skynewspolitics--2020-04-17--Govt reveals five things that need to happen before lockdown is lifted

The UK 's coronavirus lockdown will remain in place for at least another three weeks , with the government outlining the conditions for easing restrictions .
Although Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said there is light at the end of the tunnel , he warned the country remains `` at a delicate and dangerous stage of this pandemic '' .
Amid growing pressure to reveal details of an exit plan , Mr Raab revealed there are five factors that the government `` must be satisfied of '' before measures can be relaxed .
They are : • Confidence that the NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specialist treatment across the UK • The need to see a sustained and consistent fall in the daily death rate to be confident we are beyond the peak • Reliable data from SAGE that the infection rate has decreased to manageable levels • Testing capacity and PPE is in hand to meet supply for future demand • Not risk a second peak of infection that overwhelms the NHS Standing in for Prime Minister Boris Johnson at Downing Street 's daily coronavirus news briefing , Mr Raab said that experts had warned relaxing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both public health and the economy '' - and undo the progress made so far .
The extension takes the lockdown to at least 7 May , and Mr Raab hinted it would likely go further .
He added : `` We 've come too far , lost too many loved ones and sacrificed too much to let up now - especially when we are now beginning to see that our efforts are paying off . ''
On Thursday , the total number of COVID-19 patients who have died in UK hospitals exceeded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There have now been 103,093 positive tests for the illness nationwide .
The UK remains a few weeks behind other European countries badly hit by the coronavirus pandemic , with Italy and Spain beginning to slightly ease some restrictions following consistent daily falls in their infection and death rates .
Over in the US , Donald Trump has unveiled a three-phase plan to help the US return to normal , with one in seven American workers now unemployed .
While the lockdown has seen the rate of infection drop significantly in Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` issues with the virus spreading in some hospitals and care homes '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Later today , Health Secretary Matt Hancock will face questions from MPs over the government 's coronavirus response .
He is expected to face scrutiny over the provision of personal protective equipment and the UK 's exit strategy , with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer claiming that Mr Raab has been `` reluctant '' to set out a timeline without Boris Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sadiq Khan has said wearing face masks on public transport should be made compulsory in the capital .
In a letter to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps , Mr Khan expressed fears that the UK is `` lagging behind the international community on this issue '' .
He wrote : `` The latest scientific evidence shows that they can reduce the chances of an individual unknowingly infecting other people with COVID-19 and can therefore help to slow the spread of the virus .
`` This is consistent with the advice from the World Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in other cities and countries around the world , many of whom have made wearing a face covering , especially when it is not possible to socially distance , a requirement before lifting lockdown . ''

The UK's coronavirus lockdown will remain in place for at least another three weeks, with the government outlining the conditions for easing restrictions.
Although Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said there is light at the end of the tunnel, he warned the country remains "at a delicate and dangerous stage of this pandemic".
Image: The extension takes the lockdown to at least 7 May, and Mr Raab hinted it would likely go further
Amid growing pressure to reveal details of an exit plan, Mr Raab revealed there are five factors that the government "must be satisfied of" before measures can be relaxed. They are:
Confidence that the NHS can still provide sufficient critical care and specialist treatment across the UK
The need to see a sustained and consistent fall in the daily death rate to be confident we are beyond the peak
Reliable data from SAGE that the infection rate has decreased to manageable levels
Testing capacity and PPE is in hand to meet supply for future demand
Not risk a second peak of infection that overwhelms the NHS
Standing in for Prime Minister Boris Johnson at Downing Street's daily coronavirus news briefing, Mr Raab said that experts had warned relaxing the lockdown now would "risk damage to both public health and the economy" - and undo the progress made so far.
The extension takes the lockdown to at least 7 May, and Mr Raab hinted it would likely go further.
He added: "We've come too far, lost too many loved ones and sacrificed too much to let up now - especially when we are now beginning to see that our efforts are paying off."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 UK lockdown: Could public patience run out?
On Thursday, the total number of COVID-19 patients who have died in UK hospitals exceeded 13,000 after another 861 deaths were confirmed.
There have now been 103,093 positive tests for the illness nationwide.
The UK remains a few weeks behind other European countries badly hit by the coronavirus pandemic, with Italy and Spain beginning to slightly ease some restrictions following consistent daily falls in their infection and death rates.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 Britain applauds its NHS heroes
Over in the US, Donald Trump has unveiled a three-phase plan to help the US return to normal, with one in seven American workers now unemployed.
While the lockdown has seen the rate of infection drop significantly in Britain, Mr Raab warned there were still "issues with the virus spreading in some hospitals and care homes".
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Later today, Health Secretary Matt Hancock will face questions from MPs over the government's coronavirus response.
He is expected to face scrutiny over the provision of personal protective equipment and the UK's exit strategy, with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer claiming that Mr Raab has been "reluctant" to set out a timeline without Boris Johnson's approval.
Meanwhile, London Mayor Sadiq Khan has said wearing face masks on public transport should be made compulsory in the capital.
In a letter to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, Mr Khan expressed fears that the UK is "lagging behind the international community on this issue".
He wrote: "The latest scientific evidence shows that they can reduce the chances of an individual unknowingly infecting other people with COVID-19 and can therefore help to slow the spread of the virus.
"This is consistent with the advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and with actions in other cities and countries around the world, many of whom have made wearing a face covering, especially when it is not possible to socially distance, a requirement before lifting lockdown."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-16--Wearing masks could help stop spread of coronavirus - transport sec

Wearing masks to avoid spreading COVID-19 might have some advantages , the transport secretary has said .
Grant Shapps explained the policy was under review by the government 's chief science advisers and cautioned the face coverings may even be `` disadvantageous '' if worn wrongly .
He has been urged by the mayor of London to make wearing masks on public transport in the capital compulsory to stop the outbreak of coronavirus , which has so far seen 13,729 die in the UK .
Sadiq Khan told Sky News that `` although it may not stop you catching the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop you passing on the virus if you 're pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic '' .
`` Where this is really helpful is in stopping the virus spreading in a place where you ca n't keep your social distance . ''
He said the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in the US , chief public health officer in Canada and countries like Germany , Austria , Czech Republic , Mumbai , China and South Korea are all advising people to wear masks .
`` What I 'm not advocating for is for precious personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NHS or care services , '' he cautioned .
London has been the worst hit region for coronavirus-related deaths , with all travelers to be told to board buses through the middle doors to protect drivers ' safety after at least nine of them died .
Public Health England has emphasised the importance of masks for doctors and nurses treating patients with the coronavirus , but it has not suggested widespread public usage .
However , the government 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said on Monday that the UK 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would change if the scientific evidence warranted it .
Mr Shapps also told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast : `` It looks like the advantages might be marginal - there can even be times when it 's disadvantageous if they 're not used properly .
`` We must be guided by the science in defeating this virus at every stage . ''
The WHO has said people should only wear masks if they display symptoms of COVID-19 or are taking care of someone who does .
But it has also said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not enough to protect people from the virus , emphasising the importance of other preventative measures like hand washing as well .
While there is no conclusive evidence to say that masks can stop people from contracting COVID-19 , it is accepted that they can block transmission to others .
In April , a study in Nature Medicine suggested surgical masks could help prevent infected people from making others sick with seasonal viruses , including coronaviruses .
Jeremy Howard , a University of San Francisco research scientist and founder of the # Masks4All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 other experts from around the globe and discovered `` substantial evidence in favour of widespread mask use to reduce community transmission '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Health Secretary Matt Hancock also revealed on Friday the government initially considered only locking down London , but ministers decided it was better the measures be rolled out `` across the country as a whole '' .
`` And that 's for two reasons , '' he told a Commons committee .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ put a lockdown in one part of the country , then there 's still travel from there to the rest of the country , so it is n't as easy as that .
`` And the second reason is that actually one of the really strong things that 's come through this crisis is that the country is acting in lockstep . ''

Wearing masks to avoid spreading COVID-19 might have some advantages, the transport secretary has said.
Grant Shapps explained the policy was under review by the government's chief science advisers and cautioned the face coverings may even be "disadvantageous" if worn wrongly.
He has been urged by the mayor of London to make wearing masks on public transport in the capital compulsory to stop the outbreak of coronavirus.
Image: Mr Khan said the move would protect staff as well as passengers
Sadiq Khan told Sky News that "although it may not stop you catching the virus, what it does do is stop you passing on the virus if you're pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic".
"Where this is really helpful is in stopping the virus spreading in a place where you can't keep your social distance."
He said the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in the US, chief public health officer in Canada and countries like Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Mumbai, China and South Korea are all advising people to wear masks.
"What I'm not advocating for is for precious personal protective equipment to be diverted away from the NHS or care services," he cautioned.
London has been the worst hit region for coronavirus-related deaths, with all travelers to be told to board buses through the middle doors to protect drivers' safety after at least nine of them died.
Public Health England has emphasised the importance of masks for doctors and nurses treating patients with the coronavirus, but it has not suggested widespread public usage.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:27 'We're making transport safe for key worker heroes'
However, the government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said on Monday that the UK's position on masks was under review and would change if the scientific evidence warranted it.
Mr Shapps also told Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast: "It looks like the advantages might be marginal - there can even be times when it's disadvantageous if they're not used properly.
"We must be guided by the science in defeating this virus at every stage."
The WHO has said people should only wear masks if they display symptoms of COVID-19 or are taking care of someone who does.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:30 Inside one of London's worst-hit hospitals
But it has also said that a mask on its own is not enough to protect people from the virus, emphasising the importance of other preventative measures like hand washing as well.
While there is no conclusive evidence to say that masks can stop people from contracting COVID-19, it is accepted that they can block transmission to others.
Image: Public Health England has not suggested widespread public usage of face masks
In April, a study in Nature Medicine suggested surgical masks could help prevent infected people from making others sick with seasonal viruses, including coronaviruses.
Jeremy Howard, a University of San Francisco research scientist and founder of the #Masks4All campaign, led a review panel with 18 other experts from around the globe and discovered "substantial evidence in favour of widespread mask use to reduce community transmission".
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Health Secretary Matt Hancock also revealed on Friday the government initially considered only locking down London, but ministers decided it was better the measures be rolled out "across the country as a whole".
"And that's for two reasons," he told a Commons committee.
"The first is that if you put a lockdown in one part of the country, then there's still travel from there to the rest of the country, so it isn't as easy as that.
"And the second reason is that actually one of the really strong things that's come through this crisis is that the country is acting in lockstep."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-16--Coronavirus lifeline extended to more large firms facing ruin

More large businesses will be able to apply for financial support from the government after a loophole left many facing ruin because of coronavirus paralysing the economy .
Announcing the move , Rishi Sunak said the government wanted to ensure that `` no viable business slips through our safety net of support as we help protect jobs and the economy '' during the coronavirus outbreak .
Sky 's city editor Mark Kleinman reported at the weekend that ministers were preparing to overhaul the emergency loan programme for bigger firms whose future has been put at risk of collapse by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Treasury change , all companies with revenue of more than £45m will be able to apply for the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme when it launches on Monday .
Previously , the scheme excluded companies with revenue of more than £500m because the government had hoped they would be covered by a separate Bank of England programme .
But that scheme only assists companies that have an investment-grade credit rating , or the equivalent in terms of financial health .
As a result , many viable large firms were excluded from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expanded scheme is part of a £330bn loan guarantee programme announced by the chancellor last month , aimed at reducing the damage to the UK economy .
A survey this week from the Office for National Statistics showed 25 % of businesses had temporarily closed or halted trading since the lockdown .
Mr Sunak said : `` I want to ensure that no viable business slips through our safety net of support as we help protect jobs and the economy .
That is why we are expanding this generous scheme for larger firms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we 'll continue to work with the financial services sector to ensure that our £330bn of government support , through loans and guarantees , reaches as many businesses in need as possible . ''
Business Secretary Alok Sharma said expanding the scheme would `` provide larger firms with the support they need during the pandemic , helping to provide job security to thousands of people and protect our economy '' .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Keith Morgan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said : `` The new Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme focuses on a relatively narrow area of the market , but one that is vitally important to the UK economy .
`` More finance for viable mid-sized and larger firms will help them protect jobs and be in a better position to resume normal business when the current pandemic subsides . ''
With the news that the UK 's COVID-19 lockdown will continue for at least another three weeks , businesses will be eager to make sure they can stay solvent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ semblance of normality .

More large businesses will be able to apply for financial support from the government after a loophole left many facing ruin because of coronavirus paralysing the economy.
Announcing the move, Rishi Sunak said the government wanted to ensure that "no viable business slips through our safety net of support as we help protect jobs and the economy" during the coronavirus outbreak.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 UK lockdown: Could public patience run out?
Sky's city editor Mark Kleinman reported at the weekend that ministers were preparing to overhaul the emergency loan programme for bigger firms whose future has been put at risk of collapse by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a result of the Treasury change, all companies with revenue of more than £45m will be able to apply for the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme when it launches on Monday.
Previously, the scheme excluded companies with revenue of more than £500m because the government had hoped
they would be covered by a separate Bank of England programme.
But that scheme only assists companies that have an investment-grade credit rating, or the equivalent in terms of
financial health.
As a result, many viable large firms were excluded from the government's financial support.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:08 Raab announces UK lockdown extension
The expanded scheme is part of a £330bn loan guarantee programme announced by the chancellor last month, aimed at reducing the damage to the UK economy.
A survey this week from the Office for National Statistics showed 25% of businesses had temporarily closed or halted
trading since the lockdown.
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Mr Sunak said: "I want to ensure that no viable business slips through our safety net of support as we help protect jobs and the economy. That is why we are expanding this generous scheme for larger firms.
"This is a national effort and we'll continue to work with the financial services sector to ensure that our £330bn of government support, through loans and guarantees, reaches as many businesses in need as possible."
Business Secretary Alok Sharma said expanding the scheme would "provide larger firms with the support they need during the pandemic, helping to provide job security to thousands of people and protect our economy".
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Keith Morgan, chief executive of British Business Bank, said: "The new Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme focuses on a relatively narrow area of the market, but one that is vitally important to the UK economy.
"More finance for viable mid-sized and larger firms will help them protect jobs and be in a better position to resume normal business when the current pandemic subsides."
With the news that the UK's COVID-19 lockdown will continue for at least another three weeks, businesses will be eager to make sure they can stay solvent until the economy gets back to a semblance of normality.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-17--Government scheme to pay 80% of firms' wages extended until end of June

The multi-billion-pound government scheme to try to protect millions of UK jobs has been extended by a month .
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme pays businesses grants covering up to 80 % of any employee 's wage ( with a £2,500 limit ) if they keep hold of staff during the lockdown .
It was originally open for three months and backdated to 1 March , but after social distancing measures were extended for another three weeks Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the scheme would run until the end of June .
Mr Sunak said : `` We 've taken unprecedented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this period of uncertainty , including the UK-wide Job Retention Scheme .
`` With the extension of the coronavirus lockdown measures yesterday , it is the right decision to extend the furlough scheme for a month to the end of June to provide clarity .
`` It is vital for people 's livelihoods that the UK economy gets up and running again when it is safe to do so , and I will continue to review the scheme so it is supporting our recovery . ''
The programme has already seen massive take-up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would use it to subsidise the income of more than 30,000 employees .
Sky News reported earlier this week that ministers were under pressure to extend the scheme amid warnings that employers were on the brink of making massive permanent layoffs .
Figures published recently by the British Chambers of Commerce and the Resolution Foundation think tank suggested that as many as 10 million people would be placed on furlough .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Sunak previously said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a success '' - with the initial three-month cost forecast to be as high as £40bn .
But there have been concerns over how long it is taking for some firms - who urgently need to pay wages - to access the money .
The Confederation of British Industry said on Thursday : `` It 's vital that the Job Retention Scheme starts delivering cash to struggling companies next week , as HMRC is working hard to achieve . ''
The Treasury said decisions on the future of the scheme after June would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce the spread of coronavirus '' as well as responsible management of public finances .

The multi-billion-pound government scheme to try to protect millions of UK jobs has been extended by a month.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme pays businesses grants covering up to 80% of any employee's wage (with a £2,500 limit) if they keep hold of staff during the lockdown.
It was originally open for three months and backdated to 1 March, but after social distancing measures were extended for another three weeks Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the scheme would run until the end of June.
Mr Sunak said: "We've taken unprecedented action to support jobs and businesses through this period of uncertainty, including the UK-wide Job Retention Scheme.
"With the extension of the coronavirus lockdown measures yesterday, it is the right decision to extend the furlough scheme for a month to the end of June to provide clarity.
"It is vital for people's livelihoods that the UK economy gets up and running again when it is safe to do so, and I will continue to review the scheme so it is supporting our recovery."
The programme has already seen massive take-up, with British Airways recently announcing that it would use it to subsidise the income of more than 30,000 employees.
Sky News reported earlier this week that ministers were under pressure to extend the scheme amid warnings that employers were on the brink of making massive permanent layoffs.
Figures published recently by the British Chambers of Commerce and the Resolution Foundation think tank suggested that as many as 10 million people would be placed on furlough.
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Mr Sunak previously said he would view large-scale take-up as "a success" - with the initial three-month cost forecast to be as high as £40bn.
But there have been concerns over how long it is taking for some firms - who urgently need to pay wages - to access the money.
The Confederation of British Industry said on Thursday: "It's vital that the Job Retention Scheme starts delivering cash to struggling companies next week, as HMRC is working hard to achieve."
The Treasury said decisions on the future of the scheme after June would take into account "wider measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus" as well as responsible management of public finances.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-18--COVID-19 early release scheme halted after prisoners let out too early

A programme to free prisoners early to help jails cope with coronavirus has been paused after six inmates were released by mistake .
The offenders were candidates for early release but were let out too soon after an `` administrative error '' .
After the error was spotted , they all `` returned compliantly to prison '' , a Ministry of Justice ( MoJ ) spokeswoman said .
`` We have strengthened the administrative processes around the scheme to make sure this does not happen again , '' she added .
Inmates were let out of two open Category D @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Sudbury , along with one inmate from the Isis Category C prison and young offenders institute in southeast London .
Shadow justice secretary David Lammy said the error was `` deeply troubling '' and called for it to be `` quickly understood and remedied '' .
He said in a statement : `` These errors must not be used as an excuse for inaction in the face of an oncoming public health disaster .
`` If the MoJ does not take sufficient steps to move towards single-cell occupancy , it is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be put at risk . ''
The government early release scheme is designed to avoid thousands of often cell-sharing inmates becoming infected with coronavirus .
It was paused on Thursday and is due to resume next week .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Coronavirus cases have been confirmed in half of the prisons in England and Wales .
A total of 255 prisoners had tested positive for COVID-19 in 62 jails as of 5pm on Thursday , the MoJ said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 138 prison staff have also contracted the virus in 49 prisons , as well as seven prisoner escort and custody services staff .
Some 700 staff have been tested and 6,268 are self-isolating , according to the latest available figures .

A programme to free prisoners early to help jails cope with coronavirus has been paused after six inmates were released by mistake.
The offenders were candidates for early release but were let out too soon after an "administrative error".
After the error was spotted, they all "returned compliantly to prison", a Ministry of Justice (MoJ) spokeswoman said.
"We have strengthened the administrative processes around the scheme to make sure this does not happen again," she added.
Inmates were let out of two open Category D prisons in Gloucestershire and Derbyshire, Leyhill and Sudbury, along with one inmate from the Isis Category C prison and young offenders institute in southeast London.
Shadow justice secretary David Lammy said the error was "deeply troubling" and called for it to be "quickly understood and remedied".
Image: Shadow justice secretary David Lammy said the mistake was 'deeply troubling'
He said in a statement: "These errors must not be used as an excuse for inaction in the face of an oncoming public health disaster.
"If the MoJ does not take sufficient steps to move towards single-cell occupancy, it is not only inmates and prison officers who will be put at risk."
The government early release scheme is designed to avoid thousands of often cell-sharing inmates becoming infected with coronavirus.
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It was paused on Thursday and is due to resume next week.
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Coronavirus cases have been confirmed in half of the prisons in England and Wales.
A total of 255 prisoners had tested positive for COVID-19 in 62 jails as of 5pm on Thursday, the MoJ said, and 13 inmates have died.
Some 138 prison staff have also contracted the virus in 49 prisons, as well as seven prisoner escort and custody services staff.
Some 700 staff have been tested and 6,268 are self-isolating, according to the latest available figures.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-19--Govt 'missed a series of opportunities' to lessen impact of coronavirus

The government missed a series of opportunities to lessen the impact of the coronavirus in February and March , it is being claimed .
According to an investigation by The Sunday Times , dire warnings were ignored from scientists - and the UK lost `` a crucial five weeks in the fight to tackle the dangerous threat of coronavirus despite being in a perilously poor state of preparation for a pandemic '' .
Government whistle-blowers , scientists and emergency planners have alleged there was a complacency at the heart of government in late January and February when it should have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Boris Johnson missed five meetings of the government 's key COBRA meetings as the COVID-19 crisis gathered pace .
• `` Little progress '' was made in obtaining emergency supplies of masks and gowns in February , with the UK actually sending 279,000 PPE items to China • The country 's last rehearsal for a pandemic was in 2016 , and recommendations from that exercise to address a lack of PPE and intensive care ventilators were never implemented • Preparations for a no-deal Brexit `` sucked all the blood out of pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Association was ready to help supply PPE in February , but its offer of help was only accepted on 1 April .
A Downing Street spokesman hit back at The Sunday Times report , saying : `` Our response has ensured that the NHS has been given all the support it needs to ensure everyone requiring treatment has received it , as well as providing protection to businesses and reassurance to workers .
`` The prime minister has been at the helm of the response to this , providing leadership during this hugely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The report comes as 84 tonnes of desperately needed PPE - including 400,000 surgical gowns - arrives in the UK from Turkey .
On Saturday , it was confirmed that another 888 patients have died in UK hospitals after testing positive for coronavirus .
This takes the total number of fatalities to 15,464 , the fifth highest in the world .
As Mr Johnson himself recovers from COVID-19 at Chequers , his government is coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sir Keir Starmer , the new leader of the opposition , has shattered the fragile truce between Labour and the Conservatives .
In a hard-hitting article for The Mail on Sunday , Sir Keir wrote : `` The government was too slow to enter the lockdown .
It has been too slow to increase the number of people being tested .
`` It has been too slow in getting NHS staff the critical equipment they need to keep them safe .
We need to make sure these mistakes are not repeated .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government has been too slow to respond to the growing emergency in our social care services . ''
Sir Keir also called for the UK to follow other countries in beginning to set out a roadmap on how and when restrictions in certain sectors of the economy will be lifted `` when the time is right '' .
He added : `` This of course must be done in a careful , considered way with public health , scientific evidence and the safety of workers and families at its heart . ''
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Mr Johnson has already resumed giving directions to ministers in a series of phone calls , as well as a three-hour meeting with his stand-in Dominic Raab and key staff on Friday .

The government missed a series of opportunities to lessen the impact of the coronavirus in February and March, it is being claimed.
According to an investigation by The Sunday Times, dire warnings were ignored from scientists - and the UK lost "a crucial five weeks in the fight to tackle the dangerous threat of coronavirus despite being in a perilously poor state of preparation for a pandemic".
Government whistleblowers, scientists and emergency planners have alleged there was a complacency at the heart of government in late January and February when it should have been urgently replenishing stockpiles.
Image: A pandemic simulation in 2016 concluded the UK had a lack of PPE, it is claimed
The newspaper says Boris Johnson missed five of the government's key COBRA meetings as the COVID-19 crisis gathered pace.
It also claims:
"Little progress" was made in obtaining emergency supplies of masks and gowns in February, with the UK actually sending 279,000 PPE items to China
The country's last rehearsal for a pandemic was in 2016, and recommendations from that exercise to address a lack of PPE and intensive care ventilators were never implemented
Preparations for a no-deal Brexit "sucked all the blood out of pandemic planning"
The British Healthcare Trades Association was ready to help supply PPE in February, but its offer of help was only accepted on 1 April
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:09 Crowds ignore 2m rule during Clap for Carers
A Downing Street spokesman hit back at The Sunday Times report, saying: "Our response has ensured that the NHS has been given all the support it needs to ensure everyone requiring treatment has received it, as well as providing protection to businesses and reassurance to workers.
"The prime minister has been at the helm of the response to this, providing leadership during this hugely challenging period for the whole nation."
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The report comes as a delivery of 84 tonnes of desperately needed PPE for front line NHS staff was delayed.
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The source of the delay is not yet known, but it is understood the RAF were ready to transport the equipment.
Image: Medical supplies and PPE have been delivered to the UK from Turkey before. File pic
On Saturday, it was confirmed that another 888 patients have died in UK hospitals after testing positive for coronavirus.
This takes the total number of fatalities to 15,464, the fifth highest in the world.
As Mr Johnson himself recovers from COVID-19 at Chequers, his government is coming under mounting pressure over the crisis.
Sir Keir Starmer, the new leader of the opposition, has shattered the fragile truce between Labour and the Conservatives.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:04 10 April: Inside care homes struggling with COVID-19
In a hard-hitting article for The Mail on Sunday, Sir Keir wrote: "The government was too slow to enter the lockdown. It has been too slow to increase the number of people being tested.
"It has been too slow in getting NHS staff the critical equipment they need to keep them safe. We need to make sure these mistakes are not repeated.
"And this week has exposed how the government has been too slow to respond to the growing emergency in our social care services."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:32 12 April: Starmer - 'Exit strategy needed'
Sir Keir also called for the UK to follow other countries in beginning to set out a roadmap on how and when restrictions in certain sectors of the economy will be lifted "when the time is right".
He added: "This of course must be done in a careful, considered way with public health, scientific evidence and the safety of workers and families at its heart."
In fact, The Sunday Telegraph is reporting that Mr Johnson has already resumed giving directions to ministers in a series of phone calls, as well as a three-hour meeting with his stand-in Dominic Raab and key staff on Friday.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-18--Stop treating public 'like children' and reveal exit strategy, senior MPs warn

The government should stop underestimating the public by treating them `` like children '' in refusing to openly discuss lockdown exit strategies , senior Conservative MPs have said .
Several Conservative backbenchers and former ministers have argued that `` strategic clarity '' must be now be made public on how the UK may ease its coronavirus lockdown , which has been extended this week until May .
Among them was former Brexit secretary David Davis , who pointed to strategies taken by other countries to communicate the steps to relax measures , insisting that the British public understands that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Other countries have been very open about what they 've done .
`` There 's really no reason , there 's no argument for not debating and discussing with all the facts available . ''
He added there were `` lots and lots '' of benefits to openly discussing an exit strategy and that the government 's argument to avoid confusing the message was `` just wrong '' .
`` It underestimates the public , '' he said , adding : `` The public understands that there are phases to this .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iain Duncan Smith told The Times the government needs to `` accept and admit we are coming out of lockdown '' and stop treating people `` like children '' .
He said : `` We need to trust the British people and not treat them like children .
We must respect their common sense .
`` They need to know that the sun is rising at some point , in an economic sense . ''
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government 's lack of clarity on an exit strategy could be due to Boris Johnson 's absence as he continues his recovery from the illness - but the prime minister 's official spokesman said this is `` wrong '' .
The government has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks to reveal an exit strategy , but it has pointed instead to the five changes it would need to see happen before it could even begin considering a lift to the lockdown .
These include a decrease in the daily number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS can cope and that any adjustments would not lead to a second peak , and the implementation of enough testing to meet demand .
Tobias Ellwood , chairman of the Commons Defence Select Committee , suggested that a timeless `` general road map '' would be `` well received '' by the public , and could be of help to keep `` the hearts and minds and support in place '' .
He said : `` You want people rallying behind government , working with government , not acting against it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to ensure that they are as best informed as to what 's coming around the corner , and therefore fewer surprises , or guessing what might happen next , or speculating , which can be more dangerous . ''
When asked if Mr Johnson 's absence could have affected the willingness to talk about an exit plan , he said it had been `` a real setback '' and that there would be `` a step change in communication '' when he returns .
This could be in `` a few more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was clearly hit badly and they want him back in full health , and so he 's following doctors ' order at the moment , '' he said .
For now , Mr Ellwood added : `` What we need is strategic clarity as to what happens next , and that 's what I 'm calling for .
`` My concern has been that there has been a clarion call for an exit strategy when the government must make clear there is no exit from this until a vaccine is procured and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population , therefore the longevity of this needs to be managed .
`` Letting the nation know what is coming round the corner helps keep minds focused and people on board .
`` So I fully understand the concern of diluting that central message during the lockdown , but I see three phases to this . ''
The three phases , according to Mr Ellwood , could consist of a continuation of the lockdown ; a post-lockdown and pre-vaccine period where measures are gradually eased ; and a vaccine rollout .

The government should stop underestimating the public by treating them "like children" in refusing to openly discuss lockdown exit strategies, senior Conservative MPs have said.
Several Conservative backbenchers and former ministers have argued that "strategic clarity" must be now be made public on how the UK may ease its coronavirus lockdown, which has been extended this week until May.
Among them was former Brexit secretary David Davis, who pointed to strategies taken by other countries to communicate the steps to relax measures, insisting that the British public understands that it will be phased.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:15 Now is not the time to let up'
He said: "Other countries have been very open about what they've done.
"There's really no reason, there's no argument for not debating and discussing with all the facts available."
He added there were "lots and lots" of benefits to openly discussing an exit strategy and that the government's argument to avoid confusing the message was "just wrong".
"It underestimates the public," he said, adding: "The public understands that there are phases to this."
Meanwhile, former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith told The Times the government needs to "accept and admit we are coming out of lockdown" and stop treating people "like children".
He said: "We need to trust the British people and not treat them like children. We must respect their common sense.
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"They need to know that the sun is rising at some point, in an economic sense."
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Labour leader Keir Starmer has suggested the government's lack of clarity on an exit strategy could be due to Boris Johnson's absence as he continues his recovery from the illness - but the prime minister's official spokesman said this is "wrong".
The government has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks to reveal an exit strategy, but it has pointed instead to the five changes it would need to see happen before it could even begin considering a lift to the lockdown.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:09 Crowds ignore 2m rule during Clap for Carers
These include a decrease in the daily number of deaths and new infections, confidence the NHS can cope and that any adjustments would not lead to a second peak, and the implementation of enough testing to meet demand.
Tobias Ellwood, chairman of the Commons Defence Select Committee, suggested that a timeless "general road map" would be "well received" by the public, and could be of help to keep "the hearts and minds and support in place".
He said: "You want people rallying behind government, working with government, not acting against it.
"The best way to do that is to ensure that they are as best informed as to what's coming around the corner, and therefore fewer surprises, or guessing what might happen next, or speculating, which can be more dangerous."
When asked if Mr Johnson's absence could have affected the willingness to talk about an exit plan, he said it had been "a real setback" and that there would be "a step change in communication" when he returns.
This could be in "a few more days", he said.
"He was clearly hit badly and they want him back in full health, and so he's following doctors' order at the moment," he said.
For now, Mr Ellwood added: "What we need is strategic clarity as to what happens next, and that's what I'm calling for.
"My concern has been that there has been a clarion call for an exit strategy when the government must make clear there is no exit from this until a vaccine is procured and delivered to a sizeable proportion of the population, therefore the longevity of this needs to be managed.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Relaxing UK lockdown would risk lives - Raab
"Letting the nation know what is coming round the corner helps keep minds focused and people on board.
"So I fully understand the concern of diluting that central message during the lockdown, but I see three phases to this."
The three phases, according to Mr Ellwood, could consist of a continuation of the lockdown; a post-lockdown and pre-vaccine period where measures are gradually eased; and a vaccine rollout.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-18--Councils in England given an extra £1.6bn to tackle COVID-19 crisis

Councils across England are to be given an extra £1.6bn in funding to deal with the coronavirus emergency after complaints from local authorities that services could suffer .
Housing secretary Robert Jenrick said the extra money will boost the backing councils have received to cope with the pandemic to £3.2bn .
An extra £300m will go to devolved administrations , with Scotland getting £155m , Wales £95m , and Northern Ireland £50m .
At the Downing Street briefing , Mr Jenrick said : `` We are also helping councils with inevitable cash flow challenges by deferring £2.6bn in business rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them £850m in social care grants up front this month .
`` Working with councils and charities , we have made huge progress in protecting the most vulnerable during this national emergency . ''
In a letter to Mr Jenrick before the extra funding was announced , the Local Government Association ( LGA ) said `` radical action '' to prevent councils `` rationing spending '' was needed .
The organisation said that unless more funding was received , the situation would end up `` harming both the long-term continuity of existing services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when both are so vitally needed , something we all wish to avoid '' .
Meanwhile , Mr Jenrick said he had `` made it clear '' to councils that all parks must remain open after some closed their gates in recent weeks .
But he warned people must abide by social-distancing rules , and not congregate in the green spaces .
He said lockdown measures were harder for those without gardens or open spaces and that `` people need parks '' , saying they needed to be accessible for `` the health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Jenrick also told councils to keep cemeteries open to allow families to grieve for their loved ones .
He pointed to the death of 13-year-old Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab , from Brixton , who died after contracting COVID-19 .
He said the tragedy was compounded after the family could not attend his funeral .

Councils across England are to be given an extra £1.6bn in funding to deal with the coronavirus emergency after complaints from local authorities that services could suffer.
Housing secretary Robert Jenrick said the extra money will boost the backing councils have received to cope with the pandemic to £3.2bn.
An extra £300m will go to devolved administrations, with Scotland getting £155m, Wales £95m, and Northern Ireland £50m.
At the Downing Street briefing, Mr Jenrick said: "We are also helping councils with inevitable cash flow challenges by deferring £2.6bn in business rate payments to central government, and paying them £850m in social care grants up front this month.
"Working with councils and charities, we have made huge progress in protecting the most vulnerable during this national emergency."
In a letter to Mr Jenrick before the extra funding was announced, the Local Government Association (LGA) said "radical action" to prevent councils "rationing spending" was needed.
The organisation said that unless more funding was received, the situation would end up "harming both the long-term continuity of existing services and the COVID-19 response at a time when both are so vitally needed, something we all wish to avoid".
Meanwhile, Mr Jenrick said he had "made it clear" to councils that all parks must remain open after some closed their gates in recent weeks.
But he warned people must abide by social-distancing rules, and not congregate in the green spaces.
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He said lockdown measures were harder for those without gardens or open spaces and that "people need parks", saying they needed to be accessible for "the health of the nation".
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:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Jenrick also told councils to keep cemeteries open to allow families to grieve for their loved ones.
He pointed to the death of 13-year-old Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab, from Brixton, who died after contracting COVID-19.
He said the tragedy was compounded after the family could not attend his funeral.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-18--Parks must stay open during COVID-19 crisis 'for health of the nation'

Parks must remain open `` for the health of the nation '' , local councils have been told , following reports in recent weeks that many had closed their gates .
Housing secretary Robert Jenrick said coronavirus lockdown measures were harder for those without gardens or open spaces and that `` people need parks '' .
Speaking at the Downing Street briefing , he said he had `` made it clear '' to councils that all parks must remain open but warned people must abide by social-distancing rules , and not congregate in the green spaces .
He added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard won over the last few weeks .
`` Keep adhering to the measures , keep respecting the advice from the clinicians , and if we do that together as a society , then in the weeks to come there may be opportunities to begin very cautiously to ease the lockdown measures .
`` But that day is not today , as the first secretary said just a few days ago . ''
Mr Jenrick has also asked councils to keep cemeteries open to allow families to grieve for their loved ones .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ life when I have needed to do that , '' he said .
`` These are small steps , but small mercies can make a difference . ''
He pointed to the death of 13-year-old Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab , from Brixton , who died after contracting COVID-19 .
He said the tragedy was compounded as the family could not attend his funeral .
He also announced an extra £1.6bn in funding to help councils in England to deal with the coronavirus emergency after complaints from local authorities that services could suffer .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the backing councils have received to cope with the pandemic to £3.2bn .
An extra £300m will go to devolved administrations , with Scotland getting £155m , Wales £95m , and Northern Ireland £50m .

Parks must remain open "for the health of the nation", local councils have been told, following reports in recent weeks that many had closed their gates.
Housing secretary Robert Jenrick said coronavirus lockdown measures were harder for those without gardens or open spaces and that "people need parks".
Speaking at the Downing Street briefing, he said he had "made it clear" to councils that all parks must remain open but warned people must abide by social-distancing rules, and not congregate in the green spaces.
He added: "Don't lose what's been hard won over the last few weeks.
"Keep adhering to the measures, keep respecting the advice from the clinicians, and if we do that together as a society, then in the weeks to come there may be opportunities to begin very cautiously to ease the lockdown measures.
"But that day is not today, as the first secretary said just a few days ago."
Mr Jenrick has also asked councils to keep cemeteries open to allow families to grieve for their loved ones.
"There have been times in my life when I have needed to do that," he said.
"These are small steps, but small mercies can make a difference."
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He pointed to the death of 13-year-old Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab, from Brixton, who died after contracting COVID-19.
He said the tragedy was compounded as the family could not attend his funeral.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Housing secretary Robert Jenrick announces £1.6bn to support councils across England during the coronavirus pandemic.
He also announced an extra £1.6bn in funding to help councils in England to deal with the coronavirus emergency after complaints from local authorities that services could suffer.
Mr Jenrick said the extra money will boost the backing councils have received to cope with the pandemic to £3.2bn.
An extra £300m will go to devolved administrations, with Scotland getting £155m, Wales £95m, and Northern Ireland £50m.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-19--'Grotesque' to claim PM 'skipped' five emergency coronavirus meetings

It is `` grotesque '' to suggest that Prime Minister Boris Johnson `` skipped '' meetings on the government 's response to the coronavirus crisis , one of his senior ministers has told Sky News .
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove defended the PM after an investigation by The Sunday Times claimed the government missed a series of opportunities to lessen the impact of COVID-19 in the weeks leading up to the lockdown being imposed .
The paper also highlighted the fact that Mr Johnson did not attend the first five emergency meetings in the run-up to the coronavirus outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed to Sky News at the start of March .
But Mr Gove hit back , telling Sky 's Sophy Ridge on Sunday : `` The idea that the prime minister skipped meetings that were vital to our response to the coronavirus , I think is grotesque . ''
He added : `` The truth is that there are meetings across government , some of which are chaired by the health secretary , some of which are chaired by other ministers , but the prime minister took all the major decisions .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened to the prime minister not long ago , nobody can say the prime minister is n't throwing heart and soul into fighting this virus .
`` His leadership has been inspirational at times and I think that actually nothing is more off-beam than the suggestion that the prime minister was anything other than energetic , determined , focused and strong in his leadership against this virus . ''
Mr Gove said Mr Johnson was `` recovering well '' after his time in intensive care with COVID-19 and was in `` cheerful spirits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had spoken with Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab - who is deputising for Mr Johnson - and his instructions had been communicated to cabinet ministers .
Speaking later to the BBC , Mr Gove acknowledged that the PM was not at the first five COBRA meetings , but said this was not unusual .
`` Because most COBRA meetings do n't have the prime minister attending them , '' he explained .
The Sunday Times investigation claimed that ministers ignored dire warnings from scientists - and the UK lost `` a crucial five weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threat of coronavirus despite being in a perilously poor state of preparation for a pandemic '' .
Government whistleblowers , scientists and emergency planners alleged there was a complacency at the heart of government in late January and February when it should have been urgently replenishing stockpiles .
Mr Gove said the investigation `` had one or two off-beam elements to it '' .
Asked specifically what was incorrect in The Sunday Times report , he said : `` I wo n't go through here a point-by-point rebuttal of all the things in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little bit off-beam , but that will be done later . ''
A Downing Street spokesman hit back at the report , saying : `` Our response has ensured that the NHS has been given all the support it needs to ensure everyone requiring treatment has received it , as well as providing protection to businesses and reassurance to workers .
`` The prime minister has been at the helm of the response to this , providing leadership during this hugely challenging period for the whole nation . ''
But Labour 's Jonathan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' response `` possibly the weakest rebuttal of a detailed expose in British political history '' .
The shadow health secretary said the PM had `` serious questions '' to answer .
He told Sky 's Sophy Ridge on Sunday : `` None of us expect the impossible , we understand that mistakes will be made in a crisis of this nature , but there are serious questions as to why the prime minister skipped five COBRA meetings throughout February , when the whole world could see how serious this was becoming .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been made , we know that our front line NHS staff do n't have the PPE [ personal protective equipment ] , that they 've been told this weekend that they wo n't necessarily have the gowns which are vital to keep them safe .
`` We know that our testing capacity is not at the level that is needed .
`` We know that the ventilators that many hospitals have received are the wrong types of ventilators and there are big questions as to whether we went into this lockdown too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister missed five meetings at the start of this outbreak .
`` It suggests that early on he was missing in action . ''

It is "grotesque" to suggest that Prime Minister Boris Johnson "skipped" meetings on the government's response to the coronavirus crisis, one of his senior ministers has told Sky News.
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove defended the PM after an investigation by The Sunday Times claimed the government missed a series of opportunities to lessen the impact of COVID-19 in the weeks leading up to the lockdown being imposed.
The paper also highlighted the fact that Mr Johnson did not attend the first five emergency meetings in the run-up to the coronavirus outbreak in the UK - something that was confirmed to Sky News at the start of March.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 'Too early to lift UK lockdown'
But Mr Gove hit back, telling Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday: "The idea that the prime minister skipped meetings that were vital to our response to the coronavirus, I think is grotesque."
He added: "The truth is that there are meetings across government, some of which are chaired by the health secretary, some of which are chaired by other ministers, but the prime minister took all the major decisions.
"I think that anyone who considered what happened to the prime minister not long ago, nobody can say the prime minister isn't throwing heart and soul into fighting this virus.
"His leadership has been inspirational at times and I think that actually nothing is more off-beam than the suggestion that the prime minister was anything other than energetic, determined, focused and strong in his leadership against this virus."
Mr Gove said Mr Johnson was "recovering well" after his time in intensive care with COVID-19 and was in "cheerful spirits".
He added that the PM had spoken with Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab - who is deputising for Mr Johnson - and his instructions had been communicated to cabinet ministers.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 UK lockdown for 'at least' three more weeks
Speaking later to the BBC, Mr Gove acknowledged that the PM was not at the first five COBRA meetings, but said this was not unusual.
"Because most COBRA meetings don't have the prime minister attending them," he explained.
The Sunday Times investigation claimed that ministers ignored dire warnings from scientists - and the UK lost "a crucial five weeks in the fight to tackle the dangerous threat of coronavirus despite being in a perilously poor state of preparation for a pandemic".
Government whistleblowers, scientists and emergency planners alleged there was a complacency at the heart of government in late January and February when it should have been urgently replenishing stockpiles.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Gove said the investigation "had one or two off-beam elements to it".
Asked specifically what was incorrect in The Sunday Times report, he said: "I won't go through here a point-by-point rebuttal of all the things in The Sunday Times story that are a little bit off-beam, but that will be done later."
A Downing Street spokesman hit back at the report, saying: "Our response has ensured that the NHS has been given all the support it needs to ensure everyone requiring treatment has received it, as well as providing protection to businesses and reassurance to workers.
"The prime minister has been at the helm of the response to this, providing leadership during this hugely challenging period for the whole nation."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 UK lockdown: Could public patience run out?
But Labour's Jonathan Ashworth labelled Mr Gove's "off-beam" response "possibly the weakest rebuttal of a detailed expose in British political history".
The shadow health secretary said the PM had "serious questions" to answer.
He told Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday: "None of us expect the impossible, we understand that mistakes will be made in a crisis of this nature, but there are serious questions as to why the prime minister skipped five COBRA meetings throughout February, when the whole world could see how serious this was becoming.
"And we know that serious mistakes have been made, we know that our front line NHS staff don't have the PPE [personal protective equipment], that they've been told this weekend that they won't necessarily have the gowns which are vital to keep them safe.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:15 PM praises NHS staff who cared for him
"We know that our testing capacity is not at the level that is needed.
"We know that the ventilators that many hospitals have received are the wrong types of ventilators and there are big questions as to whether we went into this lockdown too slowly, and now we hear the prime minister missed five meetings at the start of this outbreak.
"It suggests that early on he was missing in action."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-19--No traffic light strategy to ease UK lockdown - Gove

A senior minister has denied reports that the government has devised a graduated plan to start easing the coronavirus lockdown within weeks .
According to BuzzFeed News , Downing Street is considering a three-stage plan to ease the restrictions introduced last month to halt the spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
And the story appeared to gain further traction when it dominated the front pages of a number of Sunday 's newspapers .
The Mail on Sunday reported that schools and businesses could be allowed to reopen in mid-May .
Asked if it was correct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traffic light '' strategy to come out of lockdown , Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove told Sky 's Sophy Ridge on Sunday : `` No , it is not . ''
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson also said `` no decision has been made on when we will reopen schools '' .
He added : `` I can reassure schools and parents that they will only reopen when the scientific advice indicates it is the right time to do so . ''
Mr Gove said the government was `` looking at all of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've set some tests which need to be passed before we can think of easing restrictions in this lockdown .
`` We 're looking at the data , it is the case that the rate of infection appears to be flattening , but we do not want to take steps too early because the most important thing is to make sure that the NHS and the public 's health is protected . ''
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the lockdown on 23 March , telling the public that it would be reviewed every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place earlier this week , with the decision taken to extend the lockdown further by at least three weeks .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , who is deputising for the PM as he recovers from the coronavirus , said that relaxing the measures would `` risk damage to both public health and the economy '' .
But there have been calls from some quarters for the government to lay out how it will eventually take Britain out of the lockdown and back to relative normality .
Ministers have argued that to do so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message that people need to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives .
Mr Gove said it was `` entirely understandable '' that there should be a `` public debate about how we approach these difficult choices '' .
`` But the most important thing to do is to make sure that we proceed in a way that is guided by science . ''
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is among those calling for the UK to follow other countries in beginning to set out an exit plan `` when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Mail on Sunday , he said : `` This of course must be done in a careful , considered way with public health , scientific evidence and the safety of workers and families at its heart .
`` But the UK government should be doing likewise . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth called on the government to be more open about its lockdown exit strategy .
`` We want to see what the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sophy Ridge on Sunday , adding that the lockdown was not a strategy in its own right .
`` We should n't be treating people like toddlers , people are grown-ups and they want to understand what happens next because the lockdown in itself is not a strategy , it is a tool as part of a strategy , '' he continued .
`` But given that we know that a vaccine might not be available for 18 months , we need to understand what is the government 's plan between now and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We need to know whether the government has as serious plan to extend testing and contact tracing . ''

A senior minister has denied reports that the government has devised a graduated plan to start easing the coronavirus lockdown within weeks.
According to BuzzFeed News, Downing Street is considering a three-stage plan to ease the restrictions introduced last month to halt the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
And the story appeared to gain further traction when it dominated the front pages of a number of Sunday's newspapers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 UK lockdown for 'at least' three more weeks
The Mail on Sunday reported that schools and businesses could be allowed to reopen in mid-May.
Asked if it was correct that the government was considering a "traffic light" strategy to come out of lockdown, Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove told Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday: "No, it is not."
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson also said "no decision has been made on when we will reopen schools".
He added: "I can reassure schools and parents that they will only reopen when the scientific advice indicates it is the right time to do so."
Mr Gove said the government was "looking at all of the evidence", adding: "We've set some tests which need to be passed before we can think of easing restrictions in this lockdown.
"We're looking at the data, it is the case that the rate of infection appears to be flattening, but we do not want to take steps too early because the most important thing is to make sure that the NHS and the public's health is protected."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Councils in England to get extra £1.6bn
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the lockdown on 23 March, telling the public that it would be reviewed every three weeks.
The first review took place earlier this week, with the decision taken to extend the lockdown further by at least three weeks.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is deputising for the PM as he recovers from the coronavirus, said that relaxing the measures would "risk damage to both public health and the economy".
But there have been calls from some quarters for the government to lay out how it will eventually take Britain out of the lockdown and back to relative normality.
Ministers have argued that to do so now would dilute the government's key message that people need to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:21 Hospitals to run out of PPE this weekend
Mr Gove said it was "entirely understandable" that there should be a "public debate about how we approach these difficult choices".
"But the most important thing to do is to make sure that we proceed in a way that is guided by science."
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is among those calling for the UK to follow other countries in beginning to set out an exit plan "when the time is right".
Writing in the Mail on Sunday, he said: "This of course must be done in a careful, considered way with public health, scientific evidence and the safety of workers and families at its heart.
"But the UK government should be doing likewise."
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth called on the government to be more open about its lockdown exit strategy.
"We want to see what the government plans are," he told Sophy Ridge on Sunday, adding that the lockdown was not a strategy in its own right.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:17 What do the public think about masks?
"We shouldn't be treating people like toddlers, people are grown-ups and they want to understand what happens next because the lockdown in itself is not a strategy, it is a tool as part of a strategy," he continued.
"But given that we know that a vaccine might not be available for 18 months, we need to understand what is the government's plan between now and when a vaccine is available.
"We need to know whether the government has as serious plan to extend testing and contact tracing."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-19--Delivery of 84 tonnes of PPE for NHS delayed and will not arrive today

A delivery of 84 tonnes of desperately needed personal protective equipment for front line NHS staff has been delayed and will not be arriving today , Sky News understands .
The source of the delay is not yet known , but it is understood the RAF was ready to transport the PPE from Turkey , including 400,000 surgical gowns .
Ministers announced on Saturday the UK was due to get the vital gear today and the setback comes as the government faces growing criticism over shortages and its handling of the coronavirus crisis .
There have been claims that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are at risk from COVID-19 because some supplies are running out this weekend .
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said on Saturday the 84 tonnes of PPE was `` a very significant additional shipment '' but it is understood it would only be enough to last the NHS for three days .
Guidance from Public Health England says long-sleeved disposable fluid-repellent gowns should be worn when treating COVID-19 patients .
If the gowns are unavailable , clinical staff have been advised by the Department of Health to wear `` disposable , non-fluid repellent gowns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gowns '' , with aprons , and to wash their forearms afterwards .
It also says staff should consider reusing PPE where necessary if supplies are low .
But the changes to safety advice have sparked a storm of protest by healthcare workers .
Meanwhile , a plane carrying about 10 million face masks and other vital pieces of PPE has landed in Scotland after taking off from China .
Olympics chief executive and Treasury minister Paul Deighton has been appointed to lead a national effort to produce more essential PPE .
Ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily Express proprietor Lord Beaverbrook as minister of aircraft production by Winston Churchill on the eve of the Battle of Britain in May 1940 to galvanise the output of fighter planes .
The delayed delivery from Turkey is only a short-term emergency measure - and Lord Deighton 's task will be to spearhead moves to accelerate the manufacture of PPE in the UK in the longer term .
The government has also been accused of missing a series of opportunities to lessen the impact of the coronavirus in February and March .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , dire warnings were ignored from scientists - and the UK lost `` a crucial five weeks in the fight to tackle the dangerous threat of coronavirus despite being in a perilously poor state of preparation for a pandemic '' .

A delivery of 84 tonnes of desperately needed personal protective equipment for front line NHS staff has been delayed and will not be arriving today.
The source of the delay is not yet known, but it is understood the RAF was ready to transport the PPE from Turkey, including 400,000 surgical gowns.
Ministers announced on Saturday the UK was due to get the vital gear today and the setback comes as the government faces growing criticism over shortages and its handling of the coronavirus crisis.
Image: A protester demands more PPE outside St Thomas' Hospital in central London
A Government spokesperson said: "We are continuing to work to ensure the shipment is delivered as soon as possible."
There have been claims that the lives of doctors, nurses and patients are at risk from COVID-19 because some supplies are running out this weekend.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said on Saturday the 84 tonnes of PPE was "a very significant additional shipment" but it is understood it would only be enough to last the NHS for three days.
Guidance from Public Health England says long-sleeved disposable fluid-repellent gowns should be worn when treating COVID-19 patients.
If the gowns are unavailable, clinical staff have been advised by the Department of Health to wear "disposable, non-fluid repellent gowns or coveralls" or "washable surgical gowns", with aprons, and to wash their forearms afterwards.
It also says staff should consider reusing PPE where necessary if supplies are low.
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But the changes to safety advice have sparked a storm of protest by healthcare workers.
Meanwhile, a plane carrying about 10 million face masks and other vital pieces of PPE has landed in Scotland after taking off from China.
Olympics chief executive and Treasury minister Paul Deighton has been appointed to lead a national effort to produce more essential PPE.
Ministers are comparing his appointment to that of Daily Express proprietor Lord Beaverbrook as minister of aircraft production by Winston Churchill on the eve of the Battle of Britain in May 1940 to galvanise the output of fighter planes.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:25 Dr Chaand Nagpaul says the government has been warned of critical PPE shortages
The delayed delivery from Turkey is only a short-term emergency measure - and Lord Deighton's task will be to spearhead moves to accelerate the manufacture of PPE in the UK in the longer term.
The government has also been accused of missing a series of opportunities to lessen the impact of the coronavirus in February and March.
According to an investigation by The Sunday Times, dire warnings were ignored from scientists - and the UK lost "a crucial five weeks in the fight to tackle the dangerous threat of coronavirus despite being in a perilously poor state of preparation for a pandemic".


skynewspolitics--2020-04-19--Calls to pay front line COVID-19 workers extra £29-a-day

NHS and care staff battling the pandemic should receive a military-style active duty bonus in recognition of their service , according to the Liberal Democrats .
The party is calling for the key workers fighting COVID-19 to receive a £29-a-day `` front line service reward '' , similar to the deployment allowance paid to troops .
Pressing for the payment , acting Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said NHS and care staff were `` risking their lives to protect others '' in what was a `` national struggle '' against the coronavirus .
The bonus forms part of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called for by the Lib Dems , which also includes the fast track procurement of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) .
It comes amid growing criticism of the government over shortages of specialist safety kit , which critics say is putting the lives of doctors and nurses at risk .
Sir Ed said : `` The fight against coronavirus is seeing several million key workers risking their lives to protect others .
`` NHS and care staff are truly on the front line in this national struggle - putting themselves in danger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our hospitals , care homes , hospices and in the wider health and care sector , an army of workers are protecting us . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He added : `` The top priority for front line staff is protection .
`` We should never ask our military to risk their lives without the proper kit , and we should n't be leaving health and care workers without sufficient protective kit either .
`` When the country emerges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ properly recognise those who were willing to serve and make a sacrifice , just as we do with military forces .
`` The government must look at creating a front line service reward , similar to the deployment allowance front line troops receive .
`` There are many low-paid workers on the coronavirus front line , and we must show our gratitude . ''
Other measures proposed by the party include providing practical help for NHS and care staff such as securing accommodation for key workers self-isolating , or who have vulnerable people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also want the government to pay for the funerals of key workers who died in the fight against coronavirus .
The front line service reward would be for the duration of the lockdown , the party said , adding that all key workers should also receive a coronavirus service medal .

NHS and care staff battling the pandemic should receive a military-style active duty bonus in recognition of their service, according to the Liberal Democrats.
The party is calling for the key workers fighting COVID-19 to receive a £29-a-day "front line service reward", similar to the deployment allowance paid to troops.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 11:53 This is what life on Earth looks like, April 2020
Pressing for the payment, acting Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said NHS and care staff were "risking their lives to protect others" in what was a "national struggle" against the coronavirus.
The bonus forms part of a "front line support package" being called for by the Lib Dems, which also includes the fast track procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE).
It comes amid growing criticism of the government over shortages of specialist safety kit, which critics say is putting the lives of doctors and nurses at risk.
Sir Ed said: "The fight against coronavirus is seeing several million key workers risking their lives to protect others.
"NHS and care staff are truly on the front line in this national struggle - putting themselves in danger and working long shifts.
"In our hospitals, care homes, hospices and in the wider health and care sector, an army of workers are protecting us."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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He added: "The top priority for front line staff is protection.
"We should never ask our military to risk their lives without the proper kit, and we shouldn't be leaving health and care workers without sufficient protective kit either.
"When the country emerges from this crisis, we must also properly recognise those who were willing to serve and make a sacrifice, just as we do with military forces.
"The government must look at creating a front line service reward, similar to the deployment allowance front line troops receive.
"There are many low-paid workers on the coronavirus front line, and we must show our gratitude."
Other measures proposed by the party include providing practical help for NHS and care staff such as securing accommodation for key workers self-isolating, or who have vulnerable people in their household.
The Lib Dems also want the government to pay for the funerals of key workers who died in the fight against coronavirus.
The front line service reward would be for the duration of the lockdown, the party said, adding that all key workers should also receive a coronavirus service medal.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-19--Health chief criticised over 'exemplar COVID-19 preparedness' remark

Dr Jenny Harries is facing criticism after praising the UK 's coronavirus preparation as `` exemplar '' and suggesting conversation could be `` more adult '' when discussing PPE supplies .
Speaking at the daily government press conference on Sunday , the deputy chief medical officer ( CMO ) said the existence of a `` pandemic stockpile '' was a `` very high quality mark '' of preparation .
The UK , she said : `` Has been an international exemplar in preparedness .
So the fact that there is a pandemic stockpile is considered a very high quality mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Turning to recent concerns about the widely reported lack of personal protective equipment for frontline staff , she suggested that a `` more adult '' conversation could be had about the supply .
She also defended the overall plan to tackle the illness , saying the containment phase was `` very successful '' .
But her comments on Sunday afternoon , which comes as the UK 's hospital death toll to COVID-19 topped 16,000 , were quick to draw criticism from figures working in health and social care , who said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Professor Anthony Costello , from University College London 's Institute for Global Health , said he `` can not believe '' the comments he had heard , highlighting that Ms Harries `` still believed that the testing policy in the UK has been correct '' .
He added : `` And she does n't understand links between tests and COVID death rates .
Is this CMO policy ?
If so , they should resign . ''
Meanwhile , Birmingham-based GP Rizwanul Haq referred to the comments as a `` ridiculous and patronising statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't see her volunteering on being on the frontline without proper PPE . ''
Care worker Joy Parry , from Norfolk , said she found the same remark `` snide '' and `` patronising in the extreme . ''
She said : `` Come and do a shift alongside me , re-using single use PPE and show me how it 's done . ''
Responding generally to the press conference , Devi Sridhar , a professor and chair of Global Public Health at Edinburgh University , said `` some humility '' when looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better `` would be great to see '' .
She added : `` What I 'd love to hear : 'We made a mistake and did n't prepare .
We underestimated this virus and treated it like a flu that would run through the population .
`` We have not protected our front-line staff , and our most precious resource .
But we will try now to listen and improve our response . ''
The focus on PPE supply has been elevated in recent days after it was revealed some hospitals were down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gowns , and a shipment due in from Turkey on Sunday had been delayed .
It comes after an investigation by the Sunday Times said Prime Minister Boris Johnson had not attended the first five emergency COBRA meetings ahead of the outbreak in the UK , and further claimed the government had missed a number of opportunities to lessen the impact .
In response , a government spokesman said the article contained `` a series of falsehoods and errors and actively misrepresents the enormous amount of work which was going on in government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak '' .
Commenting on the concerns about PPE , Ms Harries said conversations were `` quite rightly '' focused on gowns and that she `` was very aware '' of considerations for goggles and masks .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But , she assured that `` although there may be elements of distribution problems across the UK - at different times and in different places - this is a huge pull on services which we have never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually - despite signalling many potential shortfalls - to continue to supply going forward . ''
The management of current supplies had also been using a `` risk mitigation method , '' she said , which means looking to patients and workers at highest risk across the country .
`` We just need to think carefully through what has been achieved and the challenges - which are acknowledged - ahead , '' she said .
Downing Street and the Department of Health were both approached for comment .

Dr Jenny Harries is facing criticism after praising the UK's coronavirus preparation as "exemplar" and suggesting conversation could be "more adult" when discussing PPE supplies.
Speaking at the daily government press conference on Sunday, the deputy chief medical officer (CMO) said the existence of a "pandemic stockpile" was a "very high quality mark" of preparation.
The UK, she said: "Has been an international exemplar in preparedness. So the fact that there is a pandemic stockpile is considered a very high quality mark of a prepared country in international terms."
Turning to recent concerns about the widely reported lack of personal protective equipment for frontline staff, she suggested that a "more adult" conversation could be had about the supply.
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She also defended the overall plan to tackle the illness, saying the containment phase was "very successful".
But her comments on Sunday afternoon, which comes as the UK's hospital death toll to COVID-19 topped 16,000, were quick to draw criticism from figures working in health and social care, who said it had been "patronising".
Professor Anthony Costello, from University College London's Institute for Global Health, said he "cannot believe" the comments he had heard, highlighting that Ms Harries "still believed that the testing policy in the UK has been correct".
He added: "And she doesn't understand links between tests and COVID death rates. Is this CMO policy? If so, they should resign."
Meanwhile, Birmingham-based GP Rizwanul Haq referred to the comments as a "ridiculous and patronising statement", adding: "I don't see her volunteering on being on the frontline without proper PPE."
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Care worker Joy Parry, from Norfolk, said she found the same remark "snide" and "patronising in the extreme."
She said: "Come and do a shift alongside me, re-using single use PPE and show me how it's done."
Responding generally to the press conference, Devi Sridhar, a professor and chair of Global Public Health at Edinburgh University, said "some humility" when looking at how the UK could have performed better "would be great to see".
She added: "What I'd love to hear: 'We made a mistake and didn't prepare. We underestimated this virus and treated it like a flu that would run through the population.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 12:10 Minister 'can't put date on schools opening'
"We have not protected our front-line staff, and our most precious resource. But we will try now to listen and improve our response."
The focus on PPE supply has been elevated in recent days after it was revealed some hospitals were down to their last 24 hours-worth of protective gowns, and a shipment due in from Turkey on Sunday had been delayed.
It comes after an investigation by the Sunday Times said Prime Minister Boris Johnson had not attended the first five emergency COBRA meetings ahead of the outbreak in the UK, and further claimed the government had missed a number of opportunities to lessen the impact.
In response, a government spokesman said the article contained "a series of falsehoods and errors and actively misrepresents the enormous amount of work which was going on in government at the earliest stages of the coronavirus outbreak".
Commenting on the concerns about PPE, Ms Harries said conversations were "quite rightly" focused on gowns and that she "was very aware" of considerations for goggles and masks.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
But, she assured that "although there may be elements of distribution problems across the UK - at different times and in different places - this is a huge pull on services which we have never seen before.
"We have managed actually - despite signalling many potential shortfalls - to continue to supply going forward."
The management of current supplies had also been using a "risk mitigation method," she said, which means looking to patients and workers at highest risk across the country.
"We just need to think carefully through what has been achieved and the challenges - which are acknowledged - ahead," she said.
Downing Street and the Department of Health were both approached for comment.