‘No significant progress’ in latest round of UK-EU Brexit trade talks June 5, 2020 The latest round of UK-EU trade talks have shown no progress on major areas of contention, according to Brussels’ chief negotiator. The fourth round of talks concluded this morning, bringing both sides to a break in negotiations to assess progress. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet at [...]
Number of new coronavirus cases in the UK has halved June 5, 2020 The number of new coronavirus cases in the UK has halved, new data published today said. The survey by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), IQVIA, the University of Oxford and UK Biocentre tested individuals from 9,906 households for Covid-19 with swab tests between 17 May and 30 May. They study estimated that (0.1 per [...]
Sadiq Khan calls for compulsory face coverings in all stores June 5, 2020 Sadiq Khan has called for the government to make face coverings mandatory in all stores, after they were made compulsory on all English public transport networks yesterday. The mayor of London said he welcomed the “U-turn from the government” on making coverings compulsory on public transport, but said it should go further. Non-essential retail shops [...]
Hong Kong: Protests continue after thousands attend Tiananmen vigil June 5, 2020 Dozens of pro-democracy protesters marched through a Hong Kong shopping centre this morning after thousands had defied a police ban to attend a vigil commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre. Protesters gathered in the heart of the financial hub for peaceful demonstrations against China’s new national security laws, which many fear will wipe out the [...]
DEBATE: Given the lack of progress during the Covid-19 crisis, should the transition period be extended? June 5, 2020 Given the lack of progress during the Covid-19 crisis, should the Brexit transition period be extended? Sir Vince Cable, former leader of the Liberal Democrats and former secretary of state for business, innovation and skills, says YES. Extending the transition period will become critical as this government limps towards the end of June with no [...]
Alok Sharma tests negative for coronavirus June 4, 2020 Business secretary Alok Sharma has tested negative for coronavirus, after he was seen visibly unwell in the House of Commons yesterday. Sharma took to Twitter to announce he was Covid-free this evening, after a day of speculation that other cabinet members would have to self-isolate if the business secretary tested positive. “Huge thanks to everyone [...]
Sir Keir Starmer calls on PM to urge Trump to ‘respect human rights’ June 4, 2020 Sir Keir Starmer has called on the Prime Minister to urge the US and President Donald Trump “to respect human rights” following the death of George Floyd. In a letter to Boris Johnson, the Labour leader said the UK “must be ready to stand together with those who seek to tackle the injustice and inequality [...]
Pubs say ‘time running out’ to be ready for 4 July reopening June 4, 2020 The UK’s pub lobby has warned the government that its members urgently need clarity on how it will reopen the sector if they are going to be ready by the target date of 4 July. The British Beer and Pub Association (BPPA) said today that pubs will need at least three weeks’ notice for when [...]
Apple boss Tim Cook pens open letter on racism after ‘senseless’ George Floyd killing June 4, 2020 Apple chief executive Tim Cook has published an open letter admitting that his company must do more to tackle racism. In the letter, published on Apple’s website, Cook spoke out about the “senseless killing” of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who was killed in police custody in Minneapolis. “To create change, we have to [...]
Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak could have to self-isolate if minister tests positive for Covid-19 June 4, 2020 Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson could be told to self-isolate for 14 days after the pair had a meeting with Alok Sharma before he fell ill, Downing Street has confirmed. A spokesperson for Johnson said Sharma had a meeting with the Prime Minister and chancellor for 45 minutes on the economy, but that they all [...]