skynewspolitics--2020-09-18--Prime minister at centre of a lockdown pincer movement

Boris Johnson 's interview this afternoon really ought to have carried more significance than it did given the undoubted gravity of the moment .
Behind the scenes , government sources confirm that the PM is weighing up whether he has to introduce national restrictions for a short period of time in the next few weeks .
The idea , they say , a `` circuit break '' would see schools and work continuing , but curbs on social lives .
In a carefully worded statement , Downing Street say merely they now want to avoid any `` extended lockdowns '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether it must cancel family gatherings and half term and they can see a government appearing to reach a conclusion that it must .
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said at her press conference - which feel vital at critical times like today - that more difficult decisions are due in `` days '' .
London mayor Sadiq Khan said tonight that London can not wait for the virus to spiral out of control in the capital before introducing restrictions .
But the prime minister was unwilling to say almost anything concrete this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He knows what is at stake having seen chief medical officer Chris Whitty and chief scientific advisor Patrick Vallance on Wednesday night .
But pushed about what he was thinking about , he brushed it off : `` We are looking at it the whole time as soon as we have something to say we will say it . ''
He made headlines by saying that Britain is entering a second coronavirus spike , evident from the numbers .
He then curiously went on to say it was inevitable - a far cry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the year and a remark which might prompt some to ask why England is n't better prepared .
He concluded by promising transparency , though without delivering it today .
Asked whether there might be a two week half term for school children , ban on friends visiting each other 's houses in England or anything else , he demured .
The interesting question is why Mr Johnson is quite so reticent .
It appears the prime minister is at the centre of a pincer movement .
There are medical and scientific hawks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce exposure and casualties .
They appear to be joined by Health Secretary Matt Hancock who was making clear to Kay Burley on Sky on Friday that a national lockdown is a last line of defence - but stressed everything remains under review .
He used bolder language on a national lockdown than the prime minister was prepared to adopt later on .
Also among the hawks are regional and national leaders like Ms Sturgeon , Mr Khan and Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford , a group which has sometimes set the pace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Subscribe to all Sky News podcasts on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But on the other side is an increasingly restless party .
It is not just Tory backbenchers , many of whom voiced concerns on Thursday .
One member of government today told me of their concern new restrictions are being drawn up before the impact of the rule banning more than 6 people meeting anywhere - which was introduced on Monday - could be properly assessed .
Meanwhile a member of Mr Johnson 's cabinet told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy and questioned how far you could rely on scientists who had changed their tune over the course of the pandemic .
What Britain needed , they suggested , was to allow people to make up their own minds , rather than being subjected to increasingly draconian laws .
`` We should move in the direction of Sweden , '' they added , referring to the country which avoided a national lockdown of the sort seen in many other European countries .
This will be hard for Mr Johnson to do .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him to go decisively in the opposite direction too .
Nothing is straightforward for the prime minister .

Some Tory backbenchers fear new restrictions are being drawn up before the impact of the rule of six can be properly assessed.
Nothing is straightforward for the prime minister
Boris Johnson's interview this afternoon really ought to have carried more significance than it did given the undoubted gravity of the moment.
Behind the scenes, government sources confirm that the PM is weighing up whether he has to introduce national restrictions for a short period of time in the next few weeks.
The idea, they say, a "circuit break" would see schools and work continuing, but curbs on social lives. In a carefully worded statement, Downing Street say merely they now want to avoid any "extended lockdowns".
The nation urgently wants to know whether it must cancel family gatherings and half term and they can see a government appearing to reach a conclusion that it must.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:02 PM: 'We're now seeing a second wave coming'
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said at her press conference - which feel vital at critical times like today - that more difficult decisions are due in "days".
London mayor Sadiq Khan said tonight that London cannot wait for the virus to spiral out of control in the capital before introducing restrictions.
But the prime minister was unwilling to say almost anything concrete this afternoon about what is to come.
He knows what is at stake having seen chief medical officer Chris Whitty and chief scientific advisor Patrick Vallance on Wednesday night.
But pushed about what he was thinking about, he brushed it off: "We are looking at it the whole time as soon as we have something to say we will say it."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 16:33 Hancock on potential for second lockdown
He made headlines by saying that Britain is entering a second coronavirus spike, evident from the numbers.
He then curiously went on to say it was inevitable - a far cry from some of the rhetoric earlier in the year and a remark which might prompt some to ask why England isn't better prepared. He concluded by promising transparency, though without delivering it today.
Asked whether there might be a two week half term for school children, ban on friends visiting each other's houses in England or anything else, he demured.
The interesting question is why Mr Johnson is quite so reticent.
It appears the prime minister is at the centre of a pincer movement. There are medical and scientific hawks on one side whose job is to reduce exposure and casualties.
They appear to be joined by Health Secretary Matt Hancock who was making clear to Kay Burley on Sky on Friday that a national lockdown is a last line of defence - but stressed everything remains under review.
He used bolder language on a national lockdown than the prime minister was prepared to adopt later on. Also among the hawks are regional and national leaders like Ms Sturgeon, Mr Khan and Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford, a group which has sometimes set the pace uncomfortably fast for Downing Street.
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But on the other side is an increasingly restless party. It is not just Tory backbenchers, many of whom voiced concerns on Thursday. One member of government today told me of their concern new restrictions are being drawn up before the impact of the rule banning more than 6 people meeting anywhere - which was introduced on Monday - could be properly assessed.
Meanwhile a member of Mr Johnson's cabinet told me that national lockdowns would wreck the economy and questioned how far you could rely on scientists who had changed their tune over the course of the pandemic.
What Britain needed, they suggested, was to allow people to make up their own minds, rather than being subjected to increasingly draconian laws. "We should move in the direction of Sweden," they added, referring to the country which avoided a national lockdown of the sort seen in many other European countries.
This will be hard for Mr Johnson to do. But his party will make it hard for him to go decisively in the opposite direction too.
Nothing is straightforward for the prime minister.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-18--Brexit chairman 'deeply concerned' over state of negotiations

One of the key figures in Brexit talks has told Sky News that he is `` deeply concerned '' over the state of negotiations .
German MEP David McAllister also says that trust and confidence in the British government has been `` damaged '' by recent disputes , and says a trade deal can not be agreed unless the British government withdraws its controversial Internal Market Bill .
Mr McAllister , the chairman of the UK Co-ordination group in the European Parliament , which scrutinises Brexit negotiations , also told me that the bill was an `` unacceptable threat '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This bill came out of the blue and , across party lines in the European Parliament , we are deeply concerned , '' he said .
`` Not just about the lack of progress in negotiations , but also about this bill .
It clearly breaches the withdrawal agreement , including on the very sensitive protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland .
`` We will not ratify a future deal with the United Kingdom if there is a threat to the Withdrawal Agreement .
This has to be withdrawn . ''
When asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amendment , which would require the House of Commons to hold a vote before allowing the government to override the existing Brexit agreement , Mr McAllister shook his head .
He said : `` We want an agreement , but a crucial pillar of our future relationship is that the Withdrawal Agreement has to be implemented fully by both sides .
`` The Withdrawal Agreement was ratified by the House of Commons , the member states and the European Parliament .
You ca n't unilaterally change it .
This is n't how international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confidence have been damaged .
This is n't helpful at this crucial stage of negotiations . ''
Mr McAllister , whose father is Scottish , said that he was still `` confident '' that a deal could be struck , but said that the EU was now making significant preparations ahead of a possible `` no deal '' outcome .
`` Nobody should underestimate the social and economic consequences of no deal and I still think it would be much , much better for both sides to have a deal , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this done now , but trust and confidence have to be restored .
The ball is in the British court - nowhere else .
`` We need an agreement by the end of October , but if the UK continues to breach , or threaten to breach , the Withdrawal Agreement then we will not ratify a trade deal .
`` We have negotiated in good faith and we continue to negotiate in good faith .
If you look at the events of the past week , it 's pretty obvious where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' : : Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The government has argued that its bill is designed to `` protect jobs and trade '' , but senior figures within the Cabinet have disagreed over whether or not the bill would break international law .
Two days of informal Brexit talks have taken place this week in Brussels and negotiations will resume next week in London .
Both sides have said that any deal would have to be reached before the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fully ratified by the end of the year , when the Brexit transition period comes to an end on 31 December .

One of the key figures in Brexit talks has told Sky News that he is "deeply concerned" over the state of negotiations.
German MEP David McAllister also says that trust and confidence in the British government has been "damaged" by recent disputes, and says a trade deal cannot be agreed unless the British government withdraws its controversial Internal Market Bill.
Mr McAllister, the chairman of the UK Co-ordination group in the European Parliament, which scrutinises Brexit negotiations, also told me that the bill was an "unacceptable threat" to the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.
Image: MEP David McAllister says he is 'deeply concerned' over the state of Brexit talks
"This bill came out of the blue and, across party lines in the European Parliament, we are deeply concerned," he said.
"Not just about the lack of progress in negotiations, but also about this bill. It clearly breaches the withdrawal agreement, including on the very sensitive protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland.
"We will not ratify a future deal with the United Kingdom if there is a threat to the Withdrawal Agreement. This has to be withdrawn."
When asked if he was mollified by the Neil amendment, which would require the House of Commons to hold a vote before allowing the government to override the existing Brexit agreement, Mr McAllister shook his head.
He said: "We want an agreement, but a crucial pillar of our future relationship is that the Withdrawal Agreement has to be implemented fully by both sides.
"The Withdrawal Agreement was ratified by the House of Commons, the member states and the European Parliament. You can't unilaterally change it. This isn't how international politics works.
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"Unfortunately trust and confidence have been damaged. This isn't helpful at this crucial stage of negotiations."
Mr McAllister, whose father is Scottish, said that he was still "confident" that a deal could be struck, but said that the EU was now making significant preparations ahead of a possible "no deal" outcome.
"Nobody should underestimate the social and economic consequences of no deal and I still think it would be much, much better for both sides to have a deal," he continued.
"We want to get this done now, but trust and confidence have to be restored. The ball is in the British court - nowhere else.
"We need an agreement by the end of October, but if the UK continues to breach, or threaten to breach, the Withdrawal Agreement then we will not ratify a trade deal.
"We have negotiated in good faith and we continue to negotiate in good faith. If you look at the events of the past week, it's pretty obvious where the trust and confidence have been breached."
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The government has argued that its bill is designed to "protect jobs and trade", but senior figures within the Cabinet have disagreed over whether or not the bill would break international law.
Two days of informal Brexit talks have taken place this week in Brussels and negotiations will resume next week in London.
Both sides have said that any deal would have to be reached before the end of next month in order to be fully ratified by the end of the year, when the Brexit transition period comes to an end on 31 December.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-18--Amal Clooney quits UK envoy role over 'lamentable' plans to break international law

Amal Clooney has quit her role as the UK ’ s special envoy on media freedom in protest at the government ’ s `` lamentable '' intention to `` break international law '' with the Internal Market Bill .
The high-profile human rights lawyer said `` it is lamentable for the UK to be speaking of its intention to violate an international treaty signed by the prime minister less than a year ago '' .
In a letter to Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , Ms Clooney wrote that she can not urge other nations to respect international obligations `` while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intend to do so itself '' .
She was , she said `` dismayed '' to learn of the Internal Market Bill , a piece of Brexit legislation , which would , by ministers ' own admission , `` break international law '' by allowing them to override provisions in the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement relating to Northern Ireland .
The lawyer added that she put off resigning the role until she spoke to Mr Raab directly about her concerns `` out of respect for the professional working relationship I have developed with you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights '' .
`` But having now done so and received no assurance that any change of position is imminent , I have no alternative but to resign from my position , '' she added .
The letter , sent via the law firm Doughty Street Chambers , adds that the bill has damaged Britain 's standing in the world .
`` I am disappointed to have to do so because I have always been proud of the UK 's reputation as a champion of the international legal order , and of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is known , '' she wrote .
`` However , very sadly , it has now become untenable for me , as special envoy , to urge other states to respect and enforce international obligations while the UK declares that it does not intend to do so itself .
`` It threatens to embolden autocratic regimes that violate international law with devastating consequences all over the world . ''
Ms Clooney , a British-Lebanese barrister , was appointed to the post of special envoy in April last year .
She said her task @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take `` to ensure that existing international obligations relating to media freedom are enforced in accordance with international law '' .
`` I accepted the role , '' she said , `` because I believe in the importance of the cause '' .
A Foreign Office spokesperson said : `` We 'd like to thank Amal Clooney for all her work as special envoy to defend journalists and promote media freedom around the world . ''
: : Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9 September , is contentious as it overrides parts of the EU 's legal divorce deal , known as the Withdrawal Agreement , which came into effect on 31 January 2020 .
Despite deep misgivings by some senior Conservatives and all five living former prime ministers , MPs voted on 14 September to give the bill a second reading , with a government majority of 77 - although two Tories voted against it and 30 abstained .
Her decision to quit follows the resignations of two other senior lawyers - the advocate general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the head of the Government Legal Department Sir Jonathan Jones .
It will add to the pressure on Boris Johnson who has been facing calls to drop measures in the UK Internal Market Bill enabling ministers to override provisions in the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement relating to Northern Ireland .

Amal Clooney has quit her role as the UK’s special envoy on media freedom in protest at the government’s "lamentable" intention to "break international law" with the Internal Market Bill.
The high-profile human rights lawyer said "it is lamentable for the UK to be speaking of its intention to violate an international treaty signed by the prime minister less than a year ago".
In a letter to Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, Ms Clooney wrote that she cannot urge other nations to respect international obligations "while the UK declares that it does not intend to do so itself".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:14 PM blasts EU's 'extraordinary threat'
She was, she said "dismayed" to learn of the Internal Market Bill, a piece of Brexit legislation, which would, by ministers' own admission, "break international law" by allowing them to override provisions in the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement relating to Northern Ireland.
The lawyer added that she put off resigning the role until she spoke to Mr Raab directly about her concerns "out of respect for the professional working relationship I have developed with you and your senior colleagues working on human rights".
"But having now done so and received no assurance that any change of position is imminent, I have no alternative but to resign from my position," she added.
The letter, sent via the law firm Doughty Street Chambers, adds that the bill has damaged Britain's standing in the world.
"I am disappointed to have to do so because I have always been proud of the UK's reputation as a champion of the international legal order, and of the culture of fair play for which it is known," she wrote.
"However, very sadly, it has now become untenable for me, as special envoy, to urge other states to respect and enforce international obligations while the UK declares that it does not intend to do so itself.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 Brexit bill could 'in theory' break law
"It threatens to embolden autocratic regimes that violate international law with devastating consequences all over the world."
Ms Clooney, a British-Lebanese barrister, was appointed to the post of special envoy in April last year.
She said her task was to help promote actions governments could take "to ensure that existing international obligations relating to media freedom are enforced in accordance with international law".
"I accepted the role," she said, "because I believe in the importance of the cause".
A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "We'd like to thank Amal Clooney for all her work as special envoy to defend journalists and promote media freedom around the world."
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The bill, published on 9 September, is contentious as it overrides parts of the EU's legal divorce deal, known as the Withdrawal Agreement, which came into effect on 31 January 2020.
Despite deep misgivings by some senior Conservatives and all five living former prime ministers, MPs voted on 14 September to give the bill a second reading, with a government majority of 77 - although two Tories voted against it and 30 abstained.
Her decision to quit follows the resignations of two other senior lawyers - the advocate general for Scotland, Lord Keen of Elie, and the head of the Government Legal Department Sir Jonathan Jones.
It will add to the pressure on Boris Johnson who has been facing calls to drop measures in the UK Internal Market Bill enabling ministers to override provisions in the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement relating to Northern Ireland.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-18--'Stop whingeing about missing granny at Christmas', senior Tory tells media

A senior Tory and former minister has said the media should `` stop whingeing about not meeting granny at Christmas '' .
He also said it served people right if they `` cram themselves into a ghastly Ryanair flight or pack a pub '' and catch coronavirus .
The claims came from Lord Blencathra , who as David Maclean was a Home Office minister under John Major and Tory chief whip under Iain Duncan Smith and Michael Howard .
They were made 24 hours after the Leader of the Commons , Jacob Rees-Mogg , hit out during exchanges with MPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing .
The peer , who stood down as an MP in 2010 because of worsening multiple sclerosis , made his comments in a House of Lords debate on face covering regulations in England .
During the debate , he urged the health minister , Lord Bethell : `` Please tell the media to stop whingeing about not meeting granny at Christmas .
`` Christmas is three months away and anything can happen in the meantime . ''
The UK recorded 4,322 new cases of coronavirus on Friday , the highest daily rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died after catching the illness .
Lord Blencathra , who now relies on a mobility scooter , continued : `` On a train , passengers and crew wear masks most of the time , but shop assistants are exempt , it seems .
`` I was in a shop last week and every shopper was wearing a mask .
But a guy filling the shelves had no mask and was coughing and wheezing like an old sheep with lungworm .
: : Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How does that encourage others to obey the law ?
`` I am a libertarian and ... if someone wants to kill themselves with 60 cigarettes a day , I do n't mind so long as it does not affect others or I have to pay for it .
`` That is why I deeply resent those who are guzzling themselves obese and expect NHS taxpayers to pay the bill for their diabetes treatment .
`` So I do n't care if people cram themselves into a ghastly Ryanair flight or pack a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serves them right .
`` But I do care very deeply indeed that they are infecting other innocent people , such as their more elderly relatives , their friends and their workmates . ''
Lord Blencathra , who succeeded grandee Willie Whitelaw as MP for Penrith and the Border in 1983 , added : `` For many years , we have seen oriental tourists in London wearing masks .
`` It 's nothing to do with COVID-19 , but out of courtesy because they had a cold and did not want to infect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and culture .
`` It is high time everyone in this country did the same every time they are outdoors or in public places with no exemptions , except for a few medical exemptions , and no excuses .
`` Report them instantly and hit them hard with penalties when they do not comply . ''
Earlier during the debate , Lord Bethell had an unfortunate mishap when he was heard swearing after suffering technology problems while speaking from home .
After the minister 's second attempt to deliver his speech on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard muttering : `` Oh for f**** sake ! ''
At this point , Lord Bethell 's sound feed was cut and Baroness Penn , a government whip , completed his speech .
Lord Bethell later wrote on Twitter : `` My sincere apologies to noble lords for my intemperate response to IT challenges earlier .
No excuse .
Wo n't happen again . ''

A senior Tory and former minister has said the media should "stop whingeing about not meeting granny at Christmas".
He also said it served people right if they "cram themselves into a ghastly Ryanair flight or pack a pub" and catch coronavirus.
The claims came from Lord Blencathra, who as David Maclean was a Home Office minister under John Major and Tory chief whip under Iain Duncan Smith and Michael Howard.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 Stop 'endless carping' over test difficulties
They were made 24 hours after the Leader of the Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg, hit out during exchanges with MPs at "endless carping" over coronavirus testing.
The peer, who stood down as an MP in 2010 because of worsening multiple sclerosis, made his comments in a House of Lords debate on face covering regulations in England.
During the debate, he urged the health minister, Lord Bethell: "Please tell the media to stop whingeing about not meeting granny at Christmas.
"Christmas is three months away and anything can happen in the meantime."
The UK recorded 4,322 new cases of coronavirus on Friday, the highest daily rate since 8 May, while 27 people died after catching the illness.
Lord Blencathra, who now relies on a mobility scooter, continued: "On a train, passengers and crew wear masks most of the time, but shop assistants are exempt, it seems.
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"I was in a shop last week and every shopper was wearing a mask. But a guy filling the shelves had no mask and was coughing and wheezing like an old sheep with lungworm.
Image: Lord Bethell, seen with head of NHS Test and Trace Dido Harding, walking through Parliament Square
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"How does that encourage others to obey the law?
"I am a libertarian and... if someone wants to kill themselves with 60 cigarettes a day, I don't mind so long as it does not affect others or I have to pay for it.
"That is why I deeply resent those who are guzzling themselves obese and expect NHS taxpayers to pay the bill for their diabetes treatment.
"So I don't care if people cram themselves into a ghastly Ryanair flight or pack a pub and they get COVID-19, it serves them right.
"But I do care very deeply indeed that they are infecting other innocent people, such as their more elderly relatives, their friends and their workmates."
Lord Blencathra, who succeeded grandee Willie Whitelaw as MP for Penrith and the Border in 1983, added: "For many years, we have seen oriental tourists in London wearing masks.
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"It's nothing to do with COVID-19, but out of courtesy because they had a cold and did not want to infect others. I commend that oriental courtesy and culture.
"It is high time everyone in this country did the same every time they are outdoors or in public places with no exemptions, except for a few medical exemptions, and no excuses.
"Report them instantly and hit them hard with penalties when they do not comply."
Earlier during the debate, Lord Bethell had an unfortunate mishap when he was heard swearing after suffering technology problems while speaking from home.
After the minister's second attempt to deliver his speech on the coronavirus regulations was disrupted, he was heard muttering: "Oh for f**** sake!"
At this point, Lord Bethell's sound feed was cut and Baroness Penn, a government whip, completed his speech.
Lord Bethell later wrote on Twitter: "My sincere apologies to noble lords for my intemperate response to IT challenges earlier. No excuse. Won't happen again."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-18--'UK seeing second wave': PM considers new measures as London mayor insists 'we should not wait'

Boris Johnson has said the long-feared second wave of the pandemic has arrived in the UK , with new cases of coronavirus in England estimated to have doubled over the past week .
The prime minister said he does not want to put the country in another national lockdown but warned the government may need to `` intensify things to help bring the rate of infections down '' .
`` We 're now seeing a second wave coming in ... clearly we are going to keep everything under review , '' he said .
He said he did `` not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown at all '' but as the disease progresses , `` of course we 're going to have to take further measures '' .
Meanwhile , the mayor of London , Sadiq Khan , has insisted there should be no delays , saying : `` I am of the firm view that we should not wait , as happened six months ago , for this virus to again spiral out of control before taking action . ''
He said the capital is `` increasingly likely '' to be subject to further lockdown restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health and the economy is new restrictions imposed early , rather than a full lockdown when it 's too late - but the government must urgently ensure there is a fully functioning testing system , '' he said .
`` I strongly urge all Londoners to be as cautious as possible over this weekend .
Please think very carefully about your actions - strictly follow social distancing rules , regularly wash your hands and wear a face covering to help reduce the spread of the virus . ''
Their comments came as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4,322 - the highest since 8 May - and another 27 deaths were recorded .
The R number , which shows the spread of the virus , is now between 1.1 and 1.4 .
With COVID-19 cases now doubling every seven to eight days , the government is looking at introducing nationwide restrictions for a short period to try to `` short-circuit '' the virus and slow the spread of the disease .
Huge swathes of the North West , West Yorkshire , the Midlands and the North East have been placed under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have stressed the plans being drawn up stop short of a full national lockdown , as seen in the spring , when the country was told to stay at home .
Proposals being worked up for such a `` circuit break '' could see essential travel to schools and workplaces continuing , but restaurants and bars would shut - or perhaps run on restricted hours - and different households would be asked not to mix at all .
: : Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be put in place for two weeks , but the timing and duration of the measures has yet to be finalised .
There has been speculation of such a lockdown taking place around the time of school half-term in October .
Mr Johnson 's message to parents and teachers was : `` We want to keep the schools open ... as far as we possibly can . ''
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer , and the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales have called on the prime minister to hold a COBRA meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now needs to take swift and decisive action at a national level to deal with this - he ca n't afford to be slow .
`` If the prime minister was to take action , the Labour party will support it and do what we can . ''
Fears are growing that daily coronavirus case numbers could , in a few weeks , hit the figures seen in March and April if the government does not take decisive action now and `` hammer down '' on the disease .
Professor Chris Whitty , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sir Patrick Vallance , the government 's chief scientific adviser , warned the prime minister at a meeting on Wednesday evening that the disease was now doubling every seven to eight days .
It is understood they warned the UK is now about six weeks behind France and Spain and in danger of seeing a substantial increase in the number of cases by mid-October if the virus is left unchecked .
Matt Hancock , the health secretary , has told Sky News that a national lockdown was the `` last line of defence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to return such draconian measures , acutely aware of the damage it would do the economy and to public health in the longer term .
`` The PM is in a very difficult situation because it all rests on him , '' one senior minister said this week .
`` The instinct of the PM is that he has to keep this virus under control , because if there is a spike , it falls on his shoulders .
I do feel for him . ''
The prime minister also met with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sharma on Thursday morning to discuss the economic situation , amid anxiety in government over the looming spike in unemployment when the furlough scheme winds up next month .
The Treasury , along with many of Mr Johnson 's backbenchers and others in his Cabinet , is of the view that the country can not go back to a full lockdown and must exhaust all other options in order to avoid such a situation .

Boris Johnson has said the long-feared second wave of the pandemic has arrived in the UK, with new cases of coronavirus in England estimated to have doubled over the past week.
The prime minister said he does not want to put the country in another national lockdown but warned the government may need to "intensify things to help bring the rate of infections down".
"We're now seeing a second wave coming in... clearly we are going to keep everything under review," he said.
He said he did "not want to get to a second national lockdown at all" but as the disease progresses, "of course we're going to have to take further measures".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 'Blindingly obvious' what PM should do
Meanwhile, the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has insisted there should be no delays, saying: "I am of the firm view that we should not wait, as happened six months ago, for this virus to again spiral out of control before taking action."
He said the capital is "increasingly likely" to be subject to further lockdown restrictions.
"The best thing for both public health and the economy is new restrictions imposed early, rather than a full lockdown when it's too late - but the government must urgently ensure there is a fully functioning testing system," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:46 'We need immediate action on test, track and trace'
"I strongly urge all Londoners to be as cautious as possible over this weekend. Please think very carefully about your actions - strictly follow social distancing rules, regularly wash your hands and wear a face covering to help reduce the spread of the virus."
Their comments came as new confirmed daily cases of coronavirus hit 4,322 - the highest since 8 May - and another 27 deaths were recorded. The R number, which shows the spread of the virus, is now between 1.1 and 1.4.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 16:33 Hancock on potential for second lockdown
With COVID-19 cases now doubling every seven to eight days, the government is looking at introducing nationwide restrictions for a short period to try to "short-circuit" the virus and slow the spread of the disease.
Huge swathes of the North West, West Yorkshire, the Midlands and the North East have been placed under further localised coronavirus restrictions.
Government figures have stressed the plans being drawn up stop short of a full national lockdown, as seen in the spring, when the country was told to stay at home.
Proposals being worked up for such a "circuit break" could see essential travel to schools and workplaces continuing, but restaurants and bars would shut - or perhaps run on restricted hours - and different households would be asked not to mix at all.
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The restrictions could be put in place for two weeks, but the timing and duration of the measures has yet to be finalised. There has been speculation of such a lockdown taking place around the time of school half-term in October.
Mr Johnson's message to parents and teachers was: "We want to keep the schools open... as far as we possibly can."
Image: Case trajectories, with UK, France and Spain
Image: The rate of cases per 100,000 across Spain, France and the UK
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, and the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales have called on the prime minister to hold a COBRA meeting.
Sir Keir said: "He now needs to take swift and decisive action at a national level to deal with this - he can't afford to be slow.
"If the prime minister was to take action, the Labour party will support it and do what we can."
Fears are growing that daily coronavirus case numbers could, in a few weeks, hit the figures seen in March and April if the government does not take decisive action now and "hammer down" on the disease.
Professor Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, and Sir Patrick Vallance, the government's chief scientific adviser, warned the prime minister at a meeting on Wednesday evening that the disease was now doubling every seven to eight days.
It is understood they warned the UK is now about six weeks behind France and Spain and in danger of seeing a substantial increase in the number of cases by mid-October if the virus is left unchecked.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:39 COVID-19 test centres: 'The system is shocking'
Matt Hancock, the health secretary, has told Sky News that a national lockdown was the "last line of defence".
Downing Street is reluctant to have to return such draconian measures, acutely aware of the damage it would do the economy and to public health in the longer term.
"The PM is in a very difficult situation because it all rests on him," one senior minister said this week.
"The instinct of the PM is that he has to keep this virus under control, because if there is a spike, it falls on his shoulders. I do feel for him."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:46 'Access to testing must be prioritised'
The prime minister also met with Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Business Secretary Alok Sharma on Thursday morning to discuss the economic situation, amid anxiety in government over the looming spike in unemployment when the furlough scheme winds up next month.
The Treasury, along with many of Mr Johnson's backbenchers and others in his Cabinet, is of the view that the country cannot go back to a full lockdown and must exhaust all other options in order to avoid such a situation.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-19--Raab protection officer removed from duties after leaving gun on plane

A police protection officer travelling with the foreign secretary has been suspended from duties after leaving his gun on a plane .
The weapon was reportedly found by a cleaner on a plane at Heathrow Airport .
Dominic Raab had been on a visit to the US and the officer had been travelling with him .
A Met Police statement said : `` We are aware of the incident on a flight into the UK on Friday , 18 September and we are taking this matter extremely seriously .
`` The officer involved has since been removed from operational duties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is taking place . ''
The Sun reported that police were called to the aircraft after the Glock 19 pistol was discovered in its holster on a seat .
A source told the newspaper the officer had taken off the firearm while sorting out passports and preparing to escort Mr Raab off the flight .
The United Airlines aircraft had been on an overnight flight from Washington DC before disembarking at Terminal 2 .
In February this year , police investigated claims former prime minister David Cameron 's bodyguard left his gun in @ @ @ @

A police protection officer travelling with the foreign secretary has been suspended from duties after leaving his gun on a plane.
The weapon was reportedly found by a cleaner on a plane at Heathrow Airport.
Dominic Raab had been on a visit to the US and the officer had been travelling with him.
A Met Police statement said: "We are aware of the incident on a flight into the UK on Friday, 18 September and we are taking this matter extremely seriously.
"The officer involved has since been removed from operational duties whilst an internal investigation into the circumstances is taking place."
Image: Dominic Raab travelled to Washington in an attempt to smooth the path for a UK-US trade deal
The Sun reported that police were called to the aircraft after the Glock 19 pistol was discovered in its holster on a seat.
A source told the newspaper the officer had taken off the firearm while sorting out passports and preparing to escort Mr Raab off the flight.
The United Airlines aircraft had been on an overnight flight from Washington DC before disembarking at Terminal 2.
In February this year, police investigated claims former prime minister David Cameron's bodyguard left his gun in a plane toilet.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-19--Break self-isolation, break the law: Failure to stay home when told may mean £10,000 fine

People who may have coronavirus will be required to self-isolate by law - with those who refuse facing fines of up to £10,000 in England .
Ministers are toughening up their stance by making the current guidance a legal requirement in a bid to try and prevent a second spike of COVID-19 ballooning across the UK and a potential second national lockdown .
Just 20 % of those reporting symptoms in England fully self-isolate at home for the required two weeks , the government 's scientific advisers known as SAGE found at the end of August .
Live coverage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister Boris Johnson is changing the law from Monday 28 September to force anyone who gets a positive test or is contacted by the Test and Trace system and told they may have the virus to isolate .
Fines for breaches will start at £1,000 - but could rise to £10,000 for repeat offences and for the most egregious exceptions .
The penalties will also be able to dished out to those preventing others from self-isolating - such as bosses who threaten staff who can not go to work because they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , a £500 lump sum is being offered to those who need to isolate and will lose money as a result of not working , are on benefits and can not do their job from home .
The payments system may not be ready until 12 October , but the government is promising anyone eligible who has to isolate earlier will get backdated support .
It will be paid on top of statutory sick pay or any other benefit .
To make sure people who should be isolating are , Test and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regular contact '' and report anyone who is failing to the local council and police .
Mr Johnson said the `` best way we can fight this virus '' is by `` everyone following the rules and self-isolating if they 're at risk of passing on coronavirus '' .
He added : `` We need to do all we can to control the spread of this virus , to prevent the most vulnerable people from becoming infected , and to protect the NHS and save lives . ''
Anneliese Dodds , Labour 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called `` time and time again '' for people who need to isolate to be given `` proper financial support '' .
`` We welcome this belated introduction of extra support , but it should n't have taken months for the penny to finally drop that people on low incomes needed more help , '' she added .
`` And with only a fraction of workers eligible for this payment , government must work urgently to fill any gaps . ''
It follows the prime minister 's warning a second wave of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming in '' .
The number of cases reported on Saturday was 4,422 - the highest daily rise in infections in over four months for the second day in a row .
Opposition politicians have said the government urgently needs to the address the issue of coronavirus tests being unavailable in hotspots , or people being told to travel hundreds of miles to get one .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has admitted it may take weeks to solve .
It follows testing boss Baroness Dido Harding claiming no-one could have predicted the big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full-reopening of most schools .

People who may have coronavirus will be required to self-isolate by law - with those who refuse facing fines of up to £10,000 in England.
Ministers are toughening up their stance by making the current guidance a legal requirement in a bid to try to prevent a second spike of COVID-19 ballooning across the UK and a potential second national lockdown.
Just 20% of those reporting symptoms in England fully self-isolate at home for the required two weeks, the government's scientific advisers known as SAGE found at the end of August.
Image: Fines of between £1,000 and £10,000 will be issued for law-breakers
So Prime Minister Boris Johnson is changing the law from Monday 28 September to force anyone who gets a positive test or is contacted by the Test and Trace system and told they may have the virus to isolate.
Fines for breaches will start at £1,000 - but could rise to £10,000 for repeat offences and for the most egregious exceptions.
The penalties can also be dished out to those preventing others from self-isolating - such as bosses who threaten staff who cannot go to work because they are isolating with redundancy.
At the same time, a £500 lump sum is being offered to those who need to isolate and will lose money as a result of not working, are on benefits and cannot do their job from home.
The payments system may not be ready until 12 October, but the government is promising anyone eligible who has to isolate earlier will get backdated support.
It will be paid on top of statutory sick pay or any other benefit.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:58 PM: 'Inevitable' second wave would happen
To make sure people who should be isolating are, Test and Trace call handlers will apparently make "regular contact" and report anyone who is failing to the local council and police.
Mr Johnson said the "best way we can fight this virus" is by "everyone following the rules and self-isolating if they're at risk of passing on coronavirus".
He added: "We need to do all we can to control the spread of this virus, to prevent the most vulnerable people from becoming infected, and to protect the NHS and save lives."
Anneliese Dodds, Labour's shadow chancellor, said the party had called "time and time again" for people who need to isolate to be given "proper financial support".
"We welcome this belated introduction of extra support, but it shouldn't have taken months for the penny to finally drop that people on low incomes needed more help," she added.
"And with only a fraction of workers eligible for this payment, government must work urgently to fill any gaps."
It follows the prime minister's warning a second wave of COVID-19 is "inevitable" and already "coming in".
The number of cases reported on Saturday was 4,422 - the highest daily rise in infections in over four months for the second day in a row.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:46 'We need immediate action on test, track and trace'
Opposition politicians have said the government urgently needs to the address the issue of coronavirus tests being unavailable in hotspots, or people being told to travel hundreds of miles to get one.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has admitted it may take weeks to solve.
It follows testing boss Baroness Dido Harding claiming no one could have predicted the big increase in demand for tests following the full-reopening of most schools.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-19--PM urged to take 'blindingly obvious' COVID action 'today' to halt virus spike

Boris Johnson must act now - not next week - to tackle a second wave of coronavirus infections across the UK , an expert in infectious disease control has warned .
Dr Bharat Pankhania , senior clinical lecturer at the University of Exeter , told Sky News it is `` blindingly obvious '' what needs to be done to stem the current spike in COVID-19 cases - and that is to minimise one-to-one contact between individuals .
He said : `` My advice to Prime Minister Boris Johnson is , do n't sit there and say 'we are going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's tomorrow , it 's today .
`` You say , 'as of today please reduce your circulation in pubs , restaurants , transport , offices and all those places where infection transmits ' .
It 's as straightforward as that . ''
His warning comes as Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon demanded a Cobra meeting in the next 48 hours .
`` We know from experience earlier in the year that speed and decisiveness of action is important in the fight against COVID , '' she tweeted .
She said the Scottish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisions as quickly as possible '' and urged everyone across Scotland to be `` extra careful '' and `` minimise interactions with other households '' .
New confirmed daily cases hit 4,322 - the highest since 8 May - on Friday , and another 27 deaths were recorded .
The R number , which shows the spread of the virus , is now between 1.1 and 1.4 .
Fears are growing that daily case numbers could , in a few weeks , hit the figures seen in March and April if the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Proposals are being worked up for a `` circuit break '' of nationwide restrictions for a short period , which could see essential travel to schools and workplaces continuing , but restaurants and bars would shut - or perhaps run on restricted hours - and different households would be asked not to mix at all .
Asked if he thought a second national lockdown was on the cards , Dr Pankhania told Sky News : `` I hope it will never happen because I do n't think the United Kingdom has got the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's words .
`` It is blindingly obvious that if you wanted to keep case numbers down you keep your movements amongst fellow human beings to a minimum .
It 's as simple as that .
`` This is a human-to-human spread of infection , so we have invented all manner of things like the 'the rule of six ' , the curfew at 10pm , and all of that .
`` And the one thing , the elephant in the room , that we do n't address is 'keep your distance away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with as few human beings as is possible ' .
That is as straightforward as it is . ''
Asked if he thought plans to `` short-circuit '' the virus would work and slow the spread of the disease , he replied : `` I would love to say yes , but what we learnt from the first lockdown was that the base number , meaning the background level of circulating virus , continued to hover at an uncomfortably high level .
`` So where is the evidence that a 'circuit break ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is going to reduce case numbers ?
`` Our case numbers have resisted in going down because we just ca n't have a full lockdown in the way the United Kingdom has been running .
`` So unless you have a really , really strict South Korea-style or even China-style shutdown and people do n't move around between groups , it is not going to happen . ''
He added : `` The bottom line is we take personal and mutual responsibility , we say to ourselves 'every action I 'm about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' If it is , do n't do it . ''
: : Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker His sentiments were echoed by Professor Neil Ferguson - the scientist whose modelling led the government to order the nationwide lockdown in March - who said ministers need to act `` sooner rather than later '' if they are to prevent a second surge leading to more deaths .
`` Right now we are at about the levels of infection we were seeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme .
`` If we leave it another two to four weeks we will be back at levels we were seeing more like mid-March .
That 's clearly going to cause deaths because people will be hospitalised .
`` I think some additional measures are likely to be needed sooner rather than later . ''
He added : `` We have in some sense a perfect storm right now of people , as they have been told to , getting back to normal , schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so therefore the testing system is under strain .
`` So unfortunately we do have to roll the relaxation of measures back a little bit and get contacts down in the population . ''
It is understood Professor Chris Whitty , England 's chief medical officer , and Sir Patrick Vallance , the government 's chief scientific adviser , warned the PM at a meeting on Wednesday evening that the UK is now about six weeks behind France and Spain and in danger of seeing a substantial increase in the number of cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unchecked .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has joined the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales in calling on the PM for Cobra discussions .
Sir Keir said : `` He now needs to take swift and decisive action at a national level to deal with this - he ca n't afford to be slow . ''

Boris Johnson must act now - not next week - to tackle a second wave of coronavirus infections across the UK, an expert in infectious disease control has warned.
Dr Bharat Pankhania, senior clinical lecturer at the University of Exeter, told Sky News it is "blindingly obvious" what needs to be done to stem the current spike in COVID-19 cases - and that is to minimise one-to-one contact between individuals.
He said: "My advice to Prime Minister Boris Johnson is, don't sit there and say 'we are going to do something next week'. It's tomorrow, it's today.
"You say, 'as of today please reduce your circulation in pubs, restaurants, transport, offices and all those places where infection transmits'. It's as straightforward as that."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:58 PM: 'Inevitable' second wave would happen
His warning comes as Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon demanded a Cobra meeting in the next 48 hours.
"We know from experience earlier in the year that speed and decisiveness of action is important in the fight against COVID," she tweeted.
She said the Scottish government "will seek to reach considered decisions as quickly as possible" and urged everyone across Scotland to be "extra careful" and "minimise interactions with other households".
New confirmed daily cases hit 4,322 - the highest since 8 May - on Friday, and another 27 deaths were recorded. The R number, which shows the spread of the virus, is now between 1.1 and 1.4.
Fears are growing that daily case numbers could, in a few weeks, hit the figures seen in March and April if the government does not take decisive action now.
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Proposals are being worked up for a "circuit break" of nationwide restrictions for a short period, which could see essential travel to schools and workplaces continuing, but restaurants and bars would shut - or perhaps run on restricted hours - and different households would be asked not to mix at all.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:46 'We need immediate action on test, track and trace'
Asked if he thought a second national lockdown was on the cards, Dr Pankhania told Sky News: "I hope it will never happen because I don't think the United Kingdom has got the stamina for a national lockdown. It's words.
"It is blindingly obvious that if you wanted to keep case numbers down you keep your movements amongst fellow human beings to a minimum. It's as simple as that.
"This is a human-to-human spread of infection, so we have invented all manner of things like the 'the rule of six', the curfew at 10pm, and all of that.
"And the one thing, the elephant in the room, that we don't address is 'keep your distance away from fellow human beings - move around with as few human beings as is possible'. That is as straightforward as it is."
Asked if he thought plans to "short-circuit" the virus would work and slow the spread of the disease, he replied: "I would love to say yes, but what we learnt from the first lockdown was that the base number, meaning the background level of circulating virus, continued to hover at an uncomfortably high level.
"So where is the evidence that a 'circuit break', meaning a short, sharp shutdown, is going to reduce case numbers?
"Our case numbers have resisted in going down because we just can't have a full lockdown in the way the United Kingdom has been running.
"So unless you have a really, really strict South Korea-style or even China-style shutdown and people don't move around between groups, it is not going to happen."
He added: "The bottom line is we take personal and mutual responsibility, we say to ourselves 'every action I'm about to take, is this risky?' If it is, don't do it."
:: Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
His sentiments were echoed by Professor Neil Ferguson - the scientist whose modelling led the government to order the nationwide lockdown in March - who said ministers need to act "sooner rather than later" if they are to prevent a second surge leading to more deaths.
"Right now we are at about the levels of infection we were seeing in this country in late February," he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme.
"If we leave it another two to four weeks we will be back at levels we were seeing more like mid-March. That's clearly going to cause deaths because people will be hospitalised.
"I think some additional measures are likely to be needed sooner rather than later."
Image: Case trajectories in the UK, France and Spain
Image: The rate of cases per 100,000 across Spain, France and the UK
He added: "We have in some sense a perfect storm right now of people, as they have been told to, getting back to normal, schools reopening, a surge in cases, so therefore the testing system is under strain.
"So unfortunately we do have to roll the relaxation of measures back a little bit and get contacts down in the population."
It is understood Professor Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, and Sir Patrick Vallance, the government's chief scientific adviser, warned the PM at a meeting on Wednesday evening that the UK is now about six weeks behind France and Spain and in danger of seeing a substantial increase in the number of cases by mid-October if the virus is left unchecked.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has joined the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales in calling on the PM for Cobra discussions.
Sir Keir said: "He now needs to take swift and decisive action at a national level to deal with this - he can't afford to be slow."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-20--'UK faces a tipping point': Hancock warns of more restrictive measures

The UK faces a `` tipping point '' where `` more restrictive measures '' could be brought in to slow the spread of coronavirus , the health secretary has told Sky News .
Matt Hancock said `` people have got more relaxed over the summer '' but `` now is the moment when everybody needs to get back '' to following the rules .
He told Sophy Ridge On Sunday he was `` worried '' too many people are breaching self-isolation guidance , leading to the government making it illegal in England .
Discussions are underway today on potential lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He also refused to rule out `` national action '' when pressed on the possibility of a second national lockdown .
And Mr Hancock made clear people should report on their neighbours for breaking any of the emergency COVID-19 laws .
Asked if he would , the cabinet minister said : `` Yes - and everybody should ... Everybody has got a part to play in this . ''
It comes as daily new coronavirus infection figures shot up to a level not seen in more than four months , with 4,422 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - the highest since 8 May .
The government 's chief medical and scientific advisers , Prof Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance , are expected to step in on Monday to reveal their latest advice on countering the growth of the pandemic .
Earlier , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said ministers had `` lost control of the testing system '' .
He told Sophy Ridge : `` If I was the prime minister , I would apologise for the fact that testing is all over the place and instead of using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is what we said should happen , we 're in this position just when we need testing to be at its very best , it 's near collapse . ''
Some people in COVID-19 hotspots have complained they can not book a test or are being sent hundreds of miles away to get one .
Dido Harding , head of Test and Trace , said earlier this week no-one could have foreseen the big rise in demand that coincided with most schools fully reopening .
She was backed by Mr Hancock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We expected an increase in demand due to people with symptoms .
`` What nobody could have predicted is that a whole load of people who do n't have symptoms suddenly came forward for a test . ''
But the government was urged by Professor Carl Heneghan , of the Centre for Evidence-based Medicine at Oxford University , not to introduce new restrictions too quickly .
`` As we look at the data , COVID is operating in a seasonal way , '' he told Sophy Ridge .
`` So what we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is a long winter .
`` We can not afford to go now with harsh measures because the impact on the economy here is going to be significant ... '' If we go now it is too early . ''

The UK faces a "tipping point" where "more restrictive measures" could be brought in to slow the spread of coronavirus, the health secretary has told Sky News.
Matt Hancock said "people have got more relaxed over the summer" but "now is the moment when everybody needs to get back" to following the rules.
He told Sophy Ridge On Sunday he was "worried" too many people are breaching self-isolation guidance, leading to the government making it illegal in England.
Discussions are under way today on potential lockdown measures in London, Mr Hancock revealed.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:52 Testing system is 'all over the place' - Starmer
He also refused to rule out "national action" when pressed on the possibility of a second national lockdown.
And Mr Hancock made clear people should report on their neighbours for breaking any of the emergency COVID-19 laws.
Asked if he would, the cabinet minister said: "Yes - and everybody should... Everybody has got a part to play in this."
Image: People in Camden on Saturday - Mr Hancock says potential restrictions for London are being discussed
It comes as daily new coronavirus infection figures shot up to a level not seen in more than four months, with 4,422 reported on Saturday and 4,322 on Friday - the highest since 8 May.
The government's chief medical and scientific advisers, Prof Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance, are expected to step in on Monday to reveal their latest advice on countering the growth of the pandemic.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:52 'We're in danger of becoming wasteland UK'
Earlier, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said ministers had "lost control of the testing system".
He told Sophy Ridge: "If I was the prime minister, I would apologise for the fact that testing is all over the place and instead of using the summer to prepare for the autumn, which is what we said should happen, we're in this position just when we need testing to be at its very best, it's near collapse."
Some people in COVID-19 hotspots have complained they cannot book a test or are being sent hundreds of miles away to get one.
Dido Harding, head of Test and Trace, said earlier this week no-one could have foreseen the big rise in demand that coincided with most schools fully reopening.
She was backed by Mr Hancock, who said on Sunday: "We expected an increase in demand due to people with symptoms.
"What nobody could have predicted is that a whole load of people who don't have symptoms suddenly came forward for a test."
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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But the government was urged by Professor Carl Heneghan, of the Centre for Evidence-based Medicine at Oxford University, not to introduce new restrictions too quickly.
"As we look at the data, COVID is operating in a seasonal way," he told Sophy Ridge. "So what we have to do now is slow down. This is a long winter.
"We cannot afford to go now with harsh measures because the impact on the economy here is going to be significant...
"If we go now it is too early."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-20--What you need to know about the new rules on self-isolation

The government is changing the rules around self-isolation in a move to force more people to stay at home if they have coronavirus .
The new rules apply in England , but the government says it is `` engaging '' with devolved authorities to develop a system which is aligned across the UK .
From 28 September , people will be required to self-isolate by law if they test positive or are contacted by a test and trace service .
If they fail to comply , they will face tougher penalties than before .
Fines for breaching the law will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £10,000 for those who offend repeatedly or behave in a way that causes the most harm .
The £1,000 starting fine is the same as that for people who fail to quarantine after arriving from one of the countries which is not on the UK 's travel corridor list .
As is currently the case , exemptions will be made for anyone who needs to break the rules because they are ill or will suffer harm due to their isolation , and those that require care .
Those people in work on low @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £500 lump sum payment if they can not work from home and are required to self-isolate , either because they 've tested positive or are a close contact of a positive case .
This is to make up for any income they may lose because they are having to stay at home .
Just under four million people in England will be eligible .
Those who can claim must be : • Told by NHS Test and Trace they are required to self-isolate • Unable to work from home and will lose income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme is being called 'test and trace support ' .
At the same time , business owners will also face fines of up to £10,000 if they threaten self-isolating staff with redundancy if they do not come to work .
The government hopes this will send `` a clear message that this will not be tolerated '' .
Local authorities will be required to set up the support schemes and have them in place by 12 October .
Anyone told to self-isolate from 28 September will receive backdated payments once the scheme is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of new steps will be taken to ensure people are complying with the rules .
• NHS Test and Trace call handlers will make regular contact with those self-isolating .
The handlers will be able inform the local authorities and police if they suspect that people are not adhering to the rules • Police will check those in areas where COVID is worst and in high-risk groups , using local intelligence • High-profile and the worst cases of non-compliance will be investigated and prosecuted ; and • Instances where third parties have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not self-isolating will be acted upon The government says the new measures are a recognition that self-isolation is one of the most powerful tools for controlling the transmission of COVID-19 .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson says : `` The best way we can fight this virus is by everyone following the rules and self-isolating if they 're at risk of passing on coronavirus .
`` And so nobody underestimates just how important this is , new regulations will mean you are legally obliged to do so if you have the virus or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS Test and Trace .
`` People who choose to ignore the rules will face significant fines .
We need to do all we can to control the spread of this virus , to prevent the most vulnerable people from becoming infected , and to protect the NHS and save lives . ''

The government is changing the rules around self-isolation in a move to force more people to stay at home if they have coronavirus.
The new rules apply in England, but the government says it is "engaging" with devolved authorities to develop a system which is aligned across the UK.
New Fines
From 28 September, people will be required to self-isolate by law if they test positive or are contacted by a test and trace service.
If they fail to comply, they will face tougher penalties than before.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:27 What do you think of the new self-isolation fine?
Fines for breaching the law will start at £1,000 and go up to £10,000 for those who offend repeatedly or behave in a way that causes the most harm.
The £1,000 starting fine is the same as that for people who fail to quarantine after arriving from one of the countries which is not on the UK's travel corridor list.
As is currently the case, exemptions will be made for anyone who needs to break the rules because they are ill or will suffer harm due to their isolation, and those that require care.
£500 payment
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Those people in work on low incomes will be able to claim a £500 lump sum payment if they cannot work from home and are required to self-isolate, either because they've tested positive or are a close contact of a positive case.
This is to make up for any income they may lose because they are having to stay at home.
Just under four million people in England will be eligible.
Those who can claim must be:
Told by NHS Test and Trace they are required to self-isolate
Employed or self-employed
Unable to work from home and will lose income as a result; and
Currently receiving universal credit, working tax credit, income-based employment and support allowance, income-based jobseeker's allowance, income support, housing benefit and/or pension credit
The payment scheme is being called 'test and trace support'.
At the same time, business owners will also face fines of up to £10,000 if they threaten self-isolating staff with redundancy if they do not come to work.
The government hopes this will send "a clear message that this will not be tolerated".
Local authorities will be required to set up the support schemes and have them in place by 12 October.
Anyone told to self-isolate from 28 September will receive backdated payments once the scheme is set up in their area.
Extra checks
A number of new steps will be taken to ensure people are complying with the rules.
These include:
NHS Test and Trace call handlers will make regular contact with those self-isolating. The handlers will be able inform the local authorities and police if they suspect that people are not adhering to the rules
Police will check those in areas where COVID is worst and in high-risk groups, using local intelligence
High-profile and the worst cases of non-compliance will be investigated and prosecuted; and
Instances where third parties have identified others who have tested positive but are not self-isolating will be acted upon
Refocus on self-isolation
The government says the new measures are a recognition that self-isolation is one of the most powerful tools for controlling the transmission of COVID-19.
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson says: "The best way we can fight this virus is by everyone following the rules and self-isolating if they're at risk of passing on coronavirus.
"And so nobody underestimates just how important this is, new regulations will mean you are legally obliged to do so if you have the virus or have been asked to do so by NHS Test and Trace.
"People who choose to ignore the rules will face significant fines. We need to do all we can to control the spread of this virus, to prevent the most vulnerable people from becoming infected, and to protect the NHS and save lives."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-20--Starmer's strategy is working - but soon he will have to stand firmer on policy

Sir Keir Starmer should have been addressing Labour conference this weekend - giving his pitch to the party faithful as leader .
Instead , thanks to coronavirus , he was in Sky News ' Westminster studio to outline his vision for Britain .
Despite the different setting , I thought the interview was particularly illuminating on Keir Starmer 's strategy - even if he is still resisting being pinned down on policy .
The new slogan unveiled in time for the virtual conference is very simple : `` A new leadership '' - a not very subtle way of underlining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predecessor , Jeremy Corbyn .
When I pressed him on what the actual differences are , Mr Starmer said : `` The big difference is about recognising that we 've lost not just one election but four ; recognising that we have got to listen to those that used to vote Labour and do n't vote Labour anymore or those that have never voted Labour ; that we have to be focused on winning the next general election in 2024 . ''
Pressed again , he said the differences between the new leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , taking difficult decisions , making it clear on things like antisemitism that it wo n't be tolerated . ''
Other than the divide on the approach to antisemitism , it is still unclear to me what in concrete terms would be different about the `` new leadership '' that Starmer is promising .
Rather than project a clear policy platform , it seems that the strategy now is to simply remind voters ( again and again ) that Keir Starmer is not Boris Johnson or Jeremy Corbyn .
The polls seem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - with Labour drawing level with the Conservatives in recent surveys , and Keir Starmer 's personal ratings outstripping Boris Johnson 's .
But at one point he will have to pick a side .
I also spoke to the Unite leader Len McCluskey - one of Jeremy Corbyn 's firmest backers - on the show .
He dismissed the `` new leadership '' slogan as a `` bit meaningless '' and warned that Mr Starmer `` needs to listen to the left… without the left Keir will , I 'm afraid , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
There 's nothing clear for them to latch on to now , but the left are getting twitchy .
They know change is coming .
Keir Starmer 's strategy of painting himself as more competent than Boris Johnson and more electable than Jeremy Corbyn is working .
But at some point in the months ahead he will need to define his leadership more clearly than merely saying what he is not .

Sir Keir Starmer should have been addressing Labour conference this weekend - giving his pitch to the party faithful as leader.
Instead, thanks to coronavirus, he was in Sky News' Westminster studio to outline his vision for Britain.
Despite the different setting, I thought the interview was particularly illuminating on Keir Starmer's strategy - even if he is still resisting being pinned down on policy.
The new slogan unveiled in time for the virtual conference is very simple: "A new leadership" - a not very subtle way of underlining the differences between Mr Starmer and his predecessor, Jeremy Corbyn.
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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When I pressed him on what the actual differences are, Mr Starmer said: "The big difference is about recognising that we've lost not just one election but four; recognising that we have got to listen to those that used to vote Labour and don't vote Labour anymore or those that have never voted Labour; that we have to be focused on winning the next general election in 2024."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:52 McCluskey on Starmer and No 10's coronavirus strategy
Pressed again, he said the differences between the new leadership and the old were "listening to people, taking difficult decisions, making it clear on things like antisemitism that it won't be tolerated."
Other than the divide on the approach to antisemitism, it is still unclear to me what in concrete terms would be different about the "new leadership" that Starmer is promising.
Rather than project a clear policy platform, it seems that the strategy now is to simply remind voters (again and again) that Keir Starmer is not Boris Johnson or Jeremy Corbyn.
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Image: The new Labour leader wants to make clear he is different from Jeremy Corbyn
The polls seem to suggest that the strategy is working - with Labour drawing level with the Conservatives in recent surveys, and Keir Starmer's personal ratings outstripping Boris Johnson's.
But at one point he will have to pick a side.
I also spoke to the Unite leader Len McCluskey - one of Jeremy Corbyn's firmest backers - on the show.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:31 'Jobs, jobs, jobs' are Labour's three economic priorities
He dismissed the "new leadership" slogan as a "bit meaningless" and warned that Mr Starmer "needs to listen to the left… without the left Keir will, I'm afraid, sail the ship on to the rocks".
There's nothing clear for them to latch on to now, but the left are getting twitchy. They know change is coming.
Keir Starmer's strategy of painting himself as more competent than Boris Johnson and more electable than Jeremy Corbyn is working.
But at some point in the months ahead he will need to define his leadership more clearly than merely saying what he is not.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-20--Christmas is the best time for new lockdown measures, says Oxford expert

The government should consider bringing in any new national lockdown rules over Christmas rather than now , says an Oxford University professor .
Carl Heneghan told Sky News ' Sophy Ridge that it was time for a `` calm and cool '' approach to the increase in coronavirus cases .
He said it mirrored the `` seasonal effect '' of other respiratory infections , such as the common cold , which increase significantly at the end of the year .
`` What we have to do now is slow down , '' said Prof Heneghan .
`` This is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go now with harsh measures ...
The impact on the economy is going to be significant because what happens is as soon as you pause , then you open up again , it tends to come back . ''
Live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates The prime minister is said to be reluctantly weighing up new national lockdown rules similar to those introduced in large parts of England , such as curfews in restaurants and pubs and stopping households mixing .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tipping point '' where `` more restrictive measures '' could be brought in .
But Prof Heneghan - a vocal critic of the government 's approach who leads Oxford 's Centre for Evidence Based Medicine - said any intervention would be more useful over the festive period .
`` I 'd be looking at the Christmas break right now - to extend it , '' he said .
`` Often when we come back in January , there 's a significant rise in deaths - about 5,000 per week more than what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the seasonal effect .
`` Therefore , if you 're looking at a break and when we need it , you 're looking at the mid-winter when we might run into problems .
`` It would be more explainable to people why we 're doing it then than now . ''
It comes as the testing system struggles with demand and as daily infection figures rose to a 4,422 reported on Saturday - the highest since 8 May .
However , that is still far smaller than the peak of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available in the community .
Prof Heneghan told Sky News there was no evidence of a second wave and accused the government of considering a narrow range of views .
He said `` too many non-clinical people [ are ] focussing on a single disease '' and that professionals on the frontline were not getting chance to have proper input .
`` Slow down - get a wider range of expertise in the room so you can make a much more balanced decision about what you 're going to actually do and its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what about all the other infections ?
What about all the cancers , heart disease ? ''
A `` control plan '' to shield people in care homes and simpler messaging on the virus is also needed , said Prof Heneghan .
`` What you 're seeing among the population is a single message that is now missing : that if you have symptoms you have to isolate .
`` And I 'm picking up a lot of people who just do not understand that because we have n't been clear about that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Sky News that people must become stricter on following coronavirus rules and guidance , saying they had `` got more relaxed over the summer '' .
He said he was `` worried '' too many were breaching self-isolation guidance , leading to new fines coming in of up to £10,000 for rule-breakers .
Any new national lockdown rules could be challenged in parliament however .
Sir Graham Brady , chairman of the powerful Tory backbench 1922 Committee , wants to force the government to put any new measures to a vote of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would take action when the government comes to renew the emergency powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 .
`` There is now no justification for ministers ruling by emergency powers without reference to normal democratic processes , '' he told the newspaper .

The government should consider bringing in any new national lockdown rules over Christmas rather than now, says an Oxford University professor.
Carl Heneghan told Sky News' Sophy Ridge that it was time for a "calm and cool" approach to the increase in coronavirus cases.
He said it mirrored the "seasonal effect" of other respiratory infections, such as the common cold, which increase significantly at the end of the year.
"What we have to do now is slow down," said Prof Heneghan.
"This is a long winter. We cannot afford to go now with harsh measures... The impact on the economy is going to be significant because what happens is as soon as you pause, then you open up again, it tends to come back."
Live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 19:34 Hancock warns 'country at a tipping point'
The prime minister is said to be reluctantly weighing up new national lockdown rules similar to those introduced in large parts of England, such as curfews in restaurants and pubs and stopping households mixing.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News on Sunday that the UK faced a "tipping point" where "more restrictive measures" could be brought in.
But Prof Heneghan - a vocal critic of the government's approach who leads Oxford's Centre for Evidence Based Medicine - said any intervention would be more useful over the festive period.
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"I'd be looking at the Christmas break right now - to extend it," he said.
"Often when we come back in January, there's a significant rise in deaths - about 5,000 per week more than what we see right now. And that's due to the seasonal effect.
"Therefore, if you're looking at a break and when we need it, you're looking at the mid-winter when we might run into problems.
"It would be more explainable to people why we're doing it then than now."
It comes as the testing system struggles with demand and as daily infection figures rose to a 4,422 reported on Saturday - the highest since 8 May.
However, that is still far smaller than the peak of the outbreak when testing was also not widely available in the community.
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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Prof Heneghan told Sky News there was no evidence of a second wave and accused the government of considering a narrow range of views.
He said "too many non-clinical people [are] focussing on a single disease" and that professionals on the frontline were not getting chance to have proper input.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:52 Testing system is 'all over the place' - Labour leader Starmer
"Slow down - get a wider range of expertise in the room so you can make a much more balanced decision about what you're going to actually do and its impact - not just on COVID - what about all the other infections? What about all the cancers, heart disease?"
A "control plan" to shield people in care homes and simpler messaging on the virus is also needed, said Prof Heneghan.
"What you're seeing among the population is a single message that is now missing: that if you have symptoms you have to isolate.
"And I'm picking up a lot of people who just do not understand that because we haven't been clear about that messaging."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:15 Delay to lockdown is 'a risky thing' - Sir David King
However, the views of scientists and academics has differed during the pandemic, and Sir David King, who has been critical of the easing of lockdown measures, told Sky News he disagreed with Prof Heneghan's suggestion of delaying restrictions.
"I don't think very much of it, frankly," said Sir David, who was chief scientific adviser between 2000 and 2007, and is the chairman of Independent SAGE - a rival group that is separate to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies which advises Downing Street.
"I think what Carl Heneghan has to face is the possibility that the sort of level of immunity in the country is not as high as his reasoning would suggest... I think that is a very, very risky thing to do."
He added: "What we don't want to see is this pandemic taking off again. Delaying all of these measures is what will hit our economy in the long run, if we have to go into yet another total lockdown, but would also be bad for the health of the nation."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:52 'We're in danger of becoming wasteland UK'
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News that people must become stricter on following coronavirus rules and guidance, saying they had "got more relaxed over the summer".
He said he was "worried" too many were breaching self-isolation guidance, leading to new fines coming in of up to £10,000 for rule-breakers.
Any new national lockdown rules could be challenged in parliament however.
Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the powerful Tory backbench 1922 Committee, wants to force the government to put any new measures to a vote of MPs.
He told The Sunday Telegraph he would take action when the government comes to renew the emergency powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020.
"There is now no justification for ministers ruling by emergency powers without reference to normal democratic processes," he told the newspaper.