skynewspolitics--2020-05-28--Cummings may have committed 'minor breach' of lockdown rules - Durham police

Dominic Cummings may have committed `` a minor breach '' of lockdown rules but will face no further action , Durham police have said .
The Downing Street adviser 's 26-mile trip from Durham to Barnard Castle at the start of April , which he said was to test his eyesight , `` might have been a minor breach of the regulations that would have warranted police intervention '' , according to the force .
But Durham Constabulary confirmed `` there is no intention to take retrospective action '' because `` this would amount to treating Mr Cummings differently from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The force added that Boris Johnson 's top aide had not `` committed an offence '' by moving from London to Durham at the end of March .
Mr Cummings said he had decamped 260 miles to his parents ' farm to seek childcare help for his son in case he and his wife became incapacitated with coronavirus .
A Number 10 spokesperson responded : `` The police have made clear they are taking no action against Mr Cummings over his self-isolation and that going to Durham did not breach the regulations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ believes Mr Cummings behaved reasonably and legally given all the circumstances and he regards this issue as closed . ''
Mr Cummings said in an unprecedented news conference hosted in the Downing Street rose garden earlier this week that he did not `` regret '' the trips as they were for `` exceptional circumstances '' .
He has also been solidly defended by Boris Johnson , who claimed he `` followed the instincts of every father and every parent '' and has defied calls for an independent inquiry .
The prime minister said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the row , but at least 40 Tory MPs - including a serving minister and one who resigned over the issue - have called for Mr Cummings to go .
Penny Mordaunt , the paymaster general , said it `` will have undermined key public health messages '' .
Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said : `` The police have confirmed what we all knew , that Dominic Cummings broke the rules he helped to write .
The country can not afford for this saga to carry on .
Only Boris Johnson can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Thomas-Symonds said the prime minister should sack his aide , adding : `` If he does not act then he will send a clear message that there is one rule for his closest adviser and another for the British people . ''
The statement by police that Mr Cummings may have broken the regulations raises questions about the judgement of Attorney General Suella Braverman , the government 's chief legal adviser .
She has publicly defended Mr Cummings , saying `` protecting one 's family is what any good parent does '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to politicise it '' .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock laughed off suggestions on Thursday that the new contact tracing system had been launched early to distract from the row , despite users reporting website crashes .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker There have been at least 37,460 coronavirus deaths in the UK so far , the worst number of deaths in Europe and second highest in the world .
Lockdown measures that have been in force for 66 days are due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , @ @ @ @

Dominic Cummings may have committed "a minor breach" of lockdown rules but will face no further action, Durham police have said.
The Downing Street adviser's 26-mile trip from Durham to Barnard Castle at the start of April, which he said was to test his eyesight, "might have been a minor breach of the regulations that would have warranted police intervention", according to the force.
But Durham Constabulary confirmed "there is no intention to take retrospective action" because "this would amount to treating Mr Cummings differently from other members of the public".
Image: A road sign in Bridport, Dorset urged people to stay alert 'except Dominic Cummings'
The force added that Boris Johnson's top aide had not "committed an offence" by moving from London to Durham at the end of March.
Mr Cummings said he had decamped 260 miles to his parents' farm to seek childcare help for his son in case he and his wife became incapacitated with coronavirus.
A Number 10 spokesperson responded: "The police have made clear they are taking no action against Mr Cummings over his self-isolation and that going to Durham did not breach the regulations.
"The prime minister has said he believes Mr Cummings behaved reasonably and legally given all the circumstances and he regards this issue as closed."
Mr Cummings said in an unprecedented news conference hosted in the Downing Street rose garden earlier this week that he did not "regret" the trips as they were for "exceptional circumstances".
He has also been solidly defended by Boris Johnson, who claimed he "followed the instincts of every father and every parent" and has defied calls for an independent inquiry.
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The prime minister said people should "move on" from the row, but at least 40 Tory MPs - including a serving minister and one who resigned over the issue - have called for Mr Cummings to go.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:26 PM dismisses call for inquiry into Cummings trips
Penny Mordaunt, the paymaster general, said it "will have undermined key public health messages".
Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said: "The police have confirmed what we all knew, that Dominic Cummings broke the rules he helped to write. The country cannot afford for this saga to carry on. Only Boris Johnson can draw a line under it."
Mr Thomas-Symonds said the prime minister should sack his aide, adding: "If he does not act then he will send a clear message that there is one rule for his closest adviser and another for the British people."
Image: Mr Cummings has said he does not regret his lockdown trips
The statement by police that Mr Cummings may have broken the regulations raises questions about the judgement of Attorney General Suella Braverman, the government's chief legal adviser.
She has publicly defended Mr Cummings, saying "protecting one's family is what any good parent does" and that it was "wholly inappropriate to politicise it".
Health Secretary Matt Hancock laughed off suggestions on Thursday that the new contact tracing system had been launched early to distract from the row, despite users reporting website crashes.
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There have been at least 37,460 coronavirus deaths in the UK so far, the worst number of deaths in Europe and second highest in the world.
Lockdown measures that have been in force for 66 days are due to be reviewed again on Thursday.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-05-28--Tory MPs call for 'urgent action' to save aviation jobs

A cross-party group of MPs - including more than 20 Conservatives - are calling for the government to take `` urgent action '' to save jobs in the aviation industry .
In a letter to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps , the group of MPs expressed their concern at a `` lack of progress '' being made in supporting the industry through the coronavirus crisis .
Air travel is estimated to have fallen by up to 95 % since COVID-19 prompted lockdowns across the world .
Many airlines have already set out plans to cut thousands of jobs and the International @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could plummet more than £200bn , or 44 % , below 2019 's figure .
Industry bosses are also protesting against government plans to introduce a 14-day quarantine period on people arriving into the UK from 8 June .
In their letter , the `` Future of Aviation Group '' of 41 MPs told Mr Shapps : `` The wider aviation family makes a significant economic and social contribution to the UK and will be central to our long-term economic recovery .
`` We are therefore concerned at the lack of progress being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry and in the development of a long-term roadmap that will enable the sector to recover as quickly as possible and play its vital role in our national overall economic recovery . ''
They added that government measures already introduced to support businesses through the coronavirus crisis `` will not be enough to enable our aviation industry to survive in a form that the nation needs '' .
`` We need urgent action now to safeguard jobs , the UK 's international competitiveness as an aviation hub and , crucially , to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 as soon as it is safe and possible to do so , '' the letter continued .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The group , which includes former Tory transport secretary Chris Grayling , warned that the `` consequences of inaction in this vital area are simply unthinkable '' .
In a list of questions to Mr Shapps , they asked how often will the 14-day quarantine period be reviewed , and whether the government would prioritise `` air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and from low-risk countries .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday suggested such `` air bridges '' could be a means of allowing quarantine-free travel from some countries .
Conservative MP Henry Smith , chair of the Future of Aviation Group , said : `` The government should abandon quarantine as soon as possible .
`` If we were ever going to have a blanket quarantine policy , it should have come in two or three months ago - we should be coming out of it now , not going into it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ MPs adds to pressure on the government over its quarantine plan .
On Wednesday , more than 80 tourism bosses - including the heads of travel groups and some of the UK 's most famous hotels - wrote to Home Secretary Priti Patel urging her to scrap the proposed mandatory 14-day quarantine period on anyone arriving in the UK .
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

A cross-party group of MPs - including more than 20 Conservatives - are calling for the government to take "urgent action" to save jobs in the aviation industry.
In a letter to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, the group of MPs expressed their concern at a "lack of progress" being made in supporting the industry through the coronavirus crisis.
Air travel is estimated to have fallen by up to 95% since COVID-19 prompted lockdowns across the world.
Image: The cross-party group of MPs wrote to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps
Many airlines have already set out plans to cut thousands of jobs and the International Air Transport Association estimated industry passenger revenues could plummet more than £200bn, or 44%, below 2019's figure.
Industry bosses are also protesting against government plans to introduce a 14-day quarantine period on people arriving into the UK from 8 June.
In their letter, the "Future of Aviation Group" of 41 MPs told Mr Shapps: "The wider aviation family makes a significant economic and social contribution to the UK and will be central to our long-term economic recovery.
"We are therefore concerned at the lack of progress being made in providing wider support for the industry and in the development of a long-term roadmap that will enable the sector to recover as quickly as possible and play its vital role in our national overall economic recovery."
They added that government measures already introduced to support businesses through the coronavirus crisis "will not be enough to enable our aviation industry to survive in a form that the nation needs".
"We need urgent action now to safeguard jobs, the UK's international competitiveness as an aviation hub and, crucially, to ensure that our economy recovers from the impacts of COVID-19 as soon as it is safe and possible to do so," the letter continued.
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The group, which includes former Tory transport secretary Chris Grayling, warned that the "consequences of inaction in this vital area are simply unthinkable".
In a list of questions to Mr Shapps, they asked how often will the 14-day quarantine period be reviewed, and whether the government would prioritise "air bridges" to restart safe travel to and from low-risk countries.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday suggested such "air bridges" could be a means of allowing quarantine-free travel from some countries.
Conservative MP Henry Smith, chair of the Future of Aviation Group, said: "The government should abandon quarantine as soon as possible.
"If we were ever going to have a blanket quarantine policy, it should have come in two or three months ago - we should be coming out of it now, not going into it."
The letter from the group of MPs adds to pressure on the government over its quarantine plan.
On Wednesday, more than 80 tourism bosses - including the heads of travel groups and some of the UK's most famous hotels - wrote to Home Secretary Priti Patel urging her to scrap the proposed mandatory 14-day quarantine period on anyone arriving in the UK.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-05-29--Chancellor to ask employers to pay 20% of workers' wages - reports

Chancellor Rishi Sunak is set to make an announcement on the furlough scheme , with reports suggesting employers will be asked to pay 20 % of workers ' wages as well as national insurance and pension contributions .
It is understood the government will pay 60 % of each wage up to a cap of £2,500 a month from August , according to The Guardian .
Treasury sources did not deny the reports .
The chancellor will give an update today on how firms will be asked to contribute to employees ' wages , following government concerns about the increasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely impact on the UK public spending deficit .
Currently , employers are able to claim up to 80 % of workers ' wages and they are exempt from national insurance and pension contributions .
Around 8.4 million workers have been furloughed under the scheme , which has cost £15bn , while a separate scheme to support self-employed workers has cost almost £7bn .
The furlough scheme was launched in March and was initially supposed to last three months .
It was designed to prevent lay-offs during the coronavirus pandemic .
Environment Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ furloughed `` indefinitely '' and ways need to be found to get people safely back to work .
He told Sky News it had been `` a very generous '' scheme `` to help people through these extraordinary times and to ensure that businesses ' overheads could be covered '' .
But he cautioned : `` We need to try to start to get bits of the economy back to work . ''
While Labour 's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds urged : `` The PM and the chancellor both said they would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this and people would not lose out for doing the right thing .
They have to be held to that . ''
Last month , Mr Sunak said he would extend the existing scheme until July , but he has come under pressure from officials to make employers pay a larger contribution .
He is also expected to shut the furlough scheme to new entrants and prevent employers from rotating staff , reports say .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chancellor to protect subsidies for the industries hit hardest by the pandemic .
Meanwhile , a cross-party group of MPs has written to the chancellor calling for the scheme supporting self-employed workers to be extended past Sunday .
The group said these workers - who include many plumbers , hairdressers and TV workers - will be left `` without work and without support '' if the scheme is not extended .
While the furlough scheme for permanent workers has been extended until October , there have been no announcements on the self-employed scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who organised the letter , said : `` This scheme is a lifeline for millions of locked-down workers right across the country .
`` How can it be right for the furloughed scheme to continue but this scheme to not ? ''
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Chancellor Rishi Sunak is set to make an announcement on the furlough scheme, with reports suggesting employers will be asked to pay 20% of workers' wages as well as national insurance and pension contributions.
It is understood the government will pay 60% of each wage up to a cap of £2,500 a month from August, according to The Guardian.
Treasury sources did not deny the reports.
The chancellor will give an update today on how firms will be asked to contribute to employees' wages, following government concerns about the increasing costs of the furlough scheme and its likely impact on the UK public spending deficit.
Currently, employers are able to claim up to 80% of workers' wages and they are exempt from national insurance and pension contributions.
Around 8.4 million workers have been furloughed under the scheme, which has cost £15bn, while a separate scheme to support self-employed workers has cost almost £7bn.
The furlough scheme was launched in March and was initially supposed to last three months. It was designed to prevent lay-offs during the coronavirus pandemic.
Environment Secretary George Eustice said people cannot be furloughed "indefinitely" and ways need to be found to get people safely back to work.
He told Sky News it had been "a very generous" scheme "to help people through these extraordinary times and to ensure that businesses' overheads could be covered".
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But he cautioned: "We need to try to start to get bits of the economy back to work."
Image: The furlough scheme could be shut to new entrants
While Labour's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds urged: "The PM and the chancellor both said they would do whatever it took to get through this and people would not lose out for doing the right thing. They have to be held to that."
Last month, Mr Sunak said he would extend the existing scheme until July, but he has come under pressure from officials to make employers pay a larger contribution.
He is also expected to shut the furlough scheme to new entrants and prevent employers from rotating staff, reports say.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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The Labour Party has urged the chancellor to protect subsidies for the industries hit hardest by the pandemic.
Meanwhile, a cross-party group of MPs has written to the chancellor calling for the scheme supporting self-employed workers to be extended past Sunday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 'We've extended the scheme for four months'
The group said these workers - who include many plumbers, hairdressers and TV workers - will be left "without work and without support" if the scheme is not extended.
While the furlough scheme for permanent workers has been extended until October, there have been no announcements on the self-employed scheme.
Siobhain McDonagh, the Labour MP who organised the letter, said: "This scheme is a lifeline for millions of locked-down workers right across the country.
"How can it be right for the furloughed scheme to continue but this scheme to not?"
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-05-29--Businesses must pay towards furloughed staff from August - as chancellor reveals end date

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has unveiled plans for employers to start paying towards the wages of their furloughed staff .
Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ( CJRS ) let businesses bring back staff part time from July , but introduce a taper requiring firms to contribute to salaries from August .
Mr Sunak has also announced that financial help will be extended for sole traders for a further three months , although the grant available will be reduced by 10 % , to 70 % of profits .
The government said the furlough scheme will close to new entrants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial support will not be extended past October .
It comes as ministers try to get people safely back to work and restart the economy as the coronavirus lockdown is eased .
Speaking at the daily press conference , Mr Sunak said : `` As we reopen the economy , there is broad consensus across the political and economic spectrum , the furlough scheme can not continue indefinitely . ''
But fears are likely to persist that the reduced support could lead to a wave of redundancies as the economy heads into recession @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top priority has always been to support people , protect jobs and businesses through this crisis .
`` The furlough and self-employment schemes have been a lifeline for millions of people and businesses .
`` We stood behind Britain 's businesses and workers as we came into this crisis and we stand behind them as we come through the other side .
`` Now , as we begin to re-open our country and kick-start our economy , these schemes will adjust to ensure those who are able to work can do so , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world . ''
The job retention scheme has so far helped a million businesses cover the wages of 8.4 million staff unable to work during lockdown , at a cost of £15bn .
In June and July , the existing support will continue with the government still paying 80 % of salaries , capped at £2,500 , with firms not required to pay anything .
However , from 1 July - a month earlier than previously announced - firms will be able to bring staff back part time , but will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The main changes start in August when the level of support will begin to reduce and businesses will have to contribute .
• August - The government will pay 80 % of wages up to a cap of £2,500 , but employers will start to pay national insurance and pension contributions • September - The government will pay 70 % of wages up to a cap of £2,190 , with employers paying 10 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October - The government will pay 60 % of wages up to a cap of £1,875 , with employers paying 20 % of wages plus contributions Mr Sunak also announced that support for the self-employed would be extended , but at a reduced rate .
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme has so far seen 2.3 million claims worth £6.8bn .
Those eligible will be able to claim a second and final grant in August , but it will be only cover 70 % of their profits over a three-month period , capped at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which covered 80 % , capped at £7,500 .
Applications for the second grant will open in August .
The chancellor said that efforts must turn towards economic recovery and there would be `` no further extensions to the schemes '' .
`` Now , our thoughts , our energies , our resources must turn to looking forward to planning for the recovery and we will need the dynamism of our whole economy as we fight our way back to prosperity .
`` Not everything will look the same as before .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can simply put the key in the lock , open the door and step into the world as it was in January .
`` We will develop new measures to grow the economy , to back business , to boost skills and to help people thrive in the new post-COVID world .
`` Today , a new national collective effort begins to reopen our country and kick-start our economy . ''
The Institute for Fiscal Studies ( IFS ) estimates the total cost of the support programmes could `` easily breach £100bn - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a normal year '' .
IFS director Paul Johnson said : `` Extending the CJRS to part-time workers and allowing this to start a month earlier than previously announced makes sense .
`` It wo n't help those who are already working part time - unless their employers furlough them before June 10th and bring them back part time in July .
`` Keeping the payment to furloughed employees at 80 % throughout risks undermining the emphasis on persuading people to return to work either full or part time . ''
Responding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` The changes announced will help ensure the schemes stay effective as we begin a cautious recovery .
`` Introducing part-time furloughing as more stores and factories start to open will help employees to return to work gradually and safely . ''
However , she warned that firms not able to open until later , such as pubs and restaurants , may need further support in the coming months .
TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady also welcomed the changes but stressed the need for the government to look to the future .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not afford the misery of mass unemployment .
The government must start planning now to build on the job retention scheme with a national recovery plan that prioritises protecting and creating jobs . ''
Adam Marshall , director general of the British Chambers of Commerce said : `` The furlough scheme has helped companies preserve millions of jobs through lockdown , but many firms still face significant uncertainty ahead .
`` On that basis , closing the scheme to new applicants in June feels premature , and risks undermining some of the work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Analysis : The chancellor could be the only cabinet minister to have improved his reputation during the pandemic Rishi Sunak has again surprised business with the generosity of his latest big announcement : companies will begin to contribute to the salaries of furloughed staff at a far slower rate than many expected .
The chancellor knows this is the critical moment , the point of maximum danger .
So far he is perhaps the only cabinet minister to have significantly improved his reputation during this crisis .
That could soon change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ package due to end this autumn , many businesses are already calculating which staff to keep and which to sack .
If in the coming months we see mass job losses , Mr Sunak 's job retention scheme will have been a failure , and one with a price tag of approximately £80bn .
He wo n't have prevented redundancies , just delayed them .
To try to avoid that , he is withdrawing the economic life-support slowly and carefully .
There may be disappointment at the lack of 'sector specific deals ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which may struggle to return to normal before they have to start contributing to the pay of furloughed staff .
And the big unknown remains consumer confidence .
Yes , employees can return to their offices and workplaces , but if people and companies are n't spending , it 's pointless .
And the UK 's coronavirus recession could then be even worse than feared .
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has unveiled plans for employers to start paying towards the wages of their furloughed staff .
Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) let businesses bring back staff part time from July, but introduce a taper requiring firms to contribute to salaries from August.
Mr Sunak has also announced that financial help will be extended for sole traders for a further three months, although the grant available will be reduced by 10%, to 70% of profits.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 'Series of steps' to move people off furlough
The government said the furlough scheme will close to new entrants on 30 June and the programmes of financial support will not be extended past October.
It comes as ministers try to get people safely back to work and restart the economy as the coronavirus lockdown is eased.
Speaking at the daily press conference, Mr Sunak said: "As we reopen the economy, there is broad consensus across the political and economic spectrum, the furlough scheme cannot continue indefinitely."
But fears are likely to persist that the reduced support could lead to a wave of redundancies as the economy heads into recession.
Mr Sunak added: "Our top priority has always been to support people, protect jobs and businesses through this crisis.
"The furlough and self-employment schemes have been a lifeline for millions of people and businesses.
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"We stood behind Britain's businesses and workers as we came into this crisis and we stand behind them as we come through the other side.
"Now, as we begin to re-open our country and kick-start our economy, these schemes will adjust to ensure those who are able to work can do so, while remaining amongst the most generous in the world."
The job retention scheme has so far helped a million businesses cover the wages of 8.4 million staff unable to work during lockdown, at a cost of £15bn.
In June and July, the existing support will continue with the government still paying 80% of salaries, capped at £2,500, with firms not required to pay anything.
However, from 1 July - a month earlier than previously announced - firms will be able to bring staff back part time, but will be responsible for paying their wages while in work.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The main changes start in August when the level of support will begin to reduce and businesses will have to contribute.
August - The government will pay 80% of wages up to a cap of £2,500, but employers will start to pay national insurance and pension contributions
September - The government will pay 70% of wages up to a cap of £2,190, with employers paying 10% of wages as well as contributions
October - The government will pay 60% of wages up to a cap of £1,875, with employers paying 20% of wages plus contributions
Mr Sunak also announced that support for the self-employed would be extended, but at a reduced rate.
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme has so far seen 2.3 million claims worth £6.8bn.
Those eligible will be able to claim a second and final grant in August, but it will be only cover 70% of their profits over a three-month period, capped at £6,570, rather than the previous payment which covered 80%, capped at £7,500.
Applications for the second grant will open in August.
Image: Some 8.4 million UK workers have been furloughed
The chancellor said that efforts must turn towards economic recovery and there would be "no further extensions to the schemes".
"Now, our thoughts, our energies, our resources must turn to looking forward to planning for the recovery and we will need the dynamism of our whole economy as we fight our way back to prosperity.
"Not everything will look the same as before. It won't be the case that we can simply put the key in the lock, open the door and step into the world as it was in January.
"We will develop new measures to grow the economy, to back business, to boost skills and to help people thrive in the new post-COVID world.
"Today, a new national collective effort begins to reopen our country and kick-start our economy."
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) estimates the total cost of the support programmes could "easily breach £100bn - about 11% of total government spending in a normal year".
IFS director Paul Johnson said: "Extending the CJRS to part-time workers and allowing this to start a month earlier than previously announced makes sense.
"It won't help those who are already working part time - unless their employers furlough them before June 10th and bring them back part time in July.
"Keeping the payment to furloughed employees at 80% throughout risks undermining the emphasis on persuading people to return to work either full or part time."
Responding, CBI director-general Dame Carolyn Fairbairn said: "The changes announced will help ensure the schemes stay effective as we begin a cautious recovery.
"Introducing part-time furloughing as more stores and factories start to open will help employees to return to work gradually and safely."
However, she warned that firms not able to open until later, such as pubs and restaurants, may need further support in the coming months.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Chancellor: Self-employed scheme extended
TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady also welcomed the changes but stressed the need for the government to look to the future.
She said: "The UK cannot afford the misery of mass unemployment. The government must start planning now to build on the job retention scheme with a national recovery plan that prioritises protecting and creating jobs."
Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce said: "The furlough scheme has helped companies preserve millions of jobs through lockdown, but many firms still face significant uncertainty ahead.
"On that basis, closing the scheme to new applicants in June feels premature, and risks undermining some of the work already done to preserve businesses and jobs."
Analysis: The chancellor could be the only cabinet minister to have improved his reputation during the pandemic
By Joe Pike, political correspondent
Rishi Sunak has again surprised business with the generosity of his latest big announcement: companies will begin to contribute to the salaries of furloughed staff at a far slower rate than many expected.
The chancellor knows this is the critical moment, the point of maximum danger. So far he is perhaps the only cabinet minister to have significantly improved his reputation during this crisis. That could soon change.
With the Treasury's COVID-19 support package due to end this autumn, many businesses are already calculating which staff to keep and which to sack.
If in the coming months we see mass job losses, Mr Sunak's job retention scheme will have been a failure, and one with a price tag of approximately £80bn. He won't have prevented redundancies, just delayed them.
To try to avoid that, he is withdrawing the economic life-support slowly and carefully.
There may be disappointment at the lack of 'sector specific deals' for industries like hospitality and the arts, which may struggle to return to normal before they have to start contributing to the pay of furloughed staff.
And the big unknown remains consumer confidence. Yes, employees can return to their offices and workplaces, but if people and companies aren't spending, it's pointless. And the UK's coronavirus recession could then be even worse than feared.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-05-29--Current lockdown plans are 'confusing' for the vulnerable millions shielding, govt warned

Millions of vulnerable people shielding during the coronavirus outbreak must get more clarity about when their lives can start to return to normal as lockdown across the UK eases , a group of charities has demanded .
Dozens of organisations representing those deemed `` clinically vulnerable '' and facing harsher rules have urged the government to `` be clearer with communication '' about announcements affecting them during the COVID-19 pandemic..
They said as restrictions are loosened across the four nations , the around 2.2 million people shielding will find the restrictions stopping them from leaving the house , seeing family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bear '' .
`` Messaging to this group is currently confused , '' wrote the bosses of charities including Diabetes UK , the British Lung Foundation and Macmillan Cancer Support in an open letter to ministers .
`` Some people have received texts advising them to shield until the end of July , and others have been advised to continue to shield indefinitely by their clinician .
`` It is imperative that clear guidance to those who are shielding is issued as soon as possible . ''
Current advice from the UK government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home at all times and avoid any face-to-face contact to protect yourself '' until the end of June .
Those who fall into the group include people with specific cancers , rare diseases that significantly increase the risk of infection , those on some immunosuppressive therapies and pregnant women with significant heart disease .
It used to include anybody aged over 70 regardless of medical condition , but that advice has now been withdrawn .
The letter from charities on Friday calls for `` urgent and direct communication from government with those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should expect when the shielding deadline expires at the end of next month .
Otherwise people will be left `` confused and anxious '' as lockdown restrictions are eased , they warn .
At the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing on Thursday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said : `` At this stage , I am afraid that those who have been asked to shield themselves should continue to do so . ''
He added he is `` looking carefully at how we can make your life easier '' and that `` we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Millions of vulnerable people shielding during the coronavirus outbreak must get more clarity about when their lives can start to return to normal as lockdown across the UK eases, a group of charities has demanded.
Dozens of organisations representing those deemed "clinically vulnerable" and facing harsher rules have urged the government to "be clearer with communication" about announcements affecting them during the COVID-19 pandemic..
They said as restrictions are loosened across the four nations, the around 2.2 million people shielding will find the restrictions stopping them from leaving the house, seeing family or going to work "harder to bear".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:17 The PM makes 'cautious' lockdown changes
"Messaging to this group is currently confused," wrote the bosses of charities including Diabetes UK, the British Lung Foundation and Macmillan Cancer Support in an open letter to ministers.
"Some people have received texts advising them to shield until the end of July, and others have been advised to continue to shield indefinitely by their clinician.
"It is imperative that clear guidance to those who are shielding is issued as soon as possible."
Current advice from the UK government is that people shielding should "stay at home at all times and avoid any face-to-face contact to protect yourself" until the end of June.
Those who fall into the group include people with specific cancers, rare diseases that significantly increase the risk of infection, those on some immunosuppressive therapies and pregnant women with significant heart disease.
It used to include anybody aged over 70 regardless of medical condition, but that advice has now been withdrawn.
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The letter from charities on Friday calls for "urgent and direct communication from government with those who are vulnerable" explaining what they should expect when the shielding deadline expires at the end of next month.
Otherwise people will be left "confused and anxious" as lockdown restrictions are eased, they warn.
At the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing on Thursday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "At this stage, I am afraid that those who have been asked to shield themselves should continue to do so."
He added he is "looking carefully at how we can make your life easier" and that "we want to say more on that soon".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-05-30--Over 2 million vulnerable 'shielders' will be allowed to meet loved ones from Monday

Boris Johnson is easing more lockdown rules , this time allowing those vulnerable to coronavirus who are shielding to leave home and go outdoors .
The change will coincide with other rules being eased on Monday and comes despite a backlash from leading scientists who claim the government is moving too soon .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has accused the prime minister of making difficult decisions more risky because of his mistakes over the past week .
The latest relaxation of lockdown rules will allow 2.2 million at-risk people shielding in England to go outside with members of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two-metre rule .
Those who live alone can meet outside with one other person from another household , according to the new rules .
People who are shielding are classed as extremely clinically vulnerable and include some cancer patients , organ transplant recipients and those with severe respiratory conditions .
The government claims the change will provide a much-needed boost to those most at risk who have been staying inside their homes to protect themselves and the NHS .
This includes many who have not had any face-to-face contact since they were first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easing of the rules , Mr Johnson thanked those who have shielded and praised their `` sacrifice '' .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' I do not underestimate just how difficult it has been for you , staying at home for the last 10 weeks , and I want to pay tribute to your resilience , '' he said .
The change comes at the same time as groups of six people will be able to meet outdoors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gardens , provided they observe the two-metre rule .
Both changes come on the day the government hopes many children will return to school , despite fierce opposition from teachers ' unions and some parents .
Urging parents to send their children back to school , Education Secretary Gavin Williamson writes in The Sun on Sunday : `` It 's only natural for people to feel nervous about sending their kids back to school .
`` That 's why this first step back is such a cautious one - and it 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England 's deputy chief medical officer , Professor Jonathan Van Tam , urged restraint ahead of the easing of lockdown rules .
`` I believe this is also a very dangerous moment .
We have to get this right , '' he said .
And he warned the public : `` Do n't tear the pants out of it , and do n't go further than the guidance actually says . ''
The Labour leader was critical of the government 's plans , saying its `` actions over the past 10 days have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` First , ministers have not yet got a fully functioning test , track and trace system in place ; and second , the government 's public health message has been undermined because the prime minister was too weak to take firm action against Dominic Cummings for breaking lockdown , '' Sir Keir said .
`` Ministers need to accept that mistakes have been made and do everything they now can to reduce the risks to public health . ''
He said the government should listen to scientists if they begin to raise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures quickly if necessary .
The prime minister 's announcement to allow at-risk people to go outdoors has been welcomed by the leading cancer charity , Macmillan , however .
`` This is a step forward for people who are most vulnerable to coronavirus , a group who have felt left behind and forgotten as lockdown eases , '' said policy chief Steven McIntosh .
But he raised concerns that existing support for extremely vulnerable people is not getting through and some are not having their needs met .

Boris Johnson is easing more lockdown rules, this time allowing those vulnerable to coronavirus who are shielding to leave home and go outdoors.
The change will coincide with other rules being eased on Monday and comes despite a backlash from leading scientists who claim the government is moving too soon.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has accused the prime minister of making difficult decisions more risky because of his mistakes over the past week.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 PM reveals lockdown changes from Monday
The latest relaxation of lockdown rules will allow 2.2 million at-risk people shielding in England to go outside with members of their household, while continuing to follow the two-metre rule.
Those who live alone can meet outside with one other person from another household, according to the new rules.
People who are shielding are classed as extremely clinically vulnerable and include some cancer patients, organ transplant recipients and those with severe respiratory conditions.
The government claims the change will provide a much-needed boost to those most at risk who have been staying inside their homes to protect themselves and the NHS.
This includes many who have not had any face-to-face contact since they were first advised to shield.
Wales has also issued similar advice. Its Chief Medical Officer , Dr Frank Atherton, said: "Risk can never be completely eliminated but we advise those shielding to exercise at times that are less busy, so the risk of contact with others is reduced."
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Announcing the latest easing of the rules, Mr Johnson thanked those who have shielded and praised their "sacrifice".
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:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"I do not underestimate just how difficult it has been for you, staying at home for the last 10 weeks, and I want to pay tribute to your resilience," he said.
The change comes at the same time as groups of six people will be able to meet outdoors, either in public spaces or in gardens, provided they observe the two-metre rule.
Both changes come on the day the government hopes many children will return to school, despite fierce opposition from teachers' unions and some parents.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:14 People enjoy the sunshine in the South East
Urging parents to send their children back to school, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson writes in The Sun on Sunday: "It's only natural for people to feel nervous about sending their kids back to school.
"That's why this first step back is such a cautious one - and it's not one that we make lightly."
England's deputy chief medical officer, Professor Jonathan Van Tam, urged restraint ahead of the easing of lockdown rules.
"I believe this is also a very dangerous moment. We have to get this right," he said.
And he warned the public: "Don't tear the pants out of it, and don't go further than the guidance actually says."
The Labour leader was critical of the government's plans, saying its "actions over the past 10 days have made difficult decisions more risky".
"First, ministers have not yet got a fully functioning test, track and trace system in place; and second, the government's public health message has been undermined because the prime minister was too weak to take firm action against Dominic Cummings for breaking lockdown," Sir Keir said.
Image: Sir Keir Starmer says the government has made 'difficult decisions more risky'
"Ministers need to accept that mistakes have been made and do everything they now can to reduce the risks to public health."
He said the government should listen to scientists if they begin to raise the alarm and be prepared to reintroduce measures quickly if necessary.
The prime minister's announcement to allow at-risk people to go outdoors has been welcomed by the leading cancer charity, Macmillan, however.
"This is a step forward for people who are most vulnerable to coronavirus, a group who have felt left behind and forgotten as lockdown eases," said policy chief Steven McIntosh.
But he raised concerns that existing support for extremely vulnerable people is not getting through and some are not having their needs met.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-05-30--Britain faces 'very dangerous moment' as lockdown eased

Britain is facing a `` very dangerous moment '' with the easing of lockdown restrictions , says the deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam .
It comes as three scientists also advising the government warned the relaxing of the rules may be happening too early and could lead to a rise in coronavirus infections .
From Monday , in England up to six people will be allowed to meet outside in parks and gardens if social distancing of two metres is observed .
Downing Street has warned the public that these meet-ups remain prohibited until after the weekend .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and beauty spots in the warm weather .
In England , some pupils are due to go back to school next week , and markets and car showrooms will be open .
Non-essential shops are set to start trading again in mid-June .
England 's deputy CMO Professor Van-Tam called for people to show restraint , saying the government and the public had a `` dual responsibility '' to prevent a second wave of the coronavirus .
Speaking at the Number 10 briefing , he added : `` I believe this is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get this right . ''
Three members of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) - Professor John Edmunds , Sir Jeremy Farrar and Professor Peter Horby - have warned ministers are taking risks , with around 8,000 people daily thought to be catching coronavirus in England , and that does not include hospitals or care homes .
The scientists have expressed concern that the NHS test and trace system to help stop the spread of COVID-19 is yet to be proven to be working effectively , and the reproduction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just below one .
This `` R '' number is the measure of how many people will be infected for every one person who has the disease .
Professor Edmunds told Sky News : `` Small changes can put that reproduction number up above one .
The more important thing is that we still have a lot of cases . ''
Sir Jeremy said in a Twitter post : `` COVID-19 spreading too fast to lift lockdown in England .
Agree with John and clear science advice .
`` TTI ( test , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place , fully working , capable dealing any surge immediately , locally responsive , rapid results & infection rates have to be lower .
And trusted . ''
Professor Van-Tam said scientific opinions `` always vary to some extent '' , and told the news conference the lockdown easing must go `` painstakingly '' slowly .
He urged the public to follow the guidance , adding : `` Do n't tear the pants out of it , and do n't go further than the guidance actually says . ''
Meanwhile , Professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edmunds had given to Sky News that `` the government are pretending they 're not making the decisions '' .
Professor Van-Tam responded : `` Our science advice has been so far that the social distancing that has already been eased is consistent with keeping the R below one .
`` The consensus of scientific advice is that the next set of measures announced for Monday , with contact tracing in place , should also keep the R within one .
`` Our advice is then to continue to watch this very carefully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advice to the government about whether we think it is possible to make further easements after that .
`` That will absolutely be a matter of advice for us and decision for the politicians . ''
And Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said `` the government has been clear along ... that ministers take responsibility for decisions but of course we take scientific advice in doing so '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Britain is facing a "very dangerous moment" with the easing of lockdown restrictions, says the deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam.
It comes as three scientists also advising the government warned the relaxing of the rules may be happening too early and could lead to a rise in coronavirus infections.
From Monday, in England up to six people will be allowed to meet outside in parks and gardens if social distancing of two metres is observed.
Downing Street has warned the public that these meet-ups remain prohibited until after the weekend.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:14 People enjoy the sunshine in the South East
On Saturday, people flocked to beaches and beauty spots in the warm weather.
In England, some pupils are due to go back to school next week, and markets and car showrooms will be open. Non-essential shops are set to start trading again in mid-June.
England's deputy CMO Professor Van-Tam called for people to show restraint, saying the government and the public had a "dual responsibility" to prevent a second wave of the coronavirus.
Speaking at the Number 10 briefing, he added: "I believe this is also a very dangerous moment. We have to get this right."
Three members of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) - Professor John Edmunds, Sir Jeremy Farrar and Professor Peter Horby - have warned ministers are taking risks, with around 8,000 people daily thought to be catching coronavirus in England, and that does not include hospitals or care homes.
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The scientists have expressed concern that the NHS test and trace system to help stop the spread of COVID-19 is yet to be proven to be working effectively, and the reproduction rate of the virus is still only just below one.
This "R" number is the measure of how many people will be infected for every one person who has the disease.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 Professor John Edmunds on lockdown easing
Professor Edmunds told Sky News: "Small changes can put that reproduction number up above one. The more important thing is that we still have a lot of cases."
Sir Jeremy said in a Twitter post: "COVID-19 spreading too fast to lift lockdown in England. Agree with John and clear science advice.
"TTI (test, trace and isolate) has to be in place, fully working, capable dealing any surge immediately, locally responsive, rapid results & infection rates have to be lower. And trusted."
Professor Van-Tam said scientific opinions "always vary to some extent", and told the news conference the lockdown easing must go "painstakingly" slowly.
He urged the public to follow the guidance, adding: "Don't tear the pants out of it, and don't go further than the guidance actually says."
Meanwhile, Professor Van-Tam was asked about comments that Professor Edmunds had given to Sky News that "the government are pretending they're not making the decisions".
Image: Sir Jeremy Farrar has also issued a warning
Professor Van-Tam responded: "Our science advice has been so far that the social distancing that has already been eased is consistent with keeping the R below one.
"The consensus of scientific advice is that the next set of measures announced for Monday, with contact tracing in place, should also keep the R within one.
"Our advice is then to continue to watch this very carefully and we will continue to give further advice to the government about whether we think it is possible to make further easements after that.
"That will absolutely be a matter of advice for us and decision for the politicians."
And Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said "the government has been clear along ... that ministers take responsibility for decisions but of course we take scientific advice in doing so".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-05-30--Labour MP steps down as whip after breaking lockdown rules

A Labour MP is no longer in a frontbench role after breaking lockdown rules , Sky News understands .
Rosie Duffield , MP for Canterbury , has apologised and stood down as Labour whip after she met her partner while they were living separately .
According to the Mail on Sunday , she met her married partner for a long walk in April .
She also did not deny he had visited her constituency house .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker This happened before the lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from different households .
In a statement , Ms Duffield said : `` My partner and I have been attempting to navigate a difficult personal situation as responsibly as possible .
I apologise that during that process , we breached the guidelines . ''
She continued : `` A relationship breakdown is difficult at the best of times , let alone during a pandemic .
`` I hope people can understand why I took the steps I did and know that I take responsibility for the breaches that occurred and for which I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , told the Mail the pair had stayed two metres apart during their meeting .
They are now thought to be living in the same property after her partner separated from his wife .
It follows calls for top Downing Street adviser Dominic Cummings to resign after he faced allegations he breached lockdown rules .
Police said he may have committed a `` minor breach '' of the restrictions after he drove from London to Durham , and then to nearby Barnard Castle , in April .
Mr Cummings faced questions from journalists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , and said he did not regret what he did .
He said he had `` not considered '' resigning despite calls from at least 40 Tory MPs to step down .
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

A Labour MP is no longer in a frontbench role after breaking lockdown rules, Sky News understands.
Rosie Duffield, MP for Canterbury, has apologised and stood down as Labour whip after she met her partner while they were living separately.
According to the Mail on Sunday, she met her married partner for a long walk in April. She also did not deny he had visited her constituency house.
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This happened before the lockdown was eased to allow meetings between people from different households.
In a statement, Ms Duffield said: "My partner and I have been attempting to navigate a difficult personal situation as responsibly as possible. I apologise that during that process, we breached the guidelines."
She continued: "A relationship breakdown is difficult at the best of times, let alone during a pandemic.
"I hope people can understand why I took the steps I did and know that I take responsibility for the breaches that occurred and for which I apologise."
Ms Duffield, 48, told the Mail the pair had stayed two metres apart during their meeting.
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They are now thought to be living in the same property after her partner separated from his wife.
Image: There have been calls for Dominic Cummings to step down
It follows calls for top Downing Street adviser Dominic Cummings to resign after he faced allegations he breached lockdown rules.
Police said he may have committed a "minor breach" of the restrictions after he drove from London to Durham, and then to nearby Barnard Castle, in April.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:14 Why did the PM do so much to save Cummings?
Mr Cummings faced questions from journalists during a lengthy news conference earlier this week, and said he did not regret what he did.
He said he had "not considered" resigning despite calls from at least 40 Tory MPs to step down.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-05-30--Coronavirus lockdown rules are clear and 'apply to everybody', top medic says

The coronavirus rules are clear and apply to everybody , England 's deputy chief medical officer has warned .
Professor Jonathan Van-Tam was asked at the daily coronavirus briefing whether people in authority should lead and obey the rules , in reference to the Dominic Cummings row .
Professor Van-Tam said : `` In my opinion the rules are clear and they have always been clear .
`` In my opinion they are for the benefit of all .
In my opinion they apply to all . ''
In response to the question about Mr Cummings , who travelled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures were in place , Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said he gave `` a very extensive explanation of his behaviour on Monday and answered all questions in relation to that '' .
`` The prime minister accepted that explanation and on that basis kept him in post and that remains the position , '' he said .
Earlier on Saturday , one scientist said the `` Cummings affair '' could impact trust in the authorities issuing the rules .
Professor Robert West , a participant in the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` Trust in authority telling you to do things is very important when it comes to people adhering to those rules .
`` This is going to become even more important as we move to a situation where it 's not everybody having to do it ; it 's people who have drawn the short straw .
So they will be seeing other people out there being able to engage in activities which they ca n't do for up to 14 days . ''
Professor West said people `` will feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must , absolutely must , feel that what they are doing they are doing it because it 's the right thing to do , so anyone who was in their position would do that '' .
He added that `` when people see something like the Cummings affair ... that 's not a recipe for trust '' .
Durham Police said Mr Cummings may have committed `` a minor breach '' of lockdown rules but will face no further action .
Despite a stream of Tory MPs calling for the adviser 's resignation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support for Mr Cummings .
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
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The coronavirus rules are clear and apply to everybody, England's deputy chief medical officer has warned.
Professor Jonathan Van-Tam was asked at the daily coronavirus briefing whether people in authority should lead and obey the rules, in reference to the Dominic Cummings row.
Professor Van-Tam said: "In my opinion the rules are clear and they have always been clear.
Image: Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said the rules were clear and apply to everyone
"In my opinion they are for the benefit of all. In my opinion they apply to all."
In response to the question about Mr Cummings, who travelled to Durham from London while the harshest lockdown measures were in place, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said he gave "a very extensive explanation of his behaviour on Monday and answered all questions in relation to that".
"The prime minister accepted that explanation and on that basis kept him in post and that remains the position," he said.
Earlier on Saturday, one scientist said the "Cummings affair" could impact trust in the authorities issuing the rules.
Professor Robert West, a participant in the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours (SPI-B) which advises SAGE, said: "Trust in authority telling you to do things is very important when it comes to people adhering to those rules.
Image: Boris Johnson has stuck by Dominic Cummings through the saga
"This is going to become even more important as we move to a situation where it's not everybody having to do it; it's people who have drawn the short straw. So they will be seeing other people out there being able to engage in activities which they can't do for up to 14 days."
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Professor West said people "will feel really cheesed off about it and they must, absolutely must, feel that what they are doing they are doing it because it's the right thing to do, so anyone who was in their position would do that".
He added that "when people see something like the Cummings affair... that's not a recipe for trust".
Durham Police said Mr Cummings may have committed "a minor breach" of lockdown rules but will face no further action.
Despite a stream of Tory MPs calling for the adviser's resignation continued, Mr Johnson has reiterated his support for Mr Cummings.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-05-30--What is next for Dominic Cummings?

What is next for Dominic Cummings?

From the moment Boris Johnson arrived in Downing Street , one key figure was lurking in the background .
As the prime minister briefly posed for a photo with Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill , Dominic Cummings stood in the corner joining in the applause .
As ever , his clothes - jeans and a t-shirt - jarred with the surroundings .
Since then , he has built a national profile : infamous as the aide who in a matter of days turned the North East town of Barnard Castle from beauty spot to memer 's dream .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' concedes Tim Montgomerie , who worked with the PM 's chief adviser in No 10 until December .
`` Some of his campaign successes - whether the Brexit campaign or the general election are extraordinary , come-from-behind victories and I think that sort of genius inspires a lot of loyalty from the staffers that work for him .
The danger though is that it also breeds a sort of arrogance that other views are n't welcome . ''
Indeed the views of more than 40 MPs - that Mr Cummings should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister sacrificed his own poll ratings to save his top aide .
Dominic Cummings was brought up in Durham and educated at Oxford .
His first taste of political campaigning came at the turn of the millennium when he led a campaign to stop the UK adopting the Euro .
He was briefly director of strategy for Iain Duncan Smith when the latter was Tory party leader .
And Mr Cummings later worked for Michael Gove when he was education secretary , clashing with teaching unions and leaving government under a cloud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described him as ' a career psychopath ' .
His greatest victory - immortalised on TV by Benedict Cumberbatch - came when , alongside Boris Johnson , Mr Cummings convinced 17.4 million Britons to take back control and vote Leave .
Now as the PM 's chief adviser his profile has been raised yet further .
Partly due to his abrasive run-ins with the media - `` You guys should get outside London and go to talk to people who are not rich remainers '' - and his idiosyncratic fashion choices .
Prominent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It was true of the nineteenth century with Disraeli and Gladstone , in the twentieth century Lloyd George , Churchill , Thatcher .
They all need to have them , '' says the political historian Sir Anthony Seldon .
`` The difference with Dominic Cummings is never before in British history has one aide been so prominent and such a public figure in their own right . ''
Tim Mongomerie argues : `` It took Margaret Thatcher probably six , seven , eight years before she really stopped listening to the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of battles against her , and it took her that length of time for her to develop an arrogance complex .
`` The problem for Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings is that they seemed to have developed that same arrogance complex within six months and , however good someone like Cummings is when it comes to politics and campaigning , no one knows everything . ''
When Mr Cummings started working at Downing Street , there was speculation he would n't hang around for long .
But this saga has made it abundantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just as critical to what he wants to achieve in power , as he was getting him into it .
Yet Sir Anthony Seldon warns the current situation may not be sustainable : `` The evidence of history points very clearly and without any equivocation to the fact that when an aide to the PM becomes a big story themselves , almost as dominant as the PM , they can not stay .
`` Because it breaks apart everything in our democratic constitution .
It is not the way the British play the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson 's chief adviser is protected .
This Cummings Crisis is put to rest .
But with huge challenges ahead there may well be another on the horizon .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

From the moment Boris Johnson arrived in Downing Street, one key figure was lurking in the background.
As the prime minister briefly posed for a photo with Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill, Dominic Cummings stood in the corner joining in the applause. As ever, his clothes - jeans and a t-shirt - jarred with the surroundings.
Since then, he has built a national profile: infamous as the aide who in a matter of days turned the North East town of Barnard Castle from beauty spot to memer's dream.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:14 Why did the PM do so much to save Cummings?
"I think Dominic Cummings is undoubtedly a genius," concedes Tim Montgomerie, who worked with the PM's chief adviser in No 10 until December.
"Some of his campaign successes - whether the Brexit campaign or the general election are extraordinary, come-from-behind victories and I think that sort of genius inspires a lot of loyalty from the staffers that work for him. The danger though is that it also breeds a sort of arrogance that other views aren't welcome."
Indeed the views of more than 40 MPs - that Mr Cummings should resign - made little difference as the prime minister sacrificed his own poll ratings to save his top aide.
Who is Dominic Cummings?
Dominic Cummings was brought up in Durham and educated at Oxford. His first taste of political campaigning came at the turn of the millennium when he led a campaign to stop the UK adopting the Euro. He was briefly director of strategy for Iain Duncan Smith when the latter was Tory party leader.
And Mr Cummings later worked for Michael Gove when he was education secretary, clashing with teaching unions and leaving government under a cloud. David Cameron is said to have described him as 'a career psychopath'.
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His greatest victory - immortalised on TV by Benedict Cumberbatch - came when, alongside Boris Johnson, Mr Cummings convinced 17.4 million Britons to take back control and vote Leave.
Image: Dominic Cummings has had a number of abrasive run-ins with the media
Now as the PM's chief adviser his profile has been raised yet further. Partly due to his abrasive run-ins with the media - "You guys should get outside London and go to talk to people who are not rich remainers" - and his idiosyncratic fashion choices.
History
Prominent prime ministerial advisers are nothing new.
"It was true of the nineteenth century with Disraeli and Gladstone, in the twentieth century Lloyd George, Churchill, Thatcher. They all need to have them," says the political historian Sir Anthony Seldon.
"The difference with Dominic Cummings is never before in British history has one aide been so prominent and such a public figure in their own right."
Image: Prior to his political career, Mr Cummings studied ancient and modern history at Oxford University's Exeter College
Tim Mongomerie argues: "It took Margaret Thatcher probably six, seven, eight years before she really stopped listening to the public. That came after she won lots of battles against her, and it took her that length of time for her to develop an arrogance complex.
"The problem for Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings is that they seemed to have developed that same arrogance complex within six months and, however good someone like Cummings is when it comes to politics and campaigning, no one knows everything."
Future
When Mr Cummings started working at Downing Street, there was speculation he wouldn't hang around for long. But this saga has made it abundantly clear Boris Johnson believes Mr Cummings is just as critical to what he wants to achieve in power, as he was getting him into it.
Image: When Dominic Cummings started working at Downing Street, there was speculation he wouldn't hang around for long
Yet Sir Anthony Seldon warns the current situation may not be sustainable: "The evidence of history points very clearly and without any equivocation to the fact that when an aide to the PM becomes a big story themselves, almost as dominant as the PM, they cannot stay.
"Because it breaks apart everything in our democratic constitution. It is not the way the British play the political game."
For now Boris Johnson's chief adviser is protected. This Cummings Crisis is put to rest.
But with huge challenges ahead there may well be another on the horizon.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-05-31--'We can't just stay in lockdown forever,' says Raab as rules relaxed

The UK `` ca n't just stay in lockdown forever '' , Dominic Raab has told Sky News as he defended a gradual easing of the coronavirus rules despite concerns raised by some government scientific advisers .
While acknowledging it was a `` precarious moment '' , the foreign secretary told Sophy Ridge on Sunday that the `` careful '' relaxing of the COVID-19 restrictions was the `` right step '' to take .
But he also said if there was any increase in coronavirus cases then targeted measures would be taken .
Mr Raab was speaking after two members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( SAGE ) , warned the government was taking risks by allowing the gradual reopening of shops and schools and larger gatherings to meet in private .
More than two million at-risk people shielding in England will also be allowed to to go outside for the first time , while continuing to follow the two-metre social distancing rule .
Separately , Devi Sridhar , professor of global public health at Edinburgh University , also told Sky News that she feels is it `` inevitable '' that England will see a rise in coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has warned there remained a `` significant risk '' that the disease could `` run out of control again '' , which was why Scotland has only `` very cautiously '' started to ease restrictions .
But speaking to Sophy Ridge , Mr Raab said : `` We are confident that this is the right step to be taking at this moment in time .
`` We are taking those steps very carefully , based on the science but also based on our ability now to monitor the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progress '' has been made in bringing down the transmission rate .
Pointing to the downward trend in new cases , he said : `` That is the steady progress that we are making which means ... we can take those steps responsibly , but we have to be very careful . ''
He added : `` We are at a precarious moment .
`` We can ease up , we can protect life , but also livelihoods , get life back to something resembling normal , but we must monitor it very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uptick in the number of cases , if we stop making the progress I described , we will have to take further measures again and target the virus wherever it may appear . ''
Mr Raab said : `` Obviously this is a sensitive moment , but we ca n't just stay in lockdown forever .
We have got to transition .
`` The more we transition through careful steps the more I think we will build up confidence in the approach we are taking . ''
Pressed over the warnings issued by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointed out the scientists would not always agree .
With more than 25 taking part at any one time , he said : `` It would be totally surprising if they all agreed in unanimity .
They do n't .
That 's why we have that group , to test the evidence .
`` Then we as elected politicians have to take the final judgement call . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Raab added : `` Our overriding priority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know that we have got to protect livelihoods , jobs , the economy , because that 's what props up all of our crucial public services .
`` The steps we are taking is not some binary trade off , because if we had a second peak in the virus we would end up back in lockdown and that would be bad for public health reasons , but also for the economy . ''
But Prof Sridhar , a public health expert and a member of the Scottish government 's COVID-19 advisory group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a big risk and gamble '' .
She told Ridge : `` If your objective is to contain the virus , to drive numbers down and to try to in a sense get rid of it so no-one is exposed to it , then it is not the right measure right now to open up .
`` It 's a big risk and gamble for exiting lockdown with a larger number of deaths than we did when we actually entered lockdown months back . ''
Also speaking on Ridge , the Scottish First @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't gone away , there is still a significant risk it could run out of control again '' .
`` That 's why in Scotland we are moving very slowly , very cautiously , '' said Nicola Sturgeon .
She also questioned whether virus-related deaths in care homes in England are being under-reported , to explain the apparent higher rate in Scotland .
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

The UK "can't just stay in lockdown forever", Dominic Raab has told Sky News as he defended a gradual easing of the coronavirus rules despite concerns raised by some government scientific advisers.
While acknowledging it was a "precarious moment", the foreign secretary told Sophy Ridge on Sunday that the "careful" relaxing of the COVID-19 restrictions was the "right step" to take.
But he also said if there was any increase in coronavirus cases then targeted measures would be taken.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Politicians decide and scientists advise - Sturgeon
Mr Raab was speaking after two members of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), warned the government was taking risks by allowing the gradual reopening of shops and schools and larger gatherings to meet in private.
More than two million at-risk people shielding in England will also be allowed to to go outside for the first time, while continuing to follow the two-metre social distancing rule.
Separately, Devi Sridhar, professor of global public health at Edinburgh University, also told Sky News that she feels is it "inevitable" that England will see a rise in coronavirus cases as the lockdown is relaxed.
And First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has warned there remained a "significant risk" that the disease could "run out of control again", which was why Scotland has only "very cautiously" started to ease restrictions.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:12 Exiting lockdown is 'a big gamble'
But speaking to Sophy Ridge, Mr Raab said: "We are confident that this is the right step to be taking at this moment in time.
"We are taking those steps very carefully, based on the science but also based on our ability now to monitor the virus."
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He said "steady progress" has been made in bringing down the transmission rate.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 'People will die': SAGE member on lockdown easing
Pointing to the downward trend in new cases, he said: "That is the steady progress that we are making which means... we can take those steps responsibly, but we have to be very careful."
He added: "We are at a precarious moment.
"We can ease up, we can protect life, but also livelihoods, get life back to something resembling normal, but we must monitor it very carefully.
"If there is any uptick in the number of cases, if we stop making the progress I described, we will have to take further measures again and target the virus wherever it may appear."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 UK still in a 'very dangerous moment' on COVID-19
Mr Raab said: "Obviously this is a sensitive moment, but we can't just stay in lockdown forever. We have got to transition.
"The more we transition through careful steps the more I think we will build up confidence in the approach we are taking."
Pressed over the warnings issued by some members of SAGE, Mr Raab pointed out the scientists would not always agree.
With more than 25 taking part at any one time, he said: "It would be totally surprising if they all agreed in unanimity. They don't. That's why we have that group, to test the evidence.
"Then we as elected politicians have to take the final judgement call."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Raab added: "Our overriding priority is to protect life but we also know that we have got to protect livelihoods, jobs, the economy, because that's what props up all of our crucial public services.
"The steps we are taking is not some binary trade off, because if we had a second peak in the virus we would end up back in lockdown and that would be bad for public health reasons, but also for the economy."
But Prof Sridhar, a public health expert and a member of the Scottish government's COVID-19 advisory group, has warned that relaxing the "a big risk and gamble".
She told Ridge: "If your objective is to contain the virus, to drive numbers down and to try to in a sense get rid of it so no-one is exposed to it, then it is not the right measure right now to open up.
"It's a big risk and gamble for exiting lockdown with a larger number of deaths than we did when we actually entered lockdown months back."
Also speaking on Ridge, the Scottish First Minister warned that "this virus hasn't gone away, there is still a significant risk it could run out of control again".
"That's why in Scotland we are moving very slowly, very cautiously," said Nicola Sturgeon.
She also questioned whether virus-related deaths in care homes in England are being under-reported, to explain the apparent higher rate in Scotland.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk