skynewspolitics--2020-06-23--'Troubling questions': US politician investigates Farage trip to Trump rally

A US congressman has launched an investigation after Nigel Farage apparently flew to America to attend a Donald Trump rally during the coronavirus pandemic .
Bennie G Thompson , chairman of the House of Representatives ' committee on homeland security , said the decision to allow the visit raised `` numerous troubling questions '' at the time of travel restrictions from the UK .
The US has barred entry to arrivals from Britain , with the exception of US citizens , their family members and `` individuals who meet specified exceptions '' .
Brexit Party leader Mr Farage posted a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caption : `` In the USA , only twenty four hours from Tulsa '' - the destination of the US president 's rally over the weekend .
Mr Thompson said he had sent a letter to Chad Wolf , acting secretary of homeland security , requesting `` all relevant documents '' on the decision to `` waive the travel ban for Mr Farage '' .
He said : `` The decision of the Trump administration to admit Mr Farage to the United States to enable him to attend a campaign rally at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kingdom to the US has been suspended raises numerous troubling questions , as does the claim that such travel was in the national interest . ''
Mr Thompson , a Mississippi Democrat , said a statement provided to his staff by America 's Customs and Border Protection ( CBP ) confirmed Mr Farage was initially denied boarding while attempting to fly from the UK to the US , due to the coronavirus travel restrictions .
According to the congressman , the CBP said the Department of Homeland Security conducted a review and determined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' as his entry to the US `` would be in the national interest '' and he was allowed to board the flight .
In his letter to Mr Wolf , Mr Thompson has requested that the Department of Homeland Security provide `` all communication '' since 14 March related to Mr Farage 's trip to the US .
He also requests documents on `` the individual who ultimately approved travel to the US by Mr Farage '' and `` the determination and justification '' that the trip `` was a matter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contacted the Brexit Party for comment .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Mr Farage previously appeared alongside Mr Trump to give a speech at a rally in Mississippi in August 2016 before the last US presidential election .
At the time , he spoke about his role in the campaign for Britain to leave the European Union , but stopped short of endorsing Mr Trump for president .
It was announced earlier this month that Mr Farage will no longer host @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presented since January 2017 .

A US congressman has launched an investigation after Nigel Farage apparently flew to America to attend a Donald Trump rally during the coronavirus pandemic.
Bennie G Thompson, chairman of the House of Representatives' committee on homeland security, said the decision to allow the visit raised "numerous troubling questions" at the time of travel restrictions from the UK.
The US has barred entry to arrivals from Britain, with the exception of US citizens, their family members and "individuals who meet specified exceptions".
Brexit Party leader Mr Farage posted a photograph of himself on Saturday with the caption: "In the USA, only twenty four hours from Tulsa" - the destination of the US president's rally over the weekend.
Twitter Twitter , 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 Twitter 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 Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Mr Thompson said he had sent a letter to Chad Wolf, acting secretary of homeland security, requesting "all relevant documents" on the decision to "waive the travel ban for Mr Farage".
He said: "The decision of the Trump administration to admit Mr Farage to the United States to enable him to attend a campaign rally at a time when most travel from the United Kingdom to the US has been suspended raises numerous troubling questions, as does the claim that such travel was in the national interest."
Mr Thompson, a Mississippi Democrat, said a statement provided to his staff by America's Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed Mr Farage was initially denied boarding while attempting to fly from the UK to the US, due to the coronavirus travel restrictions.
Image: Bennie G Thompson has requested information on who approved Mr Farage's visit
According to the congressman, the CBP said the Department of Homeland Security conducted a review and determined Mr Farage's travel was "permissible" as his entry to the US "would be in the national interest" and he was allowed to board the flight.
In his letter to Mr Wolf, Mr Thompson has requested that the Department of Homeland Security provide "all communication" since 14 March related to Mr Farage's trip to the US.
Advertisement
He also requests documents on "the individual who ultimately approved travel to the US by Mr Farage" and "the determination and justification" that the trip "was a matter of national interest".
Sky News has contacted the Brexit Party for comment.
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 Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Mr Farage previously appeared alongside Mr Trump to give a speech at a rally in Mississippi in August 2016 before the last US presidential election.
At the time, he spoke about his role in the campaign for Britain to leave the European Union, but stopped short of endorsing Mr Trump for president.
It was announced earlier this month that Mr Farage will no longer host his LBC Radio show which he had presented since January 2017.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-23--'It's not risk-free': Scientific advisers admit concerns as PM eases lockdown

Evidence of a split between Boris Johnson and his most senior scientific and medical advisers was laid bare within hours of his announcement of measures to ease the lockdown .
Speaking at the final daily Downing Street coronavirus news conference , Sir Patrick Vallance and Professor Chris Whitty warned of potential risks in axing the two-metre social distancing rule .
Sir Patrick , the government 's chief scientific adviser , said the prime minister 's approach to easing the lockdown was `` reasonable '' , although there were risks attached .
`` It is not risk free , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk free .
Every time you take a step to open up there is some associated risk with that . ''
Professor Whitty , England 's chief medical officer , said the package of measures to ease the lockdown was a `` reasonable balance of risk '' , but `` absolutely not risk free '' .
`` We may at some point say that a particular bit of the decisions that were taken is too much of a risk with the benefit of hindsight and we have to go back on it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's decision to re-open pubs , restaurants , hairdressers and other businesses , the prime minister said he took responsibility for the decision to ease the lockdown .
`` Of course , I take responsibility , the government takes responsibility for these decisions , '' he said .
`` We are indebted to our scientific colleagues for their advice continually , but it is our responsibility to choose . ''
But Mr Johnson admitted he was aware that Professor Whitty had concerns about the lockdown being lifted for pubs , bars and restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I hope it will be a great day , '' said Mr Johnson .
`` But obviously , you know , people have got to make sure they do n't overdo it .
`` I know Chris is particularly worried about this - we ca n't have great writhing scenes in the beer gardens when the virus could be passed on .
`` This has to be done in a sensible way - people should be giving their names to the pubs , to the restaurants , doing things in a way that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to track back , to test and trace and stamp out any outbreak .
`` That 's the absolutely crucial thing .
People should of course enjoy themselves but as Chris and Patrick have said , this is going to be with us for a while .
`` We 've just got to adjust and make it work . ''
The warnings from the two scientific chiefs suggest they are determined to distance themselves from any moves by the government on easing the lockdown that they regard as premature or reckless .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tension between senior ministers and advisers , with the scientists adopting a much more cautious and guarded tone at Downing Street news conferences .
And on occasions the absence of top advisers alongside ministers at some No 10 briefings has led to claims that ministers feared being contradicted by scientists in full view of the TV cameras .
There have also been allegations from some in the scientific and medical communities that ministers have been too impatient in easing lockdown measures and have put fears over the economy above saving lives .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now - Sir Patrick said although the epidemic continued to shrink - `` albeit slowly '' - by between 2 % and 4 % a day , the numbers were `` flattening off '' rather than going down to zero .
And he warned : `` Do n't be fooled that this means it has gone away .
The disease is growing across the world .
It is coming down in the UK but it has n't gone away . ''
He said : `` You need to be prepared where there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and if they become beyond local then you need to deal with them at regional and national levels which would mean reversal of some of the measures .
`` That is the only way you can keep on top of this . ''
Professor Whitty said there was a risk coronavirus could start to increase in its spread if restrictions involved with the new `` one metre-plus '' rules were not followed .
`` A lot of the changes are about emphasising things that we can do and it is really critical that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
`` Because if we do n't take them seriously then chains of transmission between households will be re-established . ''
He added : `` To be really clear , it is absolutely critical that every individual , every household and every firm takes these precautions seriously .
If that does not happen , we will go back to a situation where transmission starts to rise again .
`` If people hear a distorted version of what 's being said , that says 'this is all fine now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behaving in ways that they normally would have before this virus happened , yes , we will get an uptick for sure .
`` It is absolutely critical people stick to the guidance that has been given - it 's a changed guidance for there are still very significant restrictions socially and there are very significant restrictions on business of different sorts . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker On fears of an upturn in COVID-19 , Professor Whitty said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is local outbreaks to deal with them locally and if they become beyond local then you need to deal with them at regional and national levels which would mean reversal of some of the measures .
`` That is the only way you can keep on top of this . ''
He also predicted that the country could have to cope with the virus into 2021 .
`` I would be surprised and delighted if we were n't in this current situation through the winter and into next spring , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's regroup and work out where we are .
`` I expect there to be a significant amount of coronavirus circulating at least into that time and I think it is going to be quite optimistic that for science to come fully to the rescue over that kind of timeframe .
`` But I have an absolute confidence in the capacity of science to overcome infectious diseases - it has done that repeatedly and it will do that for this virus , whether that is by drugs , vaccines or indeed other things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For medium to long term , I 'm optimistic .
But for the short to medium term , until this time next year , certainly I think we should be planning for this for what I consider to be the long haul into 2021 . ''

In the last Downing Street briefing, Boris Johnson admits England's chief medical officer is worried about pubs reopening.
Evidence of a split between Boris Johnson and his most senior scientific and medical advisers was laid bare within hours of his announcement of measures to ease the lockdown.
Speaking at the final daily Downing Street coronavirus news conference, Sir Patrick Vallance and Professor Chris Whitty warned of potential risks in axing the two-metre social distancing rule.
Sir Patrick, the government's chief scientific adviser, said the prime minister's approach to easing the lockdown was "reasonable", although there were risks attached.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 Whitty sees current situation going into next year
"It is not risk free," he said.
"It cannot be risk free. Every time you take a step to open up there is some associated risk with that."
Professor Whitty, England's chief medical officer, said the package of measures to ease the lockdown was a "reasonable balance of risk", but "absolutely not risk free".
"We may at some point say that a particular bit of the decisions that were taken is too much of a risk with the benefit of hindsight and we have to go back on it," he warned.
Defending the government's decision to re-open pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and other businesses, the prime minister said he took responsibility for the decision to ease the lockdown.
"Of course, I take responsibility, the government takes responsibility for these decisions," he said. "We are indebted to our scientific colleagues for their advice continually, but it is our responsibility to choose."
Advertisement
Image: Pubs and bars will be able to reopen with 'COVID secure' measures in place
But Mr Johnson admitted he was aware that Professor Whitty had concerns about the lockdown being lifted for pubs, bars and restaurants.
"As for July 4, I hope it will be a great day," said Mr Johnson.
"But obviously, you know, people have got to make sure they don't overdo it.
"I know Chris is particularly worried about this - we can't have great writhing scenes in the beer gardens when the virus could be passed on.
"This has to be done in a sensible way - people should be giving their names to the pubs, to the restaurants, doing things in a way that allows us, if something does happen, to track back, to test and trace and stamp out any outbreak.
"That's the absolutely crucial thing. People should of course enjoy themselves but as Chris and Patrick have said, this is going to be with us for a while.
"We've just got to adjust and make it work."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:35 PM lists establishments that can reopen
The warnings from the two scientific chiefs suggest they are determined to distance themselves from any moves by the government on easing the lockdown that they regard as premature or reckless.
In recent weeks there has been apparent tension between senior ministers and advisers, with the scientists adopting a much more cautious and guarded tone at Downing Street news conferences.
And on occasions the absence of top advisers alongside ministers at some No 10 briefings has led to claims that ministers feared being contradicted by scientists in full view of the TV cameras.
There have also been allegations from some in the scientific and medical communities that ministers have been too impatient in easing lockdown measures and have put fears over the economy above saving lives.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:33 PM explains 'one metre plus' rule
At his final No 10 appearance - for now - Sir Patrick said although the epidemic continued to shrink - "albeit slowly" - by between 2% and 4% a day, the numbers were "flattening off" rather than going down to zero.
And he warned: "Don't be fooled that this means it has gone away. The disease is growing across the world. It is coming down in the UK but it hasn't gone away."
He said: "You need to be prepared where there is local outbreaks to deal with them locally and if they become beyond local then you need to deal with them at regional and national levels which would mean reversal of some of the measures.
"That is the only way you can keep on top of this."
Image: Sir Patrick Vallance and Professor Chris Whitty have become familiar to millions in recent months
Professor Whitty said there was a risk coronavirus could start to increase in its spread if restrictions involved with the new "one metre-plus" rules were not followed.
"A lot of the changes are about emphasising things that we can do and it is really critical that individuals and firms take these really seriously," he said. "Because if we don't take them seriously then chains of transmission between households will be re-established."
He added: "To be really clear, it is absolutely critical that every individual, every household and every firm takes these precautions seriously. If that does not happen, we will go back to a situation where transmission starts to rise again.
"If people hear a distorted version of what's being said, that says 'this is all fine now, it's gone away' and start behaving in ways that they normally would have before this virus happened, yes, we will get an uptick for sure.
"It is absolutely critical people stick to the guidance that has been given - it's a changed guidance for there are still very significant restrictions socially and there are very significant restrictions on business of different sorts."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
On fears of an upturn in COVID-19, Professor Whitty said: "You need to be prepared where there is local outbreaks to deal with them locally and if they become beyond local then you need to deal with them at regional and national levels which would mean reversal of some of the measures.
"That is the only way you can keep on top of this."
He also predicted that the country could have to cope with the virus into 2021.
Image: Countries like Italy have provided some idea of how hairdressers may operate in the UK from 4 July
"I would be surprised and delighted if we weren't in this current situation through the winter and into next spring," he said.
"I think then let's regroup and work out where we are.
"I expect there to be a significant amount of coronavirus circulating at least into that time and I think it is going to be quite optimistic that for science to come fully to the rescue over that kind of timeframe.
"But I have an absolute confidence in the capacity of science to overcome infectious diseases - it has done that repeatedly and it will do that for this virus, whether that is by drugs, vaccines or indeed other things that may come into play.
"For medium to long term, I'm optimistic. But for the short to medium term, until this time next year, certainly I think we should be planning for this for what I consider to be the long haul into 2021."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-23--The highs and lows of the Downing Street virus briefings

So , farewell then , Downing Street daily coronavirus news conferences .
We 'll miss you .
For more than three months , they guided a nervous nation through a crisis .
Until this year , daily news briefings only occurred when the nation has been at war .
There were 92 in all - not quite a century - peppered with highlights and lowlights , drama and gaffes .
There were bold - rash , even - promises by ministers and allegations of dodgy statistics .
But throughout the spring they have been part of our daily lives and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And for loyal devotees - and they certainly boosted TV viewing figures - they will be much lamented .
Back in March , before the prime minister announced the lockdown , journalists attended these news conferences inside Number 10 , but since April they were conducted - not always successfully - using video technology .
They were held seven days a week until early June , when the 4pm weekend briefings were scrapped , because - according to 10 Downing Street - viewing figures were `` significantly lower '' .
Shame !
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was hosted by Boris Johnson , flanked by England 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty , and the government 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance .
Over the months that followed , these previously unknown backroom figures became household names .
The nation even fell in love - a little bit - with their geeky , nerdy slides .
The Johnson/ Vallance/ Whitty trio was immediately labelled `` Boris and the boffins '' and fittingly appeared together for a comeback gig - the old band put back together - for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them `` the three amigos '' .
`` We 're going to be winding down the rhythm , '' said the prime minister , nostalgically , announcing the demise of our daily ritual , before praising the `` heroic work '' of his two sidekicks .
No doubt their mood will be one of relief , rather than disappointment , however .
Why are the briefings being axed ?
One answer was the evident lack of enthusiasm in the final news conference from Messrs Vallance and Whitty for the prime minister 's lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two-metre rule .
In recent weeks , there has been a noticeable coolness - if not a growing rift - between the experts and the politicians , as the government faced accusations that its strategy was governed by the politics rather than the scientific advice .
The rift can be traced back to the furore over the prime minster 's chief aide Dominic Cummings ' notorious visit to Durham and his drive to Barnard Castle to `` test his eyesight '' , revealed during the bank holiday weekend at the end of May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalists attempted to quiz Sir Patrick and Professor Whitty about Mr Cummings the prime minister blocked questions .
Not a good look .
Two days earlier , on the day Mr Cummings staged his own remarkable non-apology in the Downing Street garden , the pair were seen walking into Number 10 and then leaving before the prime minister 's news conference .
The obvious conclusion , never denied , was that they had told the prime minister they would not defend Mr Cummings ' actions if questioned about them .
There were also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ruth May , was stood down from appearing at a briefing after she too refused to support Mr Cummings ' trip to his parents ' farm in County Durham .
After 92 news conferences , the final league table of appearances by senior government figures is fairly predictable .
The Health Secretary Matt Hancock came top with 24 , followed by the prime minister on 16 .
Then came Dominic Raab , who stood in for the PM during his illness , on 12 ; Rishi Sunak and Robert Jenrick on seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six ; Michael Gove and George Eustice on four and Priti Patel , Gavin Williamson and Oliver Dowden on three .
Among the experts , described by critics at times as a human shield protecting the politicians , NHS England 's Stephen Powis appeared 22 times ; Sir Patrick 21 times ; Professor Whitty and one of his deputies Jenny Harries 18 times and his other deputy Jonathan Van-Tam nine times .
Other medics and scientists regularly appearing alongside ministers were the government 's testing czar John Newton with ten appearances ; Yvonne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and scientific adviser Angela Maclean with seven .
There were claims , too , that the two deputy chief medical officers , Dr Harries and Professor Van-Tam , were gagged after they criticised Mr Cummings .
The flamboyant and plain-speaking professor , who wore garish pinstripe suits and brightly-coloured ties , failed to appear after he slapped down the primer minister 's courtier on 30 May .
Dr Harries was absent for three weeks after she spoke out .
Memorable moments over the past three months include the prime minister 's chilling warning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March when he said : `` I must level with the British public .
Many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time . ''
Throughout his 24 appearances , there has been the irrepressible optimism of Matt Hancock , in spite of a succession of government blunders and missed targets on testing , apps and PPE .
Eventually Mr Hancock was rapped over the knuckles by the boss of the UK Statistics Authority for his misleading daily testing figures .
There was the accident-prone Robert Jenrick - now up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second-home allegations over his Herefordshire mansion - and his boast that 400,000 PPE gowns were arriving from Turkey the next day .
They did arrive , eventually , but were later found to be useless anyway .
But the award for the gaffe - or implausible statement - of the 92 news conferences has to go the prime minister for his claim after his U-turn on footballer Marcus Rashford 's free school meals campaign last week that he was unaware of it until earlier that day .
Really ?
The England striker launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PM 's spokesman was questioned on it the day before the U-turn and insisted there would be no U-turn .
So what now ?
`` I ca n't wait to go to a pub or a restaurant , even if it may not be compatible with the new diet that I 'm on , '' said Mr Johnson in reply to one of the final questions .
They may not have been perfect , but these 92 news conferences served up a daily diet of news .

Sky News' chief political correspondent takes a look back at the news conferences that became a staple of TV viewing.
So, farewell then, Downing Street daily coronavirus news conferences. We'll miss you.
For more than three months, they guided a nervous nation through a crisis. Until this year, daily news briefings only occurred when the nation has been at war.
There were 92 in all - not quite a century - peppered with highlights and lowlights, drama and gaffes. There were bold - rash, even - promises by ministers and allegations of dodgy statistics.
Image: Boris Johnson put in 16 appearances
But throughout the spring they have been part of our daily lives and essential teatime TV viewing at 5pm. And for loyal devotees - and they certainly boosted TV viewing figures - they will be much lamented.
Back in March, before the prime minister announced the lockdown, journalists attended these news conferences inside Number 10, but since April they were conducted - not always successfully - using video technology.
Image: Journalists were initially allowed to attend - before having to ask questions virtually
They were held seven days a week until early June, when the 4pm weekend briefings were scrapped, because - according to 10 Downing Street - viewing figures were "significantly lower". Shame!
The first daily briefing, on 16 March, was hosted by Boris Johnson, flanked by England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty, and the government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance.
Over the months that followed, these previously unknown backroom figures became household names. The nation even fell in love - a little bit - with their geeky, nerdy slides.
The Johnson/ Vallance/ Whitty trio was immediately labelled "Boris and the boffins" and fittingly appeared together for a comeback gig - the old band put back together - for the final briefing. Some even called them "the three amigos".
Advertisement
Image: Prof Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance were regular faces at the briefings
"We're going to be winding down the rhythm," said the prime minister, nostalgically, announcing the demise of our daily ritual, before praising the "heroic work" of his two sidekicks. No doubt their mood will be one of relief, rather than disappointment, however.
Why are the briefings being axed? One answer was the evident lack of enthusiasm in the final news conference from Messrs Vallance and Whitty for the prime minister's lockdown changes, particularly the scrapping of the two-metre rule.
In recent weeks, there has been a noticeable coolness - if not a growing rift - between the experts and the politicians, as the government faced accusations that its strategy was governed by the politics rather than the scientific advice.
The rift can be traced back to the furore over the prime minster's chief aide Dominic Cummings' notorious visit to Durham and his drive to Barnard Castle to "test his eyesight", revealed during the bank holiday weekend at the end of May.
At one news conference, when journalists attempted to quiz Sir Patrick and Professor Whitty about Mr Cummings the prime minister blocked questions. Not a good look.
Two days earlier, on the day Mr Cummings staged his own remarkable non-apology in the Downing Street garden, the pair were seen walking into Number 10 and then leaving before the prime minister's news conference.
The obvious conclusion, never denied, was that they had told the prime minister they would not defend Mr Cummings' actions if questioned about them.
There were also reports that England's chief nursing officer, Ruth May, was stood down from appearing at a briefing after she too refused to support Mr Cummings' trip to his parents' farm in County Durham.
After 92 news conferences, the final league table of appearances by senior government figures is fairly predictable. The Health Secretary Matt Hancock came top with 24, followed by the prime minister on 16.
Image: Matt Hancock appeared the most times
Then came Dominic Raab, who stood in for the PM during his illness, on 12; Rishi Sunak and Robert Jenrick on seven; Alok Sharma and Grant Shapps on six; Michael Gove and George Eustice on four and Priti Patel, Gavin Williamson and Oliver Dowden on three.
Among the experts, described by critics at times as a human shield protecting the politicians, NHS England's Stephen Powis appeared 22 times; Sir Patrick 21 times; Professor Whitty and one of his deputies Jenny Harries 18 times and his other deputy Jonathan Van-Tam nine times.
Other medics and scientists regularly appearing alongside ministers were the government's testing czar John Newton with ten appearances; Yvonne Doyle of Public Health England with eight and scientific adviser Angela Maclean with seven.
There were claims, too, that the two deputy chief medical officers, Dr Harries and Professor Van-Tam, were gagged after they criticised Mr Cummings.
The flamboyant and plain-speaking professor, who wore garish pinstripe suits and brightly-coloured ties, failed to appear after he slapped down the primer minister's courtier on 30 May. Dr Harries was absent for three weeks after she spoke out.
Memorable moments over the past three months include the prime minister's chilling warning at a very early news conference in March when he said: "I must level with the British public. Many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time."
Image: The trio of faces appeared for one last reunion at the last daily briefing
Throughout his 24 appearances, there has been the irrepressible optimism of Matt Hancock, in spite of a succession of government blunders and missed targets on testing, apps and PPE.
Eventually Mr Hancock was rapped over the knuckles by the boss of the UK Statistics Authority for his misleading daily testing figures.
There was the accident-prone Robert Jenrick - now up to his neck in planning rows and second-home allegations over his Herefordshire mansion - and his boast that 400,000 PPE gowns were arriving from Turkey the next day. They did arrive, eventually, but were later found to be useless anyway.
But the award for the gaffe - or implausible statement - of the 92 news conferences has to go the prime minister for his claim after his U-turn on footballer Marcus Rashford's free school meals campaign last week that he was unaware of it until earlier that day.
Really? The England striker launched his campaign in early June and the PM's spokesman was questioned on it the day before the U-turn and insisted there would be no U-turn.
So what now? "I can't wait to go to a pub or a restaurant, even if it may not be compatible with the new diet that I'm on," said Mr Johnson in reply to one of the final questions.
They may not have been perfect, but these 92 news conferences served up a daily diet of news.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-23--Joy in Downing Street at virus handling is predicated on one big bet

Coronavirus : Joy in Downing Street at handling of pandemic is predicated on one big bet Coronavirus : Joy in Downing Street at handling of pandemic is predicated on one big bet PM Boris Johnson is planning speeches about jobs and the economy There is a lot to cheer about right now in 10 Downing Street .
The government has managed to stick to its timetable - devised two months ago - for lifting lockdown , almost incredibly having the overt assent of the Labour Party to today 's plan .
The governments of Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown , meaning more misery for voters there , with devolved administrations now having to potentially play catch up with Westminster in the coming weeks .
Coronavirus is undoubtedly in abeyance , according to almost every measurement .
Furthermore according to YouGov tonight a plurality of voters agreeing with Boris Johnson 's judgement around lockdown lifting measures - unlike last time .
Also the daily news conferences , once a necessity born of crisis but now a millstone around ministers ' neck , are gone for good .
Plus an opportunity to reshape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ internal Whitehall critics , all under the cover of coronavirus as well as Brexit .
There 's more to cheer about .
There is no internal Tory opposition of note - no leader for those Conservative rebels that occasionally mutter in private - and an 80 strong majority going nowhere .
Meanwhile Keir Starmer is facing questions from his left wing demanding to know why he 's backing the government tonight : Jeremy Corbyn 's support base has not completely disappeared .
And the cherry on the cake is that the prime minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wedding ceremony soon after 4 July - even if curiously Mr Johnson did not include this in the top three aims for the coming week .
From Dominic Cummings ' point of view , what 's not to like ?
All of this predicated on one massive bet by Mr Johnson 's government : that COVID-19 is not returning to the UK in a big way .
You only had to look at the tone and body language of the two scientists who have guided the nation over the last three months to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confident as their political master on this critical question .
Consider this by England 's chief medical officer at the final daily briefing .
Chris Whitty said : `` I would be surprised and delighted if we were n't in this current situation through the winter and into next spring .
I think then , let 's regroup and work out where we are .
`` I expect there to be a significant amount of coronavirus circulating at least into that time , and I think it is going to be quite optimistic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rescue over that kind of timeframe .
`` But I have an absolute confidence in the capacity of science to overcome infectious diseases - it has done that repeatedly and it will do that for this virus , whether that is by drugs , vaccines or indeed other things that may come into play .
`` But for the short-to-medium term , until this time next year , certainly I think we should be planning for this , for what I consider to be the long haul into 2021 . ''
Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , just days after telling me that there was little to no chance of a national level lockdown in the event of another coronavirus spike , because the government has honed the `` whackamole '' approach of local lockdown measures .
The Treasury would struggle to pay for another furlough scheme , while the public appetite for a second lockdown is limited .
Mr Johnson is going to adopt an optimistic tone in the coming days , with speeches about jobs , and plans to rejuvenate the economy .
The nation needs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our feet .
But so to does the virus that continues to catch the world by surprise .
Lets just hope someone has read them the Downing Street script .

Sky News' Sam Coates says that from Dominic Cummings' point of view, what's not to like?
Coronavirus: Joy in Downing Street at handling of pandemic is predicated on one big bet
PM Boris Johnson is planning speeches about jobs and the economy
There is a lot to cheer about right now in 10 Downing Street.
The government has managed to stick to its timetable - devised two months ago - for lifting lockdown, almost incredibly having the overt assent of the Labour Party to today's plan.
The governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are all remaining under stronger forms of lockdown, meaning more misery for voters there, with devolved administrations now having to potentially play catch up with Westminster in the coming weeks.
Image: Lockdown restrictions are being loosened in England
Coronavirus is undoubtedly in abeyance, according to almost every measurement.
Furthermore according to YouGov tonight a plurality of voters agreeing with Boris Johnson's judgement around lockdown lifting measures - unlike last time.
Image: Coronavirus is in abeyance in the UK
Also the daily news conferences, once a necessity born of crisis but now a millstone around ministers' neck, are gone for good.
Plus an opportunity to reshape Britain, and more importantly take out internal Whitehall critics, all under the cover of coronavirus as well as Brexit.
There's more to cheer about.
There is no internal Tory opposition of note - no leader for those Conservative rebels that occasionally mutter in private - and an 80 strong majority going nowhere.
Advertisement
Meanwhile Keir Starmer is facing questions from his left wing demanding to know why he's backing the government tonight: Jeremy Corbyn's support base has not completely disappeared.
And the cherry on the cake is that the prime minister is now able to legally hold his wedding ceremony soon after 4 July - even if curiously Mr Johnson did not include this in the top three aims for the coming week.
From Dominic Cummings's point of view, what's not to like?
All of this predicated on one massive bet by Mr Johnson's government: that COVID-19 is not returning to the UK in a big way.
You only had to look at the tone and body language of the two scientists who have guided the nation over the last three months to know that they are are not as confident as their political master on this critical question.
Consider this by England's chief medical officer at the final daily briefing.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 Whitty sees current situation going into next year
Chris Whitty said: "I would be surprised and delighted if we weren't in this current situation through the winter and into next spring. I think then, let's regroup and work out where we are.
"I expect there to be a significant amount of coronavirus circulating at least into that time, and I think it is going to be quite optimistic for science to come fully to the rescue over that kind of timeframe.
"But I have an absolute confidence in the capacity of science to overcome infectious diseases - it has done that repeatedly and it will do that for this virus, whether that is by drugs, vaccines or indeed other things that may come into play.
"For the medium-to-long term, I'm optimistic.
"But for the short-to-medium term, until this time next year, certainly I think we should be planning for this, for what I consider to be the long haul into 2021."
Image: The virus has seen thousands die around the world
Mr Johnson insisted he was taking a cautious approach, just days after telling me that there was little to no chance of a national level lockdown in the event of another coronavirus spike, because the government has honed the "whackamole" approach of local lockdown measures.
The Treasury would struggle to pay for another furlough scheme, while the public appetite for a second lockdown is limited.
Mr Johnson is going to adopt an optimistic tone in the coming days, with speeches about jobs, and plans to rejuvenate the economy.
The nation needs to play its part in getting back on our feet. But so to does the virus that continues to catch the world by surprise. Lets just hope someone has read them the Downing Street script.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-24--Boris Johnson under fire for 'dodgy' claim about other countries' virus apps

Boris Johnson has been accused of making `` dodgy '' claims after he insisted no country had developed a functioning coronavirus tracking app .
The prime minister hit back after concerns raised in parliament that two-thirds of people with COVID-19 were not being picked up by the human workforce trying to contain new cases .
Labour 's Sir Keir Starmer called it a `` big problem '' and said an `` effective '' app was essential to easing lockdown .
Such an app was initially promised by the start of June but is now not expected to arrive until winter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was only effective when people know the contact details of those they have been near - not others who they might sit next to in a park or on a beach .
But Mr Johnson asked if he could `` name a single country in the world that has a functioning contact-tracing app because there is n't one '' .
He insisted there was already `` a very successful test and trace operation '' in the UK .
The prime minister accused opposition MPs of supporting it yesterday but `` yo-yoing back again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Sir Keir shot back that Germany had a contact-tracing coronavirus app that has had more than 12 million downloads .
His spokesperson later said it was `` another example of a dodgy answer from a prime minister who was n't across the detail '' .
They continued : `` There are other countries who are far ahead of us .
Singapore has got an app , South Korea has an app .
`` We have spent £12m on an app that has n't been launched .
The point is , those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us in terms of an app being rolled out nationwide . ''
Earlier this week the government admitted it had spent £11.8m on the app that has been trialled on the Isle of Wight but not yet rolled out across the UK .
Other countries with functioning contact tracing apps include France , Australia , Singapore and Latvia .
Sam Coates , Sky News ' deputy political editor , said : `` There is a legitimate question about the scale of downloads that have been done in each of those countries to mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasonable effectiveness in terms of its coverage of the population ... '' The claim that there are n't any apps functioning will come under some scrutiny for the prime minister . ''

Boris Johnson has been accused of making "dodgy" claims after he insisted no country had developed a functioning coronavirus tracking app.
The prime minister hit back after concerns raised in parliament that two-thirds of people with COVID-19 were not being picked up by the human workforce trying to contain new cases.
Labour's Sir Keir Starmer called it a "big problem" and said an "effective" app was essential to easing lockdown.
Image: The virus tracking app has only been rolled out on the Isle of Wight
Such an app was initially promised by the start of June but is now not expected to arrive until winter.
Sir Keir said the current system was only effective when people know the contact details of those they have been near - not others who they might sit next to in a park or on a beach.
But Mr Johnson asked if he could "name a single country in the world that has a functioning contact-tracing app because there isn't one".
He insisted there was already "a very successful test and trace operation" in the UK.
The prime minister accused opposition MPs of supporting it yesterday but "yo-yoing back again and saying it's not good enough".
Image: Keir Starmer's spokesman accused the PM of giving 'dodgy' answers
Sir Keir shot back that Germany had a contact-tracing coronavirus app that has had more than 12 million downloads.
Advertisement
His spokesperson later said it was "another example of a dodgy answer from a prime minister who wasn't across the detail".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:33 BMA: 'Virus is far from having gone away'
They continued: "There are other countries who are far ahead of us. Singapore has got an app, South Korea has an app.
"We have spent £12m on an app that hasn't been launched. The point is, those countries are far, far ahead of us in terms of an app being rolled out nationwide."
Mr Johnson's spokesman then clarified his comments, saying: "A number of countries in the world do have apps, but not ones that fully and reliably record everybody's contacts in a way that allows for comprehensive test and trace, and not in a way that we would reliably be able to take decision on telling people to self-isolate or not."
Image: Lockdown is being eased in most parts of the UK
Earlier this week the government admitted it had spent £11.8m on the app that has been trialled on the Isle of Wight but not yet rolled out across the UK.
Other countries with contact tracing apps include France, Australia, Singapore and Latvia.
Sam Coates, Sky News' deputy political editor, said: "There is a legitimate question about the scale of downloads that have been done in each of those countries to mean that it has blanket coverage and therefore reasonable effectiveness in terms of its coverage of the population...
"The claim that there aren't any apps functioning will come under some scrutiny for the prime minister."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-24--UK must prepare for a second wave of coronavirus, health leaders warn

Health leaders are calling for an urgent review to ensure Britain is properly prepared for the `` real risk '' of a second wave of coronavirus .
Ministers have been warned that urgent action is needed to prevent further loss of life and to protect the economy amid growing fears of a renewed outbreak in the winter .
The appeal is backed by the presidents of the Royal Colleges of Physicians , Surgeons , GPs and Nursing - as well as the chairman of the British Medical Association .
It follows the prime minister 's announcement of a reduction in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he gave the green light for pubs , restaurants , hotels , hairdressers and barbers in England to reopen from 4 July .
In an open letter to the leaders of all the UK political parties published in the British Medical Journal , the health leaders call for a `` rapid and forward-looking assessment '' of the state of national preparedness in the event of a renewed flare-up .
`` While the future shape of the pandemic in the UK is hard to predict , the available evidence indicates that local flare ups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a real risk , '' they said .
`` Many elements of the infrastructure needed to contain the virus are beginning to be put in place , but substantial challenges remain .
`` The job now is not only to deal urgently with the wide-ranging impacts of the first phase of the pandemic , but to ensure that the country is adequately prepared to contain a second phase . ''
Sir David King , a former chief scientific adviser , told Sky News that easing of lockdown announced by the PM was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the risk of a second wave of COVID-19 , saying : `` We know the winter is a likely period when the virus takes off again .
We must therefore aim to get completely rid of the virus from this country before the winter .
`` If we move too quickly , which is what I think is being proposed here , the risk of running into a second wave becomes very significant . ''
Sir David said England still lacked an effective test and trace system , which means it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown is eased further .
Asked if he thinks the government went against the advice of their scientists in announcing a further easing of lockdown , Sir David says : `` I think this is definitely a political decision . ''
Yesterday the PM said from next month people will be required to keep `` one-metre plus '' apart from others , while also taking measures to mitigate the risk of transmitting COVID-19 .
`` Where it is possible to keep two metres apart , people should , '' Mr Johnson said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will advise people to keep a social distance of one-metre plus , meaning they should remain one metre apart while taking mitigating measures to reduce the risk of transmission . ''
These include wearing a face mask on public transport , handwashing , screens , being outside and limiting time spent with others .
Another change to the guidelines from 4 July will allow gatherings of two different households indoors , provided social distancing is maintained .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be reunited and dinner parties will be allowed , but people will still be unable to hug their loved ones .
But the public have been warned life will not return to normal for a long time .
`` I would be surprised and delighted if we were n't in this current situation through the winter and into next spring , '' England 's chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty warned at the final daily Downing Street briefing .
`` I expect there to be a significant amount of coronavirus circulating at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is going to be quite optimistic that for science to come fully to the rescue over that kind of timeframe . ''
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said : `` We have been clear that we will continue to be guided by the latest scientific advice and will give the NHS whatever it needs , as we have done throughout this unprecedented pandemic .
`` Thanks to the dedication of NHS staff , hospitals have not been overwhelmed and intensive care capacity continues to meet the needs of patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak is the first line of protection against a second wave .
`` In the event the local response is not sufficient to contain outbreaks , the government would reintroduce measures if necessary to contain the virus and stop it spreading to the wider population . ''

Health leaders are calling for an urgent review to ensure Britain is properly prepared for the "real risk" of a second wave of coronavirus.
Ministers have been warned that urgent action is needed to prevent further loss of life and to protect the economy amid growing fears of a renewed outbreak in the winter.
The appeal is backed by the presidents of the Royal Colleges of Physicians, Surgeons, GPs and Nursing, as a further 154 deaths were confirmed by the government on Wednesday.
Image: Most parts of the UK are starting to ease lockdown measures
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chair of the British Medical Association, told Sky News COVID-19 is "far from having gone away" and "we must now prepare and be prepared as well as we can for the possibilities of further outbreaks and a second spike".
He added: "To do that we have to be absolutely prepared and do that in a way that isn't about party politics and bring experts together and use the learning of the last few months and rapidly assimilate that learning into actions that can safeguard our future."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:56 The key events of three months in lockdown
Calum Semple, a scientist who sits on the government's advisory group known as SAGE but speaking in a personal capacity, also told Sky News the lockdown easing measures are "political decisions albeit backed up with some evidence".
"We provide evidence and often we provide likely scenarios," he said.
"Ultimately though ministers have to decide what their decisions are.
"What you saw in the last couple of days was ministerial decisions around changing the shielding, and changing the regulations around distancing and activities, opening up pubs.
Advertisement
"These were political decisions albeit backed up with some evidence. The decision process takes into account wider factors than just the evidence."
Image: The two-metre rule is being reduced in England
It follows the prime minister's announcement of a reduction in the two-metre social distancing rule, as he gave the green light for pubs, restaurants, hotels, hairdressers and barbers in England to reopen from 4 July.
In an open letter to the leaders of all the UK political parties published in the British Medical Journal, the health leaders call for a "rapid and forward-looking assessment" of the state of national preparedness in the event of a renewed flare-up.
"While the future shape of the pandemic in the UK is hard to predict, the available evidence indicates that local flare ups are increasingly likely and a second wave a real risk," they said.
"Many elements of the infrastructure needed to contain the virus are beginning to be put in place, but substantial challenges remain.
"The job now is not only to deal urgently with the wide-ranging impacts of the first phase of the pandemic, but to ensure that the country is adequately prepared to contain a second phase."
Sir David King, a former chief scientific adviser, told Sky News that easing of lockdown announced by the PM was "extraordinarily risky".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:51 How pubs and cinemas will reopen on 4 July
He also warned of the risk of a second wave of coronavirus, saying: "We know the winter is a likely period when the virus takes off again. We must therefore aim to get completely rid of the virus from this country before the winter.
"If we move too quickly, which is what I think is being proposed here, the risk of running into a second wave becomes very significant."
Sir David said England still lacked an effective test and trace system, which means it is "travelling in the dark" as lockdown is eased further.
Image: 'Where it is possible to keep two metres apart, people should,' the PM says
Asked if he thinks the government went against the advice of their scientists in announcing a further easing of lockdown, Sir David says: "I think this is definitely a political decision."
Yesterday the PM said from next month people will be required to keep "one-metre plus" apart from others, while also taking measures to mitigate the risk of transmitting COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 Easing lockdown now 'extraordinarily risky'
"Where it is possible to keep two metres apart, people should," Mr Johnson said.
"But where it is not, we will advise people to keep a social distance of one-metre plus, meaning they should remain one metre apart while taking mitigating measures to reduce the risk of transmission."
These include wearing a face mask on public transport, handwashing, screens, being outside and limiting time spent with others.
Another change to the guidelines from 4 July will allow gatherings of two different households indoors, provided social distancing is maintained.
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
This will mean families can be reunited and dinner parties will be allowed, but people will still be unable to hug their loved ones.
But the public have been warned life will not return to normal for a long time.
"I would be surprised and delighted if we weren't in this current situation through the winter and into next spring," England's chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty warned at the final daily Downing Street briefing.
"I expect there to be a significant amount of coronavirus circulating at least into that time and I think it is going to be quite optimistic that for science to come fully to the rescue over that kind of timeframe."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 Whitty sees current situation going into next year
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "We have been clear that we will continue to be guided by the latest scientific advice and will give the NHS whatever it needs, as we have done throughout this unprecedented pandemic.
"Thanks to the dedication of NHS staff, hospitals have not been overwhelmed and intensive care capacity continues to meet the needs of patients.
"Effective local management of any outbreak is the first line of protection against a second wave.
"In the event the local response is not sufficient to contain outbreaks, the government would reintroduce measures if necessary to contain the virus and stop it spreading to the wider population."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-24--Minister to release controversial £1bn property deal papers

The housing secretary has bowed to pressure to release documents related to his controversial approval of a £1bn property development involving a Tory Party donor .
Robert Jenrick said most of the papers would be published later on Wednesday , after Labour held a debate calling for all correspondence on the Westferry Printworks Development in east London to be put into the public domain .
He has faced accusations of `` cash for favours '' after it emerged the developer , former Daily Express owner Richard Desmond , had personally given the Conservative Party £12,000 two weeks after the scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the timing of the decision - just a day before a new community infrastructure levy came into force - would have saved Mr Desmond 's Northern and Shell company up to £50m .
The party claims the cabinet minister overruled his advisers to reduce the amount of affordable housing required in the development , potentially saving Mr Desmond a further £106m .
Mr Jenrick originally approved the plan in January this year , overruling both Tower Hamlets Council and a planning inspector .
He subsequently reversed the ruling following legal action by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did was `` unlawful by reason of apparent bias '' .
It later emerged that Mr Jenrick had sat next to Mr Desmond at a Conservative Party fundraising dinner in November 2019 .
Earlier this month , the housing secretary told the Commons that Mr Desmond had tried to raise the scheme with him during the dinner , but he had told the businessman he could not discuss it .
Mr Jenrick said he took the decision to approve the scheme `` in good faith with an open mind '' , and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were followed '' .
However Mr Desmond told The Sunday Times last weekend that he had shown Mr Jenrick a promotional video for the scheme on his mobile phone during the fundraiser at the Savoy Hotel .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Jenrick said there was `` nothing rotten '' about the deal and he would release `` most '' of the documents to the benchmark of what would normally be released under the Freedom of Information Act .
Speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called the allegations against him `` a series of totally inaccurate statements and comments '' .
`` This was a decision taken with an open mind , '' he added .

The housing secretary has bowed to pressure to release documents related to his controversial approval of a £1bn property development involving a Tory Party donor.
Robert Jenrick said most of the papers would be published later on Wednesday, after Labour held a debate calling for all correspondence on the Westferry Printworks Development in east London to be put into the public domain.
He has faced accusations of "cash for favours" after it emerged the developer, former Daily Express owner Richard Desmond, had personally given the Conservative Party £12,000 two weeks after the scheme for 1,500 homes was approved.
Image: The Westferry Printworks site on the Isle of Dogs, east London
Labour said the timing of the decision - just a day before a new community infrastructure levy came into force - would have saved Mr Desmond's Northern and Shell company up to £50m.
The party claims the cabinet minister overruled his advisers to reduce the amount of affordable housing required in the development, potentially saving Mr Desmond a further £106m.
Mr Jenrick originally approved the plan in January this year, overruling both Tower Hamlets Council and a planning inspector.
He subsequently reversed the ruling following legal action by the council, admitting that what he did was "unlawful by reason of apparent bias".
It later emerged that Mr Jenrick had sat next to Mr Desmond at a Conservative Party fundraising dinner in November 2019.
Image: Developer Richard Desmond is a Tory Party donor
Earlier this month, the housing secretary told the Commons that Mr Desmond had tried to raise the scheme with him during the dinner, but he had told the businessman he could not discuss it.
Advertisement
Mr Jenrick said he took the decision to approve the scheme "in good faith with an open mind", and he was confident that "all the rules were followed".
However Mr Desmond told The Sunday Times last weekend that he had shown Mr Jenrick a promotional video for the scheme on his mobile phone during the fundraiser at the Savoy Hotel.
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
Mr Jenrick said there was "nothing rotten" about the deal and he would release "most" of the documents to the benchmark of what would normally be released under the Freedom of Information Act.
Speaking in the Commons on Wednesday, he called the allegations against him "a series of totally inaccurate statements and comments".
"This was a decision taken with an open mind," he added.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-24--Gyms and leisure centres could reopen within weeks - with safety measures in place

Indoor gyms and leisure facilities in England could reopen in the middle of July , a minister has told Sky News .
Business Secretary Alok Sharma said it is `` absolutely our aspiration '' for them to open their doors for the first time in four months within a matter of weeks .
Boris Johnson announced a major easing of the coronavirus lockdown on Tuesday .
The prime minister said that pubs and restaurants would be among a raft of businesses able to reopen from 4 July , provided a range of COVID-19 safety measures are in place .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also revealed that the two-metre social distancing rule would be cut to `` one-metre plus '' from that date .
He said that `` difficult judgements '' had been made in deciding which firms were able to reopen .
Industry bosses criticised the `` completely illogical '' decision to keep indoor gyms closed , warning that letting pubs and restaurants reopen but keeping exercise facilities closed could increase people 's risk of catching the virus .
Speaking to Kay Burley @ Breakfast , Mr Sharma said the government `` completely understands the frustrations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People have made enormous sacrifices .
We 've required very many businesses to have closed since 23 March , '' he said .
`` Talking to individual business owners , I know they are itching to get back .
But what I also hear from businesses is they understand why we 're doing this in a phased and cautious manner . ''
Asked about the possibility of gyms and leisure facilities reopening , Mr Sharma said : `` If we continue to meet the [ five ] tests and we continue to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is absolutely our aspiration to do that .
`` I do n't take any joy as business secretary in seeing large swathes of the economy closed .
But at the same time , I want to ensure that we reopen in a safe way .
`` You made the distinction between pubs and gyms , there is a difference .
`` If you 're in a gym you 're going to be exerting yourself more , the chances of aerosol dispersion from you is going to be higher .
`` In certain close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is higher . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Duncan Bannatyne , the founder of Bannatyne Health Clubs , said it was a `` big disappointment '' that gyms will not be reopening on 4 July .
Mr Bannatyne told Sky News he had written to 40 MPs who have one of his health clubs in their constituency , inviting them to have a look round and view the safety measures he has implemented to make the premises safe .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a visit .
`` The scientists may think that everybody is jammed together at the gym , because they have n't bothered to come and look round our health clubs or anybody else 's health clubs , '' Mr Bannatyne said .

Indoor gyms and leisure facilities in England could reopen in the middle of July, a minister has told Sky News.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma said it is "absolutely our aspiration" for them to open their doors for the first time in four months within a matter of weeks.
Boris Johnson announced a major easing of the coronavirus lockdown on Tuesday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:56 The key events of three months in lockdown
The prime minister said that pubs and restaurants would be among a raft of businesses able to reopen from 4 July, provided a range of COVID-19 safety measures are in place.
In an address to MPs, Mr Johnson also revealed that the two-metre social distancing rule would be cut to "one-metre plus" from that date.
He said that "difficult judgements" had been made in deciding which firms were able to reopen.
Industry bosses criticised the "completely illogical" decision to keep indoor gyms closed, warning that letting pubs and restaurants reopen but keeping exercise facilities closed could increase people's risk of catching the virus.
Speaking to Kay Burley@Breakfast, Mr Sharma said the government "completely understands the frustrations that many businesses have".
"People have made enormous sacrifices. We've required very many businesses to have closed since 23 March," he said.
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:33 PM explains 'one-metre plus' rule
"Talking to individual business owners, I know they are itching to get back. But what I also hear from businesses is they understand why we're doing this in a phased and cautious manner."
Asked about the possibility of gyms and leisure facilities reopening, Mr Sharma said: "If we continue to meet the [five] tests and we continue to keep the R rate below one, that is absolutely our aspiration to do that.
"I don't take any joy as business secretary in seeing large swathes of the economy closed. But at the same time, I want to ensure that we reopen in a safe way.
"You made the distinction between pubs and gyms, there is a difference.
"If you're in a gym you're going to be exerting yourself more, the chances of aerosol dispersion from you is going to be higher.
"In certain close contact environments, of course the risk is higher."
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
Duncan Bannatyne, the founder of Bannatyne Health Clubs, said it was a "big disappointment" that gyms will not be reopening on 4 July.
Mr Bannatyne told Sky News he had written to 40 MPs who have one of his health clubs in their constituency, inviting them to have a look round and view the safety measures he has implemented to make the premises safe.
He said only one replied and came for a visit.
"The scientists may think that everybody is jammed together at the gym, because they haven't bothered to come and look round our health clubs or anybody else's health clubs," Mr Bannatyne said.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-24--Wife of Tory MP Owen Paterson found dead at family home

The wife of Owen Paterson , a Conservative former cabinet minister , has been found dead at their family home @ @ @ @ @ .
In a statement , Mr Paterson said the loss of his wife Rose had @ @ @ @ @ shock '' to the family .
He said : `` It is with great sadness @ @ @ @ @ that my wife , Rose , has been found dead at our family home in @ @ @ @ @ I were married for 40 happy years .
She was a wonderful , caring wife @ @ @ @ @ `` Her death has come as a terrible shock to us all .
I would @ @ @ @ @ the privacy of myself and my family at this extremely difficult time . ''
Mrs @ @ @ @ @ the fourth Viscount Ridley , was the chairman of Aintree Racecourse .
The couple married @ @ @ @ @ sons and a daughter .

The wife of Owen Paterson, a Conservative former cabinet minister, has been found dead at their family home, the MP has said.
In a statement, Mr Paterson said the loss of his wife Rose had come as a "terrible shock" to the family.
He said: "It is with great sadness that I must inform you that my wife, Rose, has been found dead at our family home in Shropshire.
Image: Owen Paterson (R) says he had been married to his wife 'for 40 happy years'
"Rose and I were married for 40 happy years. She was a wonderful, caring wife, mother and grandmother.
"Her death has come as a terrible shock to us all. I would ask the media to respect the privacy of myself and my family at this extremely difficult time."
The couple married in 1980 and had two sons and a daughter.
West Mercia Police said her death was being treated as "unexplained" although it was not thought that any third party was involved.
Mrs Paterson, the daughter of the fourth Viscount Ridley, was the chairman of Aintree Racecourse.
She had been a racecourse committee director at the home of the Randox Health Grand National since 2005 and was appointed a steward of The Jockey Club in 2019.
Advertisement
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has offered his condolences to Mr Paterson and his family, Downing Street said.
A spokesman said: "The PM heard the news this morning and has written to Owen.
"His thoughts and every sympathy are with Owen, his children and grandchildren at this difficult time".
The Jockey Club also paid tribute to Mrs Paterson after her death.
Sandy Dudgeon, senior Jockey Club steward, said: "This is tragic news, and our thoughts go out to Rose's husband Owen and all members of her family.
"Rose was a wonderful person and involved in so many aspects of our sport. She was a skilled chairman at Aintree, a valued member of our board of stewards and headed up our Horse Welfare Group. She also enjoyed participating at grassroots level over many years.
Mr Dudgeon added: "We appreciated her contribution very much, and my fellow stewards and I looked forward to hearing her sound views on a subject, where she was always sensitive to the best course of action for racing. She will be missed greatly for the person she was."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-24--Documents reveal minister's texts with ex-media mogul in 'cash for favours' row

The housing secretary was `` insistent '' a planning application be allowed just in time to save its Tory donor backer up to £50m , new government documents reveal .
Papers released amid pressure on Robert Jenrick show an official in his department recorded he wanted approval to be given to the Westferry development sought by former newspaper owner Richard Desmond .
A partly-redacted email sent on 9 January said the cabinet minister `` was insistent that decision issued this week ie tomorrow - as next week the viability of the scheme is impacted by a change in the London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
That decision allowed Northern and Shell to avoid paying between £30m and £50m extra to the council and overruled both Tower Hamlets Council and a planning inspector .
Mr Jenrick subsequently reversed the ruling following legal action by the council , admitting that what he did was `` unlawful by reason of apparent bias '' .
It later emerged that Mr Jenrick had sat next to Mr Desmond at a Conservative Party fundraising dinner in November 2019 .
The minister admitted Mr Desmond did `` bring out his iPhone and show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the event .
Two weeks after the housing scheme was approved , Electoral Commission records show that Mr Desmond personally gave £12,000 to the Conservatives .
Mr Jenrick has since been fighting allegations of `` cash for favours '' but has dismissed any claims of impropriety as `` false allegations '' .
New texts between the pair also emerged as part of a bundle of documents released by the government in a bid to clear Mr Jenrick 's name .
They show he texted Mr Desmond on 18 November 2019 saying : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tonight Richard .
See you again soon I hope . ''
In another exchange two days later , Mr Desmond tried to arrange a meeting with the housing secretary on 19 December , as well as a site visit to the Westferry Printworks , complaining about having to deal with `` Marxists '' .
He wrote : `` Good news finally the inspectors reports have gone to you today , we appreciate the speed as we do n't want to give Marxists loads of doe for nothing !
`` We all want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ housing we have proposed and spent a month at the Marxist town hall debating , thanks again , all my best , Richard . ''
Mr Jenrick replied declining a meeting until after a decision had been made due to his position because `` it is important not to give any appearance of being influenced by applicants of cases that I may have a role in or to have predetermined them '' .
He added : `` And so I think it is best that we do n't meet until after the matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ sic ] another ‐ and I ca n't provide any advice to you on that , other than to say that I will receive advice from my officials after the general election assuming I remain in office and will consider it carefully in accordance with the rules and guidance .
`` I hope that is okay and we can meet to discuss other matters soon , hopefully on the 19th [ of December ] . ''
An email on 14 January appears to show Mr Jenrick was keen to get the decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writing they needed confirmation `` by 5pm '' to `` avoid any criticism that the decision was not received within office hours '' .
It is understood Boris Johnson considers the Westferry case `` closed '' , according to a civil service letter shared on social media .
The letter , written by civil service boss Sir Mark Sedwill , is addressed to Labour 's shadow communities secretary Steve Reed in response to his questions on what basis the housing secretary approved the Westferry development and what contact he had with the developer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` set out a full and factual account '' of his actions , adding : `` In light of this account , the prime minister considers that the matter is closed . ''
When asked previously if he had done the right thing , the prime minister replied : `` As far as I know , of course he did . ''
But he is now facing calls to sack the housing secretary .
Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran said his position was `` untenable '' .
`` The public will be appalled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of power - Robert Jenrick must go and the Conservative Party must hand back this donation , '' she demanded .
Labour 's Steve Reed said the documents `` raise more questions than they answer '' .
He said : `` The documents show Mr Jenrick rushed the decision through on the 14th January specifically so he could help Mr Desmond avoid £30m-£50m in a community levy that would have been spent on things like schools , youth clubs and clinics in one of the most deprived communities in the United Kingdom .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jenrick told the House that he closed down a conversation with Mr Desmond at the dinner and then the very next morning , there he is sending him very chummy text messages seeking to meet up .
`` The documents make crystal clear that Robert Jenrick was trying to do favours for Richard Desmond by rushing this decision through the day before a community levy came into force . ''
In the Commons earlier on Wednesday , Mr Jenrick said : `` Transparency matters , openness matters and settling this matter matters because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the subject of the innuendo and the false accusations that the Opposition are choosing to peddle . ''
Text exchanges between Robert Jenrick and Richard Desmond , released by the government

The housing secretary was "insistent" a planning application be allowed just in time to save its Tory donor backer up to £50m, new government documents reveal.
Papers released amid pressure on Robert Jenrick show an official in his department recorded he wanted approval to be given to the Westferry development sought by former newspaper owner Richard Desmond.
Business minister Nadhim Zahawi has defended Mr Jenrick, telling Sky News he had "explained himself" and the issue has been "laid to rest".
Image: The Westferry development decision was reversed following legal action
A partly redacted email sent on 9 January said the cabinet minister "was insistent that decision issued this week ie tomorrow - as next week the viability of the scheme is impacted by a change in the London CIL [Community Infrastructure Levy] regime".
That decision allowed Northern and Shell to avoid paying between £30m and £50m extra to the council and overruled both Tower Hamlets Council and a planning inspector.
Mr Jenrick subsequently reversed the ruling following legal action by the council, admitting that what he did was "unlawful by reason of apparent bias".
It later emerged that Mr Jenrick had sat next to Mr Desmond at a Conservative Party fundraising dinner in November 2019.
The minister admitted Mr Desmond did "bring out his iPhone and show me some images of the development" at the event.
Two weeks after the housing scheme was approved, Electoral Commission records show that Mr Desmond personally gave £12,000 to the Conservatives.
Advertisement
Text exchanges between Robert Jenrick and Richard Desmond, released by the government
Mr Jenrick has since been fighting allegations of "cash for favours" but has dismissed any claims of impropriety as "false allegations".
New texts between the pair also emerged as part of a bundle of documents released by the government in a bid to clear Mr Jenrick's name.
They show he texted Mr Desmond on 18 November 2019 saying: "Good to spend time with you tonight Richard. See you again soon I hope."
In another exchange two days later, Mr Desmond tried to arrange a meeting with the housing secretary on 19 December, as well as a site visit to the Westferry Printworks, complaining about having to deal with "Marxists".
He wrote: "Good news finally the inspectors reports have gone to you today, we appreciate the speed as we don't want to give Marxists loads of doe for nothing!
"We all want to go with the scheme and the social housing we have proposed and spent a month at the Marxist town hall debating, thanks again, all my best, Richard."
Image: Richard Desmond donated £12,000 to Boris Johnson's Conservative Party
Mr Jenrick replied declining a meeting until after a decision had been made due to his position because "it is important not to give any appearance of being influenced by applicants of cases that I may have a role in or to have predetermined them".
He added: "And so I think it is best that we don't meet until after the matter has been decided, one way of [sic] another ‐ and I can't provide any advice to you on that, other than to say that I will receive advice from my officials after the general election assuming I remain in office and will consider it carefully in accordance with the rules and guidance.
"I hope that is okay and we can meet to discuss other matters soon, hopefully on the 19th [of December]."
An email on 14 January appears to show Mr Jenrick was keen to get the decision passed quickly, a housing department official writing they needed confirmation "by 5pm" to "avoid any criticism that the decision was not received within office hours".
It is understood Boris Johnson considers the Westferry case "closed", according to a civil service letter shared on social media.
The letter, written by civil service boss Sir Mark Sedwill, is addressed to Labour's shadow communities secretary Steve Reed in response to his questions on what basis the housing secretary approved the Westferry development and what contact he had with the developer.
Image: Robert Jenrick faced questions in the Commons on Wednesday over the row
Mr Sedwill wrote Mr Jenrick had "set out a full and factual account" of his actions, adding: "In light of this account, the prime minister considers that the matter is closed."
Mr Johnson has previously stood by Mr Jenrick.
When asked previously if he had done the right thing, the prime minister replied: "As far as I know, of course he did."
And Mr Zahawi told Sky News: "All the details were discussed yesterday. Rob Jenrick's intention was to get more homes built in London and the rest of the country and that should be the focus, rightly so.
"I think the matter is considered to be over. This government has been more transparent on this than any previous government on any planning issue."
But the PM is now facing calls to sack the housing secretary.
Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran said his position was "untenable".
Image: Mr Jenrick has dismissed any claims of impropriety as 'false allegations'
"The public will be appalled at what looks like a clear abuse of power - Robert Jenrick must go and the Conservative Party must hand back this donation," she demanded.
Labour's Steve Reed said the documents "raise more questions than they answer".
He said: "The documents show Mr Jenrick rushed the decision through on the 14th January specifically so he could help Mr Desmond avoid £30m-£50m in a community levy that would have been spent on things like schools, youth clubs and clinics in one of the most deprived communities in the United Kingdom.
"It seems highly inappropriate that Mr Jenrick told the House that he closed down a conversation with Mr Desmond at the dinner and then the very next morning, there he is sending him very chummy text messages seeking to meet up.
"The documents make crystal clear that Robert Jenrick was trying to do favours for Richard Desmond by rushing this decision through the day before a community levy came into force."
In the Commons earlier on Wednesday, Mr Jenrick said: "Transparency matters, openness matters and settling this matter matters because I certainly don't want to be the subject of the innuendo and the false accusations that the Opposition are choosing to peddle."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-24--Scotland reveals when pubs, hairdressers and cinemas can reopen

Scotland has announced a further easing of its lockdown if coronavirus continues to decline - with pubs , hairdressers and cinemas set to open from 15 July .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed dates for the easing of lockdown restrictions , including plans for people from different households to be able to meet indoors next month .
The announcement came as Scotland recorded its lowest weekly number of coronavirus deaths since the lockdown began in March , according to the National Records of Scotland .
These are the proposed dates for lockdown easing measures : • Most non-essential shops and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distance restrictions will be relaxed , meaning people will no longer be forced to stay within five miles of their homes for recreation • Self-catering accommodation will be able to open • Scotland will enter phase three of lockdown if coronavirus cases continue to reduce • People can meet in extended groups outdoors with physical distancing • Households can meet indoors with a maximum of two other households , with physical distancing • Dentists can reopen for most routine care • The tourism sector and all holiday accommodation will reopen • Pubs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , subject to physical distancing measures along with `` a number of conditions '' being followed • Museums , cinemas , libraries and childcare will start up again Ms Sturgeon told the Scottish parliament that while the country 's lockdown easing has been `` slower than England 's '' , it is `` right for our circumstances and , I hope , more likely to be sustainable than if we went faster '' .
But she warned that if there is a resurgence in COVID-19 cases , the move out of lockdown `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even have to go backwards '' .
The first minister said the aim is to get as close as possible to eliminating the virus and controlling it through measures including testing and contact tracing .
`` If we can do that then the move from phase three to phase four will become possible , perhaps as we go into August , '' she said .
Ms Sturgeon also made clear that Scots should continue to follow the measures to allow further easing of the lockdown .
A total of 2,480 patients have died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , up by four from 2,476 on Tuesday , Ms Sturgeon said .

Scotland has announced a further easing of its lockdown if coronavirus continues to decline - with pubs, hairdressers and cinemas set to open from 15 July.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed dates for the easing of lockdown restrictions, including plans for people from different households to be able to meet indoors next month.
The announcement came as Scotland recorded its lowest weekly number of coronavirus deaths since the lockdown began in March, according to the National Records of Scotland.
Image: Nicola Sturgeon announced the further easing
These are the proposed dates for lockdown easing measures:
29 June
Most non-essential shops and many indoor workplaces can reopen
Visitor attractions including zoos, outdoor sports courts and playgrounds can reopen
3 July
Travel distance restrictions will be relaxed, meaning people will no longer be forced to stay within five miles of their homes for recreation
Self-catering accommodation will be able to open
6 July
Outdoor hospitality areas, including beer gardens, can open
9 July
Scotland will enter phase three of lockdown if coronavirus cases continue to reduce
10 July
Advertisement
People can meet in extended groups outdoors with physical distancing
Households can meet indoors with a maximum of two other households, with physical distancing
13 July
Organised outdoor sports for children can resume
Non-essential shops within indoor shopping centres can reopen
Dentists can reopen for most routine care
15 July
The tourism sector and all holiday accommodation will reopen
Pubs and restaurants will also be able to open, subject to physical distancing measures along with "a number of conditions" being followed
Barbers and hairdressers can reopen
Museums, cinemas, libraries and childcare will start up again
Ms Sturgeon told the Scottish parliament that while the country's lockdown easing has been "slower than England's", it is "right for our circumstances and, I hope, more likely to be sustainable than if we went faster".
But she warned that if there is a resurgence in COVID-19 cases, the move out of lockdown "will be halted" and "may even have to go backwards".
Image: Two people wear face masks inside Waverley Station, Edinburgh
The first minister said the aim is to get as close as possible to eliminating the virus and controlling it through measures including testing and contact tracing.
"If we can do that then the move from phase three to phase four will become possible, perhaps as we go into August," she said.
Ms Sturgeon also made clear that Scots should continue to follow the measures to allow further easing of the lockdown.
A total of 2,480 patients have died in Scotland after testing positive for coronavirus, up by four from 2,476 on Tuesday, Ms Sturgeon said.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-24--Prepare now for 'real risk' of coronavirus second spike, PM warned

Health leaders are calling for an urgent review to ensure Britain is properly prepared for the `` real risk '' of a second wave of coronavirus .
Ministers have been warned that urgent action is needed to prevent further loss of life and to protect the economy amid growing fears of a renewed outbreak in the winter .
The appeal is backed by the presidents of the Royal Colleges of Physicians , Surgeons , GPs and Nursing , as a further 154 deaths were confirmed by the government on Wednesday .
Dr Chaand Nagpaul , chair of the British Medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` far from having gone away '' and `` we must now prepare and be prepared as well as we can for the possibilities of further outbreaks and a second spike '' .
He added : `` To do that we have to be absolutely prepared and do that in a way that is n't about party politics and bring experts together and use the learning of the last few months and rapidly assimilate that learning into actions that can safeguard our future . ''
Calum Semple , a scientist who sits on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SAGE but speaking in a personal capacity , also told Sky News the lockdown easing measures are `` political decisions albeit backed up with some evidence '' .
`` We provide evidence and often we provide likely scenarios , '' he said .
`` Ultimately though ministers have to decide what their decisions are .
`` What you saw in the last couple of days was ministerial decisions around changing the shielding , and changing the regulations around distancing and activities , opening up pubs .
`` These were political decisions albeit backed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process takes into account wider factors than just the evidence . ''
It follows the prime minister 's announcement of a reduction in the two-metre social distancing rule , as he gave the green light for pubs , restaurants , hotels , hairdressers and barbers in England to reopen from 4 July .
In an open letter to the leaders of all the UK political parties published in the British Medical Journal , the health leaders call for a `` rapid and forward-looking assessment '' of the state of national preparedness in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While the future shape of the pandemic in the UK is hard to predict , the available evidence indicates that local flare ups are increasingly likely and a second wave a real risk , '' they said .
`` Many elements of the infrastructure needed to contain the virus are beginning to be put in place , but substantial challenges remain .
`` The job now is not only to deal urgently with the wide-ranging impacts of the first phase of the pandemic , but to ensure that the country is adequately prepared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sir David King , a former chief scientific adviser , told Sky News that easing of lockdown announced by the PM was `` extraordinarily risky '' .
He also warned of the risk of a second wave of coronavirus , saying : `` We know the winter is a likely period when the virus takes off again .
We must therefore aim to get completely rid of the virus from this country before the winter .
`` If we move too quickly , which is what I think is being proposed here , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wave becomes very significant . ''
Sir David said England still lacked an effective test and trace system , which means it is `` travelling in the dark '' as lockdown is eased further .
Asked if he thinks the government went against the advice of their scientists in announcing a further easing of lockdown , Sir David says : `` I think this is definitely a political decision . ''
Yesterday the PM said from next month people will be required to keep `` one-metre plus '' apart from others , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of transmitting COVID-19 .
`` Where it is possible to keep two metres apart , people should , '' Mr Johnson said .
`` But where it is not , we will advise people to keep a social distance of one-metre plus , meaning they should remain one metre apart while taking mitigating measures to reduce the risk of transmission . ''
These include wearing a face mask on public transport , handwashing , screens , being outside and limiting time spent with others .
Another change to the guidelines from 4 July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indoors , provided social distancing is maintained .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker This will mean families can be reunited and dinner parties will be allowed , but people will still be unable to hug their loved ones .
But the public have been warned life will not return to normal for a long time .
`` I would be surprised and delighted if we were n't in this current situation through the winter and into next spring , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whitty warned at the final daily Downing Street briefing .
`` I expect there to be a significant amount of coronavirus circulating at least into that time and I think it is going to be quite optimistic that for science to come fully to the rescue over that kind of timeframe . ''
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said : `` We have been clear that we will continue to be guided by the latest scientific advice and will give the NHS whatever it needs , as we have done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the dedication of NHS staff , hospitals have not been overwhelmed and intensive care capacity continues to meet the needs of patients .
`` Effective local management of any outbreak is the first line of protection against a second wave .
`` In the event the local response is not sufficient to contain outbreaks , the government would reintroduce measures if necessary to contain the virus and stop it spreading to the wider population . ''