Tory manifesto pledge aimed at ‘levelling up’ the regions of Britain faces uphill struggle

Political sensitivities could be outweighed by workers’ construction expertise

The ability of local authorities to plan their own networks will be key to success

First time in five years that rail groups have not paid into state coffers

Minister omits eastern leg to Yorkshire in statement on high-speed rail project

Termination of Northern contract signals wider problems with privatised system

Naturalist and broadcaster says £106bn rail scheme will destroy 700 wildlife sites

The ripples from slowing Chinese production are felt down the supply chain

UK transport company has come under pressure from US activist to sell school bus and transit divisions

Move comes after Moody’s predicts £400m blow to transport network’s income

London mayor wants to renegotiate £2bn of existing loans with government to ease cash flow

Transport secretary weighs support for airlines and rail operators as passenger numbers drop

Operators warn they will struggle to meet franchise agreements as passenger numbers plunge

Move will last for at least six months as coronavirus disruption takes toll

London Underground and other locally run services were excluded from previous coronavirus aid packages

Support for five networks around England follows coronavirus rescue packages for bus and train sectors

Bakery chain’s proposed trial of 20 shops thwarted by social media response

Tourism in east Africa’s renowned wildlife reserves has collapsed amid the global shutdown

Three quarters of leisure operators say margins too thin to support fewer customers, according to survey

Safety and commercial concerns remain but football, rugby and cricket begin talks to resume play in pandemic

The recruitment process in the industry is slowly starting to turn more professional

Airline’s shareholders support plan to gain state-backed loan guarantees in move to avoid bankruptcy

Yet another economic acronym to impress your friends with.

Taipei says foreign visitors will be allowed to enter once a vaccine is discovered

Court hears claim in lawsuit that has laid bare feud over media, retail and hospitality empire

Optimism of large chains belies scepticism that film goers will flock back

Holiday Inn owner outlines ‘visible’ hygiene changes as rival Hilton reports slide in revenue

Our ‘Round on the Links’ quiz tests your ability to draw connections. Thinking caps on!

Their critical public service has a price attached. Seamus Murphy photographs these key workers

The company wants to upend banking but the need to mature is more urgent than ever

Good TV deserves a snack upgrade

The opposition leader on Covid-19, dealing with Corbyn’s legacy and holding Downing St to account

There are 30 brain teasers, including which restaurant’s menu featured the Egg Bender?

The actor on playing jerks, his new Netflix specials and life as a comedian in lockdown

Hanna-Johara Dokal’s cake is a homage to her grandmother – and all the other family and friends we miss right now

Bizarre lyrics, atonal melodies and a ‘koala synth’; Nic Fildes enters the world of algorithm-inspired Europop

Companies must balance costs of staying shut against concerns for staff safety

Britain failed to take advantage of island status, warns panel, as it calls for more transparency

Social distancing forcing GPs and patients to conduct their consultations online

Hope is not lost. An army of organisations, private hospitals and industries could be mobilised

Documents seen by FT show demand for face masks and aprons was close to outstripping national supplies

French patient who fell ill in December found to have had Covid-19 after samples retested

Pandemic has added to pressure on companies already facing tough financial conditions

Scandal at former FTSE 100 company has damaged reputations of London and the UAE

Although it suffers from lack of independence, it should be fixed rather than scrapped

Boris Johnson’s government was focused on Budget and Brexit — until disease took a grip

Dr Kate Gaynor’s executive education was soon tested as general manager of a Chinese hospital

Plant-based alternative sales jump 200 per cent in US amid slaughterhouse closures