inews--2020-05-05--Coronavirus latest: Carers under 'intolerable pressure' and face future crisis, open letter warns

Campaigners said carers have been undervalued and under-rewarded for far too long Campaigners have sent an open letter to MPs about carers in the UK and the challenges they face ( Photo : Matt Cardy/Getty ) Carers on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic are under “ intolerable pressure ” and face the prospect of “ languishing in poverty ” for years to come , campaigners have warned .
Anti-poverty campaigners , unions and women ’ s rights organisations have urged political leaders to act and that carers have been undervalued and under-rewarded for far too long .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said an inadequate social security system and low wages had left both paid and unpaid carers stuck in poverty for years .
The campaigners said this had been exacerbated by the Covid-19 outbreak and that “ while governments have tried to cushion the immediate impact of this crisis , more needs to be done to alleviate the intolerable pressure carers face ” .
“ Right now , the focus is rightly on saving lives but we urge you to use your influence to ensure governments across the UK use every tool they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the letter reads .
“ By ensuring no carer faces poverty , we will honour those doing so much to care for so many.
” The campaigners are calling for Carer ’ s Allowance and Child Benefit to be increased , the five-week wait for payments to be removed for Universal Credit claimants and for funds to help social care employers pay their staff a minimum of the Real Living Wage .
It comes as a poll commissioned by Oxfam found that more than three-quarters ( 78 per cent ) of respondents believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Government .
Nearly two-thirds ( 63 per cent ) of the 1,814 people questioned said those on low incomes who look after sick or disabled people should receive more financial support through increased social security payments .
Meanwhile separate research by Carers UK suggests that 81 per cent of unpaid carers are spending more money during the outbreak .
'Pandemic needs to be turning point' Helen Walker , chief executive of Carers UK , said : `` Unpaid carers providing care for family members and friends have been vital in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe from the coronavirus , yet they tell us they feel ignored and invisible in this epidemic .
`` It is simply unacceptable that Carer 's Allowance is the lowest benefit of its kind when unpaid carers contribute so much to our society and the economy - now , more than ever .

Carers on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic are under “intolerable pressure” and face the prospect of “languishing in poverty” for years to come, campaigners have warned.
Anti-poverty campaigners, unions and women’s rights organisations have urged political leaders to act and that carers have been undervalued and under-rewarded for far too long.
In a joint open letter to MPs, they said an inadequate social security system and low wages had left both paid and unpaid carers stuck in poverty for years.
The campaigners said this had been exacerbated by the Covid-19 outbreak and that “while governments have tried to cushion the immediate impact of this crisis, more needs to be done to alleviate the intolerable pressure carers face”.
Call for action
“Right now, the focus is rightly on saving lives but we urge you to use your influence to ensure governments across the UK use every tool they have to protect people from poverty,” the letter reads.
“By ensuring no carer faces poverty, we will honour those doing so much to care for so many.”
The campaigners are calling for Carer’s Allowance and Child Benefit to be increased, the five-week wait for payments to be removed for Universal Credit claimants and for funds to help social care employers pay their staff a minimum of the Real Living Wage.
It comes as a poll commissioned by Oxfam found that more than three-quarters (78 per cent) of respondents believe care work is not valued highly enough by the Government.
Nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of the 1,814 people questioned said those on low incomes who look after sick or disabled people should receive more financial support through increased social security payments.
Meanwhile separate research by Carers UK suggests that 81 per cent of unpaid carers are spending more money during the outbreak.
‘Pandemic needs to be turning point’
Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK, said: “Unpaid carers providing care for family members and friends have been vital in the UK’s effort to keep vulnerable people safe from the coronavirus, yet they tell us they feel ignored and invisible in this epidemic.
“It is simply unacceptable that Carer’s Allowance is the lowest benefit of its kind when unpaid carers contribute so much to our society and the economy – now, more than ever.
“This pandemic needs to be a turning point in how we as a society treat carers.”
Additional reporting from PA Media.


inews--2020-05-05--VE Day 2020: Rare 'Battle Headquarters' designed to repel Nazi paratroopers granted listed protectio

VE Day 2020: Rare 'Battle Headquarters' designed to repel Nazi paratroopers granted listed protection

Fortified command post is among four Second World War sites formally recognised The 'Battle Headquarters ' at the former RAF Hucknall Airfield in Nottinghamshire , which have been listed at Grade II to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day ( Photo : Milan Petrovic ) A rare fortified command post designed to help repel Nazi paratroopers in an attack on Britain ’ s airfields is among a number of Second World War sites being protected to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day .
The “ Battle Headquarters ” on the site of a former RAF base in Nottinghamshire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a type of fortification built early in the war after British commanders realised that an airborne invasion via captured airfields was one of the threats facing the UK .
The underground command posts were built with a brick or concrete tower above ground to house a gun emplacement with enough height to fire on approaching aircraft or landing troops .
The structures , built at hundreds of RAF bases in 1940 , were later replaced with a standardised underground bunker .
The site at the former RAF Hucknall airfield in Nottinghamshire is one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or having their listing enhanced on the advice of heritage watchdog Historic England ahead of Friday ’ s VE 75 celebrations .
They include the gardens at Felbrigg Hall in Norfolk , where the stately home ’ s last private owner - Robert Ketton-Cremer - planted two linked avenues of beech trees to form a “ Victory V ” in memory of his brother , Richard , a RAF pilot who was killed during the Battle of Crete in May 1941 .
The gardens of the hall , which is now owned by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ listed .
Duncan Wilson , chief executive of Historic England , said : “ Victory in Europe was celebrated with a combination of euphoria and relief across England .
The surviving physical evidence of the Second World War is all around us .
We must ensure that the rich history of these iconic sites is not forgotten.
” The Nottinghamshire command post , which is newly listed as Grade II , was designed in 1940 to allow an air station commander to dash to the bunker in time to co-ordinate the defence against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watched with alarm as Nazi forces captured military airfields as part of the German assault in mainland Europe and set about fortifying airfields to give defenders the chance to repel an attack by paratroopers .
The bunker at former RAF Hucknall , reinforced with corrugated sheeting , is topped with a tower with observation slits on each floor , lending the fortification a quasi-medieval appearance .
It is thought the tower avoided demolition in 1941 because the layout of the airfield was obscured by adjoining hangars .
Also included in the listing is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Church in Bromley Common , south east London , which commemorates the fallen of both wars , including 16 civilians killed in the parish between 1939 and 1945 .
The London suburb suffered a large number of bombings because of its proximity to the capital and RAF Biggin Hill , a major fighter base .
Some 74 civilians in the area were killed in a single raid in 1941 .
The re-listed sites include an obelisk at the entrance to the Parade Gardens in Bath , which was first built in the early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ William IV , Prince of Orange .
The garden surrounding the monument was redesigned in 1945 to mark Bath ’ s twinning with the Dutch city of Alkmaar , which included a donation of 45,000 items of clothing to Holland prior to its liberation .
In the aftermath of the war , the residents of Alkmaar showed their appreciation with a gift of 5,000 tulip bulbs to be planted around the obelisk - an act of generosity repeated in 2017 .

A rare fortified command post designed to help repel Nazi paratroopers in an attack on Britain’s airfields is among a number of Second World War sites being protected to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
The “Battle Headquarters” on the site of a former RAF base in Nottinghamshire is one of very few survivors of a type of fortification built early in the war after British commanders realised that an airborne invasion via captured airfields was one of the threats facing the UK.
The underground command posts were built with a brick or concrete tower above ground to house a gun emplacement with enough height to fire on approaching aircraft or landing troops. The structures, built at hundreds of RAF bases in 1940, were later replaced with a standardised underground bunker.
The site at the former RAF Hucknall airfield in Nottinghamshire is one of four sites being granted listed protection or having their listing enhanced on the advice of heritage watchdog Historic England ahead of Friday’s VE 75 celebrations.
‘Victory V’
They include the gardens at Felbrigg Hall in Norfolk, where the stately home’s last private owner – Robert Ketton-Cremer – planted two linked avenues of beech trees to form a “Victory V” in memory of his brother, Richard, a RAF pilot who was killed during the Battle of Crete in May 1941. The gardens of the hall, which is now owned by the National Trust, are Grade II-star listed.
Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: “Victory in Europe was celebrated with a combination of euphoria and relief across England. The surviving physical evidence of the Second World War is all around us. We must ensure that the rich history of these iconic sites is not forgotten.”
The Nottinghamshire command post, which is newly listed as Grade II, was designed in 1940 to allow an air station commander to dash to the bunker in time to co-ordinate the defence against an airborne assault.
Fortified airfields
British commanders had watched with alarm as Nazi forces captured military airfields as part of the German assault in mainland Europe and set about fortifying airfields to give defenders the chance to repel an attack by paratroopers.
The bunker at former RAF Hucknall, reinforced with corrugated sheeting, is topped with a tower with observation slits on each floor, lending the fortification a quasi-medieval appearance. It is thought the tower avoided demolition in 1941 because the layout of the airfield was obscured by adjoining hangars.
Also included in the listing is a memorial outside St Luke’s Church in Bromley Common, south east London, which commemorates the fallen of both wars, including 16 civilians killed in the parish between 1939 and 1945.
Tulips
The London suburb suffered a large number of bombings because of its proximity to the capital and RAF Biggin Hill, a major fighter base. Some 74 civilians in the area were killed in a single raid in 1941.
The re-listed sites include an obelisk at the entrance to the Parade Gardens in Bath, which was first built in the early 18th century to commemorate a visit by William IV, Prince of Orange.
The garden surrounding the monument was redesigned in 1945 to mark Bath’s twinning with the Dutch city of Alkmaar, which included a donation of 45,000 items of clothing to Holland prior to its liberation. In the aftermath of the war, the residents of Alkmaar showed their appreciation with a gift of 5,000 tulip bulbs to be planted around the obelisk – an act of generosity repeated in 2017.


inews--2020-05-05--Volunteers in Scottish Highlands isolate in the woods to save the trees

Volunteers in Scottish Highlands isolate in the woods to save the trees Conservation charity team leave home for the lockdown to keep 10,000 saplings alive A team of volunteers has chosen a lockdown life alone in the woods for the sake of the nature .
Six people from the conservation charity Trees for Life , dedicated to rewilding the Scottish Highlands , opted to isolate at Dundreggan estate in Glenmoriston , near Loch Ness rather than go home so they could save more than 10,000 young trees from being lost during the coronavirus crisis .
The plants , including Scots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , holly , oak and rare mountain species such as dwarf birch and woolly willow , have all been grown from seed in Dundreggan ’ s specialised nursery and were due for planting out on the hills this spring .
“ We were all set for another busy season of preparing thousands of young native trees for planting on the hills by our volunteers , when the coronavirus crisis forced the postponement of this spring ’ s tree planting – meaning tens of thousands of young trees have not left our nursery as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trees for Life ’ s Dundreggan Manager .
Alone in the woods To save the saplings , Mr Gilbert and colleagues Abbey Goff , Emma Beckinsale , Patrick Fenner , Catriona Bullivant and Louise Cameron decided to remain on site for the duration of lockdown .
“ All these precious trees have been coming into leaf , and we need to take care of them – especially in the dry weather we ’ ve been having ” , said Mr Gilbert , “ Without regular watering , they would all die .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , to ensure a supply of trees for future planting seasons .
“ We ’ re here in isolation for the long-haul if needs be , together with a growing forest for the future.
” Dozens of volunteers help to grow over 60,000 trees a year at the nursery from seed collected across the estate .
Birch trees at Dundreggan Estate , near Loch Ness , Scotland ( Photo : Trees For Life ) These trees are then planted out at Dundreggan and other Highland sites to restore Scotland ’ s ancient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Life plans to open the world ’ s first rewilding centre at Dundreggan in 2022 , allowing people to explore the wild landscapes , discover Gaelic culture , and learn about the region ’ s wildlife including golden eagles , pine martens and red squirrels .
Visits to the estate from the world outside have been limited to supermarket deliveries and the postman but things are looking up .

A team of volunteers has chosen a lockdown life alone in the woods for the sake of the nature.
Six people from the conservation charity Trees for Life, dedicated to rewilding the Scottish Highlands, opted to isolate at Dundreggan estate in Glenmoriston, near Loch Ness rather than go home so they could save more than 10,000 young trees from being lost during the coronavirus crisis.
The plants, including Scots pine, rowan, juniper, hazel, holly, oak and rare mountain species such as dwarf birch and woolly willow, have all been grown from seed in Dundreggan’s specialised nursery and were due for planting out on the hills this spring.
“We were all set for another busy season of preparing thousands of young native trees for planting on the hills by our volunteers, when the coronavirus crisis forced the postponement of this spring’s tree planting – meaning tens of thousands of young trees have not left our nursery as planned,” said Doug Gilbert, Trees for Life’s Dundreggan Manager.
Alone in the woods
To save the saplings, Mr Gilbert and colleagues Abbey Goff, Emma Beckinsale, Patrick Fenner, Catriona Bullivant and Louise Cameron decided to remain on site for the duration of lockdown.
“All these precious trees have been coming into leaf, and we need to take care of them – especially in the dry weather we’ve been having”, said Mr Gilbert, “Without regular watering, they would all die. We also needed to start sowing new seed now, to ensure a supply of trees for future planting seasons.
“We’re here in isolation for the long-haul if needs be, together with a growing forest for the future.”
Dozens of volunteers help to grow over 60,000 trees a year at the nursery from seed collected across the estate.
Lockdown long-haul
These trees are then planted out at Dundreggan and other Highland sites to restore Scotland’s ancient Caledonian Forest and its wildlife.
Trees for Life plans to open the world’s first rewilding centre at Dundreggan in 2022, allowing people to explore the wild landscapes, discover Gaelic culture, and learn about the region’s wildlife including golden eagles, pine martens and red squirrels.
Visits to the estate from the world outside have been limited to supermarket deliveries and the postman but things are looking up.
“The local Redburn Cafe has started local takeaways, so they’re an occasional treat!”, said Mr Gilbert.


inews--2020-05-05--Churches urged to show ‘moral leadership’ and 'end support for fossil fuels’

Churches urged to show ‘ moral leadership ’ and 'end support for fossil fuels ’ Ahead of oil majors ’ annual meetings this week , church leaders are being urged to take a stand In July 2018 the Church of England General Synod voted to begin divestment in 2020 from oil and gas companies that are ‘ not taking seriously their responsibilities ’ in the transition to a low-carbon economy ( Photo : Dan Kitwood/Getty ) Churches across the UK have been urged to show “ moral leadership ” by divesting from fossil fuels as quickly as possible .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on all strands of Christianity in the UK to withdraw support for coal , oil and gas firms .
Already some branches of the Christian faith , including the Quakers , Jesuits , and the Church of Ireland , have joined a wave of investors extracting oil , gas and coal from their portfolios .
Other denominations have promised to divest if firms do not cut emissions fast enough , or have been advised by internal reviews to divest .
Churches must take steps to fulfil these promises and divest immediately , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and gas firms plan to extract more fossil fuels than climate science suggests can be safely burned , undermining international agreements and threatening planetary health .
“ All major oil companies continue to spend huge sums on the exploration and extraction of new fossil fuel reserves , as well as lobbying against climate action , ” said James Buchanan of Operation Noah .
“ We strongly encourage Churches to demonstrate moral leadership at this key moment in history by divesting from fossil fuels and investing in the clean technologies of the future .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans for further extraction , according to Operation Noah ( Photo : Niels Christian Vilmann/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP/Getty ) The calls come ahead of a crucial week of Annual General Meetings ( AGM ) for oil majors including Shell , BP , Exxon Mobil and Total .
The sector is already reeling from the impacts of coronavirus , which has sent oil prices through the floor , and campaigners are keen to force their advantage and secure commitments for greater green energy spending .
A handful of firms have already committed to achieving net zero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prepare for the shift to low carbon energy .
However , many environmentalists remain sceptical oil and gas majors will drive through the kind of radical change needed to wean the world off fossil fuels .

Churches across the UK have been urged to show “moral leadership” by divesting from fossil fuels as quickly as possible.
The Christian climate charity Operation Noah, called on all strands of Christianity in the UK to withdraw support for coal, oil and gas firms.
Low-carbon Christianity
Already some branches of the Christian faith, including the Quakers, Jesuits, and the Church of Ireland, have joined a wave of investors extracting oil, gas and coal from their portfolios.
Other denominations have promised to divest if firms do not cut emissions fast enough, or have been advised by internal reviews to divest.
Read More: Jesuits in Britain sever financial ties with fossil fuel firms over climate change
Churches must take steps to fulfil these promises and divest immediately, according to Operation Noah. It argues oil and gas firms plan to extract more fossil fuels than climate science suggests can be safely burned, undermining international agreements and threatening planetary health.
“All major oil companies continue to spend huge sums on the exploration and extraction of new fossil fuel reserves, as well as lobbying against climate action,” said James Buchanan of Operation Noah. “We strongly encourage Churches to demonstrate moral leadership at this key moment in history by divesting from fossil fuels and investing in the clean technologies of the future.”
Uncertain futures
The calls come ahead of a crucial week of Annual General Meetings (AGM) for oil majors including Shell, BP, Exxon Mobil and Total.
The sector is already reeling from the impacts of coronavirus, which has sent oil prices through the floor, and campaigners are keen to force their advantage and secure commitments for greater green energy spending.
A handful of firms have already committed to achieving net zero emissions by mid-century, in an effort to prepare for the shift to low carbon energy. However, many environmentalists remain sceptical oil and gas majors will drive through the kind of radical change needed to wean the world off fossil fuels.


inews--2020-05-05--Hay Festival 2020 line-up: Benedict Cumberbatch leads bill for free digital literary event alongside

Hay Festival 2020 line-up: Benedict Cumberbatch leads bill for free digital literary event alongside Hilary Mantel and Gloria Steinem

Book festival will be a free , digital event thanks for crowdfunding appeal response The programme , which runs from 11.30am to 8.30pm each day , includes a special session marking 250 years since the birth of William Wordsworth featuring Benedict Cumberbatch , pictured with his wife Sophie Hunter ( Photo : Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty ) It might lack the spectacular Brecon Beacons backdrop and tempting bookshops to browse - but the Hay Festival will go ahead in free digital form , with an A-list line-up featuring Benedict Cumberbatch , Gloria Steinem , Hilary Mantel and Helena Bonham Carter .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been reinvented as Hay Festival Digital , with 100 writers , thinkers and global policy makers taking part in free live broadcasts and interactive Q & As , streamed via the Crowdcast platform , from May 22-31 .
A crowdfunding appeal raised £150,000 to enable a full programme of 75 events to be staged online .
Another £50,000 was contributed by ticket holders declining to accept refunds for the axed festival .
The programme , which runs from 11.30am to 8.30pm each day , includes a special session marking 250 years since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Atwood , Benedict Cumberbatch , Stephen Fry , Tom Hollander and Vanessa Redgrave .
The line-up also includes Hilary Mantel discussing the final chapter in her award-winning Cromwell trilogy , The Mirror and the Light ; feminist pioneer Gloria Steinem talking to Everyday Sexism founder Laura Bates ; novelist Polly Samson in conversation with her husband , Pink Floyd frontman David Gilmour while Yotam Ottolenghi discusses cooking in the time of Covid-19 .
Peter Florence , director of Hay Festival , said : “ We ’ ll be zinging the programme as if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcoming readers from around the world into a digital party.
” Mr Florence promised to “ keep the same spirit of literary inquiry and conversation joined by the world ’ s greatest storytellers.
” There will be a shift towards science and medicine in the programme with many leading novelists postponing titles until 2021 .
Hay Festival Digital is being staged with the support of the Welsh government and principal sponsor Baillie Gifford .
The loss of the physical event , which delivers a major boost to the local economy , attracting 250,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Hay-on-Wye .
What would have been the Hay Festival Programme for Schools will also take place online , featuring five days of storytelling and live performances for KS 2 , 3 and 4 pupils learning at home .

It might lack the spectacular Brecon Beacons backdrop and tempting bookshops to browse – but the Hay Festival will go ahead in free digital form, with an A-list line-up featuring Benedict Cumberbatch, Gloria Steinem, Hilary Mantel and Helena Bonham Carter.
The UK’s premier literary event has been reinvented as Hay Festival Digital, with 100 writers, thinkers and global policy makers taking part in free live broadcasts and interactive Q&As, streamed via the Crowdcast platform, from May 22-31.
A crowdfunding appeal raised £150,000 to enable a full programme of 75 events to be staged online. Another £50,000 was contributed by ticket holders declining to accept refunds for the axed festival.
The programme, which runs from 11.30am to 8.30pm each day, includes a special session marking 250 years since the birth of William Wordsworth, featuring Margaret Atwood, Benedict Cumberbatch, Stephen Fry, Tom Hollander and Vanessa Redgrave.
Steinem and Pink Floyd star
The line-up also includes Hilary Mantel discussing the final chapter in her award-winning Cromwell trilogy, The Mirror and the Light; feminist pioneer Gloria Steinem talking to Everyday Sexism founder Laura Bates; novelist Polly Samson in conversation with her husband, Pink Floyd frontman David Gilmour while Yotam Ottolenghi discusses cooking in the time of Covid-19.
Peter Florence, director of Hay Festival, said: “We’ll be zinging the programme as if from a green field in Wales and welcoming readers from around the world into a digital party.”
Science shift
Mr Florence promised to “keep the same spirit of literary inquiry and conversation joined by the world’s greatest storytellers.”
There will be a shift towards science and medicine in the programme with many leading novelists postponing titles until 2021.
Hay Festival Digital is being staged with the support of the Welsh government and principal sponsor Baillie Gifford.
The loss of the physical event, which delivers a major boost to the local economy, attracting 250,000 bibliophiles, is still a huge blow to Hay-on-Wye.
What would have been the Hay Festival Programme for Schools will also take place online, featuring five days of storytelling and live performances for KS 2, 3 and 4 pupils learning at home.
Festivalgoers can explore the full programme and register to take part at hayfestival.org/digital


inews--2020-05-05--VE Day 2020 celebrations: Families urged to commemorate VE Day on the 'home front' as the coronaviru

VE Day 2020 celebrations: Families urged to commemorate VE Day on the 'home front' as the coronavirus lockdown continues

VE Day 2020 celebrations : Families urged to commemorate VE Day on the 'home front ' as the coronavirus lockdown continues A series of events are taking place on Friday as people celebrate VE Day at home Families are being urged to celebrate VE Day on the “ home front ” as the nation marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe .
A two minutes ’ silence will be held at 11am on Friday and the Queen will later send a message to the nation , while the Prince of Wales will read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s diary from 8 May 1945 .
Winston Churchill ’ s victory speech will also be broadcast at 3pm as part of a series of BBC special programmes.NHS volunteer responders will also make phone calls to Second World War veterans who are self-isolating at home due to the Covid-19 pandemic .
At 103 Dame Vera Lynn was there again , duetting with Katherine Jenkins ( Photo : Michael Stephens/PA Wire ) A plan for a parade by Second World War servicemen and women has had to be cancelled .
The Culture Secretary Oliver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nation marks VE 75 “ in our homes and on our doorsteps rather than in parades and street parties ” .
The Government has published a guide to hosting 1940s style tea parties to encourage people to stay indoors.Other ideas include making a cardboard Spitfire , colouring in homemade bunting , and the ringing of bells from doorsteps at 7pm .
The Imperial War Museums will mark the anniversary by sharing the personal stories of those who fought in the war .
It is asking people to play a four-minute soundtrack on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also offering a chance to download wartime records .
'The biggest threat to our country since the Second World War' A special VE Day episode of The Best Seat in the House - a new online variety concert created for the elderly and care homes during the lockdown - will also air on Friday .
David Jones , the leader of Bury Council in Greater Manchester , which is among councils urging people to stay at home , said : “ The Prime Minister described the coronavirus battle as the biggest threat to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It ’ s far too early for us to be declaring victory in this current struggle , but that won ’ t stop us celebrating one of the greatest occasions in British and world history – even if we have to do so indoors .
”

Millions of Britons will mark the nation’s greatest triumph quietly at home today as they spend VE Day still fighting the invisible enemy of Covid-19.
Without the global coronavirus pandemic, the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe would have been greeted by veterans’ parades, street parties, church services and afternoon teas.
But on the 46th day of lockdown, following the deaths in hospitals, care homes and the community of nearly as many people as were killed in the Blitz, today will be a day of sombre reflection for many.
Thoughts will also turn to how the UK will overcome the current crisis, while surviving veterans of the war remain sheltered in self-isolation.
The Prince of Wales, accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall, will lead the nation in a two minutes’ silence from Scotland, which will be broadcast across national television and radio stations at 11am.
George VI’s diary
Later, he will read extracts from the diary of his grandfather King George VI written on VE Day in 1945, in which he spoke of his relief that the war in Europe was over, the Royal Family’s iconic appearances on the Buckingham Palace balcony and having lunch with Sir Winston Churchill.
RAF Typhoon jets, whose predecessor Spitfire and Hurricane fighter planes fought off the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain, will make thrilling flypasts of Edinburgh, Cardiff and Northern Ireland, while the Red Arrows will fly over the empty streets of London.
But, in a sign of modern times, people are being urged to stay in their homes and avoid gathering to watch the displays.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was visiting Westminster Abbey to pay his respects before observing the two minutes’ silence from Downing Street, said: “Seventy-five years ago today, the people of this country celebrated victory against Hitler’s aggression.
“On the frontline, they fought with courage, ingenuity and endurance, and on the Home Front, women defended our cities against air raids, worked the factories and ran the hospitals.
“This country triumphed thanks to the heroism of countless ordinary people, and because of this, hundreds of millions of people now live in peace and freedom today.
“Today we must celebrate their achievement, and we remember their sacrifice.
“We are a free people because of everything our veterans did – we offer our gratitude, our heartfelt thanks and our solemn pledge: you will always be remembered.”
At 3pm, extracts from Churchill’s victory speech will be broadcast on television and radio, while Mr Johnson will read extracts from the recently discovered Edmund Blunden poem about VE Day.
If any families do hold 1940s-stlye afternoon tea parties, they will have to be in their living rooms – while self-isolated older generations will join in on Zoom, Skype and Facebook.
At Captain Tom Moore’s local pub, The Bell in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire, publican Karl Clark will raise a glass and ring the pub bell at 3pm in honour of veterans, which will be echoed in 20,000 pubs up and down the country.
Mark Dawson from The Ship in Langstone, Portsmouth is dropping bottles of beer on his neighbours’ doorsteps so they can still enjoy a toast from their driveways.
The Ancestry family history website will be free over the weekend so people can uncover the stories of relatives who lived through the war.
Also online, the Imperial War Museum’s four-minute soundscape “Voices of War” brings together first-hand accounts of VE Day from IWM’s vast sound archives.
Libraries across the UK are also offering helping families to explore the history of the war through recordings of 1940s songs from a local band in Windsor, a Facebook discussion in Staffordshire on war novels, and a “bake along” with wartime recipes being posted by Wokingham library.
‘Huge virtual party’
For the residents of Mansfield in Nottinghamshire a “huge virtual party” is planned, with picnics in front gardens and wartime-style treats delivered to loved ones in isolation.
Singer Jessica Poole, known as the Yorkshire Belle, will lead a wartime sing-along of 1940s favourites live on the council’s Facebook page at 8.15pm.
Newcastle City Council will be illuminating the Tyne Bridge in red and white and families in the city will be encouraged to make home-made flags and raise a glass to the war heroes from their homes at 3pm.
Lorry driver Chris Riches will be bringing the VE Day party to peoples’ homes and front gardens in Thetford, Norfolk with his musical tour of the town.
In Ipswich, residents at the Anchor St Marys care home have collected their wartime letters photographs, uniforms and medals into a virtual museum that will be on display on the firm’s website
Families will gather in front of their televisions tonight as the Queen will speak to the nation at 9pm followed by a national singalong of Dame Vera Lynn’s “We’ll Meet Again” where people will be urged to open their doors and sing in their front gardens, bringing the locked down VE Day celebrations to an end.
The Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “As we stay home to protect the NHS and save lives, I know the British people will mark this historic occasion in new ways to show our deepest gratitude and respect for those that gave so much to bring peace, freedom and prosperity to Europe.”


inews--2020-05-05--Coronavirus and travel: As Aer Lingus shows, social distancing is a thorny issue for the travel indu

Coronavirus and travel: As Aer Lingus shows, social distancing is a thorny issue for the travel industry — but some sectors are rising to the challenge

Coronavirus and travel : As Aer Lingus shows , social distancing is a thorny issue for the travel industry — but some sectors are rising to the challenge A packed flight from Belfast to Heathrow has caused dismay , and UK hospitality warns of its future , but there are innovations too Images of a nearly-full Aer Lingus flight from Belfast to Heathrow on Monday , on which it appeared no social distancing measures were being implemented , have caused widespread consternation .
It happened just as airlines and transport companies have started implementing new rules for their passengers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wizz Air , Lufthansa and Eurostar now making face coverings a requirement for travel and the International Air Transport Association has said it supports the precautionary measure .
Passengers on the Aer Lingus route have mostly been medical workers and the airline has now said it will add flights to “ reduce load ” .
It said the “ vital ” link was “ to allow critical workers to travel where required ” and that “ Aer Lingus is putting on an additional flight frequency on each day of operation of the service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result in reduced loads on each flight .
This will help safeguard the health of passengers , but will do little to help the company ’ s financial health .
In March , international passenger demand shrank 55.8 per cent compared to March 2019 .
Until Covid-19 struck , plane load factors were operating at an all-time high .
Prior to the 2008 financial crash , planes had an average load of around 75 per cent , with three out of four seats sold .
A decade later , figures reached around 82 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carried 144 million passengers , with an average load factor of 96 per cent .
With this high-density model now under threat , Europe ’ s biggest airline is looking to cut 3,000 jobs , reduce staff pay and close some of its bases in a bid “ to survive the next 12 months ” .
While it is expected that consumer demand will be initially suppressed as borders begin to reopen and travel restrictions eased , industry stakeholders have expressed concern about social distancing requirements and their impact on the economic structure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , CEO of Heathrow , Europe ’ s busiest airport , has warned that such measures would lead to kilometre-long boarding queues and has instead called for a common international standard to facilitate the safe return of air travel .
However , it is not global aviation under threat .
Robin Hutson , founder of The Pig group of hotels and Lime Wood in southern England , has written to Boris Johnson warning of the precarious situation now facing the rural economy , which is heavily reliant on tourism and hospitality .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry with high fixed costs and despite its success , operates with slim profit margins .
“ Many rural businesses live from hand to mouth , from season to season , with little or no cash reserves.
” Most starkly , he points out that “ For most of us , break-even occurs at 70 % plus occupancy.
” While the Government has yet to announce how hospitality and tourism businesses will reopen , measures announced in Europe have included allowing restaurants to open with half of their terrace tables in Spain .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be ruinous .
However the Lithuanian capital Vilnius has said that the city 's public spaces will be given over to cafes , restaurants and bars to allow for social distancing throughout the summer months .
The health ministry has said that restaurant tables must be placed two metres apart , which could be achievable with the added space provided by public areas .

Images of a nearly-full Aer Lingus flight from Belfast to Heathrow on Monday, on which it appeared no social distancing measures were being implemented, have caused widespread consternation. It happened just as airlines and transport companies have started implementing new rules for their passengers to wear face masks – Air France, Wizz Air, Lufthansa and Eurostar now making face coverings a requirement for travel and the International Air Transport Association has said it supports the precautionary measure.
Passengers on the Aer Lingus route have mostly been medical workers and the airline has now said it will add flights to “reduce load”. It said the “vital” link was “to allow critical workers to travel where required” and that “Aer Lingus is putting on an additional flight frequency on each day of operation of the service” and that the additional frequency would result in reduced loads on each flight. This will help safeguard the health of passengers, but will do little to help the company’s financial health. In March, international passenger demand shrank 55.8 per cent compared to March 2019.
Until Covid-19 struck, plane load factors were operating at an all-time high. Prior to the 2008 financial crash, planes had an average load of around 75 per cent, with three out of four seats sold. A decade later, figures reached around 82 per cent. Last year, Ryanair carried 144 million passengers, with an average load factor of 96 per cent. With this high-density model now under threat, Europe’s biggest airline is looking to cut 3,000 jobs, reduce staff pay and close some of its bases in a bid “to survive the next 12 months”.
While it is expected that consumer demand will be initially suppressed as borders begin to reopen and travel restrictions eased, industry stakeholders have expressed concern about social distancing requirements and their impact on the economic structure of the aviation industry.
John Holland-Kaye, CEO of Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, has warned that such measures would lead to kilometre-long boarding queues and has instead called for a common international standard to facilitate the safe return of air travel.
Questions about social distancing also loom over theme parks and cultural institutions, with advance bookings likely to be required in future, with numbers capped.
Problems at home
However, it is not global aviation under threat. Robin Hutson, founder of The Pig group of hotels and Lime Wood in southern England, has written to Boris Johnson warning of the precarious situation now facing the rural economy, which is heavily reliant on tourism and hospitality. He underlines that “hospitality is a labour-intensive industry with high fixed costs and despite its success, operates with slim profit margins.
“Many rural businesses live from hand to mouth, from season to season, with little or no cash reserves.” Most starkly, he points out that “For most of us, break-even occurs at 70% plus occupancy.” While the Government has yet to announce how hospitality and tourism businesses will reopen, measures announced in Europe have included allowing restaurants to open with half of their terrace tables in Spain. Allowing businesses to reopen with reduced capacity could be ruinous.
A big, open-air cafe and one-way in York
However the Lithuanian capital Vilnius has said that the city’s public spaces will be given over to cafes, restaurants and bars to allow for social distancing throughout the summer months. The health ministry has said that restaurant tables must be placed two metres apart, which could be achievable with the added space provided by public areas.
And in York, the historic, labyrinthine Shambles alleys may become a one-way system in a bid to allow for social distancing.


inews--2020-05-05--Virgin Atlantic plans to cut 3,000 jobs and shut down operations at Gatwick in 'devastating' move fo

Virgin Atlantic plans to cut 3,000 jobs and shut down operations at Gatwick in 'devastating' move for local businesses

Virgin Atlantic plans to cut 3,000 jobs and shut down operations at Gatwick in 'devastating ' move for local businesses The airline founded by Sir Richard Branson has flown from Gatwick for more than 30 years after it made its maiden flight there in 1984 Peter Lamb , the leader of Crawley Borough Council , said Virgin Atlantic 's decision will have an impact on everyone in the town ( Photo : Mike Hewitt/Getty ) Virgin Atlantic ’ s move to cut more than 3,000 jobs and halt its operations at Gatwick due to the Covid-19 pandemic will be “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to officials at the airport .
As trade union leaders warned of their “ grave concerns ” about the impact on the airport and the local economy , Gatwick chiefs insisted they remain “ optimistic ” about the future and they will work to get Virgin flights back in the air .
“ The Virgin announcement that it is pulling out of Gatwick follows that of Norwegian and BA indicating that they are reducing operations and pulling out of Gatwick , ” she said .
The airline founded by Sir Richard Branson has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years after it made its maiden flight there in 1984 and its headquarters is in nearby Crawley , West Sussex .
Its chief executive Shai Weiss said the carrier must take steps to `` reduce our costs , preserve cash and to protect as many jobs as possible '' .
A spokesman for Gatwick said : “ This news will be devastating for its staff and the many local businesses that supply and support the airline at the airport and its HQ , however we will continue to work with Virgin Atlantic to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The airline said it will reduce its workforce by 3,150 people - equivalent to more than a 30 per cent cut .
Flights from Gatwick - closed due to the collapse in demand caused by the coronavirus pandemic - will not restart .
Some routes will be switched to Heathrow .
Peter Lamb , the leader of Crawley Borough Council , said Virgin Atlantic 's decision will have an impact on everyone in the town .
He told ITV : “ Gatwick is a big organisation .
An awful lot of businesses are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of the money from that is always going to be running around the local economy .
If you ’ re a shop in the town centre , a local taxi driver , if you do repairs on people ’ s houses , pretty much every single job will be dependent to some extent on what happens in aviation.
” Brian Strutton , general secretary of pilots ' union Balpa , said : `` Our members and all staff in Virgin Atlantic will be shocked by the scale of this bombshell .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justify this .

Virgin Atlantic’s move to cut more than 3,000 jobs and halt its operations at Gatwick due to the Covid-19 pandemic will be “devastating” for local firms, according to officials at the airport.
As trade union leaders warned of their “grave concerns” about the impact on the airport and the local economy, Gatwick chiefs insisted they remain “optimistic” about the future and they will work to get Virgin flights back in the air.
Unite’s general secretary Diana Holland said: “We have grave concerns about the impact on Gatwick airport and the local economy following this latest blow.
“The Virgin announcement that it is pulling out of Gatwick follows that of Norwegian and BA indicating that they are reducing operations and pulling out of Gatwick,” she said.
‘Devastating for staff’
The airline founded by Sir Richard Branson has flown from Gatwick for more than 30 years after it made its maiden flight there in 1984 and its headquarters is in nearby Crawley, West Sussex.
Its chief executive Shai Weiss said the carrier must take steps to “reduce our costs, preserve cash and to protect as many jobs as possible”.
The airport supports 85,000 jobs in the South East of England.
A spokesman for Gatwick said: “This news will be devastating for its staff and the many local businesses that supply and support the airline at the airport and its HQ, however we will continue to work with Virgin Atlantic to get them flying again from Gatwick.”
‘Heartbreaking for staff’
Jim McMahon, Labour’s shadow Transport Secretary, said: “This terrible news is heartbreaking for Virgin Atlantic staff and their families, and another major blow for the aviation industry.
“The Government is failing workers by not stepping in and protecting these jobs.”
The airline said it will reduce its workforce by 3,150 people – equivalent to more than a 30 per cent cut.
Flights from Gatwick – closed due to the collapse in demand caused by the coronavirus pandemic – will not restart. Some routes will be switched to Heathrow.
Peter Lamb, the leader of Crawley Borough Council, said Virgin Atlantic’s decision will have an impact on everyone in the town.
He told ITV: “Gatwick is a big organisation. An awful lot of businesses are based there and supplying it, but some of the money from that is always going to be running around the local economy. If you’re a shop in the town centre, a local taxi driver, if you do repairs on people’s houses, pretty much every single job will be dependent to some extent on what happens in aviation.”
Brian Strutton, general secretary of pilots’ union Balpa, said: “Our members and all staff in Virgin Atlantic will be shocked by the scale of this bombshell. We will be challenging Virgin very hard to justify this.
“Why is the Government sitting on its hands while aviation plunges further towards a death spiral?
“Government should call a moratorium on job losses in aviation and lead a planned recovery.”
Options being explored
The airline said talks with the Government about additional funding during the lockdown “are ongoing”.
Sir Richard recently warned the carrier will collapse unless it receives Government support.
Rival airline British Airways announced last week that it was planning to cut 12,000 jobs.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s official spokesman said: “We continue to work closely with the sector and are willing to consider the situation of individual firms once all other Government schemes and commercial options have been explored, including raising capital from existing investors.”


inews--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: Rishi Sunak risks legal challenge if he awards unconditional bailouts to airlines, char

Coronavirus: Rishi Sunak risks legal challenge if he awards unconditional bailouts to airlines, charity warns

Coronavirus : Rishi Sunak risks legal challenge if he awards unconditional bailouts to airlines , charity warns Climate campaigners want government support to be conditional on airlines promising to cut emissions Rishi Sunak risks a legal challenge if he gives struggling airlines a bailout without demanding climate commitments from them , campaigners have warned .
Acting on behalf of climate change charity Possible , Leigh Day demanded assurances from Mr Sunak that his department will impose strict carbon-cutting conditions on airlines in return for any bailout .
It warned unconditional support could be in breach of the UK domestic climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year Leigh Day and a group of environmental charities won a major court case against the Government on similar grounds , effectively halting the development of a third runway at Heathrow .
Possible believes a failure to impose climate conditions on airlines could mean the Government was , in effect , “ taking positive action to facilitate and enable the UK ’ s aviation industry to return to its previously very harmful levels of emissions , ” according to Leigh Day lawyer Tom Short .
In response , a Treasury spokesperson promised the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individual firms , whilst balancing out commitment to our climate change targets , including reaching net zero by 2050 . ''
Virgin Atlantic boss Richard Branson has reportedly requested support from the Government ( Photo : BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty ) Although most flights have been grounded during the lockdown , campaigners fear aircraft - and emissions - will take off as soon as restrictions are lifted .
Aviation is one of the fastest growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK .
A spokesperson for Possible said : `` We need to build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone , not just for a small minority of wealthy frequent flyers and the airline bosses cashing in on the damage flying does to our climate .
Recovery from Covid-19 will need huge public investment , which must go to building a better future for everyone , not propping up polluters.
” Some governments are taking a tough line on airline bailouts .
The French government refused to write a “ blank cheque ” for its national carrier Air France , imposing a string of climate conditions to its €7bn ( £6.1bn ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Air France serving routes where a short train journey is possible , which will affect routes between Paris and Bordeaux , Lyon , Nantes and Rennes .

Rishi Sunak risks a legal challenge if he gives struggling airlines a bailout without demanding climate commitments from them, campaigners have warned.
Lawyers wrote to the Chancellor, warning that unconditional support for aviation could breach the UK’s climate commitments.
Green strings
Acting on behalf of climate change charity Possible, Leigh Day demanded assurances from Mr Sunak that his department will impose strict carbon-cutting conditions on airlines in return for any bailout. It warned unconditional support could be in breach of the UK domestic climate targets and international commitments.
Earlier this year Leigh Day and a group of environmental charities won a major court case against the Government on similar grounds, effectively halting the development of a third runway at Heathrow.
Possible believes a failure to impose climate conditions on airlines could mean the Government was, in effect, “taking positive action to facilitate and enable the UK’s aviation industry to return to its previously very harmful levels of emissions,” according to Leigh Day lawyer Tom Short.
In response, a Treasury spokesperson promised the Government would “consider the situation of individual firms, whilst balancing out commitment to our climate change targets, including reaching net zero by 2050.”
Low-carbon recovery
Although most flights have been grounded during the lockdown, campaigners fear aircraft – and emissions – will take off as soon as restrictions are lifted. Aviation is one of the fastest growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK.
A spokesperson for Possible said: “We need to build a low-carbon transport system that works for everyone, not just for a small minority of wealthy frequent flyers and the airline bosses cashing in on the damage flying does to our climate. Recovery from Covid-19 will need huge public investment, which must go to building a better future for everyone, not propping up polluters.”
Over in France
Some governments are taking a tough line on airline bailouts. The French government refused to write a “blank cheque” for its national carrier Air France, imposing a string of climate conditions to its €7bn (£6.1bn) aid package. That includes a ban on Air France serving routes where a short train journey is possible, which will affect routes between Paris and Bordeaux, Lyon, Nantes and Rennes.


inews--2020-05-05--Scientists develop 'hands off' system for spotting perfectly ripe avocados

The team from Cranfield University claims the invention could cut avocado waste by 10 per cent As the brunch ingredient of choice for millennials , supermarkets face a continuous battle keeping their shelves stocked with perfectly ripe avocados .
Customers demand ready to eat fruit , but avocados have a short shelf life , swinging from hard to mushy within just a few days .
Suppliers , supermarkets and customers are forced to keep squeezing fruit to see if it is ripe , but that causes bruising .
Around one third of all avocados go to waste , in large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientists at Cranfield University believe they have found a way to side-step the avocado guessing game .
They have designed a new testing system using lasers and vibrations to assess an avocado ’ s readiness without damaging the fruit .
This could cut waste by up to 10 per cent and help ensure shoppers get a perfect avocado every time , they said .
“ Hard fruits create a higher frequency than soft fruits , so we calculated the perfect frequency for a ripe avocado and accurately measured this with a Laser Doppler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Professor Leon Terry , director of environment and agrifood at Cranfield University .
Avocados have soared in popularity in recent years ( Photo : ANNA-ROSE GASSOT/AFP/Getty ) The technology could be used on other fruits , but it will work particularly well within the avocado supply chain .
That is because these expensive fruits are laid out in single file on factory lines , making them easy to test .
“ If developed , a simple ‘ traffic light ’ system could sort the fruit into those that are ripe , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tackle food waste at this point in the supply chain , ” research fellow Dr Sandra Landahl explained .
Slashing food waste is a quick way to cut costs and carbon emissions .
In the UK , food waste from the supply chain and households is responsible for about 20 million tonnes of emissions each year , the equivalent of keeping seven million cars on the road .

As the brunch ingredient of choice for millennials, supermarkets face a continuous battle keeping their shelves stocked with perfectly ripe avocados.
Customers demand ready to eat fruit, but avocados have a short shelf life, swinging from hard to mushy within just a few days.
Assessing ripeness
Suppliers, supermarkets and customers are forced to keep squeezing fruit to see if it is ripe, but that causes bruising. Around one third of all avocados go to waste, in large part because of over-zealous squeezing.
But scientists at Cranfield University believe they have found a way to side-step the avocado guessing game. They have designed a new testing system using lasers and vibrations to assess an avocado’s readiness without damaging the fruit.
This could cut waste by up to 10 per cent and help ensure shoppers get a perfect avocado every time, they said. “Hard fruits create a higher frequency than soft fruits, so we calculated the perfect frequency for a ripe avocado and accurately measured this with a Laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV) test,” said Professor Leon Terry, director of environment and agrifood at Cranfield University.
Commercial potential
The technology could be used on other fruits, but it will work particularly well within the avocado supply chain. That is because these expensive fruits are laid out in single file on factory lines, making them easy to test.
“If developed, a simple ‘traffic light’ system could sort the fruit into those that are ripe, for discard or for storage, helping industry tackle food waste at this point in the supply chain,” research fellow Dr Sandra Landahl explained.
Slashing food waste is a quick way to cut costs and carbon emissions. In the UK, food waste from the supply chain and households is responsible for about 20 million tonnes of emissions each year, the equivalent of keeping seven million cars on the road.


inews--2020-05-05--Coronavirus lockdown: Devastating financial impact on sports, as Covid-19 outbreak could cost ECB £3

Coronavirus lockdown: Devastating financial impact on sports, as Covid-19 outbreak could cost ECB £380m

Coronavirus lockdown : Devastating financial impact on sports , as Covid-19 outbreak could cost ECB £380m Football , cricket and rugby losing heavily from closure of stadiums The coronavirus lockdown is having a devastating impact on all levels of Britain ’ s most popular sports , MPs were warned .
The England and Wales Cricket Board ( ECB ) said the Covid-19 outbreak could cost the sport £380m , while rugby chiefs said they could lose £107m if the 2020 autumn internationals are cancelled .
And Rick Parry , the English Football League chairman , told the Digital , Culture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 71 clubs in his competition were facing a £200m financial hole by the end of September .
Tom Harrison , chief executive of the ECB , said : “ We anticipate with no cricket this year a worst-case scenario could be as bad as £380million .
“ That would be the loss of 800 days of cricket across all of our professional clubs and the ECB . ''
There will be no professional cricket before July , the ECB has been forced to delay the launch of its new flagship competition , The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled Test series against West Indies and Pakistan are in doubt .
Bill Sweeney , the chief executive of the Rugby Football Union , said the cancellation of November ’ s scheduled fixtures against New Zealand , Argentina , Tonga and Australia at Twickenham would cost it £107m .
Lost revenue would still be £85m if games were played without spectators , he told the committee .
Elite sports funding body UK Sport is looking for a one-year rollover of Government financing - understood to amount to an extra £53.4m - for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 31 , 2022 .
Six sports which receive UK Sport funding are understood to be on the brink of bankruptcy within the next three months without urgent action .
Its chair , Dame Katherine Grainger , also called on the Government to underwrite any potential shortfall in National Lottery funding if ticket sales are affected by the pandemic .
`` Our funding runs out at the end of March 2021 which obviously leaves a few months ' gap leading up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games , '' she said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be filled , then the risks increase for everyone . ''
Sport England chief executive Tim Hollingsworth warned : “ One third of children were not doing the required amount of activity laid down by the chief medical officer [ 30 minutes per day ] and that figure is getting worse in the current environment .

The coronavirus lockdown is having a devastating impact on all levels of Britain’s most popular sports, MPs were warned.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said the Covid-19 outbreak could cost the sport £380m, while rugby chiefs said they could lose £107m if the 2020 autumn internationals are cancelled.
And Rick Parry, the English Football League chairman, told the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee that the 71 clubs in his competition were facing a £200m financial hole by the end of September.
Tom Harrison, chief executive of the ECB, said: “We anticipate with no cricket this year a worst-case scenario could be as bad as £380million.
“That would be the loss of 800 days of cricket across all of our professional clubs and the ECB.”
There will be no professional cricket before July, the ECB has been forced to delay the launch of its new flagship competition, The Hundred, for a year and the scheduled Test series against West Indies and Pakistan are in doubt.
Funding plea
Bill Sweeney, the chief executive of the Rugby Football Union, said the cancellation of November’s scheduled fixtures against New Zealand, Argentina, Tonga and Australia at Twickenham would cost it £107m.
Lost revenue would still be £85m if games were played without spectators, he told the committee.
Elite sports funding body UK Sport is looking for a one-year rollover of Government financing – understood to amount to an extra £53.4m – for the period from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.
Six sports which receive UK Sport funding are understood to be on the brink of bankruptcy within the next three months without urgent action.
Its chair, Dame Katherine Grainger, also called on the Government to underwrite any potential shortfall in National Lottery funding if ticket sales are affected by the pandemic.
Olympics gap
“Our funding runs out at the end of March 2021 which obviously leaves a few months’ gap leading up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” she said.
“Unless we know that’s going to be filled, then the risks increase for everyone.”
Sport England chief executive Tim Hollingsworth warned: “One third of children were not doing the required amount of activity laid down by the chief medical officer [30 minutes per day] and that figure is getting worse in the current environment.
“Now 44 per cent are doing no activity or less than half an hour due to the current crisis.”


inews--2020-05-05--Coronavirus lockdown: Workplaces and schools ‘should consider shift patterns’, report says

Coronavirus lockdown : Workplaces and schools ‘ should consider shift patterns ’ , report says Writing in a report for the Adam Smith Institute , he suggests that businesses divide their workforce into two groups Keith Willison , professor of chemical biology at Imperial College London , has recommended the scheme as a way of restarting the economy while lessening the danger to workers .
Writing in a report for the Adam Smith Institute , he suggests that businesses divide their workforce into two groups , with each going in to the workplace for four days every fortnight .
Splitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to be endorsed by ministers next week - means there are fewer people on the premises at any one time , making it easier for employers to enforce social distancing and reducing the likelihood that a worker who contracts Covid-19 will infect his colleagues .
Professor Willison highlights research from the Weizmann Institute of Science which claims that outbreaks are less likely if people work four rather than five days at a time .
This is because it typically takes three to four days for an infected person to start transmitting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they contract the illness at the start of the week they will be off work again before they are infectious .
He said : `` We believe it could enable the UK to avoid the ‘ second spike ’ at the same time as reactivating the economy .
The 4-10 plan is scalable , flexible , easy to understand , enforceable and can be implemented locally in schools and businesses . ''
Plans to cut back the coronavirus furlough scheme to encourage workers to look for new jobs are being examined by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 6 million workers have been furloughed at a potential cost to the taxpayer of £8bn .
Under the job retention scheme , the Treasury pays 80 per cent of their wages .
The Evening Standard reported that Rishi Sunak is now considering plans to taper the payments after the current scheme ends in June .
It said one option is to reduce the subsidy to 60 per cent , with further small reductions to follow .
That would mean people on the scheme become worse off , encouraging them to find new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some furloughed staff to work with a smaller subsidy , helping employers operating with a smaller income after lockdown .

Schools and workplaces should consider adopting a “four days on, 10 days off” shift pattern to avoid the risk of coronavirus outbreaks once the current lockdown is eased, a report says.
Keith Willison, professor of chemical biology at Imperial College London, has recommended the scheme as a way of restarting the economy while lessening the danger to workers.
Writing in a report for the Adam Smith Institute, he suggests that businesses divide their workforce into two groups, with each going in to the workplace for four days every fortnight.
Splitting into “teams” – an idea likely to be endorsed by ministers next week – means there are fewer people on the premises at any one time, making it easier for employers to enforce social distancing and reducing the likelihood that a worker who contracts Covid-19 will infect his colleagues.
Avoiding ‘second spike’
Professor Willison highlights research from the Weizmann Institute of Science which claims that outbreaks are less likely if people work four rather than five days at a time. This is because it typically takes three to four days for an infected person to start transmitting the virus to others, meaning that if they contract the illness at the start of the week they will be off work again before they are infectious.
He said: “We believe it could enable the UK to avoid the ‘second spike’ at the same time as reactivating the economy. The 4-10 plan is scalable, flexible, easy to understand, enforceable and can be implemented locally in schools and businesses.”
Sunak considers cuts to furlough subsidy scheme
Plans to cut back the coronavirus furlough scheme to encourage workers to look for new jobs are being examined by the Chancellor, writes Nigel Morris.
More than 6 million workers have been furloughed at a potential cost to the taxpayer of £8bn. Under the job retention scheme, the Treasury pays 80 per cent of their wages.
The Evening Standard reported that Rishi Sunak is now considering plans to taper the payments after the current scheme ends in June.
It said one option is to reduce the subsidy to 60 per cent, with further small reductions to follow. That would mean people on the scheme become worse off, encouraging them to find new work. Another option is to allow some furloughed staff to work with a smaller subsidy, helping employers operating with a smaller income after lockdown.


inews--2020-05-05--The A Word, BBC1, review: Christopher Eccleston shines in the third series of family drama

The A Word , BBC1 , review : Christopher Eccleston shines in the third series of family drama Peter Bowker 's writing was as dynamic as ever , blurring the lines between prime time drama and comfortable soap Christopher Eccleston isn ’ t the easiest actor to love .
He gives off the impression that he ’ ll reach through the screen and grab you by the throat if you don ’ t appreciate his ferocious thespian intensity .
But with the role of Maurice Scott in The A Word , he ’ s found the perfect vehicle for his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the show ’ s big-hearted patriarch , is loud , bossy and as subtle as a hurricane .
In the first episode of series three of Peter Bowker ’ s drama about families dealing with autism ( and much else besides ) , Maurice seized centre stage .
His Lake District home became Mission Control .
The moment his daughter Alison ( Morven Christie ) lost her job in Manchester , Maurice was on the scene .
He dispensed some remarkably perceptive advice to his pregnant teenage grand-daughter , Rebecca ( Molly Wright @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on-off lover Louise ( Pooky Quesnel ) discovered that her son , Ralph ( Leon Harrop ) – who has Down ’ s syndrome – was preparing to move into a flat with his girlfriend Katie ( Sarah Gordy ) , it was Maurice who smoothed choppy emotional waters .
It was empathy-max , and this was all , as Maurice reminded us , at the same time as he was running a hiking group , singing in the local choir , learning Spanish and being a volunteer firefighter .
The only snag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctor ’ s warnings about cholesterol and blood pressure .
Everyone else looked pallid .
Maurice ’ s son Eddie ( Greg McHugh ) would make a hologram seem substantial .
Alison ’ s ex-husband Paul ( Lee Ingleby ) was reeling after a fire in his new house , as well as the realisation that his autistic son Joe ( Max Vento ) is happier in Manchester with his mum than with him in Cumbria .
She , meanwhile , was hating herself for how her long struggle to protect Joe has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s writing was as skilful as ever , deftly knitting plot and character together .
So skilful , in fact , that you almost can ’ t see the join when The A Word , rather too frequently , slides into soap .

The A Word, BBC One, 9pm ★★★★
Christopher Eccleston isn’t the easiest actor to love. He gives off the impression that he’ll reach through the screen and grab you by the throat if you don’t appreciate his ferocious thespian intensity.
But with the role of Maurice Scott in The A Word, he’s found the perfect vehicle for his particular set of skills. Maurice, the show’s big-hearted patriarch, is loud, bossy and as subtle as a hurricane.
In the first episode of series three of Peter Bowker’s drama about families dealing with autism (and much else besides), Maurice seized centre stage. His Lake District home became Mission Control.
The moment his daughter Alison (Morven Christie) lost her job in Manchester, Maurice was on the scene. He dispensed some remarkably perceptive advice to his pregnant teenage grand-daughter, Rebecca (Molly Wright), too.
And when his on-off lover Louise (Pooky Quesnel) discovered that her son, Ralph (Leon Harrop) – who has Down’s syndrome – was preparing to move into a flat with his girlfriend Katie (Sarah Gordy), it was Maurice who smoothed choppy emotional waters.
It was empathy-max, and this was all, as Maurice reminded us, at the same time as he was running a hiking group, singing in the local choir, learning Spanish and being a volunteer firefighter. The only snag is that he’s ignoring his doctor’s warnings about cholesterol and blood pressure.
Read More Christopher Eccleston on The A Word: ‘It’s dispiriting people would rather watch arseholes eating spiders in the jungle over our drama’
Everyone else looked pallid. Maurice’s son Eddie (Greg McHugh) would make a hologram seem substantial. Alison’s ex-husband Paul (Lee Ingleby) was reeling after a fire in his new house, as well as the realisation that his autistic son Joe (Max Vento) is happier in Manchester with his mum than with him in Cumbria.
She, meanwhile, was hating herself for how her long struggle to protect Joe has made her prickly and hostile.
Bowker’s writing was as skilful as ever, deftly knitting plot and character together. So skilful, in fact, that you almost can’t see the join when The A Word, rather too frequently, slides into soap.
THEARTSDESK.COM


inews--2020-05-05--Premier League set to return with ministers 'optimistic' about season restart behind closed doors

Premier League set to return with ministers 'optimistic ' about season restart behind closed doors Premier League chiefs have floated a plan to restart the season on 12 June Back of the net : Sergio Aguero celebrates yet another goal before lockdown as Man City defeat Sheffield United ( Photo : Getty ) “ Players are back in training as it is their workplace and they are able to do so while keeping to social distancing rules , but they will need several weeks to get back up to fitness .
“ There are grounds for optimism but what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go too early and be forced to stop .
There are lots of different considerations to take on board .
“ One issue we could potentially have is if Liverpool win the title then how do we stop fans congregating around Anfield .
We have to think about the signal we send by allowing sport to return while asking the public to continue to adhere to social distancing rules.
” Some grounds staff have been furloughed due to lack of revenue for clubs ( Photo : Getty ) Asked about the Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raab told the daily Downing Street briefing : “ I think it would lift the spirits of the nation .
I think people would like to see us get back not just to work and get to a stage where children can safely return to school , but also enjoy some of those pastimes , sporting in particular.
” “ I know that both the Premier League and racing are working on how this might be doable in a safe way , but that safety has to be paramount , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , which represents teams in the Championship and Leagues One and Two , is warning that clubs could go out of business because of the prolonged shutdown .
`` Clubs are stacking up creditors as well .
We have a great deal of uncertainty around next season of course , the great undetermined matter being when we 're going to return to play in front of crowds , which for the EFL is absolutely critical . ''

Ministers are preparing to give the go-ahead to the resumption of Premier League fixtures which have been suspended since early March because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Oliver Dowden, the Culture Secretary, will hold talks on Wednesday with the sport’s administrators and medical experts over allowing top-flight English football to return in June behind closed doors.
Premier League chiefs have floated a plan to restart the season on 12 June with the season’s 92 remaining games taking place in empty stadiums at neutral venues.
However, the move has faced opposition from some players who fear their health could be jeopardised if the pandemic has not been properly brought under control.
The Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, said on Tuesday that the Premier League’s return would “lift the spirits of the nation”.
A senior Whitehall source told i: “Talks are advancing. We are working through the details with different sports, including the Premier League, on how it could be safe to restart.
Players ‘back in training’
“Players are back in training as it is their workplace and they are able to do so while keeping to social distancing rules, but they will need several weeks to get back up to fitness.
“There are grounds for optimism but what we don’t want to do is to go too early and be forced to stop. There are lots of different considerations to take on board.
“One issue we could potentially have is if Liverpool win the title then how do we stop fans congregating around Anfield. We have to think about the signal we send by allowing sport to return while asking the public to continue to adhere to social distancing rules.”
Asked about the Premier League possibly returning in mid-June, Mr Raab told the daily Downing Street briefing: “I think it would lift the spirits of the nation. I think people would like to see us get back not just to work and get to a stage where children can safely return to school, but also enjoy some of those pastimes, sporting in particular.”
Racing set for return
The Health Secretary Matt Hancock also told the BBC he was “absolutely open” to the return of the Premier League and horse-racing meetings.
“I know that both the Premier League and racing are working on how this might be doable in a safe way, but that safety has to be paramount,” he said.
The English Football League (EFL), which represents teams in the Championship and Leagues One and Two, is warning that clubs could go out of business because of the prolonged shutdown.
They rely more heavily on gate receipts than Premiership clubs and being forced to play without spectators could prove financially ruinous for some smaller clubs.
Rick Parry, the EFL chairman, admitted his organisation needed to “reset” itself following the pandemic with clubs discussing the introduction of salary caps and other cost control measures.
Smaller clubs struggling
He told MPs: “We are heading for a financial hole of about £200m by the end of September, cash hole, that we will need to fill.
“Clubs are stacking up creditors as well. We have a great deal of uncertainty around next season of course, the great undetermined matter being when we’re going to return to play in front of crowds, which for the EFL is absolutely critical.”
Before the virus arrived in the UK, many football clubs were struggling to keep afloat.
Bury went bust at the beginning of the season, while Bolton Wanderers, Macclesfield Town, Southend Utd and Oldham Athletic also found themselves in financial trouble.


inews--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: Three members of same family die within weeks of each other after contracting Covid-19

Coronavirus : Three members of same family die within weeks of each other after contracting Covid-19 A nurse and his parents have lost their lives to the virus Three members of the same family have lost their lives to Covid-19 within weeks of each other .
His mother Lillian passed away less than a fortnight later on 1 May and her husband Maurice died last weekend at South Tyneside Hospital .
Staff at the hospital moved the couple ’ s beds next to each other so they could hold hands before she died .
Debbie Harvey , Keith ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the Shields Gazette that the three were ‘ really loved ’ and would be ‘ greatly missed ’ by all who knew them .
He was described as a “ popular and hard-working ” nurse by Yvonne Ormston MBE , chief executive of Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust .
Ms Harvey said : “ He looked after people so well and stood up for them.
” She said she was still in disbelief and his children Ben ,21 and Olivia , 17 were “ absolutely devastated ” .
Mr Dunnington had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a scout for Sunderland AFC , after leaving school .
Speaking about her aunt and uncle , she described Lillian , 81 , as someone “ always ready with a wise word and a cuppa ” who had hosted many family get togethers at Christmas .
Husband Maurice , 85 , was said to be a “ larger than life character ” and a devoted supporter of the British Legion .
NHS staff praised by family for the care they gave to Maurice and Lillian Dunnington ( Photo : Getty ) He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the firm Stagecoach on the buses and at the depot for many years .
Ms Harvey praised the NHS for the care her aunt and uncle received while in hospital , adding staff “ could not do enough for them ” .

Three members of the same family have lost their lives to Covid-19 within weeks of each other.
Nurse Keith Dunnington died at his parents’ home in South Shields on 19 April.
His mother Lillian passed away less than a fortnight later on 1 May and her husband Maurice died last weekend at South Tyneside Hospital.
Staff at the hospital moved the couple’s beds next to each other so they could hold hands before she died.
Holding hands
Debbie Harvey, Keith’s cousin and his parents’ niece, told the Shields Gazette that the three were ‘really loved’ and would be ‘greatly missed’ by all who knew them.
Father-of-two Mr Dunnington, 54, worked as a nurse at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead.
He was described as a “popular and hard-working” nurse by Yvonne Ormston MBE, chief executive of Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust.
Ms Harvey said: “He looked after people so well and stood up for them.”
‘Popular and hard-working’
She said she was still in disbelief and his children Ben ,21 and Olivia, 17 were “absolutely devastated”.
Mr Dunnington had been a champion swimmer for South Tyneside and a scout for Sunderland AFC, after leaving school.
Speaking about her aunt and uncle, she described Lillian, 81, as someone “always ready with a wise word and a cuppa” who had hosted many family get togethers at Christmas.
Husband Maurice, 85, was said to be a “larger than life character” and a devoted supporter of the British Legion.
Family in disbelief
He was well known in the area after working for the firm Stagecoach on the buses and at the depot for many years.
Ms Harvey praised the NHS for the care her aunt and uncle received while in hospital, adding staff “could not do enough for them”.
A joint funeral for all three members of the family will be held on 16 May.


inews--2020-05-05--Coronavirus death toll is a sobering moment for the UK — we must hope ministers are learning fast

Coronavirus death toll is a sobering moment for the UK — we must hope ministers are learning fast Foreign Secretary , Dominic Raab , is right to say that now is too soon for definitive comparisons with other countries All the same , it was a sobering moment for the UK .
Last week the PM referred to our “ apparent success ” in fighting Covid-19 – a phrase that jarred with some of you .
Ministers don ’ t have much time to sit around listening to their critics .
We must hope they are learning fast how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and economy , and that they are humble enough to benefit from other countries ’ experiences .
Is it a mobile pub or a mirage ?
There ’ s substantial excitement among some of you at the prospect of a beer van .
As prophesied by Coventry i reader Paul Rose , this is a converted ice-cream van serving draught pints over the counter .
Paul ’ s idea has been greeted as humanity ’ s finest invention in 5,500 years , since Mesopotamian potters created the wheel .
Paul and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health considerations .
Nevertheless , pending future approval from the Department of Health , we must quickly agree on the van ’ s chimes to attract trade .
A business advertises takeaway beer as the UK orders all pubs and restaurant to close their doors ( Photo : Getty ) Eastbourne ’ s Michael Tweed writes : “ My wife suggests that inveterate pub crawlers would appreciate three jingles starting with ‘ Roll Out the Barrel ’ , followed by ‘ Let ’ s Have Another One ’ , and finally ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Van ) ’ ... as the drink cart pulls away.
” Helen Dixon of St Neots , Cambridgeshire , insists : “ It has to be ‘ Beer , Beer , Beer ’ by the Clancy Brothers.
” Alan Weston of Bishops Stortford proposes The Jungle Book ’ s “ The Beer Necessities ” and Andrew Simpson of Bognor Regis suggests “ Happy Hour ” by The Housemartins .
Bottoms up .

It will be months before we can determine who has the highest death toll from coronavirus. The only way to accurately calculate this grim league table will be to study excess mortality. So the Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, is right to say that now is too soon for definitive comparisons with other countries.
All the same, it was a sobering moment for the UK. Last week the PM referred to our “apparent success” in fighting Covid-19 – a phrase that jarred with some of you. Ministers don’t have much time to sit around listening to their critics. We must hope they are learning fast how to adapt to this novel threat to our health and economy, and that they are humble enough to benefit from other countries’ experiences.
Is it a mobile pub or a mirage? There’s substantial excitement among some of you at the prospect of a beer van. As prophesied by Coventry i reader Paul Rose, this is a converted ice-cream van serving draught pints over the counter. Paul’s idea has been greeted as humanity’s finest invention in 5,500 years, since Mesopotamian potters created the wheel.
Paul and I concede that there are one or two public health considerations. Nevertheless, pending future approval from the Department of Health, we must quickly agree on the van’s chimes to attract trade.
Eastbourne’s Michael Tweed writes: “My wife suggests that inveterate pub crawlers would appreciate three jingles starting with ‘Roll Out the Barrel’, followed by ‘Let’s Have Another One’, and finally ‘My Old Man (Said Follow the Van)’ … as the drink cart pulls away.”
Helen Dixon of St Neots, Cambridgeshire, insists: “It has to be ‘Beer, Beer, Beer’ by the Clancy Brothers.” Alan Weston of Bishops Stortford proposes The Jungle Book’s “The Beer Necessities” and Andrew Simpson of Bognor Regis suggests “Happy Hour” by The Housemartins. Bottoms up.


inews--2020-05-05--The Trolls World Tour showdown between cinemas and Universal is a battle for the future of entertain

The Trolls World Tour showdown between cinemas and Universal is a battle for the future of entertainment Cinemas are playing hardball because they fear a permanent shift in our watching habits It ’ s not often that reading business news makes me laugh , but it has been somewhat amusing to watch a huge argument break out in the film industry over the seemingly innocuous children ’ s movie Trolls World Tour .
In case you haven ’ t been following it , the spat involves mega cinema chains AMC and Cineworld .
They have taken umbrage with Universal Studios @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a successful digital release of said Trolls sequel during lockdown , it might consider more releases where the picture hits streaming sites at the same time as it opens in theatres .
The cinema operators say this is a breach of the long-held agreement between their industry and the studios and have now taken the drastic step of saying they won ’ t show any Universal films .
That means no James Bond , no Fast & Furious , no Jurassic World .
Trolls World Tour has proved a contentious release for its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At first glance , this story seems to be all about giant corporations and the ancient ways of doing business in Hollywood , but it also has a bearing on our own personal lives .
We are in the midst of a streaming revolution , which has only been hurried along by coronavirus restrictions .
This battle is not just over box office money , it ’ s over the future of entertainment .
What cinemas fear is that , given access to big releases in the comfort of our own homes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up with high ticket prices and the box of pure profit margin that is popcorn .
A quick litmus test of my friends suggests that this isn ’ t true .
All of them would still go out and pay to see the right film in a nice setting .
The cinema is still a romantic experience , and it ’ s only becoming more so .
Many theatres now have sofas and even offer table service .
Companies like Secret Cinema have gone further by making the whole thing immersive .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect to see more of as cinemas bid to get our bums back on their ( now exceedingly plush ) seats .
There is also the concept that business analysts call “ pent-up demand ” – the build-up of every passing hankering you ’ ve had in the past few weeks to visit the cinema , see a play , or sit in the pub with a pint in your hand .
While people will likely be wary of gatherings at first , the desire to resume our favourite leisure activities will boost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t agree that cinemas need to view streaming as the existential threat they seem to think it is .
But they do have one thing right : lockdown is going to change how we spend our time and what we spend our money on .
Perhaps some of us will use our newly improved cooking skills to cut down on how frequently we eat out , or we might give up our gym memberships in favour of a new at-home routine .
There will always be demand for fun things to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to have to adapt – like the rest of us – to a new normal .

It’s not often that reading business news makes me laugh, but it has been somewhat amusing to watch a huge argument break out in the film industry over the seemingly innocuous children’s movie Trolls World Tour.
In case you haven’t been following it, the spat involves mega cinema chains AMC and Cineworld. They have taken umbrage with Universal Studios after its boss hinted that, following a successful digital release of said Trolls sequel during lockdown, it might consider more releases where the picture hits streaming sites at the same time as it opens in theatres.
The cinema operators say this is a breach of the long-held agreement between their industry and the studios and have now taken the drastic step of saying they won’t show any Universal films. That means no James Bond, no Fast & Furious, no Jurassic World.
At first glance, this story seems to be all about giant corporations and the ancient ways of doing business in Hollywood, but it also has a bearing on our own personal lives. We are in the midst of a streaming revolution, which has only been hurried along by coronavirus restrictions. This battle is not just over box office money, it’s over the future of entertainment.
What cinemas fear is that, given access to big releases in the comfort of our own homes, we might not be willing to put up with high ticket prices and the box of pure profit margin that is popcorn.
A quick litmus test of my friends suggests that this isn’t true. All of them would still go out and pay to see the right film in a nice setting.
Read More: Why saving money during the coronavirus lockdown might become contagious
The cinema is still a romantic experience, and it’s only becoming more so. Many theatres now have sofas and even offer table service. Companies like Secret Cinema have gone further by making the whole thing immersive. This is the kind of premiumisation we can expect to see more of as cinemas bid to get our bums back on their (now exceedingly plush) seats.
There is also the concept that business analysts call “pent-up demand” – the build-up of every passing hankering you’ve had in the past few weeks to visit the cinema, see a play, or sit in the pub with a pint in your hand. While people will likely be wary of gatherings at first, the desire to resume our favourite leisure activities will boost these businesses.
In short, I don’t agree that cinemas need to view streaming as the existential threat they seem to think it is. But they do have one thing right: lockdown is going to change how we spend our time and what we spend our money on. Perhaps some of us will use our newly improved cooking skills to cut down on how frequently we eat out, or we might give up our gym memberships in favour of a new at-home routine.
There will always be demand for fun things to do, but leisure companies are just going to have to adapt – like the rest of us – to a new normal.


inews--2020-05-05--Coronavirus lockdown should continue for elderly and those with pre-existing conditions, academics s

Coronavirus lockdown should continue for elderly and those with pre-existing conditions, academics say

Coronavirus lockdown should continue for elderly and those with pre-existing conditions , academics say Academics argue that this is the only way to get the country running again while saving lives and protecting the NHS The lockdown should be tightened for people who are over 70 or have pre-existing medical conditions so that restrictions can be relaxed for everyone else and life can start to return to normal , a group of academics has suggested .
Under the proposal anybody with coronavirus symptoms would continue to be required to self-isolate , according to academics from the universities of London and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ proposal is likely to infuriate many people who say a gradual easing of the lockdown would be discriminatory .
However , the academics insist that the 'twin approach ' is the only “ immediately available ” strategy that can ease the lockdown while saving lives and protecting the NHS .
Social bubbles is one consideration , allowing households to invite individuals into their group ( Photo : Getty ) Those people that continue in lockdown would be tested frequently , even daily , for symptoms , while care homes , hospitals and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improving hygiene to reduce the danger of transmission .
“ Segmentation and shielding recognises that , although social distancing impacts on the whole of society , the public health burden of Covid-19 is concentrated in a subset of vulnerable people , ” said Mark Woolhouse , Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at the University of Edinburgh .
“ By targeting protection to those that need it most , the strategy helps to ensure that the health system is not overwhelmed by severe cases , while giving policy makers greater leeway to partially relax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the population , ” he said .
The academics have modelled a range of scenarios to illustrate how different restrictions could be applied to different groups .
They have sent their findings to the UK and Scottish Governments .
Researchers say lockdown restrictions could be eased for most people , as long as sufficient measures stay in place to keep transmission rates low .
The most vulnerable – the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions – would still need to be shielded from contact with anyone potentially infected with the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gerontology , University of Oxford , said : “ The use of age alone as a criteria for vulnerable has some concerns .
“ Importantly we know that while at the population level age is a good general predictor for vulnerability this appears ( at this stage and with our current evidence ) to be related to underlying health conditions . ''
`` There is considerable variation in the presence of underlying health conditions in the over 70s .
Using chronological age without taking into account individual ’ s health conditions will confine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said .
`` While there is a clear association between age and the efficiency of our immune systems , we do not have sufficient data to make an explicit judgement and the variability is likely to be considerable , '' Prof Harper added .

The lockdown should be tightened for people who are over 70 or have pre-existing medical conditions so that restrictions can be relaxed for everyone else and life can start to return to normal, a group of academics has suggested.
Under the proposal anybody with coronavirus symptoms would continue to be required to self-isolate, according to academics from the universities of London and Edinburgh.
The ‘segmenting and shielding’ proposal is likely to infuriate many people who say a gradual easing of the lockdown would be discriminatory.
However, the academics insist that the ‘twin approach’ is the only “immediately available” strategy that can ease the lockdown while saving lives and protecting the NHS.
Frequent testing
Those people that continue in lockdown would be tested frequently, even daily, for symptoms, while care homes, hospitals and potentially households would be given help on improving hygiene to reduce the danger of transmission.
“Segmentation and shielding recognises that, although social distancing impacts on the whole of society, the public health burden of Covid-19 is concentrated in a subset of vulnerable people,” said Mark Woolhouse, Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at the University of Edinburgh.
“By targeting protection to those that need it most, the strategy helps to ensure that the health system is not overwhelmed by severe cases, while giving policy makers greater leeway to partially relax social distancing measures for the majority of the population,” he said.
The academics have modelled a range of scenarios to illustrate how different restrictions could be applied to different groups. They have sent their findings to the UK and Scottish Governments.
Segmentation strategy
The strategy involves segmenting the population into different risk groups – based on a person’s medical history and potential healthcare needs.
Such an approach would give young healthy adults and children greater freedoms while ensuring that the most vulnerable are protected.
Researchers say lockdown restrictions could be eased for most people, as long as sufficient measures stay in place to keep transmission rates low.
These would include self-isolation of people with Covid-19, quarantining affected households, contact tracing and voluntary social distancing.
The most vulnerable – the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions – would still need to be shielded from contact with anyone potentially infected with the virus.
Keeping Britons safe
Prof Sarah Harper, Clore Professor of Gerontology, University of Oxford, said: “The use of age alone as a criteria for vulnerable has some concerns.
“Importantly we know that while at the population level age is a good general predictor for vulnerability this appears (at this stage and with our current evidence) to be related to underlying health conditions.”
“There is considerable variation in the presence of underlying health conditions in the over 70s. Using chronological age without taking into account individual’s health conditions will confine healthy active older individuals to their homes,” she said.
“While there is a clear association between age and the efficiency of our immune systems, we do not have sufficient data to make an explicit judgement and the variability is likely to be considerable,” Prof Harper added.