cityam--2020-12-12--Weekend Interview: Weight Watchers UK boss on the fight against obesity post-lockdown

During two lockdowns this year millions of us were stuck at home , moving less , eating more .
According to recent data from diet giant Weight Watchers , one in two people ate more during lockdown , while one in three drank more alcohol .
Meanwhile , nearly one in two have been less active since the pandemic began .
To take Britain ’ s temperature , City A.M. ‘ s Michiel Willems caught up with Anna Hill , since August of last year the CEO of Weight Watchers in the UK .
Two lockdowns , millions of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving less : your business must be thriving post-lockdown ?
Like every other business , the pandemic posed challenges for us .
With members unable to access physical workshops , we had to accelerate our digitisation plans and migrate thousands of members from physical workshops to virtual workshops .
At the beginning of lockdown people were concerned about the basics , like getting food into their homes , but a few weeks in we saw many looking to change their habits and this has continued to increase .
Are there health inequalities that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example , differences between men and women ?
Yes , the pandemic has deepened these inequalities .
Although mortality for men from Covid-19 is higher , women are bearing the brunt of indirect consequences to health .
Women were less active , ate more and gained more weight than men in recent lockdowns , by up to 10 per cent , and many more felt increased anxiety .
Financial and social issues , such as women facing greater unemployment in industries like retail and hospitality and being primary caregivers to children , have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Eat well to stay well !
Healthy eating is easier than you think Is the Covid vaccine the silver bullet to solve the health crisis ?
We must not forget less prominent issues like health inequalities and well-being , which fuel problems like obesity , a killer during the pandemic and one that won ’ t go away once the vaccine is here .
Let ’ s stick with obesity for a minute : it is obviously a major problem in the UK , and beyond .
What is in your view @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
We welcome the government ’ s obesity strategy , it goes further than any previous in the UK , but to help people reach and maintain healthier weights and lifestyles , we need to drive scale and reach .
Obesity is a hugely complex problem .
It ’ s about much more than weight loss and what you put in your body , it ’ s about understanding individual circumstances and triggers around food , mindset , activity and sleep , to help people change habits long term .
You spent nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Why that jump from entertainment to a health driven-business ?
I really enjoyed working at Disney but was excited about a challenge to help transform a business and focus on a brand that has true purpose , and it being around changing people ’ s lives .
I was encouraged that being on the other side of 50 and being at a company for over 20 years would make it more challenging to explore roles , so this was the perfect time as I turned 50 this year .
Read more : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown actually worth it ?

Weekend Interview: Weight Watchers UK boss on the fight against obesity post-lockdown
Anna Hill, since 2019 the CEO of Weight Watchers in the UK and a former general manager of all Disney channels in Britain
During two lockdowns this year millions of us were stuck at home, moving less, eating more.
According to recent data from diet giant Weight Watchers, one in two people ate more during lockdown, while one in three drank more alcohol. Meanwhile, nearly one in two have been less active since the pandemic began.
To take Britain’s temperature, City A.M.‘s Michiel Willems caught up with Anna Hill, since August of last year the CEO of Weight Watchers in the UK.
Two lockdowns, millions of people working from home, eating more, moving less: your business must be thriving post-lockdown?
Like every other business, the pandemic posed challenges for us. With members unable to access physical workshops, we had to accelerate our digitisation plans and migrate thousands of members from physical workshops to virtual workshops. At the beginning of lockdown people were concerned about the basics, like getting food into their homes, but a few weeks in we saw many looking to change their habits and this has continued to increase.
Are there health inequalities that are brought on by Covid, for example, differences between men and women?
Yes, the pandemic has deepened these inequalities. Although mortality for men from Covid-19 is higher, women are bearing the brunt of indirect consequences to health. Women were less active, ate more and gained more weight than men in recent lockdowns, by up to 10 per cent, and many more felt increased anxiety. Financial and social issues, such as women facing greater unemployment in industries like retail and hospitality and being primary caregivers to children, have exacerbated their health issues.
“Obesity is a hugely complex problem. It’s about much more than weight loss and what you put in your body.”
Is the Covid vaccine the silver bullet to solve the health crisis?
We must not forget less prominent issues like health inequalities and well-being, which fuel problems like obesity, a killer during the pandemic and one that won’t go away once the vaccine is here.
Let’s stick with obesity for a minute: it is obviously a major problem in the UK, and beyond. What is in your view the best approach the government can take?
We welcome the government’s obesity strategy, it goes further than any previous in the UK, but to help people reach and maintain healthier weights and lifestyles, we need to drive scale and reach. Obesity is a hugely complex problem. It’s about much more than weight loss and what you put in your body, it’s about understanding individual circumstances and triggers around food, mindset, activity and sleep, to help people change habits long term.
You spent nearly two decades at Disney before joining WW. Why that jump from entertainment to a health driven-business?
I really enjoyed working at Disney but was excited about a challenge to help transform a business and focus on a brand that has true purpose, and it being around changing people’s lives. I was encouraged that being on the other side of 50 and being at a company for over 20 years would make it more challenging to explore roles, so this was the perfect time as I turned 50 this year.


cityam--2020-12-12--The 15-minute city: How to make London greener, cleaner, and more resilient

2020 has been the year that has exposed how vulnerable our cities are .
Living through lockdowns has brought to the fore issues which we have been sweeping under the carpet , particularly in London : lack of access to green spaces , distance to essential amenities such as shops , and the need for better pedestrian and cycling options .
This does not bode well for the future .
But I ’ m an optimist : I believe that cities are resilient and flexible .
We know that cities will need to be able to withstand more shocks than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future pandemics on the horizon .
But we don ’ t need a huge overhaul .
Small yet widespread interventions , such as more greenery or improved walkability , can have a profound impact on a city ’ s resilience .
By moving to a “ 15-minute city ” , in which essential amenities are a 15-minute walk or cycle from home , we can help Londoners hold on to the things we ’ ve gained temporarily during lockdowns , such as less traffic and cleaner air , while ensuring our resilience for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefits of green spaces have long been recognised , but with the confinement brought by lockdowns , access to parks and gardens suddenly became vital .
London has its share of major parks , but not everyone lives within easy reach of those .
Indeed , research we have carried out at Arup found that Londoners have the furthest to travel ( 20.1 minutes on average ) to green spaces out of their European counterparts in Berlin , Milan , Madrid and Paris .
Our urban planners must take this opportunity to right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our residential areas .
Greenery does not require creating more extravagant parks .
Through smaller “ rewilding ” projects we can bring green spaces to people ’ s doorsteps — whether by planting trees in urban spaces or creating “ parklets ” where street furniture and planters provide respite from endless tarmac and concrete .
Adding greenery to grey places requires creativity , but its benefits are immense — from improving happiness to making cities more resilient by providing natural flood defences and creating cleaner air .
With people discouraged from using public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cycling in the city boomed .
For many , this looks set to become a permanent lifestyle change as we seek to avoid the crowds that had previously filled up our Tubes and buses .
But we must ensure that public transport is not simply replaced with cars , which would have a devastating impact on the environment .
Instead , we must improve the city ’ s walkability .
In London , we have already seen Sadiq Khan prioritising the development of cycle lanes in the city , but more needs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel by foot too .
Interventions like trees to provide shade and amenities such as more benches and public toilets can make a huge difference , alongside the pedestrianisation of more areas .
Moving to a city design where people are within walking distance of amenities will make transport less essential to everyday lives .
Not only will this help reduce air pollution , but a more walkable neighbourhood also creates a sense of community , building ties between neighbours and increasing people ’ s — and , consequently , their city ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most revolutionary tools at our disposal to future-proof cities is the idea of “ digital twins ” .
These online cities mirror our physical places and can be used to simulate different scenarios , such as extreme weather , and fully understand the impact of different planning decisions on peoples ’ lives .
By using digital twins , we can make sure that developments contribute to making urban life more enjoyable by helping with everything from reducing air pollution to connecting people with green spaces .
Digital twins are already being built in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its capacity in this space to ensure that the city is ready for many different futures .
Throughout history , crises have led to profound changes in our cities ’ infrastructure .
Covid-19 has created an opportunity to better understand how people ’ s lives are impacted when they must rely on their immediate community for their everyday needs .
We must learn from this .
A densely packed city like London requires creativity to move it closer to the 15-minute ideal — from its current average of 23.5 minutes , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twins can help us get there , giving us the ability to see the impact of interventions like rewilding , pedestrianisation and creating multi-use spaces from existing infrastructure .
A city ’ s resilience relies on that of its residents .
London ’ s urban thinkers , from designers to policymakers , must use 2021 to make sure our city is fit for many futures , whichever one comes to pass .
Read more : A healthy dose of FOMO can get London ’ s workers back to the office

The 15-minute city: How to make London greener, cleaner, and more resilient
We can bring green spaces to people’s doorsteps
2020 has been the year that has exposed how vulnerable our cities are.
Living through lockdowns has brought to the fore issues which we have been sweeping under the carpet, particularly in London: lack of access to green spaces, distance to essential amenities such as shops, and the need for better pedestrian and cycling options.
This does not bode well for the future. But I’m an optimist: I believe that cities are resilient and flexible.
We know that cities will need to be able to withstand more shocks than ever, with extreme weather events or future pandemics on the horizon.
But we don’t need a huge overhaul. Small yet widespread interventions, such as more greenery or improved walkability, can have a profound impact on a city’s resilience. By moving to a “15-minute city”, in which essential amenities are a 15-minute walk or cycle from home, we can help Londoners hold on to the things we’ve gained temporarily during lockdowns, such as less traffic and cleaner air, while ensuring our resilience for the future.
Bringing green spaces to grey places
The social and health benefits of green spaces have long been recognised, but with the confinement brought by lockdowns, access to parks and gardens suddenly became vital.
London has its share of major parks, but not everyone lives within easy reach of those. Indeed, research we have carried out at Arup found that Londoners have the furthest to travel (20.1 minutes on average) to green spaces out of their European counterparts in Berlin, Milan, Madrid and Paris.
Our urban planners must take this opportunity to right this by creating more green spaces in our residential areas.
Greenery does not require creating more extravagant parks. Through smaller “rewilding” projects we can bring green spaces to people’s doorsteps — whether by planting trees in urban spaces or creating “parklets” where street furniture and planters provide respite from endless tarmac and concrete.
Adding greenery to grey places requires creativity, but its benefits are immense — from improving happiness to making cities more resilient by providing natural flood defences and creating cleaner air.
Improving walkability
With people discouraged from using public transport during the pandemic, walking and cycling in the city boomed. For many, this looks set to become a permanent lifestyle change as we seek to avoid the crowds that had previously filled up our Tubes and buses.
But we must ensure that public transport is not simply replaced with cars, which would have a devastating impact on the environment. Instead, we must improve the city’s walkability.
In London, we have already seen Sadiq Khan prioritising the development of cycle lanes in the city, but more needs to be done to ensure that people can travel by foot too. Interventions like trees to provide shade and amenities such as more benches and public toilets can make a huge difference, alongside the pedestrianisation of more areas.
Moving to a city design where people are within walking distance of amenities will make transport less essential to everyday lives. Not only will this help reduce air pollution, but a more walkable neighbourhood also creates a sense of community, building ties between neighbours and increasing people’s — and, consequently, their city’s — resilience.
Building digital cities
One of the most revolutionary tools at our disposal to future-proof cities is the idea of “digital twins”. These online cities mirror our physical places and can be used to simulate different scenarios, such as extreme weather, and fully understand the impact of different planning decisions on peoples’ lives.
By using digital twins, we can make sure that developments contribute to making urban life more enjoyable by helping with everything from reducing air pollution to connecting people with green spaces.
Digital twins are already being built in many places, and London must accelerate its capacity in this space to ensure that the city is ready for many different futures.
Throughout history, crises have led to profound changes in our cities’ infrastructure. Covid-19 has created an opportunity to better understand how people’s lives are impacted when they must rely on their immediate community for their everyday needs. We must learn from this.
A densely packed city like London requires creativity to move it closer to the 15-minute ideal — from its current average of 23.5 minutes, according to our research. Using tools like digital twins can help us get there, giving us the ability to see the impact of interventions like rewilding, pedestrianisation and creating multi-use spaces from existing infrastructure.
A city’s resilience relies on that of its residents. London’s urban thinkers, from designers to policymakers, must use 2021 to make sure our city is fit for many futures, whichever one comes to pass.
Main image credit: Getty


cityam--2020-12-12--Russia says may retaliate after new round of UK sanctions

MOSCOW ( Reuters ) – A new round of British sanctions against Russian individuals over alleged human rights abuses in @ @ @ @ @ and Moscow may retaliate , the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday .
“ Undoubtedly @ @ @ @ @ have a negative impact on Russian-British interstate relations , ” the ministry said , adding @ @ @ @ @ to take appropriate countermeasures.
” Britain said on Thursday it was imposing sanctions on 11 @ @ @ @ @ and officials from Russia , Venezuela , Pakistan and Gambia , in a coordinated move @ @ @ @ @ human rights violations .

Russia says may retaliate after new round of UK sanctions
MOSCOW (Reuters) – A new round of British sanctions against Russian individuals over alleged human rights abuses in Chechnya is “unfounded” and Moscow may retaliate, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.
“Undoubtedly, this politically-charged demarche will have a negative impact on Russian-British interstate relations,” the ministry said, adding Russia “reserves the right to take appropriate countermeasures.”
Britain said on Thursday it was imposing sanctions on 11 individuals, including security figures and officials from Russia, Venezuela, Pakistan and Gambia, in a coordinated move with the United States on human rights violations.
(Reporting by Maxim Rodionov; Editing by Toby Chopra)


cityam--2020-12-12--'Powerful' Arteta will succeed at Arsenal: CEO

Arsenal chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has backed under-fire manager Mikel Arteta to turn the Premier League club ’ s fortunes around after a dismal start to the season .
Spaniard Arteta has come under increasing pressure followintg the north London club ’ s slide down the standings , with Arsenal languishing in 15th after losing five of their last seven league games–their worst start to a season since 1981-82 .
“ With Mikel we have got a number of things , ” Venkatesham told the Times .
“ You ’ ve got an individual who has extraordinary experience in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Everton , Manchester City and then back at Arsenal .
“ You have got a guy that loves this club and understands what it means to play for this club , and he was obviously captain here .
You ’ ve got a guy who is a real team player .
“ The team he ’ s formed with technincal director Edu and also his staff , is really strong .
You ’ ve got a guy who is absolutely driven to succeed , but doing it in a way that respects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with him we have got a really powerful individual.
” Arsenal , who are 11 points behind league leaders Tottenham Hotspur , host Burnley on Sunday .

‘Powerful’ Arteta will succeed at Arsenal: CEO
Europa League – Group B – Dundalk v Arsenal
Arsenal chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has backed under-fire manager Mikel Arteta to turn the Premier League club’s fortunes around after a dismal start to the season.
Spaniard Arteta has come under increasing pressure followintg the north London club’s slide down the standings, with Arsenal languishing in 15th after losing five of their last seven league games–their worst start to a season since 1981-82.
“With Mikel we have got a number of things,” Venkatesham told the Times. “You’ve got an individual who has extraordinary experience in the Premier League across his time at Arsenal, Everton, Manchester City and then back at Arsenal.
“You have got a guy that loves this club and understands what it means to play for this club, and he was obviously captain here. You’ve got a guy who is a real team player.
“The team he’s formed with technincal director Edu and also his staff, is really strong. You’ve got a guy who is absolutely driven to succeed, but doing it in a way that respects our history and traditions. I think with him we have got a really powerful individual.”
Arsenal, who are 11 points behind league leaders Tottenham Hotspur, host Burnley on Sunday.


cityam--2020-12-12--UK to stop backing overseas oil and gas projects

Boris Johnson will pledge to end direct government support for overseas fossil fuel projects at a U.N. summit on Saturday , aiming to spur similar moves by other countries to help tackle climate change , his office said .
Britain , which is co-hosting the virtual summit ahead of climate negotiations in Glasgow next year , has faced accusations of hypocrisy from campaigners for continuing to finance climate-warming oil and natural gas projects abroad .
“ By taking ambitious and decisive action today , we will create the jobs of the future , drive the recovery from coronavirus and protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Johnson said in a statement .
More than 70 world leaders from countries including China , India , Canada and Japan are due to unveil more ambitious climate commitments at the summit .
The UK would be the first major economy to commit to ending public finance for overseas fossil fuel projects .
“ This policy shift sets a new gold standard for what serious climate action looks like , ” said Louise Burrows , policy adviser with consultancy E3G .
“ Britain now has a mandate to mobilise other countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Finance agency has offered guarantees worth billions of dollars to help British oil and gas companies expand in countries such as Brazil , Iraq , Argentina and Russia , Burrows said .
Johnson had faced particular criticism from campaigners for UKEF ’ s role in backing French major Total ’ s planned $ 20 billion liquefied natural gas project in Mozambique .
The government said the new policy would come into effect “ as soon as possible ” and would mean no further state support for oil , natural gas or coal projects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ export finance and trade promotion .
There would be “ very limited exceptions ” for gas-fired power plants within “ strict parameters ” in line with the Paris deal , the statement said .

UK to stop backing overseas oil and gas projects
Boris Johnson will pledge to end direct government support for overseas fossil fuel projects at a U.N. summit on Saturday, aiming to spur similar moves by other countries to help tackle climate change, his office said.
Britain, which is co-hosting the virtual summit ahead of climate negotiations in Glasgow next year, has faced accusations of hypocrisy from campaigners for continuing to finance climate-warming oil and natural gas projects abroad.
“By taking ambitious and decisive action today, we will create the jobs of the future, drive the recovery from coronavirus and protect our beautiful planet for generations to come,” Johnson said in a statement.
More than 70 world leaders from countries including China, India, Canada and Japan are due to unveil more ambitious climate commitments at the summit.
No more public money
The UK would be the first major economy to commit to ending public finance for overseas fossil fuel projects.
“This policy shift sets a new gold standard for what serious climate action looks like,” said Louise Burrows, policy adviser with consultancy E3G. “Britain now has a mandate to mobilise other countries to follow suit.”
The UK Export Finance agency has offered guarantees worth billions of dollars to help British oil and gas companies expand in countries such as Brazil, Iraq, Argentina and Russia, Burrows said.
Johnson had faced particular criticism from campaigners for UKEF’s role in backing French major Total’s planned $20 billion liquefied natural gas project in Mozambique.
The government said the new policy would come into effect “as soon as possible” and would mean no further state support for oil, natural gas or coal projects overseas, including via development aid, export finance and trade promotion.
There would be “very limited exceptions” for gas-fired power plants within “strict parameters” in line with the Paris deal, the statement said.


cityam--2020-12-12--Trump announces vaccine rollout 'in less than 24 hours'

The first Americans will be vaccinated against coronavirus in the next 24 hours , President Donald Trump has announced , as the US last night authorised the Pfizer/Biontech vaccine for emergency use .
In a video message posted on Twitter , Trump said the first doses of the “ medical miracle ” drug would be “ free [ of charge ] for all Americans ” .
The US Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) last night deemed the Pfizer vaccine “ safe and effective ” , after it proved up to 95 per cent effective in clinical trials .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressure from the Trump administration to follow the UK ’ s drugs regulatory board and approve the vaccine ’ s use for emergency rollout .
Stephen Hahn , head of the agency , was told to approve the jab for emergency use by Friday or quit , US media reported .
Earlier in the day yesterday , Trump sent out an angry tweet calling the FDA a “ big , old , slow turtle ” , adding : “ Get the dam vaccines out NOW , Dr Hahn .
Stop playing games and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed more than 295,000 lives in the US , with infection rates showing little signs of slowing across many states .
On Wednesday , the country recorded more than 3,000 Covid-related deaths — the highest daily jump anywhere in the world since the coronavirus crisis began .
Announcing the drug ’ s approval , the President said the vaccine “ will save millions of lives and soon end the pandemic once and for all.
” However , health officials insisted it will be months before many Americans are inoculated , adding that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is far from assured .
The FDA added that emergency use is not synonymous with full approval , which Pfizer will need to to file a separate application to secure .
“ While not an FDA approval , today ’ s emergency use authorisation of the Pfizer/Biontech Covid-19 Vaccine holds the promise to alter the course of this pandemic in the United States , ” said Peter Marks , director of the FDA ’ s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research .
The Pfizer vaccine has already received regulatory approval in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Following the lead of the NHS rollout across Britain , the US will give its first doses of the vaccine to the elderly , health workers and emergency staff .

Trump announces vaccine rollout ‘in less than 24 hours’
The first Americans will be vaccinated against coronavirus in the next 24 hours, President Donald Trump has announced, as the US last night authorised the Pfizer/Biontech vaccine for emergency use.
In a video message posted on Twitter, Trump said the first doses of the “medical miracle” drug would be “free [of charge] for all Americans”.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last night deemed the Pfizer vaccine “safe and effective”, after it proved up to 95 per cent effective in clinical trials.
It comes after the FDA faced intense pressure from the Trump administration to follow the UK’s drugs regulatory board and approve the vaccine’s use for emergency rollout.
Stephen Hahn, head of the agency, was told to approve the jab for emergency use by Friday or quit, US media reported.
Earlier in the day yesterday, Trump sent out an angry tweet calling the FDA a “big, old, slow turtle”, adding: “Get the dam vaccines out NOW, Dr Hahn. Stop playing games and start saving lives.”
The pandemic has claimed more than 295,000 lives in the US, with infection rates showing little signs of slowing across many states. On Wednesday, the country recorded more than 3,000 Covid-related deaths — the highest daily jump anywhere in the world since the coronavirus crisis began.
Announcing the drug’s approval, the President said the vaccine “will save millions of lives and soon end the pandemic once and for all.”
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1337586206683574272?s=20
However, health officials insisted it will be months before many Americans are inoculated, adding that a complete eradication of Covid-19 in the country is far from assured.
The FDA added that emergency use is not synonymous with full approval, which Pfizer will need to to file a separate application to secure.
“While not an FDA approval, today’s emergency use authorisation of the Pfizer/Biontech Covid-19 Vaccine holds the promise to alter the course of this pandemic in the United States,” said Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.
The Pfizer vaccine has already received regulatory approval in the UK, Canada, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Following the lead of the NHS rollout across Britain, the US will give its first doses of the vaccine to the elderly, health workers and emergency staff.


cityam--2020-12-12--EU confirms Brexit-adjusted carbon market permit removals for 2021

The European Commission confirmed late on Friday how many pollution permits will be removed from the European Union carbon market in 2021 due to the UK ’ s departure from the scheme at the end of this year .
The carbon market is the EU ’ s flagship climate policy , forcing power plants , industry and airlines running intra-EU flights to buy permits when they emit planet-warming greenhouse gases .
Britain is set to exit the scheme at the end of 2020 , when an 11-month Brexit transition period expires .
The Commission said in a statement that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( MSR ) , which removes excess permits from the system , would withdraw fewer permits in 2021 to reflect Britain ’ s departure .
The MSR will remove 307,663,518 permits from carbon market auction volumes from 1 September of this year to 31 August 2021 , and hold them in a reserve .
The MSR had previously been scheduled to remove 332,519,080 permits in the period .
The amount of permits in the carbon market is based on the emissions of installations covered by the scheme .
The EU has said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2021 , to reflect the exit of British installations .
The MSR reduction is based on this adjusted supply .
The Commission confirmed on Friday that the number of permits issued to the aviation sector will be roughly 24.5m in 2021 .
The majority of those permits , roughly 20.7m , will be handed to airlines for free .
Power plants in Northern Ireland will continue to be covered by the carbon market from 2021 , under electricity market rules agreed in the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement .
EU carbon market auctions in 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February , the Commission said .

EU confirms Brexit-adjusted carbon market permit removals for 2021
FILE PHOTO: European Union flags flutter outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels
The European Commission confirmed late on Friday how many pollution permits will be removed from the European Union carbon market in 2021 due to the UK’s departure from the scheme at the end of this year.
The carbon market is the EU’s flagship climate policy, forcing power plants, industry and airlines running intra-EU flights to buy permits when they emit planet-warming greenhouse gases.
Britain is set to exit the scheme at the end of 2020, when an 11-month Brexit transition period expires.
The Commission said in a statement that the carbon market’s Market Stability Reserve (MSR), which removes excess permits from the system, would withdraw fewer permits in 2021 to reflect Britain’s departure.
The MSR will remove 307,663,518 permits from carbon market auction volumes from 1 September of this year to 31 August 2021, and hold them in a reserve. The MSR had previously been scheduled to remove 332,519,080 permits in the period.
The amount of permits in the carbon market is based on the emissions of installations covered by the scheme. The EU has said it will adjust the supply of permits in 2021, to reflect the exit of British installations. The MSR reduction is based on this adjusted supply.
The Commission confirmed on Friday that the number of permits issued to the aviation sector will be roughly 24.5m in 2021. The majority of those permits, roughly 20.7m, will be handed to airlines for free.
Power plants in Northern Ireland will continue to be covered by the carbon market from 2021, under electricity market rules agreed in the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement.
EU carbon market auctions in 2021 will start in late January or early February, the Commission said.


cityam--2020-12-12--Astrazeneca to buy US drugs firm Alexion for $39bn

Astrazeneca has agreed to buy US drugmaker Alexion in a $ 39bn ( £29.5bn ) cash and share deal , as the British pharmaceuticals giant bolsters its presence in the immunology field .
The Cambridge-headquartered firm , which is currently one of the frontrunners in the Covid vaccine arena , announced this afternoon that Alexion shareholders would receive $ 60 in cash and 2.1 Astrazeneca American Depositary Shares ( ADSs ) for reach share .
The offer values Alexion at $ 175 a share , marking a 45 per cent premium on its closing price on Friday .
The acquisition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarter of 2021 and Alexion shareholders look set to own 15 per cent of the combined companies .
The deal will likely strengthen Astrazeneca ’ s position in areas such as the treatment of blood disorders , immunology and rare diseases .
The deal follows months of speculation that chief executive Pascal Soriot has been hunting for a large target to jump on Astrazeneca ’ s soaring share price .
Since taking over in 2012 , Soriot has pushed the UK drugmaker further into niche fields such as cancer therapies .
Read more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less than 24 hours ’ Astrazeneca shares have risen around seven per cent this year , and almost 70 per cent over the past three years to hit a market value of £107bn .
It comes after the firm took the lead over the summer in the global race for a Covid vaccine , before ultimately being beaten to the chase by both Pfizer and Moderna .
But the UK has hedged its bets on the Astrazeneca vaccine , being produced in collaboration with the University of Oxford .
The government has ordered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 40m of the Pfizer/Biontech vaccine and just 7m of Moderna ’ s .
Asztrazeneca ’ s poses significant logistical advantages over its peers , including being easily transported at normal temperatures .
The Anglo-Sweish has pledged it will not make a profit on the vaccine during the pandemic , and has reached agreements with governments and international health organisations to sell the drug at a price tag of between $ 4 and $ 5 , depending on local charges .
Read more : Analysis : Why dismay over the Astrazeneca vaccine is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feasible exit from the coronavirus crisis for developing countries , at a time when the world ’ s wealthiest countries have gobbled up pre-orders of vaccine supplies .
Pfizer ’ s vaccine , meanwhile , costs about $ 20 a dose , and Moderna ’ s comes with a price tag of around $ 15 to $ 25 .

Astrazeneca to buy US drugs firm Alexion for $39bn
Astrazeneca has agreed to buy US drugmaker Alexion in a $39bn (£29.5bn) cash and share deal, as the British pharmaceuticals giant bolsters its presence in the immunology field.
The Cambridge-headquartered firm, which is currently one of the frontrunners in the Covid vaccine arena, announced this afternoon that Alexion shareholders would receive $60 in cash and 2.1 Astrazeneca American Depositary Shares (ADSs) for reach share.
The offer values Alexion at $175 a share, marking a 45 per cent premium on its closing price on Friday.
The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2021 and Alexion shareholders look set to own 15 per cent of the combined companies.
The deal will likely strengthen Astrazeneca’s position in areas such as the treatment of blood disorders, immunology and rare diseases.
The deal follows months of speculation that chief executive Pascal Soriot has been hunting for a large target to jump on Astrazeneca’s soaring share price.
Since taking over in 2012, Soriot has pushed the UK drugmaker further into niche fields such as cancer therapies.
Astrazeneca shares have risen around seven per cent this year, and almost 70 per cent over the past three years to hit a market value of £107bn.
It comes after the firm took the lead over the summer in the global race for a Covid vaccine, before ultimately being beaten to the chase by both Pfizer and Moderna.
But the UK has hedged its bets on the Astrazeneca vaccine, being produced in collaboration with the University of Oxford.
The government has ordered 100m doses of the jab, compared to 40m of the Pfizer/Biontech vaccine and just 7m of Moderna’s.
Asztrazeneca’s poses significant logistical advantages over its peers, including being easily transported at normal temperatures.
The Anglo-Sweish has pledged it will not make a profit on the vaccine during the pandemic, and has reached agreements with governments and international health organisations to sell the drug at a price tag of between $4 and $5, depending on local charges.
That paves the way for a feasible exit from the coronavirus crisis for developing countries, at a time when the world’s wealthiest countries have gobbled up pre-orders of vaccine supplies.
Pfizer’s vaccine, meanwhile, costs about $20 a dose, and Moderna’s comes with a price tag of around $15 to $25.


cityam--2020-12-12--Catch The Dumb Waiter at Hampstead Theatre while you can

Pinter , the greatest of modern playwrights , is probably – and rather sadly – best known for his love of a good pause .
Well there have been plenty involved in this production of one of his most brilliant plays , which represents both a birthday party and a homecoming ( although it is neither The Birthday Party or The Homecoming ) .
The Dumb Waiter returns to the home of its premier , the Hampstead Theatre , 60 years on , and it ’ s lost none of its enigmatic power or desert-dry humour .
Read more : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the holiday season Originally slated to open in the spring , coronavirus has been jabbing at the pause button for months , and even as it finally opens , the looming threat of Tier 3 restrictions could bring that curtain swinging shut once more .
That would be a huge shame , because this two man play about a pair of hitmen passing time in a dingy basement is a wonderful imagining of Pinter ’ s classic , with the nervous young Gus ( Shane Zaza ) especially watchable as his evening is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food orders mysteriously delivered by the titular dumb waiter .
Read more : The top wines to drink this Christmas , from cooking to pudding Ben ( Alec Newman ) , the ostensibly higher-ranking of the pair , soon becomes just as hysterical , with his veneer of working class machismo crumbling as the orders come raining down from above .
The last time I saw this play was as part of Jamie Lloyd ’ s excellent season of Pinter ’ s short works , with Danny Dyer appearing opposite Martin Freeman , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that production ( as well as the personal significance of Dyer being , rather unexpectedly , a personal friend and protege of Harold Pinter ) , Zaza and Newman have a wonderfully awkward chemistry .
There ’ s a clear skewering of the class system at work , with the pair sent into nervous conniptions at the thought they can not honour the dumb waiter ’ s demands ; when “ braised beef , liver and onions , scampi ” is ordered , they instead send up a packet of crisps Gus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play out as the 55-minute play nears its conclusion is less clear , although the final blow is as dreadful and surreal as ever .
Trying to decode Pinter is a somewhat futile exercise anyway – these aren ’ t puzzle boxes to be carefully solved , rather their power lies in a murkier realm of uneasy sensations and troubling emotions ( they skew more towards David Lynch than they do Christopher Nolan , to use a modern parallel ) .
What ’ s for sure is this is a production well worth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seating thanks to social distancing and the possibility that it may have to hit pause yet again , I suggest you pick up a ticket sooner rather than later .

Catch The Dumb Waiter at Hampstead Theatre while you can
Shane Zaza and Alec Newman in The Harold Pinter’s The Dumb Waiter
Pinter, the greatest of modern playwrights, is probably best known for his love of a good pause. Well there have been plenty of those involved in this production of one of his most brilliant works, The Dumb Waiter. Originally slated to open in the spring, coronavirus has been jabbing at the pause button for months, and even as it finally opens, the looming threat of Tier 3 restrictions could bring that curtain swinging shut once more.
That would be a huge shame, because this two-man play about a pair of hitmen passing time in a dingy basement is a wonderful imagining of Pinter’s classic, with the nervous young Gus (Shane Zaza) especially watchable as his evening is thrown into chaos by a series of food orders mysteriously delivered by the titular dumb waiter.
This production represents both a birthday party and a homecoming for play, which returns to the home of its premier, the Hampstead Theatre, 60 years on. Thankfully it has lost none of its enigmatic power or desert-dry humour.
The last time I saw this play was as part of Jamie Lloyd’s excellent season of Pinter’s short works, with Danny Dyer appearing opposite Martin Freeman, and while this version lacks the star-power of that production (as well as the personal significance of Dyer being, rather unexpectedly, a personal friend and protege of Harold Pinter), Zaza and Newman have a wonderfully awkward chemistry.
There’s a clear skewering of the class system at work, with the pair sent into nervous conniptions at the thought they cannot honour the dumb waiter’s demands; when “braised beef, liver and onions, scampi” is ordered, they instead send up a packet of crisps Gus had been saving.
It’s every bit as bleak and enigmatic as it was 60 years ago. Trying to decode Pinter is a futile exercise – these aren’t puzzle boxes to be solved, rather their power lies in a murkier realm of uneasy sensations and troubling emotions; they skew more towards David Lynch than they do Christopher Nolan, to use a modern parallel.
What’s for sure is this is an excellent production, well worth seeing, and given the already limited seating thanks to social distancing and the possibility that it may have to hit pause yet again, I suggest you buy a ticket sooner rather than later.


cityam--2020-12-13--Households could be automatically switched to cheaper energy tariffs

Households could find themselves automatically switched onto cheaper energy tariffs under new government plans set to be released this week .
The proposal is an attempt to crack down on energy suppliers which move customers onto higher “ default ” deals after their initial contracts end .
Read more : Amazon becomes world ’ s largest corporate buyer of renewable energy The BBC reported that the plan would be unveiled as part of the government ’ s long-awaited energy white paper , which could be released as early as Monday .
The paper , which has been in the offing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to lay out plans to “ green ” the UK ’ s energy system over the coming years .
According to the BBC , the government will test two different models for the automatic switching plan .
Under the first , called “ opt-in switching ” , customers will be offered a simple way of switching to a cheaper deal when their initial contract ends .
And in the second option , “ opt-out switching ” , customers will automatically be switched to a cheaper tariff when their original deal ends , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief executive of challenger energy brand Bulb , said : “ Bulb ’ s called for reforms to stop energy companies penalising loyal customers – so it ’ s great that the Government ’ s taking action .
“ Millions of loyal households have paid hundreds of pounds over the odds this year through no fault of their own .
You ’ d be shocked if your local coffee shop started charging you more because you ’ re a regular – it should be no different with energy companies .
Before the Open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City View podcast and key market data “ We want greater fairness and transparency in the energy market and this is an important step to getting there.
” Peter Earl of price comparison site Compare the Market said that the if implemented fully the plans could be “ hugely beneficial ” to households which remain loyal to their supplier .
“ Millions of households are stuck on an energy supplier ’ s standard variable tariff , likely paying hundreds of pounds more than they should be ” , he said .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans for an ‘ opt in/opt out ’ system for switching tariffs with the same supplier , which might detract people from shopping around for a better deal with alternative and more competitive suppliers .
Read more : Only 3,600 households have signed up to Sadiq Khan ’ s energy company “ If these changes are not implemented properly they risk lulling people into a false sense of security that they are on the cheapest tariff , despite better offers being available elsewhere.
” According to sector body Energy UK , almost 5m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just seven per cent last year , when a record number of households changed energy provider .

Households could be automatically switched to cheaper energy tariffs
Households could find themselves automatically switched onto cheaper energy tariffs under new government plans set to be released this week.
The proposal is an attempt to crack down on energy suppliers which move customers onto higher “default” deals after their initial contracts end.
The BBC reported that the plan would be unveiled as part of the government’s long-awaited energy white paper, which could be released as early as Monday.
The paper, which has been in the offing for a number of years, is expected to lay out plans to “green” the UK’s energy system over the coming years.
According to the BBC, the government will test two different models for the automatic switching plan.
Under the first, called “opt-in switching”, customers will be offered a simple way of switching to a cheaper deal when their initial contract ends.
And in the second option, “opt-out switching”, customers will automatically be switched to a cheaper tariff when their original deal ends, unless they opt-out.
Hayden Wood, chief executive of challenger energy brand Bulb, said: “Bulb’s called for reforms to stop energy companies penalising loyal customers – so it’s great that the Government’s taking action.
“Millions of loyal households have paid hundreds of pounds over the odds this year through no fault of their own. You’d be shocked if your local coffee shop started charging you more because you’re a regular – it should be no different with energy companies.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
“We want greater fairness and transparency in the energy market and this is an important step to getting there.”
Peter Earl of price comparison site Compare the Market said that the if implemented fully the plans could be “hugely beneficial” to households which remain loyal to their supplier.
“Millions of households are stuck on an energy supplier’s standard variable tariff, likely paying hundreds of pounds more than they should be”, he said.
“We are, however, sceptical of the plans for an ‘opt in/opt out’ system for switching tariffs with the same supplier, which might detract people from shopping around for a better deal with alternative and more competitive suppliers.
“If these changes are not implemented properly they risk lulling people into a false sense of security that they are on the cheapest tariff, despite better offers being available elsewhere.”
According to sector body Energy UK, almost 5m people have switched supplier this year – just seven per cent last year, when a record number of households changed energy provider.


cityam--2020-12-13--The week ahead, 14-18 December: Shaftesbury, SSP, Petrofac, and interest rates

All eyes will be fixed firmly on Brussels this week , as businesses across the country hold their breath to see if the UK can finally reach a deal with the EU .
With markets on edge as they await the outcome of the talks , there ’ s little to distract traders , with only a handful of firms reporting as the holiday season approaches .
Read more : Brexit trade talks to continue in Brussels as EU vows to ‘ go extra mile ’ Here ’ s a lookahead to the biggest events of what could be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s been a rough year for the landlord , whose glittering portfolio of London assets – including properties across the West End – have been hammered by the collapse in footfall as a result of the pandemic .
Shares in the FTSE 250 firm are down 40 per cent over the last year , with fears that retail , hospitality and tourism could take far longer to recover than hoped dragging the firm ’ s stock down .
Read more : Shaftesbury taps investors for £300m as pandemic batters West End AJ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analysts will have their eyes on two figures in particular when the results drop on Tuesday morning .
First , net asset value ( NAV ) .
Currently , shares in Shaftesbury are trading about a third below the firm ’ s stated NAV of 878p .
This means that investors expect the value of Shaftesbury ’ s buildings and assets is going to fall in future and that rents might do the same , Mould says .
Second , rental income .
This hit a record high of £119m in 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per cent at the half-year , that was back in March – before the virus took hold in the UK .
According to Mould , September ’ s trading update revealed for the second half that only 41 per cent of rents due for the six months to 30 September 2020 had been collected .
Of the rest , 10 per cent were expected to be subject to deferred collection arrangements , 23 per cent were being waived and 26 per cent remained outstanding at 11 September 2020 .
Read more : Shaftesbury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since pandemic began As the owner of brands such as Upper Crust , catering group SSP really has had the worst of both worlds this year , with the collapse in travel demand stopping the firm in its tracks .
Shares have been cut in half over the last 12 months , while two-thirds of the firm ’ s outlets in train stations and retail destinations remain shut due to further lockdown restrictions .
Again , for its first half results , SSP dodged the worst of the crisis , making a loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down around 90 per cent over the summer , the second half could make for ugly reading .
Mould said that analysts were forecasting a loss of £238m for the full year – a big swing from last year ’ s £197m in profit .
After remaining relatively unscathed in the early months of the pandemic – largely due to the furlough scheme – the outlook for UK unemployment has started to look a lot worse in recent month , says Michael Hewson of CMC Markets .
“ Since July we ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent to 4.8 per cent in September , and this is likely to continue to rise for several months to come ” , he said .
“ In the latest spending review Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak forecast that unemployment could well peak in the second quarter of 2021 at 7.5 per cent , and to that end the Chancellor said that he would put aside £3bn to deliver a new 3-year restart program for those longer term unemployed , in order to try and get them back into work.
” Given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce headcount before it was announced that the furlough scheme would continue until March , the latest figures could see a nasty jump in the rate of unemployment .
Read more : Spending review : Rishi Sunak to spend extra £4.3bn on unemployment programmes Hewson added : “ The monthly jobless claims total is already running at 7.3 per cent , a level which is likely to more accurately reflect where the UK jobs market currently is at the moment , with the risk this could well start to edge back up again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tick higher , as a result of the tighter restrictions during the month.
” Another firm that found itself heavily exposed to the pandemic was oil service firm Petrofac , with the spring ’ s oil price collapse leaving a mark on the firm .
In addition , says Hargreaves Lansdown analyst William Ryder , the pandemic paused a number of engineering projects – and Petrofac has still not been able to get these back on track .
Despite that , Ryder said that the sale of its Mexican assets should provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sheet – with the prospect even more money to come still a possibility .
Read more : Petrofac books $ 78m loss and cuts dividend on back of oil price crash “ Next week ’ s results will tell us how Petrofac is recovering after a pretty torrid second quarter ” , Ryder said .
“ We certainly expect improvement , but the question is really one of degree.
” The Fed and the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street are just two of four central banks meeting this week to set out interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year for policymakers .
The Fed will go first on Wednesday , with markets waiting to see whether anything has changed since its last meeting – in the immediate aftermath of the most tumultuous election in recent history .
Read more : Bank of England goes big with £150bn stimulus amid second lockdown At that meeting , Powell pledged to do more to help prop up the economy – but he also called for Congress to expedite a new stimulus package after months of deadlocked negotiations between parties .
Then on Thursday BoE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a year of drastic actions – and with the strong possibility that massive uncertainty over the UK ’ s departure from the EU will not have been resolved .
The BoE has already cut interest rates from 0.75 per cent to 0.1 per cent as well as increasing its bond buying program from £435bn to £875bn , and has not yet ruled out turning to negative interest rates in a bid to alleviate the economic damage of the pandemic .
Michael Hewson , head of markets at CMC Markets , thinks that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point .
Read more : US stocks slip as Treasury clashes with Fed to cut loan programmes “ For now , the UK economy hasn ’ t seen the same level of slowdown in economic activity in Q4 that we saw in Q2 , despite the various restrictions that are limiting output in the services sector .
“ The central bank is likely to have a much better idea of the economic environment early next year , when we have a clear route map for vaccinations and also know the extent of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
• Results from Chenrimg , Inditex , Dixons Carphone , Serco , Watches of Switzerland et al

The week ahead, 14-18 December: Shaftesbury, SSP, Petrofac, and interest rates
All eyes will be fixed firmly on Brussels this week, as businesses across the country hold their breath to see if the UK can finally reach a deal with the EU.
With markets on edge as they await the outcome of the talks, there’s little to distract traders, with only a handful of firms reporting as the holiday season approaches.
Here’s a lookahead to the biggest events of what could be a definitive week for the UK.
Shaftesbury full year results – 15 December
It’s been a rough year for the landlord, whose glittering portfolio of London assets – including properties across the West End – have been hammered by the collapse in footfall as a result of the pandemic.
Shares in the FTSE 250 firm are down 40 per cent over the last year, with fears that retail, hospitality and tourism could take far longer to recover than hoped dragging the firm’s stock down.
AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould says that analysts will have their eyes on two figures in particular when the results drop on Tuesday morning.
First, net asset value (NAV). Currently, shares in Shaftesbury are trading about a third below the firm’s stated NAV of 878p. This means that investors expect the value of Shaftesbury’s buildings and assets is going to fall in future and that rents might do the same, Mould says.
Second, rental income. This hit a record high of £119m in 2019, and although it was only down three per cent at the half-year, that was back in March – before the virus took hold in the UK.
According to Mould, September’s trading update revealed for the second half that only 41 per cent of rents due for the six months to 30 September 2020 had been collected.
Of the rest, 10 per cent were expected to be subject to deferred collection arrangements, 23 per cent were being waived and 26 per cent remained outstanding at 11 September 2020.
SSP full year results – 15 December
As the owner of brands such as Upper Crust, catering group SSP really has had the worst of both worlds this year, with the collapse in travel demand stopping the firm in its tracks.
Shares have been cut in half over the last 12 months, while two-thirds of the firm’s outlets in train stations and retail destinations remain shut due to further lockdown restrictions.
Again, for its first half results, SSP dodged the worst of the crisis, making a loss of just £34m. But with sales down around 90 per cent over the summer, the second half could make for ugly reading.
Mould said that analysts were forecasting a loss of £238m for the full year – a big swing from last year’s £197m in profit.
UK unemployment data – 15 December
After remaining relatively unscathed in the early months of the pandemic – largely due to the furlough scheme – the outlook for UK unemployment has started to look a lot worse in recent month, says Michael Hewson of CMC Markets.
“Since July we’ve seen a big jump from 4.1 per cent to 4.8 per cent in September, and this is likely to continue to rise for several months to come”, he said.
“In the latest spending review Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak forecast that unemployment could well peak in the second quarter of 2021 at 7.5 per cent, and to that end the Chancellor said that he would put aside £3bn to deliver a new 3-year restart program for those longer term unemployed, in order to try and get them back into work.”
Given that a lot of firms started to reduce headcount before it was announced that the furlough scheme would continue until March, the latest figures could see a nasty jump in the rate of unemployment.
Hewson added: “The monthly jobless claims total is already running at 7.3 per cent, a level which is likely to more accurately reflect where the UK jobs market currently is at the moment, with the risk this could well start to edge back up again, with the numbers for November likely to tick higher, as a result of the tighter restrictions during the month.”
Petrofac trading update – 16 December
Another firm that found itself heavily exposed to the pandemic was oil service firm Petrofac, with the spring’s oil price collapse leaving a mark on the firm.
In addition, says Hargreaves Lansdown analyst William Ryder, the pandemic paused a number of engineering projects – and Petrofac has still not been able to get these back on track.
Despite that, Ryder said that the sale of its Mexican assets should provide a bit of bolster for the balance sheet – with the prospect even more money to come still a possibility.
“Next week’s results will tell us how Petrofac is recovering after a pretty torrid second quarter”, Ryder said. “We certainly expect improvement, but the question is really one of degree.”
Federal Reserve/Bank of England interest rates decision – 16/17 December
The Fed and the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street are just two of four central banks meeting this week to set out interest rates at the end of a long year for policymakers.
The Fed will go first on Wednesday, with markets waiting to see whether anything has changed since its last meeting – in the immediate aftermath of the most tumultuous election in recent history.
At that meeting, Powell pledged to do more to help prop up the economy – but he also called for Congress to expedite a new stimulus package after months of deadlocked negotiations between parties.
Then on Thursday BoE governor Andrew Bailey will take center stage after a year of drastic actions – and with the strong possibility that massive uncertainty over the UK’s departure from the EU will not have been resolved.
The BoE has already cut interest rates from 0.75 per cent to 0.1 per cent as well as increasing its bond buying program from £435bn to £875bn, and has not yet ruled out turning to negative interest rates in a bid to alleviate the economic damage of the pandemic.
Michael Hewson, head of markets at CMC Markets, thinks that such a step is unlikely at this point.
“For now, the UK economy hasn’t seen the same level of slowdown in economic activity in Q4 that we saw in Q2, despite the various restrictions that are limiting output in the services sector.
“The central bank is likely to have a much better idea of the economic environment early next year, when we have a clear route map for vaccinations and also know the extent of the new EU/UK trade relationship”, he added.
In addition


cityam--2020-12-13--Brexit trade talks to continue in Brussels as EU vows to 'go extra mile'

Post-Brexit trade talks will continue in Brussels next week , after both sides vowed to “ go the extra mile ” to close a last minute trade deal .
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she had a “ constructive and useful phone call with Boris Johnson ” this afternoon .
Read more : Brexit : Boris Johnson and EU chief von der Leyen to speak at lunchtime in last ditch bid to save a trade deal Today had been talked up by the UK and EU as the absolute final deadline , after many previous deadlines had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Our negotiating teams have been working day and night over the recent days and despite the exhaustion…despite the fact that deadlines have been missed over and over , we both think it is responsible a this point in time to go the extra mile…to see whether an agreement can be reached even at this late stage.
” Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data Fears of a no-deal Brexit have risen dramatically over the past week as both sides continue to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Future fisheries arrangements , business subsidy regulations as a part of level playing field talks and the overall governance of the deal are the three largest barriers to an agreement .
Von der Leyen reportedly told EU leaders on Friday that there was now a “ higher probability for no-deal than deal ” .
Foreign secretary Dominic Raab told the BBC this morning that von der Leyen had to today make compromises on fisheries and level playing field for Brexit talks to continue .
He said : “ Will the EU move on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field and fisheries ?
If there is the will to do that , there is progress to be made .
“ The bar is quite high for us to keep talking – we would need a political commitment to move on those two key issues.
” Read more : Supermarkets warned to stockpile food in case of no-deal Brexit Chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier and chief UK negotiator Lord David Frost have been wrangling over how much access it retains to the UK ’ s fishing waters next year .
It has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU to keep about 20 per cent of the fish it was allocated pre-Brexit , while the EU want closer to 80 per cent .

Brexit trade talks to continue in Brussels as EU and UK vow to ‘go extra mile’
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen before meeting for dinner earlier this week
Post-Brexit trade talks will continue in Brussels next week after both sides vowed to “go the extra mile” to close a last minute deal, however Boris Johnson has also said the two sides are “very far apart” and that no-deal is now the most likely option.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she had a “constructive and useful phone call with Boris Johnson” this afternoon.
Today had been talked up by the UK and EU as the absolute final deadline, after many previous deadlines had been rolled over in recent weeks.
“We discussed the major unsolved topics,” Von der Leyen said.
“Our negotiating teams have been working day and night over the recent days and despite the exhaustion…despite the fact that deadlines have been missed over and over, we both think it is responsible a this point in time to go the extra mile…to see whether an agreement can be reached even at this late stage.”
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
Johnson told Sky News that the most likely scenario now is a no-deal Brexit, but “where there is life there is hope”.
“We’re going to keep going talking to see what we can do,” he said.
“The UK won’t be walking away from talks.”
Fears of a no-deal Brexit have risen dramatically over the past week as both sides continue to say they are far apart in negotiations.
Von der Leyen reportedly told EU leaders on Friday that there was now a “higher probability for no-deal than deal”.
Future fisheries arrangements, business subsidy regulations as a part of level playing field talks and the overall governance of the deal are the three largest barriers to an agreement.
Foreign secretary Dominic Raab told the BBC this morning that von der Leyen had to today make compromises on fisheries and level playing field for Brexit talks to continue.
He said: “Will the EU move on the two key issues of level playing field and fisheries? If there is the will to do that, there is progress to be made.
“The bar is quite high for us to keep talking – we would need a political commitment to move on those two key issues.”
Chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier and chief UK negotiator Lord David Frost have been wrangling over how much access it retains to the UK’s fishing waters next year.
It has been rumoured that the UK only want the EU to keep about 20 per cent of the fish it was allocated pre-Brexit, while the EU want closer to 80 per cent.
The EU is also asking the UK to sign up to its regulatory standards on things like labour and environmental laws and state subsidy regulations in what is known as a level playing field.
The UK has baulked at demands that the country would have to be locked into the EU’s laws long-term, which could include future changes that have not even been proposed yet.
Brussels says it is necessary for UK and EU businesses to not have a competitive advantage over each other if they are going to trade on a tariff-free basis.


cityam--2020-12-13--Supermarkets warned to stockpile food in case of no-deal Brexit

The UK ’ s largest supermarkets have begun stockpiling food and other products , after being warned about the potential of a no-deal Brexit by the government .
Supermarkets and ministers are reportedly worried about the prospect of consumers panic buying before 1 January if the UK leaves the EU without a deal , while food producers are warning of three-month shortages of vegetables .
Read more : Brexit : Boris Johnson and EU chief von der Leyen to speak at lunchtime in last ditch bid to save a trade deal Boris Johnson will speak to EU chief Ursula von @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described as a final deadline for talks .
The pair will decide today whether there is the possibility of a breakthrough or if it is time to prepare for the UK to leave the EU ’ s single market and customs union on no-deal terms .
Yesterday saw miles-long queues of lorries on the A20 outside Dover , after 10-mile long tailbacks in Calais on Friday .
The lorry queues have been blamed by some on supermarkets stockpiling food due to no-deal Brexit fears .
A senior consultant to one of the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times : “ There was a conversation a week ago when ministers said prepare for no-deal .
This weekend the message is that it ’ s no-deal .
“ Supermarkets and ministers are hugely worried about panic-buying .
They saw what happened over Covid when people started hoarding toilet rolls and know how quickly it can go wrong .
Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data “ That will be nothing compared to what will happen.
” Foreign secretary Dominic Raab disputed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this morning , saying “ we ’ re not going to see shelves running bare ” .
“ We ’ ve got diversity of supply – fifty per cent of UK food comes from within the UK , ” he said .
Fears of a no-deal Brexit have risen dramatically over the past week as both sides continue to say they are far apart in negotiations .
Future fisheries arrangements , business subsidy regulations as a part of level playing field talks and the overall governance of the deal are the three largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : London retains finance jobs as Brexit fails to deliver blow to the City Von der Leyen reportedly told EU leaders on Friday that there was now a “ higher probability for no-deal than deal ” .
Raab told the BBC that von der Leyen must today make compromises on fisheries and level playing field for Brexit talks to continue .

Supermarkets begin stockpiling food in case of no-deal Brexit
In March 2020 the nation was suffering a shortage of loo rolls on the shelves due to stockpiling
The UK’s largest supermarkets have begun stockpiling food and other products, after being warned about the potential of a no-deal Brexit by the government.
Supermarkets and ministers are reportedly worried about the prospect of consumers panic buying before 1 January if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, while food producers are warning of three-month shortages of vegetables.
Boris Johnson will speak to EU chief Ursula von der Leyen today in what has been described as a final deadline for talks.
The pair will decide today whether there is the possibility of a breakthrough or if it is time to prepare for the UK to leave the EU’s single market and customs union on no-deal terms.
Long queues outside Dover
Yesterday saw miles-long queues of lorries on the A20 outside Dover, after 10-mile long tailbacks in Calais on Friday.
The lorry queues have been blamed by some on supermarkets stockpiling food due to no-deal Brexit fears.
A senior consultant to one of the UK’s largest supermarkets told the Sunday Times: “There was a conversation a week ago when ministers said prepare for no-deal. This weekend the message is that it’s no-deal.
“Supermarkets and ministers are hugely worried about panic-buying. They saw what happened over Covid when people started hoarding toilet rolls and know how quickly it can go wrong.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
“That will be nothing compared to what will happen.”
Foreign secretary Dominic Raab disputed the claims during an interview with Times Radio this morning, saying “we’re not going to see shelves running bare”.
“We’ve got diversity of supply – fifty per cent of UK food comes from within the UK,” he said.
Fears of a no-deal Brexit have risen dramatically over the past week as both sides continue to say they are far apart in negotiations.
Future fisheries arrangements, business subsidy regulations as a part of level playing field talks and the overall governance of the deal are the three largest barriers to a deal.
Von der Leyen reportedly told EU leaders on Friday that there was now a “higher probability for no-deal than deal”.
Raab told the BBC that von der Leyen must today make compromises on fisheries and level playing field for Brexit talks to continue.


cityam--2020-12-13--Accountants BDO to pay back millions in furlough cash after payout outcry

Accountants BDO will return £4.1m in furlough cash after being subject to a barrage of criticism for paying out hefty profits to its partners .
The Sunday Times reported that the company , which is one of the UK ’ s biggest accounting firms , would give back the money after paying its partners an average of £500,000 .
Read more : Lengthy audits cut into BDO profits as firm defends use of furlough scheme Managing partner Paul Eagland said that the board had decided to hand back the taxpayer money after seeing the reaction to the payouts .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fester , ” he said .
“ The money will go back to HMRC by Christmas.
” As a result , BDO ’ s 264 partners will each see their profit share cut by £15,500 on average , with more senior partners losing out on more .
BDO furloughed 700 of its staff – an eighth of its UK workforce – at the start of the pandemic .
The decision to pay back the money marks a considerable change of heart for BDO .
Speaking to City A.M. last week , Eagland defended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data “ We sat down and thought about it very carefully .
When we took the money it was absolutely dedicated to protecting jobs , and when people then say , ‘ would you give that money back ?
’ We ’ re saying , ‘ well look , it ’ s been spent on protecting jobs.
’ ” , he said .
“ It ’ s become quite a hot topic , and some people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued .
“ You either subscribe to the fact that if people earn big money they should pay the money back , or you subscribe to this being about protecting jobs .
“ When the government works out how to balance its book , they will be coming to businesses and partners at BDO – we ’ ll be one of the first people in their firing line.
” Public companies have found themselves increasingly in the spotlight over the last couple of months , with boards having to decide what to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supermarkets , led by Tesco , have pledged to give back a combined £2bn in business rates relief after a strong year for the sector , while others have elected to give back furlough cash .
But some , like construction firm Balfour Beatty and logistics group Wincanton , have elected to hold onto the cash while making payouts .

Accountants BDO to pay back millions in furlough cash after payout outcry
BDO officially resigned as the auditor for Quintessentially (UK), the parent company, yesterday, according to an update on Companies House.
Accountants BDO will return £4.1m in furlough cash after being subject to a barrage of criticism for paying out hefty profits to its partners.
The Sunday Times reported that the company, which is one of the UK’s biggest accounting firms, would give back the money after paying its partners an average of £500,000.
Managing partner Paul Eagland said that the board had decided to hand back the taxpayer money after seeing the reaction to the payouts.
“I don’t want this to fester,” he said. “The money will go back to HMRC by Christmas.”
As a result, BDO’s 264 partners will each see their profit share cut by £15,500 on average, with more senior partners losing out on more.
BDO furloughed 700 of its staff – an eighth of its UK workforce – at the start of the pandemic.
The decision to pay back the money marks a considerable change of heart for BDO. Speaking to City A.M. last week, Eagland defended the decision to use the scheme.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
“We sat down and thought about it very carefully. When we took the money it was absolutely dedicated to protecting jobs, and when people then say, ‘would you give that money back?’ We’re saying, ‘well look, it’s been spent on protecting jobs.’”, he said.
“It’s become quite a hot topic, and some people are quite passionate about it,” Eagland continued. “You either subscribe to the fact that if people earn big money they should pay the money back, or you subscribe to this being about protecting jobs.
“When the government works out how to balance its book, they will be coming to businesses and partners at BDO – we’ll be one of the first people in their firing line.”
Public companies have found themselves increasingly in the spotlight over the last couple of months, with boards having to decide what to do with taxpayer cash.
A number of supermarkets, led by Tesco, have pledged to give back a combined £2bn in business rates relief after a strong year for the sector, while others have elected to give back furlough cash.
But some, like construction firm Balfour Beatty and logistics group Wincanton, have elected to hold onto the cash while making payouts.


cityam--2020-12-13--Authentic Brands in talks over double swoop for Arcadia and Debenhams - report

US retail giant Authentic Brands is planning an audacious double swoop for collapsed Arcadia and Debenhams in a deal that would transform the high street .
The firm , which recently took over historic New York department store Barneys , is in talks with the administrators of the two companies this weekend .
The Sunday Telegraph reported that the firm , which was founded by Canadian Jamie Salter in 2010 , was lining up bids for both brands .
Any such offers would put Salter , who has built up a huge retail empire over the last decade , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who is also circling the high street stalwarts .
Authentic Brands , which is backed by heavyweight financiers such as Blackrock and Leonard Green & Partners , was on course to book turnover of $ 15bn prior to the pandemic .
Salter has seized the opportunity offered by the crisis , however , and snapped up a number of struggling brands such as Forever 21 and Brooks Brothers .
Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data Alongside the retailers , the brand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the image rights to Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe .
City sources said that the firm ’ s financial heft made it a serious candidate for taking over Arcadia and Debenhams .
It comes as documents seen by the Telegraph showed that administrator Deloitte was running an auction of the pieces of Sir Philip Green ’ s Arcadia empire .
The process , known as “ Project Kane ” , is clad in secrecy , with first round bids for assets expected by Friday .
Three of the eight brands – Evans , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sales losses last year , the documents revealed , even before high rent prices pushed the firms deeper into the red .
City A.M. has contacted Authentic Brands for comment .

Authentic Brands in talks over double swoop for Arcadia and Debenhams – report
(Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
US retail giant Authentic Brands is planning an audacious double swoop for collapsed Arcadia and Debenhams in a deal that would transform the high street.
The firm, which recently took over historic New York department store Barneys, is in talks with the administrators of the two companies this weekend.
The Sunday Telegraph reported that the firm, which was founded by Canadian Jamie Salter in 2010, was lining up bids for both brands.
Any such offers would put Salter, who has built up a huge retail empire over the last decade, in competition with Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley, who is also circling the high street stalwarts.
Authentic Brands, which is backed by heavyweight financiers such as Blackrock and Leonard Green & Partners, was on course to book turnover of $15bn prior to the pandemic.
Salter has seized the opportunity offered by the crisis, however, and snapped up a number of struggling brands such as Forever 21 and Brooks Brothers.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
Alongside the retailers, the brand also owns the magazine Sports Illustrated and the image rights to Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe.
City sources said that the firm’s financial heft made it a serious candidate for taking over Arcadia and Debenhams.
It comes as documents seen by the Telegraph showed that administrator Deloitte was running an auction of the pieces of Sir Philip Green’s Arcadia empire.
The process, known as “Project Kane”, is clad in secrecy, with first round bids for assets expected by Friday.
Three of the eight brands – Evans, Miss Selfridge, and Outfit – made sales losses last year, the documents revealed, even before high rent prices pushed the firms deeper into the red.
City A.M. has contacted Authentic Brands for comment.


cityam--2020-12-13--Brexit: Boris Johnson and EU chief von der Leyen to speak at lunchtime in last ditch bid to save a t

Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will speak at lunchtime today in a bid to save faltering post-Brexit trade negotiations .
The pair are expected to decide whether there is a pathway to a trade deal or whether to end talks today , with less than three weeks left until the UK leaves the EU ’ s single market and customs union .
Read more : EU banks losing appetite for exposure to Brexit Britain Fears of a no-deal Brexit have risen dramatically over the past week as both sides continue to say they are far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , business subsidy regulations as a part of level playing field talks and the overall governance of the deal are the three largest barriers to a deal .
Von der Leyen reportedly told EU leaders on Friday that there was now a “ higher probability for no-deal than deal ” .
Foreign secretary Dominic Raab told the BBC today that von der Leyen must today make compromises on fisheries and level playing field for Brexit talks to continue .
Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Will the EU move on the two key issues of level playing field and fisheries ?
If there is the will to do that , there is progress to be made .
“ The bar is quite high for us to keep talking – we would need a political commitment to move on those two key issues.
” Raab also said this morning that the EU had “ moved the goal posts ” in trade talks and suggested that Brussels had negotiated in bad faith .
Chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier and chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrangling over how much access it retains to the UK ’ s fishing waters next year .
It has been rumoured that the UK only want the EU to keep about 20 per cent of the fish it was allocated pre-Brexit , while the EU want closer to 80 per cent .
Various media reports yesterday said the UK government was preparing to patrol its borders with armed gunboats to see off European fishing boats if there is a no-deal Brexit on 1 January .
The suggestion has been widely mocked by opposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Navy has always been involved in coast guard operations , ” he said .
“ I think if we leave the EU with no trade deal – which we want , which we ’ re striving for – of course we ’ re going to exercise full control in the way I think people would expect over our fisheries .
”

Brexit: Boris Johnson and EU chief von der Leyen to speak at lunchtime in last ditch bid to save a trade deal
Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will speak at lunchtime today in a bid to save faltering post-Brexit trade negotiations.
The pair are expected to decide whether there is a pathway to a trade deal or whether to end talks today, with less than three weeks left until the UK leaves the EU’s single market and customs union.
Fears of a no-deal Brexit have risen dramatically over the past week as both sides continue to say they are far apart in negotiations.
Future fisheries arrangements, business subsidy regulations as a part of level playing field talks and the overall governance of the deal are the three largest barriers to a deal.
Von der Leyen reportedly told EU leaders on Friday that there was now a “higher probability for no-deal than deal”.
Foreign secretary Dominic Raab told the BBC today that von der Leyen must today make compromises on fisheries and level playing field for Brexit talks to continue.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
He said: “Will the EU move on the two key issues of level playing field and fisheries? If there is the will to do that, there is progress to be made.
“The bar is quite high for us to keep talking – we would need a political commitment to move on those two key issues.”
Raab also said this morning that the EU had “moved the goal posts” in trade talks and suggested that Brussels had negotiated in bad faith.
Chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier and chief UK negotiator Lord David Frost have been wrangling over how much access it retains to the UK’s fishing waters next year.
It has been rumoured that the UK only want the EU to keep about 20 per cent of the fish it was allocated pre-Brexit, while the EU want closer to 80 per cent.
Various media reports yesterday said the UK government was preparing to patrol its borders with armed gunboats to see off European fishing boats if there is a no-deal Brexit on 1 January.
The suggestion has been widely mocked by opposition MPs over the weekend.
Raab defended the move today.
“The Navy has always been involved in coast guard operations,” he said.
“I think if we leave the EU with no trade deal – which we want, which we’re striving for – of course we’re going to exercise full control in the way I think people would expect over our fisheries.”


cityam--2020-12-13--The top films of 2020, from Parasite to Mank

The absence of cinema releases for much of 2020 gives this year ’ s ‘ best of ’ film list a strange new context , as the industry shifts from reliance on the opening week box office and cinema fans focus on what they miss about the big screen .
Here ’ s our pick of this year ’ s best movies , comprised of titles released in UK cinemas or streaming during the calendar year .
The top of many 2019 lists , Boon Jong Ho ’ s Oscar winner takes our crown thanks to being released in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complicated story filled with black comedy and cultural subtext , its success infuriated President Donald Trump , who apparently preferred Gone with The Wind .
Now is a good time to revisit the South Korean masterpiece , given that the awards buzz ( and Presidential complaints ) have faded away .
An examination of how far people will go to escape their situation , Parasite set the standard for this year and has lost none of its brilliance .
Read more : Catch The Dumb Waiter at Hampstead Theatre while you can Shannon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for with her debut feature , an Australian drama about two parents ( Essie David and Ben Mendelsohn ) who reluctantly take in the boyfriend of their critically ill daughter ( Eliza Scanlen ) .
While so many films put a veil over the subject of dying , Babyteeth embraces the messiness as it shows its characters ’ flaws , and how , for better or worse , illness never stops us being human .
A heart-shredding romance that didn ’ t get the love it deserved during awards season .
Whereas many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scenes , Céline Sciamma ’ s film is more about the slow burn as a painter and her subject slowly fall for each other in 1700s France .
The final scene in particular had us in tears .
Perhaps the biggest story in the film world this year was the passing of Chadwick Boseman following an illness he kept private for much of the peak of his success .
It gives his presence in Spike Lee ’ s war drama even more impact .
The film follows four veterans returning to their former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their captain ( Boseman ) and some hidden gold .
Filled with incredible performances , it ’ s Delroy Lindo as the group ’ s traumatised loose cannon that leaves you breathless .
Adam Sandler just makes trashy comedies , right ?
Well , the Safdie Brothers ( Good Time ) unearthed a gem ( sorry ) of a performance from the star as a jeweller who goes through one hell of a bad day .
Fast paced and occasionally brutal , it ’ s a reminder that whenever Sandler wanders into drama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The only upcoming movie on this list , the adaptation of August Wilson ’ s play was Chadwick Boseman ’ s final film performance , and he left everything on the screen .
Following an infamous recording of music legend Ma Rainey ( the excellent Viola Davis ) , you can ’ t take your eyes off of Boseman as the bandmember with dreams of stardom .
Anyone in doubt of the actor ’ s legacy will have their questions answered by the end of his first monologue .
Riz Ahmed directs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a striking drama , playing an up-and-coming artist suddenly struck down by illness when he returns home to London .
A breathless account of the experiences of one part of the British-Asian community , the film practically bursts out of Ahmed ’ s heart .
Sam Mendes ’ World War 1 drama avoids the Saving Private Ryan method of beating the audience over the head with bloody battle scenes .
Indeed , most of the combat in this race against time ( presented as one shot thanks to the genius of Roger Deakins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are forced to concentrate on the mental effects of battle after the bullets have been fired .
David Fincher waited over twenty years to produce his late father ’ s drama about the man who wrote ( or co-wrote ) Citizen Kane , and while the result has been divisive , we think it was worth the wait .
Gary Oldman is sensational in a film that feels like a buffet for fans of film history , indulging in the Golden Age of Hollywood in all its ugliness .
Robert Eggers ’ follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powerful , with Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson trying to out bonkers each other playing lighthouse keepers who become affected by their solitude .
The grubby black-and-white thriller delights in its sense of unease , and provides a calling card for anyone dismissing future Batman Pattinson as ‘ that guy from Twilight ’ .

The top films of 2020, from Parasite to Mank
Adam Sandler in Uncut Gems, one of our films of the year
The absence of cinema releases for much of 2020 gives this year’s ‘best of’ film list a strange new context, as the industry shifts from reliance on the opening week box office and cinema fans focus on what they miss about the big screen. Here’s our pick of this year’s best movies, comprised of titles released in UK cinemas or streaming during the calendar year.
Parasite
The top of many 2019 lists, Boon Jong Ho’s Oscar winner takes our crown thanks to being released in the UK in February. A thoughtful, complicated story filled with black comedy and cultural subtext, its success infuriated President Donald Trump, who apparently preferred Gone with The Wind.
Now is a good time to revisit the South Korean masterpiece, given that the awards buzz (and Presidential complaints) have faded away. An examination of how far people will go to escape their situation, Parasite set the standard for this year and has lost none of its brilliance.
Babyteeth
Shannon Murphy became a name to look out for with her debut feature, an Australian drama about two parents (Essie David and Ben Mendelsohn) who reluctantly take in the boyfriend of their critically ill daughter (Eliza Scanlen). While so many films put a veil over the subject of dying, Babyteeth embraces the messiness as it shows its characters’ flaws, and how, for better or worse, illness never stops us being human.
Portrait of A Lady On Fire
A heart-shredding romance that didn’t get the love it deserved during awards season. Whereas many LGBTQ+ dramas make headlines with more salacious scenes, Céline Sciamma’s film is more about the slow burn as a painter and her subject slowly fall for each other in 1700s France. The final scene in particular had us in tears.
Da 5 Bloods
Perhaps the biggest story in the film world this year was the passing of Chadwick Boseman following an illness he kept private for much of the peak of his success. It gives his presence in Spike Lee’s war drama even more impact. The film follows four veterans returning to their former battle field to find the remains of their captain (Boseman) and some hidden gold. Filled with incredible performances, it’s Delroy Lindo as the group’s traumatised loose cannon that leaves you breathless.
Uncut Gems
Adam Sandler just makes trashy comedies, right? Well, the Safdie Brothers (Good Time) unearthed a gem (sorry) of a performance from the star as a jeweller who goes through one hell of a bad day. Fast paced and occasionally brutal, it’s a reminder that whenever Sandler wanders into drama, it’s worth watching.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
The only upcoming movie on this list, the adaptation of August Wilson’s play was Chadwick Boseman’s final film performance, and he left everything on the screen. Following an infamous recording of music legend Ma Rainey (the excellent Viola Davis), you can’t take your eyes off of Boseman as the bandmember with dreams of stardom. Anyone in doubt of the actor’s legacy will have their questions answered by the end of his first monologue.
Mogul Mowgli
Riz Ahmed directs, stars, and raps his way through a striking drama, playing an up-and-coming artist suddenly struck down by illness when he returns home to London. A breathless account of the experiences of one part of the British-Asian community, the film practically bursts out of Ahmed’s heart.
1917
Sam Mendes’ World War 1 drama avoids the Saving Private Ryan method of beating the audience over the head with bloody battle scenes. Indeed, most of the combat in this race against time (presented as one shot thanks to the genius of Roger Deakins) have moved on, meaning we are forced to concentrate on the mental effects of battle after the bullets have been fired.
Mank
David Fincher waited over twenty years to produce his late father’s drama about the man who wrote (or co-wrote) Citizen Kane, and while the result has been divisive, we think it was worth the wait. Gary Oldman is sensational in a film that feels like a buffet for fans of film history, indulging in the Golden Age of Hollywood in all its ugliness.
The Lighthouse
Robert Eggers’ follow up to The Witch is just as powerful, with Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson trying to out bonkers each other playing lighthouse keepers who become affected by their solitude. The grubby black-and-white thriller delights in its sense of unease, and provides a calling card for anyone dismissing future Batman Pattinson as ‘that guy from Twilight’.


cityam--2020-12-14--Amazon to launch Prime Video on Sky 'in time for Christmas'

The Amazon Prime Video app will launch on Sky Q , Sky Ticket and NOW TV devices from 14 December – just in time for Christmas .
The news follows a new multi-year partnership agreement between the two companies , which brings Sky services to Amazon devices and vice versa .
The move is the latest example of aggregation from Sky as it looks to collate all the different streaming services onto its Sky Q platform .
The app will now appear alongside other big streaming services Netflix and Disney Plus .
Stephen van Rooyen , EVP & CEO UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are receiving an early Christmas present on their boxes this year in the form of Amazon Prime Video , ” says Stephen van Rooyen , EVP & CEO UK & Europe Sky .
Read more : Sky ’ s Kay Burley to be off-air for six months following Covid rule breach Football fans will be pleased with this news as they will now be able to switch between Sky Sports , Prime Video and BT Sports via the one platform , meaning they can now watch all the live Premier League games without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” It ’ s a perfect time for Sky customers to catch up on our award-winning Prime Video TV shows , movies , and live sport , including Prime Video ’ s exclusive live broadcasts of 20 English Premier League games this December ” , says Jay Marine , vice president of Amazon Prime Worldwide .
Read more : Sky Sports attracts record viewing figures for second time in two months

Amazon to launch Prime Video on Sky ‘in time for Christmas’
On demand video
The Amazon Prime Video app will launch on Sky Q, Sky Ticket and NOW TV devices from 14 December – just in time for Christmas.
The news follows a new multi-year partnership agreement between the two companies, which brings Sky services to Amazon devices and vice versa.
The move is the latest example of aggregation from Sky as it looks to collate all the different streaming services onto its Sky Q platform.
The app will now appear alongside other big streaming services Netflix and Disney Plus.
Stephen van Rooyen, EVP & CEO UK & Europe Sky said: ”Customers are receiving an early Christmas present on their boxes this year in the form of Amazon Prime Video,” says Stephen van Rooyen, EVP & CEO UK & Europe Sky.
Football fans will be pleased with this news as they will now be able to switch between Sky Sports, Prime Video and BT Sports via the one platform, meaning they can now watch all the live Premier League games without switching devices for the first time.
”It’s a perfect time for Sky customers to catch up on our award-winning Prime Video TV shows, movies, and live sport, including Prime Video’s exclusive live broadcasts of 20 English Premier League games this December”, says Jay Marine, vice president of Amazon Prime Worldwide.