Pandemic jeopardises support for world's poor as charities lose millions

British government urged to plug shortfall as Oxfam and Christian Aid reveal huge financial impact of Covid-19 outbreak

Charities are calling on the UK government for greater support as they report the loss of millions of pounds as a result of Covid-19.

Oxfam said it is losing 5m a month from the closure of its shops alone, while Christian Aid last week said it expected a 6m drop in its funds this financial year. Others said they were still calculating the impact.