‘I don’t comment’: Matt Hancock email row puts spotlight on Boris Johnson’s communications June 28, 2021 The row over Matt Hancock’s use of a private email account has led to questions for Boris Johnson over his own communications. Former health secretary Hancock has been accused of using a private Gmail account to conduct government business, something denied by No 10. But the Prime Minister was targeted by Labour after refusing to [...]
Boris Johnson says full easing of Covid restrictions on July 19 is ‘very likely’ June 28, 2021 Lockdown restrictions are “very likely” to be lifted as planned on July 19 according to the PM, as new health secretary Sajid Javid said the decision will be “irreversible”. Speaking on a campaign visit on Monday, the prime minister said that the government and its scientific advisers are “very likely be in a position on [...]
PM set to rule out early easing of lockdown as Javid wants out ‘as soon as possible’ June 28, 2021 Boris Johnson is expected to tell MPs today that there will be no early easing of coronavirus restrictions, as ministers discuss the last stage of the roadmap and Sajid Javid makes his first appearance in the commons. MPs are to hear the decision in a statement, which may be delivered by the new health secretary, [...]
Government to launch probe into Matt Hancock CCTV footage leak June 27, 2021 The government’s health department has launched an internal inquiry into how the CCTV footage that led to Hancock’s resignation was leaked. A government minister has confirmed that the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is investigating how images and a video of the former health secretary kissing an adviser in his private office were [...]
Labour says Boris Johnson has ‘very dangerous blind spot’ over integrity June 27, 2021 Labour has repeated its point that the PM should have sacked Hancock immediately after video footage emerged of him kissing an aide in his ministerial office in a breach of coronavirus restrictions. The prime minister has a “very dangerous blind spot” over issues of integrity and conduct in government ministers’ public life, shadow housing secretary [...]
Sajid Javid appointed Health Secretary following Matt Hancock’s resignation June 26, 2021 Former Chancellor and Home Secretary Sajid Javid will replace Matt Hancock as Health Secretary, Downing Street has announced. Matt Hancock resigned this evening, the day after video footage emerged of him kissing an aide in his ministerial office in a breach of coronavirus restrictions. Images and video showed Hancock in an embrace with aide Gina [...]
Pressure builds on Boris Johnson to sack Matt Hancock over affair June 26, 2021 Prime Minister Boris Johnson is under mounting pressure to sack Matt Hancock after pictures emerged of the health secretary kissing an aide. Hancock has apologised for breaking social distancing rules after CCTV footage showed him in an embrace with Gina Coladangelo, reportedly taken in his Westminster offices on 6 May. The prime minister’s spokesperson yesterday [...]
Food tsar warns PM Johnson taxes on bangers and bacon could spark protests June 25, 2021 Boris Johnson’s food tsar Henry Dimbleby wants Brits to pay meat taxes to help tackle climate change but has warned of a potential backlash. Processed meats including burgers, bacon, chicken nuggets and ham could face a levy, according to a draft plan leaked to The Sun. Move could prompt backlash Henry Dimbleby is expected to [...]
‘Science superpower’: UK to pump £64m into post-pandemic clinical research June 23, 2021 The government has pledged a £64m injection into the UK’s clinical research system, off the back of Boris Johnson’s plans to make the country a “science superpower”. The investment will go towards the development and trial of new Covid-19 treatments and inoculations, to ensure a “front-footed approach in tackling the virus”, health secretary Matt Hancock [...]
No 10 rejects claims the G7 summit left ‘unwelcome gift’ of spike in Covid cases June 21, 2021 A spokesperson for the prime minister has dismissed claims that the G7 summit is to blame for a surge in coronavirus cases in Cornwall. “Obviously we don’t accept this claim,” the spokesperson told the Downing Street lobby briefing. “Attendees going to the G7 were tested before arriving and throughout the summit, and we’re not aware [...]