London lockdown: What the Government’s new rules mean for you November 1, 2020 There are differences between the first UK-wide lockdown of the Spring and what will come into effect from Thursday, so what do new restrictions mean for Londoners?
Liz Truss warns of the dangers of another England lockdown October 7, 2020 International trade secretary Liz Truss has said that another national lockdown would “set us back hugely” as the government weighs up imposing new Covid restrictions. Cases continue to spike in parts of the North, including Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle, with some media outlets speculating that hospitality venues could be closed except for takeaways in these [...]
Brexit: EU vows to ‘intensify’ trade talks to get UK back to negotiating table October 19, 2020 EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has said he is available to “intensify” trade talks, in a bid to get the UK back to the negotiating table, just moments before Michael Gove told MPs that Brussels needed to “fundamentally change” if a deal is to be done. Barnier also said the EU would also prepare [...]
Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine approved for use in the UK December 2, 2020 The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has been approved for use in the UK, with roll out planned for early next week, becoming the first Western country to approve a vaccine. The UK’s independent health regulator has approved the vaccine, which offers up to 95% protection against Covid-19. The UK has ordered 40 million doses of the vaccine [...]
Top UK civil servant: Leak inquiry will probably not find ‘chatty rat’ April 26, 2021 Downing Street’s so-called “chatty rat” who leaked the news of the second national Covid lockdown is unlikely to ever be identified by an ongoing leak inquiry, according to cabinet secretary Simon Case. Case told MPs today that the inquiry into the leak will likely be complete in “weeks rather than months”, but refused to answer [...]
Brexit: Government warns of 7,000-long lorry queues in Kent September 23, 2020 Ministers have warned of 7,000-long lorry queues in Kent after the Brexit transition period ends. In a letter to the freight industry cabinet minister Michael Gove warned exporters would face long queues and a two-day delay to trade. Imports will also be disrupted in January, while delays could be worsened if a winter spike in [...]
Boris Johnson plots domestic vaccine passports for pubs, theatres and football matches February 23, 2021 The Prime Minister has announced plans to explore introducing vaccine passports for entry to pubs, theatres and football matches, marking a major government U-turn after ministers previously ruled out the idea. Boris Johnson said he was confident all Covid restrictions will be lifted by 21 June, after outlining his roadmap for leaving lockdown last night. [...]
British PM defends COVID-19 procurement after “chumocracy” accusations November 18, 2020 By Michael Holden LONDON (Reuters) – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson defended his government’s handling of the procurement of protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic on Wednesday, after a spending watchdog said suppliers with political links had been fast-tracked. The National Audit Office (NAO) said there had been a lack of transparency and a failure [...]
Breaking: Macron tests positive for coronavirus December 17, 2020 French President Emmanuel Macron has tested positive for coronavirus, throwing a potential spanner in hopes of clinching a last-minute Brexit deal. The Elysee palace this morning announced Macron had tested positive after showing early symptoms. The French premier will now self-isolate for seven days, though he will continue to carry out his duties remotely. Spanish [...]
Brexit: Kent to get ‘internal border’ to monitor incoming lorries September 23, 2020 Police will soon have to monitor Kent’s border and turn away lorries without an “access permit” as a part of the government’s Brexit plans. Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said officers will use number plate recognition technology to monitor truckers travelling into Kent, with some characterising the plans as amounting to an internal UK border. [...]