicked off its vaccination program, with thousands to receive the Pfizer vaccine today
People who refuse to take a Covid-19 vaccine may be barred from restaurants, pubs and offices, a senior Conservative MP has suggested.
Tom Tugendhat, MP for Tonbridge, Edenbridge and Malling and chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, told HuffPost UK he could “certainly see the day” when people are refused entry into pubs and restaurants, and they may not be allowed to return to their work place until they have had the vaccine.
“If vaccination works and if we are confident it’s safe, and all indications so far are good, then I can certainly see the day when businesses say: ‘Look, you’ve got to return to the office and if you’re not vaccinated you’re not coming in’.”
Tugendhat added that the use of ‘vaccination certificates’ may also become standard practice as employers and venues could demand to see such documentation before people are allowed to entering their premises. As a result, people who refuse the vaccine may find it hard to return to normal life, he added.
Optional, also for children
Health secretary Matt Hancock said earlier this week that any vaccine will be optional and children will not be forced to get a vaccination.
His comments followed reports that a vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech is more than 90% effective. The news led to a spike in financial market activity worldwide.
View Post
The UK government has asked the NHS to be ready to deploy any Covid-19 vaccine from early next month. Once it starts rolling out the medication, the most vulnerable will be first in line, Hancock said. The UK anticipates to have 10m doses of the vaccine available by the end of the year.
Vaccine refusers
The UK government said earlier this week it is actively fighting anti-vaxxers. Prime minister Boris Johnson revealed that money splurged by vaccine taskforce chief Kate Bingham on private PR companies was necessary to combat anti-vaccine conspiracy theories.
Johnson, who has labelled vaccine refusers as “nuts“, told the House of Commons that the spending was necessary to reassure people vaccines were safe and to encourage participation in trials.
“The expenditure [helps to] raise awareness of vaccines, to fight the anti-vaxxers and to persuade the people of this country – 300,000 – to take part in trials without which we can’t have vaccines,” Johnson told MPs.
Read more: How does a vaccine affect investment sentiment in the Square Mile?


cityam--2020-11-15--Bookshop.org: How a ‘scrappy’ online bookseller is trying to take on Amazon

While the tech revolution has worked its way into all parts of daily life , few industries have experienced as extreme an overhaul as publishing .
US bookstore sales have dropped from highs of more than $ 17bn ( £12.9bn ) to less than $ 10bn , while Amazon ’ s market share has grown to over 50 per cent .
But now there ’ s a new kid on the block .
Bookshop.org , which provides a platform for independent bookshops to sell their wares to socially-conscious consumers , launched in the UK this month with the express purpose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the industry .
Bookshop allows indie booksellers to create their own free , virtual shopfronts on its platform — similar to a social media profile .
They are given the full 30 per cent profit margin on each sale , with roughly 50 per cent going to the publisher and the remainder used to cover fulfilment costs .
Bookshop has partnered with wholesaler Gardners , offering same-day delivery for all orders made before midday .
It launched in the US at the beginning of the year and grew from 250 to 900 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The site ballooned from sales of $ 50,000 in February to a peak in June , when it sold $ 1m worth of books in a single day .
In its first two weeks in the UK , Bookshop has pulled in revenue of around £100,000 .
Andy Hunter , who runs the site from a small apartment in Brooklyn , where he lives with his two young children , describes the launch as “ the most intense period of my life ” .
“ We ’ re not slick or well-funded , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re not backed by venture capital or Silicon Valley .
We ’ ve got it in our corporate bylaws that we ’ ll never sell to Amazon or any other major US retailer.
” Instead , the venture is “ mission-focused ” , and has applied for B Corporation status in the UK — a community of companies striving to balance purpose with profit .
For Bookshop , this purpose is serving the needs of independent booksellers and , through them , the wider publishing community .
Bookstores , Hunter says , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battle to keep books a relevant part of our culture ” .
For the bulk of sales , which come through the storefronts of the sellers on its platform , Bookshop does not take a cut .
Instead , it earns its keep through an affiliate programme .
This grants a 10 per cent commission to registered partners who link to Bookshop ’ s site .
This is matched by an equal contribution to a profit-sharing pool that is split between the indie stores .
Bookshop earns a further 10 per cent cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the US , Bookshop has secured affiliate partnerships with publishers including Buzzfeed and Esquire .
Thousands of social media influencers — from cookbook authors to so-called Bookstagrammers — have also signed up .
The target market is well-heeled consumers who want to support indie booksellers , with the platform positioning itself as a “ socially-conscious alternative ” to Amazon , rather than a direct competitor .
But this does not stop Hunter ’ s “ scrappy band of passionate believers ” from putting the tech giant in its sights .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amazon ’ s market share — absolutely , ” he says .
“ I want to take five per cent of Amazon ’ s market share , but I don ’ t think we are going to beat Amazon.
” In many ways , Bookshop embodies a sector that has come full circle .
Amazon was once the bolshie startup trying to disrupt the ecommerce market .
Now it is the incumbent , and the old hands are fighting back .
“ We are anti-disrupting the industry , ” Hunter says .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Silicon Valley , but we ’ re trying to reverse an industry disruption .
We ’ re trying to reinforce the culture that existed before , because we think it ’ s a more human and a more positive and healthy culture.
” Read more : EU accuses Amazon of ‘ distorting ’ competition in ecommerce market Bookshop ’ s rapid rise has undoubtedly been spurred on by the coronavirus pandemic , with lockdown measures fuelling a surge in book sales .
Hunter says he moved the UK launch forward in response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lives Matter movement has also boosted sales , driving up interest in anti-racist literature and support for black-owned bookshops .
But many in the industry have been calling for a new rival to Amazon for years , and the launch of Bookshop has been hailed as a breakthrough moment .
“ Like every publisher of long standing , I tend to be an incorrigible – some would say deluded – optimist , but nonetheless I am finding it impossible not to see the arrival of Bookshop as being a positively revolutionary moment in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and in the evolution of the relationship between writers and readers , ” says Philip Gwyn Jones , publisher at Picador .
Bookshop is now mulling a move into audiobooks and ebooks , while the company has also had discussions with magazine and newspaper publishers .
Further international expansion is also on the horizon , and the platform has received interest from Spain , France and Germany , as well as India and parts of South America .
But for Hunter the immediate focus is on expanding his platform in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We ’ ve seen Bookshop emerge as an innovative partner for US indie booksellers , and its mission to support and empower bookshops online is ever more important in the UK , ” says Meryl Halls , managing director at the Booksellers Association .
“ A high-profile alternative to Amazon in the lead up to Christmas can only help high street independents achieve cut-through online .
”

Bookshop.org: How a ‘scrappy’ online bookseller is trying to take on Amazon
Bookshop founder Andy Hunter wants to offer consumers a socially-conscious alternative to Amazon
While the tech revolution has worked its way into all parts of daily life, few industries have experienced as extreme an overhaul as publishing.
US bookstore sales have dropped from highs of more than $17bn (£12.9bn) to less than $10bn, while Amazon’s market share has grown to over 50 per cent.
But now there’s a new kid on the block. Bookshop.org, which provides a platform for independent bookshops to sell their wares to socially-conscious consumers, launched in the UK this month with the express purpose of loosening Amazon’s iron grip on the industry.
Virtual shopfronts
Bookshop allows indie booksellers to create their own free, virtual shopfronts on its platform — similar to a social media profile. They are given the full 30 per cent profit margin on each sale, with roughly 50 per cent going to the publisher and the remainder used to cover fulfilment costs. Bookshop has partnered with wholesaler Gardners, offering same-day delivery for all orders made before midday.
It launched in the US at the beginning of the year and grew from 250 to 900 stores in its first six weeks. The site ballooned from sales of $50,000 in February to a peak in June, when it sold $1m worth of books in a single day. In its first two weeks in the UK, Bookshop has pulled in revenue of around £100,000.
Andy Hunter, who runs the site from a small apartment in Brooklyn, where he lives with his two young children, describes the launch as “the most intense period of my life”.
“We’re not slick or well-funded,” he says. “We’re not backed by venture capital or Silicon Valley. We’ve got it in our corporate bylaws that we’ll never sell to Amazon or any other major US retailer.”
Instead, the venture is “mission-focused”, and has applied for B Corporation status in the UK — a community of companies striving to balance purpose with profit.
For Bookshop, this purpose is serving the needs of independent booksellers and, through them, the wider publishing community. Bookstores, Hunter says, are the “passionate foot soldiers in the battle to keep books a relevant part of our culture”.
Anti-disrupting the industry
For the bulk of sales, which come through the storefronts of the sellers on its platform, Bookshop does not take a cut.
Instead, it earns its keep through an affiliate programme. This grants a 10 per cent commission to registered partners who link to Bookshop’s site. This is matched by an equal contribution to a profit-sharing pool that is split between the indie stores. Bookshop earns a further 10 per cent cut to cover its technology and staff costs.
In the US, Bookshop has secured affiliate partnerships with publishers including Buzzfeed and Esquire. Thousands of social media influencers — from cookbook authors to so-called Bookstagrammers — have also signed up.
The target market is well-heeled consumers who want to support indie booksellers, with the platform positioning itself as a “socially-conscious alternative” to Amazon, rather than a direct competitor. But this does not stop Hunter’s “scrappy band of passionate believers” from putting the tech giant in its sights.
“We definitely want to take some of Amazon’s market share — absolutely,” he says. “I want to take five per cent of Amazon’s market share, but I don’t think we are going to beat Amazon.”
In many ways, Bookshop embodies a sector that has come full circle. Amazon was once the bolshie startup trying to disrupt the ecommerce market. Now it is the incumbent, and the old hands are fighting back.
“We are anti-disrupting the industry,” Hunter says. “We’re using all the tools of Silicon Valley, but we’re trying to reverse an industry disruption. We’re trying to reinforce the culture that existed before, because we think it’s a more human and a more positive and healthy culture.”
A ‘revolutionary’ moment
Bookshop’s rapid rise has undoubtedly been spurred on by the coronavirus pandemic, with lockdown measures fuelling a surge in book sales. Hunter says he moved the UK launch forward in response to this booming demand. The Black Lives Matter movement has also boosted sales, driving up interest in anti-racist literature and support for black-owned bookshops.
But many in the industry have been calling for a new rival to Amazon for years, and the launch of Bookshop has been hailed as a breakthrough moment.
“Like every publisher of long standing, I tend to be an incorrigible – some would say deluded – optimist, but nonetheless I am finding it impossible not to see the arrival of Bookshop as being a positively revolutionary moment in the history of bookselling in the UK, and in the evolution of the relationship between writers and readers,” says Philip Gwyn Jones, publisher at Picador.
Bookshop is now mulling a move into audiobooks and ebooks, while the company has also had discussions with magazine and newspaper publishers.
Further international expansion is also on the horizon, and the platform has received interest from Spain, France and Germany, as well as India and parts of South America.
But for Hunter the immediate focus is on expanding his platform in the UK ahead of the crucial Christmas trading period.
“We’ve seen Bookshop emerge as an innovative partner for US indie booksellers, and its mission to support and empower bookshops online is ever more important in the UK,” says Meryl Halls, managing director at the Booksellers Association.
“A high-profile alternative to Amazon in the lead up to Christmas can only help high street independents achieve cut-through online.”


cityam--2020-11-15--Our recovery from Covid-19 is a chance not to build walls, but to cooperate


cityam--2020-11-15--Brexit: 'Some progress' made in trade talks this week, says UK negotiator

There has been “ some progress ” this week in UK-EU post-Brexit trade talks , according to UK chief negotiator David Frost .
Frost tweeted today that the two sides “ largely have common draft treaty texts , though significant elements are of course not yet agreed ” and that talks will restart today in Brussels .
This week ’ s soft deadline to get a deal done will not be met as talks are set to drag on into next week .
Time is running short for a deal to be closed before the UK leaves the EU ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 December .
“ We are working to get a deal , but the only one that ’ s possible is one that is compatible with our sovereignty and takes back control of our laws , our trade , and our waters , ” Frost said .
“ Either way , as Prime Minister Boris Johnson made clear on 16 October , people and businesses must prepare for the change that is coming on 31 December , most of which happens whether there is a deal or not.
” Irish foreign minister Simon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal is “ very difficult but also very doable ” and that the upcoming week is “ move week ” .
He also stressed the UK needed to remove parts of its controversial Internal Market Bill that breach the Brexit withdrawal treaty in order to get a deal done .
He said : “ Even if we do get a new trade deal negotiated between both sides , if the British government is determined to continue with their Internal Market Bill , to reintroduce parts of that Bill that were removed in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think this is a deal that won ’ t be ratified by the EU .
Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data “ There is no way the EU will agree to ratify a new agreement if the British government is breaking the existing agreement which is not even 12 months ’ old and [ is ] breaking international law by doing that.
” The bill was drawn up to allow for the government to override the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement if there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December when Britain leaves the EU ’ s customs union and single market .
Northern Ireland secretary Brandon Lewis admitted to MPs that if there was no trade deal the legislation would see the UK break international law “ in a very specific and limited way ” , with Johnson saying it was necessary in order to ensure trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland remains unfettered .
The clauses in the bill will not be necessary if a trade deal is struck between the UK and EU .
Speaking to the BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ On many areas progress has been made and texts have been drafted , there are sticking points around fisheries and around state aid rules that can be resolved .
“ We ’ re not asking for anything miraculous , we ’ re asking for things that Norway and Canada already have , so it should be possible to reach that agreement.
” State subsidy regulations , which are a part of the level playing field talks , has been one of the largest barriers to a deal .
The EU wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for business subsidies , and other things like labour and environmental laws , in return for zero tariff trade .
Read more : Coronavirus : Grant Shapps rules out Brexit disruption to vaccine delivery However , the UK has made it clear that it does not want to be locked into EU state aid rules and wants to be able to have greater control of fiscal policy .
Brussels also started negotiations by demanding EU countries retain the same fishing rights to UK waters as they currently have , which Frost has said @ @ @

Brexit: ‘Some progress’ made in trade talks this week, says UK negotiator
UK Chief Negotiator David Frost walks towards Westminster conference centre ahead of the afternoon session of talks on November 10
There has been “some progress” this week in UK-EU post-Brexit trade talks, according to UK chief negotiator David Frost.
Frost tweeted today that the two sides “largely have common draft treaty texts, though significant elements are of course not yet agreed” and that talks will restart today in Brussels.
This week’s soft deadline to get a deal done will not be met as talks are set to drag on into next week.
Time is running short for a deal to be closed before the UK leaves the EU’s single market and customs union on 31 December.
“We are working to get a deal, but the only one that’s possible is one that is compatible with our sovereignty and takes back control of our laws, our trade, and our waters,” Frost said.
“Either way, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson made clear on 16 October, people and businesses must prepare for the change that is coming on 31 December, most of which happens whether there is a deal or not.”
Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney told Sky News today that a deal is “very difficult but also very doable” and that the upcoming week is “move week”.
He also stressed the UK needed to remove parts of its controversial Internal Market Bill that breach the Brexit withdrawal treaty in order to get a deal done.
He said: “Even if we do get a new trade deal negotiated between both sides, if the British government is determined to continue with their Internal Market Bill, to reintroduce parts of that Bill that were removed in the House of Lords this week, then I think this is a deal that won’t be ratified by the EU.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
“There is no way the EU will agree to ratify a new agreement if the British government is breaking the existing agreement which is not even 12 months’ old and [is] breaking international law by doing that.”
The bill was drawn up to allow for the government to override the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement if there was no trade deal agreed by 31 December when Britain leaves the EU’s customs union and single market.
Northern Ireland secretary Brandon Lewis admitted to MPs that if there was no trade deal the legislation would see the UK break international law “in a very specific and limited way”, with Johnson saying it was necessary in order to ensure trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland remains unfettered.
The clauses in the bill will not be necessary if a trade deal is struck between the UK and EU.
Speaking to the BBC today, environment secretary George Eustice said: “On many areas progress has been made and texts have been drafted, there are sticking points around fisheries and around state aid rules that can be resolved.
“We’re not asking for anything miraculous, we’re asking for things that Norway and Canada already have, so it should be possible to reach that agreement.”
State subsidy regulations, which are a part of the level playing field talks, has been one of the largest barriers to a deal.
The EU wants the UK to mirror its regulatory regime for business subsidies, and other things like labour and environmental laws, in return for zero tariff trade.
However, the UK has made it clear that it does not want to be locked into EU state aid rules and wants to be able to have greater control of fiscal policy.
Brussels also started negotiations by demanding EU countries retain the same fishing rights to UK waters as they currently have, which Frost has said is untenable.


cityam--2020-11-15--Belgium v England tonight: Why Jack Harrison, Patrick Bamford, Ezri Konsa and Karl Darlow deserve to

Belgium v England tonight: Why Jack Harrison, Patrick Bamford, Ezri Konsa and Karl Darlow deserve to be in the England squad

Gareth Southgate has frequently stated his preference to pick England squads based on the form rather than reputation .
So , ahead of matches against the Republic of Ireland , Belgium and Iceland , how should Southgate objectively measure a player ’ s form ?
One way is through quantitative analysis of the kind we at Carteret Analytics provide to leading football clubs around the world , including Premier League and Championship teams .
The methods have been developed from quantitative analysis in investment banking to provide an objective measure of a player ’ s contribution to his team winning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the new player power : it won ’ t be long until clubs and sponsors put a price on it It removes all subjective ‘ noise ’ about how good a player is and allows a club , or an international team manager in this case , to objectively compare one player against another .
Every player receives a Carteret Rating , which is updated after every match that he has played .
The team at Carteret Analytics has assessed the performances of every eligible England player so far this season to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30-man England squad for the forthcoming international matches .
It has produced some interesting results .
Despite some criticism , and being dropped by Everton , Jordan Pickford has objectively performed the best of any England goalkeeper this season .
The next best are Alex McCarthy at Southampton , and Karl Darlow at Newcastle .
There would be no place , based on current form , for Burnley ’ s Nick Pope .
Southgate played three at the back against Denmark and Belgium last month .
If he continues to do so , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overall Carteret Ratings so far this season are Michael Keane , Tyrone Mings and Harry Maguire .
But this does not allow for a scenario where – as in Keane ’ s case – a player performed better in the early part of the season .
That is why we can also provide an objective measure of recent form , to predict performance levels in the next one to six matches .
On this basis , the three defenders who should make the starting line-up are Harry Maguire , Joe Gomez and Kyle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Konsa should also be in the England squad , while analysis suggests Aaron Cresswell deserves a recall .
We don ’ t know how Southgate intends to set up the midfield .
But if we assume that he plays four in midfield with a further three players in advanced roles – so a 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-3 – then the four midfielders on best objective form are James Ward-Prowse , Ross Barkley , Mason Mount and , interestingly , uncapped Leeds youngster Jack Harrison .
In an advanced role , the objective form analysis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Marcus Rashford .
That is in preference to Raheem Sterling and Jadon Sancho , both of whom have a slightly lower form level .
Captain Harry Kane should take the most advanced role .
The form analysis actually indicates that Callum Wilson is in the best form of any English centre-forward at present .
But it is very close to Kane ’ s form and we consider it is more likely that Southgate will pick Kane in the starting line-up .
Dominic Calvert-Lewin ’ s form is starting to dip .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the analysis indicates that both Callum Wilson and Ollie Watkins rank above Calvert-Lewin ahead of this international period .
Leeds striker Patrick Bamford should also be in the 30-man England squad .
How the England squad should look The table below lists the 30 best performing English players so far this season based on their Carteret Rating .
It also provides a crucial Form Indicator to illustrate each player ’ s predicted performance levels over the next one to six matches .
The report assumes that Southgate picks a 30-man squad with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It can be read in full here .
James Powell is chief executive of the Carteret Group .

Belgium v England TONIGHT: Why Jack Harrison, Patrick Bamford, Ezri Konsa and Karl Darlow deserve to be in the England squad
Leeds pair Jack Harrison and Patrick Bamford deserve a place in the England squad, according to objective analysis
Gareth Southgate has frequently stated his preference to pick England squads based on the form rather than reputation.
So, ahead of matches against the Republic of Ireland, Belgium and Iceland, how should Southgate objectively measure a player’s form?
One way is through quantitative analysis of the kind we at Carteret Analytics provide to leading football clubs around the world, including Premier League and Championship teams.
The methods have been developed from quantitative analysis in investment banking to provide an objective measure of a player’s contribution to his team winning matches.
It removes all subjective ‘noise’ about how good a player is and allows a club, or an international team manager in this case, to objectively compare one player against another.
Every player receives a Carteret Rating, which is updated after every match that he has played.
The team at Carteret Analytics has assessed the performances of every eligible England player so far this season to determine who deserves to be in a 30-man England squad for the forthcoming international matches.
It has produced some interesting results.
Goalkeepers
Despite some criticism, and being dropped by Everton, Jordan Pickford has objectively performed the best of any England goalkeeper this season.
The next best are Alex McCarthy at Southampton, and Karl Darlow at Newcastle.
There would be no place, based on current form, for Burnley’s Nick Pope.
Defenders
Southgate played three at the back against Denmark and Belgium last month.
If he continues to do so, then the three defenders with the best overall Carteret Ratings so far this season are Michael Keane, Tyrone Mings and Harry Maguire.
But this does not allow for a scenario where – as in Keane’s case – a player performed better in the early part of the season.
That is why we can also provide an objective measure of recent form, to predict performance levels in the next one to six matches.
On this basis, the three defenders who should make the starting line-up are Harry Maguire, Joe Gomez and Kyle Walker.
Uncapped Aston Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa should also be in the England squad, while analysis suggests Aaron Cresswell deserves a recall.
Midfielders
We don’t know how Southgate intends to set up the midfield.
But if we assume that he plays four in midfield with a further three players in advanced roles – so a 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-3 – then the four midfielders on best objective form are James Ward-Prowse, Ross Barkley, Mason Mount and, interestingly, uncapped Leeds youngster Jack Harrison.
Forwards
In an advanced role, the objective form analysis indicates that Southgate should pick Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford.
That is in preference to Raheem Sterling and Jadon Sancho, both of whom have a slightly lower form level.
Captain Harry Kane should take the most advanced role.
The form analysis actually indicates that Callum Wilson is in the best form of any English centre-forward at present.
But it is very close to Kane’s form and we consider it is more likely that Southgate will pick Kane in the starting line-up.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s form is starting to dip. And, based on objective form alone, the analysis indicates that both Callum Wilson and Ollie Watkins rank above Calvert-Lewin ahead of this international period.
Leeds striker Patrick Bamford should also be in the 30-man England squad.
How the England squad should look
The table below lists the 30 best performing English players so far this season based on their Carteret Rating.
It also provides a crucial Form Indicator to illustrate each player’s predicted performance levels over the next one to six matches.
The report assumes that Southgate picks a 30-man squad with the same split between positions as last time. It can be read in full here.
James Powell is chief executive of the Carteret Group.


cityam--2020-11-15--Duncan Goodhew: If decision makers got their hair wet occasionally, our swimming pools would still b

I was saddened to see sport , and the benefits it brings , stopped with the start of a second lockdown .
It has been an immensely difficult year , but if we ’ ve learnt nothing else , it ’ s that health matters .
For that reason , I believe any form of exercise that can support health and wellbeing should surely be encouraged to continue .
Read more : Billionaire-backed International Swimming League threatened with legal action over unpaid fees The coronavirus pandemic is a national emergency and , of course , we must all play our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sport is part of the solution .
Maybe the government should be listening more closely to the arguments made .
And I can ’ t help feeling that if some of those making these difficult shutdown decisions got their hair wet occasionally , our lakes , lidos and swimming pools would still be open .
Taking part in community sport and physical activity does not just have health benefits .
In England , it also has a combined economic and social value estimated at over £85bn per year .
For every £1 spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a return on investment of £3.91 is created for individuals and society .
Sport also prevents physical and mental health conditions to the tune of £9.5bn .
That means savings of £5.2bn in healthcare and £1.7bn to social care .
My own sport , swimming , saves the NHS £357m per year .
Before this second lockdown , one in five swimming pools still hadn ’ t reopened .
Swimming is the most popular sport in the country but if the facilities aren ’ t open .
People can ’ t continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , only – meaningful and beneficial form of physical activity .
There is nowhere I feel safer than in the pool .
Chlorine kills the virus and pools have put robust measures in place to ensure there is no transmission .
Swimmers can turn up in their costumes , use one-way systems and limit numbers in the pool at one time .
Swimming is such an accessible form of activity and has so many positive benefits on both your physical and mental wellbeing , something which is absolutely crucial at this difficult time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sport England ’ s latest Active Lives survey highlighted that , while lockdown restrictions inevitably lowered the number of people able to go to their local pool , swimming came out on top against other high-profile sports .
The data showed that 2.28m women and 1.68m men were swimming regularly .
I ’ ve seen the benefits that swimming brings in my role as president of the Swimathon Foundation .
The organisation is a remarkable force for good in UK communities , having raised over £54m for charity over the years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ recreational swimming event , was unable to take place in the usual way this year .
But instead , over 18,000 keen and loyal swimmers took part in the virtual MySwimathon challenge raising much needed funds for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie .
This is outstanding .
The community have demonstrated that swimming is important to them , their local pools are important to them and that they are willing to support causes close to their hearts .
I was more than happy to do my bit this year by completing MySwimathon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park and I am absolutely thrilled that swimmers taking part in Swimathon 2020 have raised over £1m for a number of incredibly grateful charities .
We know that you can go swimming safely .
Pools must be allowed to reopen on 3 December to prevent people all over the country suffering from impacted mental health , increased social isolation , poor physical health and a further reduction in vital fundraising for key charities .
Almost all of us will have had support from a charity in our lifetime .
It is crucial that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are not lost because of the pandemic .
Duncan Goodhew MBE is an Olympic gold medal-winning former swimmer and president of Swimathon .
For more information about The Swimathon Foundation , visit www.SwimathonFoundation.org .

Duncan Goodhew: If decision makers got their hair wet occasionally, our swimming pools would still be open
Sport and exercise such as swimming has a estimated economic and social value of £85bn
I was saddened to see sport, and the benefits it brings, stopped with the start of a second lockdown.
It has been an immensely difficult year, but if we’ve learnt nothing else, it’s that health matters.
For that reason, I believe any form of exercise that can support health and wellbeing should surely be encouraged to continue.
The coronavirus pandemic is a national emergency and, of course, we must all play our part to reduce transmission.
But surely sport is part of the solution. Maybe the government should be listening more closely to the arguments made.
And I can’t help feeling that if some of those making these difficult shutdown decisions got their hair wet occasionally, our lakes, lidos and swimming pools would still be open.
Swimming’s economic benefits
Taking part in community sport and physical activity does not just have health benefits. In England, it also has a combined economic and social value estimated at over £85bn per year.
For every £1 spent on community sport and physical activity, a return on investment of £3.91 is created for individuals and society.
Sport also prevents physical and mental health conditions to the tune of £9.5bn. That means savings of £5.2bn in healthcare and £1.7bn to social care.
My own sport, swimming, saves the NHS £357m per year.
Before this second lockdown, one in five swimming pools still hadn’t reopened.
Swimming is the most popular sport in the country but if the facilities aren’t open. People can’t continue to enjoy their favourite – and for some, only – meaningful and beneficial form of physical activity.
Former Olympic swimming champion Duncan Goodhew is now president of Swimathon
There is nowhere I feel safer than in the pool. Chlorine kills the virus and pools have put robust measures in place to ensure there is no transmission. Swimmers can turn up in their costumes, use one-way systems and limit numbers in the pool at one time.
Swimming is such an accessible form of activity and has so many positive benefits on both your physical and mental wellbeing, something which is absolutely crucial at this difficult time.
The numbers don’t lie. Sport England’s latest Active Lives survey highlighted that, while lockdown restrictions inevitably lowered the number of people able to go to their local pool, swimming came out on top against other high-profile sports.
The data showed that 2.28m women and 1.68m men were swimming regularly.
Swimathon hits £1m mark
I’ve seen the benefits that swimming brings in my role as president of the Swimathon Foundation. The organisation is a remarkable force for good in UK communities, having raised over £54m for charity over the years.
Swimathon, the UK’s biggest recreational swimming event, was unable to take place in the usual way this year.
But instead, over 18,000 keen and loyal swimmers took part in the virtual MySwimathon challenge raising much needed funds for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie.
This is outstanding. The community have demonstrated that swimming is important to them, their local pools are important to them and that they are willing to support causes close to their hearts.
I was more than happy to do my bit this year by completing MySwimathon in a rather chilly Serpentine in Hyde Park and I am absolutely thrilled that swimmers taking part in Swimathon 2020 have raised over £1m for a number of incredibly grateful charities.
We know that you can go swimming safely. Pools must be allowed to reopen on 3 December to prevent people all over the country suffering from impacted mental health, increased social isolation, poor physical health and a further reduction in vital fundraising for key charities.
Almost all of us will have had support from a charity in our lifetime. It is crucial that we do all we can to ensure they are not lost because of the pandemic.
Duncan Goodhew MBE is an Olympic gold medal-winning former swimmer and president of Swimathon. For more information about The Swimathon Foundation, visit www.SwimathonFoundation.org.