Track and trace app ‘ready in weeks’ June 9, 2020 The NHS track and trace app will be ready in time for the next stage of lockdown easing next month, according to reports. Whitehall sources suggested that an upgraded version of the trial app used on the Isle of Wight was almost ready, the Times reported. The app had been due to launch alongside the [...]
Is the government brave enough to let markets fix the social care crisis? June 9, 2020 We have all seen, with the direst of consequences, the deficiencies of the current social care system. As Covid-19 has raged through the UK, tens of thousands have died in under-resourced, under-invested, and ill-designed care homes. With the focus in those early weeks on protecting the NHS at all costs, central planners sent potentially infectious [...]
Coronavirus: Cabinet ministers ‘push to cut two metre social distancing rule’ June 9, 2020 A majority of Boris Johnson’s cabinet ministers are said to be putting pressure on Downing Street to relax the two-metre social distancing rule to contain coronavirus. The Prime Minister, who will chair a cabinet meeting today, is thought to be sympathetic to calls to dispense with the two-metre rule, amid a clamour from the hospitality [...]
The new counter-terror bill threatens our civil liberties and our justice system June 9, 2020 As More points out to Roper in A Man For All Seasons, if you flatten all the laws in England to get to the devil, you will have no protection when he turns round to meet you. This often goes to the heart of questions of individual liberty. You may one day need to rely [...]
Treasury reveals £38m support package for debt advice providers June 9, 2020 Ministers have approved an extra £37.8m in support for debt advice providers this year so they can continue to help people during the coronavirus pandemic. Allocation of the funds will be overseen by the Money and Pensions Service (Maps). Charities will also be eligible to receive support. The Treasury today said the package will help [...]
Tory MPs blast Huawei over British media blitz June 8, 2020 Tory MPs have blasted Huawei’s UK media blitz as a “ridiculous” attempt to gain British sympathy, amid increasing pressure for Boris Johnson to cut ties with the Chinese technology firm. In an open letter to the British public Huawei today emphasised its commitment to the UK over the past two decades and its credibility as [...]
Sadiq Khan accused of ‘not looking after coppers’ in London protests June 8, 2020 London’s police union has slammed Sadiq Khan’s response to the weekend’s protests, after more than 30 police officers were injured. Metropolitan Police Federation chairman Ken Marsh accused Khan of not looking after police officers during the demonstrations and that he was “very disappointed” by the mayor’s response. Thousands attended mostly peaceful protests over the weekend [...]
British public support scrapping Sunday trading laws, says new poll June 8, 2020 The government’s plan to allow super markets in England and Wales to open for longer on Sundays has the public’s backing, according to new polling. A YouGov poll released today showed that 48 per cent of people supported the change, with 31 per cent opposing and 21 per cent unsure. Boris Johnson is poised to [...]
Number 10 pours cold water on speculation UK pubs will open on 22 June June 8, 2020 Downing Street has poured cold water on reports that parts of the hospitality industry will be re-opened two weeks ahead of schedule on 22 June. Reports in the Financial Times and The Times today said ministers were looking at re-opening the sector on 22 June for venues that can serve patrons in outdoor spaces. However, [...]
The quarantine isn’t just absurd – it could be unlawful too June 8, 2020 Priti Patel’s new quarantine, which comes into force today, has sparked fresh fury from Britons who brand the measures as “too little too late”. I believe that the tardiness of these restrictions is by no means a clumsy error — it looks like a pricey, harmful stunt. Back in March, the UK blindly followed other [...]