thedailyexpress--2020-05-13--UK publishes surprising update on post-Brexit free trade deal with Japan during lockdown

Ms Truss said : `` Japan is one of our largest trading partners and a new trade deal will help to increase trade , boost investment and create more jobs following the economic challenges caused by coronavirus .
`` Both sides are committed to an ambitious timeline to secure a deal that goes even further than the existing agreement especially in digital and data .
`` Negotiations with Japan are an important step in CPTPP ( Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership ) accession , a key UK priority , which will help us diversify our trade and grow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be based on the current EU-Japan free trade agreement ( FTA ) but the Government hopes to secure additional benefits , namely in digital and data .
Among the objectives are ambitions to increase UK GDP and provide new opportunities for businesses .
This is as well as increasing the resilience of British supply chains by diversifying beyond the EU and China .
This comes after the European Union claimed Britain will struggle to sign trade deals around the world before it reaches an agreement with Brussels .
EU trade commissioner Phil Hogan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government ’ s progress in the future relationship talks while considering their own options .
JUST IN : Kate Middleton and Prince William may be self isolating with THIS non-royal He claimed that both the US and South Korea would not sign a trade deal with the UK before a post-Brexit pact with Brussels is complete .
Mr Hogan said : “ All of the partners , I think , have indicated – including South Korea – that they will wait to see the outcome of the Brexit negotiations before they come to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He added : “ I suspect that to be the same with the United States .
“ They will want to see how the issues are that the United Kingdom are dealing with the European Union first because , after all , we have 450 million people in the European Union , and there is about 60 or 70 million people in the United Kingdom .
Corbyn : How ex-Labour leader ’ s tenure sunk to historic low in BBC snub [ LATEST ] Alastair Campbell ’ s ‘ terrible confession ’ to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Deputy Rayner involved in fierce bust up with Kay Burley [ ANALYSIS ] The Government opened trade talks with Washington in the hope of striking a deal that will help both economies “ bounce back ” from the coronavirus crisis .
Britain and the US have agreed to sign off on an “ ambitious ” new arrangements during the first round of virtual negotiations .
Boris Johnson believes a free-trade agreement will be a major boost to the UK after the post-Brexit transition period expires later this year .
International Trade Secretary Liz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ representative , led the start of the talks last week .
Ms Truss said : “ The US is our largest trading partner and increasing transatlantic trade can help our economies bounce back from the economic challenge posed by coronavirus .
“ We want to strike an ambitious deal that opens up new opportunities for our businesses , brings in more investment and creates better jobs for people across the whole of the country .
“ As the Prime Minister has said , the UK is a champion of free trade and this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do business with our friends across the pond.
” Mr Lighthizer added : “ Under the leadership of President Trump , the United States will negotiate an ambitious and high-standard trade agreement with the UK that will strengthen our economies , support good-paying jobs and substantially improve opportunities for trade and investment between our two countries .
”

Brexit: Japan ‘easier’ to strike trade deal with claims Warren
Talks will take place online due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis. Negotiation objectives have been published ahead of online talks. Secretary of State for International Trade Liz Truss has said that both sides are committed to an "ambitious timeline".
Ms Truss said: "Japan is one of our largest trading partners and a new trade deal will help to increase trade, boost investment and create more jobs following the economic challenges caused by coronavirus. "Both sides are committed to an ambitious timeline to secure a deal that goes even further than the existing agreement especially in digital and data. "Negotiations with Japan are an important step in CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) accession, a key UK priority, which will help us diversify our trade and grow the economy." The agreement will be based on the current EU-Japan free trade agreement (FTA) but the Government hopes to secure additional benefits, namely in digital and data.
The UK will seek to strike a post-Brexit free trade deal with Japan
The agreement will be based on the current EU-Japan free trade agreement (FTA) but the Government hopes to secure additional benefits
Among the objectives are ambitions to increase UK GDP and provide new opportunities for businesses. This is as well as increasing the resilience of British supply chains by diversifying beyond the EU and China. This comes after the European Union claimed Britain will struggle to sign trade deals around the world before it reaches an agreement with Brussels. EU trade commissioner Phil Hogan said countries are closely watching the British Government’s progress in the future relationship talks while considering their own options. JUST IN: Kate Middleton and Prince William may be self isolating with THIS non-royal
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Secretary of State for International Trade Liz Truss has said that both sides are committed to an 'ambitious timeline'
He claimed that both the US and South Korea would not sign a trade deal with the UK before a post-Brexit pact with Brussels is complete. Mr Hogan said: “All of the partners, I think, have indicated – including South Korea – that they will wait to see the outcome of the Brexit negotiations before they come to any conclusion about their bilateral agreement.” He added: “I suspect that to be the same with the United States. “They will want to see how the issues are that the United Kingdom are dealing with the European Union first because, after all, we have 450 million people in the European Union, and there is about 60 or 70 million people in the United Kingdom. DON'T MISS Corbyn: How ex-Labour leader’s tenure sunk to historic low in BBC snub [LATEST]
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International Trade Secretary Liz Truss and Robert Lighthizer, US trade representative, led the start of the talks last week
EU trade commissioner Phil Hogan claimed that both the US and South Korea would not sign a trade deal with the UK before a post-Brexit pact with Brussels is complete
The Government opened trade talks with Washington in the hope of striking a deal that will help both economies “bounce back” from the coronavirus crisis. Britain and the US have agreed to sign off on an “ambitious” new arrangements during the first round of virtual negotiations. Boris Johnson believes a free-trade agreement will be a major boost to the UK after the post-Brexit transition period expires later this year. International Trade Secretary Liz Truss and Robert Lighthizer, US trade representative, led the start of the talks last week.
Brexit timeline
Ms Truss said: “The US is our largest trading partner and increasing transatlantic trade can help our economies bounce back from the economic challenge posed by coronavirus. “We want to strike an ambitious deal that opens up new opportunities for our businesses, brings in more investment and creates better jobs for people across the whole of the country. “As the Prime Minister has said, the UK is a champion of free trade and this deal will make it even easier to do business with our friends across the pond.” Mr Lighthizer added: “Under the leadership of President Trump, the United States will negotiate an ambitious and high-standard trade agreement with the UK that will strengthen our economies, support good-paying jobs and substantially improve opportunities for trade and investment between our two countries.”
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Britain and the US have agreed to sign off on an “ambitious” new arrangements during the first round of virtual negotiation


thedailyexpress--2020-05-13--EU blames UK for lack of Brexit deal progress as bloc issues Boris ultimatum – ‘Speed up!’

Nicola Bee , vice president of the European Parliament , has ordered Britain to make quick progress in Brexit discussions or agree to an extension to the transition period .
Britain and the EU are currently in deadlock over the future trading relationship and both sides have until June to decide whether negotiations should be prolonged beyond the December 31 deadline .
This week Boris Johnson ’ s Brexit negotiator David Frost is holding a third round of discussions with the European Commission 's Head of Task Force Michel Barnier , but an agreement is still yet to be reached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice and fishing .
Ms Bee , German MEP for the Free Democratic Party ( FDP ) has called on both sides to negotiate a “ close as possible ” relationship but insisted the onus is on the UK to make a breakthrough .
In an interview with German broadcaster SWR , she said : “ We have to focus all our energy to reach an agreement with the UK that is as close as possible .
“ It doesn ’ t just affect the economy , science , internal security , national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partner and I think the UK will remain in Europe , even if they leave the EU .
“ But the ball is really now in the court of the British .
“ I don ’ t really have any hope anymore that this can still be done in this very short time until the end of the year .
“ So the British really have to speed up now , or request an extension.
” Over the weekend German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas also raised concerns of the impact Brexit would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .
He told German newspaper Augsburger Allgemeine : “ The British government is still refusing to extend the deadline .
READ MORE : Royal Family puts recruitment on hold during coronavirus lockdown '' If it stays that way , we will have to deal with Brexit in addition to the coronavirus at the turn of the year . ''
Following the second round of Brexit talks last month , Mr Barnier firmly pointed the blame towards the UK for the lack of progress and criticised the timetable for negotiations – even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Barnier also reiterated calls for a “ level playing field ” between the UK and the EU .
Mr Barnier said : `` It 's exceptional , never in the history for such important negotiations with any third country , have we been under such time pressure .
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[ EXPLAINER ] Coronavirus symptoms : How to distinguish COVID-19 from a cold [ ANALYSIS ]

Brexit: EU will set ‘three conditions’ for trade deal says expert
Nicola Beer, vice president of the European Parliament, has ordered Britain to make quick progress in Brexit discussions or agree to an extension to the transition period. Britain and the EU are currently in deadlock over the future trading relationship and both sides have until June to decide whether negotiations should be prolonged beyond the December 31 deadline.
This week Boris Johnson’s Brexit negotiator David Frost is holding a third round of discussions with the European Commission's Head of Task Force Michel Barnier, but an agreement is still yet to be reached on core topics such as regulations, justice and fishing. Ms Beer, German MEP for the Free Democratic Party (FDP) has called on both sides to negotiate a “close as possible” relationship but insisted the onus is on the UK to make a breakthrough. In an interview with German broadcaster SWR, she said: “We have to focus all our energy to reach an agreement with the UK that is as close as possible.
The EU has called on the UK to make progress in Brexit talks
David Frost and Michel Barnier are negotiating the future trading relationship
“It doesn’t just affect the economy, science, internal security, national security, they are also a NATO partner and I think the UK will remain in Europe, even if they leave the EU. “But the ball is really now in the court of the British. “I don’t really have any hope anymore that this can still be done in this very short time until the end of the year.
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Michel Barnier has called for a 'level playing field' between the two sides
“So the British really have to speed up now, or request an extension.” Over the weekend German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas also raised concerns of the impact Brexit would have on the nation on top of the coronavirus pandemic. He told German newspaper Augsburger Allgemeine: “The British government is still refusing to extend the deadline. READ MORE: Royal Family puts recruitment on hold during coronavirus lockdown
Boris Johnson has always insisted the UK will not extend the transition period
"If it stays that way, we will have to deal with Brexit in addition to the coronavirus at the turn of the year." Following the second round of Brexit talks last month, Mr Barnier firmly pointed the blame towards the UK for the lack of progress and criticised the timetable for negotiations – even though it was agreed by both sides. Mr Barnier also reiterated calls for a “level playing field” between the UK and the EU. Mr Barnier said: "It's exceptional, never in the history for such important negotiations with any third country, have we been under such time pressure. DON'T MISS Good news for retirement prospects as furlough scheme is extended [INSIGHT]
Holidays: When will tourism restart in popular destinations? [EXPLAINER]
Coronavirus symptoms: How to distinguish COVID-19 from a cold [ANALYSIS]
A timeline of Brexit until January 1, 2021


thedailyexpress--2020-05-12--Andrew Neil savages Lord Sugar in vicious row 'Your show makes people look stupid!'

The war of words on Twitter began when Lord Sugar 's bitter rival Piers Morgan criticised members of the Government not appearing on ITV 's Good Morning Britain to be interviewed .
Mr Morgan was left fuming after Government ministers apparently turned down invitations to explain the UK 's strategy to enter the coronavirus lockdown , accusing Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab - who appeared on rival channels - of being `` spineless '' .
The exit strategy had been outlined by Mr Johnson on Sunday evening in a televised address to the nation , but the Prime Minister was accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The GMB presenter had tweeted : `` I understand you ’ re doing TV interviews tomorrow morning @ DominicRaab but refusing to do @ GMB I didn ’ t have you down as spineless .
`` Why are our viewers not deemed important enough for vital Govt crisis updates ?
Are their lives less worthy to you ? ''
But Lord Sugar , who fronts television show The Apprentice in which he grills budding entrepreneurs , was quick to attack his long-time rival , and replied : `` He is not spineless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GMB to have you with a script to slag them off unfairly ?
One Twitter user responded by telling Lord Sugar that as he does not live in the UK , `` you have no say '' , before accusing the Prime minister and his Government of being `` incompetent '' in their management of the coronavius crisis .
But this infuriated Lord Sugar , who replied : `` Why has Boris proven he is incompetent ?
EXPLAIN .
`` You know someone once told me ( and it 's true ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you start to believe it .
`` Stop listening to @ piersmorgan and @ afneil they are all about themselves . ''
The reference to Mr Neil then saw the veteran journalist come out fighting , defending his opinions of Mr Johnson and launching his own scathing attack against Lord Sugar .
He tweeted : `` Since start of crisis I ’ ve never opined on Johnson being incompetent or competent .
`` Just dealt with facts , a concept to which Wee Shuggie would seem to be a stranger .
`` For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always addressed as 'Lord Sugar ' , to say I ’ m narcissistic takes irony to new level . ''
But Lord Sugar then accused Mr Neil of making people `` look stupid '' when he interviews them , before warning : `` I 'm not intimidated by you ! ''
The Apprentice front man wrote : `` I understand it 's hard for you as someone who likes to grille people and generally try to make them look stupid .
`` So that when someone like me calls you out for what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now you know what it is like .
I am not intimidated by you .
It 's all about you . ''
Mr Neil quickly hit back and denied these accusations , even going onto mock Lord Sugar 's use of grammar and spelling in his last tweet .

Piers Morgan: It’s ‘shameful’ Matt Hancock won’t appear on GMB
The war of words on Twitter began when Lord Sugar's bitter rival Piers Morgan criticised members of the Government not appearing on ITV's Good Morning Britain to be interviewed. Mr Morgan was left fuming after Government ministers apparently turned down invitations to explain the UK's strategy to enter the coronavirus lockdown, accusing Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab - who appeared on rival channels - of being "spineless". The exit strategy had been outlined by Mr Johnson on Sunday evening in a televised address to the nation, but the Prime Minister was accused of being confusing and conveying mixed messages.
The GMB presenter had tweeted: "I understand you’re doing TV interviews tomorrow morning @DominicRaab but refusing to do @GMB I didn’t have you down as spineless. "Why are our viewers not deemed important enough for vital Govt crisis updates? Are their lives less worthy to you?" But Lord Sugar, who fronts television show The Apprentice in which he grills budding entrepreneurs, was quick to attack his long-time rival, and replied: "He is not spineless. "Why would anyone come on @GMB to have you with a script to slag them off unfairly? "Good decision of his."
Andrew Neil reacted furiously to comments made by Lord Alan Sugar
Piers Morgan had lashed out at Dominic Raab for apparently refusing to appear on GMB
One Twitter user responded by telling Lord Sugar that as he does not live in the UK, "you have no say", before accusing the Prime minister and his Government of being "incompetent" in their management of the coronavius crisis. But this infuriated Lord Sugar, who replied: "Why has Boris proven he is incompetent? EXPLAIN. "You know someone once told me (and it's true) if you say something for long enough you start to believe it. "Stop listening to @piersmorgan and @afneil they are all about themselves."
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Andrew Neil lashed out at the comments from Lord Sugar
The reference to Mr Neil then saw the veteran journalist come out fighting, defending his opinions of Mr Johnson and launching his own scathing attack against Lord Sugar. He tweeted: "Since start of crisis I’ve never opined on Johnson being incompetent or competent. "Just dealt with facts, a concept to which Wee Shuggie would seem to be a stranger. "For a man who insists he’s always addressed as 'Lord Sugar', to say I’m narcissistic takes irony to new level."
Lord Sugar accused Andrew Neil of trying to make people look 'stupid' when he interviews them
The veteran journalist hit back at Lord Sugar
But Lord Sugar then accused Mr Neil of making people "look stupid" when he interviews them, before warning: "I'm not intimidated by you!" The Apprentice front man wrote: "I understand it's hard for you as someone who likes to grille people and generally try to make them look stupid. "So that when someone like me calls you out for what you are you take offence. "Now you know what it is like. I am not intimidated by you. It's all about you." Mr Neil quickly hit back and denied these accusations, even going onto mock Lord Sugar's use of grammar and spelling in his last tweet.
The stages taken by the Government to ease the coronavirus lockdown in the UK
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thedailyexpress--2020-05-11--Boris hits back at Kuenssberg and points at France: 'Stay alert IS the right message'

BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg questioned the Prime Minister about his address to the nation , saying he had failed to provide clarity on what exactly is allowed and what is not .
She said many people who had listened to his statement questioned why he had watered down his previous “ stay at home ” message to “ stay alert ” .
Mr Johnson said his latest advice was fitting , given how the pandemic had progressed and said the French Government had struck a similar tone in their advice to the public .
“ For those who think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right message , I think it is absolutely the right message for our country now , ” he said .
He said he was “ interested ” in the fact that France had today opted for “ roughly the same sort of thing as our message ” in their official advice .
He added : “ And I think it ’ s the right way to go.
” The BBC journalist also questioned if Sir Patrick Vallance , the Government ’ s chief scientific adviser , and Professor Chris Whitty , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approved the change in advice from “ stay at home ” to “ stay alert ” .
Prof Whitty refused to confirm if he had reviewed the advice before it was issued .
But he said he and Sir Patrick had been involved in discussions with Ministers at each stage .
She said : “ What do you say to the millions of people watching right now who may well be a bit perplexed by what you ’ re actually trying to say and what they are meant to do ?
” Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made so much progress in combatting the virus and pushing the “ R ” number down – the rate at which the disease is spread .
He said the country had reached the stage where it was ready to made progress in relaxing rules “ very , very cautiously ” .
Sir Patrick said “ science has had input to the whole plan ” and reiterated Mr Johnson ’ s alert system is a crucial part in tracking how fast the virus is spreading .
He said it is “ crucially important ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shift from “ stay at home ” to “ stay alert ” as an excuse to become careless .
He said : “ It ’ s very , very important that this is done slowly and it ’ s done carefully and we don ’ t rush to measures that could push the ‘ R ’ above one .

Boris Johnson says he approves of France's slogan
BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg questioned the Prime Minister about his address to the nation, saying he had failed to provide clarity on what exactly is allowed and what is not. She said many people who had listened to his statement questioned why he had watered down his previous “stay at home” message to “stay alert”. Mr Johnson said his latest advice was fitting, given how the pandemic had progressed and said the French Government had struck a similar tone in their advice to the public.
“For those who think the ‘stay alert’ is not the right message, I think it is absolutely the right message for our country now,” he said. He said he was “interested” in the fact that France had today opted for “roughly the same sort of thing as our message” in their official advice. He added: “And I think it’s the right way to go.”
Boris Johnson said 'stay alert' is the right message to issue to the public
Sir Patrick Vallance warned lockdown measures would be reimposed inf the infection rate soared
The BBC journalist also questioned if Sir Patrick Vallance, the Government’s chief scientific adviser, and Professor Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England, had approved the change in advice from “stay at home” to “stay alert”. Prof Whitty refused to confirm if he had reviewed the advice before it was issued. But he said he and Sir Patrick had been involved in discussions with Ministers at each stage. READ MORE: Coronavirus map LIVE: Boris unveils HUGE lockdown guide
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Prof Whitty, Boris Johnson and Sir Patrick Vallance speak at the press conference
People will now be allowed to meet one person from outside their household
Laura Kuenssberg said many people had been confused about lockdown rules after the PM's statement
She said: “What do you say to the millions of people watching right now who may well be a bit perplexed by what you’re actually trying to say and what they are meant to do?” Mr Johnson responded by saying the UK had made so much progress in combatting the virus and pushing the “R” number down – the rate at which the disease is spread. He said the country had reached the stage where it was ready to made progress in relaxing rules “very, very cautiously”.
UK coronavirus map live
Sir Patrick said “science has had input to the whole plan” and reiterated Mr Johnson’s alert system is a crucial part in tracking how fast the virus is spreading. He said it is “crucially important” that the public did not view the shift from “stay at home” to “stay alert” as an excuse to become careless. He said: “It’s very, very important that this is done slowly and it’s done carefully and we don’t rush to measures that could push the ‘R’ above one.
Two women observe social distancing in a park
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thedailyexpress--2020-05-11--Boris Johnson speech today: Read PM’s Commons speech in full HERE - Transcript

Mr Johnson said : `` Mr Speaker , with permission , I will make a statement about the next steps in our battle against coronavirus , and how we can , with the utmost caution , gradually begin to rebuild our economy and reopen our society .
`` For the last two months , the British people have faced a grave threat with common sense , compassion and unflinching resolve .
`` We have together observed the toughest restrictions on our freedoms in memory , changing our way of life on a scale unimaginable only months ago .
`` All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our NHS and saving lives .
`` Tragically , many families have lost loved ones before their time and we share their grief .
Yet our shared effort has averted a still worse catastrophe , one that could have overwhelmed the NHS and claimed half a million lives .
`` Every day , dedicated doctors , nurses , and social care workers , army medics and more have risked their own lives in the service of others , they have helped to cut the Reproduction rate from between 2.6 and 2.8 in April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The number of COVID-19 patients in hospital has fallen by over a third since Easter Sunday .
`` Our armed forces joined our NHS to build new hospitals on timetables that were telescoped from years to weeks , almost doubling the number of critical care beds , and ensuring that since the end of March , at least a third have always been available .
READ MORE : Rishi Sunak warning : Why Chancellor is poised for 'biggest test' • Jeremy Corbyn savaged for 'pointless ' question - 'Will he not go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find a way forward that preserves our hard won gains , while easing the burden of the lockdown .
`` And I will be candid with the House : this is a supremely difficult balance to strike .
`` There could be no greater mistake than to jeopardise everything we have striven to achieve by proceeding too far and too fast .
`` We will be driven not by hope or economic revival as an end in itself , but by data , and science and public health .
`` And so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today a plan which is conditional and dependent as always on the common sense and observance of the British people , and on continual re-assessment of the data .
`` That picture varies across the regions and Home Nations of the United Kingdom , requiring a flexible response .
Different parts of the UK may need to stay in full lockdown longer but any divergence should only be short-term because as Prime Minister of the UK , I am in no doubt that we must defeat this threat and face the challenge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depend on meeting five essential tests : protecting the NHS , reducing both the daily death toll and the infection rate in a sustained way , ensuring that testing and PPE can meet future demand - a global problem , but one that we must fix , and avoiding a second peak that would overwhelm the NHS .
`` A new UK-wide Joint Biosecurity Centre will measure our progress with a five-stage Covid Alert System , and the combined effect of our measures so far has been to prevent us from reaching Level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen the NHS overwhelmed , and to hold us at Level Four .
`` Thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of the British people by following the social distancing rules , we are now in a position where we can move in stages to where I hope the scientific advice will tell us that we are down to Level Three .
`` But this will only happen if everyone continues to play their part , to stay alert and to follow the rules .
`` We must also deal with the epidemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of the elderly and vulnerable have been lost and while the situation is thankfully improving , there is a vast amount more to be done .
`` And of course we need a world-leading system for testing and tracking and tracing victims and their contacts so I ’ m delighted that Baroness Harding , the chair of NHS Improvement , has agreed to take charge of a programme that will ultimately enable us to test hundreds of thousands of people every day .
`` All this means we have begun our descent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but our journey has reached the most perilous moment where a wrong move could be disastrous .
`` So at this stage , we can go no further than to announce the first careful modifications of our measures , Step 1 in moving towards Covid Alert Level 3 , a shift in emphasis that we can begin this week .
DO N'T MISS Over 70s told to remain at home and avoid contact in lockdown U-turn [ INSIGHT ] Boris Johnson Brexit snub : Matt Hancock 's cryptic swipe at PM exposed [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fuming - Merkel ally lashes out at UK [ ANALYSIS ] '' Anyone who can not work from home should be actively encouraged to go to work .
`` And sectors that are allowed to be open should indeed be open , but subject to social distancing .
`` And to support this , to explain this again , we are publishing guidance for businesses on how to make these workplaces safe .
Covid secure .
`` People who are able to work from home , as we ’ ve continually said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who can not work from home should talk to their employers about returning this week and the difficulties they may or may not have .
`` Anyone with covid symptoms obviously – or in a household where someone else has symptoms – should self-isolate .
`` We want everyone travelling to work to be safe , so people should continue to avoid public transport wherever possible because we must maintain social distancing which will inevitably limit capacity .
`` Instead people should drive or better still walk or cycle .
`` With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would now advise people to wear a cloth face covering in enclosed spaces where social distancing is not always possible , and you are more likely to come in contact with people you do not normally meet .
`` The reason is face coverings can help to protect each other and reduce the spread of the disease , particularly if you have coronavirus like symptoms .
`` But this does not mean – and I must stress this – this does not mean wearing medical face masks , 2R or FFP3 , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
`` We have all lived so far with onerous restrictions Mr Speaker on outdoor spaces and exercise , and this is where my honourable friend interjects as I know he ’ s a keen swimmer and unfortunately we can ’ t do anything for swimming pools but we can do something for lakes and the sea .
and this is where we can go significantly further because there is a lower risk from outdoors than indoors .
`` So from Wednesday there will be no limits on the frequency of outdoor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can now walk , sit and rest in parks , you can play sports and exercise , and you can do all these things with members of your own household , or with one other person from another household , provided you observe social distancing and remain 2 metres apart from them .
`` And I do hope that ’ s clear Mr Speaker .
I ’ m conscious people want to come back and ask questions in more detail and I ’ d be very happy to answer .
`` We shall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who break the rules , starting at £100 but doubling with each infringement up to £3,600 .
`` You can drive as far as you like to reach an outdoor space , subject to the same rules and the laws and guidance of the Devolved Administrations .
`` I am sorry to say however , Mr Speaker , that we shall continue to ask those who are clinically vulnerable – including pregnant women and people over 70 , or those with pre-existing chronic conditions – to take particular care to minimise contact with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we must continue to shield people who are extremely vulnerable .
They should , I am afraid , remain at home and avoid any direct contact with others .
`` I know that easing restrictions for the many will only increase the anguish of those who must remain shielded , so the Government will look at every possible way of supporting the most vulnerable .
`` Mr Speaker , all of our precautions will count for little if our country is re-infected from overseas , so I give notice that we shall introduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requiring 14 days of self-isolation for international arrivals , while respecting our common travel area with Ireland .
`` Every day , we shall monitor our progress , and if we stay on the downward slope , and the R remains below 1 , then – and only then – will it become safe to go further , and move to the second step .
`` This will not happen until 1st June at the earliest , but we may then be in a position to start the phased reopening of shops ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settings , including nurseries and childminders ; to return primary schools in stages , giving priority to the youngest children in reception and year 1 , and those in year 6 preparing for secondary school ; and to enable secondary school pupils facing exams next year to get at least some time with their teachers .
`` Our ambition – and I stress this is conditional Mr Speaker –is for all primary school pupils to return to the classroom for a month before the summer break .
`` To those ends , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen safely .
`` Step two could also include allowing cultural and sporting events behind closed doors for broadcast , which I think would provide a much needed boost to national morale .
`` But nothing can substitute for human contact and so the Government has asked when and how we could safely allow people to expand their household group to include one other household , on a strictly reciprocal basis .
`` Finally , and no earlier than July , we may be able to move to step three – if and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the best scientific advice .
`` We would then aim to reopen some remaining businesses , including potentially hospitality , cinemas and hairdressers as well as places of worship and leisure facilities .
`` And this will depend on maintaining social distancing and new ways of providing services , so we will phase and pilot any re-openings to ensure public safety .
`` And I must be clear again : if the data goes the wrong way , if the Alert Level begins to rise , we will have no hesitation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reintroducing measures – locally , regionally or nationally .
`` Mr Speaker , our struggle against this virus has placed our country under the kind of strain that will be remembered for generations .
`` But so too has the response of the British people , from dedicated shopworkers keeping our supermarkets open , and ingenious teachers finding new ways of inspiring their pupils , to the kindness of millions who have checked on their neighbours , delivered food for the elderly , or raised astonishing amounts for charity .
`` In these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are seeing the indomitable spirit of Britain `` And Mr speaker let me summarise by saying that people should Stay Alert by working from home if you possibly can , by limiting contact with other people , by keeping your distance 2 metres apart where possible - by washing your hands regularly , and if you or anyone in your household has symptoms , you all need to self-isolate .
`` Because if everyone stays alert and follows the rules , we can control the virus , keep the rate of infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down .
`` And this Mr Speaker is how we can continue to save lives , and livelihoods , as we begin to recover from coronavirus , and I commend this statement to the House . ''

Boris Johnson says alert system will detect local flare ups
Boris Johnson first imposed unprecedented coronavirus lockdown measures in Britain on March 23. Eight weeks on and easing the “toughest restrictions” in living memory have begun. The Government’s conditional plan has been unveiled, but what did the PM have to say about these news measures in the House of Commons on Monday?
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Mr Johnson said: "Mr Speaker, with permission, I will make a statement about the next steps in our battle against coronavirus, and how we can, with the utmost caution, gradually begin to rebuild our economy and reopen our society. "For the last two months, the British people have faced a grave threat with common sense, compassion and unflinching resolve. "We have together observed the toughest restrictions on our freedoms in memory, changing our way of life on a scale unimaginable only months ago. "All our efforts have been directed towards protecting our NHS and saving lives. "Tragically, many families have lost loved ones before their time and we share their grief. Yet our shared effort has averted a still worse catastrophe, one that could have overwhelmed the NHS and claimed half a million lives. "Every day, dedicated doctors, nurses, and social care workers, army medics and more have risked their own lives in the service of others, they have helped to cut the Reproduction rate from between 2.6 and 2.8 in April to between 0.5 and 0.9 today. "The number of COVID-19 patients in hospital has fallen by over a third since Easter Sunday. "Our armed forces joined our NHS to build new hospitals on timetables that were telescoped from years to weeks, almost doubling the number of critical care beds, and ensuring that since the end of March, at least a third have always been available. READ MORE: Rishi Sunak warning: Why Chancellor is poised for 'biggest test'
Boris Johnson speech today: What did Boris Johnson say in his speech today?
Boris Johnson speech today: Boris Johnson spoke in the House of Commons on Monday
READ MORE Jeremy Corbyn savaged for 'pointless' question - 'Will he not go away' "Our challenge now is to find a way forward that preserves our hard won gains, while easing the burden of the lockdown. "And I will be candid with the House: this is a supremely difficult balance to strike. "There could be no greater mistake than to jeopardise everything we have striven to achieve by proceeding too far and too fast. "We will be driven not by hope or economic revival as an end in itself, but by data, and science and public health. "And so the Government is submitting to the House today a plan which is conditional and dependent as always on the common sense and observance of the British people, and on continual re-assessment of the data. "That picture varies across the regions and Home Nations of the United Kingdom, requiring a flexible response. Different parts of the UK may need to stay in full lockdown longer but any divergence should only be short-term because as Prime Minister of the UK, I am in no doubt that we must defeat this threat and face the challenge of recovery together. "Our progress will depend on meeting five essential tests: protecting the NHS, reducing both the daily death toll and the infection rate in a sustained way,ensuring that testing and PPE can meet future demand - a global problem, but one that we must fix, and avoiding a second peak that would overwhelm the NHS.
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Boris Johnson speech today: UK stages for easing lockdown
"A new UK-wide Joint Biosecurity Centre will measure our progress with a five-stage Covid Alert System, and the combined effect of our measures so far has been to prevent us from reaching Level Five, a situation that would have seen the NHS overwhelmed, and to hold us at Level Four. "Thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of the British people by following the social distancing rules, we are now in a position where we can move in stages to where I hope the scientific advice will tell us that we are down to Level Three. "But this will only happen if everyone continues to play their part, to stay alert and to follow the rules. "We must also deal with the epidemic in care homes, where a tragic number of the elderly and vulnerable have been lost and while the situation is thankfully improving, there is a vast amount more to be done. "And of course we need a world-leading system for testing and tracking and tracing victims and their contacts so I’m delighted that Baroness Harding, the chair of NHS Improvement, has agreed to take charge of a programme that will ultimately enable us to test hundreds of thousands of people every day. "All this means we have begun our descent from the peak of the epidemic, but our journey has reached the most perilous moment where a wrong move could be disastrous. "So at this stage, we can go no further than to announce the first careful modifications of our measures, Step 1 in moving towards Covid Alert Level 3, a shift in emphasis that we can begin this week. DON'T MISS
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READ MORE ITV Loose Women: Nadia Sawalha shocks panel with Boris rant "Anyone who cannot work from home should be actively encouraged to go to work. "And sectors that are allowed to be open should indeed be open, but subject to social distancing. "These include food production, construction, manufacturing, logistics, distribution, scientific research. "And to support this, to explain this again, we are publishing guidance for businesses on how to make these workplaces safe. Covid secure. "People who are able to work from home, as we’ve continually said, should continue to do so, and people who cannot work from home should talk to their employers about returning this week and the difficulties they may or may not have. "Anyone with covid symptoms obviously – or in a household where someone else has symptoms – should self-isolate. "We want everyone travelling to work to be safe, so people should continue to avoid public transport wherever possible because we must maintain social distancing which will inevitably limit capacity. "Instead people should drive or better still walk or cycle. "With more activity outside our homes, we would now advise people to wear a cloth face covering in enclosed spaces where social distancing is not always possible, and you are more likely to come in contact with people you do not normally meet. "The reason is face coverings can help to protect each other and reduce the spread of the disease, particularly if you have coronavirus like symptoms. "But this does not mean – and I must stress this – this does not mean wearing medical face masks, 2R or FFP3, which must be reserved for people who need them. "We have all lived so far with onerous restrictions Mr Speaker on outdoor spaces and exercise, and this is where my honourable friend interjects as I know he’s a keen swimmer and unfortunately we can’t do anything for swimming pools but we can do something for lakes and the sea. and this is where we can go significantly further because there is a lower risk from outdoors than indoors. "So from Wednesday there will be no limits on the frequency of outdoor exercise people can take. "You can now walk, sit and rest in parks, you can play sports and exercise, and you can do all these things with members of your own household, or with one other person from another household, provided you observe social distancing and remain 2 metres apart from them. "And I do hope that’s clear Mr Speaker. I’m conscious people want to come back and ask questions in more detail and I’d be very happy to answer. "We shall increase the fines for the small minority who break the rules, starting at £100 but doubling with each infringement up to £3,600.
Boris Johnson speech today: The PM said easing lockdown measures is a 'supremely difficult balance to strike'
"You can drive as far as you like to reach an outdoor space, subject to the same rules and the laws and guidance of the Devolved Administrations. "I am sorry to say however, Mr Speaker, that we shall continue to ask those who are clinically vulnerable – including pregnant women and people over 70, or those with pre-existing chronic conditions – to take particular care to minimise contact with those outside their households. "And we must continue to shield people who are extremely vulnerable. They should, I am afraid, remain at home and avoid any direct contact with others. "I know that easing restrictions for the many will only increase the anguish of those who must remain shielded, so the Government will look at every possible way of supporting the most vulnerable. "Mr Speaker, all of our precautions will count for little if our country is re-infected from overseas, so I give notice that we shall introduce new restrictions at the UK border, requiring 14 days of self-isolation for international arrivals, while respecting our common travel area with Ireland. "Every day, we shall monitor our progress, and if we stay on the downward slope, and the R remains below 1, then – and only then – will it become safe to go further, and move to the second step. "This will not happen until 1st June at the earliest, but we may then be in a position to start the phased reopening of shops; to return children to early years’ settings, including nurseries and childminders; to return primary schools in stages, giving priority to the youngest children in reception and year 1, and those in year 6 preparing for secondary school; and to enable secondary school pupils facing exams next year to get at least some time with their teachers. "Our ambition – and I stress this is conditional Mr Speaker –is for all primary school pupils to return to the classroom for a month before the summer break. "To those ends, we are publishing guidance on how schools might reopen safely.


thedailyexpress--2020-05-13--‘You should pay tribute to them!’ Boris shames SNP's Ian Blackford over tracer criticism

The SNP Westminster leader claimed the Prime Minister 's message to the nation to announce the gradual easing of the coronavirus lockdown on Sunday had jeopardised the development of the testing and tracing scheme .
But Boris Johnson hit back : “ On his point about test , track and trace , it ’ s going to be a huge operation for this entire country and I think actually he should pay tribute to the work of all those- the hundreds of thousands of people who are now responsible massively for escalating our test , track and trace operation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtually any other country in Europe .
“ And the rate of acceleration and the rate of increase has been very , very sharp indeed .
“ And we will go up to 200,000 by the end of the month.
” Mr Blackford also asked the Prime Minister if he would accept that the message in Scotland is to `` stay home '' .
He told the Commons : `` Events on Sunday could not have been more disastrous from this Government .
The Prime Minister has made confusion costly .
READ MORE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - 'No cheerleaders' '' Devolved administrations shut out , widespread confusion amongst the public and a total disregard from this Government for workers ' safety .
Many sadly have seen the images of London buses being packed this morning .
`` Will the Prime Minister accept that the clear message in Scotland is 'stay home to protect the NHS to save lives ' ? ''
The Prime Minister replied : `` Indeed the message throughout the country is of course that you should stay at home if you can , unless there 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I must say I do n't accept that characterisation of the co-operation that we 've had across all four nations that ( Mr Blackford ) makes .
`` In my experience , it 's been intense , it 's been going on for days and days and weeks and weeks , and actually I think if you look at the totality of the measures that we 're taking as country , there is much more that unites us than divides us and we will go forward together . ''
A total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after testing positive for coronavirus , up by 61 from 1,912 on Tuesday , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said .
Speaking at First Minister 's Questions at the Scottish Parliament , she announced 13,929 people in Scotland have now tested positive for the virus , a rise of 166 from 13,763 the day before .
As of Tuesday night , 1,534 patients were in hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19 , down 84 from 1,618 the previous day , Ms Sturgeon added , of which 70 are in intensive care , a fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the weekly figures published today by National Records of Scotland because the weekly figures include all deaths where Covid-19 is mentioned on death certificate .
DO N'T MISS : Boris Johnson hits back at Keir Starmer in stern PMQs clash [ VIDEO ] Duncan Smith warns of two 'real nightmares ' UK will have to deal with [ INSIGHT ] Boris Johnson warned economy contraction 'to get worse ' [ ANALYSIS ] Boris Johnson has announced a further £600 million for infection control in care homes .
Opening PMQs in the Commons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` In his speech on Sunday the Prime Minister said we need to rapidly reverse the awful epidemic in our care homes , but earlier this year , and until 12 March , the Government 's own official advice was , and I 'm quoting from it , 'it remains very unlikely that people receiving care in a care home will become infected ' .
`` Yesterday 's ONS figures show that at least 40 percent of all deaths from Covid-19 were in care homes .
Does the Prime Minister accept that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in care homes ? ''
Mr Johnson replied : `` No Mr Speaker it was n't true that the advice said that , and actually we brought the lockdown in care homes ahead of the general lockdown . ''
He added : `` And a huge exercise in testing is going on , a further £600 million I can announce today for infection control in care homes , and yes it is absolutely true that the number of casualties has been too high but I can tell the House , as I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and indeed this week , the number of outbreaks is down and the number of fatalities in care homes is now well down .
”

PMQs: Johnson hits out at Blackford’s virus tracing criticism
The SNP Westminster leader claimed the Prime Minister's message to the nation to announce the gradual easing of the coronavirus lockdown on Sunday had jeopardised the development of the testing and tracing scheme. But Boris Johnson hit back: “On his point about test, track and trace, it’s going to be a huge operation for this entire country and I think actually he should pay tribute to the work of all those- the hundreds of thousands of people who are now responsible massively for escalating our test, track and trace operation.
“We are now testing more than virtually any other country in Europe. “And the rate of acceleration and the rate of increase has been very, very sharp indeed. “And we will go up to 200,000 by the end of the month.” Mr Blackford also asked the Prime Minister if he would accept that the message in Scotland is to "stay home". He told the Commons: "Events on Sunday could not have been more disastrous from this Government. The Prime Minister has made confusion costly. READ MORE: Laura Kuenssberg condemns Boris after PMQs - 'No cheerleaders'
Boris Johnson hits back at Ian Blackford criticism over coronavirus tracing scheme
Boris Johnson claimed the message throughout the country is to stay at home if you can
"Devolved administrations shut out, widespread confusion amongst the public and a total disregard from this Government for workers' safety. Many sadly have seen the images of London buses being packed this morning. "Will the Prime Minister accept that the clear message in Scotland is 'stay home to protect the NHS to save lives'?" The Prime Minister replied: "Indeed the message throughout the country is of course that you should stay at home if you can, unless there's specific circumstances that we've outlined apply. "I must say I don't accept that characterisation of the co-operation that we've had across all four nations that (Mr Blackford) makes. "In my experience, it's been intense, it's been going on for days and days and weeks and weeks, and actually I think if you look at the totality of the measures that we're taking as country, there is much more that unites us than divides us and we will go forward together."
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PMQs: International comparisons are ‘premature’ says Johnson
A total of 1,973 patients have died in Scotland after testing positive for coronavirus, up by 61 from 1,912 on Tuesday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said. Speaking at First Minister's Questions at the Scottish Parliament, she announced 13,929 people in Scotland have now tested positive for the virus, a rise of 166 from 13,763 the day before. As of Tuesday night, 1,534 patients were in hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19, down 84 from 1,618 the previous day, Ms Sturgeon added, of which 70 are in intensive care, a fall of 11. These daily figures differ from the weekly figures published today by National Records of Scotland because the weekly figures include all deaths where Covid-19 is mentioned on death certificate. DON'T MISS:
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thedailyexpress--2020-05-13--PMQs LIVE: 'Contain your impatience!' Boris hits out at Sir Keir over 'missing slide' row

Sir Keir Starmer said : `` Yesterday the overall figures given at the press conference for those that had died from COVID-19 was 32,692 .
Each one a tragedy .
For many weeks the uK has compared the UK number to other countries .
Last week I showed the Prime Minister his own slide , showing the UK now has he highest death total in Europe and second highest in the world .
A version of this slide has been shown at the No10 press conference every day since March 30 .
That 's 7 weeks .
`` Yesterday the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the slide is gone .
Why ? ''
Boris Johnson replied : `` The UK has been going through an unprecedented , once-in-a-century epidemic and he seeks to make comparisons with other countries which I 'm advised are premature because the correct and dial way to make these comparisons will be when we have all the excess death totals for all the relevant countries . ''
`` I 'm not going to try and pretend to the House that the figures when they are finally confirmed are anything but stark and deeply , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell the House is that we are getting those numbers down , the deaths are coming down , the number of hospital admissions are coming down . ''
Finishing his rebuttal of the Labour leader , the Prime Minister said : `` With international comparisons , I 'm afraid he will have to contain his impatience . ''
Describing it as `` politically corrupt , totally bias , and morally bankrupt '' , the Wellingborough MP says : `` Last week the arrogant , incompetent and vindictive Electoral Commission suffered its final humiliation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has investigated and hounded four people from four different Leave organisations making their lives and their families ' lives hell .
`` Last week the police said they were totally innocent and had done nothing wrong .
Prime Minister , for the sake of democracy , will you ensure that , that politically corrupt , totally biased and morally bankrupt quango is abolished ? ''
Mr Johnson replies : `` I hear as ever what he says about the Electoral Commission .
`` I think what I can say is that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I hope that all those who spent so much time and energy and effort drawing attention to their supposed guilt , will now spend as much time and energy and air time drawing attention to their genuine innocence . ''
The Prime Minister has once again reiterated his pledge to test 200,000 people for coronavirus per day by the end of May .
Responding to criticism from Ian Blackford , Mr Johnson defends the Government 's record on testing .
He says : `` We now test more than virtually any other country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been very , very sharp indeed .
We will go up to 200,000 by the end of the month . ''
The Prime Minister added the success of the testing programme was `` vital '' for reducing further lockdown measures in future .
12.25pm update : Lib Dem leader mocked by Johnson for 'attempting to take credit ' from the Chancellor Sir Ed Davey says to the Prime Minister : `` Can I thank the Government for listening to representations from the Liberal Democrats and others to protect jobs by extending the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Prime Minister said he `` admired '' the Lib Dems ' attempt to steal the credit for the scheme sparking laughter in the largely empty Commons - even Mr Davey appeared to half smile as he listened to Mr Johnson 's retort .
Boris Johnson says the message across the whole of the UK was to `` stay at home , if you can '' .
Refusing to get drawn in to a political sparing match about the differences in approach to lockdown between the four nations , the Prime Minister adds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ united us than divides us and we shall go forward together '' .
The SNP 's Westminster leader Ian Blackford accuses the Government 's announcement on a change in lockdown measures on Sunday as `` disastrous '' and accused Mr Johnson of `` confusion '' and having left `` devolved administrations shut out '' .
He says : `` Many have seen the images of London buses packed this morning .
`` Mr Speaker , will the Prime Minister accept the clear message in Scotland is to stay at home , protect the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12.16pm update : PM admits 'much more to do but we are making progress ' Sir Keir Starmer says : `` The Daily Telegraph this week carried the following quote from a cardiologist - 'we discharged known , suspected and unknown cases into care homes which were unprepared with no formal warning that patients were infected , no testing available and no PPE to prevent transmission .
`` We actively ceded this into the very population that as most vulnerable ' .
`` Does the Prime Minister accept that the cardiologist is right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I have the upmost respect for all our medical professionals who are doing an extraordinary job in very difficult circumstances but what I can tell the House is that actually the number of discharges from hospitals into care homes went down in March and April .
`` And we had a system of testing people going into care homes and that testing is now being ramped up . ''
12.14pm update : Johnson tells Starmer to 'contain his impatience ' In response to Sir Keir 's question , Mr Johnson says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through an unprecedented , once-in-a-century epidemic and he seeks to make comparisons with other countries which I 'm advised are premature because the correct and dial way to make these comparisons will be when we have all the excess death totals for all the relevant countries . ''
`` I 'm not going to try and pretend to the House that the figures when they are finally confirmed are anything but stark and deeply , deeply horrifying .
`` What I can tell the House is that we are getting those numbers down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of hospital admissions are coming down . ''
Finishing his rebuttal of the Labour leader , the Prime Minister said : `` With international compassions , I 'm afraid he will have to contain his impatience . ''
12.11pm update : Starmer challenges Johnson on not publishing international comparisons on death tolls Sir Keir says : `` Yesterday the overall figures given at the press conference for those that had died from COVID-19 was 32,692 .
Each one a tragedy .
`` For many weeks the uK has compared the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week I showed the Prime Minister his own slide , showing the UK now has he highest death total in Europe and second highest in the world .
`` A version of this slide has been shown at the No10 press conference every day since March 30 .
That 's 7 weeks .
`` Yesterday the Government stopped publishing the international comparisons and the slide is gone .
Why ? ''
Sir Keir Starmer asks the Government 's view on the 10,000 `` unexplained '' excess deaths in care homes in April .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the average number of deaths in care homes each month .
The last five years the average for April has been just over 8,000 .
`` This year the number of deaths in care homes for April was a staggering 26,000 - that 's three times the average - 18,000 additional deaths this April .
`` Using the Government 's figures only 8,000 are recorded as COVID deaths , that leaves 10,000 additional and unexplained care home deaths this April .
`` Now I know the Government must have looked into this so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government 's views on these unexplained deaths ? ''
Mr Johnson replies to Sir Keir : `` No Mr Speaker it was n't true that the advice said that , and actually we brought the lockdown in care homes ahead of the general lockdown . ''
He adds : `` And a huge exercise in testing is going on , a further £600 million I can announce today for infection control in care homes , and yes it is absolutely true that the number of casualties has been too high but I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Sir Keir ) last week and indeed this week , the number of outbreaks is down and the number of fatalities in care homes is now well down .
The Labour leader opens PMQs by saying : `` In his speech on Sunday the Prime Minister said we need to rapidly reverse the awful epidemic in our care homes , but earlier this year , and until 12 March , the Government 's own official advice was , and I 'm quoting from it , 'it remains very unlikely that people receiving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected ' .
`` Yesterday 's ONS figures show that at least 40 % of all deaths from Covid-19 were in care homes .
Does the Prime Minister accept that the Government was too slow to protect people in care homes ? ''
The Prime Minister also pays tribute to Belly Mujinga , a railway ticket office worker who died with coronavirus after being spat at while on duty .
He says : `` Yesterday this House learnt of the tragic death of Belly Mujinga .
`` The fact that she was abused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` My thoughts , and I 'm sure the thoughts of the whole House , are with her family . ''
12pm update : PM gives update on deaths of health workers and care workers from coronavirus Boris Johnson begins PMQs by announcing 144 health workers and 131 care workers have died from COVID-19 .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has taken his seat in the House of Commons for this week 's Prime Minister 's Questions .
Boris Johnson has yet to arrive .

PMQs: International comparisons are ‘premature’ says Johnson
Sir Keir Starmer said: "Yesterday the overall figures given at the press conference for those that had died from COVID-19 was 32,692. Each one a tragedy. For many weeks the uK has compared the UK number to other countries. Last week I showed the Prime Minister his own slide, showing the UK now has he highest death total in Europe and second highest in the world. A version of this slide has been shown at the No10 press conference every day since March 30. That's 7 weeks.
"Yesterday the Government stopped publishing the international comparisons and the slide is gone. Why?" Boris Johnson replied: "The UK has been going through an unprecedented, once-in-a-century epidemic and he seeks to make comparisons with other countries which I'm advised are premature because the correct and dial way to make these comparisons will be when we have all the excess death totals for all the relevant countries." "I'm not going to try and pretend to the House that the figures when they are finally confirmed are anything but stark and deeply, deeply horrifying. "What I can tell the House is that we are getting those numbers down, the deaths are coming down, the number of hospital admissions are coming down." Finishing his rebuttal of the Labour leader, the Prime Minister said: "With international comparisons, I'm afraid he will have to contain his impatience." FOLLOW EXPRESS.CO.UK FOR LIVE UPDATES FROM PMQS:
PMQs LIVE: Boris Johnson has lashed out at Sir Keir Starmer in the House of Commons
PMQs LIVE: Boris Johnson told Sir Keir to 'contain his impatience'
12.27pm update: Tory MP demands Electoral Commission is scrapped Brexiteer Peter Bone has demanded Boris Johnson scrap the Electoral Commission. Describing it as "politically corrupt, totally bias, and morally bankrupt", the Wellingborough MP says: "Last week the arrogant, incompetent and vindictive Electoral Commission suffered its final humiliation. "For four long years, it has investigated and hounded four people from four different Leave organisations making their lives and their families' lives hell. "Last week the police said they were totally innocent and had done nothing wrong. Prime Minister, for the sake of democracy, will you ensure that, that politically corrupt, totally biased and morally bankrupt quango is abolished?" Mr Johnson replies: "I hear as ever what he says about the Electoral Commission. "I think what I can say is that, insofar as those who were investigated, I hope that all those who spent so much time and energy and effort drawing attention to their supposed guilt, will now spend as much time and energy and air time drawing attention to their genuine innocence." 12.24pm update: Johnson repeats pledge to conduct 200,000 coronavirus tests each day The Prime Minister has once again reiterated his pledge to test 200,000 people for coronavirus per day by the end of May. Responding to criticism from Ian Blackford, Mr Johnson defends the Government's record on testing. He says: "We now test more than virtually any other country in Europe and the rate of increase has been very, very sharp indeed. We will go up to 200,000 by the end of the month." The Prime Minister added the success of the testing programme was "vital" for reducing further lockdown measures in future.
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PMQs LIVE: Sir Keir Starmer challkenged Boris Jhonson on a number of issues around coronavirus
12.25pm update: Lib Dem leader mocked by Johnson for 'attempting to take credit' from the Chancellor Sir Ed Davey says to the Prime Minister: "Can I thank the Government for listening to representations from the Liberal Democrats and others to protect jobs by extending the furlough scheme yesterday." Responding, the Prime Minister said he "admired" the Lib Dems' attempt to steal the credit for the scheme sparking laughter in the largely empty Commons - even Mr Davey appeared to half smile as he listened to Mr Johnson's retort. 12.22pm update: PM hits back at Blackford criticism Boris Johnson says the message across the whole of the UK was to "stay at home, if you can". Refusing to get drawn in to a political sparing match about the differences in approach to lockdown between the four nations, the Prime Minister adds: "There is much more that united us than divides us and we shall go forward together". 12.20pm update: Blackford claims Government's announcement on lifting lockdown restrictions was 'disastrous' The SNP's Westminster leader Ian Blackford accuses the Government's announcement on a change in lockdown measures on Sunday as "disastrous" and accused Mr Johnson of "confusion" and having left "devolved administrations shut out". He says: "Many have seen the images of London buses packed this morning. "Mr Speaker, will the Prime Minister accept the clear message in Scotland is to stay at home, protect the NHS, and save lives?"
PMQs: Johnson tells Starmer care home comments are ‘not true’
12.16pm update: PM admits 'much more to do but we are making progress' Sir Keir Starmer says: "The Daily Telegraph this week carried the following quote from a cardiologist - 'we discharged known, suspected and unknown cases into care homes which were unprepared with no formal warning that patients were infected, no testing available and no PPE to prevent transmission. "We actively ceded this into the very population that as most vulnerable'. "Does the Prime Minister accept that the cardiologist is right about this?" Mr Johnson replies: "I have the upmost respect for all our medical professionals who are doing an extraordinary job in very difficult circumstances but what I can tell the House is that actually the number of discharges from hospitals into care homes went down in March and April. "And we had a system of testing people going into care homes and that testing is now being ramped up." 12.14pm update: Johnson tells Starmer to 'contain his impatience' In response to Sir Keir's question, Mr Johnson says: "The UK has been going through an unprecedented, once-in-a-century epidemic and he seeks to make comparisons with other countries which I'm advised are premature because the correct and dial way to make these comparisons will be when we have all the excess death totals for all the relevant countries." "I'm not going to try and pretend to the House that the figures when they are finally confirmed are anything but stark and deeply, deeply horrifying. "What I can tell the House is that we are getting those numbers down, the deaths are coming down, the number of hospital admissions are coming down." Finishing his rebuttal of the Labour leader, the Prime Minister said: "With international compassions, I'm afraid he will have to contain his impatience."
PMQs LIVE: Ian Blackford claimed Government's announcement on lifting lockdown restrictions was 'disastrous'
12.11pm update: Starmer challenges Johnson on not publishing international comparisons on death tolls Sir Keir says: "Yesterday the overall figures given at the press conference for those that had died from COVID-19 was 32,692. Each one a tragedy. "For many weeks the UK has compared the UK number to other countries. "Last week I showed the Prime Minister his own slide, showing the UK now has he highest death total in Europe and second highest in the world. "A version of this slide has been shown at the No10 press conference every day since March 30. That's 7 weeks. "Yesterday the Government stopped publishing the international comparisons and the slide is gone. Why?" 12.10pm update: Labour leader challenges Johnson on 'unexplained' care home deaths Sir Keir Starmer asks the Government's view on the 10,000 "unexplained" excess deaths in care homes in April. He says: "The ONS records the average number of deaths in care homes each month. The last five years the average for April has been just over 8,000. "This year the number of deaths in care homes for April was a staggering 26,000 - that's three times the average - 18,000 additional deaths this April. "Using the Government's figures only 8,000 are recorded as COVID deaths, that leaves 10,000 additional and unexplained care home deaths this April. "Now I know the Government must have looked into this so can the Prime Minister give us the Government's views on these unexplained deaths?" 12.08pm update: Boris pledges huge investment for care homes Mr Johnson replies to Sir Keir: "No Mr Speaker it wasn't true that the advice said that, and actually we brought the lockdown in care homes ahead of the general lockdown." He adds: "And a huge exercise in testing is going on, a further £600 million I can announce today for infection control in care homes, and yes it is absolutely true that the number of casualties has been too high but I can tell the House, as I told (Sir Keir) last week and indeed this week, the number of outbreaks is down and the number of fatalities in care homes is now well down.
PMQs LIVE: The UK stages of easing the coronavirus lockdown
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thedailyexpress--2020-05-13--Huge post-Brexit trade talks worth £1.5BN about to start with Japan

The government will use the terms of an existing deal struck between Tokyo and Brussels to speed up negotiations but @ @ @ @ @ British businesses .
Clothing and textile producers and financial services are expected to be the @ @ @ @ @ barriers with Scotland , the East Midlands and London set to benefit the most .
@ @ @ @ @ paid for drugs will not be on the table in the discussions and environment , @ @ @ @ @ must be maintained , the government said .
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss will begin @ @ @ @ @ soon .
She said : “ Japan is one of our largest trading partners and @ @ @ @ @ help to increase trade , boost investment and create more jobs following the economic challenges @ @ @ @

The government will use the terms of an existing deal struck between Tokyo and Brussels to speed up negotiations but with extra benefits added for British businesses. Clothing and textile producers and financial services are expected to be the biggest winners of lower trade barriers with Scotland, the East Midlands and London set to benefit the most.
NHS services or the price paid for drugs will not be on the table in the discussions and environment, animal welfare and food standards must be maintained, the government said.
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss will begin negotiations by video will begin soon.
She said: “Japan is one of our largest trading partners and a new trade deal will help to increase trade, boost investment and create more jobs following the economic challenges caused by coronavirus.


thedailyexpress--2020-05-13--EU to push countries to reopen borders as global coronavirus cases pass four million

This comes as global coronavirus cases surpass four million .
More than 200,000 people worldwide are known to have died of the virus .
As a result of the crisis , nearly all travel has been halted in Europe .
Tourism is a major industry across the 27-country bloc .
The halt of travel has been devastating blow for the tourism sector , which normally contributes almost one-tenth of the EU ’ s economic output .
Even within the Schengen area , comprising 26 EU and other European countries , and where frontiers are normally invisible , at least 17 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place to contain the virus .
The executive European Commission will make a slew of non-binding recommendations on Wednesday , Reuters reports .
This is set to include that targeted restrictions replace a general ban on travel , and that internal border checks slowly be lifted as the health situation improves .
The three Baltic states have already decided to reopen borders to each others ’ citizens from May 15 .
This is to create a “ travel bubble ” within the EU as pandemic curbs are eased .
However , even countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures are moving towards imposing a two-week quarantine period for travellers arriving from abroad .
The Commission estimates some 6.4 million jobs could be lost in tourism .
JUST IN : UK publishes surprising update on post-Brexit trade deal They said they needed liquidity support and fiscal relief , as well as other resources to protect jobs .
The Commission is to defy calls from airlines and a group of EU member states led by Germany for the EU to suspend laws guaranteeing travellers a full cash refund for cancelled flights and trips @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airlines and travel companies make vouchers they are offering instead of cash .
Meanwhile , the UK is seeking arrangements for a free trade deal with Japan .
Talks will take place online due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis Negotiation objectives have been published ahead of online talks .
Secretary of State for International Trade Liz Truss has said that both sides are committed to an `` ambitious timeline '' .
Ms Truss said : `` Japan is one of our largest trading partners and a new trade deal will help to increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs following the economic challenges caused by coronavirus .
`` Both sides are committed to an ambitious timeline to secure a deal that goes even further than the existing agreement especially in digital and data .

Coronavirus: Brexit talks may be impacted warns EU chief
This comes as global coronavirus cases surpass four million. More than 200,000 people worldwide are known to have died of the virus. As a result of the crisis, nearly all travel has been halted in Europe. Tourism is a major industry across the 27-country bloc.
The halt of travel has been devastating blow for the tourism sector, which normally contributes almost one-tenth of the EU’s economic output. Even within the Schengen area, comprising 26 EU and other European countries, and where frontiers are normally invisible, at least 17 countries have put emergency border controls in place to contain the virus. The executive European Commission will make a slew of non-binding recommendations on Wednesday, Reuters reports. This is set to include that targeted restrictions replace a general ban on travel, and that internal border checks slowly be lifted as the health situation improves.
The EU executive will recommend on Wednesday that border restrictions be gradually lift
The three Baltic states have already decided to reopen borders to each others’ citizens from May 15
The three Baltic states have already decided to reopen borders to each others’ citizens from May 15. This is to create a “travel bubble” within the EU as pandemic curbs are eased. However, even countries that are cautiously relaxing their strictest lockdown measures are moving towards imposing a two-week quarantine period for travellers arriving from abroad. The Commission estimates some 6.4 million jobs could be lost in tourism. JUST IN: UK publishes surprising update on post-Brexit trade deal
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The executive is also expected to recommend that travel stalled by the coronavirus pandemic will be allowed to restart in order to revive tourism
The halt of travel has been devastating blow for the tourism sector, which normally contributes almost one-tenth of the EU’s economic output
The executive European Commission will make a slew of non-binding recommendations on Wednesday
They said they needed liquidity support and fiscal relief, as well as other resources to protect jobs. The Commission is to defy calls from airlines and a group of EU member states led by Germany for the EU to suspend laws guaranteeing travellers a full cash refund for cancelled flights and trips. It will instead recommend that cash-strapped airlines and travel companies make vouchers they are offering instead of cash. Meanwhile, the UK is seeking arrangements for a free trade deal with Japan.
Brexit timeline
Talks will take place online due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis Negotiation objectives have been published ahead of online talks. Secretary of State for International Trade Liz Truss has said that both sides are committed to an "ambitious timeline". Ms Truss said: "Japan is one of our largest trading partners and a new trade deal will help to increase trade, boost investment and create more jobs following the economic challenges caused by coronavirus. "Both sides are committed to an ambitious timeline to secure a deal that goes even further than the existing agreement especially in digital and data.
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They aim to create a 'travel bubble' within the EU as pandemic curbs are eased


thedailyexpress--2020-05-13--Coronavirus lockdown: Priti Patel pledges to punish the new rule breakers

The concessions are the first tentative steps to getting the country back on its feet .
But the Home Secretary told the public that anyone who fails to play by the rules will be punished with the `` full force of the law '' .
Talking to the Daily Express , she said : `` Police have the powers they need to enforce the rules where necessary - and I fully support them in that .
I am proud that officers continue to use their common sense , discretion and experience to protect us all .
But where people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , large gatherings of friends in the park or having house parties - the police can use their enforcement powers . ''
Those flouting the new rules , or using coronavirus as a weapon to threaten police , will see fines start at £100 , up from £60 .
The new fines can be doubled for each repeat offence , up to £3,200 .
There is concern among rank-and-file officers that a rogue section of the public might view today as an opportunity to live as before .
But Ms Patel said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the small minority who break the rules , we 've increased the starting point for fines to £100 .
`` We are grateful to the overwhelming majority who continue to do the right thing and stick to the rules .
But those who do n't and are frequently putting lives at risk will be punished .
`` So you should not leave your home to go on holiday , stay in a second home , meet more than one person from another household or visit friends and family .
We know that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep this terrible virus under control .
Giving up freedoms that we enjoy in this country has not been easy , and I thank you all . ''
It is almost two months since the people were asked to stay at home .
The lockdown has placed a huge strain on police , who have had to continue as normal while being rounded on and abused .
Ms Patel has promised a zero-tolerance crackdown on those who used the virus to threaten officers .
She said : `` Our brave police officers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pandemic - continuing to put themselves at risk in order to keep us safe .
Some have even had to deal with being coughed and spat at as they do their jobs .
`` This is disgusting behaviour and I 'm determined that anyone who assaults a police officer in this way will feel the full force of the law . ''
John Apter , national chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales , said : `` We have never had to deal with anything like this before , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do all they can to protect and support the public .
We have engaged with people , reassured them and only used enforcement when absolutely necessary .
`` But we have seen some vile and disgusting acts by a minority , weaponising Covid-19 by spitting and coughing at officers .
It is therefore absolutely right and proper that the Home Secretary is clear that those who do so should feel the full weight of the law . ''
Earlier this month , the Express revealed the first of 20,000 new police officers had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joining after the recruitment drive last September .
But latest figures show more than 3,000 have sworn an oath of allegiance .
Ms Patel said it showed the Government was on target to meet its flagship manifesto pledge to recruit an additional 20,000 officers by 2023 .
It brings the total strength of frontline policing in England and Wales to 131,596 after numbers fell by more than 20,000 over the past decade .
The recruits are aged between 22 and 37 , and Ms Patel said they had joined at an `` unprecedented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago she promised to change the law so those who attacked the police were jailed for longer .
She told the Express that punishments dished out to criminals who targeted officers were not yet severe enough .
Work has also started on a Police Covenant - the first contract between the Government and the police .
It is seen as a pledge to heal the historically volatile relationship after years of spending cuts .
Ms Patel said : `` This is about correcting the wrong in terms of the lack of support that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I have got no doubt at all that my predecessors cared fundamentally about their health , wellbeing and welfare , but I think something has given , and this is one of those moments where we just have to stop and do this now . ''
Britain will inevitably face more lockdowns and coronavirus outbreaks if the Government does not introduce a robust strategy to prevent infections , the Independent Sage group of scientists says .
The committee , set up to rival the official Sage ( Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather than suppress the virus would risk the `` rapid return of localised epidemics '' .
In its first report , the group called on health officials to ensure all cases can be tested , and their contacts traced and quarantined .
It is now almost two months since the people of this country began living with restrictions on their freedom .
I know how tough it 's been for people to be separated from their parents and grandparents , their children , their family and friends .

Boris Johnson warns of 'increasing fines' during lockdown
The concessions are the first tentative steps to getting the country back on its feet. But the Home Secretary told the public that anyone who fails to play by the rules will be punished with the "full force of the law". Talking to the Daily Express, she said: "Police have the powers they need to enforce the rules where necessary - and I fully support them in that. I am proud that officers continue to use their common sense, discretion and experience to protect us all. But where people are openly flouting the rules - for example, large gatherings of friends in the park or having house parties - the police can use their enforcement powers."
Those flouting the new rules, or using coronavirus as a weapon to threaten police, will see fines start at £100, up from £60. The new fines can be doubled for each repeat offence, up to £3,200. There is concern among rank-and-file officers that a rogue section of the public might view today as an opportunity to live as before. But Ms Patel said: "To send a clear message to the small minority who break the rules, we've increased the starting point for fines to £100. "We are grateful to the overwhelming majority who continue to do the right thing and stick to the rules. But those who don't and are frequently putting lives at risk will be punished. "So you should not leave your home to go on holiday, stay in a second home, meet more than one person from another household or visit friends and family. We know that this is tough, but we have to keep this terrible virus under control. Giving up freedoms that we enjoy in this country has not been easy, and I thank you all." It is almost two months since the people were asked to stay at home. The lockdown has placed a huge strain on police, who have had to continue as normal while being rounded on and abused.
Home Secretary Priti Patel
John Apter, national chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales
Ms Patel has promised a zero-tolerance crackdown on those who used the virus to threaten officers. She said: "Our brave police officers and staff have responded admirably to the challenges of the pandemic - continuing to put themselves at risk in order to keep us safe. Some have even had to deal with being coughed and spat at as they do their jobs. "This is disgusting behaviour and I'm determined that anyone who assaults a police officer in this way will feel the full force of the law." John Apter, national chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: "We have never had to deal with anything like this before, yet my colleagues have stepped up to do all they can to protect and support the public. We have engaged with people, reassured them and only used enforcement when absolutely necessary. "But we have seen some vile and disgusting acts by a minority, weaponising Covid-19 by spitting and coughing at officers. It is therefore absolutely right and proper that the Home Secretary is clear that those who do so should feel the full weight of the law." Earlier this month, the Express revealed the first of 20,000 new police officers had started work. The Government anticipated 2,000 joining after the recruitment drive last September. But latest figures show more than 3,000 have sworn an oath of allegiance.
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Ms Patel said it showed the Government was on target to meet its flagship manifesto pledge to recruit an additional 20,000 officers by 2023. It brings the total strength of frontline policing in England and Wales to 131,596 after numbers fell by more than 20,000 over the past decade. The recruits are aged between 22 and 37, and Ms Patel said they had joined at an "unprecedented time for policing". Three months ago she promised to change the law so those who attacked the police were jailed for longer. She told the Express that punishments dished out to criminals who targeted officers were not yet severe enough. Work has also started on a Police Covenant - the first contract between the Government and the police. It is seen as a pledge to heal the historically volatile relationship after years of spending cuts. Ms Patel said: "This is about correcting the wrong in terms of the lack of support that exists for our amazing police officers. "I have got no doubt at all that my predecessors cared fundamentally about their health, wellbeing and welfare, but I think something has given, and this is one of those moments where we just have to stop and do this now."
Britain will inevitably face more lockdowns and coronavirus outbreaks if the Government does not introduce a robust strategy to prevent infections, the Independent Sage group of scientists says. The committee, set up to rival the official Sage (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies), said trying to manage, rather than suppress the virus would risk the "rapid return of localised epidemics". In its first report, the group called on health officials to ensure all cases can be tested, and their contacts traced and quarantined. COMMENT BY PRITI PATEL, HOME SECRETARY It is now almost two months since the people of this country began living with restrictions on their freedom. I know how tough it's been for people to be separated from their parents and grandparents, their children, their family and friends.
Priti Patel sends message to criminals ‘exploiting' pandemic


thedailyexpress--2020-05-13--Watchdog rules out Tory Islamophobia probe 'at this stage'

Campaigners had asked for an inquiry by the Equality and Human Rights Commission into the Tories .
The equalities watchdog @ @ @ @ @ very careful consideration '' to complaints raised about discrimination and Islamophobia in the party .
@ @ @ @ @ was no need for a probe while a review ordered by Tory party chiefs was @ @ @ @ @ said : `` We have concluded , in the light of the decision by the @ @ @ @ @ investigation , that it would not be proportionate to initiate our own investigation at this @ @ @ @ @ be monitoring the review and requiring the party to provide regular updates on progress .
@ @ @ @ @ satisfied with progress or how the investigation is conducted we will review our decision and @ @ @ @ @ use of our legal powers . ''
The independent probe will look at the volume @ @ @ @ @ against the party and its members and volunteers .

Campaigners had asked for an inquiry by the Equality and Human Rights Commission into the Tories. The equalities watchdog said it had given "very careful consideration" to complaints raised about discrimination and Islamophobia in the party. But the EHRC said there was no need for a probe while a review ordered by Tory party chiefs was being conducted.
A spokesman said: "We have concluded, in the light of the decision by the party to institute an independent investigation, that it would not be proportionate to initiate our own investigation at this stage.
"We will be monitoring the review and requiring the party to provide regular updates on progress.
"If we are not satisfied with progress or how the investigation is conducted we will review our decision and do not rule out the use of our legal powers."
The independent probe will look at the volume and type of complaints made against the party and its members and volunteers.