cityam--2020-06-16--Trump signs executive order to reform US police

US President Donald Trump has today signed an executive order pledging to reform the police , aimed at improving law enforcement practices amid widespread backlash .
Federal grants will be offered to states to improve police practices , including the creation of a database to track abuses by officers and improved information sharing so that officers with poor records are not hired without their background being known .
The executive order follows weeks of protests by activists against racism and police brutality , prompted by the killing of George Floyd by an officer in Minneapolis last month .
Read more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK “ Americans want law and order , they demand law and order , ” Trump said at a ceremony before the signing .
However he reiterated his opposition to “ radical and dangerous ” calls by protesters for the dismantling and defunding of police forces .
In previous public comments and on Twitter , Trump has called for crackdowns on protesters and emphasised a forceful and militarised response to the social unrest .
The executive order also encourages police departments to employ the latest standards for use of force , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-violent cases involving drug addiction and homelessness .
Republicans and Democrats are currently split on how best to legislate change within the police force , ahead of the upcoming presidential election on 3 November .
Democrats want to allow victims of misconduct and their families to sue police , while Republicans are pushing to reduce job protections for members of law enforcement unions .
The two sides also are at odds over a Democratic proposal to ban police chokeholds .
A number of US cities have proposed more radical reforms , including in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defund and dismantle the police department .
Read more : Biden calls on Facebook to rethink fact-checking policy before US election “ Americans believe we must support the brave men and women in blue who police our streets and keep us safe , ” Trump said today .
“ Americans also believe we must improve accountability , increase transparency and invest more resources in police training , recruiting and community engagement .
”

Trump signs executive order to reform US police
US President Donald Trump has today signed an executive order pledging to reform the police, aimed at improving law enforcement practices amid widespread backlash.
Federal grants will be offered to states to improve police practices, including the creation of a database to track abuses by officers and improved information sharing so that officers with poor records are not hired without their background being known.
The executive order follows weeks of protests by activists against racism and police brutality, prompted by the killing of George Floyd by an officer in Minneapolis last month.
“Americans want law and order, they demand law and order,” Trump said at a ceremony before the signing.
However he reiterated his opposition to “radical and dangerous” calls by protesters for the dismantling and defunding of police forces. In previous public comments and on Twitter, Trump has called for crackdowns on protesters and emphasised a forceful and militarised response to the social unrest.
The executive order also encourages police departments to employ the latest standards for use of force, and add social workers to responses to non-violent cases involving drug addiction and homelessness.
Republicans and Democrats are currently split on how best to legislate change within the police force, ahead of the upcoming presidential election on 3 November.
Democrats want to allow victims of misconduct and their families to sue police, while Republicans are pushing to reduce job protections for members of law enforcement unions. The two sides also are at odds over a Democratic proposal to ban police chokeholds.
A number of US cities have proposed more radical reforms, including in Minneapolis where some officials revealed plans to defund and dismantle the police department.
“Americans believe we must support the brave men and women in blue who police our streets and keep us safe,” Trump said today.
“Americans also believe we must improve accountability, increase transparency and invest more resources in police training, recruiting and community engagement.”


cityam--2020-06-16--Boris Johnson: Too early to ease two-metre social distancing rule

Boris Johnson has shot down hopes for an imminent change to England ’ s two-metre social distancing rule , despite pleas from the hospitality sector .
Johnson said the rate of coronavirus incidents had not come down enough to make the change , but to “ watch this space ” .
Read more : No set timescale for two-metre social distancing review The news will come as a disappointment for hospitality businesses across England , after Johnson said last week that the government would review the rule .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak also said on Sunday the government would take a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that there would be a “ comprehensive review ” .
Speaking at today ’ s daily press briefing , Johnson said : “ As we depress the numbers , as we reduce the incidents [ of coronavirus ] , we will also have a strong case for reviewing those measures .
“ We can ’ t do it yet , we need to continue to make progress.
” Hospitality bodies have been lobbying the government to reduce the rule to one metre – in line with World Health Organisation advice – to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is eased further .
UKHospitality chief Kate Nicholls has warned that if the two-metre rule is kept that only one-third of hospitality venues would be able to operate profitably .
If it is cut to one metre , it is estimated that two-thirds of hospitality businesses would be able to operate profitably .
It has been speculated that chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and chief medical officer Chris Whitty are opposed to changing the rule .
When asked about a potential change at the press briefing today , Vallance said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it ’ s not an absolute , it ’ s relative .
“ There are things you can do to reduce the risk on top of that , such as being side by side instead of face to face.
” Numerous Conservative MPs have spoken out about needing to cut the distance to help get the economy moving again .
Speaking to MPs yesterday , Greg Clark said : “ [ Many ] countries have a shorter distance rule but require face coverings to be worn .
Why is it right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Millions of people , workers in pubs , cafes and restaurants and in manufacturing industries , as well as children going to school and young adults in colleges and universities , depend on this decision.
” Read more : Boris Johnson confirms pubs and restaurants will not open before 4 July The hospitality industry is also waiting for confirmation of when they can reopen .
The government ’ s roadmap says the sector will not be allowed to reopen before 4 July , which is now less than three weeks away .

Boris Johnson: Too early to ease two-metre social distancing rule
Listed firms have tapped investors for cash to take advantage of cheap prices during the pandemic
Boris Johnson has shot down hopes for an imminent change to England’s two-metre social distancing rule, despite pleas from the hospitality sector.
Johnson said the rate of coronavirus incidents had not come down enough to make the change, but to “watch this space”.
The news will come as a disappointment for hospitality businesses across England, after Johnson said last week that the government would review the rule.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak also said on Sunday the government would take a “fresh look” at the restriction and that there would be a “comprehensive review”.
Speaking at today’s daily press briefing, Johnson said: “As we depress the numbers, as we reduce the incidents [of coronavirus], we will also have a strong case for reviewing those measures.
“We can’t do it yet, we need to continue to make progress.”
Hospitality bodies have been lobbying the government to reduce the rule to one metre – in line with World Health Organisation advice – to ensure venues can open when the lockdown is eased further.
UKHospitality chief Kate Nicholls has warned that if the two-metre rule is kept that only one-third of hospitality venues would be able to operate profitably.
If it is cut to one metre, it is estimated that two-thirds of hospitality businesses would be able to operate profitably.
It has been speculated that chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and chief medical officer Chris Whitty are opposed to changing the rule.
When asked about a potential change at the press briefing today, Vallance said: “Two metres is safer than one metre, but it’s not an absolute, it’s relative.
“There are things you can do to reduce the risk on top of that, such as being side by side instead of face to face.”
Numerous Conservative MPs have spoken out about needing to cut the distance to help get the economy moving again.
Speaking to MPs yesterday, Greg Clark said: “[Many] countries have a shorter distance rule but require face coverings to be worn. Why is it right for them but wrong for us?
“Millions of people, workers in pubs, cafes and restaurants and in manufacturing industries, as well as children going to school and young adults in colleges and universities, depend on this decision.”
The hospitality industry is also waiting for confirmation of when they can reopen.
The government’s roadmap says the sector will not be allowed to reopen before 4 July, which is now less than three weeks away.


cityam--2020-06-16--Horse Racing Betting Tips: Beloved So big at monster 50/1

FANS of the Royal Hunt Cup ( 3.35pm ) are in for a real treat this year with the introduction of a Silver Hunt Cup ( 1.15pm ) meaning two impossible looking one mile handicaps to get our teeth into .
Looking at the main event and John Gosden teams up with Frankie Dettori to saddle the lightly-raced Lord Tennyson .
He has huge potential but this cavalry charge is a huge ask for a horse so inexperienced .
Instead , I ’ m going to take a chance on two horses that ran really well at Newmarket during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the clouds to beat Ouzo which was a massive step forward from what he had achieved as a three-year-old .
The combination of being gelded and being given time to mature looks to have made all the difference and Bell Rock could still be ahead of the handicapper .
He can be backed at 8/1 and that looks decent value with his stable in good form .
The other one I ’ m going to support is MONTATHAM who also created such a good impression at Newmarket winning in an impressive time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and William Haggas ’ runner also looks well-handicapped .
The Silver Royal Hunt Cup ( 1.15pm ) looks a harder puzzle to solve with the likes of Ouzo , Maydanny and Sir Busker all looking to hold obvious chances at the top of the market .
I ’ m going slightly left field and will take a chance on a couple at monster prices .
Firstly , AMBASSADORIAL chased home Montatham at Newmarket and 20/1 about Jane Chapple-Hyam ’ s runner looks too big .
Secondly , old-boy SO BELOVED is the rank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be very surprised if he didn ’ t go well .
He was last off the bridle in the Royal Hunt Cup 12 months ago and wasn ’ t beaten far in the Queen Anne Stakes the year before .
There is no doubt his best days are behind him , but he is just too big a price to ignore .

Horse Racing Betting Tips: Beloved So big at monster 50/1
ASCOT, ENGLAND – JUNE 19: Jim Crowley rides Afaak (R, Blue) to win The Royal Hunt Cup on day two of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on June 19, 2019 in Ascot, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse)
FANS of the Royal Hunt Cup (3.35pm) are in for a real treat this year with the introduction of a Silver Hunt Cup (1.15pm) meaning two impossible looking one mile handicaps to get our teeth into.
Looking at the main event and John Gosden teams up with Frankie Dettori to saddle the lightly-raced Lord Tennyson.
He has huge potential but this cavalry charge is a huge ask for a horse so inexperienced.
Instead, I’m going to take a chance on two horses that ran really well at Newmarket during the Guineas meeting.
BELL ROCK came from the clouds to beat Ouzo which was a massive step forward from what he had achieved as a three-year-old.
The combination of being gelded and being given time to mature looks to have made all the difference and Bell Rock could still be ahead of the handicapper.
He can be backed at 8/1 and that looks decent value with his stable in good form.
The other one I’m going to support is MONTATHAM who also created such a good impression at Newmarket winning in an impressive time.
He quickened right away from strong field and William Haggas’ runner also looks well-handicapped.
The Silver Royal Hunt Cup (1.15pm) looks a harder puzzle to solve with the likes of Ouzo, Maydanny and Sir Busker all looking to hold obvious chances at the top of the market.
I’m going slightly left field and will take a chance on a couple at monster prices.
Firstly, AMBASSADORIAL chased home Montatham at Newmarket and 20/1 about Jane Chapple-Hyam’s runner looks too big.
Secondly, old-boy SO BELOVED is the rank outsider at 50/1 and I’d be very surprised if he didn’t go well.
He was last off the bridle in the Royal Hunt Cup 12 months ago and wasn’t beaten far in the Queen Anne Stakes the year before.
There is no doubt his best days are behind him, but he is just too big a price to ignore.
Pointers
Ambassadorial 20/1 e/w 1.15pm Royal Ascot
So Beloved 50/1 e/w 1.15pm Royal Ascot
Bell Rock 8/1 e/w 3.35pm Royal Ascot
Montatham 10/1 e/w 3.35pm Royal Ascot


cityam--2020-06-16--UK Finance boss quits over Amanda Staveley remarks

UK Finance chief Stephen Jones has resigned just days after apologising to staff for sexist remarks made in 2008 about financier Amanda Staveley .
Sky News first reported that Jones had offered his resignation , which UK Finance confirmed had been accepted .
Read more : UK Finance chief in apology to staff over 2008 Staveley remarks Jones said : “ I have apologised to Ms Staveley and to my colleagues for the comments made in 2008 and feel at this time it is right I step down from my role at UK Finance .
“ I am very proud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formation of UK Finance in 2017 .
“ Our current work with the banking and finance industry , government , business and consumer groups and regulators to coordinate the provision of financial support during the Covid-19 crisis shows UK Finance at its best ” .
Before the Open : Get the jump on the markets with our early morning newsletter Over the weekend Sky revealed that Jones had apologised for the comments , which he had made while an executive at Barclays during the financial crisis .
In a memo , Jones said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understood to have been made as Staveley was negotiating a cash call on behalf of the bank with Abu Dhabi-based funds .
Staveley is suing the bank , alleging that the firm deceived her over higher fees it separately paid to Qatari investors .
The remarks , believed to have been made in internal calls between Barclays executives , may be read aloud in court if Mr Jones is , as expected , called to give evidence next month .
UK Finance chairman Bob Wigley said : “ Stephen has rightly acknowledged that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inappropriate and do not meet the standards expected of leaders in our industry .
Read more : Barclays squares up for latest legal battle as £1.5bn Staveley suit hits High Court “ He has characteristically taken a difficult personal decision in the interest of UK Finance and the industry and we accept his decision .
UK Finance is the country ’ s largest banking lobby group , representing some 250 firms across the industry .

UK Finance boss quits over Amanda Staveley remarks
UK Finance chief Stephen Jones has resigned just days after apologising to staff for sexist remarks made in 2008 about financier Amanda Staveley.
Sky News first reported that Jones had offered his resignation, which UK Finance confirmed had been accepted.
Jones said: “I have apologised to Ms Staveley and to my colleagues for the comments made in 2008 and feel at this time it is right I step down from my role at UK Finance.
“I am very proud of what we have achieved since the formation of UK Finance in 2017.
“Our current work with the banking and finance industry, government, business and consumer groups and regulators to coordinate the provision of financial support during the Covid-19 crisis shows UK Finance at its best”.
Before the Open: Get the jump on the markets with our early morning newsletter
Over the weekend Sky revealed that Jones had apologised for the comments, which he had made while an executive at Barclays during the financial crisis.
In a memo, Jones said he could not defend the remarks, understood to have been made as Staveley was negotiating a cash call on behalf of the bank with Abu Dhabi-based funds.
Staveley is suing the bank, alleging that the firm deceived her over higher fees it separately paid to Qatari investors.
The remarks, believed to have been made in internal calls between Barclays executives, may be read aloud in court if Mr Jones is, as expected, called to give evidence next month.
UK Finance chairman Bob Wigley said: “Stephen has rightly acknowledged that the comments he made in 2008 were inappropriate and do not meet the standards expected of leaders in our industry.
“He has characteristically taken a difficult personal decision in the interest of UK Finance and the industry and we accept his decision.
UK Finance is the country’s largest banking lobby group, representing some 250 firms across the industry.
This is a developing story.


cityam--2020-06-16--Horse Racing Betting Tips: Addeybb can serve it up to Japan in Prince Of Wales’s Stakes

TRAINER Aidan O ’ Brien didn ’ t take long to get off the mark at this year ’ s Royal meeting when Circus Maximus landed the Queen Anne Stakes and he will fancy he chances of landing the feature on day two .
Japan heads the betting for the Prince Of Wales ’ s Stakes ( 3.00pm ) and hasn ’ t been seen in action since finishing fourth in last season ’ s Arc .
The drop back to 10 furlongs looks ideal as he showed when winning the Juddmonte International at York and he should be hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of rain in the air , I can not help but have a few quid each-way on ADDEYBB who won in emphatic style at this meeting 12 months ago .
Every drop of rain will help his chances and at 15/2 he looks the best each-way option against the hot favourite .
Only the eight runners go to post for the Hampton Court Stakes ( 1.50pm ) and if rumours are to be believed , then we could be in for a Royal winner First Receiver couldn ’ t have been any more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few weeks ago and has a huge reputation .
Nobody has trained more winners at this meeting than Sir Michael Stoute and this son of New Approach is certainly an exciting prospect .
However , this is a huge step up in class and he is already as short as 2/1 in a place .
Juan Elcano brings the best form to the party having finished fifth in the 2000 Guineas and has to be respected as does the O ’ Brien runner Russian Emperor .
He ran on well in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a pacemaker with him to ensure they go a good gallop .
At the prices , I ’ m prepared to take those at the top of the market on and my eyes are drawn to the two who carry penalties .
Berlin Tango beat Pyledriver at Kempton last time and that horse franked the form by winning the King Edward VII Stakes on the opening day .
He looks sure to run well at a best-priced 7/1 , but I ’ m prepared to take a chance on KENZAI WARRIOR at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost his unbeaten record when stumbling badly leaving the stalls in the 2000 Guineas and is far better than he showed that day .
This step up in trip is another positive and he looks the value in an intriguing race .

Horse Racing Betting Tips: Addeybb can serve it up to Japan in Prince Of Wales’s Stakes
DONCASTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 24: James Doyle riding Addeybb ease down to win The 32Red Lincoln at Doncaster racecourse on March 24, 2018 in Doncaster, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
TRAINER Aidan O’Brien didn’t take long to get off the mark at this year’s Royal meeting when Circus Maximus landed the Queen Anne Stakes and he will fancy he chances of landing the feature on day two.
Japan heads the betting for the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (3.00pm) and hasn’t been seen in action since finishing fourth in last season’s Arc.
The drop back to 10 furlongs looks ideal as he showed when winning the Juddmonte International at York and he should be hard to beat.
However, with plenty of rain in the air, I cannot help but have a few quid each-way on ADDEYBB who won in emphatic style at this meeting 12 months ago.
Every drop of rain will help his chances and at 15/2 he looks the best each-way option against the hot favourite.
Only the eight runners go to post for the Hampton Court Stakes (1.50pm) and if rumours are to be believed, then we could be in for a Royal winner
First Receiver couldn’t have been any more impressive when winning his maiden at Kempton a few weeks ago and has a huge reputation.
Nobody has trained more winners at this meeting than Sir Michael Stoute and this son of New Approach is certainly an exciting prospect.
However, this is a huge step up in class and he is already as short as 2/1 in a place.
Juan Elcano brings the best form to the party having finished fifth in the 2000 Guineas and has to be respected as does the O’Brien runner Russian Emperor.
He ran on well in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial last time and has a pacemaker with him to ensure they go a good gallop.
At the prices, I’m prepared to take those at the top of the market on and my eyes are drawn to the two who carry penalties.
Berlin Tango beat Pyledriver at Kempton last time and that horse franked the form by winning the King Edward VII Stakes on the opening day.
He looks sure to run well at a best-priced 7/1, but I’m prepared to take a chance on KENZAI WARRIOR at 12/1.
Roger Teal’s runner lost his unbeaten record when stumbling badly leaving the stalls in the 2000 Guineas and is far better than he showed that day.
This step up in trip is another positive and he looks the value in an intriguing race.
Pointers
Kenzai Warrior 12/1 e/w 1.50pm Royal Ascot
Addeybb 15/2 e/w 3.00pm Royal Ascot


cityam--2020-06-16--Amazon to use AI to enforce social distancing in offices and warehouses

Amazon is to use a tracking system powered by artificial intelligence to make sure employees are following social distancing guidelines in its offices and warehouses .
Monitors in its warehouses will show workers on the screens highlighted in green circles when keeping a safe distance from others .
The system will also be used in office buildings to track areas of high traffic .
Read more : EU to levy antitrust charges against Amazon over treatment of third-party sellers Amazon is not the only company to look into using such technology during the pandemic , which is being open sourced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assistant , is live at a handful of Amazon buildings , with plans to deploy hundreds of such units over the next few weeks .
Privacy activists have raised concerns about the use of AI to track people in the workplace , and have urged businesses to limit use of such technology to the pandemic .
Many fear the technology will be used to track productivity , and offer workers no choice but to agree to these conditions .
Read more : Bezos open to testifying before Congress on anti-competitive behaviour The move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a trio of warehouse workers in New York , who allege the company is not doing enough to protect staff during the outbreak .
The complaint accuses Amazon of creating a work environment in which staff “ were explicitly or implicitly encouraged to continue attending work and prevented from adequately washing their hands or sanitising their workstations , ” Bloomberg first reported .

Amazon to use AI to enforce social distancing in offices and warehouses
Amazon is to use a tracking system powered by artificial intelligence to make sure employees are following social distancing guidelines in its offices and warehouses.
Monitors in its warehouses will show workers on the screens highlighted in green circles when keeping a safe distance from others.
The system will also be used in office buildings to track areas of high traffic.
Amazon is not the only company to look into using such technology during the pandemic, which is being open sourced.
The system, known as Distance Assistant, is live at a handful of Amazon buildings, with plans to deploy hundreds of such units over the next few weeks.
Privacy activists have raised concerns about the use of AI to track people in the workplace, and have urged businesses to limit use of such technology to the pandemic. Many fear the technology will be used to track productivity, and offer workers no choice but to agree to these conditions.
The move comes as Amazon battles a lawsuit from a trio of warehouse workers in New York, who allege the company is not doing enough to protect staff during the outbreak.
The complaint accuses Amazon of creating a work environment in which staff “were explicitly or implicitly encouraged to continue attending work and prevented from adequately washing their hands or sanitising their workstations,” Bloomberg first reported.


cityam--2020-06-17--EY's UK offices to close for one day to force staff to take holiday

EY is set to shut most of its offices for a day this summer to encourage staff to use up their annual leave , as employees remain reluctant to take holiday during lockdown .
The accountancy firm told its employees about the scheduled day off in a memo this week , first reported by Financial News .
Read more : PwC to reopen UK offices from 8 June following coronavirus lockdown easing It came after a wave of employees resisted taking time off due to travel restrictions amid the pandemic .
EY has since asked its UK employees and partners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year by taking 70 per cent of their entitlement by 31 August .
Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data In a statement the firm said : “ This is intended to protect individual wellbeing while also enabling us to ensure that we continue serve clients and run our business effectively throughout the year.
” As part of these measures , the Big Four firm has decided to close some part of its UK base on 3 July “ enabling people in several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s holiday that day.
” “ The safety and wellbeing of all EY people , clients and communities continues to be our primary concern , while also carefully managing the needs of our business.
” EY ’ s announcement follows recommendations to encourage employees to take holiday during the coronavirus outbreak , to help protect their physical and mental wellbeing .
The government passed legislation to allow employees to carry forward the four weeks of statutory holiday under the Working Time Directive .
However , this is only if it is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all or part of the leave due to the pandemic .
Before the Open : Get the jump on the markets with our early morning newsletter Get the news as it happens by following City A.M. on Twitter .

EY’s UK offices to close for one day to force staff to take holiday
EY
EY is set to shut most of its offices for a day this summer to encourage staff to use up their annual leave, as employees remain reluctant to take holiday during lockdown.
The accountancy firm told its employees about the scheduled day off in a memo this week, first reported by Financial News.
It came after a wave of employees resisted taking time off due to travel restrictions amid the pandemic.
EY has since asked its UK employees and partners to spread annual holiday allowance across the year by taking 70 per cent of their entitlement by 31 August.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
In a statement the firm said: “This is intended to protect individual wellbeing while also enabling us to ensure that we continue serve clients and run our business effectively throughout the year.”
As part of these measures, the Big Four firm has decided to close some part of its UK base on 3 July “enabling people in several of our businesses to take one day’s holiday that day.”
“The safety and wellbeing of all EY people, clients and communities continues to be our primary concern, while also carefully managing the needs of our business.”
EY’s announcement follows recommendations to encourage employees to take holiday during the coronavirus outbreak, to help protect their physical and mental wellbeing.
The government passed legislation to allow employees to carry forward the four weeks of statutory holiday under the Working Time Directive. However, this is only if it is not reasonably practicable for the employee to take all or part of the leave due to the pandemic.
Before the Open: Get the jump on the markets with our early morning newsletter
Get the news as it happens by following City A.M. on Twitter.


cityam--2020-06-17--When and where to watch the Premier League

The Premier League is back — but not as we know it .
After a 100-day hiatus due to the @ @ @ @ @ football season will return to screens this evening from behind closed doors .
Following pressure @ @ @ @ @ , most of the Premier League ’ s 92 remaining 92 shows are set to @ @ @ @ @ TV and non-paywalled versions of subscription services .
Sky Sports will show 64 games , @ @ @ @ @ aired on its free-to-air Pick channel .
BT Sport is set to show 20 matches @ @ @ @ @ air four .
And for the first time in its 28-year history , the Premier @ @ @ @ @ its games on the BBC .
Here ’ s how to watch the matches that @ @ @ @ @ :

When and where to watch the Premier League after lockdown hiatus
The Premier League is back — but not as we know it. After a 100-day hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, the top-flight football season will return to screens this evening from behind closed doors.
Following pressure from culture secretary Oliver Dowden, most of the Premier League’s 92 remaining shows are set to be shown on both free-to-air TV and non-paywalled versions of subscription services.
Sky Sports will show 64 games, 25 of which will be aired on its free-to-air Pick channel. BT Sport is set to show 20 matches, while Amazon Prime will air four. And for the first time in its 28-year history, the Premier League will show some of its games on the BBC.
Here’s how to watch the matches that have been confirmed so far:
(Matches highlighted in red are free-to-air)


cityam--2020-06-17--Cruise firm CMV seeks rescue deal or risks going under

Cruise firm Cruise and Maritime Voyages ( CMV ) is in a race against time to secure emergency funding after the coronavirus crisis left it struggling to remain afloat .
Sky News reported that Essex-based CMV , which employs 4,000 people , is in last-ditch negotiations with creditors and lenders after another rescue deal fell through .
Read more : Cruise firm Carnival set for the drop in FTSE 100 reshuffle The previous talks were reportedly abandoned after Barclays declined to offer the cruise firm a £25m loan under the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme .
Now sources have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complete a new deal by the end of the week .
Cruise companies have been among the worst affected by the coronavirus pandemic , which has seen passengers abandon ship amid health fears and sailing bans .
Prominent firms such as Royal Caribbean Cruises and Carnival , reportedly one of CMV ’ s creditors , have already suspended all voyages until 31 July .
Before the Open : Get the jump on the markets with our early morning newsletter Today Norwegian Cruise Lines said it would extend its suspension of services until the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Many vessels have been stuck at sea during the crisis , having been refused permission to dock in countries wary of encouraging the further spread of the virus .
A spokesperson for the firm said : “ As the majority of other cruise lines have already done or are presently doing , CMV is also looking for additional financing to improve its liquidity position until sailing will resume again .
As such CMV is presently in discussions and negotiations with a number of financial institutions and banks and is confident to finalise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unable to comment on or disclose details of these discussions with individual parties until they are finalised.
” In February CMV received a €60m ( £53.7m ) loan from Macquarie , the Australian bank , which has reportedly given subsequent aid to the beleaguered firm .
It is not currently known who else is involved in the talks , but AlixPartners and Duff & Phelps , the professional services firms , have both been advising various stakeholders on CMV ’ s financial position .
According to a source , an undisclosed number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s liners and need to be repatriated .

Cruise firm CMV seeks rescue deal or risks going under
Cruise firm Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV) is in a race against time to secure emergency funding after the coronavirus crisis left it struggling to remain afloat.
Sky News reported that Essex-based CMV, which employs 4,000 people, is in last-ditch negotiations with creditors and lenders after another rescue deal fell through.
The previous talks were reportedly abandoned after Barclays declined to offer the cruise firm a £25m loan under the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme.
Now sources have told Sky that CMV is looking to complete a new deal by the end of the week.
Cruise companies have been among the worst affected by the coronavirus pandemic, which has seen passengers abandon ship amid health fears and sailing bans.
Prominent firms such as Royal Caribbean Cruises and Carnival, reportedly one of CMV’s creditors, have already suspended all voyages until 31 July.
Before the Open: Get the jump on the markets with our early morning newsletter
Today Norwegian Cruise Lines said it would extend its suspension of services until the end of September due to the pandemic.
Many vessels have been stuck at sea during the crisis, having been refused permission to dock in countries wary of encouraging the further spread of the virus.
A spokesperson for the firm said: “As the majority of other cruise lines have already done or are presently doing, CMV is also looking for additional financing to improve its liquidity position until sailing will resume again.
As such CMV is presently in discussions and negotiations with a number of financial institutions and banks and is confident to finalise these discussions very shortly and so is unable to comment on or disclose details of these discussions with individual parties until they are finalised.”
In February CMV received a €60m (£53.7m) loan from Macquarie, the Australian bank, which has reportedly given subsequent aid to the beleaguered firm.
It is not currently known who else is involved in the talks, but AlixPartners and Duff & Phelps, the professional services firms, have both been advising various stakeholders on CMV’s financial position.
According to a source, an undisclosed number of CMV cruise staff remain on the firm’s liners and need to be repatriated.


cityam--2020-06-17--Huawei to delay smartphone production as US measures threaten bottleneck

Huawei is said to have told some of its suppliers to halt production on its newest line of smartphones , as tough US sanctions threaten disruption .
Huawei has asked suppliers for some components of its upcoming Mate line of smartphones to delay production as it assesses the impact of tightening US export controls , sources told the Nikkei Asian Review .
The telecoms giant has also trimmed orders of parts for the coming quarters , they added .
The Mate smartphone models — usually containing some of Huawei ’ s most advanced tech — are set to be launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , coinciding with the launch of Apple ’ s latest iPhones .
Read more : Apple could delay iPhone 12 launch ‘ by months ’ due to coronavirus Orders by the Trump administration in May is said to have left Huawei concerned that some of its non-US suppliers will be able to utilise US equipment and specifications to manufacture the components it needs .
One supplier told the Nikkei Asian Review that it expects the delay to mass-production schedules for the Mate smartphones to last for “ at least one to two months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told to put production on hold until further notice .
The launch event for the the smartphones may still go ahead as planned , with a delayed release timeframe for when customers will start receiving orders .
Read more : US firms to be allowed to work with Huawei on 5G standards Huawei , the world ’ s second largest smartphone maker , was added to Washington ’ s so-called entity list last year , restricting its access to US technology .
The firm lost support from Google ’ s Android operating system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maps in its phones as a result , denting international sales .
However the US is gradually lightening its stance on the matter , U-turning on a separate ruling yesterday to permit US suppliers to work with Huawei on next generation 5G standards .

Huawei to delay smartphone production as US measures threaten bottleneck
The cluster of cases was found among cleaners at a local airport in the eastern Chinese city – which caused over 500 flights to be cancelled.
Huawei is said to have told some of its suppliers to halt production on its newest line of smartphones, as tough US sanctions threaten disruption.
Huawei has asked suppliers for some components of its upcoming Mate line of smartphones to delay production as it assesses the impact of tightening US export controls, sources told the Nikkei Asian Review.
The telecoms giant has also trimmed orders of parts for the coming quarters, they added. The Mate smartphone models — usually containing some of Huawei’s most advanced tech — are set to be launched in the second half of this year, coinciding with the launch of Apple’s latest iPhones.
Orders by the Trump administration in May is said to have left Huawei concerned that some of its non-US suppliers will be able to utilise US equipment and specifications to manufacture the components it needs.
One supplier told the Nikkei Asian Review that it expects the delay to mass-production schedules for the Mate smartphones to last for “at least one to two months”. Another said they had been told to put production on hold until further notice.
The launch event for the the smartphones may still go ahead as planned, with a delayed release timeframe for when customers will start receiving orders.
A Huawei spokesperson did not immediately provide comment.
Huawei, the world’s second largest smartphone maker, was added to Washington’s so-called entity list last year, restricting its access to US technology.
The firm lost support from Google’s Android operating system and access to products such as Google Maps in its phones as a result, denting international sales.
However the US is gradually lightening its stance on the matter, U-turning on a separate ruling yesterday to permit US suppliers to work with Huawei on next generation 5G standards.


cityam--2020-06-17--New boss for Hugo Boss as fashion house drafts in former Tommy Hilfiger CEO

Hugo Boss has announced that former Tommy Hilfiger chief Daniel Grieder will be its new chief executive .
Grieder , 58 , will take up the post in June next year , after a decades-long career at Tommy Hilfiger .
Read more : Hugo Boss ’ name might suffer , but the brand will survive It comes after outgoing CEO Mark Langer announced that he was stepping down in March .
Langer will leave post at the end of September , with chief financial officer Yves Muller stepping into the role in the interim .
Grieder joined Tommy Hilfiger Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and was appointed chief executive of the European business in 2008 .
Hermann Waldemer , chairman of Hugo Boss , said Grieder ’ s “ international expertise , charismatic personality and extensive global experience in brand management , product , distribution , marketing , and digitalization ” made him ideal for the top job .
“ He possesses all the qualities required to steer Hugo Boss back to sales and profit growth , and to increase the desirability of our brands for end-consumers.
” “ I ’ m arriving at an exciting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my contribution to the further evolution of this German fashion icon .
Hugo Boss faced widespread criticism in March for sending cease-and-desist letters to small companies whose names include the word “ boss ” .
Read more : You ’ re not the boss of me : Dissecting the aggressive trademark tactics of Hugo Boss The episode culminated in comedian Joe Lycett changing his name to Hugo Boss by deed poll in protest against the German fashion brand .
“ It ’ s clear that Hugo Boss hates people using their name , @ @ @ @

New boss for Hugo Boss as fashion house drafts in former Tommy Hilfiger CEO
Hugo Boss has announced that former Tommy Hilfiger chief Daniel Grieder will be its new chief executive.
Grieder, 58, will take up the post in June next year, after a decades-long career at Tommy Hilfiger.
It comes after outgoing CEO Mark Langer announced that he was stepping down in March.
Langer will leave post at the end of September, with chief financial officer Yves Muller stepping into the role in the interim.
Grieder joined Tommy Hilfiger Europe in 1997 as an independent sales agent, and was appointed chief executive of the European business in 2008.
Hermann Waldemer, chairman of Hugo Boss, said Grieder’s “international expertise, charismatic personality and extensive global experience in brand management, product, distribution, marketing, and digitalization” made him ideal for the top job.
“He possesses all the qualities required to steer Hugo Boss back to sales and profit growth, and to increase the desirability of our brands for end-consumers.”
“Hugo Boss is a fantastic organization,” Grieder said.
“I’m arriving at an exciting time and eagerly looking forward to making my contribution to the further evolution of this German fashion icon.
Hugo Boss faced widespread criticism in March for sending cease-and-desist letters to small companies whose names include the word “boss”.
The episode culminated in comedian Joe Lycett changing his name to Hugo Boss by deed poll in protest against the German fashion brand.
“It’s clear that Hugo Boss hates people using their name,” Lycett tweeted.


cityam--2020-06-17--US mortgage applications hit highest level since 2009

Mortgage applications by Americans have hit their highest level since 2009 , as people rush to take advantage of rates hovering near record lows .
Applications for a home loan in the US have surged over the past nine weeks since cratering in early April , according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association ( MBA ) .
Read more : US retail sales post record resurgence in May The MBA ’ s purchasing index rose 3.5 per cent in the week ending 12 June , hitting its highest level since January 2009 .
“ The housing market continues to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from earlier this spring , as well as a gradual improvement in consumer confidence , ” said the MBA ’ s Joel Kan. Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data While the housing market initially froze as the coronavirus pandemic swept across the US and battered the world ’ s largest economy , demand for mortgages has held up better than expected .
Low inventory has helped prop up prices in some markets , the MBA said , while many Americans stuck at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or even move away from cities .
Read more : Fed chair Powell : US economic recovery hinges on coronavirus being under control While the number of mortgage applications has risen substantially , credit standards have also tightened during the pandemic , meaning that some of the applications for home loans will not be approved .
The MBA said its measure of Americans refinancing their homes rose 10 per cent in the seven days to 12 June , gaining for the second week in a row .

US mortgage applications hit 11-year high, homebuilding misses expectations
US mortgage applications have risen for nine straight weeks
Mortgage applications by Americans have hit their highest level since 2009 as people rush to take advantage of record low mortgage rates, but homebuilding in the US increased less than expected in May.
Applications for a home loan in the US have surged over the past nine weeks after cratering in early April, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).
Read more: US retail sales post record resurgence in May
The cost of taking out a mortgage hit a record low in the week ending 12 June. The interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, the most popular US home loan, dropped to 3.3 per cent in the week ended June 12 from 3.38 per cent the week before, the MBA said.
Mortgage rates have dropped by around half a percentage point from earlier this year after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates to near zero to cushion the blow to the economy from the coronavirus pandemic.
Overall mortgage applications rose eight per cent last week after the drop in lending rates. The MBA’s purchasing index rose 3.5 per cent in the week ending 12 June, hitting its highest level since January 2009 as would-be homeowners rushed to take advantage of cheaper mortgages.
“The housing market continues to experience the release of unrealised pent-up demand from earlier this spring, as well as a gradual improvement in consumer confidence,” said the MBA’s Joel Kan.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
While the housing market initially froze as the coronavirus pandemic swept across the US and battered the world’s largest economy, demand for mortgages has held up better than expected.
Low inventory has helped prop up prices in some markets, the MBA said, while many Americans stuck at home are looking to upgrade their homes or even move away from cities.
While demand for mortgages has been more resilient than expected during the pandemic, new figures showed that homebuilding in the US increased less than expected in May.
Housing starts rose 4.3 per cent last month, the Commerce Department said. The rise takes housing starts to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 974,000 units, leaving most of the decline seen in April — when homebuilding had declined to 934,000 units — intact.
Economists polled by Reuters had forecast 1.095m units for May, and the smaller-than-anticipated rise in points to a slower housing market recovery from the coronavirus crsis.
Read more: Fed chair Powell: US economic recovery hinges on coronavirus being under control
While the number of mortgage applications has risen substantially during the pandemic, credit standards have also tightened during the pandemic, meaning that some of the applications for home loans will not be approved.
The MBA said its measure of Americans refinancing their homes rose 10 per cent in the seven days to 12 June, gaining for the second week in a row.


cityam--2020-06-17--Oil prices begin slide over coronavirus second wave fears

Global oil prices slipped back this morning on rising fears over a second wave of coronavirus infections after an outbreak in Beijing .
Worldwide benchmark Brent crude fell 1.5 per cent over the morning ’ s trading , slipping back to $ 40.34 .
Read more : BP to write off up to $ 17.5bn after oil price crash Meanwhile US standard West Texas Intermediate , which was recently trading close to $ 40 levels , dropped 1.8 per cent to fall to $ 37.68 .
However , the drops were cushioned by a combination of optimism around the potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease and rumours of a $ 1 trillion intervention from president Donald Trump to prop up the US ’ infrastructure .
In the Chinese capital , schools were closed yesterday in an attempt to prevent the spread of a second wave , while many commercial flights in and out of the city have been cancelled .
Edward Moya of Oanda said : “ China ’ s second wave of the coronavirus cancelled more than 1,200 flights and will likely see harsher restrictions to prevent the outbreak from spreading further outside of Beijing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the markets with our early morning newsletter “ China seems they have a handle on the second wave , but the immediate hit with economic activity and travel will keep prices heavy ” .
However , after a clinical trial from researchers at Oxford University found that common steroid dexamethasone reduced the death rate in patients with severe coronavirus by a third , some lingering optimism prevented prices plunging .
UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said that prices were currently caught between opposing forces .
He said : “ Positive risk sentiment as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aggressive monetary and fiscal stimulus measures which keeps supporting oil prices as well , on the other hand a potential second wave of infections weighing on oil demand ” .
Rystad Energy ’ s head of oil markets Bjornar Tonhaugen said that traders should expect prices to hover around the $ 40 mark for the rest of June .
Read more : Oil prices set for biggest fall in two weeks after Fed outlook spooks traders “ Having prices around the $ 40 mark , with marginal moves to either direction should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ A daily decline or rise , if marginal , does not mean much now and it ’ s just a result of market forces trying to sell fear and buy enthusiasm .
But we don ’ t expect it to be anything else than a gentle constant bounce ” , he added .

Oil prices begin slide over coronavirus second wave fears
Global oil prices slipped back this morning on rising fears over a second wave of coronavirus infections after an outbreak in Beijing.
Worldwide benchmark Brent crude fell 1.5 per cent over the morning’s trading, slipping back to $40.34.
Meanwhile US standard West Texas Intermediate, which was recently trading close to $40 levels, dropped 1.8 per cent to fall to $37.68.
However, the drops were cushioned by a combination of optimism around the potential of a new steroid treatment for the disease and rumours of a $1 trillion intervention from president Donald Trump to prop up the US’ infrastructure.
In the Chinese capital, schools were closed yesterday in an attempt to prevent the spread of a second wave, while many commercial flights in and out of the city have been cancelled.
Edward Moya of Oanda said: “China’s second wave of the coronavirus cancelled more than 1,200 flights and will likely see harsher restrictions to prevent the outbreak from spreading further outside of Beijing.
Before the Open: Get the jump on the markets with our early morning newsletter
“China seems they have a handle on the second wave, but the immediate hit with economic activity and travel will keep prices heavy”.
However, after a clinical trial from researchers at Oxford University found that common steroid dexamethasone reduced the death rate in patients with severe coronavirus by a third, some lingering optimism prevented prices plunging.
UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said that prices were currently caught between opposing forces.
He said: “Positive risk sentiment as gauged by rising equity markets driven by aggressive monetary and fiscal stimulus measures which keeps supporting oil prices as well, on the other hand a potential second wave of infections weighing on oil demand”.
Rystad Energy’s head of oil markets Bjornar Tonhaugen said that traders should expect prices to hover around the $40 mark for the rest of June.
“Having prices around the $40 mark, with marginal moves to either direction should be expected for the rest of June.
“A daily decline or rise, if marginal, does not mean much now and it’s just a result of market forces trying to sell fear and buy enthusiasm. But we don’t expect it to be anything else than a gentle constant bounce”, he added.


cityam--2020-06-17--Pensions watchdog set to approve superfund deals

The UK ’ s pension watchdog will reportedly give the green light to the launch of superfunds tomorrow , leading to billions of pounds of retirement funds to be pooled together .
The Pensions Regulator ( TPR ) will set out an interim framework for supervising the pension consolidation vehicles called superfunds tomorrow , according to Sky News .
Read more : L & G agrees two pension risk transfer transactions with IHS Markit The vehicles aim to collect together several corporate pension schemes .
Proponents say it will mean they are run more cheaply and efficiently than the companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have faced obstacles in gaining regulatory approval .
The pension superfunds have stalled due to concerns from the Treasury and the Prudential Regulation Authority that consolidation could be unfair competition for the insurance industry .
However , an agreement has reportedly been reached following talks between TPR , the Department for Work and Pensions and the Treasury , according to Sky .
But a permanent regulatory framework would likely require legislation and may take some time .
Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be Clara-Pensions and Pension Superfund .
Clara ’ s model is expected to act as a bridge by taking on pension schemes before selling them onto specialist insurers within a decade , according to Sky .
Earlier this year it was revealed that Clara was in talks about securing new capital from investors .
Potential candidates for the superfunds could include Thomas Cook , which collapsed last autumn , and department store chain Debenhams .
Read more : Coronavirus : Regulators urge savers to avoid rash decisions on pensions Earlier this week the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be created to invest in infrastructure .
The think tank argued that “ urgent action ” on pension reform was needed to navigate the economic recovery following the coronavirus pandemic .
Before the Open : Get the jump on the markets with our early morning newsletter

Pensions watchdog gives go-ahead to superfund deals
The UK’s pension watchdog has given the green light to the launch of superfunds, leading to billions of pounds of retirement funds to be pooled together.
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has set out an interim framework for supervising the pension consolidation vehicles called superfunds. Sky News first reported the development yesterday afternoon, before TPR confirmed.
TPR said the regulatory regime is “to ensure clear rules are in place as these models emerge.”
The vehicles aim to collect together several corporate pension schemes. Proponents say it will mean they are run more cheaply and efficiently than the companies that set them up, but they have faced obstacles in gaining regulatory approval.
The pension superfunds have stalled due to concerns from the Treasury and the Prudential Regulation Authority that consolidation could be unfair competition for the insurance industry.
However, an agreement was reportedly reached following talks between TPR, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Treasury, according to Sky. But a permanent regulatory framework would likely require legislation and may take some time.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
Among those to be authorised will be Clara-Pensions and Pension Superfund. Clara’s model is expected to act as a bridge by taking on pension schemes before selling them onto specialist insurers within a decade, according to Sky. Earlier this year it was revealed that Clara was in talks about securing new capital from investors.
Pension Superfund’s chief executive Luke Webster said: “The framework which has been handed down today strikes a tough but sensible and sustainable balance which meets the needs of scheme members, the sponsoring employer, The Superfund investors and the wider economy, including enabling us into invest in the UK’s long term infrastructure.”
Potential candidates for the superfunds could include Thomas Cook, which collapsed last autumn, and department store chain Debenhams.
Minister for pensions Guy Opperman said: “Well-run superfunds have the potential to deliver more secure retirement incomes for workers, while allowing employers to concentrate on what they do best – running their businesses.”
Before the Open: Get the jump on the markets with our early morning newsletter


cityam--2020-06-17--German virus tracing app hits 6.5m downloads as Norway and Russia experience technical glitches

Germany ’ s app to help trace coronavirus infections has been downloaded 6.5m times within the first 24 hours since its launch .
Chief executive of software giant SAP Christian Klein today said he viewed the promising figures as a sign of a job well done , following a collaborative effort between SAP and Deutsche Telekom to develop the app in just six weeks .
The Corona-Warn-App , like similar apps used in Italy , Latvia and Poland , uses Bluetooth to measure contact between people and issue a warning should one of them later test positive for Covid-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains untested , governments have been pushing them into development in the interest of achieving a digital type of so-called herd immunity .
Read more : Track and trace app ‘ ready in weeks ’ The app records events where both users are at risk of contamination , meaning spending 15 minutes within 2m distance of each other .
Most of Europe ’ s apps are based on technology developed by Apple and Google , which securely logs and anonymises data .
Germany ’ s app debut follows a disastrous start for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yesterday forced the country ’ s health department to delete all data gathered and suspend use of the app .
The Norwegian data regulator ruled the Smittestop app presented an intrusion on user privacy .
Norway is now considering switching to Apple and Google ’ s model .
Read more : Government gives NHS immediate authorisation for coronavirus drug Alongside recording risk events , Smittestop collected location data to encourage those at risk of contracting Covid-19 to self-isolate for 14 days .
The regulator said officials had yet to prove it was necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elsewhere Moscow ’ s contact tracing app has been experiencing technical glitches , with several users telling the Financial Times they had been hit with unexpected fines for alleged quarantine violations .
The Russian government made it mandatory for all Muscovites with respiratory diseases to download the app , having rushed to develop the tool in a matter of weeks .
One user told the newspaper she was fined the equivalent of two-thirds of her monthly salary for 14 separate violations , despite only leaving the house once for a visit to her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trace system tells 26,985 to self-isolate in first week In the UK , a second phase of rolling out the NHS Covid-19 app was delayed last week by the Department of Health following a trial launched on the Isle of Wight six weeks ago .
Very little information has been released about the UK ’ s app , aside from that it is not based on the Apple and Google model .

German virus tracing app hits 6.5m downloads as Norway and Russia experience technical glitches
Germany’s Corona-Warn-App
Germany’s app to help trace coronavirus infections has been downloaded 6.5m times within the first 24 hours since its launch.
Chief executive of software giant SAP Christian Klein today said he viewed the promising figures as a sign of a job well done, following a collaborative effort between SAP and Deutsche Telekom to develop the app in just six weeks.
The Corona-Warn-App, like similar apps used in Italy, Latvia and Poland, uses Bluetooth to measure contact between people and issue a warning should one of them later test positive for Covid-19.
Though the efficacy of contact tracing apps remains untested, governments have been pushing them into development in the interest of achieving a digital type of so-called herd immunity.
The app records events where both users are at risk of contamination, meaning spending 15 minutes within 2m distance of each other.
Most of Europe’s apps are based on technology developed by Apple and Google, which securely logs and anonymises data.
Germany’s app debut follows a disastrous start for a contact tracing tool in Norway, which yesterday forced the country’s health department to delete all data gathered and suspend use of the app.
The Norwegian data regulator ruled the Smittestop app presented an intrusion on user privacy. Norway is now considering switching to Apple and Google’s model.
Alongside recording risk events, Smittestop collected location data to encourage those at risk of contracting Covid-19 to self-isolate for 14 days. The regulator said officials had yet to prove it was necessary for location data to be collected.
Elsewhere Moscow’s contact tracing app has been experiencing technical glitches, with several users telling the Financial Times they had been hit with unexpected fines for alleged quarantine violations.
The Russian government made it mandatory for all Muscovites with respiratory diseases to download the app, having rushed to develop the tool in a matter of weeks. One user told the newspaper she was fined the equivalent of two-thirds of her monthly salary for 14 separate violations, despite only leaving the house once for a visit to her GP.
In the UK, a second phase of rolling out the NHS Covid-19 app was delayed last week by the Department of Health following a trial launched on the Isle of Wight six weeks ago.
Very little information has been released about the UK’s app, aside from that it is not based on the Apple and Google model.


cityam--2020-06-17--French President Emmanuel Macron to get Red Arrows flypast on UK visit

Emmanuel Macron , the French President , will be welcomed to London tomorrow with a flypast of the Red Arrows .
Macron visits the UK tomorrow , marking 80 years since Second World War French resistance leader Charles de Gaulle made a historic broadcast to occupied France from British shores .
Read more : Emmanuel Macron says Schengen borders will close tomorrow at noon The Red Arrows , the RAF ’ s iconic aerobatics unit , will perform a flypast with French counterparts La Patrouille de France .
The Coldstream Guards , the oldest regiment in the British Army , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honour .
Macron ’ s trip will involve a visit to the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall , marking the first major royal engagement since the coronavirus lockdown was imposed .
Charles and Camilla will meet the French President at their London home tomorrow .
It comes after both had to self-isolate in March after Charles , 71 , contracted coronavirus .
Macron will be granted an exemption on the 14-day quarantine imposed on most people entering the UK , as a “ representative of a foreign country on business ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be observed throughout the visit .
It will be Macron ’ s first trip abroad since the lockdown came into place .
The trip commemorates de Gaulle ’ s famous broadcast back to France , urging people to resist the German occupation of the country during the Second World War .
“ I call upon all Frenchmen who want to remain free to listen to my voice and follow me , ” he said .

French President Emmanuel Macron to get Red Arrows flypast on UK visit
Emmanuel Macron, the French President, will be welcomed to London tomorrow with a flypast of the Red Arrows.
Macron visits the UK tomorrow, marking 80 years since Second World War French resistance leader Charles de Gaulle made a historic broadcast to occupied France from British shores.
The Red Arrows, the RAF’s iconic aerobatics unit, will perform a flypast with French counterparts La Patrouille de France.
The Coldstream Guards, the oldest regiment in the British Army, will also form a ceremonial guard of honour.
Macron’s trip will involve a visit to the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, marking the first major royal engagement since the coronavirus lockdown was imposed.
Charles and Camilla will meet the French President at their London home tomorrow.
It comes after both had to self-isolate in March after Charles, 71, contracted coronavirus.
Macron will be granted an exemption on the 14-day quarantine imposed on most people entering the UK, as a “representative of a foreign country on business”.
However, social distancing measures will be observed throughout the visit.
It will be Macron’s first trip abroad since the lockdown came into place.
The trip commemorates de Gaulle’s famous broadcast back to France, urging people to resist the German occupation of the country during the Second World War.
“I call upon all Frenchmen who want to remain free to listen to my voice and follow me,” he said.


cityam--2020-06-17--A new 'superfund' scheme for pensions

A new 'superfund' scheme for pensions

The consolidation of defined benefit pension schemes into “ superfunds ” has the potential to deliver more secure retirement incomes for workers , while allowing employers to concentrate on what they do best : running their businesses .
That ’ s why I welcome the Pensions Regulator ’ s interim regime for defined benefit ( DB ) superfunds as a significant step towards a healthier and stronger pensions landscape .
This guidance , and the learning from the experiences of early transactions , will provide valuable insights as we work towards finalising a permanent superfund regime .
Superfunds provide an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from improved funding , economies of scale , better governance and a substantial capital buffer , increasing member security .
Properly managed , they have the potential to improve the likelihood of pension scheme members getting their benefits in full , while also providing employers who are unable to secure an insurance buyout with a new affordable option to manage their liabilities .
In exchange for a significant upfront payment , employers are released from their legacy pension obligations with schemes benefiting from the improved security and professionalism a superfund aims to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operate effectively , they need clarity on how they are expected to function .
The Pension Regulator ’ s interim regime will help ensure that this emerging market develops in a controlled manner , with clear standards within an appropriate framework .
It will mean the regulator has a much firmer basis to take action against a superfund , should they deem it a necessary and proportionate step .
If at any point it appears that changes to the interim regime are required , the government and the Pensions Regulator will take prompt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of interim guidance is a positive step , I must enforce the message that this is an interim regime .
Market participants should not assume that the permanent regime will automatically replicate the interim one .
The interim guidance will remain under review to ensure that it is properly protecting and advancing the interests of pension scheme members and the Pension Protection Fund .
The government is committed to continuing to develop a permanent regime , which may involve an alternative set of conditions , including more prudent requirements .
This legislation will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we can not preempt the parliamentary process But while I can ’ t guarantee exactly what the future regime will look like , I can commit to this : it will be designed to protect pension scheme members and the Pension Protection Fund , including by ensuring that superfunds have the necessary flexibility to continue contributing to a strong pensions ecosystem , in which sponsoring companies and scheme trustees have a range of options open to them .
We look forward to learning from the experiences from the interim regime which will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finalise our plans for a longer-term legislative solution .
Today marks another significant step in the right direction for UK pensions : a step towards transforming retirement saving for the benefit of the industry , savers , and wider society .

A new ‘superfund’ scheme for pensions
Pensions minister Guy Opperman announces a significant step towards transforming retirement saving
The consolidation of defined benefit pension schemes into “superfunds” has the potential to deliver more secure retirement incomes for workers, while allowing employers to concentrate on what they do best: running their businesses.
That’s why I welcome the Pensions Regulator’s interim regime for defined benefit (DB) superfunds as a significant step towards a healthier and stronger pensions landscape.
This guidance, and the learning from the experiences of early transactions, will provide valuable insights as we work towards finalising a permanent superfund regime.
Superfunds provide an opportunity for DB pension schemes to benefit from improved funding, economies of scale, better governance and a substantial capital buffer, increasing member security.
Properly managed, they have the potential to improve the likelihood of pension scheme members getting their benefits in full, while also providing employers who are unable to secure an insurance buyout with a new affordable option to manage their liabilities.
In exchange for a significant upfront payment, employers are released from their legacy pension obligations with schemes benefiting from the improved security and professionalism a superfund aims to provide.
But to enable these superfunds to operate effectively, they need clarity on how they are expected to function. The Pension Regulator’s interim regime will help ensure that this emerging market develops in a controlled manner, with clear standards within an appropriate framework.
It will mean the regulator has a much firmer basis to take action against a superfund, should they deem it a necessary and proportionate step. If at any point it appears that changes to the interim regime are required, the government and the Pensions Regulator will take prompt, robust action.
While the publication of interim guidance is a positive step, I must enforce the message that this is an interim regime. Market participants should not assume that the permanent regime will automatically replicate the interim one.
The interim guidance will remain under review to ensure that it is properly protecting and advancing the interests of pension scheme members and the Pension Protection Fund.
The government is committed to continuing to develop a permanent regime, which may involve an alternative set of conditions, including more prudent requirements. This legislation will be subject to full and proper scrutiny and we cannot preempt the parliamentary process
But while I can’t guarantee exactly what the future regime will look like, I can commit to this: it will be designed to protect pension scheme members and the Pension Protection Fund, including by ensuring that superfunds have the necessary flexibility to continue contributing to a strong pensions ecosystem, in which sponsoring companies and scheme trustees have a range of options open to them.
We look forward to learning from the experiences from the interim regime which will provide valuable insights as we develop and finalise our plans for a longer-term legislative solution.
Today marks another significant step in the right direction for UK pensions: a step towards transforming retirement saving for the benefit of the industry, savers, and wider society.
Main image credit: Getty


cityam--2020-06-17--Three quarters of customers ready to fly, says London City Airport

Ahead of restarting services on 21 June , London City Airport has said that over three-quarters of its customers have said they are likely to travel when they are told it is safe to do so .
An anonymous survey of over 4,700 of the airport ’ s customers showed that 78 per cent of respondents were either very likely or quite likely to fly when given the go-ahead by the government .
Read more : London City Airport to resume flights at end of June Of these , 48 per cent said that they were very likely to fly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to fly for leisure purposes over the next three months .
A similar percentage – 41 per cent – said that they were expecting to fly for business over the same period , despite fears over the future of corporate travel .
The survey results came as London City Airport ramped up operations ahead of its first flights since 25 March , when it suspended all passenger flights .
A British Airways flight to the Isle of Man is expected to be the airport ’ s first service after restarting .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including new routes to Teeside and Dundee , with international flights expected to begin in the coming weeks .
Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data Chief executive Robert Sinclair said that the demand shown by the survey results was “ really encouraging ” .
“ It shows a desire to not only enjoy a holiday soon after nearly three months of lockdown , but to get back to business travel as well ” , he added .
“ We have worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the airport , so they can get back to flying in confidence ” .
He also pushed for the government to agree air bridges with low-risk European nations as soon as possible , saying it would be a “ shot in the arm for the industry as well as for the wider UK economy ” .
Adam Tyndall , transport director at London First agreed , saying : “ Both blanket Foreign Office advice not to travel abroad and the mandatory two-week quarantine for all arrivals into the UK should be limited to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can play a vital role in the economic recovery – from exports and professional services through to universities and hospitality – but only if the government removes these indiscriminate constraints and reverts to a nuanced , risk-based approach ” .

Three quarters of customers ready to fly, says London City Airport
London City Airport has delivered its year-end goal of 3 million travellers after banking on the disruption that plagued its rivals over the past summer.
Ahead of restarting services on 21 June, London City Airport has said that over three-quarters of its customers have said they are likely to travel when they are told it is safe to do so.
An anonymous survey of over 4,700 of the airport’s customers showed that 78 per cent of respondents were either very likely or quite likely to fly when given the go-ahead by the government.
Of these, 48 per cent said that they were very likely to fly, while 42 per cent said they expected to fly for leisure purposes over the next three months.
A similar percentage – 41 per cent – said that they were expecting to fly for business over the same period, despite fears over the future of corporate travel.
The survey results came as London City Airport ramped up operations ahead of its first flights since 25 March, when it suspended all passenger flights.
A British Airways flight to the Isle of Man is expected to be the airport’s first service after restarting.
The airport will first begin running domestic flights, including new routes to Teeside and Dundee, with international flights expected to begin in the coming weeks.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
Chief executive Robert Sinclair said that the demand shown by the survey results was “really encouraging”.
“It shows a desire to not only enjoy a holiday soon after nearly three months of lockdown, but to get back to business travel as well”, he added.
“We have worked hard to create a safe environment at the airport, so they can get back to flying in confidence”.
He also pushed for the government to agree air bridges with low-risk European nations as soon as possible, saying it would be a “shot in the arm for the industry as well as for the wider UK economy”.
Adam Tyndall, transport director at London First agreed, saying: “Both blanket Foreign Office advice not to travel abroad and the mandatory two-week quarantine for all arrivals into the UK should be limited to the highest risk countries.
“Aviation can play a vital role in the economic recovery – from exports and professional services through to universities and hospitality – but only if the government removes these indiscriminate constraints and reverts to a nuanced, risk-based approach”.


cityam--2020-06-17--Oriel College votes to take down Cecil Rhodes statue

The governing body of Oriel College at Oxford University has tonight said that it has recommended that its statue of colonialist benefactor Cecil Rhodes be taken down .
It also said that it would launch an inquiry into the issues surrounding the statue , which has been the subject of student protests for five years .
Read more : Churchill statue and the Cenotaph : London monuments boarded up ahead of protests In recent days , anti-racism protests against the statue have been reinvigorated in worldwide outcry against the killing of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstration against the statue took place outside the college , days after a statue of slaver Edward Colston was toppled into a river in Bristol .
Rhodes , who attended Oriel when he was a student , left the college a significant endowment , including funding the famous Rhodes scholarships , recipients of which have included former US president Bill Clinton .
Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data Over the course of his life , Rhodes played a huge role in Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , giving his name to Rhodesia – present day Zimbabwe and founding the De Beers mining company .
In a statement , Oriel ’ s governing body said : “ The Governing Body of Oriel College has today voted to launch an independent Commission of Inquiry into the key issues surrounding the Rhodes statue .
Read more : Poole to take down statue of Scouts founder Baden-Powell “ They also expressed their wish to remove the statue of Cecil Rhodes and the King Edward Street Plaque .
This is what they intend to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Both of these decisions were reached after a thoughtful period of debate and reflection , and with the full awareness of the impact these decisions are likely to have in Britain and around the world .
”

Oriel College votes to take down Cecil Rhodes statue
The governing body of Oriel College at Oxford University has tonight said that it has recommended that its statue of colonialist benefactor Cecil Rhodes be taken down.
It also said that it would launch an inquiry into the issues surrounding the statue, which has been the subject of student protests for five years.
In recent days, anti-racism protests against the statue have been reinvigorated in worldwide outcry against the killing of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis in the US.
On 9 June a large demonstration against the statue took place outside the college, days after a statue of slaver Edward Colston was toppled into a river in Bristol.
Rhodes, who attended Oriel when he was a student, left the college a significant endowment, including funding the famous Rhodes scholarships, recipients of which have included former US president Bill Clinton.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
Over the course of his life, Rhodes played a huge role in Britain’s imperial expansion in southern Africa, giving his name to Rhodesia – present day Zimbabwe and founding the De Beers mining company.
In a statement, Oriel’s governing body said: “The Governing Body of Oriel College has today voted to launch an independent Commission of Inquiry into the key issues surrounding the Rhodes statue.
“They also expressed their wish to remove the statue of Cecil Rhodes and the King Edward Street Plaque. This is what they intend to convey to the Independent Commission of Inquiry.
“Both of these decisions were reached after a thoughtful period of debate and reflection, and with the full awareness of the impact these decisions are likely to have in Britain and around the world.”


cityam--2020-06-17--Westminster denies firms business rates relief for empty offices during lockdown

Central London companies whose staff abandoned offices to work remotely during the coronavirus lockdown have been refused business rates relief , City A.M. can reveal .
Westminster City Council has refused to grant the relief to office-based businesses such as accountants , law firms , and consultancies despite their workspaces remaining empty over the period .
Read more : Small businesses worry they won ’ t bounce back from coronavirus The move has sparked anger among local businesses , after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced in late March that people should not go to work unless they were key workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rates as a result , and a number are now seeking legal advice on what to do should the council take recovery action .
In a letter seen by City A.M , Westminster told one company that empty rates relief was “ not applicable due to Covid-19 ” .
Instead the council advised the person to seek specific hardship relief .
“ In the meantime , I advise that you pay as much as you can , when you can , ” the council added .
“ Please be assured that all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Martin Roberts , principal of Addington Capital , a property company which employs 16 people at its offices near Oxford Street , called the decision “ very disappointing ” .
“ Like many other businesses our offices were empty over the lockdown period in compliance with the government ’ s orders , and we have had the additional burden of setting everyone up working from home .
“ There is no doubt that all of this has caused disruption to the business and the way we work.
” John Webber , head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the move was “ short-sighted.
” He told City A.M. it was a “ double-standard ” , given the fact that central government has granted retailers , pubs , and restaurants a year of business rates relief .
However , Whitehall declined to extend the measure to office-based companies .
Webber said this was “ passing the buck ” to local authorities .
“ Many of our clients in the office sector have been badly impacted by Covid-19 but have received little or no assistance , ” he added .
“ At a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs have risen , particularly as many businesses now need to adapt to new rules and regulations as we go back to work , it is short sighted to knock them back for six.
” Currently , office-based properties in the borough of Westminster have a rateable value £1.56bn .
The rates bill for the three-month period of lockdown equates to £195m .
A Westminster City Council spokesperson said : “ Westminster Council does not decide who pays business rates , it collects on behalf of the government who decide who is liable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are still liable to pay and we have lobbied government on this exact point .
“ As such and in line with the government ’ s rules , the council is duty bound to collect the charges , it has no discretion on this point .
“ We are trying to help businesses as best we can through offering , for example , payment through instalments .
”

Exclusive: Westminster denies firms business rates relief for empty offices during lockdown
Westminster denies firms business rates relief for empty offices during lockdown
Central London companies whose staff abandoned offices to work remotely during the coronavirus lockdown have been refused business rates relief, City A.M. can reveal.
Westminster City Council has refused to grant the relief to office-based businesses such as accountants, law firms, and consultancies despite their workspaces remaining empty over the period.
The move has sparked anger among local businesses, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced in late March that people should not go to work unless they were key workers.
Some companies have refused to pay the rates as a result, and a number are now seeking legal advice on what to do should the council take recovery action.
In a letter seen by City A.M, Westminster told one company that empty rates relief was “not applicable due to Covid-19”. Instead the council advised the person to seek specific hardship relief.
“In the meantime, I advise that you pay as much as you can, when you can,” the council added. “Please be assured that all recovery action is temporarily on hold.”
Martin Roberts, principal of Addington Capital, a property company which employs 16 people at its offices near Oxford Street, called the decision “very disappointing”.
“Like many other businesses our offices were empty over the lockdown period in compliance with the government’s orders, and we have had the additional burden of setting everyone up working from home.
“There is no doubt that all of this has caused disruption to the business and the way we work.”
John Webber, head of business rates at Colliers International, said the move was “short-sighted.”
He told City A.M. it was a “double-standard”, given the fact that central government has granted retailers, pubs, and restaurants a year of business rates relief.
However, Whitehall declined to extend the measure to office-based companies. Webber said this was “passing the buck” to local authorities.
“Many of our clients in the office sector have been badly impacted by Covid-19 but have received little or no assistance,” he added.
“At a time when revenues have been hit and costs have risen, particularly as many businesses now need to adapt to new rules and regulations as we go back to work, it is short sighted to knock them back for six.”
Currently, office-based properties in the borough of Westminster have a rateable value £1.56bn. The rates bill for the three-month period of lockdown equates to £195m.
A Westminster City Council spokesperson said: “Westminster Council does not decide who pays business rates, it collects on behalf of the government who decide who is liable to pay.
“Offices and non-retailers are still liable to pay and we have lobbied government on this exact point.
“As such and in line with the government’s rules, the council is duty bound to collect the charges, it has no discretion on this point.
“We are trying to help businesses as best we can through offering, for example, payment through instalments.”


cityam--2020-06-17--Exclusive: Government review delays announcement that pubs can reopen

Downing Street ’ s plan to announce earlier this week that pubs and restaurants could open on 4 July was delayed by a government review , putting hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk .
City A.M. understands that Covid-19 operating guidelines for England ’ s hospitality sector have been drawn up by the government and are ready to distribute .
Read more : Boris Johnson : Too early to ease two-metre social distancing rule However , the announcement to ease the lockdown further was delayed by Boris Johnson ’ s last-minute review into whether it is possible to reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lobbies have been demanding clarity on when the lockdown will be eased for their members , after Johnson initially said that 4 July would be the earliest possible date .
The British Beer and Pub Association has said repeatedly that its members need at least three weeks ’ notice for venues to be ready to open in time , however 4 July is now 17 days away .
Hospitality venues have said they need time to be able to un-furlough staff , procure freshly brewed beer and take bookings in order to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Energy and Industrial Strategy ( BEIS ) told members of its hospitality taskforce – comprised of prominent figures in the industry – that it would announce on Monday or Tuesday this week that the lockdown would be eased for the sector on 4 July .
However , multiple members of the taskforce told City A.M. that the announcement had been delayed as the government looked to see if it could reduce its social distancing rule to one or one-and-half metres .
It is unclear if 4 July is still the planned date to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reopen .
A source said : “ Every day that goes by is costing the sector millions of pounds and at the end of the day we just really need confirmation of our opening date.
” Another added : “ The Prime Minister does not seem to be aware just how important it is to get the sector running by 4 July.
” It comes as 50 members of the British Beer and Pub Association today wrote to Johnson demanding a reopening date by Friday .
The companies involved collectively brew 90 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and own 20,000 of its pubs .
In a statement , British Beer and Pub Association chief executive Emma McClarkin said uncertainty around the reopening date meant “ hundreds of thousands of jobs could be lost ” .
“ Our sector is burning through £100 million a month just trying to survive with no cash coming in , ” she said .
“ Without a confirmed date for reopening , our sector is going to have to make some big decisions this week on furloughed staff and when reopening is feasible , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ralph Findlay , chief executive of brewery , pub and hotel operator Marston ’ s , added : “ Without an immediate and definitive confirmation from government on timing , I can ’ t afford to bring our staff back to work .
“ It is critical for pubs to be open and trading over the summer , or many pubs will not reopen , and many more jobs will be lost.
” The government ’ s review into a potential reduction of its social distancing rule to one or one-and-half metres was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yesterday , he said that it was too soon to make the change , but told people to “ watch this space ” .
Read more : Boris Johnson confirms pubs and restaurants will not open before 4 July A number of Tory backbenchers have come out to demand the government makes the change .
The Department for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy was contacted for comment .

Exclusive: Government review delays announcement that pubs can reopen
The government said in its roadmap to easing the lockdown that the hospitality sector will not open before 4 July.
Downing Street’s plan to announce earlier this week that pubs and restaurants could open on 4 July was delayed by a government review, putting hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk.
City A.M. understands that Covid-19 operating guidelines for England’s hospitality sector have been drawn up by the government and are ready to distribute.
However, the announcement to ease the lockdown further was delayed by Boris Johnson’s last-minute review into whether it is possible to reduce its two-metre social distancing rule.
Hospitality lobbies have been demanding clarity on when the lockdown will be eased for their members, after Johnson initially said that 4 July would be the earliest possible date.
The British Beer and Pub Association has said repeatedly that its members need at least three weeks’ notice for venues to be ready to open in time, however 4 July is now 17 days away.
Hospitality venues have said they need time to be able to un-furlough staff, procure freshly brewed beer and take bookings in order to be profitable.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) told members of its hospitality taskforce – comprised of prominent figures in the industry – that it would announce on Monday or Tuesday this week that the lockdown would be eased for the sector on 4 July.
However, multiple members of the taskforce told City A.M. that the announcement had been delayed as the government looked to see if it could reduce its social distancing rule to one or one-and-half metres.
It is unclear if 4 July is still the planned date to allow pubs, restaurants and coffee shops to reopen.
A source said: “Every day that goes by is costing the sector millions of pounds and at the end of the day we just really need confirmation of our opening date.”
Another added: “The Prime Minister does not seem to be aware just how important it is to get the sector running by 4 July.”
It comes as 50 members of the British Beer and Pub Association today wrote to Johnson demanding a reopening date by Friday.
The companies involved collectively brew 90 per cent of the beer in Britain and own 20,000 of its pubs.
In a statement, British Beer and Pub Association chief executive Emma McClarkin said uncertainty around the reopening date meant “hundreds of thousands of jobs could be lost”.
“Our sector is burning through £100 million a month just trying to survive with no cash coming in,” she said.
“Without a confirmed date for reopening, our sector is going to have to make some big decisions this week on furloughed staff and when reopening is feasible, with a further wave of redundancies likely.”
Ralph Findlay, chief executive of brewery, pub and hotel operator Marston’s, added: “Without an immediate and definitive confirmation from government on timing, I can’t afford to bring our staff back to work.
“It is critical for pubs to be open and trading over the summer, or many pubs will not reopen, and many more jobs will be lost.”
The government’s review into a potential reduction of its social distancing rule to one or one-and-half metres was announced by the Prime Minister last week.
Yesterday, he said that it was too soon to make the change, but told people to “watch this space”.
A number of Tory backbenchers have come out to demand the government makes the change.
Responding to questions about the delay of the announcement, a government spokesperson said: “We want to be able to reopen pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes as soon as possible and it remains our ambition to do so from the beginning of July, but it must be safe so we do not risk a second wave of this virus.
“We are working with the sector at pace to develop guidance on how these businesses can reopen safely, and this will be published ahead of time to allow them to prepare.”


cityam--2020-06-17--G7 urges China to reconsider Hong Kong security law

Foreign secretary Dominic Raab has issued a statement alongside his counterparts in the G7 urging China not to impose a new national security law on Hong Kong .
The statement called on the Chinese to reconsider their decision to implement the law , saying ministers were “ gravely ” concerned about it .
Read more : Dominic Raab hits out at HSBC over its support for Hong Kong security legislation The statement said : “ The proposed national security law would risk seriously undermining the “ One Country , Two Systems ” principle and the territory ’ s high degree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the system which has allowed Hong Kong to flourish and made it a success over many years ” .
Raab said : “ Today ’ s statement shows the strength of international concern over China ’ s proposed new national security law for Hong Kong .
“ As the G7 , we are calling on China to adhere to its legally binding international commitments and respect the autonomy and the freedom of the people of Hong Kong ” .
Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a constant opponent of the new measures since China announced its plans to implement them last month .
It has warned that that the imposition of the law is not in line with the region ’ s basic law , or China ’ s international commitments under the principles of the Sino-British Joint Declaration , which was signed by China and the UK in 1984 .
In response to the plans , Raab has announced that it will extend visa rights to British nationals overseas ( BNOs ) living in Hong Kong should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Under the changes to the regulation , residents of the city-state who hold British National ( Overseas ) ( BNO ) passports will be allowed to come to the UK for 12 months without a visa .
Read more : Hong Kong lashes out at UK ’ s ‘ biased ’ remarks At the moment they are allowed to come for six months .
Roughly 350,000 people in Hong Kong have a BNO passport , but 2.6m others are also eligible .

G7 urges China to reconsider Hong Kong security law
Foreign secretary Dominic Raab has issued a statement alongside his counterparts in the G7 urging China not to impose a new national security law on Hong Kong.
The statement called on the Chinese to reconsider their decision to implement the law, saying ministers were “gravely” concerned about it.
The statement said: “The proposed national security law would risk seriously undermining the “One Country, Two Systems” principle and the territory’s high degree of autonomy.
“It would jeopardize the system which has allowed Hong Kong to flourish and made it a success over many years”.
Raab said: “Today’s statement shows the strength of international concern over China’s proposed new national security law for Hong Kong.
“As the G7, we are calling on China to adhere to its legally binding international commitments and respect the autonomy and the freedom of the people of Hong Kong”.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
The UK has been a constant opponent of the new measures since China announced its plans to implement them last month.
It has warned that that the imposition of the law is not in line with the region’s basic law, or China’s international commitments under the principles of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, which was signed by China and the UK in 1984.
In response to the plans, Raab has announced that it will extend visa rights to British nationals overseas (BNOs) living in Hong Kong should China follow through with the law.
Under the changes to the regulation, residents of the city-state who hold British National (Overseas) (BNO) passports will be allowed to come to the UK for 12 months without a visa.
At the moment they are allowed to come for six months.
Roughly 350,000 people in Hong Kong have a BNO passport, but 2.6m others are also eligible.