thedailyexpress--2020-05-01--The Starmer effect! Labour falls FURTHER behind Tories in voting poll

The gap has widened despite continued pressure over the Government ’ s handling of the coronavirus crisis - particularly the issues of protective equipment ( PPE ) and COVID-19 testing - and growing fears about the pandemic 's impact on the UK economy .
At 48 percent , the Conservatives are four points ahead of their winning vote share at last December 's general election .
Labour ’ s current figure is 31 percent compared with a 32 percent vote share in the election .
But lockdown has effectively pushed party politics to one side and denied Sir Keir the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which has been reflected in the polls .
Survation said : `` Looking at Conservative and Labour party leaders , Boris Johnson is enjoying a net +39 percent satisfaction rating , with 61 percent of respondents satisfied with his performance as Prime Minister , compared to 22 percent dissatisfied .
`` Keir Starmer has a net rating of +13 percent , including a 29 percent rate of satisfaction with 16 percent dissatisfied .
`` So while the Prime Minister has a +26 percent lead in net ratings over the Leader of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Starmer than with Johnson .
`` However , the coronavirus crisis has inhibited the ‘ honeymoon period ’ associated with changes in party leadership , where there is intense interest in a new leader . ''
`` In this context , and in the absence of the sort of pre-leadership public recognition that Johnson had , understandably there are high numbers of people who have yet to make up their mind about Starmer .
DO N'T MISS Keir Starmer sparks backlash after ‘ telling public he was right ’ [ SPOTLIGHT ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under Keir Starmer revealed [ ANALYSIS ] Honeymoon 's over , Keir !
Lefties turn on Starmer in new Labour crisis [ FOCUS ] '' A majority of respondents either said they are neither satisfied nor dissatisfied ( 43 percent ) or don ’ t know ( 12 percent ) . ''
The survey showed the Liberal Democrats are polling at 8 percent , down from a 12 percent vote share in December .
The Green Party , which won 3 percent of the votes in December are now on 5 percent and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same on 4 percent .
Survation said 1,023 people took part in the poll .

Kay Burley challenges Rachel Reeves on Labour poll result
The latest national voting intention poll carried out by polling firm Survation on April 27 and 28 puts the Conservatives at 48 percent and holding a commanding 17-point lead over Labour.
There are high numbers of people who have yet to make up their mind about Starmer Survation
The gap has widened despite continued pressure over the Government’s handling of the coronavirus crisis - particularly the issues of protective equipment (PPE) and COVID-19 testing - and growing fears about the pandemic's impact on the UK economy. At 48 percent, the Conservatives are four points ahead of their winning vote share at last December's general election. Labour’s current figure is 31 percent compared with a 32 percent vote share in the election.
Keir Starmer has been denied the traditional 'honeymoon period' enjoyed by new party leaders
But lockdown has effectively pushed party politics to one side and denied Sir Keir the traditional honeymoon period enjoyed by new leaders, which has been reflected in the polls. Survation said: "Looking at Conservative and Labour party leaders, Boris Johnson is enjoying a net +39 percent satisfaction rating, with 61 percent of respondents satisfied with his performance as Prime Minister, compared to 22 percent dissatisfied. "Keir Starmer has a net rating of +13 percent, including a 29 percent rate of satisfaction with 16 percent dissatisfied. READ MORE:Labour meltdown: 'Pathetic' Starmer dubbed 'Tory-lite' in backlash
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Keir Starmer replaced Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader last month
Jeremy Corbyn led Labour to their worst election result since 1935
"So while the Prime Minister has a +26 percent lead in net ratings over the Leader of the Opposition, there are fewer people dissatisfied with Starmer than with Johnson. "However, the coronavirus crisis has inhibited the ‘honeymoon period’ associated with changes in party leadership, where there is intense interest in a new leader." "In this context, and in the absence of the sort of pre-leadership public recognition that Johnson had, understandably there are high numbers of people who have yet to make up their mind about Starmer. DON'T MISS
Keir Starmer sparks backlash after ‘telling public he was right’[SPOTLIGHT]
Brutal warning 'Labour is done for' under Keir Starmer revealed[ANALYSIS]
Honeymoon's over, Keir! Lefties turn on Starmer in new Labour crisis[FOCUS]
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Boris Johnson has improved the Tories' poll ratings


thedailyexpress--2020-05-02--Coronavirus poll: Do you think Boris Johnson's lockdown breaks the law? VOTE HERE

A WEALTHY businessman has thrown down the gauntlet to Boris Johnson by launching a legal challenge to the imposition of the UK-wide coronavirus lockdown - so today Express.co.uk 's poll asks readers whether the PM 's restrictions break the law ?
The ongoing lockdown , which has been in force since March 23 , are undoubtedly damaging the UK 's economy , with an analysis by the Office for Budget Responsibility last month projecting a drop of 35 percent on GDP in the coming months .
However , there is little doubt the strict measures put into the place by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disease and taken the pressure of the NHS .
Furthermore , with no vaccine in the offing , lifting the lockdown could result in cases spiking back up again .
Simon Dolan , whose Jota Aviation company is involved in the fight against COVID-19 , delivering vital personal protective equipment ( PPE ) to the NHS , nevertheless believes steps taken are too draconian .
Mr Dolan is seeking a judicial review , accusing the Government of `` paralysing the country '' and causing `` long term damage '' .
He wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 100 people , reopen schools and reviewing the lockdown restrictions every two weeks .
Great Big Lockdown Survey : Tell us what life 's like for you by answering THESE questions Mr Dolan 's lawyers have sent a 'Letter Before Action ' to Health Secretary Matt Hancock which gives him until Thursday May 7 to respond .
The challenge is based on three main points .
Firstly , whether the lockdown is unlawful because the Government implemented regulations under the Public Health Act 1984 instead of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the legality of the continuation of lockdown regulation , and whether the tests are too narrow - failing to take account of the economic and social impacts of lockdown .
Great Big Lockdown Survey : Tell us what life 's like for you by answering THESE questions The final aspect is based on whether the restrictions contravene the European Convention of Human Rights , which cover the right to liberty , family life , education and property .
As part of the application , Mr Dolan is also asking for the minutes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SAGE ) meetings this year .
The letter reads : “ Failure to do so [ release the minutes ] will result in an application for disclosure if proceedings have to be issued . ''
If the Government fails to respond to the letter , Mr Dolan 's lawyers , Michael Gardner of law firm Wedlake Bell LLP and barrister Francis Hoar of Field Court Chambers , plan to apply for an urgent court hearing .
Mr Dolan , who owns ten UK businesses , said : `` Every day that the lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrecking the economy and causing long term damage .
“ Boris Johnson has hinted at an exit strategy after declaring we are past the peak .
`` But he has offered no timeframe and given himself a get out with the five tests .
`` He seems determined to maintain the lockdown which was brought in on March 23 .
`` There is still no clarity on how he will get things moving again .
“ He has an opportunity now to put things right by allowing gatherings of up to one hundred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures every two weeks .
“ Every life lost is a tragedy .
But we have seen other nations deal with the pandemic effectively without such draconian measures .
`` Sweden chose to trust its citizens with sustainable tactics – and Japan , South Korea and Hong Kong were also less draconian . ''

Lockdown: Expert discusses social behaviour after pandemic
A WEALTHY businessman has thrown down the gauntlet to Boris Johnson by launching a legal challenge to the imposition of the UK-wide coronavirus lockdown - so today Express.co.uk's poll asks readers whether the PM's restrictions break the law? The ongoing lockdown, which has been in force since March 23, are undoubtedly damaging the UK's economy, with an analysis by the Office for Budget Responsibility last month projecting a drop of 35 percent on GDP in the coming months. However, there is little doubt the strict measures put into the place by the Government have slowed the spread of the disease and taken the pressure of the NHS. Back Express.co.uk's NHS Heroes campaign
Furthermore, with no vaccine in the offing, lifting the lockdown could result in cases spiking back up again. Simon Dolan, whose Jota Aviation company is involved in the fight against COVID-19, delivering vital personal protective equipment (PPE) to the NHS, nevertheless believes steps taken are too draconian. Mr Dolan is seeking a judicial review, accusing the Government of "paralysing the country" and causing "long term damage". He wants Mr Johnson to allow gatherings of up to 100 people, reopen schools and reviewing the lockdown restrictions every two weeks. Great Big Lockdown Survey: Tell us what life's like for you by answering THESE questions
Boris Johnson is being challenged in the courts
Mr Dolan's lawyers have sent a 'Letter Before Action' to Health Secretary Matt Hancock which gives him until Thursday May 7 to respond. The challenge is based on three main points. Firstly, whether the lockdown is unlawful because the Government implemented regulations under the Public Health Act 1984 instead of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 or the Coronavirus Act 2020. Secondly over the legality of the continuation of lockdown regulation, and whether the tests are too narrow - failing to take account of the economic and social impacts of lockdown. Great Big Lockdown Survey: Tell us what life's like for you by answering THESE questions
Businessman Simon Dolan
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The final aspect is based on whether the restrictions contravene the European Convention of Human Rights, which cover the right to liberty, family life, education and property. As part of the application, Mr Dolan is also asking for the minutes of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) meetings this year. The letter reads: “Failure to do so [release the minutes] will result in an application for disclosure if proceedings have to be issued." If the Government fails to respond to the letter, Mr Dolan's lawyers, Michael Gardner of law firm Wedlake Bell LLP and barrister Francis Hoar of Field Court Chambers, plan to apply for an urgent court hearing.
Boris Johnson was himself put in intensive care by COVID-19
Some of the NHS employees who have died from COVID019
Mr Dolan, who owns ten UK businesses, said: "Every day that the lockdown continues it is paralysing the country, wrecking the economy and causing long term damage. “Boris Johnson has hinted at an exit strategy after declaring we are past the peak. "But he has offered no timeframe and given himself a get out with the five tests. "He seems determined to maintain the lockdown which was brought in on March 23.
UK exit strategy
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"There is still no clarity on how he will get things moving again. “He has an opportunity now to put things right by allowing gatherings of up to one hundred people, re-opening schools and reviewing the measures every two weeks. “Every life lost is a tragedy. But we have seen other nations deal with the pandemic effectively without such draconian measures. "Sweden chose to trust its citizens with sustainable tactics – and Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong were also less draconian."
PPE is delivered to a hospital
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thedailyexpress--2020-05-02--Keir Starmer faces 'war' with Corbyn-supporting Momentum in bid to transform Labour

The Labour Party has been in turmoil since the party 's disastrous performance in December 's general election - its worst result in more than 80 years .
The opposition , then led by Jeremy Corbyn , suffered a crushing defeat losing several traditional heartlands they had held for several decades .
The Tories won a crucial 80-seat majority in Parliament , enabling Boris Johnson to push his Brexit deal through the House of Commons .
Mr Corbyn stepped down as Labour leader and was replaced by Sir Keir Starmer last month following a three-month leadership contest , but despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top job , the former Shadow Brexit Secretary already faces several huge uphill battles .
Upon his election , Sir Keir boldly vowed to unite a party that has collapsed under Mr Corbyn 's leadership .
But eyes will be focused on how he manages Momentum , the Corbyn-supproting grass-roots movement that had an increasingly strong hold over Labour under the party 's previous leader .
Political experts have warned Sir Keir will have to ensure Momentum does n't try to undermine his power and further destroy the party .
They have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down to the grassroots group at the Labour Party Conference in September .
Great Big Lockdown Survey : Tell us what life 's like for you by answering THESE questions But Dr Steve McCabe , Associate Professor with the Institute for Design and Economic Acceleration and Senior Fellow at the Centre for Brexit Studies at Birmingham City University , warned this could trigger an all-out war deep within Labour at a time when Sir Keir is desperately trying to reunite the ailing party .
He told Express.co.uk : `` Momentum distrust Starmer as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to the centre and , though the policies may subtly alter and not be quite so explicitly socialist , the narrative will shift in a way that is likely to anger them .
`` Whilst it ’ s unlikely we ’ ll see the sort of full-frontal assault against Momentum that occurred in the 1980s against Militant Tendency , Starmer has to be aware that he can not allow its supporters to attempt to undermine him by operating a party within a party .
`` He may set a marker down at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to how he intends to lead by making it clear that sedition by Momentum will not be tolerated .
READ MORE : Labour blunder as Sky News host questions timing of Starmer 's inquiry '' This , of course , would amount to a declaration of war , as Starmer will be acutely aware , create tension , cause open dissent and sap energy precisely at the time when the party is engaged in a process of recovery and rebuilding .
`` That he pretty much expunged his shadow cabinet of ‘ Corbynites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows that he is not frightened of being seen to act in a way that is in the party ’ s long-term interests . ''
Tim Bale , Deputy Director at the UK in a Changing Europe think tank and Politics Professor at the Queen Mary University of London , warned Sir Keir will have to `` face down '' the Corbynistas in order to defeat the Tories and provide them with a sharp ultimatum .
He told this website : `` Starmer does n't necessarily have to 'root out ' the Corbynistas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Keir !
Lefties turn on Starmer in new Labour crisis [ COMMENT ] Sky 's Kay Burley mocks Starmer 's leadership after Labour poll plunge [ VIDEO ] How could political discourse change as a result of coronavirus ?
[ ANALYSIS ] '' But he has to face them down , persuading them to admit defeat and throw their lot in with him in order to defeat the Tories or else quit the party and maybe mainstream party politics altogether . ''
But some political experts have warned it would be dangerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or their left-sided politics as he will likely need thier backing further down the line .
Alistair Jones , principal politics lecturer at De Montfort University in Leicester warned : `` Starmer needs to pull both wings of the party together .
`` Labour has a history of infighting after electoral defeat - as if for the ideological purity of the party .
`` Starmer 's victory was significant enough for both wings to acknowledge that the ideological middle ground of the party is the way forward . ''

Kay Burley challenges Rachel Reeves on Labour poll result
The Labour Party has been in turmoil since the party's disastrous performance in December's general election - its worst result in more than 80 years. The opposition, then led by Jeremy Corbyn, suffered a crushing defeat losing several traditional heartlands they had held for several decades. The Tories won a crucial 80-seat majority in Parliament, enabling Boris Johnson to push his Brexit deal through the House of Commons. Mr Corbyn stepped down as Labour leader and was replaced by Sir Keir Starmer last month following a three-month leadership contest, but despite being just a matter of weeks into the top job, the former Shadow Brexit Secretary already faces several huge uphill battles.
Upon his election, Sir Keir boldly vowed to unite a party that has collapsed under Mr Corbyn's leadership. But eyes will be focused on how he manages Momentum, the Corbyn-supproting grass-roots movement that had an increasingly strong hold over Labour under the party's previous leader. Political experts have warned Sir Keir will have to ensure Momentum doesn't try to undermine his power and further destroy the party. They have said he could even put a marker down to the grassroots group at the Labour Party Conference in September. Great Big Lockdown Survey: Tell us what life's like for you by answering THESE questions
Sir Keir Starmer has been warned he faces a war with the Corbynista grassroots Momentum group
The new Labour leader has been told to get tough with Momentum
But Dr Steve McCabe, Associate Professor with the Institute for Design and Economic Acceleration and Senior Fellow at the Centre for Brexit Studies at Birmingham City University, warned this could trigger an all-out war deep within Labour at a time when Sir Keir is desperately trying to reunite the ailing party. He told Express.co.uk: "Momentum distrust Starmer as being someone who will take the party back to the centre and, though the policies may subtly alter and not be quite so explicitly socialist, the narrative will shift in a way that is likely to anger them. "Whilst it’s unlikely we’ll see the sort of full-frontal assault against Momentum that occurred in the 1980s against Militant Tendency, Starmer has to be aware that he cannot allow its supporters to attempt to undermine him by operating a party within a party. "He may set a marker down at the next annual conference in September as to how he intends to lead by making it clear that sedition by Momentum will not be tolerated. READ MORE: Labour blunder as Sky News host questions timing of Starmer's inquiry
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Sir Keir Starmer faces a huge uphill battle as Labour leader
"This, of course, would amount to a declaration of war, as Starmer will be acutely aware, create tension, cause open dissent and sap energy precisely at the time when the party is engaged in a process of recovery and rebuilding. "That he pretty much expunged his shadow cabinet of ‘Corbynites’, barring Rebecca Long Bailey, shows that he is not frightened of being seen to act in a way that is in the party’s long-term interests." Tim Bale, Deputy Director at the UK in a Changing Europe think tank and Politics Professor at the Queen Mary University of London, warned Sir Keir will have to "face down" the Corbynistas in order to defeat the Tories and provide them with a sharp ultimatum. He told this website: "Starmer doesn't necessarily have to 'root out' the Corbynistas. DON'T MISS
Honeymoon's over, Keir! Lefties turn on Starmer in new Labour crisis [COMMENT]
Sky's Kay Burley mocks Starmer's leadership after Labour poll plunge [VIDEO]
How could political discourse change as a result of coronavirus? [ANALYSIS]
Sir Keir Starmer replaced Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader last month
Political experts have told Sir Keir Starmer what he must do for Labour to challenge Boris Johnson's Conservative Party
"But he has to face them down, persuading them to admit defeat and throw their lot in with him in order to defeat the Tories or else quit the party and maybe mainstream party politics altogether." But some political experts have warned it would be dangerous for Sir Keir to completely reject Momentum or their left-sided politics as he will likely need thier backing further down the line. Alistair Jones, principal politics lecturer at De Montfort University in Leicester warned: "Starmer needs to pull both wings of the party together. "Labour has a history of infighting after electoral defeat - as if for the ideological purity of the party. "Starmer's victory was significant enough for both wings to acknowledge that the ideological middle ground of the party is the way forward."
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The main reason for sticking with the Labour Party
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thedailyexpress--2020-05-02--Run for Heroes founder given special Boris Johnson award after raising £5m

Olivia Strong set up a Run for Heroes 5km challenge that has encouraged a million people to run five kilometres , donate £5 and nominate five friends to do the same .
The Edinburgh fundraiser ’ s campaign `` roused a global movement that has collectively run the entire distance to the moon and back '' , the Prime Minister said .
Olympian Sir Mo Farah , singer Ellie Goulding and football coach John Terry are among the celebrities to take part .
Ms Strong said the idea to encourage people to use their daily exercise slot to raise money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while she was on a run around Arthur 's Seat during lockdown .
The 27-year-old set out to raise £5,000 but the challenge soon spread .
Mr Johnson wrote to the fundraiser to thank her for coming up with the “ brilliant ” initiative .
He said : `` As we persevere with the restrictions to stay at home , protect our NHS and save lives , I have been inspired by the ingenuity of your Run for Heroes 5km challenge .
`` Using your daily lockdown exercise to run 5K , donate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have raised more than £5 million to support the extraordinary work of our true heroes - the men and women of our unique NHS .
`` With over a million participants from more than 20 countries , you have roused a global movement that has collectively run the entire distance to the moon and back .
`` Thank-you for your brilliant initiative and for all that you have done to support our wonderful NHS . ''
The Prime Minister 's daily Point of Light award was first launched in April 2014 to recognise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live .
Ms Strong is the 1,363rd person to be recognised and follows Captain Tom Moore , who after raising £30 million for the NHS by walking more than 100 laps of his garden was named winner on Thursday - his 100th birthday .
Ms Strong said : `` It 's an absolute pleasure and delight to accept this award on behalf of the whole Run for Heroes community .
`` Not only the amazing people who have helped with the campaign but everyone who has continued to run , donate and nominate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see people coming together for such a worthwhile cause . ''

Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised the founder of Run for Heroes
Olivia Strong set up a Run for Heroes 5km challenge that has encouraged a million people to run five kilometres, donate £5 and nominate five friends to do the same. The Edinburgh fundraiser’s campaign "roused a global movement that has collectively run the entire distance to the moon and back", the Prime Minister said.
Olympian Sir Mo Farah, singer Ellie Goulding and football coach John Terry are among the celebrities to take part. Ms Strong said the idea to encourage people to use their daily exercise slot to raise money for health service charities came to her while she was on a run around Arthur's Seat during lockdown. The 27-year-old set out to raise £5,000 but the challenge soon spread. Mr Johnson wrote to the fundraiser to thank her for coming up with the “brilliant” initiative.
Olympian Sir Mo Farah is among the celebrities who took part in the challenge
He said: "As we persevere with the restrictions to stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives, I have been inspired by the ingenuity of your Run for Heroes 5km challenge. "Using your daily lockdown exercise to run 5K, donate £5 and nominate five people, you have raised more than £5 million to support the extraordinary work of our true heroes - the men and women of our unique NHS. "With over a million participants from more than 20 countries, you have roused a global movement that has collectively run the entire distance to the moon and back. "Thank-you for your brilliant initiative and for all that you have done to support our wonderful NHS."
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thedailyexpress--2020-05-02--Coronavirus: Matt Hancock smashes virus testing goal with 122,000 tested in a day

The Health Secretary , who pledged 100,000 tests would take place daily by the end of April , said the huge accomplishment would help get Britain out of lockdown and `` back on her feet '' .
He said teams across the country toiled tirelessly to make sure the goal was met .
And he added the dramatic increase was `` crucial to suppress the virus '' and will help the nation win the battle against the disease .
Mr Hancock said : `` I knew that it was an audacious goal but we needed an audacious goal because testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on her feet .
I can announce that we have met our goal .
The number of tests yesterday , on the last day of April , was 122,347 .
`` This unprecedented expansion in British testing capability is an incredible achievement - but it is not my achievement , it is a national achievement . ''
Across the country , 49 drive-through sites are open while 96 mobile units tour the nation .
Mr Hancock 's total also includes home test kits , which were counted when they were dispatched .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help every single person in this country '' .
The Health Secretary had faced criticism for setting such a tough target but he insisted it was the right choice to make .
He said : `` Setting stretching , ambitious goals in a crisis has a galvanising effect on everybody involved .
It is a mission .
`` If we had n't been so bold , if we 'd chosen a safer , easier path , I just ca n't see how we would have built the capacity that we need . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefing , Mr Hancock revealed the next phase of his mission will be to recruit an army of experts to track and trace people who have come into contact with those who have tested positive for coronavirus .
It will help the Government in its plans to give back some freedoms to the public .
He said : `` In recent weeks we 've had to impinge on historic liberties to protect our NHS and our loved ones , and yet our goal must be freedom .
`` Freedom from the virus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures until it is safe to do so .
`` But also we care about the restoration of social freedom and economic freedom too - each citizen 's right to do as they please .
For now , we 're working together to stay home , we 're impinging on the freedom of all for the safety of all .
`` With this next mission of test , track and trace , I 'm seeking a solution that allows us - by each of us participating - to target the measures that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reassert , as much as is safely possible , the liberty of us all . ''
Mr Hancock spoke as Public Health England revealed 739 more people had died from Covid-19 .
It takes the total to 27,510 fatalities in hospitals , care homes and the wider community , up until 5pm on Thursday .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to hold a Cabinet meeting next Thursday - the day the Government is legally obliged to review the lockdown measures .
He promised two days ago to set out a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures could be eased - but others tightened - depending on the evidence presented by scientists advising the Government .
Mr Johnson is drawing up a plan on how to gradually reopen the economy in the coming weeks and months .
It will look at when children can return to school , how employees can travel to work and ways to make workplaces safer .
NHS England 's national medical director Prof Stephen Powis , who appeared alongside Mr Hancock yesterday , warned against opening classrooms too early .
He explained the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus between children , so the Government must be cautious .
He said new coronavirus cases had increased `` a bit '' in recent days , but that the increase in testing was `` likely '' to be behind it .
He went on : `` Overall , I think the number is relatively stable and that is a good sign and reflects that the level of infection is falling . ''
Prof Powis said officials will be studying whether stricter measures will have to continue to apply to the over-70s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But he added : `` The over-70s can be absolutely fit and healthy , it 's not the case that everybody over 70 has a chronic health condition or underlying disease .
`` As we look forward I think it 's a perfectly reasonable question to say how would [ easing the lockdown ] work in age groups and age bands ?
`` Although we do know that complications and unfortunately deaths are more common in the elderly , even without complications , I think that 's for consideration and that 's work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we move forward . ''
Once again the armchair critics , smug know-alls and axe grinders have got it hopelessly wrong .
The dismal quality of their judgment is matched only by their relentless negativity .
When the Health Secretary Matt Hancock bravely pledged to achieve 100,000 daily coronavirus tests by the end of April , they uniformly sneered that this target was unattainable .
It was an act of folly even to set out such an ambition , they declared in mocking tones .
Earlier this week , they were still predicting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach .
But Matt Hancock has heroically confounded all his detractors .
The summit has been reached .
In a remarkable act of collective determination , the Government has not just met the testing target , but smashed it .
The 122,300 tests delivered on Thursday is an astonishing total given that the Government was struggling to carry out 9,000 less than a month ago .
Hancock fully deserves his moment of triumph .
He put his reputation on the line , and has been magnificently vindicated .
Throughout the process , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ability to galvanise his department .
Huge credit also goes to testing co-ordinator Professor John Newton , and his team .
With resolute single-mindedness , they transformed Britain 's testing regime .
In just a few weeks , they created a reliable diagnostic test , doubled the capacity of the NHS and Public Health England laboratories , built three new `` mega-labs '' , established a network of 50 regional testing centres and formed 70 mobile units .
As Professor Newton said , it was `` the biggest expansion in diagnostic capacity in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our testing system will transform our national fight against Covid-19 .
It will not only enable virus-free workers to return to their jobs , but will also identify carriers .
it is all part of a pattern of logistical achievement by the Government , as highlighted by the emergency Nightingale hospitals and the 700,000 citizens ' army of NHS volunteers .
The test milestone shows the battle against the virus is finally being won , the outlook brightening .
As the Prime Minister put it in his inimitable style , we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and `` can see sunlight and pasture ahead of us '' .

Matt Hancock says COVID-19 testing target has been met
The Health Secretary, who pledged 100,000 tests would take place daily by the end of April, said the huge accomplishment would help get Britain out of lockdown and "back on her feet". He said teams across the country toiled tirelessly to make sure the goal was met. And he added the dramatic increase was "crucial to suppress the virus" and will help the nation win the battle against the disease.
Mr Hancock said: "I knew that it was an audacious goal but we needed an audacious goal because testing is so important for getting Britain back on her feet. I can announce that we have met our goal. The number of tests yesterday, on the last day of April, was 122,347. "This unprecedented expansion in British testing capability is an incredible achievement - but it is not my achievement, it is a national achievement." Across the country, 49 drive-through sites are open while 96 mobile units tour the nation. Mr Hancock's total also includes home test kits, which were counted when they were dispatched. He said the increase in capacity would "help every single person in this country". The Health Secretary had faced criticism for setting such a tough target but he insisted it was the right choice to make. He said: "Setting stretching, ambitious goals in a crisis has a galvanising effect on everybody involved. It is a mission.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock
"If we hadn't been so bold, if we'd chosen a safer, easier path, I just can't see how we would have built the capacity that we need." Speaking at the daily Downing Street press briefing, Mr Hancock revealed the next phase of his mission will be to recruit an army of experts to track and trace people who have come into contact with those who have tested positive for coronavirus. It will help the Government in its plans to give back some freedoms to the public. He said: "In recent weeks we've had to impinge on historic liberties to protect our NHS and our loved ones, and yet our goal must be freedom. "Freedom from the virus, yes, and we will not lift measures until it is safe to do so. "But also we care about the restoration of social freedom and economic freedom too - each citizen's right to do as they please. For now, we're working together to stay home, we're impinging on the freedom of all for the safety of all. "With this next mission of test, track and trace, I'm seeking a solution that allows us - by each of us participating - to target the measures that are needed with much more precision and so to reassert, as much as is safely possible, the liberty of us all."
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Mr Hancock spoke as Public Health England revealed 739 more people had died from Covid-19. It takes the total to 27,510 fatalities in hospitals, care homes and the wider community, up until 5pm on Thursday. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to hold a Cabinet meeting next Thursday - the day the Government is legally obliged to review the lockdown measures. He promised two days ago to set out a "road map" next week. Some measures could be eased - but others tightened - depending on the evidence presented by scientists advising the Government. Mr Johnson is drawing up a plan on how to gradually reopen the economy in the coming weeks and months. It will look at when children can return to school, how employees can travel to work and ways to make workplaces safer. NHS England's national medical director Prof Stephen Powis, who appeared alongside Mr Hancock yesterday, warned against opening classrooms too early. He explained the "science is still evolving" on transmission of the virus between children, so the Government must be cautious. He said new coronavirus cases had increased "a bit" in recent days, but that the increase in testing was "likely" to be behind it.
Mr Hancock's total also includes home test kits
He went on: "Overall, I think the number is relatively stable and that is a good sign and reflects that the level of infection is falling." Prof Powis said officials will be studying whether stricter measures will have to continue to apply to the over-70s when the national lockdown is eased. But he added: "The over-70s can be absolutely fit and healthy, it's not the case that everybody over 70 has a chronic health condition or underlying disease. "As we look forward I think it's a perfectly reasonable question to say how would [easing the lockdown] work in age groups and age bands? "Although we do know that complications and unfortunately deaths are more common in the elderly, even without complications, I think that's for consideration and that's work that we will need to do as we move forward." COMMENT BY LEO McKINSTRY, DAILY EXPRESS COLUMNIST Once again the armchair critics, smug know-alls and axe grinders have got it hopelessly wrong. The dismal quality of their judgment is matched only by their relentless negativity. When the Health Secretary Matt Hancock bravely pledged to achieve 100,000 daily coronavirus tests by the end of April, they uniformly sneered that this target was unattainable. It was an act of folly even to set out such an ambition, they declared in mocking tones.
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thedailyexpress--2020-05-02--No chance! EU needs to WAKE UP over Brexit delay plans - expert reveals UK's trump card

David Collins , Professor of International Economic Law at The City Law School , said there was no chance of the transition period being extended beyond December 31 - and the red lines outlined by former Prime Minister Theresa May two years ago still applied .
There has been widespread speculation about the impact COVID-19 may have on the Brexit process , with German politician and Angela Merkel ally Norbert Rottgen , chairman of the influential Bundestag ’ s foreign affairs committee , claiming a two-year delay was inevitable .
Such an extension would need to be requested by June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agree on a new and fair partnership for the future '' according to the European Commission 's website .
However , Prof Collins suggested such an outcome was highly unlikely .
He told Express.co.uk : `` I believe very much that the June deadline holds true and that the UK should not , nor will they , seek an extension .
`` Frost will likely walk away only at the very last moment in December when a path forward becomes impossible because with the EU they always seem to be willing to give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eleventh hour . ''
Referring the circumstances in which Mr Frost and his team might deem it pointless to continue negotiations , Prof Collins said : `` The UK would rightly walk away if the EU insisted on any one of : regulatory alignment , continued oversight of the ECJ , free movement or ongoing monetary contributions .
`` These are the same red-lines that Theresa May outlined all those years ago in the Mansion House speech and they still apply . ''
Striking an optimistic note , he explained : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached by December , but it will be a basic goods-focused one with tariff reductions but limited coverage for services .
`` Services and other matters might end up being covered at a later stage , perhaps in a year or so , when the relationship is revisited . ''
Prof Collins added : `` It remains open to both parties to walk away but this decision should not be viewed as actionable in its own right in the sense of constituting an independent breach of international law .
`` Both sides are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn them down .
Nevertheless , he said : `` In my view the EU ’ s requirement that the UK retain regulatory alignment with the EU going forward and on a dynamic basis is wholly unreasonable for the simple reason that they have not asked this is any other country in recent FTA negotiations , notably either Canada or Japan , both of which are developed OECD countries .
`` There could be some suggestion that the EU had , in the past , promised that they would not make such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in which case there could conceivably be an allegation of estoppel , essentially going back on one ’ s word , but I think such a claim is unlikely as this ‘ offer ’ had only ever been made in an off-handed way . ''
Writing in The Observer on Sunday , Mr Rottgen said : `` Before the current coronavirus crisis , I think it would have been possible to have a minimum agreement with the UK on the broad outlines to avoid a crash , with more detailed negotiations then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t imagine now that this is possible , given the fact that all the EU countries , Brussels and London are so absorbed by the pandemic – and this will go on .
`` Given this situation , I don ’ t believe that there is a realistic possibility any longer to even achieve the necessary minimum .
So you have to extend . ''

Brexit: McAllister says pandemic is ‘major blow’ to negotiations
David Collins, Professor of International Economic Law at The City Law School, said there was no chance of the transition period being extended beyond December 31 - and the red lines outlined by former Prime Minister Theresa May two years ago still applied. There has been widespread speculation about the impact COVID-19 may have on the Brexit process, with German politician and Angela Merkel ally Norbert Rottgen, chairman of the influential Bundestag’s foreign affairs committee, claiming a two-year delay was inevitable.
I believe very much that the June deadline holds true and that the UK should not, nor will they, seek an extension Professor David Collins
Such an extension would need to be requested by June 30 "to enable both sides to agree on a new and fair partnership for the future" according to the European Commission's website. However, Prof Collins suggested such an outcome was highly unlikely. He told Express.co.uk: "I believe very much that the June deadline holds true and that the UK should not, nor will they, seek an extension.
David Frost will walk away rather than accept a delay, said Prof Collins
Prime Minister Boris Johnson
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"Frost will likely walk away only at the very last moment in December when a path forward becomes impossible because with the EU they always seem to be willing to give ground and become more reasonable at the eleventh hour." Referring the circumstances in which Mr Frost and his team might deem it pointless to continue negotiations, Prof Collins said: "The UK would rightly walk away if the EU insisted on any one of: regulatory alignment, continued oversight of the ECJ, free movement or ongoing monetary contributions. "These are the same red-lines that Theresa May outlined all those years ago in the Mansion House speech and they still apply."
Norbert Rottgen is a close ally of Angela Merkel
Striking an optimistic note, he explained: "I do believe that an agreement will be reached by December, but it will be a basic goods-focused one with tariff reductions but limited coverage for services. "Services and other matters might end up being covered at a later stage, perhaps in a year or so, when the relationship is revisited." Prof Collins added: "It remains open to both parties to walk away but this decision should not be viewed as actionable in its own right in the sense of constituting an independent breach of international law.
Michel Barnier, the EU's Brexit negotiator
David Frost is Britain's Brexit negotiator
"Both sides are free to propose things and free to turn them down. Nevertheless, he said: "In my view the EU’s requirement that the UK retain regulatory alignment with the EU going forward and on a dynamic basis is wholly unreasonable for the simple reason that they have not asked this is any other country in recent FTA negotiations, notably either Canada or Japan, both of which are developed OECD countries. "There could be some suggestion that the EU had, in the past, promised that they would not make such a requirement in exchange for a Canada-style FTA, in which case there could conceivably be an allegation of estoppel, essentially going back on one’s word, but I think such a claim is unlikely as this ‘offer’ had only ever been made in an off-handed way."
Brexit timeline
Writing in The Observer on Sunday, Mr Rottgen said: "Before the current coronavirus crisis, I think it would have been possible to have a minimum agreement with the UK on the broad outlines to avoid a crash, with more detailed negotiations then taking place afterwards. "I can’t imagine now that this is possible, given the fact that all the EU countries, Brussels and London are so absorbed by the pandemic – and this will go on. "Given this situation, I don’t believe that there is a realistic possibility any longer to even achieve the necessary minimum. So you have to extend."
Theresa May's red lines still apply, said Prof Collins
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thedailyexpress--2020-05-02--Laura Kuenssberg husband: Who is the BBC News reporter married to? Does she have children?

She grew up in Glasgow , with her brother and sister , where she attended Laurel Bank School , a @ @ @ @ @ After she completed school , she studied history at the University of Edinburgh before moving @ @ @ @ @ undertake a journalism course at Georgetown University during which she worked on an NBC News @ @ @ @ @ return to the UK she worked for local radio and then cable television in Glasgow @ @ @ @ @ East and Cumbria in March 2000 .
She won a regional Royal Television Society award @ @ @ @ @ affairs correspondent and produced segments for the social affairs editor Niall Dickson .

Laura Kuenssberg savages Keir Starmer on 'abandoning pledges'
Laura Kuenssberg is an award-winning journalist who is seen as one of the leading commentators on the British political scene. The 43-year-old began her career at NBC news where she worked during a journalism course at Georgetown University which she undertook after she completed her degree. She was appointed as the BBC’s political editor in July 2015, making her the first woman to hold that position. But who is Miss Kuenssberg married to and does she have any children?
Who is Laura Kuenssberg? Laura Juliet Kuenssberg was born in Italy on August 8, 1976, to Sally Kuenssberg and Scottish businessman Nick Kuenssberg. Her paternal grandfather was the German-born founder and president of the Royal College of General Practitioners, Dr Ekkehard von Kuenssberg. While her mother’s father was the Scotland High Court judge Lord Roberton. READ MORE: Olaf Scholz: SPD politician to be elected German Chancellor
Laura Kuenssberg husband: Who is Laura Kuenssberg married to?
Laura Kuenssberg husband: Laura Kuenssberg with Ed Balls at the Sky Women in Film and TV Awards in 2016
READ MORE Brexit: Boris could be set to compromise with EU over ECJ role She grew up in Glasgow, with her brother and sister, where she attended Laurel Bank School, a private girls’ school. After she completed school, she studied history at the University of Edinburgh before moving to Washington DC, to undertake a journalism course at Georgetown University during which she worked on an NBC News political programme. Upon her return to the UK she worked for local radio and then cable television in Glasgow, before joining BBC North East and Cumbria in March 2000. She won a regional Royal Television Society award for her work as home affairs correspondent and produced segments for the social affairs editor Niall Dickson.
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Laura Kuenssberg husband: Laura Kuenssberg with Boris Johnson in 2015
She was then appointed chief political correspondent for BBC News where she reported for BBC One bulletins, Daily Politics and BBC News. In May 2010, her presence was so ubiquitous in the period between the general election and the formation of a coalition government under David Cameron, that journalist David Aaronovitch coined the term “Kuenssbergovision”. She moved to ITV News in 2011 where she also contributed towards business reporting on ITV’s current affairs strand, Tonight.
READ MORE Laura Kuenssberg reveals 'real struggle’ for Boris Johnson She made her debut co-hosting News at Ten with Alastair Stewart in 2013. But later that year she announced that she would leave ITV to return to the BBC, as chief correspondent and a presenter of Newsnight, replacing Gavin Esler in the latter role. During her tenure in the role as BBC political editor, she has faced serious backlash, including a period during the 2017 general election when her safety was under threat and a bodyguard was hired to keep her safe.
Laura Kuenssberg husband: Laura Kuenssberg with Sir David Attenborough and Katya Adler at the Press Club Awards in April
Laura Kuenssberg husband: Laura Kuenssberg at the Turn the Tables 2018 lunch with Tom Watson
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thedailyexpress--2020-05-01--EU chief FINALLY accepts no delay to UK talks –but can’t help ‘gross Brexit mistake' swipe

German MEP David McAllister , Brexit representative for the European Parliament , said the pandemic made the negotiations even more difficult but said Britain was determined to stick to the timeline which would see all ties cut by December 31 .
He said : `` Whether we will conclude the negotiations this year will be decided in June .
`` We still have two more negotiations rounds in May and the beginning of June where we can hopefully make concrete progress .
`` And then as part of a so-called high level conference we will look at where we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the second half , or if the deadline needs to be extended or will one side then decide to start the new phase without a deal . ''
Mr McAllister , chairman of the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee , said the EU had signalled its willingness to agree to an extension in the face of the coronavirus crisis but said the UK had categorically ruled this out .
He said : `` It ’ s not just the government that is strictly against it , but they have also decided the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 by law , which means that even if the British side should want to get an extension , the British government and Parliament would have to agree to it .
`` The British side has made it clear once again that they are not willing to apply for an extension .
`` I think one explanation is that during the Brexit negotiations they also had a fixed date of when the UK was to leave the EU , which was then postponed several times . ''
Mr McAllister said repeated Brexit delays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ downfall at the hands of hardline Brexiteers within her own party and Boris Johnson 's administration was determined not to make the same mistakes .
He said : `` They stick to the viewpoint 'once we have set the date , we want to leave , whatever the cost ' .
But he warned an already ambitious schedule would become even more difficult because of the time lost to the coronavirus lockdown .
The MEP from Angela Merkel ’ s Christian Democratic Union ( CDU ) party said : `` In view of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good reasons for the British government to rethink their stance .
`` But there is no point in us as the EU to keep prompting the UK to take this step .
`` In the end it takes two partners to implement this .
It takes two to tango , as the English like to say .
And the British government is simply not ready to do this so far .
`` Personally I still believe that the UK should not have left the EU , it was a gross , historic mistake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Brussels will give up fishery demands - UK says [ ANALYSIS ] Brexit snub : UK rejects Brussels ' attempts to open embassy in Belfast [ SPOTLIGHT ] Nigel Farage erupted in a furious Brexit rant [ VIDEO ]

Brexit: McAllister says pandemic is ‘major blow’ to negotiations
German MEP David McAllister, Brexit representative for the European Parliament, said the pandemic made the negotiations even more difficult but said Britain was determined to stick to the timeline which would see all ties cut by December 31.
Personally I still believe that the UK should not have left the EU, it was a gross, historic mistake David McAllister
He said: "Whether we will conclude the negotiations this year will be decided in June. "We still have two more negotiations rounds in May and the beginning of June where we can hopefully make concrete progress. "And then as part of a so-called high level conference we will look at where we are at and if we can do it in the second half, or if the deadline needs to be extended or will one side then decide to start the new phase without a deal." Mr McAllister, chairman of the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee, said the EU had signalled its willingness to agree to an extension in the face of the coronavirus crisis but said the UK had categorically ruled this out.
MEP David McAllister said Brussels accepted the UK's position on Brexit talks
David McAllister with German leader Angela Merkel
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He said: "It’s not just the government that is strictly against it, but they have also decided the deadline for the exit to be December 31 by law, which means that even if the British side should want to get an extension, the British government and Parliament would have to agree to it. "The British side has made it clear once again that they are not willing to apply for an extension. "I think one explanation is that during the Brexit negotiations they also had a fixed date of when the UK was to leave the EU, which was then postponed several times." READ MORE:Brussels power grab: EU demands control over Northern Ireland fishing
EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier with his UK counterpart David Frost
Mr McAllister said repeated Brexit delays had led to Theresa May's eventual downfall at the hands of hardline Brexiteers within her own party and Boris Johnson's administration was determined not to make the same mistakes. He said: "They stick to the viewpoint 'once we have set the date, we want to leave, whatever the cost'. But he warned an already ambitious schedule would become even more difficult because of the time lost to the coronavirus lockdown. The MEP from Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party said: "In view of the pandemic I think there would be good reasons for the British government to rethink their stance.
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David McAllister is the European Parliament's Brexit representative


thedailyexpress--2020-05-03--Shocking new dossier claims china cover-up led to coronavirus pandemic

The 15-page dossier , apparently compiled by the Australian Secret Intelligence Service for `` Five Eyes '' partners the US , UK , New Zealand and Canada , may bolster calls for billions of pounds worth of reparations against Beijing .
The report condemns China 's secrecy over the initial outbreak which , it says , amounted to an `` assault on international transparency '' enabling a containable problem to become a global pandemic .
The dossier , which was leaked to Australian newspaper The Saturday Telegraph , describes how `` to the endangerment of other countries '' China covered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disappearing '' doctors who spoke out .
It also accuses them of destroying laboratory evidence and refusing to provide live samples to international scientists working on a vaccine .
Its emergence follows a ramping up of tension between Australia and Beijing following a call by Aussie PM Scott Morrison for a global inquiry into the origins of Covid-19 and why it spread to become a pandemic .
The report cites a `` deadly denial of human-to-human transmission '' and a delay in acknowledging the risk to the World Health Organization , leading to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan in early January .
Australian intelligence officials say the P4 laboratory at the Wuhan Institute of Virology had been investigating deadly bat-derived coronaviruses .
The report cites a `` deadly denial of human-to-human transmission '' and a delay in acknowledging the risk to the World Health Organization , leading to the exodus of five million people from Wuhan in early January .
Australian intelligence officials say the P4 laboratory at the Wuhan Institute of Virology had been investigating deadly bat-derived coronaviruses .
Several studies conducted by Dr Shi Zhengli are cited as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At least one of the estimated 50 virus samples Dr Shi analysed in her laboratory is a 96 percent genetic match to Covid-19 .
When she learned of the outbreak of a new pneumonia-like virus , she spoke publicly about the sleepless nights she suffered worrying if her laboratory was responsible .
However , she has since claimed that further studies have shown no link between her work and Covid-19 's genetic sequencing .
Officially the Australian government and Nato say the virus probably originated in the Wuhan wet market , with Australia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaked from a laboratory .
Last night experts said while any report by an intelligence service was `` significant '' , the dossier had no new evidence to further the case against China .
Matthew Henderson , who served with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in Beijing and is now head of the Henry Jackson Society'sAsia programme , said : `` Chinese cover-up and misinformation were clearly responsible for the spread of the pandemic . ''
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick refused to be drawn at yesterday 's press briefing whether Britain would look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
He said : `` At the moment , as you would expect , we are 100 percent focused on trying to tackle coronavirus .
There will come a time when we will want to analyse the origins of the virus in detail , but that 's not now . ''
Last week President Trump hinted he may seek damages .

Donald Trump claims he has evidence virus started in China
The 15-page dossier, apparently compiled by the Australian Secret Intelligence Service for "Five Eyes" partners the US, UK, New Zealand and Canada, may bolster calls for billions of pounds worth of reparations against Beijing. The report condemns China's secrecy over the initial outbreak which, it says, amounted to an "assault on international transparency" enabling a containable problem to become a global pandemic.
The dossier, which was leaked to Australian newspaper The Saturday Telegraph, describes how "to the endangerment of other countries" China covered up news of the virus by "disappearing" doctors who spoke out. It also accuses them of destroying laboratory evidence and refusing to provide live samples to international scientists working on a vaccine. Its emergence follows a ramping up of tension between Australia and Beijing following a call by Aussie PM Scott Morrison for a global inquiry into the origins of Covid-19 and why it spread to become a pandemic. The report cites a "deadly denial of human-to-human transmission" and a delay in acknowledging the risk to the World Health Organization, leading to the exodus of five million people from Wuhan in early January. Australian intelligence officials say the P4 laboratory at the Wuhan Institute of Virology had been investigating deadly bat-derived coronaviruses.
New dossier claims china cover-up led to coronavirus pandemic
Several studies conducted by Dr Shi Zhengli are cited as areas of concern by the report
The report cites a "deadly denial of human-to-human transmission" and a delay in acknowledging the risk to the World Health Organization, leading to the exodus of five million people from Wuhan in early January. Australian intelligence officials say the P4 laboratory at the Wuhan Institute of Virology had been investigating deadly bat-derived coronaviruses. Several studies conducted by Dr Shi Zhengli are cited as areas of concern by the report. At least one of the estimated 50 virus samples Dr Shi analysed in her laboratory is a 96 percent genetic match to Covid-19. When she learned of the outbreak of a new pneumonia-like virus, she spoke publicly about the sleepless nights she suffered worrying if her laboratory was responsible.
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Officially the Australian government and Nato say the virus probably originated in the Wuhan wet market
However, she has since claimed that further studies have shown no link between her work and Covid-19's genetic sequencing. Officially the Australian government and Nato say the virus probably originated in the Wuhan wet market, with Australia adding a five percent chance it accidentally leaked from a laboratory. Last night experts said while any report by an intelligence service was "significant", the dossier had no new evidence to further the case against China. Matthew Henderson, who served with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in Beijing and is now head of the Henry Jackson Society'sAsia programme, said: "Chinese cover-up and misinformation were clearly responsible for the spread of the pandemic."
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thedailyexpress--2020-05-03--NHS staff should get a pay rise over coronavirus efforts poll reveals

The public are also prepared to pay more taxes to support this - and want a `` Remembrance Day '' to commemorate everyone who has perished during the pandemic .
The poll , which sheds light on how Britons are coping with the lockdown , found that 78 per cent want doctors , nurses , carers and other health staff to get a raise .
Seven out of 10 people ( 71 percent ) said they would be willing to pay more in tax to fund this .
The findings , by Redfield & Wilton Strategies , come as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donna Kinnair , chief executive and general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing , said : `` All our health and care staff will be heartened to hear that there is such a huge amount of support from the public for their pay to be increased .
`` Nursing staff have always gone above and beyond in the care of their patients.When this is all over , we are sure ministers will listen to the views of the public and pay nurses what they deserve . ''
Meanwhile , two-thirds of Britons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victims of Covid-19 .
When asked what they missed the most during lockdown , seeing family came first ( 69 percent ) , ahead of seeing friends ( 62 percent ) , shopping ( 49 percent ) , and travelling to other parts of the UK ( 46 percent ) .
There was also support for football leagues in England and Wales abandoning this season , with nearly half of respondents ( 47 percent ) saying it should be `` completely voided in all competitions , and the next season begin as close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , almost a third ( 32 percent ) of people want the results of this season set by the standings on the last completed match day .
Of the Government 's handling of the crisis , six in 10 people ( 59 percent ) were `` moderately '' or `` somewhat confident '' it had a plan to tackle the outbreak , with nearly two in 10 ( 17 percent ) `` highly confident '' .
Forty-three per cent thought the PM 's return made it `` more likely '' the Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with only 14 percent saying `` less likely '' .
But there was nervousness about relaxing the lockdown , with more than six in 10 people ( 62 percent ) being `` worried that if the current measures are relaxed at all , it will do worse damage to the UK 's economy and overall health '' .
There is also significant confidence in the scientific advice the Government uses as the basis for its decisions .
More than one in five people ( 22 percent ) were highly confident , 67 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just 12 percent were not at all confident about it .
However , just one in three people ( 34 percent ) were optimistic the economy could quickly recover when the lockdown ends .
Nearly half ( 48 percent ) were not .
The poll also confirmed that the World Health Organization ( WHO ) has taken a hammering as a result of the crisis .
Six out of 10 Britons ( 57 percent ) said the pandemic had `` highlighted the failings '' of the WHO and shown `` why it needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

NHS staff should get a pay rise because of their efforts against coronavirus
The public are also prepared to pay more taxes to support this - and want a "Remembrance Day" to commemorate everyone who has perished during the pandemic. The poll, which sheds light on how Britons are coping with the lockdown, found that 78 per cent want doctors, nurses, carers and other health staff to get a raise.
Seven out of 10 people (71 percent) said they would be willing to pay more in tax to fund this. The findings, by Redfield & Wilton Strategies, come as an encouragement to workers on the frontline. Donna Kinnair, chief executive and general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said: "All our health and care staff will be heartened to hear that there is such a huge amount of support from the public for their pay to be increased. "Nursing staff have always gone above and beyond in the care of their patients.When this is all over, we are sure ministers will listen to the views of the public and pay nurses what they deserve." Meanwhile, two-thirds of Britons want an annual day to commemorate the victims of Covid-19.
Two-thirds of Britons want an annual day to commemorate the victims of Covid-19
When asked what they missed the most during lockdown, seeing family came first (69 percent), ahead of seeing friends (62 percent), shopping (49 percent), and travelling to other parts of the UK (46 percent). There was also support for football leagues in England and Wales abandoning this season, with nearly half of respondents (47 percent) saying it should be "completely voided in all competitions, and the next season begin as close to on schedule as possible". However, almost a third (32 percent) of people want the results of this season set by the standings on the last completed match day. Of the Government's handling of the crisis, six in 10 people (59 percent) were "moderately" or "somewhat confident" it had a plan to tackle the outbreak, with nearly two in 10 (17 percent) "highly confident". Forty-three per cent thought the PM's return made it "more likely" the Government would deal with the pandemic successfully, with only 14 percent saying "less likely".
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thedailyexpress--2020-05-03--Coronavirus: Britons may have to wear face masks when they return to work

The Sunday Express can reveal the Government 's blueprint for post-lockdown Britain will include advising workplaces to have floor markings to ensure people are two metres apart , staggered arrival times and breaks , fewer people in lifts and regular deep cleaning as part of an 11-point Covid safety plan .
The Government has set a target of May 26 , the day after the second May Bank Holiday , to encourage people back to work .
Details will be announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson this week in a careful process to provide a `` slow return to normality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 621 more coronavirus deaths yesterday , bringing the total to 28,131 - which Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick described as `` heartbreaking '' .
But the number in hospital with coronavirus has dropped 13 percent in the past week to 14,695 .
And for a second day in a row the Government hit its virus testing target - 105,937 on Friday .
Meanwhile a poll has shown people are nervous about leaving their homes .
Asked how they would feel if the Government began easing restrictions in May , 59 percent of the 1,500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going out and wo n't resume normal life in June .
The Redfield & Wilton Strategies poll showed 56 percent were confident of how the Government has handled the crisis and 69 percent trusted the scientific advice .
Mr Jenrick said : `` We are going to think carefully about how we approach the next stage of the virus and again we will be guided by medical opinion .
`` We will be taking a careful cautious approach to that because the overriding objective is to ensure the rate of transmission is below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headroom to protect the NHS and ensure it does n't get overwhelmed by a second peak . ''

Boris Johnson says UK will ‘hear more’ on face mask advice
The Sunday Express can reveal the Government's blueprint for post-lockdown Britain will include advising workplaces to have floor markings to ensure people are two metres apart, staggered arrival times and breaks, fewer people in lifts and regular deep cleaning as part of an 11-point Covid safety plan. The Government has set a target of May 26, the day after the second May Bank Holiday, to encourage people back to work.
Details will be announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson this week in a careful process to provide a "slow return to normality". It comes as figures showed 621 more coronavirus deaths yesterday, bringing the total to 28,131 - which Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick described as "heartbreaking". But the number in hospital with coronavirus has dropped 13 percent in the past week to 14,695. And for a second day in a row the Government hit its virus testing target - 105,937 on Friday. Meanwhile a poll has shown people are nervous about leaving their homes. Asked how they would feel if the Government began easing restrictions in May, 59 percent of the 1,500 questioned say they will not feel comfortable going out and won't resume normal life in June. The Redfield & Wilton Strategies poll showed 56 percent were confident of how the Government has handled the crisis and 69 percent trusted the scientific advice. Mr Jenrick said: "We are going to think carefully about how we approach the next stage of the virus and again we will be guided by medical opinion. "We will be taking a careful cautious approach to that because the overriding objective is to ensure the rate of transmission is below one, that we build in some headroom to protect the NHS and ensure it doesn't get overwhelmed by a second peak."
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries said: "People need very clear messaging to understand when they can come out and to be reassured when it is safe." Business Secretary Alok Sharma has asked civil servants to draw up plans to get the economy moving again and allow people back to their workplaces safely. He has consulted business and union leaders as well as the science and medical community and wants a "national consensus" on the safest ways of working. Specific guidance for different types of workplaces such as offices, shops, outdoor sites, salons and factories will be published shortly. Other sectors like theatres, sports grounds, pubs, cafes and clubs will probably have to wait longer until the risk of a second coronavirus wave has diminished. The plans are aimed at kickstarting the economy and getting more people earning again, while shielding everyone from another wave of the epidemic.
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Britons may be asked to wear face masks
Businesses will be allowed to reopen only when scientific advice suggests it is safe.The Government is also under pressure to make changes at home to ensure people are properly protected. A petition calling for maternity leave to be extended by three months to give mothers time to bond with their children has gained nearly 200,000 signatures. Former security minister Sir John Hayes says the UK needs to produce its own medicines and protective equipment.
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thedailyexpress--2020-05-03--Britain's PPE crisis shows need to be self-reliant – demand for major change

Writing for the Sunday Express , Sir John Hayes , who was previously in charge of the UK ’ s emergency planning , said that Brexit has provided the opportunity for a new approach in being more self reliant .
The veteran Tory MP for South Holland and the Deepings argued that Britain needs to consider medicines and protective gear in the same way as it did food supply in the Second World War to ensure it is not left short again .
His intervention follows Britain along with other countries desperately scrambling the world markets for supplies of protective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an international shortage .
Sir John pointed out that the UK has been let down by both China and Turkey in deliveries of PPE in taking a globalised rather than local approach .
He said : “ In sectors , such as the supply of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment we must replicate the achievement of food security built after the Second World War by introducing similar protections so these industries can establish vital extra capacity.
” He noted that the problems posed by rolling news and day to day challenges mean that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the long term and said there needs to be a change of culture in government .
He said : “ As a Government Minister in six different Departments , I saw how the daily imperative of endless events fills diaries and minds .
“ There is always something urgent at the top of a minister 's in-tray .
As a result , posing ‘ what if questions ’ , with the policy options such enquiries stimulate , is too often relegated .
Now that must change.
” He also urged the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities within Britain and argued that a reliance on gloabalisation “ which benefits the liberal elite ” has failed the country .
He said : “ While some may naively view the prospect of a localised world with dismay , and others will resent the loss of power to command the destiny of those their greed emasculates , in truth , it ’ s wonderful news for most of us .
“ Globalisation has hollowed out communities , robbing many of skilled employment and a consequent sense of purpose .
The crisis has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those who perform essential tasks – from care workers to fruit pickers .
“ To build a more resilient economy we must now invest in training for all .
Through the right support , we can craft a new future where all feel better because each are valued .
“ Efficient production of many of the goods we currently import will require support for the development of new technology , such as 3D printing , which have the potential to slash production costs .
But we will require a highly skilled workforce @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Britain's PPE crisis shows need to be self-reliant
Writing for the Sunday Express, Sir John Hayes, who was previously in charge of the UK’s emergency planning, said that Brexit has provided the opportunity for a new approach in being more self reliant. The veteran Tory MP for South Holland and the Deepings argued that Britain needs to consider medicines and protective gear in the same way as it did food supply in the Second World War to ensure it is not left short again.
His intervention follows Britain along with other countries desperately scrambling the world markets for supplies of protective equipment for medical workers and carers because of an international shortage. Sir John pointed out that the UK has been let down by both China and Turkey in deliveries of PPE in taking a globalised rather than local approach. He said: “In sectors, such as the supply of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment we must replicate the achievement of food security built after the Second World War by introducing similar protections so these industries can establish vital extra capacity.” He noted that the problems posed by rolling news and day to day challenges mean that Whitehall is not good at forward planning for the long term and said there needs to be a change of culture in government.
The UK has been let down by both China and Turkey in deliveries of PPE
He said: “As a Government Minister in six different Departments, I saw how the daily imperative of endless events fills diaries and minds. “There is always something urgent at the top of a minister's in-tray. As a result, posing ‘what if questions’, with the policy options such enquiries stimulate, is too often relegated. Now that must change.” He also urged the government to look more towards building up local communities within Britain and argued that a reliance on gloabalisation “which benefits the liberal elite” has failed the country. He said: “While some may naively view the prospect of a localised world with dismay, and others will resent the loss of power to command the destiny of those their greed emasculates, in truth, it’s wonderful news for most of us.
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thedailyexpress--2020-05-03--Boris Johnson wife: How many times has Boris Johnson been married?

Boris Johnson 's first marriage was to Allegra Mostyn-Owen in 1987 .
Mr Johnson proposed to his first wife when @ @ @ @ @ they stayed together for six years .
According to Ms Mostyn-Owen 's mother , Italian @ @ @ @ @ couple was not compatible from the start and they eventually broke up without having children @ @ @ @ @ second wife , lawyer Marina Wheeler , shortly after they received an annulment .

Dominic Raab provides update on Boris Johnson's baby
Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds have now returned to Westminster with their first child in tow, a son by the name of Wilfred Laurie Nicholas. The couple's child is Mr Johnson's sixth, and their upcoming marriage his third.
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How many times has Boris Johnson married? Carrie Symonds and Boris Johnson initially lived separately when Boris Johnson took office in late 2019. His now-fiancee joined him following his December election win, and they announced their pregnancy and engagement earlier this year. Before Ms Symonds entered the picture, Mr Johnson had been married two more times. READ MORE: Piers Morgan loses GMB viewers after Boris Johnson 'attack'
Boris Johnson wife: How many times has Boris Johnson been married?
Boris Johnson wife: Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds welcomed a son on Wednesday this week
READ MORE Rachel Reeves ignites GMB viewers fury for ‘scoring political points' Boris Johnson's first marriage was to Allegra Mostyn-Owen in 1987. Mr Johnson proposed to his first wife when they were 23, and they stayed together for six years. According to Ms Mostyn-Owen's mother, Italian writer Gaia Sevadio, the couple was not compatible from the start and they eventually broke up without having children. Boris Johnson married his second wife, lawyer Marina Wheeler, shortly after they received an annulment.
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Boris Johnson wife: The Prime Minister has four children with his second wife Marina Wheeler
The Prime Minister's second marriage to Ms Wheeler, a prominent barrister, lasted 25 years. She is the daughter of famed BBC correspondent Sir Charles Wheeler and his wife Dip Singh, and was appointed to the Queen's Counsel in 2016 as a human rights within public law specialist. They married on May 8, 1993, allegedly 12 days after Mr Johnson's first divorce. The couple has welcomed four children, 27-year-old Lara Lettice, 25-year-old Milo Arthur, Cassia Peaches, 22 and 20-year-old Theodore Johnson. DON'T MISS
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READ MORE Captain Tom congratulates Boris and Carrie on baby news ‘Delighted!’ Mr Johnson's second marriage ended in 2018 following accusations of infidelity from Ms Wheeler. More than one affair caught the attention of the media during their relationship, but it ultimately ended once Ms Wheeler discovered his romantic links to Carrie Symonds. They finalised their divorce in February this year when the couple arrived at a financial settlement. Mr Johnson and Carrie Symonds announced their engagement in the same month.


thedailyexpress--2020-05-02--Coronavirus poll: Do you think Boris Johnson's lockdown breaks the law? POLL CLOSED


thedailyexpress--2020-05-04--‘We WILL defeat this!’ Boris launches £6BN coronavirus fight with global fundraising drive

The Prime Minister will join forces with Canada , France , Germany and others for a global fundraising blitz to generate more than £6 billion .
He will say it is “ humanity against the virus - we are in this together , and together we will prevail ” .
Mr Johnson will call on countries to come together in a “ truly global effort ” to stop Covid 19 in its tracks .
Britain is already leading the global fight to find a vaccine by donating the most cash so far .
The PM will set out the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aid today for research into vaccinations , tests and treatments .
He will say : “ To win this battle , we must work together to build an impregnable shield around all our people , and that can only be achieved by developing and mass producing a vaccine .
“ The more we pull together and share our expertise , the faster our scientists will succeed .
“ The race to discover the vaccine to defeat this virus is not a competition between countries , but the most urgent shared endeavour of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the virus - we are in this together , and together we will prevail.
” Mr Johnson ’ s charge to find a way to beat the disease comes after he revealed shocking details of his own fight for life after being struck down with Covid 19 at the end of March .
The Prime Minister told how doctors prepared to announce his death as he battled against the virus .
Mr Johnson spent three nights in intensive care at St Thomas ' in London with the disease , where he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of oxygen '' .
He described it as a `` tough old moment '' and revealed the staff “ had a strategy to deal with a 'death of Stalin'-type scenario ” .
`` I was not in particularly brilliant shape and I was aware there were contingency plans in place , ” he told The Sun on Sunday .
`` The doctors had all sorts of arrangements for what to do if things went badly wrong.
” Mr Johnson , 55 , said he had initially been `` in denial '' initially about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his condition worsened he began thinking “ how am I going to get out of this ? '
'' but said his `` terrible buoyancy '' meant he believed he would survive .
He returned to Downing Street on Monday after a fortnight convalescing at Chequers and two days later fiancee Carrie Symonds gave birth to their son , Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas Johnson .
They named him after their grandfathers , and two doctors - Dr Nick Price and Prof Nick Hart - who helped save Mr Johnson 's life .
The Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Cabinet on Thursday to sign off the next steps in the coronavirus battle .
After leading the daily coronavirus war Cabinet this morning , he will join the virtual pledging conference with Canada , France , Germany , Italy , Japan , Norway , Saudi Arabia , and senior EU officials .
They want to raise billions of pounds to help find a vaccine and treatments for Covid-19 as part of an 'international alliance ' fighting the disease .
Britain will confirm £388 million , part of a larger £744 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic and support the global economy .
Money raised at the conference will be used to make up the global funding “ shortfall ” estimated by the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board ( GPMB ) , which monitors how the world deals with health crises .
Experts insist tackling coronavirus globally is crucial in preventing a second wave of the virus re-emerging in the UK .
It will also speed up the development of life-saving vaccines , treatments and diagnostic tests .
Anne-Marie Trevelyan , the International Development Secretary , said : “ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will prevent future waves of infection and end this pandemic as quickly as possible .
“ By strengthening developing countries ’ health systems and working to find a vaccine , the UK is playing its part in stopping the global spread of coronavirus to save lives everywhere and protect our NHS.
” DO N'T MISS Brexit confession : David Davis ’ brutal assessment of Chequers meeting [ INTERVIEW ] Give us truth but let ’ s have good cheer too , says NICK FERRARI [ COMMENT ] Coronavirus : Britons could go for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] All countries must remain `` on alert '' to a second wave of infection as lockdown restrictions when lockdown restrictions are eased internationally , a World Health Organisation ( WHO ) expert has warned .

Michael Gove: PM will explain how UK can get back to work
The Prime Minister will join forces with Canada, France, Germany and others for a global fundraising blitz to generate more than £6 billion. He will say it is “humanity against the virus - we are in this together, and together we will prevail”. Mr Johnson will call on countries to come together in a “truly global effort” to stop Covid 19 in its tracks.
Britain is already leading the global fight to find a vaccine by donating the most cash so far. The PM will set out the UK’s latest £388 million round of aid today for research into vaccinations, tests and treatments. He will say: “To win this battle, we must work together to build an impregnable shield around all our people, and that can only be achieved by developing and mass producing a vaccine. “The more we pull together and share our expertise, the faster our scientists will succeed. “The race to discover the vaccine to defeat this virus is not a competition between countries, but the most urgent shared endeavour of our lifetimes.
Boris Johnson is launching a global drive today
“It’s humanity against the virus - we are in this together, and together we will prevail.” Mr Johnson’s charge to find a way to beat the disease comes after he revealed shocking details of his own fight for life after being struck down with Covid 19 at the end of March. The Prime Minister told how doctors prepared to announce his death as he battled against the virus. Mr Johnson spent three nights in intensive care at St Thomas' in London with the disease, where he said medics gave him "litres and litres of oxygen". He described it as a "tough old moment" and revealed the staff “had a strategy to deal with a 'death of Stalin'-type scenario”. "I was not in particularly brilliant shape and I was aware there were contingency plans in place,” he told The Sun on Sunday.
Boris will say: "To win this battle, we must work together."
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"The doctors had all sorts of arrangements for what to do if things went badly wrong.” Mr Johnson, 55, said he had initially been "in denial" initially about how serious his illness was. When his condition worsened he began thinking “how am I going to get out of this?'" but said his "terrible buoyancy" meant he believed he would survive. He returned to Downing Street on Monday after a fortnight convalescing at Chequers and two days later fiancee Carrie Symonds gave birth to their son, Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas Johnson. They named him after their grandfathers, and two doctors - Dr Nick Price and Prof Nick Hart - who helped save Mr Johnson's life. The Prime Minister is expected to hold a meeting of the Cabinet on Thursday to sign off the next steps in the coronavirus battle. READ MORE: Boris leaves Brussels rattled as UK issues EU Brexit ultimatum
Macron and Merkel are also part of the fundraising effort
After leading the daily coronavirus war Cabinet this morning, he will join the virtual pledging conference with Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Saudi Arabia, and senior EU officials. They want to raise billions of pounds to help find a vaccine and treatments for Covid-19 as part of an 'international alliance' fighting the disease. Britain will confirm £388 million, part of a larger £744 million in aid funding to help end the pandemic and support the global economy. Money raised at the conference will be used to make up the global funding “shortfall” estimated by the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB), which monitors how the world deals with health crises. Experts insist tackling coronavirus globally is crucial in preventing a second wave of the virus re-emerging in the UK. It will also speed up the development of life-saving vaccines, treatments and diagnostic tests. Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the International Development Secretary, said: “It is only by working together that we will prevent future waves of infection and end this pandemic as quickly as possible. “By strengthening developing countries’ health systems and working to find a vaccine, the UK is playing its part in stopping the global spread of coronavirus to save lives everywhere and protect our NHS.” DON'T MISS
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thedailyexpress--2020-05-02--'Electoral Commission must be abolished!' Calls for inquiry after Leave.EU humiliation

Writing for the Sunday Express today , Mr Banks has revealed that he has written to the chairman of the Commons digital , culture , media and sports select committee Julian Knight to demand an inquiry into the controversial watchdog .
The billionaire businessman has been backed by senior Tory MPs who have called for the Electoral Commission to be scrapped and replaced .
North West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen said : “ The Electoral Commission has shown that it is not fit for purpose and has pandered to the remainer lobby , it must now be abolished or replaced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new golden age awaits , says ARRON BANKS Arron Banks gives £50,000 to help Big Ben bong for Brexit Wellingborough MP Peter Bone , who founded Grassroots Out , said : “ It ’ s time Parliament looks into the Electoral Commission , they have serious questions to answer.
” Questions had been asked about the actions of the Electoral Commission after it was humiliated in the High Court last year when former Vote Leave campaigner Darren Grimes was cleared of allegations it had made against him .
Judges forced the watchdog @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £20,000 .
There had been concerns that key members of the Electoral Commission had been Remain campaigners against Brexit .
This included the chairman Sir John Holmes who has already faced demands to resign as well as nine other commissioners who made pronouncements in favour of Remain .
Mr Grimes said : “ The supposedly independent @ ElectoralCommUK allowed itself to become part of the [ pro-EU ] mob , swallowing [ the ] conspiracy theories .
MPs need to get a grip of this out of control quango .
”

Farage says Arron Banks investigation came at ‘perfect time’
Writing for the Sunday Express today, Mr Banks has revealed that he has written to the chairman of the Commons digital, culture, media and sports select committee Julian Knight to demand an inquiry into the controversial watchdog. The billionaire businessman has been backed by senior Tory MPs who have called for the Electoral Commission to be scrapped and replaced. North West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen said: “The Electoral Commission has shown that it is not fit for purpose and has pandered to the remainer lobby, it must now be abolished or replaced."
Wellingborough MP Peter Bone, who founded Grassroots Out, said: “It’s time Parliament looks into the Electoral Commission, they have serious questions to answer.” Questions had been asked about the actions of the Electoral Commission after it was humiliated in the High Court last year when former Vote Leave campaigner Darren Grimes was cleared of allegations it had made against him. Judges forced the watchdog to abandon attempts to fine Mr Grimes £20,000. There had been concerns that key members of the Electoral Commission had been Remain campaigners against Brexit. This included the chairman Sir John Holmes who has already faced demands to resign as well as nine other commissioners who made pronouncements in favour of Remain. Mr Grimes said: “The supposedly independent @ElectoralCommUK allowed itself to become part of the [pro-EU] mob, swallowing [the] conspiracy theories. MPs need to get a grip of this out of control quango.”
Mr Banks has demanded an inquiry into the controversial watchdog
Suspicions were also raised by a refusal by the commission to investigate Remain groups when Priti Patel presented them with evidence before she became Home Secretary. Nigel Farage, a friend of Mr Banks, accused the Electoral Commission of being part of the “Remain establishment”. He said: “The Remain establishment have behaved appallingly since they lost in the referendum.” Former Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies said: “Another shocker for the Electoral Commission too whose days must surely now be numbered.” Theresa May’s former advisor, Nick Timothy added: “The Electoral Commission is discredited and bust. It needs to be abolished.” Meanwhile, former MP and Brexit Department aide Stewart Jackson said: “The Electoral Commission is well due abolition and the setting up of a new body with truly independent and accountable members and staff.”
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Nigel Farage accused the Electoral Commission of being part of the 'Remain establishment'