Nicola Sturgeon today appeared to confirm that the UK will be staying in a state of coronavirus lockdown for the foreseeable future as she said: ‘We must stick with it.’ The UK government is due to make a decision on whether to extend social distancing restrictions beyond an initial period of three weeks by the … Read more
The Cabinet is hoping Boris Johnson will return to take crunch coronavirus lockdown decisions amid warnings GDP is set to crash by 30 per cent this quarter. Divisions have emerged in the PM’s top team over how soon the draconian curbs should be eased as they lay waste to the economy. Government sources say there … Read more
Chancellor Rishi Sunak ‘will warn economy risks reaching ”tipping point” if Cabinet doesn’t balance the needs of protecting from coronavirus with the damage caused by lockdown’ Rishi Sunak will issue ministers with internal government forecasts on economy The Chancellor and Health Secretary to outline a model on economic aftermath It is understood there will be … Read more
A pub landlord trying to get hold of a Government grant to keep his business afloat was told to send in three months of unredacted bank statements. Kyle Michael, owner of The White Swan pub in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, said this would be against guidance from his bank on data protection. The 49-year-old protested to Buckinghamshire County … Read more
Ministers faced fresh calls to publish their exit strategy for the coronavirus lockdown today. The former bank of England Governor Lord King said that a ‘trial and error’ reopening of schools and some businesses should be considered to help re-start the economy. The crossbench peer called for the Government to be clear about the obstacles … Read more
Cabinet splits over coronavirus lockdown: Chancellor Rishi Sunak warns Britain faces irreparable damage if restrictions aren’t lifted soon – while Health Secretary Matt Hancock favours extending the measures to protect NHS workers Cabinet is split between hawks who want to lift lockdown in a few weeks and doves who want to delay until late May … Read more
Private schools are furloughing staff under taxpayer funded scheme while asking parents to pay 90% of their fees for next term – even though they will be closed in coronavirus lockdown Families left outraged at proposals by UK’s biggest private girls schools group Girls’ Day School Trust insists some parents will receive discount above 10% … Read more
Dominic Raab read the riot act to Britons ahead of the sunny Easter weekend today saying lockdown must stay in force until the coronavirus outbreak peaks. The Foreign Secretary said the disease must not be allowed to ‘kill more people and hurt our country’ as he took the daily Downing Street briefing. In a stark … Read more
Boris Johnson is ‘continuing to improve’ in intensive care and engaging with medical staff treating him for coronavirus, it was revealed today. Downing Street relayed more positive signs about the Prime Minister’s health saying he had a ‘good night’ although he is still receiving oxygen. ‘The PM had a good night and continues to improve … Read more
Ministers will commit the UK to weeks more coronavirus lockdown today as Dominic Raab chairs a Cobra crisis meeting for the first time with Boris Johnson still in intensive care. Hopes of the curbs being eased this month are set to be dashed after experts warned the UK has not yet reached the peak of … Read more
The virus lockdown is set to extend into May after the daily death toll surged to almost 1,000. Rishi Sunak confirmed last night that a planned review of the emergency measures will take place next week. But, in a clear sign the restrictions will remain, the Chancellor said: ‘The priority is to stop the spread … Read more
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announces £750 million coronavirus bailout for struggling charities as he claims ‘unprecedented’ handout will keep tens of thousands afloat Rishi Sunak today announced £750m pot of cash to support frontline charities The Chancellor said £360m will come direct from government departments Treasury suggested the cash will ensure tens of thousands of charities … Read more
Liverpool believe that details regarding their plans to place their staff on the government’s furlough scheme were leaked by a Premier League rival, according to The Athletic. The club announced earlier on Tuesday that they had reversed their decision to accept government funding after announcing on Saturday that they intended to take advantage of the … Read more