England coronavirus track and trace programme to launch tomorrow May 27, 2020 The NHS coronavirus track and trace programme will launch tomorrow across England. Health secretary Matt Hancock described it as an “historic milestone” and that it will play a “big part” in exiting the coronavirus lockdown. Anyone who has coronavirus symptoms will be able to get tested and will need to tell NHS contact tracers who [...]
Boris Johnson: I have seen evidence to show ‘a lot’ of Cummings allegations are false May 27, 2020 Boris Johnson has said he has seen evidence that proves that many allegations about Dominic Cummings’ lockdown travel row are false, however he will not release that information. Speaking to Westminster’s liaison committee today, Johnson said he had seen evidence to show Cummings had not travelled multiple times to Durham, but that he would not [...]
Coronavirus deaths jump to 412 after bank holiday weekend lag May 27, 2020 Coronavirus-related deaths in the UK jumped to 412 today after falling earlier in the week following the bank holiday. The Department of Health said 37,460 people have died with coronavirus in total as of 5pm on 26 May, up 412 on the previous day. Yesterday, the Department of Health said 134 people had died with [...]
Brexit: EU must change ‘unreasonable’ political mandate for UK trade agreement May 27, 2020 European Union leaders will need to change their negotiating mandate in UK trade talks for a deal to be struck, according to Boris Johnson’s Brexit chief. Chief UK negotiator David Frost today said that the EU’s position would “need to evolve” on key areas such as fishing policy or else the UK will walk away [...]
EU unveils €750bn stimulus package for Covid-19 recovery May 27, 2020 The European Commission today unveiled a huge €750bn (£670bn) stimulus package to help lift the bloc out of a sharp recession caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The package is set to be divided between €500bn in grants and €250bn in loans, which will be borrowed on financial markets and dispersed to member states. Mandarins hope [...]
Coronavirus: Local lockdowns could be implemented in England May 27, 2020 English towns and cities could be placed back into full lockdown to suppress coronavirus “flare ups”, according to communities secretary Robert Jenrick. The local lockdowns would be implemented as a part of the government’s Covid-19 track and trace programme, which could be introduced as early as tomorrow. It will mean schools and non-essential retail businesses, [...]
Hong Kong police clash with protesters over Chinese anthem bill May 27, 2020 Hong Kong riot police fired pepper pellets at protesters today amid a backlash over draconian new legislation that would criminalise disrespecting the Chinese national anthem. Hundreds took to the streets around Hong Kong’s legislative council as MPs gathered to debate the controversial new bill. Riot police were deployed to disperse the protests and at least [...]
Government backtracks on review of lockdown fines for childcare reasons May 27, 2020 The government has backtracked on suggestions it may review fines for breaching the coronavirus lockdown where people said they were travelling for childcare-related purposes. At yesterday’s coronavirus briefing, health secretary Matt Hancock was asked by a member of the public if the government would commit to reviewing lockdown fines where someone was travelling for childcare, [...]
Coronavirus: Boris Johnson to face MPs amid Dominic Cummings row May 27, 2020 Boris Johnson will be grilled by senior MPs today as the prime minister faces growing pressure from within his own party to sack top aide Dominic Cummings. Johnson will appear in front of the Commons Liaison Committee for the first time since taking office, with MPs set to ask about the government’s handling of coronavirus. [...]
Matt Hancock defends Dominic Cummings as lockdown row continues May 26, 2020 Health secretary Matt Hancock this afternoon defended Dominic Cummings despite growing pressure on the government over Boris Johnson’s chief aide’s decision to drive to Durham despite the lockdown measures. Speaking at the government’s daily press conference, Hancock said that Cummings’ actions had been “within the guidelines”, saying that they allowed for exceptional circumstances such as [...]