Coronavirus tests: UK reaches 10,000 per day target March 29, 2020 The UK has reached its target of administering 10,000 coronavirus tests a day by the end of this week, according to Michael Gove. The chancellor of Duchy of Lancaster said the weekly target was reached yesterday and it’s “NHS and social care frontline workers who are first in line for those new tests”. However, Gove [...]
German banks press EU for action on Brexit equivalence June 22, 2020 The Association of German Banks (BDB) has called for the EU to prioritise equivalence rules in discussions surrounding the UK’s upcoming exit, arguing they are vital for achieving market and financial stability on both sides. “Clarity regarding future market access arrangements should be provided at the earliest possible date,” the BDB said in a position [...]
Sterling sheds gains against dollar as Brexit fears weigh June 12, 2020 The pound shed early gains against the dollar this afternoon as concerns over Brexit coupled with dire UK economic data weighed on sterling. Sterling has been edging lower this week after rising 3.9 per cent against the dollar in last week’s rally. Having recovered briefly this morning to touch $1.2653, the pound soon flattened back [...]
Coronavirus testing to be rolled out for frontline NHS staff this weekend March 28, 2020 NHS staff in England are set to be tested for coronavirus from this weekend in an effort to prevent frontline healthcare workers from being required to take unnecessary time off. Those with symptoms or in a household with people who have symptoms will be checked as a priority. Critical care doctors and nurses will be [...]
How and when will the UK coronavirus lockdown end? April 24, 2020 This week health secretary Matt Hancock confirmed the coronavirus outbreak has passed its peak, sparking speculation about an exit strategy from the UK lockdown. However, officials have poured cold water on the idea that Britain could return to normal soon. Last week the government said the UK coronavirus lockdown would continue for at least another [...]
First of UK ventilators wins approval as private sector ramps up production April 16, 2020 Regulatory approval has been granted for thousands of new ventilators through the government’s private sector call to arms. Penlon’s Prima ES02 model is the first to be green lit by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), as a part of the “Ventilator Challenge”, a month after the rallying cry was issued. The government has [...]
Coronavirus lockdown: Al fresco dining could be allowed within weeks May 17, 2020 Some restaurants, pubs and coffee shops could be allowed to open within weeks, which would be a month earlier than expected. Ministers are reportedly considering plans to allow hospitality venues to open in outdoor areas in what would be a boost to the sector. The plans would allow pubs, restaurants and coffee shops with outdoor [...]
UK unveils new three-stage post-Brexit border plan July 13, 2020 The UK’s post-Brexit border regime will come into place over three stages next year, with most businesses able to delay filling out any customs declaration forms until July. The border regime will be fully operation in July, with no customs checks at the border until this point, as the government plans to build 10 to [...]
Restaurant bosses to beg ministers to extend UK coronavirus lockdown April 29, 2020 Restaurant industry bosses are set to urge the government not to end the UK coronavirus lockdown too soon, warning the move would cause permanent closures. Celebrity chefs Rick Stein and Tom Kerridge are among the restaurateurs to sign a letter to business secretary Alok Sharma and Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove, which will be sent [...]
Boris Johnson breathing ‘without assistance’ in intensive care April 7, 2020 Boris Johnson has not required respiratory support in hospital and is breathing without any other assistance. A Number 10 official spokesman said today that the Prime Minister “has not required mechanical ventilation or non invasive respiratory support”, after being sent to intensive care last night and was in a stable condition. The spokesman said Johnson [...]