skynewspolitics--2020-09-17--Government dismisses claims of fresh two-week national lockdown

A government minister has dismissed suggestions the UK could be heading for a two-week national lockdown .
Edward Argar , a minister in the Department of Health and Social Care , rubbished claims that Boris Johnson is being advised to take the action due to a rise in coronavirus infections .
It came after claims from a former World Health Organisation ( WHO ) director that England 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty was recommending the prime minister enforce another UK-wide lockdown .
Live coronavirus updates from UK and around world Mr Argar told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 've heard about , I know there 's speculation in the press today .
But it 's not something I 've seen within the department .
`` The prime minister has been very clear about this , he does n't want to see another national lockdown .
`` He wants to see people abiding by the regulations and making the local lockdowns work and get that infection rate down . ''
Anthony Costello , a former director of maternal , child and adolescent health at the WHO , had claimed Professor Whitty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted on Twitter on Wednesday night : `` I 'm hearing from a well-connected person that government now thinks , in absence of testing , there are 38,000 infections per day .
Chris Whitty is advising PM for a two week national lockdown . ''
Mr Argar dismissed the claim , and Mr Costello himself also cast doubt on the suggestion in a follow-up tweet on Thursday morning .
He tweeted : `` I 've been told by another insider I respect that Chris Whitty does not support a 2 week lockdown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record . ''
Mr Argar said : `` We are guided by the science but we 're not necessarily guided by the speculation in the press .
It 's not something I 've heard from Chris .
And it 's something the prime minister clearly does n't want to see . ''
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker On Wednesday , the prime minister firmly dismissed the prospect of a second national lockdown and suggested the economic impact of such action would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't want a second national lockdown , I think it would be completely wrong for this country , '' he told a group of senior MPs .
`` We are going to do everything in our power to prevent it .
`` Can we afford it ?
I very much doubt that the financial consequences would be anything but disastrous . ''
The government has said it will now prioritise COVID-19 tests for some groups after it admitted fixing issues with the system could take a matter of weeks .
Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' in demand for tests as being to blame for shortages in some areas .
On Wednesday , there were 3,991 new confirmed cases of coronavirus .
In a statement to the House of Commons on Thursday , Health Secretary Matt Hancock is expected to confirm new local lockdown measures for northeast England .
He is set to announce a ban in the region on socialising with people from different households , a 10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants and curbs on travel .
Mr Argar told Sky News that northeast England was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that in northwest England .
He said : `` In the North East we are seeing a spike in infections .
It is exactly what we have seen in the North West .
`` We monitor that rate .
Where we need to , we step in and take action . ''
Mr Argar said , in northwest England , the rise in infections was due to people not adhering to social distancing rules with different households meeting up in close proximity .
He added : `` Obviously a night-time economy can fuel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pub , people have been out late into the evening .
`` That 's one of the ways in which that transmission can increase . ''
Labour 's shadow communities secretary Steve Reed accused the government of having failed to prepare for the possibility of a second wave of COVID-19 infections .
`` Now that we 've got more people going out and about as the economy opens , people are being encouraged to go back to work , children are going to school , young people are going to university , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he told Sky News .
`` But we do n't have the test , track and trace system that could keep everybody safe .
`` So we risk further local or even national lockdowns .
The fault of this has to be laid squarely at the feet of the government . ''

A government minister has dismissed suggestions the UK could be heading for a two-week national lockdown.
Edward Argar, a minister in the Department of Health and Social Care, rubbished claims that Boris Johnson is being advised to take the action due to a rise in coronavirus infections.
It came after claims from a former World Health Organisation (WHO) director that England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty was recommending the prime minister enforce another UK-wide lockdown.
Live coronavirus updates from UK and around world
Image: A deserted Piccadilly Circus in London during the UK's lockdown in April
Mr Argar told Sky News' Kay Burley: "It's not something that I've heard about, I know there's speculation in the press today. But it's not something I've seen within the department.
"The prime minister has been very clear about this, he doesn't want to see another national lockdown.
"He wants to see people abiding by the regulations and making the local lockdowns work and get that infection rate down."
Anthony Costello, a former director of maternal, child and adolescent health at the WHO, had claimed Professor Whitty was recommending the two-week lockdown.
He posted on Twitter on Wednesday night: "I'm hearing from a well-connected person that government now thinks, in absence of testing, there are 38,000 infections per day. Chris Whitty is advising PM for a two week national lockdown."
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Mr Argar dismissed the claim, and Mr Costello himself also cast doubt on the suggestion in a follow-up tweet on Thursday morning.
He tweeted: "I've been told by another insider I respect that Chris Whitty does not support a 2 week lockdown, so I'm pleased to correct the record."
Mr Argar said: "We are guided by the science but we're not necessarily guided by the speculation in the press. It's not something I've heard from Chris. And it's something the prime minister clearly doesn't want to see."
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On Wednesday, the prime minister firmly dismissed the prospect of a second national lockdown and suggested the economic impact of such action would be "disastrous".
"I don't want a second national lockdown, I think it would be completely wrong for this country," he told a group of senior MPs.
"We are going to do everything in our power to prevent it.
"Can we afford it? I very much doubt that the financial consequences would be anything but disastrous."
The government has said it will now prioritise COVID-19 tests for some groups after it admitted fixing issues with the system could take a matter of weeks.
Mr Johnson has pointed to a "colossal spike" in demand for tests as being to blame for shortages in some areas.
On Wednesday, there were 3,991 new confirmed cases of coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:34 PM: We don't have enough testing capacity
In a statement to the House of Commons on Thursday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock is expected to confirm new local lockdown measures for northeast England.
He is set to announce a ban in the region on socialising with people from different households, a 10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants and curbs on travel.
Mr Argar told Sky News that northeast England was seeing a spike in cases similar to that in northwest England.
He said: "In the North East we are seeing a spike in infections. It is exactly what we have seen in the North West.
"We monitor that rate. Where we need to, we step in and take action."
Mr Argar said, in northwest England, the rise in infections was due to people not adhering to social distancing rules with different households meeting up in close proximity.
He added: "Obviously a night-time economy can fuel that when people have been to the pub, people have been out late into the evening.
"That's one of the ways in which that transmission can increase."
Labour's shadow communities secretary Steve Reed accused the government of having failed to prepare for the possibility of a second wave of COVID-19 infections.
"Now that we've got more people going out and about as the economy opens, people are being encouraged to go back to work, children are going to school, young people are going to university, the risk of infections spreading is greater," he told Sky News.
"But we don't have the test, track and trace system that could keep everybody safe.
"So we risk further local or even national lockdowns. The fault of this has to be laid squarely at the feet of the government."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-16--PM climbs down on law-breaking Brexit bill in face of Tory rebellion

Boris Johnson has partially climbed down on his controversial new Brexit bill in the face of a Tory rebellion .
Downing Street offered a compromise to try and win over the dozens of Conservatives who abstained or voted against the draft legislation that would override the withdrawal agreement - breaking international law .
The prime minister has promised to give MPs another vote before any of the powers are used , as long as they pass the Internal Market Bill when it is due to complete its Commons journey next week .
A statement was released `` following talks '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreeing that the amendment will provide a `` clearer , more explicit democratic mandate for the use of these powers '' .
And ministers have agreed to another amendment that `` sets clear limits on the scope and timeliness of judicial review '' of the bill .
But it came too late to stop the resignation of a justice minister , Lord Keen , who is the third government figure to quit over the issue - after the head of the government legal department and a special envoy .
And Labour 's shadow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the concession `` does n't remedy the breaches of international law which arise from the bill '' , adding : `` Honestly it 's getting worse not better . ''
Earlier , Mr Johnson accused Brussels of not acting in `` good faith '' during trade negotiations .
Asked if he thought the EU was , he said `` I do n't believe that '' - flatly contradicting Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis , whose answer to the same question earlier was `` yes '' .
Before the U-turn , Mr Johnson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against `` extreme interpretations '' of the part of the divorce deal concerning Northern Ireland .
He was supported by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , who said during a news conference : `` I trust the UK ...
I have great confidence that they will get this right in a way that treats everyone fairly . ''
But Mr Johnson had been scorned by senior US Democrats threatening to block a US trade deal if the UK did break international law .
Presidential candidate Joe Biden tweeted on Wednesday night : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday Agreement that brought peace to Northern Ireland to become a casualty of Brexit .
`` Any trade deal between the US and UK must be contingent upon respect for the agreement and preventing the return of a hard border .
Period . ''
Following a meeting with Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said : `` The Good Friday Agreement is the bedrock of peace in Northern Ireland and a beacon of hope for peace-loving people throughout the whole world .
`` Whatever form it takes , Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Good Friday Agreement - the stability brought by the seamless border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland .
`` In our meeting today with the foreign secretary , [ Ways And Means Committee ] chairman Richie Neal and I welcomed his assurances but reiterated the same message that we delivered to the leaders of the UK in London last year : if the UK violates its international agreements and Brexit undermines the Good Friday accord , there will be absolutely no chance of a US-UK trade agreement passing the Congress .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the American people and will continue to be proudly defended in the United States Congress . ''
Meanwhile , the EU had threatened legal action and said it could threaten ongoing trade talks with the bloc .
Mr Johnson sought to play down the prospect there will be no-deal to replace the existing trading arrangements that will expire at the end of 2020 when the transition period runs out .
He said that was `` not what this country wants '' and added : `` I have every hope and expectation that that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brussels has not yet responded to the latest move by Downing Street .
The EU has been vociferous in its anger about the Internal Market Bill .
This concession may mollify that slightly , but the disharmony wo n't go away .
The withdrawal agreement is seen as an absolutely fundamental document and any threat to it will continue to set off some very loud alarm bells .
The prime minister commands such a large parliamentary majority that some in Brussels think this safeguard is , to an extent meaningless - that if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win it .
The flip side is that Brussels diplomats can now see that their fears and uncertainty are , to an extent , being mirrored in Westminster .
But until details are clear - particularly about the movement of goods - then this will remain a very contentious point .
Trust in the UK is running low .

Boris Johnson has partially climbed down on his controversial new Brexit bill in the face of a Tory rebellion.
Downing Street offered a compromise to try and win over the dozens of Conservatives who abstained or voted against the draft legislation that would override the withdrawal agreement - breaking international law.
The prime minister has promised to give MPs another vote before any of the powers are used, as long as they pass the Internal Market Bill when it is due to complete its Commons journey next week.
Image: A fresh Brexit row has blown up ahead of the end of the transition period
A statement was released "following talks" between Number 10 and disgruntled backbenchers, agreeing that the amendment will provide a "clearer, more explicit democratic mandate for the use of these powers".
And ministers have agreed to another amendment that "sets clear limits on the scope and timeliness of judicial review" of the bill.
But it came too late to stop the resignation of a justice minister, Lord Keen, who is the third government figure to quit over the issue - after the head of the government legal department and a special envoy.
And Labour's shadow attorney general, Lord Falconer, said the concession "doesn't remedy the breaches of international law which arise from the bill", adding: "Honestly it's getting worse not better."
Image: Lord Keen has quit as advocate general for Scotland
Earlier, Mr Johnson accused Brussels of not acting in "good faith" during trade negotiations.
Asked if he thought the EU was, he said "I don't believe that" - flatly contradicting Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis, whose answer to the same question earlier was "yes".
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Before the U-turn, Mr Johnson said his approach was only "protection" against "extreme interpretations" of the part of the divorce deal concerning Northern Ireland.
He was supported by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who said during a news conference: "I trust the UK... I have great confidence that they will get this right in a way that treats everyone fairly."
But Mr Johnson had been scorned by senior US Democrats threatening to block a US trade deal if the UK did break international law.
Presidential candidate Joe Biden tweeted on Wednesday night: "We can't allow the Good Friday Agreement that brought peace to Northern Ireland to become a casualty of Brexit.
"Any trade deal between the US and UK must be contingent upon respect for the agreement and preventing the return of a hard border. Period."
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Following a meeting with Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said: "The Good Friday Agreement is the bedrock of peace in Northern Ireland and a beacon of hope for peace-loving people throughout the whole world.
"Whatever form it takes, Brexit cannot be allowed to imperil the Good Friday Agreement - the stability brought by the seamless border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland.
"In our meeting today with the foreign secretary, [Ways And Means Committee] chairman Richie Neal and I welcomed his assurances but reiterated the same message that we delivered to the leaders of the UK in London last year: if the UK violates its international agreements and Brexit undermines the Good Friday accord, there will be absolutely no chance of a US-UK trade agreement passing the Congress.
"The Good Friday Agreement is valued by the American people and will continue to be proudly defended in the United States Congress."
Meanwhile, the EU had threatened legal action and said it could threaten ongoing trade talks with the bloc.
Image: The PM said a no trade deal divorce was 'not what this country wants'
Mr Johnson sought to play down the prospect there will be no-deal to replace the existing trading arrangements that will expire at the end of 2020 when the transition period runs out.
He said that was "not what this country wants" and added: "I have every hope and expectation that that won't be the outcome."
Brussels has not yet responded to the latest move by Downing Street.
Analysis: This move won't totally quell disharmony with EU
By Adam Parsons, Europe correspondent
The EU has been vociferous in its anger about the Internal Market Bill. This concession may mollify that slightly, but the disharmony won't go away.
The withdrawal agreement is seen as an absolutely fundamental document and any threat to it will continue to set off some very loud alarm bells.
The prime minister commands such a large parliamentary majority that some in Brussels think this safeguard is, to an extent meaningless - that if he calls a vote, he'll win it.
The flip side is that Brussels diplomats can now see that their fears and uncertainty are, to an extent, being mirrored in Westminster.
But until details are clear - particularly about the movement of goods - then this will remain a very contentious point. Trust in the UK is running low.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-16--Care homes to get more than half a billion in extra funding to tackle COVID during winter

Care providers in England will receive more than half a billion pounds in extra funding to help reduce transmission of COVID-19 in the winter , the government has said .
It comes as Nadra Ahmed , executive chair of the National Care Association , told Sky News delays in getting coronavirus test results back are `` appalling and negligent '' .
The association represents 4,000 care homes in the UK .
The government 's Infection Control Fund will help pay staff full wages when they are self-isolating and ensure carers work in only one care home , reducing the risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was set up in May but has now been extended until March 2021 and will offer the sector an extra £546m ahead of an anticipated second wave of the virus over the winter months .
The government said that total funding for infection control measures in care homes is now more than £1.1bn and underlines its commitment to ensure adult social care has the resources it needs to keep residents and staff safe .
Ms Ahmed has said COVID-19 is starting to `` seep back in '' to care homes and revealed how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I think it 's appalling ; it 's negligent not to have it up to speed , '' she said .
`` The promises were made in July that we would have tests available as we need them .
`` Now it 's September and we still have n't got it working and it is the single most important thing at this moment in time to keep our residents and our staff safe as transmissions continue in the communities . ''
Sky News has obtained a copy of a letter sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Health and Social Care warning of delays in getting test results .
It admits : `` We told you our aim was to return results to you within 72 hours .
We are aware that that some care homes have experienced coronavirus test results taking longer than 72 hours and that in the last week there has been an increase in the number of unclear/void results .
`` We would like to assure you we are aware of this issue and are taking it very seriously . ''
But care home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learnt from the first six months of the pandemic and once again care homes are not getting the support they need .
John Oates owns two care homes in the North East of England - Durham House and Picktree Court in Durham - with a total of 119 beds .
Throughout the pandemic since March there has been one death at his homes from coronavirus but he now has two staff who have tested positive prompting fears a rise in cases in the community is starting to find its way back in to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker One of his staff spent three days working at Picktree Court before getting the positive test result , but just last week another staff member waited more than a week for a result .
That result turned out negative .
Mr Oates said : `` Test result periods are getting to be unacceptable .
The issue of testing time returns is a massive problem at the moment because we could have asymptomatic people working with our residents during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We think our surrounding area in Durham is showing signs of the virus being rife and this seven day turnaround for tests is not acceptable . ''
The care home owner has also raised concerns that health care workers including district nurses are not being routinely tested .
Mr Oates added there was a `` lack of strategy and direction '' and `` the silence is deafening '' from central government .
Debbie Strong , manager of Ysguborwen Care home in Aberdare in South Wales , shares those concerns .
Her home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic but a staff member has just tested positive and worked in the home for three days before getting the result .
The home is also part of the Rhondda Cynon Taf county - due to be put into a local lockdown from 6pm on Thursday 17 September .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has blamed the testing problems on a `` colossal spike '' in demand , but promised tougher rules on the movement of care workers between homes will be published on Thursday .
He was tackled by Labour 's deputy leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister 's Questions while Sir Keir Starmer self-isolated after a member of his family displayed coronavirus symptoms , for promising all in-person test results would be back within 24 hours by the end of June .
But Ms Rayner said he needed to `` get some skates on '' to address the issue and warned : `` We are staring down the barrel of a second wave with no plan for the looming crisis . ''
She played up a HuffPost report that ministers were consulted over the weekend on whether grouse shooting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ banning gatherings of more than six people .
`` People ca n't say goodbye to their loved ones , grandparents ca n't see their grandchildren and frontline staff ca n't get the tests that they need , '' Ms Rayner said .
`` And what was the top priority for the COVID war cabinet this weekend ?
Restoring grouse shooting . ''
Mr Johnson conceded `` we are concerned about the rates of infection in care homes '' but insisted the UK 's testing record `` compares extremely well with any other European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Social Care said : `` Visiting professionals such as district nurse are required to wear appropriate PPE in order to protect themselves and those around them .
`` Regular routine asymptomatic testing is available to care home staff and residents , and we are currently running two pilots to look at regular testing for visiting professionals to care homes .
`` From the start of the pandemic we have been doing everything we can to ensure care home residents and staff are protected , including testing all residents and staff , providing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £600m to prevent infections in care homes and making a further £3.7bn available to councils to address pressures caused by the pandemic - including in adult social care . ''

Care providers in England will receive more than half a billion pounds in extra funding to help reduce transmission of COVID-19 in the winter, the government has said.
It comes as Nadra Ahmed, executive chair of the National Care Association, told Sky News delays in getting coronavirus test results back are "appalling and negligent".
The association represents 4,000 care homes in the UK.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 'Too many care homes didn't follow procedures'
The government's Infection Control Fund will help pay staff full wages when they are self-isolating and ensure carers work in only one care home, reducing the risk of spreading the infection.
The fund was set up in May but has now been extended until March 2021 and will offer the sector an extra £546m ahead of an anticipated second wave of the virus over the winter months.
The government said that total funding for infection control measures in care homes is now more than £1.1bn and underlines its commitment to ensure adult social care has the resources it needs to keep residents and staff safe.
Ms Ahmed has said COVID-19 is starting to "seep back in" to care homes and revealed how much fear there is among the sector.
"I think it's appalling; it's negligent not to have it up to speed," she said. "The promises were made in July that we would have tests available as we need them.
"Now it's September and we still haven't got it working and it is the single most important thing at this moment in time to keep our residents and our staff safe as transmissions continue in the communities."
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Image: Nadra Ahmed, executive chair of the National Care Association, says COVID is 'seeping back in' to care homes
Sky News has obtained a copy of a letter sent to care homes last week by the Department of Health and Social Care warning of delays in getting test results.
It admits: "We told you our aim was to return results to you within 72 hours. We are aware that that some care homes have experienced coronavirus test results taking longer than 72 hours and that in the last week there has been an increase in the number of unclear/void results.
"We would like to assure you we are aware of this issue and are taking it very seriously."
But care home owners worry lessons simply have not been learnt from the first six months of the pandemic and once again care homes are not getting the support they need.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:22 Protecting care homes from a second wave
John Oates owns two care homes in the North East of England - Durham House and Picktree Court in Durham - with a total of 119 beds.
Throughout the pandemic since March there has been one death at his homes from coronavirus but he now has two staff who have tested positive prompting fears a rise in cases in the community is starting to find its way back in to social care settings.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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One of his staff spent three days working at Picktree Court before getting the positive test result, but just last week another staff member waited more than a week for a result. That result turned out negative.
Mr Oates said: "Test result periods are getting to be unacceptable. The issue of testing time returns is a massive problem at the moment because we could have asymptomatic people working with our residents during the time when they are COVID positive.
Image: Aberdare care home in Rhondda
"We think our surrounding area in Durham is showing signs of the virus being rife and this seven day turnaround for tests is not acceptable."
The care home owner has also raised concerns that health care workers including district nurses are not being routinely tested.
Mr Oates added there was a "lack of strategy and direction" and "the silence is deafening" from central government.
Debbie Strong, manager of Ysguborwen Care home in Aberdare in South Wales, shares those concerns.
Her home was COVID-free through the worst of the pandemic but a staff member has just tested positive and worked in the home for three days before getting the result.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 23:08 Coronavirus: Deciding Who Dies
The home is also part of the Rhondda Cynon Taf county - due to be put into a local lockdown from 6pm on Thursday 17 September.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has blamed the testing problems on a "colossal spike" in demand, but promised tougher rules on the movement of care workers between homes will be published on Thursday.
He was tackled by Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner, standing in at Prime Minister's Questions while Sir Keir Starmer self-isolated after a member of his family displayed coronavirus symptoms, for promising all in-person test results would be back within 24 hours by the end of June.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:31 Govt 'was far to slow to act' over care homes
But Ms Rayner said he needed to "get some skates on" to address the issue and warned: "We are staring down the barrel of a second wave with no plan for the looming crisis."
She played up a HuffPost report that ministers were consulted over the weekend on whether grouse shooting should be excluded from the new law banning gatherings of more than six people.
"People can't say goodbye to their loved ones, grandparents can't see their grandchildren and frontline staff can't get the tests that they need," Ms Rayner said.
"And what was the top priority for the COVID war cabinet this weekend? Restoring grouse shooting."
Mr Johnson conceded "we are concerned about the rates of infection in care homes" but insisted the UK's testing record "compares extremely well with any other European country".
The Department for Health and Social Care said: "Visiting professionals such as district nurse are required to wear appropriate PPE in order to protect themselves and those around them.
"Regular routine asymptomatic testing is available to care home staff and residents, and we are currently running two pilots to look at regular testing for visiting professionals to care homes.
"From the start of the pandemic we have been doing everything we can to ensure care home residents and staff are protected, including testing all residents and staff, providing 208 million items of PPE, ring-fencing £600m to prevent infections in care homes and making a further £3.7bn available to councils to address pressures caused by the pandemic - including in adult social care."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-17--PM says only report rule breakers if they are having 'Animal House' parties

Boris Johnson has said members of the public should not report neighbours who breach the `` rule of six '' unless they are having `` Animal House '' parties with `` hot tubs and so forth '' .
Gatherings of more than six people are now against the law in England as part of measures to the limit the spread of coronavirus .
Those who ignore the new measure face fines of up to £3,200 , which applies to both indoor and outdoor settings .
The prime minister 's advice is seemingly at odds with that of Home Secretary Priti @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would report breaches of COVID-19 restrictions by neighbours to the police .
She even suggested families who stopped to talk in the street could be breaking the new laws .
Live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates Speaking in an interview with The Sun on Thursday , Mr Johnson has urged people to speak with rule breakers before notifying the authorities .
He said : `` I have never much been in favour of sneak culture , myself .
`` What people should do in the first instance is obviously if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their friends and neighbours .
`` But I think what is reasonable for anyone to do is if they think there is a serious threat to public health as a result of their neighbours ' activities - if there is some huge kind of Animal House party taking place , as I am sure , hot tubs and so forth , and there is a serious threat to public health then it 's reasonable for the authorities to know . ''
Animal House is an American comedy which marked John Belushi 's film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales John Apter has said that police officers on the front line were `` trying to interpret '' the rules , which came into effect on Monday .
In response to a question about having `` more guidance '' on Good Morning Britain , he responded : `` Maybe we should have 'guidance ' , because we have n't had any yet . ''
Meanwhile , people in the North East are awaiting an announcement on Thursday on new restrictions which are expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a local lockdown will begin from 6pm in South Wales .

Boris Johnson has said members of the public should not report neighbours who breach the "rule of six" unless they are having "Animal House" parties with "hot tubs and so forth".
Gatherings of more than six people are now against the law in England as part of measures to the limit the spread of coronavirus.
Those who ignore the new measure face fines of up to £3,200, which applies to both indoor and outdoor settings.
The prime minister's advice is seemingly at odds with that of Home Secretary Priti Patel, who said on Tuesday she would report breaches of COVID-19 restrictions by neighbours to the police.
She even suggested families who stopped to talk in the street could be breaking the new laws.
Live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates
Speaking in an interview with The Sun on Thursday, Mr Johnson has urged people to speak with rule breakers before notifying the authorities.
He said: "I have never much been in favour of sneak culture, myself.
"What people should do in the first instance is obviously if they are concerned is raise it with their friends and neighbours.
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"But I think what is reasonable for anyone to do is if they think there is a serious threat to public health as a result of their neighbours' activities - if there is some huge kind of Animal House party taking place, as I am sure, hot tubs and so forth, and there is a serious threat to public health then it's reasonable for the authorities to know."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:52 Would you dob in your neighbour, Home Secretary?
Animal House is an American comedy which marked John Belushi's film debut as a hard-partying college fraternity member.
Chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales John Apter has said that police officers on the front line were "trying to interpret" the rules, which came into effect on Monday.
In response to a question about having "more guidance" on Good Morning Britain, he responded: "Maybe we should have 'guidance', because we haven't had any yet."
Meanwhile, people in the North East are awaiting an announcement on Thursday on new restrictions which are expected to come into effect from midnight, while a local lockdown will begin from 6pm in South Wales.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-18--'Circuit break': PM considering national restrictions on social lives to curb infections

Boris Johnson is considering the introduction of new national restrictions - possibly as soon as next week - as the prime minister races to try and get a handle on the spread of coronavirus .
With COVID-19 cases now doubling every seven to eight days , the government is looking at introducing nationwide restrictions for a short period to try to `` short-circuit '' the virus and slow the spread of the disease .
Live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates Government figures stressed the plans being drawn up stopped short of a full national lockdown , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country was told to `` stay at home '' .
Proposals being worked up for such a `` circuit break '' could see essential travel to schools and workplaces continuing , but restaurants and bars would shut - or perhaps run on restricted hours - and different households would be asked not to mix .
The restrictions could be put in place for two weeks , but the timing and duration of the measures has yet to be finalised .
It comes amid fears that daily coronavirus case numbers could , in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March and April if the government does n't take decisive action now and `` hammer down '' on the disease .
Professor Chris Whitty , England 's chief medical officer and Sir Patrick Vallance , the government 's chief scientific adviser , warned the prime minister at a meeting on Wednesday evening that the disease was now doubling every seven to eight days .
It is understood they warned the UK is now about six weeks behind France and Spain and in danger of seeing a substantial increase in the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left unchecked .
Matt Hancock , the health secretary , on Friday told Sky News that a national lockdown was the `` last line of defence '' .
Downing Street is reluctant to have to return such draconian measures , acutely aware of the damage it would do the economy and to public health in the longer term .
`` The PM is in a very difficult situation because it all rests on him , '' one senior minister said this week .
`` The instinct of the PM is that he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because if there is a spike , it falls on his shoulders .
I do feel for him . ''
The prime minister also met with Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Business Secretary Alok Sharma on Thursday morning to discuss the economic situation , amid anxiety in government over the looming spike in unemployment when the furlough scheme winds up in October .
The Treasury , along with many of Mr Johnson 's backbenchers and others in his Cabinet , is of the view that the country can not go back to a full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to avoid such a situation .
Coronavirus cases are rising across the UK with a further 3,395 confirmed infections and 21 deaths reported on Thursday .
According to the Financial Times , experts on the government 's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) and the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling ( SPI-M ) have suggested a new national lockdown .
This could coincide with the October school half-term in order to limit the impact on children 's education , the newspaper added .
Asked about the Financial Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' Kay Burley : `` The last line of defence is full national action and I do n't want to see that but we will do whatever is necessary to keep people safe in a very difficult pandemic . ''
He added : `` It is n't something that we ever take off the table but it is n't something that we want to see either , it is the last line of defence . ''
On Thursday , localised restrictions were introduced in northeast England , which means more than 10 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some form of local lockdown .
New restrictions covering the whole of Lancashire , with the exception of two thirds of the seaside resort of Blackpool , are expected to be announced on Friday .
Mr Hancock confirmed the government would be `` making further announcements '' on localised action later in the day .
`` We do have to recognise that the number of cases is rising and we do have to act because we know , especially from looking at other countries , that inexorably leads to more hospitalisations and sadly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` And that is what we want to minimise and we want to protect people 's livelihoods at the same time . ''
Pressed on how close the UK might be to a second national lockdown , the health secretary replied : `` Sometimes we ca n't say exactly what the future holds because we 're in a pandemic .
`` But I can give this hope , which is that if everybody follows the rule of six , if everyone follows self-isolation if they have tested positive or if they have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive , and if everybody in the local lockdown areas follows the rules near them , then we can control this virus together .
`` But only by the country pulling together . ''
: : Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Hancock pointed to the example of Belgium as offering `` hope '' for the UK , adding : `` They had a start of a second spike , quite similar to what we 've seen over the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took action and then it came down .
`` It came down because the country , once again , came together to tackle the virus .
`` In Belgium , for example , they introduced the rule of five , we 've introduced a rule of six . ''
Responding to the news the government is considering possible further national restrictions , Labour 's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said it `` clearly indicates that there is deep concern in government that we could be on the cusp of a deadly second spike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disappointed about is , months ago , we said to the government that unless you fix the testing regime , unless you put in effective contact-tracing and give people support so they can properly isolate , you 're at risk of seeing infections rise , '' he told Sky News ' All Out Politics show .
`` Now infections are rising , demand is increasing on the testing system - the testing system is effectively broken as far as I can tell .
`` When testing breaks down your tracing breaks down , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control of the virus .
`` And that is what is happening and I fear now we are heading into a very bleak winter unless they take some urgent action to fix testing and tracing . ''

Boris Johnson is considering the introduction of new national restrictions - possibly as soon as next week - as the prime minister races to try and get a handle on the spread of coronavirus.
With COVID-19 cases now doubling every seven to eight days, the government is looking at introducing nationwide restrictions for a short period to try to "short-circuit" the virus and slow the spread of the disease.
Live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates
Image: Boris Johnson is considering the introduction of new national restrictions
Government figures stressed the plans being drawn up stopped short of a full national lockdown, as seen in the spring, when the country was told to "stay at home".
Proposals being worked up for such a "circuit break" could see essential travel to schools and workplaces continuing, but restaurants and bars would shut - or perhaps run on restricted hours - and different households would be asked not to mix.
The restrictions could be put in place for two weeks, but the timing and duration of the measures has yet to be finalised.
It comes amid fears that daily coronavirus case numbers could, in a few weeks, hit the figures seen in March and April if the government doesn't take decisive action now and "hammer down" on the disease.
Professor Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer and Sir Patrick Vallance, the government's chief scientific adviser, warned the prime minister at a meeting on Wednesday evening that the disease was now doubling every seven to eight days.
It is understood they warned the UK is now about six weeks behind France and Spain and in danger of seeing a substantial increase in the number of cases by mid-October if the virus is left unchecked.
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Matt Hancock, the health secretary, on Friday told Sky News that a national lockdown was the "last line of defence".
Downing Street is reluctant to have to return such draconian measures, acutely aware of the damage it would do the economy and to public health in the longer term.
"The PM is in a very difficult situation because it all rests on him," one senior minister said this week.
"The instinct of the PM is that he has to keep this virus under control, because if there is a spike, it falls on his shoulders. I do feel for him."
The prime minister also met with Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Business Secretary Alok Sharma on Thursday morning to discuss the economic situation, amid anxiety in government over the looming spike in unemployment when the furlough scheme winds up in October.
The Treasury, along with many of Mr Johnson's backbenchers and others in his Cabinet, is of the view that the country cannot go back to a full lockdown and must exhaust all other options in order to avoid such a situation.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:39 People have been turned away from COVID-19 testing centres - despite having booked appointments.
Coronavirus cases are rising across the UK with a further 3,395 confirmed infections and 21 deaths reported on Thursday.
According to the Financial Times, experts on the government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) and the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling (SPI-M) have suggested a new national lockdown.
This could coincide with the October school half-term in order to limit the impact on children's education, the newspaper added.
Asked about the Financial Times report, Mr Hancock told Sky News' Kay Burley: "The last line of defence is full national action and I don't want to see that but we will do whatever is necessary to keep people safe in a very difficult pandemic."
He added: "It isn't something that we ever take off the table but it isn't something that we want to see either, it is the last line of defence."
On Thursday, localised restrictions were introduced in northeast England, which means more than 10 million people across the UK are now in some form of local lockdown.
New restrictions covering the whole of Lancashire, with the exception of two thirds of the seaside resort of Blackpool, are expected to be announced on Friday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:46 Baroness Dido Harding, head of the National Institute for Health Protection, says that access to testing must be prioritised.
Mr Hancock confirmed the government would be "making further announcements" on localised action later in the day.
"We do have to recognise that the number of cases is rising and we do have to act because we know, especially from looking at other countries, that inexorably leads to more hospitalisations and sadly more deaths," he said.
"And that is what we want to minimise and we want to protect people's livelihoods at the same time."
Pressed on how close the UK might be to a second national lockdown, the health secretary replied: "Sometimes we can't say exactly what the future holds because we're in a pandemic.
"But I can give this hope, which is that if everybody follows the rule of six, if everyone follows self-isolation if they have tested positive or if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, and if everybody in the local lockdown areas follows the rules near them, then we can control this virus together.
"But only by the country pulling together."
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:: Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Hancock pointed to the example of Belgium as offering "hope" for the UK, adding: "They had a start of a second spike, quite similar to what we've seen over the last few weeks here, and then they took action and then it came down.
"It came down because the country, once again, came together to tackle the virus.
"In Belgium, for example, they introduced the rule of five, we've introduced a rule of six."
Responding to the news the government is considering possible further national restrictions, Labour's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said it "clearly indicates that there is deep concern in government that we could be on the cusp of a deadly second spike".
"What I'm really disappointed about is, months ago, we said to the government that unless you fix the testing regime, unless you put in effective contact-tracing and give people support so they can properly isolate, you're at risk of seeing infections rise," he told Sky News' All Out Politics show.
"Now infections are rising, demand is increasing on the testing system - the testing system is effectively broken as far as I can tell.
"When testing breaks down your tracing breaks down, and when tracing breaks down you lose control of the virus.
"And that is what is happening and I fear now we are heading into a very bleak winter unless they take some urgent action to fix testing and tracing."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-18--New local lockdown rules announced in parts of North West, Midlands and West Yorkshire

Parts of the North West , West Yorkshire and the Midlands have been placed under further localised coronavirus restrictions .
The new measures , prompted by a fast rise in COVID-19 cases , have been confirmed by the Department for Health following consultation with local councils and MPs .
Live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates Lancashire , Merseyside , Warrington and Halton are now being classed as `` areas of intervention '' , and fresh restrictions will come into force in Wolverhampton , Oadby & Wigston , and parts of Bradford , Kirklees and Calderdale .
Regulations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but all are due to come into force from Tuesday .
In Merseyside , Warrington , Halton and Lancashire ( excluding Blackpool and Greater Manchester ) , the following restrictions will be enforced from Tuesday : • residents must not socialise with other people outside of their own households or support bubble in private homes and gardens • hospitality for food and drink will be restricted to table service only • late night operating hours will be restricted , with leisure and entertainment venues including restaurants , pubs , and cinemas , required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents are encouraged to only to use public transport for essential purposes , such as travelling to school or work • residents are being urged to avoid attending amateur and semi-professional sporting events as spectators .
These rules will not apply to Bolton or Greater Manchester , where separate restrictions are already in place .
In Wolverhampton and Oadby & Wigston , residents will be banned from Tuesday from socialising with other people outside their own households or support bubbles in private homes and gardens .
People who are shielding in Leicester will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 October .
All parts of Bradford , Kirklees and Calderdale will be banned from Tuesday from socialising with other people outside of their own households or support bubble in private homes and gardens .
Previously , some wards in these areas had been exempt from restrictions introduced at the start of August , but these exemptions will no longer apply .
People who are shielding in parts of North East Blackburn will no longer need to do so from 5 October .
The new restrictions in parts of the North West , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition to the nationwide `` rule of six '' restrictions introduced across England on Monday .
Elsewhere in England , Blaby has become an `` area of enhanced support '' on the government 's coronavirus watchlist , while Selby , Scarborough and Spelthorne in Surrey have been added as `` areas of concern '' .
However , Swindon , Breckland , Great Yarmouth , Norwich , Broadland , North Norfolk , South Norfolk and King 's Lynn and West Norfolk have been removed from the watchlist after an improvement in infection rates .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Health Secretary Matt Hancock said : `` We are seeing cases of coronavirus rise fast in Lancashire , Merseyside , West Yorkshire , Warrington , Halton and Wolverhampton .
`` Local leaders in these areas have asked for stronger restrictions to be put in place to protect local people , and we are acting decisively to support them .
`` I know these restrictions will make everyday life harder for many , but I know that residents will work together and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates of transmission .
`` I urge local people to isolate and get a test if you have symptoms , follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace , and always remember 'hands , face , space ' .
`` By sticking to these steps , we will get through this together . ''
The addition of new measures in the North West , Midlands and West Yorkshire will mean that , from Tuesday , one in five of the UK population - just under 13 million people - will be living under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the North East on Friday .
An average of 6,000 people in England per day were estimated to be newly infected with coronavirus during the first week of September , the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics revealed on Friday .
Mr Hancock earlier explained to Sky News the need for further government action in some areas , while he also did not rule out a second national lockdown as a `` last line of defence '' .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is considering the introduction of new national restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - but government figures stressed the plans being drawn up stopped short of a full national lockdown , as seen in the spring .

Parts of the North West, West Yorkshire and the Midlands have been placed under further localised coronavirus restrictions.
The new measures, prompted by a fast rise in COVID-19 cases, have been confirmed by the Department for Health following consultation with local councils and MPs.
Live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates
Lancashire, Merseyside, Warrington and Halton are now being classed as "areas of intervention", and fresh restrictions will come into force in Wolverhampton, Oadby & Wigston, and parts of Bradford, Kirklees and Calderdale.
Regulations and guidance differ between the areas, but all are due to come into force from Tuesday.
The North West
In Merseyside, Warrington, Halton and Lancashire (excluding Blackpool and Greater Manchester), the following restrictions will be enforced from Tuesday:
residents must not socialise with other people outside of their own households or support bubble in private homes and gardens
hospitality for food and drink will be restricted to table service only
late night operating hours will be restricted, with leisure and entertainment venues including restaurants, pubs, and cinemas, required to close between 10pm and 5am
residents are encouraged to only to use public transport for essential purposes, such as travelling to school or work
residents are being urged to avoid attending amateur and semi-professional sporting events as spectators.
These rules will not apply to Bolton or Greater Manchester, where separate restrictions are already in place.
Image: A 10pm curfew on pubs and restaurants will be imposed in parts of the North West
The Midlands
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In Wolverhampton and Oadby & Wigston, residents will be banned from Tuesday from socialising with other people outside their own households or support bubbles in private homes and gardens.
People who are shielding in Leicester will no longer need to do so from 5 October.
West Yorkshire
All parts of Bradford, Kirklees and Calderdale will be banned from Tuesday from socialising with other people outside of their own households or support bubble in private homes and gardens.
Previously, some wards in these areas had been exempt from restrictions introduced at the start of August, but these exemptions will no longer apply.
People who are shielding in parts of North East Blackburn will no longer need to do so from 5 October.
The new restrictions in parts of the North West, West Yorkshire and the Midlands are in addition to the nationwide "rule of six" restrictions introduced across England on Monday.
Elsewhere in England, Blaby has become an "area of enhanced support" on the government's coronavirus watchlist, while Selby, Scarborough and Spelthorne in Surrey have been added as "areas of concern".
However, Swindon, Breckland, Great Yarmouth, Norwich, Broadland, North Norfolk, South Norfolk and King's Lynn and West Norfolk have been removed from the watchlist after an improvement in infection rates.
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Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "We are seeing cases of coronavirus rise fast in Lancashire, Merseyside, West Yorkshire, Warrington, Halton and Wolverhampton.
"Local leaders in these areas have asked for stronger restrictions to be put in place to protect local people, and we are acting decisively to support them.
"I know these restrictions will make everyday life harder for many, but I know that residents will work together and respect the rules so we can reduce rates of transmission.
"I urge local people to isolate and get a test if you have symptoms, follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace, and always remember 'hands, face, space'.
"By sticking to these steps, we will get through this together."
The addition of new measures in the North West, Midlands and West Yorkshire will mean that, from Tuesday, one in five of the UK population - just under 13 million people - will be living under extra restrictions.
New COVID-19 restrictions began in the North East on Friday.
An average of 6,000 people in England per day were estimated to be newly infected with coronavirus during the first week of September, the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics revealed on Friday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 How close are we to a second national lockdown?
Mr Hancock earlier explained to Sky News the need for further government action in some areas, while he also did not rule out a second national lockdown as a "last line of defence".
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is considering the introduction of new national restrictions - possibly as soon as next week - but government figures stressed the plans being drawn up stopped short of a full national lockdown, as seen in the spring.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-17--UK travellers get government help to plan trips to EU in 2021

A government campaign aimed at helping British travellers prepare for Brexit changes is being launched today .
The information , published in print , online and on social media , explains the new rules coming into force for trips to the European Union from 1 January , after Britons voted to sever ties with the bloc in the 2016 referendum .
People are being warned they may not be allowed to visit most EU countries if their passport does not have both six months left until it expires and is less than 10 years old .
According to the guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer be valid , so holidaymakers should purchase `` appropriate travel insurance '' .
Travellers may also need international driving permits in some countries , while other warnings include the switch to a different process for taking pets abroad , which takes four months , and the end of the guarantee of free mobile phone roaming throughout the EU .
`` The campaign launching today will help British nationals prepare for visits to Europe by bringing together all the information they need to know in one place so they can plan in advance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Minister for the European neighbourhood , Wendy Morton said .
UK residents made 67 million visits to EU countries in 2019 , according to the Office for National Statistics .
: : Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mark Tanzer , chief executive of travel trade organisation ABTA , said : `` Europe is home to some of the most popular destinations for British holidaymakers .
`` Many people will be making plans for travelling to Europe next year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work with the UK government to make customers aware of any changes that will affect their travel arrangements . ''
Travellers are urged to visit gov.uk/transition to check what actions they may need to take before their trip .

A government campaign aimed at helping British travellers prepare for Brexit changes is being launched today.
The information, published in print, online and on social media, explains the new rules coming into force for trips to the European Union from 1 January, after Britons voted to sever ties with the bloc in the 2016 referendum.
People are being warned they may not be allowed to visit most EU countries if their passport does not have both six months left until it expires and is less than 10 years old.
Image: A poster for the new public information campaign
According to the guidance, European Health Insurance Cards may no longer be valid, so holidaymakers should purchase "appropriate travel insurance".
Travellers may also need international driving permits in some countries, while other warnings include the switch to a different process for taking pets abroad, which takes four months, and the end of the guarantee of free mobile phone roaming throughout the EU.
"The campaign launching today will help British nationals prepare for visits to Europe by bringing together all the information they need to know in one place so they can plan in advance and get on with their trip", the Minister for the European neighbourhood, Wendy Morton said.
UK residents made 67 million visits to EU countries in 2019, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Mark Tanzer, chief executive of travel trade organisation ABTA, said: "Europe is home to some of the most popular destinations for British holidaymakers.
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"Many people will be making plans for travelling to Europe next year, so ABTA and its members are keen to work with the UK government to make customers aware of any changes that will affect their travel arrangements."
Travellers are urged to visit gov.uk/transition to check what actions they may need to take before their trip.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-18--London mayor calls for business rates holiday extension over fears of tens of thousands of job losse

London mayor calls for business rates holiday extension over fears of tens of thousands of job losses

Sadiq Khan is calling for the government to extend the business rates holiday for another year as companies say reintroducing the rates would be the `` final blow '' for those already struggling during the pandemic .
Business rates for the retail , hospitality and leisure sectors have been halted in England until the new financial year starts next April .
The mayor of London , along with councils in the capital , have urged the rate holiday to be extended to 2021/22 over fears tens of thousands of jobs could be lost in the city .
`` Businesses across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 , '' Mr Khan said .
`` If the business rates holiday comes to an end , I worry any employers will have no choice but to make more people unemployed .
`` Many large retail , leisure and hospitality businesses - accounting for thousands of Londoners ' jobs - are taking important decisions for the next financial year right now , so certainty over the business rates holiday is needed urgently . ''
The London mayor also called for an extension to the business rates holiday for childcare providers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in allowing Londoners to return to work .
The New West End Company , representing 600 businesses in the capital 's shopping district , said reintroducing business rates next April would be the `` final blow '' .
`` The result will be more business closures and potentially 50,000 job losses , severely diminishing London 's appeal to visitors , investors and global talent , '' said chief executive Jace Tyrrell .
`` We appreciate the support that the government has given to businesses so far but it is clear that the impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer than originally anticipated . ''
Mr Khan and London Councils , which represents the capital 's 32 borough councils and the City of London , also want to see reforms to the system as a whole - including devolving the power to set business rates and making the system easier to understand .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Councillor Clare Coghill , London Councils ' executive member for Business , Europe and Good Growth , said many businesses are `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 '' .
`` Ending the business rates holiday too soon will destabilise too many companies , leading to closures , job losses and a shrinking economy both in London and across the rest of the country , '' she said .

Sadiq Khan is calling for the government to extend the business rates holiday for another year as companies say reintroducing the rates would be the "final blow" for those already struggling during the pandemic.
Business rates for the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors have been halted in England until the new financial year starts next April.
The mayor of London, along with councils in the capital, have urged the rate holiday to be extended to 2021/22 over fears tens of thousands of jobs could be lost in the city.
"Businesses across London continue to struggle from the impact of COVID-19," Mr Khan said.
"If the business rates holiday comes to an end, I worry any employers will have no choice but to make more people unemployed.
"Many large retail, leisure and hospitality businesses - accounting for thousands of Londoners' jobs - are taking important decisions for the next financial year right now, so certainty over the business rates holiday is needed urgently."
The London mayor also called for an extension to the business rates holiday for childcare providers, which he said were "crucial" in allowing Londoners to return to work.
The New West End Company, representing 600 businesses in the capital's shopping district, said reintroducing business rates next April would be the "final blow".
"The result will be more business closures and potentially 50,000 job losses, severely diminishing London's appeal to visitors, investors and global talent," said chief executive Jace Tyrrell.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:04 UK unemployment rises to 4.1%
"We appreciate the support that the government has given to businesses so far but it is clear that the impact of COVID-19 is going to last much longer than originally anticipated."
Mr Khan and London Councils, which represents the capital's 32 borough councils and the City of London, also want to see reforms to the system as a whole - including devolving the power to set business rates and making the system easier to understand.
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Councillor Clare Coghill, London Councils' executive member for Business, Europe and Good Growth, said many businesses are "still reeling from the long-term impacts of COVID-19".
"Ending the business rates holiday too soon will destabilise too many companies, leading to closures, job losses and a shrinking economy both in London and across the rest of the country," she said.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-18--'Circuit break': PM says he does not want another lockdown - but that second wave 'is coming'

Boris Johnson has said he does not want to put the country in another national lockdown but warned the government may need to `` intensify things to help bring the rate of infections down '' .
He added : `` We 're now seeing a second wave coming in ... clearly we are going to keep everything under review . ''
Calling the second wave `` inevitable '' , he said : `` I do n't want to get to a second national lockdown at all . ''
But he also said : `` As the disease progresses , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take further measures . ''
His comments came as new confirmed daily cases of coronavirus hit 4,322 - the highest since 8 May - and another 27 deaths were recorded .
The R number , which shows the spread of the virus , is now between 1.1 and 1.4 .
With COVID-19 cases now doubling every seven to eight days , the government is looking at introducing nationwide restrictions for a short period to try to `` short-circuit '' the virus and slow the spread of the disease .
Huge swathes of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Midlands and the North East have been placed under further localised coronavirus restrictions .
The mayor of London Sadiq Khan has said the capital is `` increasingly likely '' to be subject to additional restrictions .
But government figures have stressed the plans being drawn up stop short of a full national lockdown , as seen in the spring , when the country was told to `` stay at home '' .
Proposals being worked up for such a `` circuit break '' could see essential travel to schools and workplaces continuing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or perhaps run on restricted hours - and different households would be asked not to mix at all .
The restrictions could be put in place for two weeks , but the timing and duration of the measures has yet to be finalised .
There has been speculation of such a lockdown taking place around the time of school half term in October .
Mr Johnson 's message to parents and teachers was : `` We want to keep the schools open ... as far as we possibly can . ''
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the prime minister to hold a COBRA meeting .
`` He now needs to take swift and decisive action at a national level to deal with this - he ca n't afford to be slow .
`` If the prime minister was to take action , the Labour party will support it and do what we can . ''
Fears are growing that daily coronavirus case numbers could , in a few weeks , hit the figures seen in March and April if the government does not take decisive action now and `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Professor Chris Whitty , England 's chief medical officer and Sir Patrick Vallance , the government 's chief scientific adviser , warned the prime minister at a meeting on Wednesday evening that the disease was now doubling every seven to eight days .
It is understood they warned the UK is now about six weeks behind France and Spain and in danger of seeing a substantial increase in the number of cases by mid-October if the virus is left unchecked .
Matt Hancock , the health secretary , has told Sky News that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line of defence '' .
Downing Street is reluctant to have to return such draconian measures , acutely aware of the damage it would do the economy and to public health in the longer term .
`` The PM is in a very difficult situation because it all rests on him , '' one senior minister said this week .
`` The instinct of the PM is that he has to keep this virus under control , because if there is a spike , it falls on his shoulders .
I do feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also met with Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Business Secretary Alok Sharma on Thursday morning to discuss the economic situation , amid anxiety in government over the looming spike in unemployment when the furlough scheme winds up next month .
The Treasury , along with many of Mr Johnson 's backbenchers and others in his Cabinet , is of the view that the country can not go back to a full lockdown and must exhaust all other options in order to avoid such a situation .
Asked about a report in the Financial Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to impose a new national lockdown , Mr Hancock told Sky News ' Kay Burley : `` The last line of defence is full national action and I do n't want to see that but we will do whatever is necessary to keep people safe in a very difficult pandemic . ''
He added : `` It is n't something that we ever take off the table but it is n't something that we want to see either , it is the last line of defence . ''
Pressed on how close the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown , the health secretary replied : `` Sometimes we ca n't say exactly what the future holds because we 're in a pandemic .
`` But I can give this hope , which is that if everybody follows the rule of six , if everyone follows self-isolation if they have tested positive or if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive , and if everybody in the local lockdown areas follows the rules near them , then we can control this virus together .
`` But only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : : Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Hancock pointed to the example of Belgium as offering `` hope '' for the UK , adding : `` They had a start of a second spike , quite similar to what we 've seen over the last few weeks here , and then they took action and then it came down .
`` It came down because the country , once again , came together to tackle the virus . ''

Boris Johnson has said he does not want to put the country in another national lockdown but warned the government may need to "intensify things to help bring the rate of infections down".
He added: "We're now seeing a second wave coming in... clearly we are going to keep everything under review."
Calling the second wave "inevitable", he said: "I don't want to get to a second national lockdown at all."
But he also said: "As the disease progresses, of course we're going to have to take further measures."
His comments came as new confirmed daily cases of coronavirus hit 4,322 - the highest since 8 May - and another 27 deaths were recorded. The R number, which shows the spread of the virus, is now between 1.1 and 1.4.
With COVID-19 cases now doubling every seven to eight days, the government is looking at introducing nationwide restrictions for a short period to try to "short-circuit" the virus and slow the spread of the disease.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 16:33 Health Secretary Matt Hancock says
Huge swathes of the North West, West Yorkshire, the Midlands and the North East have been placed under further localised coronavirus restrictions.
The mayor of London Sadiq Khan has said the capital is "increasingly likely" to be subject to additional restrictions.
But government figures have stressed the plans being drawn up stop short of a full national lockdown, as seen in the spring, when the country was told to "stay at home".
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Proposals being worked up for such a "circuit break" could see essential travel to schools and workplaces continuing, but restaurants and bars would shut - or perhaps run on restricted hours - and different households would be asked not to mix at all.
The restrictions could be put in place for two weeks, but the timing and duration of the measures has yet to be finalised. There has been speculation of such a lockdown taking place around the time of school half term in October.
Mr Johnson's message to parents and teachers was: "We want to keep the schools open... as far as we possibly can."
Meanwhile, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called on the prime minister to hold a COBRA meeting.
"He now needs to take swift and decisive action at a national level to deal with this - he can't afford to be slow.
"If the prime minister was to take action, the Labour party will support it and do what we can."
Image: Case trajectories, with UK, France and Spain
Image: The rate of cases per 100,000 across Spain, France and the UK
Fears are growing that daily coronavirus case numbers could, in a few weeks, hit the figures seen in March and April if the government does not take decisive action now and "hammer down" on the disease.
Professor Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer and Sir Patrick Vallance, the government's chief scientific adviser, warned the prime minister at a meeting on Wednesday evening that the disease was now doubling every seven to eight days.
It is understood they warned the UK is now about six weeks behind France and Spain and in danger of seeing a substantial increase in the number of cases by mid-October if the virus is left unchecked.
Matt Hancock, the health secretary, has told Sky News that a national lockdown was the "last line of defence".
Downing Street is reluctant to have to return such draconian measures, acutely aware of the damage it would do the economy and to public health in the longer term.
"The PM is in a very difficult situation because it all rests on him," one senior minister said this week.
"The instinct of the PM is that he has to keep this virus under control, because if there is a spike, it falls on his shoulders. I do feel for him."
The prime minister also met with Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Business Secretary Alok Sharma on Thursday morning to discuss the economic situation, amid anxiety in government over the looming spike in unemployment when the furlough scheme winds up next month.
The Treasury, along with many of Mr Johnson's backbenchers and others in his Cabinet, is of the view that the country cannot go back to a full lockdown and must exhaust all other options in order to avoid such a situation.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:39 COVID-19 test centres: 'The system is shocking'
Asked about a report in the Financial Times, claiming the government had been advised to impose a new national lockdown, Mr Hancock told Sky News' Kay Burley: "The last line of defence is full national action and I don't want to see that but we will do whatever is necessary to keep people safe in a very difficult pandemic."
He added: "It isn't something that we ever take off the table but it isn't something that we want to see either, it is the last line of defence."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:46 'Access to testing must be prioritised'
Pressed on how close the UK might be to a second national lockdown, the health secretary replied: "Sometimes we can't say exactly what the future holds because we're in a pandemic.
"But I can give this hope, which is that if everybody follows the rule of six, if everyone follows self-isolation if they have tested positive or if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, and if everybody in the local lockdown areas follows the rules near them, then we can control this virus together.
"But only by the country pulling together."
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:: Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Hancock pointed to the example of Belgium as offering "hope" for the UK, adding: "They had a start of a second spike, quite similar to what we've seen over the last few weeks here, and then they took action and then it came down.
"It came down because the country, once again, came together to tackle the virus."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-18--Labour to hold party conference 'with a difference'

Labour is this weekend staging a party conference with a difference .
There will be no overcrowded trains to the seaside or big city , no warm white wine receptions or heaving hotel bars in the early hours - instead , an online event with speeches by video link .
Because of coronavirus , the party is holding Labour Connected , a four-day digital get-together for party activists , unions and political geeks .
There will , however , be speeches from Labour 's top team , including leader Sir Keir Starmer , deputy Angela Rayner , shadow chancellor Anneliese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We will not have anyone physically there and therefore it will all be done virtually , '' said Sir Keir , who will say a few words at the start and make his big keynote speech on Tuesday morning .
`` So this is a feature of my leadership of the Labour Party .
I am yet to make a speech to an audience , because of the restrictions that are in place .
I hope it will be different by next year . ''
Former prime minister Gordon Brown will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy , German Finance Minister Olaf Schultz , TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady and - by video link - New Zealand 's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern .
Labour says currently more than twice as many people have signed up for Labour Connected than would be able to participate at a normal annual conference in Brighton , Manchester or Liverpool .
Just like a traditional conference , there will be 24 training sessions , 10 policy panels with breakout sessions , two rallies , `` member mobilisation events '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though obviously not in a pub .
The first rally , The Road to May 2021 Elections , will be addressed by several local government leaders , including London mayor Sadiq Khan .
The second , a Keyworkers Rally , will feature Labour 's health team of Jonathan Ashworth and Rosena Allin-Khan .
More than 100 speakers , activists and trade union delegates will be taking part in the main sessions .
And it would not be a party conference without fringe meetings and a commercial exhibition area , so there will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a daily business forum .
Ahead of the online event , Labour 's deputy leader - who speaks on Sunday - says the party is offering the country the new leadership it needs at this time of national crisis .
`` Over the next four days , the Labour Party will show what we can achieve with a new leadership for our party and for our country , '' said Ms Rayner .
`` We will act in the best interests of the British people , and in our shared mission to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will call this failing Conservative government out for its serial incompetence that is holding Britain back .
`` We know that we have a mountain to climb to win the next election , but we are determined to climb it .
We must - and we will - restore the British people 's trust in Labour as a party of government . ''
Paying tribute to key workers during the pandemic , Ms Rayner added : `` This crisis showed us that the people our economy and our country can not survive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The NHS and social care staff who 've put their lives on the line to save others .
The posties , the bus drivers , the shop workers , the delivery drivers and so many others who have kept us all cared for , fed and connected .
`` Your service , your sacrifice and your bravery will never be forgotten .
Our whole country owes you an enormous debt of gratitude .
`` After all the sacrifice and hardship , we ca n't go back to business as usual '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker She added : `` The coronavirus crisis has changed everything for all of us , for our country and for our party .
But our values have n't changed .
`` And it is those values of fairness , compassion , that are seeing our country through this crisis .
`` These are our values , Labour values , and they must be the foundation of our country 's recovery .
`` Out of this crisis , we can build a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .

Labour is this weekend staging a party conference with a difference.
There will be no overcrowded trains to the seaside or big city, no warm white wine receptions or heaving hotel bars in the early hours - instead, an online event with speeches by video link.
Because of coronavirus, the party is holding Labour Connected, a four-day digital get-together for party activists, unions and political geeks.
Image: Sir Keir Starmer will make his big keynote speech on Tuesday
There will, however, be speeches from Labour's top team, including leader Sir Keir Starmer, deputy Angela Rayner, shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds and shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds.
"We will not have anyone physically there and therefore it will all be done virtually," said Sir Keir, who will say a few words at the start and make his big keynote speech on Tuesday morning.
"So this is a feature of my leadership of the Labour Party. I am yet to make a speech to an audience, because of the restrictions that are in place. I hope it will be different by next year."
Former prime minister Gordon Brown will be on an international panel on Tuesday including shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy, German Finance Minister Olaf Schultz, TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady and - by video link - New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Labour says currently more than twice as many people have signed up for Labour Connected than would be able to participate at a normal annual conference in Brighton, Manchester or Liverpool.
Just like a traditional conference, there will be 24 training sessions, 10 policy panels with breakout sessions, two rallies, "member mobilisation events" and - always popular - a quiz, though obviously not in a pub.
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Image: Former PM Gordon Brown will be among those at the virtual event
The first rally, The Road to May 2021 Elections, will be addressed by several local government leaders, including London mayor Sadiq Khan.
The second, a Keyworkers Rally, will feature Labour's health team of Jonathan Ashworth and Rosena Allin-Khan.
More than 100 speakers, activists and trade union delegates will be taking part in the main sessions. And it would not be a party conference without fringe meetings and a commercial exhibition area, so there will be 100 fringes, a virtual expo and a daily business forum.
Ahead of the online event, Labour's deputy leader - who speaks on Sunday - says the party is offering the country the new leadership it needs at this time of national crisis.
"Over the next four days, the Labour Party will show what we can achieve with a new leadership for our party and for our country," said Ms Rayner.
Image: Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner will speak on Sunday
"We will act in the best interests of the British people, and in our shared mission to defeat this terrible virus.
"And we will call this failing Conservative government out for its serial incompetence that is holding Britain back.
"We know that we have a mountain to climb to win the next election, but we are determined to climb it. We must - and we will - restore the British people's trust in Labour as a party of government."
Paying tribute to key workers during the pandemic, Ms Rayner added: "This crisis showed us that the people our economy and our country cannot survive without, are our key workers.
"The NHS and social care staff who've put their lives on the line to save others. The posties, the bus drivers, the shop workers, the delivery drivers and so many others who have kept us all cared for, fed and connected.
"Your service, your sacrifice and your bravery will never be forgotten. Our whole country owes you an enormous debt of gratitude.
"After all the sacrifice and hardship, we can't go back to business as usual".
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
She added: "The coronavirus crisis has changed everything for all of us, for our country and for our party. But our values haven't changed.
"And it is those values of fairness, compassion, that are seeing our country through this crisis.
"These are our values, Labour values, and they must be the foundation of our country's recovery.
"Out of this crisis, we can build a better, fairer, more equal society".