skynewspolitics--2020-04-22--'Virtual' parliament leaves government less accountable

Considering this was a day of firsts in the House of Commons , it was perhaps a shame that so few MPs - between 30 and 40 - were in the chamber to take part .
It was the first time `` in 700 years of history '' that Prime Minister 's Questions had been conducted by videolink , Speaker Hoyle declared at the start of the day 's proceedings , which began with Welsh questions - one of the lowlights of the parliamentary week .
It was the first outing at PMQs for Dominic Raab , first secretary of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he recovers from coronavirus .
He is a deputy chosen for his unswerving loyalty to the Brexit cause rather than flair or ability .
And it was the first PMQs for Sir Keir Starmer since his election as Labour leader .
Wisely , he opted to attend in person rather than appear remotely , as the other opposition party leaders - Ian Blackford , Sir Ed Davey and Liz Savile-Roberts - chose to .
But after this historic PMQs , the overwhelming conclusion must be that from the government 's point of view @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let 's have more of it '' .
It 's early days , obviously , but this is a poor substitute for the real thing .
There 's no cut and thrust , tension or pressure and on the evidence so far , ministers are going to get off lightly .
But of the three historic firsts , however , it was Sir Keir who was probably the most successful : courteous but forensic , detailed but not too bogged down by statistics .
A solid start , but then most Labour MPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be that good to be better than his predecessor .
Talking of whom , Jeremy Corbyn turned up , sitting on the back row at the end of the chamber furthest from the Speaker , where he sat for many years in his left-wing rebel days .
He was n't called in PMQs , but did ask a question during the Health Secretary Matt Hancock 's coronavirus statement later , however .
Was n't Mr Corbyn flouting coronavirus for the over-70s , though ?
Labour 's new leader even bettered the stand-in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stakes from their own backbenchers .
Both entered the chamber in silence just before noon , in keeping with the subdued - eerie , even - atmosphere .
But Sir Keir 's MPs were more vocal when they cheered on their man .
The undoubted star of the proceedings , predictably , was Speaker Hoyle , who has played a blinder in making sure parliament was back in action on time after the Easter recess this week .
Questions via Zoom meant the 62-year-old rugby league fanatic was bobbing up and down in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Man-of-the-match to Sir Lindsay .
The technology was only a qualified success .
Before PMQs , the Welsh Secretary Simon Hart - unkindly described by some as a Brian Clough lookalike - managed to answer all his questions without any hitches .
But a question by the Labour MP Kevin Brennan was lost in a dodgy phone signal .
In PMQs , the first Tory due to be called after the Raab-Starmer exchanges , former Scottish secretary David Mundell , missed out .
`` Unable to connect ! ''
boomed Sir Lindsay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get a second chance later in PMQs .
And Mr Raab , despite his appearances standing in for the prime minister at several Downing Street news conferences now , still ca n't relax .
He looks nervous , is still somewhat robotic and lacks the confidence of contemporaries like Michael Gove or former top Tories like David Cameron , George Osborne or William Hague .
Even his medical bulletin on his boss 's recovery was wooden and lacked empathy .
`` He is making a good recovery and is in good spirits , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Downing Street script .
Then came a gem that stretched credibility , however .
`` I know he would want to be here , '' he said in response to Sir Keir 's first question .
Really ?
Most prime minister 's do n't relish PMQs and do everything they can to avoid them .
The real thing , that is .
Not this gentler version .
But we should have some sympathy for Mr Raab .
The social distancing rules imposed by the Commons authorities penalise the person at the despatch box @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the nearest figure to Mr Raab was the burly figure of the Chief Whip Mark Spencer , a ruddy-faced farmer from Nottinghamshire with a bone-crushing handshake .
But Mr Spencer was the required two metres away and there was no other minister within shouting distance - let alone whispering distance - of the lonely Mr Raab .
Normally at PMQs , the Prime Minister and his or her Cabinet are squashed together on the front bench and the PM has a chosen ally alongside to act as prompt with a good gag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic questions , the chancellor of the exchequer is usually on hand , though George Osborne acted as David Cameron 's prompt on just about every issue .
The other problem for Mr Raab - and indeed other ministers in the weeks ahead - was that there was no-one behind him to feed him bits of paper with key answers to difficult questions .
Normally the parliamentary private secretary - bag carrier - sits directly behind the PM or Cabinet minister constantly supplying briefing notes .
Not this time - you 're on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commons , minister !
The government and opposition benches were both very sparsely occupied .
Just a few diehards , workaholics and parliamentary procedure nerds on either side .
OK , unfair .
Conscientious and diligent representatives of the people !
On the opposition front bench , the wise and wily Labour chief whip Nick Brown - now serving his fourth party leader - was in his place .
But Labour 's new deputy leader Angela Rayner was so far from Sir Keir they could n't possibly have communicated with each other .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ did almost come to an abrupt end after the Labour leader 's last question , when he repeated his `` too slow on the lockdown , too slow on testing , too slow on PPE and now too slow on care homes '' attack that he first used in a Mail on Sunday article .
Unflappable until that point , Mr Raab was tetchy in his response .
Talking of diehard backbenchers , rather surprisingly the Tory veteran Peter Bone chose to use technology rather turn up in person .
But he asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ banks failing to help adequately those businesses in trouble because of the lockdown , before he was mysteriously cut off .
The Parliamentary TV director did enterprisingly cut to Mr Bone shaking his head in frustration at Mr Raab 's reply , however .
Labour 's best backbench question came from Barry Gardiner , the great survivor - until now - ruthlessly sacked by Sir Keir in his Shadow Cabinet reshuffle .
Had the government followed the scientific advice on coronavirus or not , was the question Barry bellowed from his living room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shadow cabinet member sacked by his party leader !
Most MPs observed the virtual dress code demanded by Mr Speaker , though Sir Ed Davey was tieless , as was Kevin Brennan , which may explain why there were gremlins in his phone signal earlier .
From MPs dialling in , we were treated to the sight of some impressive bookcases ( Plaid Cymru 's Liz Saville Roberts ' library looked very learned during her predictable attack on second homers in Wales ) and some attractive artwork ( Ruth Cadbury 's stood out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ian Blackford dialled in from what looked like a homely living room in his Highland crofter 's cottage , complete with what looked like a greetings card behind him .
Image is everything in politics .
( He is an ex-banker , though . )
The final question was from brainy Angela Eagle , who also boasted impressive book shelves , although there appeared to be an opened box of chocolates on the top shelf .
Celebrations ?
Not in these serious times , surely .
Heroes ?
Possibly .
When PMQs was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 45 minutes , Mr Hancock began his statement by declaring : `` How pleased I am that this House is sitting once again . ''
He probably did n't feel that way after his lengthy and uncomfortable interrogation by MPs , though a number of Tories were relieved and thankful that the Commons was not at its most brutal .
In comparison with Mr Hancock , already being tipped as the first ministerial casualty of the government 's handling of the coronavirus crisis after his increasingly unachievable 100,000 tests pledge , Mr Raab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No wonder the government is happy with this form of scrutiny .
In the weeks ahead , after this solid debut Sir Keir will undoubtedly be tougher with Mr Raab .
Unless the Labour leader is saving his sharpest attacks until the prime minister is fit enough to return to PMQs .
But we also need the Commons to return to its usual boisterous , raucous and spontaneous normality if government ministers are to be held truly accountable .

Considering this was a day of firsts in the House of Commons, it was perhaps a shame that so few MPs - between 30 and 40 - were in the chamber to take part.
It was the first time "in 700 years of history" that Prime Minister's Questions had been conducted by videolink, Speaker Hoyle declared at the start of the day's proceedings, which began with Welsh questions - one of the lowlights of the parliamentary week.
It was the first outing at PMQs for Dominic Raab, first secretary of state and Boris Johnson's stand-in while he recovers from coronavirus. He is a deputy chosen for his unswerving loyalty to the Brexit cause rather than flair or ability.
Image: It was a far emptier - and quieter - Commons. Pic: Jessica Taylor/ UK parliament
And it was the first PMQs for Sir Keir Starmer since his election as Labour leader.
Wisely, he opted to attend in person rather than appear remotely, as the other opposition party leaders - Ian Blackford, Sir Ed Davey and Liz Savile-Roberts - chose to.
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But after this historic PMQs, the overwhelming conclusion must be that from the government's point of view "if this is parliamentary scrutiny, let's have more of it".
It's early days, obviously, but this is a poor substitute for the real thing.
There's no cut and thrust, tension or pressure and on the evidence so far, ministers are going to get off lightly.
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Image: Sir Keir said the government was 'too slow' on testing. Pic: Jessica Taylor/ UK parliament
But of the three historic firsts, however, it was Sir Keir who was probably the most successful: courteous but forensic, detailed but not too bogged down by statistics.
A solid start, but then most Labour MPs will conclude that he didn't have to be that good to be better than his predecessor.
Talking of whom, Jeremy Corbyn turned up, sitting on the back row at the end of the chamber furthest from the Speaker, where he sat for many years in his left-wing rebel days.
He wasn't called in PMQs, but did ask a question during the Health Secretary Matt Hancock's coronavirus statement later, however. Wasn't Mr Corbyn flouting coronavirus for the over-70s, though?
Image: Jeremy Corbyn turned up to speak from the backbenches. Pic: Jessica Taylor/ UK parliament
Labour's new leader even bettered the stand-in PM in the "hear hear" stakes from their own backbenchers.
Both entered the chamber in silence just before noon, in keeping with the subdued - eerie, even - atmosphere. But Sir Keir's MPs were more vocal when they cheered on their man.
The undoubted star of the proceedings, predictably, was Speaker Hoyle, who has played a blinder in making sure parliament was back in action on time after the Easter recess this week.
Questions via Zoom meant the 62-year-old rugby league fanatic was bobbing up and down in the chair like a hyper-active scrum half. Man-of-the-match to Sir Lindsay.
Image: Speaker Sir Lindsay oversaw proceedings. Pic: Jessica Taylor/ UK parliament
The technology was only a qualified success. Before PMQs, the Welsh Secretary Simon Hart - unkindly described by some as a Brian Clough lookalike - managed to answer all his questions without any hitches. But a question by the Labour MP Kevin Brennan was lost in a dodgy phone signal.
In PMQs, the first Tory due to be called after the Raab-Starmer exchanges, former Scottish secretary David Mundell, missed out.
"Unable to connect!" boomed Sir Lindsay. Sadly, Mr Mundell didn't get a second chance later in PMQs.
And Mr Raab, despite his appearances standing in for the prime minister at several Downing Street news conferences now, still can't relax.
He looks nervous, is still somewhat robotic and lacks the confidence of contemporaries like Michael Gove or former top Tories like David Cameron, George Osborne or William Hague.
Image: Mr Raab let rip at one of Sir Keir's questions. Pic: Jessica Taylor/ UK parliament
Even his medical bulletin on his boss's recovery was wooden and lacked empathy. "He is making a good recovery and is in good spirits," he said, repeating the familiar Downing Street script.
Then came a gem that stretched credibility, however.
"I know he would want to be here," he said in response to Sir Keir's first question.
Image: No-one knows when the Commons will return to normal. Pic: Jessica Taylor/ UK parliament
Really? Most prime minister's don't relish PMQs and do everything they can to avoid them. The real thing, that is. Not this gentler version.
But we should have some sympathy for Mr Raab. The social distancing rules imposed by the Commons authorities penalise the person at the despatch box more than anyone else.
During PMQs, the nearest figure to Mr Raab was the burly figure of the Chief Whip Mark Spencer, a ruddy-faced farmer from Nottinghamshire with a bone-crushing handshake.
But Mr Spencer was the required two metres away and there was no other minister within shouting distance - let alone whispering distance - of the lonely Mr Raab.
Normally at PMQs, the Prime Minister and his or her Cabinet are squashed together on the front bench and the PM has a chosen ally alongside to act as prompt with a good gag or important point of detail.
On economic questions, the chancellor of the exchequer is usually on hand, though George Osborne acted as David Cameron's prompt on just about every issue.
The other problem for Mr Raab - and indeed other ministers in the weeks ahead - was that there was no-one behind him to feed him bits of paper with key answers to difficult questions.
Image: MPs called in via videolink. Pic: Jessica Taylor/ UK parliament
Normally the parliamentary private secretary - bag carrier - sits directly behind the PM or Cabinet minister constantly supplying briefing notes.
Not this time - you're on your own in this virtual House of Commons, minister!
The government and opposition benches were both very sparsely occupied. Just a few diehards, workaholics and parliamentary procedure nerds on either side. OK, unfair. Conscientious and diligent representatives of the people!
On the opposition front bench, the wise and wily Labour chief whip Nick Brown - now serving his fourth party leader - was in his place.
But Labour's new deputy leader Angela Rayner was so far from Sir Keir they couldn't possibly have communicated with each other.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:25 Starmer tackles Raab on coronavirus testing
The civilised tone of the Raab-Starmer exchanges did almost come to an abrupt end after the Labour leader's last question, when he repeated his "too slow on the lockdown, too slow on testing, too slow on PPE and now too slow on care homes" attack that he first used in a Mail on Sunday article.
Unflappable until that point, Mr Raab was tetchy in his response.
Talking of diehard backbenchers, rather surprisingly the Tory veteran Peter Bone chose to use technology rather turn up in person.
But he asked a blockbuster of a question, on banks failing to help adequately those businesses in trouble because of the lockdown, before he was mysteriously cut off.
The Parliamentary TV director did enterprisingly cut to Mr Bone shaking his head in frustration at Mr Raab's reply, however.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 9:50 Hancock: 'We are at the peak' of coronavirus
Labour's best backbench question came from Barry Gardiner, the great survivor - until now - ruthlessly sacked by Sir Keir in his Shadow Cabinet reshuffle.
Had the government followed the scientific advice on coronavirus or not, was the question Barry bellowed from his living room. Hell hath no fury like a shadow cabinet member sacked by his party leader!
Most MPs observed the virtual dress code demanded by Mr Speaker, though Sir Ed Davey was tieless, as was Kevin Brennan, which may explain why there were gremlins in his phone signal earlier.
From MPs dialling in, we were treated to the sight of some impressive bookcases (Plaid Cymru's Liz Saville Roberts' library looked very learned during her predictable attack on second homers in Wales) and some attractive artwork (Ruth Cadbury's stood out).
Stephen Kinnock's decor was minimalist and Don Valley MP Nick Fletcher's wallpaper fetchingly floral.
The SNP's Westminster leader Ian Blackford dialled in from what looked like a homely living room in his Highland crofter's cottage, complete with what looked like a greetings card behind him. Image is everything in politics. (He is an ex-banker, though.)
The final question was from brainy Angela Eagle, who also boasted impressive book shelves, although there appeared to be an opened box of chocolates on the top shelf. Celebrations? Not in these serious times, surely. Heroes? Possibly.
When PMQs was over, after an extended session of 45 minutes, Mr Hancock began his statement by declaring: "How pleased I am that this House is sitting once again."
He probably didn't feel that way after his lengthy and uncomfortable interrogation by MPs, though a number of Tories were relieved and thankful that the Commons was not at its most brutal.
In comparison with Mr Hancock, already being tipped as the first ministerial casualty of the government's handling of the coronavirus crisis after his increasingly unachievable 100,000 tests pledge, Mr Raab got off comparatively lightly in PMQs.
No wonder the government is happy with this form of scrutiny.
In the weeks ahead, after this solid debut Sir Keir will undoubtedly be tougher with Mr Raab. Unless the Labour leader is saving his sharpest attacks until the prime minister is fit enough to return to PMQs.
But we also need the Commons to return to its usual boisterous, raucous and spontaneous normality if government ministers are to be held truly accountable.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-22--Welsh health minister caught swearing about colleague after leaving mic on

Wales ' health minister has been caught on video launching into a sweary tirade against a colleague .
Vaughan Gething was heard complaining about her after accidentally leaving his microphone on during a virtual session of the Welsh Assembly on coronavirus .
Speaking to an unknown person , he referred to Assembly Member Jenny Rathbone and asked : `` What the f*** is the matter with her ? ''
Other politicians on the call were seen laughing and putting their hands over their mouths in disbelief as the comments were broadcast .
Ms Rathbone showed no emotion as the remarks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assembly 's presiding officer , quickly told Mr Gething to turn his microphone off and it then went quiet .
A few hours later , Mr Gething posted on Twitter : `` I 'm obviously embarrassed about my comments at the end of questions today .
`` I 've sent a message apologising and offered to speak to Jenny Rathbone if she wishes to do so .
`` It is an unwelcome distraction at a time of unprecedented challenge . ''
Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Conservatives are both calling for Mr Gething @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader Adam Price said : `` He does not have the right attitude , skills or temperament to lead the government 's response to the coronavirus pandemic .
`` To maintain public confidence , the first minister needs to relieve him of these responsibilities with immediate effect . ''
Paul Davies , leader of the Welsh Conservatives , tweeted : `` Politicians are entitled to ask serious and challenging questions of ministers and it 's essential that they are able to do so during this pandemic .
`` For a health minister to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time is completely unacceptable and he should be sacked . ''

Wales' health minister has been caught on video launching into a sweary tirade against a colleague.
Vaughan Gething was heard complaining about her after accidentally leaving his microphone on during a virtual session of the Welsh Assembly on coronavirus.
Speaking to an unknown person, he referred to Assembly Member Jenny Rathbone and asked: "What the f*** is the matter with her?"
Image: Vaughan Gething accidentally left his microphone on
Other politicians on the call were seen laughing and putting their hands over their mouths in disbelief as the comments were broadcast.
Ms Rathbone showed no emotion as the remarks came through.
Image: Jenny Rathbone was the AM being sworn about
Elin Jones, the Assembly's presiding officer, quickly told Mr Gething to turn his microphone off and it then went quiet.
A few hours later, Mr Gething posted on Twitter: "I'm obviously embarrassed about my comments at the end of questions today.
Image: Former Plaid Cyrmu leader Leanne Wood was shocked
Image: One politician on the call clapped their hands to their mouth
"I've sent a message apologising and offered to speak to Jenny Rathbone if she wishes to do so.
"It is an unwelcome distraction at a time of unprecedented challenge."
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Image: Neil McEvoy couldn't help but laugh
Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Conservatives are both calling for Mr Gething to be sacked immediately.
Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price said: "He does not have the right attitude, skills or temperament to lead the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
"To maintain public confidence, the first minister needs to relieve him of these responsibilities with immediate effect."
Paul Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, tweeted: "Politicians are entitled to ask serious and challenging questions of ministers and it's essential that they are able to do so during this pandemic.
"For a health minister to show such unprofessionalism and disdain at this time is completely unacceptable and he should be sacked."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-22--Retailers warn Sharma over virus lockdown reopening plans

Retailers have warned the government they will need several weeks ' notice to reactivate their operations and secure adequate personal protective equipment ( PPE ) for shop staff as they seek to avoid a chaotic reopening of the sector .
Sky News has learnt that the British Retail Consortium ( BRC ) , whose members employ 1.5m people across the UK , has written to Business Secretary Alok Sharma to highlight the logistical considerations facing the industry once lockdown COVID-19 restrictions are lifted .
In the letter , Helen Dickinson , BRC chief executive , urged Mr Sharma to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retailers ' return to trading in order `` to stimulate consumer demand , reassure the workforce and avoid the confusion that existed immediately after the 23 March lockdown announcement '' .
Retailers are awaiting any changes to guidance from the government about whether shopworkers will be asked to wear PPE , with the NHS already struggling to secure sufficient quantities of some equipment for frontline workers .
`` If it will be a requirement for staff to wear any sort of PPE to work in stores , it will be necessary to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advance so that orders can be placed , and sufficient stock acquired , '' Ms Dickinson wrote .
`` We recognise that it will be complex to decide what can reopen when , with location , public transport , policing , and many other matters to be considered .
`` Retailers are ready to be flexible and , in some instances , could potentially stagger , reduce or increase opening hours to support wider needs . ''
Ms Dickinson added that the reactivation of retail supply chains , many of which are in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to plan and implement .
Her letter to Mr Sharma highlights a major concern within the industry that 'normal ' trading conditions will be indefinitely delayed as a result of the pandemic .
It said a phased reopening for all large chains was almost inevitable because of the logistical demands .
A call is understood to have taken place on Wednesday morning between a number of retailers and George Eustice , the environment secretary , to discuss related issues .
The BRC chief warned : `` It may be a fraught period as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unwilling to return to stores because they perceive it is high risk , and staff reluctant to return to work for the same reason . ''
Retailers have been among the businesses hardest-hit by the coronavirus crisis , although large supermarket chains have thrived as a result of soaring customer demand during the early stages of the pandemic .
Since the lockdown was announced in late March , Cath Kidston , Debenhams and Oasis and Warehouse Group have collapsed into administration - although all three companies had been struggling for some time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ government asked for continued openness to further financial assistance for the sector , including a possible extension to the employee furloughing scheme that is currently scheduled to expire at the end of June .

Retailers have warned the government they will need several weeks' notice to reactivate their operations and secure adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) for shop staff as they seek to avoid a chaotic reopening of the sector.
Sky News has learnt that the British Retail Consortium (BRC), whose members employ 1.5m people across the UK, has written to Business Secretary Alok Sharma to highlight the logistical considerations facing the industry once lockdown COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
In the letter, Helen Dickinson, BRC chief executive, urged Mr Sharma to ensure that ministers express public support for non-food retailers' return to trading in order "to stimulate consumer demand, reassure the workforce and avoid the confusion that existed immediately after the 23 March lockdown announcement".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:24 Manchester shopping centre deserted
Retailers are awaiting any changes to guidance from the government about whether shopworkers will be asked to wear PPE, with the NHS already struggling to secure sufficient quantities of some equipment for frontline workers.
"If it will be a requirement for staff to wear any sort of PPE to work in stores, it will be necessary to make businesses aware of this several weeks in advance so that orders can be placed, and sufficient stock acquired," Ms Dickinson wrote.
"We recognise that it will be complex to decide what can reopen when, with location, public transport, policing, and many other matters to be considered.
"Retailers are ready to be flexible and, in some instances, could potentially stagger, reduce or increase opening hours to support wider needs."
Ms Dickinson added that the reactivation of retail supply chains, many of which are in the UK, would also take time to plan and implement.
Her letter to Mr Sharma highlights a major concern within the industry that 'normal' trading conditions will be indefinitely delayed as a result of the pandemic.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:24 The York high street adapting to lockdown
It said a phased reopening for all large chains was almost inevitable because of the logistical demands.
A call is understood to have taken place on Wednesday morning between a number of retailers and George Eustice, the environment secretary, to discuss related issues.
The BRC chief warned: "It may be a fraught period as restrictions start to lift with some customers unwilling to return to stores because they perceive it is high risk, and staff reluctant to return to work for the same reason."
Retailers have been among the businesses hardest-hit by the coronavirus crisis, although large supermarket chains have thrived as a result of soaring customer demand during the early stages of the pandemic.
Since the lockdown was announced in late March, Cath Kidston, Debenhams and Oasis and Warehouse Group have collapsed into administration - although all three companies had been struggling for some time.
The BRC's latest letter to the government asked for continued openness to further financial assistance for the sector, including a possible extension to the employee furloughing scheme that is currently scheduled to expire at the end of June.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-23--Part-time pupils and redesigned workplaces - Scotland's options for ending lockdown

Redesigned classrooms and changed working practices in offices could offer an exit from coronavirus lockdown measures , Scottish First Minister @ @ @ @ @ The Scottish government published a new document on Thursday setting out how it will approach @ @ @ @ @ .
Ms Sturgeon warned that social distancing measures might be in place in some form @ @ @ @ @ year , but outlined how schools and some businesses might reopen prior to that .
@ @ @ @ @ some businesses in some sectors can reopen but only if they can change how they @ @ @ @ @ customers two metres distant , '' she said .
`` With schools , classrooms may @ @ @ @ @ allow social distancing so maybe not all children can go back to , and be @ @ @ @ @ same time . ''
Ms Sturgeon stressed these were just options for the time being @ @ @ @ @ as necessary .

Redesigned classrooms and changed working practices in offices could offer an exit from coronavirus lockdown measures, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said.
The Scottish government published a new document on Thursday setting out how it will approach plans to lift the COVID-19 lockdown.
Ms Sturgeon warned that social distancing measures might be in place in some form beyond the end of this year and that Christmas "may happen slightly differently".
But she outlined how schools and some businesses might reopen prior to that.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:04 Life in Lockdown: Scotland
"It may be that some businesses in some sectors can reopen, but only if they can change how they work to keep employees and customers two metres distant from each other," she said.
"With schools, classrooms may have to be redesigned to allow social distancing, so maybe not all children can go back to, and be at, school at the same time."
She added that "some limited outdoor activity might be able to restart earlier than indoor activity", but "big gatherings and events are likely to be off for some months to come".
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The Scottish government will "consider" whether lockdown measures could be eased further in some parts of the country than others, but Ms Sturgeon stressed her preference for "as much consistency as possible".
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Older people and those with other health conditions might have to continue isolating themselves "for the foreseeable future", the first minister added.
It came as it was revealed the number of deaths in Scottish hospitals of people with coronavirus has risen by 58, bringing the total to 1,120.
Ms Sturgeon described her government's document as a "first cut", designed to begin a "grown-up conversation" about how to begin "restoring a semblance of normality to our lives".
She stressed the possible steps discussed in the paper were just options for the time being and would be reassessed as necessary, with a "detailed plan" to be produced later.
The first minister also warned Scots to prepare for a "new normal" and a "way of living alongside this virus" because "a return to normal as we knew it is not on the cards in the near future".
"Talk about lifting lockdown as if it's a 'flick of the switch' moment is misguided," she added.
"Our steps, when we take them, will need to be careful, gradual, incremental and probably quite small to start with.
"We'll need to assess them in advance and monitor them in action - sometimes... we may even have to reverse things."
She admitted there was a "real risk", as lockdown measures are eased in the future, that "COVID-19 runs rampant again".
Image: Social distancing measures in place at a business in Glasgow , which makes free scrubs for NHS nurses and doctors
Ms Sturgeon's willingness to discuss how the lockdown might be eased is in contrast to the UK government, which has so far refused to discuss how or when stringent measures might end.
Ministers at Westminster have voiced fears that discussing an end to the lockdown might dilute their key message to the public, who are being told to stay at home to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Within the Scottish government's document, it states: "Easing restrictions in particular settings is likely to see the continuation of physical distancing and other hygiene measures (such as maintaining 2 metre distancing when premises re-open and/or limiting the number of people that can be in confined spaces at the same time)."
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Earlier this month, Denmark became one of the first European countries to begin easing coronavirus lockdown measures.
It has reopened schools and day care centres to younger children, while small businesses such as hairdressers have also been allowed to open their doors again.
However, the country is keeping its borders shut, and curbs on restaurants, bars and gyms remain in place, as does a ban on large public gatherings.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-23--Wales is changing its lockdown rules so people go home quicker

Coronavirus lockdown measures are being tightened in Wales from Saturday .
The Welsh government is tweaking its rules to make it clear that people who go out for essential reasons must return straight home afterwards .
One target is to stop people venturing to a second property , with Welsh ministers asking four police forces to investigate whether the rules here need tightening .
Other rules are being relaxed slightly to help vulnerable people .
Businesses that offer a `` click and collect '' service will be allowed to open from the weekend - so long as they ensure all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And the definition of `` vulnerable people '' is being expanded to include people who could benefit from more support - such as those with dementia .
From Saturday , those with health conditions or disabilities will be allowed to leave home to exercise more than once a day .
First Minister Mark Drakeford said : `` The changes we are introducing supplement the rules already in force but they respond to some challenges being faced in parts of the country and by families throughout Wales .
`` Our message has not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone can spread it .
So please , stay home , protect the NHS , and save lives . ''
On Friday , Mr Drakeford will reveal the seven tests that must be passed before any parts of the lockdown in Wales can be lifted .
Sky News understands they will include making sure that any move has a positive impact on the economy , wellbeing and equality .
The UK government - which has jurisdiction over health in England - has revealed its own five tests for lifting lockdown measures .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out plans for redesigned classrooms and changed working practices in offices to help slowly ease restrictions .
Britons are facing lockdown until at least Thursday 7 May - when the four governments will again review and decide whether to strengthen , extend or loosen the stay-at-home rules .
So far more than 18,000 hospital patients have died across the UK with COVID-19 .
Once those who have died in care homes and the community are included , the figure could be substantially higher .
As questions turn to how parts of society and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matt Hancock revealed plans to adopt contact tracing - which involves tracking people who have been near or in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 .
He added that from Friday all those deemed `` key workers '' and their households will be able to get coronavirus tests on the gov.uk website .

Coronavirus lockdown measures are being tightened in Wales from Saturday.
The Welsh government is tweaking its rules to make it clear that people who go out for essential reasons must return straight home afterwards.
One target is to stop people venturing to a second property, with Welsh ministers asking four police forces to investigate whether the rules here need tightening.
Image: Some firms that offer 'click and collect' will be allowed to re-open
Image: The definition of 'vulnerable people' is being expanded
Other rules are being relaxed slightly to help vulnerable people.
Businesses that offer a "click and collect" service will be allowed to open from the weekend - so long as they ensure all customers and staff remain two metres apart.
And the definition of "vulnerable people" is being expanded to include people who could benefit from more support - such as those with dementia.
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From Saturday, those with health conditions or disabilities will be allowed to leave home to exercise more than once a day.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "The changes we are introducing supplement the rules already in force but they respond to some challenges being faced in parts of the country and by families throughout Wales.
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"Our message has not changed - anyone can get coronavirus, anyone can spread it. So please, stay home, protect the NHS, and save lives."
On Friday, Mr Drakeford will reveal the seven tests that must be passed before any parts of the lockdown in Wales can be lifted.
Sky News understands they will include making sure that any move has a positive impact on the economy, wellbeing and equality.
The UK government - which has jurisdiction over health in England - has revealed its own five tests for lifting lockdown measures.
And in Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon laid out plans for redesigned classrooms and changed working practices in offices to help slowly ease restrictions.
Britons are facing lockdown until at least Thursday 7 May - when the four governments will again review and decide whether to strengthen, extend or loosen the stay-at-home rules.
So far more than 18,000 hospital patients have died across the UK with COVID-19. Once those who have died in care homes and the community are included, the figure could be substantially higher.
As questions turn to how parts of society and the economy can re-open, Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed plans to adopt contact tracing - which involves tracking people who have been near or in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
He added that from Friday all those deemed "key workers" and their households will be able to get coronavirus tests on the gov.uk website.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-23--More than 430,000 firms apply for govt scheme to pay 3.2m furloughed workers

More than 430,000 businesses have applied for a government scheme to pay the wages of 3.2 million furloughed workers .
Firms impacted by the COVID-19 crisis are able to claim for government cash to pay 80 % of each employee 's wages , up to £2,500 per month .
Appearing before a House of Commons committee on Thursday , Mr Sharma told MPs that - as of 4pm on Wednesday - the coronavirus job retention scheme had received 387,000 applications covering 2.8 million employees .
In updated figures , HMRC later said 435,000 firms had made claims valuing £3.75bn and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also disclosed that , as of 19 April , nearly 500,000 firms had received grants of £10,000 or £25,000 - distributed by local councils - totalling just over £6bn .
The government is also guaranteeing 80 % of each loan from lenders to small and medium-sized businesses .
Mr Sharma told the business , energy and industrial strategy committee that , so far , 16,600 firms had secured such a loan - totalling £2.8bn .
There have been around 36,000 completed applications to date to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme ( CBILS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More than half the total number of loans have been approved in the past eight days alone .
The government has faced criticism for the slow roll-out of the loans scheme for smaller businesses .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It has previously been estimated that 300,000 CBILS enquiries have been made , with Labour 's shadow business secretary Ed Miliband highlighting how there are a total of nearly six million small and medium-sized firms in the UK .
Commenting on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they showed the scheme was `` in no way equal to the scale of economic distress facing our firms '' .
`` Providing 16,000 loans in four weeks in a country of nearly six million SMEs is not good enough , '' he added .
`` In an average week last year there was more than £1bn of new SME lending .
`` The fact that CBILS are now only at that level at a time of the worst economic emergency in our lifetimes is a clear sign that they are inadequate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme is not working adequately and change it urgently .
`` The future of many of our small firms depends on its decisions . ''
Meanwhile , at a separate Commons committee , it was confirmed there had been 1.5 million new claimants for Universal Credit welfare payments in the six weeks to 12 April .
Department for Work and Pensions minister Will Quince revealed that , in one single day , there had been 110,000 claims when the department usually receives 55,000 per week .
However , he said there had since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of claims .
The National Institute of Economic and Social Research , an independent think tank , is to publish new findings that claim UK unemployment could reach more than six million by the end of next month - a rise of around five million workers .

More than 430,000 businesses have applied for a government scheme to pay the wages of 3.2 million furloughed workers.
Firms impacted by the COVID-19 crisis are able to claim for government cash to pay 80% of each employee's wages, up to £2,500 per month.
Appearing before a House of Commons committee on Thursday, Mr Sharma told MPs that - as of 4pm on Wednesday - the coronavirus job retention scheme had received 387,000 applications covering 2.8 million employees.
In updated figures, HMRC later said 435,000 firms had made claims valuing £3.75bn and covering 3.2 million employees.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:24 Economy faces 'unprecedented' jolt
Mr Sharma also disclosed that, as of 19 April, nearly 500,000 firms had received grants of £10,000 or £25,000 - distributed by local councils - totalling just over £6bn.
The government is also guaranteeing 80% of each loan from lenders to small and medium-sized businesses.
Mr Sharma told the business, energy and industrial strategy committee that, so far, 16,600 firms had secured such a loan - totalling £2.8bn.
There have been around 36,000 completed applications to date to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), according to UK Finance.
More than half the total number of loans have been approved in the past eight days alone.
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The government has faced criticism for the slow roll-out of the loans scheme for smaller businesses.
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It has previously been estimated that 300,000 CBILS enquiries have been made, with Labour's shadow business secretary Ed Miliband highlighting how there are a total of nearly six million small and medium-sized firms in the UK.
Commenting on the latest CBILS figures, Mr Miliband said they showed the scheme was "in no way equal to the scale of economic distress facing our firms".
"Providing 16,000 loans in four weeks in a country of nearly six million SMEs is not good enough," he added.
"In an average week last year there was more than £1bn of new SME lending.
"The fact that CBILS are now only at that level at a time of the worst economic emergency in our lifetimes is a clear sign that they are inadequate.
"The government must recognise the scheme is not working adequately and change it urgently.
"The future of many of our small firms depends on its decisions."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:36 Life in Lockdown: North of England
Meanwhile, at a separate Commons committee, it was confirmed there had been 1.5 million new claimants for Universal Credit welfare payments in the six weeks to 12 April.
Department for Work and Pensions minister Will Quince revealed that, in one single day, there had been 110,000 claims when the department usually receives 55,000 per week.
However, he said there had since been a "significant slowdown" in the number of claims.
The National Institute of Economic and Social Research, an independent think tank, is to publish new findings that claim UK unemployment could reach more than six million by the end of next month - a rise of around five million workers.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-23--Britons back lockdown - and reveal they are gardening over sex - poll

Britons have become sadder and more anxious since the coronavirus lockdown began but still strongly support the restrictions on schools and shops staying in place , according to an exclusive new poll for Sky News .
The country has thrown itself into housework , cooking and gardening but fewer than one in three are doing more exercise than usual and fewer than one in 15 say draconian restrictions on lifestyle means having more sex .
Boris Johnson , who is still recovering from COVID-19 , is trusted by the public to handle the crisis significantly more than new Labour leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer Professor Chris Whitty is the person Britons say they trust most to handle coronavirus , with the NHS and civil service doing well overall and the media performing disastrously .
In a poll of 1,652 Britons for Sky News conducted by YouGov on Monday and Tuesday , the public were emphatic that , for now , lockdown should continue .
Over half the population would not support key parts of society and the economy being reopened in the next few weeks , including 51 % wanting primary schools to stay shut , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shut , 67 % wanting to keep people working from home and 72 % wanting to keep older people indoors .
Just under half , 45 % , want to see non-essential shops staying closed .
Although those aged under 25 are a bit more likely to want schools and shops to reopen , the difference is not substantial and there is remarkable cohesion amongst the different age groups .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Only 20 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people indoors to lift , suggesting they are happy to continue to comply for now .
Britons have embraced domesticity during the lockdown period , with 49 % doing more tidying and cleaning , 46 % doing more cooking and 40 % doing more gardening .
Even young adults say they are doing more around the house , with 53 % of 18-24 year olds doing more cleaning and tidying and 62 % saying they are doing more cooking .
Despite the government 's hour-long daily exercise allowance , only 30 % say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than normal , 29 % less than normal and 38 % about the same .
Some 7 % told YouGov they were having more sex than usual while 18 % say they are having less and the rest say no change or they are n't sure .
The change in reported sexual activity is particularly acute for those under 50 .
Some 39 % of 18-24 year olds and 21 % of 25-49 year olds say they are having less sex since lockdown .
Overall , 49 % of Britons are more anxious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % worse off financially .
In general , those under 50 are finding it more difficult than those over 50 , with 58 % of 18-24s saying they are more anxious compared to 40 % of over 65s .
Financially , 37 % of 18-24 year olds and 39 % of 25-49 year olds say they are worse off , but only 17 % say this who are 65 and older .
The public are putting their faith in the government and existing institutions of state in this crisis .
Some 51 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to handle coronavirus , while 39 % say they do not trust him , giving him an overall net score of 12 .
Some 25 % say they trust Sir Keir Starmer , while 34 % do not trust him , giving him an overall net score of minus 9 .
Noticeably , 24 % of voters who supported Labour in the 2019 general election say they do not trust Sir Keir , while a further 36 % of this group say they do n't know whether they trust him .
The chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the highest esteem , with 42 % saying they trust him and 17 % saying they do not , giving him a higher net overall score than the prime minister , at 25 .
Sir Patrick Vallance , the chief scientific officer , is trusted by 25 % and not trusted by 17 % , giving him an overall net score of eight .
Dominic Raab , who is deputising for the prime minister , has an overall net score of minus one , while Matt Hancock , the health secretary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very badly in the poll .
Some 24 % say they trust TV journalists while 64 % say they do not , giving a net score of minus 40 .
Meanwhile , 17 % say they trust newspaper journalists , while 72 % say they do not , giving an overall net score of minus 55 .

Britons have become sadder and more anxious since the coronavirus lockdown began but still strongly support the restrictions on schools and shops staying in place, according to an exclusive new poll for Sky News.
The country has thrown itself into housework, cooking and gardening but fewer than one in three are doing more exercise than usual and fewer than one in 15 say draconian restrictions on lifestyle means having more sex.
Boris Johnson, who is still recovering from COVID-19, is trusted by the public to handle the crisis significantly more than new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
The chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty is the person Britons say they trust most to handle coronavirus, with the NHS and civil service doing well overall and the media performing disastrously.
In a poll of 1,652 Britons for Sky News conducted by YouGov on Monday and Tuesday, the public were emphatic that, for now, lockdown should continue.
Image: This graphic shows the percentage of people who are opposed to various possible future actions
Over half the population would not support key parts of society and the economy being reopened in the next few weeks, including 51% wanting primary schools to stay shut, 53% wanting secondary schools to stay shut, 67% wanting to keep people working from home and 72% wanting to keep older people indoors.
Just under half, 45%, want to see non-essential shops staying closed.
Although those aged under 25 are a bit more likely to want schools and shops to reopen, the difference is not substantial and there is remarkable cohesion amongst the different age groups.
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Only 20% of over-65s want the lockdown rules keeping older people indoors to lift, suggesting they are happy to continue to comply for now.
Britons have embraced domesticity during the lockdown period, with 49% doing more tidying and cleaning, 46% doing more cooking and 40% doing more gardening.
Even young adults say they are doing more around the house, with 53% of 18-24 year olds doing more cleaning and tidying and 62% saying they are doing more cooking.
Image: Boris Johnson is trusted by the public to handle the crisis more than new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer
Despite the government's hour-long daily exercise allowance, only 30% say they are having more of a workout than normal, 29% less than normal and 38% about the same.
Some 7% told YouGov they were having more sex than usual while 18% say they are having less and the rest say no change or they aren't sure.
The change in reported sexual activity is particularly acute for those under 50. Some 39% of 18-24 year olds and 21% of 25-49 year olds say they are having less sex since lockdown.
Overall, 49% of Britons are more anxious, 45% are sadder and 32% worse off financially. In general, those under 50 are finding it more difficult than those over 50, with 58% of 18-24s saying they are more anxious compared to 40% of over 65s.
Financially, 37% of 18-24 year olds and 39% of 25-49 year olds say they are worse off, but only 17% say this who are 65 and older.
The public are putting their faith in the government and existing institutions of state in this crisis.
Some 51% of people say they trust Mr Johnson to handle coronavirus, while 39% say they do not trust him, giving him an overall net score of 12.
Some 25% say they trust Sir Keir Starmer, while 34% do not trust him, giving him an overall net score of minus 9.
Noticeably, 24% of voters who supported Labour in the 2019 general election say they do not trust Sir Keir, while a further 36% of this group say they don't know whether they trust him.
The chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty is held in the highest esteem, with 42% saying they trust him and 17% saying they do not, giving him a higher net overall score than the prime minister, at 25.
Sir Patrick Vallance, the chief scientific officer, is trusted by 25% and not trusted by 17%, giving him an overall net score of eight.
Dominic Raab, who is deputising for the prime minister, has an overall net score of minus one, while Matt Hancock, the health secretary, is net minus five.
Journalists fare very badly in the poll. Some 24% say they trust TV journalists while 64% say they do not, giving a net score of minus 40.
Meanwhile, 17% say they trust newspaper journalists, while 72% say they do not, giving an overall net score of minus 55.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-24--Boris Johnson 'on very good form' but no decision yet on Number 10 return

Boris Johnson is `` on very good form '' but his return to work after contracting coronavirus will be decided by his doctors , the health secretary has said .
Matt Hancock confirmed the prime minister , who spent three days in intensive care with COVID-19 , has already been in touch with US president Donald Trump and the Queen .
But when asked to confirm reports that Mr Johnson would be returning to No 10 on Monday , he said nothing had been decided .
`` That decision is for the prime minister in consultation with his doctors… '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's in good shape and he 'll come back as soon as his doctors recommend it .
`` He 's on very good form and is clearly recovering . ''
There are indications that Mr Johnson is close to returning to work after he held calls with the Queen and Mr Trump .
The US president , at a White House briefing on Thursday , said he was `` actually surprised '' at how `` incredible '' the PM sounded in their call two days earlier .
`` He was ready to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you this .
He 's like the old Boris - tremendous energy , tremendous drive . ''
Mr Hancock said the prime minister was taking calls from his team and was in regular contact with his cabinet .

Boris Johnson is "on very good form" but his return to work after contracting coronavirus will be decided by his doctors, the health secretary has said.
Matt Hancock confirmed the prime minister, who spent three days in intensive care with COVID-19, has already been in touch with US president Donald Trump and the Queen.
But when asked to confirm reports that Mr Johnson would be returning to No 10 on Monday, he said nothing had been decided.
Image: Matt Hancock says he has spoken to the prime minister following his discharge from hospital
"That decision is for the prime minister in consultation with his doctors…
"I spoke to him yesterday and he's in good shape and he'll come back as soon as his doctors recommend it.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 'He's like the old Boris - tremendous energy, tremendous drive'
"He's on very good form and is clearly recovering."
There are indications that Mr Johnson is close to returning to work after he held calls with the Queen and Mr Trump.
The US president, at a White House briefing on Thursday, said he was "actually surprised" at how "incredible" the PM sounded in their call two days earlier.
"He was ready to go. I'm very surprised to tell you this. He's like the old Boris - tremendous energy, tremendous drive."
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Mr Hancock said the prime minister was taking calls from his team and was in regular contact with his cabinet.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-24--Coronavirus test online applications closed after huge demand

The online application system for essential workers to book coronavirus tests has temporarily closed following huge demand .
The new government website will reopen tomorrow following a large number of applications .
Within hours of the new website going live this morning , those looking to book a coronavirus test online were met with the message to `` check back later '' , after being told : `` You ca n't currently register for a COVID-19 test . ''
Earlier , the website had also displayed the message that Friday 's allocation of home-testing kits had already been reached .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to order on Friday , with this number being increased to 18,000 per day by the end of next week .
Tens of thousands of slots - including some same-day appointments - at drive-through centres were understood to have been available when the online booking system first opened this morning .
Soon after 11am , the Department of Health and Social Care posted on Twitter : `` There has been significant demand for booking tests today .
`` We apologise for any inconvenience .
We are continuing to rapidly increase availability .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' A government source said the website had n't crashed and the temporary closure was `` a positive '' as it showed that there was huge demand for COVID-19 tests .
It is understood online applications were closed to make sure the volumes are manageable and those tests already booked in can be fulfilled .
The source added it showed why increasing capacity for testing was so important .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Thursday announced the expansion of coronavirus testing to all essential workers - and members of their households - who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The government is aiming to meet a target of conducting 100,000 tests per day by the end of this month .
On Wednesday , 23,560 coronavirus tests were carried out despite there being capacity for more than double that number of tests .
At that point , a more limited number of essential workers had been eligible for tests .
The Department of Health and Social Care is also launching a network of mobile testing units to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including care homes , police stations and prisons .

The online application system for essential workers to book coronavirus tests temporarily closed following huge demand.
The new government website will reopen tomorrow following a large number of applications.
Within hours of the new website going live this morning, those looking to book a coronavirus test online were met with the message to "check back later", after being told: "You can't currently register for a COVID-19 test."
Earlier, the website had also displayed the message that Friday's allocation of home-testing kits had already been reached.
Image: Essential workers were met with this message on Friday morning
Downing Street later revealed that 5,000 home-testing kits, the total available capacity for the day, had been ordered within two minutes of the online portal opening.
These are posted out for next-day delivery, with results expected within 72 hours.
The number of home-testing kits available each day will increase to 18,000 by the end of next week, Number 10 added.
They also said 15,000 drive-through tests were expected to be carried out today.
Image: Sharon Tyrrell has been self-isolating at home after developing COVID-19 symptoms
Sharon Tyrrell, a teacher from Poole, has been self-isolating at home after developing COVID-19 symptoms last week.
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Her nearest testing centre is a five-hour round trip, so this morning she initially tried to apply for a home-test.
When that didn't work, she applied for a drive-through test but received a message saying that applications had closed.
"It's just infuriating really," she told Sky News. "I'm due to go into work on Monday and there is a lot of vulnerable people there, let alone my own family.
"While I appreciate that there's got to be priority for NHS workers, there are a lot of other people who are continuing to work during this crisis and that are putting themselves - and their families - at risk.
"And it would really good to be able to just know for sure that we're not doing that."
The prime minister's official spokesman confirmed that those applying for tests are being trusted to be key workers, with no eligibility checks in place for online bookings.
He said: "As with many other aspects of the coronavirus response, we would expect the public to respond in good faith.
"That is what they have done with other aspects of the scheme, I think we'd expect it to be the same here."
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Soon after 11am, the Department of Health and Social Care had posted on Twitter: "There has been significant demand for booking tests today.
"We apologise for any inconvenience. We are continuing to rapidly increase availability.
"More tests will be available tomorrow."
A government source said the website hadn't crashed and the temporary closure was "a positive" as it showed that there was huge demand for COVID-19 tests.
It is understood online applications were closed to make sure the volumes are manageable and those tests already booked in can be fulfilled.
The source added it showed why increasing capacity for testing was so important.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Thursday announced the expansion of coronavirus testing to all essential workers - and members of their households - who show COVID-19 symptoms.
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The government is aiming to meet a target of conducting 100,000 tests per day by the end of this month.
On Wednesday, 23,560 coronavirus tests were carried out despite there being capacity for more than double that number of tests.
At that point, a more limited number of essential workers had been eligible for tests.
The Department of Health and Social Care is also launching a network of mobile testing units to travel where there is significant demand, including care homes, police stations and prisons.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-24--'Too soon' to end lockdown but Hancock 'comfortable' with some businesses reopening

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told Sky News it is still too soon for UK lockdown measures to be relaxed , but says he is `` comfortable '' with some businesses reopening .
Mr Hancock said that while the daily number of UK deaths due to coronavirus meant the country was not yet ready to start easing some social-distancing rules , he was not opposed to building sites and hardware stores resuming work .
Companies including hardware chain B & Q , house builders Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon , and car makers Jaguar Land Rover , Nissan , Aston Martin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asking staff to return to work or re-started in a limited capacity .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker And Mr Hancock told Sky News he endorsed their decisions as long as guidance was followed .
`` The things that are restarting are things that we never required to close in the first place , but what the companies have been doing is working out how they can have safe working following the social distancing rules whilst people are at work , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've allowed hardware stores to stay open , and the construction industry , but what businesses have been doing is taking the last couple of weeks to work out 'ok how do you stay open and stay within the social-distancing rules at work ? '
`` So it 's absolutely fine for those businesses to stay open because they were never required to close by the social-distancing rules .
`` I 'm comfortable with what they 're doing '' .
It came as the AA said car use in the UK had increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown began .
According analysis of data from 5,000 drivers with a tracker in their vehicle , average car trips rose to 0.47 on Wednesday - the highest it has been since mid-March - having fallen as low as 0.4 on weekdays and 0.2 on Sundays .
While some businesses are preparing to reopen , The Sun is reporting that hairdressers will be forced to remain closed for up to six months because government scientists believe there is no safe way of them operating without the risk of spreading the virus .
Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how the nation would eventually look to begin relaxing its lockdown measures , but Mr Hancock said the UK as a whole was not yet ready to implement such changes .
`` The truth is , it 's still too soon , safely , to change those measures , '' he said .
`` Although the number of people who died yesterday was lower , it was still over 600 , so it 's still too high .
`` I just urge people to continue sticking to those rules , because it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but we need to see it coming down . ''
He added that Boris Johson was in `` good shape '' as he continues his recovery after contracting COVID-19 .
`` I 'm sure he 'll come back as soon as his doctors recommend it , '' he said .
`` That decision is for the prime minister in consultation with his doctors .
I spoke to him yesterday , he 's on very good form and is clearly recovering . ''

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told Sky News it is still too soon for UK lockdown measures to be relaxed, but says he is "comfortable" with some businesses reopening.
Mr Hancock said that while the daily number of UK deaths due to coronavirus meant the country was not yet ready to start easing some social-distancing rules, he was not opposed to building sites and hardware stores resuming work.
Companies including hardware chain B&Q, house builders Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon, and car makers Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan, Aston Martin and Bentley have announced plans to begin asking staff to return to work or re-started in a limited capacity.
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And Mr Hancock told Sky News he endorsed their decisions as long as guidance was followed.
"The things that are restarting are things that we never required to close in the first place, but what the companies have been doing is working out how they can have safe working following the social distancing rules whilst people are at work," he said.
Image: This B&Q store in Sutton In Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, opened its doors yesterday. Pic: SWNS
"Throughout we've allowed hardware stores to stay open, and the construction industry, but what businesses have been doing is taking the last couple of weeks to work out 'ok how do you stay open and stay within the social-distancing rules at work?'
"So it's absolutely fine for those businesses to stay open because they were never required to close by the social-distancing rules.
"I'm comfortable with what they're doing".
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It came as the AA said car use in the UK had increased to its highest level since before the lockdown began.
According analysis of data from 5,000 drivers with a tracker in their vehicle, average car trips rose to 0.47 on Wednesday - the highest it has been since mid-March - having fallen as low as 0.4 on weekdays and 0.2 on Sundays.
While some businesses are preparing to reopen, The Sun is reporting that hairdressers will be forced to remain closed for up to six months because government scientists believe there is no safe way of them operating without the risk of spreading the virus.
Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday outlined how the nation would eventually look to begin relaxing its lockdown measures, but Mr Hancock said the UK as a whole was not yet ready to implement such changes.
"The truth is, it's still too soon, safely, to change those measures," he said.
"Although the number of people who died yesterday was lower, it was still over 600, so it's still too high.
"I just urge people to continue sticking to those rules, because it's working and we're flattening that curve but we need to see it coming down."
He added that Boris Johson was in "good shape" as he continues his recovery after contracting COVID-19.
"I'm sure he'll come back as soon as his doctors recommend it," he said.
"That decision is for the prime minister in consultation with his doctors. I spoke to him yesterday, he's on very good form and is clearly recovering."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-24--Will government accept coronavirus deaths so it can lift the lockdown?

Shops in cities and towns across the UK have been closed since lockdown measures were introduced on 23 March Britain has been under lockdown for a month .
All of our lives have been disrupted by coronavirus , thousands of lives have been lost .
It has brought enormous grief to families up and down the country , it has required enormous sacrifice and engendered great endeavour from those not just trying to save lives , but from the millions of people caring for the elderly , stacking the supermarket shelves and delivering supplies to hospitals and homes .
Finally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths from COVID-19 are doubling every 16 days , against the two to three days at the beginning of the lockdown .
Hospital admissions are down 10 % across the country and 30 % in London .
The transmission rate ( the R number ) is now below one , which means a person with the disease is causing less than one new infection .
That means the epidemic is currently in decline - for now .
The epidemic is moving to a new phase and decisions will soon have to be made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown and when .
A global pandemic that has shut down not just the UK but much of the world .
Some believe our crisis has been much deeper than it needed to be .
`` I think what history will say looking at the course of this pandemic so far is that there was a big difference between the way Asian scientists view this and Western British and American scientists did , '' says Jeremy Hunt , the former health secretary , who now chairs the Health Select Committee .
`` In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is kind of like a very nasty flu and basically there 's nothing you can do to stop the spreading throughout the population , until you get a vaccine .
Whereas in Asia they thought , this is a form of SARS , a deadly virus , and it has to be stopped at all costs . ''
This was the approach the UK government took until there was a handbrake turn in mid-March when epidemiologists at Imperial College London , whose disease modelling has been feeding into the government 's strategy on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to slow the spread of the virus ( the mitigation model ) rather than trying to reverse the epidemic growth ( the suppression model ) would overwhelm the NHS .
Demand for intensive care beds would be exceeded eight times over and there could be a quarter of a million deaths .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Falling into step with most other countries around the world , the UK moved pretty swiftly into lockdown .
And now , as governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures , a new consensus is emerging around how to live with COVID-19 .
Managing it will involve testing , tracing and isolating the disease , and some of the social distancing measures we 're now getting used to will have to stick .
Wherever the government , the aim is the same - no one wants a second wave .
`` The best thing to do is look around the world and see the countries that have managed to exit the very draconian lockdown there without raising the risk of their populations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` They 've all done it by replacing a blanket lockdown with a system where anyone with COVID-19 symptoms gets tested immediately , anyone who has got it is quarantined immediately , and that is best international practice . ''
Politicians in Westminster are still refusing to have an open conversation with the public about how we move from strict lockdown to a gradual easing of restrictions , or whether this might begin from 7 May when the current three-week lockdown is up for review .
But the health secretary did confirm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracing , a strategy the government abandoned on 12 March when it decided ( for a few days only ) to let the virus spread through society , is the strategy once more .
`` Test , track and trace , done effectively , can help suppress the transmission in a way that allows you then to have lesser social distancing rules . ''
But the big political discussion under way is how the government tries to balance controlling the disease with unlocking the economy once more .
Will politicians decide to allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long as NHS capacity is n't overwhelmed , or try to push new cases as low as possible to control and vanquish the virus ?
Put bluntly , will politicians accept a certain level of COVID-19 deaths in order to release social restrictions and stimulate the economy ?
These are , says Mr Hancock , political decisions that cabinet ministers must make in the coming weeks .
`` Ultimately these judgements are made by the cabinet on the advice of the scientists . ''
But the cabinet is not united on how quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The health secretary is laser-focused on trying to drive down the death rate and protect the NHS and wants to push down the transmission rate as low as possible before easing the lockdown .
Others , including those in the Treasury , have a different set of priorities as they look at the economic cost of shutting down the economy .
The longer the lockdown , the worse the damage .
`` It 's clearly the case that the economic consequences of the lockdown and continuing the lockdown are staggeringly bad .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to shrink over the next two or three months more than it has essentially ever shrunk before , '' explains Paul Johnson , the director of the Institute of Fiscal Studies .
`` We are spending tens and tens of billions of pounds supporting the economy , supporting jobs , supporting people 's incomes and the economy is shrinking very fast .
We 're going to end up at the end of this year with a deficit of £250bn perhaps , which is about £200bn more than we were expecting . ''
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will suffer from a long lockdown ; our health will too .
The chief medical officer , Professor Chris Whitty , as well as politicians , have been urging the public to seek medical advice if they have non-COVID-19 medical problems .
`` The real worry is people are not going to their GP , when they 've got a lump in their breast , '' says Mr Hunt .
`` In my area , referrals under the two-week cancer target are down by three quarters .
So that could mean potentially we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we would ordinarily have got , so that 's another reason to try and get back to a semblance of normality . ''
There is also a long-term health cost as most people suffer from chronic disease and mental health problems as by-products of the lockdown and the deprivation , isolation and anxiety it causes .
`` We 've seen this tension between economy and health .
We have economists saying it 's not such a big deal and health people saying we need to lock down , and this is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because actually the economy affects lives , '' argues Devi Sridhar , professor and chair of global public health at the Edinburgh University Medical School .
`` If you want to get through this faster , the fastest way to do it is to keep numbers low .
And so I feel like everyone wants the same thing , which is if you keep numbers low you can re-open the economy , you can re-open society , in a way that is safe because you can do tests , trace , isolate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small number of cases . ''
Government insiders are clear on one thing : they can not , will not , risk a second wave of the epidemic .
`` That would be devastating , '' says one Whitehall figure .
`` Easing restrictions is going to have to be very gradual .
Think of it as a hot air balloon .
If you throw off all the weights at once it will shoot up .
We are looking for a very gradual lift-off . ''
Across departments , officials and ministers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a rather grim reality - that restrictions in some form or another might have to be in place for a year or even more as the world awaits a vaccine .
There is a planning team working on a 12-month assumption that school children will have to socially distance - that could mean primary children going to school in shifts through the week to keep the class sizes down and the interactions limited .
Other officials are looking at plans to stagger the start of work days to spread out rush hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their workplaces .
Working out how we might begin to ease the restrictions is only one part of the political challenge .
The other is how to convince the public it is safe to leave their homes .
Take schools .
Up to 40 % of primary school children are still eligible to attend school under the key worker and vulnerable children criteria but data out from the Department of Education this week showed just 0.9 % of children who normally attend school turned up .
Key workers are finding alternative care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ putting their children at risk by sending them to school .
Late to lockdown , the government has pushed the stay at home , save lives message hard .
It now has to try and shift that mindset .
As one minister put it to me : `` The messaging has been stay at home and live or go outside and risk death .
We have to tilt that narrative . ''
We are a long way from normal .
With no vaccine in sight , we will have to co-exist with some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many months yet .
The question is how much infection and death can we bear to live with ?
The cost of this crisis will be counted in both currency and lives - the question now for the government is how much can we afford ?

Politicians have a choice to make as the cost of the COVID-19 crisis will be counted in both currency and lives.
Shops in cities and towns across the UK have been closed since lockdown measures were introduced on 23 March
Britain has been under lockdown for a month. All of our lives have been disrupted by coronavirus, thousands of lives have been lost.
It has brought enormous grief to families up and down the country, it has required enormous sacrifice and engendered great endeavour from those not just trying to save lives, but from the millions of people caring for the elderly, stacking the supermarket shelves and delivering supplies to hospitals and homes.
Finally those efforts are paying off. Hospital deaths from COVID-19 are doubling every 16 days, against the two to three days at the beginning of the lockdown. Hospital admissions are down 10% across the country and 30% in London. The transmission rate (the R number) is now below one, which means a person with the disease is causing less than one new infection.
That means the epidemic is currently in decline - for now.
The epidemic is moving to a new phase and decisions will soon have to be made about how we come out of the lockdown and when.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 15:00 Coronavirus: Life in lockdown
A global pandemic that has shut down not just the UK but much of the world. Some believe our crisis has been much deeper than it needed to be.
"I think what history will say looking at the course of this pandemic so far is that there was a big difference between the way Asian scientists view this and Western British and American scientists did," says Jeremy Hunt, the former health secretary, who now chairs the Health Select Committee.
"In the West we tended to say this is kind of like a very nasty flu and basically there's nothing you can do to stop the spreading throughout the population, until you get a vaccine. Whereas in Asia they thought, this is a form of SARS, a deadly virus, and it has to be stopped at all costs."
This was the approach the UK government took until there was a handbrake turn in mid-March when epidemiologists at Imperial College London, whose disease modelling has been feeding into the government's strategy on handling the virus, concluded that trying to slow the spread of the virus (the mitigation model) rather than trying to reverse the epidemic growth (the suppression model) would overwhelm the NHS.
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Demand for intensive care beds would be exceeded eight times over and there could be a quarter of a million deaths.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Falling into step with most other countries around the world, the UK moved pretty swiftly into lockdown. And now, as governments begin to emerge from those draconian social measures, a new consensus is emerging around how to live with COVID-19.
Managing it will involve testing, tracing and isolating the disease, and some of the social distancing measures we're now getting used to will have to stick. Wherever the government, the aim is the same - no one wants a second wave.
"The best thing to do is look around the world and see the countries that have managed to exit the very draconian lockdown there without raising the risk of their populations catching COVID-19," says Mr Hunt.
"They've all done it by replacing a blanket lockdown with a system where anyone with COVID-19 symptoms gets tested immediately, anyone who has got it is quarantined immediately, and that is best international practice."
Politicians in Westminster are still refusing to have an open conversation with the public about how we move from strict lockdown to a gradual easing of restrictions, or whether this might begin from 7 May when the current three-week lockdown is up for review.
But the health secretary did confirm on Thursday that mass testing and contract tracing, a strategy the government abandoned on 12 March when it decided (for a few days only) to let the virus spread through society, is the strategy once more.
"Test, track and trace, done effectively, can help suppress the transmission in a way that allows you then to have lesser social distancing rules."
But the big political discussion under way is how the government tries to balance controlling the disease with unlocking the economy once more.
Will politicians decide to allow a tolerable level of community transmission so long as NHS capacity isn't overwhelmed, or try to push new cases as low as possible to control and vanquish the virus?
Put bluntly, will politicians accept a certain level of COVID-19 deaths in order to release social restrictions and stimulate the economy?
These are, says Mr Hancock, political decisions that cabinet ministers must make in the coming weeks.
"Ultimately these judgements are made by the cabinet on the advice of the scientists."
But the cabinet is not united on how quickly and extensively the lockdown should be lifted. The health secretary is laser-focused on trying to drive down the death rate and protect the NHS and wants to push down the transmission rate as low as possible before easing the lockdown.
Others, including those in the Treasury, have a different set of priorities as they look at the economic cost of shutting down the economy. The longer the lockdown, the worse the damage.
"It's clearly the case that the economic consequences of the lockdown and continuing the lockdown are staggeringly bad. We know that the economy is likely to shrink over the next two or three months more than it has essentially ever shrunk before," explains Paul Johnson, the director of the Institute of Fiscal Studies.
"We are spending tens and tens of billions of pounds supporting the economy, supporting jobs, supporting people's incomes and the economy is shrinking very fast. We're going to end up at the end of this year with a deficit of £250bn perhaps, which is about £200bn more than we were expecting."
And it's not just the economy that will suffer from a long lockdown; our health will too. The chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, as well as politicians, have been urging the public to seek medical advice if they have non-COVID-19 medical problems.
"The real worry is people are not going to their GP, when they've got a lump in their breast," says Mr Hunt.
"In my area, referrals under the two-week cancer target are down by three quarters. So that could mean potentially we're missing three quarters of the cancers that we would ordinarily have got, so that's another reason to try and get back to a semblance of normality."
There is also a long-term health cost as most people suffer from chronic disease and mental health problems as by-products of the lockdown and the deprivation, isolation and anxiety it causes.
"We've seen this tension between economy and health. We have economists saying it's not such a big deal and health people saying we need to lock down, and this is the wrong debate we should be having, because actually the economy affects lives," argues Devi Sridhar, professor and chair of global public health at the Edinburgh University Medical School.
"If you want to get through this faster, the fastest way to do it is to keep numbers low. And so I feel like everyone wants the same thing, which is if you keep numbers low you can re-open the economy, you can re-open society, in a way that is safe because you can do tests, trace, isolate, which only works if you have a small number of cases."
Image: Professor Chris Whitty has been urging the public to seek medical advice if they have non-COVID-19 medical problems
Government insiders are clear on one thing: they cannot, will not, risk a second wave of the epidemic.
"That would be devastating," says one Whitehall figure. "Easing restrictions is going to have to be very gradual. Think of it as a hot air balloon. If you throw off all the weights at once it will shoot up. We are looking for a very gradual lift-off."
Across departments, officials and ministers are working up options. They are based on a rather grim reality - that restrictions in some form or another might have to be in place for a year or even more as the world awaits a vaccine.
There is a planning team working on a 12-month assumption that school children will have to socially distance - that could mean primary children going to school in shifts through the week to keep the class sizes down and the interactions limited. Other officials are looking at plans to stagger the start of work days to spread out rush hour and even alternating days when staff come to their workplaces.
Working out how we might begin to ease the restrictions is only one part of the political challenge. The other is how to convince the public it is safe to leave their homes.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:12 Hospital staff line up for surgeon's hearse
Take schools. Up to 40% of primary school children are still eligible to attend school under the key worker and vulnerable children criteria but data out from the Department of Education this week showed just 0.9% of children who normally attend school turned up.
Key workers are finding alternative care for kids because they are scared of putting their children at risk by sending them to school.
Late to lockdown, the government has pushed the stay at home, save lives message hard. It now has to try and shift that mindset. As one minister put it to me: "The messaging has been stay at home and live or go outside and risk death. We have to tilt that narrative."
We are a long way from normal. With no vaccine in sight, we will have to co-exist with some level of coronavirus in our society for many months yet.
The question is how much infection and death can we bear to live with? The cost of this crisis will be counted in both currency and lives - the question now for the government is how much can we afford?


skynewspolitics--2020-04-24--Donald Trump surprised by how 'incredible' Boris Johnson sounded on phone

Donald Trump says Boris Johnson `` sounded incredible '' during a phone call earlier this week .
The prime minister scheduled calls with both the US president and the Queen this week as part of a gradual return to work following his coronavirus fight .
`` He called me a few days ago , I will tell you he sounded incredible , '' the US president told reporters .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker '' I was actually surprised… he was ready to go .
I 'm very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's like the old Boris , tremendous energy , tremendous drive . ''
He added : `` Because he called me almost pretty close to when he got out of the hospital , I think he 's doing great .
`` He was so sharp and energetic , pretty incredible .
He 's an incredible guy .
He 's a friend of ours and a friend of mine , he loves our country , he loves his country a lot… and they 're lucky to have him over there . ''
The Foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raab has been standing in for Mr Johnson for the last few weeks .
The PM will return to a cabinet divided over how and when to lift the UK 's lockdown .
In analysis for the Sky News website and app , political editor Beth Rigby wrote : `` The cabinet is not united on how quickly and extensively the lockdown should be lifted .
`` The health secretary is laser-focused on trying to drive down the death rate and protect the NHS and wants to push down the transmission rate as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Others , including those in the Treasury , have a different set of priorities as they look at the economic cost of shutting down the economy .
The longer the lockdown , the worse the damage . ''

Donald Trump says Boris Johnson "sounded incredible" during a phone call earlier this week.
The prime minister scheduled calls with both the US president and the Queen this week as part of a gradual return to work following his coronavirus fight.
"He called me a few days ago, I will tell you he sounded incredible," the US president told reporters.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
"I was actually surprised… he was ready to go. I'm very surprised to tell you this. It's like the old Boris, tremendous energy, tremendous drive."
He added: "Because he called me almost pretty close to when he got out of the hospital, I think he's doing great.
"He was so sharp and energetic, pretty incredible. He's an incredible guy. He's a friend of ours and a friend of mine, he loves our country, he loves his country a lot… and they're lucky to have him over there."
The Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State Dominic Raab has been standing in for Mr Johnson for the last few weeks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:03 Nurses talk about caring for PM in hospital
The PM will return to a cabinet divided over how and when to lift the UK's lockdown.
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In analysis for the Sky News website and app, political editor Beth Rigby wrote: "The cabinet is not united on how quickly and extensively the lockdown should be lifted.
"The health secretary is laser-focused on trying to drive down the death rate and protect the NHS and wants to push down the transmission rate as low as possible before easing the lockdown.
"Others, including those in the Treasury, have a different set of priorities as they look at the economic cost of shutting down the economy. The longer the lockdown, the worse the damage."