thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-01--Will Boris Johnson Pay The Price For His ‘Tough Tiers’ Covid Curbs?

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Nearly a year after his thumping general election victory, Boris Johnson is learning the hard way just how fragile even a parliamentary majority of 80 can be.
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The 53 Tory MPs (plus two tellers) who voted against their government tonight delivered the biggest rebellion under Johnson so far. Add in some of the 16 or so abstainers and the backbench mutineers would be easily big enough to overturn that majority if they so wished.
In truth, the rebellion was politically variegated within both Tory and Labour ranks. Some hardened Brexiteers (who got a taste for the habit under Theresa May) were joined by Remainers (who got a taste for it under Boris Johnson), just as Labour’s refuseniks were made up of figures as far apart on the spectrum as John Spellar and Richard Burgon.
But what united all of them was a simple, shared belief: you just can’t believe Boris Johnson. Tory rebel ringleader Mark Harper called on the PM after the vote to “end this devastating cycle of repeated restrictions”. And it’s the cycle of lockdown, unlockdown, weak tiers, strong national curbs, tough tiers that for many critics sums up both Johnson’s inconstancy and his incompetence.
At the heart of much of the rebellion was of course the fear that the pub, restaurant and hotel trade will be crippled this winter. Hospitality UK estimated today that 94% of its members will either make a loss or collapse totally even under the new Tier 2 restrictions (where only people from the same household can have a meal or drink).
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Few were impressed by the PM’s last-ditch offer of a £1,000 one-off payment to pubs that don’t serve meals. In fact, Johnson undermined his own offer by admitting that the entire hospitality industry had “borne a disproportionate share of the burden” of the pandemic, only to offer a small trinket (less than the price of one keg of beer) to one part of that industry.
Rishi Sunak strangely didn’t stay on the frontbench to hear the PM’s opener, even though his Treasury question time ended shortly beforehand. Maybe that’s because he was miffed at the new pub payment, which he hadn’t been aware of until yesterday and which came just a few days after his spending review had been intended to finalise Covid support.
Some Tory MPs would prefer pubs simply stayed open, rather than got more taxpayers’ cash to stay closed. Yet some seemed to agree with Keir Starmer that if the state mandates that it is going to shut down an entire sector of the economy, it has a responsibility to foot the bill.
And Andy Burnham spoke with more feeling than most when he pointed out his common cause with the Tory rebels. “The government are doing to the country in December what they did to Greater Manchester in October, that is to railroad it into a punishing, underfunded lockdown that will severely damage the hospitality industry,” he said this morning.
Starmer could have added to his theme of government waste by pointing out that the £1,000 per pub won’t be enough to save them, and so will end up trickling down the drain. Add in the huge £22bn cost of a failing test and trace system, at the same time as insufficient cash for sick pay or isolation, and there’s a clear pattern for Labour to hammer home.
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Johnson is in some ways finally paying the political price, if not the financial price, of his tiers strategy. And one cost is being exposed as inconsistent. The man who in March said it was “a huge wrench” to take away “the ancient, inalienable right of free-born people of the United Kingdom to go to the pub” is not so jocular tonight.
Similarly, Tory MPs find it hard to believe new promises that their areas will escape tough tiers through “community testing”, especially as it was over-sold and now will only happen in a handful of areas, and even then not until maybe February. That’s why Starmer’s most powerful point today was to warn Conservatives not to buy the PM’s suggestion that come December 16 (the date of the next tiers review) that things will get better.
The Labour leader declared: “I am telling you what is going to happen in two weeks.. I have no doubt that there will be government members getting up and saying, ’I thought my area was going to drop a tier just before Christmas….” Greater Manchester (and possibly the north east) may indeed drop down a tier in a fortnight, but it’s hard to see many areas following them.
If the PM also somehow manages to betray his MPs on Brexit by caving on fishing rights in coming weeks, maybe some Tories will feel as duped by Johnson as the DUP did last year (though in a delicious irony, it was hardline Brexiteers who most colluded in that particular betrayal).
What should worry No.10 is that every rebellion just eats up a little more of the PM’s political capital each time. Just imagine if in February, Starmer goes nuclear and opts to vote against the renewal of the regulations unless more cash help is provided for hospitality, sick pay or isolation.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-01--Matt Hancock Close To Tears As He Reveals Death In Family From Covid-19

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Matt Hancock fought back tears as he revealed his step-grandfather died after catching Covid-19.
The health secretary told MPs of the death within his family as he concluded the six-hour debate on the new tier restrictions to be implemented in England from Wednesday to replace the national lockdown.
Speaking in the Commons, Hancock said: “We can afford to let up a little, we just can’t afford to let up a lot.
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“Let that be the message that goes out from this House.
“We know through repeat experience what happens if this virus gets out of control.
“If it gets out of control, it grows exponentially, hospitals comes under pressure, and people die.
“This isn’t just speculation, it’s a fact that has affected thousands of families including my own.
“We talk a lot of the outbreak in Liverpool and how that great city has had a terrible outbreak and got it under control.”
Hancock’s voice cracked with emotion as he added: “This means more to me than I can say because last month my step-grandfather Derek caught Covid there and on November 18 he died.
“In my family, as in so many others, we’ve lost a loving husband, a father, a grandfather to this awful disease.
“So from the bottom of my heart I want to say thank you to everyone in Liverpool for getting this awful virus under control.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-01--These Are The 78 MPs Who Voted Against Tiered Covid Restrictions

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Boris Johnson has won MPs’ backing for his plan for tougher coronavirus tiered local restrictions.
But his 291-78 vote victory came despite a major Tory rebellion, and meant only a minority of MPs backed the restrictions.
Here is a list of the 78 MPs who voted against introducing tiered restrictions:
Conservative (53) plus two tellers (55 in total)
Afriyie, Adam
Windsor
Ahmad Khan, Imran
Wakefield
Baker, Steve
Wycombe
Brady, Sir Graham
Altrincham and Sale West
Bridgen, Andrew
North West Leicestershire
Bristow, Paul
Peterborough
Chope, Sir Christopher
Christchurch
Clark, Greg
Tunbridge Wells
Daly, James
Bury North
Davies, Philip
Shipley
Davis, David
Haltemprice and Howden
Djanogly, Jonathan
Huntingdon
Doyle-Price, Jackie
Thurrock
Drax, Richard
South Dorset
Duncan Smith, Sir Iain
Chingford and Woodford Green
Francois, Mark
Rayleigh and Wickford
Fysh, Marcus
Yeovil
Gillan, Dame Cheryl
Chesham and Amersham
Green, Chris
Bolton West
Green, Damian
Ashford
Griffiths, Kate
Burton
Harper, Mark
Forest of Dean
Hollobone, Philip
Kettering
Jones, David
Clwyd West
Knight, Julian
Solihull
Largan, Robert
High Peak
Latham, Pauline
Mid Derbyshire
Loder, Chris
West Dorset
Loughton, Tim
East Worthing and Shoreham
Mackinlay, Craig
South Thanet
Mangnall, Anthony
Totnes
McCartney, Karl
Lincoln
McPartland, Stephen
Stevenage
McVey, Esther
Tatton
Merriman, Huw
Bexhill and Battle
Moore, Robbie
Keighley
Morris, Anne Marie
Newton Abbot
Neill, Sir Robert
Bromley and Chislehurst
Pawsey, Mark
Rugby
Redwood, John
Wokingham
Robinson, Mary
Cheadle
Rosindell, Andrew
Romford
Smith, Henry
Crawley
Spencer, Dr Ben
Runnymede and Weybridge
Swayne, Sir Desmond
New Forest West
Syms, Sir Robert
Poole
Tracey, Craig
North Warwickshire
Tugendhat, Tom
Tonbridge and Malling
Vickers, Matt
Stockton South
Wakeford, Christian
Bury South
Walker, Sir Charles
Broxbourne
Wallis, Dr Jamie
Bridgend
Warburton, David
Somerton and Frome
Wragg, William
Hazel Grove
Wright, Jeremy
Kenilworth and Southam
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Democratic Unionist Party (8)
Campbell, Gregory
East Londonderry
Donaldson, Sir Jeffrey M
Lagan Valley
Girvan, Paul
South Antrim
Lockhart, Carla
Upper Bann
Paisley, Ian
North Antrim
Robinson, Gavin
Belfast East
Shannon, Jim
Strangford
Wilson, Sammy
East Antrim
Independent (2)
Corbyn, Jeremy
Islington North
Lewis, Dr Julian
New Forest East
Labour (15)


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-01--Nearly 99% Of England To Enter ‘Tough’ Covid Tiers As MPs Back Plan

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Nearly 99% of England’s population will enter tougher tiered local coronavirus restrictions from midnight after the Commons backed Boris Johnson’s plan despite a Tory rebellion.
The prime minister was forced into concessions by the rebels, including giving MPs another vote on tiers before February 3, and offering drinks-only pubs £1,000 each to get through December.
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Despite this, Johnson still faced a major backlash from his own MPs and only managed to win approval for the tiers system from a minority of MPs after Labour, the SNP and Liberal Democrats abstained.
The PM won the vote by 291 votes to 78, majority 213.
A breakdown of the vote showed a major rebellion from 55 Tory MPs, while 18 Labour MPs also voted against the measures.
The backlash against Johnson is well over the 40 or so needed to threaten his majority in future if all opposition parties join the rebels in voting against the government.
The vote will mean every area on the English mainland, apart from Cornwall, entering either tier 2 or tier 3 Covid restrictions from after midnight tonight, when England’s lockdown ends.
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The regulations have been strengthened from the pre-lockdown version to stop pubs in tier 2 serving alcohol unless it is alongside a substantial meal, and to close hospitality entirely in tier 3.
The plans were condemned by senior Tory MPs from across the party.
Sir Graham Brady, who chairs the powerful 1922 committee of Tory backbenchers, said Johnson had failed to make the case for the restrictions despite publishing an economic and health analysis requested by rebels.
Conservative MP Sir Graham Brady says his Trafford constituents have been placed "unfairly" in tier 3
"In the absence" of explanation or a clear route to the lower tier, he says he "has no choice but to oppose" the Covid restrictions https://t.co/T8xDvBCMXd pic.twitter.com/hrxQcMNj76 — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) December 1, 2020
He said his Altrincham and Sale West constituency had been “unfairly” placed in tier 3, telling MPs: “I looked in vain at the document published late yesterday for any explanation or any route being set out as to how we would reach that lower tier.
“In the absence of that serious and compelling case, I have no choice but to oppose these measures.”
Damian Green, who chairs the One Nation caucus of centrist Tories, said the government’s failure to explain what constitutes a substantial meal was indicative of an approach that was unlikely to command public confidence.
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“I put to the prime minister last week the thoughts of a constituent who said that if the government imposes stupid rules, people will stop obeying the sensible rules as well,” he said.
“This was sadly dismissed. Since then, the national debate has moved on to how big a scotch egg has to be to constitute a substantial meal. I rest my case.”
Mark Harper, who chairs the Covid Recovery Group of Tory rebels, told Johnson to start “start treating members of parliament properly” by setting out the full analysis of the impact of restrictions.
Former cabinet minister David Davis called for restrictions to be far more localised, which Johnson hinted could happen when the restrictions are reviewed for the first time in two weeks.
Conservative MP David Davis will not vote for Covid tier measures in England
"We must follow the example of Germany, South Korea and others, by having restrictions imposed on a much smaller area," he says https://t.co/T8xDvBCMXd pic.twitter.com/h56E1KfQPS — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) December 1, 2020
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“In this country, we do not give up our freedoms lightly,” he said.
“What we need today is a policy of maximum protection for minimum damage, this policy is not it and I hope the next iteration in February does a much better job.”
Ex-attorney general Jeremy Wright said he was voting against the government “for the first time in 10 years”, and called for restrictions to be applied at borough and district level rather than county-wide.
Tobias Ellwood, Conservative chairman of the Commons defence committee, said: “No.10 is overwhelmed, the bandwidth cannot cope with everything that’s going on.
“You’ve got Covid-19, you’ve got the economic intervention, you’ve got Brexit, the integrated (defence) review, preparing for COP26 and then you’ve got the G7 presidency as well.
“It’s the same people who are not, I’m afraid, these are friends of mine, but they are not trained in crisis management and strategic planning or indeed in emergency response.”
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Some Labour MPs also rebelled against Keir Starmer’s order to abstain by choosing to vote against the restrictions.
Labour MP Graham Stringer said the restrictions themselves harmed his constituents’ health.
“Remember, poverty kills,” he said.
“It is not just cancer and Covid that kills, poverty kills, people commit suicide.
“Children who have had their education withdrawn – suicide rates amongst children are up by 40% – so there is huge damage done across the board.”
Following the vote, a government spokesperson said: “We welcome tonight’s vote which endorses our winter plan, brings an end to the national restrictions and returns England to a tiered system.
“This will help to safeguard the gains made during the past month and keep the virus under control.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-01--Elliot Page, Star Of Juno And The Umbrella Academy, Comes Out As Transgender

Elliot Page – star of the films Juno and Inception, as well as the Netflix series The Umbrella Academy – has come out as transgender.
In a statement posted on Twitter, Elliot wrote: “Hi friends, I want to share with you that I am trans, my pronouns are he/they and my name is Elliot. I feel lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived at this place in my life.
“I feel overwhelming gratitude for the incredible people who have supported me along this journey. I can’t begin to express how remarkable it feels to finally love who I am enough to pursue my authentic self.
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“I’ve been endlessly inspired by so many in the trans community. Thank you for your courage, your generosity and ceaselessly working to make this world a more inclusive and compassionate place. I will offer whatever support I can and continue to strive for a more loving and equal society.”
Elliot also asked for patience from his fans, pointing out the struggles faced by many within the transgender community.
“My joy is real, but it is also fragile,” he wrote. “The truth is, despite feeling profoundly happy right now and knowing how much privilege I carry, I am also scared.
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“I’m scared of the invasiveness, the hate, the ‘jokes’ and of violence. To be clear, I am not trying to dampen a moment that is joyous and one that I celebrate, but I want to address the full picture.”
Elliot Page pictured earlier this year PICJER/imageSPACE/Shutterstock
The Oscar-nominated star went on to point out that in 2020, at least 40 transgender people have been murdered, the majority of whom were Black and Latinx trans women.
He concluded: “I love that I am trans. And I love that I am queer. And the more I hold myself close and fully embrace who I am, the more I dream, the more my heart grows and the more I thrive.
“To all the trans people who deal with harassment, self-loathing, abuse, and the threat of violence every day: I see you, I love you, and I will do everything I can to change this world for the better.”
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Elliot rose to fame in 2007 as the lead in the film Juno, for which he was nominated for an Oscar.
His other big-screen credits include the thrillers Hard Candy, Inception and the comedy Whip It.
More recently, he appeared in the Netflix series The Umbrella Academy and Tales Of The City.
He also fronted and executive produced the Viceland documentary Gaycation, which explored queer culture around the globe.
Useful websites and helplines:


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-01--Prince Harry: Archie Inspired Me To Make The Planet A Better Place

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The Duke of Sussex has used his first public appearance since it was revealed Meghan had suffered a miscarriage to say the birth of son Archie inspired him to help safeguard the planet.
Harry said things changed the moment he became a father and realised his son should not inherit a world that was “on fire” by the time he came of age.
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The duke’s comments came during an online chat with executives from WaterBear Network, a new environmental streaming platform, where he suggested people could be like raindrops nourishing the parched ground.
In a separate event, Harry praised the work of his mother tackling the stigma around HIV and highlighted the importance of testing, as he marked World Aids Day by sending a message of support to the Terence Higgins Trust.
During the online video call with Ellen Windemuth, WaterBear’s chief executive officer and its head of strategy Sam Sutaria, the duke was asked if he always had an affinity for the natural world.
“I think I’ve always been that way,” he replied, adding: “But the moment you become a father, everything really does change because then you start to realise – well, what is the point in bringing a new person into this world when they get to your age and it’s on fire.
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“We can’t steal their future, we really can’t – that’s not the role, that’s not the job we’re here for.”
Speaking in his role as president of the conservation NGO African Parks, he added: “I’ve always believed that hopefully we can leave the world in a better place than when we found it.
“So I think we really need to take a moment and think ‘how do we get what we need and have our desire fulfilled, without taking from our children and generations to come’.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-01--Millie Bobby Brown Shares Tearful Message After 'Uncomfortable' Fan Encounter

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Millie Bobby Brown was brought to tears on Monday after an “uncomfortable” and unwelcome interaction with a fan while she was out Christmas shopping with her mother.
The 16-year-old shared a teary video on her Instagram story after the encounter, in which a woman approached the Stranger Things star and asked to record her, to which she said no.
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“At the end of the day, I don’t need to justify it to anyone,” Millie said. “If I don’t want to be taken a video of, I don’t have to be.”
But the woman in question refused to respect the young star’s wishes.
Millie Bobby Brown turned down a fan's request to film her in a video, but the girl wouldn't listen. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin via Getty Images
“I was paying and she walked past me and began to video me again. And I said, ‘I’m a human being.’ Like, what ― what more can I ask from you?” she said tearfully. “She said, ‘So I can’t take a video of a human being?’ And I said, ‘No! Not when I said no’.
“It just makes me upset when people try to push the boundary. And I just wish people were more respectful.”
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Though the actor has been in the public eye for a few years now, she told fans that she is “still trying to navigate this all” and added that “it’s still overwhelming”.
“I will take a picture with you, but when you push the boundary and you try and fight me on it ― Where are my rights to say no?” she added.
“I’m making this video to say, you have to show more respect for others, no matter who they are, what they do. It’s just manners.”
UPDATE: Millie Bobby Brown shares emotional account of being harassed by someone while Christmas shopping with her mom. Asks people to respect her privacy. pic.twitter.com/Q5EogkVCBW — Def Noodles (@defnoodles) November 30, 2020
Millie – who appeared to have deleted her TikTok account around the same time as posting her tearful video – later told fans she was doing well after the incident.
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“I am totally fine now. But was emotional in the moment because I felt uncomfortable and disrespected,” she wrote in a message posted on social media.
Earlier this year, the teenager spoke about how painful and difficult growing up in the spotlight can be.
“The last few years haven’t been easy, I’ll admit that,” she wrote on Instagram in February. “There are moments i get frustrated from the inaccuracy, inappropriate comments, sexualisation, and unnecessary insults that ultimately have resulted in pain and insecurity for me.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-01--Fox News Slaps Lara Trump With Reality Check On President's '4 More Years'

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Donald Trump’s daughter-in-law clearly startled a Fox News host on Monday when she confidently referred to the president’s “four more years” in office — despite his election loss to President-elect Joe Biden.
“I still think that the president will get four more years in office,” declared Lara Trump, who’s married to the president’s son Eric. “I think it will be the next four years because this thing is far from over.”
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Host Martha MacCallum shot back: “Why? You just had certifications today in Arizona, in Georgia, in Wisconsin. You heard Geraldo [Rivera] moments ago say that it’s time to accept the outcome. What are you seeing or hearing out there that he is not?”
Trump blew off result certifications as mere “procedural steps.” She added: “The reality is the Electoral College does not vote in their states until December 14th. Congress doesn’t actually certify anything until the beginning of January, so we’ve got plenty of time.”
The president has refused to concede the election despite the failure of lawsuit after lawsuit to challenge Biden’s victory and the lack of evidence to support Trump’s baseless accusations of election fraud. Trump has now failed to stop the certification of results in all six states where he contested his losses.
Lara Trump still thinks her father-in-law will serve four more years. Totally bonkers. pic.twitter.com/BGK600SCBg — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 1, 2020


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-01--Melania Trump Really Hates Christmas In 'Kimmel' Spoof Of White House Holiday Video

“Who gives a f**k about Christmas stuff and decoration?” she complained in the recording.
On “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on Monday night, host Jimmy Kimmel served up a savage spoof of the video, complete with “I hate him” baubles featuring Melania’s husband, a “This is bullshit” toy train and a very aggressive Christmas album titled “Who Gives A F**k About Christmas Stuff?”
Watch the roast below.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-01--Melania Trump Attempts To Show She Cares About Christmas With 2020 Decor

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Melania Trump put her headline-making disdain for seasonal adornments aside to unveil the 2020 White House Christmas decorations this week.
In photos and a short video posted to her social media platforms early on Monday, the first lady took viewers on a virtual tour showcasing this year’s display, which boasts an “America the Beautiful” theme.
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“Over the past four years I have had the honor to travel to some of our nation’s most beautiful landmarks and meet some of the most compassionate and patriotic American citizens,” she said in a press release. “From coast to coast, the bond that all [Americans] share is an appreciation for our traditions, values, and history, which were the inspiration behind the decorations this year.”
Eagle-eyed viewers will note some timely references amid the twinkling lights and glittering ornaments. Decorations in the White House Library, for example, celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. A miniature Christmas village in another room includes a snow-covered hospital, an apparent nod to health care workers amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Catch a short video of the White House decorations below.
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The 2020 Christmas decorations will be Melania’s final act as first lady before she and her husband, Donald Trump, leave the White House in January.
The unveiling comes weeks after Melania was heard complaining about having to decorate the White House for Christmas in a secretly recorded conversation by a former friend and aide, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff.
“I’m working like a, my ass off at Christmas stuff,” she said in the audio, taped in 2018. “You know, who gives a fuck about Christmas stuff and decoration? But I need to do it, right?”
The first lady’s stylistic choices, too, have stoked controversy. Her 2017 foray into yuletide decor featured a hallway of stark white branches that reminded some of “The Chronicles of Narnia” and, more disturbingly, “The Shining.”
The following year, her 2018 forest of crimson trees was compared to “The Handmaid’s Tale,” Hulu’s dystopian drama about a society that subjugates women.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-01--Tory MPs Claim Vaccine Passports Would Amount To 'Discrimination'

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Tory rebels have said the government’s suggestion that people may need coronavirus vaccine “immunity passports” to gain entry to places like pubs and restaurants would amount to “discrimination”.
Former minister Sir Desmond Swayne appeared to liken such “vaccinationism” to sexism and racism.
It came after health minister Nadhim Zahawi, who is in charge of the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines, suggested on Monday that a so-called “immunity passport” was being looked at to identify people who had the jab.
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Zahawi said that hospitality and entertainment venues might insist on seeing such a “passport” from customers before they were allowed entry, and that ministers were “looking at the technology” so people could show they had a Covid-19 jab.
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove has since insisted “that’s not the plan”.
But Tory lockdown sceptics lashed out at the proposals in Tuesday’s Commons debate on Boris Johnson’s new tougher tiered coronavirus restrictions, due to be introduced on Wednesday.
Swayne said immunity passports would be “absolutely disproportionate” to the threat posed by Covid and would set a “terrible precedent” for other vaccines and medicines.
Former minister Sir Desmond Swayne Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
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The New Forest West MP went on: “The way to persuade people to have a vaccine is of course to line up the entire government and its ministers and their loved ones and let them take it first and then get all the luvvies, the icons of popular culture, out on the airwaves singing its praises.
“To have any kind of suggestion of coercion absolutely feeds the conspiracy theory that we are being cowed and our civil liberties are being taken away.”
Steve Baker, vice chair of the Covid Recovery Group of Tory rebels, then intervened: “Would he agree with me that it’s not enough for the government merely to refrain from coercing people?
“The government has also got to pay attention to implicit coercion – that is, if the government turns a blind eye to allowing businesses like airlines and restaurants to refuse to let people in unless they have had the vaccination, the government’s got to decide whether it’s willing to allow people to discriminate on that basis.”
Swayne replied: “That would be discrimination. It would be ‘vaccinationism’, which we must of course resist.
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“The other thing that any kind of coercion would do would be to set the seal on this government’s reputation as the most authoritarian since the Commonwealth of the 1650s.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-01--Beverley Callard Was Mortified To Discover Candid Chat About Her Husband Made It Onto I'm A Celebrit

Beverley Callard Was Mortified To Discover Candid Chat About Her Husband Made It Onto I'm A Celebrity

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I’m A Celebrity viewers were stunned last week when Beverley Callard made a rather candid admission about her husband.
Yes, we’re talking about that time she called him a “mega shag” during a conversation with her fellow campmates.
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Well, it turns out no one was more shocked about seeing the admission on screen than Beverley herself, as she watched it back during her highlights montage after her elimination on Monday night.
Speaking to Lorraine Kelly the following morning, the former Coronation Street star admitted she was mortified to discover her comment had made it into the show, expecting that because of her choice of language, ITV would have decided not to show it.
Victoria Derbyshire and Beverley Callard ITV/Shutterstock
“I can’t believe they aired that,” Beverley said with a laugh. “I thought, ‘they are quite bad words, so they will just edit that’. When Ant and Dec aired the clip for me last night, I wanted to die. I wanted to die.”
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Shall we just relive the iconic moment one more time?
Amazing.
Beverley left the I’m A Celebrity castle in a double-elimination with Victoria Derbyshire, with the pair saying they would be friends for life after bonding on the show.
Holding hands with her former campmate, Victoria said: “Obviously I’ve watched Beverley on TV for years, she is an acting icon, in one of those fantastic female roles in Corrie, but she is warm, she is funny, she is loving, she is kind… she’s a legend, and definitely a friend for life.”
“Without any shadow of a doubt,” Bev agreed, adding: “I have to tell you, the whole group are [friends for life].”
Lorraine airs every weekday at 9am on ITV. Watch Victoria and Beverley’s full interview below:


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-01--Boris Johnson Proclaims He 'Loves Slough' In Heated Debate Over Tiers

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Slough.
As if that wasn’t enough in the claims to fame department, Slough was today the subject of a rather heated debate in the Commons.
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Whilst debating the new tiers of coronavirus controls, Boris Johnson insisted the government will look at how the restrictions can reflect “as closely as possible the reality of what is happening on the ground”, after being challenged over his “hate” for Slough.
Labour’s Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi – who is Slough’s actual MP – said “more fairness, clarity and transparency” was needed for the tier system, adding: “We were promised a regional approach.
“However, what the powers that be have done is they have placed little old Slough in Tier 3 despite the fact we have been segregated from the wider region, and there are areas in neighbouring London and Essex with higher Covid transmission rates.
“So why does the prime minister hate Slough?”
Johnson proclaimed “I love Slough” before acknowledging people do feel a sense of “injustice” over being put in higher tiers “than they deserve”.
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Twitter users were quick to react to his comments:
Please for the love of god can we not have the next 48 hours end with Boris eating a scotch egg in a pub with a side of chips in Slough.
Please. Please help us avoid this fate. https://t.co/VQa8wXOCCn — Matt Kilcoyne 😄 (@MRJKilcoyne) December 1, 2020
Slough’s MP has previously highlighted the plight of his town under the tiered system, calling for more “fairness”:
Notice anything?
Small red dot of Slough surrounded by sea of orange. How come other areas (in Berkshire, Bucks, Surrey and London) with similar/high case number in lower Tier?
Govt can’t make political/arbitrary decisions. There must be fairness and transparency in the system! pic.twitter.com/lr5si63G7E — Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP (@TanDhesi) November 26, 2020
The prime minister was speaking during a Commons debate on the government’s tiered system.
He said: “This is not another lockdown. Nor is this the renewal of existing measures in England.
“The tiers that I’m proposing would mean that from tomorrow everyone in England, including those in tier 3, will be free to leave their homes for any reason.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-02--No, Brexit Hasn’t Made Covid Vaccine Approval Quicker In The UK

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This being 2020, it didn’t take long for the brilliant news about the UK approving a coronavirus vaccine to turn into a massive row about Brexit.
Matt Hancock kicked off the debate, suggesting that “because of Brexit” the UK has been able approve the vaccine more quickly than if it was an EU member.
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The EU has yet to approve the vaccine for use in member states.
“We do all the same safety checks and the same processes, but we have been able to speed up how they’re done because of Brexit,” the health secretary said on Wednesday morning.
Health secretary Matt Hancock says "because of Brexit" the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has undergone "all the same safety checks and the same processes" but "not at the pace of the Europeans who are moving a little bit more slowly."@AasmahMir | @StigAbell | @MattHancock pic.twitter.com/JxfDSvC4Wo — Times Radio (@TimesRadio) December 2, 2020
But his claim was quickly shot down by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA), which actually granted the temporary authorisation of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab for use in the UK.
“We have been able to authorise the supply of this vaccine using provisions under European law which exist until January 1,” June Raine, chief executive of MHRA, told a Downing Street briefing.
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Later, No.10 repeatedly refused to endorse Hancock’s claim.
“I think the important point is that we are clearly the first (western) country in the world to approve a vaccine, it’s obviously a very positive move forward,” a spokesperson told reporters.
And yet - of course - the row continues online, with Leaver talking head Darren Grimes claiming “Brexit is vindicated” and arch-Remainer Lord Adonis accusing Hancock of being “utterly juvenile”.
So who is right?
We were told that without our hand being held by the might of the Brussels bloc, we’d fail. Brexiteers disagreed, arguing that in the modern world it is nimble nation states and cooperation that will lead the way. On this vaccine approval response time, Brexit is vindicated. — Darren Grimes (@darrengrimes_) December 2, 2020
Latest Brexit nonsense - utterly juvenile from Hancock https://t.co/e4sSUddxXc — Andrew Adonis (@Andrew_Adonis) December 2, 2020
The clue is in a consultation document put out by Hancock’s own Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) earlier this year, which makes clear that Brexit has nothing to do with it.
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The department stated that until the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31, during which the UK follows Brussels rules, “EU legislation requires biotechnological medicines (which would include candidate Covid-19 vaccines) to be authorised via the European Medicines Agency”.
But it also stressed an exemption in EU law which allows the MHRA to issue a temporary authorisation “if there is a compelling case, on public health grounds, for using a vaccine before it is given a product licence”.
This is backed up in the UK’s own Human Medicines Regulations 2012, which allows the domestic regulator to permit a “temporary authorisation for the supply of an unlicensed medicinal product for use in response to certain specific types of public health threat”.
The law then copies language from directly from Article 5(2) of the EU Medicines Directive 2001/83, which states that “member states may temporarily authorise the distribution of an unauthorised medicinal product in response to the suspected or confirmed spread of pathogenic agents, toxins, chemical agents or nuclear radiation.”
EU regulations on temporary authorisation of medical products HuffPost UK
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In October, the UK then went on to amend this law.
Health minister Jo Churchill explained in a written ministerial statement these were simply “technical” changes to “make sure that any unlicensed products that the government recommends for deployment in response to certain public health threats must meet required safety and quality standards”.
When Pfizer reported on November 18 that its vaccine had 95% efficacy, the MHRA put out a statement making clear that if “strong supporting evidence of safety, quality and effectiveness from clinical trials becomes available before the end of the transition period, EU legislation allows for temporary authorisation of supply in the UK, based on the public health need”.
Mark Dayan, head of public affairs at the healthcare think-tank Nuffield Trust, told HuffPost UK: “I don’t really see any grounds on which you can say Brexit has facilitated this.
“We’re in this transition period at the moment where legally speaking for things like medicines there’s absolutely no change to what the situation was in 2012 or before the referendum or when we were full members.
“So I don’t really understand the mechanism by which Brexit could have accelerated this.”
On November 20, Hancock “formally asked the MHRA to assess the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for its suitability for authorisation”.
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On Wednesday, the MHRA made history by granting that temporary authorisation.
And it had nothing to do with Brexit.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-02--UK Leaders' Key Reactions To The Covid Vaccine Rollout, Ranked From OTT To Cautious

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The lifting of national lockdown coincided on Wednesday with the UK being the first country in the world to authorise a coronavirus vaccine
The Pfizer BioNTech jab has been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and vaccinations will start to be administered from next week.
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The most elderly, people in care homes and their carers will be the first to get the jab, before coming down the age range, with NHS staff and the clinically extremely vulnerable also high on the priority list.
Reactions ranged from delight to, er, excessive nationalism.
1) OTT
Alok Sharma was among the first to heap on the praise this morning, tweeting: “The UK was the first country to sign a deal with Pfizer/BioNTech, now we will be the first to deploy their vaccine.
“To everyone involved in this breakthrough: thank you.”
The business secretary seemed particularly effusive about the UK’s role in this momentous first, despite the fact that the actual British vaccine – a joint venture between Oxford Uni and AstraZeneca – has not yet been approved, and there are questions over some of its trial data.
Undeterred by these details, Sharma added: “In years to come, we will remember this moment as the day the UK led humanity’s charge against this disease.”
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This may be *slightly* overstating things since approving drugs is sort of all in a day’s work for the MHRA. It can take years so the speed is undoubtedly impressive, but just for some context a Freedom of Information request in 2015 found it had approved 978 medicines and healthcare products that year alone, and the Pfizer vaccine may well be approved by regulatory bodies in the rest of the world in the coming days, so it isn’t exactly clear that we are “leading humanity’s charge against this disease”.
The UK was the first country to sign a deal with Pfizer/BioNTech - now we will be the first to deploy their vaccine
To everyone involved in this breakthrough: thank you
In years to come, we will remember this moment as the day the UK led humanity’s charge against this disease — Alok Sharma (@AlokSharma_RDG) December 2, 2020
Words fail me ... a German biotech company set up by Turkish-German scientists & US pharma make a vaccine and somehow it shows UK leadership???
Can't ministers just promote the value of global cooperation for everyone - not pathetic, outdated & inaccurate self-promotion? https://t.co/72WLvOba7P — Caroline Lucas (@CarolineLucas) December 2, 2020
Why is it so difficult to recognize this important step forward as a great international effort and success. I really don't think this is a national story. In spite of the German company BioNTech having made a crucial contribution this is European and transatlantic. https://t.co/SE4XDG4P0o — Andreas Michaelis (@GermanAmbUK) December 2, 2020
The prime minister’s spokesperson confused the issue further when asked why Sharma claimed the UK was “leading the charge”.
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He replied: “You’ve seen the UK play a very important role in terms of stating the case to ensure developed countries also have access to the vaccine where possible and the amount of investment we put in, in terms of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. I believe that’s what he will be referring to.”
Q “So, he’s referring to the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine in a tweet about an announcement about a different vaccine?” [you can almost hear @JasonGroves1's eyebrow raise] — Paul Waugh (@paulwaugh) December 2, 2020
A moment later he had to concede this was not in fact what Sharma had meant in a tweet that explicitly referred to the Pfizer vaccine and to “this moment”.
“Apologies,” the spokesperson said, “what I meant by that was he was referring to the role the UK has played across the board when it comes to the pandemic.”
The government has secured access to 100m doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab and 40m of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.
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2) Relieved
Most responses fall into this category. Labour leader Keir Starmer tweeted thanks “to all those involved in this wonderful news – from the brilliant scientists to the trial volunteers”.
During PMQs he took the opportunity to grill the prime minister about the priority list for the vaccinations, asking when the top two priority groups would receive their doses, a question Johnson did not directly answer.
Johnson did however criticise Sir Keir’s abstention from major Commons vote on the new system of tiers, nicknaming him “Captain Hindsight”.
Meanwhile, Nadhim Zahawi, the newly-appointed minister responsible for overseeing the vaccination rollout, tweeted: “Major step forward in the fight against Covid-19 today.”
Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon said it was “the best news in a long time”.
Thank you to all those involved in this wonderful news - from the brilliant scientists to the trial volunteers.
We must now ensure vaccines are rolled out safely but swiftly across the country. https://t.co/DDueB5QpWw — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) December 2, 2020
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She tweeted: “@scotgov ready to start vaccinations as soon as supplies arrive.”
Speaking at a coronavirus briefing on Wednesday, she said this may be “the beginning of the end” of the pandemic, but urged Scots not to be complacent.
She said: “Today is genuinely a good day. We’re not at the end of the pandemic yet. [...] We cannot and must not ease up in our efforts to control it.
“But today does feel like it may well be the beginning of the end of this horrible experience.
“For that reason, I am sure I am far from the only one this morning who feels a lightness of heart that I haven’t felt for some time.”
The best news in a long time. @scotgov ready to start vaccinations as soon as supplies arrive https://t.co/C1HDWCLccd — Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) December 2, 2020
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham tweeted: “The UK has one of the strongest medicines and vaccines regulatory systems in the world. I can say that with confidence as a former health secretary.
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“So, please, don’t believe the scare stories. If the @MHRAgovuk says it is safe, it IS safe.”
Meanwhile Scotland’s national clinical director, Professor Jason Leitch, tweeted: “Remarkable science, collaboration and logistics has got us to this day. It’s a very important moment. There will be months of roll out until normality but it’s a crucial step. Thanks to all.”
Northern Ireland first minister Arlene Foster thanked the power of prayer, tweeting: “The vaccine is another step on the road back to normality. We are deeply appreciative of those in science who have helped deliver this good news.
“We will work collectively as an executive to ensure it is rolled out across NI. To all those who prayed for this – thank you.”
Health secretary Matt Hancock, whose step-grandfather died of coronavirus, told BBC Breakfast: “2020 has been such a terrible year, hasn’t it? And help is on its way.”
Help is on its way.
The MHRA has formally authorised the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for Covid-19.
The NHS stands ready to start vaccinating early next week.
The UK is the first country in the world to have a clinically approved vaccine for supply. — Matt Hancock (@MattHancock) December 2, 2020
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It’s fantastic that @MHRAgovuk has formally authorised the @Pfizer/@BioNTech_Group vaccine for Covid-19. The vaccine will begin to be made available across the UK from next week. (1/2) — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) December 2, 2020
It’s the protection of vaccines that will ultimately allow us to reclaim our lives and get the economy moving again. (2/2) — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) December 2, 2020
With slightly more enthusiasm, prime minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “It’s fantastic that @MHRAgovuk has formally authorised the @pfizer/@BioNTech_Group vaccine for Covid-19. The vaccine will begin to be made available across the UK from next week.
“It’s the protection of vaccines that will ultimately allow us to reclaim our lives and get the economy moving again.”
3) Urging caution
During PMQs, however, the PM added: “I think at this stage it is very, very important that people do not get their hopes up too soon about the speed with which we will be able to roll out this vaccine.
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“It is beginning, as my right honourable friend the Health Secretary has said, from next week. We are expecting several million doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine before the end of the year.
“We will then be rolling it out as fast as we possibly can.”
England’s chief medical officer, the permanently circumspect Professor Chris Whitty, similarly insisted that despite the vaccine news “we can’t lower our guard yet”.
He tweeted: “The independent regulator authorised the first vaccine for use against Covid-19.
“This is excellent news and a step towards normality. It will take until spring until the vulnerable population who wish to are fully vaccinated. We can’t lower our guard yet.”
The independent regulator authorised the first vaccine for use against COVID-19. This is excellent news and a step towards normality.
It will take until spring until the vulnerable population who wish to are fully vaccinated. We can't lower our guard yethttps://t.co/nqe5CGI1v2 — Professor Chris Whitty (@CMO_England) December 2, 2020
This is a hugely significantly day. My Department has the plans and preparations in place. There will still be difficult days ahead, and people must not let their guard down, but there are brighter days ahead. — Robin Swann MLA : #StopCovidNI (@RobinSwannMoH) December 2, 2020
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Significant news this morning. Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to make this a reality. Our vaccine programme is ready to go, but the impact won’t be seen nationally for some months. In the meantime, we all must continue to follow the rules and protect each other. https://t.co/U3aAZIZGOt — Mark Drakeford (@fmwales) December 2, 2020
This is fantastic news and will give us all hope as we head towards Christmas and the New Year.
The government needs to put in place a plan to roll out the vaccine rapidly. They failed on PPE, failed on testing and failed on track and trace. We cannot afford another failure. https://t.co/zPz0LIoWDq — 🌈 Angela Rayner 🌈 (@AngelaRayner) December 2, 2020
Guards were also in place in the reaction from Stormont health minister Robin Swann, who tweeted: “This is a hugely significant day. My department has the plans and preparations in place.
“There will still be difficult days ahead and people must not let their guard down, but there are brighter days ahead.”
Health officials in Northern Ireland have already indicated that the vaccine rollout plan is scheduled to commence on December 14.
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The first minister of Wales Mark Drakeford also welcomed the news without spilling his drink, calling it “significant” but adding: “We must all continue to follow the rules.”
Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner tweeted: “This is fantastic news and will give us all hope as we head towards Christmas and the New Year.
“The government needs to put in place a plan to roll out the vaccine rapidly.”
Rayner, who has previously accused the prime minister of delivering “patronising guff”, added: “They failed on PPE, failed on testing and failed on track and trace. We cannot afford another failure.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-02--Boris Johnson Warns Public 'Don't Get Your Hopes Up Too Soon' About Covid Vaccine

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Boris Johnson has warned people not to get their “hopes up too soon” about the speed the coronavirus vaccine can be rolled out, as he acknowledged there were “logistical challenges” to delivering it to care homes.
On Wednesday the UK became the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for use, with jabs set to begin as soon as early next week.
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The government has ordered 40m doses, enough to vaccinate 20m people with two doses, given 21 days apart.
Speaking in the Commons on Wednesday, the prime minister said it was “unquestionably good news”.
But he said it was “not the end of our national struggle” against Covid-19.
“I think at this stage it is very, very important that people do not get their hopes up too soon about the speed with which we will be able to roll out this vaccine,” he said.
Here is the vaccine priority list:
Older adults resident in a care home and care home workers All those 80 years of age and over, plus frontline health and social care workers All those 75 years of age and over All those 70 years of age and over All those 65 years of age and over All Individuals aged 16 to 64 with underlying health conditions. All those 60 years of age and over All those 55 years of age and over All those 50 years of age and over The rest of the population (priority to be determined)
Elderly people in care homes and care home workers are first on the priority list to receive the vaccine.
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The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has to be stored at minus -70C and is also stable at 2C to 8C for a short time.
And Johnson told MPs: “There are logistical challenges to be overcome to get vulnerable people the access to the vaccine that they need.”
The vaccine will be deployed across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
But the Welsh government said on Wednesday morning it would not be able to deliver it to care homes for “practical” reasons.
Vaughan Gething, the Welsh health secretary, said: “From our ongoing discussions with UK government and the manufacturer, and from understanding the conditions under which the vaccine trials have been conducted, we are aware of the challenges of storing, distributing and handling the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.
“In particular, its need for storage at very low temperatures.
“We have been exploring suitable options for initial deployment of this vaccine, in line with the JCVI [Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation] advice, bearing in mind the constraints associated with its characteristics and the implications for delivery to all groups.”
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Gething added: “In practical terms at this stage we cannot deliver this vaccine to care homes.”
“That means we’re going to have a smaller number of vaccination centres that we’ll need to bring people to.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-02--Rita Ora Pulls Out Of Jonathan Ross Show Appearance Amid Backlash Over Lockdown Birthday Party

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Rita Ora has pulled out of a scheduled appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show amid backlash over her lockdown birthday party.
Earlier this week, the I Will Never Let You Down singer made headlines after it emerged that she’d celebrated her 30th birthday with a group of friends at a restaurant in London, despite coronavirus restrictions in place in England at the time.
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Apologising on Monday, Rita wrote on her Instagram story that she was “deeply sorry for breaking the rules” and called her “spur of the moment decision” to attend the event an “inexcusable error of judgment”.
Rita Ora apology Instagram
Rita had been due to join fellow Masked Singer judges Davina McCall and Mo Gilligan on Jonathan Ross’ talk show at the weekend, but ITV has now confirmed that she will no longer be on the line-up.
According to The Independent, she has been replaced on the show by The Masked Singer presenter Joel Dommett.
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The judging panel for the first series of The Masked Singer UK Vincent Dolman/ITV/Shutterstock
In her apology, Rita had written: “Hello all, I attended a small gathering with some friends to celebrate my 30th birthday. It was a spur of the moment decision made with the misguided view that we were coming out of lockdown and this would be OK.
“I’m deeply sorry for breaking the rules and in turn understand that this puts people at risk. This was a serious and inexcusable error of judgment.”
Rita continued: “Given the restrictions, I realise how irresponsible these actions were and I take full responsibility. I feel particularly embarrassed knowing first-hand how hard people have worked to combat this terrible illness and being fully aware of the sacrifices that people and businesses have made to help keep us all safe.
“Even though this won’t make it right, I want to sincerely apologise.”
Rita Ora on The Jonathan Ross Show last year Brian J Ritchie/Hotsauce/Shutterstock
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A No.10 spokesperson said prime minister Boris Johnson was “clear” that everyone needs to follow the restrictions, “including celebrities”, stressing that “it’s up to police to decide what action to take” if they are broken.
This statement was also given after controversial actor Laurence Fox was condemned on social media, having boasted of having a “large group” over for lunch, where they “hugged, ate and put the world to rights”.
The Masked Singer UK will return for a second series in the new year, with Mo Gilligan taking over from panellist Ken Jeong, who was unable to take part due to international travel restrictions.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-02--Rebel Wilson Emotionally Opens Up About Weight Loss In Her 'Year Of Health’

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Rebel Wilson held back tears as she opened up about her weight loss in what she described as her “year of health”.
The Australian actor, 40, has lost over four stone (28kg) after setting herself a target of getting down to just over 11.5 stone (75kg) earlier this year.
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In an hour-long Instagram Live video, Rebel said that she had failed to treat herself with “love and respect” in the past but was on her way to developing “self love”.
The emotional Pitch Perfect star said: “It’s hard when I talk about the emotional stuff. It’s hard. I can do this.
“I wasn’t valuing myself and telling myself negative things. That was hard. I’m trying to change those patterns, so you’re more loving and treating yourself with respect.
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“I’m working on self love, and that’s a hard concept to master.”
In the video, titled “Year of Health 2020”, Rebel revealed that she has been consuming under 1,500 calories a day while exercising “like a beast” in order to lose weight.
She said: “Nutritionally, the only thing is I do try to stay under 1,500 calories because of my body type. If want to lose weight in that week, I kind of have to stay under the 1,500 each day.”
Rebel Wilson set herself the challenge of losing over four stone this year Karwai Tang via Getty Images
Rebel explained that she was motivated to improve her diet by the desire to freeze her eggs in case she wanted to start a family in the future.
She said: “I was thinking about fertility and having good quality eggs in the bank, so I was like, ‘OK, I’m going to do this. I’m going to get healthy.’
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“And how I started is I did go to a professional place to do a detox.”
Rebel also credited a stay at Austria’s VivaMayr wellness centre with leading her to change her diet and start exercising more.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-02--BBC News' Sophie Raworth Details 'Claustrophobia' Of Reporting On Coronavirus Crisis

BBC News anchor Sophie Raworth has said she started to feel “claustrophobic” while reporting on the coronavirus crisis throughout 2020.
The broadcaster has said it felt like there was “no escape” from the realities of the pandemic, but credited running with helping her to clear her mind.
Sophie Raworth BBC
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Speaking to Runner’s World UK, Sophie said: “It was the first story I’ve ever done where it wasn’t something you could escape. After all, it’s affecting your life as much as everybody else’s.
“This has been like no story I’ve done before. At work we live and breathe it, there’s no escape whatsoever. I did start to feel really claustrophobic. Everybody’s world is just that bit smaller.”
Explaining how her passion for running has helped, Sophie continued: “Running – particularly when I can go at the weekend and run free in the countryside – has become a real escape. I love it.
“It makes me really happy. I can just run along, not see anyone, get lung-fulls of fresh air and not think about anything at all. It just silences your brain.”
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Runners World
She added that running ultramarathons has helped her take things as they come, saying: “What I learned then – and recently, with Covid, I have tried to apply it to life more generally – is that when everything seems to be terribly overwhelming, just take small steps.
“Some of those sand dunes, I’d look up and think: ‘There’s just no way I will get up there.’ But then I’d think: ‘No, look down. Look at your feet. Take small steps. Just concentrate on them and you will get there eventually.’”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-02--These Are The Last Posting Dates For Christmas 2020

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With Covid Christmas bubbles limited to three households – and many people opting to avoid seeing loved ones altogether – we’re likely to be sending more gifts and cards in the post this festive season.
But the Royal Mail has warned that ongoing pandemic restrictions, reduced air and freight capacity, high volumes of post and winter weather conditions are all impacting transportation and local delivery across the globe.
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In some cases, people have received deliveries weeks after they expected, according to a BBC report. Small business owners are among those concerned about delays, if they can’t get their goods to customers ahead of Christmas.
“We’re working hard to keep any delays to a minimum at this, our busiest time of the year, while keeping our people and customers safe,” Royal Mail said in a statement. “We’re sorry for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding.”
So, when do you need to get your goods in the post if you want them to arrive before Christmas?
joegolby via Getty Images
Due to the uncertainty of the year, it really is a case of the sooner the better.
You’ll also save on postage if you beat the rush, as closer to December 25, you’ll have to opt for first class or one of Royal Mail’s pricier ‘special delivery’ packages.
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Royal Mail has set out the following 2020 recommended posting dates, to get post there in time for Christmas.
UK postal dates
Friday 18 December: 2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For
Monday 21 December: 1st Class and 1st Class Signed For and Royal Mail Tracked 48
Tuesday 22 December: Royal Mail Tracked 24
Wednesday 23 December: Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed
International postal dates
If you’re sending post overseas, unfortunately you’ve missed out on Royal Mail’s ‘economy’ service, because the dates ranged from mid-October to late November.
Instead, you’ll need to opt for Royal Mail’s International Standard and International Tracking and Signature services, or send through Parcelforce Worldwide. International postal dates vary by country, but some are as early as the first week of December, so get moving quickly.
You’ll find a full list of dates by country on the Post Office’s website.
Order straight from the retailer
If you’ve really left things too late, an alternative option is to order a gift straight from a retailer to your loved one’s abode. Some online stores will give you a ‘gift wrap’ option, meaning your disorganisation can fly under the radar.
The last recommended order date from Amazon, for example, is December 20, but some products can be ordered on December 23 and delivered as late as Christmas Eve.
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At John Lewis, the last order date for standard deliveries is December 18, but you can order up until 8pm on December 22 if you pay for next day delivery.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-02--Hugh Grant Shares The Unique Thing That Sets Renée Zellweger Apart From Other Former Co-Stars

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Hugh Grant has admitted Renée Zellweger is one of the few female co-stars he hasn’t “fallen out with” over the years.
The two actors appeared alongside one another in the first two Bridget Jones films, and while he ultimately chose not to return for the third, Hugh has insisted his and Renée’s relationship is still solid.
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“I love Renée, she’s one of the few actresses I haven’t fallen out with,” Hugh told SiriusXM.
“We got on very well together and we still exchange long emails. Hers in particular, at least 70 pages each, interesting stuff, but quite hard to decipher. She’s a properly good egg and a genius.”
Renée Zellweger and Hugh Grant at the premiere of Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason Andy Butterton - PA Images via Getty Images
He also added that Renée’s recent Oscar-winning stint in the Judy Garland biopic Judy was “about as good as acting gets”.
Earlier this year, when Renée was awarded Best Actress at the Baftas for her appearance in Judy, she was immediately followed on stage by Hugh, who couldn’t resist a nod to their Bridget Jones’s Diary characters.
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“First of all, well done Jones. That was a very, very silly little dress, I thought,” he joked.
My Daniel Cleaver and Bridget Jones heart #BAFTAs pic.twitter.com/Lro7wzGo3r — Kay (@HughsMungo) February 2, 2020
Backstage, Renée also shared her reaction to Hugh’s comment, telling reporters she thought the moment was “really cool”.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-02--These Apps Will Help You Future-Proof Your Life

Whether you’re looking to keep track of your to-do list or plan for big life changes, nowadays there’s an app to make everything feel a little bit more manageable.
If anything, there are a few (thousand) too many to choose from so we’ve done the hard work for you and trawled through the free and paid-for apps around to find the most useful and efficient options.
From providing culinary inspiration to helping you create positive habits, these apps will make your days a little brighter and easier.
EverNote
First things first; collating all of your notes and reminders in one place will save you plenty of precious minutes on a daily basis.
Launched as a simple note-taking app, EverNote has evolved significantly in the past 12 years and provides the perfect place to store work ideas, reminders, website links and to-do lists.
Simply jot down anything you need to while on the go and EverNote will automatically sync with your other devices, making that must-read opinion piece or shopping list super easy to find later.
You can also store digital copies of important documents by scanning them in and the contents of all notes are fully searchable, so if you can’t quite remember where you filed something, you can search for a word or phrase to locate it in no time.
Yummly
Xsandra via Getty Images Friends enjoying lunch at home
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It doesn’t matter if you need a quick, healthy dinner or fancy a Bake Off-level challenge, Yummly will deliver the culinary inspiration you’ve been searching for.
The app collates recipes from hundreds of websites all in one place – saving you hours of trawling through them one by one. After downloading it, you can take a quick questionnaire on your dietary requirements, favourite cuisines and preferences. Yummly will then serve up a whole host of recommended recipes, which you can crack on with immediately or save for later.
Its top-notch search function allows you to filter recipes by ingredients – perfect for using up the remnants lurking in the fridge – as well as other factors including cooking time, techniques needed and even how spicy you like your food.
CoGo
Improving your carbon footprint and living more sustainably may feel like a daunting task but revolutionary app CoGo proves this isn’t actually the case.
CoGo, short for ‘Connecting Good’, connects to your mobile banking app and tracks your spending habits in order to see where you shop and when. Its nifty real-time carbon footprint tracker then updates so you can see how your daily spending is impacting the planet.
As well as tracking your current spending, CoGo offers shopping and dining recommendations which could improve your carbon footprint, and highlights nearby businesses which share your ethical values.
Headspace
NickyLloyd via Getty Images Young woman sitting on her bed with her eyes closed and listening to an audio meditation on headphones
When Headspace’s founders set out to teach the benefits of meditation, mindfulness was a concept yet to make it into our daily conversations. Fast forward 10 years, and their solid philosophy – that just a few minutes of meditation a day can vastly improve anyone’s wellbeing and outlook – has won them thousands of fans across the globe.
While meditation may seem difficult to master, Headspace breaks down the basics in their free 10-session course designed for total novices. Once you’ve got the know-how, there are plenty of guided meditations to explore as well as fitness classes with a focus on healing and strengthening the mind as well as the body.
It’s not just Headspace devotees who love the app either – scientists agree that daily usage creates a positive impact. A 2018 study revealed that using the app for just 10 days can reduce stress by up to 14% while a separate piece of research found that during that time, users also begin being kinder to themselves too.
Headspace Plus – which costs £9.99 a month – boasts extra features including extended courses to develop your skills and meditations created especially for bedtime and to fit with various moods.
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Strides
Scientists reckon that after just over two months of repeating a task, it becomes an automatic habit and Strides’ mission is to help you with doing so, by providing gentle reminders to complete self-set tasks. These small positive actions can be anything from watering that plant you always forget about to completing a workout on YouTube.
The app splits tasks into 10 categories – including wellness, money and hobbies – and there are plenty of suggested templates if you’re not too sure where to start. No task is too small to log either and you can use Strides to keep a note of the fun stuff (like making time to kick back and watch an episode of Netflix’s latest hit series) alongside the not-so-fun life admin.
As well as providing a simple-to-use log for daily actions, Strides can monitor your progress on jobs that need completing weekly or monthly, and help with tracking longer-term goals such as saving up for a well-deserved summer holiday.
Nike Training Club
Westend61 via Getty Images Young man running in the park


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-02--England's New Covid Rules Begin Today. Here's Everything You Need To Know

Tier 1
The rule-of-six for social gatherings, both indoor and outdoor, will be enforced, unless for work and education purposes.
Shops, gyms, hairdressers, beauty salons and leisure centres will be open.
Pubs and restaurants can open, but there is table service only and venues must take last orders at 10pm and close their doors at 11pm.
Collective worship and weddings can take place, with a maximum of 15 guests.
Outdoor sports can take place but there is a maximum crowd size of either 50% occupancy of the stadium or 4,000 spectators, whichever number is smaller.
Indoor sport can take place with a maximum of 1,000 spectators.
People are encouraged to minimise travel and to work from home where possible.
Tier 2
Mixing of households indoors is banned and the rule-of-six for social gatherings applies for outdoors.
Shops, gyms, hairdressers, beauty salons and leisure centres will be open.
Pubs and restaurants can open but alcohol can only be served with a substantial meal, with the same opening times restriction as in tier 1.
Collective worship and weddings can take place, with a maximum of 15 guests.
Outdoor sports can take place but there is a maximum crowd of 50% of overall capacity or 2,000, whichever is smaller.
Indoor sport can take place with a maximum of 1,000 spectators.
People should work from home where possible.
Tier 3
Household mixing both indoors and outdoors is banned. The rule-of-six for gatherings in public gardens or parks applies.
Shops, gyms, hairdressers, beauty salons and leisure centres will be open.
Hospitality venues such as pubs and restaurants, hotels and indoor entertainment venues will be forced to close. Delivery and takeaway services will be permitted, however.
Attending indoor and outdoor sport events is banned.
People should avoid travelling outside their area except for work, education or health reasons.
People should work from home where possible.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-02--Barack Obama Admits To One Very Large Dolly Parton-Related Mistake

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Former US president Barack Obama realised that he dropped the ball when it came to honouring country music legend Dolly Parton during his time in office.
During an appearance on the Stephen Colbert’s talk show, Obama admitted to the host that he should have honoured Dolly with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, according to a clip of the interview released on Tuesday.
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After the presenter asked why the 74-year-old music icon had yet to receive the medal throughout her five-decade career, Obama quickly acknowledged that that was a “mistake” on his part.
He said not personally honouring Parton with the medal was a “screw-up” and that he likely assumed at the time that she had already been awarded one.
Barack Obama and Dolly Parton (Getty Images)
During his time in office, Obama bestowed the medal on a number of recipients, including physicist and philosopher Stephen Hawking, author and poet Maya Angelou, author Toni Morrison, Sen. Edward Kennedy, singer Gloria Estefan and actor Robert De Niro.
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The medal is considered the nation’s “highest civilian honour,” given to individuals “who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavours”.
While he missed his opportunity to honour Parton, Obama did quickly offer Stephen Colbert a possible way he can remedy his mistake: “I’ll call Biden.”
.@BarackObama admits he made a mistake by never giving @DollyParton the Presidential Medal of Freedom. #LSSC pic.twitter.com/QyCX0KPu5l — A Late Show (@colbertlateshow) December 1, 2020
Dolly, meanwhile, has been keeping busy with a lot of new projects.
The Jolene singer ― who helped fund the development of a Covid-19 vaccine ― stars in a recently-released Netflix Christmas movie-musical she co-produced titled Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square.
Reflecting on her storied career, Parton told The New York Times in an interview published earlier this week: “The more I accomplish, the more humble I become, because I realise how [few] people are able to say that they’ve seen their dreams come true.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-02--Want To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint? Here's How

We’ve learned by now that by making small changes, we can make a big impact. And this goes for our personal lives as well as the lives of those around us.
This is true in terms of both the little things we can do for the environment, like cycling to work instead of jumping in the car, as well as for the small financial boosts we can give ourselves. Understanding this link helps you to look at positive changes that you might be able to make.
Interested in the connection between your carbon footprint and the numbers in your bank account? Here are some simple ideas for saving cash that will also help the planet, so that each time you turn the dial on your thermostat, you could be better investing in your future.
Start to understand your impact
CoGo
A good way to take stock of your environmental impact is to measure the effects of your actions - but who has the time or patience to tabulate those calculations each day? Well, now you don’t have to as there’s a nifty new app for that.
CoGo* is a free mobile app that connects customers with businesses that share the same ethical stance. CoGo makes it easier for people to make ethical choices daily so they can lower their carbon footprint and uses Open Banking Technology to operate: each transaction gets matched to a specific industry, then multiplied by an emissions factor for that industry to get the carbon footprint of each transaction. Monthly totals of kilograms of carbon are calculated into equivalents of trees cut down or miles travelled in a car to make it easy for us to visualise what we’re using - or saving.
“Where we choose to spend our money has an environmental price, too. Every time we spend, from our morning coffee to our Netflix subscription, we are having an impact when we consume, says Ele Ward, CoGo’s UK market manager.
“Our real-time carbon footprint tracker makes climate impact tangible for users and enables a seamless understanding of carbon consumption for the everyday person... we hope to increase education on how individual spending habits impact the climate and will lead to the necessary empowerment to change habits. CoGo hopes to promote the mentality that people can vote with their spending.”
NatWest have partnered with CoGo* to make it easy for you to track your real-time emissions in their app as you spend. Whilst their carbon foot tracking pilot is currently full, keep an eye out in 2021 for more updates.
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Adopt some green behaviours around the house
recep-bg via Getty Images
If you’re in the market for a house, there are perks for choosing an energy-efficient one, like NatWest’s Green Mortgage** scheme, which offers discounted 2 or 5-year fixed rate mortgages to anyone looking at purchasing properties with an energy rating of A or B.
At home, it’s not enough to turn off your gadgets, but unplug them from the mains, too (this will help you save energy and lower the energy bill). Energy-saving monitors like Loop are smart devices that let you track your electricity use, switching suppliers regularly for the best-value option. Smart thermostats like the Nest Learning Thermostat adapt to your preferences and can be controlled from anywhere to save you cash on heating bills.
Also, make sure the lightbulbs in your house are LEDs - they are up to 80% more energy efficient - and minimise household waste by investing in reusable items where possible (beeswax wraps, reusable cotton rounds, etc).
Using fruit and veg box services like Oddbox, which saves veg destined for the waste heap, is another idea - you can also start experimenting with different recipes to minimise food waste, like using banana peels in your next baking recipe.
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Green ideas for your wardrobe and phone
yoshiurara via Getty Images Asian woman running a secondhand store is checking inventory using a tablet
Starting a revolution in your wardrobe is another dramatic way to rehaul your life towards a greener future.
As Ward notes, “the most sustainable piece of clothing you have is already in your wardrobe,” however you could make huge reductions in your carbon emissions by buying second-hand or renting clothes from places like HURR Collective, where you can borrow designer gear for a fraction of its retail price.
Look at your e-waste, too - all those old phones you’ve chucked in a drawer could be given a new lease on life.
“While there is much progress within the tech industry around sustainable software solutions, there is a lack of awareness around sustainable hardware - smartphones and laptops are an example,” Ward tells us. “Currently, e-waste is the world’s fastest-growing and most toxic waste stream and only 20% is recycled. For every phone in use in the UK right now, there are four working phones that are not in use.”
Check out Reconomy for ideas on recycling e-waste and addressing this issue, and look out for a refurbished phone from giffgaff when you next need a tech update - you’ll save hundreds of pounds in the process.
NatWest’s sustainability hub has tips on how to reduce your energy bills and other ideas to help your wallet and the planet, at the same time.
*CoGo
To participate, you will need to sign up as a CoGo customer (including agreeing to CoGo’s Terms and Conditions) and connecting your NatWest bank accounts. You’ll need to be 18+, have a NatWest debit or credit card and use the NatWest Mobile App.
**Green Mortgage


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-02--What Are The Most Common Scams And How Do I Avoid Them?

Jennifer Barton, Commercial Editor, HuffPost UK

Doing everything online has its perks, especially during the festive season: convenience, virtual gatherings with loved ones, the ability to do our entire Christmas present shop in PJs – but it can have its downsides, like getting tricked into authorising an action we didn’t mean to authorise.
We chatted to NatWest’s head of fraud prevention, Jason Costain, to get the lowdown on the types of scams we should be looking out for - and how we can help protect ourselves and our loved ones this festive season and beyond.
“Fraud isn’t a problem that impacts only certain demographics, we should all be aware that we could become the target of a fraudster. Young people are often recruited through social media by money mule gangs with the promise of generous cash rewards,” Costain says.
The scams to be aware of
JGI/Jamie Grill via Getty Images
“Lockdown 2 meant that we can expect to see a record number of people doing their Christmas shopping online this year and we’ve seen evidence that criminals are getting ready for a bumper Christmas too - they’ll even accept MasterCard and VISA!” says Costain.
The top thing to be alert to when shopping online? Fake adverts. Just because a company advertises their goods on social media or comes high up in a Google search, they might not be the real deal.
“Our customers tell us that they are seeing fake ads popping up within Google search results or being advertised on Instagram, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and eBay,” Costain explains.
The most popular fake ads right now involve the sales of designer label clothes, iPhone 12s, gaming consoles like Nintendo Switch and Sony PS5, and even pedigree dogs and hot tubs.
Other general scams to be on alert about – and to tell your parents and older relatives to watch out for – include phishing/vishing scams, where urgent emails or phone calls ask you to release private information. Warning signs that these emails or phone calls are fraudulent could include an urgent tone, spelling or grammatical mistakes, unexpected prize draws and a generic greeting. These could potentially infect your computer with malware so don’t open any links in emails you receive.
Younger people are occasionally targeted for money mule scams, which involve being approached by a criminal on social media and asked to act as a go-between to deposit money for them (part of a money-laundering scheme). Smishing – the social media equivalent of phishing – is something else to look out for.
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Top tips to help you avoid scammers
FG Trade via Getty Images
Costain gives us his top tips on how to avoid getting scammed this festive season.
Hunting for an elusive bargain? Goods that are expensive, popular, and in short supply are a criminal’s dream, so beware of deals that seem too good to be true.
Only buy from reputable companies – some websites will happily take your card details and never deliver your order. Some simple checks might save you a lot of bother later. Do they have a phone number? Do they have good reviews? Have you heard of them?
When buying goods from sites like Facebook Marketplace, eBay or Gumtree - you should follow their fraud advice and, most important of all, never pay directly into a seller’s bank account.
For peace of mind, always pay by card. If your goods don’t arrive, your bank can help get your money back.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-02--How To Start Saving If You Feel Like You Haven't A Penny

All too often, people think you need to be making decent money in order to start saving money - but that’s not necessarily the case. No matter how low (or high) your earnings, it’s never too early to start learning to cut back on spending and put money aside for a rainy day - or a substantial goal, like getting on the housing ladder.
If you are strapped for cash, saving for the future really might not be top of a priority list when you’re trying to survive in the present, and having a big financial dream looming in the distance can often feel intimidating. But by taking a few small steps, it can also be liberating, especially when you see how changing a few habits and making a few smart choices can change your relationship with money for good.
Here are four steps to help you start saving, even if you feel you haven’t a penny to save.
Step 1: Understand your current financial position – and your relationship with money
10'000 Hours via Getty Images
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Before you start trying to save, be honest with yourself about your feelings regarding money. Being aware of any issues or fears that you have surrounding money can help you to stay calm and rational as you make financial decisions that could impact your future.
“It’s important to understand your relationship with money and what emotions are linked to money,” explains celebrity therapist and wellness coach Sharnade George, clinical director of Cultureminds Therapy.
“Everyone has a different emotion linked to money – you could be scared, fearful, confused, or you might have no knowledge about money.”
Confront any demons you have about your financial past or present, and start by getting a good grasp of what you’re spending: with our abundance of subscription services and direct debits, many of us might not be on top of all of our outgoings.
Do you have a Friday night takeout habit you’re struggling to kick? Or a compulsion to check out every fashion site for a payday shopping spree each month?
Honestly establishing where you are financially is the first step to cutting back and saving. It can also be the toughest step to commit to.
Did you know a banking app could help with this? The NatWest app* could give you a clearer picture of exactly what you’re spending on. It automatically sorts transactions into one of 12 spending categories, like Eating Out, Bills, Entertainment and Groceries.
Once you’ve figured out what’s going where, and have seen it visually, it’s easier to start recognising areas where you could curb your spending and start saving. To do this effectively, it helps to think about what you’re ultimately saving for.
Step 2: Set achievable goals
LOUISE BEAUMONT via Getty Images
What are you hoping to achieve financially? Are you saving up to buy a car or get on the housing ladder, or do you have loans to repay or want to live abroad for a bit? Typically, people save faster once they have clear goals in mind that they’ve committed to, so write yours down, stick them to an inspiration board and don’t lose sight of what you want to achieve.
Using the acronym SMART, which stands for “specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely,” each letter can apply to a different aspect of your financial goal setting, according to George:
“Specific: ensure your goals are clear, that you understand them. Measurable: ensure you can monitor your progress monthly or weekly. Attainable: make sure your goals are realistic. Start small and grow gradually. Relevant: your goals need to be relevant to your lifestyle, if that means saving £10 a month, or £20 – keep it relevant to you. Timely: set your goal specific to a date and time, review it in six months and assess: did I reach my target, or how can I go about reaching it in the next six months?” she says.
Need a better understanding of your finances to help you reach your goals? NatWest’s Financial Health Check could help. The NatWest free financial health check service is a review with one of their senior personal bankers, over the phone or face-to-face. They’ll help you consider all areas of your finances and can help you make the best decisions about what you feel is right for you. You don’t even need to be a NatWest customer to use the service.
Once you have some clear goals in mind, you need to take steps to ensure you’re cutting back appropriately so you can start to save.
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Step 3: Create good habits and cut spending
ONOKY - Julien de Wilde via Getty Images
Learning to budget is another way to improve your money habits, one which could save you money in the short and long run.
“The next step is creating new habits geared towards saving,” explains psychotherapist Ruairi Stewart, aka The Happy Whole Coach.
“Keep your progress visible – you need to be able to see it and be reminded of why you’re doing it. Stay solution-focused: what is the easiest and most consistent way for you to save regularly and stick to it? You want this to be a lifestyle shift, not just a short-term behavioural change,” he explains.
From automatically transferring money from your checking account into a savings account via direct debit to spending less than you earn, you will need to be proactive and disciplined to see results. Remember, it’s not about saving a huge amount weekly or monthly; rather, you need to recognise where your non-essential spending is and how to start turning that into your future savings.
“This means taking full responsibility and ownership of your spending behaviour, looking at your monthly costs and then being more intentional with the remaining money,” says Stewart.
“Do not avoid doing this, no matter how anxious you may feel to really look at your finances – this will only get worse the longer you avoid it.”
While getting in the savings habit is an important part of building your financial resilience, you should also pay attention to the rate on offer.
NatWest’s Digital Regular Saver** account allows you to get their highest interest rate on your savings on balances up to £1000.
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Step 4: Sell your skills – and your unwanted stuff
Burak Karademir via Getty Images
If you’re worried about finances, or you’re struggling workwise, it’s worth spending some time assessing other ways you might be able to make some extra money. The stuff piled up in your wardrobe could be a place to start.
Everything from old books to musical instruments to unused tech can be sold online on websites such as eBay, so have a good rummage and organise some sales (bonus: your home will be less cluttered, too!). Or, you can turn a hobby or passion project like knitting, cooking or floristry into a viable side hustle that turns a profit and may even become a business you can grow one day.
If you’ve got knowledge in a certain subject, whether it’s language, art or science, you can think about teaching online courses on platforms like Teachable or Outschool.
Book your NatWest Financial Health Check to better understand how to start your savings journey.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-02--Concerned About How Quickly The Pfizer/BioNTech Vaccine Has Been Developed? Read This

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Before now, a vaccine has never been developed and approved for public use in under four years.
The Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine has smashed that record, with the first jabs administered on December 8, 2020 – less than a year after work began.
While the news is undoubtedly welcome and paves the way for a path out of the coronavirus pandemic, concerns about safety have been simmering in public throughout the year.
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“I think the concern is quite understandable in some ways,” UCL medicine cell biologist Dr Jennifer Rohn told HuffPost UK.
“Usually it takes 10 years and this time it’s taken 10 months, so of course people are going to wonder if any shortcuts have been taken.”
Have there been any shortcuts?
In short, the answer is no. Rather than the result of cut corners or the loosening of safety standards, the speed with which Covid vaccines have been developed is due to the phenomenal money and effort thrown at the problem – the UK government alone has spent £6bn in total to develop and procure them.
Even though some phases of the clinical trial process have run in parallel rather than one after another, the safety checks have still been the same as they would for any new medicine.
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The trials take place in three sequential stages – also known as phases. The research will show whether a vaccine generates antibodies but also protects people from disease. They will also identify any safety issues.
Once the trials are complete, the information gathered by researchers is sent to regulators for review.
This is thoroughly analysed by clinicians and scientists before being approved for widespread use. Then, after approval from regulators, people can start to receive the vaccine.
PA Media
How have the regulators acted so quickly?
Regulators have been carrying out “rolling reviews”, which means that instead of going through reams of information at the conclusion of the trials, they have been given access to the data as the scientists work.
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A rolling review of the vaccine data started several months ago, PA Media reports.
This means regulators can start to look at scientific data earlier than they traditionally would do, which in turn means the approval process can be sped up.
Regulators sometimes have thousands of pages of information to go over with a fine-tooth comb – which understandably takes time.
June Raine, head of regulator MHRA, said a rolling regulatory process had been conducted as the vaccine was developed, but standards had been maintained.
She told a Downing Street press conference on Wednesday morning: “That doesn’t mean that any corners have been cut, none at all.”
Dr Raine said experts had worked “round the clock, carefully, methodically poring over tables and analyses and graphs on every single piece of data”.
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More than 1,000 pages of data had been examined, she said.
How was it made ready so soon after approval?
Pharmaceutical companies had already started manufacturing their vaccines so a stockpile would be available if they passed trials and gained approval.
Usually large-scale production and distribution begins only after regulatory approval.
But in the case of Covid-19 vaccines, pharmaceutical firms have begun manufacturing before final approval had been granted – taking on the risk that they may have been forced to scrap their work.
The UK has one of the strongest medicines and vaccines regulatory systems in the world.
I can say that with confidence as a former Health Secretary.
So, please, don’t believe the scare stories.
If the @MHRAgovuk says it is safe, it IS safe. https://t.co/TrApljF9VH — Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) December 2, 2020
Has the vaccine been developed from scratch?
Again, the answer is no.
“There’s been an enormous amount of groundwork on these prototypes so we were quick off the mark from a research point of view,” says Rohn. “The actual trials are taking a long time and that’s where nothing is being compromised.
“No reputable regulatory body will approve this without a completed and successful series of clinical trials.”
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What about possible long-term side effects?
While the immediate need for the vaccine does mean the longer term effects of the vaccine cannot be known just yet, it’s incredibly unlikely that there will be some mysterious and damaging side-effect that only becomes apparent later on.
Former chief scientific adviser, Sir Mark Walport, said earlier this month that from a “long history” there was “no reason” to expect that a new coronavirus vaccine would have long-term side effects.
He added: “If there are going to be side effects, there are the immediate ones.”
These of course would have been picked up in trials already conducted. In most clinical trials, any safety issues are usually identified in the first two to three months – a period which has already lapsed for most vaccine frontrunners.
Rohn said: “We know a lot about vaccines and what we’re seeing in the trials is exactly what we expect to see – a robust immune response, we’re seeing antibodies and T cells. Nothing that’s going in is incredibly earth-shattering – it’s RNA and protein.”
Does it matter if I don’t get the vaccine?
Yes, massively. But unfortunately the false belief that it doesn’t has been propagated by a number of people with large social media followings such as former Stone Roses singer Ian Brown.
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So if you want a vax and you believe it works and youll be protected then you wont mind if i dont have one because you will already be protected. — Ian Brown (@ianbrown) November 23, 2020
There are three things to be considered here.
Firstly, Ian Brown as no medical or scientific qualifications whatsoever so ignoring what actual scientists have to say about actual science in favour of him is a bit... daft.
Secondly, not everyone can be vaccinated. People undergoing certain medical treatments or those with compromised immune systems may not be able to safely take a vaccine.
As such, they are relying on the wider population to take the vaccine, develop herd immunity, and therefore indirectly protect them from Covid-19.
The third thing to consider is that herd immunity for a disease is typically achieved when 70% to 90% of a population is vaccinated.
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So while Mr Brown alone deciding to not take the vaccine is not problematic, tweeting and encouraging his 148,000 followers to do the same very much is.
“It’s quite a shocking thing to say: ‘I’m going to sit back and reap the benefits of vaccination without actually getting the vaccine myself,’” says Rohn.