Three major announcements from UK ministers on...>

UK: Three major announcements from UK ministers on response to COVID-19 today.

- Firstly, Foreign Sec Dominic Raab will in a statement to the Commons ahead of

FCO questions issue new guidance on travel to the British people. EU wants UK to

come into line with its plans to close external borders of Schengen zone. 

- Secondly, Heath Sec Matt Hancock is set to publish some of the new gov't

powers that will be brought in by legislation due to be submitted to parliament

on Thursday. Relate to rules around care homes, class sizes in schools, and

holding trials via videolink.

- Thirdly, Chancellor Rishi Sunak set to announce a raft of spending measures

intended to support the economy as the impact of COVID-19 hits alongside the PM

at the daily COVID-19 afternoon briefing. Major concern among both big firms

like airlines and small firms in the hospitality sector as to the impact of the

gov'ts advice not to socialise or travel unnecessarily. 

- Huge pressure for massive package after French Pres. Macron's announcement

yesterday of EUR300bn to keep firms afloat.