Breaking news
No10 looks set to finally ban flights from Brazil today, days after scientists sounded the alarm about a new Covid super-strain. Boris Johnson and ministers on the Covid-O committee will today consider suspending all travel from the whole of South America to tackle the variant. This could include other countries such as Argentina, Uruguay and … Read more
Ministers faced accusations of failing to protect the UK today as they prepare to ban flights from Brazil days after a new Covid super-strain emerged – and new rules requiring arrivals to have tested negative were delayed. Boris Johnson admitted yesterday that he is ‘concerned’ about the latest mutant – which the Government has known … Read more
Police leaders demanded more clarity on exercise regulations last night after Priti Patel insisted the rules were ‘simple and clear’ – despite widespread public confusion. A furious row erupted after the Home Secretary urged people to rely on their judgment and be ‘conscientious’ when deciding whether their daily exercise was within coronavirus regulations. She confirmed … Read more
Scottish ministers are accused of trying to block deeper probe into whether Nicola Sturgeon misled parliament over harassment claims against Alex Salmond Deputy First Minister John Swinney has refused to request to widen the probe Alex Salmond accused successor of making ‘ridiculous’ and ‘wholly false’ claims This was about their meetings to discuss the handling … Read more
Now unions call on ministers to shut down nurseries in battle to stop Covid-19 cases soaring Petition demanding Government close nurseries has reached 90,000 signatures Boris Johnson said more restrictions being considered to combat surge in cases National Education Union also called for nurseries to close to ‘get cases down’ By Josh White Education Reporter … Read more
Ministers launch free new health insurance card for Britons replacing the EHIC after Brexit – but Which? warns travellers to check where it’s accepted Global Health Insurance Card is now available as part of UK’s post-Brexit deal It replaces European Health Insurance Cards, which are valid if they are in date Travellers to Europe only need … Read more
Government has told the football authorities they have to get tough over breaches of Covid rules as it gets harder and harder to justify a sport associated with images of jubilant players quaffing champagne, while NHS doctors struggle to cope with sick patients. The juxtaposition of footballers ignoring social distancing rules on and off the … Read more
Prime Minister’s Jaguar could be replaced with a German BMW or Mercedes after car-maker halted production during the Covid pandemic Jaguar halted production of XJ Sentinel after demand fell during the pandemic PM’s fleet of Jaguars has been depleted by crashes and breakdowns since 2010 This means Mr Johnson may have to resort to German-made … Read more
Ministers must narrow the definition of key worker status, scientists have demanded, after thousands of parents sent their children to school despite the national lockdown. Newly-released figures show that one in three schools in the UK had more than 20 per cent of pupils in on Wednesday. In March, during the first lockdown, only 1 … Read more
Matt Hancock today insisted vaccines will mean this is the last national lockdown as he set out four criteria for lifting restrictions. The Health Secretary tried to strike an optimistic tone as he faced questions over the delay in bringing in the brutal curbs to control the mutant Covid strain as he gave evidence to MPs … Read more