Belarus: There will be no new election, says Lukashenko August 17, 2020 Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko today said there would be no new presidential election despite calls from the opposition and nationwide anti-government protests, the Belta news agency reported. “You should never expect me to do something under pressure,” he was quoted as saying. “They (new elections) won’t happen.” Lukashenko’s reported comments came as he faces the [...]
UK urges at-risk groups to sign up for coronavirus vaccine trials August 17, 2020 The UK today urged elderly people and volunteers from black and Asian minority groups to sign up to a coronavirus vaccine trial registry to boost efforts to find a working vaccine against the disease that offers protection against higher risk groups. No Covid-19 vaccine candidate has yet been proven effective against the disease, but around [...]
In picking Kamala Harris, Joe Biden continues his successful front porch campaign August 17, 2020 To know some history, to comprehend the story of the past, is the invaluable guide in understanding the political present. For example, if I had a pound for every time it has been printed that the upcoming 2020 US presidential campaign is unprecedented, I’d be rich. I confess my first thoughts were also along these [...]
Belarus protests continue as Lukashenko claims Nato tanks are on the border August 16, 2020 Tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Minsk again today to protest against the allegedly fixed election result that returned Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko to power. The “March for Freedom” has seen Belarusian opponents of Lukashenko clash with police, after Lukashenko won last week’s electoin with 80 per cent of the [...]
Trade groups threaten legal action over post-Brexit customs system August 16, 2020 The government’s new post-Brexit customs system may face a legal challenge, after trade bodies have complained it will distort competition. The Sunday Telegraph reports that trade bodies clashed with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) at a meeting of its customs experts panel. Trade bodies expressed their concern that the new Trader Support Service, which will [...]
Sadiq Khan allies claim Number 10 is trying to weaken City Hall August 16, 2020 Allies of Sadiq Khan are worried the government is making a concerted attempt to transfer power away from City Hall. The mayor of London has had a series of conflicts with the government, beginning with a set of conditions placed on a £1.6bn TfL bailout from the government. The terms of the bailout saw Boris [...]
Matt Hancock set to scrap Public Health England August 16, 2020 Public Health England (PHE) will be axed and replaced by a new body as early as next month. The new body – to be called the National Institute for Health Protection – will be responsible for protecting the UK against pandemics, and will be created through the merger of NHS Test and Trace and elements [...]
Coronavirus infection rate remains stable across England August 14, 2020 Coronavirus infections across England are levelling off according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). In its latest update, the ONS said the “small increase” seen in the rate of infection in July had stabilised. Current estimates suggest that 1 in 1,900 people have coronavirus, or 28,300 people in England. The [...]
Lockdown extended in north-west regions of England August 14, 2020 The government extended lockdown restrictions on regions of north-west England today, saying there was no evidence that the coronavirus infection rates in the areas had fallen. “The latest evidence does not show a decrease in the number of cases per 100,000 people in the area, and the health secretary, in collaboration with local leaders, has [...]
University is still the safest bet to a good life August 14, 2020 Every year without fail, school leavers and their parents have to hear the boasting, masquerading as reassurance, of some of society’s success stories. Here’s Jeremy Clarkson: “I got a C and 2 Us and I’m currently building a large house with far reaching views of the Cotswolds.” Lord Sugar goes further: “University is a waste [...]