Coronavirus Count

Total number of lab-confirmed UK cases : 279,856 ( Up from 277,985 ) .
Total number of COVID-19 associated UK deaths : 39,728 ( Up from 39,369 ) .
Daily number of lab-confirmed UK cases : 1,871 ( Up from 1,613 ) .
Daily number of COVID-19 associated UK deaths : 359 ( Up from 324 ) .
From the Government ’ s website Number of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases and risk in the UK .
DAILY NUMBER OF COVID-19 ASSOCIATED DEATHS BY DATE REPORTED From the Government ’ s website Number of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk to the UK has been raised to high ” – From the Government ’ s website Number of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases and risk in the UK .
OUR PLAN TO REBUILD : THE UK GOVERNMENT ’ S COVID-19 RECOVERY STRATEGY See here .
New as of Monday May 11 .
See here .
New as of Tuesday June 2 .
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE ON SHIELDING AND PROTECTING PEOPLE WHO ARE CLINICALLY EXTREMELY VULNERABLE FROM COVID-19 See here .
New as of Tuesday June 2 .
See here .
New as of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LANDLORDS , TENANTS AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES NEW See here .
Published on Saturday March 28 .
HOW TO AVOID CATCHING OR SPREADING CORONAVIRUS • Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds .
• Always wash your hands when you get home or into work .
• Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available .
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve ( not your hands ) when you cough or sneeze .
• Put used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wash your hands afterwards .
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell .
The symptoms of coronavirus are : However , these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness .
The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common , such as cold and flu .
NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do .
Use this service if : • You think you might have coronavirus .
• In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been to a country or area with a high risk of coronavirus – see the coronavirus advice for travellers .
• You ’ ve been in close contact with someone with coronavirus .
• In Scotland call your GP or NHS 24 on 111 out of hours .
• In Wales call 111 ( if available in your area ) or 0845 46 47 .
• Do not go to a GP surgery , pharmacy or hospital .
• What the coronavirus is , how it ’ s spread and how to avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Stay at home advice and how to manage self-isolation .
( All information taken from Government sources .
Updated as of 7.00 on Thursday June 4 . )

HEADLINE FACTS
Total number of lab-confirmed UK cases: 292,950 (Up from 291,409).
Total number of COVID-19 associated UK deaths: 41,481 (Up from 41,279).
Daily number of lab-confirmed UK cases: 1,541 (Up from 1,266).
Daily number of COVID-19 associated UK deaths: 202 (Up from 151).
England total cases: 156,410 (Up from 156,018 ).
England total deaths: 37,069 (Up from 36,883).
England death rate: 279.4 (Was 278.7).
Scotland total cases: 15,709 (Up from 15,682).
Scotland total deaths: 2,439 (Up from 2,434).
Scotland death rate: 288.9 (Was 288.4).
Wales total cases: 14,658 (Up from 14,581).
Wales total deaths: 1,435 (Up from 1,425).
Wales death rate: 467.0 (Was 464.6)
Northern Ireland total cases: 4,838 (Up from 4,822)
Northern Ireland total deaths: 538 (Up from 537).
Northern Ireland death rate: 257.1 (Was 256.3).
From the Government’s website Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK.
DAILY NUMBER OF COVID-19 ASSOCIATED DEATHS BY DATE REPORTED
DAILY NUMBER OF LAB-CONFIRMED ENGLAND CASES
From the Government’s website Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK.
– – –
RISK
“The risk to the UK has been raised to high” –
From the Government’s website Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK.
– – –
NHS VOLUNTEER RESPONDER FORM
See here
(The Government’s scheme to recruit 250,000 volunteers.)
– – –
OUR PLAN TO REBUILD: THE UK GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RECOVERY STRATEGY
See here. New as of Monday May 11.
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE ON THE LOCKDOWN.
See here. New as of Tuesday June 2.
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE ON SHIELDING AND PROTECTING PEOPLE WHO ARE CLINICALLY EXTREMELY VULNERABLE FROM COVID-19
See here. New as of Tuesday June 2.
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE ON SOCIAL DISTANCING
See here. New as of Tuesday June 2.
GOVERNMENT WEBSITE: GENERAL ADVICE
See here.
GOVERNMENT WEBSITE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS. WHAT YOU CAN DO AND CAN’T DO
See here.
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE FOR LANDLORDS, TENANTS AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES NEW
See here. Published on Saturday March 28.
– – –
HOW TO AVOID CATCHING OR SPREADING CORONAVIRUS
Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds .
Always wash your hands when you get home or into work .
Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available .
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze .
Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards .
Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of coronavirus are:
A cough.
A high temperature.
Shortness of breath.
However, these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness.
The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.
USING 111
NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do.
Use this service if:
You think you might have coronavirus.
In the last 14 days you’ve been to a country or area with a high risk of coronavirus – see the coronavirus advice for travellers.
You’ve been in close contact with someone with coronavirus.
In Scotland call your GP or NHS 24 on 111 out of hours.
In Wales call 111 (if available in your area) or 0845 46 47.
In Northern Ireland call 111.
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
FURTHER LINKS TO GOVERNMENT ADVICE
– – –
(All information taken from Government sources.
Updated as of 19.00 on Friday June 12.)


conservativehome--2020-06-04--Sweden backtracks on herd immunity. Or does it?

For lockdown sceptics all over the world , Sweden has always been a beacon of hope in the Coronavirus crisis .
Early on its leading epidemiologist , Anders Tegnell ( pictured ) , decided the country would shun closing down in favour of “ herd immunity ” .
Although this strategy attracted huge criticism from the mainstream media , he gained something of a cult appeal back home .
Tegnell ’ s confidence and conviction made him unique among scientists , as did his claims that other countries had taken the wrong approach .
“ In the autumn there will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boldly told reporters , adding that “ Sweden will have a high level of immunity ” .
Unfortunately for Tegnell , it seems the plan has not quite worked , and the news has been focussed around a radio interview in which he appears to fess up to his mistakes .
“ Sweden ’ s Tegnell admits too many died ” , runs the headline of the BBC .
Criticism against the country , which has been growing for weeks , was neatly summarised by Matt Gurney yesterday in The National Post , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far more liberal course , and paid for it in lives relative to their peers , but did not escape the economic consequences or achieve herd immunity.
” Indeed , Sweden has seen 450 deaths per million ( just over 4,500 actual deaths ) , compared to Denmark ( 100 ) , Finland ( 58 ) and Norway ( 44 ) .
It is even above Canada , which has 200 deaths per million .
Although ConservativeHome has always cautioned against comparing death rates directly – such are the numerous differences between countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snapshot , particularly when Sweden has such a high rate of single person households ( i.e .
more room to socially distance ) .
At the same time , there ’ s little evidence herd immunity is being achieved .
Tegnell had expected 40 per cent of people in the capital , Stockholm , to be immune to Covid-19 by the end of May .
But modelling by Sweden ’ s Public Health Agency estimates that “ a little more than 20 % ” have this .
And to top it off , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of seven per cent .
So it all seems a bit of a disaster .
But there are two things worth bearing in mind , in analysing the Swedish model .
The first point is that Sweden ’ s approach wasn ’ t actually as brazen as its being made out .
Although schools for under 16 , bars and nightclubs were opened , universities were closed , people were advised to stay 1.5 metres apart and gatherings were limited to 49 people .
Research suggests that Swedes voluntarily engaged in social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown , there was an unofficial policy .
And fundamentally , Tegnell has not actually backtracked from the government policy .
Since Wednesday he has claimed that his words are being overinterpreted , and that it is “ not the case ” that he and the Swedish Public Health Agency have changed their Coronavirus approach .
“ We still believe that the strategy is good , but… you can always make it better ” , he said .
In this regard he has said that “ improving preparedness in elderly care homes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and possibly not closing schools-for over-16s ” would have improved the country ’ s prospects .
On the schools front , this is interesting – because it ’ s a reminder that Tegnell has arguably had prophetic moments in the crisis ; increasing evidence suggests children are less susceptible to the virus and less likely to pass it on .
Tegnell may find himself vindicated here eventually – while others will be berated for shutting down .
As he has predicted previously , this crisis will last years – and it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had the “ right approach ” .
Perhaps the biggest lesson of all about Sweden is that there ’ s a frankness to the conversations their leading has with the nation .
Although Tegnell is not a politician , one suspects if Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance ever spoke in such a confessional way it would not go down well .
Whatever the case , Tegnell has said that medical officials would need to learn “ what else , besides what we did , you could do without imposing a total shutdown.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategy goes on…

For lockdown sceptics all over the world, Sweden has always been a beacon of hope in the Coronavirus crisis. Early on its leading epidemiologist, Anders Tegnell (pictured), decided the country would shun closing down in favour of “herd immunity”.
Although this strategy attracted huge criticism from the mainstream media, he gained something of a cult appeal back home.
Tegnell’s confidence and conviction made him unique among scientists, as did his claims that other countries had taken the wrong approach. “In the autumn there will be a second wave”, he boldly told reporters, adding that “Sweden will have a high level of immunity”.
Unfortunately for Tegnell, it seems the plan has not quite worked, and the news has been focussed around a radio interview in which he appears to fess up to his mistakes. “Sweden’s Tegnell admits too many died”, runs the headline of the BBC.
Criticism against the country, which has been growing for weeks, was neatly summarised by Matt Gurney yesterday in The National Post, who wrote: “Sweden chose a far more liberal course, and paid for it in lives relative to their peers, but did not escape the economic consequences or achieve herd immunity.”
Indeed, Sweden has seen 450 deaths per million (just over 4,500 actual deaths), compared to Denmark (100), Finland (58) and Norway (44). It is even above Canada, which has 200 deaths per million. Although ConservativeHome has always cautioned against comparing death rates directly – such are the numerous differences between countries – it is not exactly a reassuring snapshot, particularly when Sweden has such a high rate of single person households (i.e. more room to socially distance).
At the same time, there’s little evidence herd immunity is being achieved. Tegnell had expected 40 per cent of people in the capital, Stockholm, to be immune to Covid-19 by the end of May. But modelling by Sweden’s Public Health Agency estimates that “a little more than 20%” have this.
And to top it off, the country has experienced a GDP drop of seven per cent.
So it all seems a bit of a disaster.
But there are two things worth bearing in mind, in analysing the Swedish model.
The first point is that Sweden’s approach wasn’t actually as brazen as its being made out. Although schools for under 16, bars and nightclubs were opened, universities were closed, people were advised to stay 1.5 metres apart and gatherings were limited to 49 people. Research suggests that Swedes voluntarily engaged in social distancing, so while there was no mandated lockdown, there was an unofficial policy.
And fundamentally, Tegnell has not actually backtracked from the government policy. Since Wednesday he has claimed that his words are being overinterpreted, and that it is “not the case” that he and the Swedish Public Health Agency have changed their Coronavirus approach. “We still believe that the strategy is good, but… you can always make it better”, he said.
In this regard he has said that “improving preparedness in elderly care homes, building up more testing capacity earlier on, and possibly not closing schools-for over-16s” would have improved the country’s prospects.
On the schools front, this is interesting – because it’s a reminder that Tegnell has arguably had prophetic moments in the crisis; increasing evidence suggests children are less susceptible to the virus and less likely to pass it on. Tegnell may find himself vindicated here eventually – while others will be berated for shutting down. As he has predicted previously, this crisis will last years – and it is simply too early to judge whether countries had the “right approach”.
Perhaps the biggest lesson of all about Sweden is that there’s a frankness to the conversations their leading has with the nation. Although Tegnell is not a politician, one suspects if Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance ever spoke in such a confessional way it would not go down well.
Whatever the case, Tegnell has said that medical officials would need to learn “what else, besides what we did, you could do without imposing a total shutdown.”
By all indications, Sweden’s strategy goes on…


conservativehome--2020-06-05--Warwick Lightfoot: The Government must borrow more to boost the post-Coronavirus recovery

Warwick Lightfoot is Head of Economics at Policy Exchange For the second time in the twenty-first century , there is a full-blown economic crisis that is testing advanced economies in a manner not otherwise experienced since the Great Depression in the 1930s .
The adverse shock generated by the public health response to Covid-19 has brought about a loss of economic activity on a scale that will test the foundations of market economies .
What is the best policy response ?
Policy Exchange has published a paper today , A pro-growth Economic Strategy , that sets out an ambitious agenda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bank ’ s remit and supply-side improvements .
At its heart is the recognition based on our polling that the public do not want a return to austerity , and there is no need to do so .
Only 16 per cent per cent of people polled support cuts that would affect public services .
The Bank of England ’ s inflation target of two per cent should be ditched , the paper also argues , and replaced with a pro-growth four per cent nominal GDP target .
The context is a decade-long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis that started in 2007 , monetary policy run by central banks – which focuses on interest rates and the supply of money and credit – was ineffectual as a stimulus to economic activity .
Central banks have worked hard over the last 10 years to breathe life into monetary policy to make it an effective tool of macro-economic demand .
Yet after a decade of forward guidance , credit easing and quantitative easing , it was clear even before the Covid-19 crisis that in the event of an adverse economic shock , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , monetary policy had run out of road .
Instead , policy makers would have to turn to fiscal policy to stimulate their economies in the same way that they were forced to do in 2007-8 .
Governments would have to accommodate budget deficits , tax receipts would have to be allowed to fall and spending would have to rise .
There are people who have serious reservations about government borrowing .
It is perceived as a rake ’ s progress into debt that inevitably leads to higher debt service costs that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax burden .
There is a particular concern about the amount or stock of total government debt , and the way that annual budget deficits incrementally add to it .
This focus on government debt within public finance , however , is at the best of times an erroneous distraction from the true cost of public expenditure .
Public debt and budget deficits in themselves are of little concern provided the cost of servicing the debt is manageable , and the cost of debt service does not become an awkward issue in terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ present crisis , the costs for governments of using debt and fiscal policy are at their lowest in modern financial history .
The combination of very low inflation and a surplus of international savings has resulted in extraordinarily low interest rates and long-term government bond yields .
This means that governments are able to take fiscal measures that are the equivalent of ten per cent of GDP and more .
They will be able to take further measures to ease the restructuring of the economies and to stimulate demand when it is needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government debt has risen sharply in relation to national income in most advanced economies .
Yet the cost of financing the debt service charge involved has fallen .
Between 2010 and 2020 , the cost of servicing UK debt fell from around 2.5 per cent of GDP to around a little under 2 per cent .
In Italy , the ratio fell from over 4 per cent to about 3.25 per cent .
For the OECD as a whole , the ratio has come down from around to two per cent to around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debt service costs have taken place over a decade when public debt in OECD countries has risen by 28 per cent to $ 17 trillion .
At the time of the March Budget , the Office for Budget Responsibility estimated that the cost of servicing the UK debt would be £34 billion or about 1.4 per cent of GDP .
Following the impact of the crisis , the OBR revised this estimate .
But despite an expected increase in borrowing , it revised down its estimated cost of servicing the debt to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates and lower inflation , which further lowers the RPI used for the inflation index linked part of the national debt .
In re-estimating the costs of public debt in the context of a large increase in debt , the OBR is not alone as a public authority in lowering its expected cost of debt service .
The Congressional Budget Office , for example , has published Interim Economic Projections for 2020 and 2021 .
It argues that interest rates are expected to remain low because of subdued economic activity , weak labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Federal Reserve , and an increase in investors ’ demand for low-risk assets .
The level of UK bond yields in the modern world of integrated capital markets are heavily shaped by the international flow of funds , international expectations about inflation and interest rates rather than specific factors affecting the UK .
The Federal Reserve and the US Treasury market dominate international capital markets and the level of international rates is determined in New York .
Interest rates are therefore unlikely to change for the reasons that the CBO has identified .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a time to hold back on borrowing .

Warwick Lightfoot is Head of Economics at Policy Exchange
For the second time in the twenty-first century, there is a full-blown economic crisis that is testing advanced economies in a manner not otherwise experienced since the Great Depression in the 1930s. The adverse shock generated by the public health response to Covid-19 has brought about a loss of economic activity on a scale that will test the foundations of market economies.
What is the best policy response? Policy Exchange has published a paper today, A pro-growth Economic Strategy, that sets out an ambitious agenda of borrowing, reform of the central bank’s remit and supply-side improvements.
At its heart is the recognition based on our polling that the public do not want a return to austerity, and there is no need to do so. Only 16 per cent per cent of people polled support cuts that would affect public services. The Bank of England’s inflation target of two per cent should be ditched, the paper also argues, and replaced with a pro-growth four per cent nominal GDP target.
The context is a decade-long shift in macro-economic thinking. In the crisis that started in 2007, monetary policy run by central banks – which focuses on interest rates and the supply of money and credit – was ineffectual as a stimulus to economic activity.
Central banks have worked hard over the last 10 years to breathe life into monetary policy to make it an effective tool of macro-economic demand. Yet after a decade of forward guidance, credit easing and quantitative easing, it was clear even before the Covid-19 crisis that in the event of an adverse economic shock, requiring a powerful stimulus to stabilise demand, monetary policy had run out of road.
Instead, policy makers would have to turn to fiscal policy to stimulate their economies in the same way that they were forced to do in 2007-8. Governments would have to accommodate budget deficits, tax receipts would have to be allowed to fall and spending would have to rise.
There are people who have serious reservations about government borrowing. It is perceived as a rake’s progress into debt that inevitably leads to higher debt service costs that will result in a future increase in the tax burden. There is a particular concern about the amount or stock of total government debt ,and the way that annual budget deficits incrementally add to it.
This focus on government debt within public finance, however, is at the best of times an erroneous distraction from the true cost of public expenditure. Public debt and budget deficits in themselves are of little concern provided the cost of servicing the debt is manageable, and the cost of debt service does not become an awkward issue in terms of public spending itself.
In the present crisis, the costs for governments of using debt and fiscal policy are at their lowest in modern financial history. The combination of very low inflation and a surplus of international savings has resulted in extraordinarily low interest rates and long-term government bond yields.
This means that governments are able to take fiscal measures that are the equivalent of ten per cent of GDP and more. They will be able to take further measures to ease the restructuring of the economies and to stimulate demand when it is needed.
Over the last ten years, government debt has risen sharply in relation to national income in most advanced economies. Yet the cost of financing the debt service charge involved has fallen. Between 2010 and 2020, the cost of servicing UK debt fell from around 2.5 per cent of GDP to around a little under 2 per cent. In Italy, the ratio fell from over 4 per cent to about 3.25 per cent. For the OECD as a whole, the ratio has come down from around to two per cent to around 1.75 per cent. These falls in debt service costs have taken place over a decade when public debt in OECD countries has risen by 28 per cent to $17 trillion.
At the time of the March Budget, the Office for Budget Responsibility estimated that the cost of servicing the UK debt would be £34 billion or about 1.4 per cent of GDP. Following the impact of the crisis, the OBR revised this estimate. But despite an expected increase in borrowing, it revised down its estimated cost of servicing the debt to take account of a further fall in interest rates and lower inflation, which further lowers the RPI used for the inflation index linked part of the national debt.
In re-estimating the costs of public debt in the context of a large increase in debt, the OBR is not alone as a public authority in lowering its expected cost of debt service. The Congressional Budget Office, for example, has published Interim Economic Projections for 2020 and 2021. It argues that interest rates are expected to remain low because of subdued economic activity, weak labour market conditions, actions taken by the Federal Reserve, and an increase in investors’ demand for low-risk assets.
The level of UK bond yields in the modern world of integrated capital markets are heavily shaped by the international flow of funds, international expectations about inflation and interest rates rather than specific factors affecting the UK. The Federal Reserve and the US Treasury market dominate international capital markets and the level of international rates is determined in New York. Interest rates are therefore unlikely to change for the reasons that the CBO has identified. This is not, in other words, a time to hold back on borrowing.


conservativehome--2020-06-05--Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Chair of the Pensions Ombudsman – and more

Eight years ago , the TaxPayers ’ Alliance reported that “ in the last year , five times more Labour people were appointed to public bodies than Tories ” .
It currently reports that almost half of avowedly political appointees last year owed their allegiance to Labour Party , compared to less than a third for the Conservatives .
Despite the selection of some Party members or supporters to fill important posts , over time , the Conservatives have punched beneath their weight when it comes to public appointments .
One of the reasons seems to be that Tories simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number as Labour supporters .
To help remedy this , each week we put up links to some of the main public appointments vacancies , so that qualified Conservatives can be aware of the opportunities presented .
“ The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration provides independent scrutiny of the UK ’ s border and immigration functions , providing security , confidence and assurance as to their effectiveness and efficiency .
They report annually to the Home Secretary and their reports are placed before Parliament .
Leading a team of approximately 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK ’ s approach to the Border , Immigration and Citizenship System .
Candidates will have experience of working successfully at a senior level , ideally within a regulation or enforcement arena .
Whatever your background , you will appreciate the importance and opportunity that this role presents .
Excellent communication skills , decisiveness , independence and unquestionable integrity will be essential.
” “ The Imperial War Museum ( IWM ) was founded in 1917 to record the story of the Great War .
Its remit was subsequently extended to cover the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the world ’ s leading authority on conflict and its impact focusing on Britain , its former Empire and the Commonwealth , from the First World War to the present .
The IWM is a single institution with a single purpose , fulfilled in different ways at its different branches , both physical and virtual .
In addition to its headquarters building , IWM London , in Southwark , the Museum ’ s branches comprise the Churchill War Rooms and HMS Belfast in London , IWM Duxford in Cambridgeshire , and IWM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is housed in a stunning building by Daniel Libeskind .
The IWM has traditionally had a Trustee on its Board from each of the three branches of the armed forces , and is currently recruiting for two Trustees to represent the RAF and Navy branches.
” Time : Up to one day per month .
“ Both Non-Executive Board Members roles will exercise their role through influence and advice , supporting as well as challenging the executive , and covering such issues as : support , guidance and challenge on the progress and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single departmental plan ) ; performance ( including agreeing key performance indicators ) , operational issues ( including the operational and delivery implications of policy proposals ) , adherence to relevant standards ( e.g .
commercial , digital ) , and on the effective management of the department ; [ and ] the recruitment , appraisal and suitable succession planning of senior executives , as appropriate within the principles set out by the Civil Service Commission.
” Her Majesty ’ s Inspectorate of Prisons – Her Majesty ’ s Chief Inspector of Prisons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successful candidate will have a proven ability to act with integrity and independence from Government , and deliver the services under the Inspectorate ’ s scrutiny .
The Inspectorate ’ s methodology focuses on outcomes for those detained within the custodial estate , and encourages establishments to seek improvement in those outcomes where required .
In addition to its annual inspection programme , the Inspectorate has , since 2019 , introduced Independent Reviews of Progress , which will assess progress made by a prison in implementing previous recommendations in up to 20 prisons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be expected to use their expertise to innovate and evolve the inspection approach to further strengthen the work and impact of the Inspectorate.
” “ The Pensions Ombudsman ( TPO ) investigates and determines complaints and disputes about the way that occupational and personal pension schemes are run .
The Pension Protection Fund Ombudsman considers decisions made by the Pension Protection Fund ( PPF ) Board under the PPF ’ s internal procedures and decides on appeals against decisions by the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) Financial Assistance Scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separately in legislation , they are held by one post holder .
Throughout this document the term ‘ PO ’ will therefore cover both roles .
TPO provides an accessible service for dealing with pensions complaints .
Determinations are final and binding on all parties , subject only to appeal in the High Court on a point of law .
Services are provided free of charge .
”

Eight years ago, the TaxPayers’ Alliance reported that “in the last year, five times more Labour people were appointed to public bodies than Tories”.
It currently reports that almost half of avowedly political appointees last year owed their allegiance to Labour Party, compared to less than a third for the Conservatives.
Despite the selection of some Party members or supporters to fill important posts, over time, the Conservatives have punched beneath their weight when it comes to public appointments. One of the reasons seems to be that Tories simply don’t apply in the same number as Labour supporters.
To help remedy this, each week we put up links to some of the main public appointments vacancies, so that qualified Conservatives can be aware of the opportunities presented.
– – – – – – – – – –
Home Office – Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration
“The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration provides independent scrutiny of the UK’s border and immigration functions, providing security, confidence and assurance as to their effectiveness and efficiency. They report annually to the Home Secretary and their reports are placed before Parliament. Leading a team of approximately 30 staff you will strive to continually improve the UK’s approach to the Border, Immigration and Citizenship System. Candidates will have experience of working successfully at a senior level, ideally within a regulation or enforcement arena. Whatever your background, you will appreciate the importance and opportunity that this role presents. Excellent communication skills, decisiveness, independence and unquestionable integrity will be essential.”
Time: Full-time.
Remuneration: £130,000
Closes: 06 June
– – – – – – – – – –
Imperial War Museum – RAF Trustee and Navy Trustee
“The Imperial War Museum (IWM) was founded in 1917 to record the story of the Great War. Its remit was subsequently extended to cover the Second World War and today, IWM is the world’s leading authority on conflict and its impact focusing on Britain, its former Empire and the Commonwealth, from the First World War to the present. The IWM is a single institution with a single purpose, fulfilled in different ways at its different branches, both physical and virtual. In addition to its headquarters building, IWM London, in Southwark, the Museum’s branches comprise the Churchill War Rooms and HMS Belfast in London, IWM Duxford in Cambridgeshire, and IWM North in Trafford, Greater Manchester which is housed in a stunning building by Daniel Libeskind. The IWM has traditionally had a Trustee on its Board from each of the three branches of the armed forces, and is currently recruiting for two Trustees to represent the RAF and Navy branches.”
Time: Up to one day per month.
Remuneration: Expenses reasonably incurred.
Closes: 12 June
– – – – – – – – – –
Department for International Trade – Lead Non-Executive Board Member/Non-Executive Board Member
“Both Non-Executive Board Members roles will exercise their role through influence and advice, supporting as well as challenging the executive, and covering such issues as: support, guidance and challenge on the progress and implementation of the Departments Strategy (the single departmental plan); performance (including agreeing key performance indicators), operational issues (including the operational and delivery implications of policy proposals), adherence to relevant standards (e.g. commercial, digital), and on the effective management of the department; [and] the recruitment, appraisal and suitable succession planning of senior executives, as appropriate within the principles set out by the Civil Service Commission.”
Time: Approx. 15-20 days per annum.
Remuneration: £20,000/£15,000 per annum.
Closes: 14 June
– – – – – – – – – –
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons – Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons
“Reporting directly to Ministers, the successful candidate will have a proven ability to act with integrity and independence from Government, and deliver the services under the Inspectorate’s scrutiny. The Inspectorate’s methodology focuses on outcomes for those detained within the custodial estate, and encourages establishments to seek improvement in those outcomes where required. In addition to its annual inspection programme, the Inspectorate has, since 2019, introduced Independent Reviews of Progress, which will assess progress made by a prison in implementing previous recommendations in up to 20 prisons a year. The next Chief Inspector will be expected to use their expertise to innovate and evolve the inspection approach to further strengthen the work and impact of the Inspectorate.”
Time: Full-time.
Remuneration: £135,000 per annum.
Closes: 15 June
– – – – – – – – – –
The Pensions Ombudsman – Chair
“The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) investigates and determines complaints and disputes about the way that occupational and personal pension schemes are run. The Pension Protection Fund Ombudsman considers decisions made by the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) Board under the PPF’s internal procedures and decides on appeals against decisions by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Financial Assistance Scheme. Although the roles are provided for separately in legislation, they are held by one post holder. Throughout this document the term ‘PO’ will therefore cover both roles. TPO provides an accessible service for dealing with pensions complaints. Determinations are final and binding on all parties, subject only to appeal in the High Court on a point of law. Services are provided free of charge.”
Time: Min. 30 days per annum.
Remuneration: £20,000 per annum.
Closes: 19 June


conservativehome--2020-06-05--Race and justice – not just a black and white issue

These were among Theresa May ’ s earliest words as Prime Minister , made outside Downing Street after her return from Buckingham Palace .
At the time , they were cheered almost unanimously .
Later , doubts set it .
Why ?
After all , they look like common sense .
If you are born poor you are indeed likely to die earlier than if born rich .
The disparity tugs at the sleeve of our elemental sense of justice .
But there is a problem – not so much with May ’ s examples as with where their logic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not every disadvantage is necessarily driven by injustice .
The Commons debated an example yesterday .
Kemi Badenoch is the Equalities Minister .
In 2017 , she made a sensational speech at that year ’ s Conservative conference ( introducing May herself , as it happens ) .
In it , she told her story .
Of how she was born in Britain , grew up in Nigeria , arrived here at 16 with just £100 in her pocket and sits now as MP for Saffron Walden .
Badenoch has been toiling away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since then .
And so it is that yesterday she led for the Government in response to an urgent question about Coronavirus disparities .
“ The review also confirmed that being black or from a minority ethnic background is a risk factor , ” she told the House , referring to the Public Health England report that provoked the question .
She went on to set out her ground .
“ That racial disparity has been shown to hold even after accounting for the effect of age , deprivation [ our italic ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the House .
In other words , as David Goodhart explained recently when writing about the matter on this site , the difference is not simply caused by what he called social-demographic factors – such as some groups being relatively poor .
There are two other factors at play as well : cultural factors ( “ the fact that minorities are more likely to live in multi-generational households and take part in collective religious rituals ” ) … …And genetic factors ( “ the fact that some minorities are significantly more likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart disease ” ) .
So by way of a wider example , the NHS confirms that “ sickle cell disease is particularly common in people with an African or Caribbean family background ” .
Having dug in solidly , Badenoch was well placed to hit back at posturing – as she splendidly did in the case of a white SNP MP who conflated black people with recent immigrants .
Why do we mention the colour of Alison Thewliss , the Parliamentarian in question ?
Because Badenoch herself introduced the general theme at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ As a black woman and the Equalities Minister , it would be odd if I did not comment on the recent events in the US and protests in London yesterday , ” she said .
She went on to state the obvious : that the killing of George Floyd was brutal ( the video shows Derek Chauvin pressing his knee into Floyd ’ s neck long after the latter had clearly lost consciousness ) and that “ during these moments of heightened racial tension , we must not pander to anyone who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some won ’ t like what they will see as identity politics from Badenoch .
Which gets one into a back-and-forth argument .
On the one hand , that discourse , whereby people claim virtue from their identity , is undoubtedly an evil .
Its path leads to the triumph of communalist politics and the breakup of liberal democracy .
On the other hand , speaking from experience has a compulsion about it than speaking without experience doesn ’ t .
So a Yorkshire MP talking about floods in Yorkshire , for example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than a Lancashire MP talking about floods in Yorkshire ( and vice-versa ) .
Few readers of this site would protest if a white working class Tory MPs , freshly elected in a former Red Wall seat , exalted his background while criticising a white middle class Labour opponent – or one of any colour , come to think of it .
Anyway , it seems to us that Badenoch was speaking from experience yesterday .
It is noticeable that very few of her black Conservative colleagues do the same .
Adam Afriyie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bim Afolami , Helen Grant , Darren Henry – all tend to steer clear of emphasising their ethnicity .
We can ’ t speak for any of them , of course , but this seems to be conservatism in action .
What matters most should be that one is British , not of a particular background .
All are putting into practice this sensible principle .
None the less , the Party is unsure about the politics of equality .
As we have seen in the case of trans ( where Liz Truss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finally showing intellectual grip ) .
So for example , Matt Hancock declared that “ black lives matter ” during a recent press conference .
Was he right to do so ?
( Downing Street thinks not . )
The long and short of it is that the Party has got itself into a muddle about equality ever since the New Labour legislation that sets the framework for it , and Tony Blair ’ s blurring of equality of opportunity and outcome .
The Tory approach should be to worry about inequalities of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For there can be no free society without unequal outcomes .
What should matter most is building equality of opportunity , in so far as those cultural and genetic factors allow .
That means action to strengthen the three biggest shapers of life chances : families , schools and work .
Sometimes , there must be policies for particular groups and places .
To pick two almost at random , government must address those black deaths in police custody and ( very differently ) the particular problems of seaside towns .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most effective when it is colour blind – like the bigger family tax allowances we don ’ t have , the free schools that we do , and the workplace support plans that should replace furlough .
Finally , in writing in the headline of this piece that race and justice is more than a black and white issue , we are speaking not just illustratively , but literally .
For there are differences within ethnic minority groups themselves .
It is simply wrong to lump them all together as an undifferentiated mass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Public Health England report says that people of Bangladeshi heritage have a higher death rate from the virus than those of Pakistani heritage , compared to the white majority .
Could it seriously be argued that the white majority somehow discriminates more against the former than the latter ?
Or , more broadly , that its own members are not sometimes at risk ?
( See Rotherham . )
In any event , it ’ s a good thing that ethnic minority Tory MPs tend to steer clear of identity politics .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a front-bencher who understands it , and can play off the front foot .

“That means fighting against the burning injustice that, if you’re born poor, you will die on average nine years earlier than others. If you’re black, you’re treated more harshly by the criminal justice system than if you’re white. If you’re a white, working-class boy, you’re less likely than anybody else in Britain to go to university. If you’re at a state school, you’re less likely to reach the top professions than if you’re educated privately. If you’re a woman, you will earn less than a man. If you suffer from mental health problems, there’s not enough help to hand.”
These were among Theresa May’s earliest words as Prime Minister, made outside Downing Street after her return from Buckingham Palace. At the time, they were cheered almost unanimously. Later, doubts set it.
Why? After all, they look like common sense. If you are born poor you are indeed likely to die earlier than if born rich. The disparity tugs at the sleeve of our elemental sense of justice.
But there is a problem – not so much with May’s examples as with where their logic can lead you. Put simply, not every disadvantage is necessarily driven by injustice. The Commons debated an example yesterday.
Kemi Badenoch is the Equalities Minister. In 2017, she made a sensational speech at that year’s Conservative conference (introducing May herself, as it happens).
In it, she told her story. Of how she was born in Britain, grew up in Nigeria, arrived here at 16 with just £100 in her pocket and sits now as MP for Saffron Walden.
Badenoch has been toiling away in the Commons and rather less visible since then. And so it is that yesterday she led for the Government in response to an urgent question about Coronavirus disparities.
“The review also confirmed that being black or from a minority ethnic background is a risk factor,” she told the House, referring to the Public Health England report that provoked the question.
She went on to set out her ground. “That racial disparity has been shown to hold even after accounting for the effect of age, deprivation [our italic], region and sex”, she told the House.
In other words, as David Goodhart explained recently when writing about the matter on this site, the difference is not simply caused by what he called social-demographic factors – such as some groups being relatively poor.
There are two other factors at play as well: cultural factors (“the fact that minorities are more likely to live in multi-generational households and take part in collective religious rituals”)…
…And genetic factors (“the fact that some minorities are significantly more likely to suffer from diabetes, hypertension and heart disease”).
So by way of a wider example, the NHS confirms that “sickle cell disease is particularly common in people with an African or Caribbean family background”.
Having dug in solidly, Badenoch was well placed to hit back at posturing – as she splendidly did in the case of a white SNP MP who conflated black people with recent immigrants.
Why do we mention the colour of Alison Thewliss, the Parliamentarian in question? Because Badenoch herself introduced the general theme at the very beginning of her statement.
“As a black woman and the Equalities Minister, it would be odd if I did not comment on the recent events in the US and protests in London yesterday,” she said.
She went on to state the obvious: that the killing of George Floyd was brutal (the video shows Derek Chauvin pressing his knee into Floyd’s neck long after the latter had clearly lost consciousness) and that “during these moments of heightened racial tension, we must not pander to anyone who seeks to inflame those tensions”.
Some won’t like what they will see as identity politics from Badenoch. Which gets one into a back-and-forth argument. On the one hand, that discourse, whereby people claim virtue from their identity, is undoubtedly an evil. Its path leads to the triumph of communalist politics and the breakup of liberal democracy.
On the other hand, speaking from experience has a compulsion about it that speaking without experience doesn’t. So a Yorkshire MP talking about floods in Yorkshire, for example, will be listened to more closely than a Lancashire MP talking about floods in Yorkshire (and vice-versa).
Few readers of this site would protest if a white working class Tory MPs, freshly elected in a former Red Wall seat, exalted his background while criticising a white middle class Labour opponent – or one of any colour, come to think of it. Anyway, it seems to us that Badenoch was speaking from experience yesterday.
It is noticeable that very few of her black Conservative colleagues do the same. Adam Afriyie, Kwasi Kwarteng, James Cleverly, Bim Afolami, Helen Grant, Darren Henry – all tend to steer clear of emphasising their ethnicity.
We can’t speak for any of them, of course, but this seems to be conservatism in action. What matters most should be that one is British, not of a particular background. All are putting into practice this sensible principle.
None the less, the Party is unsure about the politics of equality. As we have seen in the case of trans (where Liz Truss, after long institutional hesitation, is finally showing intellectual grip).
So for example, Matt Hancock declared that “black lives matter” during a recent press conference. Was he right to do so? (Downing Street thinks not.)
The long and short of it is that the Party has got itself into a muddle about equality ever since the New Labour legislation that sets the framework for it, and Tony Blair’s blurring of equality of opportunity and outcome.
The Tory approach should be to worry about inequalities of outcome only when these are unfairly gained. For there can be no free society without unequal outcomes.
What should matter most is building equality of opportunity, in so far as those cultural and genetic factors allow. That means action to strengthen the three biggest shapers of life chances: families, schools and work.
Sometimes, there must be policies for particular groups and places. To pick two almost at random, government must address those black deaths in police custody and (very differently) the particular problems of seaside towns.
But on the whole, public policy is most effective when it is colour blind – like the bigger family tax allowances we don’t have, the free schools that we do, and the workplace support plans that should replace furlough.
Finally, in writing in the headline of this piece that race and justice is more than a black and white issue, we are speaking not just illustratively, but literally.
For there are differences within ethnic minority groups themselves. It is simply wrong to lump them all together as an undifferentiated mass.
To close with an example: the Public Health England report says that people of Bangladeshi heritage have a higher death rate from the virus than those of Pakistani heritage, compared to the white majority.
Could it seriously be argued that the white majority somehow discriminates more against the former than the latter? Or, more broadly, that its own members are not sometimes at risk? (See Rotherham.)
In any event, it’s a good thing that ethnic minority Tory MPs tend to steer clear of identity politics. And that in Badenoch, the Party has a front-bencher who understands it, and can play off the front foot.


conservativehome--2020-06-05--Join us for our first ever ConservativeHome Live online event with Matt Ridley

I ’ m very pleased to announce a new venture for our site : ConservativeHome Live , a series of online events in which our readers will get the chance to hear from and put their questions to a range of the leading thinkers , politicians , campaigners and writers in the Conservative movement .
In our first event we will be joined by Matt Ridley – best-selling science writer , prominent Leave campaigner , Conservative peer , newspaper columnist and author of the forthcoming new book How Innovation Works .
I ’ ll be interviewing Matt , and putting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 8pm on Wednesday 10th June , via Zoom , the online video chat service .
We ’ ll be discussing a variety of essential topics , including : Do politicians really understand science ?
What has the pandemic revealed about how our national and international institutions work ( or don ’ t work ) ?
What place is there for freedom in a time of lockdown ?
How can Boris Johnson ensure the UK , outside the EU , is best-placed to encourage the innovation and entrepreneurial creativity that will be necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to growth ?
I ’ m sure that our audience will have many questions of their own , too .
We ’ re excited to be exploring new ways to provide new insights and experiences for ConservativeHome readers , and I hope you ’ ll join us for our very first live broadcast .
As well as being a new medium for our readers , these events are also a way to help to support us as a company .
We provide Britain ’ s leading independent centre right source of news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over two million readers a year .
Frankly , like every other media business our traditional revenues have been hurt by the pandemic and the lockdown , and new events help to support the valuable service that our writers provide .
I want these events to be as widely and easily accessible as possible , which is why we ’ ve set a ticket price of just £2.50 for the chance to tune in to hear Matt Ridley ’ s thoughts and put your questions to him .
To book your ticket today @ @ @ @ @

I’m very pleased to announce a new venture for our site: ConservativeHome Live, a series of online events in which our readers will get the chance to hear from and put their questions to a range of the leading thinkers, politicians, campaigners and writers in the Conservative movement.
In our first event we will be joined by Matt Ridley – best-selling science writer, prominent Leave campaigner, Conservative peer, newspaper columnist and author of the forthcoming new book How Innovation Works.
I’ll be interviewing Matt, and putting your questions to him, from 7pm to 8pm on Wednesday 10th June, via Zoom, the online video chat service.
We’ll be discussing a variety of essential topics, including: Do politicians really understand science? What has the pandemic revealed about how our national and international institutions work (or don’t work)? What place is there for freedom in a time of lockdown? How can Boris Johnson ensure the UK, outside the EU, is best-placed to encourage the innovation and entrepreneurial creativity that will be necessary to get us out of quarantine and back to growth? I’m sure that our audience will have many questions of their own, too.
We’re excited to be exploring new ways to provide new insights and experiences for ConservativeHome readers, and I hope you’ll join us for our very first live broadcast.
As well as being a new medium for our readers, these events are also a way to help to support us as a company. We provide Britain’s leading independent centre right source of news and analysis, for free, to over two million readers a year. Frankly, like every other media business our traditional revenues have been hurt by the pandemic and the lockdown, and new events help to support the valuable service that our writers provide. I want these events to be as widely and easily accessible as possible, which is why we’ve set a ticket price of just £2.50 for the chance to tune in to hear Matt Ridley’s thoughts and put your questions to him.
To book your ticket today, please click here.
Our first ConservativeHome Live event is kindly supported by Thorncliffe.


conservativehome--2020-06-05--Iain Dale: The EU’s insipid response to China’s Hong Kong aggression. Another reason to be glad we’r

Iain Dale: The EU’s insipid response to China’s Hong Kong aggression. Another reason to be glad we’re leaving.

Iain Dale presents the evening show on LBC Radio and the For the Many podcast with Jacqui Smith .
I ’ m pleased to see the Government ’ s response to what ’ s going on in Hong Kong ramping up a tad .
It needed to .
The Chinese government must be held to account for its actions , and to rip up an internationally binding treaty , as it is doing – well , it doesn ’ t get much more serious than that in the field of international diplomacy .
The ‘ one country , two systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For China arbitrarily to declare that it can do as it likes , and impose whatever law it likes , is not the act of a friendly country .
In the real world , there is little we can do to stop China in its tracks , but we can hold it to account for its actions in a number of ways .
We now start the process of re-evaluating our entire relationship with China .
That doesn ’ t mean the breaking of all diplomatic and economic relations , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the mistaken ‘ golden age ’ relationship advocated by David Cameron and George Osborne .
Their almost craven attitude to the Chinese partly has got us into this situation .
So keen were they to attract Chinese investment in our economy – and , outrageously , in our national infrastructure – that the Chinese had ( and to an extent have ) us over a barrel .
Boris Johnson ’ s instinct was not to go ahead with the Huawei deal , but in the end he felt that he had no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision to be reversed by the end of the year .
China is flexing its muscles in a number of areas , when , given what has happened on Coronavirus , you might have thought that it might have reined itself in a little .
Not a bit of it .
It ’ s increased its bellicose language regarding Taiwan , and there are worrying signs that it is ramping up its conflict with India over the disputed Himalayan border .
Dominic Raab is absolutely right to say that democracies need to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whether with regard to Hong Kong or elsewhere .
He was also right to call out the EU on its insipid response to what ’ s going on in Hong Kong .
It refused to join the UK , US , Canada and Australia in sending a joint communique .
Yet another reason to be glad we ’ re out of the wretched organisation .
The Foreign Secretary has also had a tricky this week following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Both he and the Prime Minister have rightly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there have been calls on them to denounce Donald Trump for his response .
Instead of trying to bring the nation together , the President has added fuel to the flames .
Instead of seeking to build national unity , he ’ s seemingly deliberately chosen to encourage division and hatred .
However , to expect the Prime Minister or Foreign Secretary to directly condemn him goes against all the natural rules of international diplomacy .
America is our oldest ally , and will continue to be a key partner in the post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for calm , but to call out Trump in an aggressive and condemnatory way is something that would make the heart feel good , but a long-term headache would ensue .
In the real world of international diplomacy it is usually wise to let the head rule the heart .
As a columnist and diarist , I don ’ t have to do that , and have absolutely no hesitation in calling Donald Trump out for his racism , hatred , divisiveness , misogyny , incompetence , narcissism and general awfulness .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t keep a good man down .
How lovely it was to see the ‘ People ’ s Gardiner ’ back in the headlines this week .
Sacked by Keir Starmer from the Shadow Cabinet in April , ‘ Whispering ’ Barry Gardiner has been absent from our TV screens for far too long .
What a pity , though , that he broke his media duck by breaking all social distancing rules by ‘ taking a knee ’ at the crowded Black Lives Matter protest in Whitehall .
In the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ d be seen as a hero by the massed protesters , but instead was forced into a humiliating apology the next day .
His Brent constituents have yet to deliver their verdict .
Still , at least he didn ’ t attend the massive overnight street party that took place earlier this week in the constituency of his Brent neighbour , Dawn Butler .
What is it that people don ’ t get about the continuing need for social distancing ?

Iain Dale presents the evening show on LBC Radio and the For the Many podcast with Jacqui Smith.
I’m pleased to see the Government’s response to what’s going on in Hong Kong ramping up a tad. It needed to.
The Chinese government must be held to account for its actions, and to rip up an internationally binding treaty, as it is doing – well, it doesn’t get much more serious than that in the field of international diplomacy.
The ‘one country, two systems’ agreement has 27 years to run. For China arbitrarily to declare that it can do as it likes, and impose whatever law it likes, is not the act of a friendly country.
In the real world, there is little we can do to stop China in its tracks, but we can hold it to account for its actions in a number of ways.
We now start the process of re-evaluating our entire relationship with China. That doesn’t mean the breaking of all diplomatic and economic relations, but it does mean that we call an end to the mistaken ‘golden age’ relationship advocated by David Cameron and George Osborne.
Their almost craven attitude to the Chinese partly has got us into this situation. So keen were they to attract Chinese investment in our economy – and, outrageously, in our national infrastructure – that the Chinese had (and to an extent have) us over a barrel.
Boris Johnson’s instinct was not to go ahead with the Huawei deal, but in the end he felt that he had no choice. I hope and expect that decision to be reversed by the end of the year.
China is flexing its muscles in a number of areas, when, given what has happened on Coronavirus, you might have thought that it might have reined itself in a little.
Not a bit of it. It’s increased its bellicose language regarding Taiwan, and there are worrying signs that it is ramping up its conflict with India over the disputed Himalayan border.
Dominic Raab is absolutely right to say that democracies need to be united in standing up to Chinese aggression, whether with regard to Hong Kong or elsewhere.
He was also right to call out the EU on its insipid response to what’s going on in Hong Kong. It refused to join the UK, US, Canada and Australia in sending a joint communique. Yet another reason to be glad we’re out of the wretched organisation.
– – – – – – – – – –
The Foreign Secretary has also had a tricky this week following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Both he and the Prime Minister have rightly condemned what happened, but of course there have been calls on them to denounce Donald Trump for his response.
Instead of trying to bring the nation together, the President has added fuel to the flames. Instead of seeking to build national unity, he’s seemingly deliberately chosen to encourage division and hatred.
However, to expect the Prime Minister or Foreign Secretary to directly condemn him goes against all the natural rules of international diplomacy. America is our oldest ally, and will continue to be a key partner in the post Brexit world.
Our leaders can call for calm, but to call out Trump in an aggressive and condemnatory way is something that would make the heart feel good, but a long-term headache would ensue. In the real world of international diplomacy it is usually wise to let the head rule the heart.
As a columnist and diarist, I don’t have to do that, and have absolutely no hesitation in calling Donald Trump out for his racism, hatred, divisiveness, misogyny, incompetence, narcissism and general awfulness. I feel better for that.
– – – – – – – – – –
You can’t keep a good man down. How lovely it was to see the ‘People’s Gardiner’ back in the headlines this week.
Sacked by Keir Starmer from the Shadow Cabinet in April, ‘Whispering’ Barry Gardiner has been absent from our TV screens for far too long.
What a pity, though, that he broke his media duck by breaking all social distancing rules by ‘taking a knee’ at the crowded Black Lives Matter protest in Whitehall.
In the most #virtuesignallingtastic way possible, he thought he’d be seen as a hero by the massed protesters, but instead was forced into a humiliating apology the next day.
His Brent constituents have yet to deliver their verdict. Still, at least he didn’t attend the massive overnight street party that took place earlier this week in the constituency of his Brent neighbour, Dawn Butler. What is it that people don’t get about the continuing need for social distancing?


Coronavirus Count

Total number of lab-confirmed UK cases : 281,661 ( Up from 279,856 ) .
Total number of COVID-19 associated UK deaths : 39,904 ( Up from 39,728 ) .
Daily number of lab-confirmed UK cases : 1,805 ( Up from 1,871 ) .
Daily number of COVID-19 associated UK deaths : 176 ( Up from 359 ) .
From the Government ’ s website Number of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases and risk in the UK .
DAILY NUMBER OF COVID-19 ASSOCIATED DEATHS BY DATE REPORTED From the Government ’ s website Number of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk to the UK has been raised to high ” – From the Government ’ s website Number of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases and risk in the UK .
OUR PLAN TO REBUILD : THE UK GOVERNMENT ’ S COVID-19 RECOVERY STRATEGY See here .
New as of Monday May 11 .
See here .
New as of Tuesday June 2 .
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE ON SHIELDING AND PROTECTING PEOPLE WHO ARE CLINICALLY EXTREMELY VULNERABLE FROM COVID-19 See here .
New as of Tuesday June 2 .
See here .
New as of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LANDLORDS , TENANTS AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES NEW See here .
Published on Saturday March 28 .
HOW TO AVOID CATCHING OR SPREADING CORONAVIRUS • Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds .
• Always wash your hands when you get home or into work .
• Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available .
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve ( not your hands ) when you cough or sneeze .
• Put used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wash your hands afterwards .
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell .
The symptoms of coronavirus are : However , these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness .
The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common , such as cold and flu .
NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do .
Use this service if : • You think you might have coronavirus .
• In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been to a country or area with a high risk of coronavirus – see the coronavirus advice for travellers .
• You ’ ve been in close contact with someone with coronavirus .
• In Scotland call your GP or NHS 24 on 111 out of hours .
• In Wales call 111 ( if available in your area ) or 0845 46 47 .
• Do not go to a GP surgery , pharmacy or hospital .
• What the coronavirus is , how it ’ s spread and how to avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Stay at home advice and how to manage self-isolation .
( All information taken from Government sources .
Updated as of 7.00 on Friday June 5 . )


conservativehome--2020-06-05--Steve Bell: In Brighton and Hove, we have been busting Labour’s myths about school reopenings

Cllr Steve Bell is Leader of the Conservative Group on Brighton and Hove Council .
In Brighton & Hove , the ghost of Jeremy Corbyn lingers on , with an unpopular Momentum-run local council being led by Cllr Nancy Platts , a former employee of Jeremy Corbyn .
The Labour minority council recently made waves with its decision to strongly advise local schools to disregard Government advice to reopen on June 1st .
By putting significant pressure on headteachers and parents in recent weeks , Labour has ensured that 64 out of 65 maintained schools in Brighton and Hove have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In coming to this position , Labour has been listening only to the arguments of its unions ; and not scientists , parents , and medical professionals .
Labour ’ s letters and statements outlining its decision have been vetted by four unions and contain a number of misleading arguments for why schools should stay closed .
Brighton and Hove Conservative Councillors have been exposing some of the myths that have been put forward by Labour and the Unions to justify keeping children at home .
Labour has claimed that it is paying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to reopen .
But Cllr Vanessa Brown , the Conservative Education spokesman , questioned the decision-making process leading up to the Council ’ s announcement that it was halting the process of school re-openings .
As a result Labour confirmed that : • The Administration did not take further additional scientific advice in making the announcement to parents not to follow government advice .
• No scientific assessment was made of the mental health implications of keeping children at home for long periods .
• No scientific assessment was made on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the knock on-effect on grandparents that may be in the vulnerable category .
In deviating from the Government ’ s scientific advice , Labour made itself the arbiter of when schools should return without conducting scientific analysis .
Labour ’ s union has said that the R-number was too high in Brighton & Hove to open schools , saying it had advice that it was currently 1.7 .
This was challenged by Cllr Samer Bagaeen , the Conservative Health and Wellbeing Spokesman who is also a professor at Kent University .
In response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Director , Alistair Hill , put out a statement saying that the Union figure was ‘ misleading and potentially dangerous ’ : “ We have very serious concerns about the deckzero.com website ’ s information about the R number .
Quite simply , the alleged statistics they are using are misleading and potentially dangerous in terms of giving either false reassurance or creating unnecessary concerns.
” Data for hospital admissions in Brighton and Hove and the capacity for critical care beds back up this position .
Labour and the trade unions in Brighton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test and trace system as one of its main reasons for advising schools not to open as per the government ’ s advice , saying that a track and trace system was not ‘ properly in place ’ : “ The government has confirmed it will proceed with opening primary schools to children in nursery , reception , year 1 and year 6 on Monday 1 June even though its own scientists have not modelled the proposal and average numbers of new daily cases are still high – and despite the ‘ track @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place.
” Cllr John Allcock , the Chair of Children , Young People and Skills Committee said : “ In particular we are not confident that the test around effective testing and tracing is currently met given the very recent introduction of the government ’ s Test and Trace programme especially in a city with a high visitor footfall such as ours.
” However at the Daily Briefing on 1 June , the National Coordinator of the UK Coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) Testing Programme , Professor John Newton , said that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and running with 25,000 contact tracers employed including 7,500 clinicians , with the system working well with significant spare capacity .
Labour is increasing inequality in Brighton and Hove schools The basis of Labour ’ s claims for keeping Brighton & Hove schools closed is increasingly looking shaky and misleading .
And while Labour bristles at any mention of the impact of its decisions on inequality , there is no doubt that this gap is widening as a direct result of its actions .
With many private schools operating and functioning , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 65 schools in the state sector that are being denied education .
And with the vast majority of schools in neighbouring counties of East Sussex and West Sussex reopening according to the Government ’ s advice , Labour has put our schoolchildren in Brighton and Hove at a regional disadvantage as well .
Labour needs to urgently advise what plan it has in place to reopen schools as every day it doesn ’ t have one , inequality will rise .
In Brighton & Hove it is the Conservatives that are standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Momentum-run council that is increasing inequality .

Cllr Steve Bell is Leader of the Conservative Group on Brighton and Hove Council.
In Brighton & Hove, the ghost of Jeremy Corbyn lingers on, with an unpopular Momentum-run local council being led by Cllr Nancy Platts, a former employee of Jeremy Corbyn. The Labour minority council recently made waves with its decision to strongly advise local schools to disregard Government advice to reopen on June 1st.
By putting significant pressure on headteachers and parents in recent weeks, Labour has ensured that 64 out of 65 maintained schools in Brighton and Hove have followed its advice and remain closed.
In coming to this position, Labour has been listening only to the arguments of its unions; and not scientists, parents, and medical professionals.
Labour’s letters and statements outlining its decision have been vetted by four unions and contain a number of misleading arguments for why schools should stay closed.
Brighton and Hove Conservative Councillors have been exposing some of the myths that have been put forward by Labour and the Unions to justify keeping children at home.
Labour Myth 1: “Following the science”
Labour has claimed that it is paying attention to the science when advising schools not to reopen. But Cllr Vanessa Brown, the Conservative Education spokesman, questioned the decision-making process leading up to the Council’s announcement that it was halting the process of school re-openings. As a result Labour confirmed that:
The Administration did not take further additional scientific advice in making the announcement to parents not to follow government advice.
No scientific assessment was made of the mental health implications of keeping children at home for long periods.
No scientific assessment was made on the impact on local parents or consideration of the knock on-effect on grandparents that may be in the vulnerable category.
In deviating from the Government’s scientific advice, Labour made itself the arbiter of when schools should return without conducting scientific analysis.
Labour Myth 2: “R-number is too high.”
Labour’s union has said that the R-number was too high in Brighton & Hove to open schools, saying it had advice that it was currently 1.7.
This was challenged by Cllr Samer Bagaeen, the Conservative Health and Wellbeing Spokesman who is also a professor at Kent University. In response, the Council’s Public Health Director, Alistair Hill, put out a statement saying that the Union figure was ‘misleading and potentially dangerous’:
“We have very serious concerns about the deckzero.com website’s information about the R number. Quite simply, the alleged statistics they are using are misleading and potentially dangerous in terms of giving either false reassurance or creating unnecessary concerns.”
Data for hospital admissions in Brighton and Hove and the capacity for critical care beds back up this position.
Labour Myth 3: Test and trace
Labour and the trade unions in Brighton & Hove have used concerns about a test and trace system as one of its main reasons for advising schools not to open as per the government’s advice, saying that a track and trace system was not ‘properly in place’:
Four unions issued a joint statement saying:
“The government has confirmed it will proceed with opening primary schools to children in nursery, reception, year 1 and year 6 on Monday 1 June even though its own scientists have not modelled the proposal and average numbers of new daily cases are still high – and despite the ‘track and trace’ system not being properly in place.”
Cllr John Allcock, the Chair of Children, Young People and Skills Committee said:
“In particular we are not confident that the test around effective testing and tracing is currently met given the very recent introduction of the government’s Test and Trace programme especially in a city with a high visitor footfall such as ours.”
However at the Daily Briefing on 1 June, the National Coordinator of the UK Coronavirus (COVID-19) Testing Programme, Professor John Newton, said that the test and trace system was indeed up and running with 25,000 contact tracers employed including 7,500 clinicians, with the system working well with significant spare capacity.
Labour is increasing inequality in Brighton and Hove schools
The basis of Labour’s claims for keeping Brighton & Hove schools closed is increasingly looking shaky and misleading.
And while Labour bristles at any mention of the impact of its decisions on inequality, there is no doubt that this gap is widening as a direct result of its actions. With many private schools operating and functioning, it is the children in the 64 out of 65 schools in the state sector that are being denied education. And with the vast majority of schools in neighbouring counties of East Sussex and West Sussex reopening according to the Government’s advice, Labour has put our schoolchildren in Brighton and Hove at a regional disadvantage as well.
Labour needs to urgently advise what plan it has in place to reopen schools as every day it doesn’t have one, inequality will rise. In Brighton & Hove it is the Conservatives that are standing up for education, and a failing Momentum-run council that is increasing inequality.


conservativehome--2020-06-05--Keir Starmer: For all his “forensic brilliance”, the Labour leader’s chances at the next election ar

Keir Starmer: For all his “forensic brilliance”, the Labour leader’s chances at the next election are overhyped

After years of Jeremy Corbyn in charge , culminating in his abysmal performance at the 2019 election , Keir Starmer ’ s appointment as Labour leader was greeted with a national sigh of relief .
Anything ’ s got to be better than a man who seems mentally stuck in a 70s student union , after all .
Starmer ’ s performance at his first PMQs against Dominic Raab wasn ’ t only an improvement , it dazzled the media .
The Evening Standard fawned over “ the quietly terrifying force of a skilled former Chief Prosecutor assembling all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ piece to the accused ” .
Laura Kuenssberg , the BBC ’ s Political Editor , seemed equally impressed with his legal qualifications , describing his second PMQs with Johnson as a battle between the “ lawyer and the showman ” .
His forensic manner has been consistently portrayed as kryptonite to Johnson ’ s charisma .
Should the Conservatives be worried about Starmer ?
The Tories ’ popularity has certainly been fragile recently , due to the row over Dominic Cummings .
In the week leading to May 26 , Conservatives saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to six points , according to a YouGov poll .
At the same time , an Ipsos MORI poll today suggests that Starmer is ahead of Johnson for “ net favourability ” .
Ben Page , Chief Executive of the organisation , has said this is important as it can be a “ good longer term predictor ” – a statement that could concern Conservatives , as to whether the Labour leader is a credible future risk .
While it ’ s too early to say what the world will look like , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will contain , at the next election , a Conservative source tells me that Starmer ’ s key strength is patience , adding that he “ puts in the work ” and “ is building a case ” to win back voters lost in the last election .
One of the ways Starmer has tried to enamour disenfranchised parts of the electorate is through sticking up for patriotism , telling people from Bury : “ I ’ m really proud of my country and I wouldn ’ t be leader of the Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This was a far cry from anything Corbyn has said , as was Starmer ’ s move to launch an inquiry into antisemitism days into his appointment as Labour leader , for which he received praise from Jewish leaders .
He apologised for the party ’ s mistakes , and admitted that “ we have failed the Jewish community on antisemitism.
” There ’ s no doubt that Starmer has moved the Labour Party in a healthier direction ( not exactly difficult after Corbyn ) .
But the question remains as to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get Labour a majority ; does he have the gravitas , imagination and empathy in order to win back the red wall ?
Or is he simply someone being overhyped by a media that repeatedly gets election results wrong ?
One suspects the latter .
The reality is that Starmer still has massive problems with widespread appeal , the first of which can be ascertained from looking at YouGov ’ s analysis of why people didn ’ t vote for Labour in the last election .
Corbyn/ leadership is singled out as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follows .
Starmer ’ s advocacy of the party ’ s disastrous second referendum policy is a terrible legacy , which many MPs were punished for by losing their seats .
As the MP for Holborn and St Pancras , in Remain-voting London , Starmer clung on .
But it will leave serious trust issues across the UK .
When Starmer later said , for example , that he ’ s “ really proud ” of his country , it begs the question : why , if he is so patriotic , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And why did his party attempt to overwrite the democratic mandate of 17.4 million Britons ?
The words come across as a cynical charm offensive .
Labour has , of course , been plagued by other problems over the last decade , such as identity politics , incredibly expensive manifesto pledges and MPs who ’ ve said they won ’ t be friends with Tories .
In general , it ’ s its holier-than-thou attitude , while some of its MPs have called Tories “ hard right ” and tried to stop Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Starmer has not been inflammatory , he should do more to bring the nation together .
At the very least , he needs to control members of his party who increase political divisions .
Take Emily Thornberry , who recently Tweeted support of Dominic Cummings being hounded in her constituency , South Islington , by his neighbours .
This was totally unacceptable ; the sort of behaviour that can encourage violence .
Labour needs a leader who cautions MPs for posting such a thing , and who has the moral backbone to condemn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their convictions ( you can criticise Cumming ’ s actions and the mob ) .
Instead , he boasted that he would have sacked Cummings by now , playing to the Twitter crowd .
Ultimately , though , Starmer may simply have a personality issue in an age where people want clearer messaging from MPs .
There is a reason why “ Get Brexit done ” became the winning mantra of 2019 ’ s election .
Voters are essentially jaded with the obfuscation and cryptic language seen through the Brexit wars , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patriotism ” , and want straightforwardness in a leader .
A lawyer may be able to outmanoeuvre Johnson from time to time , but not the legacy left by Labour over the last decade .
Forensic brilliance will only take Starmer so far .

After years of Jeremy Corbyn in charge, culminating in his abysmal performance at the 2019 election, Keir Starmer’s appointment as Labour leader was greeted with a national sigh of relief. Anything’s got to be better than a man who seems mentally stuck in a 70s student union, after all.
Starmer’s performance at his first PMQs against Dominic Raab wasn’t only an improvement, it dazzled the media. The Evening Standard fawned over “the quietly terrifying force of a skilled former Chief Prosecutor assembling all the evidence and nailing it piece by damning piece to the accused”.
Laura Kuenssberg, the BBC’s Political Editor, seemed equally impressed with his legal qualifications, describing his second PMQs with Johnson as a battle between the “lawyer and the showman”. His forensic manner has been consistently portrayed as kryptonite to Johnson’s charisma.
Should the Conservatives be worried about Starmer? The Tories’ popularity has certainly been fragile recently, due to the row over Dominic Cummings. In the week leading to May 26, Conservatives saw their lead over Labour drop from 15 to six points, according to a YouGov poll.
At the same time, an Ipsos MORI poll today suggests that Starmer is ahead of Johnson for “net favourability”. Ben Page, Chief Executive of the organisation, has said this is important as it can be a “good longer term predictor” – a statement that could concern Conservatives, as to whether the Labour leader is a credible future risk.
While it’s too early to say what the world will look like, or indeed what Labour’s manifesto will contain, at the next election, a Conservative source tells me that Starmer’s key strength is patience, adding that he “puts in the work” and “is building a case” to win back voters lost in the last election.
One of the ways Starmer has tried to enamour disenfranchised parts of the electorate is through sticking up for patriotism, telling people from Bury: “I’m really proud of my country and I wouldn’t be leader of the Labour if I wasn’t patriotic”.
This was a far cry from anything Corbyn has said, as was Starmer’s move to launch an inquiry into antisemitism days into his appointment as Labour leader, for which he received praise from Jewish leaders. He apologised for the party’s mistakes, and admitted that “we have failed the Jewish community on antisemitism.”
There’s no doubt that Starmer has moved the Labour Party in a healthier direction (not exactly difficult after Corbyn). But the question remains as to whether he really is the right person to get Labour a majority; does he have the gravitas, imagination and empathy in order to win back the red wall? Or is he simply someone being overhyped by a media that repeatedly gets election results wrong?
One suspects the latter. The reality is that Starmer still has massive problems with widespread appeal, the first of which can be ascertained from looking at YouGov’s analysis of why people didn’t vote for Labour in the last election. Corbyn/ leadership is singled out as the main reason, but Brexit closely follows. Starmer’s advocacy of the party’s disastrous second referendum policy is a terrible legacy, which many MPs were punished for by losing their seats.
As the MP for Holborn and St Pancras, in Remain-voting London, Starmer clung on. But it will leave serious trust issues across the UK. When Starmer later said, for example, that he’s “really proud” of his country, it begs the question: why, if he is so patriotic, he did not stick up for Brexit? And why did his party attempt to overwrite the democratic mandate of 17.4 million Britons? The words come across as a cynical charm offensive.
Labour has, of course, been plagued by other problems over the last decade, such as identity politics, incredibly expensive manifesto pledges and MPs who’ve said they won’t be friends with Tories. In general, it’s its holier-than-thou attitude, while some of its MPs have called Tories “hard right” and tried to stop Brexit, that has repelled voters.
Although Starmer has not been inflammatory, he should do more to bring the nation together. At the very least, he needs to control members of his party who increase political divisions. Take Emily Thornberry, who recently Tweeted support of Dominic Cummings being hounded in her constituency, South Islington, by his neighbours.
This was totally unacceptable; the sort of behaviour that can encourage violence. Labour needs a leader who cautions MPs for posting such a thing, and who has the moral backbone to condemn the situation – while staying true to their convictions (you can criticise Cumming’s actions and the mob). Instead, he boasted that he would have sacked Cummings by now, playing to the Twitter crowd.
Ultimately, though, Starmer may simply have a personality issue in an age where people want clearer messaging from MPs. There is a reason why “Get Brexit done” became the winning mantra of 2019’s election. Voters are essentially jaded with the obfuscation and cryptic language seen through the Brexit wars, such as Rebecca Long-Bailey’s “progressive patriotism”, and want straightforwardness in a leader.
A lawyer may be able to outmanoeuvre Johnson from time to time, but not the legacy left by Labour over the last decade. Forensic brilliance will only take Starmer so far.


conservativehome--2020-06-06--Johnson falls 20 points to his lowest-ever Prime Ministerial score in our latest Cabinet League Tabl

Johnson falls 20 points to his lowest-ever Prime Ministerial score in our latest Cabinet League Table

After another month compounded by Covid-19 , including the furious row over Dominic Cummings , there has been a sense that the Government has lost the ‘ rally round the flag ’ effect .
What does our League Table tell us ?
In summary , scores are down , and some individuals have seen particularly sharp falls in their month-on-month support , but overall numbers are still pretty healthy – we don ’ t see anyone with a negative score .
• It ’ s a steep slide for the Prime Minister , who sees his net positive ranking slide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and loses his place on the podium .
This beats his previous low score as Prime Minister , from September , by six points .
• The Chancellor appears to have escaped the general deflation in the Cabinet ’ s ranking , posting another score north of 90 per cent approval .
• His score is down by only five points , which sees him overtake Johnson to take the silver-medal position in our rankings .
• The Foreign Secretary ’ s score is down ten points , but the Prime Minister ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top three .
Does this reflect members ’ views of his handling of Hong Kong ?
• Last month , the Home Secretary was in seventh place .
This month , after a 12-point fall in her score , she ’ s in 14th position .
Is the row over quarantine a factor ?
• The Health Secretary ’ s score falls by a similar amount , 13 points , but he manages to hold on to his position in fifth place .
• Amongst the minority of respondents who have a view @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approval has halved from +23 to +11 .
His colleagues are reportedly angry at his handling of the Cummings row .

After another month compounded by Covid-19, including the furious row over Dominic Cummings, there has been a sense that the Government has lost the ‘rally round the flag’ effect. What does our League Table tell us?
In summary, scores are down, and some individuals have seen particularly sharp falls in their month-on-month support, but overall numbers are still pretty healthy – we don’t see anyone with a negative score.


Coronavirus Count

Total number of lab-confirmed UK cases : 283,311 ( Up from 281,661 ) .
Total number of COVID-19 associated UK deaths : 40,261 ( Up from 39,904 ) .
Daily number of lab-confirmed UK cases : 1,650 ( Down from 1,805 ) .
Daily number of COVID-19 associated UK deaths : 357 ( Up from 176 ) .
From the Government ’ s website Number of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases and risk in the UK .
DAILY NUMBER OF COVID-19 ASSOCIATED DEATHS BY DATE REPORTED From the Government ’ s website Number of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk to the UK has been raised to high ” – From the Government ’ s website Number of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases and risk in the UK .
OUR PLAN TO REBUILD : THE UK GOVERNMENT ’ S COVID-19 RECOVERY STRATEGY See here .
New as of Monday May 11 .
See here .
New as of Tuesday June 2 .
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE ON SHIELDING AND PROTECTING PEOPLE WHO ARE CLINICALLY EXTREMELY VULNERABLE FROM COVID-19 See here .
New as of Tuesday June 2 .
See here .
New as of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LANDLORDS , TENANTS AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES NEW See here .
Published on Saturday March 28 .
HOW TO AVOID CATCHING OR SPREADING CORONAVIRUS • Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds .
• Always wash your hands when you get home or into work .
• Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available .
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve ( not your hands ) when you cough or sneeze .
• Put used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wash your hands afterwards .
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell .
The symptoms of coronavirus are : However , these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness .
The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common , such as cold and flu .
NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do .
Use this service if : • You think you might have coronavirus .
• In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been to a country or area with a high risk of coronavirus – see the coronavirus advice for travellers .
• You ’ ve been in close contact with someone with coronavirus .
• In Scotland call your GP or NHS 24 on 111 out of hours .
• In Wales call 111 ( if available in your area ) or 0845 46 47 .
• Do not go to a GP surgery , pharmacy or hospital .
• What the coronavirus is , how it ’ s spread and how to avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Stay at home advice and how to manage self-isolation .
( All information taken from Government sources .
Updated as of 19.50 on Friday June 5 . )