Ministers squirmed tonight as they denied Dominic Cummings broke lockdown rules when he drove 260 miles to his parents’ home while in coronavirus self-isolation. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told the Downing Street briefing that the No10 chief had the ‘full support’ of Boris Johnson, as he faced a barrage of questions. Mr Shapps insisted Mr … Read more
Timeline of Cummings’ lockdown row March 23: As the coronavirus crisis escalates, the UK is placed into lockdown with strict limitations on travel. The Government guidelines state: ‘You should not be visiting family members who do not live in your home.’ Those in a household with symptoms must ‘stay at home and not leave the … Read more
Boris Johnson bowed to massive pressure to drop the NHS surcharge for foreign health and care workers tonight – his second U-turn in 24 hours. The PM declared that the levy will be dropped after senior Conservatives complained it was ‘immoral’ and ‘mean-spirited’ that those on the frontline of the coronavirus battle were being forced to … Read more
Boris Johnson bowed to massive pressure to drop the NHS surcharge for foreign health and care workers tonight – his second U-turn in 24 hours. The PM declared that the levy will be dropped after senior Conservatives complained it was ‘immoral’ and ‘mean-spirited’ that those on the frontline of the coronavirus battle were being forced to … Read more
Boris Johnson’s reasoning for refusing to exempt foreign NHS workers from the healthcare surcharge began unravelling tonight when a top economist slapped down his suggestion it would cost hundreds of millions. The Prime Minister today hailed the £400 annual fee for migrants as a £900million revenue raiser, as he swatted away calls for the government … Read more
Greece will allow international flights to return to its tourist destinations from July 1, the country’s prime minister said today in a boost to British families hoping for a summer holiday despite the coronavirus pandemic. The Mediterranean nation is planning to reboot its tourist industry from June 15 when hotels will start to re-open, before … Read more
‘Keep our distance, wash our hands, think of others’: Government quietly changes coronavirus slogan AGAIN after its ‘Stay Alert’ message was slammed by critics as being too vague No10’s initial coronavirus message was ‘Stay Home. Protect the NHS. Save Lives’ That was replaced with a new slogan: ‘Stay Alert. Control the Virus. Save Lives’ Critics … Read more
One of the top scientific advisers to the British Government said the two metre (6’6″) social distancing rule is based on ‘very fragile’ evidence. People in the UK have been urged to stay at least 2m, or six-and-a-half feet, away from anyone who they don’t live with, to avoid catching or spreading COVID-19. But the … Read more
Government scientific adviser says Britain’s two metre social distancing rule is unnecessary and based on ‘very fragile’ evidence By Sam Blanchard Senior Health Reporter For Mailonline Published: 12:16 BST, 20 May 2020 | Updated: 12:21 BST, 20 May 2020 One of the top scientific advisers to the British Government said the two metre (6’6″) social … Read more
Contact tracers hired to halt the spread of coronavirus in the UK have been told to consult YouTube for advice on how to deal with bereaved family members, it was revealed today. Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced on Monday that 21,000 tracers would be receiving ‘rigorous’ and ‘detailed’ training needed for the important role, seen as … Read more