skynewspolitics--2020-05-20--Easing the UK out of lockdown is a confidence game and the PM is losing

You can see what the prime minister meant when he stood up in the Commons only 10 days ago and spoke about the `` complexities '' of moving from the `` gloriously simple '' Stay At Home message to a more nuanced one .
The 50-page strategy he published on the same day was meant to be our route map towards a new normal .
But so far , the public do n't seem to have much confidence in the manual or the message .
A YouGov poll over the weekend showed support for the government 's handling of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those polled thought the changes went too far and nearly three out of four wanted clearer guidance from the government about what they can and can not do as they come out of lockdown .
The mismatch between the road map and the nation 's psyche over COVID-19 has been playing out in technicolour when it comes to getting ready for step one of easing out of lockdown : the phased return of children to schools .
The government announced the plans only for teaching unions and parents to raise concerns over safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 councils - accounting for perhaps 1,500 primary schools - are in open revolt saying they will not be forced to follow the plan .
The government still has a lot to do to convince the public this route map is safe .
It also has a bit of a way to go to convince the public that the work to give us a clear route out of lockdown is complete .
The track and trace system - which has been hailed as the silver bullet to control cases and protect us as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be ready by 1 June , according to the prime minister .
But it will be without the smartphone app we were told just 10 days ago ( in that strategy document ) was integral to making the system work .
Matt Hancock , the health secretary , told us we all had to `` do our duty '' and download the COVID-19 app when it became available .
It was meant to be rolled out in mid-May .
Now we 're told it will be ready in the `` coming weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the app , which was only ever the `` cherry on the cake '' .
`` The cake is the human test and trace system .
That is the most important thing '' .
Many other experts agree that an app is n't integral to track and trace .
And Greg Clark , chair of the science select committee , very sensibly pointed out in an interview with Sky News that it is better to wait than roll out an app that does n't work .
But if coaxing people out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in your road map that the app is an integral part of track and trace only to then say it 's not , may confuse or even unnerve people .
This is in part a confidence game , and at the moment No .
10 seems to be losing .
`` The hardest part is getting the boulder to move .
Once it moves , people will feel more confident , '' one senior government official concedes .
But getting over the hump from blanket lockdown to a new way of life is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker That perhaps helps explain why senior ministers and officials I 've spoken to are now nodding to a lowering of expectations .
Yes , schools are almost certain to open from 1 June ( subject to no sudden spike in the R number ) but take-up will be minimal at first until more parents feel more confident about sending their children back .
`` It 's the carrot not the stick , '' says one government insider .
`` We 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures in place . ''
But the government also needs to put far more flesh on the bones of its five tests in the coming days to give the public more confidence that it has a handle on the disease .
It has predicated its route out of lockdown on two critical measures .
The first is making sure the R-rate - the reproduction number - is below one , in order to make sure the number of infections is under control and not accelerating .
The second is having a track and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases and stop hotspots from developing by early detection of outbreaks .
On both measures , information is patchy .
We still have very limited detail on the R-rate in regional and local areas and across different sectors - such as local communities , care homes and schools .
If the prime minister makes the R-rate central to the strategy , he should follow through with more detailed information about how it is evolving in local areas to help inform and reassure the public .
This is true too of track and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief scientific adviser Dame Angela McLean said this week all changes to lockdown would need an effective system of tracing and isolating new cases , but we have no information on how this system will work beyond the prime minister 's commitment to 25,000 new contact tracers being in post by June .
The prime minister hopes that while lifting lockdown is fiendishly complicated , if he can get this track and trace system up and running quickly , he 'll be able to re-open not just primary schools but some non-essential shops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ markets or cafe courtyards - too .
We might soon be able to meet more members of our family or perhaps our friends in a socially-distanced way too .
Of course it 's much harder to give the public confidence in a nuanced message when you are trying to manage a disease you do n't yet fully understand .
But the government still has a lot to do convince the public its route map out is safe , starting with making sure its track and trace system is fully operational in 10 days @ @

You can see what the prime minister meant when he stood up in the Commons only 10 days ago and spoke about the "complexities" of moving from the "gloriously simple" Stay At Home message to a more nuanced one.
The 50-page strategy he published on the same day was meant to be our route map towards a new normal. But so far, the public don't seem to have much confidence in the manual or the message.
A YouGov poll over the weekend showed support for the government's handling of the virus dropping sharply. Over half of those polled thought the changes went too far and nearly three out of four wanted clearer guidance from the government about what they can and cannot do as they come out of lockdown.
The mismatch between the road map and the nation's psyche over COVID-19 has been playing out in technicolour when it comes to getting ready for step one of easing out of lockdown: the phased return of children to schools.
The government announced the plans only for teaching unions and parents to raise concerns over safety of staff and children. At least 18 councils - accounting for perhaps 1,500 primary schools - are in open revolt saying they will not be forced to follow the plan. The government still has a lot to do to convince the public this route map is safe.
It also has a bit of a way to go to convince the public that the work to give us a clear route out of lockdown is complete. The track and trace system - which has been hailed as the silver bullet to control cases and protect us as we go about our daily lives - will be ready by 1 June, according to the prime minister. But it will be without the smartphone app we were told just 10 days ago (in that strategy document) was integral to making the system work.
Matt Hancock, the health secretary, told us we all had to "do our duty" and download the COVID-19 app when it became available. It was meant to be rolled out in mid-May. Now we're told it will be ready in the "coming weeks" and Downing Street is distancing itself from the app, which was only ever the "cherry on the cake". "The cake is the human test and trace system. That is the most important thing".
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Many other experts agree that an app isn't integral to track and trace. And Greg Clark, chair of the science select committee, very sensibly pointed out in an interview with Sky News that it is better to wait than roll out an app that doesn't work.
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But if coaxing people out of lockdown is a confidence game, writing in your road map that the app is an integral part of track and trace only to then say it's not, may confuse or even unnerve people. This is in part a confidence game, and at the moment No. 10 seems to be losing.
"The hardest part is getting the boulder to move. Once it moves, people will feel more confident," one senior government official concedes. But getting over the hump from blanket lockdown to a new way of life is hard.
That perhaps helps explain why senior ministers and officials I've spoken to are now nodding to a lowering of expectations. Yes, schools are almost certain to open from 1 June (subject to no sudden spike in the R number) but take-up will be minimal at first until more parents feel more confident about sending their children back. "It's the carrot not the stick," says one government insider. "We've got to show people we have the measures in place."
But the government also needs to put far more flesh on the bones of its five tests in the coming days to give the public more confidence that it has a handle on the disease. It has predicated its route out of lockdown on two critical measures. The first is making sure the R-rate - the reproduction number - is below one, in order to make sure the number of infections is under control and not accelerating. The second is having a track and trace system in place to drive down new cases and stop hotspots from developing by early detection of outbreaks.
On both measures, information is patchy. We still have very limited detail on the R-rate in regional and local areas and across different sectors - such as local communities, care homes and schools. If the prime minister makes the R-rate central to the strategy, he should follow through with more detailed information about how it is evolving in local areas to help inform and reassure the public.
This is true too of track and trace. The government's own deputy chief scientific adviser Dame Angela McLean said this week all changes to lockdown would need an effective system of tracing and isolating new cases, but we have no information on how this system will work beyond the prime minister's commitment to 25,000 new contact tracers being in post by June.
The prime minister hopes that while lifting lockdown is fiendishly complicated, if he can get this track and trace system up and running quickly, he'll be able to re-open not just primary schools but some non-essential shops and outside spaces - such as outdoor markets or cafe courtyards - too. We might soon be able to meet more members of our family or perhaps our friends in a socially-distanced way too.
Of course it's much harder to give the public confidence in a nuanced message when you are trying to manage a disease you don't yet fully understand. But the government still has a lot to do convince the public its route map out is safe, starting with making sure its track and trace system is fully operational in 10 days time.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-21--Boris Johnson may have had 'intimate relationship' with American businesswoman

The prime minister will not face a police investigation into his links with an American businesswoman , but a review has found he had a `` close association '' with Jennifer Arcuri and there may have been an `` intimate relationship '' .
The Independent Office for Police Conduct ( IOPC ) has announced the findings of its investigation into allegations surrounding Boris Johnson and his relationship with Ms Arcuri .
Mr Johnson has faced accusations that he used his position while mayor of London from 2008 to 2016 to benefit and reward Ms Arcuri .
Multiple inquiries were launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than £125,000 in public money and privileged access to overseas trade missions led by Mr Johnson during his time as London mayor .
The PM has previously told Sky News that `` everything was done with complete propriety '' when asked about the allegations .
Downing Street welcomed the news , describing the complaint as `` politically motivated '' '' Such vexatious claims of impropriety in office were untrue and unfounded , '' a spokesman for the PM said , adding : `` This was not a policing matter , and we consider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
In October , government auditors deemed that a £100,000 grant awarded to Ms Arcuri was `` appropriate '' .
Ms Arcuri has said any grants received by her companies and any trade missions she joined were `` purely in respect of my role as a legitimate businesswoman '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker She has insisted she `` never , ever '' received any favouritism from Mr Johnson when he was London mayor , but refused to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arcuri has said it is `` really categorically no one 's business what private life we had , or did n't have '' .
Neither Mr Johnson nor Ms Arcuri have denied that they were involved in an affair .
Independent Office for Police Conduct director general Michael Lockwood said the watchdog carried out a `` thorough , independent and impartial assessment '' into whether there were `` reasonable grounds '' to suspect `` the criminal offence of misconduct in public office had occurred '' .
`` We found no evidence to indicate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any sponsorship monies to Ms Arcuri or that he influenced or played an active part in securing her participation in trade missions , '' he concluded .
But the watchdog said it `` would have been wise '' for Mr Johnson to have declared their `` close association '' as a conflict of interest .
Mr Lockwood said that officials making decisions about funding and trade trips may have been influenced by Mr Johnson 's `` close relationship '' with Ms Arcuri .
And the report found there was `` some evidence '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Ms Arcuri was on an attendee list for a trade mission event in New York , even though he disputed it .
The allegations were referred to the IOPC by the Greater London Authority in September .
As the mayor of the capital , Mr Johnson was also head of the Office for Policing and Crime , a position equivalent to a police and crime commissioner .
Because of that , the IOPC must investigate any suggestion a criminal offence may have been committed by the office holder , to see if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is regardless of whether or not they are still in that role .
In the wake of the IOPC 's decision , the London Assembly has said it will resume its investigation into Mr Johnson that it paused at the request of the police watchdog .
The IOPC has said the Greater London Authority should consider whether Mr Johnson breached the code of conduct for failing to declare his relationship with Ms Arcuri .
Len Duvall , the GLA 's oversight committee chair , said : `` The IOPC was looking specifically at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` That 's not our remit and their decision does n't have any real bearing on our investigation , which will focus on his conduct as Mayor of London . ''

The prime minister will not face a police investigation into his links with an American businesswoman, but a review has found he had a "close association" with Jennifer Arcuri and there may have been an "intimate relationship".
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has announced the findings of its investigation into allegations surrounding Boris Johnson and his relationship with Ms Arcuri.
Mr Johnson has faced accusations that he used his position while mayor of London from 2008 to 2016 to benefit and reward Ms Arcuri.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:14 September: Johnson on Arcuri allegations
Multiple inquiries were launched after it emerged she was given more than £125,000 in public money and privileged access to overseas trade missions led by Mr Johnson during his time as London mayor.
The PM has previously told Sky News that "everything was done with complete propriety" when asked about the allegations.
Downing Street welcomed the news, describing the complaint as "politically motivated"
"Such vexatious claims of impropriety in office were untrue and unfounded," a spokesman for the PM said, adding: "This was not a policing matter, and we consider this was a waste of police time."
In October, government auditors deemed that a £100,000 grant awarded to Ms Arcuri was "appropriate".
Ms Arcuri has said any grants received by her companies and any trade missions she joined were "purely in respect of my role as a legitimate businesswoman".
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She has insisted she "never, ever" received any favouritism from Mr Johnson when he was London mayor, but refused to say whether they had an affair.
Ms Arcuri has said it is "really categorically no one's business what private life we had, or didn't have".
Neither Mr Johnson nor Ms Arcuri have denied that they were involved in an affair.
In the police watchdog's report it details a "Witness A" as telling the inquiry that Ms Arcuri disclosed to them that she and Mr Johnson were in a sexual relationship.
Independent Office for Police Conduct director general Michael Lockwood said the watchdog carried out a "thorough, independent and impartial assessment" into whether there were "reasonable grounds" to suspect "the criminal offence of misconduct in public office had occurred".
"We found no evidence to indicate that Mr Johnson influenced the payment of any sponsorship monies to Ms Arcuri or that he influenced or played an active part in securing her participation in trade missions," he concluded.
But the watchdog said it "would have been wise" for Mr Johnson to have declared their "close association" as a conflict of interest.
Mr Lockwood said that officials making decisions about funding and trade trips may have been influenced by Mr Johnson's "close relationship" with Ms Arcuri.
And the report found there was "some evidence" that Mr Johnson may have been aware that Ms Arcuri was on an attendee list for a trade mission event in New York, even though he disputed it.
The allegations were referred to the IOPC by the Greater London Authority in September.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 October: Johnson 'never gave me favouritism' - Arcuri
As the mayor of the capital, Mr Johnson was also head of the Office for Policing and Crime, a position equivalent to a police and crime commissioner.
Because of that, the IOPC must investigate any suggestion a criminal offence may have been committed by the office holder, to see if an investigation should be launched.
This is regardless of whether or not they are still in that role.
In the wake of the IOPC's decision, the London Assembly has said it will resume its investigation into Mr Johnson that it paused at the request of the police watchdog.
The IOPC has said the Greater London Authority should consider whether Mr Johnson breached the code of conduct for failing to declare his relationship with Ms Arcuri.
Len Duvall, the GLA's Labour Group leader and chair of its oversight committee, said: "The IOPC was looking specifically at whether he committed a criminal offence.
"That's not our remit and their decision doesn't have any real bearing on our investigation, which will focus on his conduct as Mayor of London."
Analysis: There were four investigations into this, this one was the most serious
By Tamara Cohen, political correspondent
There were at one point four investigations going on into the issue of Boris Johnson's relationship with Jennifer Arcuri and whether her company received privileged access to funding and official visits as a result.
But this one by the police watchdog, which could have opened the door to charges of misconduct in public office, was by far the most serious - and Downing Street will be relieved that this chapter is now over.
Pictures of Ms Arcuri - often one in a Union Jack bikini - dominated newspaper front pages for weeks at the start of his premiership, with claims the pair had been close for several years when he was London mayor.
The IOPC report says their relationship "may have been intimate". But given voters and political colleagues' familiarity with Boris Johnson's much-discussed personal life over the years, this suggestion is unlikely to cause much damage.
A bullish statement from Number 10, accusing those who reported the prime minister of wasting police time, shows their confidence his opponents have gravely miscalculated, although a further probe by the London Assembly now begins.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-21--Tory MPs warn PM not exempting foreign health workers from NHS surcharge will be deemed 'mean-spirit

Tory MPs warn PM not exempting foreign health workers from NHS surcharge will be deemed 'mean-spirited'

Two Conservative MPs have come out in support of calls to exempt overseas NHS and social care workers from the health surcharge , something the prime minister has rejected .
Former Conservative Party vice-chairman Sir Roger Gale warned Boris Johnson that not making them exempt from the fee `` would rightly be perceived as mean-spirited , doctrinaire and petty '' .
And William Wragg , chairman of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee , said `` now is the time for a generosity of spirit towards those who have done so much good '' .
Workers coming to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to pay a fee to use the health service .
All adult migrants from outside of the EEA have to pay £400 a year - irrespective of whether they use the NHS or not .
The immigration health surcharge ( IHS ) is going to be increased to £624 a year in October , with parents also expected to pay £470 a year for each dependent child .
Labour , the Scottish National Party and the Royal College of Nursing have all demanded that health workers be exempted from the `` unfair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer raised the issue at Prime Minister 's Questions on Wednesday , saying : `` Every Thursday we go out and clap for our carers .
Many of them are risking their lives for the sake of all of us .
`` Does the prime minister think it 's right that care workers coming from abroad and working on our front line should have to pay a surcharge of hundreds - sometimes thousands of pounds - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The PM rejected the calls , telling MPs that he understood the `` difficulties '' NHS staff face , but added the country can not afford to scrap the charges .
He said : `` On the other hand we must look at the realities - this is a great national service , it 's a national institution , it needs funding and those contributions actually help us to raise about £900m , and it 's very difficult in the current circumstances to find alternative sources .
`` So , with great respect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes , I do think that is the right way forward . ''
But Sir Roger , Tory MP for North Thanet in Kent , has disputed the cost cited by Mr Johnson .
He said that while he does not doubt that the PM provided the £900m figure `` in good faith '' , it is `` a total figure for the sum collected and not the amount actually received annually from health and care service-employed immigrants '' .
`` That figure is a fraction of the total sum - probably not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued .
`` I have tabled a written question to secure the correct details from the Home Office , but , in the meantime , I strongly believe that the £400 charge should be waived for those immigrants currently working in the health and care services and saving lives .
`` To do otherwise would rightly be perceived as mean-spirited , doctrinaire and petty - and the prime minister has none of those failings . ''
Mr Wragg , MP for Hazel Grove in Greater Manchester , announced his backing on Twitter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NHS fee exemption for migrant nhs and care workers .
Now is the time for a generosity of spirit towards those who have done so much good .
I am sure that @ Conservatives colleagues will be supportive . ''

Three Conservative MPs have come out in support of calls to exempt overseas NHS and social care workers from the health surcharge, something the prime minister has rejected.
Former Conservative Party vice-chairman Sir Roger Gale warned Boris Johnson that not making them exempt from the fee "would rightly be perceived as mean-spirited, doctrinaire and petty".
William Wragg, chairman of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee, said "now is the time for a generosity of spirit towards those who have done so much good".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 PM quizzed on 'test & trace' as deaths fall
And Tory peer and former party chairman Lord Patten told the BBC the government's position was "appalling" and "monstrous".
Workers coming to the UK from outside the European Economic Area have to pay a fee to use the health service.
All adult migrants from outside of the EEA have to pay £400 a year - irrespective of whether they use the NHS or not.
The immigration health surcharge (IHS) is going to be increased to £624 a year in October, with parents also expected to pay £470 a year for each dependent child.
Labour, the Scottish National Party and the Royal College of Nursing have all demanded that health workers be exempted from the "unfair" charge.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer raised the issue at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, saying: "Every Thursday we go out and clap for our carers. Many of them are risking their lives for the sake of all of us.
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"Does the prime minister think it's right that care workers coming from abroad and working on our front line should have to pay a surcharge of hundreds - sometimes thousands of pounds - to use the NHS themselves?"
The PM rejected the calls, telling MPs that he understood the "difficulties" NHS staff face, but added the country cannot afford to scrap the charges.
He said: "On the other hand we must look at the realities - this is a great national service, it's a national institution, it needs funding and those contributions actually help us to raise about £900m, and it's very difficult in the current circumstances to find alternative sources.
"So, with great respect to the point [Sir Keir] makes, I do think that is the right way forward."
This was reiterated by Downing Street on Thursday, with the PM's spokesman telling reporters: "Income from the surcharge is distributed between the four devolved health administrations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for the purpose of health spending.
"Money that we put into our health service has a direct impact on improving people's lives and ultimately saving people's lives."
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The spokesman added that the increase in the surcharge was in the Tory manifesto at the last election and "it's on the basis of that manifesto that the prime minister won a significant majority."
Sir Roger, Tory MP for North Thanet in Kent, has disputed the cost cited by Mr Johnson.
He said that while he does not doubt that the PM provided the £900m figure "in good faith", it is "a total figure for the sum collected and not the amount actually received annually from health and care service-employed immigrants".
"That figure is a fraction of the total sum - probably not more than £50m," Sir Roger continued.
"I have tabled a written question to secure the correct details from the Home Office, but, in the meantime, I strongly believe that the £400 charge should be waived for those immigrants currently working in the health and care services and saving lives.
"To do otherwise would rightly be perceived as mean-spirited, doctrinaire and petty - and the prime minister has none of those failings."
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Mr Wragg, MP for Hazel Grove in Greater Manchester, announced his backing on Twitter.
He wrote: "I will support the NHS fee exemption for migrant nhs and care workers. Now is the time for a generosity of spirit towards those who have done so much good. I am sure that @Conservatives colleagues will be supportive."
Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran has written to all newly elected Conservative MPs, urging them to vote against the government on the "unjust and unfair'" surcharge.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-21--Under-30s admit defying lockdown rules - as 'complete compliance' falls

Confidence in the government in England has dropped since the lockdown was eased , with more than half of young adults no longer sticking strictly to the rules , according to a new survey .
Researchers questioned more than 90,000 adults and found those under 30 most dissatisfied .
They found less than 50 % of younger adults are `` completely '' complying with COVID-19 restrictions such as social distancing and staying at home .
The University College London survey looked at how adults are feeling about a range of issues during the coronavirus pandemic .
These included the 23 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their overall well-being and mental health .
The survey found that `` complete '' compliance to the measures has dropped in the past two weeks from an average of 70 % to under 60 % .
Lead author Dr Daisy Fancourt , of UCL 's epidemiology and health care unit , noted there had been `` generally a very high '' level of people sticking to the government 's lockdown advice .
The ongoing study also found that 95 % of all adults and 92 % of young people felt they are either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at sticking to the measures .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on 10 May that people could spend longer outdoors and meet one person from another household , providing they were always 2m apart .
However , there has been criticism of guidance , with some saying it was confusing and others concerned it would lead to an increase in the infection rate .
The hot weather this week has lead to crowded beaches and parks which has also worried some experts .
Dr Fancourt said : `` Confidence in government has fallen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was announced , and is lowest in those under the age of 30 . ''
Those questioned between May 11 and 17 were asked to rate the government 's handling of the pandemic from one to a top mark of seven .
The government 's performance rating dropped from five at the beginning of lockdown to around four .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The survey also showed that levels of anxiety and depression had not improved since the easing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ill from COVID-19 had fallen slightly .
Fears about food , finance and work were a cause of stress for some people .
Around one in 12 people said they were worried about unemployment , while around one in eight people were worried about finances .
Stress about being able to get enough food had stabilised in the past week , with fewer than one in 20 people saying they were worried about this .
The Nuffield Foundation is funding the study , which is also being backed by Wellcome and UK Research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Nuffield Foundation , said : `` Interestingly , whilst life satisfaction levels have remained stable , full compliance with lockdown restrictions has fallen over the past week , especially among those under 30 . ''

Confidence in the government in England has dropped since the lockdown was eased, with more than half of young adults no longer sticking strictly to the rules, according to a new survey.
Researchers questioned more than 90,000 adults and found those under 30 most dissatisfied.
They found less than 50% of younger adults are "completely" complying with COVID-19 restrictions such as social distancing and staying at home.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:14 The latest from Sky's Lockdown Road
The University College London survey looked at how adults are feeling about a range of issues during the coronavirus pandemic.
These included the 23 March lockdown itself, government advice, their overall well-being and mental health.
The survey found that "complete" compliance to the measures has dropped in the past two weeks from an average of 70% to under 60%.
Lead author Dr Daisy Fancourt, of UCL's epidemiology and health care unit, noted there had been "generally a very high" level of people sticking to the government's lockdown advice.
The ongoing study also found that 95% of all adults and 92% of young people felt they are either "reasonable" or "good" at sticking to the measures.
Image: People enjoy the hot weather in Greenwich Park, London
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on 10 May that people could spend longer outdoors and meet one person from another household, providing they were always 2m apart.
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However, there has been criticism of guidance, with some saying it was confusing and others concerned it would lead to an increase in the infection rate.
The hot weather this week has lead to crowded beaches and parks which has also worried some experts.
Dr Fancourt said: "Confidence in government has fallen in England since the easing of lockdown was announced, and is lowest in those under the age of 30."
Those questioned between May 11 and 17 were asked to rate the government's handling of the pandemic from one to a top mark of seven.
The government's performance rating dropped from five at the beginning of lockdown to around four.
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The survey also showed that levels of anxiety and depression had not improved since the easing of lockdown, while worries about possibly getting ill from COVID-19 had fallen slightly.
Fears about food, finance and work were a cause of stress for some people.
Around one in 12 people said they were worried about unemployment, while around one in eight people were worried about finances.
Stress about being able to get enough food had stabilised in the past week, with fewer than one in 20 people saying they were worried about this.
The Nuffield Foundation is funding the study, which is also being backed by Wellcome and UK Research and Innovation.
Cheryl Lloyd, of the Nuffield Foundation, said: "Interestingly, whilst life satisfaction levels have remained stable, full compliance with lockdown restrictions has fallen over the past week, especially among those under 30."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-21--Track and trace system can work without app, minister says

The UK 's track and trace system to stop a second coronavirus peak and help ease the lockdown can work initially without the accompanying app , a minister has told Sky News .
Speaking to Kay Burley @ Breakfast , Security minister James Brokenshire said the app is intended to provide `` extra support '' to the overall system .
Boris Johnson has promised a `` world-beating '' system will be ready by 1 June , the earliest possible date for the beginning of a phased reopening of primary schools .
The prime minister told MPs that 25,000 staff would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next month and they would be able to track the contacts of up to 10,000 new COVID-19 cases a day .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock previously said the aim was to have the whole system up and running by the middle of May .
People who have come into contact with someone who has the virus , or is reporting symptoms , will be told to self-isolate in order to avoid spreading the coronavirus to others .
Downing Street has said the system will be rolled out before the contact tracing app .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday that the app `` is only one part of the system '' and that there is a `` tried and tested '' system for tracing and testing people .
This was echoed by Mr Brokenshire on Thursday , who said that just because the app is not ready yet `` it does not mean that we can not have a good and effective track and trace capability in place from the beginning of June , able to contact 10,000 people '' .
`` It 's important that we put in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as quickly as we can , '' he told Sky News .
`` We want to see that the app is put in place well and effectively , learning from the experience in the Isle of Wight and deal with all of the feedback we 're receiving on some of the technical issues to ensure that it is as strong as we can make it .
`` That should not stand in the way of the track and trace arrangements that I 've explained .
They can be effective . ''
An effective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vital in the fight against COVID-19 .
The government 's deputy chief scientific adviser , Professor Dame Angela McLean , said on Tuesday that a highly effective version of the programme needs to be off the ground to allow for the lockdown to be altered safely .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The NHS Confederation , which represents health and care leaders , has warned that time is running out to get the system in place and avoid a second spike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has written to Mr Hancock , warning there could be `` severe '' consequences to staff and patients if the right system is not put in place quickly .
He said the lockdown should not be relaxed further until there is a clear plan involving local leaders with experience in contact tracing .
The hope is that an effective system will allow health officials to keep the virus under control by keeping transmission of it low and avoiding a second peak in cases .
The contact tracers that have been recruited will manually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have visited and others they have been in contact with .
Contact tracing began in January for every positive coronavirus diagnosis , but the policy was abandoned in March after Public Health England advised the government that the virus was `` more widespread '' .
A contact tracing app developed by NHSx , the health service 's digital technology arm , is currently being piloted on the Isle of Wight .
It uses a bluetooth signal to send automatic , anonymous alerts to anyone the user has recently been in close proximity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registers they have either tested positive for COVID-19 or are displaying symptoms of the virus .

The UK's track and trace system to stop a second coronavirus peak and help ease the lockdown can work initially without the accompanying app, a minister has told Sky News.
Speaking to Kay Burley@Breakfast, Security minister James Brokenshire said the app is intended to provide "extra support" to the overall system.
Boris Johnson has promised a "world-beating" system will be ready by 1 June, the earliest possible date for the beginning of a phased reopening of primary schools.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 PM quizzed on 'test and trace' as deaths fall
The prime minister told MPs that 25,000 staff would be in place by the start of next month and they would be able to track the contacts of up to 10,000 new COVID-19 cases a day.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock previously said the aim was to have the whole system up and running by the middle of May.
People who have come into contact with someone who has the virus, or is reporting symptoms, will be told to self-isolate in order to avoid spreading the coronavirus to others.
Downing Street has said the system will be rolled out before the contact tracing app.
The prime minister's spokesman told journalists on Wednesday that the app "is only one part of the system" and that there is a "tried and tested" system for tracing and testing people.
This was echoed by Mr Brokenshire on Thursday, who said that just because the app is not ready yet "it does not mean that we cannot have a good and effective track and trace capability in place from the beginning of June, able to contact 10,000 people".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 Ministers say tracing plan on schedule
"It's important that we put in place all the things that we can, as quickly as we can," he told Sky News.
"We want to see that the app is put in place well and effectively, learning from the experience in the Isle of Wight and deal with all of the feedback we're receiving on some of the technical issues to ensure that it is as strong as we can make it.
"That should not stand in the way of the track and trace arrangements that I've explained. They can be effective."
An effective tracing and tracking system is seen as vital in the fight against COVID-19.
The government's deputy chief scientific adviser, Professor Dame Angela McLean, said on Tuesday that a highly effective version of the programme needs to be off the ground to allow for the lockdown to be altered safely.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The NHS Confederation, which represents health and care leaders, has warned that time is running out to get the system in place and avoid a second spike in cases.
Chief executive Niall Dickson has written to Mr Hancock, warning there could be "severe" consequences to staff and patients if the right system is not put in place quickly.
He said the lockdown should not be relaxed further until there is a clear plan involving local leaders with experience in contact tracing.
The hope is that an effective system will allow health officials to keep the virus under control by keeping transmission of it low and avoiding a second peak in cases.
The contact tracers that have been recruited will manually gather information about the places infected people have visited and others they have been in contact with.
Contact tracing began in January for every positive coronavirus diagnosis, but the policy was abandoned in March after Public Health England advised the government that the virus was "more widespread".
A contact tracing app developed by NHSx, the health service's digital technology arm, is currently being piloted on the Isle of Wight.
It uses a bluetooth signal to send automatic, anonymous alerts to anyone the user has recently been in close proximity to.
This occurs once that phone user registers they have either tested positive for COVID-19 or are displaying symptoms of the virus.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-22--Self-isolate for 14 days or face £1,000 fine, UK to tell overseas visitors

International travellers could face fines of £1,000 if they fail to self-isolate for 14 days after arriving in the UK , the government is expected to announce .
Visitors would be asked to share their contact details under the measures , with health officials performing spot checks to ensure they are complying with the rules .
The policy , which will be introduced early in June , is set to be unveiled by Home Secretary Priti Patel at the daily Downing Street briefing this afternoon .
Road hauliers and medical officials are going to be exempt from the new restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland will be unaffected .
Despite London and Paris holding discussions about a possible exemption , it is believed that the quarantine measures will apply to arrivals from France .
In his address to the nation on 10 May , Prime Minister Boris Johnson had warned it would soon be time to `` impose quarantine on people coming into this country by air '' as the UK tries to keep coronavirus transmission rates down .
Speculation of a 14-day self-isolation period sparked an angry response from the already embattled aviation industry , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as `` idiotic '' and `` unimplementable '' earlier this week .
The trade body Airlines UK had echoed these remarks , warning that mandatory quarantine measures `` would effectively kill '' international travel to and from the UK .
On Thursday , some airlines had announced tentative plans to start resuming flights .
EasyJet confirmed plans to offer a limited schedule of predominantly domestic flights from the middle of June , with just one international service connecting London Gatwick and the French city of Nice .
Passengers and crew will be required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aircraft , and no food will be sold during the flights .
Ryanair is preparing to restore 40 % of its flights from 1 July , while British Airways is due to make a `` meaningful return '' to service in the same month .
Meanwhile , the government is set to publish the scientific advice underpinning its decision to reopen schools to some children on 1 June .
Classes are set to resume for pupils in nursery , reception , Year 1 and Year 6 , with unions pressuring the government to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A final decision on whether to go ahead with reopening schools is expected to be taken by the government on or before May 28 after the most up-to-date scientific evidence has been reviewed .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Some councils - predominantly Labour-run local authorities in the North of England - have ruled out a wider reopening from 1 June .
Yesterday , Health Secretary Matt Hancock shared findings of a study suggesting that at least 5 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 antibodies , rising to 17 % in London .
He also confirmed that more than 10 million antibody tests are going to be rolled out from next week , and revealed that certificates are being looked at for people who test positive for antibodies .

International travellers could face fines of £1,000 if they fail to self-isolate for 14 days after arriving in the UK, the government is expected to announce.
Visitors, including returning Britons, will be asked to share their contact details under the measures, with health officials performing spot checks to ensure they are complying with the rules.
The policy, which will be introduced early in June, is set to be unveiled by Home Secretary Priti Patel at the daily Downing Street briefing this afternoon.
Road hauliers and medical officials are going to be exempt from the new restrictions, and the common travel area with Ireland will be unaffected.
Despite London and Paris holding discussions about a possible exemption, it is believed that the quarantine measures will apply to arrivals from France.
Travellers from the Republic of Ireland will be exempt, and officials in Australia argue that travellers from there should not face quarantine.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 'We've all got to take responsibility for what we do'
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis told Sky News the measure was a "sensible" course of action to keep the infection rate "as low as possible".
He added that ministers had been "guided by the science" on when to introduce a quarantine, while also confirming travellers arriving in the UK will be responsible for their own accommodation.
Mr Lewis added that there were "no plans" at the moment for so-called air bridges, exemptions for those travelling to countries with low infection rates.
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Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said he supported the quarantine plans, but queried why action had not been taken sooner.
In his address to the nation on 10 May, Prime Minister Boris Johnson had warned it would soon be time to "impose quarantine on people coming into this country by air" as the UK tries to keep coronavirus transmission rates down.
Speculation of a 14-day self-isolation period sparked an angry response from the already embattled aviation industry, with Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary describing the plan as "bonkers" on Friday.
In a statement to Sky News Virgin Atlantic said: "The safety and security of our people and our customers is always our top priority and public health must come first.
"However, by introducing a mandatory 14 day self-isolation for every single traveller entering the UK, the Government's approach will prevent flights from resuming.
"We are continually reviewing our flying programme and with these restrictions, there simply won't be sufficient demand to resume passenger services before August at the earliest.
"We know that as the COVID-19 crisis subsides, air travel will be a vital enabler of the UK's economic recovery.
"Therefore, we are calling for a multi-layered approach of carefully targeted public health and screening measures, which will allow for a successful and safe restart of international air travel for passengers and businesses."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 'Ignoring lockdown measures is idiotic'
The trade body Airlines UK had echoed these remarks, warning that mandatory quarantine measures "would effectively kill" international travel to and from the UK.
On Thursday, some airlines had announced tentative plans to start resuming flights.
Image: British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair all plan to resume some services in the coming weeks
EasyJet confirmed plans to offer a limited schedule of predominantly domestic flights from the middle of June, with just one international service connecting London Gatwick and the French city of Nice.
Passengers and crew will be required to wear masks in airports and on aircraft, and no food will be sold during the flights.
Ryanair is preparing to restore 40% of its flights from 1 July, while British Airways is due to make a "meaningful return" to service in the same month.
Meanwhile, the government is set to publish the scientific advice underpinning its decision to reopen schools to some children on 1 June.
Classes are set to resume for pupils in nursery, reception, Year 1 and Year 6, with unions pressuring the government to present evidence that shows this is safe.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
A final decision on whether to go ahead with reopening schools is expected to be taken by the government on or before May 28 after the most up-to-date scientific evidence has been reviewed.
Some councils - predominantly Labour-run local authorities in the North of England - have ruled out a wider reopening from 1 June.
Yesterday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock shared findings of a study suggesting that at least 5% of people in the UK have now developed COVID-19 antibodies, rising to 17% in London.
He also confirmed that more than 10 million antibody tests are going to be rolled out from next week, and revealed that certificates are being looked at for people who test positive for antibodies.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-21--Boris Johnson U-turns on NHS fee for foreign health workers

Boris Johnson has pledged to scrap the fee for foreign health and social care workers to access the NHS `` as soon as possible '' .
The move is a swift U-turn from Wednesday , when the prime minister defended the policy , saying it was `` the right way forward '' to boost NHS funds .
A Downing Street spokesperson said Mr Johnson changed his mind because `` he had been a personal beneficiary of carers from abroad '' when he was treated in intensive care for coronavirus .
The spokesperson explained : `` The purpose of the NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help to care for the sick and save lives .
`` NHS and care workers from abroad who are granted visas are doing this already by the fantastic contribution which they make . ''
Hours earlier , Downing Street had insisted the prime minister was standing by the surcharge .
The change will apply to all NHS workers , including porters , cleaners , independent health workers and social care staff .
Originally , care workers , cleaners and porters had been left out of the scheme .
Currently the fee is £400 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise to an annual sum of £624 .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer , who pressed for the change at Prime Minister 's Questions on Wednesday , said : `` This is a victory for common decency and the right thing to do .
`` We can not clap our carers one day and then charge them to use our NHS the next . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Senior Tories had also called for change , with former vice-chairman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waive the surcharge `` would rightly be perceived as mean-spirited , doctrinaire and petty '' .
Former party chairman Lord Patten had called the policy `` appalling '' and `` monstrous '' .
The U-turn came a day after the government extended a scheme offering indefinite leave to remain to families of all NHS staff who die as a result of contracting coronavirus .
The decision followed an emotional video from an NHS cleaner who said he felt `` betrayed '' and `` stabbed in the back '' after the scheme was initially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , biochemists and radiographers .

Boris Johnson has pledged to scrap the fee for foreign health and social care workers to access the NHS "as soon as possible".
The move is a swift U-turn from Wednesday, when the prime minister defended the policy, saying it was "the right way forward" to boost NHS funds.
A Downing Street spokesperson said Mr Johnson changed his mind because "he had been a personal beneficiary of carers from abroad" when he was treated in intensive care for coronavirus.
Image: The change will apply to all NHS workers
The spokesperson explained: "The purpose of the NHS surcharge is to benefit the NHS, help to care for the sick and save lives.
"NHS and care workers from abroad who are granted visas are doing this already by the fantastic contribution which they make."
Hours earlier, Downing Street had insisted the prime minister was standing by the surcharge.
The change will apply to all NHS workers, including porters, cleaners, independent health workers and social care staff.
Originally, care workers, cleaners and porters had been left out of the scheme.
Currently the fee is £400 a year but that is set to rise to an annual sum of £624.
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Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who pressed for the change at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, said: "This is a victory for common decency and the right thing to do.
"We cannot clap our carers one day and then charge them to use our NHS the next."
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Senior Tories had also called for change, with former vice-chairman Sir Roger Gale warning that refusing to waive the surcharge "would rightly be perceived as mean-spirited, doctrinaire and petty".
Former party chairman Lord Patten had called the policy "appalling" and "monstrous".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:50 NHS cleaner's emotional plea to PM
The U-turn came a day after the government extended a scheme offering indefinite leave to remain to families of all NHS staff who die as a result of contracting coronavirus.
The decision followed an emotional video from an NHS cleaner who said he felt "betrayed" and "stabbed in the back" after the scheme was initially offered only to certain occupations including nurses, biochemists and radiographers.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-21--NHS antibody tests from next week - but uncertainty over COVID-19 immunity

Coronavirus antibody tests will be available on the NHS following agreements between the government and pharmaceutical firms Roche and Abbott .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the government has signed contracts to supply 10 million antibody tests - which show if someone has had COVID-19 and potentially developed immunity to the virus .
The rollout will start with health care workers , patients and care home residents from next week .
He told the government 's daily briefing : `` The UK government has arranged supplies of these tests on behalf of the devolved administrations and each devolved nation is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and how testing will be prioritised and managed locally .
`` This is an important milestone and it represents further progress in our national testing programme . ''
Earlier , the prime minister 's spokesman said the tests will be `` free for people who need them , as you would expect '' .
At the briefing , Mr Hancock added that the government could not currently say if people who test positive for these antibodies are necessarily immune from COVID-19 .
But , he said the insight they provide is crucial to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus and how it is spreading across the country .
He said the government had done an `` antibody surveillance study '' which revealed about 17 % of people in London , and 5 % , or higher , in the rest of the country have tested positive for having coronavirus antibodies .
`` But , for the public at large to know whether or not they have antibodies we need antibody tests at a larger scale , '' the health secretary added .
As well as the two tests from Roche and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being assessed and he ultimately wants a `` home-grown '' antibody test which he said is `` showing some early promise '' .
Mr Hancock also announced 338 more people have died with the virus , according to the Department of Health , taking the total to 36,042 .
Across the four nations : • 37 were announced in Scotland by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon • Nine were confirmed by Public Health Wales • Seven were declared by the Northern Irish health department The discrepancy between the total UK figure and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authority calculating their deaths in different ways and at different times .
The coronavirus antibody blood tests , made by Swiss pharmaceutical firm Roche and US firm Abbott Laboratories , were given approval by Public Health England on 14 May after scientists at its Porton Down facility found the test was `` highly specific '' and had an accuracy of 100 % .
England 's deputy chief medical officer , Professor Jonathan Van-Tam , last week promised the tests would be rolled out `` rapidly '' .
He cautioned it could take up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the test can properly confirm if a person did have the virus .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It will `` take time '' to monitor how much people with antibodies have immunity from the virus and how long it could last for , he explained .
The tests were heralded by Prime Minister Boris Johnson as being a `` game-changer '' for lifting lockdown because someone who finds out they have antibodies can be `` safe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most unlikely to get it again '' .
But John Edmunds , professor of infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , has warned studies of other coronaviruses suggest `` potentially bad news '' for hopes humans could develop a long-term immunity .
He told a parliamentary committee on Tuesday : `` We can also see from other coronaviruses , from ones that cause coughs and colds , that individuals again do seem to not have particularly long-term immunity to many of those viruses , allowing them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not last that long against this virus . ''
A report prepared by the government 's top scientific advisers also warned if antibody tests come into widespread use some employers might start discriminating against those who have n't had the virus .
`` This might include not permitting those testing antibody negative to return to work , or only taking on new staff with antibody positive test results , '' their paper compiled in mid-April cautioned .

Coronavirus antibody tests will be available on the NHS following agreements between the government and pharmaceutical firms Roche and Abbott.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the government has signed contracts to supply 10 million antibody tests - which show if someone has had COVID-19 and potentially developed immunity to the virus.
The rollout will start with health care workers, patients and care home residents from next week.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:52 How does the COVID-19 antibody test work?
He told the government's daily briefing: "The UK government has arranged supplies of these tests on behalf of the devolved administrations and each devolved nation is deciding how to use its test allocation and how testing will be prioritised and managed locally.
"This is an important milestone and it represents further progress in our national testing programme."
Earlier, the prime minister's spokesman said the tests will be "free for people who need them, as you would expect".
At the briefing, Mr Hancock added that the government could not currently say if people who test positive for these antibodies are necessarily immune from COVID-19.
But, he said the insight they provide is crucial to understanding how people's bodies react to coronavirus and how it is spreading across the country.
He said the government had done an "antibody surveillance study" which revealed about 17% of people in London, and 5%, or higher, in the rest of the country have tested positive for having coronavirus antibodies.
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"But, for the public at large to know whether or not they have antibodies we need antibody tests at a larger scale," the health secretary added.
As well as the two tests from Roche and Abbott, Mr Hancock said three more are being assessed and he ultimately wants a "home-grown" antibody test which he said is "showing some early promise".
Mr Hancock also announced 338 more people have died with the virus, according to the Department of Health, taking the total to 36,042.
Across the four nations:
187 were reported by NHS England
37 were announced in Scotland by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
Nine were confirmed by Public Health Wales
Seven were declared by the Northern Irish health department
The discrepancy between the total UK figure and the individual home nations is due to each authority calculating their deaths in different ways and at different times.
Image: The number of people who died with the virus has risen to 36,042
The coronavirus antibody blood tests, made by Swiss pharmaceutical firm Roche and US firm Abbott Laboratories, were given approval by Public Health England on 14 May after scientists at its Porton Down facility found the test was "highly specific" and had an accuracy of 100%.
England's deputy chief medical officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, last week promised the tests would be rolled out "rapidly".
He cautioned it could take up to 28 days after someone is infected before the test can properly confirm if a person did have the virus.
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
It will "take time" to monitor how much people with antibodies have immunity from the virus and how long it could last for, he explained.
The tests were heralded by Prime Minister Boris Johnson as being a "game-changer" for lifting lockdown because someone who finds out they have antibodies can be "safe and confident in the knowledge that you are most unlikely to get it again".
But John Edmunds, professor of infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, has warned studies of other coronaviruses suggest "potentially bad news" for hopes humans could develop a long-term immunity.
Image: The tests have been hailed as a way of loosening a country-wide lockdown
He told a parliamentary committee on Tuesday: "We can also see from other coronaviruses, from ones that cause coughs and colds, that individuals again do seem to not have particularly long-term immunity to many of those viruses, allowing them to get reinfected later.
"Immunity may not last that long against this virus."
A report prepared by the government's top scientific advisers also warned if antibody tests come into widespread use some employers might start discriminating against those who haven't had the virus.
"This might include not permitting those testing antibody negative to return to work, or only taking on new staff with antibody positive test results," their paper compiled in mid-April cautioned.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-21--Study reveals how many people have had coronavirus in the UK

At least 5 % of people in the UK have now developed COVID-19 antibodies , with the number rising to 17 % in London , a study has found .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock gave the results of the study at the government 's daily coronavirus update , as he announced plans for antibody certificates .
The figures are the first ones to be released by a government-commissioned study run by the Office for National Statistics , using 1,000 adults to track levels of immunity in the UK .
Participants had to give blood samples that are tested to check @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Experts are still unsure what level of immunity recovering from the disease gives people and how long it might last .
But Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously hailed an antibody test found by scientists at Porton Down to be 100 % accurate as a `` game-changer '' for lifting the lockdown .
This , he said , is because someone with antibodies can be `` safe and confident in the knowledge that you are most unlikely to get it again '' .
The test , made by Swiss pharmaceutical firm Roche , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health England .
Mr Hancock confirmed it will be rolled out for free on the NHS from next week - going to health and social care workers first .
However , experts are still unsure what level of immunity recovering from the disease gives people - and how long the immunity might last .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker John Edmunds , professor of infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , has warned studies of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' for hopes humans could develop long-term immunity .
He told a parliamentary committee on Tuesday : `` We can also see from other coronaviruses , from ones that cause coughs and colds , that individuals again do seem to not have particularly long-term immunity to many of those viruses , allowing them to get reinfected later .
`` Immunity may not last that long against this virus . ''
There have been more than 252,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the UK , and at least 36,124 deaths .
Analysis : UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Londoners are so much more likely to have had the infection because the capital was two weeks ahead of the rest of the country on the epidemic curve as we went into lockdown , writes our science correspondent Thomas Moore .
And since then spread of the virus has slowed dramatically .
These are results based on small samples of people across the country , so there will be a margin of error .
That ’ s why scientists are excited about the 10 million antibody tests that the government will roll out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more reliable data with geographical and occupational breakdowns .
But the figures give us a useful guide to what has happened over the past few weeks .
And they show how far short we are of herd immunity .
Roughly 60 % of the population would need to have had the virus and be immune to re-infection to stop the virus spreading .
It means a vaccine is our only realistic hope of returning to normal life .

At least 5% of people in the UK have now developed COVID-19 antibodies, with the number rising to 17% in London, a study has found.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock gave the results of the study at the government's daily coronavirus update, as he announced plans for antibody certificates.
The figures are the first ones to be released by a government-commissioned study run by the Office for National Statistics, using 1,000 adults to track levels of immunity in the UK.
Participants had to give blood samples that are tested to check how many had developed COVID-19 antibodies.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:52 How does the COVID-19 antibody test work?
Experts are still unsure what level of immunity recovering from the disease gives people and how long it might last.
But Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously hailed an antibody test found by scientists at Porton Down to be 100% accurate as a "game-changer" for lifting the lockdown.
This, he said, is because someone with antibodies can be "safe and confident in the knowledge that you are most unlikely to get it again".
The test, made by Swiss pharmaceutical firm Roche, has been approved for use by Public Health England.
Mr Hancock confirmed it will be rolled out for free on the NHS from next week - going to health and social care workers first.
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However, experts are still unsure what level of immunity recovering from the disease gives people - and how long the immunity might last.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
John Edmunds, professor of infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, has warned studies of other coronaviruses suggest "potentially bad news" for hopes humans could develop long-term immunity.
He told a parliamentary committee on Tuesday: "We can also see from other coronaviruses, from ones that cause coughs and colds, that individuals again do seem to not have particularly long-term immunity to many of those viruses, allowing them to get reinfected later.
"Immunity may not last that long against this virus."
There have been more than 252,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the UK, and at least 36,124 deaths.
Image: One professor warned immunity 'may not last that long'
Analysis: UK is still far short of herd immunity
Londoners are so much more likely to have had the infection because the capital was two weeks ahead of the rest of the country on the epidemic curve as we went into lockdown, writes our science correspondent Thomas Moore.
And since then spread of the virus has slowed dramatically.
These are results based on small samples of people across the country, so there will be a margin of error.
That’s why scientists are excited about the 10 million antibody tests that the government will roll out from next week.
They will give more reliable data with geographical and occupational breakdowns.
But the figures give us a useful guide to what has happened over the past few weeks.
And they show how far short we are of herd immunity.
Roughly 60% of the population would need to have had the virus and be immune to re-infection to stop the virus spreading.
It means a vaccine is our only realistic hope of returning to normal life.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-21--PM may have had 'intimate relationship' with US businesswoman but won't face criminal inquiry

The prime minister will not face a police investigation into his links with an American businesswoman , but a review has found he had a `` close association '' with Jennifer Arcuri and there may have been an `` intimate relationship '' .
The Independent Office for Police Conduct ( IOPC ) has announced the findings of its investigation into allegations surrounding Boris Johnson and his relationship with Ms Arcuri .
Mr Johnson has faced accusations that he used his position while mayor of London from 2008 to 2016 to benefit and reward Ms Arcuri .
Multiple inquiries were launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than £125,000 in public money and privileged access to overseas trade missions led by Mr Johnson during his time as London mayor .
The PM has previously told Sky News that `` everything was done with complete propriety '' when asked about the allegations .
Downing Street welcomed the news , describing the complaint as `` politically motivated '' '' Such vexatious claims of impropriety in office were untrue and unfounded , '' a spokesman for the PM said , adding : `` This was not a policing matter , and we consider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
In October , government auditors deemed that a £100,000 grant awarded to Ms Arcuri was `` appropriate '' .
Ms Arcuri has said any grants received by her companies and any trade missions she joined were `` purely in respect of my role as a legitimate businesswoman '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker She has insisted she `` never , ever '' received any favouritism from Mr Johnson when he was London mayor , but refused to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arcuri has said it is `` really categorically no one 's business what private life we had , or did n't have '' .
Neither Mr Johnson nor Ms Arcuri have denied that they were involved in an affair .
In the police watchdog 's report it details a `` Witness A '' as telling the inquiry that Ms Arcuri disclosed to them that she and Mr Johnson were in a sexual relationship .
Independent Office for Police Conduct director general Michael Lockwood said the watchdog carried out a `` thorough , independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were `` reasonable grounds '' to suspect `` the criminal offence of misconduct in public office had occurred '' .
`` We found no evidence to indicate that Mr Johnson influenced the payment of any sponsorship monies to Ms Arcuri or that he influenced or played an active part in securing her participation in trade missions , '' he concluded .
But the watchdog said it `` would have been wise '' for Mr Johnson to have declared their `` close association '' as a conflict of interest .
Mr Lockwood said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trips may have been influenced by Mr Johnson 's `` close relationship '' with Ms Arcuri .
And the report found there was `` some evidence '' that Mr Johnson may have been aware that Ms Arcuri was on an attendee list for a trade mission event in New York , even though he disputed it .
The allegations were referred to the IOPC by the Greater London Authority in September .
As the mayor of the capital , Mr Johnson was also head of the Office for Policing and Crime , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commissioner .
Because of that , the IOPC must investigate any suggestion a criminal offence may have been committed by the office holder , to see if an investigation should be launched .
This is regardless of whether or not they are still in that role .
In the wake of the IOPC 's decision , the London Assembly has said it will resume its investigation into Mr Johnson that it paused at the request of the police watchdog .
The IOPC has said the Greater London Authority should consider whether Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to declare his relationship with Ms Arcuri .
Len Duvall , the GLA 's Labour Group leader and chair of its oversight committee , said : `` The IOPC was looking specifically at whether he committed a criminal offence .
`` That 's not our remit and their decision does n't have any real bearing on our investigation , which will focus on his conduct as Mayor of London . ''
Analysis : There were four investigations into this , this one was the most serious By Tamara Cohen , political correspondent There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on into the issue of Boris Johnson 's relationship with Jennifer Arcuri and whether her company received privileged access to funding and official visits as a result .
But this one by the police watchdog , which could have opened the door to charges of misconduct in public office , was by far the most serious - and Downing Street will be relieved that this chapter is now over .
Pictures of Ms Arcuri - often one in a Union Jack bikini - dominated newspaper front pages for weeks at the start of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been close for several years when he was London mayor .
The IOPC report says their relationship `` may have been intimate '' .
But given voters and political colleagues ' familiarity with Boris Johnson 's much-discussed personal life over the years , this suggestion is unlikely to cause much damage .
A bullish statement from Number 10 , accusing those who reported the prime minister of wasting police time , shows their confidence his opponents have gravely miscalculated , although a further probe by the London Assembly now begins .


skynewspolitics--2020-05-10--Coronavirus lockdown: What you are allowed to do across the UK

Scotland will have many of the same freedoms as England after its devolved government eases its lockdown .
All four UK nations are loosening measures to allow people more freedom , but they do differ from each other as they make their own decisions on health - and nobody can yet move across borders .
England , Northern Ireland and Wales have already relaxed their lockdowns to an extent , while Scotland 's new rules will come into play on 28 May .
Each government 's measures need to be reviewed every three weeks by law and are each based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ' R number ' below one .
Sky News is keeping track of the rules for all four nations .
Boris Johnson 's `` conditional plan '' for easing the coronavirus lockdown in England sets out three phases .
The slogan of `` stay at home , protect the NHS , save lives '' has been changed to `` stay alert , control the virus , save lives '' .
• Travel to work if you can not work from home , while avoiding public transport if possible .
People using buses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face covering • Spend time outdoors - picnicking or sunbathing , for example • Travel to an outdoor open space irrespective of distance , but not with someone from outside your household unless you can practise social distancing - for example by cycling • Take day trips to an outdoor open space in a private vehicle • Meet one other person from a different household outdoors , while following social distancing guidelines • Exercise outdoors as often as you would like - again keeping at least two metres apart • Use a tennis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ golf course with members of your household , or one other person • Students can return home if it is a permanent move • Go to property viewings in person and visit agents for both sales and rentals • Nannies and childminders can come to your house to look after your children , provided good public health measures are adhered to You still can not do the following : • Visit friends and family in their homes • Exercise in an indoor sports court , gym or leisure centre , or go swimming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outdoor gym or playground • Gather in a group of more than two ( excluding members of your own household ) , except for a few specific exceptions set out in law ( for work , funerals , house moves , supporting the vulnerable , in emergencies and to fulfil legal obligations ) • Leave your home to stay at another home • Share a private vehicle with someone from another household • Leave your home to stay at another home for a holiday or other purpose - including visiting second homes • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends , and someone from the deceased 's household , to a funeral • Fines for breaking lockdown rules increase from £60 to £100 .
Repeat offenders will see the fine double for each subsequent breach to a maximum of £3,200 • Schools : Some classes could resume , starting with primary reception pupils , Year 1 and Year 6 .
The prime minister said the earliest return would be 1 June - but teaching unions have expressed serious doubts • Secondary pupils with exams next year will hopefully get some time with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said • Shops : A `` phased reopening '' could begin .
Mr Johnson said 1 June would be the earliest possible date and promised more detail to come • The government says it is its `` intention '' to enable `` small wedding ceremonies '' from 1 June • Restaurants and hotels : July is the earliest point at which `` some of the hospitality industry and other public places '' could reopen , the PM said .
But only if `` they are safe and enforce social distancing '' • Hairdressers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sky News that salons and barbers will not reopen until 4 July `` at the very earliest '' : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced on Thursday that Scotland 's lockdown would be relaxed from 28 May in a five-phase `` route map '' .
As of 11 May , people were allowed to exercise for an unlimited amount of time outdoors .
Some of the new rules , which are part of phase one , will start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few days later , although Ms Sturgeon did not say which ones .
The new rules from 28 May are : • People will be able to sit and sunbathe outdoors • People will be able to meet one person from another household , if they stay two metres apart outdoors - including in gardens • Visits inside another household are not allowed • Non-contact sports like golf , fishing , bowls , outdoor swimming , canoeing and tennis will be allowed • People will be able to travel - preferably walk or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but they should try to stay close to home • Outdoor industries like agriculture and construction will resume • Garden centres will be allowed to open - but none of their cafes • Some services like social work will resume • Some parts of the criminal justice system will resume Phase one but not now : • Teachers to return to work in June to prepare for schools reopening in new school year in August • Support for children going into primary one or moving form primary to secondary school • More children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have access to critical childcare , particularly outdoor nurseries • Meet outside with larger groups of friends and family , with social distancing • Meet people from another household indoors with social distancing • Indoor non-office-based workplaces , such as factories and labs , can resume once guidance is agreed • Small shops , outdoor markets , pubs and restaurants with outdoor space , and places of worships can open - with marriages and civil partnerships allowed with limited attendees • Closer to normal with different households meeting - although with social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August but with a `` blended model '' of school and home learning • Childcare providers , larger shops , indoor pubs and restaurants , hairdressers , museums , cinemas , gyms and hotels can reopen • Live events with restricted numbers and funerals beyond close family • Relaxation of all restrictions `` in line with public health advice '' The Welsh government extended the lockdown on 8 May and will review it again on 28 May .
It has relaxed a few rules , though .
What you can do now : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can carry out unlimited exercise outdoors but they must `` stay local '' , starting and ending at home and only with people from their household - with a quick break to eat something The Northern Ireland Executive has a five-stage `` Pathway to Recovery '' plan for easing the lockdown but it does not have a timetable , rather depending on key health criteria being met .
What you can do now : • Groups of up to six people who do not sure a household are allowed to meet outdoors two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open for private prayer , while drive-in church services and cinemas are allowed • Non-contact outdoor activities are allowed , including fishing , golf , tennis and some water sports • No restrictions on private travel , as long as it is in Northern Ireland • Use face coverings if you can not social distance • Groups of 10 people will be allowed to meet outdoors • Some non-contact team sports and indoor activities will be allowed • Non-food retail outlets and some libraries will be allowed to open • Phased return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work from home • Gatherings of up to 30 people - with social distancing • Part-time schooling for priority groups , with in-school and remote learning • All `` contact '' retail such as hairdressers , gyms and salons can open after a risk assessment • All school pupils go back on a part-time basis , with in-school and remote learning • Competitive sport to resume behind closed doors , or with spectator limits • Restaurants , pubs and cafes can open after a risk assessment , initially on a limited basis • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to full spectator competitive sport and live events • People can meet in large groups subject to social distancing

All four UK nations are continuing to loosen their lockdown measures to allow people more freedom.
However, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland do differ slightly from each other as they make their own decisions on health - and nobody can yet move across borders.
Each government's measures need to be reviewed every three weeks by law and are each based on scientific advice, such as keeping the 'R number' below one.
Sky News is keeping track of the rules for all four nations.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 COVID-19: PM unveils new 'Stay Alert' slogan
ENGLAND
Boris Johnson's "conditional plan" for easing the coronavirus lockdown in England previously set out three phases.
The slogan of "stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives" was changed to "stay alert, control the virus, save lives".
On 28 May, Mr Johnson gave his latest update on what restrictions will be lifted from 1 June, and added that further restrictions could be eased later in the month, such as more retail being allowed to open, as long as the R rate stays below one.
From 1 June:
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People can gather in groups of up to six people in public or private outdoor spaces, as long as social distancing is practised. They can play sports with the people that they meet, but only if it is possible to keep a two-metre space between them, such as tennis or football.
in public or private outdoor spaces, as long as social distancing is practised. They can play sports with the people that they meet, but only if it is possible to keep a two-metre space between them, such as tennis or football. Reception, year one, year six and nursery age children are allowed to go back to school - despite teaching unions expressing serious doubts
More than two million vulnerable people "shielding" from the virus are allowed to meet loved ones
People can visit outdoor retail spaces - such as outdoor markets and car showrooms where social distancing can be observed
People could already:
Travel to work if you cannot work from home, while avoiding public transport if possible. People using buses or trains are advised to wear a face covering
Spend time outdoors - picnicking or sunbathing, for example
Travel to an outdoor open space irrespective of distance, but not with someone from outside your household unless you can practise social distancing - for example by cycling
Take day trips to an outdoor open space in a private vehicle
Meet one other person from a different household outdoors, while following social distancing guidelines
Exercise outdoors as often as you would like - again keeping at least two metres apart
Use a tennis or a basketball court, or a golf course with members of your household, or one other person
Go to a garden centre
Students can return home if it is a permanent move
Go to property viewings in person and visit agents for both sales and rentals
Nannies and childminders can come to your house to look after your children, provided good public health measures are adhered to
Image: Advice on the two-metre rule when out and about remains the same
You still cannot do the following:
Exercise in an indoor sports court, gym or leisure centre, or go swimming in a public pool
Use an outdoor gym or playground
Visit a private or ticketed attraction
Leave your home to stay at another home
Share a private vehicle with someone from another household
Leave your home to stay at another home for a holiday or other purpose - including visiting second homes
Invite anyone other than close family or friends, and someone from the deceased's household, to a funeral
Fines
Fines for breaking lockdown rules increased from £60 to £100. Repeat offenders will see the fine double for each subsequent breach to a maximum of £3,200
Image: Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 will be the first to go back to school
Later in June
Secondary pupils with exams next year will hopefully get some time with teachers before the summer, the PM said
More non-essential retail can open their doors, including fashion and tech shops (15 June)
Adults living alone, including single parents with children under 18, will be able to form a "support bubble" with one other household, meaning they can meet inside and stay overnight (13 June)
July
Restaurants and hotels: July is the earliest point at which "some of the hospitality industry and other public places" could reopen, the PM said, but only if "they are safe and enforce social distancing"
Hairdressers: Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told Sky News that salons and barbers will not reopen until 4 July "at the very earliest"
Advice for over 70s:
Those over 70 should continue to take particular care to minimise contact with others outside their household.
If they do go out, they should be careful to maintain distance from others and should comply with social distancing rules.
Anyone who has been advised to shield by the NHS or their GP, including those 70 and over, should continue to do this until at least the end of June.
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SCOTLAND
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that Scotland's lockdown would be relaxed in a four-phase "route map".
Since 29 May, the new rules are:
Up to eight people from two households may gather outdoors, as long as people are social distancing
People are able to sit and sunbathe outdoors
Visits inside another household are not allowed
Non-contact sports like golf, fishing, bowls, outdoor swimming, canoeing and tennis are allowed
People are able to travel - preferably walk or cycle - to carry out activities, but they should try to stay close to home
Recycling and waste services resume
Outdoor industries like agriculture and construction resume
Garden centres are allowed to open - but none of their cafes
Some services like social work resume
Some parts of the criminal justice system resume
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 'Don't be distracted' by England COVID measures
As part of its four-phase "route map", lockdown measures to be relaxed in the future in Scotland include:
Phase one but not now:
Teachers to return to work in June to prepare for schools reopening in new school year in August
Support for children going into primary one or moving from primary to secondary school
More children, not just of key workers, to have access to critical childcare, particularly outdoor nurseries
Housing market to reopen
Gradual reopening of takeaway and drive-thru food outlets
Phase two:
Meet outside with larger groups of friends and family, with social distancing
Meet people from another household indoors with social distancing
Increased public transport capacity with peak time travel discouraged
University lab research to restart
Indoor non-office-based workplaces, such as factories and labs, can resume once guidance is agreed
People can move house
Small shops, outdoor markets, pubs and restaurants with outdoor space, and places of worships can open - with marriages and civil partnerships allowed with limited attendees
Scotland's sports minister has said professional football, rugby and horse racing will return behind closed doors during phase two of the easing of lockdown restrictions, however a date has not been set
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:41 Sturgeon outlines Scotland lockdown easing
Phase three:
Closer to normal with different households meeting - although with social distancing
Schools to reopen on 11 August but with a "blended model" of school and home learning
Childcare providers, larger shops, indoor pubs and restaurants, hairdressers, museums, cinemas, gyms and hotels can reopen
Live events with restricted numbers and funerals beyond close family
Dentists to fully reopen
Phase four:
Relaxation of all restrictions "in line with public health advice"
WALES
The Welsh government has announced a three-week cycle of further changes from 22 June.
Mark Drakeford, the first minister, has also told the tourism sector it can prepare to reopen, and take bookings for stays beginning on the 13 July.
From 22 June:
All non-essential retail can open within social distancing guidelines
Private prayer can take place in places of worship
Childcare facilities can begin to reopen
House viewings can take place and postponed property sales can be completed
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:37 Wales first to ease some lockdown measures
From 29 June:
Some school pupils will be able to return to school to catch up on work and prepare for September
From 6 July:
People will be able to travel freely throughout Wales for any reason
Existing measures:
People from two different households in the same local area can meet up outdoors, but they must continue to maintain social distancing and strict hand hygiene
They must also stay local, meaning they mustn't - as a general rule - travel more than five miles from home
Exceptions will be people travelling to work, to seek care or shopping for essentials if they aren't available locally
Vulnerable people who have been "shielding" from the virus have been advised they can exercise at times that are not too busy
People could carry out unlimited exercise outdoors but must "stay local", starting and ending at home and only with people from their household - with a quick break to eat something
Garden centres can reopen
Recycling centres and libraries can open
NORTHERN IRELAND:
The Northern Ireland Executive has a five-stage "pathway to recovery" plan for easing the lockdown and some rules will be relaxed on 8 June.
What you can do now:
Groups of up to six people who do not share a household are allowed to meet outdoors two metres apart
Garden and recycling centres have reopened
Places of worship are open for private prayer, while drive-in church services and cinemas are allowed
Non-contact outdoor activities are allowed, including fishing, golf, tennis and some water sports
No restrictions on private travel, as long as it is in Northern Ireland
Use face coverings if you cannot social distance
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:00 Life in lockdown in Northern Ireland
Step two:
Groups of 10 people will be allowed to meet outdoors
Some non-contact team sports and indoor activities will be allowed
Non-food retail outlets and some libraries will be allowed to open
Step three:
Phased return to office working but those who can should work from home
Gatherings of up to 30 people - with social distancing
Part-time schooling for priority groups, with in-school and remote learning
Museums, galleries, libraries to reopen
Concert and theatre rehearsals to resume
Image: An empty Belfast during the lockdown
Step four:
All "contact" retail such as hairdressers, gyms and salons can open after a risk assessment
All school pupils go back on a part-time basis, with in-school and remote learning
Staggering demand for public transport
Wider range of gatherings allowed, including church services - subject to social distancing
Competitive sport to resume behind closed doors, or with spectator limits
Leisure centres to open
Outdoor concerts allowed on a restricted basis
Step five:
Early-year schooling goes to full-time
Restaurants, pubs and cafes can open after a risk assessment, initially on a limited basis
Close physical contact sport allowed and return to full spectator competitive sport and live events
People can meet in large groups subject to social distancing
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After The Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk