thedailyexpress--2020-04-26--Starmer demands ‘adult conversation’ from Boris over COVID-19 exit plan as PM returns

The Labour leader wrote the Prime Minister in a fresh call for the Government to plot a coherent COVID-19 exit strategy as the UK death toll surpasses 20,000 .
Mr Starmer said Britons deserve an adult conversation over what they face next as European neighbours reveal plans to lift lockdown restrictions .
He blasted Mr Johnson ’ s communication with the nation as not credible and said the government needs to plan and invest in infrastructure early .
He wrote : “ Simply acting as if this discussion is not happening is not credible , especially when other governments and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to communicate so much more .
“ The British public have made great sacrifices to make the lockdown work .
“ They deserve to be part of an adult conversation about what comes next .
“ If we want to take people with us and secure their consent , this is necessary now .
This is a national crisis and therefore needs a national response .
“ The coming weeks require urgent preparation and planning from the Government .
“ We have already seen the consequences of poor planning and preparation .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MORE : 10 lockdown friends : Can I choose 10 lockdown friends and family ?
However , foreign secretary Dominic Raab has refuted the calls , labelling the pandemic as a ” delicate and dangerous ” stage of the coronavirus spread .
Mr Raab , who has been deputising for Mr Johnson while he recovered from the virus , said the Government was sticking to scientific advice on social distancing measures .
He added the Government would proceed “ cautiously ” with lockdown measures set until 7 May after they were extended for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Raab also swept aside Mr Starmer ’ s calls for a coronavirus exit strategy .
He said : `` We are at a delicate and dangerous stage .
`` We need to make sure that the next steps are sure-footed , which is why we are proceeding very cautiously and we are sticking to the scientific advice with the social-distancing measures at this time , whilst doing all the homework to make sure that we are prepared in due course for the next phase . ''
Meanwhile , Scotland ’ s First @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from other parts of the UK and lift lockdown measures if needed , but stressed the decision would not be “ political in any way , shape or form '' .
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Speaking on BBC One 's The Andrew Marr Show , she said she hasn ’ t fully supported the UK government ’ response to the crisis .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an if , I 'm not saying that we 're likely to get in to this territory , the UK Government took decisions that I thought were premature in terms of coming out of the lockdown then clearly I would want to make sure that Scotland did what I judged was best to protect the population . ''
Earlier this week , Ms Sturgeon published a paper setting out the Scottish government ’ s framework for how a lockdown could be lifted in future .
In it , she urged Scots to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown as the nations sets about “ rebuilding , and look seriously at social and economic reform ” .
Elsewhere , fears are rising over the long-term health impact of NHS frontline workers .

Keir Starmer slams government’s ‘slow’ coronavirus response
The Labour leader wrote the Prime Minister in a fresh call for the Government to plot a coherent COVID-19 exit strategy as the UK death toll surpasses 20,000. Mr Starmer said Britons deserve an adult conversation over what they face next as European neighbours reveal plans to lift lockdown restrictions. He blasted Mr Johnson’s communication with the nation as not credible and said the government needs to plan and invest in infrastructure early.
He wrote: “Simply acting as if this discussion is not happening is not credible, especially when other governments and our own devolved administrations have been able to communicate so much more. “The British public have made great sacrifices to make the lockdown work. “They deserve to be part of an adult conversation about what comes next. “If we want to take people with us and secure their consent, this is necessary now. This is a national crisis and therefore needs a national response. “The coming weeks require urgent preparation and planning from the Government. “We have already seen the consequences of poor planning and preparation. That cannot happen again." READ MORE: 10 lockdown friends: Can I choose 10 lockdown friends and family?
Keir Starmer has called for coronavirus 'exit plan' from government
However, foreign secretary Dominic Raab has refuted the calls, labelling the pandemic as a ”delicate and dangerous” stage of the coronavirus spread. Mr Raab, who has been deputising for Mr Johnson while he recovered from the virus, said the Government was sticking to scientific advice on social distancing measures. He added the Government would proceed “cautiously” with lockdown measures set until 7 May after they were extended for a further three-weeks on 16 April. Mr Raab also swept aside Mr Starmer’s calls for a coronavirus exit strategy. He said: "We are at a delicate and dangerous stage.
"We need to make sure that the next steps are sure-footed, which is why we are proceeding very cautiously and we are sticking to the scientific advice with the social-distancing measures at this time, whilst doing all the homework to make sure that we are prepared in due course for the next phase." Meanwhile, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed she would diverge from other parts of the UK and lift lockdown measures if needed, but stressed the decision would not be “political in any way, shape or form". DON'T MISS: Coronavirus UK: How many people have died from coronavirus?
Measures eased in Europe as Spain sees its lowest death rate in month
Coronavirus POLL: Should the UK ease lockdown restrictions?
NHS staff take swabs at a testing site
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Dominic Raab rejected calls for Covid-19 exit strategy
Speaking on BBC One's The Andrew Marr Show, she said she hasn’t fully supported the UK government’ response to the crisis. She said: "If, and it is an if, I'm not saying that we're likely to get in to this territory, the UK Government took decisions that I thought were premature in terms of coming out of the lockdown then clearly I would want to make sure that Scotland did what I judged was best to protect the population." Earlier this week, Ms Sturgeon published a paper setting out the Scottish government’s framework for how a lockdown could be lifted in future. In it, she urged Scots to be prepared for a new reality after lockdown as the nations sets about “rebuilding, and look seriously at social and economic reform”. Elsewhere, fears are rising over the long-term health impact of NHS frontline workers.
Nicola Sturgeon could diverge from UK government's lockdown rules
NHS staff remember a colleague outside Newham University Hospital last Thursday


thedailyexpress--2020-04-28--Ian Blackford rakes in £241k in expenses: SNP MP second highest-claiming MP in Westminster

The Westminster leader for Scotland 's biggest expense in the same year was staffing , for which he claimed £150,616.55 .
This is compared to an average spend on staffing in the UK as £115,445.02 and £94,159.51 in London .
The MP for Ross , Skye and Lochaber claimed £22,941.75 on accommodation , £31,742.82 on travel and subsistence , £36,603.24 on office costs , and £963.85 , according to figures from IPSO and Daily Telegraph .
IPSA said MPs serving as party leaders often have higher claims , while those who live further away from Westminster often have higher travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to DUP MP Jim Shannon who claimed the highest expenses of any MP at £242,135.71 .
The figures also revealed eight SNP MPs , including Mr Blackford , made the top ten highest-claiming MPs .
They include Drew Hendry , who claimed £236,981.90 , John McNally who claimed£224,938.43 , Chris Stephens at £224,301.52 , Gavin Newlands who raked in £224,080.88 , Hannah Bardell with £222,960.32 , Patrick Grady who claimed £220,131.95 and Brendan O'Hara at £220,081.13 .
Tory MP Anne-Marie Trevelyan came in as fourth highest claiming MP with £226,479.95 .
While Kettering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of expenses at £7,117.49 .
MPs in London constituencies usually have lower accommodation claims because they are not allowed to claim for a second home .
The figures come after the Parliament 's expenses authority said MPs can claim £10,000 for additional office costs amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The cash can be used to buy additional equipment such as laptops and printers for staff who are having to work from home .
This comes on top of the £26,000 MPs can claim to cover office costs .
IPSA it was “ committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carry on with their work as far as possible ” during this `` uncertain and challenging time for the country '' .
They have also suspended the 90-day limit for claiming costs and relaxed the requirements on producing evidence of money spent .

Ian Blackford calls for a ‘virtual parliament' to be created
The Westminster leader for Scotland's biggest expense in the same year was staffing, for which he claimed £150,616.55. This is compared to an average spend on staffing in the UK as £115,445.02 and £94,159.51 in London.
The MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber claimed £22,941.75 on accommodation, £31,742.82 on travel and subsistence, £36,603.24 on office costs, and £963.85, according to figures from IPSO and Daily Telegraph. IPSA said MPs serving as party leaders often have higher claims, while those who live further away from Westminster often have higher travel claims. Mr Blackford came in second to DUP MP Jim Shannon who claimed the highest expenses of any MP at £242,135.71.
Ian Blackford has claimed £241k in expenses
Ian Blackford;s biggest expense in the same year was staffing, for which he claimed £150,616.55
The figures also revealed eight SNP MPs, including Mr Blackford, made the top ten highest-claiming MPs. They include Drew Hendry, who claimed £236,981.90, John McNally who claimed£224,938.43, Chris Stephens at £224,301.52, Gavin Newlands who raked in £224,080.88, Hannah Bardell with £222,960.32, Patrick Grady who claimed £220,131.95 and Brendan O'Hara at
£220,081.13. Tory MP Anne-Marie Trevelyan came in as fourth highest claiming MP with £226,479.95. READ MORE: Ian Blackford ignores new House of Commons rule during PMQ's
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Ian Blackford claimed £22,941.75 on accommodation
Drew Hendry claimed £236,981.90
Chris Stephens claimed £224,301.52
The figures come after the Parliament's expenses authority said MPs can claim £10,000 for additional office costs amid the coronavirus pandemic. The cash can be used to buy additional equipment such as laptops and printers for staff who are having to work from home. This comes on top of the £26,000 MPs can claim to cover office costs.
IPSA it was “committed to supporting MPs and their staff to carry on with their work as far as possible” during this "uncertain and challenging time for the country". They have also suspended the 90-day limit for claiming costs and relaxed the requirements on producing evidence of money spent.
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thedailyexpress--2020-04-28--Boris Johnson's secret lockdown exit strategy to be revealed in days

The Prime Minister confirmed he is back in charge over three weeks after being struck down with Covid-19 , but has asked the public to be “ patient ” as it was too early to “ go easy ” on the lockdown restrictions .
Mr Johnson said the stringent restrictions would be “ refined ” once the outbreak was under control , adding that he would be “ transparent ” about the following moves and urging Opposition parties to co operate with him .
The Prime Minister said : “ We are now beginning to turn the tide .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because I believe now we are coming to the end of the first phase of this conflict.
” The Prime minister ’ s speech comes as Cabinet ministers are in continuous talks over how and when lockdown measures will be eased .
Paymaster General Penny Mordaunt and International Development Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said there had been huge volumes of incoming mail from “ business owners who are desperate to get back to work ” .
Indicators like a hike in traffic levels and shops and construction sites returning to activity suggest Britons are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown measures will be lifted .
The PM spokesman said : “ There could be easing in some areas , there could also be a toughening in other areas , “ We will not be returning immediately to life as we knew it.
” Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty said the figures show the UK is going “ through the peak ” of the pandemic , but added : “ There is a long long way to go beyond that .
“ It is a big mistake in my view just to look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to look at the epidemic as a whole.
” In his first address since he got admitted to hospital with Covid-19 , Mr Johnson said he had been “ away from my desk for much longer than I would 've liked ” .
READ MORE : Coronavirus symptoms : New warning amongst children He said : “ Once again I want to thank you the people of this country for the sheer grit and guts you 've shown and are continuing to show .
“ Every day I know that this virus brings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the land.
” Mr Johnson said : “ It is still true that this is the biggest single challenge this country has faced since the war and I in no way minimise the continuing problems we face “ And yet it is also true that we are making progress with fewer hospital admissions , fewer Covid patients in ICU and real signs now that we are passing through the peak .
“ And thanks to your forbearance , your good sense your altruism , your spirit of community , thanks to our collective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brink of achieving that first clear mission to prevent our National Health Service from being overwhelmed in a way that tragically we have seen elsewhere .
DO N'T MISS : Merkel CRISIS : Germany ’ s exports will FLATLINE to lowest ever [ REVEALED ] Greece : Why social distancing is impossible on ‘ congested ' islands [ INSIGHT ] France issues coronavirus warning after country sees huge deaths drop [ UPDATES ] “ And that is how and why we are now beginning to turn the tide.
” Mr Johnson , speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw him transferred to intensive care , said : “ If this virus were a physical assailant , an unexpected and invisible mugger - which I can tell you from personal experience , it is - then this is the moment when we have begun together to wrestle it to the floor .
“ And so it follows that this is the moment of opportunity , this is the moment when we can press home our advantage , it is also the moment of maximum risk .
“ I know there will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and beginning to wonder whether now is the time to go easy on those social distancing measures .
”

Boris Johnson says UK is 'coming to end of first phase'
The Prime Minister confirmed he is back in charge over three weeks after being struck down with Covid-19, but has asked the public to be “patient” as it was too early to “go easy” on the lockdown restrictions. Mr Johnson said the stringent restrictions would be “refined” once the outbreak was under control, adding that he would be “transparent” about the following moves and urging Opposition parties to co operate with him.
The Prime Minister said: “We are now beginning to turn the tide. “I ask you to contain your impatience because I believe now we are coming to the end of the first phase of this conflict.” The Prime minister’s speech comes as Cabinet ministers are in continuous talks over how and when lockdown measures will be eased. Paymaster General Penny Mordaunt and International Development Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said there had been huge volumes of incoming mail from “business owners who are desperate to get back to work”. Indicators like a hike in traffic levels and shops and construction sites returning to activity suggest Britons are becoming increasingly impatient and uncertain about when lockdown measures will be lifted.
Boris Johnson to reveal exit strategy soon
The PM spokesman said: “There could be easing in some areas, there could also be a toughening in other areas, “We will not be returning immediately to life as we knew it.” Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty said the figures show the UK is going “through the peak” of the pandemic, but added: “There is a long long way to go beyond that. “It is a big mistake in my view just to look at the first phase. We need to look at the epidemic as a whole.” In his first address since he got admitted to hospital with Covid-19, Mr Johnson said he had been “away from my desk for much longer than I would've liked”. READ MORE: Coronavirus symptoms: New warning amongst children
CMO Chris Whitty said the figures show the UK is going 'through the peak' of the pandemic
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He said: “Once again I want to thank you the people of this country for the sheer grit and guts you've shown and are continuing to show. “Every day I know that this virus brings new sadness and mourning to households across the land.” Mr Johnson said: “It is still true that this is the biggest single challenge this country has faced since the war and I in no way minimise the continuing problems we face “And yet it is also true that we are making progress with fewer hospital admissions, fewer Covid patients in ICU and real signs now that we are passing through the peak. “And thanks to your forbearance, your good sense your altruism, your spirit of community, thanks to our collective national resolve, we are on the brink of achieving that first clear mission to prevent our National Health Service from being overwhelmed in a way that tragically we have seen elsewhere. DON'T MISS:
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Coronavirus symptom chart
“And that is how and why we are now beginning to turn the tide.” Mr Johnson, speaking of his high against the virus which saw him transferred to intensive care, said: “If this virus were a physical assailant, an unexpected and invisible mugger - which I can tell you from personal experience, it is - then this is the moment when we have begun together to wrestle it to the floor. “And so it follows that this is the moment of opportunity, this is the moment when we can press home our advantage, it is also the moment of maximum risk. “I know there will be many people looking at our apparent success, and beginning to wonder whether now is the time to go easy on those social distancing measures.”
Anne-Marie Trevelyan said there had been huge volumes of mail from desperate business owners
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thedailyexpress--2020-04-28--Nicola Sturgeon left red faced as claim made Scottish death figures are WRONG

Ms Sturgeon was questioned on the matter during today 's live coronavirus briefing by Channel 4 reporter Ciaran Jenkins .
Pointing to the Care Inspectorate 's record of the number of suspected deaths from the disease in care homes , irrespective of what appears on deaths certificates , he stressed they therefore knew about deaths which had not appeared in the official count so far .
He added : `` They tell us the Scottish Government has this data .
`` So why are these figures not being published in Scotland ? ''
Ms Sturgeon said : `` This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publish these figures .
`` I ca n't speak for the figures which are published elsewhere .
`` But I am confident that the figures we are publishing here are statistics which are accurate about the people who die in way that is related to the virus , but also to the overall number of deaths .
`` If there is any discrepancy between the two , people can see that transparently .
JUST IN : 'Kim 's not dead - yet ' : Expert thinks North Korea 's leader is alive '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have spoken about the need to further understand excess deaths that are not being attributed to COVID . ''
More than 6,500 deaths involving coronavirus have occurred in England and Wales outside of hospital , official figures have shown .
Care homes notified the Care Quality Commission ( CQC ) , which performs the same role as the Care Inspectorate south of the border , of 4,343 deaths of residents in homes between April 10 and 24 in England , the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) said .
DO N'T MISS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ response to Greece migrant crisis [ LATEST ] Coronavirus warning : Syria 's refugee camps offer ‘ fertile ground ’ [ ANALYSIS ] BBC 's Katya Adler reveals EU 's tactic against Turkey 's migrants threat [ UPDATE ] The publication marks the first time the CQC death notifications for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in care homes have been published .
Nick Stripe , head of health analysis at the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) , told the BBC : `` There could be deaths that are happening in care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hospitals .
So those care pathways might be being disrupted to some degree .
`` It could also be that perhaps care home residents are getting what ostensibly appears like milder symptoms of COVID-19 but perhaps COVID-19 , which is acting in strange ways in some cases , could be affecting their underlying health conditions . ''
A spokesperson for the Care Inspectorate said : `` Care services across Scotland are working tirelessly under very challenging circumstances to care for people .
`` The Care Inspectorate is working closely with care providers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care industry leaders and the Scottish Government to ensure services get the support they need during the pandemic .
Part of that work includes asking services to notify us of suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 and of the deaths of service users .
`` The purpose of these notifications is to enable us and our partners to direct help and support where it is needed .
We share the general data from these notifications with the Scottish Government who are the primary publishers of data related to COVID-19 during the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ worrying time for people who experience care , their loved ones and families and for those who work in care .
Our thoughts are with all those affected . ''
Express.co.uk has approach the Scottish Government for further clarification about the situation .
Also today , Professor Hugh Pennington told Holyrood 's Health and Sport Committee it had been a `` policy error '' to move to the delay phase of the pandemic response so soon .
Prof Pennington said testing and tracing should have continued for longer .

Nicola Sturgeon on 'unpublished figures' of COVID-19 deaths
Ms Sturgeon was questioned on the matter during today's live coronavirus briefing by Channel 4 reporter Ciaran Jenkins. Pointing to the Care Inspectorate's record of the number of suspected deaths from the disease in care homes, irrespective of what appears on deaths certificates, he stressed they therefore knew about deaths which had not appeared in the official count so far.
He added: "They tell us the Scottish Government has this data. "So why are these figures not being published in Scotland?" Ms Sturgeon said: "This is the best and most reliable way to publish these figures. Back Express.co.uk's NHS Heroes campaign
Nicola Sturgeon speaks during the briefing
Elderslie Care Home in Paisley, where 22 residents have died of coronavirus
"I can't speak for the figures which are published elsewhere. "But I am confident that the figures we are publishing here are statistics which are accurate about the people who die in way that is related to the virus, but also to the overall number of deaths. "If there is any discrepancy between the two, people can see that transparently. JUST IN: 'Kim's not dead - yet': Expert thinks North Korea's leader is alive
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Nicola Sturgeon observes a minute's silence for NHS workers
"In the last two weeks, we have spoken about the need to further understand excess deaths that are not being attributed to COVID." More than 6,500 deaths involving coronavirus have occurred in England and Wales outside of hospital, official figures have shown. Care homes notified the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which performs the same role as the Care Inspectorate south of the border, of 4,343 deaths of residents in homes between April 10 and 24 in England, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. DON'T MISS:
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Professor Hugh Pennington speaks to the committee
Lockdown rules
The publication marks the first time the CQC death notifications for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in care homes have been published. Nick Stripe, head of health analysis at the Office for National Statistics (ONS), told the BBC: "There could be deaths that are happening in care homes that would ordinarily have been transferred to hospitals. So those care pathways might be being disrupted to some degree. "It could also be that perhaps care home residents are getting what ostensibly appears like milder symptoms of COVID-19 but perhaps COVID-19, which is acting in strange ways in some cases, could be affecting their underlying health conditions." A spokesperson for the Care Inspectorate said: "Care services across Scotland are working tirelessly under very challenging circumstances to care for people. "The Care Inspectorate is working closely with care providers, health and social care partnerships, care industry leaders and the Scottish Government to ensure services get the support they need during the pandemic. Part of that work includes asking services to notify us of suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 and of the deaths of service users.
COVID-19 deaths in the UK
"The purpose of these notifications is to enable us and our partners to direct help and support where it is needed. We share the general data from these notifications with the Scottish Government who are the primary publishers of data related to COVID-19 during the pandemic. "We understand this is a really worrying time for people who experience care, their loved ones and families and for those who work in care. Our thoughts are with all those affected." Express.co.uk has approach the Scottish Government for further clarification about the situation. Also today, Professor Hugh Pennington told Holyrood's Health and Sport Committee it had been a "policy error" to move to the delay phase of the pandemic response so soon. Prof Pennington said testing and tracing should have continued for longer.
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-04-28--Boris Johnson speech: Boris warns of  'maximum risk' - Statement in full

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has now returned to Downing Street and to work after recovering from coronavirus .
Mr Johnson 's battle with COVID-19 saw him hospitalised for a week at St Thomas 's Hospital in London , with three of those days spent in intensive care .
After leaving the hospital , Mr Johnson spent time recovering at his country home , Chequers .
Now back to work , Mr Johnson gave a speech outside Downing Street to mark his return .
The Prime Minister apologised for being away from his desk for longer than he wanted .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his stead , and thanked the public for adhering to lockdown guidelines .
Below is Mr Johnson 's statement in full .
Read More : Victory for Daily Express : Campaign for compensation approved • Donald Trump gives update on US Presidential Election and COVID-19 Mr Johnson apologised and said he had been `` away from my desk for much longer than I would 've liked '' .
Addressing the nation he said : `` Once again I want to thank you the people of this country for the sheer grit and guts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show .
`` Every day I know that this virus brings new sadness and mourning to households across the land . ''
He said the country is making progress , and there are real signs we are “ passing through the peak ” .
Mr Johnson said he shared business concerns about the length of the lockdown but he refused to `` throw away all the effort and sacrifice of the British people '' and risk a second peak .
Mr Johnson continued : `` It is still true that this is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the war and I in no way minimise the continuing problems we face .
`` And yet it is also true that we are making progress with fewer hospital admissions , fewer COVID patients in ICU and real signs now that we are passing through the peak .
`` And thanks to your forbearance , your good sense your altruism , your spirit of community , thanks to our collective national resolve , we are on the brink of achieving that first clear mission to prevent our National Health Service from being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have seen elsewhere .
DO N'T MISS Lockdown news : The failure that caused second outbreak of Spanish Flu [ INSIGHT ] New study shows how long coronavirus can stay airborne [ ANALYSIS ] Fears grow that coronavirus vaccine could face export ban [ INSIGHT ] • Piers Morgan hits back at Donald Trump for unfollowing him `` And that is how and why we are now beginning to turn the tide . ''
Speaking of his personal experience of coronavirus Mr Johnson said : `` If this virus were a physical assailant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which I can tell you from personal experience , it is - then this is the moment when we have begun together to wrestle it to the floor .
`` And so it follows that this is the moment of opportunity , this is the moment when we can press home our advantage , it is also the moment of maximum risk .
`` I know there will be many people looking at our apparent success , and beginning to wonder whether now is the time to go easy on those social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` how hard and stressful it has been to give up , even temporarily , those ancient and basic freedoms '' .
But he said : `` We must also recognise the risk of a second spike , the risk of losing control of that virus and letting the reproduction rate go back over one because that would mean not only a new wave of death and disease but also an economic disaster . ''
Mr Johnson added : `` And so I know it is tough .
And I want to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can , but I refuse to throw away all the effort and the sacrifice of the British people and to risk a second major outbreak and huge loss of life and the overwhelming of the NHS .
`` And I ask you to contain your impatience , because I believe we are coming now to the end of the first phase of this conflict and in spite of all the suffering we have so nearly succeeded .
`` We defied so many predictions .
We did not run out of ventilators or ICU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our NHS to collapse , and on the contrary , we have so far collectively shielded our NHS so that our incredible doctors and nurses and healthcare staff have been able to shield all of us from an outbreak that would have been far worse and we collectively flattened the peak . ''
Mr Johnson added : “ And so when we are sure that this first phase is over and that we are meeting our five tests : deaths falling , NHS protected , rate of infection down , really sorting out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoiding a second peak , then that will be the time to move on to the second phase in which we continue to suppress the disease and keep the reproduction rate – the R rate – down , but begin gradually to refine the economic and social restrictions and one-by-one to fire up the engines of this vast UK economy .
`` And in that process , difficult judgments will be made and we simply can not spell out now how fast or slow or even when those changes will be made , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying much more about this in the coming days.
” Mr Johnson said in terms of discussions about changes to restrictions : “ We will also be reaching out to build the biggest possible consensus across business , across industry , across all parts of our United Kingdom , across party lines , bringing in opposition parties as far as we possibly can .
“ I think that ’ s no less than what the British people would expect.
” Mr Johnson concluded by saying if the UK can show the same sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we will come through this .

Boris Johnson says UK is 'coming to end of first phase'
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has now returned to Downing Street and to work after recovering from coronavirus. Mr Johnson's battle with COVID-19 saw him hospitalised for a week at St Thomas's Hospital in London, with three of those days spent in intensive care. After leaving the hospital, Mr Johnson spent time recovering at his country home, Chequers.
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Now back to work, Mr Johnson gave a speech outside Downing Street to mark his return. The Prime Minister apologised for being away from his desk for longer than he wanted. He thanked Dominic Raab for stepping up in his stead, and thanked the public for adhering to lockdown guidelines. Below is Mr Johnson's statement in full. Read More: Victory for Daily Express: Campaign for compensation approved
Boris Johnson speech: Mr Johnson spoke outside Downing Street this morning
READ MORE Donald Trump gives update on US Presidential Election and COVID-19 Mr Johnson apologised and said he had been "away from my desk for much longer than I would've liked". Addressing the nation he said: "Once again I want to thank you the people of this country for the sheer grit and guts you've shown and are continuing to show. "Every day I know that this virus brings new sadness and mourning to households across the land." He said the country is making progress, and there are real signs we are “passing through the peak”.
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Boris Johnson speech: Mr Johnson said lockdown conditions could not be eased yet
Mr Johnson said he shared business concerns about the length of the lockdown but he refused to "throw away all the effort and sacrifice of the British people" and risk a second peak. Mr Johnson continued: "It is still true that this is the biggest single challenge this country has faced since the war and I in no way minimise the continuing problems we face. "And yet it is also true that we are making progress with fewer hospital admissions, fewer COVID patients in ICU and real signs now that we are passing through the peak. "And thanks to your forbearance, your good sense your altruism, your spirit of community, thanks to our collective national resolve, we are on the brink of achieving that first clear mission to prevent our National Health Service from being overwhelmed in a way that tragically we have seen elsewhere. DON'T MISS
Lockdown news: The failure that caused second outbreak of Spanish Flu [INSIGHT]
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READ MORE Piers Morgan hits back at Donald Trump for unfollowing him "And that is how and why we are now beginning to turn the tide." Speaking of his personal experience of coronavirus Mr Johnson said: "If this virus were a physical assailant, an unexpected and invisible mugger - which I can tell you from personal experience, it is - then this is the moment when we have begun together to wrestle it to the floor. "And so it follows that this is the moment of opportunity, this is the moment when we can press home our advantage, it is also the moment of maximum risk. "I know there will be many people looking at our apparent success, and beginning to wonder whether now is the time to go easy on those social distancing measures."
Boris Johnson speech: Mr Johnson made his return to work today after three weeks off battling coronavirus
Boris Johnson speech: The Prime Minister thanked Britons for their 'sheer grit'
He said he understood "how hard and stressful it has been to give up, even temporarily, those ancient and basic freedoms". But he said: "We must also recognise the risk of a second spike, the risk of losing control of that virus and letting the reproduction rate go back over one because that would mean not only a new wave of death and disease but also an economic disaster." Mr Johnson added: "And so I know it is tough. And I want to get this economy moving as fast as I can, but I refuse to throw away all the effort and the sacrifice of the British people and to risk a second major outbreak and huge loss of life and the overwhelming of the NHS. "And I ask you to contain your impatience, because I believe we are coming now to the end of the first phase of this conflict and in spite of all the suffering we have so nearly succeeded. "We defied so many predictions. We did not run out of ventilators or ICU beds.


thedailyexpress--2020-04-27--EU’s Ursula von der Leyen shamed over ‘weak’ leadership - ‘Overwhelmed and absent!’

Austrian newspaper Die Presse blamed the lack of collective resolve to deal with the coronavirus crisis on a lack of decisive authority coming from the centre of the EU , and in particular , Ursula von der Leyen .
It suggested the EU Commission head Ms von der Leyen , had a lot to answer for due to the bloc 's current handling of the pandemic , particularly her lack of resolve and unreadiness to get into conflict with certain heads of state .
The paper 's greatest criticism was Ms von der Leyen 's `` conflict-averse '' dealings with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She has been attacked for letting both countries , `` slide into authoritarianism '' .
The paper was referring to the Hungarian Emergency Act , with which Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has been able to rule indefinitely since late March thanks to suspended elections .
The paper also made reference to the highly controversial change in the right to vote in Poland .
This was a ratification made in the Polish parliament that made it possible to vote for the Polish President by letter on May 10th , despite the coronavirus crisis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Die Presse , the newspaper wrote : “ Ursula von der Leyen avoided any conflict at the head of the Commission .
`` In doing so , she weakens herself and endangers European integration .
`` In the coronavirus crisis , she initially seemed absent.
” The newspaper went on to fire a heavy broadside at Ms von der Leyen 's first 100 days in office .
The paper stated : `` When there were horrific scenarios already taking place in hospitals in Italy , in early March , she believed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first 100 days in office was appropriate . ''
The newspaper went on to scold Ms von der Leyen for her willingness to avoid head-on confrontation .
The paper wrote : “ What does the President think of this ?
`` All member states have their constitutional problems , nobody is perfect , this is how she has downplayed it so far .
`` The mix of looking away , nodding and polishing up the image weakens the President , her office , and ultimately the entire EU . ''
But , Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a clear statement about Hungary in an interview with BILD on Sunday .
She said : “ We take a particularly close look at Hungary because of critical past experiences .
DO N'T MISS Stark warning from Italy as poll finds 40 percent want to quit bloc [ POLL ] Merkel scrambles to save 'catastrophic ' German economy [ INSIGHT ] Von der Leyen begs for €2 trillion war chest to save EU from failure [ INSIGHT ]

Von der Leyen discusses grants and loans during pandemic
Austrian newspaper Die Presse blamed the lack of collective resolve to deal with the coronavirus crisis on a lack of decisive authority coming from the centre of the EU, and in particular, Ursula von der Leyen. It suggested the EU Commission head Ms von der Leyen, had a lot to answer for due to the bloc's current handling of the pandemic, particularly her lack of resolve and unreadiness to get into conflict with certain heads of state. The paper's greatest criticism was Ms von der Leyen's "conflict-averse" dealings with the EU members Hungary and Poland.
She has been attacked for letting both countries, "slide into authoritarianism". The paper was referring to the Hungarian Emergency Act, with which Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has been able to rule indefinitely since late March thanks to suspended elections. The paper also made reference to the highly controversial change in the right to vote in Poland. This was a ratification made in the Polish parliament that made it possible to vote for the Polish President by letter on May 10th, despite the coronavirus crisis.
The EU parliament
In an article from the Monday edition of Die Presse, the newspaper wrote: “Ursula von der Leyen avoided any conflict at the head of the Commission. "In doing so, she weakens herself and endangers European integration. "In the coronavirus crisis, she initially seemed absent.” The newspaper went on to fire a heavy broadside at Ms von der Leyen's first 100 days in office. The paper stated: "When there were horrific scenarios already taking place in hospitals in Italy, in early March, she believed a press conference full of self-praise about her first 100 days in office was appropriate." The newspaper went on to scold Ms von der Leyen for her willingness to avoid head-on confrontation. MUST READ: Top economist's post-coronavirus vision for EU revealed
Ursula von der Leyen
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The paper wrote: “What does the President think of this? "All member states have their constitutional problems, nobody is perfect, this is how she has downplayed it so far. "The mix of looking away, nodding and polishing up the image weakens the President, her office, and ultimately the entire EU." But, Ms der Leyen, however, did deliver a clear statement about Hungary in an interview with BILD on Sunday. She said: “We take a particularly close look at Hungary because of critical past experiences. DON'T MISS
Stark warning from Italy as poll finds 40 percent want to quit bloc [POLL]
Merkel scrambles to save 'catastrophic' German economy [INSIGHT]
Von der Leyen begs for €2 trillion war chest to save EU from failure [INSIGHT]
Ursula von der Leyen
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thedailyexpress--2020-04-29--PMQs LIVE: Raab ridicules SNP in Brexit row 'we are doing it as one UNITED Kingdom'

Mr Blackford said refusing any extension is a `` reckless and foolish gamble '' , given gloomy economic forecasts over recent days and weeks .
He said : `` What we should be doing is putting a stop to these talks .
The World Trade Organisation has said world trade could fall by 32 percent this year .
The IMF said the global economy will suffer its worst financial crisis since the 1930s and the OBR warned the UK economy could shrink by 35 percent .
`` Refusing to admit the inevitability of an extension is n't a clever negotiating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foolish gamble .
`` Will the Secretary of State embrace common sense and recognise the need for a Brexit extension ? ''
But Mr Raab hit back , and replied : `` If his desire is to avoid more uncertainty , then the right thing to do is to double down and get a deal by the end of this year .
`` If his desire is to dig ourselves out of the economic challenges that we and the world face , the answer is to do this deal , give a shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides of the channel , and we 're doing it as one United Kingdom . ''
12.32pm update : ' We 're doing it as one United Kingdom ' - Raab Mr Raab hits back at Mr Blackford , saying the UK will get trade deal done with the EU by the end of this year , and will do it as `` one United Kingdom '' .
He says : `` If his desire is to avoid more uncertainty , then the right thing to do is to double down and get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
`` If his desire is to dig ourselves out of the economic challenges that we and the world face , the answer is to do this deal , give a shot in the arm to businesses on both sides of the channel , and we 're doing it as one United Kingdom .
12.30pm update : Blackford accused Raab of 'reckless and foolish gamble ' with transition period The SNP 's Wesminster leader Ian Blackford says : `` What we should be doing is putting a stop to these talks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ world trade could fall by 32 percent this year .
`` The IMF said the global economy will suffer its worst financial crisis since the 1930s and the OBR warned the UK economy could shrink by 35 percent .
`` Refusing to admit the inevitability of an extension is n't a clever negotiating tactic - it is a reckless and foolish gamble .
`` Will the Secretary of State embrace common sense and recognise the need for a Brexit extension ? ''
The Labour leader says : “ The public need to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next phase .
`` I am asking the Government to be open with the British public about what comes next .
“ Second businesses and schools need to plan ahead .
“ Tell us when the Government will publish an exit strategy.
” 12.21pm update : Raab hits back at 'getting worse not better ' claim The Foreign Secretary tells Sir Keir : “ I take exception with the claim things are getting worse not better .
The two central limbs of our strategy which is to flatten the peak that we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS can cope .
“ That has worked to date and it is important that we keep up the effort on all of that .
“ We face a global supply shortage of PPE .
We are now the international buyer of choice , we have had 22 flights of ventilators from China in the last week , three flights from Turkey with face protection and 140,000 gowns from Myanmar.
” The Labour leader replies : “ I have tried not to base anything on my own personal opinion because I do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have tried to stick to the data and the evidence rather than just coming up with an opinion.
” 12.18pm update : Labour leader tells Raab provision of PPE 'getting better , not worse ' Sir Keir says : “ Protective equipment for the frontline is crucial and lives do depend on it .
“ You would hope by now things would be getting better not worse .
`` Yet a survey of the Royal College of Physicians published on Monday said one in four doctors are still not getting the protective equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a plea from the frontline so what is going on and how soon can it be fixed ?
” The Foreign Secretary says : “ It is right to say there is a challenge in care homes .
We have made good progress overall in reducing community transmission .
“ The principle challenge in care homes is the greater challenge on the ebb and flow of people into those care homes .
`` That is the single biggest challenge in terms of reducing transmissions .
“ We are expanding the workforce by 20,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ update : Starmer warns UK on track to have 'worst death rate in Europe ' from coronavirus The Labour leader says he has added up a total of 27,241 coronavirus deaths so far , leaving the UK `` possibly on track to have the worst death rate in Europe '' .
He tells MPs : “ Deaths in care homes appear to have been rising as hospital deaths are declining .
“ We have all heard expressions of real anxiety from care homes .
`` Why does coronavirus continue to spread in care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paying tribute to the 85 NHS staff and 23 social care staff who have died from coronavirus whilst fighting the crisis .
He tells MPs : `` The whole House will also want to join me in paying tribute to the 85 NHS workers and the 23 social care workers who have very sadly died from coronavirus .
`` My very deepest sympathies are with their family and friends at what is an incredibly difficult time , and we 'll continue to do whatever it takes to support them . ''
The Foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moore , who has so far raised more than £29,000 .
Sir Keir also echoes those comments from the Foreign Secretary .
11.50am update : Johnson absent from PMQs after fiance gives birth to baby boy Boris Johnson will again be absent from PMQs after his fiance Carrie Symonds gave birth to a baby boy earlier today .
Dominic Raab will deputise for the Prime Minister for the second successive week

PMQs: Ian Blackford says UK is 'gambling' in Brexit deal
Mr Blackford said refusing any Brexit transition period extension is a "reckless and foolish gamble", given gloomy economic forecasts over recent days and weeks. He said: "What we should be doing is putting a stop to these talks. The World Trade Organisation has said world trade could fall by 32 percent this year. The IMF said the global economy will suffer its worst financial crisis since the 1930s and the OBR warned the UK economy could shrink by 35 percent.
"Refusing to admit the inevitability of an extension isn't a clever negotiating tactic - it is a reckless and foolish gamble. "Will the Secretary of State embrace common sense and recognise the need for a Brexit extension?" But Dominic Raab hit back, and replied: "If his desire is to avoid more uncertainty, then the right thing to do is to double down and get a deal by the end of this year. "If his desire is to dig ourselves out of the economic challenges that we and the world face, the answer is to do this deal, give a shot in the arm to businesses on both sides of the channel, and we're doing it as one United Kingdom." FOLLOW EXPRESS.CO.UK FOR LIVE UPDATES FROM PMQS:
PMQ's LIVE: Dominic Raab clashed with Ian Blackford in the House of Commons
PMQS LIVE: Dominic Raab hit back at Sir Keir Starmer
12.40pm update: Raab defends UK decision to opt out of the EU joint procurement of PPE Labour MP Geraint Davies asks: "The UK opted out of the EU joint procurement of PPE, ventilators and medical equipment. "Can the First Secretary confirm whether this was a political or commercial decision?" Mr Raab replies: "The original issue was a failure of communication, we didn't get the original invitation to tender if you like. "It's very clear to us that the schemes, in relation to the first batch of EU-wide procurement, would not have made any significant extra difference or added any value to what we were doing here. "We can look at any future procurement-wide initiatives for example of therapeutics. "I can also reassure him that we are working very closely with our EU partners on returns and repatriations and that's something where we have taken advantage of EU-wide schemes if it can help us share costs and the collaborative internationalist approach that the UK Government takes." 12.37pm update: UK 'taking a lead in research and development' with coronavirus vaccine Mr Raab insists the Government will aim to vaccinate "all of the people here in the UK" as well as supporting the "most vulnerable and poorest countries" in immunising their populations. The Foreign Secretary is asked by SNP MP Allan Dorans if Britain's vaccine efforts would be on the basis of need alone and not wealth. Mr Raab says: "We've had trials announced very recently. We are taking a lead in the research and development."
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PMQs LIVE: Sir Keir Starmer pressed Dominic Raab over the Government's lockdown strategy
12.32pm update: 'We're doing it as one United Kingdom' - Raab Mr Raab hits back at Mr Blackford, saying the UK will get trade deal done with the EU by the end of this year, and will do it as "one United Kingdom". He says: "If his desire is to avoid more uncertainty, then the right thing to do is to double down and get a deal by the end of this year. "If his desire is to dig ourselves out of the economic challenges that we and the world face, the answer is to do this deal, give a shot in the arm to businesses on both sides of the channel, and we're doing it as one United Kingdom. 12.31pm update: Raab dismisses calls to extend Brexit transition period The Foreign Secretary insists it remains the UK's aim to sign a trade deal with the EU before the end of the year in order to put an end to any uncertainty. He tells the Commons: "Let's be very clear about it, our position is unchanged. "The transition period ends on the 31st of December, that is enshrined in law. "There is no intention of changing that and actually what we should do now is focus on removing any additional uncertainty, doing a deal by the end of the year and allowing both the UK and the European Union and all of its member states to bounce back as we come through the coronavirus." 12.30pm update: Blackford accuses Raab of 'reckless and foolish gamble' with transition period The SNP's Wesminster leader Ian Blackford says: "What we should be doing is putting a stop to these talks. "The World Trade Organisation has said world trade could fall by 32 percent this year. "The IMF said the global economy will suffer its worst financial crisis since the 1930s and the OBR warned the UK economy could shrink by 35 percent. "Refusing to admit the inevitability of an extension isn't a clever negotiating tactic - it is a reckless and foolish gamble. "Will the Secretary of State embrace common sense and recognise the need for a Brexit extension?"
PMQs LIVE: Ian Blackford lashed out at the Government over the Brexit transition period
12.27pm update: Prime Minister's 250,000 coronavirus tests a day target remains 'an aspiration' Sir Keir says: "On March 12, seven weeks ago, the Prime Minister made clear his plan, and his plan was to ramp up daily testing to 250,000 tests a day. "I agree with him on that, I think that is the scale we should be at, so can the First Secretary clarify that the 250,000 tests a day is still a Government target, and if so, roughly when he thinks the Government will hit that target?" Mr Raab replies: "On testing, we now have 73,400 test capacity every day - that is almost double from the point at which we were at the dispatch box last week. "On daily tests carried out, the figure is now 43,563 which is up from well over double the 18,000 from the point at which we were at last week." He adds: "Of course he's right to say that the 250,000 target is still an aspiration, I'm not going to put a date on it. "The key point is the 100,000 milestone - very important to me - we're making good progress, is only the first stepping stone towards testing which is essential to the wider testing, tracking and tracing regime we'll need as we transition to the second phase." 12.25pm update: Starmer presses Raab over lockdown exit strategy The Labour leader says: “The public need to know what is going to happen in the next phase. "I am asking the Government to be open with the British public about what comes next. “Second businesses and schools need to plan ahead. “Tell us when the Government will publish an exit strategy.” 12.21pm update: Raab hits back at 'getting worse not better' claim The Foreign Secretary tells Sir Keir: “I take exception with the claim things are getting worse not better. The two central limbs of our strategy which is to flatten the peak that we are going through and to make sure the NHS can cope. “That has worked to date and it is important that we keep up the effort on all of that. “We face a global supply shortage of PPE. We are now the international buyer of choice, we have had 22 flights of ventilators from China in the last week, three flights from Turkey with face protection and 140,000 gowns from Myanmar.” The Labour leader replies: “I have tried not to base anything on my own personal opinion because I do not think that is helpful. “I have tried to stick to the data and the evidence rather than just coming up with an opinion.”
PMQs: Raab says lockdown cannot be ‘responsibly’ changed yet
12.18pm update: Labour leader tells Raab provision of PPE 'getting better, not worse' Sir Keir says: “Protective equipment for the frontline is crucial and lives do depend on it. “You would hope by now things would be getting better not worse. "Yet a survey of the Royal College of Physicians published on Monday said one in four doctors are still not getting the protective equipment that they need. “This is a plea from the frontline so what is going on and how soon can it be fixed?” 12.15pm update: Raab insists responds to Starmer on care home fears The Foreign Secretary says: “It is right to say there is a challenge in care homes. We have made good progress overall in reducing community transmission. “The principle challenge in care homes is the greater challenge on the ebb and flow of people into those care homes. "That is the single biggest challenge in terms of reducing transmissions. “We are expanding the workforce by 20,000 through a new recruitment campaign.”
PMQS LIVE: The House of Commons is almost empty as ministers adhere to social distancing
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thedailyexpress--2020-04-29--Dominic Raab shuts down Keir Starmer's claim coronavirus crisis getting 'worse not better'

Sir Keir Starmer confronted the Foreign Secretary , deputising for Boris Johnson during Prime Minister 's Questions , on the number of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) given out to health and other key workers across the country to deal with the coronavirus crisis .
Quoting a report published on Monday revealing one in four doctors and health workers are yet to receive PPE , the Labour leader said the crisis was getting `` worse and not better '' .
But the First Secretary hit back : “ I take exceptions with him suggesting that things are getting worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not true overall and we have shown through the social distancing measures , the overwhelming commitment by the public and our efforts to ramp up capacity particularly on ventilators and beds capacity in the NHS .
“ There are the two central limbs of our strategy which is flatten the peak of the curve going through , which if we hadn ’ t done that it would have been even worse .
“ And also to make sure the NHS ability to cope .
“ Those two critical elements of the strategy have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolutely important that we keep up the effort on all of that.
” READ MORE : PMQs LIVE : Lockdown row erupts - Raab says 'IRRESPONSIBLE ' to exit now Mr Raab also said the spread of Covid-19 in care homes is a `` challenge that we must grip '' .
Sir Keir asked why deaths in care homes were still rising .
In response , the First Secretary said : `` There 's doubting and I will not shy away from saying in front of the right honourable gentleman ( Sir Keir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` But it is a challenge that we must grip and can grip to make sure we can get the numbers down in care homes as we have seen in hospitals and as we 've seen in the country at large . ''
DO N'T MISS : Priti Patel scolds Yvette Cooper after claim she dodges scrutiny [ VIDEO ] Coronavirus chaos : Historian reveals harrowing parallels [ INSIGHT ] UK coronavirus death toll : How are coronavirus deaths recorded in UK ?
[ ANALYSIS ] Sir Keir Starmer said the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` truly dreadful '' .
He said : `` Six weeks ago on March 17 the Government 's chief scientific adviser ( Sir Patrick Vallance ) indicated the Government hoped to keep the overall number of deaths from coronavirus to below 20,000 .
`` He said that would be 'good ' by which in fairness to him he meant successful in the circumstances .
But we 're clearly way above that number and we 're only partway through this crisis and we 're possibly on track to have one of the worst death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Prime Minister said in his short speech that many were looking at our apparent success in the UK .
But does the First Secretary agree with me that far from success these latest figures are truly dreadful ? ''
Responding , Mr Raab said : `` This is an unprecedented pandemic , a global pandemic , and I think in fairness we should n't criticise either the CMO ( chief medical officer ) or the deputy CMO for trying to give some forecast in response to the questions that many in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are calling for . ''

PMQs: Raab shuts down Starmer over coronavirus claim
Sir Keir Starmer confronted the Foreign Secretary, deputising for Boris Johnson during Prime Minister's Questions, on the number of personal protective equipment (PPE) given out to health and other key workers across the country to deal with the coronavirus crisis. Quoting a report published on Monday revealing one in four doctors and health workers are yet to receive PPE, the Labour leader said the crisis was getting "worse and not better".
But the First Secretary hit back: “I take exceptions with him suggesting that things are getting worse and not better. “That is not true overall and we have shown through the social distancing measures, the overwhelming commitment by the public and our efforts to ramp up capacity particularly on ventilators and beds capacity in the NHS. “There are the two central limbs of our strategy which is flatten the peak of the curve going through, which if we hadn’t done that it would have been even worse. “And also to make sure the NHS ability to cope. “Those two critical elements of the strategy have worked to date and it’s absolutely important that we keep up the effort on all of that.” READ MORE: PMQs LIVE: Lockdown row erupts - Raab says 'IRRESPONSIBLE' to exit now
PMQs: Dominic Raab hits back at Keir Starmer's criticism of Government's coronavirus plan
PMQs: Sir Keir Starmer challenged Dominic Raab on 'worsening' coronavirus crisis
Mr Raab also said the spread of Covid-19 in care homes is a "challenge that we must grip". Sir Keir asked why deaths in care homes were still rising. In response, the First Secretary said: "There's doubting and I will not shy away from saying in front of the right honourable gentleman (Sir Keir) that this is a challenge. "But it is a challenge that we must grip and can grip to make sure we can get the numbers down in care homes as we have seen in hospitals and as we've seen in the country at large." DON'T MISS:
Priti Patel scolds Yvette Cooper after claim she dodges scrutiny [VIDEO]
Coronavirus chaos: Historian reveals harrowing parallels [INSIGHT]
UK coronavirus death toll: How are coronavirus deaths recorded in UK? [ANALYSIS]
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PMQs: Raab sends congratulations to Carrie Symonds and PM
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thedailyexpress--2020-04-29--SNP's Ian Blackford slapped down after scathing Brexit rant on 'shameful no deal gamble'

SNP 's Ian Blackford launched into a scathing attack of the British Government , accusing Westminster of `` shamelessly gambling '' with the economic future of the UK with the threat of a Brexit no deal .
The SNP politician pointed out the UK is `` two months away '' from the deadline set to request an extension , and he urged Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to consider postponing the end of trade talks with the European Union past December 31 .
Mr Blackford accused the Government of `` threatening to isolate '' the British economy in the aftermath of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dominic Raab , Mr Blackford said : `` We are two months away from the deadline on approving an extension to the Brexit negotiations .
`` Michel Barnier has been clear , the UK has refused to engage seriously on a number of fundamental issues .
`` The Government is shamelessly gambling with our economic future with a no-deal Brexit in the middle of a health emergency .
`` Why is the Government threatening to isolate our economy at the end of the year during the biggest economic crisis of our time ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ down Keir Starmer 's claim coronavirus crisis getting 'worse not better' After Mr Raab urged Mr Blackford to take Mr Barnier 's comments at face value , Mr Blackford continued : `` What we should be doing is removing uncertainty and we should put a stop to these talks .
`` We should make sure that we protect our businesses , and the failure by the First Secretary to rule out a no-deal Brexit should alarm us all .
`` The World Trade Organisation predicts world trade may fall by 32 percent this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will suffer its worst financial crisis since the 1930s and the OBR warned the UK economy could shrink by 35 percent .
That means two million people are at risk of losing their jobs .
`` Refusing to admit the inevitability of an extension is not a tough or a clever negotiating tactic .
It ’ s a reckless and foolish gamble .
Would the secretary of state embrace common sense and recognise the need for a Brexit extension .
`` Show some leadership .
Extend the Brexit transition and let us all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this crisis . ''
READ MORE : Raab ridicules SNP in Brexit row 'we are doing it as one UNITED Kingdom' Mr Raab , who deputised for Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he remained at his fiancée 's side after welcoming a baby son on Wednesday morning , rejected any suggestion the British Government will let the coronavirus pandemic force its hand in the Brexit trade talks .
The Foreign Secretary said : `` I ’ m not sure I ’ d be quite taking the word of Michel Barnier for the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as readily and uncritically as the Honourable Gentleman has .
`` Let ’ s be clear .
Our position is unchanged , the transition period ends on December 31 .
That ’ s enshrined in law , there ’ s no intention of changing that .
`` What we should do now , given the uncertainty , the problems and the challenges coronavirus has highlighted for us but also for our European friends , as we work extremely close with our German friends and all our European partners is remove any additional uncertainty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the year and allowing both the UK and the European Union to bounce back as we come through the coronavirus . ''
Priti Patel scolds Yvette Cooper after claim she dodges scrutiny [ VIDEO ] Coronavirus chaos : Historian reveals harrowing parallels [ INSIGHT ] UK coronavirus death toll : How are coronavirus deaths recorded in UK ?
[ ANALYSIS ]

PMQs: Ian Blackford says UK is 'gambling' in Brexit deal
SNP's Ian Blackford launched into a scathing attack of the British Government, accusing Westminster of "shamelessly gambling" with the economic future of the UK with the threat of a Brexit no deal. The SNP politician pointed out the UK is "two months away" from the deadline set to request an extension, and he urged Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to consider postponing the end of trade talks with the European Union past December 31. Mr Blackford accused the Government of "threatening to isolate" the British economy in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.
Addressing Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, Mr Blackford said: "We are two months away from the deadline on approving an extension to the Brexit negotiations. "Michel Barnier has been clear, the UK has refused to engage seriously on a number of fundamental issues. "The Government is shamelessly gambling with our economic future with a no-deal Brexit in the middle of a health emergency. "Why is the Government threatening to isolate our economy at the end of the year during the biggest economic crisis of our time?" JUST IN: Dominic Raab shuts down Keir Starmer's claim coronavirus crisis getting 'worse not better'
SNP's Blackford accused the Government of
Blackford demanded the Government request an extension
After Mr Raab urged Mr Blackford to take Mr Barnier's comments at face value, Mr Blackford continued: "What we should be doing is removing uncertainty and we should put a stop to these talks. "We should make sure that we protect our businesses, and the failure by the First Secretary to rule out a no-deal Brexit should alarm us all. "The World Trade Organisation predicts world trade may fall by 32 percent this year. The IMF says the world will suffer its worst financial crisis since the 1930s and the OBR warned the UK economy could shrink by 35 percent. That means two million people are at risk of losing their jobs. "Refusing to admit the inevitability of an extension is not a tough or a clever negotiating tactic. It’s a reckless and foolish gamble. Would the secretary of state embrace common sense and recognise the need for a Brexit extension. "Show some leadership. Extend the Brexit transition and let us all get on with the job of tackling this crisis." READ MORE: Raab ridicules SNP in Brexit row 'we are doing it as one UNITED Kingdom'
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Brexit: UK will ‘absolutely not’ extend deadline says Liz Truss
Dominic Raab summarily rejected plans for a Brexit transition extension
Mr Raab, who deputised for Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he remained at his fiancée's side after welcoming a baby son on Wednesday morning, rejected any suggestion the British Government will let the coronavirus pandemic force its hand in the Brexit trade talks. The Foreign Secretary said: "I’m not sure I’d be quite taking the word of Michel Barnier for the state of the progress of the negotiations quite as readily and uncritically as the Honourable Gentleman has. "Let’s be clear. Our position is unchanged, the transition period ends on December 31. That’s enshrined in law, there’s no intention of changing that. "What we should do now, given the uncertainty, the problems and the challenges coronavirus has highlighted for us but also for our European friends, as we work extremely close with our German friends and all our European partners is remove any additional uncertainty, doing a deal by the end of the year and allowing both the UK and the European Union to bounce back as we come through the coronavirus." DON'T MISS: Priti Patel scolds Yvette Cooper after claim she dodges scrutiny [VIDEO]
Coronavirus chaos: Historian reveals harrowing parallels [INSIGHT]
UK coronavirus death toll: How are coronavirus deaths recorded in UK? [ANALYSIS]
The Brexit trade talks are due to end on December 31 if no extension is requested
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thedailyexpress--2020-04-29--Boris Johnson children: How many children does Boris Johnson have?

Boris Johnson has famously diverted questions about his family and personal life , especially during the election campaign in 2019 where he said it was not what the electorate wanted to discuss .
When asked how many children he had by LBC ’ s Nick Ferrari , the Prime Minister replied : “ I don ’ t think this is what the nation wants to hear.
” How many children does Boris Johnson have ?
Boris Johnson is believed to be the father of six children , the youngest being his son with Carrie Symonds who was born this morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not chosen on a name for the baby boy , who is understood to be doing well along with his mum , who remains in the hospital .
The couple also expressed their thanks this morning , to the hardworking NHS maternity staff who ensured the safe delivery of their son .
Four of Mr Johnson ’ s children are from his marriage to his ex-wife and top-tier barrister Marina Wheeler , while his fifth child is believed to be with a former mistress .
DO N'T MISS : Brexit POLL : Did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to access UK fishing ?
VOTE

Boris Johnson has famously diverted questions about his family and personal life, especially during the election campaign in 2019 where he said it was not what the electorate wanted to discuss. When asked how many children he had by LBC’s Nick Ferrari, the Prime Minister replied: “I don’t think this is what the nation wants to hear.”
How many children does Boris Johnson have?
Boris Johnson is believed to be the father of six children, the youngest being his son with Carrie Symonds who was born this morning.
As of yet, they have not chosen on a name for the baby boy, who is understood to be doing well along with his mum, who remains in the hospital.
The couple also expressed their thanks this morning, to the hardworking NHS maternity staff who ensured the safe delivery of their son.
Four of Mr Johnson’s children are from his marriage to his ex-wife and top-tier barrister Marina Wheeler, while his fifth child is believed to be with a former mistress.
DON'T MISS: Brexit POLL: Did Gove finally reveal EU hypocrisy with demand to access UK fishing? VOTE [POLL]


thedailyexpress--2020-04-29--Brexit POLL: Did Gove finally reveal EU hypocrisy with demand to access UK fishing? VOTE

The Cabinet Minister said Brussels was seeking “ more or less the same access ” to UK waters in the future once the Brexit transition period has come to an end .
His scathing assessment of the EU ’ s approach to trade negotiations comes after both sides wrapped up Round 2 of talks last Friday .
Only “ limited progress ” was made on key issues , the Government said , including fisheries .
Speaking in the Committee meeting , Mr Gove said the fishing dispute , which shows no sign of let-up , was “ another example ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treating the UK yet as they would treat other independent countries ” .
He said : `` This is one area where I think that the EU 's stance is particularly difficult and challenging .
`` The EU quite rightly say to the UK , 'Look , you 're leaving and we respect that .
You can not have the same rights if you do not have the same obligations , outside the EU as inside the EU ' and we accept that .
`` We accept that the nature of our economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a free trade agreement , we wo n't be members of the single market .
`` But , the EU do n't appear to accept their own logic when it comes to fisheries .
`` They want to continue to have more or less the same access , they particularly want to maintain what 's called the relative stability mechanism , which governs access to our waters on the basis of out of date , historical patterns of fishing .
READ MORE : British fisherman dismisses EU fears as he demands UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we leave , we 'll be an independent coastal state like Norway or Iceland or the Faroes .
`` And therefore , access to our waters should be negotiated on an annual basis in the way it is with those other countries . ''
Mr Gove put the odds of Britain and Brussels reaching a trade agreement by the end of the year at “ definitely better than two to one ” .
However , he admitted he is “ not very good at making political predictions ” .
DO N'T MISS UK/EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - but Barnier MUST give ground [ INSIGHT ] UK tells EU it WILL control its waters after futile Brexit demand [ ANALYSIS ] Barnier threatens to sink Brexit deal after furious rant over fish [ SHOCK ] The UK ’ s chief Brexit negotiator David Frost struck an optimistic note last week as he kicked off discussions over video link with the EU ’ s team led by Michel Barnier .
But by the end of the week the gap between the two sides relating to multiple key issues had not been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make progress on “ an agreement based on friendly cooperation between sovereign equals ” .
It was clear from his tweets later in the week that he did not believe the EU saw Britain as an equal .
He said while the UK absolutely supports maintaining high standards on goods , “ there is no need for novel and unprecedented ‘ level playing field ’ rules ’ for example tying us to EU laws , or a role for the EU Court ” .
He pointed out that what Eurocrats were demanding from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in other such FTAs ( free trade agreements ) ” .

Michael Gove slams EU’s ‘logic’ towards fisheries
The Cabinet Minister said Brussels was seeking “more or less the same access” to UK waters in the future once the Brexit transition period has come to an end. His scathing assessment of the EU’s approach to trade negotiations comes after both sides wrapped up Round 2 of talks last Friday. Only “limited progress” was made on key issues, the Government said, including fisheries. THIS POLL HAS NOW CLOSED. POLL RESULTS HERE
Speaking in the Committee meeting, Mr Gove said the fishing dispute, which shows no sign of let-up, was “another example” of how European negotiators are “not treating the UK yet as they would treat other independent countries”. He said: "This is one area where I think that the EU's stance is particularly difficult and challenging. "The EU quite rightly say to the UK, 'Look, you're leaving and we respect that. You cannot have the same rights if you do not have the same obligations, outside the EU as inside the EU' and we accept that. "We accept that the nature of our economic relationship will change.
Did Michael Gove finally reveal EU hypocrisy with demand to access UK fishing?
Michel Barnier blamed the UK for the lack of progess
"We'll have a free trade agreement, we won't be members of the single market. "But, the EU don't appear to accept their own logic when it comes to fisheries. "They want to continue to have more or less the same access, they particularly want to maintain what's called the relative stability mechanism, which governs access to our waters on the basis of out of date, historical patterns of fishing.
READ MORE: British fisherman dismisses EU fears as he demands UK seize water
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The EU wants continued access to Britain's fishing waters
The EU is demanding continued access to UK waters
Cabinet Minister Michael Gove said the EU do not appear to be accepting of their own logic
The UK’s chief Brexit negotiator David Frost struck an optimistic note last week as he kicked off discussions over video link with the EU’s team led by Michel Barnier. But by the end of the week the gap between the two sides relating to multiple key issues had not been bridged. Mr Frost had hoped to make progress on “an agreement based on friendly cooperation between sovereign equals”.
EU countries most reliant on UK fishing waters
It was clear from his tweets later in the week that he did not believe the EU saw Britain as an equal. He said while the UK absolutely supports maintaining high standards on goods, “there is no need for novel and unprecedented ‘level playing field’ rules’ for example tying us to EU laws, or a role for the EU Court”. He pointed out that what Eurocrats were demanding from the Brits was “unlike anything agreed in other such FTAs (free trade agreements)”.
Many British fishermen are concerned about the presence of foreign boats in UK seas
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thedailyexpress--2020-04-29--Boris Johnson baby name: What will Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds baby be called?

Boris Johnson 's fiancee Carrie Symonds has given birth to a baby boy , the couple have announced .
A @ @ @ @ @ and his partner said both mother and baby are `` doing very well '' after @ @ @ @ @ hospital on Wednesday morning .
The spokeswoman said : `` The Prime Minister and Ms @ @ @ @ @ the birth of a healthy baby boy at a London hospital earlier this morning .
@ @ @ @ @ are doing very well .
`` The PM and Ms Symonds would like to thank @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Mr Johnson , 55 , and Ms Symonds , 32 , announced in @ @ @ @ @ a baby in `` early summer '' , and that they had become engaged at @ @ @ @ @ .
Read More : Boris Johnson children : How many children does Boris Johnson have @

Boris Johnson 's fiancee Carrie Symonds has given birth to a baby boy, the couple have announced. A spokeswoman for the Prime Minister and his partner said both mother and baby are "doing very well" after the birth in a London hospital on Wednesday morning.
The spokeswoman said: "The Prime Minister and Ms Symonds are thrilled to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy at a London hospital earlier this morning.
"Both mother and baby are doing very well.
"The PM and Ms Symonds would like to thank the fantastic NHS maternity team."
Mr Johnson, 55, and Ms Symonds, 32, announced in February they were expecting a baby in "early summer", and they had become engaged at the end of last year.
Read More: Boris Johnson family photo: Boris with his 4 children, who are they?


thedailyexpress--2020-04-29--Boris Johnson family: A look at PM’s family - Who are his children?

Boris Johnson had only this week returned to work after battling coronavirus , and now it has been announced his @ @ @ @ @ birth to a baby boy this morning .
A statement from Downing Street revealed both @ @ @ @ @ well .
The statement read : `` The Prime Minister and Ms Symonds are thrilled @ @ @ @ @ a healthy baby boy at a London hospital earlier this morning .
`` Both mother @ @ @ @ @ well .
`` The PM and Ms Symonds would like to thank the fantastic NHS @ @ @ @ @ Johnson and Carrie announced their engagement and pregnancy in February , with an initial due @ @ @ @ @ READ MORE : PMQS LIVE : Lockdown row brews as Raab covers for Boris in @

Boris Johnson baby: Carrie Symonds gives birth to boy
Boris Johnson had only this week returned to work after battling coronavirus, and now it has been announced his fiancee Carrie Symonds has given birth to a baby boy this morning. A statement from Downing Street revealed both baby and mother are doing well.
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The statement read: "The Prime Minister and Ms Symonds are thrilled to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy at a London hospital earlier this morning. "Both mother and baby are doing very well. "The PM and Ms Symonds would like to thank the fantastic NHS maternity team." Mr Johnson and Carrie announced their engagement and pregnancy in February, with an initial due date of early summer. READ MORE: PMQS LIVE: Lockdown row brews as Raab covers for Boris in Commons
Boris Johnson family: Who are Boris Johnson's children?
Boris Johnson family: Carrie Symonds is due to give birth in early summer
READ MORE Boris Johnson baby: What will Boris and Carrie Symonds baby be called? Mr Johnson and his girlfriend Carrie Symonds are the first unmarried couple to live at Downing Street together. Few British leaders have had babies while in office, although other recent occupants have seen their families expand while at Downing Street. David Cameron's wife, Samantha, gave birth to their daughter, Florence, in 2010 and Tony Blair's wife Cherie gave birth to their son, Leo, in 2006. Before that, Frances, the wife of John Russell, a 19th Century Whig and Liberal politician, gave birth to two children in 1848 and 1849 while he was in office.
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Boris Johnson family: Milo with him mother Marina Wheeler
Boris Johnson family: Mr Johnson with his daughter Lara and mother
READ MORE Boris Johnson family photo: Boris with his 4 children, who are they? Lara Lettice is the eldest of Mr Johnson and Ms Wheeler’s children. She is a writer, editor and broadcaster who studied Latin at Prince William’s alma mater St Andrews University. At the time of her parents' split, the Sun reported that Lara called her dad a "selfish b*stard". She reportedly said: "Mum is finished with him. She will never take him back now." Mr Johnson’s second child is Milo Arthur. Milo is said to be a keen sportsman and attended Westminster School before attending London's School of Oriental and African Studies. He can speak Arabic, Russian and French.
Boris Johnson family: The Johnson family in 2012
Cassia Peaches, 22, is the former couple’s third child, who like her father and sister is also a writer. She was the student editor of the Highgate School alumni magazine Cholmelian. The youngest of Mr Johnson and Ms Wheeler’s children is Theodore Apollo. Theo, 20, attended Cambridge University, the rival of his father’s former university Oxford.


thedailyexpress--2020-04-29--Carrie Symonds baby due date: When is Boris Johnson and Carrie's baby due?

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is engaged to environmental campaigner Carrie Symonds and the pair have now announced the birth of @ @ @ @ @ from Downing Street said both mother and child are doing well .
The boy was @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Johnson had returned to work on Monday , a month after testing positive @ @ @ @ @ had threatened his life .
In a speech to the nation on Monday the Prime @ @ @ @ @ `` grit '' amid the coronavirus lockdown .
Now politicians have been sending their congratulations @ @ @ @ @ minister Matt Hancock said on Twitter : `` So thrilled for Boris and Carrie .
@ @ @ @ @ of unalloyed joy ! ''
Read More : Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds announce birth @ @ @

Carrie Symonds and Boris Johnson announce birth of baby boy
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is engaged to environmental campaigner Carrie Symonds and the pair have now announced the birth of their baby. A statement from Downing Street said both mother and child are doing well. The boy was born at a London hospital.
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Mr Johnson had returned to work on Monday, a month after testing positive for COVID which he said had threatened his life. In a speech to the nation on Monday the Prime Minister thanked Britons for their "grit" amid the coronavirus lockdown. Now politicians have been sending their congratulations to the couple. Health minister Matt Hancock said on Twitter: "So thrilled for Boris and Carrie. Wonderful to have a moment of unalloyed joy!" Read More: Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds announce birth of baby boy
Carrie Symonds baby due: When is Carrie Symonds and Boris Johnson's baby due?
READ MORE Boris Johnson may MISS first PMQ’s debate with Keir Starmer today Former chancellor Sajid Javid tweeted: "Congratulations @carriesymonds @BorisJohnson. Such wonderful uplifting news!" Chancellor Rishi Sunak tweeted: "Great to hear Downing Street is getting a new resident. "Congratulations to @BorisJohnson and @carriesymonds on the birth of their son." And Former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith tweeted: "Congratulations @BorisJohnson & @carriesymonds such wonderful news! Baby boy!"
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Carrie Symonds baby due: The pair have been living together at Downing Street before the coronavirus outbreak
When is Boris Johnson and Carrie's baby due? In the statement revealing both the engagement and pregnancy a spokesman for the couple said: “The prime minister and Miss Symonds are very pleased to announce their engagement and that they are expecting a baby in the early summer.” The predicted birth date of their baby suggests he or she was conceived in autumn. This was around the same time the October 31 Brexit deadline was extended. DON'T MISS
Boris Johnson baby news: Will Boris Johnson go on paternity leave? [EXPLAINED]
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READ MORE Michael Gove touted for huge new role after coronavirus crisis Mr Johnson and Ms Symonds had been living apart following his coronavirus diagnosis. Mr Johnson has now recovered from coronavirus and has returned to work after being discharged from hospital, and now the UK is into its fifth week of lockdown. The Prime Minister spent a week in St Thomas' Hospital in central London, including three nights in intensive care, but left on Easter Sunday to be reunited with pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds. He had been resting at Chequers in Buckinghamshire after doctors ordered the Conservative Party leader to rest.
Carrie Symonds baby due: The couple are also engaged to be married
Carrie Symonds baby due: Mr Johnson is in intensive care at St Thomas' Hospital
Number 10 has confirmed that the PM would "not be returning to work immediately" following his discharge. Health Secretary Matt Hancock, speaking at the Downing Street briefing on Sunday, said there was no advice on how long Mr Johnson should rest before returning to work. He said: "That will be a clinical decision for his doctors to take with him. "The Government is operating perfectly efficiently within the strategy that he set out."


thedailyexpress--2020-04-29--Boris Johnson family photo: Boris with his 4 children and who they are REVEALED

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and fiancee Carrie Symonds have this morning announced the birth of their first child , a @ @ @ @ @ Downing Street said both mother and baby are doing very well .
The full statement @ @ @ @ @ Minister and Ms Symonds are thrilled to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy @ @ @ @ @ this morning .
`` Both mother and baby are doing very well .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ like to thank the fantastic NHS maternity team . ''
The news comes after Mr @ @ @ @ @ Monday , following his battle with coronavirus which saw him hospitalised for several days .
@ @ @ @ @ baby : What will Boris and Carrie Symonds baby be called ?

Boris Johnson: Kuenssberg talks struggle for 'influence' over PM
In April, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and fiancee Carrie Symonds announced the birth of their first child, a boy. Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas Johnson was born on April 29, 2020, and was named after both Mr Johnson and Ms Symmonds’ family members as well as an NHS doctor. A statement from Downing Street at the time said both mother and baby were doing very well.
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The full statement read: "The Prime Minister and Ms Symonds are thrilled to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy at a London hospital earlier this morning. Both mother and baby are doing very well. "The PM and Ms Symonds would like to thank the fantastic NHS maternity team." The couple chose the name Wilfred after Mr Johnson's grandfather, Lawrie after Ms Symonds' grandfather. While the name Nicholas was chosen as a tribute to the NHS doctors who saved Mr Johnson's life when he was in hospital with coronavirus. Read More:BBC's Kuenssberg warns Johnson at centre of major plot for influence
Boris Johnson family photos: Boris and his children when he was elected Lord Mayor
Boris Johnson family photo: Boris and daughter Lara Lettice
READ MORE Normality by JANUARY? UK eyes 200m £5 COVID tests - 'freedom passes' Who are Boris Johnson’s children? Boris has been married twice, first to Allegra Owen in 1987 before the pair divorced in 1993. His second marriage was to the elder daughter of BBC correspondent Sir Charles Wheeler, Marina Wheeler, and the pair have four children together. Boris and Marina are in the process of getting divorced, and reports state that Marina ended the marriage after allegedly confronting Boris over infidelity claims.
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Boris Johnson family photo: Boris Johnson's family including his wife Marina Wheeler
READ MORE Joe Biden could SAVE Brexit after ‘unmitigated disaster’ Donald Trump Whilst there she was one of the student editors of the Cholmeleian, the school’s alumni magazine. Milo was schooled at the £27,174 Westminster School, which was also attended by Nick Clegg. Milo excelled in sports, was dubbed “a delight to watch” in the 2011 issue of his school magazine and was “without doubt the player of the season” for his football skills. For youngest Johnson child Theodore, it is not known which school he attended.
Boris Johnson family photo: Boris and girlfriend Carrie are expecting a baby
However, it is believed to be a school in London - as he was pictured outside his parents Islington home wearing a school uniform in 2016. Boris also has a fifth child - Stephanie - who was born in 2009 after an affair with arts consultant Helen Macintyre. The HuffPost reported: “An alleged fling with socialite Petronella Wyatt saw the couple split briefly in 2004, and they did so again after Johnson was accused of fathering a love child with arts consultant Helen Macintyre in 2010.” Mr Johnson is engaged to environmental campaigner Carrie Symonds and the pair live together in Downing Street.
Boris Johnson family photo: The Johnson family outside QC ceremony for ex-wife Marina Wheeler


thedailyexpress--2020-04-29--Sadiq Khan's 'disgraceful' coronavirus response shamed as Mayor told to 'get act together'

Susan Hall attacked the London Mayor for failing to stand up to scrutiny over his handling of the coronavirus outbreak .
During the interview with talkRADIO 's Mike Graham , Ms Hall went on to condemn the Mayor 's inability to get the situation under control , calling on Mr Khan to get his act together .
LET ’ S GET CAPTAIN TOM MOORE A KNIGHTHOOD - SIGN THE PETITION HERE Ms Hall said : `` He is calling for the public to wear masks .
`` If he thinks that they are so great and they are the answer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't he supply them to his staff in TFL ?
`` As for the lack of trains , it is quite frankly a disgrace .
`` People are crammed on them .
`` It is about time he got his act together .
`` He needs to sort out the transport in London .
`` He should concentrate on what he is responsible for not everything else in the world .
`` Just concentrate on the day job ! ''
Mr Graham went on to question how Mr Khan was allowed to avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his fellow Assembly members over his coronavirus response in the capital .
He said : `` How is it possible for him to keep you on the hook until three weeks from now before you can even ask him a question ? ''
Ms Hall insisted she had attempted to meet with the Mayor to hold him to account .
She said : `` Well we have asked for another meeting which we are waiting to see if he will or will not grant us - an oversight meeting .
DO N'T MISS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are 'absolutely free ' -expert [ INSIGHT ] Matt Hancock confronted by devastated son of NHS worker [ VIDEO ] Coronavirus lockdown end : UK warned to brace for year of restriction [ INSIGHT ] '' The answer is because he can !
He is just refusing !
`` Everybody else , the Government is out there answering questions .
`` They do n't always know the answer because quite frankly this is such a new thing .
`` This pandemic , this virus , they ca n't always answer because nobody knows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got the balls to come up and answer questions from us ! ''

Sadiq Khan told to ‘get his act together’ by Susan Hall
Susan Hall attacked the London Mayor for failing to stand up to scrutiny over his handling of the coronavirus outbreak. During the interview with talkRADIO's Mike Graham, Ms Hall went on to condemn the Mayor's inability to get the situation under control, calling on Mr Khan to get his act together. LET’S GET CAPTAIN TOM MOORE A KNIGHTHOOD - SIGN THE PETITION HERE
Ms Hall said: "He is calling for the public to wear masks. "If he thinks that they are so great and they are the answer to everything, why on earth doesn't he supply them to his staff in TFL? "As for the lack of trains, it is quite frankly a disgrace. "People are crammed on them. READ MORE: Coronavirus UK: Transport secretary warns London Mayor over tubes
Sadiq Khan suffered a scathing attack from Susan Hall
Mike Graham quizzed Susan Hall on the London Mayor's response
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"It is about time he got his act together.
"He needs to sort out the transport in London.
"He should concentrate on what he is responsible for not everything else in the world.
"Just concentrate on the day job!" BACK BRITAIN'S BRAVE NHS HEROES - CLICK HERE NOW
Sadiq Khan accused of ‘playing politics’ by Shaun Bailey
Mr Graham went on to question how Mr Khan was allowed to avoid public scrutiny for another three weeks from his fellow Assembly members over his coronavirus response in the capital.
He said: "How is it possible for him to keep you on the hook until three weeks from now before you can even ask him a question?"
Ms Hall insisted she had attempted to meet with the Mayor to hold him to account.
She said: "Well we have asked for another meeting which we are waiting to see if he will or will not grant us - an oversight meeting. DON'T MISS
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Transport movement during lockdown
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