MPs urge Boris Johnson to extend relaxation of lockdown restrictions beyond Christmas

Boris Johnson was facing a growing Tory rebellion over lockdown last night, as MPs warned a relaxation of the rules could not be ‘just for Christmas’. The Prime Minister is due to announce plans next week for a fresh series of restrictions, which would come into force on December 2 when the national lockdown expires. … Read more

15 Asia-Pacific countries strike world’s biggest trade deal in coup for China to extend influence

Fifteen Asia-Pacific countries on Sunday signed the world’s biggest free trade deal, seen as a huge coup for China in extending its influence.   The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) accounts for a third of global GDP and is a major step towards economic integration amid the devastating pandemic.  ‘Under the current global circumstances, the fact … Read more

Rishi Sunak is ‘set to extend furlough until March’

Rishi Sunak is braced to extend the furlough scheme until March amid renewed lockdowns and demands from Nicola Sturgeon. The Chancellor will set out the Government’s business support package to the Commons, admitting the month-long national squeeze in England will have ‘significant additional impacts’ on the economy. But Mr Sunak is expected to go further by … Read more

Boris Johnson pressures Rishi Sunak to extend furlough past lockdown

Rishi Sunak is being ‘bounced’ by the Prime Minster into extending the furlough scheme package after lockdown ends Prime Minister wants Rishi Sunak to ensure furlough money available for country Details being ironed out before Chancellor brings the policey forward to public Boris Johnson pledged to extend  Government’s furlough payments on Monday By Bhvishya Patel … Read more

Boris Johnson wants Rishi Sunak to extend furlough beyond lockdown

Rishi Sunak is being ‘bounced’ by the Prime Minster into extending the furlough scheme package after lockdown ends Prime Minister wants Rishi Sunak to ensure furlough money available for country Details being ironed out before Chancellor brings the policey forward to public Boris Johnson pledged to extend  Government’s furlough payments on Monday By Bhvishya Patel … Read more

66% believe UK government SHOULD extend free school meals

Two thirds of Britons back Marcus Rashford and believe the Government SHOULD extend free school meals to poorer pupils over the holidays – and more than half of voters think ministers appear ‘UNKIND’ by refusing Some 66% said the Government should provide meals for the poorest children And 54% of voters believed that the row made … Read more

Top children’s doctors blast government for its refusal to extend free school meals over holidays

Thousands of doctors have slammed the government for refusing to extend free school meals over the holidays – as a petition by Premier League footballer Marcus Rashford reaches more than 700,000 signatures. More than 2,000 paediatricians have today signed an open letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson urging a rethink. In the letter, co-ordinated by the Royal … Read more

Coronavirus UK: Cost of face masks to rise by a fifth as Treasury refuses to extend VAT holiday

The cost of face masks is set to rise by a fifth from next week as the Government comes under fire for refusing to extend the VAT freeze on PPE. Treasury officials have told retailers that the six-month VAT holiday on personal protective equipment would come to an end on October 31.   The 20 per … Read more

UK Government is blasted for refusing to extend VAT freeze on medical PPE

UK Government is blasted for refusing to extend VAT freeze on medical PPE despite daily Covid cases rising above 20,000 and hospital beds filling up An email seen by MailOnline to industry representatives from the Treasury confirmed 20 per cent VAT on PPE will resume from 31 October  The increase will be passed on to … Read more

PM denies forcing London mayor Sadiq Khan to extend congestion charge

Boris Johnson launched a furious salvo at Sadiq Khan today, dismissing claims ministers are forcing the London mayor to extend the congestion charge. The PM railed at Mr Khan for ‘effectively bankrupting’ the capital amid vicious haggling over demands for a £4.9billion bailout for Transport for London (TfL). The mayor says the money is needed … Read more