cityam--2020-12-19--Tesla shares jump to record high ahead of S&P 500 debut

Tesla shares rose to a record high on Friday as investors geared up for the electric carmaker ’ s anticipated entrance into the S & P 500 index .
The company , headed up by billionaire Elon Musk , will become the most valuable ever admitted to Wall Street ’ s main market on Monday , accounting for more than 1 per cent of the index .
Read more : Why the new electric Polestar 2 should have Tesla worried The shares have surged some 70 per cent since mid-November , when its debut in the S & P 500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per cent so far in 2020 .
Tesla ’ s shares ended up 6 per cent at a record $ 695 per share on Friday .
Turnover in Tesla shares topped $ 120bn yesterday evening , with volume exceeding 200 million as the stock traded after hours , according to Refinitiv data .
Trading volume for Tesla has averaged 53 million shares over the past 10 sessions .
Read more : Tesla shares pop again on confirmation that firm will join S & P 500 “ That kind of volume is just sort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vice president of trading and derivatives for Charles Schwab in Austin , Texas , said of Friday ’ s action .
Tesla shares were falling in after-hours trading , last down 3 per cent .
California-based Tesla ’ s stock surge has put its market value at about $ 660bn , making it the sixth most valuable publicly listed U.S. company , with many investors viewing it as wildly overvalued .
Read more : Number of Tesla cars on UK roads triples in past year Tesla is by far the most traded stock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 18bn worth of its shares exchanged on average in each session over the past 12 months , easily beating Apple , in second place with average daily trades of $ 14bn , according to Refinitiv .
About a fifth of Tesla ’ s shares are closely held by Musk , the chief executive , and other insiders .
Since the S & P 500 is weighted by the amount of companies ’ shares actually available on the stock market , Tesla ’ s influence within the benchmark will be slightly diminished compared @ @ @ @ @

Tesla shares jump to record high ahead of S&P 500 debut
Musk is now the richest person in the world.
Tesla shares rose to a record high on Friday as investors geared up for the electric carmaker’s anticipated entrance into the S&P 500 index.
The company, headed up by billionaire Elon Musk, will become the most valuable ever admitted to Wall Street’s main market on Monday, accounting for more than 1 per cent of the index.
The shares have surged some 70 per cent since mid-November, when its debut in the S&P 500 was announced, and have soared 700 per cent so far in 2020.
Tesla’s shares ended up 6 per cent at a record $695 per share on Friday.
Turnover in Tesla shares topped $120bn yesterday evening, with volume exceeding 200 million as the stock traded after hours, according to Refinitiv data. Trading volume for Tesla has averaged 53 million shares over the past 10 sessions.
“That kind of volume is just sort of insane,” Randy Frederick, vice president of trading and derivatives for Charles Schwab in Austin, Texas, said of Friday’s action. Tesla shares were falling in after-hours trading, last down 3 per cent.
California-based Tesla’s stock surge has put its market value at about $660bn, making it the sixth most valuable publicly listed U.S. company, with many investors viewing it as wildly overvalued.
Tesla is by far the most traded stock by value on Wall Street, with $18bn worth of its shares exchanged on average in each session over the past 12 months, easily beating Apple, in second place with average daily trades of $14bn, according to Refinitiv.
About a fifth of Tesla’s shares are closely held by Musk, the chief executive, and other insiders. Since the S&P 500 is weighted by the amount of companies’ shares actually available on the stock market, Tesla’s influence within the benchmark will be slightly diminished compared with its overall value.


cityam--2020-12-19--Oxford vaccine 'to be approved before the new year'

The Oxford vaccine is expected to be approved before the end of the year , making it the second Covid vaccine to be approved in the UK .
It is believed the vaccine will be approved on 28 or 29 December after final data is provided to the health regulator on Monday .
Read more : Rupert Murdoch and Sir Ian McKellen among latest to receive Pfizer vaccine The UK has ordered 100 million doses of the Oxford vaccine , with 4 million immediately available .
Unlike the Pfizer jab , the Oxford vaccine does not have to be kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practical to administer .
The news , which was first reported by The Telegraph , comes as a third lockdown looms in the UK , following a rise in infections in the last week that scientists have said will be made worse by the relaxation of the distancing rules over Christmas .
Last night Boris Johnson met with ministers to discuss implementing tougher restrictions , which could see changes made to the rules as early as today .
There is evidence to suggest that a new strain of the Covid-19 virus transmits more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to blame for a spike in cases mainly concentrated in the South East of England .
Millions of the most vulnerable people in the UK are set to be vaccinated against the virus by March , which could mean an easing of social distating rules and restrictions by the spring .
Football stadiums and other large venues will be opened in the first week of January to allow mass vaccinations on a scale never seen before in the UK , according to the Telegraph .
Read more : The rollout begins : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this weekend 500,000 people are expected to have received the Pfizer vaccine , which the UK was the first country in the world to approve .
By next week more than 200,000 people per day should be receiving jabs , equating to well over one million doses before Christmas .
Read more : Consumer confidence jumps on back of vaccine news Whitehall sources told The Telegraph that once the Oxford vaccine is approved and mass vaccine centres can open up , several million people per week can be vaccinated , leading to 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccinated by March .

Oxford vaccine ‘to be approved before the new year’
The Oxford vaccine will be approved before the end of the year, opening up the opportunity for mass vaccination like the UK has never seen.
The Oxford vaccine is expected to be approved before the end of the year, making it the second Covid vaccine to be approved in the UK.
It is believed the vaccine will be approved on 28 or 29 December after final data is provided to the health regulator on Monday.
The UK has ordered 100 million doses of the Oxford vaccine, with 4 million immediately available. Unlike the Pfizer jab, the Oxford vaccine does not have to be kept in freezing temperatures, making it more practical to administer.
The news, which was first reported by The Telegraph, comes as a third lockdown looms in the UK, following a rise in infections in the last week that scientists have said will be made worse by the relaxation of the distancing rules over Christmas.
Last night Boris Johnson met with ministers to discuss implementing tougher restrictions, which could see changes made to the rules as early as today.
There is evidence to suggest that a new strain of the Covid-19 virus transmits more easily from person to person, and is to blame for a spike in cases mainly concentrated in the South East of England.
Merry jabmas
Millions of the most vulnerable people in the UK are set to be vaccinated against the virus by March, which could mean an easing of social distating rules and restrictions by the spring.
Football stadiums and other large venues will be opened in the first week of January to allow mass vaccinations on a scale never seen before in the UK, according to the Telegraph.
By this weekend 500,000 people are expected to have received the Pfizer vaccine, which the UK was the first country in the world to approve.
By next week more than 200,000 people per day should be receiving jabs, equating to well over one million doses before Christmas.
Whitehall sources told The Telegraph that once the Oxford vaccine is approved and mass vaccine centres can open up, several million people per week can be vaccinated, leading to 20 million of the most vulnerable people being vaccinated by March.


cityam--2020-12-18--Cabinet to hold emergency meeting to discuss rising concerns of new mutant Covid strain - reports

An emergency cabinet meeting is taking place at 1pm today to discuss the coronavirus restrictions in the wake of a mutant coronavirus strain .
Last night the Prime Minister discussed the possibility of tougher restrictions with fellow Ministers after assessing the virulence of the new Covid-19 mutation .
Read more : Oxford vaccine ‘ to be approved before the new year ’ The emergency of the new mutation was revealed by Health Secretary Matt Hancock earlier this week , who said the number of those identified with the new strain was “ increasing rapidly.
” The strain is largely concentrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be exacerbated by the coming relaxation of the rules over Christmas .
Read more : Tier 3 : What does it mean for you ?
Much of the region was plunged into Tier 3 restrictions this week but it is believed that Government is considering whether to go further , with some reports suggesting travel curbs are being mulled .
A source told the Telegraph , who first reported the news , that “ the evidence that the new strain of the virus more easily transmits from one person to another has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believed to be positive in the capital alone is now around 125,000 , according to new data .

Cabinet to hold emergency meeting to discuss rising concerns of new mutant Covid strain – reports
(Photo by Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images)
An emergency cabinet meeting is taking place at 1pm today to discuss the coronavirus restrictions in the wake of a mutant coronavirus strain.
In the early afternoon Michael Gove spoke with heads of the devolved nations. Following the call Arlene Foster, first minister of Northern Ireland, tweeted the new strain of coronavirus was “very concerning”.
Last night the Prime Minister discussed the possibility of tougher restrictions with fellow Ministers after assessing the virulence of the new Covid-19 mutation.
The emergency of the new mutation was revealed by Health Secretary Matt Hancock earlier this week, who said the number of those identified with the new strain was “increasing rapidly.”
The strain is largely concentrated in the South East but any spread would be exacerbated by the coming relaxation of the rules over Christmas.
Read more: Tier 3: What does it mean for you?
Much of the region was plunged into Tier 3 restrictions this week but it is believed that Government is considering whether to go further, with some reports suggesting travel curbs are being mulled.
A source told the Telegraph, who first reported the news, that “the evidence that the new strain of the virus more easily transmits from one person to another has hardened up.”
The number of people believed to be positive in the capital alone is now around 125,000, according to new data.


cityam--2020-12-19--Mayor blasts "irresponsible promises" from No.10 amid  Tier 4 chaos

Sadiq Khan tonight criticised the Government ’ s “ irresponsible promises ” for raising expectations ahead of the Christmas period .
In a dramatic afternoon statement , Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced London would be moving into a lockdown similar to that saw in spring , from midnight tonight .
It means that the capital ’ s residents will no longer be able to meet family during the festive period .
Read more : What does London heading into Tier 4 mean for you ?
The Mayor described the further restrictions , which limit social contact and will see retail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as a “ bitter blow.
” “ This continued chaos , ” he added , “ could all have been avoided had the Government not made irresponsible promises to the public and raised expectations ahead of the Christmas period.
” Johnson has previously described the idea of restricting family gatherings at Christmas as “ inhuman ” but the rapid spread of a new mutation of Covid-19 appears to have changed his mind .
Khan called for a more generous support scheme for workers set to lose income over the festive period as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing .
London First , a lobby group working on behalf of the capital ’ s businsses , warned that the new restrictions “ could see many businesses go under.
” Jasmine Whitbread , the group ’ s chief executive , said the “ stop-start measures ” needed to be matched by Government support and tax relief to allow firms to get back on their feet .
Read more : London moved into effective lockdown after PM effectively cancels Christmas

Mayor blasts “irresponsible promises” from No.10 amid Tier 4 chaos
Getty Images
Sadiq Khan tonight criticised the Government’s “irresponsible promises” for raising expectations ahead of the Christmas period.
In a dramatic afternoon statement, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced London would be moving into a lockdown similar to that saw in spring, from midnight tonight.
It means that the capital’s residents will no longer be able to meet family during the festive period.
Read more: What does London heading into Tier 4 mean for you?
The Mayor described the further restrictions, which limit social contact and will see retail and many leisure venues shut yet again, as a “bitter blow.”
“This continued chaos,” he added, “could all have been avoided had the Government not made irresponsible promises to the public and raised expectations ahead of the Christmas period.”
Johnson has previously described the idea of restricting family gatherings at Christmas as “inhuman” but the rapid spread of a new mutation of Covid-19 appears to have changed his mind.
Khan called for a more generous support scheme for workers set to lose income over the festive period as well as a faster rollout of mass testing.
London First, a lobby group working on behalf of the capital’s businsses, warned that the new restrictions “could see many businesses go under.”
Jasmine Whitbread, the group’s chief executive, said the “stop-start measures” needed to be matched by Government support and tax relief to allow firms to get back on their feet.
Read more: London moved into effective lockdown after PM effectively cancels Christmas


cityam--2020-12-19--London in Tier 4: What are the rules?

London in Tier 4: What are the rules?

London , the South East and the East of England have been put into a new ‘ Tier 4 ’ in a bid to contain a new spike in coronavirus cases .
Christmas for those living in the affected areas has been essentially cancelled , with harsh restrictions imposed on the areas and families warned not to mix households .
The capital and southeast England will enter a new ‘ Tier 4 ’ from tomorrow morning , that will see households locked down and non-essential retail closed , mimicking the rules of England ’ s first , and longest lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implemented during England ’ s first lockdown , although communal worship will be allowed to continue .
Read more : Christmas cancelled for London as capital enters “ Tier 4 ” Meeting up with friends and family Those living in Tier 4 areas should not see friends and family indoors , and only one person at a time outside , with the exception of support bubbles .
Overnight stays with people outside your household or bubble will still not be allowed under Tier 4 rules .
The changes will inevitably change Christmas plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Read more : Save Christmas and beat Tier 4 with these at-home dining options Eating and drinking and pubs and restaurants Hospitality venues in London and the southeast were closed when Tier 3 was imposed on the region , and will remain closed in Tier 4 , as they are deemed non-essential businesses .
The government has not been explicit on the rules around takeaway food or drink yet , however under Tier 3 venues were able to continue operating for takeaway .
In a move away from Tier 3 , non-essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Though the government is yet to issue specific guidance on hairdressers , beauty salons , tattoo parlours , nail salons , and spas , it has said non-essential businesses must shut .
Boris Johnson has already said that under all tier restriction levels “ people who can work from home , should continue to do so ” .
A previous exemption allowing business lunches to still go ahead under Tier 2 is now off the menu , meaning all those definitely-not-a-Christmas-party gatherings will have to retreat to Zoom .
Those in Tier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and not to leave their local area .
Weddings are now banned in Tier 4 , except in exceptional circumstances , which usually applies if one or both partners have not got long to live .
Unlike in other Tiers , gyms will be shuttered in Tier 4 , though individual outdoor exercise will still be allowed under the new restrictions .

London in Tier 4: What are the rules?
What are the new rules in London’s Tier 4?
London, the South East and the East of England have been put into a new ‘Tier 4’ in a bid to contain a new spike in coronavirus cases.
Christmas for those living in the affected areas has been essentially cancelled, with harsh restrictions imposed on the areas and families warned not to mix households.
The capital and southeast England will enter a new ‘Tier 4’ from tomorrow morning, that will see households locked down and non-essential retail closed, mimicking the rules of England’s first, and longest lockdown.
The rules are similar to those implemented during England’s first lockdown, although communal worship will be allowed to continue.
Meeting up with friends and family
Those living in Tier 4 areas should not see friends and family indoors, and only one person at a time outside, with the exception of support bubbles.
Overnight stays with people outside your household or bubble will still not be allowed under Tier 4 rules.
The changes will inevitably change Christmas plans for thousands of households across the capital.
Eating and drinking and pubs and restaurants
Hospitality venues in London and the southeast were closed when Tier 3 was imposed on the region, and will remain closed in Tier 4, as they are deemed non-essential businesses.
The government has not been explicit on the rules around takeaway food or drink yet, however under Tier 3 venues were able to continue operating for takeaway.
Shopping
In a move away from Tier 3, non-essential shuts will be shut in Tier 4.
Though the government is yet to issue specific guidance on hairdressers, beauty salons, tattoo parlours, nail salons, and spas, it has said non-essential businesses must shut.
Where to work
Boris Johnson has already said that under all tier restriction levels “people who can work from home, should continue to do so”.
A previous exemption allowing business lunches to still go ahead under Tier 2 is now off the menu, meaning all those definitely-not-a-Christmas-party gatherings will have to retreat to Zoom.
Holidays
Those in Tier 4 have been told to stay home, and not to leave their local area.
Weddings
Weddings are now banned in Tier 4, except in exceptional circumstances, which usually applies if one or both partners have not got long to live.
Sports
Unlike in other Tiers, gyms will be shuttered in Tier 4, though individual outdoor exercise will still be allowed under the new restrictions.


cityam--2020-12-19--Save Christmas and beat Tier 4 with these at-home dining options

The announcement of Tier 4 has sent Christmas plans into chaos , with families up and down the country now unsure where and with whom they will be able to spend the big day .
If you ’ ve now found yourself at a loss in the run-up to 25 December , here are some amazing home delivery options , many of which offer special festive packages , meaning you ’ ll at least be able to eat well , even if you ’ re dining solo .
One of the world ’ s top chefs Simon Rogan is offering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three-course ‘ at home ’ winter menu available Friday to Sunday , changing weekly .
Read more : Lockdown board games : Forget Monopoly , here are the real games Even more exciting , Aulis London has also launched delivery for the first time , with its outre menu available for collection at the restaurant in Soho as well as delivery to zones 1-3 ( available Tuesday-Saturdays and changing every fortnight ) .
Find out more here .
The chef behind the The Frog restaurants is offering a “ finish at home ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Sunday Lunch , £130 for 2 people ; Dine in Style , £200 ; Dine in Style vegetarian , £110 ; Who are you trying to impress ?
, £305 ) .
The slick operation allows you to scan a QR code to access a video of Handling preparing the ingredients you have been sent .
Find out more here .
Those with a sweet tooth can order this Chocolate Tasting Box containing 10 artisan chocolate bars .
Each month chocolate pioneer Willie Harcourt-Cooze will devise two unique chocolates made from unusual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first month inspired by Japan .
You can also organise a virtual chocolate tasting session to make it a more social experience .
Find out more here .
London ’ s premier jazz lounge-cum-Scottish restaurant is running a delivery service for its unbeatable produce , with the best beef , cheese and wine available to be delivered straight to your door .
While you ’ ll have to hang on a few weeks before you can listen to live jazz or relax on the cigar terrace , biting into a rare Boisdale steak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Find out more here .
World renowned chef Tommy Banks ’ nationwide delivery service , Made In Oldstead , offers premium meals featuring produce grown both on and around the family farm .
Options include the Made In Oldstead Food Box , with the option of three different , three-course menus , and the Classic Weekend Food Box , which includes two different three-course menus , each serving two people .
Alternatively there ’ s the Signature Menu , a five-course menu and bottle of wine , perfect for extra-special occasions .
Find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Philip Warren Butchers supply some of the country ’ s best restaurants including Kitchen Table , Paul Ainsworth at No .
6 , and Smokestak .
People at home can now buy their expertly dry-aged meat previously destined for these restaurants .
Find out more here .
Homeslice recently announced its Take & Bake pizzas are now available nationwide .
Customers across the country can now get their hands on an authentic 12 ” Homeslice pizza , prepared using the highest-quality ingredients and ready to bake at home .
Also available are Homeslice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to drizzle over their pizzas .
Find out more here .
From casks to pairings , locally-produced to the exotic , the resident experts at the Craft Whisky Club have something for you .
Handpicked from the finest small batch and artisan whiskies from Scotland and beyond , this is an exciting way to create home tasting sessions over lockdown .
Each box includes up to two full size bottles , as well as recommended food pairings and information about the booze .
Find out more here .
Our favourite smokehouse in London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and beyond .
The meat is sourced from long-standing suppliers Philip Warren Butchers ( see above ) and Swaledale , before being gently smoked over kiln-dried English oak for up to 15 hours in a wood-fired smoker .
Find out more here .
Nine top chefs including Angela Hartnett ( Café Murano ) and Tom Cenci ( formerly of Loyal Tavern and Duck & Waffle head ) are serving up their inimitable menus through delivery service Dishpatch .
Delivered every Friday with prices ranging from £31 to £55 .
Find out more here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ingredient boxes allowing you to create signature dishes from beloved restaurants .
Pick from favourites including Dirty Bones , Pizza Pilgrims , Flank , Yum Bun and Scotland specialists Mac & Wild .
Created by Mac & Wild co-founders , Andy Waugh and Calum Mackinnon along with Edward Alun-Jones , the kits have been a huge success since their launch during the pandemic .
Check it out here .
Vallebona ’ s selection of Grazing Boxes promise to inject some excitement into lockdown life .
The company is offering home delivery on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likes of the River Café , Bocca di Lupo , Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester and Le Gavroche , right to your door .
Check it out here .
For a taste of Rick Stein ’ s famed seafood dishes at home , look no further than Stein ’ s at Home .
Each box contains all you need to feed two people a delicious three course meal .
All the preparation has been done by the Rick Stein team – you just need to cook it and plate up .
Dishes include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ butter , Indonesian seafood curry with pilau rice and lobster thermidor .
To round off the experience , add a bottle or two to the box , chosen by head of drinks and sommelier Charlie Stein .
Check it out here .
Indian-inspired Kricket will be running a Call & Collect Service at their Soho and White City restaurants .
They will also deliver signature dishes such as their Keralan Fried Chicken , Hyderabadi Aubergine and King Prawn Moilee across London , as well as “ Feast ” menus for one or two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you ’ re missing the mixologist in your life , head to the website of Crockers Henley , where you can find home-batch bottled cocktails available for home delivery .
Crockers at Home cocktails are mixed by ex-Fat Duck mixologist Ryan Osnowski , who has been crafting mixes including Old Fashioned , Espresso Martini , Margarita , Negroni , Manhattan , Maverick Martini , Cosmopolitan and Daiquiri .
There are also seasonal bottles of Gingerbread sours and eggnog mix ready to spice up a wintry evening .
Prices start from £12 a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michelin-starred Pied à Terre in Fitzrovia has launched a Vegan Feast home delivery .
For £50 , receive a three-course menu designed for sharing in the comfort of your own home .
Dishes include Globe Artichoke & Pink Peppercorn Soup , Vegetable Green Curry with Lemon Pilau Rice , and Chocolate Mousse with Bananas & Toasted Desiccated Coconut .
Check it out here .
The sustainable restaurant on Heddon Street will deliver a host of signatures dishes throughout the month .
On the menu will be its much-loved Corn Ribs , the Ex-Dairy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Don ’ t forget to order some homemade sriracha sauce on the side .
The team behind Highbury food and wine emporium Top Cuvée launched spin-off venture Shop Cuvée just as coronavirus really started to bite .
As well as selling their expertly curated wine list by the bottle , the team has developed a line of home delivery meals .
Under the helm of head chef Will Blank ( ex Lyle ’ s ) , menus will change daily and will be available to order for same-day delivery in London .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complement each menu , and even send you a Spotify playlist to accompany your order .
Meals , priced at £35 for dinner for two ( before wine ) , come with simple heating instructions .
Check it out here .
The St Martin ’ s Lane restaurant this week launched a home delivery service allowing you to “ celebrate the wealth of flavours and diversity of regional dishes of Iran ” from the comfort of your sofa .
Delivery will be available every Thursday and Saturday from their website or for local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a special home kit for two , featuring seven dishes from their winter menu .
This week you ’ ll find Bazaar Bread with Zaytoun Barvedeh , an olive tapenade with pomegranate and walnut and their Mushroom Kotlets with barberry and burnt yoghurt ; Mazandarani Lamb Halibut Mast ; and a warming toasted flour tart with pistachio and spiced clotted cream .
You can also order wine , cocktails or a house infused gin .
Meals for two start at £55 .
Check it out here .
These DIY paella kits are delivered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dacosta .
They include his secret recipe stocks , specialist bomba rice and famous paella pans with which to practice the art of paella making !
Your one-stop-paella-shop should be with you in 3-4 days after ordering , with kits starting from £76 .
If you ’ ve been promising yourself you ’ ll learn a new skill over lockdown , this could be for you .
Check it out here .
The last few years have seen London ’ s Indian dining scene transform into one of the most vibrant and varied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that esteemed crowd this autumn – objectively the worst time to open a restaurant since WW2 – was Pali Hill , a fragrant paean to the home-cooked small plates found in the home kitchens of Mumbai .
Usually to be found in Fitzrovia , you can now order food cooked by head chef Avinash Shashidhara ( previously River Café and Hibiscus ) straight to your door .
We managed to sneak in before lockdown and can highly recommend the marinated lamb cutlets and tandoori monkfish .
Every now and then there comes a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bees bollocks , and Mayfair ’ s Sabor is one of them .
Now you can get a little taste of that Spanish magic at home through the wonder of Deliveroo .
Chef Nieves Barragan says the Rico !
Rico !
menu is inspired by the Spanish comfort food he ’ s been cooking for himself during lockdown , and includes crispy croquetas , tortillas , chicken stew and spicy albondigas .
It ’ s not just slap-up meals that we ’ re being denied – it ’ s the little things from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to open ; artisan butchers , your favourite fishmonger .
If it ’ s cheese you crave , then you ’ re in luck – Tottenham ’ s first and finest cheese shop Wine & Rind is now offering home deliveries .
Featuring “ DIY @ home boxes ” full of artisan cheeses from the UK , homemade family-size sourdough loaves and independent matching wines , you can treat yourself from Tuesday to Saturday for next day delivery .
If all else fails , you can always just get sloshed on your sofa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you do that in some style .
Created by serious mixologists with decades of cocktail experience , the delivery service couriers freshly made cocktails straight to customers ’ doors – all you need to do is shake and serve .
Each comes with garnishes and a handy ‘ how to ’ guide , allowing customers to pour like a pro .
A brand that most readers of City A.M. may already be well acquainted with , Berry Bros. & Rudd is this week launching an at-home fine dining delivery serivce to compliment its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oldest wine and spirits merchant will offer a series of four regional menus and accompanying wine pairings from Burgundy , Bordeaux , Italy and Spain .
Each week a different three-course menu devised by Executive Chef Stewart Turner will be available to order for delivery .
Available on Thursday and Friday .
for delivery within eight miles of St James ’ s .
If you ’ re missing the finer things in life , then why not indulge in a spot of afternoon tea , courtest of The Gentlemen Baristas .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , smoked salmon , tiny cake .
And tea , of course .
Mayfair ’ s Hide was among the first restaurants to jump head-first into this brave new world of home delivery , and they remain one of the best .
There ’ s lobster on the menu this weekend , with three courses setting you back a very reasonable £59 .
Throw in some cocktails or a nice bottle of wine and you can pretend lockdown isn ’ t happening at all .
ASAP pizza is offering weekly delivery of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Borough Market , running Thursday to Sunday weekly .
Made with heritage British wheats and topped with exceptional produce , pizza lovers can pick from a menu of Pam Yung ’ s much-loved signatures including the “ Porco Rosso ” with red pesto , mortadella , stracciatella & guindillas ; “ Spice Grrl ” with tomato and ‘ nduja sauce , caciocavallo , honey , sicilian oregano ; the “ Marg & Rita ” with tomato sauce , mozzarella , basil , and spenwood ; as well as new seasonal combinations .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for two , which includes wine and a sweet pear frangipane , is an exceptional take on this classic dish .
It ’ s delivered cooked and ready to heat up , and costs just £100 for two .
Just dim the lights , set a fire and enjoy .
Order it here .
Chef Richard Corrigan ’ s famed 100-year-old fish restaurant is available from the comfort of your home .
Mr Oyster Boy offers a range of the most renowned dishes Bentley ’ s Oyster Bar and Grill has to offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fish Pie , Cornish dressed crab , the classic Bentley ’ s Shellfish Cocktail and 6/12 Rock Oysters with Champagne Mignonette .
It ’ s available Nationwide .
Order here .
If you have a hankering for ham , then this could be manna from heaven .
Michelin-starred Nacho Manzano , who grew up in the tiny village of La Salgar in the northern Asturias mountains , is now bringing his tasty Spanish tapas straight to your door .
If you live within 2.5 miles of any Iberica restaurant ( Victoria , Farringdon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then you can gorge yourself on top-notch hot tapas , cheese , meat and charcuterie .
Order here .
Family-run Italian business Vallebona has a selection of Grazing Boxes to inject some excitement into the last weekend of lockdown .
It delivers the same charcuterie , cheeses and Italian pantry goods they supply to the likes of the River Café , Bocca di Lupo , Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester and Le Gavroche , including Sardinian pasta , Tuscan sausages , jarred artichokes , antipasti and a delicious selection of cheeses .
Order @ @

Save Christmas and beat Tier 4 with these at-home dining options
An Arros QD DIY Paella Kit home delivery
The announcement of Tier 4 has sent Christmas plans into chaos, with families up and down the country now unsure where and with whom they will be able to spend the big day.
If you’ve now found yourself at a loss in the run-up to 25 December, here are some amazing home delivery options, many of which offer special festive packages, meaning you’ll at least be able to eat well, even if you’re dining solo.
Craft Whisky Club
Simon Rogan at Home
Smokestak at Home
Willie’s Cacao Launch Chocolate Tasting Box
HAME by Adam Handling
Made In Oldstead
Dishpatch
Boisdale
Philip Warren Butchers
Homeslice
Simon Rogan at home
One of the world’s top chefs Simon Rogan is offering delivery from his restaurants, including a three-course ‘at home’ winter menu available Friday to Sunday, changing weekly.
Even more exciting, Aulis London has also launched delivery for the first time, with its outre menu available for collection at the restaurant in Soho as well as delivery to zones 1-3 (available Tuesday-Saturdays and changing every fortnight).
Find out more here.
HAME by Adam Handling
The chef behind the The Frog restaurants is offering a “finish at home” restaurant experience, with four menus available (Sunday Lunch, £130 for 2 people; Dine in Style, £200; Dine in Style vegetarian, £110; Who are you trying to impress?, £305). The slick operation allows you to scan a QR code to access a video of Handling preparing the ingredients you have been sent.
Find out more here.
Willie’s Cacao Launch Chocolate Tasting Box
Those with a sweet tooth can order this Chocolate Tasting Box containing 10 artisan chocolate bars. Each month chocolate pioneer Willie Harcourt-Cooze will devise two unique chocolates made from unusual ingredients or rare beans, with the first month inspired by Japan. You can also organise a virtual chocolate tasting session to make it a more social experience.
Find out more here.
Boisdale
London’s premier jazz lounge-cum-Scottish restaurant is running a delivery service for its unbeatable produce, with the best beef, cheese and wine available to be delivered straight to your door. While you’ll have to hang on a few weeks before you can listen to live jazz or relax on the cigar terrace, biting into a rare Boisdale steak will certainly take the edge off.
Find out more here.
Made In Oldstead
World renowned chef Tommy Banks’ nationwide delivery service, Made In Oldstead, offers premium meals featuring produce grown both on and around the family farm.
Options include the Made In Oldstead Food Box, with the option of three different, three-course menus, and the Classic Weekend Food Box, which includes two different three-course menus, each serving two people. Alternatively there’s the Signature Menu, a five-course menu and bottle of wine, perfect for extra-special occasions.
Find out more here.
Philip Warren Butchers
Cornwall-based family business Philip Warren Butchers supply some of the country’s best restaurants including Kitchen Table, Paul Ainsworth at No. 6, and Smokestak. People at home can now buy their expertly dry-aged meat previously destined for these restaurants.
Find out more here.
Homeslice Take & Bake
Homeslice recently announced its Take & Bake pizzas are now available nationwide. Customers across the country can now get their hands on an authentic 12” Homeslice pizza, prepared using the highest-quality ingredients and ready to bake at home. Also available are Homeslice’s range of sauces for fans to drizzle over their pizzas.
Find out more here.
Craft Whisky Club
From casks to pairings, locally-produced to the exotic, the resident experts at the Craft Whisky Club have something for you. Handpicked from the finest small batch and artisan whiskies from Scotland and beyond, this is an exciting way to create home tasting sessions over lockdown. Each box includes up to two full size bottles, as well as recommended food pairings and information about the booze.
Find out more here.
SMOKESTAK at Home
Our favourite smokehouse in London is now delivering smoked meats across London and beyond. The meat is sourced from long-standing suppliers Philip Warren Butchers (see above) and Swaledale, before being gently smoked over kiln-dried English oak for up to 15 hours in a wood-fired smoker.
Find out more here.
Dishpatch
Nine top chefs including Angela Hartnett (Café Murano) and Tom Cenci (formerly of Loyal Tavern and Duck & Waffle head) are serving up their inimitable menus through delivery service Dishpatch. Delivered every Friday with prices ranging from £31 to £55.
Find out more here.
Vallebona
Take Cuvee
Nutshell
Fallow
Restaurant Kits
Crockers Henley
Arros QD DIY Paella Kit
Stein’s at Home
Pied à Terre
Kricket
Restaurant Kits
Restaurant Kits specialises in sending out ingredient boxes allowing you to create signature dishes from beloved restaurants. Pick from favourites including Dirty Bones, Pizza Pilgrims, Flank, Yum Bun and Scotland specialists Mac & Wild. Created by Mac & Wild co-founders, Andy Waugh and Calum Mackinnon along with Edward Alun-Jones, the kits have been a huge success since their launch during the pandemic.
Check it out here.
Vallebona
Vallebona’s selection of Grazing Boxes promise to inject some excitement into lockdown life. The company is offering home delivery on the same foods it usually supplies to the likes of the River Café, Bocca di Lupo, Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester and Le Gavroche, right to your door.
Check it out here.
Stein’s at Home
For a taste of Rick Stein’s famed seafood dishes at home, look no further than Stein’s at Home. Each box contains all you need to feed two people a delicious three course meal. All the preparation has been done by the Rick Stein team – you just need to cook it and plate up.
Dishes include grilled scallops with a hazelnut and coriander butter, Indonesian seafood curry with pilau rice and lobster thermidor. To round off the experience, add a bottle or two to the box, chosen by head of drinks and sommelier Charlie Stein.
Check it out here.
Kricket
Indian-inspired Kricket will be running a Call & Collect Service at their Soho and White City restaurants. They will also deliver signature dishes such as their Keralan Fried Chicken, Hyderabadi Aubergine and King Prawn Moilee across London, as well as “Feast” menus for one or two people.
Check it out here.
Crockers Henley
If you’re missing the mixologist in your life, head to the website of Crockers Henley, where you can find home-batch bottled cocktails available for home delivery. Crockers at Home cocktails are mixed by ex-Fat Duck mixologist Ryan Osnowski, who has been crafting mixes including Old Fashioned, Espresso Martini, Margarita, Negroni, Manhattan, Maverick Martini, Cosmopolitan and Daiquiri. There are also seasonal bottles of Gingerbread sours and eggnog mix ready to spice up a wintry evening. Prices start from £12 a bottle.
Check it out here.
Pied à Terre
Michelin-starred Pied à Terre in Fitzrovia has launched a Vegan Feast home delivery. For £50, receive a three-course menu designed for sharing in the comfort of your own home. Dishes include Globe Artichoke & Pink Peppercorn Soup, Vegetable Green Curry with Lemon Pilau Rice, and Chocolate Mousse with Bananas & Toasted Desiccated Coconut.
Check it out here.
Fallow
The sustainable restaurant on Heddon Street will deliver a host of signatures dishes throughout the month. On the menu will be its much-loved Corn Ribs, the Ex-Dairy Cow Burger, and Kombu Fries. Don’t forget to order some homemade sriracha sauce on the side.
Order here.
Top Cuvée’s Take Cuvée
The team behind Highbury food and wine emporium Top Cuvée launched spin-off venture Shop Cuvée just as coronavirus really started to bite. As well as selling their expertly curated wine list by the bottle, the team has developed a line of home delivery meals.
Under the helm of head chef Will Blank (ex Lyle’s), menus will change daily and will be available to order for same-day delivery in London. They will also select natural wine pairings to complement each menu, and even send you a Spotify playlist to accompany your order. Meals, priced at £35 for dinner for two (before wine), come with simple heating instructions.
Check it out here.
Nutshell
The St Martin’s Lane restaurant this week launched a home delivery service allowing you to “celebrate the wealth of flavours and diversity of regional dishes of Iran” from the comfort of your sofa. Delivery will be available every Thursday and Saturday from their website or for local London pick up, and will offer a special home kit for two, featuring seven dishes from their winter menu.
This week you’ll find Bazaar Bread with Zaytoun Barvedeh, an olive tapenade with pomegranate and walnut and their Mushroom Kotlets with barberry and burnt yoghurt; Mazandarani Lamb Halibut Mast; and a warming toasted flour tart with pistachio and spiced clotted cream. You can also order wine, cocktails or a house infused gin. Meals for two start at £55.
Check it out here.
Arros QD DIY Paella Kit
These DIY paella kits are delivered nationwide by the three Michelin-starred chef Quique Dacosta. They include his secret recipe stocks, specialist bomba rice and famous paella pans with which to practice the art of paella making!
Your one-stop-paella-shop should be with you in 3-4 days after ordering, with kits starting from £76. If you’ve been promising yourself you’ll learn a new skill over lockdown, this could be for you.
Check it out here.
Berry Bros. & Rudd
Rico! Rico! by Sabor
Wine & Rind
ASAP Pizza
The Cocktail Delivery Company
Hide at Home
The Gentlemen Baristas
Pali Hill
Pali Hill at Home
The last few years have seen London’s Indian dining scene transform into one of the most vibrant and varied outside of the subcontinent itself. Joining that esteemed crowd this autumn – objectively the worst time to open a restaurant since WW2 – was Pali Hill, a fragrant paean to the home-cooked small plates found in the home kitchens of Mumbai.
Usually to be found in Fitzrovia, you can now order food cooked by head chef Avinash Shashidhara (previously River Café and Hibiscus) straight to your door. We managed to sneak in before lockdown and can highly recommend the marinated lamb cutlets and tandoori monkfish.
Order here.
Rico! Rico! by Sabor
Every now and then there comes a restaurant that literally everybody agrees is the bees bollocks, and Mayfair’s Sabor is one of them. Now you can get a little taste of that Spanish magic at home through the wonder of Deliveroo. Chef Nieves Barragan says the Rico! Rico! menu is inspired by the Spanish comfort food he’s been cooking for himself during lockdown, and includes crispy croquetas, tortillas, chicken stew and spicy albondigas.
Order here.
Wine & Rind
It’s not just slap-up meals that we’re being denied – it’s the little things from speciality shops that aren’t able to open; artisan butchers, your favourite fishmonger. If it’s cheese you crave, then you’re in luck – Tottenham’s first and finest cheese shop Wine & Rind is now offering home deliveries.
Featuring “DIY @ home boxes” full of artisan cheeses from the UK, homemade family-size sourdough loaves and independent matching wines, you can treat yourself from Tuesday to Saturday for next day delivery.
Order here.
The Cocktail Delivery Company
If all else fails, you can always just get sloshed on your sofa – and The Cocktail Delivery Company lets you do that in some style. Created by serious mixologists with decades of cocktail experience, the delivery service couriers freshly made cocktails straight to customers’ doors – all you need to do is shake and serve.
Each comes with garnishes and a handy ‘how to’ guide, allowing customers to pour like a pro.
Order here.
Berry Bros. & Rudd
A brand that most readers of City A.M. may already be well acquainted with, Berry Bros. & Rudd is this week launching an at-home fine dining delivery serivce to compliment its exceptional wine offering. Britain’s oldest wine and spirits merchant will offer a series of four regional menus and accompanying wine pairings from Burgundy, Bordeaux, Italy and Spain.
Each week a different three-course menu devised by Executive Chef Stewart Turner will be available to order for delivery. Available on Thursday and Friday. for delivery within eight miles of St James’s.
Order here.
The Gentlemen Baristas’ Afternoon Tea at Home
If you’re missing the finer things in life, then why not indulge in a spot of afternoon tea, courtest of The Gentlemen Baristas. It’s all here: little cucumber sandwiches, smoked salmon, tiny cake. And tea, of course.
Order here.
HIDE at Home
Mayfair’s Hide was among the first restaurants to jump head-first into this brave new world of home delivery, and they remain one of the best. There’s lobster on the menu this weekend, with three courses setting you back a very reasonable £59. Throw in some cocktails or a nice bottle of wine and you can pretend lockdown isn’t happening at all.
Order here.
ASAP Pizza
ASAP pizza is offering weekly delivery of their New York style pies from Flor in Borough Market, running Thursday to Sunday weekly. Made with heritage British wheats and topped with exceptional produce, pizza lovers can pick from a menu of Pam Yung’s much-loved signatures including the “Porco Rosso” with red pesto, mortadella, stracciatella & guindillas; “Spice Grrl” with tomato and ‘nduja sauce, caciocavallo, honey, sicilian oregano; the “Marg & Rita” with tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil, and spenwood; as well as new seasonal combinations.
Order here.
Bentley’s – picture by Jodi Hinds
Vallebona
Iberica at Home
Fitzdares at Home
We can vouch that Fitzdares beef wellington package for two, which includes wine and a sweet pear frangipane, is an exceptional take on this classic dish. It’s delivered cooked and ready to heat up, and costs just £100 for two. Just dim the lights, set a fire and enjoy. Order it here.
Bentley’s
Chef Richard Corrigan’s famed 100-year-old fish restaurant is available from the comfort of your home. Mr Oyster Boy offers a range of the most renowned dishes Bentley’s Oyster Bar and Grill has to offer, such as The Bentley’s Fish Pie, Cornish dressed crab, the classic Bentley’s Shellfish Cocktail and 6/12 Rock Oysters with Champagne Mignonette. It’s available Nationwide. Order here.
Iberica at Home
If you have a hankering for ham, then this could be manna from heaven. Michelin-starred Nacho Manzano, who grew up in the tiny village of La Salgar in the northern Asturias mountains, is now bringing his tasty Spanish tapas straight to your door.
If you live within 2.5 miles of any Iberica restaurant (Victoria, Farringdon, Marylebone and Canary Wharf), then you can gorge yourself on top-notch hot tapas, cheese, meat and charcuterie. Order here.
Vallebona
Family-run Italian business Vallebona has a selection of Grazing Boxes to inject some excitement into the last weekend of lockdown. It delivers the same charcuterie, cheeses and Italian pantry goods they supply to the likes of the River Café, Bocca di Lupo, Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester and Le Gavroche, including Sardinian pasta, Tuscan sausages, jarred artichokes, antipasti and a delicious selection of cheeses. Order here.


cityam--2020-12-19--Christmas cancelled for London as capital enters “Tier 4”

Christmas has been effectively cancelled for those living in London and the southeast of England after a new , more infectious strain of coronavirus has spread throughout the region .
Read more : Save Christmas and beat Tier 4 with these at-home dining options The capital and southeast England will enter a new ‘ Tier 4 ’ from tomorrow morning , that will see households locked down and non-essential retail closed , mimicking the rules of England ’ s first , and longest lockdown .
Tier 4 residents have been told they must not mix with anyone outside of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans for thousands of families .
Read more : How many Covid-19 infections are there in your local borough ?
The tier system will come under review on 30 December .
Johnson said the new strain on the virus could increase the R rate by 0.4 , and could be up to 70 per cent more transmissible .
Speaking at a press conference this afternoon the PM said : “ I know how much emotion people invest in this time of year and how important it is for grandparents to see grandchildren , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be .
“ We ’ ve said throughout this pandemic we must and we will be guided by the science .
When the science changes we must change our response .
As your Prime Minister , I sincerely believe there is no alternative open to me.
” Without action , Johnson said hospitals would be overwhelmed and many thousands more to lose their lives .
There were 27,052 new cases of Covid-19 reported in the last 24 hours , with 534 new deaths in the last 24 hour reporting period from those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last 28 days .
Those living in other parts of the country will be restricted to bubbles of just two households during Christmas , with official guidance to stay in their local area .
Christmas mixing will also be limited to just Christmas Day .
Earlier today England ’ s chief medical officer Chris Whitty confirmed the virulence of the new strain of coronavirus , confirming it was spreading faster than previous strains .
Read more : Covid : London now has highest proportion of positive tests in the UK The last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases .
The number of people positive in the capital alone is thought to be about 125,000 .
Analysis suggests the R number — which represents how many people each infected person passes the virus on to — has risen above one in the UK .
Johnson has refused to rule out a third national lockdown for England after Christmas , warning that infection rates have increased “ very much ” over the last few weeks .

Christmas cancelled for London as capital enters “Tier 4”
Christmas is all but cancelled for those living in London and southeast England.
Christmas has been effectively cancelled for those living in London and the southeast of England after a new, more infectious strain of coronavirus has spread throughout the region.
The capital and southeast England will enter a new ‘Tier 4’ from tomorrow morning, that will see households locked down and non-essential retail closed, mimicking the rules of England’s first, and longest lockdown.
Tier 4 residents have been told they must not mix with anyone outside of their household during Christmas, inevitably changing holiday plans for thousands of families.
The tier system will come under review on 30 December.
Johnson said the new strain on the virus could increase the R rate by 0.4, and could be up to 70 per cent more transmissible.
Speaking at a press conference this afternoon the PM said: “I know how much emotion people invest in this time of year and how important it is for grandparents to see grandchildren, so I know how disappointing this will be.
“We’ve said throughout this pandemic we must and we will be guided by the science. When the science changes we must change our response. As your Prime Minister, I sincerely believe there is no alternative open to me.”
Without action, Johnson said hospitals would be overwhelmed and many thousands more to lose their lives.
There were 27,052 new cases of Covid-19 reported in the last 24 hours, with 534 new deaths in the last 24 hour reporting period from those who had tested positive for coronavirus in the last 28 days.
Those living in other parts of the country will be restricted to bubbles of just two households during Christmas, with official guidance to stay in their local area.
Christmas mixing will also be limited to just Christmas Day.
Earlier today England’s chief medical officer Chris Whitty confirmed the virulence of the new strain of coronavirus, confirming it was spreading faster than previous strains.
The last week has seen a major spike in Covid cases. The number of people positive in the capital alone is thought to be about 125,000.
Analysis suggests the R number — which represents how many people each infected person passes the virus on to — has risen above one in the UK.
Johnson has refused to rule out a third national lockdown for England after Christmas, warning that infection rates have increased “very much” over the last few weeks.


cityam--2020-12-19--Christmas cancelled for London? PM gears up for press conference today

Boris Johnson will hold a press conference at 4pm this afternoon as professor Chris Whitty has confirmed the virulence of a new strain of coronavirus found in London and the South East .
Westminster insiders have suggested London , the South East and the East of England will be placed into a brand new Tier 4 ahead of Christmas , and given a firm “ stay at home ” message .
In the last few days fears have mounted that England will be placed into a third national lockdown after Christmas , following a steep rise in coronavirus cases .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting to discuss rising concerns of new mutant Covid strain – reports Johnson is currently holding an emergency cabinet meeting on the new strain , and in the last hour Michael Gove spoke with the devolved nations .
Chief medical officer Whitty said : “ The UK has identified a new variant of Covid-19 through Public Health England ’ s genomic surveillance .
“ As a result of the rapid spread of the new variant , preliminary modelling data and rapidly rising incidence rates in the South East , the New and Emerging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) now consider that the new strain can spread more quickly .
“ We have alerted the World Health Organisation and are continuing to analyse the available data to improve our understanding.
” Read more : How many Covid-19 infections are there in your local borough ?
Witty said there was “ no evidence ” the new strain was more deadly than previous strains , nor that it would change the affectiveness of the vaccine or treatments , although “ urgent work is underway to confirm this.
” Much of the South East @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , but it is believed that Government is considering whether to go further , with some reports suggesting travel curbs are being mulled .
The number of people believed to be positive in the capital alone is now around 125,000 , according to new data .

Christmas cancelled for London? PM gears up for press conference today
Professor Chris Whitty has confirmed the new strain of coronavirus spreading in parts of the UK is more infectious than other strains.
Boris Johnson will hold a press conference at 4pm this afternoon as professor Chris Whitty has confirmed the virulence of a new strain of coronavirus found in London and the South East.
Westminster insiders have suggested London, the South East and the East of England will be placed into a brand new Tier 4 ahead of Christmas, and given a firm “stay at home” message.
NEW: Latest plan in No 10 is to cancel Christmas for London, South East and East, with those areas moved into a new Tier 4 and given "stay at home" message.
From Caroline Wheeler (currently on @Carolin64723572 ) ahead of today's press conference https://t.co/RYGSL6TAf7 — Gabriel Pogrund (@Gabriel_Pogrund) December 19, 2020
In the last few days fears have mounted that England will be placed into a third national lockdown after Christmas, following a steep rise in coronavirus cases.
Johnson is currently holding an emergency cabinet meeting on the new strain, and in the last hour Michael Gove spoke with the devolved nations.
Chief medical officer Whitty said: “The UK has identified a new variant of Covid-19 through Public Health England’s genomic surveillance.
“As a result of the rapid spread of the new variant, preliminary modelling data and rapidly rising incidence rates in the South East, the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) now consider that the new strain can spread more quickly.
“We have alerted the World Health Organisation and are continuing to analyse the available data to improve our understanding.”
Witty said there was “no evidence” the new strain was more deadly than previous strains, nor that it would change the affectiveness of the vaccine or treatments, although “urgent work is underway to confirm this.”
Much of the South East was plunged into Tier 3 restrictions this week, but it is believed that Government is considering whether to go further, with some reports suggesting travel curbs are being mulled.
The number of people believed to be positive in the capital alone is now around 125,000, according to new data.


cityam--2020-12-20--Pound traders brace for tense week as Brexit talks continue

Sterling traders are gearing themselves up for another nervy week amid fears that a collapse in Brexit talks could spark a sharp sell-off in the pound .
Negotiations are ongoing , but noises from both camps suggest they remain stuck on fishing rights and competition policy .
British health secretary Matt Hancock this morning told Sky News that the European Union was making “ unreasonable ” demands .
France appears to be taking a tough stand on fishing rights , arguing that it will not take a sub-standard deal .
The pound is currently trading at around two year highs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slipped back from even higher towards the end of last week as doubts about a Brexit deal emerged .
Economists at consultancy Capital Economics said last week that the pound could tumble to $ 1.15 in the event of a no-deal Brexit .
Such an outcome would lead to disruption for businesses as well as higher tariffs for certain sectors .
The UK ’ s budget watchdog has said it could knock two per cent off the economy next year .
Samuel Tombs , chief UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics , said no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.23 .
He said it could fall to about €1.04 against the euro , from its current price of €1.103 .
Nomura currency analyst Jordan Rochester said the pound could even plunge to $ 1.01 in a worst-case scenario where “ capital markets struggle to function ” amid financial disruption .
However , Tombs said the pound was “ less vulnerable ” than in 2016 , when it dropped sharply after the Brexit referendum .
He said it is now less dependent on external finance thanks to a lower current account deficit .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ also has less scope to cut interest rates , which would hurt the pound .
Analysts and investors are torn on whether the UK and EU will reach a deal .
Analysts at UBS said that if a deal is struck and vaccines aid the economy then sterling could hit $ 1.37 by the end of 2021 .

Pound traders brace for tense week as Brexit talks continue
The pound has risen sharply in recent weeks, but analysts are divided as to whether the UK and EU will agree a post-Brexit trade deal
Sterling traders are gearing themselves up for another nervy week amid fears that a collapse in Brexit talks could spark a sharp sell-off in the pound.
Negotiations are ongoing, but noises from both camps suggest they remain stuck on fishing rights and competition policy.
British health secretary Matt Hancock this morning told Sky News that the European Union was making “unreasonable” demands.
France appears to be taking a tough stand on fishing rights, arguing that it will not take a sub-standard deal.
The pound is currently trading at around two year highs of around $1.35. Yet it slipped back from even higher towards the end of last week as doubts about a Brexit deal emerged.
No-deal Brexit: Pound could hit $1.15 or lower
Economists at consultancy Capital Economics said last week that the pound could tumble to $1.15 in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Such an outcome would lead to disruption for businesses as well as higher tariffs for certain sectors. The UK’s budget watchdog has said it could knock two per cent off the economy next year.
Samuel Tombs, chief UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, said no deal could see sterling fall to $1.23. He said it could fall to about €1.04 against the euro, from its current price of €1.103.
Nomura currency analyst Jordan Rochester said the pound could even plunge to $1.01 in a worst-case scenario where “capital markets struggle to function” amid financial disruption.
However, Tombs said the pound was “less vulnerable” than in 2016, when it dropped sharply after the Brexit referendum.
He said it is now less dependent on external finance thanks to a lower current account deficit. And he said the Bank of England also has less scope to cut interest rates, which would hurt the pound.
Analysts and investors are torn on whether the UK and EU will reach a deal. Analysts at UBS said that if a deal is struck and vaccines aid the economy then sterling could hit $1.37 by the end of 2021.


cityam--2020-12-20--Mayor: The toughest Christmas since the Second World War

Writing exclusively for City A.M. , Mayor of London Sadiq Khan says he can “ barely contain his anger at the confusion and chaos ” sowed by Downing Street ’ s Christmas promises The last-minute announcement of tougher restrictions to control the spread of Covid-19 over Christmas is a bitter blow for millions of Londoners .
Our city faces the toughest Christmas since the Second World War and we will all need to pull together in true London spirit to get through this difficult period .
I have no doubt that we will .
Businesses that have already suffered so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few weeks at the worst possible time .
Family get togethers have been cancelled at the very last minute .
Long-planned dinners will go uncooked .
And many Londoners will now have to spend the Christmas period alone .
Read more : What does Tier 4 mean for Londoners ?
That ’ s not to say these new restrictions aren ’ t necessary – sadly , they are .
The virus is spreading very quickly as a result of the new , more infectious strain .
London has more cases of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and public health officials are extremely worried .
Hospitals are stretched and our intensive care capacity is being pushed to its limits .
I urge all Londoners to follow the new Government rules very closely .
Just as we did in March , we must now do everything we can to protect our NHS and prevent more deaths .
It would be such a tragedy to lose more people to this disease when the vaccine is being rolled out across our city and those lives could be saved so soon .
Now is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risks .
This is what the new Tier 4 means : There can be no Christmas bubbles like there will be in some other parts of the UK .
Non-essential businesses must close .
We must all stay at home unless it ’ s for work that can ’ t be done from home , childcare , education or exercise .
We can not travel outside of London .
And those who are clinically vulnerable should especially limit the time they spend outside their homes .
It didn ’ t have to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can barely contain my anger at the chaos and confusion that the Government has caused or at ministers ’ continued failure to get a handle on the pandemic .
This whole situation could have been avoided if the Prime Minister had not made irresponsible promises to the public and raised expectations about what we could happen over the Christmas period .
On their own , these new restrictions may well not be enough to get the virus under control .
We need the Government vastly to increase mass testing as a matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made mandatory in all busy outdoor public places .
Meanwhile , businesses and the self-employed need greater financial support .
The government must compensate businesses for wasted Christmas stock and lost revenue over this busy festive period .
Current levels of funding are woefully insufficient and make it harder for people to follow the rules .
A package of full pay for those who have to self-isolate is also crucial .
In this most difficult of moments we must remember that there is at least some light at the end of the tunnel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to vulnerable Londoners as we speak will defeat this virus .
It ’ s up to all of us to do the right thing now and protect the most vulnerable people in our society until we reach the better times that lie ahead .
Read more : What does Tier 4 mean for travel in London ?

Mayor: The toughest Christmas since the Second World War
Writing exclusively for City A.M., Mayor of London Sadiq Khan says he can “barely contain his anger at the confusion and chaos” sowed by Downing Street’s Christmas promises
The last-minute announcement of tougher restrictions to control the spread of Covid-19 over Christmas is a bitter blow for millions of Londoners.
Our city faces the toughest Christmas since the Second World War and we will all need to pull together in true London spirit to get through this difficult period. I have no doubt that we will.
Businesses that have already suffered so much this year face an even tougher few weeks at the worst possible time. Family get togethers have been cancelled at the very last minute. Long-planned dinners will go uncooked. And many Londoners will now have to spend the Christmas period alone.
Read more: What does Tier 4 mean for Londoners?
That’s not to say these new restrictions aren’t necessary – sadly, they are. The virus is spreading very quickly as a result of the new, more infectious strain. London has more cases of the virus than anywhere else in England. NHS and public health officials are extremely worried. Hospitals are stretched and our intensive care capacity is being pushed to its limits.
I urge all Londoners to follow the new Government rules very closely. Just as we did in March, we must now do everything we can to protect our NHS and prevent more deaths. It would be such a tragedy to lose more people to this disease when the vaccine is being rolled out across our city and those lives could be saved so soon. Now is certainly not the time to take unnecessary risks.
This is what the new Tier 4 means: There can be no Christmas bubbles like there will be in some other parts of the UK. Non-essential businesses must close. We must all stay at home unless it’s for work that can’t be done from home, childcare, education or exercise. We cannot travel outside of London. And those who are clinically vulnerable should especially limit the time they spend outside their homes.
It didn’t have to be this way. Like many Londoners, I can barely contain my anger at the chaos and confusion that the Government has caused or at ministers’ continued failure to get a handle on the pandemic. This whole situation could have been avoided if the Prime Minister had not made irresponsible promises to the public and raised expectations about what we could happen over the Christmas period.
On their own, these new restrictions may well not be enough to get the virus under control. We need the Government vastly to increase mass testing as a matter of urgency. Face coverings should be made mandatory in all busy outdoor public places.
Meanwhile, businesses and the self-employed need greater financial support. The government must compensate businesses for wasted Christmas stock and lost revenue over this busy festive period. Current levels of funding are woefully insufficient and make it harder for people to follow the rules. A package of full pay for those who have to self-isolate is also crucial.
In this most difficult of moments we must remember that there is at least some light at the end of the tunnel. The vaccines that are being rolled out to vulnerable Londoners as we speak will defeat this virus. It’s up to all of us to do the right thing now and protect the most vulnerable people in our society until we reach the better times that lie ahead.
Read more: What does Tier 4 mean for travel in London?


cityam--2020-12-20--Belgian Government joins Dutch in banning British arrivals

Belgium has joined the Netherlands in banning British arrivals after the emergence of a new mutant strain of Covid-19 in @ @ @ @ @ De Croo announced the ban would be in place for at least 24 hours from @ @ @ @ @ expecting the restrictions to last longer than that .
It comes after the Dutch Government @ @ @ @ @ Read more : Tier 4 – what are the rules ?
Other European governments are @ @ @ @ @ measures .
Eurostar had intended to continue services to Brussels as of last evening .
@ @ @ @ @ global authorities , with the World Health Organisation saying it was working with UK authorities @ @ @ @ @ the new strain .
Travelling outside of Tier 4 areas is now against the law @ @ @ @ @ with individuals outside of your support bubble .

Belgian Government joins Dutch in banning British arrivals
Belgium has joined the Netherlands in banning British arrivals after the emergence of a new mutant strain of Covid-19 in the UK.
PM Alexander De Croo announced the ban would be in place for at least 24 hours from midnight tonight, with most expecting the restrictions to last longer than that.
It comes after the Dutch Government barred UK arrivals overnight.
Read more: Tier 4 – what are the rules?
Other European governments are believed to be considering similar measures.
Eurostar had intended to continue services to Brussels as of last evening.
The new strain has concerned global authorities, with the World Health Organisation saying it was working with UK authorities to identify the characteristics of the new strain.
Travelling outside of Tier 4 areas is now against the law, as is staying overnight with individuals outside of your support bubble.


cityam--2020-12-20--How activist investors will circle in on UK corporates in 2021

As companies plan for their post-pandemic future there are signs that they will have to contend with a new threat : activist investors .
Activists have so far been biding their time .
The usually vocal Edward Bramson paused his campaign against Barclays boss Jes Staley at the start of the year .
Bramson has repeatedly called for the bank to cut its trading division to boost profitability .
Read more : Activists and coronavirus : Funds will target devalued firms after crisis In the UK just 36 corporates have been targeted by activists this year , compared with 55 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back on their feet 2021 will likely signal crunch time for many companies that have underperformed during the crisis .
Read more : Countrywide shareholder to oppose £90m lifeline from private equity investor In the US there has been a well-documented history of more aggressive and very public campaigns , which don ’ t gain as much traction in continental Europe .
The UK sits in the middle of the two and new research by professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal predicts there will be a significant increase in campaigns next year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest increase in public activist campaigns , with 60 companies now predicted to be at risk compared with 54 in December 2019 .
It exceeds France and Germany ’ s combined total and accounts for 37 per cent of all at-risk companies .
Why the UK ?
Corporates have been among some of the worst hit during the pandemic , with a number falling into administration .
And with more of an activist-friendly governance and regulatory environment , the UK is more conducive to shareholder activism .
Read more : Countryside chairman to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fundamentally activists tend to thrive in times of disruption , so the impact of Brexit will also undoubtedly push activists to question decision-making at the top of firms .
“ Brexit is going to lead to the mispricing which is why the UK market generally is quite lowly valued at the moment… that ’ s one of the reasons why we ’ re forecasting more activity in the UK relative to continental Europe over the next 12 months , ” Malcolm McKenzie , managing director at A & M tells City A.M. That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a flurry of deals come 1 January because activists will need to shore up their own position .
“ An activist needs a wolf pack around them… if they get five per cent of the votes that ’ s not enough to get somebody on the board .
It ’ s only if they can get the support of the institutional investors behind them that they can really get their teeth in , ” says McKenzie .
What is essential is getting the Fidelitys and Blackrocks of the world on side and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ But you ’ ve got to do it in a way which works in the City of London culture , ” he adds .
Read more : Activist investor Trian takes stakes in Invesco and Janus Henderson With the end of the crisis in sight following news of the rollout of a vaccine what will activist campaigns look like ?
Not only do companies have to deal with the operational difficulties as they come out of the Covid crisis they are also going to come under pressure to shore up their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re a chief executive or chairman of a company with a poor ESG rating you ’ re likely to be more lowly valued than an equivalent company with a better ESG rating , and secondly you ’ re more likely to be attacked by an activist , ” McKenzie says .
ESG has been a buzzword among investors for a while now and the pandemic has pushed these ideas into the mainstream .
“ The E and S is very much the growing force that is driving ESG more broadly , ” Paul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adds .
Read more : Edward Bramson resumes activist campaign against Barclays Exxon Mobil is the most recent corporate to face pressure from multiple activist investor groups for a failure to address long-term energy transition needs , and Blackrock has also been making statements about voting down directors over climate inaction .
“ It ’ s time to wake up and smell the coffee and start taking serious action about how you can improve the ESG rating , ” McKenzie adds .
As a result of this renewed focus on ESG A & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industrials will be the most targeted sector .
“ It obviously plays straight into the ESG domain because clearly there ’ s waste… they tend to be global businesses so there ’ s a lot of logistics costs , ” McKenzie says The number of UK industrial firms at risk has grown from 52 in 2019 to 61 and the sector now accounts for 38 per cent of all “ at risk ” companies .
That said it is extremely unlikely ESG activist campaigns will be limited to the industrials sector , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased scrutiny .
Read more : Activist investor ups stake in Pearson ahead of boardroom grab “ [ They ] will come more into focus as opposed to always referring to the nasty oil companies… people will increasingly start looking at tech companies .
When you dive into it… a lot of those companies don ’ t have very good ESG ratings.
” Healthcare has naturally enjoyed largely positive headlines this year with a proliferation of new healthtech firms as well as more established players like Pfizer and Astrazeneca which have been essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But with scrutiny on big pharma ’ s pricing strategies for different parts of the world health companies could soon come under pressure from investors .
“ It ’ s all about the societal licence to operate and people think they ’ ve got the pricing strategy wrong like we saw with Aids drugs .
There will be fuss about it and their ESG rating will go down , ” says McKenzie .
“ This is further amplified by the government funds these firms are receiving and how it ’ s being used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to healthcare supply chains could also come into sharp focus next year .
“ We saw it with companies like Boohoo and healthcare is going to be receiving the same kind of focus .
They ’ re going a good thing at the public level , but how are they driving that in the background ?
” says Paul .
The pause in activity from activists who were reluctant to be perceived as tone deaf during the height of the crisis will change in the new year .
“ It won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more campaigns will breed more campaigns because people will see it working… and it will build and you ’ ll get real momentum , ” Kinrade concludes .

How activist investors will circle in on UK corporates in 2021
The capital’s premier FTSE 100 index fell 1.61 per cent over the course of last week to 7,387.94 points, while the domestically-focused mid-cap FTSE 250 index, which is more aligned with the health of the UK economy, tumbled nearly four per cent to below 20,000 points
As companies plan for their post-pandemic future there are signs that they will have to contend with a new threat: activist investors.
Activists have so far been biding their time. The usually vocal Edward Bramson paused his campaign against Barclays boss Jes Staley at the start of the year.
Bramson has repeatedly called for the bank to cut its trading division to boost profitability.
In the UK just 36 corporates have been targeted by activists this year, compared with 55 in 2019.
But as companies get back on their feet 2021 will likely signal crunch time for many companies that have underperformed during the crisis.
UK corporates vulnerable to activism
In the US there has been a well-documented history of more aggressive and very public campaigns, which don’t gain as much traction in continental Europe.
The UK sits in the middle of the two and new research by professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal predicts there will be a significant increase in campaigns next year.
The UK is forecasted to see the largest increase in public activist campaigns, with 60 companies now predicted to be at risk compared with 54 in December 2019.
It exceeds France and Germany’s combined total and accounts for 37 per cent of all at-risk companies.
Why the UK? Corporates have been among some of the worst hit during the pandemic, with a number falling into administration. And with more of an activist-friendly governance and regulatory environment, the UK is more conducive to shareholder activism.
Fundamentally activists tend to thrive in times of disruption, so the impact of Brexit will also undoubtedly push activists to question decision-making at the top of firms.
“Brexit is going to lead to the mispricing which is why the UK market generally is quite lowly valued at the moment… that’s one of the reasons why we’re forecasting more activity in the UK relative to continental Europe over the next 12 months,” Malcolm McKenzie, managing director at A&M tells City A.M.
That is not to say that there will be a flurry of deals come 1 January because activists will need to shore up their own position.
“An activist needs a wolf pack around them… if they get five per cent of the votes that’s not enough to get somebody on the board. It’s only if they can get the support of the institutional investors behind them that they can really get their teeth in,” says McKenzie.
What is essential is getting the Fidelitys and Blackrocks of the world on side and making them amenable to work with activists. “But you’ve got to do it in a way which works in the City of London culture,” he adds.
ESG concerns will fuel campaigns
With the end of the crisis in sight following news of the rollout of a vaccine what will activist campaigns look like?
Not only do companies have to deal with the operational difficulties as they come out of the Covid crisis they are also going to come under pressure to shore up their ESG credentials.
“If you’re a chief executive or chairman of a company with a poor ESG rating you’re likely to be more lowly valued than an equivalent company with a better ESG rating, and secondly you’re more likely to be attacked by an activist,” McKenzie says.
ESG has been a buzzword among investors for a while now and the pandemic has pushed these ideas into the mainstream.
“The E and S is very much the growing force that is driving ESG more broadly,” Paul Kinrade, A&M special adviser adds.
Exxon Mobil is the most recent corporate to face pressure from multiple activist investor groups for a failure to address long-term energy transition needs, and Blackrock has also been making statements about voting down directors over climate inaction.
“It’s time to wake up and smell the coffee and start taking serious action about how you can improve the ESG rating,” McKenzie adds.
Industrials and healthcare feel the pressure
As a result of this renewed focus on ESG A&M’s research has found that industrials will be the most targeted sector.
“It obviously plays straight into the ESG domain because clearly there’s waste… they tend to be global businesses so there’s a lot of logistics costs,” McKenzie says
The number of UK industrial firms at risk has grown from 52 in 2019 to 61 and the sector now accounts for 38 per cent of all “at risk” companies.
That said it is extremely unlikely ESG activist campaigns will be limited to the industrials sector, with McKenzie predicting tech firms will come under increased scrutiny.
“[They] will come more into focus as opposed to always referring to the nasty oil companies… people will increasingly start looking at tech companies. When you dive into it… a lot of those companies don’t have very good ESG ratings.”
Healthcare has naturally enjoyed largely positive headlines this year with a proliferation of new healthtech firms as well as more established players like Pfizer and Astrazeneca which have been essential in the fight against the pandemic.
But with scrutiny on big pharma’s pricing strategies for different parts of the world health companies could soon come under pressure from investors.
“It’s all about the societal licence to operate and people think they’ve got the pricing strategy wrong like we saw with Aids drugs. There will be fuss about it and their ESG rating will go down,” says McKenzie. “This is further amplified by the government funds these firms are receiving and how it’s being used for the public good.”
Issues related to healthcare supply chains could also come into sharp focus next year. “We saw it with companies like Boohoo and healthcare is going to be receiving the same kind of focus. They’re going a good thing at the public level, but how are they driving that in the background?” says Paul.
The pause in activity from activists who were reluctant to be perceived as tone deaf during the height of the crisis will change in the new year.
“It won’t be a sudden avalanche in January… but more campaigns will breed more campaigns because people will see it working… and it will build and you’ll get real momentum,” Kinrade concludes.


cityam--2020-12-20--US lawmakers poised to vote on $900bn stimulus package

US lawmakers could vote on a $ 900bn ( £665bn ) stimulus package as early as today after Republicans and Democrats reportedly reached a compromise on Federal Reserve lending programmes .
If Congress fails to act , much of the support aimed at the unemployed so far will expire .
Other stimulus programmes are due to come to an end before the end of the year .
Read more : FTSE 100 slips but global markets hit fresh highs on vaccines and stimulus Talks had been held up by demands from Republican senator Pat Toomey that certain Federal Reserve lending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two sides have reportedly come to a compromise , however , that will not allow carbon copies of previous Fed programmes for businesses and states to be created .
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer told reporters on Saturday night : “ If things continue on this path and nothing gets in the way , we ’ ll be able to vote tomorrow.
” President Donald Trump urged Congress to sign off on a deal .
“ GET IT DONE , and give them more money in direct payments , ” Trump tweeted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ extra stimulus .
But negotiations stalled ahead of the presidential election , with the Democrats demanding a much bigger package than Republicans .
More recently , the Fed ’ s role in stimulus efforts became a major sticking point .
Toomey and other Republicans object to what they see as overreach by the central bank .
Republicans and Democrats have reportedly reached a compromise on the Fed schemes .
The New York Times reported that president-elect Joe Biden ’ s Treasury secretary would not be allowed to create carbon copies of the previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leeway for more Fed support .
The compromise bill would send direct payments of $ 600 to large numbers of Americans .
It would also boost unemployment support .
Read more : President Trump ‘ could lift UK travel ban ’ from next week A stimulus bill would cheer markets , which have been pulled in different directions by vaccine optimism and rising coronavirus cases .
Signs that the US economic recovery is slowing has worried businesses and households .
New claims for unemployment insurance have risen for two weeks in a row @ @ @ @ @ @

US lawmakers poised to vote on $900bn stimulus package
Democrat senate minority leader Chuck Schumer said lawmakers could vote on the stimulus bill today
US lawmakers could vote on a $900bn (£665bn) stimulus package as early as today after Republicans and Democrats reportedly reached a compromise on Federal Reserve lending programmes.
If Congress fails to act, much of the support aimed at the unemployed so far will expire. Other stimulus programmes are due to come to an end before the end of the year.
Talks had been held up by demands from Republican senator Pat Toomey that certain Federal Reserve lending programmes should not be extended.
The two sides have reportedly come to a compromise, however, that will not allow carbon copies of previous Fed programmes for businesses and states to be created.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer told reporters on Saturday night: “If things continue on this path and nothing gets in the way, we’ll be able to vote tomorrow.”
President Donald Trump urged Congress to sign off on a deal. “GET IT DONE, and give them more money in direct payments,” Trump tweeted.
Light at end of stimulus tunnel
Economists and investors have long called for extra stimulus. But negotiations stalled ahead of the presidential election, with the Democrats demanding a much bigger package than Republicans.
More recently, the Fed’s role in stimulus efforts became a major sticking point. Toomey and other Republicans object to what they see as overreach by the central bank.
Republicans and Democrats have reportedly reached a compromise on the Fed schemes. The New York Times reported that president-elect Joe Biden’s Treasury secretary would not be allowed to create carbon copies of the previous schemes, but there would be some leeway for more Fed support.
The compromise bill would send direct payments of $600 to large numbers of Americans. It would also boost unemployment support.
A stimulus bill would cheer markets, which have been pulled in different directions by vaccine optimism and rising coronavirus cases.
Signs that the US economic recovery is slowing has worried businesses and households. New claims for unemployment insurance have risen for two weeks in a row, spurring Congress to act.


cityam--2020-12-20--Brexit talks continue as UK demands EU withdraw "unreasonable demands"

Sticking points including fisheries and the level-playing field continue to plague Brexit talks as they enter the final stages .
The European Parliament has set an effective deadline of midnight today if it is to be ratified in time for the UK ’ s departure on December 31 .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News this morning : “ We want these talks to reach a positive conclusion , of course I want a deal , I think everybody wants a deal.
” Read more : Le crunch – Brexit talks down to last few hours “ I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obviously it needs movement on the EU side , ” he continued .
Positive briefings about a deal have slowed in recent days as the deadline looms .
A Government source told Reuters on Saturday that EU negotiators were being hamstrung by a lack of flexibility from member states , a clear reference to the hardline approach being taken by French President Emmanuel Macron .
A no deal departure could see British naval vessels patrolling UK waters to prevent foreign fishing vessels from operating .
It would also see significant tariffs and border @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the financial services industry in limbo .

Brexit talks continue as UK demands EU withdraw “unreasonable demands”
(Photo by Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Sticking points including fisheries and the level-playing field continue to plague Brexit talks as they enter the final stages.
The European Parliament has set an effective deadline of midnight today if it is to be ratified in time for the UK’s departure on December 31.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News this morning: “We want these talks to reach a positive conclusion, of course I want a deal, I think everybody wants a deal.”
Read more: Le crunch – Brexit talks down to last few hours
“I am sure a deal can be done but obviously it needs movement on the EU side,” he continued.
Positive briefings about a deal have slowed in recent days as the deadline looms.
A Government source told Reuters on Saturday that EU negotiators were being hamstrung by a lack of flexibility from member states, a clear reference to the hardline approach being taken by French President Emmanuel Macron.
A no deal departure could see British naval vessels patrolling UK waters to prevent foreign fishing vessels from operating.
It would also see significant tariffs and border goods chaos, as well as leaving the financial services industry in limbo.


cityam--2020-12-20--Tier 4: What does it mean for travel?

Tier 4: What does it mean for travel?

Londoners may have been plotting to get home and see their families this Christmas , either in the UK or abroad , but those plans have been thrown into chaos by new Tier 4 restrictions .
What are the new rules ?
The Government warns that “ you must not leave your home to travel unless for work , education or other legally permitted reasons.
” The guidance also states that you should “ stay local ” – “ meaning avoiding travelling outside of your village , town or the part of a city where you live.
” Read more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 until widespread vaccine rollout If you are in Tier 4 , you must stay there .
Those regulations stay in place throughout the Christmas period , despite the earlier promises from Government that it would be allowed .
There are some exceptions : – To travel to work where you can ’ t work from home – Travel to education – To visit those in your support bubble or your childcare bubble – Or to attend hospital .
You are not permitted to travel to see family members outside Tier 4 unless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Government guidance says that “ if you are in Tier 4 , you should not be travelling abroad ” except for work .
Many operators , including Eurostar and a number of airlines , will continue to operate during the lockdown for those who need to travel .
You can not stay overnight from home , either for a holiday or to see your family unless they are in your support bubble .
There are some exceptions , such as if you require accommodation whilst in the process of moving house , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and B & Bs are allowed to remain open for those who require accommodation .

Tier 4: What does it mean for travel?
(Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Londoners may have been plotting to get home and see their families this Christmas, either in the UK or abroad, but those plans have been thrown into chaos by new Tier 4 restrictions.
What are the new rules?
The Government warns that “you must not leave your home to travel unless for work, education or other legally permitted reasons.”
The guidance also states that you should “stay local” – “meaning avoiding travelling outside of your village, town or the part of a city where you live.”
Read more: London likely to be in Tier 4 until widespread vaccine rollout
Travelling out of Tier 4
If you are in Tier 4, you must stay there. Those regulations stay in place throughout the Christmas period, despite the earlier promises from Government that it would be allowed.
There are some exceptions:
– To travel to work where you can’t work from home
– Travel to education
– To visit those in your support bubble or your childcare bubble
– Or to attend hospital.
You are not permitted to travel to see family members outside Tier 4 unless they were already in your support bubble.
Travelling abroad
Government guidance says that “if you are in Tier 4, you should not be travelling abroad” except for work.
Many operators, including Eurostar and a number of airlines, will continue to operate during the lockdown for those who need to travel.
Staying overnight
You cannot stay overnight from home, either for a holiday or to see your family unless they are in your support bubble.
There are some exceptions, such as if you require accommodation whilst in the process of moving house, or to attend a funeral.
Hotels and B&Bs are allowed to remain open for those who require accommodation.


cityam--2020-12-20--Another London leisure landmark closes its doors for good

Cafe de Paris , which opened in 1924 and only shut during the Blitz when it suffered a direct hit , will close its doors thanks to lockdown restrictions .
Maxwell ’ s Restaurants , which owns Cafe de Paris as well as the Tropicana Beach Club , entered liquidation last week .
The Sunday Times first reported the news .
Some 400 jobs will go .
Liquidators Live Recoveries told the paper that “ despite hope that December would generate a much-needed upturn in trading income , it was apparent low customer numbers , uncertainty surrounding trading , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company with no alternative.
” Read more : London could be in Tier 4 until vaccine is widespread Nightclubs like Cafe de Paris have been hit especially hard by curfew restrictions .
Paris was open until 3am in pre-Covid times , but the imposition of a 10pm and then an 11pm curfew even when open has restricted their offering .
At least 34 people were killed when a German bomb struck the venue in March 1941 , but the venue reopened in 1948 .
It played host over the years to everybody from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coward .
Yesterday London First , the business lobby group , warned that many of the capital ’ s businesses could potentially go under as a result of new Tier 4 restrictions .

Another London leisure landmark closes its doors for good
(Photo by Peter Summers/Getty Images)
Cafe de Paris, which opened in 1924 and only shut during the Blitz when it suffered a direct hit, will close its doors thanks to lockdown restrictions.
Maxwell’s Restaurants, which owns Cafe de Paris as well as the Tropicana Beach Club, entered liquidation last week.
The Sunday Times first reported the news.
Some 400 jobs will go.
Liquidators Live Recoveries told the paper that “despite hope that December would generate a much-needed upturn in trading income, it was apparent low customer numbers, uncertainty surrounding trading, and mounting creditors and rent arrears left the company with no alternative.”
Read more: London could be in Tier 4 until vaccine is widespread
Nightclubs like Cafe de Paris have been hit especially hard by curfew restrictions.
Paris was open until 3am in pre-Covid times, but the imposition of a 10pm and then an 11pm curfew even when open has restricted their offering.
At least 34 people were killed when a German bomb struck the venue in March 1941, but the venue reopened in 1948.
It played host over the years to everybody from Frank Sinatra to Grace Kelly to Noel Coward.
Yesterday London First, the business lobby group, warned that many of the capital’s businesses could potentially go under as a result of new Tier 4 restrictions.