conservativehome--2020-04-15--Lord Ashcroft: Trump stands a better chance of re-election in November than you may think

Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC is an international businessman , philanthropist , author and pollster .
For information on his work , visit www.lordashcroft.com .
The Coronavirus has changed the world , at least for the time being .
But how much has it changed politics ?
It would take a brave soul to make any kind of projection about the long-term effects of the times we are living through .
But my latest polling in the US , collected in my new report The Home Stretch : Campaigning In The Age Of Coronavirus , suggests that the biggest political effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to change people ’ s minds , but to make them feel more strongly about what they think already .
In the red corner , we have Donald Trump ’ s 2016 voters .
They have remained loyal throughout his presidency , and I found nine in ten of them approving his performance to date , most of them doing so strongly .
Almost as many say he has been at least as good a president as they anticipated , with more than half of them saying he had surpassed their expectations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas , especially the economy , national security , immigration and ( despite the impression you might get from Twitter ) America ’ s standing in the world .
They overwhelmingly saw his impeachment as part of a political campaign against him , rather than a serious judicial process in which he had a case to answer .
Asked in my poll to choose from a wide range of positive and negative descriptions , their most frequent selections were “ strong , ” “ up to the job , ” “ determined , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ popular of all , “ leader.
” Nor had their faith been seriously shaken by recent events .
Several of his voters in our focus groups in Michigan and Florida ( conducted online , so as not to put anyone at risk ) admitted that his handling of the crisis left a lot to be desired .
This was particularly true of his sometimes rambling performance at daily press briefings at which , after serious points from scientists and doctors he would “ go off on a tangent about how rich he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a paycheck .
It ’ s not what we really need to hear right now.
” But these supporters also argued that even if the crisis did not exactly show Trump in his best light , he was still the man for the job .
He might be self-indulgent and undiplomatic , they say , or even “ missing the compassion gene ” altogether , but we knew that before we voted for him .
The crisis had not been of his making , and what mattered was getting the country back on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Who do you want there to rebuild the country ?
To me , that ’ s going to be his greatest opportunity to shine.
” Meanwhile in the purple corner , if you will , we have Trump ’ s less fervent 2016 voters , including those who had previously supported Barack Obama or had backed Trump mainly to stop Hillary Clinton .
Though still largely positive , they gave lower approval ratings than Trump voters as a whole , and less generous marks on all policy issues .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that many had begun to tire of the Donald Trump show .
Though they had seen his antics as a price worth paying for the change they expected him to bring about , they were harder to take in the absence , as they saw it , of any real improvement in their own circumstances .
“ Calling people names and throwing out insults gets old after a while , ” as one told us , “ especially if the economy is not good.
” Though he was supposed to have drained the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ everyone except his daughter has quit or got fired .
It ’ s always their fault , never on him.
” For these people , Trump ’ s handling of the Coronavirus was part of this pattern .
“ We had two and a half months to prepare , ” complained one .
“ Instead we were told it was a hoax and no-one took it seriously , and now we have no supplies.
” Even now there seemed to be an absence of leadership : “ Every day they hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You don ’ t know who ’ s in charge , who is the adult in the room.
” Talk of the “ Chinese virus ” hardly helped : “ It ’ s Trump being Trump but it ’ s unnecessary .
His mouth gets him in trouble too often and this is one of those moments.
” In the blue corner , to stretch the metaphor beyond endurance , are the voters who never liked Trump in the first place , and who are predictably scathing about his performance in recent weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should finally expose Trump as the terrible president they believe him to be : “ His initial response was so laissez-faire , it ’ s coming back and biting him in the ass , ” as one neatly summarized .
“ Seeing how he ’ s handling this , it would be crazy to re-elect him.
” But in their hearts , many are not so sure it will turn out this way .
This is partly because they think people may be less inclined to remove a leader during such a time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggling to summon the enthusiasm to get behind Joe Biden , effectively the Democrats ’ nominee-designate since Bernie Sanders suspended his campaign last week .
A number of Michigan primary voters told us he had been only their third choice after younger and more exciting candidates dropped out and the party establishment re-asserted itself , as it had done for Clinton four years earlier .
Though he did not inspire anything like the animosity of his predecessor , he felt every bit as much of a compromise – albeit one they were prepared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for African-American voters we spoke to , who could not bring themselves to vote for Clinton but were resolved to do what it took to deny Trump a second term .
Despite this , few seemed hopeful that it would be their year .
Implicit in their reasoning was that if they could not get excited about their candidate , they could hardly expect anyone else to .
The poll suggested further grounds for such pessimism – the word most often chosen to describe him in our poll was “ elderly , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ describing him as “ not all there.
” Among those who had voted for Sanders in the primary , only seven in ten said they currently intended to turn out and vote for Biden in November .
The incongruity was also evident at a national level – though Biden beat Trump comfortably in our poll , when we asked people who they thought would win , Trump came out on top .
Though the election is less than seven months away , in terms of events it remains distant and much could change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grow and the economic damage will mount .
We can ’ t tell whether , by November , the emergency will have receded , with the accent on recovery and rebuilding , or if Coronavirus will still be the preeminent fact of the day .
In political terms , there is still time for the crisis to turn the tables .
But it hasn ’ t yet .
Lord Ashcroft ’ s full report Home Stretch : Campaigning in the Age of Coronavirus is available at LordAshcroftPolls.com

Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC is an international businessman, philanthropist, author and pollster. For information on his work, visit www.lordashcroft.com.
The Coronavirus has changed the world, at least for the time being. But how much has it changed politics? It would take a brave soul to make any kind of projection about the long-term effects of the times we are living through. But my latest polling in the US, collected in my new report The Home Stretch: Campaigning In The Age Of Coronavirus, suggests that the biggest political effect of the current crisis might not be to change people’s minds, but to make them feel more strongly about what they think already.
In the red corner, we have Donald Trump’s 2016 voters. They have remained loyal throughout his presidency, and I found nine in ten of them approving his performance to date, most of them doing so strongly. Almost as many say he has been at least as good a president as they anticipated, with more than half of them saying he had surpassed their expectations.
They rate him highly on all policy areas, especially the economy, national security, immigration and (despite the impression you might get from Twitter) America’s standing in the world. They overwhelmingly saw his impeachment as part of a political campaign against him, rather than a serious judicial process in which he had a case to answer. Asked in my poll to choose from a wide range of positive and negative descriptions, their most frequent selections were “strong,” “up to the job,” “determined,” “effective” and, most popular of all, “leader.”
Nor had their faith been seriously shaken by recent events. Several of his voters in our focus groups in Michigan and Florida (conducted online, so as not to put anyone at risk) admitted that his handling of the crisis left a lot to be desired. This was particularly true of his sometimes rambling performance at daily press briefings at which, after serious points from scientists and doctors he would “go off on a tangent about how rich he is and how he doesn’t need a paycheck. It’s not what we really need to hear right now.”
But these supporters also argued that even if the crisis did not exactly show Trump in his best light, he was still the man for the job. He might be self-indulgent and undiplomatic, they say, or even “missing the compassion gene” altogether, but we knew that before we voted for him. The crisis had not been of his making, and what mattered was getting the country back on its feet once the emergency was over: “Who do you want there to rebuild the country? To me, that’s going to be his greatest opportunity to shine.”
Meanwhile in the purple corner, if you will, we have Trump’s less fervent 2016 voters, including those who had previously supported Barack Obama or had backed Trump mainly to stop Hillary Clinton. Though still largely positive, they gave lower approval ratings than Trump voters as a whole, and less generous marks on all policy issues.
It was also clear in our focus group discussions that many had begun to tire of the Donald Trump show. Though they had seen his antics as a price worth paying for the change they expected him to bring about, they were harder to take in the absence, as they saw it, of any real improvement in their own circumstances. “Calling people names and throwing out insults gets old after a while,” as one told us, “especially if the economy is not good.” Though he was supposed to have drained the Washington swamp and surrounded himself with experts, “everyone except his daughter has quit or got fired. It’s always their fault, never on him.”
For these people, Trump’s handling of the Coronavirus was part of this pattern. “We had two and a half months to prepare,” complained one. “Instead we were told it was a hoax and no-one took it seriously, and now we have no supplies.” Even now there seemed to be an absence of leadership: “Every day they hand the mic to a different person. You don’t know who’s in charge, who is the adult in the room.” Talk of the “Chinese virus” hardly helped: “It’s Trump being Trump but it’s unnecessary. His mouth gets him in trouble too often and this is one of those moments.”
In the blue corner, to stretch the metaphor beyond endurance, are the voters who never liked Trump in the first place, and who are predictably scathing about his performance in recent weeks. Rationally, they think the crisis should finally expose Trump as the terrible president they believe him to be: “His initial response was so laissez-faire, it’s coming back and biting him in the ass,” as one neatly summarized. “Seeing how he’s handling this, it would be crazy to re-elect him.”
But in their hearts, many are not so sure it will turn out this way. This is partly because they think people may be less inclined to remove a leader during such a time, but also because they themselves are struggling to summon the enthusiasm to get behind Joe Biden, effectively the Democrats’ nominee-designate since Bernie Sanders suspended his campaign last week.
A number of Michigan primary voters told us he had been only their third choice after younger and more exciting candidates dropped out and the party establishment re-asserted itself, as it had done for Clinton four years earlier. Though he did not inspire anything like the animosity of his predecessor, he felt every bit as much of a compromise – albeit one they were prepared to make. This was especially true for African-American voters we spoke to, who could not bring themselves to vote for Clinton but were resolved to do what it took to deny Trump a second term.
Despite this, few seemed hopeful that it would be their year. Implicit in their reasoning was that if they could not get excited about their candidate, they could hardly expect anyone else to. The poll suggested further grounds for such pessimism – the word most often chosen to describe him in our poll was “elderly,” with several undecided voters in our groups describing him as “not all there.”
Among those who had voted for Sanders in the primary, only seven in ten said they currently intended to turn out and vote for Biden in November. The incongruity was also evident at a national level – though Biden beat Trump comfortably in our poll, when we asked people who they thought would win, Trump came out on top.
Though the election is less than seven months away, in terms of events it remains distant and much could change. The numbers affected by Coronavirus will grow and the economic damage will mount. We can’t tell whether, by November, the emergency will have receded, with the accent on recovery and rebuilding, or if Coronavirus will still be the preeminent fact of the day. In political terms, there is still time for the crisis to turn the tables. But it hasn’t yet.
Lord Ashcroft’s full report Home Stretch: Campaigning in the Age of Coronavirus is available at LordAshcroftPolls.com


conservativehome--2020-04-15--Judy Terry: In Suffolk, British reserve is being abandoned to help vulnerable neighbours

Judy Terry is a marketing professional and a former local councillor in Suffolk .
As Suffolk County Council contributed £60,000 to support food banks , Cabinet Member , Paul West said : “ This donation is a small part of the extremely valuable work being done in our communities , helping the most vulnerable in our neighbourhoods.
” With supermarket shelves decimated , shoppers are unable to make their own contributions to food banks ; retailers ’ limits on how many items in any product range can be purchased doesn ’ t appear to be having much of an impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , catfood ( and dogfood ) , fruit and veg , meat and just about anything else is in short supply .
But , I did manage to get a couple of packs of sultanas for my blackbirds , which queue up for them every morning , as well as a pack of 4 tinned tomatoes , two bottles of wine , and a loaf of bread at Tesco earlier this week !
A staff member at another supermarket told me that it is the same people who turn up every day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strip the shelves – but no-one appears to have any authority to stop this selfish behaviour .
Yet could it be part of a gang culture , targeting vulnerable people by offering to do their shopping and overcharging for the privilege ?
National Trading Standards have identified a range of unscrupulous scams in particular arising from the Coronavirus crisis .
It urges members of the public to join together to stamp it out by signing up for an online training course .
It is a growing problem at any time , with 53 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with averages losses of £3,000 , costing the national economy between £5 billion and £10 billion annually , but only five per cent of cases reported to the Police .
Scammers make contact by telephone , email or on the doorstep , with issues of special concern in the current crisis : • Selling virus testing kits ( which are actually only available via the NHS ) • Selling vaccines ( which are not yet available ) • Offering to do shopping or collect medication National Trading Standards warn people to only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that only criminals would try to panic people into parting with their money , and anyone representing a charity would have an identity card .
No-one should ever allow strangers doorstepping them with offers of services ( or building works ) into their homes .
There is a problem with those who value their independence and don ’ t want to bother friends or family , seeking their help and advice at this difficult time ; others may feel isolated , without a support network , so fall victim to such ruses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ interfering by keeping an eye on our neighbours , but it is essential .
A 90-year-old , renowned for her independence , refused any help from a mutual friend living in the same village , who became concerned when she didn ’ t answer phone calls , or emails ( she is very IT efficient ) , nor answer the door , so another neighbour , with a key to the property , was persuaded to use it .
He found her on the floor , having fallen and been unable to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where she remains .
And , yes , a 90-year-old occupying a hospital bed at a time of the pandemic when there are questions about “ sacrificing the old to save the young ” .
Yet , right up to the present , she has been a guide at an important regional museum for more than 20 years – one of the millions of elderly volunteers across the country , who help society to function .
They organise Neighbourhood Watch , fetes , coffee mornings , and litter picks , man libraries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volunteer at The National Trust working in their cafes and gift shops , help at wildlife sanctuaries and protecting rural landscapes , coach youngsters in sport , the Arts and Music , hold Church services , and so much more .
Many are also school governors and about 50 per cent of councillors are retired , bringing years of valuable experience to public services .
Grandparents look after grandchildren whilst their parents are at work .
So , think twice before writing older people off ; without them , communities would be decimated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we must celebrate those who have worked so selflessly to keep us safe and preserve life : not just in the NHS , but right across the public sector and so much of the private sector , with village shops , and pubs , rising to the challenge to deliver food and other essentials across their immediate and wider community .
So , a big thank you to all those who look out for each other , and to the 700,000 plus volunteers who have signed up to support the NHS .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but we are a generous nation and should take pride in doing our best .
Inevitably , there are lessons to be learnt , with a detailed review and planning for responses to similar events in the future , but we should not lose sight of how people from all walks of life came together .
This will be especially important as the economy and people ’ s finances recover .
There is already evidence that major projects are on temporary hold : after eight years ’ consultation , the application for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Suffolk , due to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate at the end of March , has been deferred .
It would provide an estimated 5,000 new jobs , which will be much-needed in the years ahead .
Meanwhile , farmers are concerned about a lack of workers to pick and pack fruit and veg in the coming months if the lockdown continues and Eastern Europeans aren ’ t available .
An opportunity for young people with nothing else to do ?
Not that long ago , they took pride in joining others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few quid during the long summer holiday before starting at , or returning to , university .
Employers want people who can communicate , so this would be part of the learning experience benefiting future careers , as well as helping with college expenses .

Judy Terry is a marketing professional and a former local councillor in Suffolk.
As Suffolk County Council contributed £60,000 to support food banks, Cabinet Member, Paul West said:
“This donation is a small part of the extremely valuable work being done in our communities, helping the most vulnerable in our neighbourhoods.”
With supermarket shelves decimated, shoppers are unable to make their own contributions to food banks; retailers’ limits on how many items in any product range can be purchased doesn’t appear to be having much of an impact: cleaning products, flour, pasta, catfood (and dogfood), fruit and veg, meat and just about anything else is in short supply.
But, I did manage to get a couple of packs of sultanas for my blackbirds, which queue up for them every morning, as well as a pack of 4 tinned tomatoes, two bottles of wine, and a loaf of bread at Tesco earlier this week!
A staff member at another supermarket told me that it is the same people who turn up every day, as the delivery vans unload, to strip the shelves – but no-one appears to have any authority to stop this selfish behaviour.
Yet could it be part of a gang culture, targeting vulnerable people by offering to do their shopping and overcharging for the privilege?
National Trading Standards have identified a range of unscrupulous scams in particular arising from the Coronavirus crisis. It urges members of the public to join together to stamp it out by signing up for an online training course. It is a growing problem at any time, with 53 per cent of the over 65s targeted, with averages losses of £3,000, costing the national economy between £5 billion and £10 billion annually, but only five per cent of cases reported to the Police.
Scammers make contact by telephone, email or on the doorstep, with issues of special concern in the current crisis:
Selling virus testing kits (which are actually only available via the NHS)
Selling vaccines (which are not yet available)
Offering overpriced fake goods, i.e. anti-bacterial products
Offering to do shopping or collect medication
House cleaning
Impersonating charity representatives to gain credibility and, potentially, access.
National Trading Standards warn people to only purchase from a legitimate retailer, saying that only criminals would try to panic people into parting with their money, and anyone representing a charity would have an identity card. No-one should ever allow strangers doorstepping them with offers of services (or building works) into their homes.
There is a problem with those who value their independence and don’t want to bother friends or family, seeking their help and advice at this difficult time; others may feel isolated, without a support network, so fall victim to such ruses.
No-one wants to be thought nosey and interfering by keeping an eye on our neighbours, but it is essential. A 90-year-old, renowned for her independence, refused any help from a mutual friend living in the same village, who became concerned when she didn’t answer phone calls, or emails (she is very IT efficient), nor answer the door, so another neighbour, with a key to the property, was persuaded to use it. He found her on the floor, having fallen and been unable to get up; paramedics took her to hospital, where she remains. And, yes, a 90-year-old occupying a hospital bed at a time of the pandemic when there are questions about “sacrificing the old to save the young”.
Yet, right up to the present, she has been a guide at an important regional museum for more than 20 years – one of the millions of elderly volunteers across the country, who help society to function. They organise Neighbourhood Watch, fetes, coffee mornings, and litter picks, man libraries, food banks and tourism centres, volunteer at The National Trust working in their cafes and gift shops, help at wildlife sanctuaries and protecting rural landscapes, coach youngsters in sport, the Arts and Music, hold Church services, and so much more. Many are also school governors and about 50 per cent of councillors are retired, bringing years of valuable experience to public services. Grandparents look after grandchildren whilst their parents are at work.
So, think twice before writing older people off; without them, communities would be decimated.
When this crisis is over, we must celebrate those who have worked so selflessly to keep us safe and preserve life: not just in the NHS, but right across the public sector and so much of the private sector, with village shops, and pubs, rising to the challenge to deliver food and other essentials across their immediate and wider community.
So, a big thank you to all those who look out for each other, and to the 700,000 plus volunteers who have signed up to support the NHS. The British are known for their reserve, but we are a generous nation and should take pride in doing our best.
Inevitably, there are lessons to be learnt, with a detailed review and planning for responses to similar events in the future, but we should not lose sight of how people from all walks of life came together. This will be especially important as the economy and people’s finances recover.
There is already evidence that major projects are on temporary hold: after eight years’ consultation, the application for the new nuclear development at Sizewell C in Suffolk, due to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate at the end of March, has been deferred. It would provide an estimated 5,000 new jobs, which will be much-needed in the years ahead.
Meanwhile, farmers are concerned about a lack of workers to pick and pack fruit and veg in the coming months if the lockdown continues and Eastern Europeans aren’t available. An opportunity for young people with nothing else to do? Not that long ago, they took pride in joining others from all walks of life to earn a few quid during the long summer holiday before starting at, or returning to, university. Employers want people who can communicate, so this would be part of the learning experience benefiting future careers, as well as helping with college expenses.


conservativehome--2020-04-14--WATCH: “Our plan is the right plan” to keep the economy going, says Chancellor

WATCH : “ Our plan is the right plan ” to keep the economy going , says Chancellor

WATCH LIVE: #coronavirus press conference (14 April 2020).
Speakers:
🔵 @RishiSunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer
🔵 Prof Stephen Powis, NHS England
🔵 Dr Yvonne Doyle, Director for Health Protection and Medical Director
@PHE_uk https://t.co/SLp0bFZkAS
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) April 14, 2020


conservativehome--2020-04-16--Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Protector of the Millennium Awards Trust –

Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Protector of the Millennium Awards Trust – 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 Office of the Complaints Commissioner is headed by the Financial Regulators Complaints Commissioner ( the Commissioner ) who is a statutory appointment required under the Financial Services Act 2012 .
This is a senior position and , whilst the appointment is made by the regulators , it is an independent role , subject to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commissioner carries out his duties through a company limited by guarantee ( Office of the Complaints Commissioner ) from premises based in the City of London .
He is assisted by three staff .
The Commissioner ’ s role is to review independently complaints about the actions or inactions of the UK ’ s current financial services regulators , the Financial Conduct Authority , the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Bank of England ( but only in respect of its oversight of the banking clearing houses and payment schemes ) .
” Remuneration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with judicial salaries , pro-rated as appropriate.
” “ Science , technology and demography are changing the way health care services are provided and this has implications for the education and training of the future workforce .
The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) are predicting worldwide shortages of doctors and nurses .
These developments provide the context for the work of HEE over the next few years .
How do we use finite resources most effectively to ensure that we have the right people in the right place with the right skills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
This is an exciting and fundamentally important task and our purpose is to improve the quality and safety of healthcare through the development , education and training of the current and future workforce.
” “ The Prudential Regulation Committee ( PRC ) governs the Prudential Regulation Authority ( PRA ) which is responsible for the prudential regulation of banks , building societies , other deposit takers , insurance companies and certain investment firms .
Chaired by the Governor , and accountable to Parliament , the PRC takes the most significant and high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for overseeing and holding to account the PRA ’ s strategy and policy making functions , and for setting the levy on regulated firms .
It also adopts the budget of the PRA.The Government is seeking to appoint up to three external members to fill vacancies which arise from retirements in 2020/21 .
These are high profile and influential roles .
Appointees will be independent and will not represent or lobby for individual groups , interests or sectors.
” Time : “ The PRC meets 15 to 20 times a year .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Having celebrated our 156 year anniversary last year , we are looking forward to the challenge of strengthening our role in safeguarding the best natural haven on the east coast of England .
We cover an area across the River Stour , the lower part of the River Orwell , Harwich Harbour and an area seaward extending 12 nautical miles from the harbour entrance .
We provide services for shipping using the commercial ports of Felixstowe , Ipswich , Harwich International , Harwich Navyard and Mistley and also pilot boarding and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medway , Blackwater , Colne and Crouch .
Our vision is to be an exemplary Trust Port offering world class services , working with all stakeholders for a flourishing Haven.
” “ This is an opportunity to take on an intellectually demanding role at the heart of international financial services , leading a sizeable and complex organisation .
There is a requirement for strong leadership in a challenging environment to undertake a critically important role .
Under Andrew Bailey , the FCA has formulated a transformation programme , to equip the organisation for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a data strategy and enhanced analytical skills to rapidly identify harm across an exceptionally broad range of firms of all sizes exploiting fast-moving changes in technology and distribution to target consumers ; enhance employee capabilities and processes to act swiftly on the harms identified ; [ and ] and with a regulatory framework which is appropriate following the completion of EU withdrawal , and which takes advantage of the opportunities for better and more efficient regulation brought by technology and behavioural science.
” “ UnLtd is a registered charity and the sole trustee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
The Millennium Awards Trust was established by the Millennium Commission which founded it with a permanent endowment of £100 million of National Lottery funds .
The MAT is governed by a Trust Deed which defines the framework within which the MAT should operate .
This Deed provides for the appointment of a Protector of the Trust ( the Protector ) who has a fiduciary duty to ensure the integrity of the administration of the Trust and the propriety of its procedures .
The Protector is appointed for a term of three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Digital , Culture , Media and Sport .
We are now looking to identify a suitably qualified individual to succeed the incumbent who is coming to the end of their term .
We are looking to formally appoint a successor in Summer 2020.
” “ This is an exciting opportunity to join the Board of an organisation which keeps Britain moving .
You would be joining the DVSA at an exciting time , with the opportunity to help shape the future of the agency and ensure its continued success .
This will mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organisation to be equipped for a future where technological transformation will significantly influence mobility .
The DVSA is now seeking to appoint two Non-Executive Directors to the Board who will embrace technological disruption , possess an entrepreneurial spirit and have a passion for harnessing the possibilities that digital transformation plays in driving greater customer insight and intimacy .
We seek a Non-Executive Director who will be expected to provide thought leadership in digital transformation and keep abreast of digital transformation trends and innovative approaches to operational excellence , as well as a Non-Executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required to chair the audit and risk committee.
” Time : Up to 36 days per annum .
“ Led by the Non-Executive Chair , the Crown Commercial Service ( CCS ) Board is responsible for the oversight of the operation of CCS , with emphasis on its strategic direction , management control , and corporate governance .
All Non-Executive Board Members are expected to contribute to decisions covering the strategy for the organisation and the overall direction of the business , adding value by offering counsel , advice and challenge .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our Board as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Technology and Digital Transformation Committee to support progression of our transformation journey… To complement our existing Board we are particularly interested in hearing from individuals who bring recent experience in leading large scale digital transformation in either the private or public sector.
” “ As a non-executive director , you will play an active role on the board of SLC , supporting the SLC Executive Team and SLC Chair to deliver the company ’ s portfolio of priorities , overcome challenges and exploit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its customer base , delivery of recommendations from the Tailored Review ( Annex 3 ) and implementation of the Review of Post-18 Education .
A key element of the role will be to work with the board to ensure that the resources and skills available to the Company are commensurate with and focussed on its delivery obligations .
The SLC administers the data underpinning one of Government ’ s major assets : the Student Loan book .
This data supports the sale of tranches of loans to monetise that asset for the benefit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised to date ) .
There may be other opportunities to realise the value , in the widest sense , of the SLC ’ s data in the future .
”

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.
– – – – – – – – – –
HM Treasury – Financial Regulators Complaints Commissioner
“The Office of the Complaints Commissioner is headed by the Financial Regulators Complaints Commissioner (the Commissioner) who is a statutory appointment required under the Financial Services Act 2012. This is a senior position and, whilst the appointment is made by the regulators, it is an independent role, subject to approval by HM Treasury. The current Commissioner carries out his duties through a company limited by guarantee (Office of the Complaints Commissioner) from premises based in the City of London. He is assisted by three staff. The Commissioner’s role is to review independently complaints about the actions or inactions of the UK’s current financial services regulators, the Financial Conduct Authority, the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Bank of England (but only in respect of its oversight of the banking clearing houses and payment schemes).”
Time: Est. three days per week.
Remuneration: “Remuneration is on a level with judicial salaries, pro-rated as appropriate.”
Closes: 13 April
– – – – – – – – – –
Health Education England – Non-Executive Director
“Science, technology and demography are changing the way health care services are provided and this has implications for the education and training of the future workforce. The World Health Organisation (WHO) are predicting worldwide shortages of doctors and nurses. These developments provide the context for the work of HEE over the next few years. How do we use finite resources most effectively to ensure that we have the right people in the right place with the right skills and knowledge to respond to these developments? This is an exciting and fundamentally important task and our purpose is to improve the quality and safety of healthcare through the development, education and training of the current and future workforce.”
Time: 2-3 days per month.
Remuneration: £7,883 per annum.
Closes: 14 April
– – – – – – – – – –
HM Treasury – External Member to the Prudential Regulation Committee
“The Prudential Regulation Committee (PRC) governs the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) which is responsible for the prudential regulation of banks, building societies, other deposit takers, insurance companies and certain investment firms. Chaired by the Governor, and accountable to Parliament, the PRC takes the most significant and high impact supervisory decisions. It is responsible for overseeing and holding to account the PRA’s strategy and policy making functions, and for setting the levy on regulated firms. It also adopts the budget of the PRA.The Government is seeking to appoint up to three external members to fill vacancies which arise from retirements in 2020/21. These are high profile and influential roles. Appointees will be independent and will not represent or lobby for individual groups, interests or sectors.”
Time: “The PRC meets 15 to 20 times a year. The nature of the role will require flexibility.”
Remuneration: £108,300 per annum.
Closes: 15 April
– – – – – – – – – –
Harwich Haven Authority – Non-Executive Chair
“Having celebrated our 156 year anniversary last year, we are looking forward to the challenge of strengthening our role in safeguarding the best natural haven on the east coast of England. We cover an area across the River Stour, the lower part of the River Orwell, Harwich Harbour and an area seaward extending 12 nautical miles from the harbour entrance. We provide services for shipping using the commercial ports of Felixstowe, Ipswich, Harwich International, Harwich Navyard and Mistley and also pilot boarding and landing services for the rivers Thames, Medway, Blackwater, Colne and Crouch. Our vision is to be an exemplary Trust Port offering world class services, working with all stakeholders for a flourishing Haven.”
Time: 20 days per annum.
Remuneration: £37,000 per annum.
Closes: 17 April
– – – – – – – – – –
Financial Conduct Authority – Chief Executive
“This is an opportunity to take on an intellectually demanding role at the heart of international financial services, leading a sizeable and complex organisation. There is a requirement for strong leadership in a challenging environment to undertake a critically important role. Under Andrew Bailey, the FCA has formulated a transformation programme, to equip the organisation for the next phase of its development: a data strategy and enhanced analytical skills to rapidly identify harm across an exceptionally broad range of firms of all sizes exploiting fast-moving changes in technology and distribution to target consumers; enhance employee capabilities and processes to act swiftly on the harms identified; [and] and with a regulatory framework which is appropriate following the completion of EU withdrawal, and which takes advantage of the opportunities for better and more efficient regulation brought by technology and behavioural science.”
Time: Full-time.
Remuneration: Competitive.
Closes: 24 April
– – – – – – – – – –
UnLtd – Protector of the Millennium Awards Trust
“UnLtd is a registered charity and the sole trustee of the Millennium Awards Trust (MAT). The Millennium Awards Trust was established by the Millennium Commission which founded it with a permanent endowment of £100 million of National Lottery funds. The MAT is governed by a Trust Deed which defines the framework within which the MAT should operate. This Deed provides for the appointment of a Protector of the Trust (the Protector) who has a fiduciary duty to ensure the integrity of the administration of the Trust and the propriety of its procedures. The Protector is appointed for a term of three years by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. We are now looking to identify a suitably qualified individual to succeed the incumbent who is coming to the end of their term. We are looking to formally appoint a successor in Summer 2020.”
Time: 3-4 hours per quarter.
Remuneration: £5,000 per annum honorarium.
Closes: 24 April
– – – – – – – – – –
Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency – Non-Executive Directors
“This is an exciting opportunity to join the Board of an organisation which keeps Britain moving. You would be joining the DVSA at an exciting time, with the opportunity to help shape the future of the agency and ensure its continued success. This will mean supporting the executive team in developing the organisation to be equipped for a future where technological transformation will significantly influence mobility. The DVSA is now seeking to appoint two Non-Executive Directors to the Board who will embrace technological disruption, possess an entrepreneurial spirit and have a passion for harnessing the possibilities that digital transformation plays in driving greater customer insight and intimacy. We seek a Non-Executive Director who will be expected to provide thought leadership in digital transformation and keep abreast of digital transformation trends and innovative approaches to operational excellence, as well as a Non-Executive Director who will have the necessary skills required to chair the audit and risk committee.”
Time: Up to 36 days per annum.
Remuneration: £15,000.
Closes: 28 April
– – – – – – – – – –
Crown Commercial Service – Non-Executive Directors
“Led by the Non-Executive Chair, the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Board is responsible for the oversight of the operation of CCS, with emphasis on its strategic direction, management control, and corporate governance. All Non-Executive Board Members are expected to contribute to decisions covering the strategy for the organisation and the overall direction of the business, adding value by offering counsel, advice and challenge. We are seeking an exceptional individual to join our Board as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Technology and Digital Transformation Committee to support progression of our transformation journey… To complement our existing Board we are particularly interested in hearing from individuals who bring recent experience in leading large scale digital transformation in either the private or public sector.”
Time: Approx 2-3 days per month.
Remuneration: £15,000 per annum.
Closes: 17 May
– – – – – – – – – –
Student Loans Company Board – Non-Executive Directors
“As a non-executive director, you will play an active role on the board of SLC, supporting the SLC Executive Team and SLC Chair to deliver the company’s portfolio of priorities, overcome challenges and exploit opportunities, including the continued growth of its customer base, delivery of recommendations from the Tailored Review (Annex 3) and implementation of the Review of Post-18 Education. A key element of the role will be to work with the board to ensure that the resources and skills available to the Company are commensurate with and focussed on its delivery obligations. The SLC administers the data underpinning one of Government’s major assets: the Student Loan book. This data supports the sale of tranches of loans to monetise that asset for the benefit of the exchequer and taxpayers (£3.6bn raised to date). There may be other opportunities to realise the value, in the widest sense, of the SLC’s data in the future.”
Time: Two days per month.
Remuneration: £12,000, up to £17,000.
Closes: 19 May


conservativehome--2020-04-16--The longer the lockdown lasts, the bigger Sunak’s bazooka will be

On this site earlier this week , James Frayne wrote that “ public opinion on the economy is a rapidly ticking timebomb ” and that “ if their employers consider themselves to be heading for catastrophe , it suggests that the public will catch up before too long ” .
There must indeed come a point at which , in an imaginary world in which the present lockdown continues indefinitely , voter support for the shutdown ends , and public defiance of it begins – as people come to believe that the cost is no longer worth the gain .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is no conclusive evidence , in the real world we live in , that this point has yet been reached . )
The flight from investment , drawing in of financial horns and laying-off of workers will have set in during early March .
The second of the May bank holidays falls on May 25th .
The period coming after it will mark roughly three months since the contraction began in earnest , the same timespan as an economic quarter .
There are two main views within government about how to approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the temperature cool , let ’ s depersonalise them , and call them the Health view and the Treasury view .
Now imagine them being put to Boris Johnson .
( ConservativeHome can report that while the Prime Minister may not be working he is certainly texting . )
Health first .
“ Look , Prime Minister , we mustn ’ t let defeat be snatched from the jaws of victory .
Our solid win from this calamity is that the NHS hasn ’ t collapsed .
We need more time to build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the second wave that will follow the gradual end of lockdown.
” “ Furthermore , look at the polls .
We ’ re riding high .
You are seen to have led from the front simply by having survived the virus yourself .
Other countries who got it earlier are now easing off their own shutdowns .
Let ’ s wait and learn from them what works and what doesn ’ t .
And we couldn ’ t announce any end to the lockdown until the daily death number falls , anyway.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister , maybe the economy will rebound from three months of being effectively closed down – an experience it didn ’ t have even in wartime .
But , frankly , even the OBR ’ s estimate of what happens if there is “ no lasting economic hit ” is alarming .
A 35 per cent GDP fall in the second quarter , unemployment at ten per cent , the largest single-year deficit since the Second World War , debt at over 100 per cent of GDP .
Now translate that into human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and rising demands on the state .
And into political ones .
There won ’ t be an NHS at all without a wider economy to fund it .
And those poll ratings will go south overnight .
We must move by early May at the latest.
” What should the recovering Boris Johnson make of these competing claims ?
It ’ s worth remembering at the start that he is still recuperating , and surely won ’ t be back in action next week , when the Commons returns in virtual form @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dominic Raab taking key decisions in his absence .
But this is very unlikely to happen .
So Parliament is set to see Keir Starmer demand that the Government publish a lockdown exit plan , and Ministers to bite back by suggesting that Labour is putting the NHS at risk by not sticking to the core message of “ stay at home , protect the NHS , save lives ” .
Is that good enough ?
Which route should the Government take – Health ’ s or the Treasury ’ s ?
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to get its lockdown exit plan ready behind the scenes , and there are some signs that this is now happening .
Beyond that , we run up against the limits of our knowledge .
You don ’ t have to believe that Ministers have handled this crisis perfectly , or even well , to concede that the decisions they must make are fiendishly hard .
Knowing what ’ s really happening abroad , getting comparable figures , understanding the virus itself and immunity from it , predicting how the public will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not a science .
The Prime Minister is like a man who must pick out a tune on a broken piano while wearing earplugs .
One of the reasons why politicians seem to be rising in popularity and journalists falling is that much of the media doesn ’ t seem to get this at all .
So this site won ’ t rush in where editors should fear to tread .
But we will ask a question – and then try following a line of thought .
The question is : once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in part , could it really be turned on again , if necessary ?
The line of thought strikes out in a different direction .
The Treasury ’ s furlough scheme is designed to last for three months .
So is the mortgage holiday .
So is the Self-Employed Support Scheme .
Rishi Sunak has made it very clear that all will be extended if necessary .
But you will see from that persistent timeframe that the Treasury has been hoping or expecting or both that the lockdown will wind down from mid-June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t , the Chancellor won ’ t suddenly withdraw life support from the economy .
He will extend the schemes .
And he will risk loans turning into grants , and extending their availability – which is what looks set to happen to the Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme .
In short , the longer the lockdown goes on , the more Sunak will re-deploy his bazooka .
And as one experienced hand pointed out to ConHome yesterday , “ you need a bigger bang each time to get the same effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shutdown to last in full until summer .
But if it did , Britain might well be moving towards Universal Credit as a basic income , and grants to keep businesses alive – for all the Chancellor ’ s insistence that not all will survive .
Gazing at this prospect of even more statism , printing , borrowing and taxes , it ’ s not hard to understand why the Treasury is so agitated .
The newspaper industry is being hit hard – the Jewish Chronicle has closed ; a straw in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it will agitate , with Tory MPs at its side , for subsidies for all if the lockdown doesn ’ t end .
Furthermore , the banks and the Treasury aren ’ t skilled at getting the money out of the door .
The banks have criteria that they like to apply , in ways that their counterparts abroad don ’ t always do , and have a tendency to assume that , at present , its business as usual .
Hence the grinding pace of the rollout of the sister of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referred to – the Business Interruption Loan Scheme .
The Treasury is set up to ensure sound money : its basic institutional bias .
Again , that ’ s fine , indeed essential , in ordinary times , but these are extraordinary ones .
Paying out money isn ’ t what it ’ s trained to do .
Anyone who doubts it should glance back to the nightmarish tale of Gordon Brown ’ s tax credits .
To date , Sunak has been a lucky politician : top of this site ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He is clever , deft and has command , all of which have been on display in what have effectively been three budgets in less than six months .
A dog that the media has given a bad name – Chris Grayling , say – would have been lynched for doing the same .
ConHome is rooting for the Chancellor , but the challenges ahead are unprecedented , even if the economy bounces back .
Our instinct is that he will need a Reaganesque programme of tax cuts , deregulation and borrowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last – but we shall see .

On this site earlier this week, James Frayne wrote that “public opinion on the economy is a rapidly ticking timebomb” and that “if their employers consider themselves to be heading for catastrophe, it suggests that the public will catch up before too long”.
There must indeed come a point at which, in an imaginary world in which the present lockdown continues indefinitely, voter support for the shutdown ends, and public defiance of it begins – as people come to believe that the cost is no longer worth the gain. (It’s worth adding that there is no conclusive evidence, in the real world we live in, that this point has yet been reached.)
The flight from investment, drawing in of financial horns and laying-off of workers will have set in during early March. The second of the May bank holidays falls on May 25th. The period coming after it will mark roughly three months since the contraction began in earnest, the same timespan as an economic quarter.
There are two main views within government about how to approach early June. In order to keep the temperature cool, let’s depersonalise them, and call them the Health view and the Treasury view. Now imagine them being put to Boris Johnson. (ConservativeHome can report that while the Prime Minister may not be working he is certainly texting.)
Health first. “Look, Prime Minister, we mustn’t let defeat be snatched from the jaws of victory. Our solid win from this calamity is that the NHS hasn’t collapsed. We need more time to build it up so that it can cope with the second wave that will follow the gradual end of lockdown.”
“Furthermore, look at the polls. We’re riding high. You are seen to have led from the front simply by having survived the virus yourself. Other countries who got it earlier are now easing off their own shutdowns. Let’s wait and learn from them what works and what doesn’t. And we couldn’t announce any end to the lockdown until the daily death number falls, anyway.”
Now the Treasury. “Prime Minister, maybe the economy will rebound from three months of being effectively closed down – an experience it didn’t have even in wartime. But, frankly, even the OBR’s estimate of what happens if there is “no lasting economic hit” is alarming.
A 35 per cent GDP fall in the second quarter, unemployment at ten per cent, the largest single-year deficit since the Second World War, debt at over 100 per cent of GDP. Now translate that into human terms: lost jobs, ruined businesses and rising demands on the state. And into political ones. There won’t be an NHS at all without a wider economy to fund it. And those poll ratings will go south overnight. We must move by early May at the latest.”
What should the recovering Boris Johnson make of these competing claims? It’s worth remembering at the start that he is still recuperating, and surely won’t be back in action next week, when the Commons returns in virtual form. We’ve no objection to Dominic Raab taking key decisions in his absence. But this is very unlikely to happen.
So Parliament is set to see Keir Starmer demand that the Government publish a lockdown exit plan, and Ministers to bite back by suggesting that Labour is putting the NHS at risk by not sticking to the core message of “stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives”. Is that good enough? Which route should the Government take – Health’s or the Treasury’s? And how fast?
We’ve urged it to get its lockdown exit plan ready behind the scenes, and there are some signs that this is now happening. Beyond that, we run up against the limits of our knowledge. You don’t have to believe that Ministers have handled this crisis perfectly, or even well, to concede that the decisions they must make are fiendishly hard.
Knowing what’s really happening abroad, getting comparable figures, understanding the virus itself and immunity from it, predicting how the public will behave: all this is an art, not a science. The Prime Minister is like a man who must pick out a tune on a broken piano while wearing earplugs. One of the reasons why politicians seem to be rising in popularity and journalists falling is that much of the media doesn’t seem to get this at all.
So this site won’t rush in where editors should fear to tread. But we will ask a question – and then try following a line of thought. The question is: once the lockdown is turned off, even in part, could it really be turned on again, if necessary?
The line of thought strikes out in a different direction. The Treasury’s furlough scheme is designed to last for three months. So is the mortgage holiday. So is the Self-Employed Support Scheme. Rishi Sunak has made it very clear that all will be extended if necessary. But you will see from that persistent timeframe that the Treasury has been hoping or expecting or both that the lockdown will wind down from mid-June at the latest.
If it isn’t, the Chancellor won’t suddenly withdraw life support from the economy. He will extend the schemes. And he will risk loans turning into grants, and extending their availability – which is what looks set to happen to the Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme.
In short, the longer the lockdown goes on, the more Sunak will re-deploy his bazooka. And as one experienced hand pointed out to ConHome yesterday, “you need a bigger bang each time to get the same effect”. We don’t expect the shutdown to last in full until summer. But if it did, Britain might well be moving towards Universal Credit as a basic income, and grants to keep businesses alive – for all the Chancellor’s insistence that not all will survive.
Gazing at this prospect of even more statism, printing, borrowing and taxes, it’s not hard to understand why the Treasury is so agitated. The newspaper industry is being hit hard – the Jewish Chronicle has closed; a straw in an ill wind for the industry – and it will agitate, with Tory MPs at its side, for subsidies for all if the lockdown doesn’t end.
Furthermore, the banks and the Treasury aren’t skilled at getting the money out of the door. The banks have criteria that they like to apply, in ways that their counterparts abroad don’t always do, and have a tendency to assume that, at present, its business as usual. Hence the grinding pace of the rollout of the sister of the loan scheme we’ve already referred to – the Business Interruption Loan Scheme.
The Treasury is set up to ensure sound money: its basic institutional bias. Again, that’s fine, indeed essential, in ordinary times, but these are extraordinary ones. Paying out money isn’t what it’s trained to do. Anyone who doubts it should glance back to the nightmarish tale of Gordon Brown’s tax credits.
To date, Sunak has been a lucky politician: top of this site’s most recent Cabinet table, no less. He is clever, deft and has command, all of which have been on display in what have effectively been three budgets in less than six months. A dog that the media has given a bad name – Chris Grayling, say – would have been lynched for doing the same.
ConHome is rooting for the Chancellor, but the challenges ahead are unprecedented, even if the economy bounces back. Our instinct is that he will need a Reaganesque programme of tax cuts, deregulation and borrowing, if the markets will wear the last – but we shall see.


Coronavirus Count

UK cumulative total of lab-confirmed cases : 98,476 ( Down from 98,873 ) .
UK cumulative total of COVID-19 associated UK deaths in hospital : 12,868 ( Up from 12,107 ) .
Latest daily number of lab-confirmed UK cases : 4,605 ( Down from 5,252 ) .
Latest daily number of COVID-19 associated UK deaths in hospital : 761 ( Down from 778 ) From the Government ’ s website Number of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases and risk in the UK .
DAILY NUMBER OF COVID-19 ASSOCIATED DEATHS IN HOSPITAL From the Government ’ s website Number of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK .
ConHome note April 14 : Public Health England has changed its presentation of the data to make it clear that the UK cumulative and daily totals of cases are of lab-confirmed figures , and that the cumulative and daily totals of deaths exclude those outside hospitals ( i.e : in care homes ) .
It has also separated out its graph info for cases and deaths .
We will reproduce the daily figures rather than cumulative ones .
“ The risk to the UK has been raised to high ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Number of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases and risk in the UK .
GOVERNMENT RULES ON STAYING AT HOME AND AWAY FROM OTHERS See here .
Published on Monday March 23 .
GUIDANCE : FURTHER BUSINESSES AND PREMISES TO CLOSE See here .
Published on Monday March 23 .
HOW EVERYONE CAN HELP STOP THE CORONAVIRUS ( SOCIAL DISTANCING ) See here .
Republished on Monday March 23 .
STAY AT HOME IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE CORONAVIRUS ( SELF-DISTANCING ) See here .
Republished on Monday March 23 .
See here .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ GUIDANCE FOR WORKERS ON WHAT AND HOW THEY CAN CLAIM See here .
Published on Friday March 20 .
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE FOR LANDLORDS , TENANTS AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES NEW See here .
Published on Saturday March 28 .
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE ON WHAT THE CORONAVIRUS BILL WILL DO See here .
Published on Wednesday March 18 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 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 catching it – Government NHS website overview .
• Stay at home advice and how to manage self-isolation .
( All information taken from Government sources .
Updated as of 7.00 on Thursday April 16th . )

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--2020-04-16--Stephen Booth: The UK and EU should agree a deal this year. The implementation period is the tricky

Stephen Booth: The UK and EU should agree a deal this year. The implementation period is the tricky part.

Stephen Booth is Head of the Britain in the World Project at Policy Exchange .
Brexit may have been relegated from the front pages but it certainly hasn ’ t gone away .
There is increasing speculation that , due to the disruption caused by the Coronavirus crisis , an extension to the transition period beyond the current December 31 deadline is all but inevitable .
An extension can be requested by either side , but the UK Government remains insistent it will not seek one .
Given the uncertainty over how the crisis may play out over the months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Government may change its mind , but this currently appears unlikely for several reasons .
Clearly , the crisis has eaten into a timetable that was already tight .
Understandably , political bandwidth in the UK and across the EU is currently preoccupied by the pandemic and there are logistical challenges , in the absence of face-to-face talks for negotiators to contend with .
Nevertheless , work between UK and European Commission negotiators has continued in the background .
Draft texts have been exchanged , although the UK text has not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and some issues , such as fishing , have been omitted .
The Joint Committee has met to begin discussions on how to implement the provisions of the Withdrawal Agreement , and by far the most complex issue to be worked out is the operation of the Northern Ireland Protocol .
However , the Northern Ireland Protocol is sui generis , distinct from the future trade relationship .
It is not clear that more time is needed , purely to negotiate .
There are real , but relatively few , challenges to reaching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available are well known to both sides .
Provisions to ensure a so-called level-playing field on social and environmental rights , and in particular EU demands that the UK adhere to the EU ’ s legal framework on state aids , is the major sticking point .
However , the issue is not that complicated .
If the EU insists on UK alignment with EU law , it is almost impossible to see how a deal can be reached .
A compromise solution will require commitments based on a neutral legal framework , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The UK has so far resisted dispute settlement on these issues in the EU talks , but has indicated it has no problem with the principle in the context of a trade agreement with the US .
On fishing , the EU ’ s opening bid that the status quo should be maintained clearly isn ’ t viable .
A deal will need to respect the UK ’ s independence to regulate access to quotas but there will continue to be opportunities for EU boats to fish in UK waters .
Both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governance and dispute settlement arrangement to cover the operation of the trade agreement .
The EU wants to refer matters of EU law to the European Court of Justice , but this issue does not arise unless EU law forms the basis of the agreement , and the UK insists that it can not .
The politics of requesting an extension are problematic .
Prolonging the transition period will require a negotiation over further financial contributions and the UK would immediately be in the position of being a demandeur .
Despite the breathing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Withdrawal Agreement Act , which currently precludes an extension request , would be symbolically important .
Government backbenchers would be difficult to placate .
The Withdrawal Agreement states that an extension , for a period of up to two years , must be agreed by July 1 .
Legally , it would be a one-shot deal .
There is no minimum time limit on how long an extension could last , so it could be a matter of only months .
But once agreed , there can be no further extensions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU will be over the first peak of the crisis but no one knows whether or when there might be a second wave – what would be the right length ?
Would three months be enough ?
One solution that has been mooted is a so-called “ flextension ” that would enable a long extension to be cut short once a deal is reached .
However , once a hard deadline is removed , the negotiations are likely to continue to fill the time without conclusion and could easily become a running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the wake of the crisis is business and public sector preparedness to implement and adjust to a new trading relationship , given the strains that Covid-19 is placing on the economy and resources .
There is an argument that disruption to supply chains and trade flows resulting from Brexit will pale in comparison to the shock currently underway , so why not reshape them now ?
More significant is that extending the time to negotiate does not solve the uncertainty facing businesses .
There are some things that businesses and Government will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , until the negotiations conclude businesses will not know exactly what it is they will be required to do , deal or no deal .
We should recognise the reality that negotiating and implementing a new relationship are distinct issues .
If a deal can be reached , the UK and the EU could bake in a genuine implementation period to allow business and the public sector to work together to put in place the systems and processes that will be required under the new regime .
This shouldn ’ t be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreements to be phased in over time , once they have been agreed .
Equally , if there is no deal and UK-EU trade moves to World Trade Organisation terms , the UK and the EU should cooperate on unilateral measures to ease the adjustment .
Certainly , the UK should revisit the wisdom of its decision to place full reciprocal controls on imports from the EU .
The May government sensibly proposed unilateral actions to ease the flow of goods and waive certain procedures to keep goods moving and reduce the burden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be put back in play .
The UK and the EU should aim to conclude a deal this year .
Adjusting to a new relationship was always going to be a challenge and it has been compounded by the current crisis .
Both sides should approach the issue of implementation pragmatically and flexibly .

Stephen Booth is Head of the Britain in the World Project at Policy Exchange.
Brexit may have been relegated from the front pages but it certainly hasn’t gone away.
There is increasing speculation that, due to the disruption caused by the Coronavirus crisis, an extension to the transition period beyond the current December 31 deadline is all but inevitable.
An extension can be requested by either side, but the UK Government remains insistent it will not seek one.
Given the uncertainty over how the crisis may play out over the months ahead, we cannot rule out that the Government may change its mind, but this currently appears unlikely for several reasons.
Clearly, the crisis has eaten into a timetable that was already tight. Understandably, political bandwidth in the UK and across the EU is currently preoccupied by the pandemic and there are logistical challenges, in the absence of face-to-face talks for negotiators to contend with.
Nevertheless, work between UK and European Commission negotiators has continued in the background. Draft texts have been exchanged, although the UK text has not been shared publicly with the member states and some issues, such as fishing, have been omitted.
The Joint Committee has met to begin discussions on how to implement the provisions of the Withdrawal Agreement, and by far the most complex issue to be worked out is the operation of the Northern Ireland Protocol. However, the Northern Ireland Protocol is sui generis, distinct from the future trade relationship.
It is not clear that more time is needed, purely to negotiate. There are real, but relatively few, challenges to reaching a trade agreement, and the options available are well known to both sides.
Provisions to ensure a so-called level-playing field on social and environmental rights, and in particular EU demands that the UK adhere to the EU’s legal framework on state aids, is the major sticking point.
However, the issue is not that complicated. If the EU insists on UK alignment with EU law, it is almost impossible to see how a deal can be reached. A compromise solution will require commitments based on a neutral legal framework, enforced by an independent dispute settlement regime.
The UK has so far resisted dispute settlement on these issues in the EU talks, but has indicated it has no problem with the principle in the context of a trade agreement with the US.
On fishing, the EU’s opening bid that the status quo should be maintained clearly isn’t viable. A deal will need to respect the UK’s independence to regulate access to quotas but there will continue to be opportunities for EU boats to fish in UK waters.
Both sides agree on the need for a governance and dispute settlement arrangement to cover the operation of the trade agreement. The EU wants to refer matters of EU law to the European Court of Justice, but this issue does not arise unless EU law forms the basis of the agreement, and the UK insists that it cannot.
The politics of requesting an extension are problematic. Prolonging the transition period will require a negotiation over further financial contributions and the UK would immediately be in the position of being a demandeur.
Despite the breathing room of a healthy majority, changing the Withdrawal Agreement Act, which currently precludes an extension request, would be symbolically important. Government backbenchers would be difficult to placate.
The Withdrawal Agreement states that an extension, for a period of up to two years, must be agreed by July 1. Legally, it would be a one-shot deal. There is no minimum time limit on how long an extension could last, so it could be a matter of only months. But once agreed, there can be no further extensions.
In June, both the UK and the EU will be over the first peak of the crisis but no one knows whether or when there might be a second wave – what would be the right length? Would three months be enough?
One solution that has been mooted is a so-called “flextension” that would enable a long extension to be cut short once a deal is reached. However, once a hard deadline is removed, the negotiations are likely to continue to fill the time without conclusion and could easily become a running sore.
The most compelling concern raised in the wake of the crisis is business and public sector preparedness to implement and adjust to a new trading relationship, given the strains that Covid-19 is placing on the economy and resources.
There is an argument that disruption to supply chains and trade flows resulting from Brexit will pale in comparison to the shock currently underway, so why not reshape them now? More significant is that extending the time to negotiate does not solve the uncertainty facing businesses.
There are some things that businesses and Government will need to do in any scenario. However, until the negotiations conclude businesses will not know exactly what it is they will be required to do, deal or no deal. We should recognise the reality that negotiating and implementing a new relationship are distinct issues.
If a deal can be reached, the UK and the EU could bake in a genuine implementation period to allow business and the public sector to work together to put in place the systems and processes that will be required under the new regime. This shouldn’t be controversial. It is commonplace for trade agreements to be phased in over time, once they have been agreed.
Equally, if there is no deal and UK-EU trade moves to World Trade Organisation terms, the UK and the EU should cooperate on unilateral measures to ease the adjustment. Certainly, the UK should revisit the wisdom of its decision to place full reciprocal controls on imports from the EU.
The May government sensibly proposed unilateral actions to ease the flow of goods and waive certain procedures to keep goods moving and reduce the burden on traders and infrastructure. These measures could be put back in play.
The UK and the EU should aim to conclude a deal this year. Adjusting to a new relationship was always going to be a challenge and it has been compounded by the current crisis. Both sides should approach the issue of implementation pragmatically and flexibly.


conservativehome--2020-04-16--Meirion Jenkins: Scrutiny for council procurement must be restored as soon as possible

Cllr Meirion Jenkins is the Shadow Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources on Birmingham City Council .
Coronavirus is having a profound effect on local government and , Birmingham , being Europe ’ s largest metropolitan authority , is being impacted more than most .
Much of the discretionary financial support received from the government has been spent on homelessness ( for example , renting the Holiday Inn for the homeless ) , adult social care with a view to unblocking hospital beds , and support for the voluntary services in Birmingham who have responded superbly to the crisis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that special powers taken by the state in this crisis , which may seem reasonable at the time , will erode liberty and accountability .
They , perhaps , will never be let go – or will be used in cases that are not related to the crisis ; this is no less a concern for us as Birmingham ’ s opposition .
For example , the Labour administration is taking powers to itself that short circuit many of the procurement procedures and safeguards .
They were never terribly good at following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since 2015 , the Labour Administration has spent well over £110m on single contractor negotiations which avoid the open competition designed to secure value for money .
There are huge gaps in this data , so the actual figure may be much higher .
It ’ s hard to escape the conclusion that , even before the crisis , the Labour administration had limited oversight of the city ’ s contracts or the robustness of the procurement processes being followed .
We are pressing for sight of any emergency related purchases , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purchases genuinely relate to the crisis and that a particular officer or cabinet member has authorised the relaxation of the rules .
The city recently spent £800,000 on PPE for social workers ; the decision had to be taken quickly to secure the stock and this seems a reasonable use of the special powers .
However , how long will it be before the powers are used outside of their original contemplation to circumvent the procedures for purchasing items only passingly connected to the crisis ?
As an opposition , we are doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains in all cases .
Controversially , Birmingham was due to introduce a tax for driving into the city centre , with Labour having ducked both a referendum or any mention of this in their manifesto .
This has now been delayed as a result of the crisis and we will press for it be abandoned altogether .
At the very least , we will argue for proper procurement procedures to be put in place , contrary to the case up to now , where single supplier negotiations were employed for certain key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ balance its budgets , now with our eighth chief executive and fourth finance director in eight years .
It ’ s probably fair to say that such improvements as have been achieved are now at risk .
We were , it seemed , close to meeting budget , if not the savings plan , before the crisis started .
But monthly reporting to scrutiny will probably cease and the regulatory quarterly reports are too distant when things start going wrong .
In addition , Birmingham is scheduled to hold the Commonwealth Games in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Games is being met 75 per cent by central government and 25 per cent by Birmingham City Council , the athletes ’ village just a few miles north of the city centre is being funded entirely by the council via a rather complex finance scheme which basically involves the council lending its own wholly-owned subsidiary the cash and then getting repaid from the sale of the units – which in turn relies upon the strength of the property market .
However , the very meagre parking allocation on the units ( some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to people other than those who can operate only with public transport into the city centre .
Work has stopped and a timetable that was already very tight is now even more demanding to have the village ready in time .
The crisis is bound to put a further strain on the city ’ s finances and it ’ s far from clear if there will be any impact on the timetable for the Commonwealth Games themselves .
At all times , virus or not , the Conservative Group seeks to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vital role over the last few years in bringing to light so many failings of the Labour administration that the public would otherwise not have known about .
Our aim is always to put the interest of residents first and this is the test of everything that we say and do .
This is true now more than ever .
It ’ s disappointing that Labour councillors have mocked the actions of Conservative councillors , for example when organising food deliveries , but this probably isn ’ t typical of the current relationship @ @ @ @ @

Cllr Meirion Jenkins is the Shadow Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources on Birmingham City Council.
Coronavirus is having a profound effect on local government and, Birmingham, being Europe’s largest metropolitan authority, is being impacted more than most.
Much of the discretionary financial support received from the government has been spent on homelessness (for example, renting the Holiday Inn for the homeless), adult social care with a view to unblocking hospital beds, and support for the voluntary services in Birmingham who have responded superbly to the crisis.
The worry that we all have, is that special powers taken by the state in this crisis, which may seem reasonable at the time, will erode liberty and accountability. They, perhaps, will never be let go – or will be used in cases that are not related to the crisis; this is no less a concern for us as Birmingham’s opposition.
For example, the Labour administration is taking powers to itself that short circuit many of the procurement procedures and safeguards. They were never terribly good at following these during the best of times. Since 2015, the Labour Administration has spent well over £110m on single contractor negotiations which avoid the open competition designed to secure value for money. There are huge gaps in this data, so the actual figure may be much higher. It’s hard to escape the conclusion that, even before the crisis, the Labour administration had limited oversight of the city’s contracts or the robustness of the procurement processes being followed.
We are pressing for sight of any emergency related purchases, so that we can be sure that such purchases genuinely relate to the crisis and that a particular officer or cabinet member has authorised the relaxation of the rules. The city recently spent £800,000 on PPE for social workers; the decision had to be taken quickly to secure the stock and this seems a reasonable use of the special powers. However, how long will it be before the powers are used outside of their original contemplation to circumvent the procedures for purchasing items only passingly connected to the crisis? As an opposition, we are doing all that we can to ensure accountability remains in all cases.
Controversially, Birmingham was due to introduce a tax for driving into the city centre, with Labour having ducked both a referendum or any mention of this in their manifesto. This has now been delayed as a result of the crisis and we will press for it be abandoned altogether. At the very least, we will argue for proper procurement procedures to be put in place, contrary to the case up to now, where single supplier negotiations were employed for certain key services.
The city has struggled to balance its budgets, now with our eighth chief executive and fourth finance director in eight years. It’s probably fair to say that such improvements as have been achieved are now at risk. We were, it seemed, close to meeting budget, if not the savings plan, before the crisis started. But monthly reporting to scrutiny will probably cease and the regulatory quarterly reports are too distant when things start going wrong.
In addition, Birmingham is scheduled to hold the Commonwealth Games in July 2022. Whilst the cost of the Games is being met 75 per cent by central government and 25 per cent by Birmingham City Council, the athletes’ village just a few miles north of the city centre is being funded entirely by the council via a rather complex finance scheme which basically involves the council lending its own wholly-owned subsidiary the cash and then getting repaid from the sale of the units – which in turn relies upon the strength of the property market. However, the very meagre parking allocation on the units (some flats have none) will restrict marketability to people other than those who can operate only with public transport into the city centre. Work has stopped and a timetable that was already very tight is now even more demanding to have the village ready in time. The crisis is bound to put a further strain on the city’s finances and it’s far from clear if there will be any impact on the timetable for the Commonwealth Games themselves.
At all times, virus or not, the Conservative Group seeks to be a responsible opposition and we have played a vital role over the last few years in bringing to light so many failings of the Labour administration that the public would otherwise not have known about. Our aim is always to put the interest of residents first and this is the test of everything that we say and do. This is true now more than ever. It’s disappointing that Labour councillors have mocked the actions of Conservative councillors, for example when organising food deliveries, but this probably isn’t typical of the current relationship between opposition and administration.