skynewspolitics--2020-09-21--PM to address UK tonight about new measures to tackle dramatic surge in COVID cases

Pubs , bars and restaurants throughout England will be forced to close at 10pm from Thursday , Boris Johnson will announce in a new coronavirus crackdown .
In a House of Commons statement followed by a TV address to the nation , the prime minister will unveil a range of new measures to tackle the dramatic surge in COVID-19 cases .
The clampdown , which will include the whole of the hospitality sector being restricted by law to table service only , comes after government medical chiefs raised the COVID-19 alert level .
The chief medical officers for England , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the level from three to four , which means a high or rising level of transmission requires enforced social distancing .
While the 10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants will dismay the hospitality industry , there will be relief that the government is not proposing a total shutdown , although that could happen in some coronavirus hotspots .
London 's mayor Sadiq Khan has told Sky News he is proposing up to 15 new restrictions in the capital , including masks being worn in more public areas , curbs on weddings and funerals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The crackdown in England will be revealed by Mr Johnson in a day of frenetic activity for the prime minister , beginning with an 8.30am cabinet meeting at which ministers will be expected to sign off Downing Street 's proposals .
Mr Johnson will then chair an emergency meeting of the COBRA committee of senior ministers and officials , as well as the first ministers of Scotland and Wales , Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford , and the first minister and deputy first minister of Northern Ireland , Arlene Foster and Michelle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson 's statement in the Commons at about 12.30pm and his TV address , which Downing Street says will be broadcast live at 8pm .
According to Number 10 , the TV broadcast will be about `` further ways we will confront the virus in line with the latest scientific advice , and the role everyone can continue to play in tackling the spread , including by following the social distancing guidance , wearing face coverings and washing hands regularly '' .
A Downing Street spokesperson said : `` No one underestimates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to many individuals and businesses .
`` We know this wo n't be easy , but we must take further action to control the resurgence in cases of the virus and protect the NHS . ''
Revealing the scale of preparation for the prime minister 's announcement of further measures , Downing Street has disclosed that he held meetings with scientific advisers , ministers and senior officials to discuss the latest on the pandemic throughout the weekend .
On Saturday , the cabinet was briefed by the England 's chief medical officer Professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patrick Vallance , and the chief economist Clare Lombardelli .
And on Sunday evening , Mr Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak held a special summit to hear scientific views from across the spectrum .
Then the working week began with Professor Whitty and Sir Patrick giving a briefing showing the number of coronavirus cases currently doubling around every seven days , and warning that if that continued there could be close to 50,000 cases a day by the middle of October .
After their briefing , at which the pair outlined potential scenarios @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , the prime minister spoke with the leaders of the devolved nations and told them the rising inflection rates were a cause for great concern , which he was taking very seriously .
`` He reiterated his unwavering commitment to working with the devolved administrations as we continue to tackle the virus , '' said a Number 10 spokesperson .
`` They all agreed to act with a united approach , as much as possible , in the days and weeks ahead . ''
Later , Ms Foster announced that people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with other households indoors .
In Wales , about a third of the population will be under a form of local lockdown from Tuesday and in Scotland , Ms Sturgeon said more restrictions in Scotland would be announced shortly .
Responding to the raising of the COVID-19 alert level , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it reflected a significant shift in the current threat posed by coronavirus .
`` This country now faces a tipping point in its response and it is vital everybody plays their part now to stop the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
`` The first line of defence has always been all of us playing our part , remembering hands , face and space , the rule of six and self-isolation of those who risk passing on the virus . ''
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Khan later announced he had agreed a London plan with council leaders from all parties and public health experts to slow the spread of the virus and save Londoners ' lives .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan with Mr Johnson and asking the government to implement it .
`` Without adequate testing or contact tracing in London , we have no choice but to look at other measures to slow the spread of the virus , '' said the capital 's mayor .
`` I firmly believe that acting early , rather than having to impose more stringent measures later , is the right thing to do both for public health and the economy .
`` I know that many Londoners , like me , will be deeply frustrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Londoners have shown incredible resolve by steadfastly following the rules and doing the right thing - at great cost .
`` However , taking firm action now to prevent a deeper and longer lockdown in the future is without a doubt the best thing to both save lives , and protect jobs and our economic recovery . ''

Pubs, bars and restaurants throughout England will be forced to close at 10pm from Thursday, while people have been told to work from home again if they can.
In a House of Commons statement followed by a TV address to the nation, Boris Johnson will unveil a range of new measures to tackle the dramatic surge in COVID-19 cases.
Watch and follow live on Sky News as Boris Johnson updates MPs on coronavirus plans at 12.30pm - with a Downing Street broadcast at 8pm
Image: Pubs will be forced to close at 10pm from Thursday
Speaking to Sky News ahead of the statement, Michael Gove said there would be a "shift in emphasis" and "if it is possible for people to work from home they should do so".
"They are reluctant steps that we're taking, but they're absolutely necessary because as we were reminded yesterday and as you've been reporting, the rate of infection is increasing, the number of people going to hospital is increasing, therefore we need to act," the Cabinet Office minister told Kay Burley.
The clampdown, which will include the whole of the hospitality sector being restricted by law to table service only, comes after government medical chiefs raised the COVID-19 alert level.
The chief medical officers for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales raised the level from three to four, which means a high or rising level of transmission requires enforced social distancing.
While the 10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants will dismay the hospitality industry, there will be relief that the government is not proposing a total shutdown, although that could happen in some coronavirus hotspots.
London's mayor Sadiq Khan has told Sky News he is proposing up to 15 new restrictions in the capital, including masks being worn in more public areas, curbs on weddings and funerals, and more people working from home.
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The crackdown in England will be revealed by Mr Johnson in a day of frenetic activity for the prime minister, which began with an 8.30am cabinet meeting at which ministers were expected to sign off Downing Street's proposals.
Mr Johnson is chairing an emergency meeting of the COBRA committee of senior ministers and officials, as well as the first ministers of Scotland and Wales, Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford, and the first minister and deputy first minister of Northern Ireland, Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill.
That will be followed by Mr Johnson's statement in the Commons at about 12.30pm and his TV address, which Downing Street says will be broadcast at 8pm.
According to Number 10, the TV broadcast will be about "further ways we will confront the virus in line with the latest scientific advice, and the role everyone can continue to play in tackling the spread, including by following the social distancing guidance, wearing face coverings and washing hands regularly".
Labour's shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy told Sky News the end of the government's back to work drive was not a surprise, adding: "If it takes the pressure off those people who have to go into the workplace, then I think it's very welcome news."
She added: "But I do hope the government comes forward with a much more comprehensive message later today.
"I think people are now really struggling to understand what it is they're being asked to do and why."
Revealing the scale of preparation for the prime minister's announcement of further measures, Downing Street has disclosed that he held meetings with scientific advisers, ministers and senior officials to discuss the latest on the pandemic throughout the weekend.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 UK could face 200-plus deaths per day in November
On Saturday, the cabinet was briefed by England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty, chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance, and the chief economist Clare Lombardelli.
And on Sunday evening, Mr Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak held a special summit to hear scientific views from across the spectrum.
Then the working week began with Professor Whitty and Sir Patrick giving a briefing showing the number of coronavirus cases currently doubling around every seven days, and warning that if that continued there could be close to 50,000 cases a day by the middle of October.
After their briefing, at which the pair outlined potential scenarios for a "very challenging winter period", the prime minister spoke with the leaders of the devolved nations and told them the rising inflection rates were a cause for great concern, which he was taking very seriously.
Later, Ms Foster announced that people in Northern Ireland would be banned from mixing with other households indoors.
In Wales, about a third of the population will be under a form of local lockdown from Tuesday and in Scotland, Ms Sturgeon said more restrictions would be announced shortly.
Responding to the raising of the COVID-19 alert level, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it reflected a significant shift in the current threat posed by coronavirus.
"This country now faces a tipping point in its response and it is vital everybody plays their part now to stop the spread of the virus and protect lives," he said.
Mr Khan later announced he had agreed a London plan with council leaders from all parties and public health experts to slow the spread of the virus and save Londoners' lives.
He said he would be discussing the plan with Mr Johnson and asking the government to implement it.
"Without adequate testing or contact tracing in London, we have no choice but to look at other measures to slow the spread of the virus," said the capital's mayor.
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"I firmly believe that acting early, rather than having to impose more stringent measures later, is the right thing to do both for public health and the economy.
"I know that many Londoners, like me, will be deeply frustrated at the likelihood of imminent new restrictions. Londoners have shown incredible resolve by steadfastly following the rules and doing the right thing - at great cost.
"However, taking firm action now to prevent a deeper and longer lockdown in the future is without a doubt the best thing to both save lives, and protect jobs and our economic recovery."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-21--10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants - but what other measures could Johnson announce later?

Boris Johnson is set to make a statement on the next steps the country will take to tackle the coronavirus pandemic .
The prime minister will speak a day after Sir Patrick Vallance , the government 's chief scientific adviser , warned the UK could soon see 49,000 new cases of COVID-19 every day unless action is taken .
Mr Johnson , who has said he does n't want to put the country into a second national lockdown , is expected to announce news measures designed to slow the spread of the virus in England .
We already know that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be forced to close at 10pm every night from Thursday - but here are three other sets of measures that Mr Johnson could be set to announce .
The prime minister could announce a ban on different households mixing together .
Professor Chris Whitty , the chief medical officer for England , said during a Downing Street briefing on Monday that limiting social contact between households was key to tackling the virus .
Social gatherings of more than six people are already illegal in England after the coronavirus `` rule of six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been looking at ways to `` short-circuit '' the virus and slow the spread of the disease .
Government figures have stressed the plan stops short of a full national lockdown .
The proposals could allow essential travel to schools and workplaces to continue , but restaurants and bars would shut .
Different households would also be asked not to mix .
The restrictions could be imposed for two weeks , but the timing and duration of the measures is yet to be finalised .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spotify , Spreaker Health Secretary Matt Hancock refused to rule out `` national action '' when pressed over the possibility of a second national lockdown .
He told Sky News on Sunday that the move is a `` last line of defence '' but the government will do what is necessary to protect the public .
The prime minister said last week he does not want to put the country in another national lockdown but warned the government may need to `` intensify things to help bring the rate of infections down '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now seeing a second wave coming in ... clearly we are going to keep everything under review . ''

Boris Johnson is to announce new measures to tackle the coronavirus pandemic after his scientific advisers warned cases could reach 49,000 a day.
Mr Johnson, who has said he does not want to put the country into a second national lockdown, is expected to announce new measures designed to slow the spread of the virus in England.
What do we know about the new restrictions and what further measures could be brought in?
Watch and follow live on Sky News as Boris Johnson updates MPs on coronavirus plans at 12.30pm - with a Downing Street broadcast at 8pm
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 UK could face 200-plus deaths per day in November
What new restrictions have been announced?
Curfew and table service
A curfew was announced on Monday night, with pubs, bars and restaurants in England forced to close at 10pm every night from Thursday to try to prevent alcohol-fuelled breaches of social distancing rules.
The entire hospitality sector will also now be restricted by law to table service only - something the British Beer and Pubs Association said could push some in the sector "to breaking point".
Work from home if you can
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Ahead of Mr Johnson's announcement, Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove told Sky News: "If it is possible for people to work from home they should do so."
He told Kay Burley there would be a "shift in emphasis" after a big push to get people back into the office just weeks before.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 Gove 'encourages' working from home
What other restrictions could be brought in?
A ban on socialising
The prime minister could announce a ban on different households mixing together.
Mr Johnson might remove exemptions to the "rule of six" that has been in force since 14 October, according to The Times.
Professor Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England, said on Monday that limiting social contact between households was key to tackling the virus.
He presented predictive graphs showing the nation how the virus could reach 49,000 cases a day by mid-October if further restrictive measures were not brought in.
Social gatherings of more than six people from any household are already illegal in England, while Scotland has the same rule but only two households are allowed to be in that group.
Reduction in wedding party numbers
Thirty people are currently allowed to attend weddings but this could be slashed to 15 under the new rules, The Times reports.
Delay sports and concert spectators trial
The government has been trialling spectators returning to professional sports events and indoor concert venues, with a controlled return of fans set for 1 October.
But that is expected to be delayed, with Mr Gove saying the government is looking at how it can "pause that programme".
Compulsory face coverings
Face coverings are mandatory in shops, supermarkets and on public transport - with fines of £100 in England, and £60 in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland if you do not wear one in those places.
However, the prime minister could be bringing in further rules including making them compulsory in taxis and possibly while moving around offices, Times Radio says.
A two-week "circuit break"
The government has been looking at ways to "short-circuit" the virus to slow the spread of the disease with new more extreme restrictions over a short period of time.
Government figures have stressed the plan stops short of a full national lockdown.
The proposals could allow essential travel to schools and workplaces to continue, but restaurants and pubs would shut earlier, as has been announced.
Different households would also be asked not to mix.
The restrictions could be imposed for two weeks, but the timing and duration of the measures is yet to be finalised so that may not happen now but could happen down the line.
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A second national lockdown
Health Secretary Matt Hancock refused to rule out "national action" when pressed over the possibility of a second national lockdown.
He told Sky News on Sunday that the move is a "last line of defence" but the government will do what is necessary to protect the public.
The prime minister said last week he does not want to put the country in another national lockdown but warned the government may need to "intensify things to help bring the rate of infections down".
He added: "We're now seeing a second wave coming in... clearly we are going to keep everything under review."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-21--Grandparents exempt from local lockdown rules for childcare reasons

Grandparents and others who provide informal childcare will be exempt from coronavirus rules in local lockdown areas in England , Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced .
Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday , Mr Hancock acknowledged the `` concerns '' about the impact of local lockdowns on families ' childcare arrangements .
A series of new COVID-19 restrictions are due to come into force across many parts of England from Tuesday - including in the North West , Midlands and West Yorkshire .
Live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates Local restrictions were last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions of people in England are already - or soon will be - living under local measures .
In most of these areas , people are being told they must not socialise with others outside of their own households , or support bubble , in private homes and gardens .
But there will now be an exemption for caring purposes , Mr Hancock told MPs .
`` I 've heard the concerns about the impact of local action on childcare arrangements , '' he said .
`` For many , informal childcare arrangements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't do their jobs .
`` Today I 'm able to announce a new exemption for looking after children under the age of 14 , or vulnerable adults , where that is necessary for caring purposes .
`` This covers both formal and informal arrangements .
`` It does not allow for play dates or parties , but it does mean that a consistent childcare relationship that is vital for somebody to get to work is allowed . ''
Mr Hancock added he hoped the change would provide `` clarity and comfort to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local restrictions '' .
The health secretary also used his statement to MPs to confirm how coronavirus tests are now being prioritised , after the government 's testing programme came in for heavy criticism amid widespread reports of shortages in many areas .
Ministers have pointed to rapidly increased demand for tests as being to blame for the problems .
Mr Hancock said tests would first be prioritised for hospital patients , second for care homes , third for NHS staff including GPs and pharmacists , fourth for targeted testing to manage and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 symptoms , and then the general public with symptoms , while prioritising those in areas where there are more infections .
`` The system relies on people coming forward for tests if and only if they have symptoms of coronavirus or have been specifically advised to by a health professional , '' the health secretary told MPs .
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour 's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth told Mr Hancock that a `` suppression strategy to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` save lives , minimise harm and keep our children in school '' .
He added : `` None of us want to see another lockdown or 'circuit break ' but we understand if one becomes necessary .
`` But test , trace and isolate should have been fixed .
That failure has left us vulnerable and exposed .
`` Now we must act with speed to save lives and minimise harm . ''
Earlier on Monday , the government 's chief scientific adviser warned that the UK could see around 50,000 COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October if current infection rates continue .
Sir Patrick Vallance , speaking at a televised address from Downing Street , said that such a situation could subsequently lead to 200 or more deaths per day by mid-November .
Professor Chris Whitty , England 's chief medical officer , told the public that the country should be braced for a tough winter , with colder weather expected to worsen the impact of coronavirus .
`` We should see this as a six-month problem that we have to deal with collectively , it 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Boris Johnson on Monday afternoon held calls with Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon , Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford , Northern Ireland 's First Minister Arlene Foster , and Northern Ireland 's Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill .
`` During these calls , the prime minister made clear that the rising infection rates are a cause for great concern , which he is taking very seriously , '' a Downing Street spokesperson said .
`` He reiterated his unwavering commitment to working with the devolved administrations as we continue to tackle the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ act with a united approach , as much as possible , in the days and weeks ahead . ''
Mr Johnson will chair a meeting of the government 's emergency COBRA committee on Tuesday , as well as a meeting of his Cabinet , and make a statement to MPs in the House of Commons .
The prime minister spent the weekend with senior ministers and advisers discussing what steps should be taken next in the UK 's response to coronavirus .
On Friday , Mr Johnson admitted there was `` a second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the prospect of further national restrictions to control the spread of COVID-19 - said that the government may need to `` intensify things to help bring the rate of infections down '' .
Amid unease among some Conservative MPs about the prospect of new national restrictions , senior backbencher Sir Edward Leigh warned in the Commons on Monday that public consent for lockdowns was `` draining away '' .

Grandparents and others who provide informal childcare will be exempt from coronavirus rules in local lockdown areas in England, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, Mr Hancock acknowledged the "concerns" about the impact of local lockdowns on families' childcare arrangements.
A series of new COVID-19 restrictions are due to come into force across many parts of England from Tuesday - including in the North West, Midlands and West Yorkshire.
Live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:48 Hancock confirms £500 self-isolation support
Local restrictions were last week imposed in the North East, meaning millions of people in England are already - or soon will be - living under local measures.
In most of these areas, people are being told they must not socialise with others outside of their own households, or support bubble, in private homes and gardens.
But there will now be an exemption for caring purposes, Mr Hancock told MPs.
"I've heard the concerns about the impact of local action on childcare arrangements," he said.
"For many, informal childcare arrangements are a lifeline without which they couldn't do their jobs.
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"Today I'm able to announce a new exemption for looking after children under the age of 14, or vulnerable adults, where that is necessary for caring purposes.
"This covers both formal and informal arrangements.
"It does not allow for play dates or parties, but it does mean that a consistent childcare relationship that is vital for somebody to get to work is allowed."
Mr Hancock added he hoped the change would provide "clarity and comfort to many people who are living with these local restrictions".
Image: Five groups will be prioritised for COVID-19 tests ahead of the general public
The health secretary also used his statement to MPs to confirm how coronavirus tests are now being prioritised, after the government's testing programme came in for heavy criticism amid widespread reports of shortages in many areas.
Ministers have pointed to rapidly increased demand for tests as being to blame for the problems.
Mr Hancock said tests would first be prioritised for hospital patients, second for care homes, third for NHS staff including GPs and pharmacists, fourth for targeted testing to manage and monitor outbreaks, fifth for teachers with COVID-19 symptoms, and then the general public with symptoms, while prioritising those in areas where there are more infections.
"The system relies on people coming forward for tests if and only if they have symptoms of coronavirus or have been specifically advised to by a health professional," the health secretary told MPs.
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Labour's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth told Mr Hancock that a "suppression strategy to drive infections down" was needed to "save lives, minimise harm and keep our children in school".
He added: "None of us want to see another lockdown or 'circuit break' but we understand if one becomes necessary.
"But test, trace and isolate should have been fixed. That failure has left us vulnerable and exposed.
"Now we must act with speed to save lives and minimise harm."
Earlier on Monday, the government's chief scientific adviser warned that the UK could see around 50,000 COVID-19 cases per day by the middle of October if current infection rates continue.
Sir Patrick Vallance, speaking at a televised address from Downing Street, said that such a situation could subsequently lead to 200 or more deaths per day by mid-November.
Professor Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, told the public that the country should be braced for a tough winter, with colder weather expected to worsen the impact of coronavirus.
"We should see this as a six-month problem that we have to deal with collectively, it's not indefinite," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 UK could face 200-plus deaths per day in November
Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday afternoon held calls with Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford, Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster, and Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill.
"During these calls, the prime minister made clear that the rising infection rates are a cause for great concern, which he is taking very seriously," a Downing Street spokesperson said.
"He reiterated his unwavering commitment to working with the devolved administrations as we continue to tackle the virus.
"They all agreed to act with a united approach, as much as possible, in the days and weeks ahead."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 Explainer: Will we have a second national lockdown?
Mr Johnson will chair a meeting of the government's emergency COBRA committee on Tuesday, as well as a meeting of his Cabinet, and make a statement to MPs in the House of Commons.
The prime minister spent the weekend with senior ministers and advisers discussing what steps should be taken next in the UK's response to coronavirus.
On Friday, Mr Johnson admitted there was "a second wave coming in" and - asked about the prospect of further national restrictions to control the spread of COVID-19 - said that the government may need to "intensify things to help bring the rate of infections down".
Amid unease among some Conservative MPs about the prospect of new national restrictions, senior backbencher Sir Edward Leigh warned in the Commons on Monday that public consent for lockdowns was "draining away".


skynewspolitics--2020-09-21--UK warned cases could hit 49,000 a day within weeks as PM to bring in new measures

The UK could soon see 49,000 new cases of coronavirus every day unless action is taken to drive down the current rate of infection , the government 's chief scientific adviser has warned .
Sir Patrick Vallance told a Downing Street briefing that the number of new COVID-19 cases was doubling roughly every seven days .
Live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates Analysis : The disease is spreading - but can we trust the figures ?
It came as Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to tighten measures to stop the spread of the virus .
Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North West and North East will now see restaurants , pubs and bars forced to close at 10pm and to offer table service only .
The prime minister will announce such measures will be brought in across England as he addresses the nation on Tuesday evening , following the stark warning of a second wave of infections .
Sky News ' Beth Rigby said it would be only the third time he has made such an address .
`` This is a very significant moment for him and for us , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the current growth in cases continues unabated , the UK will be seeing about 50,000 coronavirus cases a day by the middle of October .
This would translate to `` 200-plus deaths a day '' by mid-November .
`` The challenge therefore is to make sure the doubling time does not stay at seven days , '' he said .
`` There are already things in place which are expected to slow that , and to make sure that we do not enter this exponential growth and end up with the problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that .
In a series of changes this afternoon , the following announcements were made : • UK COVID alert level has been upgraded to Level Four • Tighter restrictions extended across the whole of Northern Ireland • Four more parts of South Wales will go into local lockdowns • Grandparents in England will be exempt from local lockdown limitations for childcare purposes • Mayor of London is calling for tighter restrictions for the capital Sir Patrick , who appeared alongside England 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty , said there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every age group - and dismissed the suggestion that the uptick was down to more tests being carried out .
He told the briefing that about 8 % of the population , approximately three million people , may have been infected with the virus and therefore have antibodies .
`` It means the vast majority of us are not protected in any way and are susceptible to this disease , '' Sir Patrick added .
Prof Whitty said there were now `` significant rates of transmission '' in parts of the UK .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as we go through in time , anywhere that was falling is now moving over to beginning to rise and then the rate of rise continues in an upwards direction , '' he told the briefing .
`` So , this is not someone else 's problem , this is all of our problem . ''
And he suggested that restrictions on people 's social lives may need to be introduced - telling the briefing that trying to `` break unnecessary links between households '' was important because `` that is the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We all know we can not do this without some significant downsides , '' Prof Whitty continued .
`` This is a balance of risk between if we do n't do enough the virus will take off - and at the moment that is the path we 're clearly on - and if we do not change course we are going to find ourselves in a very difficult problem . ''
`` At this point the seasons are against us , we 're now going into the seasons - late autumn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it is very likely they will benefit COVID , as they do , for example , flu , '' he said .
`` So we should see this as a six-month problem that we have to deal with collectively , it 's not indefinite . ''
Sir Patrick said there was `` good progress being made '' on a coronavirus vaccine , adding : `` We do n't yet know they will work but there is increasing evidence that is pointing in the right direction and it is possible that some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the year in small amounts for certain groups .
`` Much more likely that we 'll see vaccines becoming available over the first half of next year , again not certain but pointed in the right direction , which then of course gives the possibility of a different approach to this virus . ''
Labour 's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said the pair had `` presented a grim picture '' of the current situation .
`` This rapid spike in infections was not inevitable , but a consequence of the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place an adequate testing system , '' he said .
`` The prime minister is making a statement later this week , but Labour 's priority is that there must be a national effort to prevent another national lockdown .
`` The government must do what it takes to prevent another lockdown , which would cause unimaginable damage to our economy and people 's wellbeing . ''
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Daily confirmed cases have returned to levels last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number , which shows the spread of the virus , is now between 1.1 and 1.4 .
A further 4,368 new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the UK on Monday , compared with 3,899 reported on Sunday .
The government said a further 11 people have died within 28 days of testing positive for COVID-19 as of Monday , bringing the UK total to 41,788 .
Professor Whitty has warned that infection rates are `` heading in the wrong direction '' - and the country is at a `` critical point '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people across the UK are currently facing some form of local restrictions .
The PM has said he does not want to put the country into a second national lockdown - but it is understood that Downing Street is looking at introducing temporary nationwide restrictions to try and `` short-circuit '' the virus .
However , government figures have stressed the plans being drawn up stop short of the full national lockdown that was introduced back in March .
Proposals being worked up could see essential travel to schools and workplaces continuing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perhaps operating on restricted hours - with different households told not to mix at all .
Analysis : Whitty and Vallance deliver hard truths to prepare the ground for the PM By Beth Rigby , political editor It 's clear from what they are saying that they are preparing the ground for the prime minister to make some kind of announcement about what action he 's going to take to try and stem the rise in cases .
It was the idea of hard truths , preparing the ground for what is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take the politics out of it - to give the public the hard facts , set out by advisers that crunch this data all the time .
The key message was the slide by Sir Patrick Vallance when he talked about the epidemic doubling every seven days .
He was pretty clear : if it continues unabated , by mid-October you end up with 50,000 cases a day .
He went on to say there 's potential for this virus to move very fast and to stop that we 'll need `` speed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear what zone the government is trying to get the country into , in terms of what the prime minister might announce this week .

The UK could soon see 49,000 new cases of coronavirus every day unless action is taken to drive down the current rate of infection, the government's chief scientific adviser has warned.
Sir Patrick Vallance told a Downing Street briefing that the number of new COVID-19 cases was doubling roughly every seven days.
Live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates
Analysis: The disease is spreading - but can we trust the figures?
Image: What the UK's daily cases would look like if numbers keep doubling every seven days
It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to tighten measures to stop the spread of the virus.
Last week, the government announced both the North West and North East will now see restaurants, pubs and bars forced to close at 10pm and to offer table service only.
The prime minister will announce such measures will be brought in across England as he addresses the nation on Tuesday evening, following the stark warning of a second wave of infections.
Sky News' Beth Rigby said it would be only the third time he has made such an address. "This is a very significant moment for him and for us," she said.
Sir Patrick said that if the current growth in cases continues unabated, the UK will be seeing about 50,000 coronavirus cases a day by the middle of October.
This would translate to "200-plus deaths a day" by mid-November.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 Whitty on virus: 'This is all of our problem'
"The challenge therefore is to make sure the doubling time does not stay at seven days," he said.
"There are already things in place which are expected to slow that, and to make sure that we do not enter this exponential growth and end up with the problems that you would predict as a result of that.
"That requires speed, it requires action."
In a series of changes, the following announcements were made:
The UK COVID-19 alert level has been upgraded to Level Four
Tighter restrictions have been extended across the whole of Northern Ireland
Four more parts of South Wales will go into local lockdowns
will go into local lockdowns Grandparents in England will be exempt from local lockdown limitations for childcare purposes
in England will be exempt from local lockdown limitations for childcare purposes The mayor of London is calling for tighter restrictions for the capital
Sir Patrick, who appeared alongside England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty, said there had been an increase in cases in every age group - and dismissed the suggestion that the uptick was down to more tests being carried out.
He told the briefing that about 8% of the population, approximately three million people, may have been infected with the virus and therefore have antibodies.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:31 Shapps: UK 'just few weeks behind Europe'
"It means the vast majority of us are not protected in any way and are susceptible to this disease," Sir Patrick added.
Prof Whitty said there were now "significant rates of transmission" in parts of the UK.
"What we've found is, as we go through in time, anywhere that was falling is now moving over to beginning to rise and then the rate of rise continues in an upwards direction," he told the briefing.
"So, this is not someone else's problem, this is all of our problem."
And he suggested that restrictions on people's social lives may need to be introduced - telling the briefing that trying to "break unnecessary links between households" was important because "that is the way in which this virus is transmitted".
"We all know we cannot do this without some significant downsides," Prof Whitty continued.
"This is a balance of risk between if we don't do enough the virus will take off - and at the moment that is the path we're clearly on - and if we do not change course we are going to find ourselves in a very difficult problem."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:11 Is the public ready for a form of lockdown?
Prof Whitty told people to expect a tough winter.
"At this point the seasons are against us, we're now going into the seasons - late autumn and winter - which benefit respiratory viruses, and it is very likely they will benefit COVID, as they do, for example, flu," he said.
"So we should see this as a six-month problem that we have to deal with collectively, it's not indefinite."
Sir Patrick said there was "good progress being made" on a coronavirus vaccine, adding: "We don't yet know they will work but there is increasing evidence that is pointing in the right direction and it is possible that some vaccine could be available before the end of the year in small amounts for certain groups.
"Much more likely that we'll see vaccines becoming available over the first half of next year, again not certain but pointed in the right direction, which then of course gives the possibility of a different approach to this virus."
Labour's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said the pair had "presented a grim picture" of the current situation.
"This rapid spike in infections was not inevitable, but a consequence of the government's incompetence and failure to put in place an adequate testing system," he said.
"The prime minister is making a statement later this week, but Labour's priority is that there must be a national effort to prevent another national lockdown.
"The government must do what it takes to prevent another lockdown, which would cause unimaginable damage to our economy and people's wellbeing."
:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Daily confirmed cases have returned to levels last seen in May.
And the R number, which shows the spread of the virus, is now between 1.1 and 1.4.
A further 4,368 new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the UK on Monday, compared with 3,899 reported on Sunday.
The government said a further 11 people have died within 28 days of testing positive for COVID-19 as of Monday, bringing the UK total to 41,788.
Professor Whitty has warned that infection rates are "heading in the wrong direction" - and the country is at a "critical point" in the pandemic.
About 13.5 million people across the UK are currently facing some form of local restrictions.
The PM has said he does not want to put the country into a second national lockdown - but it is understood that Downing Street is looking at introducing temporary nationwide restrictions to try and "short-circuit" the virus.
However, government figures have stressed the plans being drawn up stop short of the full national lockdown that was introduced back in March.
Proposals being worked up could see essential travel to schools and workplaces continuing, but restaurants and bars shut - or perhaps operating on restricted hours - with different households told not to mix at all.
Analysis: Whitty and Vallance deliver hard truths to prepare the ground for the PM
By Beth Rigby, political editor
It's clear from what they are saying that they are preparing the ground for the prime minister to make some kind of announcement about what action he's going to take to try and stem the rise in cases.
It was the idea of hard truths, preparing the ground for what is to come, and it was trying to take the politics out of it - to give the public the hard facts, set out by advisers that crunch this data all the time.
The key message was the slide by Sir Patrick Vallance when he talked about the epidemic doubling every seven days.
He was pretty clear: if it continues unabated, by mid-October you end up with 50,000 cases a day.
He went on to say there's potential for this virus to move very fast and to stop that we'll need "speed and action".
It was pretty clear what zone the government is trying to get the country into, in terms of what the prime minister might announce this week.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-21--PM to chair emergency COBRA meeting tomorrow ahead of statement on coronavirus pandemic

Boris Johnson will chair an emergency COBRA meeting on Tuesday ahead of a statement on the next steps in tackling the coronavirus pandemic .
It comes on a day when the prime minister will also chair cabinet - and it is expected he will announce new measures designed to curb the number of COVID-19 infections .
Live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates Ahead of this , Mr Johnson on Monday discussed the coronavirus response during calls with Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon , Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford , Northern Ireland 's First Minister Arlene Foster , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michelle O'Neill .
`` During these calls , the prime minister made clear that the rising infection rates are a cause for great concern , which he is taking very seriously , '' a Downing Street spokesperson said .
`` He reiterated his unwavering commitment to working with the devolved administrations as we continue to tackle the virus .
`` They all agreed to act with a united approach , as much as possible , in the days and weeks ahead . ''
Earlier on Monday , the government 's chief scientific adviser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK could soon see 49,000 new cases every day unless action is taken to drive down the current rate of infection .
Mr Johnson has said he does not want to put the country into a second national lockdown - but it is understood that Downing Street is looking at introducing temporary nationwide restrictions to try and `` short-circuit '' the virus .
Government figures have stressed the plans being drawn up stop short of the full national lockdown that was introduced back in March .
Proposals being worked up could see essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but restaurants and bars shut - or perhaps operating on restricted hours - with different households told not to mix at all .
The restrictions could be put in place for two weeks , but the timing and duration of the measures has yet to be finalised .
There has been speculation of such a lockdown taking place around the time of school half term in October .
Mr Johnson and senior ministers were briefed by England 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty , chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the weekend .
`` The PM has been engaged with the cabinet throughout this process .
The cabinet received a detailed briefing from the government 's chief medical , scientific and economic advisers over the course of the weekend , '' his spokesman said .
`` The PM will work with his colleagues to ensure that we respond in the most effective way to try to control the spread of the virus and to save lives . ''

Boris Johnson will chair an emergency COBRA meeting on Tuesday ahead of a statement on the next steps in tackling the coronavirus pandemic.
It comes on a day when the prime minister will also chair cabinet - and it is expected he will announce new measures designed to curb the number of COVID-19 infections.
Live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:01 Whitty and Vallance issue stark warning on virus
Ahead of this, Mr Johnson on Monday discussed the coronavirus response during calls with Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford, Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster, and Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill.
"During these calls, the prime minister made clear that the rising infection rates are a cause for great concern, which he is taking very seriously," a Downing Street spokesperson said.
"He reiterated his unwavering commitment to working with the devolved administrations as we continue to tackle the virus.
"They all agreed to act with a united approach, as much as possible, in the days and weeks ahead."
Earlier on Monday, the government's chief scientific adviser told a Downing Street briefing that the UK could soon see 49,000 new cases every day unless action is taken to drive down the current rate of infection.
Mr Johnson has said he does not want to put the country into a second national lockdown - but it is understood that Downing Street is looking at introducing temporary nationwide restrictions to try and "short-circuit" the virus.
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Government figures have stressed the plans being drawn up stop short of the full national lockdown that was introduced back in March.
Proposals being worked up could see essential travel to schools and workplaces continuing, but restaurants and bars shut - or perhaps operating on restricted hours - with different households told not to mix at all.
The restrictions could be put in place for two weeks, but the timing and duration of the measures has yet to be finalised.
There has been speculation of such a lockdown taking place around the time of school half term in October.
Mr Johnson and senior ministers were briefed by England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty, chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and chief economic adviser at the Treasury Clare Lombardelli at the weekend.
"The PM has been engaged with the cabinet throughout this process. The cabinet received a detailed briefing from the government's chief medical, scientific and economic advisers over the course of the weekend," his spokesman said.
"The PM will work with his colleagues to ensure that we respond in the most effective way to try to control the spread of the virus and to save lives."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-21--Starmer calls on Labour to rediscover patriotism in first conference speech

Sir Keir Starmer is to give a highly personal speech about his own background and opportunities as he calls on Labour to rediscover patriotism and pride .
In his first speech to a Labour conference as party leader , he will talk about the NHS caring for his sick mother and how he was the first in his family to go to university .
Sir Keir is speaking on the final day of Labour Connected , an online event with speeches by video link , which has replaced the traditional party conference because of coronavirus .
The Labour leader has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speech from 11am to 9am so he can return to Westminster to respond to Boris Johnson 's House of Commons statement on new lockdown measures .
On patriotism , distancing himself from his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn , Sir Keir will say : `` I ask you : take another look at Labour .
We 're under new leadership .
We love this country as you do .
`` This is the country I grew up in and it 's the country I will grow old in .
And I want it to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` That , in the end , is why I do this .
To change lives for the better . ''
Sir Keir , 58 , who is the second of four children of Josephine , a nurse , and Rodney , a toolmaker , will stress the importance of family .
His mother suffered from Still 's disease , an incurable condition that causes painful swelling of joints and organs .
`` My mum was very ill for a lot of her life , '' Sir Keir told The Sunday Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reigate Grammar School where he learned the violin , and later graduated with a law degree from Leeds University in 1985 and then did a postgraduate degree at St Edmund 's Hall , Oxford .
Sir Keir will be addressing Labour Connected from Doncaster , on what was to have been a visit to so-called `` Red Wall '' seats Labour lost to the Conservatives in the December 2019 election .
In a message to people who switched to the Tories , he will say : `` Trust takes time .
It starts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking the job seriously .
That 's what we will do .
`` So , to those people in Doncaster and Deeside , in Glasgow and Grimsby , in Stoke and in Stevenage to those who have turned away from Labour , I say this : we hear you . ''
On his own vision , he will say : `` My vision for Britain is simple : I want this to be the best country to grow up in and the best country to grow old in .
A country in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country that embodies the values I hold dear .
Decency , fairness , opportunity , compassion and security .
Security for our nation , our families and all of our communities .
`` I can see in my mind 's eye the country I want us to be .
Properly funded universal public services .
World-class education which unleashes everyone 's potential .
`` A huge investment in skills and a plan , working hand-in-hand with businesses and trade unions , to create high quality jobs .
`` An economy that does n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from family and friends just to find a decent job .
`` One that truly works for all regions and nations of this United Kingdom , with opportunity and security in every part of the country and at every stage of our lives .
`` A country committed to a greener , cleaner and fairer society .
Where every policy is judged not just by how much it costs today but by what it does for the planet tomorrow .
`` A country which would be an active force for good in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading the world - and leading by example - in tackling the climate emergency . ''
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He will also urge the prime minister : `` Bring forward a national strategy to close the education gap .
`` Enforce it through an independent body , such as the children 's commissioner , and make sure no family loses out because of the exams fiasco or delays in getting children into school . ''

Sir Keir Starmer is to give a highly personal speech about his own background and opportunities as he calls on Labour to rediscover patriotism and pride.
In his first speech to a Labour conference as party leader, he will talk about the NHS caring for his sick mother and how he was the first in his family to go to university.
Sir Keir is speaking on the final day of Labour Connected, an online event with speeches by video link, which has replaced the traditional party conference because of coronavirus.
The Labour leader has now been forced to bring forward his speech from 11am to 9am so he can return to Westminster to respond to Boris Johnson's House of Commons statement on new lockdown measures.
On patriotism, distancing himself from his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn, Sir Keir will say: "I ask you: take another look at Labour. We're under new leadership. We love this country as you do.
"This is the country I grew up in and it's the country I will grow old in. And I want it to be the country I know it can be.
"That, in the end, is why I do this. To change lives for the better."
Sir Keir, 58, who is the second of four children of Josephine, a nurse, and Rodney, a toolmaker, will stress the importance of family.
His mother suffered from Still's disease, an incurable condition that causes painful swelling of joints and organs.
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"My mum was very ill for a lot of her life," Sir Keir told The Sunday Times at the weekend.
Image: Sir Keir will distance himself from his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn
He went to Reigate Grammar School where he learned the violin, and later graduated with a law degree from Leeds University in 1985 and then did a postgraduate degree at St Edmund's Hall, Oxford.
Sir Keir will be addressing Labour Connected from Doncaster, on what was to have been a visit to so-called "Red Wall" seats Labour lost to the Conservatives in the December 2019 election.
In a message to people who switched to the Tories, he will say: "Trust takes time. It starts with being a credible opposition. With taking the job seriously. That's what we will do.
"So, to those people in Doncaster and Deeside, in Glasgow and Grimsby, in Stoke and in Stevenage to those who have turned away from Labour, I say this: we hear you."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:00 New leader, new slogan
On his own vision, he will say: "My vision for Britain is simple: I want this to be the best country to grow up in and the best country to grow old in. A country in which we put family first.
"A country that embodies the values I hold dear. Decency, fairness, opportunity, compassion and security. Security for our nation, our families and all of our communities.
"I can see in my mind's eye the country I want us to be. Properly funded universal public services. World-class education which unleashes everyone's potential.
"A huge investment in skills and a plan, working hand-in-hand with businesses and trade unions, to create high quality jobs.
"An economy that doesn't force people to move hundreds of miles from family and friends just to find a decent job.
"One that truly works for all regions and nations of this United Kingdom, with opportunity and security in every part of the country and at every stage of our lives.
"A country committed to a greener, cleaner and fairer society. Where every policy is judged not just by how much it costs today but by what it does for the planet tomorrow.
"A country which would be an active force for good in the world, once again admired and respected leading the world - and leading by example - in tackling the climate emergency."
:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He will also urge the prime minister: "Bring forward a national strategy to close the education gap.
"Enforce it through an independent body, such as the children's commissioner, and make sure no family loses out because of the exams fiasco or delays in getting children into school."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-21--Labour accuses government of 'financial mismanagement' during pandemic

Labour has launched an attack on the government 's `` financial mismanagement '' during the coronavirus pandemic , accusing the Conservatives of wasting billions of pounds of public money .
In a speech to the party 's annual conference later , shadow chancellor Annelise Dodds will attack Chancellor Rishi Sunak 's `` cavalier '' approach to public cash , accusing him of handing over large sums to help businesses with `` no strings attached '' .
She will claim that as much as £2.6bn of money paid to firms as part of the Jobs Retention Bonus will go to businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work anyway .
Ms Dodds will try to contrast Mr Sunak 's record as a former hedge fund manager with her own `` responsible approach to the national finances '' .
`` I 've never missed an opportunity to confront financial mismanagement .
I 've spent my political career fighting international money laundering and tax evasion , '' she is expected to say .
`` While the chancellor was profiting from a financial system that took huge risks and then passed them on to ordinary people , I helped to rein it in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her first conference speech as shadow chancellor , Ms Dodds said the UK was in `` very worrying times '' with the COVID-19 outbreak .
She called for a return to the daily government briefings seen earlier in the coronavirus pandemic .
Asked if the public should be hearing from the prime minister instead of the chief medical officer and chief scientist , she told Kay Burley : `` We do need to have that kind of leadership - and we 've been saying that surely we need to have a return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was providing .
`` Because we do seem to be in really quite difficult circumstances . ''
In her speech to the conference , which is being held online because of the pandemic , the shadow chancellor will set out a three-step plan to rebuild the economy after COVID-19 .
This will be built around the principles of `` recover jobs , retrain workers and rebuild business '' .
A Labour government would help subsidise the wages of workers in key sectors in order to allow companies to bring back more staff on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a national retraining strategy for workers who have lost their jobs and a business rebuilding programme to help viable firms that are struggling .
Ms Dodds will also say that a future Labour government would try to restore trust with business .
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' Government working hand in hand with business and trade unions , in the best interests of our country , '' she is expected to say .
`` This is an ambitious Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't just aspirations , but where they are a reality for families and communities across our country .
`` As chancellor , I would restore that trust with business because I understand what a critical role business plays in creating jobs and supporting livelihoods across the country . ''

Labour has launched an attack on the government's "financial mismanagement" during the coronavirus pandemic, accusing the Conservatives of wasting billions of pounds of public money.
In a speech to the party's annual conference later, shadow chancellor Annelise Dodds will attack Chancellor Rishi Sunak's "cavalier" approach to public cash, accusing him of handing over large sums to help businesses with "no strings attached".
She will claim that as much as £2.6bn of money paid to firms as part of the Jobs Retention Bonus will go to businesses that would have brought staff back to work anyway.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:31 Shapps: UK 'just few weeks behind Europe'
Ms Dodds will try to contrast Mr Sunak's record as a former hedge fund manager with her own "responsible approach to the national finances".
"I've never missed an opportunity to confront financial mismanagement. I've spent my political career fighting international money laundering and tax evasion," she is expected to say.
"While the chancellor was profiting from a financial system that took huge risks and then passed them on to ordinary people, I helped to rein it in."
Speaking to Sky News ahead of her first conference speech as shadow chancellor, Ms Dodds said the UK was in "very worrying times" with the COVID-19 outbreak.
She called for a return to the daily government briefings seen earlier in the coronavirus pandemic.
Asked if the public should be hearing from the prime minister instead of the chief medical officer and chief scientist, she told Kay Burley: "We do need to have that kind of leadership - and we've been saying that surely we need to have a return to those daily updates that the government was providing.
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"Because we do seem to be in really quite difficult circumstances."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:11 Is the public ready for a form of lockdown?
In her speech to the conference, which is being held online because of the pandemic, the shadow chancellor will set out a three-step plan to rebuild the economy after COVID-19.
This will be built around the principles of "recover jobs, retrain workers and rebuild business".
A Labour government would help subsidise the wages of workers in key sectors in order to allow companies to bring back more staff on reduced hours.
There would also be a national retraining strategy for workers who have lost their jobs and a business rebuilding programme to help viable firms that are struggling.
Ms Dodds will also say that a future Labour government would try to restore trust with business.
:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"Government working hand in hand with business and trade unions, in the best interests of our country," she is expected to say.
"This is an ambitious Labour vision - where security and fairness aren't just aspirations, but where they are a reality for families and communities across our country.
"As chancellor, I would restore that trust with business because I understand what a critical role business plays in creating jobs and supporting livelihoods across the country."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-21--Theresa May attacks 'reckless' Brexit bill and warns of 'untold damage' to UK

Former prime minister Theresa May has told the government she will not support its controversial Brexit legislation - although Boris Johnson 's concessions mean he is likely to escape a larger Conservative rebellion .
Mrs May warned ministers they were `` acting recklessly and irresponsibly '' and could do `` untold damage '' to the UK 's reputation around the world by pushing ahead with plans to break international law .
Speaking as MPs debated the government 's UK Internal Market Bill on Monday , Mrs May attacked those parts of the legislation that would allow ministers to override the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I can not emphasise how concerned I am that a Conservative government is willing to go back on its word , to break an international agreement signed in good faith and to break international law , '' she said .
The government has admitted the proposed legislation , if passed , would break international law - but stressed it is `` critical '' to ensuring the unfettered access for goods from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK , and to protect the Good Friday Agreement .
It has accused the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit trade talks that Great Britain would not be able to move food to Northern Ireland .
The prime minister has faced censure at Westminster , in Brussels and from US presidential candidate Joe Biden over the plan to breach international law .
Mr Johnson last week acted to prevent a growing revolt among Tory MPs over the bill by partially climbing down and promising to give MPs another vote before any of the powers in the legislation are used .
And senior Tory backbencher Sir Bob Neill - who had led a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government to find a compromise - said he and others could now support the legislation following the prime minister 's action .
He said : `` It does enable some of us who otherwise would not have been able to support these clauses to enable them to proceed on the understanding that there is a specific parliamentary lock that the bad faith on the counter-party 's side must be proven to the House before these matters were actually brought into operation , which of course all of us hope would never be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May was not won over by the government 's concessions .
`` Frankly , my view is to the outside world it makes no difference as to whether a decision to break international law is taken by a minister or by this parliament - it is still a decision to break international law , '' she said .
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The former prime minister added : `` This is a country that upholds the rule of law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that makes us great , it 's one of our characteristics , we uphold the rule of law around the world .
`` The Conservative Party upholds the rule of law , it 's one of our values , one of our characteristics , yet we 're being asked to tear up that principle and throw away that value .
`` And why ?
I can only see on the face of it , it 's because the government did n't really understand what it was signing up to when it signed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not vote when the UK Internal Market Bill cleared its first parliamentary hurdle last week , but MPs will vote on the proposed legislation again before it passes to the House of Lords .

Former prime minister Theresa May has told the government she will not support its controversial Brexit legislation - although Boris Johnson's concessions mean he is likely to escape a larger Conservative rebellion.
Mrs May warned ministers they were "acting recklessly and irresponsibly" and could do "untold damage" to the UK's reputation around the world by pushing ahead with plans to break international law.
Speaking as MPs debated the government's UK Internal Market Bill on Monday, Mrs May attacked those parts of the legislation that would allow ministers to override the Withdrawal Agreement signed with the EU.
"I cannot emphasise how concerned I am that a Conservative government is willing to go back on its word, to break an international agreement signed in good faith and to break international law," she said.
The government has admitted the proposed legislation, if passed, would break international law - but stressed it is "critical" to ensuring the unfettered access for goods from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK, and to protect the Good Friday Agreement.
It has accused the EU of threatening "explicitly" in Brexit trade talks that Great Britain would not be able to move food to Northern Ireland.
The prime minister has faced censure at Westminster, in Brussels and from US presidential candidate Joe Biden over the plan to breach international law.
Mr Johnson last week acted to prevent a growing revolt among Tory MPs over the bill by partially climbing down and promising to give MPs another vote before any of the powers in the legislation are used.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:14 PM blasts EU's 'extraordinary threat'
And senior Tory backbencher Sir Bob Neill - who had led a group of Conservative rebels but worked with the government to find a compromise - said he and others could now support the legislation following the prime minister's action.
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He said: "It does enable some of us who otherwise would not have been able to support these clauses to enable them to proceed on the understanding that there is a specific parliamentary lock that the bad faith on the counter-party's side must be proven to the House before these matters were actually brought into operation, which of course all of us hope would never be the case."
However, Mrs May was not won over by the government's concessions.
"Frankly, my view is to the outside world it makes no difference as to whether a decision to break international law is taken by a minister or by this parliament - it is still a decision to break international law," she said.
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:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The former prime minister added: "This is a country that upholds the rule of law - it's one of the things that makes us great, it's one of our characteristics, we uphold the rule of law around the world.
"The Conservative Party upholds the rule of law, it's one of our values, one of our characteristics, yet we're being asked to tear up that principle and throw away that value.
"And why? I can only see on the face of it, it's because the government didn't really understand what it was signing up to when it signed the Withdrawal Agreement."
Mrs May did not vote when the UK Internal Market Bill cleared its first parliamentary hurdle last week, but MPs will vote on the proposed legislation again before it passes to the House of Lords.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-20--Johnson 'feeling the weight of responsibility acutely' over COVID-19

It was but three weeks ago that Boris Johnson gathered his cabinet together to set the government 's agenda for the autumn after the summer break .
While there would be `` some turbulence ahead '' with more of the `` wretched COVID '' to come , the nation was `` getting back on its feet '' and the prime minister was `` absolutely confident we are going to be able to deal with outbreaks '' .
September is not even over , and this week the prime minister has a very different message to convey to the public .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus is on its way and he finds himself again in the eye of the storm , with extremely difficult judgement calls to take on how to deal with the outbreaks as he weighs up the public health concerns against not just the economic devastation , but the public and political backlash from a weary country and restive MPs .
On Monday , his scientific advisers Professor Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance will give a television briefing on the latest coronavirus data , and on Tuesday the prime minister is expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bringing out his scientific advisers to address the public is designed to be a wake-up call , to remind us that the threat is very much still with us .
Cases are rising rapidly and we are - to quote Professor Whitty - at a `` critical point in the pandemic '' .
Infections were at a four-month high this weekend , with 4,422 cases recorded on Saturday , and are doubling every seven to 10 days , according to the PM 's scientific advisers .
The UK 's trajectory is now six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to substantial numbers of cases by mid-October if left unchecked .
`` Over the summer , people relaxed and cases were lower .
People have forgotten how dangerous this is , '' said one government figure .
`` Chris and Patrick are going to speak directly to the public about where we are and the rise of cases in other countries .
It has not gone away and it 's come back quickly . ''
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepare the ground for another round of restrictions expected to be announced by the prime minister this week .
The question is , how far does he go ?
Whether a hawk or dove , ministers agree that a full national lockdown must be avoided at all costs , so now it is a question of how far the government decides to go short of shutting the country down completely .
`` They are looking at all the shades of grey and that is a data exercise , '' continued the government figure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposed a short `` circuit break '' of national restrictions for a short period of time to try to squash the disease , but this has not yet been signed off , according to Number 10 insiders .
Other options could see curfews introduced , or new rules to try to drive down social interactions further and restrict household mingling .
`` It 's all in the mix , '' said one senior government figure .
`` We could do a curfew , we may go to circuit break . ''
Ministers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see if the recent changes of the six person rule , introduced last Monday , and tougher enforcement rules might change behaviour and reduce social contact .
But that involves waiting to see if the early data shows change or improvement , and the PM might well decide he wants to get out ahead of the disease and move more quickly .
He is , say a couple of colleagues who know him well , feeling the weight of responsibility acutely as he is pulled between his scientific team and economic one .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the chief medical officer , Patrick Vallace , the chief scientific adviser , and his Health Secretary Matt Hancock - all pressing for a `` safety first '' approach , the fallout of the late lockdown in March perhaps still fresh in their minds .
On the other is his Chancellor Rishi Sunak , his Business Secretary Alok Sharma and a good many senior backbenchers warning of the economic - and longer-term health - devastation of more draconian measures .
`` The PM is in a very difficult situation because it all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his senior ministers told me last week .
`` The instinct of the PM is he has to keep this virus under control , because if there is a spike , it falls on his shoulders , I do feel for him . ''
There is also the question of the public and political backlash .
The government 's Scientific and Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) reported last week that just one in five people reporting symptoms in England fully self-isolated at home for the required two weeks at the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wane , the government is trying the stick approach , announcing over the weekend fines of up to £10,000 in England for those who refuse to self-isolate if they test positive or are contacted by the test and trace system having been in contact with an infected person .
Ministers hope it will help reduce the number of new cases .
The risk is that it discourages people with symptoms from taking a test in the first place and the circulation of the virus continues undetected .
It is not just the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister is also facing pressure from some on his backbenchers , who dislike sweeping measures being made without any consultation and want more parliamentary oversight .
To that end , some MPs , led by the chair of the powerful backbench 1922 Committee Sir Graham Brady , intend to try to amend emergency COVID-19 laws - due to be renewed at the end of this month - to allow a parliamentary vote each time new emergency powers are used or restrictions introduced .
The disquiet is building with one minister telling me that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they see as Mr Hancock `` overextending what was intended in the original legislation '' .
`` There is a genuine feeling he has abused that goodwill and reckoning is coming , '' said the minister .
`` I do n't think the party will accept giving him licence again . ''
It may be that the party will accept new measures - such as a short period of national restrictions - but will demand more oversight , and the PM would be perhaps wise to accept the amendment being tabled by Sir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benches .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker That changing dynamic with his party is quite a shift in ground for a prime minister who rode to power with a huge majority and mandate to change the course of this country .
He is instead at the helm of a rolling health crisis as he tries to navigate the second wave of this virus and he is doing it with a restive party and fatigued public .
Three weeks ago , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waters ahead , but they now seem a world away .

It was but three weeks ago that Boris Johnson gathered his cabinet together to set the government's agenda for the autumn after the summer break.
He was characteristically upbeat.
While there would be "some turbulence ahead" with more of the "wretched COVID" to come, the nation was "getting back on its feet" and the prime minister was "absolutely confident we are going to be able to deal with outbreaks".
Image: The PM is due to address the public on Tuesday
September is not even over, and this week the prime minister has a very different message to convey to the public.
The "inevitable" second wave of coronavirus is on its way and he finds himself again in the eye of the storm, with extremely difficult judgement calls to take on how to deal with the outbreaks as he weighs up the public health concerns against not just the economic devastation, but the public and political backlash from a weary country and restive MPs.
On Monday, his scientific advisers Professor Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance will give a television briefing on the latest coronavirus data, and on Tuesday the prime minister is expected to speak to us all directly himself.
Bringing out his scientific advisers to address the public is designed to be a wake-up call, to remind us that the threat is very much still with us.
Cases are rising rapidly and we are - to quote Professor Whitty - at a "critical point in the pandemic".
Image: The PM has said a second wave is 'inevitable'
Infections were at a four-month high this weekend, with 4,422 cases recorded on Saturday, and are doubling every seven to 10 days, according to the PM's scientific advisers.
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The UK's trajectory is now six weeks behind France and Spain and heading to substantial numbers of cases by mid-October if left unchecked.
"Over the summer, people relaxed and cases were lower. People have forgotten how dangerous this is," said one government figure.
"Chris and Patrick are going to speak directly to the public about where we are and the rise of cases in other countries. It has not gone away and it's come back quickly."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Hard truths delivered by the experts to help prepare the ground for another round of restrictions expected to be announced by the prime minister this week.
The question is, how far does he go?
Whether a hawk or dove, ministers agree that a full national lockdown must be avoided at all costs, so now it is a question of how far the government decides to go short of shutting the country down completely.
"They are looking at all the shades of grey and that is a data exercise," continued the government figure.
Mr Johnson's scientific advisers have proposed a short "circuit break" of national restrictions for a short period of time to try to squash the disease, but this has not yet been signed off, according to Number 10 insiders.
Other options could see curfews introduced, or new rules to try to drive down social interactions further and restrict household mingling.
"It's all in the mix," said one senior government figure.
"We could do a curfew, we may go to circuit break."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:14 How much do you know about COVID-19 restrictions?
Ministers and advisers are keenly watching the data to see if the recent changes of the six person rule, introduced last Monday, and tougher enforcement rules might change behaviour and reduce social contact.
But that involves waiting to see if the early data shows change or improvement, and the PM might well decide he wants to get out ahead of the disease and move more quickly.
He is, say a couple of colleagues who know him well, feeling the weight of responsibility acutely as he is pulled between his scientific team and economic one.
On one side there is Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer, Patrick Vallace, the chief scientific adviser, and his Health Secretary Matt Hancock - all pressing for a "safety first" approach, the fallout of the late lockdown in March perhaps still fresh in their minds.
On the other is his Chancellor Rishi Sunak, his Business Secretary Alok Sharma and a good many senior backbenchers warning of the economic - and longer-term health - devastation of more draconian measures.
Image: Chancellor Rishi Sunak is warning of the economic devastation of more draconian measures
"The PM is in a very difficult situation because it all rests on him," one of his senior ministers told me last week.
"The instinct of the PM is he has to keep this virus under control, because if there is a spike, it falls on his shoulders, I do feel for him."
There is also the question of the public and political backlash.
The government's Scientific and Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) reported last week that just one in five people reporting symptoms in England fully self-isolated at home for the required two weeks at the end of August.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:48 Coronavirus: UK 'faces a tipping point'
With compliance on the wane, the government is trying the stick approach, announcing over the weekend fines of up to £10,000 in England for those who refuse to self-isolate if they test positive or are contacted by the test and trace system having been in contact with an infected person.
Ministers hope it will help reduce the number of new cases. The risk is that it discourages people with symptoms from taking a test in the first place and the circulation of the virus continues undetected.
It is not just the public running out of patience, the prime minister is also facing pressure from some on his backbenchers, who dislike sweeping measures being made without any consultation and want more parliamentary oversight.
To that end, some MPs, led by the chair of the powerful backbench 1922 Committee Sir Graham Brady, intend to try to amend emergency COVID-19 laws - due to be renewed at the end of this month - to allow a parliamentary vote each time new emergency powers are used or restrictions introduced.
The disquiet is building with one minister telling me that the parliamentary party are irked at what they see as Mr Hancock "overextending what was intended in the original legislation".
"There is a genuine feeling he has abused that goodwill and reckoning is coming," said the minister.
"I don't think the party will accept giving him licence again."
It may be that the party will accept new measures - such as a short period of national restrictions - but will demand more oversight, and the PM would be perhaps wise to accept the amendment being tabled by Sir Graham and avoid another showdown with the benches.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
That changing dynamic with his party is quite a shift in ground for a prime minister who rode to power with a huge majority and mandate to change the course of this country.
He is instead at the helm of a rolling health crisis as he tries to navigate the second wave of this virus and he is doing it with a restive party and fatigued public.
Three weeks ago, Mr Johnson promised his cabinet and country calmer waters ahead, but they now seem a world away.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-21--Thousands fined for breaking 'unclear' lockdown rules, MPs warn

Britons are being fined for breaches of coronavirus lockdown regulations that are `` unclear and ambiguous '' , a parliamentary committee has warned .
The Joint Committee on Human Rights said it was `` unacceptable '' that `` many thousands '' were receiving fixed penalty notices ( FPNs ) despite evidence the police did not fully understand their powers .
It added that the way regulations were being enforced by the police was having a `` disproportionate impact '' on young men from black , Asian and minority ethnic ( BAME ) backgrounds .
Live coverage of the latest coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no realistic way for people to challenge FPNs , which could result in fines in excess of £10,000 in England .
`` This will invariably lead to injustice as members of the public who have been unfairly targeted with an FPN have no means of redress and police will know that their actions are unlikely to be scrutinised , '' the committee said .
Many of the regulations were `` confusingly named '' , the committee warned , which makes it difficult for people to establish what they can and can not do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call for greater clarity on the rules and `` distinguish between advice , guidance and the law '' as regulations change on average once a week .
`` In particular , more must be done to make the up-to-date regulations themselves ( not only guidance ) clearly accessible online , particularly as the law has changed , on average , once a week , '' the committee said .
`` It ought to be straightforward for a member of the public to find out what the current criminal law is , nationally and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to trawl through multiple sets of confusingly named regulations . ''
Committee chairwoman Harriet Harman said : `` Confusion over what is law and what is merely guidance has left citizens open to disproportionate and unequal levels of punishment for breaking the rules , and unfortunately , it seems that once again , this is overtly affecting BAME individuals .
`` The government must learn from these mistakes to ensure that any additional lockdowns do not unfairly impact specific groups . ''
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In an interview with Sky News , Ms Harman said there `` must be an opportunity to appeal or review in the way that you would for a parking fine '' .
`` Obviously the government are announcing these fines because they want to throw all of the weight that there is of government behind ensuring that these restrictive measures work .
That is the sole objective of it , '' she said .
She added that government feels it is `` necessary to get the message across that everybody must abide by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News that the UK is facing a `` tipping point '' where `` more restrictive measures '' could be brought in to slow the spread of coronavirus .
He told Sophy Ridge On Sunday he was `` worried '' too many people are breaching self-isolation guidance , leading to the government making it illegal in England .
Mr Hancock said people should report on their neighbours for breaking any of the emergency COVID-19 laws .
Asked if he would , the cabinet minister said : `` Yes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got a part to play in this . ''
A government spokesperson said they had worked closely with the police throughout the pandemic , and officers had enforced regulations only as a last resort .
They added : `` Both Houses ( of Parliament ) have opportunities to scrutinise and debate all regulations , which must be approved by both Houses within 28 days to remain in force .
This is the same way all lockdown regulations have been made and none have been voted down . ''
England 's chief medical officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sir Patrick Vallance will give a televised briefing about the latest coronavirus data this morning - live coverage on Sky News from 11am

Britons are being fined for breaches of coronavirus lockdown regulations that are "unclear and ambiguous", a parliamentary committee has warned.
The Joint Committee on Human Rights said it was "unacceptable" that "many thousands" were receiving fixed penalty notices (FPNs) despite evidence the police did not fully understand their powers.
It added that the way regulations were being enforced by the police was having a "disproportionate impact" on young men from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
Live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:14 How much do you know about COVID restrictions?
Currently, there is no realistic way for people to challenge FPNs, which could result in fines in excess of £10,000 in England.
"This will invariably lead to injustice as members of the public who have been unfairly targeted with an FPN have no means of redress and police will know that their actions are unlikely to be scrutinised," the committee said.
Many of the regulations were "confusingly named", the committee warned, which makes it difficult for people to establish what they can and cannot do.
The committee advised the government to call for greater clarity on the rules and "distinguish between advice, guidance and the law" as regulations change on average once a week.
"In particular, more must be done to make the up-to-date regulations themselves (not only guidance) clearly accessible online, particularly as the law has changed, on average, once a week," the committee said.
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"It ought to be straightforward for a member of the public to find out what the current criminal law is, nationally and in their local area, without having to trawl through multiple sets of confusingly named regulations."
Committee chairwoman Harriet Harman said: "Confusion over what is law and what is merely guidance has left citizens open to disproportionate and unequal levels of punishment for breaking the rules, and unfortunately, it seems that once again, this is overtly affecting BAME individuals.
"The government must learn from these mistakes to ensure that any additional lockdowns do not unfairly impact specific groups."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In an interview with Sky News, Ms Harman said there "must be an opportunity to appeal or review in the way that you would for a parking fine".
"Obviously the government are announcing these fines because they want to throw all of the weight that there is of government behind ensuring that these restrictive measures work. That is the sole objective of it," she said.
She added that government feels it is "necessary to get the message across that everybody must abide by the rules."
It comes after Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News that the UK is facing a "tipping point" where "more restrictive measures" could be brought in to slow the spread of coronavirus.
He told Sophy Ridge On Sunday he was "worried" too many people are breaching self-isolation guidance, leading to the government making it illegal in England.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 19:34 Hancock warns 'country is at a tipping point'
Mr Hancock said people should report on their neighbours for breaking any of the emergency COVID-19 laws.
Asked if he would, the cabinet minister said: "Yes - and everybody should... Everybody has got a part to play in this."
A government spokesperson said they had worked closely with the police throughout the pandemic, and officers had enforced regulations only as a last resort.
They added: "Both Houses (of Parliament) have opportunities to scrutinise and debate all regulations, which must be approved by both Houses within 28 days to remain in force. This is the same way all lockdown regulations have been made and none have been voted down."
England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance will give a televised briefing about the latest coronavirus data this morning - live coverage on Sky News from 11am