cityam--2020-05-23--Appointment times and NHS discounts: How retailers plan to lure shoppers back after lockdown

After more than two months of enforced closure during the UK coronavirus lockdown , retailers across England are preparing to potentially reopen to shoppers from 1 June .
The high street will look different when retailers are allowed to open their doors .
Social distancing signage will be in place , shop assistants will wear masks and a number of stores will not reopen after the coronavirus crisis proved to be a nail in the coffin for some already struggling retailers .
Meanwhile , the risk of coronavirus will remain and , while lockdown has been tough , many consumers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal reality .
Read more : UK retail sales crash a record 18.1 per cent in April lockdown As well as fears of catching or spreading the virus , shoppers are also likely to be concerned about their financial situation as the UK ’ s lockdown ravaged the economy .
So , the question facing retailers now is how to encourage shoppers back into stores when the lockdown is lifted .
First and foremost , retailers have to create a safe shopping environment , says Retail Economics chief executive Richard Lim .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anxious about returning to store environments , ” Lim says .
He adds : “ I think the primary concern for consumers is going to be safety and so retailers that really provide safe environments… and really address some of those concerns , they might be able to provide a point of difference from competitors .
“ Retailers that get this right could have a competitive edge.
” All major retailers are preparing to reopen shops with social distancing measures and thorough cleaning regimes in place .
But they all have different strengths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & Spencer says it will learn from its food business , which has remained open throughout the crisis , to safely reopen its clothing departments .
M & S stores that sell both clothing and food are led by a single manager meaning “ they already have a brilliant working knowledge of the necessary hygiene measures , how to manage social distancing and the flow of our customers in and out of their store ” , a spokesperson said .
Waterstones will reportedly quarantine books that have been touched by customers before putting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even after the safety measures are in place it will be a challenge to get customers in through the door .
Shoppers may be penny-pinching , amid an economy battered by lockdown .
UK households remained pessimistic about job security in May , and wage growth is set to slow as the UK faces recession .
Read more : Pets at Home revenue tops £1bn but retailer warns on profit as stockpiling dwindles Footfall in shopping destinations is expected to take a while to return as offices remain closed and people are urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have grown more comfortable with online shopping , and fail to see the attraction of a day out shopping without stopping for coffee or lunch .
Online shopping skyrocketed to comprise a record 30.7 per cent of all sales in April , according to official data , while overall retail sales slumped 18 per cent last month .
Discounting is one way to tempt customers into a store .
However , retailers must walk the fine line between attracting shoppers and maintaining social distancing measures after the lockdown .
The New West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are restricted to online to avoid drumming up huge crowds .
But Retail Economics ’ Lim predicts that many retailers will fall back on aggressive discounting to stimulate demand .
Read more : Housing transactions collapse in April as lockdown hits UK property market “ I don ’ t think the core principles will go away , and that is all around value for money…and at this point in time , safety , ” he says .
However , some firms are hoping that their actions during the pandemic will stand them in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return .
Kurt Geiger , which has launched initiatives such as shoe donations for NHS staff and a 50 per cent discount for emergency workers during the crisis , has developed its “ We Are One ” range to support the health service .
The retailer is aiming to raise £1m for the NHS through the sale of its charity bag , and all of the first 20 to 30 stores to reopen will feature “ We Are One ” window displays .
Consumers will want to “ give back , get involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” when the lockdown lifts , Kurt Geiger chief executive Neil Clifford tells City A.M. “ Customers will remember who did good [ during the crisis ] and who did not so good , ” he says .
Read more : UK inflation : What are people buying during coronavirus lockdown ?
The discount for emergency workers has already proved successful , and will continue until at least the end of the year .
Online sales are up 70 per cent compared to last year , with 40 per cent using the so-called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them are new Kurt Geiger customers , Clifford says .
London jewellery brand Astrid & Miyu , which is hoping to open at least one of its boutiques in June , is also hopeful that its social conscience will resonate with its millennial customer base .
“ The way people run businesses will change .
People are looking for a sense of purpose in uncertain times , they are looking for that guidance and they want to give back , ” says founder Connie Nam .
Retail footfall plummeted when the government imposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80.1 per cent in the four weeks from 5 April to 2 May , the biggest drop on record .
Encouragingly , retail footfall increased 11 per cent last week .
Shopping destinations , for example the West End , could find visitors are slow to return as international tourists are kept away and Londoners are urged to avoid public transport and continue to work from home .
“ We are testing all different types of store , we will open shopping centres , such as Westfield , and central London locations like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Clifford says .
“ But we will also open the local stores , like Portobello and Hampstead where people are still working from home and might be wary about using public transport.
” However , the shoe retailer is expecting sales to be 50 per cent to 60 per cent down compared to last year .
Read more : UK lockdown : Pedestrian activity soars 25 per cent as Londoners get back to work For smaller retailers like independent perfume brand Ormonde Jayne , the footfall created by bigger brands nearby is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jayne founder Linda Pilkington says she can not open her boutique in Old Bond Street ’ s Royal Arcade until the big luxury brands on Bond Street welcome customers back .
The area has been “ spookily quiet ” , she says .
“ I don ’ t think we will see the levels we are used to for a long time ” .
The shop assistant will see you now Several brands will rely on appointment systems or using their stores as a showroom for click and collect deliveries , such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miyu .
Watches of Switzerland chief executive Brian Duffy says that although casual browsing traffic will be lower , the conversion rate into sales is expected to be higher .
“ If you wanted a Cartier or Rolex in March when the shutters came down , you probably still want it now , ” he tells City A.M .
Although he adds : “ We are selling luxury items and we don ’ t want our environments to feel like a waiting room in an A & E environment.
” Read more : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in coronavirus lockdown Ultimately , there is no one-size-fits-all approach for retailers reopening after lockdown .
A retailer ’ s target customer base , its store locations and sizes , the type of product it sells and its ability to adapt to new safety measures and technology will all play a part in how successful it is in the uncertain retail landscape after lockdown is lifted .
Retail Economics ’ Lim says : “ We are on a journey here and it is going to take quite a while .
There are going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

Appointment times and NHS discounts: How retailers plan to lure shoppers back after lockdown
Oxford Street during the UK coronavirus lockdown
After more than two months of enforced closure during the UK coronavirus lockdown, retailers across England are preparing to potentially reopen to shoppers from 1 June.
The high street will look different when retailers are allowed to open their doors. Social distancing signage will be in place, shop assistants will wear masks and a number of stores will not reopen after the coronavirus crisis proved to be a nail in the coffin for some already struggling retailers.
Meanwhile, the risk of coronavirus will remain and, while lockdown has been tough, many consumers are nervous about returning to a more normal reality.
As well as fears of catching or spreading the virus, shoppers are also likely to be concerned about their financial situation as the UK’s lockdown ravaged the economy.
So, the question facing retailers now is how to encourage shoppers back into stores when the lockdown is lifted.
Safety is key
First and foremost, retailers have to create a safe shopping environment, says Retail Economics chief executive Richard Lim.
“Consumers are going to remain nervous and anxious about returning to store environments,” Lim says.
He adds: “I think the primary concern for consumers is going to be safety and so retailers that really provide safe environments… and really address some of those concerns, they might be able to provide a point of difference from competitors.
“Retailers that get this right could have a competitive edge.”
All major retailers are preparing to reopen shops with social distancing measures and thorough cleaning regimes in place. But they all have different strengths and weaknesses to contend with.
Marks & Spencer says it will learn from its food business, which has remained open throughout the crisis, to safely reopen its clothing departments.
M&S stores that sell both clothing and food are led by a single manager meaning “they already have a brilliant working knowledge of the necessary hygiene measures, how to manage social distancing and the flow of our customers in and out of their store”, a spokesperson said.
Waterstones will reportedly quarantine books that have been touched by customers before putting them back on the shelves.
But even after the safety measures are in place it will be a challenge to get customers in through the door.
Shoppers may be penny-pinching, amid an economy battered by lockdown. UK households remained pessimistic about job security in May, and wage growth is set to slow as the UK faces recession.
Footfall in shopping destinations is expected to take a while to return as offices remain closed and people are urged against using public transport.
Some consumers will have grown more comfortable with online shopping, and fail to see the attraction of a day out shopping without stopping for coffee or lunch.
Online shopping skyrocketed to comprise a record 30.7 per cent of all sales in April, according to official data, while overall retail sales slumped 18 per cent last month.
Discounting
Discounting is one way to tempt customers into a store. However, retailers must walk the fine line between attracting shoppers and maintaining social distancing measures after the lockdown.
The New West End Company recommends that sales and promotions are restricted to online to avoid drumming up huge crowds.
But Retail Economics’ Lim predicts that many retailers will fall back on aggressive discounting to stimulate demand.
“I don’t think the core principles will go away, and that is all around value for money…and at this point in time, safety,” he says.
Good causes to generate goodwill
However, some firms are hoping that their actions during the pandemic will stand them in good stead when shoppers are able to return.
Kurt Geiger, which has launched initiatives such as shoe donations for NHS staff and a 50 per cent discount for emergency workers during the crisis, has developed its “We Are One” range to support the health service.
The retailer is aiming to raise £1m for the NHS through the sale of its charity bag, and all of the first 20 to 30 stores to reopen will feature “We Are One” window displays.
Consumers will want to “give back, get involved in it and feel part of something” when the lockdown lifts, Kurt Geiger chief executive Neil Clifford tells City A.M.
“Customers will remember who did good [during the crisis] and who did not so good,” he says.
The discount for emergency workers has already proved successful, and will continue until at least the end of the year. Online sales are up 70 per cent compared to last year, with 40 per cent using the so-called blue light discount scheme. Many of them are new Kurt Geiger customers, Clifford says.
London jewellery brand Astrid & Miyu, which is hoping to open at least one of its boutiques in June, is also hopeful that its social conscience will resonate with its millennial customer base.
“The way people run businesses will change. People are looking for a sense of purpose in uncertain times, they are looking for that guidance and they want to give back,” says founder Connie Nam.
Attracting footfall after lockdown
Retail footfall plummeted when the government imposed lockdown restrictions in March. Footfall dived 80.1 per cent in the four weeks from 5 April to 2 May, the biggest drop on record. Encouragingly, retail footfall increased 11 per cent last week.
Shopping destinations, for example the West End, could find visitors are slow to return as international tourists are kept away and Londoners are urged to avoid public transport and continue to work from home.
“We are testing all different types of store, we will open shopping centres, such as Westfield, and central London locations like Covent Garden,” Kurt Geiger’s Clifford says.
“But we will also open the local stores, like Portobello and Hampstead where people are still working from home and might be wary about using public transport.”
However, the shoe retailer is expecting sales to be 50 per cent to 60 per cent down compared to last year.
For smaller retailers like independent perfume brand Ormonde Jayne, the footfall created by bigger brands nearby is crucial to their reopening plans.
Ormonde Jayne founder Linda Pilkington says she cannot open her boutique in Old Bond Street’s Royal Arcade until the big luxury brands on Bond Street welcome customers back.
The area has been “spookily quiet”, she says. “I don’t think we will see the levels we are used to for a long time”.
The shop assistant will see you now
Several brands will rely on appointment systems or using their stores as a showroom for click and collect deliveries, such as Watches of Switzerland and jeweller Astrid & Miyu.
Watches of Switzerland chief executive Brian Duffy says that although casual browsing traffic will be lower, the conversion rate into sales is expected to be higher.
“If you wanted a Cartier or Rolex in March when the shutters came down, you probably still want it now,” he tells City A.M.
Although he adds: “We are selling luxury items and we don’t want our environments to feel like a waiting room in an A&E environment.”
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach for retailers reopening after lockdown.
A retailer’s target customer base, its store locations and sizes, the type of product it sells and its ability to adapt to new safety measures and technology will all play a part in how successful it is in the uncertain retail landscape after lockdown is lifted.
Retail Economics’ Lim says: “We are on a journey here and it is going to take quite a while. There are going to be bumps in the road.”


cityam--2020-05-23--PM defends Cummings as report says adviser 'made second Durham trip' during lockdown

Dominic Cummings reportedly made a second trip to Durham during lockdown , it has emerged this evening , as Boris Johnson resisted calls to sack his top adviser .
Cummings drove 250 miles from London to Durham while his wife exhibited coronavirus symptoms in early April .
Downing Street has stood by the Prime Minister ’ s top adviser , saying he was worried he would get sick while looking after his young child .
Read more : Pressure on Dominic Cummings to quit after reports he broke lockdown rules to visit parents However , a Mirror report this evening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that month .
On 14 April Cummings was back at work in Downing Street but by 19 April he was back in Durham , according to the newspaper .
Walkers in local beauty spot Hougham Woods say they saw Cummings there on that date , telling the Mirror he said as he passed them : “ Aren ’ t the bluebells lovely ?
” Johnson ’ s office said Cummings made the journey to ensure his 4-year-old son could be properly cared for as his wife was ill with COVID-19 and there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would himself become unwell .
“ I behaved reasonably and legally , ” Cummings told reporters outside his house after telling them to stay 2 metres apart in accordance with government guidelines .
Asked if he would consider his position , he said : “ Obviously not.
” He then chided reporters for being wrong about the result of the 2016 Brexit referendum .
“ You guys are probably all about as right about that as you were about Brexit : do you remember how right you all were about that ?
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the senior adviser.FILE PHOTO : Dominic Cummings , special adviser for Britain ’ s Prime Minister Boris Johnson , leaves his home in London , Britain , March 23 , 2020 .
REUTERS/Hannah McKay “ I can tell you that the PM provides Mr Cummings with his full support , ” Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told reporters , adding that he did not know when the prime minister found out about the journey .
Downing Street said Cummings ’ “ actions were in line with coronavirus guidelines ” .
But opposition parties called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called on the country ’ s most senior civil servant , Mark Sedwill , to open an investigation into the journey .
“ The British people do not expect there to be one rule for them and another rule for the prime minister ’ s most senior adviser , ” Labour said .
Just a few days before Cummings ’ journey , Johnson imposed a lockdown in the United Kingdom and asked people to stay at home .
He said on March 23 that people “ should not be meeting family members who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .Slideshow ( 3 Images ) Shortly after Johnson announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19 , Cummings sprinted out of Downing Street on March 27 and developed symptoms on the weekend of March 28-29 .
Government guidelines say that those who have COVID-19 or suspect they have it should self-isolate for at least seven days along with their household and not leave their house for any reason .
Read more : ‘ A matter for police ’ : Hancock ‘ speechless ’ over Professor Neil Ferguson ’ s lockdown breach The Scottish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Cummings to be sacked .
Other prominent figures have resigned after breaking lockdown rules .
Epidemiologist Neil Ferguson quit as a member of the government ’ s scientific advisory group after he was visited at home by his girlfriend .
Scotland ’ s chief medical officer , Catherine Calderwood , stepped down after she was caught making two trips to her second home .

PM defends Cummings as report says adviser ‘made second Durham trip’ during lockdown
Cummings ‘made second Durham trip’ during lockdown, a report claimed today as Boris Johnson defended his top adviser
Dominic Cummings reportedly made a second trip to Durham during lockdown, it has emerged this evening, as Boris Johnson resisted calls to sack his top adviser.
Cummings drove 250 miles from London to Durham while his wife exhibited coronavirus symptoms in early April. Downing Street has stood by the Prime Minister’s top adviser, saying he was worried he would get sick while looking after his young child.
However, a Mirror report this evening accused Cummings of visiting Durham again later that month. On 14 April Cummings was back at work in Downing Street but by 19 April he was back in Durham, according to the newspaper.
Walkers in local beauty spot Hougham Woods say they saw Cummings there on that date, telling the Mirror he said as he passed them: “Aren’t the bluebells lovely?”
Johnson’s office said Cummings made the journey to ensure his 4-year-old son could be properly cared for as his wife was ill with COVID-19 and there was a “high likelihood” that Cummings would himself become unwell.
“I behaved reasonably and legally,” Cummings told reporters outside his house after telling them to stay 2 metres apart in accordance with government guidelines.
Asked if he would consider his position, he said: “Obviously not.” He then chided reporters for being wrong about the result of the 2016 Brexit referendum.
“You guys are probably all about as right about that as you were about Brexit: do you remember how right you all were about that?” Cummings said.
Ministers voiced support for the senior adviser.FILE PHOTO: Dominic Cummings, special adviser for Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson, leaves his home in London, Britain, March 23, 2020. REUTERS/Hannah McKay
“I can tell you that the PM provides Mr Cummings with his full support,” Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told reporters, adding that he did not know when the prime minister found out about the journey.
Downing Street said Cummings’ “actions were in line with coronavirus guidelines”.
‘Sack Cummings’, say opposition parties
But opposition parties called for Johnson to sack Cummings and Labour called on the country’s most senior civil servant, Mark Sedwill, to open an investigation into the journey.
“The British people do not expect there to be one rule for them and another rule for the prime minister’s most senior adviser,” Labour said.
Just a few days before Cummings’ journey, Johnson imposed a lockdown in the United Kingdom and asked people to stay at home. He said on March 23 that people “should not be meeting family members who do not live in your home”.Slideshow (3 Images)
Shortly after Johnson announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19, Cummings sprinted out of Downing Street on March 27 and developed symptoms on the weekend of March 28-29.
Government guidelines say that those who have COVID-19 or suspect they have it should self-isolate for at least seven days along with their household and not leave their house for any reason.
The Scottish National Party and the Liberal Democrats called for Cummings to be sacked.
Other prominent figures have resigned after breaking lockdown rules.
Epidemiologist Neil Ferguson quit as a member of the government’s scientific advisory group after he was visited at home by his girlfriend. Scotland’s chief medical officer, Catherine Calderwood, stepped down after she was caught making two trips to her second home.


cityam--2020-05-24--Car rental firm Hertz files for US bankruptcy protection

Car rental firm Hertz has filed for bankruptcy protection in the US after the coronavirus pandemic caused demand to collapse .
The firm , whose largest shareholder is billionaire investor Carl Icahn , said the “ sudden and dramatic ” impact of coronavirus on travel demand had caused a “ abrupt decline ” in revenue and future bookings .
Read more : UK set to introduce £1,000 fines for travel quarantine breaches A large portion of Hertz ’ s revenue comes from car rentals at airports , which have disappeared as airlines ground planes amid restrictions on international travel .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had approved the company seeking Chapter 11 protection in Delaware .
Hertz ’ s international operations in Europe , Australia and New Zealand are not included in the US bankruptcy proceedings .
“ The impact of Covid-19 on travel demand was sudden and dramatic , causing an abrupt decline in the Company ’ s revenue and future bookings , ” the firm said .
“ Hertz took immediate actions to prioritise the health and safety of employees and customers , eliminate all non-essential spending and preserve liquidity .
Read more : Government looks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sectors “ However , uncertainty remains as to when revenue will return and when the used-car market will fully re-open for sales , which necessitated today ’ s action .
“ The financial reorganisation will provide Hertz a path toward a more robust financial structure that best positions the company for the future as it navigates what could be a prolonged travel and overall global economic recovery .
”

Car rental firm Hertz files for US bankruptcy protection
Car rental firm Hertz has filed for bankruptcy protection in the US after the coronavirus pandemic caused demand to collapse.
The firm, whose largest shareholder is billionaire investor Carl Icahn, said the “sudden and dramatic” impact of coronavirus on travel demand had caused a “abrupt decline” in revenue and future bookings.
A large portion of Hertz’s revenue comes from car rentals at airports, which have disappeared as airlines ground planes amid restrictions on international travel.
It announced on Friday that its board had approved the company seeking Chapter 11 protection in Delaware.
Hertz’s international operations in Europe, Australia and New Zealand are not included in the US bankruptcy proceedings.
“The impact of Covid-19 on travel demand was sudden and dramatic, causing an abrupt decline in the Company’s revenue and future bookings,” the firm said.
“Hertz took immediate actions to prioritise the health and safety of employees and customers, eliminate all non-essential spending and preserve liquidity.
“However, uncertainty remains as to when revenue will return and when the used-car market will fully re-open for sales, which necessitated today’s action.
“The financial reorganisation will provide Hertz a path toward a more robust financial structure that best positions the company for the future as it navigates what could be a prolonged travel and overall global economic recovery.”


cityam--2020-05-24--AstraZeneca chief 'very confident' Oxford coronavirus vaccine trial will work

The head of pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has said he is “ very confident ” that Oxford University ’ s coronavirus vaccine trial will work .
Pascal Soriot said he thought his company , which has been commissioned to distribute the vaccine if effective , can begin to distribute the vaccine in December .
Read more : Astrazeneca set to supply potential coronavirus vaccine in September AstraZeneca has been commissioned to provide 100m doses of the vaccine in the UK under an agreement with the government .
Professor Adrian Hill , who is leading the trial , told the Sunday Telegraph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per cent chance the trial would yield results .
However , Soriot struck a more positive note this morning .
Speaking to the BBC , he said : “ We are quite confident this vaccine will work actually , the question will be whether it actually completely clears the virus or stops people from being sick .
“ This is what happens with the flu vaccine – it simply stops people from being sick .
“ We are very confident it will work .
“ We have received an order to supply 100m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to the British people and there is no doubt starting in September when we started delivering these doses for vaccination.
” He added that the trial vaccine had protected monkeys from Covid-19 , but did not stop them from catching the virus .
He said : “ The vaccine protected the animals against the disease – none of the animals developed pneumonia and that ’ s exactly what I was raising a minute ago .
“ Will some patients need a second dose and will the vaccine eliminate the virus from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them against being sick ?
”

AstraZeneca chief ‘very confident’ Oxford coronavirus vaccine trial will work
The government yesterday secured an “initial” order of 5m doses of the Moderna vaccine
The head of pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has said he is “very confident” that Oxford University’s coronavirus vaccine trial will work.
Pascal Soriot said he thought his company, which has been commissioned to distribute the vaccine if effective, can begin to distribute the vaccine in December.
AstraZeneca has been commissioned to provide 100m doses of the vaccine in the UK under an agreement with the government.
Professor Adrian Hill, who is leading the trial, told the Sunday Telegraph today that there was only a 50 per cent chance the trial would yield results.
However, Soriot struck a more positive note this morning.
Speaking to the BBC, he said: “We are quite confident this vaccine will work actually, the question will be whether it actually completely clears the virus or stops people from being sick.
“This is what happens with the flu vaccine – it simply stops people from being sick.
“We are very confident it will work.
“We have received an order to supply 100m doses of the vaccine and that will go to the British people and there is no doubt starting in September when we started delivering these doses for vaccination.”
He added that the trial vaccine had protected monkeys from Covid-19, but did not stop them from catching the virus.
He said: “The vaccine protected the animals against the disease – none of the animals developed pneumonia and that’s exactly what I was raising a minute ago .
“Will some patients need a second dose and will the vaccine eliminate the virus from the body of the people or simply protect them against being sick?”


cityam--2020-05-24--Tory MPs call for Dominic Cummings to resign

A growing group of Conservative MPs are calling for Dominic Cummings to resign after he allegedly broke lockdown to travel to Durham twice .
Steve Baker , Simon Hoare , Damian Collins , Sir Roger Gale , Peter Bone , Caroline Nokes and Craig Whittaker have all called for Boris Johnson ’ s chief aide to resign this morning after new evidence came out last night in the saga .
Read more : PM defends Cummings as report says adviser ‘ made second Durham trip ’ during lockdown Downing Street continues to back Cummings , with a Johnson ally telling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not throw him “ to the dogs ” .
On Friday , the Mirror and the Guardian jointly reported that the powerful adviser had driven with his wife and young son to Durham so they could self-isolate at Cummings ’ parents house while he and his wife had Covid-19 symptoms .
Last night , the Sunday Mirror and Observer jointly reported that Cummings was sighted at Barnard Castle near Durham on 12 April and in Durham on 19 April after he had already returned to London , meaning he had made the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defended the first trip to Durham , saying it was necessary so Cummings ’ family could with childcare while the two parents were ill. A statement from Downing Street last night said the second story was not true and transport secretary Grant Shapps this morning denied that Cummings had travelled back and forth between London and Durham twice during the lockdown .
Shapps said Cummings would not be resigning over the saga .
However , Tory MP and former Brexit minister Steve Baker told Sky News this morning that the former Vote Leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he doesn ’ t resign , we ’ ll just keep burning through Boris ’ political capital at a rate we can ill afford in the midst of this crisis , ” he said .
“ It ’ s very clear that Dominic travelled when everybody else understood Dominic ’ s slogans to mean stay at home , protect the NHS and save lives .
“ I think mums and dads who very much care about their children and have been forgoing the childcare for extended family will wonder why he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I really don ’ t see as we approach the Prime Minister at the liaison committee on Wednesday how this is going to go away unless Dominic goes.
” Shapps told Sky News this morning it was “ completely untrue ” that Cummings returned to Durham after being seen at Downing Street on 14 April .
“ I think there are more stories today , I was seeing about has he travelled backwards and forwards , accusations that he then went back up to Durham again further times and I understand completely untrue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he came back to London , which was on 14 April , he has remained in London since and hasn ’ t been back to Durham so there are lots of things being said here which are completely untrue.
” Read more : Pressure on Dominic Cummings to quit after reports he broke lockdown rules to visit parents An ally of the Prime Minister told the Mail on Sunday that Johnson would stick by Cummings and that “ it ’ s not like he was visiting a lover ” .
The quip is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had to resign as a member of the government ’ s scientific advisory after it was revealed he was breaking lockdown to meet his married lover .

Tory MPs call for Dominic Cummings to resign
Number 10 Downing Street special advisor Dominic Cummings gestures to members of the media to observe social distancing guidelines while he holds a child’s bicycle and a ball outside his home in London on May 23, 2020 after allegations he broke coronavirus lockdown rules by travelling across the country in March
A growing group of Conservative MPs are calling for Dominic Cummings to resign after he allegedly broke lockdown to travel to Durham twice.
Steve Baker, Simon Hoare, Damian Collins, Sir Roger Gale, Peter Bone, Caroline Nokes and Craig Whittaker have all called for Boris Johnson’s chief aide to resign this morning after new evidence came out last night in the saga.
Downing Street continues to back Cummings, with a Johnson ally telling the Sunday Times that the Prime Minister would not throw him “to the dogs”.
On Friday, the Mirror and the Guardian jointly reported that the powerful adviser had driven with his wife and young son to Durham so they could self-isolate at Cummings’ parents house while he and his wife had Covid-19 symptoms.
Last night, the Sunday Mirror and Observer jointly reported that Cummings was sighted at Barnard Castle near Durham on 12 April and in Durham on 19 April after he had already returned to London, meaning he had made the round trip again.
Downing Street has defended the first trip to Durham, saying it was necessary so Cummings’ family could with childcare while the two parents were ill.
A statement from Downing Street last night said the second story was not true and transport secretary Grant Shapps this morning denied that Cummings had travelled back and forth between London and Durham twice during the lockdown.
Shapps said Cummings would not be resigning over the saga.
However, Tory MP and former Brexit minister Steve Baker told Sky News this morning that the former Vote Leave mastermind had to go.
“If he doesn’t resign, we’ll just keep burning through Boris’ political capital at a rate we can ill afford in the midst of this crisis,” he said.
“It’s very clear that Dominic travelled when everybody else understood Dominic’s slogans to mean stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.
“I think mums and dads who very much care about their children and have been forgoing the childcare for extended family will wonder why he’s been allowed to do this.
“I really don’t see as we approach the Prime Minister at the liaison committee on Wednesday how this is going to go away unless Dominic goes.”
Shapps told Sky News this morning it was “completely untrue” that Cummings returned to Durham after being seen at Downing Street on 14 April.
“I think there are more stories today, I was seeing about has he travelled backwards and forwards, accusations that he then went back up to Durham again further times and I understand completely untrue,” he said.
“When he came back to London, which was on 14 April, he has remained in London since and hasn’t been back to Durham so there are lots of things being said here which are completely untrue.”
An ally of the Prime Minister told the Mail on Sunday that Johnson would stick by Cummings and that “it’s not like he was visiting a lover”.
The quip is likely a reference to Professor Neil Ferguson who had to resign as a member of the government’s scientific advisory after it was revealed he was breaking lockdown to meet his married lover.


cityam--2020-05-24--Aston Martin's chief executive ousted as part of management shake-up

Aston Martin chief executive Andy Palmer is reportedly set to be ousted from the role as part of a management shake-up .
The luxury carmaker confirmed it is reviewing its management team .
It will name Mercedes-AMG chief executive Tobias Moers as Palmer ’ s replacement in an announcement tomorrow , the Financial Times reported .
Palmer had not been informed of the upcoming announcement , the report said .
Aston Martin last week posted a steep loss in the first quarter after sales were severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic .
In its first results since Canadian billionaire Lawrence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firm , the company said its new DBX model was on track for summer delivery despite the crisis .
Aston Martin ’ s share price has plummeted since it went public in October 2018 .
Its stock has collapsed 98 per cent since the listing less than two years ago .
In February the company ’ s finance chief Mark Wilson announced he would step down in April as the company posted a loss of more than £100m .
The luxury carmaker said at the same time that it would use 2020 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to compete in the supercar market .

Aston Martin’s chief executive ousted as part of management shake-up
Andy Palmer, Aston Martin’s CEO
Aston Martin chief executive Andy Palmer is reportedly set to be ousted from the role as part of a management shake-up.
The luxury carmaker confirmed it is reviewing its management team.
It will name Mercedes-AMG chief executive Tobias Moers as Palmer’s replacement in an announcement tomorrow, the Financial Times reported.
Palmer had not been informed of the upcoming announcement, the report said.
Aston Martin last week posted a steep loss in the first quarter after sales were severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
In its first results since Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll became executive chairman of the iconic firm, the company said its new DBX model was on track for summer delivery despite the crisis.
Aston Martin’s share price has plummeted since it went public in October 2018. Its stock has collapsed 98 per cent since the listing less than two years ago.
In February the company’s finance chief Mark Wilson announced he would step down in April as the company posted a loss of more than £100m.
The luxury carmaker said at the same time that it would use 2020 to “reset” the business in order to compete in the supercar market.


cityam--2020-05-24--Government to open England schools on 1 June as lockdown eases further

Boris Johnson has announced that English primary schools will be instructed to open on 1 June children in reception , year one and year six as a further easing the coronavirus lockdown .
Johnson said at today ’ s press briefing that there would be a phased re-opening of schools , with some secondary pupils to go back to school from 15 June .
“ The education of our children is crucial for their welfare , for their health , for their long-term future and for social justice , ” he said .
“ We then intend from 15 June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for year 10 and year 12 students to help them prepare for exams next year with up to a quarter of these students in at any point.
” Some councils across England have already said they would not open in June amidst concerns that it was not safe enough to do so .
Johnson conceded that some schools would not open at the press conference .
“ I acknowledge that a 1 June opening may not be possible for all schools , but the government will continue to work and support the sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are able to open widely as soon as possible , ” he said .
The government ’ s roadmap to exit the Covid-19 lockdown said that “ non-essential ” retail would also open in stage two along with schools .
However , the Prime Minister did not confirm whether they would be told to open on 1 June along with primary schools .
Read more : Car rental firm Hertz files for US bankruptcy protection He said : “ We remain firmly on that roadmap , but we are proceeding in a way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that is entirely dependent on our ability to make progress .
“ We are currently working to push our R [ rate of infection ] down and defeating the virus .
You ’ ll be hearing more about that in the next few days .
”

Government to open England schools on 1 June as lockdown eases further
Boris Johnson has announced that English primary schools will be instructed to open on 1 June children in reception, year one and year six as a further easing the coronavirus lockdown.
Johnson said at today’s press briefing that there would be a phased re-opening of schools, with some secondary pupils to go back to school from 15 June.
“The education of our children is crucial for their welfare, for their health, for their long-term future and for social justice,” he said.
“We then intend from 15 June for secondary schools to provide some contact for year 10 and year 12 students to help them prepare for exams next year with up to a quarter of these students in at any point.”
Some councils across England have already said they would not open in June amidst concerns that it was not safe enough to do so.
Johnson conceded that some schools would not open at the press conference.
“I acknowledge that a 1 June opening may not be possible for all schools, but the government will continue to work and support the sector to ensure that any schools experiencing difficulties are able to open widely as soon as possible,” he said.
The government’s roadmap to exit the Covid-19 lockdown said that “non-essential” retail would also open in stage two along with schools.
However, the Prime Minister did not confirm whether they would be told to open on 1 June along with primary schools.
He said: “We remain firmly on that roadmap, but we are proceeding in a way that is provisional, that is contingent, that is entirely dependent on our ability to make progress.
“We are currently working to push our R [rate of infection] down and defeating the virus. You’ll be hearing more about that in the next few days.”


cityam--2020-05-24--UK coronavirus death toll rises by 118 to 36,793

The number of coronavirus deaths recorded in the UK has risen by 118 to 36,793 , the prime minister announced @ @ @ @ @ daily government press conference , Boris Johnson said that “ each of those fatalities represents @ @ @ @ @ the grief of friends and relatives ” .
110,401 tests were carried out yesterday , @ @ @ @ @ a further 2,409 new cases with 8,951 people in hospital with coronavirus .
Johnson also @ @ @ @ @ Cummings following reports that he broke restrictions to travel to Durham during the UK coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Cummings acted “ legally and reasonably ” when he drove to Durham during the lockdown @ @ @ @ @ was to stop the spread of the virus ” .
Read more : Government to @ @ @ @ @ June as lockdown eases further During the press briefing he also announced that English primary @ @ @ @ @ from 1 June as the country moves into the next stage of the pandemic .

UK coronavirus death toll rises by 118 to 36,793
The number of coronavirus deaths recorded in the UK has risen by 118 to 36,793, the prime minister announced today.
Speaking at the daily government press conference, Boris Johnson said that “each of those fatalities represents a family in mourning, the grief of friends and relatives”.
110,401 tests were carried out yesterday, he said. There was a further 2,409 new cases with 8,951 people in hospital with coronavirus.
Johnson also backed his chief adviser Dominic Cummings following reports that he broke restrictions to travel to Durham during the UK coronavirus lockdown.
He said said Cummings acted “legally and reasonably” when he drove to Durham during the lockdown and that “his objective was to stop the spread of the virus”.
During the press briefing he also announced that English primary schools will begin to reopen from 1 June as the country moves into the next stage of the pandemic.


cityam--2020-05-24--Boris Johnson backs Dominic Cummings over  lockdown travel row

Boris Johnson will not sack chief adviser Dominic Cummings for allegedly leaving London twice to travel to Durham during coronavirus lockdown .
Speaking at today ’ s press briefing , the Prime Minister said Cummings acted “ legally and reasonably ” when he drove to Durham during the lockdown and that “ his objective was to stop the spread of the virus ” .
He said : “ It ’ s because I take this matter so seriously that I can tell you today I ’ ve had extensive face to face conversations with Dominic Cummings and I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right kind of childcare at the moment he and his wife were about to be incapacitated by coronavirus , and with no alternative , I think he followed the instincts of every father and every parent and I do not mark him down for that .
“ I believe that in every respect he has acted responsibly and legally and with integrity.
” A joint investigation by the Mirror and the Guardian revealed on Friday that the Cummings , his wife and young son had travelled in late March to Durham to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house .
He and his wife both had coronavirus and self-isolated for 14 days while in Durham .
Number 10 said he acted within the rules as the pair travelled to ensure their son had childcare .
However , it emerged last night in a joint report from the Sunday Mirror and Observer that Cummings was spotted on two other occasions in Durham in April , including once after he ’ d already been spotted in London on 14 April .
One person said they saw Cummings in a Durham woodland on 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travelled from London to Durham twice during lockdown .
Johnson today said that the second story was “ palpably untrue ” , while a Downing Street statement last night also labelled the claims Cummings went to Durham twice as untrue .
“ I ’ ve seen a lot of stuff in the last few days about this episode of self-isolation by Mr Cummings that does not seem to correspond remotely with reality and as far as I can see he stuck to the rules and acted legally and responsibly , ” Johnson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Cummings ’ resignation since the news of the second and third sightings .
Tory MP and former Brexit minister Steve Baker told Sky News this morning that the former Vote Leave mastermind had to go .
“ If he doesn ’ t resign , we ’ ll just keep burning through Boris ’ political capital at a rate we can ill afford in the midst of this crisis , ” he said .
“ It ’ s very clear that Dominic travelled when everybody else understood Dominic ’ s slogans to mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and save lives.
” Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the Cummings saga was “ a test for the Prime Minister and he has failed it ” .
“ It is an insult to sacrifices made by the British people that Boris Johnson has chosen to take no action against Dominic Cummings , ” he said .
“ The public will be forgiven for thinking there is one rule for the Prime Minister ’ s closest adviser and another for the British people .
Read more : Tory MPs call for Dominic Cummings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s actions have undermined confidence in his own public health message at this crucial time .
“ Millions were watching for answers and they got nothing .
That ’ s why the Cabinet Secretary must now launch an urgent inquiry .
”

Boris Johnson backs Dominic Cummings over lockdown travel row
Prime Minister Boris Johnson (R) and Number 10 special advisor Dominic Cummings leave from 10 Downing Street
Boris Johnson will not sack chief adviser Dominic Cummings for allegedly leaving London twice to travel to Durham during coronavirus lockdown.
Speaking at today’s press briefing, the Prime Minister said Cummings acted “legally and reasonably” when he drove to Durham during the lockdown and that “his objective was to stop the spread of the virus”.
He said: “It’s because I take this matter so seriously that I can tell you today I’ve had extensive face to face conversations with Dominic Cummings and I’ve concluded that in travelling to find the right kind of childcare at the moment he and his wife were about to be incapacitated by coronavirus, and with no alternative, I think he followed the instincts of every father and every parent and I do not mark him down for that.
“I believe that in every respect he has acted responsibly and legally and with integrity.”
A joint investigation by the Mirror and the Guardian revealed on Friday that the Cummings, his wife and young son had travelled in late March to Durham to stay at the aide’s parents’ house.
He and his wife both had coronavirus and self-isolated for 14 days while in Durham.
Number 10 said he acted within the rules as the pair travelled to ensure their son had childcare.
However, it emerged last night in a joint report from the Sunday Mirror and Observer that Cummings was spotted on two other occasions in Durham in April, including once after he’d already been spotted in London on 14 April.
One person said they saw Cummings in a Durham woodland on 19 April, meaning that he would have travelled from London to Durham twice during lockdown.
Johnson today said that the second story was “palpably untrue”, while a Downing Street statement last night also labelled the claims Cummings went to Durham twice as untrue.
“I’ve seen a lot of stuff in the last few days about this episode of self-isolation by Mr Cummings that does not seem to correspond remotely with reality and as far as I can see he stuck to the rules and acted legally and responsibly,” Johnson said.
A group of Tory backbenchers called for Cummings’ resignation since the news of the second and third sightings.
Tory MP and former Brexit minister Steve Baker told Sky News this morning that the former Vote Leave mastermind had to go.
“If he doesn’t resign, we’ll just keep burning through Boris’ political capital at a rate we can ill afford in the midst of this crisis,” he said.
“It’s very clear that Dominic travelled when everybody else understood Dominic’s slogans to mean stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the Cummings saga was “a test for the Prime Minister and he has failed it”.
“It is an insult to sacrifices made by the British people that Boris Johnson has chosen to take no action against Dominic Cummings,” he said.
“The public will be forgiven for thinking there is one rule for the Prime Minister’s closest adviser and another for the British people.
“The Prime Minister’s actions have undermined confidence in his own public health message at this crucial time.
“Millions were watching for answers and they got nothing. That’s why the Cabinet Secretary must now launch an urgent inquiry.”


cityam--2020-05-24--Boris Johnson will lead daily press conference amidst Dominic Cummings saga

Boris Johnson will lead today ’ s daily press briefing at 5pm as calls continue to grow for his chief adviser Dominic Cummings to resign .
Johnson has so far stuck by Cummings despite mounting pressure from a group of Tory backbenchers for allegedly travelling from London to Durham twice during the coronavirus lockdown .
Read more : Tory MPs call for Dominic Cummings to resign A joint investigation by the Mirror and the Guardian revealed on Friday that the Cummings , his wife and young son had travelled in late March to Durham to stay at the aide ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his wife had a case of coronavirus and self-isolated for 14 days while in Durham .
Number 10 said he acted “ reasonably and legally ” as the pair travelled to ensure their son had childcare .
However , it emerged last night in a joint report from the Sunday Mirror and Observer that Cummings was spotted on two other occasions in Durham in April , including once after he ’ d already been spotted in London on 14 April .
One person said they saw Cummings in a Durham woodland on 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travelled from London to Durham twice during lockdown .
However , Downing Street flatly denied the story and said it was not true .
A group of Tory backbenchers have now called for Cummings ’ resignation since the news of the second and third sightings .
Tory MP and former Brexit minister Steve Baker told Sky News this morning that the former Vote Leave mastermind had to go .
“ If he doesn ’ t resign , we ’ ll just keep burning through Boris ’ political capital at a rate we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis , ” he said .
“ It ’ s very clear that Dominic travelled when everybody else understood Dominic ’ s slogans to mean stay at home , protect the NHS and save lives .
“ I think mums and dads who very much care about their children and have been forgoing the childcare for extended family will wonder why he ’ s been allowed to do this .
“ I really don ’ t see as we approach the Prime Minister at the liaison committee on Wednesday how this is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Transport secretary Grant Shapps defended Cummings this morning and said he would not be resigning .
He also said it was not true that Cummings had made multiple trips to Durham .
Read more : PM defends Cummings as report says adviser ‘ made second Durham trip ’ during lockdown “ I think there are more stories today , I was seeing about has he travelled backwards and forwards , accusations that he then went back up to Durham again further times and I understand completely untrue , ” he said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was on 14 April , he has remained in London since and hasn ’ t been back to Durham so there are lots of things being said here which are completely untrue .
”

Boris Johnson will lead daily press conference amidst Dominic Cummings saga
Boris Johnson will lead today’s daily press briefing at 5pm as calls continue to grow for his chief adviser Dominic Cummings to resign.
Johnson has so far stuck by Cummings despite mounting pressure from a group of Tory backbenchers for allegedly travelling from London to Durham twice during the coronavirus lockdown.
A joint investigation by the Mirror and the Guardian revealed on Friday that the Cummings, his wife and young son had travelled in late March to Durham to stay at the aide’s parents’ house.
He and his wife had a case of coronavirus and self-isolated for 14 days while in Durham.
Number 10 said he acted “reasonably and legally” as the pair travelled to ensure their son had childcare.
However, it emerged last night in a joint report from the Sunday Mirror and Observer that Cummings was spotted on two other occasions in Durham in April, including once after he’d already been spotted in London on 14 April.
One person said they saw Cummings in a Durham woodland on 19 April, meaning that he would have travelled from London to Durham twice during lockdown.
However, Downing Street flatly denied the story and said it was not true.
A group of Tory backbenchers have now called for Cummings’ resignation since the news of the second and third sightings.
Tory MP and former Brexit minister Steve Baker told Sky News this morning that the former Vote Leave mastermind had to go.
“If he doesn’t resign, we’ll just keep burning through Boris’ political capital at a rate we can ill afford in the midst of this crisis,” he said.
“It’s very clear that Dominic travelled when everybody else understood Dominic’s slogans to mean stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.
“I think mums and dads who very much care about their children and have been forgoing the childcare for extended family will wonder why he’s been allowed to do this.
“I really don’t see as we approach the Prime Minister at the liaison committee on Wednesday how this is going to go away unless Dominic goes.”
Transport secretary Grant Shapps defended Cummings this morning and said he would not be resigning.
He also said it was not true that Cummings had made multiple trips to Durham.
“I think there are more stories today, I was seeing about has he travelled backwards and forwards, accusations that he then went back up to Durham again further times and I understand completely untrue,” he said.
“When he came back to London, which was on 14 April, he has remained in London since and hasn’t been back to Durham so there are lots of things being said here which are completely untrue.”


cityam--2020-05-24--Coronavirus: Pizza Express could permanently close some restaurants

Pizza Express could be forced to permanently close some of its 470 UK restaurants after the coronavirus crisis heaped pressure on the debt-laden firm .
The casual dining chain , which is owned by Chinese private equity firm Hony Capital , is reportedly mulling a company voluntary arrangement ( CVA ) , which would allow it to shutter some or all of its loss-making branches .
Read more : Pizza Express to reopen 13 London restaurants for delivery Fewer than 10 of the Italian restaurant chain ’ s sites were loss-making in March , before the coronavirus crisis hit the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday .
However the pandemic has put pressure on Pizza Express to evaluate options for the future , including a CVA , the paper reported .
The company confirmed today that it will “ undertake a comprehensive review ” of the business .
“ Our priorities during the Covid-19 pandemic remain clear – to look after our teams , to protect the business for the long term and to re-open successfully when the time is right , ” a spokesperson said .
“ While planning for the future , we will undertake a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants , including the roll-out of Future Express , and planned digital innovations .
“ When complete , and hopefully with greater clarity around how our restaurants can re-open safely , we will take the right steps to ensure PizzaExpress ’ next 55 years are as successful as the last 55 years.
” Read more : Pizza Express owner to pay down debt pile with £80m cash injection Meanwhile , Pizza Express is preparing to reopen 13 London sites for delivery from next week .
It selected locations where it has typically seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fulham and Notting Hill .
Pizza Express will launch with a “ slightly edited ” menu and with new safety measures in place .

Coronavirus: Pizza Express could permanently close some restaurants
Pizza Express could be forced to permanently close some of its 470 UK restaurants after the coronavirus crisis heaped pressure on the debt-laden firm.
The casual dining chain, which is owned by Chinese private equity firm Hony Capital, is reportedly mulling a company voluntary arrangement (CVA), which would allow it to shutter some or all of its loss-making branches.
Fewer than 10 of the Italian restaurant chain’s sites were loss-making in March, before the coronavirus crisis hit the UK, according to the Mail on Sunday.
However the pandemic has put pressure on Pizza Express to evaluate options for the future, including a CVA, the paper reported.
The company confirmed today that it will “undertake a comprehensive review” of the business.
“Our priorities during the Covid-19 pandemic remain clear – to look after our teams, to protect the business for the long term and to re-open successfully when the time is right,” a spokesperson said.
“While planning for the future, we will undertake a comprehensive review of our business encompassing our restaurants, including the roll-out of Future Express, and planned digital innovations.
“When complete, and hopefully with greater clarity around how our restaurants can re-open safely, we will take the right steps to ensure PizzaExpress’ next 55 years are as successful as the last 55 years.”
Meanwhile, Pizza Express is preparing to reopen 13 London sites for delivery from next week.
It selected locations where it has typically seen high customer demand, including Balham, Fulham and Notting Hill.
Pizza Express will launch with a “slightly edited” menu and with new safety measures in place.


cityam--2020-05-24--Lufthansa to resume flights to 20 more destinations next month

German airline Lufthansa will resume flights to 20 destinations next month , including some holiday hotspots , the company announced today .
The airline , which is in talks with the German government over a £8.1bn bailout , will resume flights from mid-June , with Mallorca , Crete , Rhoades , Faro , Venice , Ibiza and Malaga among the destinations .
Read more : Lufthansa says hundreds of planes will remain grounded until 2023 The flights will operate from Lufthansa ’ s main hub in Frankfurt , Reuters reported .
More destinations will be added to the list at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s expansion of flight destination comes less than two weeks after the airline revealed plans to begin flying to Los Angeles , Toronto and Mumbai from next month .
Last week Lufthansa said it was in advanced talks with the German government over a bailout .
The deal would reportedly involve handing the government a 20 per cent stake in the firm in exchange for a cash injection .
Lufthansa also said last week that hundreds of its aircraft will remain grounded until 2023 due to the prolonged impact of coronavirus on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ books €1.2bn first quarter loss as carrier seeks state-backed loan In a letter to staff seen by Reuters , the flag carrier said that next year would see 300 of its 763 planes grounded , with the number falling to 200 in 2021 .
It said : “ In the summer of 2023 , when we will hopefully will have put this crisis behind us , we will still likely have a fleet that is 100 aircraft smaller ” .

Lufthansa to resume flights to 20 more destinations next month
German airline Lufthansa will resume flights to 20 destinations next month, including some holiday hotspots, the company announced today.
The airline, which is in talks with the German government over a £8.1bn bailout, will resume flights from mid-June, with Mallorca, Crete, Rhoades, Faro, Venice, Ibiza and Malaga among the destinations.
The flights will operate from Lufthansa’s main hub in Frankfurt, Reuters reported.
More destinations will be added to the list at the end of next week. Today’s expansion of flight destination comes less than two weeks after the airline revealed plans to begin flying to Los Angeles, Toronto and Mumbai from next month.
Last week Lufthansa said it was in advanced talks with the German government over a bailout. The deal would reportedly involve handing the government a 20 per cent stake in the firm in exchange for a cash injection.
Lufthansa also said last week that hundreds of its aircraft will remain grounded until 2023 due to the prolonged impact of coronavirus on global aviation.
In a letter to staff seen by Reuters, the flag carrier said that next year would see 300 of its 763 planes grounded, with the number falling to 200 in 2021.
It said: “In the summer of 2023, when we will hopefully will have put this crisis behind us, we will still likely have a fleet that is 100 aircraft smaller”.


cityam--2020-05-25--Dominic Cummings to make statement as resignation calls grow

The Prime Minister ’ s chief adviser Dominic Cummings is to make a statement and take questions later today , Downing Street has confirmed .
Cummings is facing calls for his resignation after being accused of breaching lockdown rules by travelling to his parents ’ house in Durham .
In the Downing Street briefing on Sunday , Boris Johnson said Cummings had behaved “ legally and responsibly ” having followed a “ father ’ s instinct ” .
However , pressure has started to grow on the PM ’ s aide following news that a police chief has formally written @ @ @ @ @ @ @ establish the facts ” on the trip and whether Cummings broke the law .
Acting police and crime commissioner , Steve White , wrote to Durham chief constable Joe Farrell asking her to establish whether there had been any “ potential breach of the law ” .
Johnson is also facing a revolt from his own party , as the opposition called for Cummings to be sacked .
Now , 19 Tory MPs have publicly called for the PM ’ s aide to stand down .
A joint investigation by the Mirror and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PM ’ s adviser , his wife and young son had travelled to his parents house in late March .
He and his wife both had coronavirus symptoms and self-isolated for the recommended 14 days in Durham .

Dominic Cummings to make statement as resignation calls grow
(Photo by ISABEL INFANTES/AFP via Getty Images)
The Prime Minister’s chief adviser Dominic Cummings is to make a statement and take questions later today, Downing Street has confirmed.
Cummings is facing calls for his resignation after being accused of breaching lockdown rules by travelling to his parents’ house in Durham.
In the Downing Street briefing on Sunday, Boris Johnson said Cummings had behaved “legally and responsibly” having followed a “father’s instinct”.
However, pressure has started to grow on the PM’s aide following news that a police chief has formally written to Durham Constabulary to request they “establish the facts” on the trip and whether Cummings broke the law.
Acting police and crime commissioner, Steve White, wrote to Durham chief constable Joe Farrell asking her to establish whether there had been any “potential breach of the law”.
Johnson is also facing a revolt from his own party, as the opposition called for Cummings to be sacked. Now, 19 Tory MPs have publicly called for the PM’s aide to stand down.
A joint investigation by the Mirror and the Guardian revealed on Friday that the PM’s adviser, his wife and young son had travelled to his parents house in late March. He and his wife both had coronavirus symptoms and self-isolated for the recommended 14 days in Durham.
More to follow


cityam--2020-05-25--Recruitment boss warns of 'tsunami of job losses' once furlough scheme ends

The UK is facing a “ tsunami of job losses ” once the furlough scheme comes to an end , according to the boss of Britain ’ s biggest recruiter .
James Reed , chairman of online jobs site Reed , told the Telegraph he feared the labour market is heading towards a “ day of reckoning ” when the government ’ s job retention is wound down .
Read more : UK will ask employers ‘ to pay 20-30 per cent ’ of furlough wages The job retention scheme sees the government pay 80 per cent of wages – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff who would otherwise be made redundant .
The Chancellor extended the furlough scheme earlier this month until October but told employers they would have to help meet its huge cost from August .
“ The worry is what happens when furlough winds up , ” Reed told the Telegraph .
“ Is there a wave of redundancies coming ?
The danger is a tsunami of job losses.
” He added : “ Companies I talk to are a half or a quarter of the size they were when they furloughed people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going bankrupt.
” Economists worry there will be a wave of fresh redundancies once the furlough scheme is wound down .
A recent report by the Chartered Institute of Professional Development ( CIPD ) found the UK job market is set for a “ significant turn for the worse ” over the next quarter .
Read more : Three quarters of UK businesses apply for furlough scheme The research underlined how critical the Treasury ’ s furlough scheme had been for employers , with those who used the initiative saying they would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent of their staff redundant without it .
Furthermore , the percentage of firms which expect to make redundancies in the next three months has only risen six per cent on the prior survey , to 22 per cent .
Get the news as it happens by following City A.M. on Twitter .

Recruitment boss warns of ‘tsunami of job losses’ once furlough scheme ends
The UK is facing a “tsunami of job losses” once the furlough scheme comes to an end, according to the boss of Britain’s biggest recruiter.
James Reed, chairman of online jobs site Reed, told the Telegraph he feared the labour market is heading towards a “day of reckoning” when the government’s job retention is wound down.
The job retention scheme sees the government pay 80 per cent of wages – up to £2,500 a month – for staff who would otherwise be made redundant.
The Chancellor extended the furlough scheme earlier this month until October but told employers they would have to help meet its huge cost from August.
“The worry is what happens when furlough winds up,” Reed told the Telegraph. “Is there a wave of redundancies coming? The danger is a tsunami of job losses.” He added: “Companies I talk to are a half or a quarter of the size they were when they furloughed people, or they are on the verge of going bankrupt.”
Economists worry there will be a wave of fresh redundancies once the furlough scheme is wound down.
A recent report by the Chartered Institute of Professional Development (CIPD) found the UK job market is set for a “significant turn for the worse” over the next quarter.
The research underlined how critical the Treasury’s furlough scheme had been for employers, with those who used the initiative saying they would have had to make on average 35 per cent of their staff redundant without it.
Furthermore, the percentage of firms which expect to make redundancies in the next three months has only risen six per cent on the prior survey, to 22 per cent.
Get the news as it happens by following City A.M. on Twitter.


cityam--2020-05-25--Durham Police formally asked to investigate if Dominic Cummings broke the law during lockdown

A police chief has formally written to Durham Constabulary to request they “ establish the facts ” about Dominic Cummings ’ visit during lockdown and whether he broke the law .
Acting police and crime commissioner , Steve White , has written to Durham ’ s chief constable Jo Farrell “ asking her to establish the facts concerning any potential breach of the law or regulations in this matter at any juncture.
” Read more : Watch : Islington neighbours heckle Dominic Cummings on way home A joint investigation by the Mirror and the Guardian revealed on Friday that Cummings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travelled to his parents house in Durham in late March .
He and his wife both had coronavirus symptoms and self-isolated for the recommended 14 days in Durham .
Listen to our daily City View podcast as we chart the economic fallout and business impact of the coronavirus pandemic .
Despite backlash from some Tory backbenchers , Boris Johnson has stood by his adviser and said Cummings had acted “ legally and reasonably ” having “ followed the instincts of every father ” .
However it emerged on Saturday in a joint report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Cummings was spotted on two other occasions in Durham in April .
In a statement , White said : “ I am confident that thus far , Durham police has responded proportionately and appropriately to the issues raised concerning Mr Cummings and his visit to the County at the end of March.
” “ It is clear however that there is a plethora of additional information circulating in the public domain which deserves appropriate examination.
” “ I have today written to the Chief Constable , asking her to establish the facts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or regulations in this matter at any juncture .
It is vital that the Force can show it has the interests of the people of County Durham and Darlington at its heart , so that the model of policing by consent , independent of government but answerable to the law , is maintained.
” “ It will be for the Chief Constable to determine the operational response to this request and I am confident that with the resources at its disposal , the Force can show proportionality and fairness in what has become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trust.
” This is a breaking news story , more to follow .
Get the news as it happens by following City A.M. on Twitter .

Durham Police formally asked to investigate if Dominic Cummings broke the law during lockdown
(Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images)
A police chief has formally written to Durham Constabulary to request they “establish the facts” about Dominic Cummings’ visit during lockdown and whether he broke the law.
Acting police and crime commissioner, Steve White, has written to Durham’s chief constable Jo Farrell “asking her to establish the facts concerning any potential breach of the law or regulations in this matter at any juncture.”
A joint investigation by the Mirror and the Guardian revealed on Friday that Cummings, his wife and young son had travelled to his parents house in Durham in late March.
He and his wife both had coronavirus symptoms and self-isolated for the recommended 14 days in Durham.
Listen to our daily City View podcast as we chart the economic fallout and business impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite backlash from some Tory backbenchers, Boris Johnson has stood by his adviser and said Cummings had acted “legally and reasonably” having “followed the instincts of every father”.
However it emerged on Saturday in a joint report by the Sunday Mirror and the Observer that Cummings was spotted on two other occasions in Durham in April.
In a statement, White said: “I am confident that thus far, Durham police has responded proportionately and appropriately to the issues raised concerning Mr Cummings and his visit to the County at the end of March.”
“It is clear however that there is a plethora of additional information circulating in the public domain which deserves appropriate examination.”
“I have today written to the Chief Constable, asking her to establish the facts concerning any potential breach of the law or regulations in this matter at any juncture. It is vital that the Force can show it has the interests of the people of County Durham and Darlington at its heart, so that the model of policing by consent, independent of government but answerable to the law, is maintained.”
“It will be for the Chief Constable to determine the operational response to this request and I am confident that with the resources at its disposal, the Force can show proportionality and fairness in what has become a major issue of public interest and trust.”
This is a breaking news story, more to follow.
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cityam--2020-05-25--Watch: Islington neighbours heckle Dominic Cummings on way home

Dominic Cummings was accused of being a “ hypocrite ” by neighbours as he returned to his Islington home just hours after being backed by Boris Johnson .
Footage posted on social media last night shows Cummings being heckled after being accused of breaching lockdown rules when he travelled 260 miles to his parents ’ home .
Neighbours shouted “ shame ” , “ resign ” and “ hypocrite ” but Cummings did not respond as he entered his home .
One woman could be heard shouting : “ I ’ m a single parent .
I ’ ve had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole mess , not that I can afford to pay any child care.
” It came after the Prime Minister doubled down on his support for his adviser .
Speaking at last night ’ s briefing , Johnson said Cummings acted “ legally and reasonably ” when he drove to Durham .
A joint investigation by the Mirror and the Guardian revealed on Friday that the PM ’ s adviser , his wife and young son had travelled to his parents house in late March .
He and his wife both had coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days in Durham .
Listen to our daily City View podcast as we chart the economic fallout and business impact of the coronavirus pandemic .
However it emerged on Saturday in a joint report by the Sunday Mirror and the Observer that Cummings was spotted on two other occasions in Durham in April .
Downing Street said he acted within the rules as the pair travelled to ensure their son had childcare .
In Sunday ’ s briefing , the PM said Cummings had “ followed the instincts of every father ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ untrue ” .
Johnson has faced criticism for his handling of the crisis , not just from Tory backbenchers but also from Church of England bishops and scientists advising ministers on the Covid-19 crisis .
Read more : Tory MPs call for Dominic Cummings to resign Speaking to the BBC this morning , Conservative backbencher David Warburton said Cummings was “ damaging the government and the country that he ’ s supposed to be serving ” .
Stephen Reicher , a professor of social psychology who has advised the government on behavioural science @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ trashed all the advice we have given ” .
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Watch: Islington neighbours heckle Dominic Cummings on way home
(Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Dominic Cummings was accused of being a “hypocrite” by neighbours as he returned to his Islington home just hours after being backed by Boris Johnson.
Footage posted on social media last night shows Cummings being heckled after being accused of breaching lockdown rules when he travelled 260 miles to his parents’ home.
Neighbours shouted “shame”, “resign” and “hypocrite” but Cummings did not respond as he entered his home.
Credit: The Guardian
One woman could be heard shouting: “I’m a single parent. I’ve had no childcare since the beginning of this whole mess, not that I can afford to pay any child care.”
It came after the Prime Minister doubled down on his support for his adviser. Speaking at last night’s briefing, Johnson said Cummings acted “legally and reasonably” when he drove to Durham.
A joint investigation by the Mirror and the Guardian revealed on Friday that the PM’s adviser, his wife and young son had travelled to his parents house in late March. He and his wife both had coronavirus symptoms and self-isolated for the recommended 14 days in Durham.
Listen to our daily City View podcast as we chart the economic fallout and business impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
However it emerged on Saturday in a joint report by the Sunday Mirror and the Observer that Cummings was spotted on two other occasions in Durham in April.
Downing Street said he acted within the rules as the pair travelled to ensure their son had childcare. In Sunday’s briefing, the PM said Cummings had “followed the instincts of every father” and said the second story was “palpably untrue”.
Johnson has faced criticism for his handling of the crisis, not just from Tory backbenchers but also from Church of England bishops and scientists advising ministers on the Covid-19 crisis.
Speaking to the BBC this morning, Conservative backbencher David Warburton said Cummings was “damaging the government and the country that he’s supposed to be serving”.
Stephen Reicher, a professor of social psychology who has advised the government on behavioural science through the pandemic, said Johnson had “trashed all the advice we have given”.
As one of those involved in SPI-B, the Government advisory group on behavioural science, I can say that in a few short minutes tonight, Boris Johnson has trashed all the advice we have given on how to build trust and secure adherence to the measures necessary to control COVID-19. — Stephen Reicher (@ReicherStephen) May 24, 2020
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cityam--2020-05-25--Jaguar Land Rover in talks over government loan

Jaguar Land Rover is reportedly in talks with the government to secure a loan due to the financial impact of Covid-19 .
The carmaker submitted the largest bespoke loan request of the coronavirus crisis to ministers in recent weeks , according to Sky News .
Read more : Coronavirus : Jaguar Land Rover halts production at all UK plants Jaguar Land Rover has seen sales plunge by more than 30 per cent in the most recent quarter .
In March the automotive firm suspended all production at its UK production plants in an effort to minimise the spread of Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state funding of over £1bn but a spokesperson described suggestions it was as high as £1bn as “ inaccurate and speculative , ” according to Sky News .
The Sunday Times had previously reported that the firm , owned by India ’ s Tata Motors , was among the companies taxpayers could take an equity stake in .
The government ’ s Project Birch plan could see the Treasury act to save the firms whose failure would “ disproportionately harm the economy ” .
The chancellor will repotedly bailout viable companies “ which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government ’ s existing support schemes , according to the Financial Times .
Approximately 20,000 of Jaguar Land Rover ’ s employees have been furloughed , which sees the government pays 80 per cent of their wages .
Around 2000 employees at the firm ’ s Solihull site returned to work last week .
However , the firm does not qualify for the joint Treasury-Bank of England ( boE ) Covid Corporate Financing Facility which is aimed at large businesses , and requires firms be “ investment grade rated ” .
Credit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently estimated Jaguar will burn through £1bn in cash each month after the shutdown of its facilities and if “ severely reduced production ” continues over the next year .
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Jaguar Land Rover in talks over government loan
Jaguar Land Rover is reportedly in talks with the government to secure a loan due to the financial impact of Covid-19.
The carmaker submitted the largest bespoke loan request of the coronavirus crisis to ministers in recent weeks, according to Sky News.
Jaguar Land Rover has seen sales plunge by more than 30 per cent in the most recent quarter. In March the automotive firm suspended all production at its UK production plants in an effort to minimise the spread of Covid-19.
The request was reportedly for temporary state funding of over £1bn but a spokesperson described suggestions it was as high as £1bn as “inaccurate and speculative,” according to Sky News.
The Sunday Times had previously reported that the firm, owned by India’s Tata Motors, was among the companies taxpayers could take an equity stake in.
The government’s Project Birch plan could see the Treasury act to save the firms whose failure would “disproportionately harm the economy”. The chancellor will repotedly bailout viable companies “which have exhausted all options,” including the government’s existing support schemes, according to the Financial Times.
Approximately 20,000 of Jaguar Land Rover’s employees have been furloughed, which sees the government pays 80 per cent of their wages. Around 2000 employees at the firm’s Solihull site returned to work last week.
However, the firm does not qualify for the joint Treasury-Bank of England (boE) Covid Corporate Financing Facility which is aimed at large businesses, and requires firms be “investment grade rated”.
Credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s recently estimated Jaguar will burn through £1bn in cash each month after the shutdown of its facilities and if “severely reduced production” continues over the next year.
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cityam--2020-05-25--Security officials launch review into Huawei role in 5G network

Security officials have launched a review of Huawei ’ s involvement in Britain ’ s 5G network after fresh US sanctions .
The US commerce department earlier this month said it would extend the sanctions to require licences for sales to Huawei of semiconductors made abroad with American technology .
Read more : Huawei says ‘ pernicious ’ new US sanctions puts its survival at stake The UK government has since confirmed that the National Cyber Security Centre is “ looking carefully at any impact they could have to the UK ’ s networks ” .
It comes after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intended to reduce the Chinese state-owned firm ’ s involvement in Britain ’ s 5G network in the wake of the pandemic .
Johnson has reportedly instructed officials to draw up plans that would reduce China ’ s involvement to zero by 2023 .
Listen to our daily City View podcast as we chart the economic fallout and business impact of the coronavirus pandemic .
The US added Huawei to a trade blacklist last year over national security concerns , essentially blocking US companies from doing business with the Chinese company .
Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” new US sanctions , warning they could put its survival at stake .
“ Huawei categorically opposes the amendments made by the US Department of Commerce to its foreign direct product rule that target Huawei specifically , ” the company said in a statement , adding that previous sanctions were also unjustified .
Despite the warnings , the UK has allowed Huawei to build non-sensitive parts of the country ’ s 5G networks , but it will implement a 35 per cent market share cap .
Read more : Donald Trump extends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March , a Tory backbench rebellion signalled efforts to overturn the move .
In early April , a group of 15 Conservative MPs called for a rethink on relations with China .
Huawei then wrote an open letter to the UK government urging it not to “ disrupt ” the firm ’ s involvement in the 5G rollout .
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Security officials launch review into Huawei role in 5G network
Security officials have launched a review of Huawei’s involvement in Britain’s 5G network after fresh US sanctions.
The US commerce department earlier this month said it would extend the sanctions to require licences for sales to Huawei of semiconductors made abroad with American technology.
The UK government has since confirmed that the National Cyber Security Centre is “looking carefully at any impact they could have to the UK’s networks”.
It comes after the Telegraph last week reported that Boris Johnson intended to reduce the Chinese state-owned firm’s involvement in Britain’s 5G network in the wake of the pandemic.
Johnson has reportedly instructed officials to draw up plans that would reduce China’s involvement to zero by 2023.
Listen to our daily City View podcast as we chart the economic fallout and business impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
The US added Huawei to a trade blacklist last year over national security concerns, essentially blocking US companies from doing business with the Chinese company.
Last week the technology company slammed “pernicious” new US sanctions, warning they could put its survival at stake.
“Huawei categorically opposes the amendments made by the US Department of Commerce to its foreign direct product rule that target Huawei specifically,” the company said in a statement, adding that previous sanctions were also unjustified.
Despite the warnings, the UK has allowed Huawei to build non-sensitive parts of the country’s 5G networks, but it will implement a 35 per cent market share cap.
In March, a Tory backbench rebellion signalled efforts to overturn the move. In early April, a group of 15 Conservative MPs called for a rethink on relations with China.
Huawei then wrote an open letter to the UK government urging it not to “disrupt” the firm’s involvement in the 5G rollout.
Victor Zhang, vice president of Huawei said: “Our priority remains to continue the rollout of a reliable and secure 5G networks across Britain. We are happy to discuss with NCSC any concerns they may have and hope to continue the close working relationship we have enjoyed for the last ten years.”
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cityam--2020-05-25--Southbank Centre could be closed until next April due to coronavirus

The Southbank Centre has warned it is at risk of closure until at least April 2021 , and is calling on the government for further support .
The arts venue is forecasting a best case scenario of a £5m loss at the end of the 2020/2021 financial year , as a result of the Covid-19 crisis .
Read more : Shakespeare ’ s Globe at risk of collapse due to coronavirus crisis However , that will have meant the Southbank Centre will have used up all its reserves and be in a deficit .
It will also have needed £4m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retention scheme , and will have used up the remainder of its Art Council grant .
The charity has said it will need to make redundancies and the organisation “ will cease to be a going concern before the end of the year if further urgent support is not secured.
” With social distancing measures likely to remain in place for months to come , the Southbank Centre has said its venues are unlikely to reopen until April 2021 , since opening on restricted capacities means it would lose more money by opening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our daily City View podcast as we chart the economic fallout and business impact of the coronavirus pandemic .
The centre is preparing to cancel events from September to November of this year .
It is also considering the option of broadcasting concerts from behind closed-doors through the autumn and into Spring 2021 .
Last week , Shakespeare ’ s Globe also warned that unless it receives emergency funding it will collapse due to the financial impact of the coronavirus crisis .
It said it would need at least £5m – 20 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to open its doors .
Read more : Hamilton film to be streamed from July as Disney Plus fast-tracks release The Southbank Centre has today called on the government to extend the furlough scheme beyond October for the cultural sector , and support self-employed artists who don ’ t qualify under the current financial support schemes .
Chief executive Elaine Bedell said : “ “ It is with an incredibly heavy heart that we today share further details about the future of the Southbank Centre .
We know we are not alone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , partners , and colleagues – both here in the UK and abroad – during this time of unprecedented challenge.
” Get the news as it happens by following City A.M. on Twitter .

Southbank Centre could be closed until next April due to coronavirus
The Southbank Centre has warned it is at risk of closure until at least April 2021, and is calling on the government for further support.
The arts venue is forecasting a best case scenario of a £5m loss at the end of the 2020/2021 financial year, as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.
However, that will have meant the Southbank Centre will have used up all its reserves and be in a deficit. It will also have needed £4m support from the government’s job retention scheme, and will have used up the remainder of its Art Council grant.
The charity has said it will need to make redundancies and the organisation “will cease to be a going concern before the end of the year if further urgent support is not secured.”
With social distancing measures likely to remain in place for months to come, the Southbank Centre has said its venues are unlikely to reopen until April 2021, since opening on restricted capacities means it would lose more money by opening than it would generate.
Listen to our daily City View podcast as we chart the economic fallout and business impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
The centre is preparing to cancel events from September to November of this year. It is also considering the option of broadcasting concerts from behind closed-doors through the autumn and into Spring 2021.
Last week, Shakespeare’s Globe also warned that unless it receives emergency funding it will collapse due to the financial impact of the coronavirus crisis.
It said it would need at least £5m – 20 per cent of its annual turnover – in order to open its doors.
The Southbank Centre has today called on the government to extend the furlough scheme beyond October for the cultural sector, and support self-employed artists who don’t qualify under the current financial support schemes.
Chief executive Elaine Bedell said: ““It is with an incredibly heavy heart that we today share further details about the future of the Southbank Centre. We know we are not alone in this and stand with our friends, partners, and colleagues – both here in the UK and abroad – during this time of unprecedented challenge.”
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cityam--2020-05-25--Project Birch: Government prepares rescue plan for largest British firms

The Treasury has indicated it is prepared to rescue large British firms severely hit by the coronavirus crisis under its “ Project Birch ” bailout plan .
It follows indications that a number of big British companies are seeking government aid to navigate through the crisis .
Read more : Treasury mulling plans for ‘ bad bank ’ to manage stakes in bailed-out firms These include Jaguar Rover , which is reportedly in talks with the government to secure a loan of more than £1bn .
The Treasury revealed to the Financial Times the principles under which the government could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to save the firms whose failure would “ disproportionately harm the economy ” .
The government has already instituted a number of plans to help companies weather the pandemic .
These include loan programmes , notably the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme ( CBILS ) and bounce back loans .
The job retention scheme also sees the government pay 80 per cent of furloughed employees ’ wages .
Under Project Birch , the chancellor will increase the capacity of the Treasury to handle bespoke bailouts of “ viable companies which have exhausted all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s existing loan schemes , according to the FT .
It could include buying a stake in the company but is more likely to involve bespoke loans .
Read more : Aviation chiefs plead for more help from government amid coronavirus chaos The sectors most at risk are aviation , aerospace and steel firms .
Over the weekend , Sky News reported that Britain ’ s biggest steel producer , Tata Steel , had approached the Welsh and Uk governments for financial help .
Stephen Kinnock MP said Tata Steel , which owns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around £500m in order to survive the coronavirus crisis .
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Project Birch: Government prepares rescue plan for largest British firms
Rishi Sunak is expected to introduce a windfall tax today
The Treasury has indicated it is prepared to rescue large British firms severely hit by the coronavirus crisis under its “Project Birch” bailout plan.
It follows indications that a number of big British companies are seeking government aid to navigate through the crisis.
These include Jaguar Rover, which is reportedly in talks with the government to secure a loan of more than £1bn.
The Treasury revealed to the Financial Times the principles under which the government could rescue companies, saying it would act to save the firms whose failure would “disproportionately harm the economy”.
The government has already instituted a number of plans to help companies weather the pandemic. These include loan programmes, notably the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and bounce back loans.
The job retention scheme also sees the government pay 80 per cent of furloughed employees’ wages.
Under Project Birch, the chancellor will increase the capacity of the Treasury to handle bespoke bailouts of “viable companies which have exhausted all options,” including the government’s existing loan schemes, according to the FT.
It could include buying a stake in the company but is more likely to involve bespoke loans.
The sectors most at risk are aviation, aerospace and steel firms. Over the weekend, Sky News reported that Britain’s biggest steel producer, Tata Steel, had approached the Welsh and Uk governments for financial help.
Stephen Kinnock MP said Tata Steel, which owns the steelworks in Port Talbot, needs around £500m in order to survive the coronavirus crisis.
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