thedailyexpress--2020-04-24--Stricter controls to stop Parliament’s billion pound restoration spiralling out of control

The National Audit Office urged MPs and peers in charge of the project to ensure that costs do not slip , having seen the budget for Big Ben 's construction works soar by 176 percent .
Under the current plans the entire building will be closed down for at least six years for the refurb to take place .
MPs had originally pushed rival plans that would have seen only a partial vacating required , forcing builders to work around the Commons schedule .
The idea has since raised its head again following the coronavirus outbreak .
Veteran Conservative Sir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' should be the number one concern and last month called on authorities to temporarily move MPs to the House of Lords , rather than leave the premises entirely .
But in a new report today the NAO urged sponsor board members , who took control of the repair programme this month , to come up with a clear plan so there are no competing interests , especially among MPs .
The NAO report flagged that the £4 billion cost previously reported was likely to be a `` median '' figure , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heritage Site expected to be higher .
Initial estimates put the final bill as high as £6 billion , with the builders expected to be in until the 2030s .
Gereth Davies , head of the NAO , said : `` The restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster is a highly complex and challenging programme .
`` It is vital that , from the outset , the sponsor body and Parliament work together to apply the lessons from other major projects .

The Houses of Parliament in Westminster
The National Audit Office urged MPs and peers in charge of the project to ensure that costs do not slip, having seen the budget for Big Ben's construction works soar by 176 percent. Under the current plans the entire building will be closed down for at least six years for the refurb to take place. MPs had originally pushed rival plans that would have seen only a partial vacating required, forcing builders to work around the Commons schedule.
The idea has since raised its head again following the coronavirus outbreak. Veteran Conservative Sir Edward Leigh said "saving public money" should be the number one concern and last month called on authorities to temporarily move MPs to the House of Lords, rather than leave the premises entirely. But in a new report today the NAO urged sponsor board members, who took control of the repair programme this month, to come up with a clear plan so there are no competing interests, especially among MPs. The NAO report flagged that the £4 billion cost previously reported was likely to be a "median" figure, with the final outlay on the Unesco World Heritage Site expected to be higher. Initial estimates put the final bill as high as £6 billion, with the builders expected to be in until the 2030s. Gereth Davies, head of the NAO, said: "The restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster is a highly complex and challenging programme. "It is vital that, from the outset, the sponsor body and Parliament work together to apply the lessons from other major projects.
The Big Ben seen from Westminster Bridge
"This will allow them to manage the risks to value for money and timely delivery, and maintain public confidence in the programme." Parliament authorities spent £369 million maintaining the estate between 2015-19 and have predicted that costs will increase further without significant restorative works, with jobs identified including removing asbestos from 1,000 locations and repairing falling masonry. In the past five years alone, 29 incidents could have led to a fire, the report found. The NAO said the sponsor body should look to understand the "inherent unknowns" in restoring such an old heritage building, which will involve a number of specialist trades, citing the example of replacing the 3,800 unique bronze windows. Experts, MPs and peers in charge of steering the works should learn from the Elizabeth Tower restoration project, where work is ongoing to restore the famous structure that houses the Big Ben bell and landmark clock faces.
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thedailyexpress--2020-04-25--Boris Johnson told to take tougher stance on China as Tory MPs launch new research group

Senior party figures including Commons Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Tom Tugendhat and former Cabinet minister Damian Green last night launched a new “ China Research Group ” to “ promote fresh thinking and debate ” about international relations with the communist regime .
The organisation is understood to have been inspired by the European Research Group which has been hugely influential in driving Tory policy towards the EU .
It follows concern among MPs about the Chinese regime ’ s attempt to suppress information about the initial outbreak of coronavirus in Wuhan and the involvement of the Chinese tech giant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 5G mobile phone network .
Tory MPs involved in the China Research Group want more global scrutiny of the Asian giant ’ s growing economic power and influence in high-tech industries .
While insisting the initiative is not “ anti-China ” , the MPs want to investigate who the regime uses state aid to promote Chinese trade while blocking foreign investment in China .
Mr Tugendhat , chairman of the China Research Group , said : “ The Coronavirus crisis underlines the urgent need for a better understanding of China ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our economic and diplomatic engagement with it .
“ Beijing ’ s long pattern of information suppression has contributed to the unfolding crisis .
“ The party is now using the current emergency to build influence around the world .
“ Many aspects of life are now unimaginable without understanding China ’ s role as both partner and rival , and political and business leaders are urgently thinking about how to deal with Chinese Communist Party-backed national champions and China ’ s ‘ Belt and Road ’ initiative to influence third countries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be part of this global conversation and to begin it , we need to understand what China ’ s leaders are saying and doing .
“ The China Research Group will help British politicians be better informed.
” China Research Group secretary Neil O ’ Brien said : “ Beijing is acting in a highly strategic way to dominate the industries of the future .
“ Our businesses are being asked to compete unfairly with state-backed Chinese firms .
DO N'T MISS Coronavirus cover-up : China 's fury after 100 academics warn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Communists let COVID-19 get 'out of control ' [ COMMENT ] UK joins US investigation on mysterious role of China lab in COVID-19 [ REVEAL ] “ The Chinese state is making strategic inward investments in the West while banning them at home .
“ Too often our intellectual property is unfairly extracted , and China is increasingly trying to reshape the rules-based world order in its own image .
“ Even before Coronavirus , it was clear that we need new thinking to cope with a Chinese state which is growing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be on a road to reform.
” The new group will aim to inform the debate on the rise of China by holding public seminars , and inviting leading thinkers and politicians from across the West to Westminster .

China: Lord Patten says country 'covered up' outbreak
Senior party figures including Commons Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Tom Tugendhat and former Cabinet minister Damian Green last night launched a new “China Research Group” to “promote fresh thinking and debate” about international relations with the communist regime. The organisation is understood to have been inspired by the European Research Group which has been hugely influential in driving Tory policy towards the EU.
It follows concern among MPs about the Chinese regime’s attempt to suppress information about the initial outbreak of coronavirus in Wuhan and the involvement of the Chinese tech giant Huawei in the development of the UK’s 5G mobile phone network. Tory MPs involved in the China Research Group want more global scrutiny of the Asian giant’s growing economic power and influence in high-tech industries. While insisting the initiative is not “anti-China”, the MPs want to investigate who the regime uses state aid to promote Chinese trade while blocking foreign investment in China. MPs supporting the group include Neil O’Brien, Dehenna Davison, Anthony Browne, Laura Trott, Kevin Hollinrake, Alicia Kearn and Andrew Bowie. READ MORE: Express.co.uk's Coronavirus live blog
Boris Johnson has been urged to take a tougher stance on China as Tory MPs launch new group
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Mr Tugendhat, chairman of the China Research Group, said: “The Coronavirus crisis underlines the urgent need for a better understanding of China’s place in the world, and our economic and diplomatic engagement with it. “Beijing’s long pattern of information suppression has contributed to the unfolding crisis. “The party is now using the current emergency to build influence around the world. “Many aspects of life are now unimaginable without understanding China’s role as both partner and rival, and political and business leaders are urgently thinking about how to deal with Chinese Communist Party-backed national champions and China’s ‘Belt and Road’ initiative to influence third countries.
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Tom Tugendhat, pictured above, is the new China Research Group's chairman
China must face ‘international investigation’ says Peter Ricketts
The US and China were the biggest contributors to World Health Organisation as of March 31


thedailyexpress--2020-04-25--Keir Starmer warning: 'Corbyn left Labour in tatters - you're facing a Herculean task'

The Labour Party has been in turmoil following the party 's disastrous showing in December 's general election - its worst result since 1935 .
The opposition , at the time led by Jeremy Corbyn , made huge spending pledges totalling hundreds of billions of pounds in the hope of swinging voters at a time when the Prime Minister was under huge pressure to get Brexit over the line .
But Labour was humiliated after losing several traditional heartlands throughout the country they had held for several decades , and handing the Conservative Party a crucial 80-seat majority in Parliament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ push his Brexit deal through the House of Commons , extinguishing Labour 's baffling position on the UK 's departure from the European Union that had turned voters against them .
Mr Corbyn stepped down as Labour leader and was replaced by Sir Keir Starmer last month following a three-month leadership contest .
But the new leader of the opposition already faces a huge uphill battle to repair the huge damage inflicted on Labour under Mr Corbyn , including ridding the party of widespread allegations of anti-Semitism .
John MacDonald , Head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , told Express.co.uk Sir Keir wo n't be able to `` bank on not being the country 's most disliked leader since records began '' for too long .
He said : `` Corbyn has left Labour in tatters .
The bar has been set so low that even the Tories breathed a sigh of relief to see a relatively competent debut from Keir Starmer at PMQs .
`` Starmer is no doubt more popular than the previous leader .
As it stands , this is almost entirely because he is not Jeremy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from immediate oblivion , but there is only so long he can bank on not being the country ’ s most disliked leader since records began . ''
Mr MacDonald warned Sir Keir he must return to a position of representing the interests of working class people and stamp out excuses that both preceded and followed its general election humiliation .
READ MORE : Iain Duncan Smith lashes out at Labour MP over late lockdown claim He said : `` Starmer has inherited a party that is more focused on indulging a metropolitan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interests of working people .
`` Over decades Labour has become detached from their traditional working class base and increasingly dependent on a narrow , inner-city demographic .
`` Starmer is taking up the reins following Labour ’ s worst election result since 1935 .
Incredibly , it remains obsessed with the idea that it was robbed of electoral success .
First , it was that Brexit outranked otherwise popular policies .
Then it was media hostility .
Now it is that it was undermined from within by a fifth column of Tory-lites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must reconcile a party fundamentally at odds with the truth : that it failed to address anti-Semitism allegations , suffered a crushing electoral defeat and is no longer fit for purpose .
DO N'T MISS Jeremy Corbyn savaged in Commons clash as viewers slam Labour MP [ VIDEO ] Keir Starmer : Why was Keir Starmer knighted ?
Why is he a sir ?
[ ANALYSIS ] The Corbyn effect : Labour make gains in polls after leader ’ s exit [ POLL ] '' This will not be accomplished overnight .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British public , Starmer ’ s best option is to aggressively encourage toxic Momentum activists and Corbyn supporters to pursue politics outside of Labour . ''
Mr MacDonald also urged Sir Keir to `` abandon Corbyn 's failed class politics '' and be more supportive of workers and the wider business community , including entrepreneurs .
But he warned even achieving this , the new Labour leader would need to achieve a feat not seen since the leadership of Tony Blair more than 20 years ago .
He added it will even take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and for the time being , Mr Johnson has little to fear from Labour 's new leader .

Keir Starmer is 'a block of wood' says George Galloway
The Labour Party has been in turmoil following the party's disastrous showing in December's general election - its worst result since 1935. The opposition, at the time led by Jeremy Corbyn, made huge spending pledges totalling hundreds of billions of pounds in the hope of swinging voters at a time when the Prime Minister was under huge pressure to get Brexit over the line. But Labour was humiliated after losing several traditional heartlands throughout the country they had held for several decades, and handing the Conservative Party a crucial 80-seat majority in Parliament.
That enabled Mr Johnson to finally push his Brexit deal through the House of Commons, extinguishing Labour's baffling position on the UK's departure from the European Union that had turned voters against them. Mr Corbyn stepped down as Labour leader and was replaced by Sir Keir Starmer last month following a three-month leadership contest. But the new leader of the opposition already faces a huge uphill battle to repair the huge damage inflicted on Labour under Mr Corbyn, including ridding the party of widespread allegations of anti-Semitism. John MacDonald, Head of Government Affairs at the Adam Smith Institute, told Express.co.uk Sir Keir won't be able to "bank on not being the country's most disliked leader since records began" for too long.
Sir Keir Starmer has been warned he faces a massive task to repair damage done to the Labour Party
The new Labour leader won the party's leadership election last month
Corbyn has left Labour in tatters. The bar has been set so low that even the Tories breathed a sigh of relief to see a relatively competent debut from Keir Starmer at PMQs John MacDonald, Adam Smith Institute
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He said: "Corbyn has left Labour in tatters. The bar has been set so low that even the Tories breathed a sigh of relief to see a relatively competent debut from Keir Starmer at PMQs. "Starmer is no doubt more popular than the previous leader. As it stands, this is almost entirely because he is not Jeremy Corbyn. "This might save Labour from immediate oblivion, but there is only so long he can bank on not being the country’s most disliked leader since records began." Mr MacDonald warned Sir Keir he must return to a position of representing the interests of working class people and stamp out excuses that both preceded and followed its general election humiliation. READ MORE: Iain Duncan Smith lashes out at Labour MP over late lockdown claim
Sir Keir Starmer has replaced Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the Labour Party
He said: "Starmer has inherited a party that is more focused on indulging a metropolitan set role-playing as revolutionaries than representing the interests of working people. "Over decades Labour has become detached from their traditional working class base and increasingly dependent on a narrow, inner-city demographic. "Starmer is taking up the reins following Labour’s worst election result since 1935. Incredibly, it remains obsessed with the idea that it was robbed of electoral success. First, it was that Brexit outranked otherwise popular policies. Then it was media hostility. Now it is that it was undermined from within by a fifth column of Tory-lites. "To win support, Starmer must reconcile a party fundamentally at odds with the truth: that it failed to address anti-Semitism allegations, suffered a crushing electoral defeat and is no longer fit for purpose. DON'T MISS
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The Corbyn effect: Labour make gains in polls after leader’s exit [POLL]
The new Labour leader has been advised what he must do to experience success as Labour leader
Jeremy corbyn oversaw a humiliating defeat for Labour in the general election
"This will not be accomplished overnight. With the Tories seeing record support from the British public, Starmer’s best option is to aggressively encourage toxic Momentum activists and Corbyn supporters to pursue politics outside of Labour." Mr MacDonald also urged Sir Keir to "abandon Corbyn's failed class politics" and be more supportive of workers and the wider business community, including entrepreneurs. But he warned even achieving this, the new Labour leader would need to achieve a feat not seen since the leadership of Tony Blair more than 20 years ago. He added it will even take "Herculean resolve in opposing the Tories" and for the time being, Mr Johnson has little to fear from Labour's new leader.
The main reason for not sticking with the Labour Party
Mr MacDonald said: "It is now more important than ever that Labour abandons Corbyn’s failed class politics. "They must again become comfortable with entrepreneurship, innovation and be supportive of our job-creators. "The best way to support workers, after all, is to ensure they have access to good, well-paying jobs. That means embracing private sector growth.
Boris Johnson has been told he has "little to fear" from the Labour Party
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thedailyexpress--2020-04-25--NO CHANCE! Former MEP reveals why Boris will not extend transition period

Former Brexit Party MEP Alexandra Phillips warned the UK will have to pay more into the EU ’ s budget if the transition period is extended , adding that another eurozone crisis could be looming .
It comes after calls from Remainers to push back the December 2020 deadline due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Ms Phillips said : “ The mood coming out of Downing Street is not to extend .
“ One reason would be having to pay into the EU budget .
“ It also puts us at risk of bailing out the euro again .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming up in the eurozone.
” On those calling for an extension , the former MEP said : “ It ’ s the same people who essentially are scared of Brexit and have been from day one .
“ The Remainer school of thought will be this isn ’ t the time to tear up the status quo.
” And Ms Phillips insisted that negotiations do not need to be face-to-face .
She said : “ Arguably it ’ s nice to have a serious conversation face-to-face .
READ MORE : Brexit delay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risks backlash The UK is in a transition period with the EU until December 31 2020 , during which time Britain follows the bloc ’ s rules but has no say .
The Prime Minister , who is recovering from coronavirus , has repeatedly ruled out pushing back the deadline .
Under the Withdrawal Agreement , the transition period can be extended for up to two years if a request is made before June 30 .
In March , the UK and the EU scrapped face-to-face talks on a post-Brexit deal due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been continuing remotely and the latest round took place this week via video conference .
Speaking on Monday , a Downing Street spokesman said : `` This week we expect further constructive talks with the aim of making progress ahead of June , building on the talks to date which have identified the major areas where we agree and disagree .
`` The next two rounds are due to take place in the weeks starting May 11 and June 1 . ''
It comes ahead of a further meeting in June to review @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Boris Johnson went 'beyond call of duty' says Alex Phillips
Former Brexit Party MEP Alexandra Phillips warned the UK will have to pay more into the EU’s budget if the transition period is extended, adding that another eurozone crisis could be looming. It comes after calls from Remainers to push back the December 2020 deadline due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Ms Phillips said: “The mood coming out of Downing Street is not to extend. “One reason would be having to pay into the EU budget. “It also puts us at risk of bailing out the euro again. We are looking at a massive debt crisis coming up in the eurozone.” On those calling for an extension, the former MEP said: “It’s the same people who essentially are scared of Brexit and have been from day one.
Alexandra Phillips has said Boris Johnson will not extend the transition period
“The Remainer school of thought will be this isn’t the time to tear up the status quo.” And Ms Phillips insisted that negotiations do not need to be face-to-face. She said: “Arguably it’s nice to have a serious conversation face-to-face. READ MORE: Brexit delay is 'inevitable' as Liddington warns Boris risks backlash
The UK is in a transition period with the EU until December 31 2020
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The Prime Minister, who is recovering from coronavirus coronavirus, has repeatedly ruled out pushing back the deadline
The UK is in a transition period with the EU until December 31 2020, during which time Britain follows the bloc’s rules but has no say. The Prime Minister, who is recovering from coronavirus, has repeatedly ruled out pushing back the deadline. Under the Withdrawal Agreement, the transition period can be extended for up to two years if a request is made before June 30. In March, the UK and the EU scrapped face-to-face talks on a post-Brexit deal due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
The UK’s chief Brexit negotiator David Frost and his EU counterpart Michel Barnier
But negotiations have been continuing remotely and the latest round took place this week via video conference. Speaking on Monday, a Downing Street spokesman said: "This week we expect further constructive talks with the aim of making progress ahead of June, building on the talks to date which have identified the major areas where we agree and disagree. "The next two rounds are due to take place in the weeks starting May 11 and June 1." It comes ahead of a further meeting in June to review the progress that has been made.
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thedailyexpress--2020-04-25--Shapps announces multi-million transport package amid coronavirus crisis

Up to 31 routes are eligible for support , with up to £17 million available for those between Northern Ireland and Great Britain , and up to £10.5 million for ferry and freight services to the Isle of Wight and Scilly Isles .
Further support will also be available for critical routes between Britain and the European mainland including Eurotunnel .
The move was part of a major package of transport measures designed to keep essential services running .
Speaking at the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing , Mr Shapps said : “ The continued operation of both passenger and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resilience as a country .
“ So today , I ’ m announcing a new package of measures to ensure transport boosts our national response to Covid-19.
” He added : “ I can announce the Government has secured a trilateral agreement , along with the French and Irish governments , which commits our nations to keeping freight roots open throughout this crisis , bringing in life-saving medicines , food , many other essential goods , allowing us time to meet the needs of our countries during this difficult period .
“ Operators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under rising financial pressure due to falling demand .
“ Since many of them bring in crucial goods like medicines , raw material and chemicals to purify water , it is important to guarantee the continuation of these services .
“ So we ’ re protecting ferry routes between Great Britain and Northern Ireland with funding of up to £17million .
“ We ’ re also taking action to secure services around the UK including £10.5million for links to the Isle of Wight and Scilly Isles , allowing critical freight to continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country .
The Government was also launching a new Transport Support Unit dedicated to keeping rail and other links open .
Light rail systems in Manchester , Sheffield , the West Midlands , Nottingham and Tyne and Wear will receive financial support under the move .
The funding is designed to ensure required capacity levels are maintained on the routes .
Support is expected to be provided within weeks once discussions with operators have been completed .
Four aircraft owned by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency are among the assets available to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control vehicles for potential use as mobile coronavirus testing centres .
Network Rail has 8,500 vans and lorries which can be used to transport essential items .

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps last night unveiled a multi-million package
Up to 31 routes are eligible for support, with up to £17 million available for those between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, and up to £10.5 million for ferry and freight services to the Isle of Wight and Scilly Isles. Further support will also be available for critical routes between Britain and the European mainland including Eurotunnel.
The move was part of a major package of transport measures designed to keep essential services running. Speaking at the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing, Mr Shapps said: “The continued operation of both passenger and freight transport is critically important to our resilience as a country. “So today, I’m announcing a new package of measures to ensure transport boosts our national response to Covid-19.” He added: “I can announce the Government has secured a trilateral agreement, along with the French and Irish governments, which commits our nations to keeping freight roots open throughout this crisis, bringing in life-saving medicines, food, many other essential goods, allowing us time to meet the needs of our countries during this difficult period.
The move was part of a major package of transport measures designed to keep essential services running
“Operators on many of these routes have been under rising financial pressure due to falling demand. “Since many of them bring in crucial goods like medicines, raw material and chemicals to purify water, it is important to guarantee the continuation of these services. “So we’re protecting ferry routes between Great Britain and Northern Ireland with funding of up to £17million. “We’re also taking action to secure services around the UK including £10.5million for links to the Isle of Wight and Scilly Isles, allowing critical freight to continue to support families in every part of our country. The Government was also launching a new Transport Support Unit dedicated to keeping rail and other links open.
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Light rail systems in Manchester, Sheffield, the West Midlands, Nottingham and Tyne and Wear will receive financial support under the move. The funding is designed to ensure required capacity levels are maintained on the routes. Support is expected to be provided within weeks once discussions with operators have been completed. Four aircraft owned by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency are among the assets available to the unit, while Highways England can release control vehicles for potential use as mobile coronavirus testing centres. Network Rail has 8,500 vans and lorries which can be used to transport essential items.
Light rail systems in Manchester, Sheffield, the West Midlands, Nottingham and Tyne and Wear will receive financial support


thedailyexpress--2020-04-25--'What's the point of HS2 then?' Campaigner pounces on Shapps' rush hour comments

Joe Rukin , Stop HS2 Campaign Manager , also issued a direct appeal to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to pull the plug , warning him failure to do so had the potential to `` define his Premiership '' .
Mr Johnson gave the go-ahead for the development , which will initially connect London and Birmingham , and shave 20 minutes of journey times , in February .
Earlier this month , formal approval for construction work on the project to begin - in the form of a Notice To Proceed - was granted .
Mr Shapps , speaking to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hour may be a thing of the past , adding : `` The world will probably not go back to how it was before in a whole manner of different ways . ''
Additionally , Sir Patrick Vallance , the Government 's Chief Science Adviser , has said people will need to work from home for a substantial period in the wake of the crisis .
Mr Rukin said their remarks were indicative of a prevalent attitude that `` the world has changed '' .
He added : `` The idea that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is just insane .
`` People have realised that working from home is perfectly viable .
`` Frankly it 's a lot cheaper than commuting into London every day . ''
In this context , the decision to press ahead with the scheme , which a leaked report earlier this year suggested could end up costing £106 billion , was even more inexplicable , Mr Rukin said .
READ MORE : Unemployment could hit SIX MILLION next month , warn economists Referring to Mr Shapps ' remarks , he said : `` Politicians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact that HS2 is now even more pointless than it was before .
`` It 's not only not wanted , but it is essential that it does not happen now .
`` Pressing ahead just reveals a total failure to understand what is going on . ''
Mr Rukin also said there had been a conscious effort to airbrush the significance of HS2 out of the picture .
He explained : `` The business plan was drawn up before coronavirus .
`` They are basically pretending that there is nothing to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` They want to be as committed to this as possible before people wake up and realise how ludicrous this is .
`` They have pushed ahead over the last two weeks knowing there has been a complete lack of scrutiny . ''
Asked what he believed the Prime Minister , who is still recovering after a bout of COVID-19 which put him in intensive care , should do next , he said : `` Boris Johnson has got to realise that HS2 has the potential to define his Premiership because it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whatsoever this this is not needed and the money will be needed elsewhere .
`` He has to know see that every time that there is not the money for the NHS , for schools , for firms that are going out of businesses and families on the breadline , it is going to be compared to the amount of money that is being spent on HS2 and the fact that it is sneaked through while coronavirus was at its peak and they pretended that it was not happening . ''
Mr Rukin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader Nigel Farage , a long-term opponent of HS2 , told Express.co.uk : `` By the time it ’ s finished it will be outdated .
`` HS2 is overpriced and unwanted , the biggest white elephant the government has launched for years .

HS2 will be 'truly fantastic for whole country' says Johnson
Joe Rukin, Stop HS2 Campaign Manager, also issued a direct appeal to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to pull the plug, warning him failure to do so had the potential to "define his Premiership". Mr Johnson gave the go-ahead for the development, which will initially connect London and Birmingham, and shave 20 minutes of journey times, in February. Earlier this month, formal approval for construction work on the project to begin - in the form of a Notice To Proceed - was granted.
Mr Shapps, speaking to the BBC earlier this week, suggested rush hour may be a thing of the past, adding: "The world will probably not go back to how it was before in a whole manner of different ways." Additionally, Sir Patrick Vallance, the Government's Chief Science Adviser, has said people will need to work from home for a substantial period in the wake of the crisis. Mr Rukin said their remarks were indicative of a prevalent attitude that "the world has changed". Back Express.co.uk's NHS Heroes campaign
Boris Johnson and Grant Shapps must consider how COVID-19 had changed the situation, said Joe Rukin
There is no shortage of opposition to the development
He added: "The idea that we are all going to things were before is just insane. "People have realised that working from home is perfectly viable. "Frankly it's a lot cheaper than commuting into London every day." In this context, the decision to press ahead with the scheme, which a leaked report earlier this year suggested could end up costing £106 billion, was even more inexplicable, Mr Rukin said. READ MORE: Unemployment could hit SIX MILLION next month, warn economists
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Nigel Farage has described the plan as a "white elephant"
Boris Johnson during an HS2 site visit
Archaeologists excavate a site along the HS2 route
Pressing ahead just reveals a total failure to understand what is going on Joe Rukin
Referring to Mr Shapps' remarks, he said: "Politicians simply do not want to accept the fact that HS2 is now even more pointless than it was before. "It's not only not wanted, but it is essential that it does not happen now. "Pressing ahead just reveals a total failure to understand what is going on." Mr Rukin also said there had been a conscious effort to airbrush the significance of HS2 out of the picture.
Budget 2020: Rishi Sunak promises HS2 and rail improvements
He explained: "The business plan was drawn up before coronavirus. "They are basically pretending that there is nothing to see here, that nothing has changed. "They want to be as committed to this as possible before people wake up and realise how ludicrous this is. "They have pushed ahead over the last two weeks knowing there has been a complete lack of scrutiny."
The proposed HS2 route
Asked what he believed the Prime Minister, who is still recovering after a bout of COVID-19 which put him in intensive care, should do next, he said: "Boris Johnson has got to realise that HS2 has the potential to define his Premiership because it is absolutely obvious to anyone with any sense whatsoever this this is not needed and the money will be needed elsewhere. "He has to know see that every time that there is not the money for the NHS, for schools, for firms that are going out of businesses and families on the breadline, it is going to be compared to the amount of money that is being spent on HS2 and the fact that it is sneaked through while coronavirus was at its peak and they pretended that it was not happening." Mr Rukin's remarks come days after Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage, a long-term opponent of HS2, told Express.co.uk: "By the time it’s finished it will be outdated. "HS2 is overpriced and unwanted, the biggest white elephant the government has launched for years.
HS2 will initially link London and Birmingham
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-04-26--Donald Trump reveals Boris Johnson sounds 'incredible' after secret late night phone call

The US president said he was surprised how healthy Mr Johnson sounded .
The Prime Minister is recovering at Chequers with fiance Carrie Symonds after falling gravely ill with coronavirus and requiring intensive care .
President Trump said : `` He called me a few days ago , I will tell you , he sounded incredible .
I was actually surprised , I thought he ’ d be like ‘ ohh Donald ’ .
He was ready to go .
`` I ’ m very surprised to tell you this , it ’ s like the old Boris - tremendous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very surprised . ''
Mr Trump added that the pair spoke just shortly after Mr Johnson , 55 , was permitted to leave St Thomas ’ s Hospital a week after arriving on April 5 to recover in isolation at his countryside residence with his pregnant fiancé .
He is believed to have tested negative for the disease before leaving hospital , suggesting he built up immunity .
The US president added : “ He called me almost pretty close to when he got out of the hospital , I think he 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sharp and energetic , pretty incredible .
He 's an incredible guy .
He 's a friend of ours and a friend of mine , he loves our country , and he loves his country a lot .
And they 're lucky to have him over there . ''
READ MORE : Expert says up to 7 tests needed for accurate coronavirus antibodies Mr Johnson is expected to return to Downing Street next week as early as Monday and has told aides to schedule catch-up meetings with Cabinet ministers to get up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Trump has been widely criticised after Thursday ’ s White House briefing , when he suggested that COVID-19 could be treated by injecting disinfectant into the lungs .
He also said heat and a UV light could kill the virus - a claim that has been dismissed by Dr Deborah Birx , an American doctor and diplomat , during the briefing .
The president ’ s public health advisers were quick to play down his ideas .
And Dr Jonathan Spicer warned such treatments would be fatal : `` These products @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lining of our innards . ''
The UK and US Governments are looking at reducing lockdown measures .
DO N'T MISS : Kate Garraway talks ‘ hardest time ’ amid husband 's coronavirus battle EU 'in denial ' over Brexit as George Galloway mocks Brussels ' plot 10 lockdown friends : Can I choose 10 lockdown friends and family ?
The US has over 905,000 confirmed cases across the country , with numbers still increasing , yet some states have reduced lockdown measures .
More than a dozen states have re-opened parks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The UK Government - now in its fifth week of lockdown - is planning how to stagger re-opening public life but a date has not been set .
Ex-chancellor Philip Hammond called today for Britons to return to work and says the economy can ’ t wait for a vaccine to be developed .
He said : `` The reality is that we have to start reopening the economy .
But we have to do it living with Covid .

Boris Johnson is ‘recovering well’ confirms Michael Gove
The US president said he was surprised how healthy Mr Johnson sounded. The Prime Minister is recovering at Chequers with fiance Carrie Symonds after falling gravely ill with coronavirus and requiring intensive care. President Trump said: "He called me a few days ago, I will tell you, he sounded incredible. I was actually surprised, I thought he’d be like ‘ohh Donald’. He was ready to go.
"I’m very surprised to tell you this, it’s like the old Boris - tremendous energy, tremendous drive. I was very surprised." Mr Trump added that the pair spoke just shortly after Mr Johnson, 55, was permitted to leave St Thomas’s Hospital a week after arriving on April 5 to recover in isolation at his countryside residence with his pregnant fiancé. He is believed to have tested negative for the disease before leaving hospital, suggesting he built up immunity. The US president added: “He called me almost pretty close to when he got out of the hospital, I think he's doing great. "He was so sharp and energetic, pretty incredible. He's an incredible guy. He's a friend of ours and a friend of mine, he loves our country, and he loves his country a lot. And they're lucky to have him over there." READ MORE: Expert says up to 7 tests needed for accurate coronavirus antibodies
Mr Johnson pictured before testing positive for COVID-19
Mr Johnson is expected to return to Downing Street next week as early as Monday and has told aides to schedule catch-up meetings with Cabinet ministers to get up to speed with the UK’s crisis. Mr Trump has been widely criticised after Thursday’s White House briefing, when he suggested that COVID-19 could be treated by injecting disinfectant into the lungs. He also said heat and a UV light could kill the virus - a claim that has been dismissed by Dr Deborah Birx, an American doctor and diplomat, during the briefing. The president’s public health advisers were quick to play down his ideas. And Dr Jonathan Spicer warned such treatments would be fatal: "These products have corrosive properties that melt or destroy the lining of our innards." The UK and US Governments are looking at reducing lockdown measures. DON'T MISS:
Kate Garraway talks ‘hardest time’ amid husband's coronavirus battle
EU 'in denial' over Brexit as George Galloway mocks Brussels' plot
10 lockdown friends: Can I choose 10 lockdown friends and family?
Donald Trump was 'surprised' to hear Boris Johnson had 'tremendous energy' post-coronavirus
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Mr Johnson could return to Number 10 on Monday
The US has over 905,000 confirmed cases across the country, with numbers still increasing, yet some states have reduced lockdown measures. More than a dozen states have re-opened parks, beaches and some small businesses. The UK Government - now in its fifth week of lockdown - is planning how to stagger re-opening public life but a date has not been set. Ex-chancellor Philip Hammond called today for Britons to return to work and says the economy can’t wait for a vaccine to be developed. He said: "The reality is that we have to start reopening the economy. But we have to do it living with Covid.
Philip Hammond has called for Britons to return to work


thedailyexpress--2020-04-24--‘Petulant’ Barnier attacked after ‘moaning’ in Brexit update - ‘Boris MUST stand strong!'

Following the latest round of trade talks led by Boris Johnson ’ s negotiator David Frost , the European Commission ’ s Head of Task Force hit out at Britain for sticking to its negotiating red lines and refusing to extend the transition period beyond December 31 .
In the discussions Mr Barnier also reiterated the EU ’ s intension to seek a “ level playing field ” with the UK on a number of core areas including justice , fisheries and regulations .
A number of prominent eurosceptics have since backed the Westminster Government ’ s hard-line approach and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Former Brexit Party MEP Rupert Lowe accused Mr Barnier of “ petulant ” behaviour as the bloc was no longer getting its way .
The former MEP for the West Midlands insisted fishing would be the “ acid test ” of the talks and stated Mr Barnier was berating the lack of progress because the EU would no longer have access to British waters .
He said : “ Barnier sounding petulant about the UK not bowing to the EU 's every demand .
“ The usual threats about the level playing field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right to rule out an extension to the transition .
“ Barnier also moaning about there being 'no progress ' on fisheries .
His idea of 'progress ' is EU fishermen having unfettered access to British waters .
“ So on that measurement , there will never be progress !
Boris has to stay strong on this one - it 's the acid test.
” Martin Daubney , another former Brexit Party MEP , also dismissed Mr Barnier ’ s concerns over Brexit and claims the arch-europhile was beginning to panic because the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the EU ” .
Mr Daubney said : “ When Barnier says ‘ we made no progress on fisheries ’ .
He means ‘ the UK will not continue to surrender its waters to the EU ’ .
“ He also says we ‘ the UK can not refuse to extend the transition period ’ – but we can - he wants to have his cake and eat it – No Deal !
” Brexiteer Michael Heaver added : “ UK not being pushed around in negotiations anymore and the EU don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the EU have just two more negotiating rounds on May 11 and June 1 before both sides must agree whether or not to impose an extension of up to two years .
Boris ridiculed by EU bureaucrats over demands for UK sovereignty [ INSIGHT ] EU WILL collapse to UK demands over no deal Brexit threat - poll [ POLL ] Big business convinced UK will cave on EU extension demands [ ANALYSIS ] At a press conference in Brussels Mr Barnier criticised the short timetable , he said : `` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for such important negotiations with any third country , have we been under such time pressure .
`` The UK , therefore , can not impose this short , brief timeline and at the same time not budge , make progress , on some topics that are of importance to the EU . ''
A Downing Street spokeswoman has confirmed there has been “ limited progress ” between the two sides and highlighted the EU ’ s offer on a Free Trade Agreement “ falls well short ” .

Brexit: Barnier says discussions have been ‘disappointing’
Following the latest round of trade talks led by Boris Johnson’s negotiator David Frost, the European Commission’s Head of Task Force hit out at Britain for sticking to its negotiating red lines and refusing to extend the transition period beyond December 31. In the discussions Mr Barnier also reiterated the EU’s intension to seek a “level playing field” with the UK on a number of core areas including justice, fisheries and regulations.
A number of prominent eurosceptics have since backed the Westminster Government’s hard-line approach and blasted Mr Barnier’s reaction. Former Brexit Party MEP Rupert Lowe accused Mr Barnier of “petulant” behaviour as the bloc was no longer getting its way. The former MEP for the West Midlands insisted fishing would be the “acid test” of the talks and stated Mr Barnier was berating the lack of progress because the EU would no longer have access to British waters.
Michel Barnier has criticised the UK Government's negotiating stance
David Frost held talks via a video link with Michel Barnier
He said: “Barnier sounding petulant about the UK not bowing to the EU's every demand. “The usual threats about the level playing field. Shows why Frost was 100 percent right to rule out an extension to the transition. “Barnier also moaning about there being 'no progress' on fisheries. His idea of 'progress' is EU fishermen having unfettered access to British waters.
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The EU has criticised the Brexit negotiating timetable
“So on that measurement, there will never be progress! Boris has to stay strong on this one - it's the acid test.” Martin Daubney, another former Brexit Party MEP, also dismissed Mr Barnier’s concerns over Brexit and claims the arch-europhile was beginning to panic because the UK will not “surrender its waters to the EU”. Mr Daubney said: “When Barnier says ‘we made no progress on fisheries’. He means ‘the UK will not continue to surrender its waters to the EU’. READ MORE: Merkel scrambles to save 'catastrophic' German economy
Boris Johnson has always insisted the UK will not extend the transition period
“He also says we ‘the UK cannot refuse to extend the transition period’ – but we can - he wants to have his cake and eat it – No Deal!” Brexiteer Michael Heaver added: “UK not being pushed around in negotiations anymore and the EU don’t like it.” The UK and the EU have just two more negotiating rounds on May 11 and June 1 before both sides must agree whether or not to impose an extension of up to two years. DON'T MISS Boris ridiculed by EU bureaucrats over demands for UK sovereignty [INSIGHT]
EU WILL collapse to UK demands over no deal Brexit threat - poll [POLL]
Big business convinced UK will cave on EU extension demands [ANALYSIS]
At a press conference in Brussels Mr Barnier criticised the short timetable, he said: "It's exceptional, never in the history for such important negotiations with any third country, have we been under such time pressure. "The UK, therefore, cannot impose this short, brief timeline and at the same time not budge, make progress, on some topics that are of importance to the EU." A Downing Street spokeswoman has confirmed there has been “limited progress” between the two sides and highlighted the EU’s offer on a Free Trade Agreement “falls well short”.
A timeline of Brexit until January 1, 2021


thedailyexpress--2020-04-26--Boris Johnson to return to work on Monday - PM ‘raring to go’ as Labour blasts No10's plan

The Prime Minister has been recuperating at Chequers after being released from St Thomas ’ Hospital on Easter Sunday .
He spent a week in the London hospital , including three nights in intensive care , where he was treated for coronavirus .
This week he will get `` back to his normal schedule '' , a Downing Street source told Sky News .
They said : `` He is 'raring to go ' and will be back Monday .
`` He had a Chequers meeting with advisers on Friday and he will be meeting the Health Secretary , Matt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal schedule . ''
If doctors feel Mr Johnson is well enough , he may host Monday ’ s daily press conference .
And he may also make an appearance at Prime Minister ’ s Questions on Wednesday .
The source added Mr Johnson had been kept up to date with the Government ’ s battle against coronavirus at each stage .
He spoke to Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , who is deputising for him , and his Number 10 team every day over video calls .
The source said : `` He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medical Officer , Chris Whitty , and the Chief Scientific Adviser , Sir Patrick Vallance . ''
Mr Johnson ’ s return to work comes as the UK ’ s coronavirus death toll surpassed 20,000 on Saturday .
READ MORE : Boris Johnson 's sister praises Sturgeon coronavirus plan in dig at PM The overall figure is likely to be significantly higher once deaths in care homes and hospices are tallied .
But with signs of economic calamity and public frustration at strict social distancing measures piling up , the Government is facing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intends to ease the lockdown .
So far , Ministers have refused to give any indication on their thinking to the public .
On his desk , Johnson will find a letter from opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer arguing that their stance was no longer tenable and the Government should treat the public as grown-ups .
DO N'T MISS Keir Starmer warning : Labour in tatters - you 're facing Herculean task [ INSIGHT ] Boris told to take tougher stance on China – Tory MPs launch new group [ ANALYSIS ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not extend transition period [ INSIGHT ] In the letter circulated to journalists , Mr Starmer wrote : `` The UK government is behind the curve on this .
“ I fear we are falling behind the rest of the world .
“ Simply acting as if this discussion is not happening is not credible .
`` 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.
” While Mr Johnson was out of the picture , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a clear strategy to tackle the pandemic .
Last week , in the first ever virtual PMQs , Labour leader Keir Starmer made his debut at the dispatch box as he took on Mr Raab .
With just 50 MPs allowed into the chamber while the rest were told to tune in from home , Mr Starmer asked Mr Raab how many NHS and care staff had succumbed to the virus .

Boris Johnson to return to work after recovering from COVID-19
The Prime Minister has been recuperating at Chequers after being released from St Thomas’ Hospital on Easter Sunday. He spent a week in the London hospital, including three nights in intensive care, where he was treated for coronavirus. This week he will get "back to his normal schedule", a Downing Street source told Sky News.
They said: "He is 'raring to go' and will be back Monday. "He had a Chequers meeting with advisers on Friday and he will be meeting the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, and getting back to his normal schedule." If doctors feel Mr Johnson is well enough, he may host Monday’s daily press conference. And he may also make an appearance at Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday.
Boris Johnson will return to work on Monday
Keir Starmer has called on the Government to lay out a clear lockdown exit plan
The source added Mr Johnson had been kept up to date with the Government’s battle against coronavirus at each stage. He spoke to Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is deputising for him, and his Number 10 team every day over video calls. The source said: "He also held lengthy discussions with the Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty, and the Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance." Mr Johnson’s return to work comes as the UK’s coronavirus death toll surpassed 20,000 on Saturday. READ MORE: Boris Johnson's sister praises Sturgeon coronavirus plan in dig at PM
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Boris Johnson is 'raring to go'
The overall figure is likely to be significantly higher once deaths in care homes and hospices are tallied. But with signs of economic calamity and public frustration at strict social distancing measures piling up, the Government is facing growing calls to start explaining how it intends to ease the lockdown. So far, Ministers have refused to give any indication on their thinking to the public. On his desk, Johnson will find a letter from opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer arguing that their stance was no longer tenable and the Government should treat the public as grown-ups. DON'T MISS
Keir Starmer warning: Labour in tatters - you're facing Herculean task [INSIGHT]
Boris told to take tougher stance on China – Tory MPs launch new group [ANALYSIS]
Former MEP reveals why Boris Johnson will not extend transition period [INSIGHT]
Boris Johnson was released from hospital on Easter Sunday
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has been standing in for the Prime Minister
In the letter circulated to journalists, Mr Starmer wrote: "The UK government is behind the curve on this. “I fear we are falling behind the rest of the world. “Simply acting as if this discussion is not happening is not credible. "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.”
Coronavirus deaths in the UK
While Mr Johnson was out of the picture, the Government had faced claims it lacked a clear strategy to tackle the pandemic. Last week, in the first ever virtual PMQs, Labour leader Keir Starmer made his debut at the dispatch box as he took on Mr Raab. With just 50 MPs allowed into the chamber while the rest were told to tune in from home, Mr Starmer asked Mr Raab how many NHS and care staff had succumbed to the virus.
Keir Starmer took on Dominic Raab at PMQs last week
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-04-26--Jean-Claude Juncker denies being a hypocrite following exclusive Citi talk

The former president of the European Commission insisted his Q & A session was part of a `` longterm business relationship '' with the London Speaker Bureau .
Mr Juncker , 65 , had criticised his predecessor José Manuel Barroso for joining investment bank Goldman Sachs less than two years after stepping down in 2014 .
But the Luxembourg politician gave a speech to bankers just months after stepping down himself last November .
The London Speaker Bureau describes itself as `` providing keynote speakers , executive learning masterclasses and boardroom advisers '' .
Mr Juncker denied accusations of hypocrisy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You have to know that I 'm a speaker on behalf of the LSB .
`` I 'm not a client , or advisor , nor a consultant of Citi or anything else .
`` I was supposed to give a speech on behalf of the LSB to an audience , many composed by Citi Bank guys , but I never entered detailed questions concerning the position of the Commission . ''
LSB vice chairman Roland Vestring explained : `` Mr Juncker and the London Speaker Bureau have a long-term business relationship with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Juncker accepts invitations to speak for corporations and other organisations .
“ All activities are in accordance with EU regulations .
Mr Juncker did participate in a call last week to explain to Citibank and their clients how crisis management works at EU level .
He has not become a consultant to Citibank . ''
The dial-in conference called Covid-19 & The EU was on April 7 .
A source said Mr Juncker answered questions around `` EU solidarity '' triggering the use of the military under EU treaty powers .
He also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health was likely to continue and member states were expected to make higher contributions or accept lower grants from it .

Jean-Claude Juncker has denied being a hypocrite
The former president of the European Commission insisted his Q&A session was part of a "longterm business relationship" with the London Speaker Bureau. Mr Juncker, 65, had criticised his predecessor José Manuel Barroso for joining investment bank Goldman Sachs less than two years after stepping down in 2014.
But the Luxembourg politician gave a speech to bankers just months after stepping down himself last November. The London Speaker Bureau describes itself as "providing keynote speakers, executive learning masterclasses and boardroom advisers". Mr Juncker denied accusations of hypocrisy, telling the Sunday Express: "You have to know that I'm a speaker on behalf of the LSB. "I'm not a client, or advisor, nor a consultant of Citi or anything else. "I was supposed to give a speech on behalf of the LSB to an audience, many composed by Citi Bank guys, but I never entered detailed questions concerning the position of the Commission."
Mr Juncker had criticised his predecessor José Manuel Barroso
LSB vice chairman Roland Vestring explained: "Mr Juncker and the London Speaker Bureau have a long-term business relationship with regards to speaking engagements. Occasionally Mr Juncker accepts invitations to speak for corporations and other organisations. “All activities are in accordance with EU regulations. Mr Juncker did participate in a call last week
to explain to Citibank and their clients how crisis management works at EU level. He has not become a consultant to Citibank." The dial-in conference called Covid-19 & The EU was on April 7. A source said Mr Juncker answered questions around "EU solidarity" triggering the use of the military under EU treaty powers. He also said the bloc's limited role in public health was likely to continue and member states were expected to make higher contributions or accept lower grants from it.


thedailyexpress--2020-04-26--Donald Trump to set up WHO rival after pulling funding over China bias claim

The proposal has been floated in Washington by the director of the influential Democracy Institute thinktank Patrick Basham in the wake of fury over the WHO ’ s handling of the coronavirus .
Mr Basham , who is British but based in the USA , started developing the proposal in the aftermath of President Trump pulling the US ’ s funding of the WHO .
At the time the President referenced concerns that the WHO had failed in its duty to prepare the world for the coronavirus outbreak and been too close to China in covering up its danger .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ They ’ ve been wrong about a lot of things and they had a lot of information early and they didn ’ t want to – they seemed to be very China centric.
” The proposal has also begun to win support in other countries with the french foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian appeared to support an idea to an alternative to the WHO last week .
He said : “ It would be desirable to constitute , on the model of the IPCC [ Group of experts ¬ intergovernmental on the evolution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ council of the human and animal health , which could say science , on the basis of the work of experts recognized.
” Mr Basham has had private conversations with representations of the White House and is receiving vocal support for his idea of a rival to the WHO from Republicans in Congress on Capitol Hill .
Speaking exclusively to the Sunday Express , Mr Basham said : “ I have had some informal private communication [ with the Trump administration ] .
I have had some positive vibes in people saying it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is outside the box and alternative way .
Given the politics right now these are things which have to go up the food chain .
So the administration people I have dealt with are very circumspect for obvious reasons.
” He accused the WHO of being “ worse than useless ” in the current pandemic and that “ since Trump has shone a light on it ” the conversation in America has changed about the WHO .
He also noted a report in 2018 which showed that the WHO spent more money on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programs to tackle malaria , AIDS , cholera and tuberculosis .
He went on : “ I know there is an appetite for truly doing something rather than just talking about reform .
“ This is not just a question of another UN agency has wasted money .
It has actually caused harm .
It has worked in tandem of the principle causer of this problem [ the Chinese government ] .
” Since US funding was withdrawn front the WHO , the UK has become its biggest financial backer and together Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its £2.1 billion budget .
This means that British and American government money would be enough to fund a rival , but mr Basham believes that private , corporate and philanthropic donations would provide the cash needed .
“ Jack Dorsey from Twitter he announced that he personally was going to donate 1 billion US dollars to the anti-pandemic cause .
“ There are many others who have made pronouncements about very large sums .

Donald Trump to set up WHO rival
The proposal has been floated in Washington by the director of the influential Democracy Institute thinktank Patrick Basham in the wake of fury over the WHO’s handling of the coronavirus. Mr Basham, who is British but based in the USA, started developing the proposal in the aftermath of President Trump pulling the US’s funding of the WHO.
At the time the President referenced concerns that the WHO had failed in its duty to prepare the world for the coronavirus outbreak and been too close to China in covering up its danger. He told a press briefing: “They’ve been wrong about a lot of things and they had a lot of information early and they didn’t want to – they seemed to be very China centric.” The proposal has also begun to win support in other countries with the french foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian appeared to support an idea to an alternative to the WHO last week. He said: “It would be desirable to constitute, on the model of the IPCC [Group of experts ¬ intergovernmental on the evolution of the climate], a high council of the human and animal health, which could say science, on the basis of the work of experts recognized.” Mr Basham has had private conversations with representations of the White House and is receiving vocal support for his idea of a rival to the WHO from Republicans in Congress on Capitol Hill.
French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian
Speaking exclusively to the Sunday Express, Mr Basham said: “I have had some informal private communication [with the Trump administration]. I have had some positive vibes in people saying it is an interesting idea. “It is outside the box and alternative way. Given the politics right now these are things which have to go up the food chain. So the administration people I have dealt with are very circumspect for obvious reasons.” He accused the WHO of being “worse than useless” in the current pandemic and that “since Trump has shone a light on it” the conversation in America has changed about the WHO. He also noted a report in 2018 which showed that the WHO spent more money on executive travel than it did combined on programs to tackle malaria, AIDS, cholera and tuberculosis. He went on: “I know there is an appetite for truly doing something rather than just talking about reform.
A report in 2018 showed that the WHO spent more money on executive travel than it did combined on programs to tackle malaria, AIDS, cholera and tuberculosis
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“This is not just a question of another UN agency has wasted money. It has actually caused harm. It has worked in tandem of the principle causer of this problem [the Chinese government].” Since US funding was withdrawn front the WHO, the UK has become its biggest financial backer and together Britain and America accounted for a third of its £2.1 billion budget. This means that British and American government money would be enough to fund a rival, but mr Basham believes that private, corporate and philanthropic donations would provide the cash needed. “Jack Dorsey from Twitter he announced that he personally was going to donate 1 billion US dollars to the anti-pandemic cause. “There are many others who have made pronouncements about very large sums.


thedailyexpress--2020-04-26--Boris Johnson returns to No10 amid pressure to ease lockdown

After almost losing his life to coronavirus , the Prime Minister has told friends he is `` raring to go '' following two weeks of convalescing at his Chequers country residence .
The news comes as the UK death toll passed a `` tragic and terrible '' milestone with 813 new deaths confirmed yesterday , taking the total to 20,319 .
Experts had said that keeping deaths to 20,000 or fewer would be considered a good result .
This follows evidence that the number of infections and hospital cases continues to fall , and that the peak of deaths passed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned that people still need to continue with the lockdown measures amid evidence that some are beginning to lose patience .
The Sunday Express understands that details about the planned easing of the lockdown could come as soon as next weekend .
Mr Johnson , back in charge , is now able to make the crucial decisions and chair meetings that will discuss the next stage of tackling the virus .
A poll by Opinium now shows there is strong support among the public for a staggered end to the lockdown measures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ shopping centres to open once cases start to drop , while 55 percent support the same move for offices , certain shops and restaurants .
Downing Street sources have revealed the Prime Minister told friends he is `` raring to go '' after being given the green light by doctors , who had been closely monitoring his progress after he was released from St Thomas ' Hospital , London , on April 13 .
He broke the news to close aides on Friday during a three hour Covid-19 strategy summit at Chequers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At the meeting , Mr Johnson was updated on the progress being made in the UK 's fight against coronavirus and was given a detailed briefing on the policy work carried out so far on the next phase of our fight against the disease .
The summit was attended by First Secretary Dominic Raab , Chancellor Rishi Sunak , the PM 's chief adviser Dominic Cummings and director of communications Lee Cain .
Cabinet Secretary Mark Sedwill and other key Number 10 staff joined via video conference , while chief scientific adviser Sir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The summit marked `` a tightening of grip '' from the PM , who held a series of calls and video conference meetings with key figures throughout the week .
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said that the PM 's illness had brought home the dangers of the virus to those battling to get the country through the crisis .
He said : `` It did bring it home to me .
Obviously , the Prime Minister is my boss and I consider him a friend , so it did have an impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For a few days we did n't know how serious that would be .
`` I think across the country the virus has now touched most people 's lives .
It 's an experience .
You have to go back to the Second World War to have a national experience like this , where everybody is impacted .
We all know somebody who has been unwell . ''
Former chancellor Philip Hammond said he hoped Mr Johnson 's reappearance would mark a `` step change '' in the Government 's approach .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have to start reopening the economy .
But we have to do it living with Covid .
Mr Johnson also hosted a video call with Mr Raab and the Downing Street team at 3pm each day , where he was briefed on the latest plans .
He also held lengthy discussions with chief medical officer Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick .
A Number 10 insider said : `` The PM has been doing all the right things and following his doctor 's advice to come back to work , and he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team he will be back at his desk on Monday morning - it 's given everyone a huge lift . ''
It is understood he will immerse himself in briefings with his team and set out his priorities for the week ahead .
Mr Johnson will invite the Cabinet members to provide him with one-to-one updates , and will grill them on their department 's progress to tackle the virus .

Boris Johnson returns to No10 amid pressure to ease lockdown
After almost losing his life to coronavirus, the Prime Minister has told friends he is "raring to go" following two weeks of convalescing at his Chequers country residence. The news comes as the UK death toll passed a "tragic and terrible" milestone with 813 new deaths confirmed yesterday, taking the total to 20,319.
Experts had said that keeping deaths to 20,000 or fewer would be considered a good result. This follows evidence that the number of infections and hospital cases continues to fall, and that the peak of deaths passed on April 8. The Government has warned that people still need to continue with the lockdown measures amid evidence that some are beginning to lose patience. The Sunday Express understands that details about the planned easing of the lockdown could come as soon as next weekend.
The UK death toll passed a 'tragic and terrible' milestone with 813 new deaths confirmed yesterday
Mr Johnson, back in charge, is now able to make the crucial decisions and chair meetings that will discuss the next stage of tackling the virus. A poll by Opinium now shows there is strong support among the public for a staggered end to the lockdown measures. The survey shows that 57 percent want shopping centres to open once cases start to drop, while 55 percent support the same move for offices, certain shops and restaurants. Downing Street sources have revealed the Prime Minister told friends he is "raring to go" after being given the green light by doctors, who had been closely monitoring his progress after he was released from St Thomas' Hospital, London, on April 13.
The Prime Minister flanked by Prof Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance
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He broke the news to close aides on Friday during a three hour Covid-19 strategy summit at Chequers, where the PM has been recovering. At the meeting, Mr Johnson was updated on the progress being made in the UK's fight against coronavirus and was given a detailed briefing on the policy work carried out so far on the next phase of our fight against the disease. The summit was attended by First Secretary Dominic Raab, Chancellor Rishi Sunak, the PM's chief adviser Dominic Cummings and director of communications Lee Cain. Cabinet Secretary Mark Sedwill and other key Number 10 staff joined via video conference, while chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance was also on the call. The summit marked "a tightening of grip" from the PM, who held a series of calls and video conference meetings with key figures throughout the week.
On Friday First Secretary Dominic Raab, Chancellor Rishi Sunak, the PM's chief adviser Dominic Cummings and director of communications Lee Cain attended a summit with the PM
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said that the PM's illness had brought home the dangers of the virus to those battling to get the country through the crisis. He said: "It did bring it home to me. Obviously, the Prime Minister is my boss and I consider him a friend, so it did have an impact on me when he became unwell. For a few days we didn't know how serious that would be. "I think across the country the virus has now touched most people's lives. It's an experience. You have to go back to the Second World War to have a national experience like this, where everybody is impacted. We all know somebody who has been unwell." Former chancellor Philip Hammond said he hoped Mr Johnson's reappearance would mark a "step change" in the Government's approach. He said: "The reality is that we have to start reopening the economy. But we have to do it living with Covid.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick
Mr Johnson also hosted a video call with Mr Raab and the Downing Street team at 3pm each day, where he was briefed on the latest plans. He also held lengthy discussions with chief medical officer Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick. A Number 10 insider said: "The PM has been doing all the right things and following his doctor's advice to come back to work, and he is raring to go. He has told the team he will be back at his desk on Monday morning - it's given everyone a huge lift." It is understood he will immerse himself in briefings with his team and set out his priorities for the week ahead. Mr Johnson will invite the Cabinet members to provide him with one-to-one updates, and will grill them on their department's progress to tackle the virus.


thedailyexpress--2020-04-26--Coronavirus: Robert Jenrick praises over 3 million volunteers helping tackle the crisis

Speaking exclusively to the Sunday Express , Mr Jenrick talked about how `` a collective national effort not seen since the Second World War '' has helped shield the most vulnerable people in the UK .
Each day about 500,000 food parcels are delivered to the elderly and people with underlying health conditions while up to 100,000 calls are made offering practical and emotional support The minister , whose department has been at the heart of organisational effort in the communities , also hosts a call with about 300 council leaders every two days to keep on top of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that money is running out despite £3.2 billion of bailout cash from the Government , Mr Jenrick has vowed to review their funding later in the year .
He said : `` Local councils are at 'We 're supporting each other ' the heart of our response .
They have probably never played a more important role in the life of the country in my lifetime than they are today .
`` We are going to continue working with them over the weeks and months until we learn more about its true impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisions later in the year if necessary . ''
He said the Government estimates that the volunteer force , including more than 750,000 signed up to the official NHS scheme , is bigger than the 3.1 million population OFWALEs .
`` I think in all of our own communities , whether that is small villages which you would expect to have a strong sense of community to big cities , there is a real sense of coming together and supporting each other , '' he added .
Mr Jenrick said that one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government 's response to the coronavirus has been the food parcels which his department organised just days into lockdown .
The NHS has identified 1.8 million people who need to stay at home and self-isolate for the duration of the crisis - more than was first thought .
`` We began thinking the number would be 1.5 million people , '' Mr Jenrick said .
`` It has now increased as GPs have helped us identify more people who have the conditions which were set out by the chief medical officer . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ who think they should be receiving extra support via the shielding programme should get in touch with their GPs .
One of the more rewarding parts of his job has been receiving emails and pictures from children thanking him for the parcels .
Mr Jenrick said : `` I have loved reading the emails I get from people who receive the boxes .
It has been a big effort by a lot of people across the country but it has been absolutely the right thing to do .
`` There are people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the message I have always had is that you might be physically alone but you should n't feel that you are on your own . ''
Mr Jenrick said that despite the challenges of being at the top , the experience of taking a leading part in the national effort has been a rewarding one .
`` It 's a time in which you 're pleased to have an opportunity to do things which so directly impact lives , '' he said .
`` You go into politics to do that and then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister at a time like this but equally you are grateful to be able to make a contribution . ''
He is worried that some of the criticism he received from taking medication to his parents may put people off supporting family and friends .
He said : `` The lockdown has been very challenging for everyone and we all face decisions about how we look after elderly parents , friends and family .
`` The truth is I had been working very hard for several weeks and felt I had n't done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so when the opportunity arose on a Saturday morning to take over the medicines that my mum had been asking me to collect for her I took it .
I would n't want other people to feel anxious about doing the same .
`` We all need to look after our own family as far as we can as long as we abide by the social distancing guidelines but the first line of defence has to be family . ''
Meanwhile , he has also been applauded by members of the public for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by insisting the majority of parks , cemeteries and graveyards remain open .

Robert Jenrick praised the over three million volunteers helping tackle the coronavirus
Speaking exclusively to the Sunday Express, Mr Jenrick talked about how "a collective national effort not seen since the Second World War" has helped shield the most vulnerable people in the UK. Each day about 500,000 food parcels are delivered to the elderly and people with underlying health conditions while up to 100,000 calls are made offering practical and emotional support
The minister, whose department has been at the heart of organisational effort in the communities, also hosts a call with about 300 council leaders every two days to keep on top of the crisis. And with council bosses warning that money is running out despite £3.2 billion of bailout cash from the Government, Mr Jenrick has vowed to review their funding later in the year. He said: "Local councils are at 'We're supporting each other' the heart of our response. They have probably never played a more important role in the life of the country in my lifetime than they are today. "We are going to continue working with them over the weeks and months until we learn more about its true impact on their finances. We can take decisions later in the year if necessary."
Workers from Social Bite social enterprise prepare sandwiches for packed lunches for the homeless
He said the Government estimates that the volunteer force, including more than 750,000 signed up to the official NHS scheme, is bigger than the 3.1 million population OFWALEs. "I think in all of our own communities, whether that is small villages which you would expect to have a strong sense of community to big cities, there is a real sense of coming together and supporting each other," he added. Mr Jenrick said that one of the "great successes" of the Government's response to the coronavirus has been the food parcels which his department organised just days into lockdown. The NHS has identified 1.8 million people who need to stay at home and self-isolate for the duration of the crisis - more than was first thought. "We began thinking the number would be 1.5 million people," Mr Jenrick said. "It has now increased as GPs have helped us identify more people who have the conditions which were set out by the chief medical officer."
The NHS has identified 1.8 million people who need to self-isolate for the duration of the crisis
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He said that Express readers and others who think they should be receiving extra support via the shielding programme should get in touch with their GPs. One of the more rewarding parts of his job has been receiving emails and pictures from children thanking him for the parcels. Mr Jenrick said: "I have loved reading the emails I get from people who receive the boxes. It has been a big effort by a lot of people across the country but it has been absolutely the right thing to do. "There are people who are physically alone in this country but the message I have always had is that you might be physically alone but you shouldn't feel that you are on your own." Mr Jenrick said that despite the challenges of being at the top, the experience of taking a leading part in the national effort has been a rewarding one. "It's a time in which you're pleased to have an opportunity to do things which so directly impact lives," he said.
"You go into politics to do that and then obviously it is stressful to be a minister at a time like this but equally you are grateful to be able to make a contribution." He is worried that some of the criticism he received from taking medication to his parents may put people off supporting family and friends. He said: "The lockdown has been very challenging for everyone and we all face decisions about how we look after elderly parents, friends and family. "The truth is I had been working very hard for several weeks and felt I hadn't done enough to look after my parents and so when the opportunity arose on a Saturday morning to take over the medicines that my mum had been asking me to collect for her I took it. I wouldn't want other people to feel anxious about doing the same. "We all need to look after our own family as far as we can as long as we abide by the social distancing guidelines but the first line of defence has to be family." Meanwhile, he has also been applauded by members of the public for his efforts to make the lockdown easier by insisting the majority of parks, cemeteries and graveyards remain open.
Volunteers at Thomas Rae tailors make free scrubs for NHS workers


thedailyexpress--2020-04-27--Defiant Boris Johnson 'properly at helm' of No10 to steer UK out of coronavirus lockdown

The Prime Minister will be “ properly at the helm ” in Downing Street this morning after completing his recovery from the killer bug , Cabinet ministers confirmed yesterday .
He is expected to start preparing the groundwork for a gradual easing of the most restrictions from early next month after the Government ’ s medical experts hailed “ a very definite trend ” in falling hospital admissions for Covid-19 .
Aides anticipate he will return to leading the daily live televised coronavirus news conferences from Downing Street from as early as this afternoon and is likely to cite his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thomas ’ Hospital to reiterate the Government ’ s message of needing to protect the NHS from being overwhelmed .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , who has been deputising during his absence , said : “ He is raring to go.
” In the latest sign of a turning in the tide against the epidemic , figures yesterday showed the coronavirus death toll in UK hospitals rose by 413 yesterday to a total of 20,732 , the lowest daily increase this month .
But the Prime Minister is expected to insist that many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the foreseeable future to prevent a fresh surge in cases .
Mr Raab , who has been standing in for the Prime Minister during his absence on sick leave , warned the public that the epidemic was still at a “ dangerous and delicate phase ” that would require many restrictions to stay in force for some time .

Boris Johnson will be 'back to work' says Dominic Raab
The Prime Minister will be “properly at the helm” in Downing Street this morning after completing his recovery from the killer bug, Cabinet ministers confirmed yesterday. He is expected to start preparing the groundwork for a gradual easing of the most restrictions from early next month after the Government’s medical experts hailed “a very definite trend” in falling hospital admissions for Covid-19.
Aides anticipate he will return to leading the daily live televised coronavirus news conferences from Downing Street from as early as this afternoon and is likely to cite his experience of intensive care treatment at St Thomas’ Hospital to reiterate the Government’s message of needing to protect the NHS from being overwhelmed. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who has been deputising during his absence, said: “He is raring to go.” Sign our petition to give Captain Tom Moore a knighthood
Boris Johnson will return to work today
In the latest sign of a turning in the tide against the epidemic, figures yesterday showed the coronavirus death toll in UK hospitals rose by 413 yesterday to a total of 20,732, the lowest daily increase this month. But the Prime Minister is expected to insist that many social distancing measures will stay in force for the foreseeable future to prevent a fresh surge in cases. READ MORE: UK coronavirus hospital deaths close to surpassing Spain death toll
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Coronavirus is spreading panic and killing hundreds of thousands across the UK
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thedailyexpress--2020-04-27--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 .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 biggest single challenge this country has faced since the war and I in no way minimise the continuing problems we face .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
• Piers Morgan hits back at Donald Trump for unfollowing him `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 . ''
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
`` We did not allow 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 : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this first phase is over and that we are meeting our five tests : deaths falling , NHS protected , rate of infection down , really sorting out the challenges of testing and PPE , 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 , though clearly , the Government will be 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 of optimism shown by Captain Tom Moore , 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
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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.