news--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: Hate crimes against Chinese people soar in UK during COVID-19 crisis

Hate crimes against Chinese people in the UK have soared during the coronavirus outbreak , new police figures have revealed .
At least 267 offences were recorded in the first three months of 2020 during the COVID-19 crisis - including assaults , robberies , harassment and criminal damage .
Victims described being punched , spat at and coughed on in the street as well as being verbally abused about coronavirus after the first case was reported in China .
The rate of hate crimes against Chinese people between January and March was nearly three times that of the previous two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK police forces to Sky News .
Jeremy Wu , a student nurse working in the UK , said he has faced discrimination from some patients and colleagues , with one co-worker asking him : `` Why not go back to your country with your virus ? ''
Mr Wu told Sky News : `` I 've cried before I go to sleep , I feel so alone because there 's no one I can talk to about this sensitive issue .
`` Sooner or later people will realise it is ridiculous to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group of people , like HIV towards the LGBT community in the 80s . ''
Actor and director David Tse , who moved from Hong Kong to the UK as a child , revealed he was recently racially abused by a woman in a London street who said : `` F*** your f****** virus , take it home with you . ''
He is part of a COVID-19 anti-racism group to try to tackle the problem , telling Sky News : `` Racism is never warranted any time but now , in particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People are frightened and the economy is bad and people want to blame somebody . ''
Michael Chiu , a 22-year-old student at Sheffield Hallam University , said he was subjected to racist abuse about the coronavirus by people in a car who threw fruit at him .
He told Sky News : `` I have grown up with racism my entire life but to have actual adult individuals using that kind of language , and using that kind of racism towards me ... it was just extremely shocking .
`` I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolutely nothing to do with the coronavirus and more importantly the virus does not discriminate in any manner or form .
It is just plain ignorance . ''
Sky News submitted freedom of information requests to the UK 's 45 territorial police forces and British Transport Police ( BTP ) asking for details of hate crimes recorded against Chinese people between January and March this year , as well as in 2019 and 2018 .
Most forces revealed details of hate crimes recorded against Chinese victims only , while some provided details of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ origin .
Forces revealed 267 offences were recorded in the first three months of 2020 , compared to 375 hate crimes throughout the whole of 2019 and 360 offences in 2018 .
Among the crimes reported this year , BTP revealed an offender said `` f****** Chinese '' five times and punched a person in the jaw , and another victim was spat on .
One person was told : `` Go back to your own country , you have coronavirus you c**** , '' and another offender said to a victim `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the force added .
Britain 's biggest force , the Metropolitan Police , recorded 63 hate crimes against Chinese people between January and March , including 14 violence against the person offences .
In Merseyside , an offender ran off with a person 's face mask before returning and punching the victim in the face .
And in Cambridgeshire , a suspect told a victim : `` Masks do n't work you Chinese '' before threatening violence , and another suspect coughed in a woman 's face in the street .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and her friend in Leicestershire and accused them of spreading coronavirus .
Police in Cumbria , Devon and Cornwall , Essex , Humberside and Northamptonshire all recorded more hate crimes against Chinese victims in the first three months of 2020 than they did throughout the whole of 2019 .
Meanwhile , BTP recorded 49 hate crimes against victims whose ethnic appearance was recorded as Chinese , Japanese or South East Asian between January and March - the same amount it recorded throughout the whole of 2019 .
The actual number of hate crimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to be much higher as several forces , including Police Scotland , Greater Manchester Police and the Police Service of Northern Ireland , did not reveal the number of offences .
Forces do not always record the ethnicity of hate crime victims , with the Met Police saying it was only recorded in just over a quarter of racist offences between 2018 and March 2020 .
Earlier this year Singaporean student Jonathan Mok posted pictures of his horrific injuries after he was repeatedly punched on London 's Oxford Street by attackers who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want your coronavirus . ''
The coronavirus outbreak started in China , with the first case reported in Wuhan in Hubei province in December .
The first documented cases in the UK came in February , and the virus has now been linked to more than 28,000 deaths across the country .
There are around 400,000 Chinese people living in England and Wales , according to latest government data .
Deputy Chief Constable Mark Hamilton , the national policing lead for hate crime , told Sky News that `` no one is responsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right to be protected from targeted abuse '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He added : `` We know that some forces have unfortunately had reports about a small number of offenders who have committed hate crimes against those from Chinese and South East Asian communities and linked to the COVID-19 outbreak .
`` The police , prosecutors and the courts have all made it clear that they will take such crimes very seriously .
`` We will continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to support affected communities , including with translated information on how they can report issues to the police and get the appropriate support . ''

Hate crimes against Chinese people in the UK have soared during the coronavirus outbreak, new police figures have revealed.
At least 267 offences were recorded in the first three months of 2020 during the COVID-19 crisis - including assaults, robberies, harassment and criminal damage.
Victims described being punched, spat at and coughed on in the street as well as being verbally abused about coronavirus after the first case was reported in China.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:32 Rise in hate crime against Chinese people
The rate of hate crimes against Chinese people between January and March was nearly three times that of the previous two years, according to data released by UK police forces to Sky News.
Jeremy Wu, a student nurse working in the UK, said he has faced discrimination from some patients and colleagues, with one co-worker asking him: "Why not go back to your country with your virus?"
Mr Wu told Sky News: "I've cried before I go to sleep, I feel so alone because there's no one I can talk to about this sensitive issue.
"Sooner or later people will realise it is ridiculous to relate a pandemic virus to a certain group of people, like HIV towards the LGBT community in the 80s."
Actor and director David Tse, who moved from Hong Kong to the UK as a child, revealed he was recently racially abused by a woman in a London street who said: "F*** your f****** virus, take it home with you."
He is part of a COVID-19 anti-racism group to try to tackle the problem, telling Sky News: "Racism is never warranted any time but now, in particular, it makes me angry.
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"People are frightened and the economy is bad and people want to blame somebody."
Michael Chiu, a 22-year-old student at Sheffield Hallam University, said he was subjected to racist abuse about the coronavirus by people in a car who threw fruit at him.
Image: Student Michael Chiu said he was racially abused about coronavirus
He told Sky News: "I have grown up with racism my entire life but to have actual adult individuals using that kind of language, and using that kind of racism towards me... it was just extremely shocking.
"I was born in the UK and I have absolutely nothing to do with the coronavirus and more importantly the virus does not discriminate in any manner or form. It is just plain ignorance."
Sky News submitted freedom of information requests to the UK's 45 territorial police forces and British Transport Police (BTP) asking for details of hate crimes recorded against Chinese people between January and March this year, as well as in 2019 and 2018.
Most forces revealed details of hate crimes recorded against Chinese victims only, while some provided details of offences against people of South East Asian origin.
Forces revealed 267 offences were recorded in the first three months of 2020, compared to 375 hate crimes throughout the whole of 2019 and 360 offences in 2018.
Among the crimes reported this year, BTP revealed an offender said "f****** Chinese" five times and punched a person in the jaw, and another victim was spat on.
One person was told: "Go back to your own country, you have coronavirus you c****," and another offender said to a victim "I'll catch coronavirus off you", the force added.
Image: Sky News has been shown some of the abuse sent to the Chinese community
Britain's biggest force, the Metropolitan Police, recorded 63 hate crimes against Chinese people between January and March, including 14 violence against the person offences.
In Merseyside, an offender ran off with a person's face mask before returning and punching the victim in the face.
And in Cambridgeshire, a suspect told a victim: "Masks don't work you Chinese" before threatening violence, and another suspect coughed in a woman's face in the street.
A group of youths also approached a woman and her friend in Leicestershire and accused them of spreading coronavirus.
Police in Cumbria, Devon and Cornwall, Essex, Humberside and Northamptonshire all recorded more hate crimes against Chinese victims in the first three months of 2020 than they did throughout the whole of 2019.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:54 Feb 12: Racist abuse on increase since coronavirus outbreak
Meanwhile, BTP recorded 49 hate crimes against victims whose ethnic appearance was recorded as Chinese, Japanese or South East Asian between January and March - the same amount it recorded throughout the whole of 2019.
The actual number of hate crimes against Chinese people across the UK is likely to be much higher as several forces, including Police Scotland, Greater Manchester Police and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, did not reveal the number of offences.
Forces do not always record the ethnicity of hate crime victims, with the Met Police saying it was only recorded in just over a quarter of racist offences between 2018 and March 2020.
Earlier this year Singaporean student Jonathan Mok posted pictures of his horrific injuries after he was repeatedly punched on London's Oxford Street by attackers who allegedly said: "I don't want your coronavirus."
Image: Jonathan Mok posted photos of his injuries after being attacked on London's Oxford Street
The coronavirus outbreak started in China, with the first case reported in Wuhan in Hubei province in December.
The first documented cases in the UK came in February, and the virus has now been linked to more than 28,000 deaths across the country.
There are around 400,000 Chinese people living in England and Wales, according to latest government data.
Deputy Chief Constable Mark Hamilton, the national policing lead for hate crime, told Sky News that "no one is responsible for the outbreak and everyone has a right to be protected from targeted abuse".
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He added: "We know that some forces have unfortunately had reports about a small number of offenders who have committed hate crimes against those from Chinese and South East Asian communities and linked to the COVID-19 outbreak.
"The police, prosecutors and the courts have all made it clear that they will take such crimes very seriously.
"We will continue to monitor any trends that arise, and to support affected communities, including with translated information on how they can report issues to the police and get the appropriate support."


news--2020-05-04--Coronavirus: UK has highest number of deaths in Europe after passing Italy's total

The UK now has the highest number of coronavirus-related deaths in Europe , after reporting more fatalities than Italy .
The Department of Health has announced a rise of 693 to 29,427 , surpassing Italy 's latest official figure of 29,315 .
But experts have urged caution when it comes to these numbers and who has the `` worst death rate in Europe '' as different countries record COVID-19 deaths differently .
There are also variations in population , demographics , population density , as well as how the authorities collect the figures .
As Professor David Spiegelhalter , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pointed out to Sky News : `` I think this kind of Eurovision contest between who is top and who is second in Europe is a completely , pretty fatuous operation . ''
He added : `` There are countries that have not done very well .
That includes us .
But trying to make these detailed comparisons is just impossible at this stage . ''
While the Department of Health figures now include deaths in care homes and the wider community as well as hospitals , Italy does not have care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker On one day last week , the UK fatality figure rose by 4,419 after non-hospital deaths that had tested positive for the virus were included .
That figure contained 3,811 deaths in care homes and the community going back to early March .
Italy also has a higher proportion of over-65s ( 22 % ) in its population compared to the UK ( 17.9 % ) , EU figures show .
Older people are known to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are also fewer built-up areas in Italy which may be a factor in why the UK could have more deaths .
On Monday , analysis by statistics bureau ISTAT suggested Italy 's number of deaths is much higher than reported .
It pointed to thousands of fatalities that have never been officially attributed to COVID-19 .
Of 25,354 `` excess deaths '' between 21 February and 31 March , coronavirus was registered by the civil protection agency as the official cause for 13,710 .
That left around 11,600 deaths unaccounted for .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health 's fatality figures only include people who have tested positive for COVID-19 .
An alternative measure is from the Office for National Statistics , which is based on all mentions of COVID-19 on a death certificate , including suspected COVID-19 .
The ONS has said 29,710 deaths involving COVID-19 were registered in England and Wales up to 2 May .
Together with the latest equivalent numbers for Scotland ( 2,272 deaths registered up to 26 April ) and Northern Ireland ( 393 deaths registered up to 29 April ) , it means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have now been registered across the UK .
He said : `` I do n't think we 'll get a real verdict on how well countries have done until the pandemic is over and particularly until we 've got comprehensive international data on all cause of mortality . ''
He added : `` We now publish data that includes all deaths in all settings and not all countries do that so I 'm not sure that the international comparison works unless you reliably know that all countries are measuring in the same way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how good frankly countries are at gathering their statistics and our own Office for National Statistics is widely acknowledged as a world leader . ''
Meanwhile , the fatality figure in France , also among the worst-hit European countries , does include deaths in hospitals and care homes but not deaths in the wider community .
Late last month , the French union of general practitioners estimated there had been 9,000 coronavirus deaths in the home since the epidemic began , based on a survey of its members .
And in Spain , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths does not included those people who were more than likely killed by the virus but never tested .
The United States has by far the highest number of fatalities with at least 69,187 .
Ministers dislike comparisons of the headline fatality figure , saying that excess mortality - the number of deaths from all causes that exceed the average for the time of year - is a more meaningful metric .
Sky News analysis has found that England is among the European countries with the highest number of `` excess deaths '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to look at the total number of COVID-19 deaths per million people .
This puts the UK in fourth place on 423 behind Belgium ( 683 ) , Spain ( 543 ) and Italy ( 480 ) .
Belgium is counting deaths in hospitals and care homes , but is also including deaths in care homes that are suspected , but not confirmed , as COVID-19 infections .
Professor David Spiegelhalter noted : `` Poor Belgium which is top of the league table in terms of deaths per million .
`` My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in care homes who have not even been tested , and those deaths would not even count in our daily figures at all in the UK .
`` So it 's only later on when we can look at death registrations , or not even people who have got COVID on their death registrations , when we can look at the total number of additional deaths that there have been in the country over this period .
`` And that I think it 's the only time we can start making comparisons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total impact on their society . ''

The UK now has the highest number of coronavirus-related deaths in Europe, after reporting more fatalities than Italy.
The Department of Health has announced a rise of 693 to 29,427, surpassing Italy's latest official figure of 29,315.
But experts have urged caution when it comes to these numbers and who has the "worst death rate in Europe" as different countries record COVID-19 deaths differently.
There are also variations in population, demographics, population density, as well as how the authorities collect the figures.
Image: Italy has a higher proportion of over-65s (22%) in its population compared to the UK
As Professor David Spiegelhalter, a leading statistician at the University of Cambridge, pointed out to Sky News: "I think this kind of Eurovision contest between who is top and who is second in Europe is a completely, pretty fatuous operation."
He added: "There are countries that have not done very well. That includes us. But trying to make these detailed comparisons is just impossible at this stage."
While the Department of Health figures now include deaths in care homes and the wider community as well as hospitals, Italy does not have care home deaths in its total.
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On one day last week, the UK fatality figure rose by 4,419 after non-hospital deaths that had tested positive for the virus were included. That figure contained 3,811 deaths in care homes and the community going back to early March.
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Italy also has a higher proportion of over-65s (22%) in its population compared to the UK (17.9%), EU figures show. Older people are known to be at a higher risk from COVID-19. There are also fewer built-up areas in Italy which may be a factor in why the UK could have more deaths.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 13:17 Italy: The journey of a coronavirus nation
On Monday, analysis by statistics bureau ISTAT suggested Italy's number of deaths is much higher than reported.
It pointed to thousands of fatalities that have never been officially attributed to COVID-19.
Of 25,354 "excess deaths" between 21 February and 31 March, coronavirus was registered by the civil protection agency as the official cause for 13,710. That left around 11,600 deaths unaccounted for.
In the UK, the Department of Health's fatality figures only include people who have tested positive for COVID-19.
An alternative measure is from the Office for National Statistics, which is based on all mentions of COVID-19 on a death certificate, including suspected COVID-19.
The ONS has said 29,710 deaths involving COVID-19 were registered in England and Wales up to 2 May.
Together with the latest equivalent numbers for Scotland (2,272 deaths registered up to 26 April) and Northern Ireland (393 deaths registered up to 29 April), it means a total of 32,375 deaths involving COVID-19 have now been registered across the UK.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 15:52 5 May: Downing St briefing
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has dismissed international comparisons.
He said: "I don't think we'll get a real verdict on how well countries have done until the pandemic is over and particularly until we've got comprehensive international data on all cause of mortality."
He added: "We now publish data that includes all deaths in all settings and not all countries do that so I'm not sure that the international comparison works unless you reliably know that all countries are measuring in the same way.
"And it also depends on how good frankly countries are at gathering their statistics and our own Office for National Statistics is widely acknowledged as a world leader."
Meanwhile, the fatality figure in France, also among the worst-hit European countries, does include deaths in hospitals and care homes but not deaths in the wider community.
Late last month, the French union of general practitioners estimated there had been 9,000 coronavirus deaths in the home since the epidemic began, based on a survey of its members.
And in Spain, another badly-hit nation, the figure for deaths does not included those people who were more than likely killed by the virus but never tested.
The United States has by far the highest number of fatalities with at least 69,187.
Ministers dislike comparisons of the headline fatality figure, saying that excess mortality - the number of deaths from all causes that exceed the average for the time of year - is a more meaningful metric.
Sky News analysis has found that England is among the European countries with the highest number of "excess deaths" during the pandemic.
An alternative comparison is to look at the total number of COVID-19 deaths per million people.
This puts the UK in fourth place on 423 behind Belgium (683), Spain (543) and Italy (480).
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:58 18 April: Belgium records highest death rate in Europe
Belgium is counting deaths in hospitals and care homes, but is also including deaths in care homes that are suspected, but not confirmed, as COVID-19 infections.
Professor David Spiegelhalter noted: "Poor Belgium which is top of the league table in terms of deaths per million.
"My understanding is that half their deaths are people in care homes who have not even been tested, and those deaths would not even count in our daily figures at all in the UK.
"So it's only later on when we can look at death registrations, or not even people who have got COVID on their death registrations, when we can look at the total number of additional deaths that there have been in the country over this period.
"And that I think it's the only time we can start making comparisons between countries about what has been the total impact on their society."


news--2020-05-04--Coronavirus: Scientists hail 'groundbreaking' discovery of antibody which prevents infection

Scientists have discovered an antibody which prevents the coronavirus from infecting human cells in `` groundbreaking research '' which could lead to the development of new treatments .
Building on research into the SARS coronavirus , scientists from Utrecht University in the Netherlands , as well as the Erasmus Medical Centre and the company Harbour BioMed ( HBM ) , have identified a potential method of neutralising COVID-19 .
They discovered that an antibody which prevents the SARS virus from infecting human cells could also block the novel coronavirus from infecting human cells too , according a peer reviewed study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Communications .
Testing their collection of antibodies on cultured human cells , researchers discovered one which binds to a specific part which is present in both SARS and the virus causing COVID-19 .
The discovery could offer an initial step towards developing a fully-human antibody to treat or prevent the disease , which has infected more then 3.5 million people worldwide , and led to more than 247,000 deaths .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The neutralising antibody `` has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the infected host , support virus clearance or protect an uninfected individual that is exposed to the virus , '' said Dr Berend-Jan Bosch , co-lead author on the study .
Dr Frank Grosveld , the study 's other co-lead author , said the discovery provided `` a strong foundation for additional research to characterise this antibody and begin development as a potential COVID-19 treatment '' .
`` The antibody used in this work is 'fully human ' , allowing development to proceed more rapidly and reducing the potential for immune-related side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fully-human antibody is different from conventional therapeutic antibodies , which are often first developed in other species before being `` humanised '' so they can be transmitted to people .
It was developed using Harbour BioMed 's H2L2 transgenic mouse technology - effectively a mouse which has been genetically engineered to contain human genes , enabling researchers to develop `` human '' antibodies without testing them on living people .
`` This is groundbreaking research , '' said Dr Jingsong Wang , the chief executive of HBM .

Scientists have discovered an antibody which prevents the coronavirus from infecting human cells in "groundbreaking research" which could lead to the development of new treatments.
Building on research into the SARS coronavirus, scientists from Utrecht University in the Netherlands, as well as the Erasmus Medical Centre and the company Harbour BioMed (HBM), have identified a potential method of neutralising COVID-19.
They discovered that an antibody which prevents the SARS virus from infecting human cells could also block the novel coronavirus from infecting human cells too, according a peer reviewed study published on Monday in the journal Nature Communications.
Testing their collection of antibodies on cultured human cells, researchers discovered one which binds to a specific part which is present in both SARS and the virus causing COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 How does contact tracing app work?
The discovery could offer an initial step towards developing a fully-human antibody to treat or prevent the disease, which has infected more then 3.5 million people worldwide, and led to more than 247,000 deaths.
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The neutralising antibody "has potential to alter the course of infection in the infected host, support virus clearance or protect an uninfected individual that is exposed to the virus," said Dr Berend-Jan Bosch, co-lead author on the study.
Dr Frank Grosveld, the study's other co-lead author, said the discovery provided "a strong foundation for additional research to characterise this antibody and begin development as a potential COVID-19 treatment".
"The antibody used in this work is 'fully human', allowing development to proceed more rapidly and reducing the potential for immune-related side effects," he added.
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The fully-human antibody is different from conventional therapeutic antibodies, which are often first developed in other species before being "humanised" so they can be transmitted to people.
It was developed using Harbour BioMed's H2L2 transgenic mouse technology - effectively a mouse which has been genetically engineered to contain human genes, enabling researchers to develop "human" antibodies without testing them on living people.
"This is groundbreaking research," said Dr Jingsong Wang, the chief executive of HBM.


news--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: Health secretary criticises 'tone' of Labour MP and A&E Doctor Rosena Allin-Khan

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has been criticised after he told a Labour MP to watch her `` tone '' when she questioned the government 's handling of the pandemic .
Dr Rosena Allin-Khan , who is also a serving A & E doctor , said the government 's coronavirus testing strategy had `` cost lives '' and called on the health secretary to commit to a `` minimum of 100,000 tests each day going forward '' .
During health questions in the Commons , Mr Hancock dismissed her allegations and said she `` might do well to take a leaf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's book in terms of tone '' .
Dr Allin-Khan later tweeted she would `` not watch my tone when dozens of NHS and care staff are dying unnecessarily '' .
She had told MPs : `` Frontline workers like me have had to watch families break into pieces as we deliver the very worst of news to them , that the ones they love most in this world have died .
`` The testing strategy has been non-existent .
Community testing was scrapped , mass testing was slow to roll out , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
She continued : `` And does the secretary of state acknowledge that many frontline workers feel that the government 's lack of testing has cost lives and is responsible for many families being unnecessarily torn apart in grief ? ''
Mr Hancock said Dr Allin-Khan 's accusations were `` not true '' and that there had been a `` rapid acceleration is testing ... including getting to 100,000 tests a day '' .
A number of high profile figures have defended Dr Allin-Khan on Twitter following the exchange , including Nigella @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Dragon 's Den star Deborah Meaden wrote : `` Good Lord .
You delivered that eloquently , clearly , succinctly and professionally .
`` You asked the right question in the right way .
Matt Hancock on the other hand ... Good Grief !
!
!
Talk about off tone !
! ''
The health secretary previously said the UK had managed to surpass its target of daily 100,000 tests by the end of April , hitting 122,347 tests .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Newton , director of health improvement at Public Health England , later confirmed tests that are sent out to people at home or to satellite centres are counted when they are sent out , not when they are completed .
There are also concerns some tests may have come back void or unsatisfactory .
On 3 May , 85,186 tests were carried out , according to Department of Health Figures - much lower than the 100,000 daily target .
Earlier , Mr Hancock said testing of asymptomatic NHS staff will be rolled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hancock responded : `` Yes , [ Mr Ashworth ] has asked questions in a responsible and reasonable way and I welcome his support for the test , track and trace pilot in the Isle of Wight that we announced yesterday .
`` We have piloted the testing of asymptomatic NHS staff now in 16 trusts across the country and those pilots have been successful , and we 'll be rolling it out further . ''

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has been criticised after he told a Labour MP to watch her "tone" when she questioned the government's handling of the pandemic.
Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, who is also a serving A&E doctor, said the government's coronavirus testing strategy had "cost lives" and called on the health secretary to commit to a "minimum of 100,000 tests each day going forward".
During health questions in the Commons, Mr Hancock dismissed her allegations and said she "might do well to take a leaf out of the shadow secretary of state's book in terms of tone".
Image: Dr Rosena Allin-Khan is also an A&E doctor. Pic: LabourList
Dr Allin-Khan later tweeted she would "not watch my tone when dozens of NHS and care staff are dying unnecessarily".
She had told MPs: "Frontline workers like me have had to watch families break into pieces as we deliver the very worst of news to them, that the ones they love most in this world have died.
"The testing strategy has been non-existent. Community testing was scrapped, mass testing was slow to roll out, and testing figures are now being manipulated."
She continued: "And does the secretary of state acknowledge that many frontline workers feel that the government's lack of testing has cost lives and is responsible for many families being unnecessarily torn apart in grief?"
Mr Hancock said Dr Allin-Khan's accusations were "not true" and that there had been a "rapid acceleration is testing... including getting to 100,000 tests a day".
A number of high profile figures have defended Dr Allin-Khan on Twitter following the exchange, including Nigella Lawson, Piers Morgan and Diane Abbott.
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Dragon's Den star Deborah Meaden wrote: "Good Lord. You delivered that eloquently, clearly, succinctly and professionally.
"You asked the right question in the right way. Matt Hancock on the other hand...Good Grief!!! Talk about off tone!!"
The health secretary previously said the UK had managed to surpass its target of daily 100,000 tests by the end of April, hitting 122,347 tests.
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But Professor John Newton, director of health improvement at Public Health England, later confirmed tests that are sent out to people at home or to satellite centres are counted when they are sent out, not when they are completed.
There are also concerns some tests may have come back void or unsatisfactory.
On 3 May, 85,186 tests were carried out, according to Department of Health Figures - much lower than the 100,000 daily target.
Earlier, Mr Hancock said testing of asymptomatic NHS staff will be rolled out further across the country.
Mr Hancock responded: "Yes, [Mr Ashworth] has asked questions in a responsible and reasonable way and I welcome his support for the test, track and trace pilot in the Isle of Wight that we announced yesterday.
"We have piloted the testing of asymptomatic NHS staff now in 16 trusts across the country and those pilots have been successful, and we'll be rolling it out further."


news--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: Kate Garraway thanks NHS staff keeping husband 'still with us' after weeks in hospital

Kate Garraway has thanked the NHS staff who are working to aid her husband 's recovery from coronavirus after spending her first birthday without him in 16 years .
The TV presenter 's husband Derek Draper , a former lobbyist and political adviser , has been in hospital for more than a month with COVID-19 , including treatment in intensive care .
Doctors and nurses are keeping him `` still with us '' and `` battling every day to inch him towards recovery '' , Garraway said in a message shared on social media .
After turning 53 on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) host posted a picture of her husband taken while he was editor of a student newspaper on Instagram .
`` So yesterday was always going to be a tough one , first birthday in 16 years without Derek , so for the kids and I , his absence was very present , '' she said .
`` But we resolved to do what I think we are all having to do at the moment are n't we , treasure and be grateful for the love around us , however distanced we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Garraway , who appeared as a contestant on I 'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here !
last year , included a picture of a birthday cake she received from `` strangers '' and also thanked her `` amazing '' family and her husband 's friends , `` who sent me messages of fun times they have had with him '' .
Draper , 52 , was taken to hospital at the end of March .
Garraway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been taken into intensive care and was in a critical condition with coronavirus .
She has been providing regular updates on her husband 's condition to coincide with the Clap for Carers on Thursday evenings , and last week revealed that he is `` still with us , but what a battle it is '' .
The couple married in 2005 and have a daughter and a son .
On Sunday , Garraway 's GMB co-host Piers Morgan said he was being tested for coronavirus after suffering a `` mild symptom '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had tested negative and would be returning to work on the show as soon as he is advised he can do by his doctor .
Three weeks ago , fellow co-host Susanna Reid self-isolated at her home in London when a member of her household developed symptoms of the virus .
Journalists are classed as key workers and , like all broadcasters , including Sky News , Morgan has been respecting social distancing rules while on air .

Kate Garraway has thanked the NHS staff who are working to aid her husband's recovery from coronavirus after spending her first birthday without him in 16 years.
The TV presenter's husband Derek Draper, a former lobbyist and political adviser, has been in hospital for more than a month with COVID-19, including treatment in intensive care.
Doctors and nurses are keeping him "still with us" and "battling every day to inch him towards recovery", Garraway said in a message shared on social media.
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After turning 53 on Monday, the Good Morning Britain (GMB) host posted a picture of her husband taken while he was editor of a student newspaper on Instagram.
"So yesterday was always going to be a tough one, first birthday in 16 years without Derek, so for the kids and I, his absence was very present," she said.
"But we resolved to do what I think we are all having to do at the moment aren't we, treasure and be grateful for the love around us, however distanced we are from it."
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Garraway, who appeared as a contestant on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! last year, included a picture of a birthday cake she received from "strangers" and also thanked her "amazing" family and her husband's friends, "who sent me messages of fun times they have had with him".
Draper, 52, was taken to hospital at the end of March.
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Garraway revealed in April that her husband had been taken into intensive care and was in a critical condition with coronavirus.
She has been providing regular updates on her husband's condition to coincide with the Clap for Carers on Thursday evenings, and last week revealed that he is "still with us, but what a battle it is".
The couple married in 2005 and have a daughter and a son.
On Sunday, Garraway's GMB co-host Piers Morgan said he was being tested for coronavirus after suffering a "mild symptom".
However, on Monday he revealed he had tested negative and would be returning to work on the show as soon as he is advised he can do by his doctor.
Three weeks ago, fellow co-host Susanna Reid self-isolated at her home in London when a member of her household developed symptoms of the virus.
Journalists are classed as key workers and, like all broadcasters, including Sky News, Morgan has been respecting social distancing rules while on air.


news--2020-05-06--North Korea's Kim Jong Un hid from coronavirus and did not have surgery, spy agency says

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was probably hiding away from coronavirus concerns when he seemingly disappeared last month , and did not have any surgery , according to a spy agency .
Kim made his first public appearance in weeks on Saturday , after speculation that he had had heart surgery and was in a critical condition as a result .
There had even been some reports that he had died .
However , on Wednesday , South Korea 's National Intelligence Committee ( NIC ) told the country 's parliamentary intelligence that reports of any illness were `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not get any heart-related procedure or surgery '' .
The agency also said he had been performing his normal duties during his time away from state media .
Committee member Kim Byung-kee said : `` Kim Jong Un had focused on consolidating internal affairs such as military forces and party-state meetings , and coronavirus concerns have further limited his public activity .
`` Though North Korea maintains it has zero cases , it can not be ruled out that there is an outbreak there given they had active people-to-people exchanges with China before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' According to South Korea 's unification minister Kim Yeon-chul , who oversees North Korea affairs , Kim 's disappearance was not unusual , due to the country 's stringent measures to try to curb the COVID-19 outbreak .
The North Korean leader had reportedly implemented several measures in an attempt to curtail an outbreak in his country , while maintaining prices and its military discipline , after border closures prompted rises in food costs and panic buying in Pyongyang .
: : Listen to the Behind the Headline podcast on Apple Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He made his first public appearance in more than three weeks when he visited a newly completed fertiliser plant on 2 May , seemingly aimed at showing his intent to ease food shortages and develop a `` self-reliant '' economy .
In April , spy planes spotted Kim 's personal train at the exclusive resort of Wonsan , amid reports that he was recovering from heart surgery in the region .
However it now appears he had been thanking workers building tourist facilities in the coastal town .

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was probably hiding away from coronavirus concerns when he seemingly disappeared last month, and did not have any surgery, according to a spy agency.
Kim made his first public appearance in weeks on Saturday, after speculation that he had had heart surgery and was in a critical condition as a result.
There had even been some reports that he had died.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:20 First appearance of Kim Jong Un in three weeks
However, on Wednesday, South Korea's National Intelligence Committee (NIC) told the country's parliamentary intelligence that reports of any illness were "groundless", adding Kim "did not get any heart-related procedure or surgery".
The agency also said he had been performing his normal duties during his time away from state media.
Committee member Kim Byung-kee said: "Kim Jong Un had focused on consolidating internal affairs such as military forces and party-state meetings, and coronavirus concerns have further limited his public activity.
"Though North Korea maintains it has zero cases, it cannot be ruled out that there is an outbreak there given they had active people-to-people exchanges with China before closing the border in late January."
According to South Korea's unification minister Kim Yeon-chul, who oversees North Korea affairs, Kim's disappearance was not unusual, due to the country's stringent measures to try to curb the COVID-19 outbreak.
The North Korean leader had reportedly implemented several measures in an attempt to curtail an outbreak in his country, while maintaining prices and its military discipline, after border closures prompted rises in food costs and panic buying in Pyongyang.
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He made his first public appearance in more than three weeks when he visited a newly completed fertiliser plant on 2 May, seemingly aimed at showing his intent to ease food shortages and develop a "self-reliant" economy.
In April, spy planes spotted Kim's personal train at the exclusive resort of Wonsan, amid reports that he was recovering from heart surgery in the region. However it now appears he had been thanking workers building tourist facilities in the coastal town.


news--2020-06-12--Coronavirus: Public urged to follow government advice during warm weekend

The transport secretary has urged the public not to `` throw this away '' by ignoring lockdown advice as warm weather is expected over the weekend .
Grant Shapps also urged people not to attend `` mass gatherings '' after a week of Black Lives Matter protests across the UK .
Mr Shapps issued the advice at the government 's daily coronavirus briefing , as he warned ignoring lockdown and social distancing guidance could lead to a second spike in deaths and cases .
He spoke after it was confirmed another 202 people had died after testing positive for COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the daily briefing : `` I 've stood here at other times when we 've been reporting deaths in the many hundreds and infections in the many thousands .
`` We are reaching a point now where those numbers have come down .
`` But is absolutely essential that we do n't throw this away .
It 's going to be another warm weekend .
Its very important people follow this advice because we do not want to be going backwards or facing a second spike . ''
Mr Shapps also reminded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public transport is mandatory from Monday , with those who ignore the rule facing a fine .
He added that the public must not forget this `` insidious virus is still a threat '' as crowds were seen at an anti-racism demonstration in Trafalgar Square on Friday .
The transport secretary continued : `` That not only means avoiding public transport if you can .
It also means from Monday , wearing a face covering on public transport , avoiding gatherings of more than six people , including to protest .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for issues they care deeply about , but we must never be complacent about stamping racism and discrimination in this country .
`` But please for the sake of your health and that of your friends and families , do n't attend mass gatherings . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has urged people not attend demonstrations over the weekend amid fears far-right counter-demonstrations could lead to disorder .
Mr Khan said : `` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London not only risk spreading COVID-19 , but could lead to disorder , vandalism and violence .
`` Extreme far-right groups who advocate hatred and division are planning counter-protests , which means that the risk of disorder is high . ''
Black Lives Matter organisers have cancelled a protest in London 's Hyde Park over fears it would be targeted by far-right groups .
The protests were sparked after unarmed black man George Floyd was killed when a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis on 25 May @

The transport secretary has urged the public not to "throw this away" by ignoring lockdown advice as warm weather is expected over the weekend.
Grant Shapps also urged people not to attend "mass gatherings" after a week of Black Lives Matter protests across the UK.
Mr Shapps issued the advice at the government's daily coronavirus briefing, as he warned ignoring lockdown and social distancing guidance could lead to a second spike in deaths and cases.
He spoke after it was confirmed another 202 people had died after testing positive for COVID-19 in the UK.
Mr Shapps said at the daily briefing: "I've stood here at other times when we've been reporting deaths in the many hundreds and infections in the many thousands.
"We are reaching a point now where those numbers have come down.
"But is absolutely essential that we don't throw this away. It's going to be another warm weekend. Its very important people follow this advice because we do not want to be going backwards or facing a second spike."
Mr Shapps also reminded the public that wearing face coverings in public transport is mandatory from Monday, with those who ignore the rule facing a fine.
He added that the public must not forget this "insidious virus is still a threat" as crowds were seen at an anti-racism demonstration in Trafalgar Square on Friday.
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Image: Protesters have been warned to stay at home over the weekend
The transport secretary continued: "That not only means avoiding public transport if you can. It also means from Monday, wearing a face covering on public transport, avoiding gatherings of more than six people, including to protest.
"I understand that people want to show passion for issues they care deeply about, but we must never be complacent about stamping racism and discrimination in this country.
"But please for the sake of your health and that of your friends and families, don't attend mass gatherings."
Image: Black Lives Matter protesters gathered in Trafalgar Square on Friday
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Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has urged people not attend demonstrations over the weekend amid fears far-right counter-demonstrations could lead to disorder.
Mr Khan said: "I'm extremely concerned that further protests in central London not only risk spreading COVID-19, but could lead to disorder, vandalism and violence.
"Extreme far-right groups who advocate hatred and division are planning counter-protests, which means that the risk of disorder is high."
Black Lives Matter organisers have cancelled a protest in London's Hyde Park over fears it would be targeted by far-right groups.
The protests were sparked after unarmed black man George Floyd was killed when a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis on 25 May.


news--2020-06-12--Coronavirus R number may have risen above 1 in parts of England, govt says

The coronavirus reproduction rate may have risen above 1 in parts of England , government scientists have said .
Official figures indicate the rate - known as the R number - is between 0.8 and 1.0 across the whole of England .
This range is slightly higher than for the entire UK , where it remains between 0.7 and 0.9 .
But in the southwest of England , the Government Office for Science said it was between 0.8 and 1.1 .
The group said the most likely estimate was in the middle of the range .
The figure is crucial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus lockdown measures .
If the R value is one , each infected person will on average pass COVID-19 on to one other .
If it is above one , it means the number of coronavirus cases will increase exponentially .
However , if the R number is below one , the disease will eventually peter out as not enough new people are being infected to sustain the outbreak .
Speaking at Friday 's Downing Street coronavirus news briefing , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News correspondent Ashish Joshi that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it comes to imposing localised lockdowns in areas where the R number was higher than 1 .
Regarding the South West , he was quick to underline that he thought the region was still within what could be considered a safe range .
Mr Shapps said : `` It 's an outlier of the central estimate .
I would n't want to rule anything out but , I think the SW figure today is not quite as being reported '' .
NHS England 's medical director Stephen Powis added that the R @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of data scientists are looking at to control the virus as the lockdown eases .
The government has continuously stressed the importance of the R rate .
It tells us the average number of people who will become infected by someone who has COVID-19 .
The target is to keep it under 1 .
At this level , the spread of infection can be managed and the country can start moving towards a faster but still carefully managed lifting of the lockdown .
So far the R rate has stayed stable across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But for the first time , SAGE - the scientific group that advises the government - has published a regional breakdown .
And it tells us there is one region where the R rate has climbed higher than anywhere else .
The R rate in the South West is now between 0.8 and 1.1 .
It raises the possibility of regional lockdowns - or at least some areas having different rules compared to the rest of the country .
The idea has certainly been floated before .
And regional variations have shown up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world .
In Italy , the north was ravaged by COVID-19 while the rest of the country escaped relatively unscathed .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Office of National Statistics said on Friday that the percentage of people in the community who have the virus had fallen from around 0.4 % at the end of April to 0.06 % in the two weeks to June 7 .
The government has said that when there are only a small number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ robust and less useful in determining the state of the epidemic .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitted last week that the number of cases was higher in some regions , and said local lockdowns could be introduced if there were flare-ups .
`` You 're right that the R is closer to one in the South West and in the North West , the advice from SAGE is that R is below one in all regions , '' he said .
`` However , we want to increasingly have an approach in tackling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

The coronavirus reproduction rate may have risen above 1 in parts of England, government scientists have said.
Official figures indicate the rate - known as the R number - is between 0.8 and 1.0 across the whole of England.
This range is slightly higher than for the entire UK, where it remains between 0.7 and 0.9.
But in the southwest of England, the Government Office for Science said it was between 0.8 and 1.1. The group said the most likely estimate was in the middle of the range.
The figure is crucial in guiding the government's gradual relaxation of coronavirus lockdown measures.
If the R value is one, each infected person will on average pass COVID-19 on to one other.
If it is above one, it means the number of coronavirus cases will increase exponentially.
However, if the R number is below one, the disease will eventually peter out as not enough new people are being infected to sustain the outbreak.
Speaking at Friday's Downing Street coronavirus news briefing, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News correspondent Ashish Joshi that he would not "rule anything out" when it comes to imposing localised lockdowns in areas where the R number was higher than 1.
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Regarding the South West, he was quick to underline that he thought the region was still within what could be considered a safe range.
Mr Shapps said: "It's an outlier of the central estimate. I wouldn't want to rule anything out but, I think the SW figure today is not quite as being reported".
NHS England's medical director Stephen Powis added that the R number was not the only important piece of data scientists are looking at to control the virus as the lockdown eases.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 'Don't attend protests' says transport sec
Analysis: Regional variation raises possibility of local lockdowns
By Ashish Joshi, Sky News correspondent
The government has continuously stressed the importance of the R rate. It tells us the average number of people who will become infected by someone who has COVID-19.
The target is to keep it under 1. At this level, the spread of infection can be managed and the country can start moving towards a faster but still carefully managed lifting of the lockdown.
So far the R rate has stayed stable across the UK at between 0.7 and 0.9. But for the first time, SAGE - the scientific group that advises the government - has published a regional breakdown.
And it tells us there is one region where the R rate has climbed higher than anywhere else.
The R rate in the South West is now between 0.8 and 1.1. It raises the possibility of regional lockdowns - or at least some areas having different rules compared to the rest of the country.
The idea has certainly been floated before. And regional variations have shown up wherever the virus has spread around the world.
In Italy, the north was ravaged by COVID-19 while the rest of the country escaped relatively unscathed.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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The Office of National Statistics said on Friday that the percentage of people in the community who have the virus had fallen from around 0.4% at the end of April to 0.06% in the two weeks to June 7.
The government has said that when there are only a small number of cases, R rate estimates become less robust and less useful in determining the state of the epidemic.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitted last week that the number of cases was higher in some regions, and said local lockdowns could be introduced if there were flare-ups.
"You're right that the R is closer to one in the South West and in the North West, the advice from SAGE is that R is below one in all regions," he said.
"However, we want to increasingly have an approach in tackling local lockdowns where we spot a flare-up."


news--2020-06-12--Brexit: UK 'formally confirms' to EU that it won't extend transition period

The UK has `` formally confirmed '' to the EU that it will not extend the Brexit transition period , as it unveiled its post-exit border plans .
`` The moment for an extension has now passed , '' Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said .
The government has also confirmed that it has scrapped plans to immediately introduce full import controls on EU goods in the new year .
Mr Gove said Britain would now phase in changes so businesses hit by the coronavirus pandemic can have the `` time to adjust '' .
The developments come after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Boris Johnson demanding an extension to the transition period past the end of December .
In their letter , Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford said ending the arrangement then would be `` extraordinarily reckless '' amid the effects of the coronavirus pandemic - and they believe it could lead to a `` disastrous no deal outcome '' .
Mr Gove posted on Twitter that he had chaired a `` constructive '' meeting of the EU Joint Committee with Maros Sefcovic , the EU Commission 's Vice-President for Interinstitutional Relations .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not extend the transition period & the moment for extension has now passed .
On January 1 , 2021 , we will take back control and regain our political & economic independence . ''
Mr Sefcovic said : `` From our side , I have taken note of the position of the UK on this issue and have stated , as President von der Leyen has already done , that the EU remains open to such an extension .
`` In this context , we both , with Chancellor Gove , agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Agreement and to accelerate our work , and we also agreed that the Joint Committee should meet again in early September .
`` By this date we also concluded that specialised committees including the one on the Ireland/Northern Ireland protocol will meet in the coming weeks . ''
Reacting to the UK 's move , EU negotiator Michel Barnier said Brussels had `` always been open to an extension '' .
`` At today 's joint committee , we took note of the UK 's decision not to extend .
We must now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` To give every chance to the negotiations , we agreed to intensify talks in the next weeks and months . ''
The prime minister has repeatedly ruled out asking the EU for an extension since he entered Downing Street last summer .
Nevertheless , the first ministers argue the COVID-19 outbreak has changed things since Britain formally left the EU at the end of January after 47 years of membership .
During the transition period , Britain is maintaining the status quo of membership of the bloc and trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pair said that without an extension , Britain would `` at very best '' be left with a `` damaging 'bare bones ' trade deal or even worse , a disastrous no deal outcome '' .
`` We believe that exiting the transition period at the end of the year would be extraordinarily reckless , '' they said .
`` It would pile a further very significant economic and social shock on top of the COVID-19 crisis , hitting businesses whose reserves , in many case , have already been exhausted , leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Ms Sturgeon and Mr Drakeford said that because Britain can request an extension - and Brussels is open to one - `` the shock would be avoidable '' .
On border checks , the Cabinet Office said a `` flexible and pragmatic approach '' would now see them introduced in three stages .
Tariffs will need to be paid on all imports from January , with traders importing standard goods having to prepare for basic custom requirements .
They will have up to six months to complete customs declarations .
Then , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other animal and regulated plant products will need pre-notification and relevant health documentation .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Traders will have to make declarations at the point of importation and pay tariffs from July 2021 .
The Cabinet Office said this would not apply to Northern Ireland , given it is covered by the Withdrawal Agreement , and added that a £50m package of support would boost the capacity of customs intermediaries .
UK sources said Mr Gove 's meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for an extension to the transition , given it was the last scheduled meeting of the joint committee before the 1 July deadline .
However , London and Brussels can agree to hold another such meeting , during which a delay could be asked for under the terms of the Brexit deal .
The PM is due to sit down for a virtual summit with EU leaders on Monday in a bid to break the trade deal deadlock .
An `` intensified timetable '' for talks next month has also been agreed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health guidelines allow it .

The UK has "formally confirmed" to the EU that it will not extend the Brexit transition period, as it unveiled its post-exit border plans.
"The moment for an extension has now passed," Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said.
The government has also confirmed that it has scrapped plans to immediately introduce full import controls on EU goods in the new year.
Image: Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford said 'the shock would be avoidable'
Mr Gove said Britain would now phase in changes so businesses hit by the coronavirus pandemic can have the "time to adjust".
The developments come after the first ministers of Scotland and Wales wrote to Boris Johnson demanding an extension to the transition period past the end of December.
In their letter, Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford said ending the arrangement then would be "extraordinarily reckless" amid the effects of the coronavirus pandemic - and they believe it could lead to a "disastrous no deal outcome".
Mr Gove posted on Twitter that he had chaired a "constructive" meeting of the EU Joint Committee with Maros Sefcovic, the EU Commission's Vice-President for Interinstitutional Relations.
He said: "I formally confirmed the UK will not extend the transition period & the moment for extension has now passed. On January 1, 2021, we will take back control and regain our political & economic independence."
Mr Sefcovic said: "From our side, I have taken note of the position of the UK on this issue and have stated, as President von der Leyen has already done, that the EU remains open to such an extension.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:45 UK needs to be 'realistic' about Brexit deal
"In this context, we both, with Chancellor Gove, agreed on accelerating the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and to accelerate our work, and we also agreed that the Joint Committee should meet again in early September.
"By this date we also concluded that specialised committees including the one on the Ireland/Northern Ireland protocol will meet in the coming weeks."
Reacting to the UK's move, EU negotiator Michel Barnier said Brussels had "always been open to an extension".
"At today's joint committee, we took note of the UK's decision not to extend. We must now make progress on substance," he said.
"To give every chance to the negotiations, we agreed to intensify talks in the next weeks and months."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:16 'UK backtracking on Brexit commitments'
The prime minister has repeatedly ruled out asking the EU for an extension since he entered Downing Street last summer.
Nevertheless, the first ministers argue the COVID-19 outbreak has changed things since Britain formally left the EU at the end of January after 47 years of membership.
During the transition period, Britain is maintaining the status quo of membership of the bloc and trying to negotiate a free trade agreement.
The pair said that without an extension, Britain would "at very best" be left with a "damaging 'bare bones' trade deal or even worse, a disastrous no deal outcome".
"We believe that exiting the transition period at the end of the year would be extraordinarily reckless," they said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:20 EU deal: Some checks will be needed
"It would pile a further very significant economic and social shock on top of the COVID-19 crisis, hitting businesses whose reserves, in many case, have already been exhausted, leading to more business closures and redundancies."
Ms Sturgeon and Mr Drakeford said that because Britain can request an extension - and Brussels is open to one - "the shock would be avoidable".
On border checks, the Cabinet Office said a "flexible and pragmatic approach" would now see them introduced in three stages.
Tariffs will need to be paid on all imports from January, with traders importing standard goods having to prepare for basic custom requirements. They will have up to six months to complete customs declarations.
Then, from April, meat, dairy and other animal and regulated plant products will need pre-notification and relevant health documentation.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Traders will have to make declarations at the point of importation and pay tariffs from July 2021.
The Cabinet Office said this would not apply to Northern Ireland, given it is covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and added that a £50m package of support would boost the capacity of customs intermediaries.
UK sources said Mr Gove's meeting was the last formal opportunity to ask for an extension to the transition, given it was the last scheduled meeting of the joint committee before the 1 July deadline.
However, London and Brussels can agree to hold another such meeting, during which a delay could be asked for under the terms of the Brexit deal.
The PM is due to sit down for a virtual summit with EU leaders on Monday in a bid to break the trade deal deadlock.
An "intensified timetable" for talks next month has also been agreed, with possible discussions in person if public health guidelines allow it.


news--2020-06-12--Coronavirus: Moscow eases lockdown - but has Russia been transparent on COVID-19 deaths?

As if timed with the weather gods , Moscow eased lockdown on Tuesday just in time for a major heatwave .
It was earlier than the mayor , Sergei Sobyanin , had said it would be .
He has erred on the side of caution throughout Russia 's COVID-19 crisis , as President Vladimir Putin displays increasing impatience both with the virus 's longevity and with its impact on his approval ratings .
So this week was a golden opportunity for the president .
Fill Muscovites with the joys of summer after their grey and rain-soaked lockdown .
Let the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then , the re-scheduled Victory Day parade the week after next , lift their spirits ahead of that all-important poll .
Because Mr Putin has his eye on one prize : the vote on amendments to the constitution which he has tabled for the last week in June .
On the streets and online , posters , ads and banners tell of the many improvements to healthcare , education , and pension reform that will come Russians ' way if they just vote yes to that package of amendments .
It begs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be changed in order to push through some much-needed reforms ?
The 'why ' lies in the small print .
In fact , some Russians might be forgiven for not having known why because initially it was n't even included on the official website about the constitutional changes .
It 's the one which would mean the presidential term clock can be zeroed .
That would enable Mr Putin to stay in power past 2024 when his second consecutive term in office - and 24th year in power - expires .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is either a yes or a no .
No cherry-picking which amendments make sense to you and which do n't - it 's an all or nothing affair .
In St Petersburg , the self-isolation regime is not due to end until Monday .
You ca n't tell .
The famous Field of Mars is packed , bicycles strewn beneath the lilac trees .
The governor asked residents to watch the evening concert to celebrate Russia Day from home but it 's hard to imagine people being home to watch .
The bars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are full .
So are the hospitals .
The scale of the COVID-19 crisis in St Petersburg has been smaller than Moscow , but it was also less well-organised .
Bed capacity was not scaled up to the same extent , and medics - some of whom now face prosecution for speaking out - have consistently complained of inadequate PPE , while long ambulance queues still form outside the hospitals .
At the end of April , Irina Maslova hung nine portraits of medics who had died from COVID-19 on the walls of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's health committee building .
Now there are 39 portraits .
She said : `` Every day I open the memory list or get the names sent in personal messages , which say 'Ira , we have one more who died ' .
And this story keeps breaking my heart . ''
She thinks none of the conditions for easing restrictions have been met .
`` There are three factors based on which they start lifting quarantine .
`` First , when half of the beds in your hospital are empty .
Second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is bigger than the number of those taken in .
Third , when every person has the possibility to take a test and it 's free of charge .
`` We are not even close to meeting them . ''
Lev Averbakh , who runs a private ambulance service , says medics are already preparing for a second wave .
`` There are n't that many COVID patients in St Petersburg but there are many cases , and they 're mentioned in the official data of COVID-like pneumonias , which in most cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` There are a lot of people with viral pneumonia but they just do n't have a positive test . ''
In mid-May , governor of St Petersburg Alexander Beglov said almost 700 people had died of pneumonia in the city since the coronavirus outbreak began - almost 10 times the official death figure at the time .
At the end of May , Russia 's health ministry quietly changed the regulations for counting coronavirus deaths .
Now , cases where COVID-19 is not the main cause of death are also included .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it fell this week to Moscow 's mayor Sergei Sobyanin to admit that the city 's number of deaths for May , based on those new regulations , was in fact 5,260 .
That 's 3,300 more than previously reported .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker To date , the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) has not voiced a word of criticism over Russia 's handling of the epidemic .
But this week it queried how the fatality figure could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` difficult to understand '' .
Mr Putin wants to close this COVID-19 chapter .
It has not provided him with an opportunity to shine .
The drop in his approval ratings , which began to gather pace after pension reform protests in 2018 , is not letting up .
He does not need a second wave .
Russia professes transparency with its numbers .
But the WHO is right when it says they are confusing .
They may become even more so as the week of voting nears .
If there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the question is whether they 'll let on .

As if timed with the weather gods, Moscow eased lockdown on Tuesday just in time for a major heatwave.
It was earlier than the mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, had said it would be.
He has erred on the side of caution throughout Russia's COVID-19 crisis, as President Vladimir Putin displays increasing impatience both with the virus's longevity and with its impact on his approval ratings.
So this week was a golden opportunity for the president.
Fill Muscovites with the joys of summer after their grey and rain-soaked lockdown.
Boost their morale with bank holidays.
Image: The World Health Organisation has questioned why Russia's number of deaths is so low
Let the patriotism and pageantry first of Russia Day and then, the re-scheduled Victory Day parade the week after next, lift their spirits ahead of that all-important poll.
Because Mr Putin has his eye on one prize: the vote on amendments to the constitution which he has tabled for the last week in June.
On the streets and online, posters, ads and banners tell of the many improvements to healthcare, education, and pension reform that will come Russians' way if they just vote yes to that package of amendments.
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Image: Many people are already out on the streets
It begs the question - why the constitution needs to be changed in order to push through some much-needed reforms?
The 'why' lies in the small print.
In fact, some Russians might be forgiven for not having known why because initially it wasn't even included on the official website about the constitutional changes.
It's the one which would mean the presidential term clock can be zeroed. That would enable Mr Putin to stay in power past 2024 when his second consecutive term in office - and 24th year in power - expires.
And incidentally, the vote on the amendments is either a yes or a no. No cherry-picking which amendments make sense to you and which don't - it's an all or nothing affair.
Image: The country is celebrating Russia Day
In St Petersburg, the self-isolation regime is not due to end until Monday. You can't tell.
The famous Field of Mars is packed, bicycles strewn beneath the lilac trees.
The governor asked residents to watch the evening concert to celebrate Russia Day from home but it's hard to imagine people being home to watch. The bars and restaurants are shut but the streets are full.
So are the hospitals.
The scale of the COVID-19 crisis in St Petersburg has been smaller than Moscow, but it was also less well-organised.
Bed capacity was not scaled up to the same extent, and medics - some of whom now face prosecution for speaking out - have consistently complained of inadequate PPE, while long ambulance queues still form outside the hospitals.
At the end of April, Irina Maslova hung nine portraits of medics who had died from COVID-19 on the walls of a construction site next to the city's health committee building. Now there are 39 portraits.
Image: Irina Maslova adjusting new names to the wall and flowers
She said: "Every day I open the memory list or get the names sent in personal messages, which say 'Ira, we have one more who died'. And this story keeps breaking my heart."
She thinks none of the conditions for easing restrictions have been met.
"There are three factors based on which they start lifting quarantine.
"First, when half of the beds in your hospital are empty. Second, when the number of discharged patients is bigger than the number of those taken in. Third, when every person has the possibility to take a test and it's free of charge.
"We are not even close to meeting them."
Image: There are now 39 portraits of medics who died from COVID-19
Lev Averbakh, who runs a private ambulance service, says medics are already preparing for a second wave.
"There aren't that many COVID patients in St Petersburg but there are many cases, and they're mentioned in the official data of COVID-like pneumonias, which in most cases are caused by the COVID infection.
"There are a lot of people with viral pneumonia but they just don't have a positive test."
In mid-May, governor of St Petersburg Alexander Beglov said almost 700 people had died of pneumonia in the city since the coronavirus outbreak began - almost 10 times the official death figure at the time.
At the end of May, Russia's health ministry quietly changed the regulations for counting coronavirus deaths.
Image: Russia's health ministry has quietly changed the regulations for counting virus deaths
Now, cases where COVID-19 is not the main cause of death are also included.
As Muscovites frolicked in the sunshine, it fell this week to Moscow's mayor Sergei Sobyanin to admit that the city's number of deaths for May, based on those new regulations, was in fact 5,260.
That's 3,300 more than previously reported.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
To date, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not voiced a word of criticism over Russia's handling of the epidemic.
But this week it queried how the fatality figure could possibly be so low, saying it was "difficult to understand".
Mr Putin wants to close this COVID-19 chapter. It has not provided him with an opportunity to shine.
The drop in his approval ratings, which began to gather pace after pension reform protests in 2018, is not letting up.
He does not need a second wave.
Russia professes transparency with its numbers. But the WHO is right when it says they are confusing.
They may become even more so as the week of voting nears.
If there is a second wave in Russia, the question is whether they'll let on.


news--2020-06-12--Coronavirus: Most-deprived areas hardest hit - but death rate halves in nearly all regions

People living in the poorest parts of England are twice as likely to die with COVID-19 as those in the most well-off areas , new figures suggest .
There were 128.3 deaths involving the virus per 100,000 in the most-deprived areas between March and the end of May .
That is 118 % higher than the 58.8 deaths in the least-deprived areas .
London had by far the worst mortality rate during the three-month period - 137.6 - a third higher than the next region .
Nine out of 10 of the worst-hit areas were in the capital , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ONS ) figures .
The borough of Brent had 210.9 deaths per 100,000 people , Newham 196.8 , and Hackney 182.9 .
`` General mortality rates are normally higher in more deprived areas , but COVID-19 appears to be increasing this effect , '' said Sarah Caul from the ONS .
Overall , there were 82.1 deaths involving coronavirus per 100,000 in England , and 67.6 in Wales .
The most-deprived fifth of areas in Wales had 109.5 deaths per 100,000 , nearly twice as high as the least-deprived areas - 57.5 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the mortality rate more than halved in all but two regions of England and Wales .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker As the situation improves in the capital , the North East of England recorded the highest age-adjusted mortality rate in May .
The South West continued to have the lowest mortality rate .
Commenting on the figures for the North East , Conservative Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said experts believe the region was up to six weeks behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the North East is now seeing the number of cases and deaths from coronavirus fall significantly .
`` There has been a phenomenal national effort to win the battle against the coronavirus and we are winning .
`` Deaths are coming down in the North East and I hope we see that trend continuing over the coming days and weeks . ''
The ONS figures cover deaths where COVID-19 was mentioned anywhere on the death certificate - meaning the person may not have had a test and may have had other health conditions @

People living in the poorest parts of England are twice as likely to die with COVID-19 as those in the most well-off areas, new figures suggest.
There were 128.3 deaths involving the virus per 100,000 in the most-deprived areas between March and the end of May.
That is 118% higher than the 58.8 deaths in the least-deprived areas.
London had by far the worst mortality rate during the three-month period - 137.6 - a third higher than the next region.
Nine out of 10 of the worst-hit areas were in the capital, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures.
The borough of Brent had 210.9 deaths per 100,000 people, Newham 196.8, and Hackney 182.9.
"General mortality rates are normally higher in more deprived areas, but COVID-19 appears to be increasing this effect," said Sarah Caul from the ONS.
Overall, there were 82.1 deaths involving coronavirus per 100,000 in England, and 67.6 in Wales.
The most-deprived fifth of areas in Wales had 109.5 deaths per 100,000, nearly twice as high as the least-deprived areas - 57.5 deaths.
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However, between April and May, the mortality rate more than halved in all but two regions of England and Wales.
Tower Hamlets, in London, saw a 92.5% fall.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
As the situation improves in the capital, the North East of England recorded the highest age-adjusted mortality rate in May.
The South West continued to have the lowest mortality rate.
Commenting on the figures for the North East, Conservative Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said experts believe the region was up to six weeks behind London.
"On the ground, the North East is now seeing the number of cases and deaths from coronavirus fall significantly.
"There has been a phenomenal national effort to win the battle against the coronavirus and we are winning.
"Deaths are coming down in the North East and I hope we see that trend continuing over the coming days and weeks."
The ONS figures cover deaths where COVID-19 was mentioned anywhere on the death certificate - meaning the person may not have had a test and may have had other health conditions.
Top 20 highest mortality rates (March - end of May)
:: Brent 210.9
:: Newham 196.8
:: Hackney 182.9
:: Harrow 178.0
:: Haringey 177.9
:: Middlesbrough 169.2
:: Lewisham 168.1
:: Lambeth 166.9
:: Tower Hamlets 164.1
:: Ealing 163.4
:: Croydon 161.9
:: Hertsmere 161.6
:: Southwark 161.4
:: Salford 159.9
:: Hammersmith & Fulham 155.3
:: Watford 153.8
:: Enfield 151.9
:: Liverpool 144.5
:: Waltham Forest 143.3
:: Redbridge 141.1


news--2020-05-13--Coronavirus: Premier League players told they're not 'guinea pigs' if season resumes next month

Premier League players have been told by medics that training is no more risky than a trip to the shops .
Speaking via teleconference on Wednesday , medical experts assured players they would n't be `` used as guinea pigs '' as the football season prepares for a possible phased return next month .
They were told their cases would also be treated on an individual basis and would not be threatened with postponing to next year should they not sign up for the plans , dubbed `` Project Restart '' .
Dialling into the call , the captains of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of issues , which Sky News was told were among a series of `` probing , incisive and informed '' questions put to the league 's medical adviser Mark Gillett , and other government medical advisers .
Such issues included the increased risk for severe effects of COVID-19 for BAME players and the additional risk for players living with young children and elderly relatives .
`` The players were incredibly well informed and asked full , probing and incisive questions which they will then feed back to their teammates , '' Professional Footballers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gordon Taylor said .
He added : `` Every effort is being made in these testing times to make it as safe as is practically and humanly possible .
It can never be 100 % safe , but it ’ s about making the level of risk small as possible . ''
All the players were given a 40-page document ahead of the meeting , which detailed what an initial phase of returning to training would look like .
The conference call was then held to help understand and reassure safety concerns from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including Manchester City stars Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero .
Mr Taylor said : `` They asked questions about the supermarket thing and they were told by the medical experts that , according to the Premier League ’ s plans , they think training will be as safe a haven as possible and that it would compare well to other things in the community .
`` They were reassured that with construction and manufacturing being back that it wasn ’ t football players being used as guinea pigs . ''
Among the guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be advised to wear a mask or snood during training , and would be subject to a COVID-19 test twice a week .
They will also be required to travel to training alone , and park their car three spaces away from the nearest vehicle .
Training will only be permitted in small groups for a maximum of 75 minutes , while any injuries will be treated by a physio wearing full PPE .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a closed-door season returning on 12 June remained a realistic one .
`` If we 're talking about scaling Everest , then we 're still at Base Camp , '' he said .
`` We 're taking each step at a time , but I was impressed by how meticulously planned the Premier League protocol was , and they made clear to the players that obviously they are the essential people in this . ''

Premier League players have been told by medics that training is no more risky than a trip to the shops.
Speaking via teleconference on Wednesday, medical experts assured players they wouldn't be "used as guinea pigs" as the football season prepares for a possible phased return next month.
They were told their cases would also be treated on an individual basis and would not be threatened with postponing to next year should they not sign up for the plans, dubbed "Project Restart".
Dialling into the call, the captains of each Premier League team raised a number of issues, which Sky News was told were among a series of "probing, incisive and informed" questions put to the league's medical adviser Mark Gillett, and other government medical advisers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:46 Football clubs face financial black hole
Such issues included the increased risk for severe effects of COVID-19 for BAME players and the additional risk for players living with young children and elderly relatives.
"The players were incredibly well informed and asked full, probing and incisive questions which they will then feed back to their teammates," Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) chief executive Gordon Taylor said.
He added: "Every effort is being made in these testing times to make it as safe as is practically and humanly possible. It can never be 100% safe, but it’s about making the level of risk small as possible."
All the players were given a 40-page document ahead of the meeting, which detailed what an initial phase of returning to training would look like.
The conference call was then held to help understand and reassure safety concerns from a growing number of high-profile players, including Manchester City stars Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero.
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Mr Taylor said: "They asked questions about the supermarket thing and they were told by the medical experts that, according to the Premier League’s plans, they think training will be as safe a haven as possible and that it would compare well to other things in the community.
"They were reassured that with construction and manufacturing being back that it wasn’t football players being used as guinea pigs."
Among the guidance for a proposed restart, players will be advised to wear a mask or snood during training, and would be subject to a COVID-19 test twice a week.
They will also be required to travel to training alone, and park their car three spaces away from the nearest vehicle.
Training will only be permitted in small groups for a maximum of 75 minutes, while any injuries will be treated by a physio wearing full PPE.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Meanwhile, Mr Taylor said he believed the possibility of a closed-door season returning on 12 June remained a realistic one.
"If we're talking about scaling Everest, then we're still at Base Camp," he said.
"We're taking each step at a time, but I was impressed by how meticulously planned the Premier League protocol was, and they made clear to the players that obviously they are the essential people in this."