skynewspolitics--2020-05-21--Tory says fellow MPs who want to keep virtual parliament are 'lazy and work-shy'

MPs who want to maintain the virtual parliament system during the coronavirus lockdown are `` lazy '' and `` work-shy '' , a Conservative MP has claimed .
Crawley MP Henry Smith wrote on Twitter that it was not surprising that `` work-shy social and nationalist MPs tried to keep the remote parliament going beyond 2 June '' amid the COVID-19 outbreak .
The remarks attracted criticism , with Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner branding them `` nonsense '' .
She added that MPs and their staff from across the chamber have been `` working hard '' from their homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister Jess Phillips and former shadow minister and Labour MP Debbie Abrahams also criticised Mr Smith , condemning his remarks as both `` appalling '' and `` insulting '' .
Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg confirmed on Wednesday that he is sticking with plans to make MPs return to Westminster next month and bring an end to the current hybrid system .
This has seen MPs contribute to proceedings either in person or via Zoom .
Mr Rees-Mogg said social distancing will continue , which has limited numbers in the chamber to 50 MPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required to keep six feet apart when casting their votes in the chamber .
Mr Rees-Mogg pledged that parliament would be `` COVID-19 secure '' by 2 June , with MPs spared the `` crowded , bustling chamber of old '' .
He said the staff of MPs will be `` strongly advised to continue working from home '' , while efforts are continuing to work out how those with underlying health conditions who have been told to shield can still contribute .
Making the case for MPs to return , Mr Rees-Mogg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time available for debating legislation by around two-thirds and hindered `` proper scrutiny '' of the government .
In the wake of his announcement , opposition MPs failed in an attempt to take control of the Commons agenda to allow a vote on how the chamber will operate after recess when their amendment was not selected .
Labour has said ministers have `` yet to provide an honest explanation as to why it wants to bring this virtual system to an end '' .
A number of MPs from across the political spectrum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conservative MP Michael Fabricant has said MPs `` risk becoming 650 super-spreaders '' .
`` The current 'hybrid ' arrangements , however , while far from perfect , mean that MPs can work from home while all can still take part in voting on legislation , asking questions , scrutinising the government , speaking in debates , as well as undertaking constituency work , '' he said .
He added : `` Providing safe working conditions will be difficult as social distancing is nigh on impossible in its narrow corridors .
`` Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other parts of the country which are still experiencing high rates of infection is an epidemiologist 's very worst nightmare . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Robert Halfon , a fellow Tory MP , warned the Commons would become an `` apartheid parliament '' if measures for participating virtually are not retained for those who need them .
Mr Halfon , who is disabled , considered in an at-risk group and currently shielding , said : `` It 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in , I would come in tomorrow if I could . ''
Garry Graham , deputy general secretary of the Prospect union , said trade unions representing parliamentary staff had offered to work with the government on a phased return to a physical parliament between now and the summer .
He said : `` It is incredibly disappointing that the government has chosen to ignore the voice of staff and impose a full return to parliament in two weeks , including physical voting , that will mean hundreds of people packed into parliament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at risk . ''

MPs who want to maintain the virtual parliament system during the coronavirus lockdown are "lazy" and "work-shy", a Conservative MP has claimed.
Crawley MP Henry Smith wrote on Twitter that it was not surprising that "work-shy social and nationalist MPs tried to keep the remote parliament going beyond 2 June" amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
The remarks attracted criticism, with Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner branding them "nonsense".
Image: Henry Smith's comments have been described as 'appalling' and 'insulting'
She added that MPs and their staff from across the chamber have been "working hard" from their homes during the coronavirus lockdown.
Labour shadow minister Jess Phillips and former shadow minister and Labour MP Debbie Abrahams also criticised Mr Smith, condemning his remarks as both "appalling" and "insulting".
Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg confirmed on Wednesday that he is sticking with plans to make MPs return to Westminster next month and bring an end to the current hybrid system.
This has seen MPs contribute to proceedings either in person or via Zoom.
Mr Rees-Mogg said social distancing will continue, which has limited numbers in the chamber to 50 MPs in recent weeks.
MPs will be required to keep six feet apart when casting their votes in the chamber.
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Mr Rees-Mogg pledged that parliament would be "COVID-19 secure" by 2 June, with MPs spared the "crowded, bustling chamber of old".
He said the staff of MPs will be "strongly advised to continue working from home", while efforts are continuing to work out how those with underlying health conditions who have been told to shield can still contribute.
Making the case for MPs to return, Mr Rees-Mogg said the hybrid parliament had cut the time available for debating legislation by around two-thirds and hindered "proper scrutiny" of the government.
In the wake of his announcement, opposition MPs failed in an attempt to take control of the Commons agenda to allow a vote on how the chamber will operate after recess when their amendment was not selected.
Labour has said ministers have "yet to provide an honest explanation as to why it wants to bring this virtual system to an end".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:52 MPs grapple with virtual democracy
A number of MPs from across the political spectrum have expressed concerns about a return.
Conservative MP Michael Fabricant has said MPs "risk becoming 650 super-spreaders".
"The current 'hybrid' arrangements, however, while far from perfect, mean that MPs can work from home while all can still take part in voting on legislation, asking questions, scrutinising the government, speaking in debates, as well as undertaking constituency work," he said.
He added: "Providing safe working conditions will be difficult as social distancing is nigh on impossible in its narrow corridors.
"Meanwhile, having MPs arrive in Westminster from other parts of the country which are still experiencing high rates of infection is an epidemiologist's very worst nightmare."
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Robert Halfon, a fellow Tory MP, warned the Commons would become an "apartheid parliament" if measures for participating virtually are not retained for those who need them.
Mr Halfon, who is disabled, considered in an at-risk group and currently shielding, said: "It's not that I don't want to come in, I would come in tomorrow if I could."
Garry Graham, deputy general secretary of the Prospect union, said trade unions representing parliamentary staff had offered to work with the government on a phased return to a physical parliament between now and the summer.
He said: "It is incredibly disappointing that the government has chosen to ignore the voice of staff and impose a full return to parliament in two weeks, including physical voting, that will mean hundreds of people packed into parliament's narrow corridors putting MPs and staff at risk."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-21--UK track and trace delayed as ministers don't know how they'll get people to isolate

Ministers are discussing whether to enforce isolation as part of the test , track and trace scheme amid concerns it will be difficult to get people to stay at home when lockdown measures are eased .
Senior sources inside government have told Sky News there is an ongoing conversation about how to ensure people stick to the new measures .
Ministers want to find a way to persuade rather than force the public to stay at home because of fears that heavy-handed measures would go down badly .
A key part of the new tracing process is ensuring those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others in a bid to curb the spread .
Without this aspect , the system will not work effectively .
One expert said asking people to isolate themselves would be `` very difficult indeed '' as soon as others start to go about their daily lives again .
They added that the app will have to win the trust of the public so they listen and obey when told not to go out .
In South Korea , held up as an example of good tracking and tracing , isolation is legally enforced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in quarantine to ensure they have not left their home .
Such measures are viewed as unworkable by politicians in the UK .
Minsters wanted to announce plans for the nationwide scheme this week , but it has been delayed over concerns that any further confusion could undermine trust , after weeks of different messages coming from Number 10. : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Senior figures within government believe the public are most forgiving when the advice coming from ministers is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fear that when it comes to longer-term strategy , people will be less understanding if things look confused .
They believe they have one chance to persuade people that the new system for tracking and isolating cases is effective , in order to get the nation back up and running .
Early results from the test-run on the Isle of Wight show that while the app works , people 's behaviour towards using it has not been as expected .
A government source said there was a desire to interact with a person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than rely solely on an app .
Therefore , they said , it would have been better to roll out the call-centre model and then supplement it with an app , rather than the other way around .
Over the last 24 hours , ministers have publicly confirmed the app will be a supplementary element of the wider tracing system and not the main focus as originally suggested .
Around 25,000 contact tracers have been recruited so far , the prime minister said on Wednesday .
It is understood that by early June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up where people who believe they have the virus can call up , get a test and hand over their recent contacts in order for them to be traced and warned of possible infection .
Only close contacts will need to be traced as scientific evidence suggests they are at the greatest risk of exposure .

Ministers are discussing whether to enforce isolation as part of the test, track and trace scheme amid concerns it will be difficult to get people to stay at home when lockdown measures are eased.
Senior sources inside government have told Sky News there is an ongoing conversation about how to ensure people stick to the new measures.
Ministers want to find a way to persuade rather than force the public to stay at home because of fears that heavy-handed measures would go down badly.
Image: People are seen enjoying the hot weather on Brighton beach
A key part of the new tracing process is ensuring those who may have the virus stay away from others in a bid to curb the spread. Without this aspect, the system will not work effectively.
One expert said asking people to isolate themselves would be "very difficult indeed" as soon as others start to go about their daily lives again.
They added that the app will have to win the trust of the public so they listen and obey when told not to go out.
In South Korea, held up as an example of good tracking and tracing, isolation is legally enforced and case officers check in with those in quarantine to ensure they have not left their home.
Such measures are viewed as unworkable by politicians in the UK.
Minsters wanted to announce plans for the nationwide scheme this week, but it has been delayed over concerns that any further confusion could undermine trust, after weeks of different messages coming from Number 10.
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Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Senior figures within government believe the public are most forgiving when the advice coming from ministers is designed to save lives.
But they fear that when it comes to longer-term strategy, people will be less understanding if things look confused.
They believe they have one chance to persuade people that the new system for tracking and isolating cases is effective, in order to get the nation back up and running.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 People defy lockdown rules on Good Friday
Early results from the test-run on the Isle of Wight show that while the app works, people's behaviour towards using it has not been as expected.
A government source said there was a desire to interact with a person - a human contact tracer - rather than rely solely on an app.
Therefore, they said, it would have been better to roll out the call-centre model and then supplement it with an app, rather than the other way around.
Over the last 24 hours, ministers have publicly confirmed the app will be a supplementary element of the wider tracing system and not the main focus as originally suggested.
Around 25,000 contact tracers have been recruited so far, the prime minister said on Wednesday.
It is understood that by early June, a contact centre will be set up where people who believe they have the virus can call up, get a test and hand over their recent contacts in order for them to be traced and warned of possible infection.
Only close contacts will need to be traced as scientific evidence suggests they are at the greatest risk of exposure.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-22--Self-isolate for 14 days or face £1,000 fine, travellers to UK to be told

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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' 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 .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 `` idiotic '' and `` unimplementable '' earlier this week .
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 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 wo n'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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of international air travel for passengers and businesses . ''
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 to wear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 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--2020-05-22--Record government borrowing in April as UK tackles coronavirus crisis

The government borrowed a record amount in April , adding £62.1bn to the country 's budget deficit .
The Office for National Statistics said government borrowing was £51.1bn higher than the same month last year .
It comes amid efforts by Chancellor Rishi Sunak to prevent mass job losses from the coronavirus pandemic by furloughing many of the country 's workers .
The figure is significantly higher than expected , with most economists having predicted £30.7bn for the month .
Public debt jumped to almost 98 % of GDP - the highest share of GDP by that measure since 1963 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was due to both higher borrowing and a lower estimate of the size of the economy .
Paul Craig , portfolio manager at Quilter Investors , said : `` Government revenue is dominated by income tax and national insurance , so the furloughing scheme will help mitigate any serious damage here and now .
`` However , the next biggest contributor is VAT , and this is where the worries will be for the Treasury .
Consumption has collapsed and will take a considerable amount of time to return to levels seen prior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the previous 10 years to balance the books has been undone in one fell swoop .
`` However , the bottom line of all of this is that the amount of borrowing simply just is n't important today or in the coming months .
`` The amount of debt is not necessarily what matters , but the cost to service this debt .
While debt to GDP ratios will climb , the ability to pay this down will also increase , particularly given the Bank of England and the Treasury have never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gilts are being sold with negative yields , and the BoE being the most prominent buyer of this debt , the government will be fairly comfortable with the borrowing that is required currently . ''
Alex Tuckett , senior economist at PwC , said the April borrowing figure was `` dramatic '' , adding that it was almost as much as the figure for the whole of the 2019/20 financial year .
`` The dramatic deterioration in public finances was driven both by a more than 25 % fall ( relative to April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy contracted in response to the COVID-19 crisis , and an even more dramatic increase in expenditure ( over 50 % relative to April 2019 ) , as the government has spent heavily on schemes such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme .
`` Large monthly borrowing figures will continue until the economy recovers and some aspects of fiscal support can be scaled back . ''
Mr Sunak , said : `` Our top priority is to support people , jobs and businesses through this crisis and ensure our economic recovery is as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That 's why we 've taken unprecedented steps to provide lifelines to people and businesses with our furlough scheme , grants , loans and tax cuts .
`` If we had n't provided this support , more livelihoods would be at risk , and the economic and financial cost would have been much worse . ''

The government borrowed a record amount in April, adding £62.1bn to the country's budget deficit.
The Office for National Statistics said government borrowing was £51.1bn higher than the same month last year.
It comes amid efforts by Chancellor Rishi Sunak to prevent mass job losses from the coronavirus pandemic by furloughing many of the country's workers.
The figure is significantly higher than expected, with most economists having predicted £30.7bn for the month.
Public debt jumped to almost 98% of GDP - the highest share of GDP by that measure since 1963, according to the ONS.
This was due to both higher borrowing and a lower estimate of the size of the economy.
Paul Craig, portfolio manager at Quilter Investors, said: "Government revenue is dominated by income tax and national insurance, so the furloughing scheme will help mitigate any serious damage here and now.
"However, the next biggest contributor is VAT, and this is where the worries will be for the Treasury. Consumption has collapsed and will take a considerable amount of time to return to levels seen prior to this crisis. All the work of the previous 10 years to balance the books has been undone in one fell swoop.
"However, the bottom line of all of this is that the amount of borrowing simply just isn't important today or in the coming months.
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"The amount of debt is not necessarily what matters, but the cost to service this debt. While debt to GDP ratios will climb, the ability to pay this down will also increase, particularly given the Bank of England and the Treasury have never been more aligned.
"So while gilts are being sold with negative yields, and the BoE being the most prominent buyer of this debt, the government will be fairly comfortable with the borrowing that is required currently."
Alex Tuckett, senior economist at PwC, said the April borrowing figure was "dramatic", adding that it was almost as much as the figure for the whole of the 2019/20 financial year.
"The dramatic deterioration in public finances was driven both by a more than 25% fall (relative to April 2019) in tax receipts as the economy contracted in response to the COVID-19 crisis, and an even more dramatic increase in expenditure (over 50% relative to April 2019), as the government has spent heavily on schemes such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
"Large monthly borrowing figures will continue until the economy recovers and some aspects of fiscal support can be scaled back."
Mr Sunak, said: "Our top priority is to support people, jobs and businesses through this crisis and ensure our economic recovery is as strong and as swift as possible. That's why we've taken unprecedented steps to provide lifelines to people and businesses with our furlough scheme, grants, loans and tax cuts.
"If we hadn't provided this support, more livelihoods would be at risk, and the economic and financial cost would have been much worse."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-21--Peer promises to repay taxpayers' money after furloughing himself

A Lib Dem peer has admitted making an `` error of judgment '' after furloughing himself while continuing to claim a three-figure daily allowance for working in parliament .
Lord Christopher Fox decided to furlough himself during the coronavirus crisis as the owner and sole employee of Vulpes Advisory , a communications and consultancy company .
But he continued to pick-up the daily £162 allowance given to peers for carrying out work virtually in the House of Lords .
Lord Fox has now confirmed he will repay the money he received during his time on furlough .
The 62-year-old said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judgment and I apologise .
`` I have already begun to repay the money I received as part of the furlough scheme and intend to repay the full amount as soon as possible . ''
The furlough scheme , announced in March , allows businesses badly stung by the COVID-19 lockdown to have the government pay their staff 's wages .
Payments from the Treasury cover a rate of 80 % of staff 's salary and are capped at £2,500 a month .
The provision has since been extended , with caveats in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Before the pandemic , peers were able to claim £323 per day for clocking in at the Upper Chamber .
It was agreed that it should be reduced to £162 while they carry out their work mainly via online means , with many now using video conferencing platform Zoom .
Lord Fox had come under fire from senior Tories for taking the payment while furloughing himself .
Former minister Robert Halfon MP accused him of wanting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ends '' , while some of his constituents are currently `` struggling to keep a roof over their heads '' .
He added : `` The chancellor needs to nip this in the bud and make sure this is not allowed . ''
Ex-universities minister Chris Skidmore also commented , tweeting : `` Time to furlough his peerage . ''

A Lib Dem peer has admitted making an "error of judgment" after furloughing himself while continuing to claim a three-figure daily allowance for working in parliament.
Lord Christopher Fox decided to furlough himself during the coronavirus crisis as the owner and sole employee of Vulpes Advisory, a communications and consultancy company.
But he continued to pick-up the daily £162 allowance given to peers for carrying out work virtually in the House of Lords.
Image: The furlough scheme has been up and running since March
Lord Fox has now confirmed he will repay the money he received during his time on furlough.
The 62-year-old said: "I recognise my error in judgment and I apologise.
"I have already begun to repay the money I received as part of the furlough scheme and intend to repay the full amount as soon as possible."
The furlough scheme, announced in March, allows businesses badly stung by the COVID-19 lockdown to have the government pay their staff's wages.
Payments from the Treasury cover a rate of 80% of staff's salary and are capped at £2,500 a month.
The provision has since been extended, with caveats in place, until October.
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Before the pandemic, peers were able to claim £323 per day for clocking in at the Upper Chamber.
It was agreed that it should be reduced to £162 while they carry out their work mainly via online means, with many now using video conferencing platform Zoom.
Lord Fox had come under fire from senior Tories for taking the payment while furloughing himself.
Former minister Robert Halfon MP accused him of wanting to "milk the taxpayer at both ends", while some of his constituents are currently "struggling to keep a roof over their heads".
He added: "The chancellor needs to nip this in the bud and make sure this is not allowed."
Ex-universities minister Chris Skidmore also commented, tweeting: "Time to furlough his peerage."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-22--Mortgage payment holidays extended by three months

The mortgage payment holiday scheme has been extended by three months , the government has announced .
The scheme was brought in to help homeowners who found themselves in financial difficulty due to coronavirus .
The COVID-19 pandemic , which has killed more than 36,000 people in the UK , has seen many business forced to close , resulting in job losses for some and furlough for many others .
More than 1.8 million mortgage payment holidays have been taken up since the scheme was launched in March .
The first of those holidays was due to end in June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for three months .
The application deadline will also be moved to the end of October .
The extension also applies to a ban on repossessions of homes by lenders .
John Glen , economic secretary to the Treasury , said : `` Everyone 's circumstances will be different , so when homeowners can pay some or all of their mortgage , they should work with their lender on a plan .
`` But if they are still struggling , I want them to know that help is there . ''
A mortgage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as interest continues to build unless a lender agrees otherwise .
The borrower will still owe the outstanding debt and this may mean needing to extend the mortgage term if they want payments to remain at their pre-pandemic level .
Laura Suter , personal finance analyst at investment platform AJ Bell , said the extension would be a `` welcome relief '' for those struggling .
But she added : `` Based on the average mortgage in the country , UK banks were already set to make more than £800m more in additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that will leap up now the period has been extended .
`` While the break in payments will be a lifeline for some people , they should research all the options first , including extending their term to reduce monthly payments , seeing if they can switch to a lower rate or switching to interest-only for a period . ''
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Christopher Woolard , interim chief executive at the Financial Conduct Authority , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone who continues to need help should get help from their lender .
`` We expect firms to work with customers on the best options available for them , paying particular attention to the needs of their vulnerable customers , and to provide information on where to access help and advice .
`` Where consumers can afford to restart mortgage payments , it is in their best interests to do so .
But where they ca n't , a range of further support will be available . ''

The mortgage payment holiday scheme has been extended by three months, the government has announced.
The scheme was brought in to help homeowners who found themselves in financial difficulty due to coronavirus.
The COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed more than 36,000 people in the UK, has seen many business forced to close, resulting in job losses for some and furlough for many others.
More than 1.8 million mortgage payment holidays have been taken up since the scheme was launched in March.
The first of those holidays was due to end in June, but they can now be extended for three months.
The application deadline will also be moved to the end of October.
The extension also applies to a ban on repossessions of homes by lenders.
John Glen, economic secretary to the Treasury, said: "Everyone's circumstances will be different, so when homeowners can pay some or all of their mortgage, they should work with their lender on a plan.
"But if they are still struggling, I want them to know that help is there."
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A mortgage holiday is only a temporary measure, as interest continues to build unless a lender agrees otherwise.
The borrower will still owe the outstanding debt and this may mean needing to extend the mortgage term if they want payments to remain at their pre-pandemic level.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:13 How you can move house during pandemic
Laura Suter, personal finance analyst at investment platform AJ Bell, said the extension would be a "welcome relief" for those struggling.
But she added: "Based on the average mortgage in the country, UK banks were already set to make more than £800m more in additional interest by people taking a mortgage holiday and that will leap up now the period has been extended.
"While the break in payments will be a lifeline for some people, they should research all the options first, including extending their term to reduce monthly payments, seeing if they can switch to a lower rate or switching to interest-only for a period."
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:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Christopher Woolard, interim chief executive at the Financial Conduct Authority, said anyone who continues to need help should speak to their lender.
"We expect firms to work with customers on the best options available for them, paying particular attention to the needs of their vulnerable customers, and to provide information on where to access help and advice.
"Where consumers can afford to restart mortgage payments, it is in their best interests to do so. But where they can't, a range of further support will be available."
Stephen Jones, chief executive for UK Finance, which represents the banking and finance industry, said the industry supported the extension.
But he added: "A payment holiday may not be the right choice for everyone, and borrowers should only apply if they need one."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-22--Labour demands explanation after reports Cummings broke lockdown rules

Labour has demanded a `` swift explanation '' from Downing Street after newspaper reports suggested Boris Johnson 's most senior adviser was spoken to by police over an apparent breach of lockdown restrictions .
A joint investigation by The Guardian and the Daily Mirror claims Dominic Cummings was approached by Durham Constabulary on 31 March after travelling to the city , which is more than 200 miles from his London home .
Sky News understands that Durham Police did not speak to Dominic Cummings directly but spoke to his parents .
A Number 10 spokesperson had confirmed on 30 March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms of coronavirus .
At the time , the government advice was that people should stay at home and not travel to second homes .
The newspapers also suggest a local resident saw Mr Cummings at the doorstep of his parents ' home with a child believed to be his son on 5 April .
A Labour spokesperson said : `` If accurate , the prime minister 's chief adviser appears to have breached the lockdown rules .
The government 's guidance was very clear : stay at home and no non-essential travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect there to be one rule for them and another rule for Dominic Cummings .
`` Number 10 needs to provide a very swift explanation for his actions . ''
'They will fight very hard to keep him' Sky 's deputy political editor Sam Coates said : `` Dominic Cummings is an essential person in this government in the view of many people in Downing Street .
`` They will fight very hard to keep him .
As of now , there is no official response to these stories .
`` However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and anonymously that Dominic Cummings was travelling to Durham because he and his wife were ill and they needed some support for their child - something they believe was permitted under the rules and guidelines set down by government . ''
He added : `` There is going to be an almighty fight in the days to come over Dominic Cummings ' future but do n't expect Boris Johnson to lose him in a hurry . ''
The Scottish National Party 's ( SNP ) Westminster leader Ian Blackford said Mr Cummings ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding `` he must resign or be sacked '' .
In a series of tweets , Mr Blackford said : `` This is a key test of leadership for Boris Johnson .
People must have confidence that the Tory government is following its own rules - not being investigated by the police for breaking them .
`` Millions of people will find it completely incredible that Boris Johnson 's most senior adviser has been breaking his own government 's rules when the rest of us have all made huge sacrifices to obey them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the list of reasons under the law for leaving the house that allowed someone to travel the length of the country to stay with their parents , particularly not someone who was known to have the virus . ''
Sir Ed Davey , acting leader of the Liberal Democrats , has called for Mr Cummings to quit over the allegations .
He posted on Twitter : `` If Dominic Cummings has broken the lockdown guidelines he will have to resign , it is as simple as that . ''
Breaches of lockdown restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Scotland 's chief medical officer Catherine Calderwood quit her post after it emerged she had twice visited a second home in Fife .
Professor Neil Ferguson , one of the government 's most high-profile scientific advisers , resigned from the SAGE committee after it emerged a woman from outside his household had visited his home on two occasions .
Downing Street is yet to respond to the reports related to Mr Cummings .
A Durham Constabulary spokesman said : `` On Tuesday , March 31 , our officers were made aware of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London to Durham and was present at an address in the city .
`` Officers made contact with the owners of that address who confirmed that the individual in question was present and was self-isolating in part of the house .
`` In line with national policing guidance , officers explained to the family the arrangements around self-isolation guidelines and reiterated the appropriate advice around essential travel . ''
23 March : Strict lockdown rules are imposed which mean people can only leave their houses for essential travel .
27 March : Boris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed to have tested positive for coronavirus .
Mr Cummings is seen running along Downing Street .
Weekend of 28 and 29 March : Over this weekend , Mr Cummings developed coronavirus symptoms , Downing Street later confirmed .
31 March : According to a joint investigation by The Guardian and the Daily Mirror , Mr Cummings travelled to his family 's farm in Durham - and it was on this date that Mr Cummings ' family were spoken to by police .
14 April : Mr Cummings is pictured in Downing Street @ @ @ @ @

Boris Johnson has backed his top aide Dominic Cummings after it emerged he travelled 260 miles from London to Durham during lockdown.
The prime minister's chief adviser, who played a big role in drawing up the UK's lockdown rules, travelled from his London home with his wife and son to stay with his elderly parents - even after developing coronavirus symptoms.
Durham Police confirmed they spoke to the owners of a property on 31 March - a week after the prime minister imposed the lockdown - after a call from someone reporting they had seen Mr Cummings in the area.
But Downing Street says nobody related to Mr Cummings was spoken to by police, and insists his actions were reasonable.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 SNP Westminster leader: Cummings should resign
"Owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus and the high likelihood that he would himself become unwell, it was essential for Dominic Cummings to ensure his young child could be properly cared for," Number 10 said in a statement.
"His sister and nieces had volunteered to help so he went to a house near to but separate from his extended family in case their help was needed. His sister shopped for the family and left everything outside. At no stage was he or his family spoken to by the police about this matter, as is being reported. His actions were in line with coronavirus guidelines. Mr Cummings believes he behaved reasonably and legally."
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Analysis: Number 10 statement raises more questions
By Rob Powell, political correspondent
It's very hard to see how Mr Cummings has complied with coronavirus guidelines when rule number one is to stay at home and self-isolate if anyone in your household has symptoms.
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Families who have struggled with the virus may wonder why the top adviser was not able to get help with shopping from family and friends at his London home, rather than making the 260-mile trip to Durham.
Downing Street has also not addressed who cared for Mr Cummings's young son after he had travelled to the North East.
Anonymous allies suggested last night that grandparents had helped. If true, that would be a further breach of lockdown rules, potentially exposing two vulnerable individuals to the virus.
Then there is the tacit accusation from Number 10 that Durham Constabulary lied to the press when it said officers had spoken to Mr Cummings's family about the trip.
Opposition parties said Mr Cummings's position is "untenable".
Sir Ed Davey, acting leader of the Liberal Democrats, told Sky News: "He must go. He should either resign or the prime minister should sack him.
"When millions of people have sacrificed so much... it looks quite outrageous that the prime minister's top adviser should breach the rules. The prime minister has got to make his position clear. I can't see that this is anything other than a breach of the guidelines."
He also questioned why Mr Cummings would choose to self-isolate with his elderly parents, who are in the "vulnerable category".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:15 PM's chief adviser seen running from Number 10
"I don't think there can be one rule for everyone else and a different rule for the prime minister's top team," said Mr Davey.
"I can't see how Dominic Cummings is going to wriggle out of this one."
A Labour spokesperson said: "The lockdown rules were very clear: if you or anyone in your household was suspected of having COVID-19 you must immediately self-isolate and not leave the house.
"Number 10's statement also raises more questions than it answers. We are still unclear who knew about this decision and when, whether this was sanctioned by the prime minister and whether Number 10 is now questioning the validity of the statement from Durham Police."
A joint investigation by The Guardian and the Daily Mirror revealed that Mr Cummings escaped the capital at the same time as the PM was instructing people to stay at home and not travel to their second homes - with fines in place for those flouting the rules.
A Number 10 spokesperson had confirmed on 30 March that Mr Cummings was self-isolating after suffering COVID-19 symptoms.
The newspapers said a local resident saw Mr Cummings at the doorstep of his parents' home with a child, believed to be his son, on 5 April.
Sky's deputy political editor Sam Coates said after the news broke: "Dominic Cummings is an essential person in this government in the view of many people in Downing Street. They will fight very hard to keep him."
He added: "There is going to be an almighty fight in the days to come over Dominic Cummings's future but don't expect Boris Johnson to lose him in a hurry."
Sources close to Mr Cummings earlier cited comments made by deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries, who suggested in "exceptional circumstances" parents too unwell to look after a child could rely on family support, among other options.
But Dr Harries made her remarks almost two weeks after Mr Cummings travelled north.
Senior members of government have put their support behind Mr Cummings, including Michael Gove, who said: "Caring for your wife and child is not a crime."
Dominic Raab tweeted: "It's reasonable and fair to ask for an explanation on this. And it has been provided: two parents with Coronavirus, were anxiously taking care of their young child. Those now seeking to politicise it should take a long hard look in the mirror."
But the Scottish National Party's (SNP) Westminster leader Ian Blackford said Mr Cummings's position was "completely untenable", adding: "He must resign or be sacked."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 'If it's true, Cummings must resign or be sacked'
Breaches of lockdown restrictions have recently led to some high-profile resignations.
Scotland's chief medical officer Catherine Calderwood quit her post after it emerged she had twice visited a second home in Fife.
Professor Neil Ferguson, one of the government's most high-profile scientific advisers, resigned from the SAGE committee after it emerged a woman from outside his household had visited his home on two occasions.
Durham Police said given the "whole ethos of the guidance was to reduce spread... travelling to County Durham when known to be infected was most unwise".
"To beat this crisis we need to be selfless as millions have been," acting commissioner Steve White said.
"Incidents such as this do not help."
A timeline of Dominic Cummings during lockdown:
18 March: At his Downing Street briefing the PM said: "Children should not be left with older grandparents, or older relatives, who may be particularly vulnerable or fall into some of the vulnerable groups."
22 March: Government advice is that people must remain in their primary residence and not travel to their second homes: "Leaving your home - the place you live - to stay at another home is not allowed."
23 March: Strict lockdown rules are imposed which mean people can only leave their houses for essential travel.
27 March: Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock are confirmed to have tested positive for coronavirus. Mr Cummings is seen running along Downing Street.
Image: Mr Cummings walks along Downing Street at the end of April
Weekend of 28 and 29 March: Over this weekend, Mr Cummings developed coronavirus symptoms, Downing Street later confirmed.
31 March: Mr Cummings travelled to his family's farm in Durham - and it was on this date that Mr Cummings's family were spoken to by police.
10 April: Deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries said being too ill to look after a small child was an "exceptional circumstance" and she pointed to accessing family support, among other options.
14 April: Mr Cummings is pictured in Downing Street after recovering from coronavirus.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-22--Cummings will be seen as part of an elite for whom the rules do not apply

As the prime minister 's right-hand man , Dominic Cummings has played a pivotal role in drawing up the lockdown rules and his decision to break them raises very awkward questions for him and Number 10 .
It emerged on Friday night - via the Daily Mirror and Guardian - that Mr Cummings ' family in Durham were spoken to by the police after their son broke lockdown rules by driving 260 miles to stay with them on their farm despite having coronavirus symptoms .
Others in senior positions who have broken the rules have resigned their posts .
Professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after admitting an `` error in judgement '' after he broke the rules by allowing his lover to visit his home in lockdown .
Scotland 's deputy chief medical officer Catherine Calderwood was also forced to quit her job after making two trips to her second home during the lockdown .
But the prime minister 's chief adviser has no intention of following suit .
Instead , Number 10 moved into defence mode on Friday night as it was made clear Mr Cummings would not be standing down from his post .
Instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Mr Cummings and his wife , Mary Wakefield , were too ill to care for their five-year-old son so travelled to Mr Cummings ' parents home in Durham for help with their son .
And allies sought to justify that decision by referencing remarks made by Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jenny Harries on 10 April when she described being too ill to look after a small child was an `` exceptional circumstance '' and she pointed to accessing family support ( among other options ) .
But will that defence wash with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks not to visit elderly relatives under any circumstances , and especially if you have the virus ?
You are not supposed to leave your home if you have symptoms , let alone jump in your car and drive for 250 miles .
As the neighbour who spotted Mr Cummings in his parents ' garden put it : `` I was really annoyed .
It 's one rule for Dominic Cummings and one rule for the rest of us . ''
Mr Cummings helped Mr Johnson win an election framed around a message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
But his actions will be read by many as a sign that he is part of an elite for whom the rules do n't apply .
Number 10 will face this down .
I 'm told there is `` literally zero chance '' Mr Cummings will resign .
But brace for the backlash , from the opposition , restive Tories and the people who elected Mr Johnson as prime minister .

As the prime minister's right-hand man, Dominic Cummings has played a pivotal role in drawing up the lockdown rules and his decision to break them raises very awkward questions for him and Number 10.
It emerged on Friday night - via the Daily Mirror and Guardian - that Mr Cummings's family in Durham were spoken to by the police after their son broke lockdown rules by driving 260 miles to stay with them on their farm despite having coronavirus symptoms.
Others in senior positions who have broken the rules have resigned their posts.
Professor Neil Ferguson quit as a government adviser after admitting an "error in judgement" after he broke the rules by allowing his lover to visit his home in lockdown.
Scotland's deputy chief medical officer Catherine Calderwood was also forced to quit her job after making two trips to her second home during the lockdown.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:43 Cummings travelled with COVID-19 symptoms
But the prime minister's chief adviser has no intention of following suit. Instead, Number 10 moved into defence mode on Friday night as it was made clear Mr Cummings would not be standing down from his post.
Instead his colleagues began to mount his defence: Mr Cummings and his wife, Mary Wakefield, were too ill to care for their five-year-old son so travelled to Mr Cummings's parents home in Durham for help with their son.
And allies sought to justify that decision by referencing remarks made by deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries on 10 April when she described being too ill to look after a small child was an "exceptional circumstance" and she pointed to accessing family support (among other options).
On Saturday we got a statement from Number 10. It read: "Owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus and the high likelihood that he would himself become unwell, it was essential for Dominic Cummings to ensure his young child could be properly cared for.
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"His sister and nieces had volunteered to help so he went to a house near to but separate from his extended family in case their help was needed. His sister shopped for the family and left everything outside. At no stage was he or his family spoken to by the police about this matter, as is being reported. His actions were in line with coronavirus guidelines. Mr Cummings believes he behaved reasonably and legally."
But will this defence wash with a public that has been told for weeks not to visit elderly relatives under any circumstances, and especially if you have the virus? You are not supposed to leave your home if you have symptoms, let alone jump in your car and drive for 250 miles.
As the neighbour who spotted Mr Cummings in his parents' garden put it: "I was really annoyed. It's one rule for Dominic Cummings and one rule for the rest of us."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 Davey: 'If this is true, Cummings must resign or be sacked'
Mr Cummings helped Mr Johnson win an election framed around a message of the "elite versus the people". But his actions will be read by many as a sign that he is part of an elite for whom the rules don't apply.
Number 10 will face this down. I'm told there is "literally zero chance" Mr Cummings will resign. But brace for the backlash, from the opposition, restive Tories and the people who elected Mr Johnson as prime minister.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-22--A timeline of Dominic Cummings' movements

Downing Street adviser Dominic Cummings broke lockdown rules by leaving London to travel to his family 's home in Durham , according to reports .
Here is a timeline of Mr Cummings ' movements since lockdown .
Strict lockdown rules are imposed which mean people can only leave their houses for essential travel .
In a TV address to the nation , Boris Johnson says people must stay at home to curb the spread of coronavirus .
Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock are confirmed to have tested positive for coronavirus .
Mr Cummings is seen running along Downing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a video saying he has contracted the virus .
Over this weekend , Mr Cummings is said to have developed coronavirus symptoms .
Downing Street confirms Mr Cummings is self-isolating after developing symptoms of the virus .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker According to a joint investigation by The Guardian and the Daily Mirror , Mr Cummings travelled to his family 's farm in Durham - and it was on this date that Mr Cummings ' family were spoken to by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Constabulary said : `` On Tuesday , March 31 , our officers were made aware of reports that an individual had travelled from London to Durham and was present at an address in the city .
`` Officers made contact with the owners of that address who confirmed that the individual in question was present and was self-isolating in part of the house .
`` In line with national policing guidance , officers explained to the family the arrangements around self-isolation guidelines and reiterated the appropriate advice around essential travel . ''
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovering from coronavirus .
`` I felt breathless , sometimes achy , but Dom could n't get out of bed , '' she said .
`` Day in , day out for 10 days he lay doggo with a high fever and spasms that made the muscles lump and twitch in his legs .
He could breathe , but only in a limited , shallow way . ''

Dominic Cummings has faced calls to resign after he drove from London to County Durham in spite of lockdown restrictions.
Speaking at a news conference on Monday, the prime minister's senior adviser gave his own account of his events.
Here is a timeline of the lockdown measures and Mr Cummings' movements:
18 March
At a Downing Street briefing, Prime Minister Boris Johnson says "everyone" must follow the advice to "stay at home for seven days" if they believe they have coronavirus symptoms.
He said that if one member of a household thinks they have COVID-19 symptoms, then the whole household must stay at home for 14 days.
He added that in those circumstances: "Children should not be left with older grandparents, or older relatives, who may be particularly vulnerable or fall into some of the vulnerable groups."
22 March
Government guidance states that people must remain "in their primary residence", adding that "not taking these steps puts additional pressure on communities and services that are already at risk...Leaving your home - the place you live - to stay at another home is not allowed".
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23 March
Strict lockdown rules are imposed which mean people can only leave their houses for essential travel.
In a TV address to the nation, Mr Johnson says people must stay at home to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Image: Boris Johnson announced lockdown measures in a TV address to the nation. Pic: Andrew Parsons
27 March
Mr Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock are confirmed to have tested positive for coronavirus.
Mr Cummings is seen running along Downing Street shortly after the prime minister posts a video saying he has contracted the virus.
Image: Dominic Cummings seen running from 10 Downing Street on 27 March
Explaining his actions at Monday's news conference, Mr Cummings said: "I suddenly got a call from my wife who was looking after our four-year-old child. She told me she suddenly felt badly ill."
He said that after he went home, his wife felt better and he had returned to work.
That evening, he said he "drove up to Durham" and arrived at "roughly midnight" with his family.
28 March
Mr Cummings says he woke up "in pain and clearly had COVID symptoms, including a bad headache and a serious fever".
30 March
Downing Street confirms Mr Cummings is self-isolating after developing symptoms of the virus.
Durham Police are "made aware of reports that an individual had travelled from London to Durham and was present at an address in the city".
The force says officers "made contact with the owners of that address who confirmed that the individual in question was present and was self-isolating in part of the house".
1 April
Durham Constabulary says that on this date, an officer spoke to Mr Cummings' father, who confirmed that the family were staying at the property.
In a statement, police said: "We can further confirm that our officer gave no specific advice on coronavirus to any members of the family and that Durham Constabulary deemed that no further action was required in that regard.
"Our officer did, however, provide the family with advice on security issues."
2 April
During the night, Mr Cummings' son is ill so the couple "took medical advice which was to call 999".
The child is taken to hospital by ambulance.
Mr Cummings says he was too ill to go but his wife stayed the night with their son.
3 April
Mr Cummings drives to the hospital to pick his wife and son up, but says he did not leave the car or have any contact with anyone during the trip to the hospital.
5 April
A neighbour tells the Daily Mirror and The Guardian they have spotted Mr Cummings in his parents' garden.
"I got the shock of my life as I looked over to the gates and saw him," they said.
Mr Cummings later says the nearest homes to his parents are around half a mile away, and there are no neighbours "in the normal sense of the word".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 14:11 In full: Dominic Cummings' statement
10 April
England's deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries says being too ill to look after a small child was an "exceptional circumstance" to the lockdown rules and she pointed to accessing family support, among other options.
11 April
After seeking medical advice, Mr Cummings is told he is able to return to work and seek childcare.
12 April
Mr Cummings and his family were seen walking by the River Tees in Barnard Castle, 30 miles from Durham, before getting into a car around lunchtime, reports by the Sunday Mirror suggested on 23 May.
During Monday's news conference, Mr Cummings confirmed the trip took place, claiming it was to check if he was well enough to drive home.
He said: "My wife was very worried, particularly as my eyesight seemed to have been affected by the disease.
14 April
Mr Cummings is pictured in Downing Street after recovering from coronavirus symptoms.
Image: Dominic Cummings attends the government's daily briefing on 14 April
19 April
More than a fortnight after the first sighting of Mr Cummings in Durham, and five days after being photographed back at work in Downing Street, it is claimed he was seen in the North East again.
Reports suggest that on the second visit, passers-by saw Mr Cummings at Houghall Woods, near his parents' home.
Mr Cummings has denied this, saying: "Photos and data on my phone prove this to be false, I was in London on that day."
25 April
In a Spectator column, Mr Cummings's wife, Mary Wakefield, detailed his illness.
"I felt breathless, sometimes achy, but Dom couldn't get out of bed," she said.
Image: Dominic Cummings is seen at Downing Street at the end of April
"Day in, day out for 10 days he lay doggo with a high fever and spasms that made the muscles lump and twitch in his legs. He could breathe, but only in a limited, shallow way."
13 May
The government lifts the restriction on how far people can drive to reach the countryside and take exercise.
Visits and overnight stays to second homes remain prohibited.
22 May
The Daily Mirror and The Guardian break the news of Mr Cummings' trip to Durham.
23 May
Downing Street appears to be standing by Mr Cummings, saying in a statement: "Owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus and the high likelihood that he would himself become unwell, it was essential for Dominic Cummings to ensure his young child could be properly cared for.
"At no stage was he or his family spoken to by the police about this matter, as is being reported.
"His actions were in line with coronavirus guidelines. Mr Cummings believes he behaved reasonably and legally."
Mr Cummings also tells journalists outside his home: "I behaved reasonably and legally."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 14:39 Minister on Cummings - full uncomfortable interview
When a reporter suggests that his actions did not look good, he responds: "Who cares about good looks?
"It's a question of doing the right thing. It's not about what you guys think."
Dr Harries clarifies that travelling during lockdown was permissible if "there was an extreme risk to life", with a "safeguarding clause" attached to all advice to prevent vulnerable people being stuck at home with no support.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party and the SNP writes a letter to Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill demanding an inquiry into what happened.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 'People are rightly angry with Cummings' - shadow policing minister
In another evening statement, a Number 10 spokeswoman accuses the Mirror and The Guardian of writing "inaccurate" stories about Mr Cummings, including claims he had returned to Durham after going back to work in Downing Street on 14 April.
"We will not waste our time answering a stream of false allegations about Mr Cummings from campaigning newspapers," the spokeswoman said.
24 May
When asked by a journalist outside his home whether he had returned to Durham in April, Mr Cummings replies: "No, I did not."
A host of Conservative MPs call for him to resign or for Mr Johnson to sack him, including Sir Roger Gale, Simon Hoare and Caroline Noakes.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 'Cummings has not abided by his own rules' - Conservative MP Steve Baker
Eyewitness Robin Lees, a 70-year-old retired chemistry teacher, tells Sky News he saw someone who "looked like" Dominic Cummings on a family walk 25 miles outside of Durham during lockdown and wrote down what he described as a "distinctive" number plate.
Later, Mr Cummings is seen entering Downing Street.
During a coronavirus briefing, the prime minister defends Mr Cummings, saying he "acted responsibly, legally and with integrity".
Mr Johnson says his top aide "followed the instincts of every father and every parent", adding, "I do not mark him down for that".
25 May
Mr Cummings gives a news conference from Downing Street, saying: "I don't regret what I did."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-22--Effective track and trace strategy needed as schools reopen, ministers were told

Scientific advisers to the government told ministers they should have an effective track , trace and isolate strategy as they reopen schools .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants schools to reopen on 1 June and there is doubt over whether such a system will be in place .
The advisers have also said that teachers do not appear to be at a greater risk of catching COVID-19 than other professions - but there is still some risk if schools reopen .
The advisers suggested some form of coronavirus testing in school takes place .
They also said that it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the speed of infection , known as the R rate , is below 1 - a condition which is currently being met .
News of their advice comes as SAGE released its reasoning for how schools could be reopened safely .
Key points include : • Evidence on how likely children are to transmit the coronavirus remains `` inconclusive '' , with a separate review of global studies led by University College London found those aged under 20 had 56 % less chance of being infected • Teachers do not appear to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other professions , but there is still some risk if schools reopen • The attendance of younger teachers could be prioritised to decrease the likelihood of infection for staff in more vulnerable groups • Wider contextual issues - like whether families have black , Asian and minority ethnic ( BAME ) members - has to be considered when looking at the impact of relaxing school closures on transmission of the virus Downing Street has faced growing calls to release the science behind its move to potentially begin a phased reopening of primary schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ease the coronavirus lockdown unveiled by the PM earlier this month , children in nursery , reception , Year 1 and Year 6 will return to their classrooms .
A final decision on whether to go ahead with reopening schools is expected to be taken by the government on or before 28 May , after the most up-to-date scientific evidence has been reviewed .
Mr Johnson has promised a `` world-beating '' track and trace system to stop a second COVID-19 peak and help ease the lockdown will be in place by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the push to reopen schools has sparked opposition from some quarters , with more than two dozen councils saying they will not begin allowing pupils back from that date .
Unions have also expressed concerns about whether teachers , support staff and pupils will be safe .
According to a poll by the Unison union , only 2 % of school staff said they felt reassured by the PM 's speech and recent government guidance on reopening .
Dr Mary Bousted , joint general secretary of the National Education Union , told Sky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` descending into chaos '' .
`` It was told that [ 1 June ] was too quick , it was told that schools would n't have time to prepare , '' she said .
`` The government was told that the evidence was not there that it would be safe to reopen schools .
The evidence is still not there . ''
Adam Cooper , headteacher of Knavesmire Primary School in York , told Sky News after reading the documents : `` There is a lot of information to pull out from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of `` maybes '' , `` mights , '' `` can '' .
`` It puts you in a position of are you are confident to open , or confident not to open ?
You are still caught in the middle with that , I think . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Cooper , whose school has been open for key workers of children during the outbreak , added : `` I do n't think what we have read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` And that puts everyone in a really difficult position .
Difficult for schools , teachers and parents , there are no winners with this really as such . ''
Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Layla Moran said `` serious questions '' had to be asked about `` why it took so long for this to be made public '' .
`` The delay has caused unnecessary stress to parents and teachers and left schools answering questions in the dark , '' she said .
A former government chief scientific adviser has said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for schools to reopen .
Sir David King , who has convened a separate `` independent '' panel of scientists , has said delaying this by two weeks until 15 June `` approximately halves the risk to children '' .
Although a number of councils have expressed opposition to the potential reopening of schools , many are not under local authority control .
Academies , state schools that are not run by councils , could take their own decisions on whether to follow the government 's plans .
A number of chief executives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reopen soon in order to avoid `` irreparable '' damage to vulnerable children .
The chief executive of REAch2 , the largest primary academy chain in England , has said it plans to reopen all its schools for the priority year groups identified by the PM .
A Department for Education spokesperson said : `` The evidence published today shows we looked at a range of options in drawing up this phased approach to reopening schools , which is in line with the Government 's overall 'roadmap ' .
`` As in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phases of the wider opening of schools will prioritise younger children .
Advice from SAGE shows there is a lower overall risk from opening schools and nurseries to younger children , and that they are less likely to become unwell if infected with coronavirus compared to adults .
`` This cautious , phased approach for allowing a limited number of pupils back into classrooms has been , and will continue to be , informed by the best possible scientific and medical advice . ''
The devolved nations have taken a different approach to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plan is to have all children back on a part-time basis on 11 August .
In Northern Ireland , the aim is to restart classes for all children in September if enough progress has been made in tackling COVID-19 .
Meanwhile , in Wales , the government has not given any dates for when the country can expect schools to reopen .

Scientific advisers to the government told ministers they should have an effective track, trace and isolate strategy as they reopen schools.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants schools to reopen on 1 June and there is doubt over whether such a system will be in place.
The advisers have also said that teachers do not appear to be at a greater risk of catching COVID-19 than other professions - but there is still some risk if schools reopen.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:03 Future education under coronavirus
The advisers suggested some form of coronavirus testing in school takes place.
They also said that it is safe to reopen schools as long as the speed of infection, known as the R rate, is below 1 - a condition which is currently being met.
News of their advice comes as SAGE released its reasoning for how schools could be reopened safely. Key points include:
Evidence on how likely children are to transmit the coronavirus remains "inconclusive", with a separate review of global studies led by University College London found those aged under 20 had 56% less chance of being infected
Teachers do not appear to be more at risk of catching COVID-19 than other professions, but there is still some risk if schools reopen
The attendance of younger teachers could be prioritised to decrease the likelihood of infection for staff in more vulnerable groups
Wider contextual issues - like whether families have black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) members - has to be considered when looking at the impact of relaxing school closures on transmission of the virus
Downing Street has faced growing calls to release the science behind its move to potentially begin a phased reopening of primary schools from 1 June.
Under plans to ease the coronavirus lockdown unveiled by the PM earlier this month, children in nursery, reception, Year 1 and Year 6 will return to their classrooms.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 'Test, track and trace before reopening schools'
A final decision on whether to go ahead with reopening schools is expected to be taken by the government on or before 28 May, after the most up-to-date scientific evidence has been reviewed.
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Mr Johnson has promised a "world-beating" track and trace system to stop a second COVID-19 peak and help ease the lockdown will be in place by the time schools begin to reopen.
But the push to reopen schools has sparked opposition from some quarters, with more than two dozen councils saying they will not begin allowing pupils back from that date.
Unions have also expressed concerns about whether teachers, support staff and pupils will be safe.
According to a poll by the Unison union, only 2% of school staff said they felt reassured by the PM's speech and recent government guidance on reopening.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Children 'less likely to have serious symptoms'
Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, told Sky News the plans to reopen schools were "descending into chaos".
"It was told that [1 June] was too quick, it was told that schools wouldn't have time to prepare," she said.
"The government was told that the evidence was not there that it would be safe to reopen schools. The evidence is still not there."
Adam Cooper, headteacher of Knavesmire Primary School in York, told Sky News after reading the documents: "There is a lot of information to pull out from this, but there are a lot of "maybes", "mights," "can".
"It puts you in a position of are you are confident to open, or confident not to open? You are still caught in the middle with that, I think."
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Mr Cooper, whose school has been open for key workers of children during the outbreak, added: "I don't think what we have read today shows that schools can reopen safely.
"And that puts everyone in a really difficult position. Difficult for schools, teachers and parents, there are no winners with this really as such."
Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Layla Moran said "serious questions" had to be asked about "why it took so long for this to be made public".
"The delay has caused unnecessary stress to parents and teachers and left schools answering questions in the dark," she said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:27 The difficulty of social distancing in school
A former government chief scientific adviser has said 1 June is "too early" for schools to reopen.
Sir David King, who has convened a separate "independent" panel of scientists, has said delaying this by two weeks until 15 June "approximately halves the risk to children".
Although a number of councils have expressed opposition to the potential reopening of schools, many are not under local authority control.
Academies, state schools that are not run by councils, could take their own decisions on whether to follow the government's plans.
A number of chief executives of academy chains have said schools have to reopen soon in order to avoid "irreparable" damage to vulnerable children.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:29 Parents fearful of sending children to school
The chief executive of REAch2, the largest primary academy chain in England, has said it plans to reopen all its schools for the priority year groups identified by the PM.
A Department for Education spokesperson said: "The evidence published today shows we looked at a range of options in drawing up this phased approach to reopening schools, which is in line with the Government's overall 'roadmap'.
"As in other countries across Europe, the first phases of the wider opening of schools will prioritise younger children. Advice from SAGE shows there is a lower overall risk from opening schools and nurseries to younger children, and that they are less likely to become unwell if infected with coronavirus compared to adults.
"This cautious, phased approach for allowing a limited number of pupils back into classrooms has been, and will continue to be, informed by the best possible scientific and medical advice."
The devolved nations have taken a different approach to schools than Westminster.
In Scotland, the plan is to have all children back on a part-time basis on 11 August.
In Northern Ireland, the aim is to restart classes for all children in September if enough progress has been made in tackling COVID-19.
Meanwhile, in Wales, the government has not given any dates for when the country can expect schools to reopen.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-22--Two-week quarantines to be imposed on new arrivals to UK

Two-week quarantines will be imposed on new arrivals to the UK from 8 June with a £1,000 fine for anyone who breaches the measure .
The home secretary said during Downing Street 's daily briefing that mandatory self-isolation would not apply to people coming from Ireland , medics tackling COVID-19 and seasonal agricultural workers .
The measure is aimed at preventing a new wave of coronavirus from overseas .
Passengers will have to fill in a form providing their contact and travel information so they can be traced if infections arise .
They will also be contacted regularly during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Those who breach the terms of self-isolation will be hit with a £1,000 fixed penalty notice in England or a prosecution with an unlimited fine .
Devolved nations can set out their own enforcement approaches .
Border Force will be able to refuse entry to foreign citizens who are not UK residents during border checks , while removal from the country could be used as a last resort , the Home Office said .
Arrivals will be advised to use personal transport to head to their accommodation and once there not leave for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be allowed to accept visitors , unless they are providing essential support , and should not go out to buy food or other essentials `` where they can rely on others '' , the Home Office added .
The department said if accommodation does not meet necessary requirements , with hotels or with friends and family listed as options , the person will have to self-isolate in `` facilities arranged by the government '' .
The Home Office also said arrivals would be encouraged to download the NHS contact-tracing app at the border @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Priti Patel said : `` As the world begins to emerge from what we hope is the worst of the coronavirus pandemic , we must look to the future and protect the British public by reducing the risk of cases crossing our border .
`` We are introducing these new measures now to keep the transmission rate down and prevent a devastating second wave .
`` I fully expect the majority of people will do the right thing and abide by these measures .
But we will take enforcement action against the minority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others . ''
The announcement is likely to anger the aviation industry , with airlines warning the measures could be disastrous for them .
Ministers were continuing to consider forging so-called air bridges with other nations that have low transmission rates in order to allow some international travel .
: : Listen to Coronavirus : In This Together on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or Spreaker Fresh questions will also be asked why the measure was not imposed early on in the pandemic .
Home Office chief scientific adviser Professor John Aston said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been clear : while there has been significant community transmission of the virus within the UK , the impact of putting in place additional border restrictions would have been negligible to the spread of the virus .
`` However , the spread of the virus within the UK is now lessening .
We have been successful in getting the reproduction number R - the average number of new people infected by one infected person - below 1 .
`` As the number of infections within the UK drops , we must now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from elsewhere . ''
A full list of exemptions from the measure will be published online , but it will include : • Medical professionals travelling to help the coronavirus effort • Anyone moving from within the common travel area covering Ireland , the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man • Seasonal agricultural workers who will self-isolate on the property they are working

Questions remain over whether Britons will be able to go on holiday abroad this summer after the home secretary announced two-week quarantines will be imposed on new arrivals to the UK and returning citizens from 8 June.
Speaking at the Downing Street daily briefing on Friday, Priti Patel also said the government's guidance continued to be that all but essential travel abroad was advised against.
The mandatory self-isolation measure is aimed at preventing a new wave of coronavirus from overseas.
People coming from Ireland, medics tackling COVID-19 and seasonal agricultural workers will be exempt.
Passengers will have to fill in a form providing their contact and travel information so they can be traced if infections arise.
They will also be contacted regularly during the 14 days to ensure their compliance.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:09 Home Secretary Priti Patel - £1,000 fines for passengers breaking isolation rules
Those who breach the terms of self-isolation will be hit with a £1,000 fixed penalty notice in England or a prosecution with an unlimited fine. Devolved nations can set out their own enforcement approaches.
Today, the French government revealed that any UK passengers arriving in France from 8 June onwards will be forced to self-isolate for 14 days.
Spanish passengers arriving in France will be asked to quarantine for two weeks from Monday, it added.
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Across the channel, UK Border Force will be able to refuse entry to foreign citizens who are not UK residents during checks, while removal from the country could be used as a last resort, the Home Office said.
Arrivals will be advised to use personal transport to head to their accommodation and once there not leave for 14 days.
They will also not be allowed to accept visitors, unless they are providing essential support, and should not go out to buy food or other essentials "where they can rely on others", the Home Office added.
The department said if accommodation does not meet necessary requirements, with hotels or with friends and family listed as options, the person will have to self-isolate in "facilities arranged by the government".
The Home Office also said arrivals would be encouraged to download the NHS contact-tracing app at the border "once rolled out nationally".
Ms Patel said: "As the world begins to emerge from what we hope is the worst of the coronavirus pandemic, we must look to the future and protect the British public by reducing the risk of cases crossing our border.
"We are introducing these new measures now to keep the transmission rate down and prevent a devastating second wave.
"I fully expect the majority of people will do the right thing and abide by these measures. But we will take enforcement action against the minority of people who endanger the safety of others."
The announcement is likely to anger the aviation industry, with airlines warning the measures could be disastrous for them.
Ministers were continuing to consider forging so-called air bridges with other nations that have low transmission rates in order to allow some international travel.
:: Listen to Coronavirus: In This Together on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker
Fresh questions will also be asked why the measure was not imposed early on in the pandemic.
Home Office chief scientific adviser Professor John Aston said: "The scientific advice so far has been clear: while there has been significant community transmission of the virus within the UK, the impact of putting in place additional border restrictions would have been negligible to the spread of the virus.
"However, the spread of the virus within the UK is now lessening. We have been successful in getting the reproduction number R - the average number of new people infected by one infected person - below 1.
"As the number of infections within the UK drops, we must now manage the risk of transmissions being reintroduced from elsewhere."
A full list of exemptions from the measure will be published online, but it will include:


skynewspolitics--2020-05-22--Infection rate unchanged - as 351 more COVID-19 deaths recorded

The UK 's coronavirus R number - speed of infection - has remained the same for the second week .
Scientific advisers to the government said the R number is between 0.7 and 1 across the UK , the same as last Friday .
The number remains higher than early on in the lockdown when it was 0.5 to 0.9 , with the lack of downward movement thought to be because of the continued spread of coronavirus in care homes and hospitals rather than the wider community .
There is a two to three week time lag in calculations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a measure of how fast a virus is spreading .
Above 1 an outbreak is growing ; the further below 1 the faster it 's shrinking .
The news comes as the Department of Health announced 351 more people have died with COVID-19 in the UK , bringing the total to 36,393 .
The government originally said the R number was the main figure that would determine when the lockdown is eased because as long as the R value remains below one , the number of daily cases will continue to fall .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the R value plummeted to around 0.6 then dropped even further as people adhered to the `` stay at home '' order .
Announcing his `` road map '' out of lockdown , Boris Johnson said ministers would reimpose controls if the rate of transmission started to pick up again .
However , when R increased last Friday from between 0.5 and 0.9 to between 0.7 and 1 - the same as this week 's number - Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the figure was just one of a number of other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ socialise again .
He said last week 's R number was based on data from a fortnight before so he did not believe the figure was above one .
Mr Hancock told Sky News last Saturday : `` On the timing , this is based on data from a couple of weeks ago because of the way it is measured but also from the survey data that the ONS ( Office for National Statistics ) has published .
`` It is an incredibly important figure for policymakers but it is one data point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases . ''
Deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries said R is a `` really important measure '' but what they are really looking for is reducing the number of cases and `` getting rid of the epidemic in the UK '' .
`` R is a representation of what is happening in that fight , '' she said .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker

The UK's coronavirus R number - speed of infection - has remained the same for the second week.
Scientific advisers to the government said the R number is between 0.7 and 1 across the UK, the same as last Friday.
The number remains higher than early on in the lockdown when it was 0.5 to 0.9, with the lack of downward movement thought to be because of the continued spread of coronavirus in care homes and hospitals rather than the wider community.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 'Ignoring lockdown measures is idiotic'
There is a two to three week time lag in calculations of the latest R value. R is a measure of how fast a virus is spreading. Above 1 an outbreak is growing; the further below 1 the faster it's shrinking.
The news comes as the Department of Health announced 351 more people have died with COVID-19 in the UK, bringing the total to 36,393.
The government originally said the R number was the main figure that would determine when the lockdown is eased because as long as the R value remains below one, the number of daily cases will continue to fall.
After the lockdown was announced in March, the R value plummeted to around 0.6 then dropped even further as people adhered to the "stay at home" order.
Announcing his "road map" out of lockdown, Boris Johnson said ministers would reimpose controls if the rate of transmission started to pick up again.
However, when R increased last Friday from between 0.5 and 0.9 to between 0.7 and 1 - the same as this week's number - Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the figure was just one of a number of other data points that determines when people can socialise again.
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He said last week's R number was based on data from a fortnight before so he did not believe the figure was above one.
Mr Hancock told Sky News last Saturday: "On the timing, this is based on data from a couple of weeks ago because of the way it is measured but also from the survey data that the ONS (Office for National Statistics) has published.
"It is an incredibly important figure for policymakers but it is one data point to look at alongside the level of new cases."
Deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries said R is a "really important measure" but what they are really looking for is reducing the number of cases and "getting rid of the epidemic in the UK".
"R is a representation of what is happening in that fight," she said.
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker