skynewspolitics--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Sunak to overhaul SME loan scheme

The chancellor is preparing to unveil an overhaul of his emergency aid scheme for small businesses ( SMEs ) amid warnings about a deluge of insolvencies as companies struggle to access funds from a banking system creaking under the COVID-19 crisis .
Sky News has learnt that Rishi Sunak will announce in the coming days that a key feature of the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme - the requirement for banks to first assess whether SMEs are eligible for their other lending options - will be removed .
Mr Sunak and his officials at the Treasury are understood to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which include high street giants such as Barclays , HSBC , Lloyds Banking Group and Royal Bank of Scotland , on Wednesday .
An announcement is possible as soon as Friday , according to one insider .
The move will aim to speed up decision-making processes within the high street banks and channel loans more quickly , currently worth up to £5m , to an army of SMEs .
The Treasury has been sparked into action by myriad reports in the ten days since CBILS launched that business-owners are being denied loans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standard SME loan products .
Under the revamped programme , any viable business with a turnover of up to £45m will be able to access the scheme , which is interest-free and fee-free for the first 12 months .
Sources pointed out that users of the programme would still be required to demonstrate that their company was viable going into the crisis , and that they have the ability to repay the loan at the end of the term .
Banks are also understood to have agreed to waive any outstanding demands for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - an issue that has been a source of growing controversy in recent days , despite the fact that it was stipulated in CBILS ' terms .
Any personal guarantees taken on loans above £250,000 will be used to cover the 20 % of the loan that the government is not underwriting , according to one official .
Other aspects of CBILS ' structure , including the government guarantee that covers 80 % of the lenders ' exposure , are likely to remain unchanged .
Sources said the Treasury also wanted to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate ' - a reference to the interest rate to which loans would revert after the initial 12-month period .
Banks and social media have been deluged with complaints from SMEs about the difficulty of getting through to their lenders to discuss CBILS , and the .
Banking sources have been at pains to point out that with most bank branch networks closed and absenteeism at unprecedented levels because of the coronavirus outbreak , the industry has been working relentlessly to get the emergency loan scheme off the ground .
: : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Further details of the revamp being planned by Mr Sunak , including how many businesses would now be considered eligible for the scheme , were unclear on Wednesday night .
It was also unclear whether the expansion of CBILS would raise EU state aid issues , although one official said they were probably manageable .
One source warned that the scheme 's administration by the British Business Bank still risked being too ponderous at a time when hundreds of thousands of SMEs have been confronted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the BBC on Wednesday warned that one-fifth of UK SMEs could run out of cash within a month .
The Treasury is also under pressure to devise a funding solution for thousands of companies which are not eligible for CBILS because they have a turnover above £45m and do not possess an investment-grade credit rating .
The largest of Mr Sunak 's rescue schemes is the £330bn Covid Corporate Finance Facility , which has been set up to buy commercial paper from major companies and funnel loans back to them .
The Treasury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major UK banks , all declined to comment .

The chancellor is preparing to unveil an overhaul of his emergency aid scheme for small businesses (SMEs) amid warnings about a deluge of insolvencies as companies struggle to access funds from a banking system creaking under the COVID-19 crisis.
Sky News has learnt that Rishi Sunak will announce in the coming days that a key feature of the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme - the requirement for banks to first assess whether SMEs are eligible for their other lending options - will be removed.
Mr Sunak and his officials at the Treasury are understood to have been in talks with the participating lenders, which include high street giants such as Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group and Royal Bank of Scotland, on Wednesday.
Image: A coronavirus testing site
An announcement is possible as soon as Friday, according to one insider.
The move will aim to speed up decision-making processes within the high street banks and channel loans more quickly, currently worth up to £5m, to an army of SMEs.
The Treasury has been sparked into action by myriad reports in the ten days since CBILS launched that business-owners are being denied loans through it or forced to use other standard SME loan products.
Under the revamped programme, any viable business with a turnover of up to £45m will be able to access the scheme, which is interest-free and fee-free for the first 12 months.
Sources pointed out that users of the programme would still be required to demonstrate that their company was viable going into the crisis, and that they have the ability to repay the loan at the end of the term.
Banks are also understood to have agreed to waive any outstanding demands for personal guarantees on loans up to £250,000 - an issue that has been a source of growing controversy in recent days, despite the fact that it was stipulated in CBILS' terms.
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Any personal guarantees taken on loans above £250,000 will be used to cover the 20% of the loan that the government is not underwriting, according to one official.
Other aspects of CBILS' structure, including the government guarantee that covers 80% of the lenders' exposure, are likely to remain unchanged.
Sources said the Treasury also wanted to see banks publicly agree to a modest 'reversion rate' - a reference to the interest rate to which loans would revert after the initial 12-month period.
Banks and social media have been deluged with complaints from SMEs about the difficulty of getting through to their lenders to discuss CBILS, and the .
Banking sources have been at pains to point out that with most bank branch networks closed and absenteeism at unprecedented levels because of the coronavirus outbreak, the industry has been working relentlessly to get the emergency loan scheme off the ground.
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Further details of the revamp being planned by Mr Sunak, including how many businesses would now be considered eligible for the scheme, were unclear on Wednesday night.
It was also unclear whether the expansion of CBILS would raise EU state aid issues, although one official said they were probably manageable.
One source warned that the scheme's administration by the British Business Bank still risked being too ponderous at a time when hundreds of thousands of SMEs have been confronted by a funding crisis.
Research cited by the BBC on Wednesday warned that one-fifth of UK SMEs could run out of cash within a month.
The Treasury is also under pressure to devise a funding solution for thousands of companies which are not eligible for CBILS because they have a turnover above £45m and do not possess an investment-grade credit rating.
The largest of Mr Sunak's rescue schemes is the £330bn Covid Corporate Finance Facility, which has been set up to buy commercial paper from major companies and funnel loans back to them.
The Treasury and UK Finance, which represents the major UK banks, all declined to comment.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-01--Speaker makes unprecedented call for virtual parliament

A virtual parliament should be set up if the coronavirus crisis lasts much longer , the government has been urged .
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle made the unprecedented intervention to urge that MPs be able to quiz ministers on the country 's response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Parliament is currently in recess , having broken up a week early over fears about the virus spreading in Westminster and infecting politicians including a health minister .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his health secretary have now both contracted COVID-19 , raising questions about whether MPs will be allowed back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21 April .
Sir Lindsay said MPs should still be able to raise constituents ' concerns about coronavirus - which could include being stranded abroad or struggling to access government support schemes - during the remaining three-week break .
He called on Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg to devise some kind of `` forum '' for ministers to answer urgent queries .
If parliament sits again in a few weeks and the UK is still in lockdown , Sir Lindsay said MPs `` should be able to participate in key parliamentary proceedings virtually '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson at Prime Minister 's Questions .
Some committees have been taking evidence sessions using videolink and Sir Lindsay said : `` I have asked officials to investigate how they would apply similar technology to the types of business listed above . ''
Mr Rees-Mogg , known for his knowledge of parliament 's centuries-old rules and procedures , signaled he was open to discussing the ideas .
`` Parliament 's role of scrutinising government , authorising spending and making laws must be fulfilled and in these unprecedented times that means considering every technological @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We are exploring options with the parliamentary authorities in readiness for parliament 's return . ''
She tweeted : `` In a time of national crisis , MPs have more questions than we have answers and limited ways to raise these with Ministers when Parliament is in recess to advocate for our constituents as effectively as they deserve . ''

A virtual parliament should be set up if the coronavirus crisis lasts much longer, the government has been urged.
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle made the unprecedented intervention to urge that MPs be able to quiz ministers on the country's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parliament is currently in recess, having broken up a week early over fears about the virus spreading in Westminster and infecting politicians including a health minister.
Image: The regular PMQs joust with Boris Johnson could go online
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his health secretary have now both contracted COVID-19, raising questions about whether MPs will be allowed back when their Easter break officially ends on 21 April.
Sir Lindsay said MPs should still be able to raise constituents' concerns about coronavirus - which could include being stranded abroad or struggling to access government support schemes - during the remaining three-week break.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:29 'It's time to ramp up the tests'
He called on Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg to devise some kind of "forum" for ministers to answer urgent queries.
If parliament sits again in a few weeks and the UK is still in lockdown, Sir Lindsay said MPs "should be able to participate in key parliamentary proceedings virtually" - including the weekly grilling of Mr Johnson at Prime Minister's Questions.
Image: Sir Lindsay said MPs called for MPs to ask questions virtually
Some committees have been taking evidence sessions using videolink and Sir Lindsay said: "I have asked officials to investigate how they would apply similar technology to the types of business listed above."
Mr Rees-Mogg, known for his knowledge of parliament's centuries-old rules and procedures, signaled he was open to discussing the ideas.
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"Parliament's role of scrutinising government, authorising spending and making laws must be fulfilled and in these unprecedented times that means considering every technological solution available," he said.
"We are exploring options with the parliamentary authorities in readiness for parliament's return."
Labour MP Charlotte Nichols welcomed Sir Lindsay's suggestions.
She tweeted: "In a time of national crisis, MPs have more questions than we have answers and limited ways to raise these with Ministers when Parliament is in recess to advocate for our constituents as effectively as they deserve."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-01--'Concerning' rise in car journeys as people urged to stay at home

A `` concerning '' rise in car journeys has sparked fresh warnings for people to stay at home during the coronavirus lockdown .
Dr Yvonne Doyle , medical director of Public Health England , revealed motor vehicle usage in Britain has jumped to around a third of usual levels .
Despite a gradual drop off to 27 % on Sunday , the number leaped by 10 % to 37 % the following day .
Bus and underground journeys in London also rose , but National Rail train usage dipped slightly compared to the latest figures .
Speaking at the daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that while `` most people '' are following the rules to stay at home `` everyone needs to do that '' because `` we need to save lives and protect the NHS '' during the COVID-19 outbreak .
She also revealed a `` slightly concerning '' rise of new UK cases on Wednesday by 390 to 3,009 .
`` It 's still too early to say whether the plateau of hospital admissions has ended but we 've now seen three days of increases in a row , '' she explained .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best way to do that is to stay at home , to avoid catching the disease yourself and obviously avoid giving it to anyone else . ''
She added that although most of the people being admitted to hospital for coronavirus are in London , the Midlands is becoming `` a concern as well '' , warning : `` The threat is everywhere ... there is no reason to be complacent . ''
Globally , the UK has started pushing up towards the deaths trajectory experienced in Italy .
The latest figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus - bringing the total number of deaths to 2,352. Business Secretary Alok Sharma warned a `` dangerous '' second peak of cases could develop if social distancing measures imposed by the government are lifted too soon .
`` People will understand across the country why we have put these restrictions in place and the prime minister was very clear they were for an initial three-week period and we would review them , '' he said .
`` But what 's also really important is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there is a possibility that that massive effort people have made across the country is wasted and we could potentially see a dangerous second peak .
`` We absolutely want to avoid that . ''
He also slammed banks over reports they were refusing to lend money to companies in difficulty because of the global pandemic .
Anxious business-owners have complained they are n't getting money through the government 's Business Interruption Loan Scheme .
`` It would be completely unacceptable if any banks were unfairly refusing funds to good businesses in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' Just as the taxpayer stepped in to help the banks back in 2008 , we will work with the banks to do everything they can to repay that favour and support the businesses and people of the UK in their time of need . ''
He admitted it is a `` brand new scheme , and , as with all new schemes , it will not be perfect from the outset '' .

A "concerning" rise in car journeys has sparked fresh warnings for people to stay at home during the coronavirus lockdown.
Dr Yvonne Doyle, medical director of Public Health England, revealed motor vehicle usage in Britain has jumped to around a third of usual levels.
Despite a gradual drop off to 27% on Sunday, the number leaped by 10% to 37% the following day.
Image: The roads were much quieter at the weekend
Bus and underground journeys in London also rose, but National Rail train usage dipped slightly compared to the latest figures.
Speaking at the daily Downing Street briefing, Dr Doyle said that while "most people" are following the rules to stay at home "everyone needs to do that" because "we need to save lives and protect the NHS" during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:03 Explainer: How to self-isolate
She also revealed a "slightly concerning" rise of new UK cases on Wednesday by 390 to 3,009.
"It's still too early to say whether the plateau of hospital admissions has ended but we've now seen three days of increases in a row," she explained.
Image: So far 2,352 people with coronavirus have died in the UK
"We need to protect the NHS, and the best way to do that is to stay at home, to avoid catching the disease yourself and obviously avoid giving it to anyone else."
She added that although most of the people being admitted to hospital for coronavirus are in London, the Midlands is becoming "a concern as well", warning: "The threat is everywhere... there is no reason to be complacent."
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Globally, the UK has started pushing up towards the deaths trajectory experienced in Italy.
The latest figures announced on Wednesday said another 563 people died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus - bringing the total number of deaths to 2,352.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma warned a "dangerous" second peak of cases could develop if social distancing measures imposed by the government are lifted too soon.
"People will understand across the country why we have put these restrictions in place and the prime minister was very clear they were for an initial three-week period and we would review them," he said.
"But what's also really important is that if we stop these too quickly, there is a possibility that that massive effort people have made across the country is wasted and we could potentially see a dangerous second peak.
"We absolutely want to avoid that."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:08 'Banks will repay favour to taxpayers'
He also slammed banks over reports they were refusing to lend money to companies in difficulty because of the global pandemic.
Anxious business-owners have complained they aren't getting money through the government's Business Interruption Loan Scheme.
"It would be completely unacceptable if any banks were unfairly refusing funds to good businesses in financial difficulty," Mr Sharma said.
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"Just as the taxpayer stepped in to help the banks back in 2008, we will work with the banks to do everything they can to repay that favour and support the businesses and people of the UK in their time of need."
He admitted it is a "brand new scheme, and, as with all new schemes, it will not be perfect from the outset".


skynewspolitics--2020-04-01--MoD calls up 3,000 reservists for coronavirus response

Britain is calling up 3,000 reservists for a six-month mobilisation to help in the fight against coronavirus and is putting their civilian employers on notice .
Only part-time soldiers , sailors , airmen and Royal Marines with specialist skills , such as in engineering , logistics and accountancy , will be activated .
Those in the NHS and other frontline services already involved in the government 's response to the COVID-19 pandemic will not be asked to switch into a military uniform .
The reservists will be part of what is being called the COVID Support Force on top of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 23,000 the potential pool of military personnel available for the government 's coronavirus response .
James Heappey , the armed forces minister , said : `` Our reservists are a truly remarkable group of people , each with their own skills and experience from their civilian careers beyond the armed forces .
`` At times like there , to be able to draw on that pool of talent and expertise is invaluable .
`` I know that our reservists will answer the nation 's call with a real enthusiasm and will play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 . ''
The most senior member of the reserve forces has written to employers with reservists on their payroll , alerting them to the mobilisation and asking them to identify individuals they are willing to release for military service .
`` We are confident , at this time of national emergency , that employers will do everything they can to support us in combating this dreadful virus , '' wrote Major General Simon Brooks-Ward , Assistant Chief of Defence Staff ( Reserves and Cadets ) .
`` The sooner we can do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can focus on recovering our businesses to something verging on normality .
`` The reservists - your employees - who are mobilised for the COVID-19 Support Force will be working for the benefit of everyone in the country , including their local communities and civilian employers . ''
The support force is designed to assist the government and local authorities as they tackle the impact of coronavirus , from expanding hospital capacity to driving oxygen tankers .
The reservists are initially being mobilised for six months but the Ministry of Defence ( MoD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review .
The reservists will be used in a range of areas , such as providing additional medical and logistical support - vital in the construction of makeshift hospitals around the country .
They will also act as liaison officers with the civilian authorities and be used for their specialist skills such as engineering and accounting .
The MoD last month put its entire reserves force on notice for possible service after unveiling its plans for the COVID-19 support force , which will be a mixture of regular military personnel and reserves .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ process of releasing reservists from their civilian commitments - most will have full-time jobs - and switching them into military mode .
The move will likely be made easier than normal because so much of the UK work force is at home because of restrictions in place to stem the spread of coronavirus .
However , employers must still work with the Ministry of Defence to release their staff .
If sufficient numbers can not be reached voluntarily then the government may have to resort to compulsory mobilisation .
All employers who lose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inconvenience .

Britain is calling up 3,000 reservists for a six-month mobilisation to help in the fight against coronavirus and is putting their civilian employers on notice.
Only part-time soldiers, sailors, airmen and Royal Marines with specialist skills, such as in engineering, logistics and accountancy, will be activated.
Those in the NHS and other frontline services already involved in the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic will not be asked to switch into a military uniform.
Image: 3,000 reservists are being called up by the MoD
The reservists will be part of what is being called the COVID Support Force on top of 20,000 regular service personnel. It lifts to 23,000 the potential pool of military personnel available for the government's coronavirus response.
James Heappey, the armed forces minister, said: "Our reservists are a truly remarkable group of people, each with their own skills and experience from their civilian careers beyond the armed forces.
"At times like there, to be able to draw on that pool of talent and expertise is invaluable.
Image: The government is telling people to stay home to save lives
"I know that our reservists will answer the nation's call with a real enthusiasm and will play a key part in our response to COVID-19."
The most senior member of the reserve forces has written to employers with reservists on their payroll, alerting them to the mobilisation and asking them to identify individuals they are willing to release for military service.
Image: Members of the military have already been drafted in to deliver supplies
"We are confident, at this time of national emergency, that employers will do everything they can to support us in combating this dreadful virus," wrote Major General Simon Brooks-Ward, Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Reserves and Cadets).
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"The sooner we can do this, the sooner you and I can focus on recovering our businesses to something verging on normality.
"The reservists - your employees - who are mobilised for the COVID-19 Support Force will be working for the benefit of everyone in the country, including their local communities and civilian employers."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
The support force is designed to assist the government and local authorities as they tackle the impact of coronavirus, from expanding hospital capacity to driving oxygen tankers.
The reservists are initially being mobilised for six months but the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said this would be kept under review.
The reservists will be used in a range of areas, such as providing additional medical and logistical support - vital in the construction of makeshift hospitals around the country.
They will also act as liaison officers with the civilian authorities and be used for their specialist skills such as engineering and accounting.
The MoD last month put its entire reserves force on notice for possible service after unveiling its plans for the COVID-19 support force, which will be a mixture of regular military personnel and reserves.
This is the next step in the process of releasing reservists from their civilian commitments - most will have full-time jobs - and switching them into military mode.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:03 Explainer: How to self-isolate
The move will likely be made easier than normal because so much of the UK work force is at home because of restrictions in place to stem the spread of coronavirus.
However, employers must still work with the Ministry of Defence to release their staff.
If sufficient numbers cannot be reached voluntarily then the government may have to resort to compulsory mobilisation.
All employers who lose staff will be financially compensated for the inconvenience.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-01--UN climate change summit in Glasgow postponed for a year

The UN summit on tackling climate change meant to be held in Britain this winter has been postponed because of coronavirus .
The gathering of world leaders - known as COP26 - was due to be the biggest the UK has ever hosted , taking place over four days in November in Glasgow .
Around 30,000 delegates including politicians , climate experts and campaigners had planned to attend to agree new co-ordinated plans to tackle climate change .
The conference has been pushed back to 2021 following a decision by the UN 's convention on climate change and the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Plans for it had been put on the backburner for some weeks , as governments around the world diverted resources to fighting the coronavirus pandemic .
Preparatory meetings due to be held by officials from across the world were cancelled , in Columbia and Germany , due to international travel shutting down .
A minister involved in the preparations told Sky News : `` Even if the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted by November , it 's an international negotiation , and if none of the preparatory meetings can go ahead you are negotiating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business department are understood to have been diverted to other tasks , as speculation mounted that the summit would have to be cancelled .
Sky News understands that the budget for the event , for which the UK holds the rotating presidency , is £350 million - of which around half had been committed to venues .
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres earlier this year called 2020 `` a pivotal year for how we address climate change '' .
Business Secretary Alok Sharma was put in charge of organising the conference in February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battling COVID-19 are `` rightly focusing their efforts on saving lives '' so `` that is why we have decided to reschedule COP26 '' .
`` We will continue working tirelessly with our partners to deliver the ambition needed to tackle the climate , '' he added .
Patricia Espinosa , the UN 's climate change executive secretary , said COVID-19 is `` the most urgent threat facing humanity today , but we can not forget that climate change is the biggest threat facing humanity over the long-term '' .
She added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is a chance for nations to recover better , to include the most vulnerable in those plans , and a chance to shape the 21st century economy in ways that are clean , green , healthy , just , safe and more resilient . ''
Greenpeace said the delay `` was inevitable given the health emergency the world is currently facing '' .
But it added in a statement that `` while the summit has been delayed , the climate emergency ca n't be put on hold '' .
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what is possible starts to dramatically shift , '' the environmental group said .
`` The health of the planet and individual health need to be looked at as a whole .
`` The pandemic has clearly shown that we are all affected and that we can only solve these challenges if we act together as a global community .
Neither the pandemic nor the climate crisis stops at national borders . ''

The UN summit on tackling climate change meant to be held in Britain this winter has been postponed because of coronavirus.
The gathering of world leaders - known as COP26 - was due to be the biggest the UK has ever hosted, taking place over four days in November in Glasgow.
Around 30,000 delegates including politicians, climate experts and campaigners had planned to attend to agree new co-ordinated plans to tackle climate change.
Image: The new event will take place on an unspecified date next year
The conference has been pushed back to 2021 following a decision by the UN's convention on climate change and the UK, but no specific date named.
Plans for it had been put on the backburner for some weeks, as governments around the world diverted resources to fighting the coronavirus pandemic.
Preparatory meetings due to be held by officials from across the world were cancelled, in Columbia and Germany, due to international travel shutting down.
A minister involved in the preparations told Sky News: "Even if the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted by November, it's an international negotiation, and if none of the preparatory meetings can go ahead you are negotiating blind."
Image: Business Secretary Alok Sharma was put in charge of organising it
UK officials from the business department are understood to have been diverted to other tasks, as speculation mounted that the summit would have to be cancelled.
Sky News understands that the budget for the event, for which the UK holds the rotating presidency, is £350 million - of which around half had been committed to venues.
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The UN Secretary-General António Guterres earlier this year called 2020 "a pivotal year for how we address climate change".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:40 Birmingham announces plans to go car-free
Business Secretary Alok Sharma was put in charge of organising the conference in February's cabinet reshuffle.
He said countries battling COVID-19 are "rightly focusing their efforts on saving lives" so "that is why we have decided to reschedule COP26".
"We will continue working tirelessly with our partners to deliver the ambition needed to tackle the climate," he added.
Patricia Espinosa, the UN's climate change executive secretary, said COVID-19 is "the most urgent threat facing humanity today, but we cannot forget that climate change is the biggest threat facing humanity over the long-term".
She added: "Soon, economies will restart. This is a chance for nations to recover better, to include the most vulnerable in those plans, and a chance to shape the 21st century economy in ways that are clean, green, healthy, just, safe and more resilient."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:50 Scotland could miss its own climate targets
Greenpeace said the delay "was inevitable given the health emergency the world is currently facing".
But it added in a statement that "while the summit has been delayed, the climate emergency can't be put on hold".
"It's during moments of crisis like this that what is possible starts to dramatically shift," the environmental group said.
"The health of the planet and individual health need to be looked at as a whole.
"The pandemic has clearly shown that we are all affected and that we can only solve these challenges if we act together as a global community. Neither the pandemic nor the climate crisis stops at national borders."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-01--Government insists 'significant progress' amid questions over coronavirus tests

A cabinet minister has insisted the UK is making `` significant progress '' in boosting coronavirus testing despite hundreds of thousands of NHS staff still not being screened .
Questions have been raised about the country 's current level of testing , following comparisons with nations such as Germany , which is estimated to now be conducting as many as 500,000 tests per week .
Robert Jenrick , the housing , communities and local government secretary , said the UK is now able to test 12,750 people for COVID-19 every day .
He said 8,240 people were tested for coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS staff tested over the weekend .
Mr Jenrick added the UK will , `` within days '' , be able to conduct 15,000 tests per day , and then reach 25,000 tests per day - or 175,000 per week - by `` mid-April '' .
Speaking to Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show , the cabinet minister said the UK had initially been focusing its testing capacity on those in critical care .
`` That was the best way to save people 's lives so hospital staff could understand what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were in critical care , and know how to treat them appropriately , '' he said .
`` Because we now have more capacity - clearly not as much as we would like , but we have more capacity - we 're now able to begin to test NHS staff . ''
The government has previously highlighted a shortage of substances known as reagents for hindering the UK 's ability to increase its testing capacity .
However , the Chemical Industries Association has suggested supply of reagents could be boosted when it receives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK .
It said in a statement : `` While there is of course an escalating demand , there are reagents being manufactured and delivered to the NHS .
`` Every business here in the UK and globally is looking at what they can do to help meet the demand as a matter of urgency .
`` To clarify the exact NHS need and meet it , all relevant UK industries are continuing to work closely with government . ''
But Mr Jenrick said `` not all '' the ingredients needed to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK .
`` We need to bring together the right group of chemicals and other materials to produce the tests , '' he added .
`` We are trying to do that , the industry is doing a fantastic job but this is a huge effort .
`` They 're ramping up supply , we 're importing materials from overseas .
`` But , I think as we can all understand , there 's extremely high demand internationally .
`` All other developed countries want to be procuring these tests at this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ providing an exit strategy from the virus . ''
Mr Jenrick said the UK would `` obviously learn lessons '' later on about which countries pursued the right strategies to deal with COVID-19 .
But he stressed the government was focused on getting `` as many of the tests brought forward as we possibly can '' .
`` Although I appreciate it 's from a base that is lower than any of us would wish , we are now making significant progress , '' he added .
He also said , by next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more '' ventilators available to the NHS , including for new make-shift facilities such as the Nightingale Hospital at London 's ExCel Centre .
This follows a call for British manufacturers to switch their factories to producing ventilators to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic .
Mr Jenrick added the UK currently has more than 12,000 ventilators but a `` significant increase '' is still needed .
He was later said to have misspoken .
More than 8,000 ventilators are currently available to NHS patients and another 8,000 are expected in the coming weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It follows concerns expressed by one of US President Donald Trump 's team about the UK 's supply of ventilators , which have proved crucial in treating severe cases .

A cabinet minister has insisted the UK is making "significant progress" in boosting coronavirus testing despite hundreds of thousands of NHS staff still not being screened.
Questions have been raised about the country's current level of testing, following comparisons with nations such as Germany, which is estimated to now be conducting as many as 500,000 tests per week.
Robert Jenrick, the housing, communities and local government secretary, said the UK is now able to test 12,750 people for COVID-19 every day.
He said 8,240 people were tested for coronavirus on Monday, with more than 900 NHS staff tested over the weekend.
Mr Jenrick added the UK will, "within days", be able to conduct 15,000 tests per day, and then reach 25,000 tests per day - or 175,000 per week - by "mid-April".
Image: Robert Jenrick said 'not all' the ingredients needed for a coronavirus test were available in the UK
Speaking to Sky News' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show, the cabinet minister said the UK had initially been focusing its testing capacity on those in critical care.
"That was the best way to save people's lives so hospital staff could understand what the condition was of those people who were in critical care, and know how to treat them appropriately," he said.
"Because we now have more capacity - clearly not as much as we would like, but we have more capacity - we're now able to begin to test NHS staff."
The government has previously highlighted a shortage of substances known as reagents for hindering the UK's ability to increase its testing capacity.
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However, the Chemical Industries Association has suggested supply of reagents could be boosted when it receives clarity on the level needed in the UK.
It said in a statement: "While there is of course an escalating demand, there are reagents being manufactured and delivered to the NHS.
"Every business here in the UK and globally is looking at what they can do to help meet the demand as a matter of urgency.
"To clarify the exact NHS need and meet it, all relevant UK industries are continuing to work closely with government."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 Trump: UK first plan 'catastrophic' for deaths
But Mr Jenrick said "not all" the ingredients needed to make an efficient coronavirus test are available in the UK.
"We need to bring together the right group of chemicals and other materials to produce the tests," he added.
"We are trying to do that, the industry is doing a fantastic job but this is a huge effort.
"They're ramping up supply, we're importing materials from overseas.
"But, I think as we can all understand, there's extremely high demand internationally.
"All other developed countries want to be procuring these tests at this moment, because testing is essential to providing an exit strategy from the virus."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Mr Jenrick said the UK would "obviously learn lessons" later on about which countries pursued the right strategies to deal with COVID-19.
But he stressed the government was focused on getting "as many of the tests brought forward as we possibly can".
"Although I appreciate it's from a base that is lower than any of us would wish, we are now making significant progress," he added.
He also said, by next week, there should be "thousands more" ventilators available to the NHS, including for new make-shift facilities such as the Nightingale Hospital at London's ExCel Centre.
This follows a call for British manufacturers to switch their factories to producing ventilators to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Jenrick added the UK currently has more than 12,000 ventilators but a "significant increase" is still needed.
He was later said to have misspoken.
More than 8,000 ventilators are currently available to NHS patients and another 8,000 are expected in the coming weeks, the Department for Health clarified.
It follows concerns expressed by one of US President Donald Trump's team about the UK's supply of ventilators, which have proved crucial in treating severe cases.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-01--Nearly one million apply for benefits since 'stay at home' urge

Nearly one million people have signed on to benefits in the last two weeks since being urged to stay at home because of coronavirus .
Around 950,000 applications have been made for Universal Credit - a huge jump from the usual 100,000 who apply each two-week period .
All of them are not necessarily unemployed , as it is possible to apply while still in work .
But a YouGov survey on 24 March found that 5 % of Britons had already lost their job due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
People signing up to the benefits system will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their first payment .
The government says it has moved 10,000 staff to process the claims and is recruiting more .
`` With such a huge increase in claims there are pressures on our services , '' said a spokesman for the Department of Work and Pensions .
`` But the system is standing up well to these and our dedicated staff are working flat-out to get people the support they need . ''
As businesses , shops , restaurants and bars are closed due to coronavirus , the government has offered to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if their company keeps them on - but there is no incentive for an employer to apply for this .
Britain 's five million self-employed people will not hear about whether or not they are eligible for similar aid until June .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
The world was shocked last week by one of the most dramatic graphs of the pandemic when the number of Americans filing for unemployment benefit shot up to a record high of over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March .
That dwarfed the previous peak of 665,000 in a week in 1982 .

Nearly one million people have signed on to benefits in the last two weeks since being urged to stay at home because of coronavirus.
Around 950,000 applications have been made for Universal Credit - a huge jump from the usual 100,000 who apply each two-week period.
All of them are not necessarily unemployed, as it is possible to apply while still in work.
Image: Universal Credit will not be rolled out until September 2024
But a YouGov survey on 24 March found that 5% of Britons had already lost their job due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
People signing up to the benefits system will have to wait at least five weeks for their first payment.
The government says it has moved 10,000 staff to process the claims and is recruiting more.
"With such a huge increase in claims there are pressures on our services," said a spokesman for the Department of Work and Pensions.
"But the system is standing up well to these and our dedicated staff are working flat-out to get people the support they need."
Image: The DWP says it's recruiting 10,000 more staff to process appliactions
As businesses, shops, restaurants and bars are closed due to coronavirus, the government has offered to pay 80% of employees' wages if their company keeps them on - but there is no incentive for an employer to apply for this.
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Britain's five million self-employed people will not hear about whether or not they are eligible for similar aid until June.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
The world was shocked last week by one of the most dramatic graphs of the pandemic when the number of Americans filing for unemployment benefit shot up to a record high of over three million in the week ending 21 March.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Lockdown: The dos and don'ts
That dwarfed the previous peak of 665,000 in a week in 1982.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-01--Johnson rhetoric on testing 'nowhere near matches the reality'

It was a couple of weeks ago the prime minister declared at his daily coronavirus news conference that he wanted to get to 250,000 tests a day .
This would be how Britain would beat the disease .
`` We 're massively increasing the testing to see whether you have it now and ramping up daily testing from 5,000 a day , to 10,000 a day , to 25,000 and then up to 250,000 , '' he said .
That quarter of a million figure related to two tests : the test to see if you have the disease , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you 've already had it .
Boris Johnson offered these figures up as he told the nation he believed we could `` turn the tide '' on the disease in 12 weeks if we all followed the rules on social distancing to help slow the spread .
That was our bit of the bargain .
His was to make sure the government was building testing capacity quickly enough to not just protect NHS staff and reduce unnecessary absenteeism , but to better manage the spread and get Britain back to work by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already .
`` The knowledge of where the virus is will make a huge difference to our management of the disease and our ability to reduce disruption and economic difficulty , '' the prime minister said as he talked of the possible rapid roll-out of an antibody test `` as simple as a pregnancy test '' which could determine if someone has had COVID-19 .
But nearly two weeks on and the rhetoric nowhere near matches the reality .
The number of cases and deaths are growing at a frightening rate and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ straight answers to straight questions when it comes to testing .
Alok Sharma , the business secretary , simply could n't give an answer when asked at the news conference on Wednesday exactly when the government might be able to start rolling out the antibody tests Mr Johnson was promising a couple of weeks ago .
Tests ordered by the government were being `` urgently evaluated '' but as to when they could be circulated to the wider population to get Britain back on its feet - still unknown .
And the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the limited capacity it does have .
Of the 12,750 test capacity it had on Wednesday , 10,426 tests were carried out .
One clear factor has been the government 's edict - now lifted - that only up to 15 % of NHS staff could be tested for COVID-19 in order to ensure there was capacity for those taken to hospital to be tested .
Just over 2,000 NHS frontline staff have been tested - a drop in the ocean of the estimated 125,000 who are currently off work due to symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a terrible waste of resources at the most critical of times .
At the news conference on Wednesday , Public Health England 's Yvonne Doyle said the number of tests would be scaled up in the coming weeks with capacity now for almost 3,000 daily coronavirus tests for NHS , which will grow as the government moves to its 25,000 target .
Professor Doyle also said a `` second strand '' of testing was coming on stream in five drive-through centres , in which people could be tested in order of priority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff to see if they have the virus , but could also be used for the simple antibody tests - which take only minutes to administer - once they come on stream .
`` Our intention is to get to thousands , to hundreds-of-thousands , in the coming weeks , '' she said .
But time is exactly what we do n't have as the UK approaches the peak of the coronavirus epidemic .
Hospitals are now admitting 1,000 new coronavirus patients a day ; the number of deaths are doubling every three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases across the country .
The prime minister is acutely aware that if he does n't deliver on this promise to ramp-up testing - particularly for NHS staff putting their lives on the line - then public support for him and his government 's handling of the crisis could begin to fall away .
That perhaps explains why Mr Johnson issued an impromptu video message from his No 11 bunker on Thursday night to reassure the public that he was still in the driving seat and would deliver on testing .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And I want to say a special word about testing because it is so important and I have said for weeks and weeks that this is the way through .
This is how we will unlock the coronavirus puzzle .
This is how we will defeat it in the end . ''
Repeating his promises from two weeks ago again .
Now the clock is really ticking on the delivery .

The government said testing would help "turn the tide" against coronavirus but why have they been so slow to do it?
It was a couple of weeks ago the prime minister declared at his daily coronavirus news conference that he wanted to get to 250,000 tests a day. This would be how Britain would beat the disease.
"We're massively increasing the testing to see whether you have it now and ramping up daily testing from 5,000 a day, to 10,000 a day, to 25,000 and then up to 250,000," he said.
That quarter of a million figure related to two tests: the test to see if you have the disease, and an antibody test which tells you if you've already had it.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 PM: We must stop NHS from getting overwhelmed
Boris Johnson offered these figures up as he told the nation he believed we could "turn the tide" on the disease in 12 weeks if we all followed the rules on social distancing to help slow the spread.
That was our bit of the bargain.
His was to make sure the government was building testing capacity quickly enough to not just protect NHS staff and reduce unnecessary absenteeism, but to better manage the spread and get Britain back to work by working out who'd had the virus already.
"The knowledge of where the virus is will make a huge difference to our management of the disease and our ability to reduce disruption and economic difficulty," the prime minister said as he talked of the possible rapid roll-out of an antibody test "as simple as a pregnancy test" which could determine if someone has had COVID-19.
But nearly two weeks on and the rhetoric nowhere near matches the reality.
The number of cases and deaths are growing at a frightening rate and the government is unable to give us many straight answers to straight questions when it comes to testing.
Advertisement
Alok Sharma, the business secretary, simply couldn't give an answer when asked at the news conference on Wednesday exactly when the government might be able to start rolling out the antibody tests Mr Johnson was promising a couple of weeks ago.
Tests ordered by the government were being "urgently evaluated" but as to when they could be circulated to the wider population to get Britain back on its feet - still unknown.
And the government has even been struggling to use all the limited capacity it does have.
Of the 12,750 test capacity it had on Wednesday, 10,426 tests were carried out.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:22 UK can 'turn the tide within 12 weeks'
One clear factor has been the government's edict - now lifted - that only up to 15% of NHS staff could be tested for COVID-19 in order to ensure there was capacity for those taken to hospital to be tested.
Just over 2,000 NHS frontline staff have been tested - a drop in the ocean of the estimated 125,000 who are currently off work due to symptoms or because they are self-isolating.
This is a terrible waste of resources at the most critical of times.
At the news conference on Wednesday, Public Health England's Yvonne Doyle said the number of tests would be scaled up in the coming weeks with capacity now for almost 3,000 daily coronavirus tests for NHS, which will grow as the government moves to its 25,000 target.
Professor Doyle also said a "second strand" of testing was coming on stream in five drive-through centres, in which people could be tested in order of priority.
The centres are currently testing NHS staff to see if they have the virus, but could also be used for the simple antibody tests - which take only minutes to administer - once they come on stream.
"Our intention is to get to thousands, to hundreds-of-thousands, in the coming weeks," she said.
But time is exactly what we don't have as the UK approaches the peak of the coronavirus epidemic.
Hospitals are now admitting 1,000 new coronavirus patients a day; the number of deaths are doubling every three days; there are now over 25,000 cases across the country.
The prime minister is acutely aware that if he doesn't deliver on this promise to ramp-up testing - particularly for NHS staff putting their lives on the line - then public support for him and his government's handling of the crisis could begin to fall away.
That perhaps explains why Mr Johnson issued an impromptu video message from his No 11 bunker on Thursday night to reassure the public that he was still in the driving seat and would deliver on testing.
He said: "We are massively increasing testing. And I want to say a special word about testing because it is so important and I have said for weeks and weeks that this is the way through. This is how we will unlock the coronavirus puzzle. This is how we will defeat it in the end."
Repeating his promises from two weeks ago again.
Now the clock is really ticking on the delivery.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-02--Corbyn slams 'ludicrous' lack of testing for NHS staff

Jeremy Corbyn has described the lack of testing of frontline NHS staff as `` ludicrous '' , as the outgoing Labour leader took aim at the government for being too slow to scale up COVID-19 testing in the UK .
Mr Corbyn , who will stand down as the Labour leader on Saturday , said Mr Johnson told him at a meeting three weeks ago the government was going to rapidly scale up coronavirus testing from 5,000 tests a day but had failed to follow through .
`` It seems to me that the facilities of government to get that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he told Sky News in his final sit down interview as Labour leader .
`` The fact that we are not yet even testing 10,000 people a day is very , very serious indeed .
`` There are almost half a million people working in the NHS care sector , even they have not yet been tested .
`` It is ludicrous .
We have got to get on top of testing .
`` The problem is the government was too slow to do that , they did n't buy the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have a real problem .
I hope it can be resolved , very quickly . ''
Earlier , Downing Street said it had finally reached its target of 10,000 daily COVID-19 tests on Tuesday , with 10,412 carried out on that day in NHS and Public Health England laboratories .
Speaking during a conference call with journalists earlier on Thursday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's spokesman added that the government was working on a number of measures that would allow for `` hundreds of thousands '' of tests to be carried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also said the huge economic stimulus and investment package put together by the Conservative government in recent days proved `` the free market ca n't fight coronavirus '' .
And Mr Corbyn said the huge expansion of the state in recent weeks proved the validity of his election pitch , his socialist policy platform and Labour 's economic model .
`` I do n't think you can say we lost the argument , '' he said , reflecting on losing two general elections as Labour leader .
`` I think we 've put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what is happening now over coronavirus proves the validity of the arguments we put forward . ''
He added : `` I was condemned in November for wanting to invest in the economy , to invest in decent pay and to pay important workers like cleaners properly .
`` Now the government has at last understood that the only way we 'll get through this crisis is by investing in all aspects of our society and our economy .
`` So when we come out of coronavirus , let 's not go back @ @ @ @ @ @

Jeremy Corbyn has described the lack of testing of frontline NHS staff as "ludicrous", as the outgoing Labour leader took aim at the government for being too slow to scale up COVID-19 testing in the UK.
Mr Corbyn, who will stand down as the Labour leader on Saturday, said Mr Johnson told him at a meeting three weeks ago the government was going to rapidly scale up coronavirus testing from 5,000 tests a day but had failed to follow through.
"It seems to me that the facilities of government to get that testing done have simply not been effective," he told Sky News in his final sit down interview as Labour leader.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:25 'I was condemned for wanting to invest money'
"The fact that we are not yet even testing 10,000 people a day is very, very serious indeed.
"There are almost half a million people working in the NHS care sector, even they have not yet been tested.
"It is ludicrous. We have got to get on top of testing.
"The problem is the government was too slow to do that, they didn't buy the test kits in.
"And now we have a real problem. I hope it can be resolved, very quickly."
Earlier, Downing Street said it had finally reached its target of 10,000 daily COVID-19 tests on Tuesday, with 10,412 carried out on that day in NHS and Public Health England laboratories.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:53 PM admits more coronavirus tests needed
Speaking during a conference call with journalists earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman added that the government was working on a number of measures that would allow for "hundreds of thousands" of tests to be carried out each day.
The Labour leader also said the huge economic stimulus and investment package put together by the Conservative government in recent days proved "the free market can't fight coronavirus".
And Mr Corbyn said the huge expansion of the state in recent weeks proved the validity of his election pitch, his socialist policy platform and Labour's economic model.
"I don't think you can say we lost the argument," he said, reflecting on losing two general elections as Labour leader.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:28 The number of confirmed coronavirus-related deaths in the UK has increased by 569 - and more than 30,000 people have the virus.
"I think we've put forward the arguments and in many ways what is happening now over coronavirus proves the validity of the arguments we put forward."
He added: "I was condemned in November for wanting to invest in the economy, to invest in decent pay and to pay important workers like cleaners properly.
"Now the government has at last understood that the only way we'll get through this crisis is by investing in all aspects of our society and our economy.
"So when we come out of coronavirus, let's not go back to our old ways."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-02--Corbyn has transformed Labour - but will his legacy hold?

Jeremy Corbyn has transformed Labour - but will his legacy as leader hold ?
Jeremy Corbyn has transformed Labour - but will his legacy as leader hold ?
Jeremy Corbyn will bow out as leader on Saturday after five years in the job Jeremy Corbyn this weekend bows out as Labour leader .
He has lost two general elections , he will leave his post with fewer MPs than when he started and the latest polls put the Labour Party a staggering 26 percentage points behind the Conservatives , a lead for the Tories not seen since the Falklands War @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave a leader downcast .
But Mr Corbyn measures his success in different ways to more conventional politicians .
He might not have won command of Downing Street , but his has been a political movement that has transformed the Labour Party .
And it is not just within the Labour Party where Mr Corbyn feels he has won the argument .
The outgoing Labour leader also believes the government 's response to the coronavirus crisis proves `` the validity of the arguments '' he put forward in the election .
A socialist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twice rejected by the country at the ballot box , but Mr Corbyn believes he has nevertheless changed the political weather .
`` I do n't think you can say we 've lost the argument , '' he said .
`` I think we have put forward the arguments and in many ways what is happening now over coronavirus proves the validity of the arguments we put forward .
`` I was condemned in November for wanting to invest in the economy to invest in decent pay , and to pay important workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the government has last understood that the only way we 'll get through this crisis is by investing in all aspects of our society and our economy . ''
A health crisis that has triggered an economic crisis which could take years to unwind , the Labour leader believes that the level of state involvement into the economy , by necessity rather than ideological design , proves the `` the free markets can not answer coronavirus '' .
And in many ways , he is right .
The Conservative party is ramping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with this health , economic and social crisis .
Boris Johnson 's administration is helping to pay people 's wages , offering renters protection from eviction , taking over rail franchises , borrowing tens of billions to support workers and businesses .
Of course , these changes have been rung in because of acute crisis rather than a big ideological shift in the mindset of the British people to Mr Corbyn 's vision of socialism .
And while he says he became leader of the party in 2015 `` precisely to change the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he must be wondering if that legacy can really hold .
Because when his successor - most likely to be Sir Keir Starmer - replaces him on Saturday , he will have to make a clear choice .
Will it be enough to transform Labour 's fortunes by changing the messenger at the top of the party or will the real leader conclude that big chunks of Mr Corbyn 's socialist policy platform needs changing too ?
Mr Corbyn had a huge influence on the Labour Party for better or for worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour divide you sit .
His influence was profound within the movements but the rise of Sir Keir over the obvious Corbyn heir Rebecca Long-Bailey in this leadership contest perhaps tells us that a big majority of the 600,000-strong membership do want to turn the page on the Corbyn era .
It is true that he did win some of the arguments within the party and even within the country when it came to ending austerity .
The task of his successor is to work out how the party might once again win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over .
He will be worried that Corbynism is too .

His influence has been profound, but his successor could opt to turn the page in a bid to end Labour's electoral drought.
Jeremy Corbyn has transformed Labour - but will his legacy as leader hold?
Jeremy Corbyn will bow out as leader on Saturday after five years in the job
Jeremy Corbyn this weekend bows out as Labour leader.
He has lost two general elections, he will leave his post with fewer MPs than when he started and the latest polls put the Labour Party a staggering 26 percentage points behind the Conservatives, a lead for the Tories not seen since the Falklands War.
It is a record that might leave a leader downcast. But Mr Corbyn measures his success in different ways to more conventional politicians.
He might not have won command of Downing Street, but his has been a political movement that has transformed the Labour Party.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:54 The rise and fall of Jeremy Corbyn
And it is not just within the Labour Party where Mr Corbyn feels he has won the argument.
The outgoing Labour leader also believes the government's response to the coronavirus crisis proves "the validity of the arguments" he put forward in the election.
A socialist policy consensus in the Labour party, twice rejected by the country at the ballot box, but Mr Corbyn believes he has nevertheless changed the political weather.
"I don't think you can say we've lost the argument," he said.
"I think we have put forward the arguments and in many ways what is happening now over coronavirus proves the validity of the arguments we put forward.
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"I was condemned in November for wanting to invest in the economy to invest in decent pay, and to pay important workers like cleaners properly.
"And now, the government has last understood that the only way we'll get through this crisis is by investing in all aspects of our society and our economy."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Corbyn criticises COVID-19 testing
A health crisis that has triggered an economic crisis which could take years to unwind, the Labour leader believes that the level of state involvement into the economy, by necessity rather than ideological design, proves the "the free markets cannot answer coronavirus".
And in many ways, he is right.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The Conservative party is ramping up the state to try to cope with this health, economic and social crisis.
Boris Johnson's administration is helping to pay people's wages, offering renters protection from eviction, taking over rail franchises, borrowing tens of billions to support workers and businesses.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:25 'I was condemned for wanting to invest money'
Of course, these changes have been rung in because of acute crisis rather than a big ideological shift in the mindset of the British people to Mr Corbyn's vision of socialism.
And while he says he became leader of the party in 2015 "precisely to change the economic direction of the Labour party", he must be wondering if that legacy can really hold.
Because when his successor - most likely to be Sir Keir Starmer - replaces him on Saturday, he will have to make a clear choice.
Will it be enough to transform Labour's fortunes by changing the messenger at the top of the party or will the real leader conclude that big chunks of Mr Corbyn's socialist policy platform needs changing too?
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:31 Corbyn: I won't fight another election
Mr Corbyn had a huge influence on the Labour Party for better or for worse depending on which side of the bitter Labour divide you sit.
His influence was profound within the movements but the rise of Sir Keir over the obvious Corbyn heir Rebecca Long-Bailey in this leadership contest perhaps tells us that a big majority of the 600,000-strong membership do want to turn the page on the Corbyn era.
It is true that he did win some of the arguments within the party and even within the country when it came to ending austerity.
The task of his successor is to work out how the party might once again win power.
Mr Corbyn's era is over. He will be worried that Corbynism is too.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-02--Five-point coronavirus plan to test 100,000 a day in England by end of April

The government has unveiled a five-point coronavirus action plan in a bid to achieve 100,000 COVID-19 tests per day in England by the end of April .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock set out the strategy to achieve a `` significant '' increase in testing for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , at the government 's daily news conference .
Testing is vital in tracking the virus and giving the UK hope of ending the current lockdown , but opposition parties and some experts expressed scepticism and called for more detail .
• Using commercial partners , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more swab testing ; • Introducing antibody blood tests to determine whether people have had COVID-19 ; • Surveillance to determine the rate of infection and how it is spreading across the country ; • Building an `` at-scale '' diagnostics industry to reach 100,000 tests by the end of April .
The promise comes after it was confirmed that another 569 people have died in the UK after contracting coronavirus - bringing the total number of deaths to 2,921 .
Mr Hancock said the 100,000 figure included both the general public and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a combination of antigen tests ( which shows whether somebody currently has the virus ) and antibody tests ( which shows if someone has had COVID-19 ) .
Mr Hancock also said the government remained committed to eventually carrying out 250,000 tests a day , something Prime Minister Boris Johnson has spoken of achieving in the past .
The government is working with nine potential providers who are working to produce an antibody test , while it is also looking at whether people could be given immunity certificates to prove they are able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the health secretary said he would only approve tests that worked , declaring : `` Approving tests that do n't work is dangerous and I will not do it . ''
Mr Hancock also vowed that health service staff will be able to get tested for the coronavirus `` absolutely before the end of the month '' .
He added : `` With 5,000 tested since [ staff testing ] started at the weekend we 've clearly made significant progress . ''
It also announced at the news conference that £13.4bn in historical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help hospital trusts fight the virus .
Mr Hancock , who tested positive for COVID-19 last week and came out of self-isolation on Thursday , said he returned `` redoubled in my determination to fight this virus with everything I 've got '' .
`` And we will strain every sinew to defeat it once and for all , '' he said .
`` And I will stop at nothing to make sure that frontline staff have the right equipment so that they are safe and can have the confidence they need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pledge follows criticism of government efforts to ramp up testing and disquiet that the UK is lagging behind other countries .
Mr Hancock addressed this criticism during the news conference .
He said the fact that the UK lacked a large diagnostics industry meant it was having to start from a `` lower base '' than the likes of Germany , which is carrying out 70,000 tests a day .
The health secretary said a country-wide shortage of swabs had been `` resolved '' , but there was still a `` global challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the tests .
Labour 's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said the commitment from the government was `` welcome '' , but added : `` NHS staff will recall that only a few weeks ago Boris Johnson was promising 250,000 [ tests ] a day .
`` We look forward to seeing the details of how this commitment will be delivered , especially for NHS and care staff for whom this is now a pressing and urgent priority . ''
Sir Ed Davey , acting leader of the Liberal Democrats , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on increasing testing .
`` Moves now to increase testing are welcome , and we hope they succeed , but NHS workers ' confidence has been shaken after previous promises from the secretary of state that have not been delivered , '' he added .
Keith Plumb , a chemical engineer on the board of trustees at the Institution of Chemical Engineers , said reaching 100,000 daily tests would be a `` herculean task '' .
`` Setting up what appears to be effectively a new industry within the UK in such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seem to be that practical , '' he told Sky News .
`` I 'm not saying we ca n't do it , but it does seem to be quite difficult . ''
Downing Street said earlier that it had finally reached its target of 10,000 daily tests on Tuesday , with 10,412 carried out on that day in NHS and Public Health England laboratories .
Mr Johnson 's official spokesman said 2,800 members of NHS staff have been tested at drive-through facilities , although `` significant numbers '' had also been tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during a conference call with journalists earlier on Thursday , the spokesman added : `` We acknowledge that more needs to be done in relation to testing .
`` We need to be testing more people and we need to be making progress very quickly . ''
An increase in testing of NHS staff would potentially enable thousands of them who are self-isolating , because they or their family members have shown symptoms , to return to work once they know they are clear of the disease .
Mr Hancock said the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were currently absent because of COVID-19 .
In the wake of complaints about a shortage of swabs , the NHS has developed a new specification for the swabs to carry out the tests which has been validated and shared with potential manufacturers .
A large-scale testing laboratory opened in Milton Keynes last week , with two more opening next week in Cheshire and Glasgow to cover the north of England and Scotland .
Downing Street said on Thursday that Mr Johnson was still showing coronavirus symptoms , having tested positive for COVID-19 last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of self-isolation end on Friday , but it is unclear whether he plans to leave the Downing Street flat where he has been staying .
He appeared briefly on the steps of Number 10 to join in the second Clap for our Carers event on Thursday , the first time he has been seen in person since announcing his coronavirus diagnosis .

The government has unveiled a five-point coronavirus action plan in a bid to achieve 100,000 COVID-19 tests per day in England by the end of April.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock set out the strategy to achieve a "significant" increase in testing for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, at the government's daily news conference.
It comes as new figures from NHS England showed the first death of someone diagnosed with the virus actually happened in February - one week before previously thought.
The statistics also revealed more insight into the age profile of the patients with 52% of those who have died were aged over 80.
Testing is vital in tracking the virus and giving the UK hope of ending the current lockdown, but opposition parties and some experts expressed scepticism and called for more detail.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:27 'Footballers should take a pay cut'
The "five-pillar" plan involves:
Swab testing at Public Health England and NHS laboratories;
Using commercial partners, including universities and private businesses, to establish more swab testing;
Introducing antibody blood tests to determine whether people have had COVID-19;
Surveillance to determine the rate of infection and how it is spreading across the country;
Building an "at-scale" diagnostics industry to reach 100,000 tests by the end of April.
The promise comes after it was confirmed that another 569 people have died in the UK after contracting coronavirus - bringing the total number of deaths to 2,921.
Mr Hancock said the 100,000 figure included both the general public and NHS staff.
And it would be a combination of antigen tests (which shows whether somebody currently has the virus) and antibody tests (which shows if someone has had COVID-19).
Advertisement
Mr Hancock also said the government remained committed to eventually carrying out 250,000 tests a day, something Prime Minister Boris Johnson has spoken of achieving in the past.
The government is working with nine potential providers who are working to produce an antibody test, while it is also looking at whether people could be given immunity certificates to prove they are able to resume their normal activities.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Lockdown: The dos and don'ts
But the health secretary said he would only approve tests that worked, declaring: "Approving tests that don't work is dangerous and I will not do it."
Mr Hancock also vowed that health service staff will be able to get tested for the coronavirus "absolutely before the end of the month".
He added: "With 5,000 tested since [staff testing] started at the weekend we've clearly made significant progress."
It also announced at the news conference that £13.4bn in historical NHS debt would be written off to help hospital trusts fight the virus.
Mr Hancock, who tested positive for COVID-19 last week and came out of self-isolation on Thursday, said he returned "redoubled in my determination to fight this virus with everything I've got".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
"And we will strain every sinew to defeat it once and for all," he said.
"And I will stop at nothing to make sure that frontline staff have the right equipment so that they are safe and can have the confidence they need to do their jobs."
The ambitious pledge follows criticism of government efforts to ramp up testing and disquiet that the UK is lagging behind other countries.
Mr Hancock addressed this criticism during the news conference.
He said the fact that the UK lacked a large diagnostics industry meant it was having to start from a "lower base" than the likes of Germany, which is carrying out 70,000 tests a day.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:53 PM admits more coronavirus tests needed
The health secretary said a country-wide shortage of swabs had been "resolved", but there was still a "global challenge" around sourcing the reagent chemicals needed for the tests.
Labour's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said the commitment from the government was "welcome", but added: "NHS staff will recall that only a few weeks ago Boris Johnson was promising 250,000 [tests] a day.
"We look forward to seeing the details of how this commitment will be delivered, especially for NHS and care staff for whom this is now a pressing and urgent priority."
Sir Ed Davey, acting leader of the Liberal Democrats, said ministers had been "disgracefully slow" on increasing testing.
"Moves now to increase testing are welcome, and we hope they succeed, but NHS workers' confidence has been shaken after previous promises from the secretary of state that have not been delivered," he added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Corbyn criticises COVID-19 testing
Keith Plumb, a chemical engineer on the board of trustees at the Institution of Chemical Engineers, said reaching 100,000 daily tests would be a "herculean task".
"Setting up what appears to be effectively a new industry within the UK in such a short amount of time doesn't really seem to be that practical," he told Sky News.
"I'm not saying we can't do it, but it does seem to be quite difficult."
Downing Street said earlier that it had finally reached its target of 10,000 daily tests on Tuesday, with 10,412 carried out on that day in NHS and Public Health England laboratories.
Mr Johnson's official spokesman said 2,800 members of NHS staff have been tested at drive-through facilities, although "significant numbers" had also been tested at NHS and PHE labs.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:28 UK COVID-19 deaths up by 569 to 2,921
Speaking during a conference call with journalists earlier on Thursday, the spokesman added: "We acknowledge that more needs to be done in relation to testing.
"We need to be testing more people and we need to be making progress very quickly."
An increase in testing of NHS staff would potentially enable thousands of them who are self-isolating, because they or their family members have shown symptoms, to return to work once they know they are clear of the disease.
Mr Hancock said the latest figures showed that 5.7% of doctors were currently absent because of COVID-19.
In the wake of complaints about a shortage of swabs, the NHS has developed a new specification for the swabs to carry out the tests which has been validated and shared with potential manufacturers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:30 A grateful nation applauds its health workers
A large-scale testing laboratory opened in Milton Keynes last week, with two more opening next week in Cheshire and Glasgow to cover the north of England and Scotland.
Downing Street said on Thursday that Mr Johnson was still showing coronavirus symptoms, having tested positive for COVID-19 last week.
The PM's seven days of self-isolation end on Friday, but it is unclear whether he plans to leave the Downing Street flat where he has been staying.
He appeared briefly on the steps of Number 10 to join in the second Clap for our Carers event on Thursday, the first time he has been seen in person since announcing his coronavirus diagnosis.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-02--Lack of protection for NHS staff 'an abomination', says Labour MP on frontline

Labour MP Rosena Allin-Khan has told Sky News a lack of protective equipment for NHS staff is an `` abomination '' after she increased the hours she is spending at her local hospital as an emergency doctor .
The Tooting MP , who is standing to be elected Labour 's next deputy leader , has taken on more shifts at St George 's Hospital in her constituency during the coronavirus crisis .
She told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show that she has increased her number of A & E shifts as `` saving lives is the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battles the COVID-19 pandemic .
Ms Allin-Khan added to criticism of the government over the supply of protective personal equipment ( PPE ) to NHS staff , as well as the level of testing for coronavirus being conducted in the UK .
`` I 'm hearing from colleagues all around the country that , quite frankly , it is an abomination that NHS and care staff are simply not protected , '' she said .
`` When I did my shift on Saturday night I had paramedics coming into St George 's saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of PPE for an entire 12-hour shift .
`` We have already seen that we have lost a nurse and four doctors and they 'll be many more to come .
`` People in the NHS and in our care service , they go to work to save lives .
`` They are out there working today to save our mothers , our fathers , our brothers , our sisters , they absolutely have to be protected . ''
Ms Allin-Khan also questioned the government 's preparations in securing capacity to conduct coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Testing of NHS staff only began at the weekend while , as of Wednesday , only 2,000 hospital workers had been tested .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has now removed a cap on the number of NHS workers who can be assessed each day .
`` It 's a pandemic , we need to know the beast that we are fighting at the moment and we ca n't do that if we ca n't see it , '' Ms Allin-Khan added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't know what we 're working with . ''
Labour 's new leader and deputy leader will be announced on Saturday and Ms Allin-Khan admitted she would `` quite surprised '' if she won the deputy leadership contest .
Voting in both contests closed on Thursday , with shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer and shadow education secretary Angela Rayner the heavy favourites to be elected leader and deputy leader respectively .

Labour MP Rosena Allin-Khan has told Sky News a lack of protective equipment for NHS staff is an "abomination" after she increased the hours she is spending at her local hospital as an emergency doctor.
The Tooting MP, who is standing to be elected Labour's next deputy leader, has taken on more shifts at St George's Hospital in her constituency during the coronavirus crisis.
She told Sky News' Kay Burley @Breakfast show that she has increased her number of A&E shifts as "saving lives is the only thing that matters" as the country battles the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:32 'NHS staff absolutely have to be protected'
Ms Allin-Khan added to criticism of the government over the supply of protective personal equipment (PPE) to NHS staff, as well as the level of testing for coronavirus being conducted in the UK.
"I'm hearing from colleagues all around the country that, quite frankly, it is an abomination that NHS and care staff are simply not protected," she said.
"When I did my shift on Saturday night I had paramedics coming into St George's saying they'd only been given one set of PPE for an entire 12-hour shift.
"We have already seen that we have lost a nurse and four doctors and they'll be many more to come.
"People in the NHS and in our care service, they go to work to save lives.
"They are out there working today to save our mothers, our fathers, our brothers, our sisters, they absolutely have to be protected."
Advertisement
Ms Allin-Khan also questioned the government's preparations in securing capacity to conduct coronavirus tests.
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Testing of NHS staff only began at the weekend while, as of Wednesday, only 2,000 hospital workers had been tested.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has now removed a cap on the number of NHS workers who can be assessed each day.
"It's a pandemic, we need to know the beast that we are fighting at the moment and we can't do that if we can't see it," Ms Allin-Khan added.
"Without mass testing, we don't know what we're working with."
Labour's new leader and deputy leader will be announced on Saturday and Ms Allin-Khan admitted she would "quite surprised" if she won the deputy leadership contest.
Voting in both contests closed on Thursday, with shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer and shadow education secretary Angela Rayner the heavy favourites to be elected leader and deputy leader respectively.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-02--Coronavirus testing strategy laid out by govt would be a 'herculean task'

Carrying out 100,000 COVID-19 tests per day in England by the end of April would be a `` herculean task '' , the government has been warned .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has unveiled a five-pillar coronavirus action plan to achieve a `` significant '' increase in testing for the disease .
It comes as new figures from NHS England showed the first death of someone diagnosed with the virus actually happened in February - one week before previously thought .
The statistics also revealed more insight into the age profile of the patients with 52 % of those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , another 569 people have died in the UK after contracting coronavirus - bringing the total number of deaths to 2,921 .
Testing is seen as vital in tracking the virus and giving the UK hope of ending the current lockdown , but opposition parties and some experts expressed scepticism and called for more detail .
Keith Plumb , a chemical engineer on the board of trustees at the Institution of Chemical Engineers , told Sky News : `` Setting up what appears to be effectively a new industry within the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does n't really seem to be that practical .
`` I 'm not saying we ca n't do it , but it does seem to be quite difficult .
`` I would n't say it was a completely empty promise but the task is very great - the proverbial 'herculean task ' .
`` As the secretary of state said , we do n't really have a diagnostics industry in this country… and that in itself is not going to be straightforward . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spreaker .
• Using commercial partners , including universities and private businesses , to establish more swab testing • Introducing antibody blood tests to determine whether people have had COVID-19 • Surveillance to determine the rate of infection and how it is spreading across the country • Building an `` at-scale '' diagnostics industry to reach 100,000 tests by the end of April Mr Hancock said the 100,000 figure included both the general public and NHS staff .
And it would be a combination of antigen tests ( which shows whether somebody currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( which shows if someone has had COVID-19 ) .
Mr Hancock also said the government remained committed to eventually carrying out 250,000 tests a day , something Prime Minister Boris Johnson has spoken of achieving in the past .
The government is working with nine potential providers who are working to produce an antibody test , while it is also looking at whether people could be given immunity certificates to prove they are able to resume their normal activities .
Mr Hancock also vowed that health service staff will be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the month '' .
The ambitious pledge follows criticism of government efforts to ramp up testing and disquiet that the UK is lagging behind other countries .
Mr Hancock addressed this criticism during the news conference blaming the UK 's lack of a large diagnostics industry .
Labour 's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said the commitment from the government was `` welcome '' , but added : `` NHS staff will recall that only a few weeks ago Boris Johnson was promising 250,000 [ tests ] a day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had finally reached its target of 10,000 daily tests on Tuesday , with 10,412 carried out on that day in NHS and Public Health England laboratories .
Mr Johnson 's official spokesman said 2,800 members of NHS staff have been tested at drive-through facilities , although `` significant numbers '' had also been tested at NHS and PHE labs .
An increase in testing of NHS staff would potentially enable thousands of them who are self-isolating , because they or their family members have shown symptoms , to return to work once they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Hancock said the latest figures showed that 5.7 % of doctors were currently absent because of COVID-19 .

Carrying out 100,000 COVID-19 tests per day in England by the end of April would be a "herculean task", the government has been warned.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has unveiled a five-pillar coronavirus action plan to achieve a "significant" increase in testing for the disease.
It comes as new figures from NHS England showed the first death of someone diagnosed with the virus actually happened in February - one week before previously thought.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:27 'Footballers should take a pay cut'
The statistics also revealed more insight into the age profile of the patients with 52% of those who have died were aged over 80.
Meanwhile, another 569 people have died in the UK after contracting coronavirus - bringing the total number of deaths to 2,921.
Testing is seen as vital in tracking the virus and giving the UK hope of ending the current lockdown, but opposition parties and some experts expressed scepticism and called for more detail.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Lockdown: The dos and don'ts
Keith Plumb, a chemical engineer on the board of trustees at the Institution of Chemical Engineers, told Sky News: "Setting up what appears to be effectively a new industry within the UK in such a short amount of time doesn't really seem to be that practical.
"I'm not saying we can't do it, but it does seem to be quite difficult.
"I wouldn't say it was a completely empty promise but the task is very great - the proverbial 'herculean task'.
Advertisement
"As the secretary of state said, we don't really have a diagnostics industry in this country… and that in itself is not going to be straightforward."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock's "five-pillar" plan involves:
Swab testing at Public Health England and NHS laboratories
Using commercial partners, including universities and private businesses, to establish more swab testing
Introducing antibody blood tests to determine whether people have had COVID-19
Surveillance to determine the rate of infection and how it is spreading across the country
Building an "at-scale" diagnostics industry to reach 100,000 tests by the end of April
Mr Hancock said the 100,000 figure included both the general public and NHS staff.
And it would be a combination of antigen tests (which shows whether somebody currently has the virus) and antibody tests (which shows if someone has had COVID-19).
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
Mr Hancock also said the government remained committed to eventually carrying out 250,000 tests a day, something Prime Minister Boris Johnson has spoken of achieving in the past.
The government is working with nine potential providers who are working to produce an antibody test, while it is also looking at whether people could be given immunity certificates to prove they are able to resume their normal activities.
Mr Hancock also vowed that health service staff will be able to get tested for coronavirus "absolutely before the end of the month".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:53 PM admits more coronavirus tests needed
The ambitious pledge follows criticism of government efforts to ramp up testing and disquiet that the UK is lagging behind other countries.
Mr Hancock addressed this criticism during the news conference blaming the UK's lack of a large diagnostics industry.
Labour's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said the commitment from the government was "welcome", but added: "NHS staff will recall that only a few weeks ago Boris Johnson was promising 250,000 [tests] a day."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Corbyn criticises COVID-19 testing
Downing Street said earlier that it had finally reached its target of 10,000 daily tests on Tuesday, with 10,412 carried out on that day in NHS and Public Health England laboratories.
Mr Johnson's official spokesman said 2,800 members of NHS staff have been tested at drive-through facilities, although "significant numbers" had also been tested at NHS and PHE labs.
An increase in testing of NHS staff would potentially enable thousands of them who are self-isolating, because they or their family members have shown symptoms, to return to work once they know they are clear of the disease.
Mr Hancock said the latest figures showed that 5.7% of doctors were currently absent because of COVID-19.