skynewspolitics--2020-05-04--Revealed: The experts advising govt on coronavirus response

The membership of the UK government 's scientific advisory group guiding coronavirus policy has been revealed after a list was published online .
Having previously refused to release the names of those on the scientific advisory group for emergencies ( SAGE ) , the government has done so after weeks of pressure over a perceived lack of transparency around their meetings and recommendations .
Two members of the group have not given permission for their names to be revealed .
Number 10 had faced criticism when it emerged that Boris Johnson 's chief political adviser , Dominic Cummings , had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his name does not feature on the list .
Mr Cummings was first invited to attend on 23 March - the day the UK 's lockdown was announced .
Meanwhile , Sky News has been told Downing Street data scientist Ben Warner , a former Vote Leave campaigner , has been asked to attend the committee since 20 February .
Critics had claimed Mr Cummings ' presence risked allowing political concerns to dictate coronavirus policy , rather than scientific evidence .
Science and technology committee chair Greg Clark welcomed the publication of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explainer '' of SAGE .
`` I strongly welcome the commitment to transparency made by SAGE in publishing the names of the members , '' the Conservative MP said .
`` This was something my committee called for in order to provide public reassurance that government decisions are informed by a broad and substantial body of expert advice . ''
Concerns around transparency had prompted former government chief scientific adviser Sir David King to convene a separate `` independent '' panel of experts who were due to meet on Monday .
Professor David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the swine flu pandemic a decade ago and attended SAGE meetings , had told Sky News the government 's withholding of the names meant people were unable to judge their actions .
`` Why should we not know ? ''
he said .
`` The answer that we are protecting their privacy is no longer a realistic one .
`` My name is in the phone book .
Why do we want such secrecy that we do n't know who is helping to shape these decisions that are affecting our lives so intrusively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are : Professor Chris Whitty CB FMedSci - Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser , Department of Health and Social Care Professor Venki Ramakrishnan PRS - Ex Officio as Chair of DELVE , convened by the Royal Society This week Kay Burley will be hosting a live Q & A with Health Secretary Matt Hancock .
You can put your questions to Mr Hancock about the coronavirus and its impact on your life live on Sky News .
Email us your questions - or you can record a video clip of your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to AskTheHealthSecretary @ sky.uk

The membership of the UK government's scientific advisory group guiding coronavirus policy has been revealed after a list was published online.
Having previously refused to release the names of those on the scientific advisory group for emergencies (SAGE), the government has done so after weeks of pressure over a perceived lack of transparency around their meetings and recommendations.
Two members of the group have not given permission for their names to be revealed.
Image: Despite having attended meetings, Dominic Cummings' name does not feature on the list
Number 10 had faced criticism when it emerged that Boris Johnson's chief political adviser, Dominic Cummings, had attended meetings of the group, although his name does not feature on the list.
Mr Cummings was first invited to attend on 23 March - the day the UK's lockdown was announced.
Meanwhile, Sky News has been told Downing Street data scientist Ben Warner, a former Vote Leave campaigner, has been asked to attend the committee since 20 February.
Critics had claimed Mr Cummings' presence risked allowing political concerns to dictate coronavirus policy, rather than scientific evidence.
Science and technology committee chair Greg Clark welcomed the publication of the members, which came alongside an "explainer" of SAGE.
"I strongly welcome the commitment to transparency made by SAGE in publishing the names of the members," the Conservative MP said.
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"This was something my committee called for in order to provide public reassurance that government decisions are informed by a broad and substantial body of expert advice."
Concerns around transparency had prompted former government chief scientific adviser Sir David King to convene a separate "independent" panel of experts who were due to meet on Monday.
Professor David Salisbury, who oversaw vaccination policy during the swine flu pandemic a decade ago and attended SAGE meetings, had told Sky News the government's withholding of the names meant people were unable to judge their actions.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 Cummings 'should not be' at SAGE meetings
"Why should we not know?" he said.
"The answer that we are protecting their privacy is no longer a realistic one.
"My name is in the phone book. Why do we want such secrecy that we don't know who is helping to shape these decisions that are affecting our lives so intrusively?"
Those named on the list are:
Sir Patrick Vallance FMedSci FRS - Government Chief Scientific Adviser
Professor Chris Whitty CB FMedSci - Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser, Department of Health and Social Care
Professor John Aston - Chief Scientific Adviser, Home Office
Professor Wendy Barclay FMedSci - Imperial College London
Professor Phil Blythe - Chief Scientific Adviser, Department for Transport
Professor Ian Boyd FRS - University of St Andrews
Professor Andrew Curran - Chief Scientific Adviser, Health and Safety Executive
Dr Gavin Debrera - Public Health England
Professor Sir Ian Diamond FRSE FBA - National Statistician, Office for National Statistics
Professor Yvonne Doyle CB - Medical Director, Public Health England
Professor John Edmunds OBE FMedSci - London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Professor Sir Jeremy Farrar FMedSci - FRS Director, Wellcome Trust
Professor Neil Ferguson OBE FMedSci - Imperial College London
Dr Aidan Fowler FRCS - National Health Service England
Professor Julia Gog - University of Cambridge
Dr David Halpern - Behavioural Insights Team, Cabinet Office
Dr Jenny Harries OBE - Deputy Chief Medical Officer
Dr Demis Hassabis FRS - Personal capacity as a data scientist
Professor Peter Horby - University of Oxford
Dr Indra Joshi - NHSx
Professor Dame Theresa Marteau FMedSci - University of Cambridge
Professor Dame Angela McLean FRS - Chief Scientific Adviser, Ministry of DefenceProfessor Graham Medley - London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Professor Andrew Morris FMedSci FRSE - University of Edinburgh
Professor Carole Mundell - Chief Scientific Adviser, Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Professor Cath Noakes - University of Leeds
Dr Rob Orford - Welsh Government
Professor Michael Parker - University of Oxford
Professor Sharon Peacock FMedSci - Public Health England
Professor Alan Penn - Chief Scientific Adviser, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Professor Steve Powis FRCP - National Health Service England
Dr Mike Prentice - National Health Service England
Mr Osama Rahman - Chief Scientific Adviser, Department for Education
Professor Venki Ramakrishnan PRS - Ex Officio as Chair of DELVE, convened by the Royal Society
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 Labour calls for transparency over SAGE meetings
Professor Andrew Rambaut FRSE - University of Edinburgh
Professor Tom Rodden - Chief Scientific Adviser, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Professor Brooke Rogers OBE - Kings College London
Dr James Rubin - Kings College London
Professor Calum Semple - University of Liverpool
Dr Mike Short CBE - Chief Scientific Adviser, Department for International Trade
Dr Gregor Smith - Scottish Government Chief Medical Officer
Professor Sir David Spieglhalter FRS - University of Cambridge
Professor Jonathan Van Tam MBE - Deputy Chief Medical Officer
Professor Russell Viner PRCPCH - University College London
Professor Charlotte Watts CMG FMedSci - Chief Scientific Adviser, Department for International Development
Professor Mark Walport FRCP FMedSci - FRS UK Research and Innovation
Professor Mark Woolhouse FRSE - University of Edinburgh
Professor Lucy Yardley - University of Bristol
Professor Ian Young - Northern Ireland Executive
Professor Maria Zambon FMedSci - Public Health England
This week Kay Burley will be hosting a live Q&A with Health Secretary Matt Hancock. You can put your questions to Mr Hancock about the coronavirus and its impact on your life live on Sky News.
Email us your questions - or you can record a video clip of your question on your phone - and send it to AskTheHealthSecretary@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-05-05--'Vague' advice criticised as employers told to prepare for end of lockdown

Employers have been told it is `` critical '' they provide safe workplaces once lockdown measures are eased amid claims government advice on the matter has been `` vague '' .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said talks are ongoing with firms and trade unions about what rules should be in place to ensure `` safe distancing '' .
But he avoided spelling out what extra sanctions businesses might face to ensure workers feel protected as the coronavirus pandemic continues .
Labour is calling for a `` national safety standard '' , with leader Sir Keir Starmer warning that the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bare minimum '' .
He called the consultation documents on protection measures circulated to businesses over the weekend `` pretty vague '' .
Some companies have been putting pressure on the government to start lifting the lockdown in an effort to revive the economy .
A review of the strict social distancing measures will take place by Thursday , with Prime Minister Boris Johnson expected to lay out `` phase two '' of his plan to tackling COVID-19 on Sunday .
Mr Hancock refused to give any early indication of what extra measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telling Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast : `` There 's already rules in place that we 've brought in to deal with the crisis . ''
He also addressed fears about the privacy of an app residents on the Isle of Wight are being urged to download as part of a trial of the South Korea-style `` test , trace and trace '' programme that means someone is alerted if their phone registers they have been in close proximity with an infected person .
`` The liberties as a nation we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tackle this virus are already enormous , '' Mr Hancock admitted .
Sir Keir said there should be `` consensus '' about how to lift the lockdown but called for the `` core principles '' of how the UK will operate in the next few months to be laid out .
`` People are very worried about going back to work - understandably , they want to know what they are going back to is safe and that means there are rules in place , '' he told Sky News .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a live Q & A with Health Secretary Matt Hancock .
You can put your questions to Mr Hancock about the coronavirus and its impact on your life live on Sky News .
Email us your questions - or you can record a video clip of your question on your phone - and send it to AskTheHealthSecretary @ sky.uk

Employers have been told it is "critical" they provide safe workplaces once lockdown measures are eased amid claims government advice on the matter has been "vague".
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said talks are ongoing with firms and trade unions about what rules should be in place to ensure "safe distancing".
But he avoided spelling out what extra sanctions businesses might face to ensure workers feel protected as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
Image: Some firms have been urging lockdown measures be eased. File pic
Labour is calling for a "national safety standard", with leader Sir Keir Starmer warning that the "enforcement machinery been stripped down to the bare minimum".
He called the consultation documents on protection measures circulated to businesses over the weekend "pretty vague".
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Some companies have been putting pressure on the government to start lifting the lockdown in an effort to revive the economy.
A review of the strict social distancing measures will take place by Thursday, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson expected to lay out "phase two" of his plan to tackling COVID-19 on Sunday.
Mr Hancock refused to give any early indication of what extra measures businesses might be told to follow, telling Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast: "There's already rules in place that we've brought in to deal with the crisis."
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He also addressed fears about the privacy of an app residents on the Isle of Wight are being urged to download as part of a trial of the South Korea-style "test, trace and trace" programme that means someone is alerted if their phone registers they have been in close proximity with an infected person.
"The liberties as a nation we're having to give up in order to tackle this virus are already enormous," Mr Hancock admitted.
Sir Keir said there should be "consensus" about how to lift the lockdown but called for the "core principles" of how the UK will operate in the next few months to be laid out.
"People are very worried about going back to work - understandably, they want to know what they are going back to is safe and that means there are rules in place," he told Sky News.
Image: Burley and Hancock
On Wednesday, Kay Burley will be hosting a live Q&A with Health Secretary Matt Hancock. You can put your questions to Mr Hancock about the coronavirus and its impact on your life live on Sky News.
Email us your questions - or you can record a video clip of your question on your phone - and send it to AskTheHealthSecretary@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-05-05--Top government scientist resigns from SAGE after breaking lockdown rules

Professor Neil Ferguson has resigned from the government 's scientific advisory group ( SAGE ) after reports he broke coronavirus lockdown rules .
In a statement announcing his departure , the leading epidemiologist from Imperial College London said he had made an `` error of judgement '' .
It followed claims in The Telegraph that he allowed a friend reported to be his lover , Antonia Staats , to visit him at home - in breach of official rules he contributed to devising .
As a prominent member of SAGE , his resignation represents a blow for the group and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` I accept I made an error of judgement and took the wrong course of action , '' he said .
`` I have therefore stepped back from my involvement in SAGE .
`` I acted in the belief that I was immune , having tested positive for coronavirus and completely isolated myself for almost two weeks after developing symptoms .
`` I deeply regret any undermining of the clear messages around the continued need for social distancing to control this devastating epidemic .
`` The government guidance is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of us . ''
Prof Ferguson 's resignation comes a month after Dr Catherine Calderwood quit as Scotland 's chief medical officer after making two trips to her second home .
While SAGE has around 50 members , Prof Ferguson had become one of the most prominent after featuring in some of the government 's regular coronavirus briefings .
He first made headlines in mid-March when an Imperial College study , of which he was lead author , warned 250,000 people could die if the UK did not enforce social-distancing measures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ferguson said life `` can not go completely back to normal '' and that social distancing would need to remain until a vaccine was developed .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Then , he warned that more than 100,000 people could die this year if the lockdown was lifted so only elderly and vulnerable people were shielded .
Prof Ferguson said he was `` very sceptical '' that a scenario where the younger population resumed a normal life would be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March , he reported having the fever and cough symptoms of COVID-19 and that there was a small risk he had infected others .

Professor Neil Ferguson has resigned from the government's scientific advisory group (SAGE) after he broke coronavirus lockdown rules.
In a statement announcing his departure, the leading epidemiologist from Imperial College London said he had made an "error of judgement".
It followed claims in The Telegraph that he allowed a friend reported to be his lover, Antonia Staats, to visit him at home - in breach of official rules he contributed to devising.
Image: Professor Neil Ferguson, one of SAGE's most prominent members, pictured during a recent coronavirus briefing
As a prominent member of SAGE, his resignation represents a blow for the group and ministers he is helping guide policy around the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I accept I made an error of judgement and took the wrong course of action," he said.
"I have therefore stepped back from my involvement in SAGE.
"I acted in the belief that I was immune, having tested positive for coronavirus and completely isolated myself for almost two weeks after developing symptoms.
"I deeply regret any undermining of the clear messages around the continued need for social distancing to control this devastating epidemic.
"The government guidance is unequivocal, and is there to protect all of us."
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Security minister James Brokenshire said the senior scientist "made the right decision" and the government will "continue to be informed" by SAGE.
He dismissed Prof Ferguson's claim he thought he was immune, telling Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast: "It's far too early to make those judgements."
The news comes a month after Dr Catherine Calderwood quit as Scotland's chief medical officer after making two trips to her second home.
Image: Dr Catherine Calderwood quit last month after flouting lockdown rules
While SAGE has around 50 members, Prof Ferguson had become one of the most prominent after featuring in some of the government's regular coronavirus briefings.
He first made headlines in mid-March when an Imperial College study, of which he was lead author, warned 250,000 people could die if the UK did not enforce social-distancing measures.
Less than a fortnight ago, Prof Ferguson said life "cannot go completely back to normal" and that social distancing would need to remain until a vaccine was developed.
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Then, he warned that more than 100,000 people could die this year if the lockdown was lifted so only elderly and vulnerable people were shielded.
Prof Ferguson said he was "very sceptical" that a scenario where the younger population resumed a normal life would be a "viable strategy".
On 18 March, he reported having the fever and cough symptoms of COVID-19 and that there was a small risk he had infected others.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-05--PM was shaking hands as some scientists were calling for it to stop

The prime minister continued to shake hands even as some scientists advising the government on its coronavirus response were calling for the practice to be halted , it has emerged .
Scientists were calling for an end to hugging and handshakes in early March , newly-released papers from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) shows .
On 3 March , the SPI-B group of behavioural scientists said the directive would have sent an important signal about the need for good hand hygiene in stopping the spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Downing Street news conference that he was continuing to shake the hands of people he met .
Later that week , the PM made a point of shaking hands with This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield , even though the presenter kept his hands to his sides when he interviewed Mr Johnson for the ITV show .
Mr Johnson was also pictured shaking hands with England rugby captain Owen Farrell at Twickenham .
He was then photographed shaking hands with boxer Anthony Joshua on 9 March , during the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the paper , the PM 's spokesman said that Mr Johnson would not have been aware at the time of the document , which did not at that point represent the considered view of SAGE .
`` The PM would n't have seen that advice , '' the spokesman said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' The PM was very clear at the time , he was taking a number of precautionary steps including frequently washing his hands .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the prime minister 's approach changed . ''
The SPI-B paper said : `` There was agreement that government should advise against greetings such as shaking hands and hugging , given existing evidence about the importance of hand hygiene .
`` A public message against shaking hands has additional value as a signal about the importance of hand hygiene .
`` Promoting a replacement greeting or encouraging others to politely decline a proffered hand-shake may have benefit . ''
The same day , Mr Johnson told reporters at a Downing Street briefing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was at a hospital the other night where I think there were coronavirus patients and I was shaking hands with everybody , you will be pleased to know , and I continue to shake hands .
`` People must make up their own minds but I think the scientific evidence is ... our judgment is that washing your hands is the crucial thing . ''
The news emerged as it was confirmed that the UK has now passed Italy and has the highest number of coronavirus-related deaths in Europe .

The prime minister continued to shake hands even as some scientists advising the government on its coronavirus response were calling for the practice to be halted, it has emerged.
Scientists were calling for an end to hugging and handshakes in early March, newly-released papers from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) shows.
On 3 March, the SPI-B group of behavioural scientists said the directive would have sent an important signal about the need for good hand hygiene in stopping the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Image: England captain Owen Farrell shakes hands with Boris Johnson after the England v Wales Six Nations match at Twickenham on 7 March
That same day, Boris Johnson told a Downing Street news conference that he was continuing to shake the hands of people he met.
Later that week, the PM made a point of shaking hands with This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield, even though the presenter kept his hands to his sides when he interviewed Mr Johnson for the ITV show.
Mr Johnson was also pictured shaking hands with England rugby captain Owen Farrell at Twickenham.
He was then photographed shaking hands with boxer Anthony Joshua on 9 March, during the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.
Asked about the contents of the paper, the PM's spokesman said that Mr Johnson would not have been aware at the time of the document, which did not at that point represent the considered view of SAGE.
"The PM wouldn't have seen that advice," the spokesman said.
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"The PM was very clear at the time, he was taking a number of precautionary steps including frequently washing his hands.
"Once the social distancing advice was changed, the prime minister's approach changed."
The SPI-B paper said: "There was agreement that government should advise against greetings such as shaking hands and hugging, given existing evidence about the importance of hand hygiene.
"A public message against shaking hands has additional value as a signal about the importance of hand hygiene.
"Promoting a replacement greeting or encouraging others to politely decline a proffered hand-shake may have benefit."
The same day, Mr Johnson told reporters at a Downing Street briefing: "I am shaking hands. I was at a hospital the other night where I think there were coronavirus patients and I was shaking hands with everybody, you will be pleased to know, and I continue to shake hands.
"People must make up their own minds but I think the scientific evidence is ... our judgment is that washing your hands is the crucial thing."
The news emerged as it was confirmed that the UK has now passed Italy and has the highest number of coronavirus-related deaths in Europe.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-05--Premier League return would 'lift the spirits of the nation', says minister

The return of Premier League football would `` lift the spirits of the nation '' , the foreign secretary has said .
Speaking at the government 's daily COVID-19 briefing , Dominic Raab said ministers were looking at sports being played behind closed doors in the second phase of its coronavirus response .
Asked about football 's top flight coming back in mid-June , the current timeframe the footballing authorities are working towards , Mr Raab said : `` I think it would lift the spirits of the nation .
`` I think people would like to see us get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... to a stage where children can safely return to school , but also enjoy some of those pastimes , sporting in particular .
`` I know that the government has had constructive meetings with sports bodies to plan for athletes to resume training when it 's safe to do so . ''
Talking about sport more generally , Mr Raab continued : `` I can tell you that the culture secretary ( Oliver Dowden ) has also been working on a plan to get sports played behind closed doors when we move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something I can tell you we 're looking at . ''
The French and Dutch top flights have both been cancelled because of government orders around the COVID-19 pandemic , but the Premier League is still aiming to finish the 2019-20 season .
Its `` Project Restart '' was presented to clubs at a meeting on Friday .
Sides were told the remaining 92 matches of the season , which was halted in mid-March , must be played at neutral venues .
The plans are understood to have been well received , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about safety and the integrity of the competition if games go ahead at neutral sites .
Manchester City star Sergio Aguero is among players who have expressed concerns about returning to action .
Former England striker Gary Lineker , who is now a television pundit , told Sky News there were `` mixed opinions '' among players about resuming the season .
`` They want to come back , but obviously they want to come back in safe circumstances , '' he said .
Lineker added : `` An ideal situation would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where we go .
`` But it 's such a moving feast , it 's really difficult to make any kind of sound prediction . ''
The Premier League is believed to be looking at using between eight and 10 stadiums , with venues likely to be picked based on the ease of ensuring social distancing .
Return-to-training protocols , which include wearing face masks or snoods , were also presented to clubs .
The teams will consult their players and coaching staff on the proposals , which are still subject to approval @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Professional Footballers ' Association , has raised the possibility of halves shorter than 45 minutes when games return .
Resuming matches from the week beginning 8 June is still understood to be the Premier League 's best-case scenario .
Teams are expected to vote on the key principles of `` Project Restart '' at a meeting on Monday , the day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson addresses the nation about the next phase of the UK 's response to COVID-19 .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League said in a statement on Friday : `` The league and clubs are considering the first tentative moves forward and will only return to training and playing with government guidance , under expert medical advice and after consultation with players and managers . ''
Meanwhile , the chairman of the English Football League has warned the 2020-21 season may not start until crowds are allowed back into stadiums .
Rick Parry , who warned it would be `` very messy '' if the Premier League blocked teams being promoted from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` reset '' and said talks around salary caps and other cost controls were taking place .
Action would also be needed to address a £200m `` cash hole '' that clubs were facing by the end of September , Mr Parry added .

The return of Premier League football would "lift the spirits of the nation", the foreign secretary has said.
Speaking at the government's daily COVID-19 briefing, Dominic Raab said ministers were looking at sports being played behind closed doors in the second phase of its coronavirus response.
Asked about football's top flight coming back in mid-June, the current timeframe the footballing authorities are working towards, Mr Raab said: "I think it would lift the spirits of the nation.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:31 Should football restart just to finish the season?
"I think people would like to see us get back, not just to work and... to a stage where children can safely return to school, but also enjoy some of those pastimes, sporting in particular.
"I know that the government has had constructive meetings with sports bodies to plan for athletes to resume training when it's safe to do so."
Talking about sport more generally, Mr Raab continued: "I can tell you that the culture secretary (Oliver Dowden) has also been working on a plan to get sports played behind closed doors when we move to the second phase, that's something I can tell you we're looking at."
The French and Dutch top flights have both been cancelled because of government orders around the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Premier League is still aiming to finish the 2019-20 season.
Its "Project Restart" was presented to clubs at a meeting on Friday.
Sides were told the remaining 92 matches of the season, which was halted in mid-March, must be played at neutral venues.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 Neville not convinced over football's return
The plans are understood to have been well received, but concerns have been expressed in some quarters about safety and the integrity of the competition if games go ahead at neutral sites.
Manchester City star Sergio Aguero is among players who have expressed concerns about returning to action.
Former England striker Gary Lineker, who is now a television pundit, told Sky News there were "mixed opinions" among players about resuming the season.
"They want to come back, but obviously they want to come back in safe circumstances," he said.
Lineker added: "An ideal situation would be to complete the season and then see where we go.
"But it's such a moving feast, it's really difficult to make any kind of sound prediction."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 Carragher: Virus will decide when football returns
The Premier League is believed to be looking at using between eight and 10 stadiums, with venues likely to be picked based on the ease of ensuring social distancing.
Return-to-training protocols, which include wearing face masks or snoods, were also presented to clubs.
The teams will consult their players and coaching staff on the proposals, which are still subject to approval.
Gordon Taylor, chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association, has raised the possibility of halves shorter than 45 minutes when games return.
Resuming matches from the week beginning 8 June is still understood to be the Premier League's best-case scenario.
Teams are expected to vote on the key principles of "Project Restart" at a meeting on Monday, the day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson addresses the nation about the next phase of the UK's response to COVID-19.
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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The Premier League said in a statement on Friday: "The league and clubs are considering the first tentative moves forward and will only return to training and playing with government guidance, under expert medical advice and after consultation with players and managers."
Meanwhile, the chairman of the English Football League has warned the 2020-21 season may not start until crowds are allowed back into stadiums.
Rick Parry, who warned it would be "very messy" if the Premier League blocked teams being promoted from the Championship, told MPs the EFL needed a "reset" and said talks around salary caps and other cost controls were taking place.
Action would also be needed to address a £200m "cash hole" that clubs were facing by the end of September, Mr Parry added.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-05--UK and US begin talks on 'ambitious' free trade deal

The UK and US have begun negotiations on an `` ambitious '' post-Brexit free trade deal .
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss formally opened the talks on Tuesday during a video conference call with US trade representative Robert Lighthizer .
The first round of discussions will get under way on Wednesday and continue for around two weeks .
There will be some100 negotiators on each side taking part .
Further rounds of talks will happen every six weeks and will be conducted remotely until it is safe to travel again .
The negotiations will be led at an official level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oliver Griffiths and Daniel Mullaney , the assistant US trade representative for Europe and the Middle East .
Supporters of Brexit have argued the ability for Britain to strike its own free trade deals with nations around the world like the US will provide a boost to the economy .
But opponents have expressed fears that striking a deal with Washington will mean Britain having to accept looser US food and environmental standards and will not make up for losing access to the EU 's customs union and single market .
They also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to American firms , something Prime Minister Boris Johnson denied during last year 's general election campaign .
Ms Truss said a trade agreement would help the UK and US economies `` bounce back '' following the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` We want to strike an ambitious deal that opens up new opportunities for our businesses , brings in more investment and creates better jobs for people across the whole of the country , '' she said .
`` The prime minister has been clear that we champion free trade and this deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business with our friends across the pond .
`` As we sit down at the negotiating table today be assured that we will drive a hard bargain to secure a deal that benefits individuals and businesses in every region and nation of the UK . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Lighthizer welcomed the beginning of talks , which he said were aimed at striking an `` historic agreement '' .
`` Under the leadership of President Trump , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high-standard trade agreement with the UK that will strengthen our economies , support good-paying jobs and substantially improve opportunities for trade and investment between our two countries , '' he said .

The UK and US have begun negotiations on an "ambitious" post-Brexit free trade deal.
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss formally opened the talks on Tuesday during a video conference call with US trade representative Robert Lighthizer.
The first round of discussions will get under way on Wednesday and continue for around two weeks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:43 Now the UK is out of the EU, what next?
There will be some 100 negotiators on each side taking part.
Further rounds of talks will happen every six weeks and will be conducted remotely until it is safe to travel again.
The negotiations will be led at an official level by the Department for International Trade's Oliver Griffiths and Daniel Mullaney, the assistant US trade representative for Europe and the Middle East.
Supporters of Brexit have argued the ability for Britain to strike its own free trade deals with nations around the world like the US will provide a boost to the economy.
But opponents have expressed fears that striking a deal with Washington will mean Britain having to accept looser US food and environmental standards and will not make up for losing access to the EU's customs union and single market.
They also fear it will open up the NHS to American firms, something Prime Minister Boris Johnson denied during last year's general election campaign.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 Johnson: 'NHS not on the table in any way'
Ms Truss said a trade agreement would help the UK and US economies "bounce back" following the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We want to strike an ambitious deal that opens up new opportunities for our businesses, brings in more investment and creates better jobs for people across the whole of the country," she said.
"The prime minister has been clear that we champion free trade and this deal will make it even easier to do business with our friends across the pond.
"As we sit down at the negotiating table today be assured that we will drive a hard bargain to secure a deal that benefits individuals and businesses in every region and nation of the UK."
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
Mr Lighthizer welcomed the beginning of talks, which he said were aimed at striking an "historic agreement".
"Under the leadership of President Trump, the United States will negotiate an ambitious and high-standard trade agreement with the UK that will strengthen our economies, support good-paying jobs and substantially improve opportunities for trade and investment between our two countries," he said.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-06--Police criticise top scientist's 'plainly disappointing' lockdown breach

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told Sky News he was `` speechless '' after it emerged one of the government 's key scientific advisers had broken the UK 's lockdown rules .
Mr Hancock described the actions of Professor Neil Ferguson as `` extraordinary '' , after it emerged he allowed Antonia Staats , who is reported to be his lover , to visit him at home - in breach of official social distancing rules .
The Metropolitan Police , who have powers to act against those breaching lockdown restrictions , described Prof Ferguson 's actions as `` plainly disappointing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It is clear in this case that whilst this behaviour is plainly disappointing , Professor Ferguson has accepted that he made an error of judgement and has taken responsibility for that , '' a spokeswoman said .
`` We therefore do not intend to take any further action . ''
Prof Ferguson , an academic at London 's Imperial College , has now quit the government 's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) , which plays a central role in the UK 's coronavirus response , following what he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
`` Professor Ferguson is a very eminent and impressive scientist and the science that he has done has been an important part of what we 've listened to , '' Mr Hancock said .
`` I think he took the right decision to resign . ''
Asked if he thought Prof Ferguson should have been prosecuted for his apparent breach of lockdown rules , the health secretary added : `` It 's a matter for the police , as a government minister I 'm not allowed to get involved in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But I think the social distancing rules are very important and people should follow them . ''
He added : `` They 'll take their decisions independently from ministers - that 's quite right , it 's always been like that .
`` And that 's why , even though I 've got a clear answer to what I think , as a minister , the way we run the police is that they make decisions like this .
`` So I give them their space to make that decision , but I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resign . ''
Mr Hancock appeared on Sky News ' `` Ask the Health Secretary '' event with Kay Burley , to answer some of the thousands of questions submitted by members of the public .
Asked if he had fought to keep Prof Ferguson on SAGE , the health secretary replied : `` That 's just not possible in these circumstances . ''
Last month , Dr Catherine Calderwood quit as Scotland 's chief medical officer after making two trips to her second home .
She was issued with a warning by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules .
Prof Ferguson explained he had `` acted in the belief '' that he was immune from COVID-19 , having previously tested positive for coronavirus and isolated himself for almost two weeks after developing symptoms .
Ms Staats was reported by the Daily Telegraph to live with her husband and their children in another house .
But Mr Hancock told Sky News that social distancing rules should be followed by everyone , even if they have already had coronavirus .
The health secretary revealed he himself had asked a similar question about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Professor Chris Whitty , when he contracted and then recovered from COVID-19 .
`` Normally there 's immunity and you 're at much lower risk of coronavirus , if you 've had it recently , but we do n't know that for sure , '' Mr Hancock said .
`` There 's so many new things about this coronavirus that we do n't know that that 's the case .
`` So I asked exactly that question of the chief medical officer - 'can I behave differently because I 've now had it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the social distancing ? '
`` And the answer was very clear , which is 'yes , we all have to abide by social distancing ' . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In mid-March , Prof Ferguson was the lead author of an Imperial College report which warned , without stringent social distancing measures , the UK could see 250,000 deaths .
Days later , the government announced the UK 's lockdown .
Analysis : Did the government fight to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no By Tamara Cohen , political correspondent It 's a day of grim headlines for the government as UK death rates surpassed the rest of Europe ; the government lost an eminent adviser to an embarrassing scandal - which the health secretary described as an `` extraordinary '' development which had left him `` speechless '' - and the chief scientist admitted ramping up testing earlier may have been `` beneficial '' .
Mr Hancock did not play down how influential a role Prof Ferguson 's modelling in March - predicting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ radical action - had played in the lockdown strategy .
But , as to whether the government had fought for their eminent scientist to stay on , he does n't appear to have been consulted but stressed that the guidance must be obeyed , and the question of whether having already had COVID-19 gives you immunity is far from settled .
Mr Hancock is seen as one of the cabinet 's lockdown hawks - insistent it must be kept going as long as necessary .

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told Sky News he was "speechless" after it emerged one of the government's key scientific advisers had broken the UK's lockdown rules.
Mr Hancock described the actions of Professor Neil Ferguson as "extraordinary", after it emerged he allowed Antonia Staats, who is reported to be his lover, to visit him at home - in breach of official social distancing rules.
The Metropolitan Police, who have powers to act against those breaching lockdown restrictions, described Prof Ferguson's behaviour as "plainly disappointing" but will not pursue the matter.
"Professor Ferguson has accepted that he made an error of judgement and has taken responsibility for that," a spokeswoman said.
"We therefore do not intend to take any further action."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:35 'I don't understand': Hancock on Ferguson scandal
Prof Ferguson, an academic at London's Imperial College, has now quit the government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), which plays a central role in the UK's coronavirus response, following what he described as an "error of judgement".
"Professor Ferguson is a very eminent and impressive scientist and the science that he has done has been an important part of what we've listened to," Mr Hancock said.
"I think he took the right decision to resign."
Asked if he thought Prof Ferguson should have been prosecuted for his apparent breach of lockdown rules, the health secretary added: "It's a matter for the police, as a government minister I'm not allowed to get involved in the operational decisions of police matters.
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"But I think the social distancing rules are very important and people should follow them."
He added: "They'll take their decisions independently from ministers - that's quite right, it's always been like that.
"And that's why, even though I've got a clear answer to what I think, as a minister, the way we run the police is that they make decisions like this.
"So I give them their space to make that decision, but I think he took the right decision to resign."
Mr Hancock appeared on Sky News' "Ask the Health Secretary" event with Kay Burley, to answer some of the thousands of questions submitted by members of the public.
Asked if he had fought to keep Prof Ferguson on SAGE, the health secretary replied: "That's just not possible in these circumstances."
Last month, Dr Catherine Calderwood quit as Scotland's chief medical officer after making two trips to her second home.
She was issued with a warning by police about the UK's social distancing rules.
Prof Ferguson explained he had "acted in the belief" that he was immune from COVID-19, having previously tested positive for coronavirus and isolated himself for almost two weeks after developing symptoms.
Ms Staats was reported by the Daily Telegraph to live with her husband and their children in another house.
But Mr Hancock told Sky News that social distancing rules should be followed by everyone, even if they have already had coronavirus.
The health secretary revealed he himself had asked a similar question about immunity of England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty, when he contracted and then recovered from COVID-19.
"Normally there's immunity and you're at much lower risk of coronavirus, if you've had it recently, but we don't know that for sure," Mr Hancock said.
"There's so many new things about this coronavirus that we don't know that that's the case.
"So I asked exactly that question of the chief medical officer - 'can I behave differently because I've now had it? Do I still have to do the social distancing?'
"And the answer was very clear, which is 'yes, we all have to abide by social distancing'."
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
In mid-March, Prof Ferguson was the lead author of an Imperial College report which warned, without stringent social distancing measures, the UK could see 250,000 deaths.
Days later, the government announced the UK's lockdown.
Analysis: Did the government fight to keep eminent scientist? The clear message is no
By Tamara Cohen, political correspondent
It's a day of grim headlines for the government as UK death rates surpassed the rest of Europe; the government lost an eminent adviser to an embarrassing scandal - which the health secretary described as an "extraordinary" development which had left him "speechless" - and the chief scientist admitted ramping up testing earlier may have been "beneficial".
Mr Hancock did not play down how influential a role Prof Ferguson's modelling in March - predicting a surge in death rates to 250,000 without radical action - had played in the lockdown strategy.
But, as to whether the government had fought for their eminent scientist to stay on, he doesn't appear to have been consulted but stressed that the guidance must be obeyed, and the question of whether having already had COVID-19 gives you immunity is far from settled.
Mr Hancock is seen as one of the cabinet's lockdown hawks - insistent it must be kept going as long as necessary.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-06--'Agonising decision': Rory Stewart quits race to become London mayor

Former Tory minister Rory Stewart has quit the race to be London 's mayor , calling it an `` agonising decision '' .
He said the `` considerable challenges '' of running as an independent candidate had become `` forbidding '' in an extended contest .
`` I have decided that I will not be standing again for Mayor in the now delayed 2021 election , '' he tweeted .
`` It has been a great privilege to work with so many amazing people with such passion and vision for London .
Thank you very much again from the bottom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mayoral elections in England had been due to take place on 7 May but it was decided in March to postpone them for 12 months because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The former Conservative leadership candidate said it had been an `` agonising decision '' to quit the mayoral race but said he could not ask his unpaid campaign volunteers to continue for another year .
He said : `` I firmly believe London is the greatest city on earth - and it 's courageous response to COVID-19 proves that more than ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honour of my life to serve the city as mayor , but while the considerable challenges of running as an independent were manageable for a normal race they are forbidding for an extended and delayed election . ''
Mr Stewart told the Evening Standard : `` We were on our way to a great battle this time round , I thought .
One of the team just said : 'It 's like one of those drag races - we built our car but we never really got to race it properly . '
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision .
It 's a job I really , really dreamed of .
I do n't think I will ever find another role in the world which would be as exciting or satisfying as that .
It would have been a great , great privilege .
There is no city like it in the world .
`` If I had been lucky enough to be elected I would much rather have done [ this ] than being prime minister . ''
Mr Stewart had pledged to quit if he failed to cut crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With Me initiative of sleeping on Londoners ' floors to understand their problems attracted widespread coverage .
Asked why he had not delayed taking a decision until the lockdown ended , he said : `` I think it would have been dishonest .
I have taken a few weeks to get my head straight .
`` Yes , I could have left things open and I could have teased people a bit , but I think it would have been unfair to myself or my supporters .
`` A lot of our donations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't let people continue to donate on false pretences . ''
The most recent opinion poll from Queen Mary University of London put him in third place on 13 % , behind current mayor Sadiq Khan and Conservative candidate Shaun Bailey .
Mr Stewart , a former international development minister , quit as an MP in October to run in the mayoral contest in the capital .
A month earlier , the prominent Remainer had the whip withdrawn after voting against the government on Brexit .

Former Tory minister Rory Stewart has quit the race to be London's mayor, calling it an "agonising decision".
He said the "considerable challenges" of running as an independent candidate had become "forbidding" in an extended contest.
"I have decided that I will not be standing again for Mayor in the now delayed 2021 election," he tweeted.
"It has been a great privilege to work with so many amazing people with such passion and vision for London. Thank you very much again from the bottom of my heart."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 11 February: Ex-MP wants to stay with Londoners in their homes to learn about their concerns
Local and mayoral elections in England had been due to take place on 7 May but it was decided in March to postpone them for 12 months because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The former Conservative leadership candidate said it had been an "agonising decision" to quit the mayoral race but said he could not ask his unpaid campaign volunteers to continue for another year.
He said: "I firmly believe London is the greatest city on earth - and it's courageous response to COVID-19 proves that more than ever.
"It would have been the honour of my life to serve the city as mayor, but while the considerable challenges of running as an independent were manageable for a normal race they are forbidding for an extended and delayed election."
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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Mr Stewart told the Evening Standard: "We were on our way to a great battle this time round, I thought. One of the team just said: 'It's like one of those drag races - we built our car but we never really got to race it properly.'
"It's been a very difficult decision. It's a job I really, really dreamed of. I don't think I will ever find another role in the world which would be as exciting or satisfying as that. It would have been a great, great privilege. There is no city like it in the world.
"If I had been lucky enough to be elected I would much rather have done [this] than being prime minister."
Mr Stewart had pledged to quit if he failed to cut crime as mayor, and a Come Kip With Me initiative of sleeping on Londoners' floors to understand their problems attracted widespread coverage.
Asked why he had not delayed taking a decision until the lockdown ended, he said: "I think it would have been dishonest. I have taken a few weeks to get my head straight.
"Yes, I could have left things open and I could have teased people a bit, but I think it would have been unfair to myself or my supporters.
"A lot of our donations were very small donations. I can't let people continue to donate on false pretences."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 10:00 26 January: Mr Stewart says he finds solving people's problems up close exciting
The most recent opinion poll from Queen Mary University of London put him in third place on 13%, behind current mayor Sadiq Khan and Conservative candidate Shaun Bailey.
Mr Stewart, a former international development minister, quit as an MP in October to run in the mayoral contest in the capital.
A month earlier, the prominent Remainer had the whip withdrawn after voting against the government on Brexit.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-06--Businesses need up to three weeks to exit lockdown, government warned

The government is being warned that businesses will need up to three weeks to resume activity once the coronavirus lockdown is eased .
The British Chambers of Commerce ( BCC ) urged ministers to maintain financial support and deliver clear instructions in the coming days , to give firms time to prepare themselves as supply chains remain limp and staff away from the workplace .
It issued the plea as the prime minister prepares to update the nation on the state of play this weekend as the UK continues to make progress in bringing down infection and death rates from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ease the strict restrictions on movement that were implemented on 23 March amid predictions , in some quarters , that the economy may be heading for the worst slump in decades if not centuries .
The construction sector pleaded its case for the `` green light '' on Wednesday after closely-watched activity figures for the sector suggested a record collapse in output last month .
The Federation of Master Builders said it was imperative sites could be opened safely - with financial support from the taxpayer `` crucial '' to the sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ builders unable to operate currently .
Business as usual would be welcome at the Treasury as the cost of the Job Retention Scheme alone , to date , has topped £8bn with 6.3 million furloughed workers at more than 800,000 companies netting wage support .
The BCC 's latest Coronavirus Business Impact Tracker - a survey of its members - found that the speed of business resumption varied by business size and sector .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' notice if they were to resume operations - most likely with forms of safety measures in place to protect health .
The survey found that 68 % of business-to-business service firms would need less than one week or no notice to restart operations , compared to 50 % of business-to-consumer service firms .
Smaller businesses may be able to restart operations more quickly , the BCC said , with 64 % of respondents employing fewer than 10 people requiring less than one week .
The study showed 3 % would need more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BCC Director General Dr Adam Marshall said : `` Over the coming days , business communities will require clear forward guidance from government on plans to re-open parts of the economy , transport networks , schools and local services .
`` Our results show that businesses ' ability to restart quickly varies by company size , and by sector .
`` For these reasons and more , it will be crucial for the government to maintain and evolve support for businesses , to give as many firms as possible the chance to navigate @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The government is being warned that businesses will need up to three weeks to resume activity once the coronavirus lockdown is eased.
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) urged ministers to maintain financial support and deliver clear instructions in the coming days, to give firms time to prepare themselves as supply chains remain limp and staff away from the workplace.
It issued the plea as the prime minister prepares to update the nation on the state of play this weekend as the UK continues to make progress in bringing down infection and death rates from COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:53 'There must be a national safety standard at work'
Boris Johnson is under pressure to ease the strict restrictions on movement that were implemented on 23 March amid predictions, in some quarters, that the economy may be heading for the worst slump in decades if not centuries.
The construction sector pleaded its case for the "green light" on Wednesday after closely-watched activity figures for the sector suggested a record collapse in output last month.
The Federation of Master Builders said it was imperative sites could be opened safely - with financial support from the taxpayer "crucial" to the sector's hopes with 96% of local builders unable to operate currently.
Business as usual would be welcome at the Treasury as the cost of the Job Retention Scheme alone, to date, has topped £8bn with 6.3 million furloughed workers at more than 800,000 companies netting wage support.
The BCC's latest Coronavirus Business Impact Tracker - a survey of its members - found that the speed of business resumption varied by business size and sector.
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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But it suggested some firms would need three weeks' notice if they were to resume operations - most likely with forms of safety measures in place to protect health.
The survey found that 68% of business-to-business service firms would need less than one week or no notice to restart operations, compared to 50% of business-to-consumer service firms.
Smaller businesses may be able to restart operations more quickly, the BCC said, with 64% of respondents employing fewer than 10 people requiring less than one week.
The study showed 3% would need more than three weeks to operate properly.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:02 A 'pitiful' 4,321 new cars sold in April
BCC Director General Dr Adam Marshall said: "Over the coming days, business communities will require clear forward guidance from government on plans to re-open parts of the economy, transport networks, schools and local services.
"Our results show that businesses' ability to restart quickly varies by company size, and by sector.
"For these reasons and more, it will be crucial for the government to maintain and evolve support for businesses, to give as many firms as possible the chance to navigate a phased return to work."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-06--Clearly mistakes were made over COVID-19 testing, minister admits

Mistakes were made over the UK 's handling of coronavirus - including not scaling up testing fast enough , a senior minister has admitted .
Security minister James Brokenshire told Sky News `` clearly '' there should have been more COVID-19 tests `` earlier '' as the country 's death toll outstripped Italy 's to become the worst in Europe .
He said `` nobody 's trying to duck away that this has been a perfect response '' but insisted the `` appropriate time '' for reflections will come `` once we are through this pandemic '' .
So far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK during the crisis - well past the 20,000 figure the government 's chief scientific adviser said in March would be a `` good result '' .
Quizzed on ministers ' response seven weeks into lockdown , Mr Brokenshire said `` clearly we would want to have had more testing earlier '' .
The latest stats from the Department of Health show that in the 24 hours up to 9am on Tuesday , 84,806 tests were deployed for 69,839 people .
Testing figures peaked on Friday at 122,347 - just in time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of reaching 100,000 a day .
However , the total included home test kits sent out but not returned , including several which people were told to bin .
`` We have some of the best labs in the world - what we did n't have at the time was the volume , '' Mr Brokenshire said , recalling back to February .
`` That scaled up rapidly - with all the different drives in testing , the remote testing that has taken place .
`` But we will continue to learn lessons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where there needs to be learning and where mistakes may have been made . ''
He dismissed criticism that Boris Johnson talked about shaking the hands of patients he met in a hospital on the same day the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) advised against the practice to slow the outbreak .
The prime minister was already `` taking a number of different steps at that point '' and `` clearly he changed his behaviour as we all have done '' , Mr Brokenshire added .
He explained : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been made - no government is going to get everything right .
`` But we will have plenty of time for searching questions , for us to reflect very firmly on the actions that were taken once we are through this pandemic .
`` But our focus has to be on dealing with the immediate issues - the amazing job that our NHS continues to do and the next steps as we look towards the impact . ''

Mistakes were made over the UK's handling of coronavirus - including not scaling up testing fast enough, a senior minister has admitted.
Security minister James Brokenshire told Sky News "clearly" there should have been more COVID-19 tests "earlier" as the country's death toll outstripped Italy's to become the worst in Europe.
He said "nobody's trying to duck away that this has been a perfect response" but insisted the "appropriate time" for reflections will come "once we are through this pandemic".
Image: The latest figures say 84,806 coronavirus tests were deployed on Monday
So far 29,427 people have died with coronavirus in the UK during the crisis - well past the 20,000 figure the government's chief scientific adviser said in March would be a "good result".
Quizzed on ministers' response seven weeks into lockdown, Mr Brokenshire said "clearly we would want to have had more testing earlier".
Image: The UK's death toll has outstripped Italy's to become the highest in Europe
The latest stats from the Department of Health show that in the 24 hours up to 9am on Tuesday, 84,806 tests were deployed for 69,839 people.
Testing figures peaked on Friday at 122,347 - just in time to meet health secretary's self-imposed target of reaching 100,000 a day.
However, the total included home test kits sent out but not returned, including several which people were told to bin.
"We have some of the best labs in the world - what we didn't have at the time was the volume," Mr Brokenshire said, recalling back to February.
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"That scaled up rapidly - with all the different drives in testing, the remote testing that has taken place.
"But we will continue to learn lessons and clearly reflect where there were challenges, where there needs to be learning and where mistakes may have been made."
He dismissed criticism that Boris Johnson talked about shaking the hands of patients he met in a hospital on the same day the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) advised against the practice to slow the outbreak.
Image: Boris Johnson talked about shaking hands with people at the start of March
The prime minister was already "taking a number of different steps at that point" and "clearly he changed his behaviour as we all have done", Mr Brokenshire added.
He explained: "There is an acknowledgement that mistakes have been made - no government is going to get everything right.
"But we will have plenty of time for searching questions, for us to reflect very firmly on the actions that were taken once we are through this pandemic.
"But our focus has to be on dealing with the immediate issues - the amazing job that our NHS continues to do and the next steps as we look towards the impact."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-05--Health secretary tells Labour MP and A&E doctor to watch her 'tone'

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has been criticised after he told a Labour MP to watch her `` tone '' when she questioned the government 's handling of the pandemic .
Dr Rosena Allin-Khan , who is also a serving A & E doctor , said the government 's coronavirus testing strategy had `` cost lives '' and called on the health secretary to commit to a `` minimum of 100,000 tests each day going forward '' .
During health questions in the Commons , Mr Hancock dismissed her allegations and said she `` might do well to take a leaf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's book in terms of tone '' .
Dr Allin-Khan later tweeted she would `` not watch my tone when dozens of NHS and care staff are dying unnecessarily '' .
She had told MPs : `` Frontline workers like me have had to watch families break into pieces as we deliver the very worst of news to them , that the ones they love most in this world have died .
`` The testing strategy has been non-existent .
Community testing was scrapped , mass testing was slow to roll out , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
She continued : `` And does the secretary of state acknowledge that many frontline workers feel that the government 's lack of testing has cost lives and is responsible for many families being unnecessarily torn apart in grief ? ''
Mr Hancock said Dr Allin-Khan 's accusations were `` not true '' and that there had been a `` rapid acceleration is testing ... including getting to 100,000 tests a day '' .
A number of high profile figures have defended Dr Allin-Khan on Twitter following the exchange , including Nigella @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Dragon 's Den star Deborah Meaden wrote : `` Good Lord .
You delivered that eloquently , clearly , succinctly and professionally .
`` You asked the right question in the right way .
Matt Hancock on the other hand ... Good Grief !
!
!
Talk about off tone !
! ''
The health secretary previously said the UK had managed to surpass its target of daily 100,000 tests by the end of April , hitting 122,347 tests .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Newton , director of health improvement at Public Health England , later confirmed tests that are sent out to people at home or to satellite centres are counted when they are sent out , not when they are completed .
There are also concerns some tests may have come back void or unsatisfactory .
On 3 May , 85,186 tests were carried out , according to Department of Health Figures - much lower than the 100,000 daily target .
Earlier , Mr Hancock said testing of asymptomatic NHS staff will be rolled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hancock responded : `` Yes , [ Mr Ashworth ] has asked questions in a responsible and reasonable way and I welcome his support for the test , track and trace pilot in the Isle of Wight that we announced yesterday .
`` We have piloted the testing of asymptomatic NHS staff now in 16 trusts across the country and those pilots have been successful , and we 'll be rolling it out further . ''

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has been criticised after he told a Labour MP to watch her "tone" when she questioned the government's handling of the pandemic.
Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, who is also a serving A&E doctor, said the government's coronavirus testing strategy had "cost lives" and called on the health secretary to commit to a "minimum of 100,000 tests each day going forward".
During health questions in the Commons, Mr Hancock dismissed her allegations and said she "might do well to take a leaf out of the shadow secretary of state's book in terms of tone".
Image: Dr Rosena Allin-Khan is also an A&E doctor. Pic: LabourList
Dr Allin-Khan later tweeted she would "not watch my tone when dozens of NHS and care staff are dying unnecessarily".
She had told MPs: "Frontline workers like me have had to watch families break into pieces as we deliver the very worst of news to them, that the ones they love most in this world have died.
"The testing strategy has been non-existent. Community testing was scrapped, mass testing was slow to roll out, and testing figures are now being manipulated."
She continued: "And does the secretary of state acknowledge that many frontline workers feel that the government's lack of testing has cost lives and is responsible for many families being unnecessarily torn apart in grief?"
Mr Hancock said Dr Allin-Khan's accusations were "not true" and that there had been a "rapid acceleration is testing... including getting to 100,000 tests a day".
A number of high profile figures have defended Dr Allin-Khan on Twitter following the exchange, including Nigella Lawson, Piers Morgan and Diane Abbott.
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Dragon's Den star Deborah Meaden wrote: "Good Lord. You delivered that eloquently, clearly, succinctly and professionally.
"You asked the right question in the right way. Matt Hancock on the other hand...Good Grief!!! Talk about off tone!!"
The health secretary previously said the UK had managed to surpass its target of daily 100,000 tests by the end of April, hitting 122,347 tests.
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
But Professor John Newton, director of health improvement at Public Health England, later confirmed tests that are sent out to people at home or to satellite centres are counted when they are sent out, not when they are completed.
There are also concerns some tests may have come back void or unsatisfactory.
On 3 May, 85,186 tests were carried out, according to Department of Health Figures - much lower than the 100,000 daily target.
Earlier, Mr Hancock said testing of asymptomatic NHS staff will be rolled out further across the country.
Mr Hancock responded: "Yes, [Mr Ashworth] has asked questions in a responsible and reasonable way and I welcome his support for the test, track and trace pilot in the Isle of Wight that we announced yesterday.
"We have piloted the testing of asymptomatic NHS staff now in 16 trusts across the country and those pilots have been successful, and we'll be rolling it out further."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-06--Lockdown roadmap: PM says some measures may be eased from Monday

The UK could `` get going '' with easing some lockdown measures from Monday , Boris Johnson has signalled .
The prime minister suggested a `` phase two '' plan for tackling coronavirus now infection numbers have peaked might come into force the day after he gives an update on the lockdown on Sunday .
`` We 'll want if we possibly can to get going with some of these measures on Monday , '' he told MPs at his first clash with new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in parliament on Wednesday .
`` I think it would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea of what 's coming the following day . ''
He did not spell out exactly how or which strict distancing measures would be tweaked - and some powers remain with the devolved governments in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
Speaking later at the daily COVID-19 briefing , Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said it was the government 's `` strong preference '' that lockdown measures are lifted at the same time across the country .
However , he did say that some restrictions could be reimposed in `` micro-communities '' where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK has been in lockdown for seven weeks with recorded deaths at more than 30,000 making it the highest figure in Europe .
Ministers and scientific advisers have stressed the country has passed the initial peak and that a new strategy of `` test , track and trace '' will be rolled out to stop further spikes overwhelming the NHS .
That will see Britons encouraged to download an app that monitors if they have been near a person with COVID-19 symptoms and told to self-isolate on a household-by-household basis .
Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 200,000 tests a day by the end of May , following the 100,000 goal Health Secretary Matt Hancock set himself by the end of April .
But he was accused of being slow on increasing test capacity , going into lockdown in the first place and on ensuring health and social care staff have adequate supplies of protective equipment by Sir Keir .
The Labour leader 's spokesman also said Mr Johnson `` should be making a statement to the Commons '' about the plans when they are officially announced so MPs can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keir raised the size of the death toll that has well exceeded the 20,000 estimate the government 's chief scientific adviser previously said would be a `` good outcome '' .
`` That 's not success or apparent success , so can the prime minister tell us how on earth did it come to this ? ''
he asked .
Mr Johnson said the statistic was `` appalling '' and that `` every death is a tragedy '' but warned : `` At this stage I do n't think international comparisons and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the conclusions that we want . ''
Sir Keir hit back by claiming the argument `` does n't hold water '' since the government publishes the number of total deaths each day as part of its slides release at the Downing Street news conferences .
Earlier on Twitter the prime minister said he recognised the `` hardship '' people were going through by adhering to the lockdown , urging : `` Please keep going . ''
London mayor Sadiq Khan warned it `` might well be '' too soon to lift any measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public transport capacity in the capital ahead of any announcement about people returning to work .
Mr Johnson hinted at an announcement about the London underground as well , telling a Tory backbencher : `` There must be - and we 'll come to this on Sunday and next week as well - mitigation to help people , for those reasons of social distancing , who can not use mass transit . ''

The UK could "get going" with easing some lockdown measures from Monday, Boris Johnson has signalled.
The prime minister suggested a "phase two" plan for tackling coronavirus now infection numbers have peaked might come into force the day after he gives an update on the lockdown on Sunday.
"We'll want if we possibly can to get going with some of these measures on Monday," he told MPs at his first clash with new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in parliament on Wednesday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 'How on earth did it come to this?'
"I think it would be a good thing if people had an idea of what's coming the following day."
He did not spell out exactly how or which strict distancing measures would be tweaked - and some powers remain with the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Speaking later at the daily COVID-19 briefing, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said it was the government's "strong preference" that lockdown measures are lifted at the same time across the country.
However, he did say that some restrictions could be reimposed in "micro-communities" where there is a new outbreak.
The UK has been in lockdown for seven weeks with recorded deaths at more than 30,000 making it the highest figure in Europe.
Ministers and scientific advisers have stressed the country has passed the initial peak and that a new strategy of "test, track and trace" will be rolled out to stop further spikes overwhelming the NHS.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:13 Three ways of interpreting coronavirus figures
That will see Britons encouraged to download an app that monitors if they have been near a person with COVID-19 symptoms and told to self-isolate on a household-by-household basis.
Mr Johnson set a new target of capacity for 200,000 tests a day by the end of May, following the 100,000 goal Health Secretary Matt Hancock set himself by the end of April.
But he was accused of being slow on increasing test capacity, going into lockdown in the first place and on ensuring health and social care staff have adequate supplies of protective equipment by Sir Keir.
The Labour leader's spokesman also said Mr Johnson "should be making a statement to the Commons" about the plans when they are officially announced so MPs can question them.
Image: The lockdown has been in place for seven weeks
At PMQs, Sir Keir raised the size of the death toll that has well exceeded the 20,000 estimate the government's chief scientific adviser previously said would be a "good outcome".
"That's not success or apparent success, so can the prime minister tell us how on earth did it come to this?" he asked.
Mr Johnson said the statistic was "appalling" and that "every death is a tragedy" but warned: "At this stage I don't think international comparisons and the data is yet there to draw all the conclusions that we want."
Sir Keir hit back by claiming the argument "doesn't hold water" since the government publishes the number of total deaths each day as part of its slides release at the Downing Street news conferences.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 'No govt is going to get everything right'
Earlier on Twitter the prime minister said he recognised the "hardship" people were going through by adhering to the lockdown, urging: "Please keep going."
London mayor Sadiq Khan warned it "might well be" too soon to lift any measures.
He has been urged to restore public transport capacity in the capital ahead of any announcement about people returning to work.
Mr Johnson hinted at an announcement about the London underground as well, telling a Tory backbencher: "There must be - and we'll come to this on Sunday and next week as well - mitigation to help people, for those reasons of social distancing, who cannot use mass transit."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-06--Government misses coronavirus testing target for fourth day in a row

The government has failed to meet its coronavirus testing target for the fourth day in a row .
Latest figures show 69,463 COVID-19 tests were conducted in the 24 hours to 9am on Wednesday , well short of the 100,000 benchmark .
The total was 84,806 up to 9am on Tuesday , 85,186 up to 9am on Monday and 76,496 up to 9am on Sunday .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock pledged that Britain would be carrying out 100,000 daily tests for the virus by the end of April .
The government said this milestone was reached on the last day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 122,347 tests on 30 April .
But this total included more than 40,000 home testing kits that had been sent out and not returned , including several which people were told to bin .
Opponents accused the government of manipulating the figures in order to reach the target .
But ministers rejected this and hailed a considerable boost in testing capacity within a matter of weeks .
Speaking to Sky News on Wednesday , Mr Hancock claimed Britain was `` miles ahead '' and now a world leader on testing .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January .
In February we got the number of tests up to 2,000 ( a day ) .
In March we multiplied that by five times to 10,000 .
Then we set the 100,000 target .
`` The Germans started with this enormous diagnostics industry .
But if you look at other countries around the world we are miles ahead on testing and we are now one of the world leaders .
`` It is true that Germany has a very high capacity - about the same as ours .
So we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with this massive capability .
`` We are miles ahead of South Korea now .
Absolutely . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Reacting to the latest testing figures , Labour 's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said : `` Far from delivering on the promise of 100,000 completed tests a day , testing numbers have now fallen four days in a row .
`` A test , trace and isolate strategy is crucial to tackling this virus .
`` Ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests being completed daily is falling rather than rising . ''
And Labour 's deputy leader Angela Rayner said it `` does not inspire confidence '' in plans to begin easing the UK 's lockdown .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier said he wanted the UK to reach 200,000 tests a day by the end of May .
Downing Street later clarified that this was for capacity , rather than the number of tests carried out .
The issue of testing was raised by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer at PMQs - his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election last month .
`` On April 30 , the government claimed success in meeting its 100,000 tests a day target .
Since then , as the prime minister knows , the number has fallen back , '' Sir Keir said .
`` On Monday , there were just 84,000 tests and that meant 24,000 available tests were not used .
`` What does the prime minister think was so special about April 30 that meant that testing that day was so high ? ''
The PM said in response : `` Yes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exceeds demand , we 're working on that , we 're running at about 100,000 a day , but the ambition clearly is to get up to 200,000 a day by the end of this month and then to go even higher .
`` And as he knows and the whole House will know , a fantastic testing regime is going to be absolutely critical to our long-term economic recovery . ''
England 's chief scientific adviser , Sir Patrick Vallance , told MPs on Tuesday that it would have been `` beneficial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been increased more quickly .
`` I think that probably we , in the early phases , and I 've said this before , I think if we 'd managed to ramp up testing capacity quicker it would have been beneficial , '' he said .
England 's deputy chief medical officer , Dr Jenny Harries , told the same committee of MPs that limited resources required a balance to be struck at the time .
But she added that `` if we had unlimited capacity , and the ongoing support beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a slightly different approach '' .

The government has failed to meet its coronavirus testing target for the fourth day in a row.
Latest figures show 69,463 COVID-19 tests were conducted in the 24 hours to 9am on Wednesday, well short of the 100,000 benchmark.
The total was 84,806 up to 9am on Tuesday, 85,186 up to 9am on Monday and 76,496 up to 9am on Sunday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:14 Drop in daily testing skimmed over in briefing
Health Secretary Matt Hancock pledged that Britain would be carrying out 100,000 daily tests for the virus by the end of April.
The government said this milestone was reached on the last day of the month, with more than 122,347 tests on 30 April.
But this total included more than 40,000 home testing kits that had been sent out and not returned, including several which people were told to bin.
Opponents accused the government of manipulating the figures in order to reach the target.
But ministers rejected this and hailed a considerable boost in testing capacity within a matter of weeks.
Speaking to Sky News on Wednesday, Mr Hancock claimed Britain was "miles ahead" and now a world leader on testing.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:46 UK COVID-19 deaths up 649 as testing falls
He said: "We invented the test in January. In February we got the number of tests up to 2,000 (a day). In March we multiplied that by five times to 10,000. Then we set the 100,000 target.
"The Germans started with this enormous diagnostics industry. But if you look at other countries around the world we are miles ahead on testing and we are now one of the world leaders.
"It is true that Germany has a very high capacity - about the same as ours. So we have basically caught up with Germany that started with this massive capability.
"We are miles ahead of South Korea now. Absolutely."
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
Reacting to the latest testing figures, Labour's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: "Far from delivering on the promise of 100,000 completed tests a day, testing numbers have now fallen four days in a row.
"A test, trace and isolate strategy is crucial to tackling this virus.
"Ministers need to explain why the number of tests being completed daily is falling rather than rising."
And Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner said it "does not inspire confidence" in plans to begin easing the UK's lockdown.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:36 Starmer on UK deaths: 'How on earth did it come to this?'
Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier said he wanted the UK to reach 200,000 tests a day by the end of May.
Downing Street later clarified that this was for capacity, rather than the number of tests carried out.
The issue of testing was raised by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer at PMQs - his first clash with the PM since his election last month.
"On April 30, the government claimed success in meeting its 100,000 tests a day target. Since then, as the prime minister knows, the number has fallen back," Sir Keir said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 10:25 Ashworth: 'Why do we have the highest death toll?'
"On Monday, there were just 84,000 tests and that meant 24,000 available tests were not used.
"What does the prime minister think was so special about April 30 that meant that testing that day was so high?"
The PM said in response: "Yes, he's right that capacity currently exceeds demand, we're working on that, we're running at about 100,000 a day, but the ambition clearly is to get up to 200,000 a day by the end of this month and then to go even higher.
"And as he knows and the whole House will know, a fantastic testing regime is going to be absolutely critical to our long-term economic recovery."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 'No govt is going to get everything right'
England's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, told MPs on Tuesday that it would have been "beneficial" if the UK's testing capacity had been increased more quickly.
"I think that probably we, in the early phases, and I've said this before, I think if we'd managed to ramp up testing capacity quicker it would have been beneficial," he said.
England's deputy chief medical officer, Dr Jenny Harries, told the same committee of MPs that limited resources required a balance to be struck at the time.
But she added that "if we had unlimited capacity, and the ongoing support beyond that, then we perhaps would choose a slightly different approach".