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 [...]
Trump kicks off revenge tour with rally in Ohio June 26, 2021 Former US President Donald Trump will hold a rally in Ohio today as part of a revenge tour aimed at drumming up support, berating his enemies and cementing his influence over the Republican Party. The rally will be Trump’s first since he incited his supporters to launch a deadly assault on the Capitol in January [...]
Virgin Galactic granted license to take customers to space June 25, 2021 Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic has today received a commercial licence to fly customers into space, the firm announced today. The US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has updated its existing licence to fly test missions to include commercial passengers. The decision to grant the company a full license comes after a successful test flight last [...]
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 [...]
Biden turns on the investment taps with $1.2 trillion bill agreement June 25, 2021 The US Senate has finally agreed on a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, which was watered down some $1.1 trillion from Biden’s original pitch. The deal, worth an eyewatering £860bn, accompanies an eight-year plan to fund roads, bridges, the power grid, public transport and the internet. However, left-wing Democrats have called the deal ‘paltry’ after Biden [...]
Scottish govt: Brexit is damaging business, migration and devolution in Scotland June 24, 2021 Many of the “negative impacts which were envisaged” at the time of the vote in June 2016 are “only now “starting to crystallise”, the Scottish Government has said five years on from the Brexit referendum. Determining the “real impact” of the Brexit vote to leave the European Union will take many years, according to a [...]