Boris Johnson needs to deliver his own Mario Draghi moment March 16, 2020 At the start of a crisis, especially one as alien and as fast-moving as the Covid-19 pandemic, governments can count on a certain amount of public support. Quite a high amount, in fact, as has been born out by recent polling revealing high levels of approval for the government’s handling of things so far. But [...]
Boris Johnson calls on UK businesses to make ventilators amid Covid-19 crisis March 16, 2020 Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called on the UK’s biggest manufacturers to help produce vital medical equipment like ventilators as the coronavirus crisis worsens. This evening Johnson, along with Michael Gove, spoke to more than 60 UK businesses, asking them both to share their expertise and make the components themselves. According to a Downing Street [...]
US stock markets suffer worst day since 1987 despite drastic Fed rate cut March 16, 2020 US stock markets suffered their biggest single day fall since 1987’s infamous Black Monday crash as investors shrugged off a dramatic Federal Reserve stimulus package that aimed to support the economy during the coronavirus outbreak. The US’s S&P 500 crashed 12 per cent over trading, the Dow Jones finished 12.9 per cent lower, and the [...]
Coronavirus and sport: A guide to filling the void left by the cancellation of live fixtures March 16, 2020 You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. For many, sport is a steady, reassuring constant – something around which life revolves. Plans are made to accommodate it, socialising takes place alongside it, vast amounts of money is spent facilitating it, almost every hobby is connected to it, weekends are often entirely consumed by [...]
Emmanuel Macron says Schengen borders will close tomorrow at noon March 16, 2020 French president Emmanuel Macron has announced that the borders of the 26-country Schengen zone will be closed from midday tomorrow as the EU ramps up measures to limit the spread of coronavirus. In addition, French citizens will have to remain at home for 15 days, Macron announced in a televised address, with anyone caught flouting [...]
Baraza Resort review: This elegant hotel in Zanzibar is a feast for the senses March 16, 2020 Visiting tropical islands usually involves sacrificing the richness and depth of continental culture for the simplicity of ravishing sun, sea and sand. Zanzibar, however, is almost unique in letting you combine the three ‘S’ with classic architecture and history – all in a space of less than 2,500 sq km. This island off the coast [...]
Coronavirus measures to have ‘devastating’ impact on UK hospitality sector March 16, 2020 The UK’s pubs and restaurants have called on the government to offer urgent financial help after Boris Johnson advised people to avoid social gatherings, in what could be a death knell for London’s pubs, restaurants and leisure businesses. The prime minister urged the public to practice “social distancing” by staying at home rather than eating [...]
Coronavirus: UK death toll rises to 55 after Johnson implements new measures March 16, 2020 The total number of people to die of coronavirus in the UK has now risen to 55, health secretary Matt Hancock announced this afternoon. That means the death toll has risen by 21 in the past 24 hours, the largest rise yet recorded in a single day. Earlier today the Department of Health said that [...]
Transport department refuses to release Garden Bridge report March 16, 2020 The Department for Transport (DfT) has said it will not release a report into the failed £48m Garden Bridge so it can protect a trust that no longer operates. The Garden Bridge Trust was set up to manage the disastrous project, which was championed by Boris Johnson when he was mayor of London and former [...]
Economists warn UK low-paid need more support amid coronavirus March 16, 2020 The UK government must do more to support individuals as they deal with the economic fallout from the coronavirus epidemic, leading economists have said. Prime Minister Boris Johnson today announced new government advice for people to avoid “all unnecessary social contact” and for those with any symptoms to stay at home for two weeks. Torsten [...]