skynewspolitics--2020-03-17--This week's Brexit talks cancelled - but no extension to trade deal deadline

This week 's Brexit negotiations have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic , although there will be no delay to the end of year deadline for the UK and EU to agree a trade deal .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's Europe adviser , David Frost , and the EU 's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier had been due to hold talks on Wednesday .
A face-to-face meeting had already been ruled out due to the spread of COVID-19 , and now the UK government has said the two sides `` will not formally be covening '' .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the negotiations and will consider alternative means of resuming negotiations , such as video conferencing , a spokesperson added .
The UK is currently in the Brexit transition period , where it maintains the status quo of EU membership despite having formally left the bloc on 31 January this year .
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That period ends on 31 December and , despite the disruption caused by coronavirus , the UK government again ruled out any extension @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than nine months for both sides to agree a future trade relationship , with just one round of talks completed so far .
The UK still expects to share a draft free trade agreement , among other draft legal texts , `` in the near future '' as planned , the spokesperson said .
They added : `` In light of the latest guidance on coronavirus , we will not formally be convening negotiating work strands tomorrow in the way we did in the previous round .
`` Both sides remain fully committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regular contact with the European Commission to consider alternative ways to continue discussions , including looking at the possibility of video conferencing or conference calls , and exploring flexibility in the structure for the coming weeks .
`` The transition period ends on 31 December 2020 .
This is enshrined in UK law . ''
Following the first round of negotiations at the beginning of this month , both the UK and EU admitted there were `` significant '' and `` very , very difficult '' differences between them .

This week's Brexit negotiations have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, although there will be no delay to the end of year deadline for the UK and EU to agree a trade deal.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Europe adviser, David Frost, and the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier had been due to hold talks on Wednesday.
A face-to-face meeting had already been ruled out due to the spread of COVID-19, and now the UK government has said the two sides "will not formally be covening".
The two sides "remain fully committed" to the negotiations and will consider alternative means of resuming negotiations, such as video conferencing, a spokesperson added.
The UK is currently in the Brexit transition period, where it maintains the status quo of EU membership despite having formally left the bloc on 31 January this year.
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That period ends on 31 December and, despite the disruption caused by coronavirus, the UK government again ruled out any extension.
It means there are little more than nine months for both sides to agree a future trade relationship, with just one round of talks completed so far.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:23 London landmarks deserted amid outbreak
The UK still expects to share a draft free trade agreement, among other draft legal texts, "in the near future" as planned, the spokesperson said.
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They added: "In light of the latest guidance on coronavirus, we will not formally be convening negotiating work strands tomorrow in the way we did in the previous round.
"Both sides remain fully committed to the negotiations and we remain in regular contact with the European Commission to consider alternative ways to continue discussions, including looking at the possibility of video conferencing or conference calls, and exploring flexibility in the structure for the coming weeks.
"The transition period ends on 31 December 2020. This is enshrined in UK law."
Following the first round of negotiations at the beginning of this month, both the UK and EU admitted there were "significant" and "very, very difficult" differences between them.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-17--Why PM switched strategies on battling coronavirus

It took only four days to go from being asked to stay at home if you felt ill to a plea from the prime minister to put our lives on hold for weeks - perhaps months .
From next weekend the elderly , vulnerable , and pregnant women will be asked to retreat into their homes for 12 weeks .
There is already a huge step change in the government 's response , driven the by changing evidence and modelling around the spread and severity of the COVID-19 disease .
`` We 've had to accelerate , '' is how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the planning decisions put it to me on Monday night .
`` We thought we could put these social distancing measures off for another week and push the social shielding [ the elderly and vulnerable being asking to stay at home for three months ] back a week after that , but we 've had to bring it forward . ''
This is a global pandemic that now requires a wartime effort from all of us , with the UK now clearly on the same path as Italy , Spain , France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and home isolation .
More extreme measures - enforced curfews , school closures , travel bans - are all `` under review '' .
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The step-change in the government 's pace can be explained via a paper released on Monday night by researchers at Imperial College London , whose disease modelling has been feeding into the government 's strategy on handling the virus .
In a nutshell , the change in pace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives - perhaps a quarter of a million more lives - as the government shifts between the `` mitigation model '' - trying to slow the spread of the virus to the `` suppression model '' - trying to reverse the pandemic growth .
The researchers at Imperial conclude in their paper that trying to slow the spread of the virus rather than trying to suppress the disease will overwhelm the NHS , with demand for intensive care beds exceeded eight times over and 250,000 deaths .
They have arrived at this conclusion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look to the likely demand for intensive care beds based on the experience of Italy - a country three weeks ahead of us on the curve .
The latest evidence suggests that 30 % of patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 will need critical care .
Previous estimates were too low .
So we move this week from trying to slow the spread of the disease to trying to stop - or suppress - the spread .
The researchers at Imperial have concluded this is the `` only viable strategy at the current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it comes at a huge cost : `` The social and economic effects of the measures which are needed to achieve this policy goal will be profound .
Many countries have adopted such measures already , but even those countries at an earlier stage of their epidemic [ such as the UK ] will need to do so imminently . ''
With a raft of changes this week , there are still more to come .
Draconian measures will save lives - perhaps over 250,000 , according to Imperial 's estimates .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on our communities and our economy .
Saving lives and stopping the transmission of the disease could mean that we all have to put our lives on hold for a year or even longer while we wait for a vaccine .
So when the prime minister described what is upon us as the biggest challenge we 've faced as a nation since the Second World War , he was not exaggerating .
All the trade-offs are awful and the sacrifices required of all of us immense .

Sky News' Beth Rigby says the government realised it had to "accelerate" plans while more extreme measures are still under review.
It took only four days to go from being asked to stay at home if you felt ill to a plea from the prime minister to put our lives on hold for weeks - perhaps months.
From next weekend the elderly, vulnerable, and pregnant women will be asked to retreat into their homes for 12 weeks.
There is already a huge step change in the government's response, driven the by changing evidence and modelling around the spread and severity of the COVID-19 disease.
"We've had to accelerate," is how one senior government figure privy to some of the planning decisions put it to me on Monday night.
"We thought we could put these social distancing measures off for another week and push the social shielding [the elderly and vulnerable being asking to stay at home for three months] back a week after that, but we've had to bring it forward."
This is a global pandemic that now requires a wartime effort from all of us, with the UK now clearly on the same path as Italy, Spain, France as it begins to roll-out social lockdowns and home isolation.
More extreme measures - enforced curfews, school closures, travel bans - are all "under review".
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The step-change in the government's pace can be explained via a paper released on Monday night by researchers at Imperial College London, whose disease modelling has been feeding into the government's strategy on handling the virus.
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In a nutshell, the change in pace and policy is designed to save more lives - perhaps a quarter of a million more lives - as the government shifts between the "mitigation model" - trying to slow the spread of the virus to the "suppression model" - trying to reverse the pandemic growth.
Image: One estimate puts the number of deaths under the old model at 250,000
The researchers at Imperial conclude in their paper that trying to slow the spread of the virus rather than trying to suppress the disease will overwhelm the NHS, with demand for intensive care beds exceeded eight times over and 250,000 deaths.
They have arrived at this conclusion in the last few days as they look to the likely demand for intensive care beds based on the experience of Italy - a country three weeks ahead of us on the curve.
The latest evidence suggests that 30% of patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 will need critical care. Previous estimates were too low.
So we move this week from trying to slow the spread of the disease to trying to stop - or suppress - the spread.
The researchers at Imperial have concluded this is the "only viable strategy at the current time".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
But they also acknowledge it comes at a huge cost: "The social and economic effects of the measures which are needed to achieve this policy goal will be profound. Many countries have adopted such measures already, but even those countries at an earlier stage of their epidemic [such as the UK] will need to do so imminently."
With a raft of changes this week, there are still more to come.
Image: The COVID-19 crisis shows no sign of finishing any time soon
Draconian measures will save lives - perhaps over 250,000, according to Imperial's estimates.
But it will also have a profound impact on our communities and our economy.
Saving lives and stopping the transmission of the disease could mean that we all have to put our lives on hold for a year or even longer while we wait for a vaccine.
So when the prime minister described what is upon us as the biggest challenge we've faced as a nation since the Second World War, he was not exaggerating.
All the trade-offs are awful and the sacrifices required of all of us immense.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-17--'Rising sense of panic' in schools over coronavirus

A teachers ' union has hit out at the government over the coronavirus pandemic , warning that a lack of advice is creating `` chaos and confusion '' for schools .
The NASUWT , which represents teachers and headteachers , said there is a `` rising sense '' of panic in the education sector over COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
It has called for a definitive decision on how to protect staff and pupils .
On Monday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a raft of unprecedented measures to try and control the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among them .
The government has not ruled out closing schools at a later stage , but has said it is not the right measure to take at this moment in time .
On Monday , guidance was issued by Public Health England to schools and other education settings .
It said that pupils who are continuously coughing or have a fever should be sent home with suspected coronavirus .
According to the government , school closures will not be necessary in most cases .
But its guidance states that this will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ factors like the size of the educational establishment and the risk of further spread of COVID-19 .
Despite this , the NASUWT has criticised Mr Johnson for failing to give `` clear and definitive directions '' to schools .
Acting general secretary Chris Keates said : `` All of the announcements continue to be couched as guidance or advice , which is simply serving to increase anxiety and uncertainty .
`` The NASUWT has to date been advising our members in the context of the advice issued by governments and administrations and public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , the lack of clear information with regard to the steps to protect teachers , headteachers and other staff working in schools in the context of commentators constantly referring to the threats posed by children carrying COVID-19 is causing chaos and confusion and placing intolerable pressure on all staff in schools and their families . ''
It added : `` The NASUWT has consistently raised a series of concerns with ministers since this national crisis began to unfold and whilst we have sought not to second-guess the science and medical advice and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult situation , the lack of specific information for schools understandably has created a rising sense of panic . ''
The union said schools are struggling with diminishing staff levels - and warned that changes to working conditions have the potential to compromise the health and safety of both staff and pupils .
`` This situation can not be allowed to continue , '' Ms Keates said .
`` The UK government , working with governments and administrations across the UK , must now make a definitive decision about the steps being taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closure of schools . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
They have warned it is `` likely '' a number of schools will be forced to close due to a lack of staff .
The Association of School and College Leaders ( ASCL ) , the NAHT school leaders ' union and the Confederation of School Trusts ( CST ) held talks with Mr Williamson to discuss the ramifications of schools being closed and exams being postponed @

A teachers' union has hit out at the government over the coronavirus pandemic, warning that a lack of advice is creating "chaos and confusion" for schools.
The NASUWT, which represents teachers and headteachers, said there is a "rising sense" of panic in the education sector over COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
It has called for a definitive decision on how to protect staff and pupils.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:11 Government ramps up its coronavirus measures
On Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a raft of unprecedented measures to try and control the spread of the virus.
But school closures were not among them.
The government has not ruled out closing schools at a later stage, but has said it is not the right measure to take at this moment in time.
On Monday, guidance was issued by Public Health England to schools and other education settings.
It said that pupils who are continuously coughing or have a fever should be sent home with suspected coronavirus.
According to the government, school closures will not be necessary in most cases.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 Why did the government change its stance?
But its guidance states that this will be a local decision, taking into consideration factors like the size of the educational establishment and the risk of further spread of COVID-19.
Despite this, the NASUWT has criticised Mr Johnson for failing to give "clear and definitive directions" to schools.
Acting general secretary Chris Keates said: "All of the announcements continue to be couched as guidance or advice, which is simply serving to increase anxiety and uncertainty.
"The NASUWT has to date been advising our members in the context of the advice issued by governments and administrations and public health bodies across the UK.
"However, the lack of clear information with regard to the steps to protect teachers, headteachers and other staff working in schools in the context of commentators constantly referring to the threats posed by children carrying COVID-19 is causing chaos and confusion and placing intolerable pressure on all staff in schools and their families."
It added: "The NASUWT has consistently raised a series of concerns with ministers since this national crisis began to unfold and whilst we have sought not to second-guess the science and medical advice and worked to support members in the increasingly difficult situation, the lack of specific information for schools understandably has created a rising sense of panic."
The union said schools are struggling with diminishing staff levels - and warned that changes to working conditions have the potential to compromise the health and safety of both staff and pupils.
"This situation cannot be allowed to continue," Ms Keates said.
"The UK government, working with governments and administrations across the UK, must now make a definitive decision about the steps being taken to protect the school workforce and the closure of schools."
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Unions representing teachers held talks with Education Secretary Gavin Williamson on Monday.
They have warned it is "likely" a number of schools will be forced to close due to a lack of staff.
The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), the NAHT school leaders' union and the Confederation of School Trusts (CST) held talks with Mr Williamson to discuss the ramifications of schools being closed and exams being postponed.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-18--Help for renters in coronavirus pandemic to be unveiled 'very shortly'

The government will soon set out measures to help people who rent , as the coronavirus pandemic continues , a minister has told Sky News .
Speaking to Kay Burley @ Breakfast , Business Secretary Alok Sharma said : `` There are millions of renters across the country and some of them will be facing this anxiety .
`` The chancellor was very clear yesterday that the housing secretary will be coming forward very shortly to set out a statement on how we will make sure there is protection for renters as well . ''
The number of confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a total of 71 people dying after testing positive for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
The pledge to come to the aid of renters comes after Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled `` unprecedented '' help for businesses and families .
The package includes government-backed loans worth £330bn and a three-month mortgage holiday for homeowners .
There will also be £20bn of extra spending on grants , and business rates holidays for companies .
`` We have never , in peacetime , faced an economic fight like this one , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's daily coronavirus news conference .
`` I know that people are deeply worried .
I know that people 's anxiety about the disease itself is matched only by their anxiety about their livelihoods . ''
Describing the coronavirus crisis as `` not a time for ideology and orthodoxy '' but `` a time to be bold , a time for courage '' , the chancellor told businesses and households : `` This government will give you all the tools you need to get through this . ''
The lack of action to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John McDonnell when he said the chancellor 's measures `` still do not go far enough '' .
`` People are being laid off today and losing their incomes , '' he said .
`` We are disappointed that this package does not address their concerns .
`` The further announcements laid out by the chancellor lack the certainty required amidst growing public anxiety , and still do not go far enough in protecting workers , renters and those who are losing their jobs , or in fully supporting businesses at the scale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
The issue is likely to feature at PMQs , when Boris Johnson will face MPs for the first time since the government unveiled its `` national fightback '' against COVID-19 .

The government will soon set out measures to help people who rent, as the coronavirus pandemic continues, a minister has told Sky News.
Speaking to Kay Burley@Breakfast, Business Secretary Alok Sharma said: "There are millions of renters across the country and some of them will be facing this anxiety.
"The chancellor was very clear yesterday that the housing secretary will be coming forward very shortly to set out a statement on how we will make sure there is protection for renters as well."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:37 Coronavirus: UK's new economic measures explained
The number of confirmed cases in the UK has reached 1,950, with a total of 71 people dying after testing positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
The pledge to come to the aid of renters comes after Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled "unprecedented" help for businesses and families.
The package includes government-backed loans worth £330bn and a three-month mortgage holiday for homeowners.
There will also be £20bn of extra spending on grants, and business rates holidays for companies.
"We have never, in peacetime, faced an economic fight like this one," Mr Sunak said at the government's daily coronavirus news conference.
"I know that people are deeply worried. I know that people's anxiety about the disease itself is matched only by their anxiety about their livelihoods."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:45 PM and chancellor vow to do 'whatever it takes'
Describing the coronavirus crisis as "not a time for ideology and orthodoxy" but "a time to be bold, a time for courage", the chancellor told businesses and households: "This government will give you all the tools you need to get through this."
The lack of action to help renters was mentioned by Labour's John McDonnell when he said the chancellor's measures "still do not go far enough".
"People are being laid off today and losing their incomes," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 Sunak lays out huge economic measures
"We are disappointed that this package does not address their concerns.
"The further announcements laid out by the chancellor lack the certainty required amidst growing public anxiety, and still do not go far enough in protecting workers, renters and those who are losing their jobs, or in fully supporting businesses at the scale necessary."
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The issue is likely to feature at PMQs, when Boris Johnson will face MPs for the first time since the government unveiled its "national fightback" against COVID-19.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-17--'Unprecedented' plans to support businesses and families revealed

Government-backed loans worth £330bn and a three-month mortgage holiday have been announced by the chancellor as part of `` unprecedented '' measures to help businesses and families .
There will also be £20bn of extra spending on grants , and business rates holidays for companies .
Rishi Sunak unveiled the package of support at a Downing Street news conference as he said the UK faced an `` economic emergency '' in the face of the coronavirus pandemic .
`` We have never , in peacetime , faced an economic fight like this one , '' the chancellor added .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I know that people 's anxiety about the disease itself is matched only by their anxiety about their livelihoods . ''
Describing the coronavirus crisis as `` not a time for ideology and orthodoxy '' but `` a time to be bold , a time for courage '' , the chancellor told businesses and households : `` This government will give you all the tools you need to get through this . ''
• A package of £330bn of loan guarantees to businesses , with more to be made available if needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased to £5m , up from £1.2m announced at last week 's budget .
No interest will be due for the first six months • A 12-month business rates holiday for all shops , pubs , theatres , music venues , restaurants and any other hospitality or leisure business • A cash grant of up to £25,000 for those businesses with a rateable value of less than £51,000 • A three-month mortgage holiday for those in difficulty because of coronavirus • Cash grants of £10,000 to 700,000 of the smallest businesses • Local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost of these measures , with at least £3.5bn going to devolved administrations in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland • A potential support package for airlines and airports in the face of worldwide travel bans : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
The chancellor also reassured businesses that the government 's action in advising people to avoid pubs , clubs , theatres and restaurants was sufficient for them to make insurance claims .
He promised further measures to `` support people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , vowing to work with trade unions and business groups to `` urgently develop new forms of employment support to help protect people 's jobs and their incomes through this period '' .
Speaking before Mr Sunak , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said his government `` must act like any wartime government and do whatever it takes to support our economy '' .
The UK may have to `` go further and faster in the coming days '' to try and prevent the spread of COVID-19 , he added .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced on Monday , which he described as `` unprecedented since World War Two '' .
Mr Johnson added : `` This enemy can be deadly , but it is also beatable - and we know how to beat it and we know that if as a country we follow the scientific advice that is now being given we know that we will beat it .
`` And however tough the months ahead we have the resolve and the resources to win the fight . ''
Housing , Communities and Local Government Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planning rules to allow all pubs , restaurants and cafes the ability to offer takeaway and delivery services if they wish .
Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell claimed Mr Sunak 's new measures `` still do not go far enough '' .
`` People are being laid off today and losing their incomes , '' he said .
`` We are disappointed that this package does not address their concerns .
`` The further announcements laid out by the chancellor lack the certainty required amidst growing public anxiety , and still do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ renters and those who are losing their jobs , or in fully supporting businesses at the scale necessary .
Small and large business groups welcomed Mr Sunak 's action .
But the Resolution Foundation think tank called for `` much bolder steps to support family incomes '' and said further measures `` can not come quickly enough '' .
Boss of easyJet , Johan Lundgren , said the chancellor 's suggestion of a support package was `` very welcome '' in the face of the `` significant pressure '' airlines are facing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take eight weeks of unpaid leave , also welcomed the action as the aviation sector faces `` the biggest crisis in its history '' .
As of 9am on Tuesday , there were 1,950 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK - up 407 in the past 24 hours and a rise of 26 % .
A further 14 people have died after being diagnosed with coronavirus in England , bringing the UK 's total to 71 .
The government 's chief scientific adviser , Sir Patrick Vallance , said the actual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus was in the `` ballpark '' of around 55,000 .
He told MPs the aim was for fewer than 20,000 people to die from the disease , despite that being a `` horrible '' number of deaths .
There are an estimated 8,000 deaths from seasonal flu each year .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab earlier advised Britons to avoid all non-essential foreign travel for 30 days as coronavirus continues to spread globally .
The NHS has postponed all non-urgent operations from 15 April at the latest , in a bid to free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the COVID-19 epidemic .
It is also block-buying beds in private hospitals .
Earlier , the prime minister chaired a cabinet meeting to discuss the government 's fightback against coronavirus .
Mr Johnson told his top ministers the UK is `` engaged in a war against the disease which we have to win '' .
The prime minister has established new government structures in the face of the COVID-19 crisis .
Four new committees to be chaired by top cabinet ministers - focusing on health , public sector preparedness , the economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now feed into a new daily coronavirus meeting chaired by Mr Johnson .
The prime minister will also continue to chair regular meetings of the government 's emergency COBRA committee to take strategic decisions and review progress , Downing Street said .
• The Chinese city of Wuhan - the original epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak - has reported just one new case of the virus for the second day in a row , as China reported only 13 new cases on Wednesday • Canada and the US are considering a mutual ban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to a Canadian government official • Tunisia has announced a nationwide curfew , with citizens in lockdown from 6pm to 6am • At least 17 elderly people from a Madrid nursing home have died in the last five days , the Spanish city 's regional authorities have said • The youngest UK victim has been named as 45-year-old Craig Ruston , a father-of-two with motor neurone disease ( MND ) • Nevada 's governor has ordered the closure of the casinos in Las Vegas for a month , along with other @ @ @ @ @

Government-backed loans worth £330bn and a three-month mortgage holiday have been announced by the chancellor as part of "unprecedented" measures to help businesses and families.
There will also be £20bn of extra spending on grants, and business rates holidays for companies.
Rishi Sunak unveiled the package of support at a Downing Street news conference as he said the UK faced an "economic emergency" in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 Sunak sets out huge economic measures
"We have never, in peacetime, faced an economic fight like this one," the chancellor added.
"I know that people are deeply worried. I know that people's anxiety about the disease itself is matched only by their anxiety about their livelihoods."
Describing the coronavirus crisis as "not a time for ideology and orthodoxy" but "a time to be bold, a time for courage", the chancellor told businesses and households: "This government will give you all the tools you need to get through this."
Mr Sunak announced:
A package of £330bn of loan guarantees to businesses, with more to be made available if needed
Interest-free business interruption loans will be increased to £5m, up from £1.2m announced at last week's budget. No interest will be due for the first six months
A 12-month business rates holiday for all shops, pubs, theatres, music venues, restaurants and any other hospitality or leisure business
A cash grant of up to £25,000 for those businesses with a rateable value of less than £51,000
A three-month mortgage holiday for those in difficulty because of coronavirus
Cash grants of £10,000 to 700,000 of the smallest businesses
Local authorities will be fully compensated for the cost of these measures, with at least £3.5bn going to devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
A potential support package for airlines and airports in the face of worldwide travel bans
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
The chancellor also reassured businesses that the government's action in advising people to avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and restaurants was sufficient for them to make insurance claims.
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He promised further measures to "support people's financial security" in the coming days, vowing to work with trade unions and business groups to "urgently develop new forms of employment support to help protect people's jobs and their incomes through this period".
Speaking before Mr Sunak, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said his government "must act like any wartime government and do whatever it takes to support our economy".
The UK may have to "go further and faster in the coming days" to try and prevent the spread of COVID-19, he added.
This is despite the already stringent measures Mr Johnson announced on Monday, which he described as "unprecedented since World War Two".
Mr Johnson added: "This enemy can be deadly, but it is also beatable - and we know how to beat it and we know that if as a country we follow the scientific advice that is now being given we know that we will beat it.
"And however tough the months ahead we have the resolve and the resources to win the fight."
Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick later announced he was relaxing planning rules to allow all pubs, restaurants and cafes the ability to offer takeaway and delivery services if they wish.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 PM: We must stop NHS from getting overwhelmed
Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell claimed Mr Sunak's new measures "still do not go far enough".
"People are being laid off today and losing their incomes," he said. "We are disappointed that this package does not address their concerns.
"The further announcements laid out by the chancellor lack the certainty required amidst growing public anxiety, and still do not go far enough in protecting workers, renters and those who are losing their jobs, or in fully supporting businesses at the scale necessary.
Small and large business groups welcomed Mr Sunak's action. But the Resolution Foundation think tank called for "much bolder steps to support family incomes" and said further measures "cannot come quickly enough".
Boss of easyJet, Johan Lundgren, said the chancellor's suggestion of a support package was "very welcome" in the face of the "significant pressure" airlines are facing.
Virgin Atlantic, which has asked staff to take eight weeks of unpaid leave, also welcomed the action as the aviation sector faces "the biggest crisis in its history".
As of 9am on Tuesday, there were 1,950 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK - up 407 in the past 24 hours and a rise of 26%.
A further 14 people have died after being diagnosed with coronavirus in England, bringing the UK's total to 71.
The government's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, said the actual number of people in the UK with coronavirus was in the "ballpark" of around 55,000.
He told MPs the aim was for fewer than 20,000 people to die from the disease, despite that being a "horrible" number of deaths.
There are an estimated 8,000 deaths from seasonal flu each year.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 FCO advises against global travel for 30 days
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab earlier advised Britons to avoid all non-essential foreign travel for 30 days as coronavirus continues to spread globally.
The NHS has postponed all non-urgent operations from 15 April at the latest, in a bid to free up beds in anticipation of the peak of the COVID-19 epidemic.
It is also block-buying beds in private hospitals.
Earlier, the prime minister chaired a cabinet meeting to discuss the government's fightback against coronavirus.
Mr Johnson told his top ministers the UK is "engaged in a war against the disease which we have to win".
The prime minister has established new government structures in the face of the COVID-19 crisis.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:23 London landmarks deserted amid outbreak
Four new committees to be chaired by top cabinet ministers - focusing on health, public sector preparedness, the economy, and the international response - will now feed into a new daily coronavirus meeting chaired by Mr Johnson.
The prime minister will also continue to chair regular meetings of the government's emergency COBRA committee to take strategic decisions and review progress, Downing Street said.
In other developments:


skynewspolitics--2020-03-18--UK schools to close from Friday until further notice over coronavirus

Schools across the UK will close from Friday until further notice , the education secretary has announced .
Speaking in the House of Commons , Gavin Williamson also confirmed that exams and assessments would not be held this academic year .
It comes after a further 32 coronavirus-related deaths in England , taking the total number in the UK to 104 .
Mr Williamson told MPs : `` I want to provide parents , students and staff with the certainty they need .
`` After schools shut their gates on Friday afternoon , they will remain closed until further notice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children , except for those of key workers and children who are most vulnerable .
`` The scientific advice shows that the settings are safe for this small number of children attending , but asking others to stay will just go towards helping us slow the spread of this virus . ''
Mr Williamson said examples of key workers include NHS staff , police and supermarket delivery drivers .
Schools will also be encouraged to look after key workers ' children and vulnerable children during the upcoming Easter holidays .
The education secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education colleges , independent schools and boarding schools were expected to follow the same approach .
Schools will be given the flexibility to provide meals or vouchers to children who are eligible for free school meals , Mr Williamson also announced .
On the cancellation of exams and assessments , the education secretary said he would be working to `` ensure that children get the qualifications that they need '' .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that childcare support would also be available for social care workers .
At a Downing Street news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government 's measures aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus - now including the closure of schools - were already working .
`` We believe that the steps we have already taken , together with those I am announcing today , are already slowing the spread of the disease , '' he said .
`` But we will not hesitate to go further and faster in the days and weeks ahead and we will do whatever it takes so that we beat it together . ''
Mr Johnson did not rule out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at its most widespread in the capital .
But he described how a `` game-changer '' test to determine whether an individual has developed antibodies to tackle the coronavirus is `` coming down the track '' .
Earlier , it was announced that Scotland and Wales would be closing all schools by Friday because of coronavirus .
The Welsh government said all schools will close for an early Easter break by Friday at the latest , while First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Scottish schools will also close by the end of the week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed that schools would be shut on Monday and could be closed until summer in `` unprecedented '' action .
Kevin Courtney , joint general secretary of the National Education Union , welcomed Mr Williamson 's announcement on Wednesday .
He said : `` It is better for this to take place in an ordered way than the chaotic pattern of closures that was developing .
`` We also welcome the clarity that SATs , GCSE , AS- and A-Level exams are to be cancelled .
`` Now , more than anything else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that children in food poverty are fed properly - these children are not just those on free school meals . ''
Paul Whiteman , general secretary of school leaders ' union NAHT , said : `` This is part of the state-wide response to this crisis .
`` I know that the education sector wants to do all that it can to support the country .
But he added : `` The situation is moving very quickly , and we have more questions than answers at the moment . ''
Purnima Tanuku , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , described the government 's announcement as `` absolutely devastating news '' .
She said : `` How can the private nursery sector remain sustainable in the face of mass closures and expensive overheads ?
`` We must have reassurance from government that as well as continuing to pay the early years entitlement funding , they will support the sector in the same way they have promised for other sectors badly affected by this catastrophe . ''
Teachers , head teachers and unions had warned that many schools are so short-staffed that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 600,000 people had signed a parliamentary petition calling for schools and colleges to be closed due to the coronavirus pandemic .

Schools across the UK will close from Friday until further notice, the education secretary has announced.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Gavin Williamson also confirmed that exams and assessments would not be held this academic year.
It comes after a further 32 coronavirus-related deaths in England, taking the total number in the UK to 104.
Mr Williamson told MPs: "I want to provide parents, students and staff with the certainty they need.
"After schools shut their gates on Friday afternoon, they will remain closed until further notice.
"This will be for all children, except for those of key workers and children who are most vulnerable.
"The scientific advice shows that the settings are safe for this small number of children attending, but asking others to stay will just go towards helping us slow the spread of this virus."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
Mr Williamson said examples of key workers include NHS staff, police and supermarket delivery drivers.
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Schools will also be encouraged to look after key workers' children and vulnerable children during the upcoming Easter holidays.
The education secretary added nurseries, sixth forms, further education colleges, independent schools and boarding schools were expected to follow the same approach.
Schools will be given the flexibility to provide meals or vouchers to children who are eligible for free school meals, Mr Williamson also announced.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 PM confirms school closures across UK
On the cancellation of exams and assessments, the education secretary said he would be working to "ensure that children get the qualifications that they need".
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that childcare support would also be available for social care workers.
At a Downing Street news conference, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the government's measures aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus - now including the closure of schools - were already working.
"We believe that the steps we have already taken, together with those I am announcing today, are already slowing the spread of the disease," he said.
"But we will not hesitate to go further and faster in the days and weeks ahead and we will do whatever it takes so that we beat it together."
Mr Johnson did not rule out putting London on lockdown, with coronavirus at its most widespread in the capital.
But he described how a "game-changer" test to determine whether an individual has developed antibodies to tackle the coronavirus is "coming down the track".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 Coronavirus: Which groups are most at risk?
Earlier, it was announced that Scotland and Wales would be closing all schools by Friday because of coronavirus.
The Welsh government said all schools will close for an early Easter break by Friday at the latest, while First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Scottish schools will also close by the end of the week.
Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster confirmed that schools would be shut on Monday and could be closed until summer in "unprecedented" action.
Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, welcomed Mr Williamson's announcement on Wednesday.
He said: "It is better for this to take place in an ordered way than the chaotic pattern of closures that was developing.
"We also welcome the clarity that SATs, GCSE, AS- and A-Level exams are to be cancelled.
"Now, more than anything else the government needs to concentrate on ensuring that children in food poverty are fed properly - these children are not just those on free school meals."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Scottish schools to shut Friday - Sturgeon
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said: "This is part of the state-wide response to this crisis.
"I know that the education sector wants to do all that it can to support the country.
But he added: "The situation is moving very quickly, and we have more questions than answers at the moment."
Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of National Day Nurseries Association, described the government's announcement as "absolutely devastating news".
She said: "How can the private nursery sector remain sustainable in the face of mass closures and expensive overheads?
"We must have reassurance from government that as well as continuing to pay the early years entitlement funding, they will support the sector in the same way they have promised for other sectors badly affected by this catastrophe."
Teachers, head teachers and unions had warned that many schools are so short-staffed that they are struggling to remain open.
More than 600,000 people had signed a parliamentary petition calling for schools and colleges to be closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
There will be a question and answer session on what the schools closure will mean for students and parents on Kay Burley@Breakfast this morning at 7.45am on Sky News


skynewspolitics--2020-03-18--New evictions banned to help renters during coronavirus crisis

The government is promising emergency legislation to suspend new evictions from social or rented accommodation for the duration of the coronavirus crisis .
Under urgent new laws , landlords will not be able to start proceedings to evict tenants for at least three months , due to the COVID-19 outbreak .
Ministers have also confirmed the three-month mortgage holiday announced on Tuesday will be extended to landlords whose tenants are experiencing difficulties due to coronavirus .
This is aimed at alleviating the concerns of landlords , who might be worried about meeting mortgage payments , and should therefore mean no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The government is expecting landlords and tenants to work together to establish affordable repayment plans , taking into consideration tenants ' individual circumstances , at the end of the period .
The government has also worked alongside the master of the rolls , the president of the court of appeal , to make sure the pre-action protocol - which is the steps taken before a claim goes to court - can include private renters , so that tenants and landlords are able to better resolve any disputes .
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - no renter who has lost income due to coronavirus will be forced out of their home , nor will any landlord face unmanageable debts .
`` These are extraordinary times and renters and landlords alike are of course worried about paying their rent and mortgage .
Which is why we are urgently introducing emergency legislation to protect tenants in social and private accommodation from an eviction process being started .
`` These changes will protect all renters and private landlords ensuring everyone gets the support they need at this very difficult time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change of view on protection for renters , '' he said .
`` As I said earlier in the week , only a ban on evictions gives renters confidence they wo n't lose their home if they 're ill .
It 's important the legislation allows flexibility to extend the ban beyond three months if needed . ''
Ben Beadle , Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords association said : `` Landlord groups welcomes government support .
We recognise the exceptional circumstances and we will work collaboratively with government to ensure these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a joint statement , the Residential Landlords Association and the National Landlords Association said : `` Our priority is to ensure that tenants are secure in their homes during this crisis .
`` The three-month buy to let mortgage payment holiday will take a lot of pressure off landlords enabling them to be as flexible as possible with tenants facing difficulties with their rent payments .
`` No responsible landlord will be considering evicting tenants because of difficulties arising from the current situation . ''
On Monday , the prime minister asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pubs , bars and restaurants , plunging many service staff into uncertainty as if they will continue to get paid during the coronavirus pandemic .
Meanwhile , there have been a further 32 coronavirus-related deaths in England , taking the total number of fatalities in the UK to 104 .

The government is promising emergency legislation to suspend new evictions from social or rented accommodation for the duration of the coronavirus crisis.
Under urgent new laws, landlords will not be able to start proceedings to evict tenants for at least three months, due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Ministers have also confirmed the three-month mortgage holiday announced on Tuesday will be extended to landlords whose tenants are experiencing difficulties due to coronavirus.
This is aimed at alleviating the concerns of landlords, who might be worried about meeting mortgage payments, and should therefore mean no unnecessary pressure is put on their tenants.
The government is expecting landlords and tenants to work together to establish affordable repayment plans, taking into consideration tenants' individual circumstances, at the end of the period.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The government has also worked alongside the master of the rolls, the president of the court of appeal, to make sure the pre-action protocol - which is the steps taken before a claim goes to court - can include private renters, so that tenants and landlords are able to better resolve any disputes.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said: "The government is clear - no renter who has lost income due to coronavirus will be forced out of their home, nor will any landlord face unmanageable debts.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 Who is most at risk if they are infected by the coronavirus?
"These are extraordinary times and renters and landlords alike are of course worried about paying their rent and mortgage. Which is why we are urgently introducing emergency legislation to protect tenants in social and private accommodation from an eviction process being started.
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"These changes will protect all renters and private landlords ensuring everyone gets the support they need at this very difficult time."
Shadow Housing Minister John Healey called the legislation a "welcome change".
"This is a welcome change of view on protection for renters," he said.
"As I said earlier in the week, only a ban on evictions gives renters confidence they won't lose their home if they're ill. It's important the legislation allows flexibility to extend the ban beyond three months if needed."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 'It's an emergency' - BoE governor on virus
Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords association said: "Landlord groups welcomes government support. We recognise the exceptional circumstances and we will work collaboratively with government to ensure these measures protect both landlords and tenants"
In a joint statement, the Residential Landlords Association and the National Landlords Association said: "Our priority is to ensure that tenants are secure in their homes during this crisis.
"The three-month buy to let mortgage payment holiday will take a lot of pressure off landlords enabling them to be as flexible as possible with tenants facing difficulties with their rent payments.
"No responsible landlord will be considering evicting tenants because of difficulties arising from the current situation."
On Monday, the prime minister asked Britons to stop going to theatres, pubs, bars and restaurants, plunging many service staff into uncertainty as if they will continue to get paid during the coronavirus pandemic.
Meanwhile, there have been a further 32 coronavirus-related deaths in England, taking the total number of fatalities in the UK to 104.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-18--First TV adverts with coronavirus advice to be aired

The government will tomorrow air its first TV adverts as part of the public awareness campaign on the coronavirus pandemic .
The adverts are a ramping up of ministers ' efforts to inform Britons about how they should respond to coronavirus .
They build upon existing adverts already on radio , online and on billboards .
In the 40-second TV adverts , England 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty explains the government 's latest advice for those who suspect they might be infected .
• Individuals should self-isolate for seven days from the onset of a high temperature or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Any individuals in the same household should self-isolate for 14 days from that moment as well ; • If other members of the household develop symptoms , however mild , at any time during the 14 days they must not leave the home for seven days from when symptoms started ; • Do n't go to the GP or hospital , but instead check your symptoms at NHS.uk and follow the advice ; Only call the NHS 111 helpline if you ca n't get online or your symptoms worsen .
In the adverts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's important we all protect older people and those with existing health conditions from coronavirus . ''
Actor Mark Strong also features and tells Britons to `` protect yourself , protect others , protect the NHS '' .
On Monday , the prime minister ordered Britons to avoid pubs , clubs , restaurants and theatres and to only make essential journeys , as part of social distancing measures .
On Wednesday , the government announced it was rapidly increasing the number of coronavirus tests .
As many as 25,000 people within NHS hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Thirty-two more people have died in England after testing positive for coronavirus - taking the total number of UK deaths to 104 .
It follows the biggest daily leap in confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the UK after 676 infections were diagnosed in the last 24 hours .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK now stands at 2,626 .
The prime minister also called on companies to work with the government to rapidly develop a test to establish whether people have developed immunity , in order to help get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as possible .
The World Health Organisation recently criticised national governments for not conducting enough tests on their populations .
In new laws to be introduced to the House of Commons this week , the government is also seeking widespread powers to tackle the public health crisis caused by COVID-19 - the prevalent strain of coronavirus .

The government will tomorrow air its first TV adverts as part of the public awareness campaign on the coronavirus pandemic.
The adverts are a ramping up of ministers' efforts to inform Britons about how they should respond to coronavirus.
They build upon existing adverts already on radio, online and on billboards.
In the 40-second TV adverts, England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty explains the government's latest advice for those who suspect they might be infected.
The advice is:
Individuals should self-isolate for seven days from the onset of a high temperature or a new and persistent cough;
Any individuals in the same household should self-isolate for 14 days from that moment as well;
If other members of the household develop symptoms, however mild, at any time during the 14 days they must not leave the home for seven days from when symptoms started;
Don't go to the GP or hospital, but instead check your symptoms at NHS.uk and follow the advice;Only call the NHS 111 helpline if you can't get online or your symptoms worsen.
In the adverts, Prof Whitty says: "It's important we all protect older people and those with existing health conditions from coronavirus."
Actor Mark Strong also features and tells Britons to "protect yourself, protect others, protect the NHS".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:26 '20,000 virus deaths would be good outcome'
On Monday, the prime minister ordered Britons to avoid pubs, clubs, restaurants and theatres and to only make essential journeys, as part of social distancing measures.
On Wednesday, the government announced it was rapidly increasing the number of coronavirus tests.
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As many as 25,000 people within NHS hospitals will be tested for coronavirus every day.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Thirty-two more people have died in England after testing positive for coronavirus - taking the total number of UK deaths to 104.
It follows the biggest daily leap in confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the UK after 676 infections were diagnosed in the last 24 hours.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK now stands at 2,626.
The prime minister also called on companies to work with the government to rapidly develop a test to establish whether people have developed immunity, in order to help get NHS staff back to work as quickly as possible.
The World Health Organisation recently criticised national governments for not conducting enough tests on their populations.
In new laws to be introduced to the House of Commons this week, the government is also seeking widespread powers to tackle the public health crisis caused by COVID-19 - the prevalent strain of coronavirus.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-18--Key questions over UK schools coronavirus shutdown

Schools across the UK will close from the end of lessons on Friday until further notice as part of the government 's effort to slow the spread of coronavirus .
Nurseries , sixth forms , further education colleges , independent schools and boarding schools are also expected to shut .
Some key questions about the action have been answered , but others have n't .
Not quite .
The children of key workers and vulnerable children will still be allowed to attend schools .
Examples of key workers include NHS staff , police and supermarket delivery drivers , who will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work as the UK battles coronavirus .
Vulnerable children include those who have a social worker and those with Education , Health and Care Plans - a legal document that describes a child 's special educational needs and the support they require .
The government is also encouraging schools to look after key workers ' children and vulnerable children throughout the Easter holidays .
All other children should remain at home .
How long will schools stay shut for ?
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has only said schools in England will close `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she `` can not promise schools and nurseries will reopen after the Easter break '' .
And in Northern Ireland , First Minister Arlene Foster said `` the closure will likely take us beyond the natural break for the summer '' .
All exams and assessments in England and Wales for this academic year have been cancelled , while in Northern Ireland it is expected pupils wo n't sit summer exams either .
A decision on whether exams will sit in Scotland has not yet been taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools and colleges and performance tables will not be published this year .
Will pupils still get their qualifications ?
Mr Williamson promised to `` make sure that every child gets the proper recognition that they deserve '' in terms of qualifications - but , so far , it is unclear how this will be achieved .
The government is working with Ofqual ( Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation ) on a `` detailed set of measures that make sure that no child is unfairly penalised '' , Mr Williamson added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ assessment is a `` good method of giving reliable information about young people 's progress and achievements '' .
For children eligible for free school meals , schools will be able to purchase meals or vouchers for supermarkets or local shops .
The total value of vouchers offered to each eligible child per week will exceed the rate the government pays to schools for free school meals .
This is in recognition that families will not be buying food in bulk and are therefore likely to incur higher costs .
The final amounts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has said .
Vouchers can be emailed or printed and posted to families .
Purnima Tanuku , chief executive of National Day Nurseries Association , has asked how private nurseries are going to be able to survive a long closure .
She said : `` Nurseries will lose income from parents but will still have staff to pay and rental or mortgage costs .
`` It 's vital that parents can access high quality care once they return to work again en masse and nursery businesses and their staff must be supported to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We also need to know how some nurseries - who care for children of key workers and for vulnerable children - can continue to remain open with few children . ''
In an effort to support nurseries , Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said they will be eligible for a business rates holiday for one year from 1 April .
According to the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years , the closure also applies to childminders .
Chief executive Liz Bayram said : `` We know our members and other childcare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can survive if they are temporarily closed due to COVID-19 or forced to close down for all but vulnerable children or children of key workers .
`` The support already announced by government will help but far more is needed to ensure childcare providers can survive this period of closure and rebuild the service so many families rely on to balance work and home , once we have beaten COVID-19 . ''
Will university students still have to pay tuition fees ?
Mr Williamson said there are `` no plans '' to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ universities .
This is because many universities are expected to continue teaching online , he explained .
`` We 'll be working very closely with Universities UK to ensure that their students have their grades in a timely manner and to ensure that they 're able to move on to the next stage of their lives , '' the education secretary added .

Schools across the UK will close from the end of lessons on Friday until further notice as part of the government's effort to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Nurseries, sixth forms, further education colleges, independent schools and boarding schools are also expected to shut.
Some key questions about the action have been answered, but others haven't.
Will schools stay shut completely?
Not quite. The children of key workers and vulnerable children will still be allowed to attend schools.
Examples of key workers include NHS staff, police and supermarket delivery drivers, who will be needed to continue to go to work as the UK battles coronavirus.
Vulnerable children include those who have a social worker and those with Education, Health and Care Plans - a legal document that describes a child's special educational needs and the support they require.
The government is also encouraging schools to look after key workers' children and vulnerable children throughout the Easter holidays.
All other children should remain at home.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 PM announces school closures across UK
How long will schools stay shut for?
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has only said schools in England will close "until further notice".
In Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she "cannot promise schools and nurseries will reopen after the Easter break".
And in Northern Ireland, First Minister Arlene Foster said "the closure will likely take us beyond the natural break for the summer".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
What's happening to A-Level, GCSEs and SATs?
All exams and assessments in England and Wales for this academic year have been cancelled, while in Northern Ireland it is expected pupils won't sit summer exams either.
A decision on whether exams will sit in Scotland has not yet been taken.
Ofsted will cease all inspections of schools and colleges and performance tables will not be published this year.
Will pupils still get their qualifications?
Mr Williamson promised to "make sure that every child gets the proper recognition that they deserve" in terms of qualifications - but, so far, it is unclear how this will be achieved.
The government is working with Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) on a "detailed set of measures that make sure that no child is unfairly penalised", Mr Williamson added.
The National Education Union has suggested teacher assessment is a "good method of giving reliable information about young people's progress and achievements".
What about school meals?
For children eligible for free school meals, schools will be able to purchase meals or vouchers for supermarkets or local shops.
The total value of vouchers offered to each eligible child per week will exceed the rate the government pays to schools for free school meals.
This is in recognition that families will not be buying food in bulk and are therefore likely to incur higher costs.
The final amounts will be confirmed shortly, the government has said.
Vouchers can be emailed or printed and posted to families.
What about nurseries?
Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of National Day Nurseries Association, has asked how private nurseries are going to be able to survive a long closure.
She said: "Nurseries will lose income from parents but will still have staff to pay and rental or mortgage costs.
"It's vital that parents can access high quality care once they return to work again en masse and nursery businesses and their staff must be supported to be in a position to deliver this.
"We also need to know how some nurseries - who care for children of key workers and for vulnerable children - can continue to remain open with few children."
In an effort to support nurseries, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said they will be eligible for a business rates holiday for one year from 1 April.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 Coronavirus: Which groups are most at risk?
What about childminders?
According to the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years, the closure also applies to childminders.
Chief executive Liz Bayram said: "We know our members and other childcare providers will be extremely worried about how they can survive if they are temporarily closed due to COVID-19 or forced to close down for all but vulnerable children or children of key workers.
"The support already announced by government will help but far more is needed to ensure childcare providers can survive this period of closure and rebuild the service so many families rely on to balance work and home, once we have beaten COVID-19."
Will university students still have to pay tuition fees?
Mr Williamson said there are "no plans" to make a change to tuition fees at universities.
This is because many universities are expected to continue teaching online, he explained.
"We'll be working very closely with Universities UK to ensure that their students have their grades in a timely manner and to ensure that they're able to move on to the next stage of their lives," the education secretary added.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-19--PM: UK 'can turn the tide' against coronavirus in the next 12 weeks

Boris Johnson has said the UK `` can turn the tide '' against coronavirus in the next 12 weeks - but subsequently admitted the government `` do n't know how long '' the crisis will last for .
Speaking at a Downing Street news conference , the prime minister revealed the government is in talks to buy `` hundreds of thousands '' of tests to reveal if people are immune .
He also said the first British patient had been put in a randomised trial for a treatment for COVID-19 .
Mr Johnson thanked Britons for their `` huge efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopping the spread of the disease .
He said : `` We 're asking students to put their education on hold , we 're asking people not to socialise in the normal way and already we can see the impact this is having on the UK economy and on business , on great , great companies .
`` So it 's vital that we in government stand behind them when what we are asking everyone to do is so crucial for saving literally thousands of lives by fighting this virus . ''
Quizzed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over his 12-week assessment - and whether he was saying UK life could return to normal by the summer - Mr Johnson said : `` I am very confident that we 'll get this thing done .
`` I am very confident that we 'll beat coronavirus .
`` I think we can turn the tide within the next 12 weeks , but it depends on collective , resolute action .
`` The encouraging thing is the more disciplined we can all be in doing that , the greater the chances the scientific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up with fantastic results on testing to say nothing of the other medical treatments . ''
However , later asked what he meant by `` turning the tide '' , the prime minister admitted the government `` do n't know how long '' the coronavirus outbreak will last for .
`` At the moment , the disease is proceeding in a way that does not seem yet to be responding to our interventions , '' he said .
`` I believe a combination of the measures that we 're asking the public to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will enable us to get on top of it within the next 12 weeks and turn the tide .
`` Now , I can not stand here and tell you by the end of June we will be on the downward slope .
`` It 's possible , but I simply ca n't say that 's for certain .
Of course not .
`` We do n't know where we are , we do n't know how long this thing will go on for .
`` But what I can say is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will turn the tide and I can see how to do it within the next 12 weeks . ''
Mr Johnson then added : `` I 'm often accused of being unnecessarily boosterish about things and I certainly do n't want to strike that note today . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The prime minister said the UK was `` rapidly becoming so much better '' at understanding coronavirus , including about the medicines that may treat and cure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today to buy a so-called antibody test , as simple as a pregnancy test , that could tell whether you have had the disease .
`` It 's early days , but if it works as its proponents claim , then we will buy literally hundreds of thousands of these kits as soon as practicable because obviously it has the potential to be a total gamechanger .
`` Because once you know that you have had it , you know that you are likely to be less vulnerable , you 're less likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can go back to work . ''
Mr Johnson said the UK was aiming to ramp up testing for coronavirus to 250,000 people a day .
He called on Britons to be `` reasonable '' in their grocery shopping , amid stockpiling that has left supermarket aisles empty of certain products , adding : `` Be considerate and thoughtful for others as you do it . ''
He also urged companies to `` think very carefully '' before laying off staff , as firms come under intense pressure due to the accompanying economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear more tomorrow about what we 're going to do to support employees , '' Mr Johnson promised .
The prime minister is conducting daily televised news conferences , but said future events could be conducted `` remotely '' rather than have journalists invited into 10 Downing Street .
Despite the stringent measures the government is asking people to follow on distancing themselves from others , England 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said there would be a `` lag '' before those efforts would result in a slowing of the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of people who have died after contracting coronavirus in the UK has risen to 144 .
As of 1pm on Thursday , there were 3,269 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK .

Boris Johnson has said the UK "can turn the tide" against coronavirus in the next 12 weeks - but subsequently admitted the government "don't know how long" the crisis will last for.
Speaking at a Downing Street news conference, the prime minister revealed the government is in talks to buy "hundreds of thousands" of tests to reveal if people are immune.
He also said the first British patient had been put in a randomised trial for a treatment for COVID-19.
Mr Johnson thanked Britons for their "huge efforts" in complying with government advice on stopping the spread of the disease.
He said: "We're asking students to put their education on hold, we're asking people not to socialise in the normal way and already we can see the impact this is having on the UK economy and on business, on great, great companies.
"So it's vital that we in government stand behind them when what we are asking everyone to do is so crucial for saving literally thousands of lives by fighting this virus."
Quizzed by Sky News political editor Beth Rigby over his 12-week assessment - and whether he was saying UK life could return to normal by the summer - Mr Johnson said: "I am very confident that we'll get this thing done.
"I am very confident that we'll beat coronavirus.
"I think we can turn the tide within the next 12 weeks, but it depends on collective, resolute action.
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"The encouraging thing is the more disciplined we can all be in doing that, the greater the chances the scientific community will be able soon to come up with fantastic results on testing to say nothing of the other medical treatments."
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However, later asked what he meant by "turning the tide", the prime minister admitted the government "don't know how long" the coronavirus outbreak will last for.
"At the moment, the disease is proceeding in a way that does not seem yet to be responding to our interventions," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 Coronavirus: Which groups are most at risk?
"I believe a combination of the measures that we're asking the public to take and better testing, scientific progress, will enable us to get on top of it within the next 12 weeks and turn the tide.
"Now, I cannot stand here and tell you by the end of June we will be on the downward slope.
"It's possible, but I simply can't say that's for certain. Of course not.
"We don't know where we are, we don't know how long this thing will go on for.
"But what I can say is this is going to be finite, we will turn the tide and I can see how to do it within the next 12 weeks."
Mr Johnson then added: "I'm often accused of being unnecessarily boosterish about things and I certainly don't want to strike that note today."
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The prime minister said the UK was "rapidly becoming so much better" at understanding coronavirus, including about the medicines that may treat and cure it.
"We are in negotiations today to buy a so-called antibody test, as simple as a pregnancy test, that could tell whether you have had the disease.
"It's early days, but if it works as its proponents claim, then we will buy literally hundreds of thousands of these kits as soon as practicable because obviously it has the potential to be a total gamechanger.
"Because once you know that you have had it, you know that you are likely to be less vulnerable, you're less likely to pass it on, and you can go back to work."
Mr Johnson said the UK was aiming to ramp up testing for coronavirus to 250,000 people a day.
He called on Britons to be "reasonable" in their grocery shopping, amid stockpiling that has left supermarket aisles empty of certain products, adding: "Be considerate and thoughtful for others as you do it."
He also urged companies to "think very carefully" before laying off staff, as firms come under intense pressure due to the accompanying economic crisis.
"You're going to hear more tomorrow about what we're going to do to support employees," Mr Johnson promised.
The prime minister is conducting daily televised news conferences, but said future events could be conducted "remotely" rather than have journalists invited into 10 Downing Street.
Despite the stringent measures the government is asking people to follow on distancing themselves from others, England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said there would be a "lag" before those efforts would result in a slowing of the number of cases.
It comes as the number of people who have died after contracting coronavirus in the UK has risen to 144.
As of 1pm on Thursday, there were 3,269 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-19--'Zero prospect' of restrictions on travel in and out of London

There is `` zero prospect '' of restrictions on travel in and out of London over the coronavirus pandemic , Downing Street has said .
The government has moved to dampen down speculation that a full-scale lockdown of the capital could be enforced in order to combat COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's official spokesman said : `` There are no plans to close down the transport network in London and there is zero prospect of any restrictions being placed on travelling in and out of London . ''
Reports that people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and out of their house are also not true , he added .
Police will continue to have responsibility for maintaining law and order and there are no plans to draft in the military for this purpose , the spokesman also said .
Appearing at the government 's daily coronavirus press conference on Wednesday , Mr Johnson was asked by Sky 's political editor Beth Rigby whether further enforcement measures could be taken in the capital .
The PM said he would `` not hesitate to bring forward further and faster measures where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions could have been imminent .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
But his official spokesman was at pains to play down such talk at the daily briefing with Westminster journalists .
`` The prime minister and his advisers have set out the need for social distancing measures to limit the spread of the virus to protect lives , '' he said .
`` What we are focused on is ensuring that as many people as possible take that advice and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position where they could be spreading coronavirus . ''
Asked if pubs and some shops could be ordered to shut , the spokesman replied : `` We do want people to follow the advice which we have given in relation to limiting unnecessary social contact . ''
Senior government officials have insisted that the draconian measures seen in France and Italy would not be seen in the UK .
`` There is not going to be any point where there are border guards stood around London saying 'you ca n't come in or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` That 's not the sort of country we are . ''
Dozen of Tube stations closed in the capital on Thursday , with a reduced service running from Friday .
Mayor Sadiq Khan has told Londoners that they should only travel unless they `` really , really have to '' , but he insisted the network must remain open to aid front-line health workers .
He has acknowledged that the situation in London meant further action will be necessary .
`` We are clearly still in the early phase of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is at a more advanced stage in London than in other parts of the country , '' Mr Khan said .
`` This means that further measures will need to be introduced at the point at which they will have the biggest effect . ''
The PM has said London is ahead of other parts of the UK in terms of how much it has been affected by COVID-19 .
Londoners have already been told to take social distancing measures `` particularly seriously '' , including working from home where possible , avoiding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unnecessary social contact .
The London mayor and the PM were due to hold talks with senior officials on Thursday , amid concerns the NHS in London could be put under intense pressure unless COVID-19 is brought under control .
Downing Street were emphatic this morning about what would not be happening in the near future .
No shutdown of the London transport network , no measures to force healthy people to stay in their homes , no ban on people in and out of London .
Rumours of such measures spread like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but also in some parts of the media .
Today Downing Street has been doing a mopping up exercise that perhaps could have been done earlier .
The rumours were rife even before Boris Johnson stood before the podium for yesterday 's press conference .
Sky 's political Editor Beth Rigby asked about further lockdown measures during that press conference .
Mr Johnson did n't shut anything down at that time , saying simply the government would n't hesitate to do whatever necessary .
The rumour mill went further into overdrive , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed to act now before the alleged but untrue rumours of a crackdown became real .
Could the PM have done more earlier ?
Probably , but there appears to have been a real debate going on in Number 10 over how far to go .
Things are likely to have changed overnight , particularly on sight of the newspapers .
The volume of work for Whitehall is enormous .
They are trying to come up with plans for reworking the economy , social distancing , key workers , shielding the vulnerable and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these are extraordinary times , and there is no sign everyone is n't trying their hardest to do their level best .

There is "zero prospect" of restrictions on travel in and out of London over the coronavirus pandemic, Downing Street has said.
The government has moved to dampen down speculation that a full-scale lockdown of the capital could be enforced in order to combat COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's official spokesman said: "There are no plans to close down the transport network in London and there is zero prospect of any restrictions being placed on travelling in and out of London."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 PM: UK schools to close from Friday
Reports that people could be limited to one person in and out of their house are also not true, he added.
Police will continue to have responsibility for maintaining law and order and there are no plans to draft in the military for this purpose, the spokesman also said.
Appearing at the government's daily coronavirus press conference on Wednesday, Mr Johnson was asked by Sky's political editor Beth Rigby whether further enforcement measures could be taken in the capital.
The PM said he would "not hesitate to bring forward further and faster measures where necessary", sparking speculation more stringent restrictions could have been imminent.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
But his official spokesman was at pains to play down such talk at the daily briefing with Westminster journalists.
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"The prime minister and his advisers have set out the need for social distancing measures to limit the spread of the virus to protect lives," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:23 London landmarks deserted amid outbreak
"What we are focused on is ensuring that as many people as possible take that advice and don't unnecessarily put themselves in the position where they could be spreading coronavirus."
Asked if pubs and some shops could be ordered to shut, the spokesman replied: "We do want people to follow the advice which we have given in relation to limiting unnecessary social contact."
Senior government officials have insisted that the draconian measures seen in France and Italy would not be seen in the UK.
"There is not going to be any point where there are border guards stood around London saying 'you can't come in or out'," a source said.
"That's not the sort of country we are."
Dozen of Tube stations closed in the capital on Thursday, with a reduced service running from Friday.
Mayor Sadiq Khan has told Londoners that they should only travel unless they "really, really have to", but he insisted the network must remain open to aid front-line health workers.
He has acknowledged that the situation in London meant further action will be necessary.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:30 Still at the pub: Is social distancing really working?
"We are clearly still in the early phase of this crisis but the spread of the virus is at a more advanced stage in London than in other parts of the country," Mr Khan said.
"This means that further measures will need to be introduced at the point at which they will have the biggest effect."
The PM has said London is ahead of other parts of the UK in terms of how much it has been affected by COVID-19.
Londoners have already been told to take social distancing measures "particularly seriously", including working from home where possible, avoiding confined spaces, and not having any unnecessary social contact.
The London mayor and the PM were due to hold talks with senior officials on Thursday, amid concerns the NHS in London could be put under intense pressure unless COVID-19 is brought under control.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Analysis - Number 10 moves to shut down rumour mill
by Sam Coates, deputy political editor
Downing Street were emphatic this morning about what would not be happening in the near future.
No shutdown of the London transport network, no measures to force healthy people to stay in their homes, no ban on people in and out of London.
Rumours of such measures spread like wildfire yesterday, both informally across WhatsApp but also in some parts of the media.
Today Downing Street has been doing a mopping up exercise that perhaps could have been done earlier.
Image: An empty Covent Garden on Thursday morning
The rumours were rife even before Boris Johnson stood before the podium for yesterday's press conference.
Sky's political Editor Beth Rigby asked about further lockdown measures during that press conference.
Mr Johnson didn't shut anything down at that time, saying simply the government wouldn't hesitate to do whatever necessary.
The rumour mill went further into overdrive, and some people started to wonder if they needed to act now before the alleged but untrue rumours of a crackdown became real.
Image: A woman walks past Selfridges on London's Oxford Street
Could the PM have done more earlier? Probably, but there appears to have been a real debate going on in Number 10 over how far to go.
Things are likely to have changed overnight, particularly on sight of the newspapers.
The volume of work for Whitehall is enormous. They are trying to come up with plans for reworking the economy, social distancing, key workers, shielding the vulnerable and school exams.
Perhaps not perfect but these are extraordinary times, and there is no sign everyone isn't trying their hardest to do their level best.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-19--Competition laws relaxed to help supermarkets 'feed the nation'

Supermarkets will be allowed to work together to keep shelves stocked , shops open and delivery vans running as the UK battles coronavirus .
The government will relax competition laws next week to allow stores to cooperate to keep Britons fed as they are being asked to isolate from each other .
In a meeting with supermarket bosses and food industry chiefs on Thursday , Environment Secretary George Eustice confirmed some elements of legislation would be temporarily waived .
The government said the action would allow retailers to share data with each other on stock levels , cooperate to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and delivery vans .
Ministers have also relaxed rules around drivers ' hours , so retailers can deliver more food to stores , and will suspend the 5p plastic bag charge for online purchases to speed up deliveries .
On Thursday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson used a Downing Street news conference to urge Britons to be `` reasonable '' in their grocery shopping .
He intervened after massively increased demand , amid stockpiling by some , left supermarket aisles empty .
`` As I said before , we 've got good supply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no reason for the shops really to be empty , '' Mr Johnson said .
`` Please be reasonable , please be reasonable in your shopping , be considerate and thoughtful for others as you do it '' .
Many supermarkets have already reacted to the huge demand caused by the coronavirus crisis to introduce limits on the purchase of some goods , as well as preserving certain store opening times for elderly and vulnerable customers .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr Eustice said the government would `` do whatever it takes to help them feed the nation '' .
`` By relaxing elements of competition laws temporarily , our retailers can work together on their contingency plans and share the resources they need with each other during these unprecedented circumstances , '' he added .
`` We welcome the measures supermarkets are already taking to keep shelves stocked and supply chains resilient , and will continue to support them with their response to coronavirus . ''
From Friday , supermarket delivery drivers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased from 10 hours to 11 hours .

Supermarkets will be allowed to work together to keep shelves stocked, shops open and delivery vans running as the UK battles coronavirus.
The government will relax competition laws next week to allow stores to cooperate to keep Britons fed as they are being asked to isolate from each other.
In a meeting with supermarket bosses and food industry chiefs on Thursday, Environment Secretary George Eustice confirmed some elements of legislation would be temporarily waived.
The government said the action would allow retailers to share data with each other on stock levels, cooperate to keep shops open, or share distribution depots and delivery vans.
Ministers have also relaxed rules around drivers' hours, so retailers can deliver more food to stores, and will suspend the 5p plastic bag charge for online purchases to speed up deliveries.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
On Thursday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson used a Downing Street news conference to urge Britons to be "reasonable" in their grocery shopping.
He intervened after massively increased demand, amid stockpiling by some, left supermarket aisles empty.
"As I said before, we've got good supply chains farm to fork - there's no reason for the shops really to be empty," Mr Johnson said.
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"Please be reasonable, please be reasonable in your shopping, be considerate and thoughtful for others as you do it".
Many supermarkets have already reacted to the huge demand caused by the coronavirus crisis to introduce limits on the purchase of some goods, as well as preserving certain store opening times for elderly and vulnerable customers.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Following his meeting with supermarket bosses, Mr Eustice said the government would "do whatever it takes to help them feed the nation".
"By relaxing elements of competition laws temporarily, our retailers can work together on their contingency plans and share the resources they need with each other during these unprecedented circumstances," he added.
"We welcome the measures supermarkets are already taking to keep shelves stocked and supply chains resilient, and will continue to support them with their response to coronavirus."
From Friday, supermarket delivery drivers will see their daily driving time limit increased from 10 hours to 11 hours.