thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-17--Are Ministers Spreading The Covid Blame Again, This Time To The Public?

LOADING ERROR LOADING
You’re reading The Waugh Zone, our daily politics briefing. Sign up now to get it by email in the evening.
Not So Splendid Isolation
After a few days of Brexit muscling in on the news agenda (with horrible flashbacks of the hung parliament hell of a year ago), coronavirus returned to dominate Westminster today. From Matt Hancock’s new local lockdown and extra NHS cash to Dido Harding’s Test and Trace problems, Covid was everywhere, so to speak.
Advertisement
And what struck me most was that while politicians and officials daren’t explicitly blame the Great British Public for the alarming new spread of the virus, it’s clear that’s where they think the real responsibility lies.
Hancock himself again hinted that one reason for the huge demand in tests was that the damned things were free. Explaining the looming rationing of tests (except of course he calls it “prioritising”), he said: “This is the core point: when something is provided for free and demand is therefore high, we have to prioritise where we put our national resources.”
He was referring to Leicester, which has a large BAME population. Yet only a few weeks ago, when the health secretary was keen on maximising test applications (even those in any “doubt” about symptoms), insiders told us that one deterrent for some older minority ethnic voters was a fear that tests would carry a charge (as in their ‘home’ countries).
Jacob Rees-Mogg’s latest gaffe, suggesting people were “carping” when they say it’s difficult to get tests, perhaps spoke to this wider perception that the pesky public had got it all wrong.
Advertisement
Before the science and technology committee, Harding and health minister Lord Bethell also came pretty close to suggesting that the real problem, both with surging demand and with the rise in the virus, was down to Joe Public rather than anything the government had done (like, say, encouraging people into pubs, schools, offices).
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Giving us the first hard stats for a week, Harding revealed that the online and phone applications for tests was “three to four times the number of tests we currently have available”, which she said was now 242,000 tests a day.
But when chairman Greg Clark said that the September surge was “entirely predictable” and more capacity should have been built more quickly, she gave a fascinating reply. “I don’t think anybody was expecting to see the really sizeable increase in demand that we’ve seen over the course of the last few weeks,” she said.
And then there was this: “In none of the modelling was that expected. We built our capacity plans based on Sage modelling.” It wasn’t as if she was directly trying to blame the scientists but setting out just what drove her actions.
Advertisement
Still, Clark’s point seemed valid: wouldn’t any normal reading of human behaviour include teachers, parents and kids requesting more tests when schools went back? She said nobody expected a spike in demand, but plenty did.
But Harding had a wider point about testing, in that her surveys had found 27% of those arriving at test centres actually didn’t have symptoms. These were people who had been in contact with someone who had tested positive, but wanted to check themselves to avoid having to self-isolate for 14 days.
And she revealed that lots of people were indeed breaking quarantine. Some reasons were valid (“caring responsibilities”), some less so (“they feel they need to pop out to grab something from a shop or they just want some fresh air”). Harding said that “a meaningful percentage” of people find it hard to stick to the full 14 days.
Lord Bethell was more robust still, saying “there is a temptation to believe that having a test somehow is a cure, or if not a cure is a way out of your commitment to isolate”. Lockdown fatigue had kicked in too. He added that while “we would never have achieved what we’ve done if the public hadn’t been on our side...people do get tired”.
Now I’ve got to declare an interest here. I had to quarantine for 14 days after getting caught out by the short notice imposition of quarantine on returnees from France this summer. I stuck rigidly to the rules, not going out beyond the front door. I can tell you it was no picnic, and at times felt like house arrest. But I am lucky in having online grocery delivery, a nice garden and most important of all the ability to work from home.
Advertisement
DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS via Getty Images
If you have none of those things, quarantine would be much, much more difficult. Imagine being a builder living in a high rise flat with no internet. Sage research found that 75% of people in self-isolation go shopping, and young men in particular are more likely to go outdoors.
One obvious route to improving the quarantine rate would be a quick, proper payment to ensure people aren’t left out of pocket for not working. But today, on Radio 4’s World At One, Pendle Council’s David Whipp revealed that the government’s pilot scheme of £13 a day had been taken up by...four people. Yes, four, in an area with serious coronavirus levels. Unless the payment is an amount workers can live on, it seems the pilot will die on its feet.
The overall message from today’s sci and tech session was that the real issue is the public’s failure to self-isolate. Maybe the government’s programme should have been named ‘NHS Test, Trace And Isolate’ from the start, just to get over that message that the first two are useless unless the third leg is adhered to.
Of course, if the testing is expanded rapidly, quarantine may be shortened and more palatable. If serious cash is pumped into cutting the cost of self-isolation, if networks can be set up for food deliveries, if the app arrives in time. Until then, we may well see more measures like curfews and rules on not mixing households. Maybe, just maybe, No.10 will reverse its drive to get people back into the office too.
Advertisement
But there’s real dilemma for the government: just as they are hinting the public ought to take more responsibility in not applying for needless tests and in complying better with quarantine, the public is losing confidence in the government’s handling of the pandemic.
A new YouGov poll today found its net approval score dropped to -33, from -18 last week. Boris Johnson, Matt Hancock and Dido Harding have a big job to do to turn that round.
Quote Of The Day
“Instead of this endless carping, saying it is difficult to get them, we should actually celebrate the phenomenal success of the British nation in getting up to a quarter of a million tests.”
– Jacob Rees-Mogg
Thursday Cheat Sheet
NHS Test and Trace reported a dramatic fall in tests returned within 24 hours, plunging from 66% to 33% for in-person tests in just a week.
The UK recorded 21 more coronavirus deaths and 3,395 cases.
Almost two million people in the North East of England will be banned from socialising with other households, following a “concerning” rise in Covid-19, Matt Hancock announced. He also unveiled £2.7bn extra for the NHS over winter, and doubled care home infection control cash to £1bn.
Former Tory leader Michael Howard warned No.10’s compromise over the Internal Market Bill may not get through the Lords. “The government is still asking Parliament to break international law,” he told the BBC.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps put Slovenia and Guadeloupe on the ‘red list’ of countries for quarantine, but said Thailand and Singapore were now free from such curbs.
A third of lone parents have received no child maintenance payments at all from their ex-partners during the coronavirus lockdown, a survey shared with HuffPost UK revealed.
David Cameron revealed to Times Radio that he volunteered at his local foodbank in Chipping Norton. The news was not universally welcomed.
What I’m Reading


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-17--James Corden Notices A Weird Pattern With Trump's Photos

HuffPost is part of Verizon Media .
We and our partners will store and/or access information on your device through @ @ @ @ @ similar technologies , to display personalised ads and content , for ad and content measurement @ @ @ @ @ development .
Your personal data that may be used • Information about your device and @ @ @ @ @ IP address • Browsing and search activity while using Verizon Media websites and apps Find @ @ @ @ @ use your information in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy .
To enable Verizon Media @ @ @ @ @ your personal data select ' I agree ' , or select 'Manage settings ' for @ @ @ @ @ your choices .
You can change your choices at any time by visiting Your Privacy @ @

LOADING ERROR LOADING
We’re in the final stretch of the US presidential election, and the (Philly cheese) stakes are high.
On his Wednesday night show, James Corden brought up a photo of Donald Trump posing with a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, which the president tweeted earlier this week in a bid to gain favour in Pennsylvania where the dish comes from. But when analysing the picture The Late Late Show host noticed a weird pattern.
“Is it me, or does Trump only look genuinely happy when he’s posing with food?” Corden said, proceeding to show other photo ops of Trump with a taco salad and a bucket of chicken.
Advertisement
Donald Trump posing with food. CBS
“It’s the exact same face every time,” he said, showing the eerily similar photos. “He’s happiest when he’s photographed with food.”
But Corden wasn’t done. He host also figured out when the fast food-loving president is the least happy, and let’s just say Trump probably won’t be ordering the family specials anytime soon.
Watch the clip below to find out:


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-17--Up To 750,000 Covid Test Requests Go Unanswered Every Day, Dido Harding Signals

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Up to three quarters of a million Covid test requests are going unanswered every day because of an “unexpected” surge in demand when schools returned, the head of NHS Test and Trace has suggested.
Baroness Dido Harding revealed that the online and phone applications for tests was “three to four times the number of tests we currently have available”, which she revealed was now 242,000 tests a day.
Advertisement
During a grilling by MPs, the Tory peer said that the current demand was “multiples of the test capacity we have today”, even if double counting was stripped out from people calling several times.
But Harding faced criticism when she said that the big jump in phone calls and online requests for tests had not been anticipated by “anybody” – despite schools reopening in September and the government urging people back to the office.
And in evidence to the Commons science and technology committee, both she and health minister Lord Bethell said that the virus was spreading because too many of the public were not following the rules on 14 day self-isolation.
Harding said people were breaking quarantine to “pop to the shops” and Bethell suggested that some of the public viewed getting a test as a “cure” or as “a way out of your commitment to isolate”.
Advertisement
After a week when no capacity figures were published by the government, the NHS Test and Trace chief revealed that the total daily UK Covid test capacity is now 242,817, with 82,817 done in the NHS and 160,000 done in mobile testing centres and other sites.
She revealed that the number of children under 17 asking for tests had doubled in recent weeks, and by an even greater rate for children aged between five and nine, but said many didn’t need tests.
Committee chairman Greg Clark told her: “It is dispiriting to find that we are now in September, in circumstances which are entirely predictable – people are going back to school, people are going back to work – and we haven’t had the right capacity put in place during the quieter times of June, July and August.”
Harding replied: “I don’t think anybody was expecting to see the really sizeable increase in demand that we’ve seen over the course of the last few weeks. In none of the modelling was that expected. We built our capacity plans based on Sage [government scientific advisers] modelling.”
Harding also said that the demand was coming in part from people without symptoms who wanted to avoid having to self-isolate.
Advertisement
She continued: “We see quite a lot of people coming forward who don’t have symptoms who – and I really understand why they would feel like this – who want to believe that if they get a test, they won’t need to self isolate, that if one of their family members, has tested positive that if they get a test they won’t have to isolate with them. And sadly that isn’t how the virus works and isn’t the medical guidance.”
She added that people were not sticking to the 14-day isolation required either. “They either have caring responsibilities, or they feel they need to pop out to grab something from a shop or they just want some fresh air. A meaningful percentage of people find it hard to stick to that self-isolation during the full 14 days.”
Sitting alongside her, Lord Bethell said: “We have to be really clear with people about the way in which this infection works, and the way it harbours in the body, because there is a temptation to believe that having a test somehow is a cure, or if not a cure is a way out of your commitment to isolate.
“And the test and trace programme really only is effective if people do isolate, if they have tested positive or if they’ve been in contact with people who have tested positive.”
Harding said that one big reason for the demand was people wrongly applying for a test even if they lacked symptoms.
Advertisement
She said that a survey of 24,000 people at 25 regional and local testing sites in early September found 27% of people said they were there because they’d been in contact with someone who had tested positive, “but they didn’t have symptoms themselves”.
NHS Test and Trace figures issued on Thursday revealed a dramatic fall in the number of tests completed within Boris Johnson’s 24-hour deadline, with just a third of in-person tests meeting that target – down by half in just a week.
Harding admitted for the first time that the delays were deliberate as the system struggled to get more tests started but not completed.
“I strongly refute that the system is failing. We made a conscious decision because of the huge increase in demand to extend the turnaround times in order to process more tests, over the course of the last couple of weeks,” she said.
Harding also all but confirmed that health secretary Matt Hancock had handed her the new post of interim chair of the new National Institute for Health Protection, without any competition.
Advertisement
“I didn’t apply to do the job I’m doing at the moment, I was asked to serve by ministers. I suspect like everybody working on the Covid response, I felt it was the appropriate thing to do to serve my country and say yes to that request.
“While I am not a clinician, and only have three years experience [in health], I do understand the NHS, and the public sector to couple with my logistics, retail and technology experience.”
The peer stressed that NHS Test and Trace had increased the UK’s testing capacity from the low thousands months ago to being “on track” to the PM’s aim of 500,000 daily tests by the end of October.
“At the end of May, we had 128,000 tests a day capacity. Today we have 242,000, so it’s not been a quiet summer for NHS Test and Trace at all. We’ve doubled the size of our testing capacity which is exactly what we committed to do. And we’re on track to double it again to 500,000 tests, a day by the end of October.”
Amid growing questions over the commercial contracts to firms running parts of the scheme, Harding said “I can’t confirm or deny” whether private firm Randox had charged the taxpayer for test swabs that were ‘voided’ in August.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-17--Martin Compston Proves There's Still Time For Fun On The Line Of Duty Set With Hilarious Vicky McClu

Martin Compston Proves There's Still Time For Fun On The Line Of Duty Set With Hilarious Vicky McClure Prank

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Line Of Duty may be one of the most serious and tense shows on the box, but Martin Compston has proved there’s still time for larks behind the scenes.
The actor left co-star Vicky McClure screaming in terror after pranking her during their downtime on set.
Advertisement
Martin – who is better known for terrorising bent coppers as DS Steve Arnott in the hit BBC drama – filmed a video of himself jumping out on Vicky in an attempt to scare her, which worked – and then some.
Vicky McClure and Martin Compston (right) with Line Of Duty co-star Adrian Dunbar BBC
Vicky, aka DI Kate Fleming, could be heard letting out a high pitched scream, before then chasing an amused Martin round the room, shouting: “You fucking prick!”
Sharing the clip on Twitter, Martin wrote: “The best thing about this will be the terribly planned revenge attempts to come.”
Advertisement
The best thing about this will be the terribly planned revenge attempts to come 😂 @Vicky_McClure pic.twitter.com/QH7qZ4z1Qi — martin compston (@martin_compston) September 17, 2020
Filming on the sixth series of Line Of Duty resumed last month, having previously been suspended after four weeks back in March, due to the pandemic.
The cast have now all bubbled up together in Northern Ireland, where the show is filmed, with strict safety measures and testing in place to keep them and the crew safe.
Seems like a very long time between these two takes. It’s great to be back filming #LineofDuty. pic.twitter.com/OvkUxZQ6nI — Jed Mercurio (@jed_mercurio) September 1, 2020
Bosses are aiming to complete filming in the hope of airing the series in early 2021.
It was previously confirmed that Kelly Macdonald has joined the cast, playing Detective Chief Inspector Davidson, who had been dubbed the “most enigmatic adversary AC-12 have ever faced”.
Advertisement
Kelly Macdonald BBC
The fifth series of Line Of Duty concluded last year and revealed legal counsel Gill Biggeloe had been setting up AC-12 boss Ted Hastings as mysterious organised crime boss “H”.
It was later confirmed from a closer examination of DI Matthew Cottan’s dying declaration that “H” was actually a clue rather than a person, indicating there are four high ranking officers in league with organised crime.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-17--David Cameron Volunteering At A Food Bank In Chipping Norton Has Not Gone Down Well

SIPA USA/PA Images
David Cameron, who presided over an austerity agenda while prime minister, has been criticised after describing how rewarding it was to help in a food bank during lockdown.
The former Conservative politician delivered food parcels to vulnerable families in April and was photographed near his Oxfordshire home loading supplies into a car.
Advertisement
He said he was helping St Mary’s Church and the Chippy Larder in Chipping Norton – the two charitable entities collaborated to provide for vulnerable people during the virus outbreak.
During an interview with Times Radio on Thursday, the former Witney MP said: “I worked for the Chipping Norton Food Bank actually one or two days a week, which was great to do something to help people who were really isolated and stuck at home.”
This sparked widespread criticism with many describing Cameron’s move as “weird”, “cheeky” and being “like a serial killer on the police force looking for clues”.
Feeding Britain is a charity geared at eliminating hunger across the country.
Andrew Forsery, the organisation’s national director, told HuffPost UK: “We would invite David Cameron to share with us his observations on why people have recently sought help from his local food bank, and what he thinks needs to be done to prevent this level and severity of need arising in future.”
Advertisement
Elsewhere, condemnation of Cameron has been swift.
Deputy leader of the Labour Party, Angela Rayner, tweeted: “David Cameron talks about visiting a food bank like it’s a nice day out. In one of the richest countries in the world people are reliant on food banks because of the political choices he made. As the architect of austerity I can’t believe he had the brass neck to show his face.
David Cameron talks about visiting a food bank like it's a nice day out.
In one of the richest countries in the world people are reliant on food banks because of the political choices he made.
As the architect of austerity I can't believe he had the brass neck to show his face. pic.twitter.com/jM489kS8tL — 🌈 Angela Rayner 🌈 (@AngelaRayner) September 17, 2020
British satirical website, The Poke, suggested that the ex-PM volunteered in order to “keep a close eye on his legacy”.
David Cameron has been working at a food bank in Chipping Norton. He wants to keep a close eye on his legacy. pic.twitter.com/JwMI9giE1J — The Poke (@ThePoke) September 17, 2020
Another online user wrote: “However many shifts David Cameron puts in at his local food bank now, nothing changes the statistic that the number of food bank visits jumped from 40,000 to 560,000 during his time as prime minister, largely thanks to the benefit sanctions his government introduced”.
Advertisement
Someone else posted: “If David Cameron DID work at a food bank in Chipping Norton it’s a bit like a criminal coming face to face with his victims.”
However, a few people spoke out in Cameron’s defence.
The Times Radio presenter who conducted the interview with him, shared a few thoughts.
He wrote: “First, whatever the economy rationale for bringing down the deficit, austerity had a devastating effect on many people’s lives. The accusation that Tories appeared oblivious/indifferent to this is an understandable one.
“So, if you think that the ‘architect of austerity’ was blind to the impact of his policies it is surely a good thing, not a bad thing that he found out in a good bank. Albeit belatedly.”
And if your reaction to the idea of a food bank in the countryside is “ooh was it helping people running low on caviar and horse feed?” you need to take a long hard look at the almost totally-ignored issue of rural poverty. You’ll find you’re as out of touch as you think he is. — Matt Chorley (@MattChorley) September 17, 2020
Another online user added: “Unfortunately Food bank’s go back a lot further than David Cameron. It’s great for anyone to volunteer. You’ll experience surprise, heart break, shock and euphoria plus many more emotions. It will change your life just as much as the individuals it sets out to serve”
Advertisement
The UK’s largest national food bank charity, the Trussell Trust, documented a 5,146% increase in emergency food parcels distributed between 2008 and 2018.
In that decade the food bank network went from distributing just under 26,000 parcels a year to handing out more than 1.33 million of them.
The dire situation has recently seen 22-year-old footballer Marcus Rashford team up with food industry giants to tackle child food poverty in the UK.
Cameron has also claimed that austerity meant that the UK was in a better position to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.
In an updated version of the paperback edition of his memoirs released on Thursday, he argues that cuts introduced when he came to power in 2010 did “fix the roof when the sun was shining”.
Advertisement
He added: “Covid-19 was the rainy day we had been saving for. Our actions meant that the next but one administration was able to offer an unprecedented package of measures to prop up the economy.
“I sat watching Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s press conferences thinking how vital it was that we had taken those difficult decisions when we did.”
The ex-PM popularised austerity and always championed these series of budget cuts. In his keynote speech to the Conservative Party forum in Cheltenham in April 2009 he declared that “the age of irresponsibility is giving way to the age of austerity” and committed to put an end to what he regarded as excessive government spending.
Check out our report from July on the impact of underinvestment in health and care 📄
We must not repeat austerity. The health system should be run at the top of its game, not the top of its capacity 🏥https://t.co/C4AJW9pM0e — IPPR (@IPPR) September 17, 2020
However, experts argue that a decade of austerity left the country weakened and brought the NHS to its knees ahead of the Covid-19 pandemic hitting the UK.
Advertisement


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-17--Dominic Cummings 'Set Bad Example' For Locked Down North-East, Tory MP Says

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Sedgefield MP Paul Howell said Boris Johnson’s chief aide set a bad example but the “vast majority” of people know “if Dominic Cummings jumped over a cliff they wouldn’t follow him”.
Advertisement
“Some of them might push him but that’s a different story completely,” he joked, while speaking to HuffPost UK’s Commons People podcast.
Howell also criticised Boris Johnson’s “unfortunate” focus on his so-called Operation Moonshot plan to give millions of people in the UK daily quick-result coronavirus saliva tests, when many people are struggling to access swab antigen tests now
The Tory MP, who is chairing a new all party parliamentary group on left behind communities, also urged the government to take action on its levelling up agenda now, despite the twin crises of Brexit and Covid, stressing people in deprived areas want a “hand up rather than a hand out”.
Howell spoke as he was returning from Westminster to his constituency in County Durham, which is under new Covid-19 restrictions covering almost two million people in the wider north-east.
Advertisement
Asked whether Cummings’ behaviour during the height of the national lockdown could undermine the local restrictions, Howell told Commons People: “We certainly got significant communications, shall we say, at the time when that happened, at least as much as most other MPs.
“The inbox filled fairly rapidly as to the comments about what he should or shouldn’t have done.
“And it didn’t set a good example and it doesn’t help.
“But I would say that the vast majority of people in the north-east are sensible enough to know if Dominic Cummings jumped over a cliff they wouldn’t follow him.
“Some of them might push him but that’s a different story completely.
“Seriously, the whole message on this, I know it’s all the nuances around lockdown and what you can and can’t do, but there’s a very simple message there – use your common sense and keep apart from people when you can.
“If Dominic didn’t use his in that situation, that’s his problem, we’ll do our things right.”
Dominic Cummings makes a statement at 10 Downing Street over allegations he breached coronavirus lockdown restrictions ASSOCIATED PRESS
Howell meanwhile said the government was right to be looking at ambitious projects like Operation Moonshot, but questioned the rhetoric and timing of the announcement.
Advertisement
“If we didn’t look at anything other than Covid you’d be criticised for not looking beyond the current environment,” he said.
“If you looked at too ambitious a project people would say why aren’t you focusing on the day job?
“You’ve got to do both.
“But it’s not a black and white choice.
“Some of the vocabulary, in terms of ‘moonshots’ and things, I’m not sure I agree with them.
“The way that’s expressed, I don’t think that’s the best way to do it personally.”
Howell went on: “It’s unfortunate that you talk about terminology like moonshots and things like that when unfortunately at this specific point in time whilst having some challenges on the sharp-end delivery.
“Had you been in a situation where everything is ticking along quite nicely, even if that’s an appropriate phrase at the moment, to then be talking about going beyond that and getting better might have been a little bit better with the people that are struggling to get tests.
“The vast majority of people are getting the tests that they need but a significant number are not.”
Meanwhile, Howell urged the government to make a start on its levelling up agenda despite the huge challenge of dealing with the economic fallout of Covid and Brexit.
He said community wealth funds could be introduced to “show intent” now and signal a “direction of travel” to “start to reach out to some of these communities.”
Advertisement


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-17--Coronavirus Curfews: These Areas Could Be Next To Face New Rules

Almost six months on from Boris Johnson’s historic announcement that he was putting the entire UK into lockdown, the unveiling of local lockdown restrictions have become a regular event.
On Friday, the government announced tough new restrictions for large parts of the north-west of England, West Yorkshire and the Midlands, with a curfew for bars and restaurants and a ban on mixing with other households.
Advertisement
It came just one day after strict rules were unveiled for more than two million people in the north-east of England.
If one thing has become clear in recent weeks, it’s that local lockdowns are a serious weapon in the government’s arsenal against the disease.
With that in mind, here is everything you need to know about them – from the kind of rules ministers are bringing in, to where could be next on the list.
These are the areas of England with the highest rates of Covid-19
A man walk past an information board following the outbreak of coronavirus in Bolton. Phil Noble / reuters
Advertisement
Bolton remains the place in England with the highest rate of coronavirus.
In the seven days leading up to September 13, 587 cases were reported in the north-west town – the equivalent of 204.1 new infections per every 100,000 people, according to calculations by the PA news agency.
It represents a significant jump in cases, up from 192 per 100,000 in the week up to September 10 and up from 152 in the seven days leading up to September 6.
For context, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control estimates that the 14-day infection rate for the whole of the UK is currently 55.6 cases per 100,000 people.
The rate of infection in Bolton is considerably higher than the areas with the next highest levels of coronavirus, with Oadby and Wigston in second place with a rate of 136.8 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people.
However, given that the UK tends to add countries to its quarantine list once the infection rate reaches 20, this figure still represents a significant cause for concern.
Advertisement
In total, there are 12 places in England with coronavirus rates above 100 per 100,000.
Areas in England with the highest rates of Covid-19 Bolton 204.1 cases per 100,000 (587 new cases) Oadby and Wigston 136.8 cases per 100,000 (78 new cases) Hyndburn 132.0 cases per 100,000 (107 new cases) Preston 125.8 cases per 100,000 (180 new cases) Burnley 124.8 cases per 100,000 (111 new cases) Blackburn with Darwen 120.2 cases per 100,000 (180 new cases) Oldham 114.7 cases per 100,000 (272 new cases) Liverpool 106.4 cases per 100,000 (530 new cases) Tameside 105.1 cases per 100,000 (238 new cases) Warrington 104.8 cases per 100,000 (220 new cases) Knowsley 102.7 cases per 100,000 (155 new cases) St Helens 101.3 cases per 100,000 (183 new cases)
These are the places already under local lockdown restrictions
A sign of precautionary health and safety measures is seen on Northumberland Street, amid the coronavirus outbreak in Newcastle. Lee Smith / reuters
It’s not just the north-west of England facing the prospect of living under tight lockdown rules – a number of areas have already been put under strict restrictions.
On Thursday, the north-east of England was put under tight limitations by the government, with almost two million people affected by measures that include a 10pm curfew for hospitality venues.
The measures came just days after a fresh ban on residents mixing with people outside their household or bubble in Birmingham, Solihull and Sandwell amid a surge in coronavirus cases.
Advertisement
In Leicester – which remained in full lockdown for weeks after the rest of England – some restrictions still remain in place, with a similar ban on social mixing in force and people with severe health conditions still advised to shield.
However, the government announced on Friday that people shielding in the city will be able to stop on October 5.
Areas in England subject to local restrictions Birmingham Solihull Sandwell Blackburn with Darwen Oldham Pendle Bolton Leicester Northampton (for Greencore workers) Large parts of Greater Manchester Large parts of West Yorkshire Large parts of Lancashire Large parts of north-east England Large parts of north-west England
The places that could be next for lockdown restrictions
A woman uses a public hand sanitiser in Leeds city centre. Danny Lawson - PA Images via Getty Images
With rates of coronavirus fluctuating week-to-week, it’s tough to predict where restrictions could come in next.
Advertisement
However, every Friday, the government – along with Public Health England – produces a “watchlist” of areas with troubling levels of Covid-19.
According to the latest list – which has grown significantly week-on-week – there are 34 areas in England which are subject to “interventions” to try and curb the spread of the virus.
Of these places, only two areas saw the number of Covid-19 infections per 100,000 people decrease since the previous week.
Leeds, Blaby and Stockport are receiving “enhanced support” amid a surge in infections, while there are 11 “areas of concern” on the list – including Hartlepool, Sheffield, Scarborough and Peterborough.
On Wednesday, it was reported that health chiefs in London were also considering a curfew in the capital to stop people staying out “drinking until the wee hours of the morning”.
Advertisement
What has Boris Johnson said about local lockdown restrictions?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson departs 10 Downing Street. PA
Prime minister Boris Johnson has warned that actions to tackle a second surge of coronavirus must be “tough now” in order to “protect” Christmas.
The PM said people have to be “both confident and cautious” and that it is “crucial” the country does not re-enter “some great lockdown again that stops business from functioning”.
He told The Sun: “Christmas we want to protect, and we want everyone to have a fantastic Christmas.
“But the only way to make sure the country is able to enjoy Christmas is to be tough now.
“So if we can grip it now, stop the surge, arrest the spike, stop the second hump of the dromedary, flatten the second hump.”
But Johnson’s tough stance comes amid a crisis in coronavirus testing, with people sent hundreds of miles across the country for tests as the test and trace system struggles to cope.
Advertisement
On Tuesday, health secretary Matt Hancock announced that tests would be rationed, with patients with acute medical needs and people in care homes at the front of the queue under the new system.
Meanwhile, it was revealed on Thursday that the number of tests completed in 24 hours had hit a new low, with just one-third of results from “in-person” tests returned within a day – a dramatic fall on the 66.5% the week before.
Infections are rising and access to testing is set to be restricted.
It was obvious failing to fix tracing ahead of wider opening up of the economy would lead to increased demand on testing.
Now testing is broken, tracing rendered less effective & the virus won’t be tracked. https://t.co/UL3wR6w8Kb — Jonathan Ashworth 😷 (@JonAshworth) September 16, 2020


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-17--Here’s How Coronavirus Curfews Will Work

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Pubs, bars and restaurants across England will be subject to a 10pm curfew from Thursday, in an attempt to reduce Covid-19 transmissions.
The latest country-wide change comes after people in the north-east of England faced new curfew laws last week, as well as other local lockdown restrictions. It followed a curfew instigated in Bolton, where Covid-19 cases were rapidly rising.
Advertisement
Meanwhile, Rhondda Cynon Taf in Wales went into local lockdown last Thursday (September 17) where residents face slightly different restrictions, but a curfew nonetheless. Four additional Welsh counties – Bridgend, Blaenau Gwent, Merthyr Tydfil and Newport – will face local lockdown restrictions including a curfew from 6pm tonight (Tuesday 22).
The idea of a curfew is alien to many of us – probably something we’ve not considered since our teenage years. Understandably, it’s prompted lot of questions: the big one being whether or not a curfew will even make a difference.
To help us all get our heads around the situation, here’s what you need to know.
How will life change under the curfew?
Entertainment and leisure venues will be forced to shut from 10pm to 5am across England from Thursday September 24.
In the Welsh counties subject to local lockdown restrictions, residents face a slightly later curfew, as all licensed pubs, bars and restaurants are being told to shut by 11pm.
Advertisement
So, can I still go to other people’s houses after 10pm?
It depends on where you live. In the north-east, for example, you can no longer socialise with other people outside of your own household or support bubble, whatever the time of day. This means you can’t just bundle into a mate’s house come 10.05pm. These restrictions also apply to areas in Wales that are under local lockdown.
In parts of England without local lockdowns, however, you can still meet in the home – at least for now. The new curfews will only apply to certain businesses, but in private settings, the rule of six applies.
OLI SCARFF via Getty Images
Okay, but what happens if I’m walking home after 10pm?
Don’t worry, you won’t be arrested on the spot or turn into a pumpkin once the clock strikes 10pm. If you’re walking home – while maintaining other social distancing rules – that’s fine.
You can also be out and about at night if you work night shifts, for example, or you’re heading to the supermarket for some late night shopping.
Advertisement
Details are still emerging about what the new curfews will look like, but if they follow the same rules as the Bolton curfew, places including laundrettes, newsagents, pharmacies and more were permitted to stay open past 10pm.
But will it actually make a difference?
The virus doesn’t gain super transmission powers post 10pm – and the jury is out on whether this will actually help curb the current rise in cases.
“I imagine it’s a performative effect, where the government want to demonstrate that they are doing something – but don’t want to shut pubs as the economic impact would be significant for the hospitality industry,” Dr Clare Wenham, assistant professor of Global Health Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), tells HuffPost UK. “Plus it could be politically bad to shut pubs, as everyone loves them.”
Dr Nilu Ahmed, a lecturer in Social Sciences at the University of Bristol, believes a curfew may be effective, though, as it’ll change our behaviour. “I think they’re necessary for a start because we know we’ve got to restrict people interacting. As people drink more and as people get past that point, usually after about 10pm, that social distancing goes out of the window,” she tells HuffPost UK.
“Even if you’re not a drinker or you’re a mild drinker, it’s about getting too comfortable. As soon as you’re back in that familiar space, you start to go back to our old habits.”
Advertisement
Why doesn’t the government just shut pubs completely?
As well as the potential economic and political fallout mentioned by Dr Wenham, Dr Ahmed believe there’s mental health benefits to maintaining some normality.
“Anxiety levels and depression have soared under lockdown, we have a real issue with people’s mental health now, so I do think opening up those venues and loosening restrictions was necessary for that – not just for the economy, as some people have been saying,” she says.
The news of a curfew and increased restrictions may be “terrifying” for some people, she adds. “I think we’re slightly more used to it, having had the massive lockdown we had in springtime. But this curfew coming in again might be reminding people of that feeling – and that’s another terrifying element, people thinking: ‘I don’t want to go back there.’”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-17--Jacob Rees-Mogg Moans About The 'Endless Carping' Of People Unable To Get Coronavirus Tests

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Jacob Rees-Mogg has described the concerns of those who are struggling to get tested for coronavirus amid a nationwide shortage as “endless carping”.
Instead, the Tory MP told the Commons on Thursday, people should be celebrating that “our administration” has been able to establish a testing system at all given “we have gone from a disease that nobody knew about a few months ago”.
Advertisement
To every parent who wants a test for their kids.
To every worker who needs a test to go back to work.
To every person worried about the virus.
This Government thinks you should stop the "endless carping".
Out of touch. Out of ideas. Out of their depth. pic.twitter.com/YMFLxUHlwU — Bridget Phillipson (@bphillipsonMP) September 17, 2020
At around the same time as Rees-Mogg speaking, the latest figures from his administration showed the number of tests completed in 24 hours had plummeted in just a week.
This comes just a day after health secretary Matt Hancock announced tests would have to be rationed as there aren’t enough to go round despite a huge surge in cases across the country.
Advertisement
By this logic. We’ll stop grieving the loss of my mother in law and celebrate that my next door neighbours didn’t die of it. https://t.co/PaSTlzIpf6 — Rick Turner (@Rick_Turner) September 17, 2020
Rees-Mogg said: “The issue of testing is one where we have gone from a disease that nobody knew about a few months ago to one where nearly a quarter of a million people a day can be tested and the prime minister is expecting that to half a million people a day by the end of October.
“Instead of this endless carping saying it’s difficult to get them, we should actually be celebrating this phenomenal success of the British nation in getting up to a quarter of a million tests of a disease that nobody knew about until earlier in the year.
“That is a success of our scientists, our health experts and of our administration.
“And yes there’s demand for more and yes demand exceeds supply, but supply is increasing and what is being done is really rather remarkable and something we should be proud of.”
Jacob Rees-Mogg actually, literally, really just said that we should stop the 'endless carping' about the difficulty of getting coronavirus tests. Yet another example of real life out-satirising satire. — Matthew Stadlen (@MatthewStadlen) September 17, 2020
Advertisement
Responding to the comments, Labour’s shadow minister for public health, Alex Norris, said the government had “resorted to a blizzard of blame shifting and excuses”.
He added: “Now, out-of-touch ministers have got a new message to those who can’t get tests: ‘stop complaining and praise us’.
“Jacob Rees-Mogg should immediately apologise. Whining about the public not being grateful enough won’t sort anything - only his government can fix the testing shambles they are presiding over.”
Want to be tested for a deadly virus that has disrupted lives and livelihoods?
Jacob Rees-Mogg:
‘stop the endless carping’ — Greg Herriett #GTTO (@greg_herriett) September 17, 2020
It is almost four months since Boris Johnson told MPs the Government’s test, track and trace operation would be “world-beating”. But facing the Commons Liaison Committee on Wednesday, the PM was forced to acknowledge the situation was not “ideal” as demand was vastly outstripping capacity.
Advertisement


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-17--Cher Attacks Trump Over Covid 'Herd Mentality' Remarks: 'Seems 200k Dead Isn’t Enough Carnage'

Cher has attacked Donald Trump over recent comments he made about a “herd mentality” in relation to the coronavirus pandemic.
The US president came under fire from the singer after speaking an event hosted by ABC News in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, where he said: “Sure, over a period of time. Sure, with time it goes away. And you’ll develop – you’ll develop herd – like a herd mentality.
“It’s going to be – it’s going to be herd-developed, and that’s going to happen. That will all happen. But with a vaccine, I think it will go away very quickly.”
Advertisement
Cher and Donald Trump PA
Sharing a news article about Trump’s comments on Twitter, Cher urged her fellow US citizens to protect themselves and ensure they vote in the upcoming election.
She tweeted: “Seems 200,000 dead isn’t enough carnage, misery... for Trump.
“We must protect ourselves and those who will surely [die].”
Cher continued: “Trump wants to use ‘herd immunity’ as a treatment for Covid. This means no one tries to protect themselves in any way. Everything opens like before Covid. Likely [the number] of [Americans] dead = 6.4 million. Rosy picture.
“Must wear masks, social distance, even gloves if he tries ’herd immunity.”
She added: “Must vote and live.”
Trump Touts”Herd Immunity” That Experts Warn Would Kill Millions.
Seems 2 Hundred Thousand Dead Isn’t Enough Carnage, Misery,💔4 Trump.We MUST BE AWARE When He Starts This Insane Treatment.We Must Protect Ourselves & Those Who Will Surely⚰
https://t.co/nJI7WSXOYK — Cher (@cher) September 17, 2020
Advertisement
trump Want 2 Use”HERD IMMUNITY”As Treatment 4 Covid.This Means No One Tries 2 Protect Themselves In”ANY WAY”.EVERYTHING OPENS LIKE B4 COVID.Likely # Of🇺🇸’ns DEAD=6.4 MILLION.ROSY PICTURE 2.5.Must Wear Masks,Social Distance,Even Gloves If He Tries”Herd Immunity”
MUST VOTE & LIVE🙏🏻 — Cher (@cher) September 17, 2020
However, the White House has insisted Trump was not endorsing herd immunity as a solution to the pandemic with his comments.
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the notion he did was something “cooked up” by the media.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-17--North-East Curfew Confirmed With Almost Two Million People Facing Tougher Restrictions

LOADING ERROR LOADING
The north-east will be subject to a 10pm curfew and new restrictions amid a sharp rise in cases of coronavirus, health secretary Matt Hancock has confirmed.
It will mean almost two million people in the region will be under new lockdown restrictions from Friday amid “concerning rates of infection”.
Advertisement
Hospitality venues in the region, which includes Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Gateshead, Sunderland and County Durham, will be shut from 10pm to 5am.
It will include a ban on residents socialising with other people outside their households and table service only in bars and restaurants.
Hancock said: “We’ve seen concerning rates of infection in parts of the north-east.
“Sunderland, for example, now has an incidence rate of 103 positive cases per 100,000 population.
“And in South Tyneside, Gateshead and Newcastle, figures are all above 70.”
It comes as 3,991 new cases were confirmed in the UK on Wednesday, the highest since July. More than 100 people were left needing mechanical ventilator care.
“The battle against coronavirus is not over,” Hancock told the Commons.
Labour shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth accused the government of losing its grip on the response to the virus.
Advertisement
Health Secretary Matt Hancock giving a statement to MPs in the House of Commons, London. PA
It came as the latest data from NHS Test and Trace revealed the government service is failing to cope with demand, with people forced to travel long distances for checks.
The figures for the week between September 3 and September 9 showed that just one third of “in-person” tests had results back within 24 hours, a dramatic fall on the 66.5% the week before.
It follows the health secretary announcing that Covid tests would be rationed, with sick people and care home residents to get priority.
Hancock had said “little” on testing, Ashworth said, noting: “It’s become not so much test and trace, more like trace a test.
Advertisement
“At just the point where many fear we’re on the cusp of a second deadly spike, the prime minister admits we don’t have enough capacity.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-17--Ofcom Dismisses Complaints Over Diversity's Britain's Got Talent Performance

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Ofcom has announced that it will not be investigating Britain’s Got Talent, after a performance from dance troupe Diversity led to more than 24,000 complaints to the media regulator.
When the ITV talent show returned to our screens earlier this month, the former winners gave a performance inspired by the events of 2020.
Advertisement
This included references to both the coronavirus pandemic and the killing of George Floyd, as well as the global protests in support of Black Lives Matter that followed.
Although the group’s routine won widespread praise from viewers when it first aired, in the weeks since around 24,500 people complained to Ofcom.
Diversity performing on Britain's Got Talent Dymond/Thames/Syco/Shutterstock
The TV watchdog said these complaints were based on the idea that the “themes of violence and racism were inappropriate for family viewing”, “that it expressed support for the political organisation Black Lives Matter” and that it was “racist towards white people”.
Advertisement
They also noted that they had received “a number of messages of support and praise for the performance”.
Ofcom has now confirmed that they will not be taking the matter any further, saying in a statement: “We carefully considered a large number of complaints about this artistic routine, an area where freedom of expression is particularly important.
“Diversity’s performance referred to challenging and potentially controversial subjects, and in our view, its central message was a call for social cohesion and unity.”
They added: “Any depictions of violence by the performers were highly stylisted and symbolic recent global events, and there was no explicit reference to any particular political organisation – but rather a message that the lives of Black people matter.”
Advertisement
You can read the full report here.
Reacting to Ofcom’s ruling, troupe leader Ashley Banjo wrote on social media: “Creativity is always a leap of faith. All I did what was what felt right and I’d do it 100 times over.
“Sending love to everyone that stood by us.”
Creativity is always a leap of faith.
All I did what was what felt right and I’d do it 100 times over... Sending love to everyone that stood by us 🙏🏽🖤 #Diversity https://t.co/qlq2L2LVhO — Ashley Banjo (@AshleyBanjo) September 17, 2020
ITV previously announced they were standing by Diversity, saying in a statement: “Britain’s Got Talent has always been an inclusive show, which showcases diversity and supports strong storytelling in all forms and ITV stands behind the decision to broadcast Diversity’s performance on BGT.
“Ashley and the group are a great example of the talent, creativity and diversity of modern Britain and their performance was an authentic, heartfelt response to many of the issues and events which have affected society in 2020.”
Ashley Banjo previously assured his Instagram followers: “We’re feeling positive, proud, happy, confident and we stand by every single decision that we made with that performance.” Since then, he has posted shocking examples of the racist comments that he and his fellow performers have received on social media since the performance aired.
Ashley Banjo PA
“Please don’t worry about or feel sorry for me,” he insisted. “Feel sorry for the people that endure this kind of abuse and have no voice or platform. Feel sorry for the people that have been singled out, abused and in some cases murdered because of the colour of their skin.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-17--Number Of Covid Tests Completed Within 24 Hours Falls Dramatically In Just One Week

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Boris Johnson’s test-and-trace crisis has deepened after official figures showed that the number of tests completed in 24 hours had plummeted in just a week.
The figures for the week between September 3 and September 9 showed that just one third of “in-person” tests had results back within a day, a dramatic fall on the 66.5% the week before.
Advertisement
In-person tests, which cover local test sites, mobile testing centres and regional centres, are meant to be the drivers of the government’s bid to expand the system to the community.
The latest figures are a long way from the PM’s promise to get 100% of most tests back within 24 hours by the end of June.
The statistics for home test kits and satellite test centres - used for care homes - are even worse, falling to just 5.7% completed in 24 hours, down on 11.5% the previous week.
Just 1.9% of people in England who used a home test kit for Covid-19 received their result within 24 hours in the week to September 9 - the lowest percentage since Test and Trace was launched at the end of May.
Advertisement
The department for health and social care admitted in its latest update: “The percentage of test results received within 24 hours for in person tests notably decreased from the previous week.
“For all routes combined, 14.3% of tests from all test sites were received within 24 hours of a test being taken compared to 32.0% in the previous week.”
The 33% proportion of in-person test results returned within 24 hours was the lowest since the week to June 17, when the figure stood at 31.3%.
Even on the government’s target of getting tests done by the end of the next day, just 64.7% of in-person tests results hit the target and 28.2% for all routes combined.
Johnson told the House of Commons on June 3 he would get “all tests turned around within 24 hours by the end of June, except for difficulties with postal tests or insuperable problems like that”.
Advertisement
Much of the problem appears to centre on commercially-run labs that carry out the in-person tests. NHS labs in hospitals have a much better record, with 88.8% of tests results returned within the 24 hour target.
The PM admitted this week that the capacity in the system is not “enough” to cope with a spike in demand, and the whole project has come under fire for severe delays for hospital staff, school pupils and teachers.
The huge pressure on the system was confirmed in the latest figures, which showed a total of 18,371 new people tested positive for Covid-19 in England in the week to September 9.
This is an increase of 75% in positive cases on the previous week, and is the highest weekly number since Test and Trace was launched at the end of May.
Dido Harding ASSOCIATED PRESS
Advertisement
Shadow health minister Justin Madders said: “Four months after the test and trace system was set up it is a huge concern that performance continues to go backwards.
“The Government advice has been clear throughout that relaxing lockdown will only be successful if we have a fully functional test and trace system but instead we see it on the verge of collapse.
“Perhaps the biggest problem is that people cannot get tested which means thousands of people are not going into the system in the first place. Ministers must get a grip and fix testing now.”
NHS Test and Trace chief Dido Harding is due to give evidence to MPs later on Thursday but Labour’s shadow Commons leader complained that she had failed to appear in public since August 19.
“Where is the chair of the Test and Trace programme?” she said in the Commons.
In a statement, Harding said that two new commercially-run “Lighthouse Labs” would be set up in Newcastle and Bracknell to help scale up testing capacity ahead of winter.
Advertisement
“We are working tirelessly to boost testing capacity so that everyone who needs a test can get one,” she said.
“Each day, around 200,000 people are successfully booking and taking tests and we are growing our capacity to 500,000 tests across the UK by the end of October, with more and more capacity being added each week.”
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said that it was time to expand the 44 NHS-run labs, which have a better record in hitting turnaround times.
“At what point will he step in and strip poor performing outsourcing firms of their lucrative public sector contracts?” he asked health secretary Matt Hancock.
Hancock defended the policy of using both private and public sector suppliers, and pointed to the big expansion in capacity that was powered as a result since earlier in the year.
Advertisement
The DHSC said that the new Lighthouse Labs follow the previous announcements of others in Newport and Charnwood, which will scale testing capacity to help deliver 500,000 tests per day by the end of October.
The four new labs come on top of ongoing work to build capacity at existing Lighthouse and partner lab facilities.
“Measures taken include recruitment of hundreds of additional staff and new technology to boost the number of tests processed. Surge laboratories will continue to maximise testing as demand rises,” it said.
“A further 20 new testing sites are opening across the country this week, increasing the number of local booking slots available throughout England.”
Responding to the figures, Dr Layla McCay, director at the NHS Confederation, said the spread of Covid-19 was not being controlled.
Advertisement
“It appears we are now in a position where the spread of the virus is no longer being adequately controlled, with new cases nearly tripling compared with the end of August.
“This is especially alarming at a time when winter is almost upon us, and access to testing has become a major problem, including for frontline staff...which could jeopardise the ability to restore services and keep up with Covid-19 treatment.”
The percentage of “close contacts” reached improved slightly, from 69.2% to 73.9%. But it remains short of the 80% figure experts say is needed to make the system viable.
The PM’s independent scientific advisers have repeatedly warned that stopping the spread of the disease requires more than 80% of “close contacts” of people with Covid reached by the system to be identified and then told to self-isolate.
But figures for the latest weekly update show that just 73.9% of those “close contacts” – defined as being within two metres of a Covid carrier for more than 15 minutes – are actually being reached.
Advertisement
Last week, the prime minister pinned his hopes for a return to normality in the UK on a “moonshot” plan to get millions of instant tests to the public for daily updates on their Covid status.
Under his proposal, which has been met with heavy scepticism by even his chief scientific adviser, those who test negative would then be free to go to work, the theatre or sports events.
With the public facing lengthy delays and an acute shortage of local testing availability, critics have suggested the government focuses its time and money instead on improving NHS Test and Trace.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-17--Boris Johnson Facing Fresh Tory Rebellion Over Cheap US Food Imports

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Boris Johnson is facing a fresh rebellion intended to stop the UK importing cheap quality food as part of post-Brexit free trade deals with Donald Trump’s United States or other countries.
Tory MPs are uniting around plans to beef up the Agriculture Commission set up by Trade Secretary Liz Truss earlier this year amid an outcry over the prospect of chlorinated chicken or hormone-fed beef being sold in the UK.
Advertisement
Peers are on Tuesday set to pass an amendment which would give the commission legal powers to make recommendations to parliament on how the UK maintains food standards in trade deals.
Tory MPs have been lobbying Truss to adopt the plans, but a Whitehall source made clear that she “does not believe what is being proposed is the right approach” – setting up a parliamentary showdown when the Agriculture Bill returns to the Commons.
One of the MPs involved in the campaign said up to 30 Tories are already prepared to rebel, giving the prime minister a fresh headache after he moved to quell a revolt on his law-breaking Brexit plans.
Tory MP Neil Parish, who chairs the Commons environment, food and rural affairs committee, said Lord Curry’s amendment would help reassure the public, who care “very deeply” about food standards.
Advertisement
He told HuffPost UK: “The Lord Curry amendment will beef up the role of the commission which is currently due to report and dissolve in just three months’ time.
“If passed, the commission would produce recommendations in a report to parliament, but then also a report on every draft international trade agreement too.
“With many more trade deals coming down the line, from the US to Brazil much later, we will need the commission to provide useful recommendations and proper scrutiny on issues of food safety, the environment, and animal welfare for the length of this parliament.
“This Lords amendment ensures the commission is not just a sop to be rolled up and forgotten, but a commission which will provide valuable expertise to the government, parliament, and reassurance to the public, who care very deeply about this.”
Prime minister Boris Johnson (left) meets US president Donald Trump at the 74th Session of the UN General Assembly, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York PA
Advertisement
The National Farmers’ Union is also backing the proposals, as well as plans to amend the Trade Bill to give MPs a veto on trade deals.
NFU president Minette Batters said: “There is no doubt that the countries we are currently negotiating with are demanding access to our prized market for their agriculture products and, right now, a trade agreement could be signed with little parliamentary scrutiny. This could result in a massive increase in the amount of food being imported that is produced in ways that would be illegal in this country.
“Politicians have time and time again stated that they will not allow this to happen. There is now a clear solution on the table that will allow parliament to be kept fully informed of the impacts any trade deal will have on the food we all consume. Time is running out. Action has to be taken now or all the warm words will be for nothing.”
Labour peer Lord Grantchester, who is leading on another key amendment, told HuffPost UK: “Ministers claim to have taken on the wide concerns on food standards but the commission they have set up is devoid of powers.
“What’s actually needed are legal guarantees, without which our farmers will be forced to compete against lower safety, welfare or environmental standards – thereby putting them at an unfair disadvantage.
Advertisement
“There’s clearly an appetite among Conservative MPs to revisit these issues, and I hope peers from across the Lords will help ensure those debates can take place when this bill heads back to the Commons.”
The government has insisted it will not compromise on animal welfare and food standards but has refused to back an outright ban on low quality imports.
A Whitehall source said: “Liz has met with Lord Curry to hear his concerns and is engaging extensively with parliamentarians on this issue.
“We want Britain’s trade policy to protect and advance the interests of farmers, but we don’t believe what is being proposed is the right approach.”
A government spokesperson said: “Our manifesto commitment could not be clearer – we will not compromise on our high environmental protection, animal welfare and food standards.
Advertisement
“It is illegal to import chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-fed beef into the UK and any changes would require new legislation to be brought before this parliament.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-17--There Are 130 Ways That This Year's Emmys Could Go Horribly Wrong

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Don’t expect to see a red carpet or an on-stage acceptance speech during this year’s Emmys, which air in the US this Sunday.
As with our day-to-day lives, the award show will look very different due to the coronavirus pandemic. Instead of broadcasting live from a celebrity-filled venue, TV’s biggest night will feature 130 live feeds from around the world, which will stream into the Staples Center from the homes and backyards of the 2020 nominees.
Advertisement
From New York to Los Angeles, London to Berlin, each remote star is being sent a fully assembled unit that features a camera, laptop, ring light and boom mic. And, apparently, all they have to do is plug it in.
That means there are 130 ways something can go horribly wrong.
VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images
“You have so many things coming in and also so many things that can stop coming in,” executive producer Ian Stewart joked during a virtual press Q&A on Wednesday, noting that the Staples Center was the only facility that could handle all the incoming signals.
“Trying to get to the middle of nowhere to get one of [the camera units] installed in somebody’s house and to get it up and running ― and, of course, under all of the precautions that we obviously are taking ― is a logistic nightmare. How could it possibly go wrong?”
Advertisement
The only safety net celebrities will have is a helpful if distant technician or producer, who will work with them behind the scenes to make sure their camera is up and running and they’re set for their appearance. They’ll even alert talent to whether they have time to use the bathroom or finish that slice of pizza.
Individual camera units have been sent to the homes of this year's Emmy nominees. ABC
Fellow executive producer Reginald Hudlin said the expected chaos will be part of the fun.
Some stars may forget to unmute themselves; others may unknowingly say something inappropriate on live TV. The show will have a more relaxed and authentic feel, with nominees at home, perhaps in their pajamas, curled up on the couch with their dogs or children.
“We’re essentially making things up as we go along,” Hudlin said. “I know that’s not the most reassuring answer, but it’s kind of the truth! We’ve never done this before.”
The show is set to be live as much as possible, aside from a few hosting bits by Jimmy Kimmel and prepackaged montages. Around a dozen brave celebrities will also be there alongside Jimmy at the Staples Center for skits and routines.
Advertisement
“We decided let’s not do the easy route here and the sanitised route here and do lots of prerecorded things and put them all together and bolt them back to back and put out something that’s sort of generic,” Stewart said.
“We’re in this time ― a stumbling block can be a steppingstone depending on how you use it. This is a time to be a bit loose and to have a lot more fun, so live, live, live, live, live, live, live, whenever we can do live. And things like a nomination package is pretty hard to do live, but anything that we can do live, we will do live.”
Singer-songwriter H.E.R. will also be performing during the In Memoriam segment, which Hudlin said will be “extraordinary.”
ABC announced that the likes of Jason Bateman, Sterling K. Brown, Laverne Cox, Count Von Count of Sesame Street, Morgan Freeman, Ilana Glazer, Abbi Jacobson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, D-Nice, Randall Park, RuPaul, Patrick Stewart and Jason Sudeikis will all be part of the broadcast, joining previously announced talent Anthony Anderson, America Ferrera, Issa Rae, Gabrielle Union, J.J. Watt, Lena Waithe and Oprah Winfrey.
It’s sure to be an adventure and, hey, something to keep us entertained.
The Emmys, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, will air in the US on Sunday night on ABC at 8 p.m. Eastern Time.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-17--Susanna Reid Admits Her 'Heart Hurts' As She Deals With Emotional Impact Of Son Leaving Home

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Susanna Reid has admitted her “heart aches” at the thought of her son leaving home for university this weekend.
The Good Morning Britain presenter opened up about the emotions that many other parents are currently facing, as she prepares to wave her eldest child Sam off to begin the next stage of his life.
Advertisement
Writing in her MailOnline column, Susanna emotionally told of how it feels like a “reordering of her entire world” as she revealed she had been “in denial” about it until waking up on Monday morning in a panic.
Susanna Reid David M. Benett via Getty Images
She wrote: “It’s true I won’t miss nagging my son about homework and the mess in his room, but it’s hard to imagine the house without his calm presence and his ability to defuse any tension with a hug.
“I tell myself this is just the next step. For my son, it’s a natural move towards freedom, but for me it’s a reordering of my entire world and, honestly, my heart aches.”
Advertisement
She added: “I’m dreading the moment when I get back from dropping him off at university for the first time, and I have to set one less place at the dinner table.”
Susanna also lamented how social distancing rules will also make the experience of dropping him off at university different to usual, as she won’t be allowed to enter his accommodation.
“Perhaps he’ll be secretly relieved his mum isn’t fussing in the background, but I’m disappointed I won’t see where he’s living,” she said, adding that she worries about how social distancing will affect her son’s university experience.
Susanna has three sons, 18-year-old Sam, 16-year-old Finn and Jack, 15, with ex-partner Dominic Cotton.
The presenter admitted she is coming to terms with the fact that she will have to do this twice more in the coming years, as her other two sons leave home.
Advertisement
“I have to face the fact that what worries me most is my rapidly emptying nest,” Susanna said.
“With just two years in total between my three boys, this is the start of a staggered period of saying goodbye.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-17--Barack Obama Said He Has A Secret Instagram And Now The Hunt Is On

LOADING ERROR LOADING
And the former president’s claim predictably sent social media into overdrive.
In an ATTN: video released Wednesday, Obama thanked young people for teaching him how to successfully quarantine during the coronavirus pandemic — from sourdough starters to the “Renegade Challenge” on TikTok.
Advertisement
Obama, whose Secret Service code name is “Renegade,” said he’d enjoyed the latter challenge on “my Finsta” before extolling the virtues of voting in November and suggesting how to do it safely, early and securely amid the ongoing public health crisis.
Check out the video here:
Over the last few months, I've learned a thing or two from the young people in our country. I figured I would return the favor by sharing with you how to make a plan to vote in this upcoming election.
Get registered and vote early: https://t.co/Q5BUeMaOB5
Video: @attn pic.twitter.com/CNqjS7Dmxo — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 16, 2020
“Now, there are a lot of people out there trying to confuse and mislead you about this election. They’re trying to make you cynical,” Obama said in an apparent dig at President Donald Trump, who in recent weeks has repeatedly sought to sow doubt about the result of the 2020 election.
“They are trying to get you to believe your vote doesn’t matter,” Obama added. “Do not let them do that. Our democracy is a precious thing and it’s up to all of us to protect it.”
Advertisement
Now, it’s unclear whether Obama does actually have a fake account on the Facebook-owned platform.
But Twitter users sure had fun talking about the possibility:
Today I learned Obama got a finsta and I want to find it 😂😂😂 — Jasmine Todd 💜💛 (@MsGoogleme) September 17, 2020
I’m going to pretend everyday that Barack Obama’s “finsta” is following me. https://t.co/A4pEHUfrqx — Stephen Groves (@stephengrovesjr) September 17, 2020
What I got from this is that President Obama has a finsta and I /MUST/ know what’s on it. https://t.co/TyyTb0obwM — gabe in diaspora (@gabeindiaspora) September 16, 2020
Now that I know Obama has a finsta I won’t know peace — Aliya (@aliya_daniels) September 16, 2020
Obama has a Finsta?! Let the social-media detectives dig in.... https://t.co/pF1Myl4Ajq — Glenn Kessler (@GlennKesslerWP) September 16, 2020
Advertisement
Operation Find Obama’s Finsta commences now — CGB (@cydthewonderkyd) September 16, 2020
Absolutely did not have Barack Obama saying finsta on my 2020 bingo card but here we are pic.twitter.com/oSAwxTeirk — Max Levy (@maxwellkayton) September 16, 2020


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-17--JK Rowling Dismisses Claims Her Pen Name Is Linked To Psychiatrist Who Practised Conversion Therapy

LOADING ERROR LOADING
A spokesperson for JK Rowling has dismissed claims that her pen name was inspired by a psychiatrist associated with conversion therapy.
Since 2013, the Harry Potter author has been publishing crime fiction under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, the latest instalment of which was released earlier this week.
Advertisement
However, speaking to Metro following the publication of Rowling’s latest book, her spokesperson insisted this was just a coincidence.
JK Rowling Taylor Hill via Getty Images
“JK Rowling wasn’t aware of Robert Galbraith Heath when choosing the pseudonym for her crime novels,” they said.
Advertisement
“Any assertion that there is a connection is unfounded and untrue.”
Rowling previously claimed in a Q&A on her website that she picked the name Robert after her “hero”, Robert F Kennedy, while Galbraith is a surname she has loved since she as a child.
She said: “Galbraith came about for a slightly odd reason. When I was a child, I really wanted to be called Ella Galbraith, and I’ve no idea why.
“I don’t even know how I knew that the surname existed, because I can’t remember ever meeting anyone with it.
“Be that as it may, the name had a fascination for me. I actually considered calling myself LA Galbraith... but for fairly obvious reasons, decided that initials were a bad idea.”
Rowling took further heat this week when it emerged that her latest crime novel centres around a cisgender male serial killer who dresses up as a woman to murder his female victims.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-17--BBC Dismisses Complaints Over Strictly Come Dancing's Same-Sex Pairing

LOADING ERROR LOADING
The BBC has defended its plan to feature the first ever same-sex pairing on Strictly Come Dancing, after revealing they’d received complaints about the move.
Advertisement
In a statement posted on the complaints section of the BBC website on Wednesday, the corporation confirmed that they had “received complaints from some viewers” about the decision to have Nicola perform with a woman.
Nicola Adams Scott Garfitt - PA Images via Getty Images
However, they said: “Strictly Come Dancing is an inclusive show and is proud to have featured same-sex dancing amongst the professional dancers in group numbers in previous series.
“We have stated, in the past, that we are open to the prospect of including same-sex pairings between our celebrities and professional dancers, should the opportunity arise.
Advertisement
“Nicola Adams requested an all-female pairing, which we are happy to facilitate.”
Last year, Strictly featured a routine which saw professionals Johannes Radebe and Graziano Di Prima dancing together, which led to the BBC receiving around 200 complaints.
Graziano Di Prima and Johannes Radebe BBC
Graziano dismissed the complaints at the time, telling Attitude magazine: “OK, there were 200 complaints, but there were millions of people writing to us, sending us videos saying thank you and celebrating our friendship.
“And for (Johannes), as a gay man, it means the world… there were thousands and thousands of people saying: ‘Thank you guys for doing that, it means the world’. Why should I care about 200 people? Are you kidding me?
“Those 200 people, you will see that in the future they will change their minds.
“It is such a silly thing because dancing is for everyone. As long as you feel the energy that dance can give to you, you can dance with whoever you want.”
Advertisement


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-17--Teachers 'Likely' To Get Priority In Queue For Coronavirus Tests, Confirms Health Minister

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Teachers are “likely” to be given priority access to coronavirus tests alongside other “frontline” workers, the government has confirmed.
Health minister Edward Argar said on Thursday morning as demand for tests increased, they would be rationed based on people’s jobs.
Advertisement
“It’s right that we prioritise the frontline,” he told BBC Radio 4′s Today programme.
“Teachers are likely to be in that priority group. They are frontline workers.”
Argar said the full list of who would get priority for a test would be published in the “next few days”.
He said the change in approach would likely mean some people who have symptoms would have to “wait longer” than others.
“As we see demand increasing, yes, there is a challenge for capacity there,” he admitted.
His comments come as research suggests up to 25,000 teachers in England may be self-isolating amid a shortage of tests. The Guardian reported that a survey of 6,700 teachers by the Teacher Tapp app found 4% were isolating from school for Covid-related reasons on Tuesday.
It comes as Boris Johnson warned actions to stop a second surge of coronavirus must be “tough now” in order to “protect” Christmas.
Advertisement
Stricter new measures are expected to be announced today for the North East of England, where cases are on the rise – including a reported curfew on pubs.
The PM said people have to be “both confident and cautious” and that it is “crucial” the country does not re-enter “some great lockdown again that stops business from functioning”.
He told The Sun: “Christmas we want to protect, and we want everyone to have a fantastic Christmas.
“But the only way to make sure the country is able to enjoy Christmas is to be tough now.
“So if we can grip it now, stop the surge, arrest the spike, stop the second hump of the dromedary, flatten the second hump.”
In south Wales, a local lockdown will come into force from 6pm on Thursday, meaning people must not enter or leave the Rhondda Cynon Taf area without a reasonable excuse.
Under new rules, licensed pubs, bars and restaurants in the area will have to close at 11pm – and meetings with other people indoors will not be allowed, including for extended households.
Advertisement
The spikes in infection rates came as Johnson admitted there is not enough capacity in the system after demand “massively accelerated” in recent weeks.
He told MPs at the Liaison Committee on Wednesday: “We don’t have enough testing capacity now because, in an ideal world, I would like to test absolutely everybody that wants a test immediately”.
He said the virus was spreading from the young to the more vulnerable elderly, with the rate of cases among the over-80s doubling in just days – and warned that would “lead to mortality”.
This afternoon, Baroness Dido Harding, who is interim executive chair of the National Institute for Health Protection – and oversees the NHS Test and Trace system, is due to give evidence to the Commons Science and Technology Committee.
Following the publication of the latest test and trace figures last week, the Tory peer insisted the system was “working” despite key targets being missed and the number of close contacts being reached falling to a record low.
Advertisement


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-17--'Art Of The Deal' Ghostwriter: I've Never Seen Trump 'More Out Of Control'

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Donald Trump’s former ghostwriter Tony Schwartz said Wednesday that in all the decades he’s known the president, he’s never seen the man more frightening, out of control and disconnected with reality than he is now.
Schwartz, who helped write “Trump: The Art of the Deal,” spent more than 18 months in his inner circle before its 1987 publication. In a Wednesday interview on CNN, host Brianna Keilar asked Schwartz to weigh in on whether the president genuinely struggles to distinguish between what’s real and not ― an observation from journalist Bob Woodward after 18 interviews with Trump ― or if he’s simply, in the words of his former personal attorney Michael Cohen, a “con man.”
Advertisement
Schwartz said it’s become confusing even to him.
“I have never found in all the years I’ve known Trump, especially the last four years of his presidency, to be more frightening and more out of control and more out of touch with reality than he is today,” he said. “I mean, we are in a relentless gaslighting in which he does lie and deceive multiple times a day, much more often than he tells the truth. And he’s just stopped pretending at all.”
“Nearly everything he says now is untrue, and we now know he knows that’s untrue,” he continued. “He will say now it’s a lie that I tell a lie.”
I have never felt more frightened by Trump and his enablers than I do today. He is completely unmoored from reality, in full gaslighting mode & willing to say anything to survive, even if it kills us. — Tony Schwartz (@tonyschwartz) September 16, 2020
Schwartz had not spoken publicly about Trump in decades until 2016 when he voiced his regret for his part in raising Trump’s profile and expressed deep concerns about his candidacy for president. He told The New Yorker that year that if he were to write “The Art of the Deal” then, he would call it “The Sociopath.” He has since spoken out repeatedly about him and donated royalties from the book to charity.
Advertisement
On CNN on Wednesday, Schwartz reiterated that Trump is motivated only by the desire to dominate. He attributes Trump’s absence of conscience and empathy to sociopathy.
“It’s as if you’re going on to a football team and saying to the other team, yeah we’re going to play the game, but we’re not going to observe any of the rules. That’s the way he operates. And more so today than ever,” he said.
Asked about how social media companies should respond to Trump’s peddling of manipulated and false content, Schwartz said that “we’re at a very dangerous moment.”
Though it has become unprecedentedly commonplace to call out the president’s lies, he said, it needs to become even more prevalent.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-17--Exclusive: A Third Of Lone Parents Received No Child Maintenance Payments From Ex-Partners In Lockdo

Exclusive: A Third Of Lone Parents Received No Child Maintenance Payments From Ex-Partners In Lockdown

LOADING ERROR LOADING
A third of lone parents have received no child maintenance payments at all from their ex-partners during the coronavirus lockdown, a survey has revealed.
The research by the charity Gingerbread, in association with Mumsnet, found that three quarters of single parents had to cut back on food spending during the pandemic because their payments had been reduced.
Advertisement
The study of 1,357 parents, shared exclusively with HuffPost UK, also shows that only 16% received the full amount of maintenance they were due each month - and on average are owed more than £9,000 in back payments.
And some 86% said that the failures of the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) - run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) - had effectively allowed their ex-partner to “financially control or abuse them”.
68% say the amounts of maintenance they receive via the CMS are unpredictable and irregular, with many lone parents relying on charities or foodbanks to survive.
Shadow work and pensions secretary Jonathan Reynolds described the findings as “unacceptable”.
“We should not be in situation where single parents are forced to cut back on food, clothes and activities for their kids,” he said.
“At the start of this crisis the government didn’t know how many child support arrangements had been varied and these findings clearly show the situation has not improved. The government must urgently get a grip and ensure parents who owe child maintenance pay their fair share.”
Advertisement
The findings will fuel calls for the government to step in to provide emergency support for lone parents who are suffering shortfalls in income because absent partners have not kept up their payments.
SIPA USA/PA Images
Many lone parents feel they have been forgotten by the government during the crisis, despite billions being spent on furlough job support or other schemes. Cash has been radically cut or disappeared completely almost overnight after lockdown, some parents say.
The CMS, which replaced the Child Support Agency under the Cameron government after a string of failures, has itself has also been heavily criticised for its own performance.
Arrears run up by absent fathers – and women make up 90% of lone parents – have grown from £240m in September 2018 to £315m in September 2019. Including debt transferred from the Child Support Agency, arrears now total over £1bn.
Advertisement
When Labour asked parliamentary questions in April on how many child support payments had stopped, ministers said that the information was not readily available.
Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey EMPICS Entertainment
Gingerbread and Mumsnet are working with the Good Law Project on a #FixtheCMS campaign, and are supporting four women who are taking legal action against the DWP.
They have issued a Letter Before Claim to notify the department of their intention to seek Judicial Review, due to the failure by the CMS to collect child maintenance payments from their children’s non-resident parent, leaving them and their children in financial difficulty.
On some estimates, one in five children could be lifted out of poverty if the CMS ensured that payments were regularly received by ex-partners.
Advertisement
The new survey found that 96% of parents said non-payment of child maintenance should be taken more seriously by the government, and 94% believed it would be taken more seriously if the money was owed to the government itself rather than to children. Nine in 10 (89%) think it’s too easy for parents to evade paying child maintenance.
Some 93% of those surveyed believe that parents who regularly avoid paying child maintenance should face more serious penalties, such as confiscation of passports and driving licences, or lump sum deductions (a single payment directly from the non-resident parent’s bank account, ordered by the CMS).
84% say they will likely never receive what they are owed in arrears. Just 11% of these parents described their experience of using the CMS as ‘positive’; 73% described it as ‘negative’, and 72% say using the Child Maintenance Service has made their mental health and wellbeing worse.
Among those who have used the CMS and don’t regularly receive full child maintenance payments, the median amount they are owed is £4,000.
The mean average (including some who say they are owed five- or six-figure sums) is £9,355. Some 79% of this group say the CMS has refused to take any meaningful enforcement action.
Advertisement
For these parents, missing payments have had a significant impact on their children’s lives and wellbeing:
88% say their child has had fewer holidays
85% say they have had to spend less on Christmas and birthday presents for their child
83% say they have had to spend less on clothes for their child
80% say their child has missed out on sports or music lessons, or other hobbies and activities
74% say they have to spend less on food
The CMS has a range of enforcement powers, designed to get money flowing quickly to ensure children get the financial support they deserve. But lone parents say they are rarely used.
Among the powers are deploying bailiffs to seize goods, forcing the sale of property and directly deducting payments from bank accounts, as well as confiscation of passports and driving licences.
A DWP spokesperson said: “The Child Maintenance Service is a strong advocate for the rights that single parents have to fair childcare costs from an absent parent. This survey only reflects 0.25% of the 515,600 customer CMS arrangements currently in place.
Advertisement
“Official figures show that nearly eight out of ten CMS customers stated that they are happy with the service they receive. In cases where the CMS directly manage payments 70% of money due to be paid in the quarter ending March 2020 was collected, amounting to more than £45 million.
“We are clear that it is never acceptable for parents to evade their responsibilities to their children and the CMS will continue to clamp down on people who think they can abuse or dodge the system, including prosecution through the courts.”
‘These people aren’t parents – they are thieves’
Natalie Gosling HuffPost UK
Natalie Gosling, from Yorkshire, is among the four women who are taking the CMS to court. She has used the service for her two sons since 2015.
When Natalie first used the CMS her children received regular payments but these stopped in 2017. She was forced to move onto the Collect and Pay service.
Advertisement
She started off getting small amounts, which eventually went up to the full amount for a few months, with CMS collecting payment from his employer.
In November 2019 payments to her children stopped and they have received nothing since.
Natalie’s ex owes around £8,000 in arrears.
“Despite odd periods of payments, there have been literally years when my sons have received nothing off their father. Not a single penny. He drives around in a Jaguar while they only have clothes on their backs because of hand me downs from friends,” she says.
“The stress caused by non-payment of maintenance is beyond description. The constant worrying about paying bills and putting food on the table cannot be understood unless you’ve lived through it. It is constant.
“My children go without every single day because their father absolutely refuses to put his hand in his pocket and the Child Maintenance Service, despite having a huge raft of powers at its disposal, does nothing meaningful to force him to cough up. Child poverty is intrinsically and irrefutably linked to underachievement in school, reduced employment opportunities later in life and, most crucially, to poor physical and mental health.
“Billions of pounds are owed to those children that could lift them out of poverty and give them a decent chance in life. It seems clear to me from my experience that the CMS has no intention of bothering to collect it.”
Advertisement
“I strongly believe that society should start seeing these non-payers for what they are – child abusers. It is not a label I give lightly or to detract from our conventional understanding of victims of physical and sexual abuse, but it is a label they absolutely deserve for the physical and mental cruelty they are knowingly inflicting. Depriving children of basic essentials by refusing to pay maintenance ruins lives. It is abuse.
“These people aren’t parents – they are thieves, stealing their children’s present and their future. Child poverty caused by non-payment of child maintenance is a huge hidden scandal affecting hundreds of thousands of the most vulnerable members of our society. Parents have a moral and a legal duty to their children to provide the basics – like food, clothing and a roof over their heads – but far too many are failing utterly in this responsibility and the organisation tasked with bringing them to account is allowing them to walk away from this fundamental obligation scot-free.
“Children in every village, town and city in this country are suffering day in, day out because of parents who will not pay maintenance and an organisation that should be preventing this is instead failing to act. Billions of pounds are owed to those children that could lift them out of poverty and give them a decent chance in life. It seems clear to me from my experience that the CMS has no intention of bothering to collect it.
“I want this nightmare to end. I want my children’s suffering to end. I don’t want any child in this country to go without ever again simply because a parent won’t pay and is allowed to get away with it.
“Birthday money sent to my boys by relatives is saved up and spent on necessities like school shoes instead of them being able to have a little treat of their choosing. I go without so my children don’t. I never go out; I never spend money on myself and that’s fine. I’d rather use the little we have so they can go on things like school trips. I don’t want my boys to be stigmatised.
Advertisement
“The normal things other families do like days out are beyond rare for us as I simply cannot afford them and have to prioritise things like keeping a roof over our heads and paying bills.
“I don’t want to spoil my children with lavish gifts or constant treats and trips but denying them the odd, normal niceties of life is extremely hard when you know that if the Child Maintenance Service got its act together, stopped letting waste of space parents get away with it, we could be living without this daily nightmare.
“To be told on the phone by a CMS staff member that ‘it doesn’t matter if you don’t get a payment this month because we’ll add it to your arrears’ is one of the worst things I ever heard during the years I’ve dealt with the CMS. Not only did they not care what no payment would mean to our finances and the catastrophic consequences it could cause but the CMS has also failed to collect the thousands of pounds he owes his children.
“Dealing with the CMS is utterly depressing. Online messages go unanswered. Phone calls take at least 40 minutes to be picked up. A lottery then ensues as to what happens depending on whether you get through to someone who can be bothered to help. In the past I sometimes got letters. Now months pass without hearing anything. I have absolutely no idea if anyone at the CMS is even looking into my case. There is zero communication from them the majority of the time and anything I’ve learnt has primarily been off the back of me chasing them for updates.
“Promises to look into things rarely materialise and the only time I’ve ever seen anything like activity on my case was for a very brief period years ago after writing to my MP.
“Some CMS staff sound genuinely sympathetic but they also come across as being as despondent about the situation as I feel. Knowing, as I do, that nothing will happen. No money will be forthcoming. No arrears will be collected.
Advertisement
“The entire process revolves around the rights of the paying parent. Giving them the opportunity to act responsibly. Giving them a chance. It’s an endless waiting game with only one obvious outcome when you are dealing with people who have made it abundantly clear already that they are not going to do the decent thing. Once the CMS is involved the situation is almost certainly clear. They don’t actually want to pay and will do anything to avoid it.
“This isn’t about paying parents who find themselves unable to make a payment once because of circumstances beyond their control. It’s about the thousands and thousands of paying parents who will not contribute to their children’s upbringing and who are being allowed to continue to get away with it. Action against these individuals should be swift and moved quickly up the scale of the many penalties the CMS has at its disposal until the non-paying parents realise, they will not be allowed to continue breaking the law and letting their children down.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-17--'We're Stupid', Why Republicans Support Trump According To Michael Cohen

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Michael Cohen has offered a blunt explanation for why Republicans, including himself, have supported US President Donald Trump despite his numerous wrongdoings and attempts to dismantle America’s democracy.
During an appearance on MSNBC, Trump’s former longtime fixer and personal attorney told host Joy Reid that he predicts Trump, if he loses, will claim the November 3 election was rigged and use Attorney General William Barr to invalidate ballots that he will say are “fake” in order to stay in office.
Advertisement
“He doesn’t care about the Constitution of the United States,” he said. “He believes that he’s above everything.”
Reid noted that Trump can’t do these things alone and that Cohen and many others went along with Trump for a long time. She asked, “Why do they do it?”
“Because we’re stupid. You know, we’re a bunch of sycophants,” Cohen said without hesitation. “He’s very much like a cult leader. When you’re in his good grace, you believe that you have this enormous amount of power, which you do, and he somehow manages to convince you to use that power for bad.”
"He's very much like a cult leader," Michael Cohen says of President Trump. "When you're in his good grace, you believe that you have this enormous amount of power, which you do — and he somehow manages to convince you to use that power for bad." pic.twitter.com/Q4ozuMxZWs — MSNBC (@MSNBC) September 17, 2020
Advertisement
He referred to tasks he describes in his book, “Disloyal: The True Story of the Former Personal Attorney to President Donald J. Trump,” which included feeding Trump’s ego, fixing polls and arranging nondisclosure agreements to silence women with whom he’d had affairs.
“The man doesn’t know what it is to take responsibility for his own dirty deeds,” he said. “Everybody else, like myself, are required to do that.”
He said that officials such as Barr and members of Congress who have continued to stand by Trump are “throwing their careers away.”
Cohen turned against Trump in 2018 when the lawyer cooperated with investigators and testified before Congress. He pleaded guilty to criminal charges including lying to Congress and violating campaign finance law, and he implicated the president in those crimes.
He is serving the remainder of his three-year prison sentence from home after being released due to coronavirus concerns.