skynewspolitics--2020-10-13--Health secretary attacks 'flawed goal' of herd immunity

The health secretary has attacked proponents of a herd immunity strategy for coronavirus , describing it as a `` flawed goal '' .
Speaking during a debate on the government 's new three-tier COVID-19 restrictions , Matt Hancock said he wanted to confront the argument for adopting such an approach `` head on '' .
`` If we let this virus continue unchecked , the loss of life would be simply too great to contemplate , '' he told MPs .
Herd immunity is the resistance to a contagious disease within a population because enough people have become immune , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around the world Mr Hancock 's remarks come after the release of the so-called Great Barrington declaration .
Signed by leading experts from the universities of Oxford , Nottingham , Edinburgh , Exeter , Cambridge , Sussex and York , it suggests herd immunity as a way forward .
But it counts homeopaths , therapists and fake names among its `` medical '' signatories , leading to accusations that it falsely represents scientific support for the controversial position .
Mr Hancock joined the chorus of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is `` underpinned by two central claims '' that are `` emphatically false '' .
`` First , it says that if enough people get COVID , we will reach herd immunity .
This is not true , '' the health secretary said .
`` Many infectious diseases never reach herd immunity , like measles and malaria and Aids and flu , and with increasing evidence of reinfection , we should have no confidence that we would ever reach herd immunity to COVID even if everyone caught it .
`` Herd immunity is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even if we could get to it , which we ca n't .
`` The second central claim is that we can segregate the old and the vulnerable on our way to herd immunity .
`` This is simply not possible . ''
Mr Hancock added : `` We are not the kind of country that abandons our vulnerable or just locks them up . ''
Mark Woolhouse , professor of infectious disease epidemiology at the University of Edinburgh , said in response to Mr Hancock 's comments that herd immunity will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
Professor Woolhouse said : `` Going forward , we would expect more people to be exposed at some stage or another and that immunity would be important , whether natural or through a vaccine .
`` Herd immunity is the way this thing ends , one way or another , it is critical to what happens to COVID-19 in the long term .
`` Whether he ( Mr Hancock ) calls it a goal or not , it will end with herd immunity . ''
Sir Patrick Vallance , England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immunity when discussing the government 's approach in early March .
But Number 10 has denied that this was ever the government 's official strategy for fighting coronavirus .
MPs are voting on the government 's new COVID-19 measures , which will see areas given `` medium '' , `` high '' and `` very high '' alert levels .
The move , which is expected to be given the green light by MPs and come into force on Wednesday , is aimed at simplifying the range of different restrictions already in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local leaders , with claims that Westminster has imposed restrictions without adequate consultation and questions about the efficacy of the measures .
Tier 1 , `` medium '' , will cover a significant part of England and includes the current national restrictions such as the `` rule of six '' and the 10pm curfew for pubs , bars and restaurants .
Tier 2 , `` high '' , will see people prevented from socialising with other households indoors , although support bubbles will still be permitted .
In these areas , the rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in public spaces , as well as private gardens .
The `` very high '' alert level ( Tier 3 ) will see people banned from socialising with other households both indoors and in private gardens , while bars and pubs will be closed unless they can operate as restaurants .
Alcohol could be served in pubs operating as restaurants in these areas , but only as part of a meal .
Residents will also be advised against travelling in and out of these areas , while it will be up to local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as gyms and casinos should also close .
Mr Hancock told the Commons `` we do not rule out '' further restrictions in hospitality , leisure , entertainment and personal care sectors .
He said that ministers had decided to `` restrict socialising because that way we reduce the transmission with the least damage to education and the economy '' .
Labour 's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said a `` clear plan '' was needed from Boris Johnson .
`` Our constituents will ask is history repeating itself ?
Because if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what ?
Tier 4 ?
Tier 5 ?
What 's the plan ?
`` Well , there is n't one .
We had whack-a-mole , a fairground game but it was never a strategy .
`` It was just a soundbite from the circus ring showman .
We 've had exaggerated claims , complaints when challenged , a lack of transparency with the public but now further action and a clear plan is needed . ''

The health secretary has attacked proponents of a herd immunity strategy for coronavirus, describing it as a "flawed goal".
Speaking during a debate on the government's new three-tier COVID-19 restrictions, Matt Hancock said he wanted to confront the argument for adopting such an approach "head on".
"If we let this virus continue unchecked, the loss of life would be simply too great to contemplate," he told MPs.
Herd immunity is the resistance to a contagious disease within a population because enough people have become immune, making it harder for it to spread.
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around the world
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 London to pass 'trigger point' within days - mayor
Mr Hancock's remarks come after the release of the so-called Great Barrington declaration.
Signed by leading experts from the universities of Oxford, Nottingham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Cambridge, Sussex and York, it suggests herd immunity as a way forward.
But it counts homeopaths, therapists and fake names among its "medical" signatories, leading to accusations that it falsely represents scientific support for the controversial position.
Mr Hancock joined the chorus of criticism of the declaration, saying it is "underpinned by two central claims" that are "emphatically false".
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"First, it says that if enough people get COVID, we will reach herd immunity. This is not true," the health secretary said.
"Many infectious diseases never reach herd immunity, like measles and malaria and Aids and flu, and with increasing evidence of reinfection, we should have no confidence that we would ever reach herd immunity to COVID even if everyone caught it.
"Herd immunity is a flawed goal without a vaccine, even if we could get to it, which we can't.
"The second central claim is that we can segregate the old and the vulnerable on our way to herd immunity.
"This is simply not possible."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:18 Council leaders respond to postcode lockdown
Mr Hancock added: "We are not the kind of country that abandons our vulnerable or just locks them up."
Mark Woolhouse, professor of infectious disease epidemiology at the University of Edinburgh, said in response to Mr Hancock's comments that herd immunity will be critical in the long term to end the pandemic.
Professor Woolhouse said: "Going forward, we would expect more people to be exposed at some stage or another and that immunity would be important, whether natural or through a vaccine.
"Herd immunity is the way this thing ends, one way or another, it is critical to what happens to COVID-19 in the long term.
"Whether he (Mr Hancock) calls it a goal or not, it will end with herd immunity."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 Local leaders 'influenced' new lockdown measures
Sir Patrick Vallance, England's chief scientific adviser, mentioned herd immunity when discussing the government's approach in early March.
But Number 10 has denied that this was ever the government's official strategy for fighting coronavirus.
MPs are voting on the government's new COVID-19 measures, which will see areas given "medium", "high" and "very high" alert levels.
The move, which is expected to be given the green light by MPs and come into force on Wednesday, is aimed at simplifying the range of different restrictions already in place.
There has been anger among some local leaders, with claims that Westminster has imposed restrictions without adequate consultation and questions about the efficacy of the measures.
Tier 1, "medium", will cover a significant part of England and includes the current national restrictions such as the "rule of six" and the 10pm curfew for pubs, bars and restaurants.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 'Not confident Tier 3 is enough on its own'
Tier 2, "high", will see people prevented from socialising with other households indoors, although support bubbles will still be permitted.
In these areas, the rule of six will continue to apply outdoors in public spaces, as well as private gardens.
The "very high" alert level (Tier 3) will see people banned from socialising with other households both indoors and in private gardens, while bars and pubs will be closed unless they can operate as restaurants.
Alcohol could be served in pubs operating as restaurants in these areas, but only as part of a meal.
Residents will also be advised against travelling in and out of these areas, while it will be up to local politicians as to whether other leisure venues such as gyms and casinos should also close.
Mr Hancock told the Commons "we do not rule out" further restrictions in hospitality, leisure, entertainment and personal care sectors.
He said that ministers had decided to "restrict socialising because that way we reduce the transmission with the least damage to education and the economy".
Labour's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said a "clear plan" was needed from Boris Johnson.
"Our constituents will ask is history repeating itself? Because if these tiers don't work, then what? Tier 4? Tier 5? What's the plan?
"Well, there isn't one. We had whack-a-mole, a fairground game but it was never a strategy.
"It was just a soundbite from the circus ring showman. We've had exaggerated claims, complaints when challenged, a lack of transparency with the public but now further action and a clear plan is needed."


skynewspolitics--2020-10-13--Tougher restrictions for whole of London 'inevitable' in 'next few days'

It is `` inevitable '' that London will pass a `` trigger point '' for tougher coronavirus restrictions in the `` next few days '' , Sadiq Khan has told Sky News .
`` All the indicators I have , hospital admissions , ICU occupancy , the numbers of older people with cases , the prevalence of the disease , the positivity are all going the wrong direction , '' the London mayor said .
`` Which means , I 'm afraid , it 's inevitable over the course of the next few days London will have passed a trigger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The capital is currently in Tier 1 of the government 's three-tier system of coronavirus restrictions , which means an alert level of `` medium '' .
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around the world But the mayor 's office has put Londoners on alert for the capital to be moved into Tier 2 , with a spokesperson saying on Monday that the situation `` could change very quickly - potentially even this week '' .
Tier 1 , `` medium '' , will cover a significant part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as the `` rule of six '' and the 10pm curfew for pubs , bars and restaurants .
Tier 2 , `` high '' , will see people prevented from socialising with other households indoors , including in pubs and restaurants .
Support bubbles will still be permitted , however .
In these areas , the rule of six will continue to apply outdoors in public spaces , as well as private gardens .
Mr Khan told Sky News that London as a whole should move into tougher restrictions , rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different restrictions for different boroughs .
`` We 're keen to go as one as we can see the complexities and the confusion caused by some boroughs having additional restrictions and other boroughs having less , '' he said .
`` Many Londoners work in one borough , live in another borough , study in another borough , go to a restaurant in another borough so we 're really keen to go as one city . ''
The London-wide average was 78 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 in the seven days up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across different parts of the capital .
Ealing in west London had 119 new cases , while Bexley in the southeast of the capital had the lowest number of new cases at 51.6 .
Labour MP Sam Tarry , who represents Ilford South in east London , has called for a short `` circuit-breaker '' lockdown across London to `` save lives '' .
Documents released on Monday revealed that a short national lockdown was recommended to the government by scientists three weeks ago .
Asked about the prospect of London being moved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson 's spokesman did not rule this out .
`` We continue to closely monitor the data in all parts of England and I think we have shown that if it 's judged additional measures are necessary we have n't hesitated to act , '' they said .
Meanwhile , Essex County Council has asked Health Secretary Matt Hancock to move the area from Tier 1 to Tier 2 , following what it said was a significant rise in cases .
Greater Manchester mayor , Labour 's Andy Burnham , told Sky News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` circuit break '' lockdown to stricter local measures .
Speaking to Kay Burley , Mr Burnham said there was `` pressure '' from the government for the area to be placed in the `` very high '' alert level , but he had `` serious doubts '' that the Tier 3 measures would be enough .
Tier 3 , `` very high '' , will see people banned from socialising with other households both indoors and in private gardens , while bars and pubs will be closed unless they can operate as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pubs operating as restaurants in these areas , but only as part of a meal .
Residents will also be advised against travelling in and out of these areas , while it will be up to local politicians as to whether other leisure venues such as gyms and casinos should also close .
The Liverpool City Region is currently the only area in the `` very high '' alert level .
St Helens North MP Conor McGinn told Sky News that there was `` no agreement '' on the measures for the area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were `` imposed '' on the area .
The PM told his cabinet that negotiations with northern leaders are ongoing in order to move some areas into Tier 3 .
Downing Street said the government has the power to `` impose measures '' if they continue to resist tougher restrictions .
`` Calls have been taking place over the course of the weekend and yesterday and I would expect for there to be further engagement today , '' the PM 's spokesman said .
`` The government does have the ability to impose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what 's needed to reduce transmission , to safeguard the NHS and to save lives . ''

It is "inevitable" that London will pass a "trigger point" for tougher coronavirus restrictions in the "next few days", Sadiq Khan has told Sky News.
"All the indicators I have, hospital admissions, ICU occupancy, the numbers of older people with cases, the prevalence of the disease, the positivity are all going the wrong direction," the London mayor said.
"Which means, I'm afraid, it's inevitable over the course of the next few days London will have passed a trigger point to be in the second tier."
The capital is currently in Tier 1 of the government's three-tier system of coronavirus restrictions, which means an alert level of "medium".
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around the world
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:18 Council leaders respond to postcode lockdown
But the mayor's office has put Londoners on alert for the capital to be moved into Tier 2, with a spokesperson saying on Monday that the situation "could change very quickly - potentially even this week".
Tier 1, "medium", will cover a significant part of England and includes the current national restrictions such as the "rule of six" and the 10pm curfew for pubs, bars and restaurants.
Tier 2, "high", will see people prevented from socialising with other households indoors, including in pubs and restaurants. Support bubbles will still be permitted, however.
In these areas, the rule of six will continue to apply outdoors in public spaces, as well as private gardens.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 Local leaders 'influenced' new lockdown measures
Mr Khan told Sky News that London as a whole should move into tougher restrictions, rather than adopting a "hyper-local" approach of different restrictions for different boroughs.
"We're keen to go as one as we can see the complexities and the confusion caused by some boroughs having additional restrictions and other boroughs having less," he said.
"Many Londoners work in one borough, live in another borough, study in another borough, go to a restaurant in another borough so we're really keen to go as one city."
The London-wide average was 78 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 in the seven days up to 9 October, with the level varying across different parts of the capital.
Ealing in west London had 119 new cases, while Bexley in the southeast of the capital had the lowest number of new cases at 51.6.
Labour MP Sam Tarry, who represents Ilford South in east London, has called for a short "circuit-breaker" lockdown across London to "save lives".
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Documents released on Monday revealed that a short national lockdown was recommended to the government by scientists three weeks ago.
Asked about the prospect of London being moved into Tier 2, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman did not rule this out.
"We continue to closely monitor the data in all parts of England and I think we have shown that if it's judged additional measures are necessary we haven't hesitated to act," they said.
Meanwhile, Essex County Council has asked Health Secretary Matt Hancock to move the area from Tier 1 to Tier 2, following what it said was a significant rise in cases.
Greater Manchester mayor, Labour's Andy Burnham, told Sky News earlier that he would prefer a national "circuit break" lockdown to stricter local measures.
Speaking to Kay Burley, Mr Burnham said there was "pressure" from the government for the area to be placed in the "very high" alert level, but he had "serious doubts" that the Tier 3 measures would be enough.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:06 How the new lockdown system affects the North
Tier 3, "very high", will see people banned from socialising with other households both indoors and in private gardens, while bars and pubs will be closed unless they can operate as restaurants.
Alcohol could be served in pubs operating as restaurants in these areas, but only as part of a meal.
Residents will also be advised against travelling in and out of these areas, while it will be up to local politicians as to whether other leisure venues such as gyms and casinos should also close.
The Liverpool City Region is currently the only area in the "very high" alert level.
St Helens North MP Conor McGinn told Sky News that there was "no agreement" on the measures for the area with the government, instead saying they were "imposed" on the area.
The PM told his cabinet that negotiations with northern leaders are ongoing in order to move some areas into Tier 3.
Downing Street said the government has the power to "impose measures" if they continue to resist tougher restrictions.
"Calls have been taking place over the course of the weekend and yesterday and I would expect for there to be further engagement today," the PM's spokesman said.
"The government does have the ability to impose measures if it's considered that's what's needed to reduce transmission, to safeguard the NHS and to save lives."


skynewspolitics--2020-10-14--PM tells MPs 'I rule out nothing' - but wants to 'avoid misery' of second lockdown

Boris Johnson has told MPs that `` I rule out nothing '' in the fight against coronavirus , but that he wants to `` avoid the misery of another national lockdown '' .
The prime minister defended his three-tier system of local COVID-19 restrictions during a tempestuous PMQs clash with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer .
Did you miss PMQs ?
This is what happened , as it happened It was their first encounter since Sir Keir came out in favour of a two to three-week `` circuit breaker '' coronavirus shutdown to coincide with October half-term .
Noting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommended such a course of action , the Labour leader asked : `` Why did the prime minister reject that advice and abandon the science ? ''
Mr Johnson said he had been advised that a `` regional approach '' will `` bring down the virus '' .
Justifying his new stance , Sir Keir told the Commons he had `` genuinely concluded '' that a short lockdown was `` in the national interest '' .
`` It is the failure of the prime minister 's strategy that means tougher measures are now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding that the country was now at a `` tipping point '' and `` time is running out '' .
The PM said he wanted to `` seize this moment now to avoid the misery of another national lockdown into which he [ Sir Keir ] wants to go head-long by delivering a regional solution '' .
Mr Johnson added that `` opportunism , I 'm afraid , is the name of the game for the party opposite '' , accusing the Labour leader of `` supporting the government one day '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next '' .
`` Everybody can see what he 's doing .
Labour have said it themselves , they see this as a good crisis for the Labour Party and one they wish to exploit - we see this as a national crisis that we are going to turn around , '' he said .
The PM added : `` I rule out nothing , of course , in combating the virus but we 're going to do it with the local , regional approach that can drive down and will drive down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
One of his ministers had earlier played down the prospect of another national shutdown .
Asked if England was heading for a national lockdown in the next two weeks , Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey told Sky News : `` I do n't believe that is the case but as I say this will continue to be a decision that the prime minister will lead on . ''
The new system of coronavirus alert levels has split England into three different tiers - Tier 1 ( `` medium '' ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and Tier 3 ( `` very high '' ) .
It is designed to simplify the range of different restrictions already in place .
But local leaders have hit out at what they say is a lack of consultation about the new measures , as well as questioning the efficacy of some of the restrictions .
Health officials are expected to hold talks with councillors in Greater Manchester and Leicester about potentially moving the areas to the `` very high '' alert level .
Leaders in Greater Manchester have made clear that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area from Tier 2 to Tier 3 , describing the government 's rationale as `` fundamentally flawed '' .

Boris Johnson has told MPs that "I rule out nothing" in the fight against coronavirus, but that he wants to "avoid the misery of another national lockdown".
The prime minister defended his three-tier system of local COVID-19 restrictions during a tempestuous PMQs clash with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
Did you miss PMQs? This is what happened, as it happened
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:11 Minister dismisses national lockdown claims
It was their first encounter since Sir Keir came out in favour of a two to three-week "circuit breaker" coronavirus shutdown to coincide with October half-term.
Mr Johnson stated his intention to push ahead with his three-tier approach to localised measures, which came into force today, as he accused Labour of "opportunism" for calling for a return to more stringent national restrictions.
Later on Wednesday, Chancellor Rishi Sunak told MPs in a House of Commons debate on COVID-19 that Labour should "have the integrity to acknowledge that what they're proposing will create significant damage to people's lives and livelihoods".
"I've never said there are easy choices or cost-free answers, this is the reality we face and it'd be dishonest to ignore that truth," he added.
Mr Sunak strived to set out the "real" costs of another national lockdown to MPs.
"They can be counted in jobs lost, businesses closed and children's education harmed," he said.
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"They can be measured in the permanent damage done to our economy which will undermine our long-term ability to fund our NHS and our valued public services, and they can be measured in the increase in long-term health conditions that unemployment causes."
During PMQs, Sir Keir had noted the government's own scientific advisers had recommended a circuit breaker lockdown.
The Labour leader asked: "Why did the prime minister reject that advice and abandon the science?"
Mr Johnson said he had been advised that a "regional approach" will "bring down the virus".
Justifying his new stance, Sir Keir told the Commons he had "genuinely concluded" that a short lockdown was "in the national interest".
"It is the failure of the prime minister's strategy that means tougher measures are now unavoidable," the Labour leader said, adding that the country was now at a "tipping point" and "time is running out".
The PM said he wanted to "seize this moment now to avoid the misery of another national lockdown into which he [Sir Keir] wants to go head-long by delivering a regional solution".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 Dozens dance in street in Liverpool after pubs close
Mr Johnson added that "opportunism, I'm afraid, is the name of the game for the party opposite", accusing the Labour leader of "supporting the government one day" and performing a "dramatic U-turn the next".
"Everybody can see what he's doing. Labour have said it themselves, they see this as a good crisis for the Labour Party and one they wish to exploit - we see this as a national crisis that we are going to turn around," he said.
The PM added: "I rule out nothing, of course, in combating the virus but we're going to do it with the local, regional approach that can drive down and will drive down the virus if it is properly implemented."
Professor Anthony Costello, a former director at the World Health Organisation, believes a "circuit breaker" would be the best course of action for the government.
He told Sky News: "The infection is spreading out of control within communities and between communities, and clearly the earlier you act, the quicker the impact.
"If we'd done this three weeks ago we'd probably keep deaths down to below 50 a day. If we'd done it at the end of last week, maybe 100 per day."
According to a paper by two of the government's leading scientific advisers, a "short, sharp" two-week lockdown over the October half-term could prevent more than 7,000 deaths.
With the devolved administrations able to introduce their own restrictions, Northern Ireland has announced that a four-week "circuit breaker" lockdown will come into force on Friday.
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has told Sky News that his government is carrying out "detailed planning" for a potential second shutdown.
Nicola Sturgeon, the first minister of Scotland, has said she supports Mr Drakeford's call for a meeting of the government's emergency committee COBRA to "discuss collectively between the four nations what further steps we can all take at this stage to suppress the virus".
She is also advising people against travelling to hotspots in England after dozens of people who tested positive had recently visited Blackpool.
One of the PM's ministers had earlier played down the prospect of another national lockdown in England.
Asked if the country was heading for a national lockdown in the next two weeks, Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey told Sky News: "I don't believe that is the case but as I say this will continue to be a decision that the prime minister will lead on."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:18 Starmer calls for 'circuit break' in England
The new system of coronavirus alert levels has split England into three different tiers - Tier 1 ("medium"), Tier 2 ("high") and Tier 3 ("very high").
It is designed to simplify the range of different restrictions already in place.
But local leaders have hit out at what they say is a lack of consultation about the new measures, as well as questioning the efficacy of some of the restrictions.
Health officials are expected to hold talks with councillors in Greater Manchester and Lancashire about potentially moving the areas to the "very high" alert level.
At the moment, the Liverpool City Region is the only area in this category.
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Leaders in Greater Manchester have made clear that they will resist attempts to move the area from Tier 2 to Tier 3, describing the government's rationale as "fundamentally flawed".
"We will not cave in to all of the pressure that's being applied to us unless we can be given clear evidence, but more than that, the substantial financial support that's needed to protect our communities through this," the region's mayor, Andy Burnham, said.
Liverpool City region mayor Steve Rotherham has said the area will be topping up the "furlough-lite" scheme announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak for areas under Tier 3 restrictions.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:36 Burnham repeats preference for national circuit break
Geoff Driver, Conservative leader of Lancashire County Council, has said it is "inevitable" his region will move into Tier 3.
The PM urged Labour's metro mayors to support the government's strategy, telling the Commons: "We want to put in the most stringent measures necessary in the places where the virus is surging in order to get it down where it is surging, that is the logical thing to do."
Downing Street said Mr Johnson wants to reach a consensus with local leaders about Tier 3 measures, but the government could impose them if that is not feasible.
"The government does have the ability to impose measures if it was felt that was what was needed to reduce transmission and to protect the NHS," the PM's spokesman said.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-13--Minister plays down prospect of national lockdown as three-tier system comes into force

A minister has played down the prospect of a national lockdown in the near future , as England 's new three-tier system for localised coronavirus restrictions comes into force .
From midnight , the country was split into three COVID-19 alert levels - `` medium '' , `` high '' and `` very high '' - but the prime minister is already under growing pressure to take even further action .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is now demanding that Boris Johnson puts England into a two to three-week `` circuit breaker '' lockdown to coincide with October half-term - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But speaking to Kay Burley , Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey said : `` I do not believe that the prime minister wants to set off on a national lockdown , but as ever he is advised by scientists - he takes that decision . ''
Asked if England was heading for a national lockdown in the next two weeks , Coffey said : `` I do n't believe that is the case but as I say this will continue to be a decision that the prime minister will lead on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the three tiers and we need to make sure we give that the chance to work '' , and another national lockdown would be `` not really fair '' Liverpool City Region is in the top tier , with bars and pubs forced to shut if they can not operate as restaurants .
Residents have also been banned from socialising with other households indoors and outdoors , including in private gardens .
Last night , videos on social media showed groups of people enjoying a final night out in the city before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Merseyside Police confirming to Sky News that a `` large crowd '' had to be dispersed .
Discussions are going to be held on whether Greater Manchester and Lancashire should be reclassified to also join the top tier of restrictions , amid concern at rising coronavirus infection rates across the North West .
Ahead of those talks , Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham accused the government of `` piling the pressure on '' without providing an adequate package of economic support .
He claimed the possible reclassification of the region `` risks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester was placed in Tier 2 of the new system of localised restrictions .
Mr Johnson saw MPs approve the new three-tier system on Tuesday night , but he was also hit with a dual challenge from both Labour and his own Conservative MPs .
Sir Keir said a short national lockdown would `` break the cycle '' of COVID-19 transmission across the country .
Shadow Cabinet Office minister Rachel Reeves told Sky News that it was `` not too late for the government to change course '' .
`` I plead with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientists and get on the right path to control this virus , protect the NHS and save lives , '' she said .
A four-week `` circuit breaker '' lockdown will come into force in Northern Ireland on Friday in an attempt to stall the rise in coronavirus infections .
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has told Sky News he is is carrying out `` detailed planning '' for a potential short national lockdown .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House of Commons during Prime Minister 's Questions later , when the Labour leader will likely accuse the government of failing to follow the recommendations of scientists for nationwide action .
Two members of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) are due to release a joint paper that suggests thousands of COVID-19 deaths could be avoided before Christmas if a circuit breaker lockdown is imposed over half-term .
Another SAGE member , Sir Jeremy Farrar - director of the Wellcome Trust - described the government 's current strategy of enhanced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all worlds '' as it offers `` the economic damage of more restrictions without the gain of a reduction in transmission '' .
In a sign of Downing Street 's anger at Sir Keir over his call for greater action , a senior government source branded the Labour leader a `` shameless opportunist '' and accused him of `` playing political games in the middle of a global pandemic '' .
But while the prime minister is now facing a more hostile opposition to his handling of the coronavirus crisis , Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by his own Tory backbenchers .
A total of 44 Conservative MPs opposed the 10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants in England in a House of Commons vote on Tuesday night - the biggest Tory rebellion that Mr Johnson has faced since he became prime minister .
The rebel group included Bolton West MP Chris Green , who quit as a junior ministerial aide minutes before the vote .
In his resignation letter to the prime minister , Mr Green said the local lockdown in his constituency had failed and `` the attempted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Johnson had addressed Conservative backbenchers via Zoom before Tuesday 's vote .
It was reported that the prime minister used the video call to joke that many people would welcome the `` rule of six '' for social gatherings as they will be able to avoid their in-laws at Christmas .
`` Les Dawson heading up the COVID-19 response was not the 2020 I was expecting , '' said Labour shadow minister Jess Phillips in her condemnation of Mr Johnson 's reported remarks .

A minister has played down the prospect of a national lockdown in the near future, as England's new three-tier system for localised coronavirus restrictions comes into force.
From midnight, the country was split into three COVID-19 alert levels - "medium", "high" and "very high" - but the prime minister is already under growing pressure to take even further action.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is now demanding that Boris Johnson puts England into a two to three-week "circuit breaker" lockdown to coincide with October half-term - with the support of the Liberal Democrats.
But speaking to Kay Burley, Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey said: "I do not believe that the prime minister wants to set off on a national lockdown, but as ever he is advised by scientists - he takes that decision."
Asked if England was heading for a national lockdown in the next two weeks, Coffey said: "I don't believe that is the case but as I say this will continue to be a decision that the prime minister will lead on."
She added that "we have the three tiers and we need to make sure we give that the chance to work", and another national lockdown would be "not really fair"
Liverpool City Region is in the top tier, with bars and pubs forced to shut if they cannot operate as restaurants. Residents have also been banned from socialising with other households indoors and outdoors, including in private gardens.
Last night, videos on social media showed groups of people enjoying a final night out in the city before the new restrictions came into force - with Merseyside Police confirming to Sky News that a "large crowd" had to be dispersed.
Discussions are going to be held on whether Greater Manchester and Lancashire should be reclassified to also join the top tier of restrictions, amid concern at rising coronavirus infection rates across the North West.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:18 Starmer calls for 'circuit break' in England
Ahead of those talks, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham accused the government of "piling the pressure on" without providing an adequate package of economic support.
He claimed the possible reclassification of the region "risks confusing people" so soon after Greater Manchester was placed in Tier 2 of the new system of localised restrictions.
Mr Johnson saw MPs approve the new three-tier system on Tuesday night, but he was also hit with a dual challenge from both Labour and his own Conservative MPs.
Sir Keir said a short national lockdown would "break the cycle" of COVID-19 transmission across the country.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:24 'Liberal Democrats absolutely back a circuit breaker'
Shadow Cabinet Office minister Rachel Reeves told Sky News that it was "not too late for the government to change course".
"I plead with the prime minister to listen to the scientists and get on the right path to control this virus, protect the NHS and save lives," she said.
A four-week "circuit breaker" lockdown will come into force in Northern Ireland on Friday in an attempt to stall the rise in coronavirus infections.
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has told Sky News he is is carrying out "detailed planning" for a potential short national lockdown.
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Mr Johnson will face Sir Keir in the House of Commons during Prime Minister's Questions later, when the Labour leader will likely accuse the government of failing to follow the recommendations of scientists for nationwide action.
Two members of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) are due to release a joint paper that suggests thousands of COVID-19 deaths could be avoided before Christmas if a circuit breaker lockdown is imposed over half-term.
Another SAGE member, Sir Jeremy Farrar - director of the Wellcome Trust - described the government's current strategy of enhanced localised measures as the "worst of all worlds" as it offers "the economic damage of more restrictions without the gain of a reduction in transmission".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:25 Govt wins 'symbolic' vote on 10pm curfew
In a sign of Downing Street's anger at Sir Keir over his call for greater action, a senior government source branded the Labour leader a "shameless opportunist" and accused him of "playing political games in the middle of a global pandemic".
But while the prime minister is now facing a more hostile opposition to his handling of the coronavirus crisis, Mr Johnson has also been delivered a warning shot by his own Tory backbenchers.
A total of 44 Conservative MPs opposed the 10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants in England in a House of Commons vote on Tuesday night - the biggest Tory rebellion that Mr Johnson has faced since he became prime minister.
The rebel group included Bolton West MP Chris Green, who quit as a junior ministerial aide minutes before the vote.
In his resignation letter to the prime minister, Mr Green said the local lockdown in his constituency had failed and "the attempted cure is worse than the disease".
Mr Johnson had addressed Conservative backbenchers via Zoom before Tuesday's vote.
It was reported that the prime minister used the video call to joke that many people would welcome the "rule of six" for social gatherings as they will be able to avoid their in-laws at Christmas.
"Les Dawson heading up the COVID-19 response was not the 2020 I was expecting," said Labour shadow minister Jess Phillips in her condemnation of Mr Johnson's reported remarks.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-14--Wales carrying out 'detailed planning' for potential second lockdown

The Welsh first minister has told Sky News that his government is carrying out `` detailed planning '' for a potential short national lockdown .
Speaking to Kay Burley , Mark Drakeford said a `` circuit breaking period '' could be the `` most effective way of turning back the tide of coronavirus '' .
`` We want to act now in order to prevent the worst from happening , to give us a better chance of getting through the rest of the autumn and the winter , '' the first minister said .
`` If a circuit breaker is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is what we will do and we 're very actively talking about and preparing for that should it be necessary . ''
Mr Drakeford said his government will look at the COVID-19 figures in Wales during the rest of the week before deciding whether such a step is required .
He said there should be a four-nation meeting of the government 's emergency COBRA committee to `` look at it together '' .
Mr Drakeford added that it was not `` sensible '' for Boris Johnson to dismiss a second national shutdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with everybody , look at it seriously and then make a proper decision , '' Mr Drakeford said .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is demanding that Boris Johnson puts England into a two to three-week `` circuit breaker '' lockdown to coincide with October half-term - a stance that has the support of the Liberal Democrats .
Northern Ireland will become the first part of the UK to take such a move , with a four-week `` circuit breaker '' lockdown coming into force on Friday .
But a minister has played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Asked if England was heading for a second lockdown in the next two weeks , Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey told Sky News : `` I do n't believe that is the case but as I say this will continue to be a decision that the prime minister will lead on . ''
Mr Drakeford also told Sky News that his request for the UK government to restrict people from areas with high levels of COVID-19 from travelling to places with lower prevalence of the virus is `` not a border @ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In Wales , people in areas under local lockdown restrictions are not allowed to travel to other parts of the country without a reasonable excuse .
`` It is a simple , straightforward , practical action that prevents the flow of the virus out of areas where there is a great deal of it into areas where there is very little of it , and I 'm baffled why the prime minister continues to resist this idea , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fair play , for people in high volume areas outside Wales not being able to do things that people in Wales who live in high coronavirus areas are already prevented from doing . ''

The Welsh first minister has told Sky News that his government is carrying out "detailed planning" for a potential short national lockdown.
Speaking to Kay Burley, Mark Drakeford said a "circuit breaking period" could be the "most effective way of turning back the tide of coronavirus".
"We want to act now in order to prevent the worst from happening, to give us a better chance of getting through the rest of the autumn and the winter," the first minister said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:11 Minister dismisses national lockdown claims
"If a circuit breaker is the right way to do it then that is what we will do and we're very actively talking about and preparing for that should it be necessary."
Mr Drakeford said his government will look at the COVID-19 figures in Wales during the rest of the week before deciding whether such a step is required.
He said there should be a four-nation meeting of the government's emergency COBRA committee to "look at it together".
Mr Drakeford added that it was not "sensible" for Boris Johnson to dismiss a second national shutdown.
"They ought to sit down with everybody, look at it seriously and then make a proper decision," Mr Drakeford said.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is demanding that Boris Johnson puts England into a two to three-week "circuit breaker" lockdown to coincide with October half-term - a stance that has the support of the Liberal Democrats.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:18 Starmer calls for 'circuit break' in England
Northern Ireland will become the first part of the UK to take such a move, with a four-week "circuit breaker" lockdown coming into force on Friday.
But a minister has played down the prospect of another national shutdown.
Asked if England was heading for a second lockdown in the next two weeks, Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey told Sky News: "I don't believe that is the case but as I say this will continue to be a decision that the prime minister will lead on."
Mr Drakeford also told Sky News that his request for the UK government to restrict people from areas with high levels of COVID-19 from travelling to places with lower prevalence of the virus is "not a border issue".
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In Wales, people in areas under local lockdown restrictions are not allowed to travel to other parts of the country without a reasonable excuse.
"It is a simple, straightforward, practical action that prevents the flow of the virus out of areas where there is a great deal of it into areas where there is very little of it, and I'm baffled why the prime minister continues to resist this idea," he said.
"All we're asking is for fair play, for people in high volume areas outside Wales not being able to do things that people in Wales who live in high coronavirus areas are already prevented from doing."


skynewspolitics--2020-10-15--Govt to talk to Manchester and London MPs amid reports of tougher coronavirus tiers

MPs in Greater Manchester and London have been invited to briefings with a government minister this morning - amid reports that both areas could be placed into a higher coronavirus tier .
Health minister Helen Whateley is going to hold a call with London MPs at 9.30am , followed by Greater Manchester MPs at 10.45am .
Local leaders including Andy Burnham will also be speaking with the government after the Joint Biosecurity Centre recommended that Manchester and Lancashire should be moved to Tier 3 , the highest alert level .
This would mean households can no longer mix indoors and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to close unless they can operate as restaurants .
Last night , government figures stressed that no final decisions have been taken , but Sky 's political editor Beth Rigby says government sources are clear that numbers in Greater Manchester and Lancashire are `` bad '' and some action is needed .
At present , the Liverpool City Region is the only area that is subject to Tier 3 restrictions .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock is also going to address the Commons later today .
Meanwhile , it has been reported that London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials about the moving the capital into the Tier 2 `` high '' category .
On Tuesday , Mr Khan told Sky News that further restrictions in London were `` inevitable '' in the coming days as hospital admissions and infection rates are `` going in the wrong direction '' .
In a letter to the prime minister , he also warned new measures could possibly be needed as early as this week .
`` None of us want more restrictions in London but given the increase in infection rates and the lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he wrote .
The reported changes could result in millions of people facing tighter restrictions in their day-to-day lives .
Greater Manchester 's mayor , Andy Burnham , has expressed exasperation with the government 's approach over recent days - claiming that some decisions affecting the North West have been communicated to the media first .
`` We are expecting a further meeting with the PM 's team in the morning , '' he tweeted .
William Wragg , the Conservative MP for the Greater Manchester constituency of Hazel Grove , claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the discussion with Ms Whateley .
`` Sadly , I 've received no email ... says it all really , '' he wrote .
In other developments , Northern Ireland is set to enforce the toughest controls seen in the UK - with pubs and restaurants set to close for four weeks , and schools facing a two-week shutdown .
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker From 6pm on Friday , people from the UK 's coronavirus hotspots will also be banned from coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England and Wales has described the new rule as `` unenforceable '' , while the UK government said it was `` disappointed '' by the move .
Mr Johnson remains desperate to avoid any form of national lockdown - despite demands from Labour for a temporary `` circuit breaker '' to break the train of transmission and stem the spread of the disease .

MPs in Greater Manchester, Lancashire and London are being briefed by the government, as ministers consider tougher local restrictions for parts of England.
Three ministers held calls with London MPs at 9.30am, followed by Lancashire MPs at 10.15 and Greater Manchester MPs at 10.45am.
Live coronavirus updates from the UK and around the world
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:36 Burnham repeats preference for national circuit break
Local leaders including Andy Burnham will also be speaking to the government after the Joint Biosecurity Centre recommended that Manchester and Lancashire should be moved to Tier 3, the highest alert level.
This would mean households can no longer mix indoors and outdoors - with pubs and bars forced to close unless they can operate as restaurants.
Last night, government figures stressed that no final decisions have been taken, but Sky's political editor Beth Rigby says government sources are clear that numbers in Greater Manchester and Lancashire are "bad" and some action is needed.
However, Lancashire MPs have told Sky News they have been informed that the region is staying in Tier 2 for now.
Meanwhile, MPs have been told that London will move to Tier 2 from midnight on Friday.
It means millions in the capital will be banned from meeting people from other households indoors, whether that's in their home or in a pub.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 London to pass 'trigger point' within days - mayor
Londoners have also been advised to avoid public transport and reduce the number of journeys they make where possible.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock will deliver a statement to MPs in the Commons later this morning.
Speaking to Sky News ahead of that, business minister Nadhim Zahawi appeared to confirm that Manchester will be moved to Tier 3.
He told Kay Burley that the region's MPs should attend this morning's meeting "so they can hear directly from the chief medical officer, from the deputy chief medical officer, as to why we're having to take this action".
However, Mr Zahawi then appeared to backtrack somewhat, adding: "They need to see the data and of course that decision will be made jointly with the local leaders."
The minister also apologised to two MPs - Labour's Afzal Khan and Conservative William Wragg - who complained they had not been told about the talks.
He said decisions on increasing local restrictions were taken "with a heavy heart", adding: "This is really difficult.
"It's a balance between, effectively, two harms. The harm the virus is doing and the harm to the economy and also to health of having a national lockdown.
"The local lockdowns are the best way forward."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:39 Warrington's COVID wards are filling up fast
At present, the Liverpool City Region is the only area that is subject to Tier 3 restrictions.
On Tuesday, London mayor Sadiq Khan told Sky News that further restrictions in London were "inevitable" in the coming days as hospital admissions and infection rates are "going in the wrong direction".
In a letter to the prime minister, he also warned new measures could possibly be needed as early as this week.
"None of us want more restrictions in London but given the increase in infection rates and the lack of testing we have little choice," he wrote.
Greater Manchester's mayor, Andy Burnham, has expressed exasperation with the government's approach over recent days - claiming that some decisions affecting the North West have been communicated to the media first.
"We are expecting a further meeting with the PM's team in the morning," he tweeted.
In other developments, Northern Ireland is to enforce the toughest controls seen in the UK - with pubs and restaurants set to close for four weeks, and schools facing a two-week shutdown.
From 6pm on Friday, people from the UK's coronavirus hotspots will also be banned from coming into Wales.
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The Police Federation of England and Wales has described the new rule as "unenforceable", while the UK government said it was "disappointed" by the move.
Mr Johnson remains desperate to avoid any form of national lockdown - despite demands from Labour for a temporary "circuit breaker" to break the chain of transmission and stem the spread of the disease.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-14--Rashford praises Wales as £11m set aside to give free meals to kids during half-terms until nex

Rashford praises Wales as £11m set aside to give free meals to kids during half-terms until next Easter

England footballer Marcus Rashford has welcomed the Welsh government 's decision to provide free meals to children during school holidays until next Easter .
The Welsh government is making £11m available to fund the move , with education minister Kirsty Williams saying she hoped it would provide `` some reassurance in these times of uncertainty '' .
More than £700,000 has also been allocated to support colleges with eligible students .
Manchester United forward Rashford was recently awarded an MBE following his high-profile campaign to make sure vulnerable children still received proper meals during the coronavirus pandemic .
His campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provision of school meal vouchers in England during the summer holidays .
The footballer has since formed a child food poverty taskforce together with major supermarket and food brands .
One of the taskforce 's three policy aims is to encourage Chancellor Rishi Sunak to expand holiday provision to support all children on free school meals , which they say would reach an extra 1.1 million children .
Commenting on the Welsh government 's announcement , Rashford said : `` Holiday provision is vital to stabilising households during the school closures , given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Having this framework in place for the foreseeable future will have a significantly positive impact on children who are struggling to engage in learning due to anxiety and fear , not to mention the noise of their rumbling stomachs .
`` No child in 2020 should be sat in a classroom worried about how they are going to access food during the holidays , and the impact that will have on their parents when matched with unemployment , ill health and , in some cases , personal loss .
`` There is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect this next generation but I welcome the Welsh government 's swift response to this urgent need in protecting the most vulnerable children across the country .
`` Our children and their welfare should never not be the priority . ''
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Welsh government 's move will likely increase pressure on UK government ministers to make a similar commitment in England ahead of this month 's half-term holiday .
Rashford used his recent award of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson to support all children during the October half-term , which coincides with the end of the government 's furlough scheme , with an extension of the vouchers .
He described this as `` another sticking plaster , but one that will give the parents of millions of children in the UK just one less thing to worry about '' .

England footballer Marcus Rashford has welcomed the Welsh government's decision to provide free meals to children during school holidays until next Easter.
The Welsh government is making £11m available to fund the move, with education minister Kirsty Williams saying she hoped it would provide "some reassurance in these times of uncertainty".
More than £700,000 has also been allocated to support colleges with eligible students.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 'A little bit strange': Rashford on MBE
Manchester United forward Rashford was recently awarded an MBE following his high-profile campaign to make sure vulnerable children still received proper meals during the coronavirus pandemic.
His campaign prompted a UK government U-turn on the provision of school meal vouchers in England during the summer holidays.
The footballer has since formed a child food poverty taskforce together with major supermarket and food brands.
One of the taskforce's three policy aims is to encourage Chancellor Rishi Sunak to expand holiday provision to support all children on free school meals, which they say would reach an extra 1.1 million children.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 Marcus Rashford on poverty task force
Commenting on the Welsh government's announcement, Rashford said: "Holiday provision is vital to stabilising households during the school closures, given the devastating effects of COVID-19.
"Having this framework in place for the foreseeable future will have a significantly positive impact on children who are struggling to engage in learning due to anxiety and fear, not to mention the noise of their rumbling stomachs.
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"No child in 2020 should be sat in a classroom worried about how they are going to access food during the holidays, and the impact that will have on their parents when matched with unemployment, ill health and, in some cases, personal loss.
"There is still so much more work to be done to protect this next generation but I welcome the Welsh government's swift response to this urgent need in protecting the most vulnerable children across the country.
"Our children and their welfare should never not be the priority."
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The Welsh government's move will likely increase pressure on UK government ministers to make a similar commitment in England ahead of this month's half-term holiday.
Rashford used his recent award of an MBE to urge Prime Minister Boris Johnson to support all children during the October half-term, which coincides with the end of the government's furlough scheme, with an extension of the vouchers.
He described this as "another sticking plaster, but one that will give the parents of millions of children in the UK just one less thing to worry about".


skynewspolitics--2020-10-14--PM wants to 'avoid misery' of second national lockdown and chancellor warns of 'significant damage'

Boris Johnson has told MPs that `` I rule out nothing '' in the fight against coronavirus , but that he wants to `` avoid the misery of another national lockdown '' .
The prime minister defended his three-tier system of local COVID-19 restrictions during a tempestuous PMQs clash with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer .
Did you miss PMQs ?
This is what happened , as it happened It was their first encounter since Sir Keir came out in favour of a two to three-week `` circuit breaker '' coronavirus shutdown to coincide with October half-term .
Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his three-tier approach to localised measures , which came into force today , as he accused Labour of `` opportunism '' for calling for a return to more stringent national restrictions .
Later on Wednesday , Chancellor Rishi Sunak told MPs in a House of Commons debate on COVID-19 that Labour should `` have the integrity to acknowledge that what they 're proposing will create significant damage to people 's lives and livelihoods '' .
`` I 've never said there are easy choices or cost-free answers , this is the reality we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ignore that truth , '' he added .
Mr Sunak strived to set out the `` real '' costs of another national lockdown to MPs .
`` They can be counted in jobs lost , businesses closed and children 's education harmed , '' he said .
`` They can be measured in the permanent damage done to our economy which will undermine our long-term ability to fund our NHS and our valued public services , and they can be measured in the increase in long-term health conditions that unemployment causes . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government 's own scientific advisers had recommended a circuit breaker lockdown .
The Labour leader asked : `` Why did the prime minister reject that advice and abandon the science ? ''
Mr Johnson said he had been advised that a `` regional approach '' will `` bring down the virus '' .
Justifying his new stance , Sir Keir told the Commons he had `` genuinely concluded '' that a short lockdown was `` in the national interest '' .
`` It is the failure of the prime minister 's strategy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Labour leader said , adding that the country was now at a `` tipping point '' and `` time is running out '' .
The PM said he wanted to `` seize this moment now to avoid the misery of another national lockdown into which he [ Sir Keir ] wants to go head-long by delivering a regional solution '' .
Mr Johnson added that `` opportunism , I 'm afraid , is the name of the game for the party opposite '' , accusing the Labour leader of `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performing a `` dramatic U-turn the next '' .
`` Everybody can see what he 's doing .
Labour have said it themselves , they see this as a good crisis for the Labour Party and one they wish to exploit - we see this as a national crisis that we are going to turn around , '' he said .
The PM added : `` I rule out nothing , of course , in combating the virus but we 're going to do it with the local , regional approach that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus if it is properly implemented . ''
Professor Anthony Costello , a former director at the World Health Organisation , believes a `` circuit breaker '' would be the best course of action for the government .
He told Sky News : `` The infection is spreading out of control within communities and between communities , and clearly the earlier you act , the quicker the impact .
`` If we 'd done this three weeks ago we 'd probably keep deaths down to below 50 a day .
If we 'd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , maybe 100 per day . ''
According to a paper by two of the government 's leading scientific advisers , a `` short , sharp '' two-week lockdown over the October half-term could prevent more than 7,000 deaths .
With the devolved administrations able to introduce their own restrictions , Northern Ireland has announced that a four-week `` circuit breaker '' lockdown will come into force on Friday .
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has told Sky News that his government is carrying out `` detailed planning '' for a potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first minister of Scotland , has said she supports Mr Drakeford 's call for a meeting of the government 's emergency committee COBRA to `` discuss collectively between the four nations what further steps we can all take at this stage to suppress the virus '' .
She is also advising people against travelling to hotspots in England after dozens of people who tested positive had recently visited Blackpool .
One of the PM 's ministers had earlier played down the prospect of another national lockdown in England .
Asked if the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next two weeks , Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey told Sky News : `` I do n't believe that is the case but as I say this will continue to be a decision that the prime minister will lead on . ''
The new system of coronavirus alert levels has split England into three different tiers - Tier 1 ( `` medium '' ) , Tier 2 ( `` high '' ) and Tier 3 ( `` very high '' ) .
It is designed to simplify the range of different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders have hit out at what they say is a lack of consultation about the new measures , as well as questioning the efficacy of some of the restrictions .
Health officials are expected to hold talks with councillors in Greater Manchester and Lancashire about potentially moving the areas to the `` very high '' alert level .
At the moment , the Liverpool City Region is the only area in this category .
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Leaders in Greater Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempts to move the area from Tier 2 to Tier 3 , describing the government 's rationale as `` fundamentally flawed '' .
`` We will not cave in to all of the pressure that 's being applied to us unless we can be given clear evidence , but more than that , the substantial financial support that 's needed to protect our communities through this , '' the region 's mayor , Andy Burnham , said .
Liverpool City region mayor Steve Rotherham has said the area will be topping up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rishi Sunak for areas under Tier 3 restrictions .
Geoff Driver , Conservative leader of Lancashire County Council , has said it is `` inevitable '' his region will move into Tier 3 .
The PM urged Labour 's metro mayors to support the government 's strategy , telling the Commons : `` We want to put in the most stringent measures necessary in the places where the virus is surging in order to get it down where it is surging , that is the logical thing to do . ''
Downing Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consensus with local leaders about Tier 3 measures , but the government could impose them if that is not feasible .
`` The government does have the ability to impose measures if it was felt that was what was needed to reduce transmission and to protect the NHS , '' the PM 's spokesman said .


skynewspolitics--2020-10-14--PM 'disappointed' at lack of progress in Brexit talks

The prime minister has told EU leaders of his disappointment that more progress had not been made during Brexit talks .
Boris Johnson has held a phone call with president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and president of the European Council Charles Michel .
The latest `` state of play '' in negotiations for the UK 's exit of the European Union was discussed .
And in a statement afterwards , a Downing Street spokesperson said : `` The prime minister noted the desirability of a deal , but expressed his disappointment that more progress had not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
They added that the prime minister `` would reflect before setting out the UK 's next steps '' .
Mr Johnson had given 15 October as the deadline for the talks , but this has been pushed back a few days to make room for the European Council 's summit .
The leaders told Mr Johnson that the bloc is ready to continue the trade talks but insisted the UK must budge on unresolved issues .
`` We pressed again for progress to be made at the negotiation table , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mrs von der Leyen said they were continuing to work on a deal but that the `` conditions must be right '' if there was to be an agreement .
Earlier this month , Mr Johnson and Mrs von der Leyen agreed to `` intensify '' negotiations in a final push for a wide-ranging agreement covering Britain 's relationship with the EU when the current Brexit transition period ends at the end of the year .
However , the EU side has been resisting efforts by the British side to impose a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through an agreement .
The UK 's chief negotiator Lord Frost is expected to brief the prime minister on the negotiations with his EU counterpart Michel Barnier - which have been continuing this week - before a final decision on whether it is worth continuing .
Not for the first time , another crunch week in Brexit .
Not for the first time , an anodyne statement released by Downing Street which buys a little more time .
In this case , just 24 hours more as it confirms that the prime minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talking next week on Friday , rather than the previous deadline of Friday .
This is so that Boris Johnson can ruminate on what is decided at a meeting of the 27 EU leaders in Brussels tomorrow .
Although the statement says there is the `` desirability of a deal '' , the prime minister declared `` disappointment that more progress had been made over the past two weeks '' .
Not too much can be read into this .
Several cabinet ministers think there will be a deal , as do many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Westminster is that one big fight probably over fishing is likely before all sides come together .
Those closer to the discussions , however , are more cautious , warning that Number 10 and the EU both need to make more painful concessions to get there .
Mr Johnson will have to weigh up which is worse - cries of betrayal on the one issue he presents himself as a purist , or the uncertainty and pain of no deal , at a time when most are focused on the coronavirus second spike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closer than ever .
Neither course will be pain free .

The prime minister has told EU leaders of his disappointment that more progress had not been made during Brexit talks.
Boris Johnson has held a phone call with president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and president of the European Council Charles Michel.
The latest "state of play" in negotiations for the UK's exit of the European Union was discussed.
Image: Boris Johnson held a phone call with Ursula von der Leyen. File pic
And in a statement afterwards, a Downing Street spokesperson said: "The prime minister noted the desirability of a deal, but expressed his disappointment that more progress had not been made over the past two weeks."
They added that the prime minister "would reflect before setting out the UK's next steps".
Mr Johnson had given 15 October as the deadline for the talks, but this has been pushed back a few days to make room for the European Council's summit.
The leaders told Mr Johnson that the bloc is ready to continue the trade talks but insisted the UK must budge on unresolved issues.
"We pressed again for progress to be made at the negotiation table," Mr Michel said.
In a Tweet, Mrs von der Leyen said they were continuing to work on a deal but that the "conditions must be right" if there was to be an agreement.
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Earlier this month, Mr Johnson and Mrs von der Leyen agreed to "intensify" negotiations in a final push for a wide-ranging agreement covering Britain's relationship with the EU when the current Brexit transition period ends at the end of the year.
However, the EU side has been resisting efforts by the British side to impose a tight deadline in an attempt to force through an agreement.
The UK's chief negotiator Lord Frost is expected to brief the prime minister on the negotiations with his EU counterpart Michel Barnier - which have been continuing this week - before a final decision on whether it is worth continuing.
Analysis: By Sam Coates, deputy political editor
Not for the first time, another crunch week in Brexit. Not for the first time, an anodyne statement released by Downing Street which buys a little more time.
In this case, just 24 hours more as it confirms that the prime minister will make his decision whether to continue talking next week on Friday, rather than the previous deadline of Friday.
This is so that Boris Johnson can ruminate on what is decided at a meeting of the 27 EU leaders in Brussels tomorrow.
Although the statement says there is the "desirability of a deal", the prime minister declared "disappointment that more progress had been made over the past two weeks".
Not too much can be read into this. Several cabinet ministers think there will be a deal, as do many in parliament.
The conventional wisdom in Westminster is that one big fight probably over fishing is likely before all sides come together.
Those closer to the discussions, however, are more cautious, warning that Number 10 and the EU both need to make more painful concessions to get there.
Mr Johnson will have to weigh up which is worse - cries of betrayal on the one issue he presents himself as a purist, or the uncertainty and pain of no deal, at a time when most are focused on the coronavirus second spike and the latest poll puts Scottish independence closer than ever.
Neither course will be pain free.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-14--Manchester and Liverpool mayors threaten legal action over Tier 3 lockdowns

The mayor of Greater Manchester has vowed to consider legal action if the region is put into the strictest tier of coronavirus restrictions without further economic support .
Andy Burnham , the former Labour MP , used an online news conference on Wednesday to confirm he would oppose any move to put Greater Manchester into Tier 3 of the government 's new three-tier system for localised lockdown measures .
He said , if such action was taken , it would be `` by imposition , not consent '' and that he would `` not cave into the pressure '' by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his team are due to hold talks with Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's officials on Thursday morning over Greater Manchester 's COVID-19 measures .
Mr Burnham said he feared `` a winter where large parts of the North are trapped in Tier 3 '' , with the Liverpool City Region having been the first part of England to enter the severest restrictions on Wednesday .
Under the government 's new rules , people living in Tier 3 areas would see people banned from socialising with other households both indoors and in private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be closed unless they can operate as restaurants only .
In Liverpool , gyms , leisure centres , bookmakers and casinos have also been shut and wedding receptions banned .
`` We are law abiding people , we would respect the law of the land , '' Mr Burnham said about the prospect of Greater Manchester reclassified from Tier 2 to Tier 3 .
`` But we would consider other routes , legal routes , where we could protect our many thousands of residents who are going to be left in severe hardship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We would not just leave them in the lurch , we would try and support them and that would include any legal action we could take on their behalf . ''
Mr Burnham backed a nationwide `` circuit breaker '' lockdown , as called for by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer , as a `` better and fairer way '' of attempting to reduce infection rates .
The Greater Manchester mayor was joined at the news conference by Steve Rotherham , the mayor of the Liverpool City Region , who also raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government .
Mr Rotherham , also a former Labour MP , described the government 's replacement of the furlough scheme , which will finish at the end of this month , with a new system of support for businesses told to shut due to coronavirus restrictions as potentially `` discriminatory '' .
He said : `` The hospitality sector has some of the lowest-paid jobs in the country and we have some communities that disproportionately rely on the likes of hospitality jobs .
`` So , for me , it appears to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'well , we gave people 80 % in March , but because it 's happening to somewhere in the Liverpool City Region , you 're only going to be able to get two-thirds of your wage ' . ''
He added : `` The thing that we might well be talking about , collectively , is getting together and challenging this presumption that people can live on two-thirds of their wages . ''
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Rotherham branded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open from 1 November and see the government pay two-thirds of employees wages from firms forced to shut due to COVID-19 rules , as `` furlough-lite '' .
He promised a `` local furlough '' in the Liverpool City Region to `` do what the government has failed to do '' and `` fill the gap left by the national furlough scheme '' .
Details of the local scheme would be published on Thursday , Mr Rotherham said .

The mayor of Greater Manchester has vowed to consider legal action if the region is put into the strictest tier of coronavirus restrictions without further economic support.
Andy Burnham, the former Labour MP, used an online news conference on Wednesday to confirm he would oppose any move to put Greater Manchester into Tier 3 of the government's new three-tier system for localised lockdown measures.
He said, if such action was taken, it would be "by imposition, not consent" and that he would "not cave into the pressure" by agreeing to the restrictions.
Mr Burnham and his team are due to hold talks with Prime Minister Boris Johnson's officials on Thursday morning over Greater Manchester's COVID-19 measures.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:36 Burnham repeats preference for national circuit break
Mr Burnham said he feared "a winter where large parts of the North are trapped in Tier 3", with the Liverpool City Region having been the first part of England to enter the severest restrictions on Wednesday.
Under the government's new rules, people living in Tier 3 areas would see people banned from socialising with other households both indoors and in private gardens, while bars and pubs would be closed unless they can operate as restaurants only.
In Liverpool, gyms, leisure centres, bookmakers and casinos have also been shut and wedding receptions banned.
"We are law abiding people, we would respect the law of the land," Mr Burnham said about the prospect of Greater Manchester reclassified from Tier 2 to Tier 3.
"But we would consider other routes, legal routes, where we could protect our many thousands of residents who are going to be left in severe hardship in the run up to Christmas.
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"We would not just leave them in the lurch, we would try and support them and that would include any legal action we could take on their behalf."
Mr Burnham backed a nationwide "circuit breaker" lockdown, as called for by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, as a "better and fairer way" of attempting to reduce infection rates.
The Greater Manchester mayor was joined at the news conference by Steve Rotherham, the mayor of the Liverpool City Region, who also raised the prospect of a legal challenge against the government.
Mr Rotherham, also a former Labour MP, described the government's replacement of the furlough scheme, which will finish at the end of this month, with a new system of support for businesses told to shut due to coronavirus restrictions as potentially "discriminatory".
He said: "The hospitality sector has some of the lowest-paid jobs in the country and we have some communities that disproportionately rely on the likes of hospitality jobs.
"So, for me, it appears to be discriminatory that the government are saying 'well, we gave people 80% in March, but because it's happening to somewhere in the Liverpool City Region, you're only going to be able to get two-thirds of your wage'."
He added: "The thing that we might well be talking about, collectively, is getting together and challenging this presumption that people can live on two-thirds of their wages."
:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Rotherham branded the Job Support Scheme, which will open from 1 November and see the government pay two-thirds of employees wages from firms forced to shut due to COVID-19 rules, as "furlough-lite".
He promised a "local furlough" in the Liverpool City Region to "do what the government has failed to do" and "fill the gap left by the national furlough scheme".
Details of the local scheme would be published on Thursday, Mr Rotherham said.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-15--London to move into Tier 2 lockdown - millions to be banned from mixing indoors

London will face Tier 2 coronavirus restrictions from Saturday , with the capital 's mayor warning that the virus is `` spreading rapidly in every corner of our city '' .
Moving to the `` high '' alert warning means millions of people in London will be banned from meeting people from other households indoors , whether that is in their home or in a pub or restaurant .
Live coronavirus updates from the UK and around the world People can meet outside in private gardens and outdoor spaces - provided they adhere to social distancing and follow the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health minister Helen Whately told London MPs about the decision in a meeting on Thursday morning , with Health Secretary Matt Hancock later formally announcing the move in a Commons statement .
He also confirmed a number of other areas will be joining London in Tier 2 from midnight on Friday : Essex ( excluding Southend and Thurrock ) , Elmbridge , Barrow-in-Furness , York , North East Derbyshire , Chesterfield and Erewash .
There has been no decision about whether to move Greater Manchester into Tier 3 ( `` very high '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Hancock told MPs that `` discussions are ongoing '' , adding : `` No further decisions have yet been made but we need to make rapid progress . ''
London mayor Sadiq Khan said COVID-19 is `` spreading rapidly in every corner of our city '' , with a `` significant number '' of boroughs reporting an average of 100 cases per 100,000 people .
The London-wide average infection rate was 92 new cases per 100,000 in the week 11 October .
But it varies widely across boroughs .
Richmond had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while Bexley had 48.9 .
`` Nobody wants to see more restrictions , but this is deemed to be necessary in order to protect Londoners by myself , London council leaders and ministers , '' he told the London Assembly .
Mr Khan said that `` action on a national scale '' was still required , given `` how far the virus has already been allowed to spread '' and the government 's `` complete failure to get a working test , trace and isolate system in place '' .
He backed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a `` short national circuit breaker '' lockdown , which `` could save thousands of lives and drive the virus down to manageable levels '' .
Mr Khan added : `` In London , we experienced the worst of COVID-19 back in the spring .
Thousands of lives were lost and our economy has been left reeling .
`` We simply ca n't afford for the government to be slow to act again . ''
Rupa Huq , Labour MP for Ealing Central and Acton , said she was `` unconvinced this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As SAGE [ Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ] advise , to stop it spreading like wildfire a short sharp circuit breaker now needed , '' she added .
Another Labour MP , Ilford North 's Wes Streeting , said the Tier 2 restrictions for London would keep businesses open `` in name only '' and called for more economic support .
Nickie Aiken , Conservative MP for Cities of London and Westminster , said she was `` deeply concerned about the impact further lockdown will have on the capital 's hospitality , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alongside protecting the health of Londoners , protecting people 's jobs and livelihoods must be a priority at this time .
`` Many of our businesses are already on their knees , and I urge the government to consider further support before they disappear for good . ''
Another Tory MP , Bromley and Chislehurst 's Sir Bob Neil , told Sky News it was a `` mistake '' and `` disproportionate '' for all of London to go into Tier 2 .
He told All Out Politics that the `` one-size fits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Hancock told MPs that the government had looked at a `` borough-by-borough approach '' , but `` the decision that we came to is because the cases are rising throughout the capital , therefore it was right for the capital to move as a whole '' .

London will face Tier 2 coronavirus restrictions from Saturday, with the capital's mayor warning that the virus is "spreading rapidly in every corner of our city".
Moving to the "high" alert warning means millions of people in London will be banned from meeting people from other households indoors, whether that is in their home or in a pub or restaurant.
Live coronavirus updates from the UK and around the world
People can meet outside in private gardens and outdoor spaces - provided they adhere to social distancing and follow the "rule of six" on gatherings.
Health minister Helen Whately told London MPs about the decision in a meeting on Thursday morning, with Health Secretary Matt Hancock later formally announcing the move in a Commons statement.
He also confirmed a number of other areas will be joining London in Tier 2 from midnight on Friday: Essex (excluding Southend and Thurrock), Elmbridge, Barrow-in-Furness, York, North East Derbyshire, Chesterfield and Erewash.
There has not yet been a decision about whether to move Greater Manchester into Tier 3 ("very high"), the highest level of restrictions, amid a bitter row between the region's leaders and Westminster.
Mr Hancock told MPs that "discussions are ongoing", adding: "No further decisions have yet been made but we need to make rapid progress."
London mayor Sadiq Khan said COVID-19 is "spreading rapidly in every corner of our city", with a "significant number" of boroughs reporting an average of 100 cases per 100,000 people.
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The London-wide average infection rate was 92 new cases per 100,000 in the week 11 October.
But it varies widely across boroughs. Richmond had the highest rate at 110.7 new cases, while Bexley had 48.9.
"Nobody wants to see more restrictions, but this is deemed to be necessary in order to protect Londoners by myself, London council leaders and ministers," he told the London Assembly.
Mr Khan said that "action on a national scale" was still required, given "how far the virus has already been allowed to spread" and the government's "complete failure to get a working test, trace and isolate system in place".
He backed Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's call for a "short national circuit breaker" lockdown, which "could save thousands of lives and drive the virus down to manageable levels".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Minister's appeal to local leaders
Mr Khan added: "In London, we experienced the worst of COVID-19 back in the spring. Thousands of lives were lost and our economy has been left reeling.
"We simply can't afford for the government to be slow to act again."
Rupa Huq, Labour MP for Ealing Central and Acton, said she was "unconvinced this tinkering is really enough".
"As SAGE [Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies] advise, to stop it spreading like wildfire a short sharp circuit breaker now needed," she added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:30 Coronavirus: Mixed-up restrictions around UK
The ban on households mixing indoors will have an impact on London's 3,640 pubs and 7,556 restaurants.
But they will not be eligible for government support available to businesses ordered to close, as this only applies to premises in Tier 3 areas.
The chef Yotam Ottolenghi, who owns several restaurants across London, told Sky News the government was "depriving us of oxygen while asking us to stay open".
He also explained that many customers had been people from different households.
"Either shut us down and give us the support we need or take us out of that Tier 2 situation," he said.
Nickie Aiken, Conservative MP for Cities of London and Westminster, said she was "deeply concerned about the impact further lockdown will have on the capital's hospitality, leisure and retail businesses".
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Meanwhile, London residents have also expressed their fears over the new restrictions.
Mia Powell, who lives alone, said: "This is really going to impact on my mental health and how I operate.
"I'm a very social person so I'm very worried by this news. I'm worried and a bit peeved but I understand it's for the safety of the nation.
"I just wish I didn't have to do it alone sat at home by myself which is the worst thing."
Lucy Radford lives in Richmond and has two children, including a 10-month-old baby, Monty.
Image: There will be a ban on household mixing indoors
"I'm all in favour as my father's a scientist and we need to break this," she said.
"Obviously it's going to be hard I have one child at school and the baby here... with my first we were out every day on play dates, all the time, so it's hard and it's lonely.
"It makes you want a glass of wine quite frankly, and it is isolating."
Another Tory MP, Bromley and Chislehurst's Sir Bob Neil, told Sky News it was a "mistake" and "disproportionate" for all of London to go into Tier 2.
He told All Out Politics that the "one-size fits all approach is a mistake".
Mr Hancock told MPs that the government had looked at a "borough-by-borough approach", but "the decision that we came to is because the cases are rising throughout the capital, therefore it was right for the capital to move as a whole".