inews--2020-05-31--This House cast: who stars in James Graham's National Theatre Live play, and how you can watch on Yo

This House cast: who stars in James Graham's National Theatre Live play, and how you can watch on YouTube

This House cast : who stars in James Graham 's National Theatre Live play , and how you can watch on YouTube The political comedy from James Graham , the man behind Brexit : The Uncivil War and ITV 's Quiz is the next show streaming from the National The National Theatre may still be off limits because of the coronavirus lockdown , but thankfully its plays are n't .
For weeks it has been allowing us to stream some of its most famous productions for free , from the comfort of our own homes , with the National Theatre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been treated to the likes of Frankenstein starring Benedict Cumberbatch , Ralph Fiennes in Antony and Cleopatra and Inua Ellams ' Barber Shop Chronicles .
And now it is the turn of This House , a political comedy from James Graham , the man behind Brexit : The Uncivil War and ITV 's Quiz .
Here is everything you need to know ... How can I watch This House ?
The play was made available to stream `` live '' on the National Theatre 's YouTube channel at 7pm on Thursday 28 May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday 4 June , but you 'll need to start watching by 4.15pm on that day to ensure you see it all .
A Streetcar Named Desire , starring Gillian Anderson , is also available to watch until 7pm on Thursday 28 May .
What is it about ?
This House is based on true events that occurred in British politics during the 1970s , when a system called pairing threw Parliament into disarray .
The National Theatre synopsis says : `` It ’ s 1974 , and Britain has a hung @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the sound of infighting and backstabbing as the political parties battle to change the future of the nation .
`` During this era of chaos , when a staggering number of politicians die and age-old traditions are thrown aside , MPs find they must roll up their sleeves , and bend the rules , to navigate a way through the Mother of all Parliaments . ''
This House depicts the battle between Labour and the Conservatives during the 1970s ( Photo : National Theatre )

The National Theatre may still be off limits because of the coronavirus lockdown, but thankfully its plays aren’t.
For weeks it has been allowing us to stream some of its most famous productions for free, from the comfort of our own homes, with the National Theatre at Home scheme.
We have already been treated to the likes of Frankenstein starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Ralph Fiennes in Antony and Cleopatra and Inua Ellams’ Barber Shop Chronicles.
And now it is the turn of This House, a political comedy from James Graham, the man behind Brexit: The Uncivil War and ITV’s Quiz.
Here is everything you need to know…
How can I watch This House?
The play was made available to stream “live” on the National Theatre’s YouTube channel at 7pm on Thursday 28 May.
It will be available until 7pm on Thursday 4 June, but you’ll need to start watching by 4.15pm on that day to ensure you see it all.
A Streetcar Named Desire, starring Gillian Anderson, is also available to watch until 7pm on Thursday 28 May.
What is it about?
This House is based on true events that occurred in British politics during the 1970s, when a system called pairing threw Parliament into disarray.
The National Theatre synopsis says: “It’s 1974, and Britain has a hung Parliament. The corridors of Westminster ring with the sound of infighting and backstabbing as the political parties battle to change the future of the nation.
“During this era of chaos, when a staggering number of politicians die and age-old traditions are thrown aside, MPs find they must roll up their sleeves, and bend the rules, to navigate a way through the Mother of all Parliaments.”
This original 2013 production is directed by Jeremy Herrin (People, Places and Things).
Who’s in the cast?
There are several well-known in the cast, including Phil Daniels (Quadrophenia, EastEnders), who plays Labour chief whip Bob Mellish.
His deputy, Walter Harrison, is played by Reece Dinsdale..
Also on the Labour side are Vincent Franklin (Bodyguard) as Michael Cocks, Lauren O’Neil (Richard III) as Ann Taylor and Richard Ridings (Fat Friends) as Joe Harper.
Conservative chief whip Humphrey Atkins is played by Julian Wadham (The Trial of Lord Lucan), with Charles Edwards (The Crown) as his deputy Jack Weatherill.


inews--2020-05-31--National Theatre Live streaming: how to watch This House on YouTube, and full schedule of free NT pl

National Theatre Live streaming: how to watch This House on YouTube, and full schedule of free NT plays

National Theatre Live streaming : how to watch This House on YouTube , and full schedule of free NT plays A range of plays will be made available to stream via YouTube in April and May , continuing with Antony and Cleopatra Just like all entertainment outlets , theatres have had to close their doors per the Government 's guidelines amid the coronavirus pandemic .
However , the National Theatre is bringing the stage to the screen by streaming several iconic plays on YouTube every Thursday .
Explaining the reason for making the plays accessible to thousands free of charge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` During this unprecedented time which has seen the closure of theatres , cinemas and schools , the National Theatre announces a new initiative National Theatre at Home providing access to content online to serve audiences in their homes .
Here 's all you need to know about the National Theatre shows that are streaming .
Theatres in London have been forced to close amid the Coronavirus pandemic ( Photo : Leon Neal/Getty Images ) How can I watch the National Theatre shows from home ?
During the lockdown , the National Theatre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the public to still enjoy the best from the stage .
The best part of it all is that it 's free to watch .
Every Thursday at 7pm BST on the theatre 's official YouTube channel , fans will be able to stream a selection of performances for a week .
Phil Daniels as Bob Mellish in This House ( Photo : National Theatre ) The National Theatre at Home initiative has won praise from fans for being given the chance to watch the plays for free .
But it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cast and crews of the plays who have waived their rights .
The executive director and joint chief executive of the National Theatre told the Guardian : `` Everyone has said yes .
Please .
Let ’ s get it out to people .
`` It has taken a bit of negotiation and management but the outpouring from the industry has been fantastic . ''
However , that 's not all the National Theatre has to offer as there will also be a selection of Q & As with the cast and creative @ @ @ @ @

Just like all entertainment outlets, theatres have had to close their doors per the Government’s guidelines amid the coronavirus pandemic.
However, the National Theatre is bringing the stage to the screen by streaming several iconic plays on YouTube every Thursday.
Explaining the reason for making the plays accessible to thousands free of charge, a National Theatre spokesperson said: “During this unprecedented time which has seen the closure of theatres, cinemas and schools, the National Theatre announces a new initiative National Theatre at Home providing access to content online to serve audiences in their homes.
“Audiences around the world can stream NT Live productions for free via YouTube, and students and teachers have access to the National Theatre Collection at home.”
Here’s all you need to know about the National Theatre shows that are streaming.
How can I watch the National Theatre shows from home?
During the lockdown, the National Theatre has come up with a novel way for the public to still enjoy the best from the stage. The best part of it all is that it’s free to watch.
Every Thursday at 7pm BST on the theatre’s official YouTube channel, fans will be able to stream a selection of performances for a week.
The first show, which kicked things off on Thursday 2 April, was One Man, Two Guvnors featuring James Corden.
From Thursday 9 April until 16 April theatre lovers could stream Sally Cookson’s bold reimagining of Charlotte Bronte’s classic Jane Eyre.
The stage version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s iconic adventure novel Treasure Island, adapted by Bryony Lavery, showed from 16 April.
After that it was time for some Shakespeare with a staging of Twelfth Night starring Tamsin Grieg.
This was followed by Danny Boyle’s Frankenstein – starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller – which streamed until 8 May.
Next came Antony and Cleopatra, starring Ralph Fiennes as Antony and Sophie Okonedo as Cleopatra.
From Thursday 14 May – Thursday 21 May Inua Ellams’ Barber Shop Chronicles was available to stream.
Next came A Streetcar Named Desire, starring Gillian Anderson, and This House, from Quiz writer James Graham.
Shakespeare’s Coriolanus, starring Tom Hiddleston, The Madness of King George III and Small Island, an adaptation of Andrea Levy’s Orange Prize-winning novel, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream followed.
Les Blancs, starring Black Panther‘s Daniel Sapiani, came next and now The Deep Blue Sea, starring Helen McCrory, is streaming.
The National Theatre at Home initiative has won praise from fans for being given the chance to watch the plays for free. But it’s all been made possible by the various cast and crews of the plays who have waived their rights.
The executive director and joint chief executive of the National Theatre told the Guardian: “Everyone has said yes. Please. Let’s get it out to people.
“It has taken a bit of negotiation and management but the outpouring from the industry has been fantastic.”
National Theatre at Home schedule
Thursday 2 April: One Man Two Guvnors by Richard Bean
Thursday 9 April: Jane Eyre by Sally Cookson
Thursday 16 April: Treasure Island by Bryony Lavery
Thursday 23 April: Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
Thursday 30 April: Frankenstein by Nick Dear
Thursday 7 May: Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare
Thursday 14 May: Barber Shop Chronicles by Inua Ellams
Thursday 21 May: A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
Thursday 28 May: This House by James Graham
Thursday 4 June: Coriolanus by William Shakespeare
Thursday 11 June: The Madness of George III by Alan Bennett
Thursday 18 June: Small Island by Helen Edmundson
Thursday 25 June: A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare
Thursday 2 July: Les Blancs by Lorraine Hansberry
Thursday 9 July: The Deep Blue Sea by Terence Rattigan
However, that’s not all the National Theatre has to offer as there will also be a selection of Q&As with the cast and creative teams of the plays.
What else?
In a bid to help schools, colleges and universities, the National Theatre has also released a new National Theatre Collection which “makes the best of British Theatre available worldwide to libraries, schools, universities and the wider education sector.”
The collection features productions from a range of theatres including the National Theatre, the Young Vic, Donmar Warehouse and Bridge Theatre.


inews--2020-05-31--When will libraries open? Latest UK lockdown news on public libraries reopening - and how new rules

When will libraries open? Latest UK lockdown news on public libraries reopening - and how new rules could work

When will libraries open ?
Latest UK lockdown news on public libraries reopening - and how new rules could work Some businesses , vanues and services have begun the process of reopening their doors to the public as lockdown restrictions slowly lift This is what you need to know about libraries reopening ( Photo : Shutterstock ) In March , libraries were forced to close around the country as part of the governments efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus .
With phase two of lockdown on the horizon for England , this is what the government has said about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again to readers .
According to the UK government 's roadmap to lift lockdown restrictions in England , venues such as libraries will open in step three of the plan .
The document explains : “ The ambition at this step is to open at least some of the remaining businesses and premises that have been required to close , including personal care ( such as hairdressers and beauty salons ) , hospitality ( such as food service providers , pubs and accommodations ) , public places ( such as places of worship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
” Venues that reopen will be required to adhere to Covid-19 secure guidelines to ensure the safety of staff and visitors .
Can I use any library services now ?
When lockdown restrictions began to ease , the government released a list of businesses and venues that “ must remain closed ” , with libraries included in the list .
There are some exceptions to this rule though , with the government stating : “ Digital library services and those where orders are taken electronically , by telephone or by post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) may continue.
” Many libraries offer online services - you can find out more about what your library offers by signing up .
What is the government doing to help libraries ?
Earlier in May , the government unveiled new ministerial-led task forces that have been created to help plan how closed sectors can reopen safely .
The announcement said : “ These task forces will be crucial to the reopening of Britain 's economy and each one will lead on developing new Covid-19 secure guidelines for the reopening of public places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is safe to do so.
” One of the task forces , managed by the Department for Culture , Media and Sport , looks after libraries , as well as other recreation and leisure facilities .

In March, libraries were forced to close around the country as part of the governments efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus.
With phase two of lockdown beginining for England, this is what the government has said about libraries being able to open its doors again to readers.
When will libraries reopen?
According to the UK government’s roadmap to lift lockdown restrictions in England, venues such as libraries will open in step three of the plan.
The document explains: “The ambition at this step is to open at least some of the remaining businesses and premises that have been required to close, including personal care (such as hairdressers and beauty salons), hospitality (such as food service providers, pubs and accommodations), public places (such as places of worship) and leisure facilities (like cinemas).”
Libraries are included in these services mentioned.
This step, according to the government, will be “no earlier than 4 July”.
Venues that reopen will be required to adhere to Covid-19 secure guidelines to ensure the safety of staff and visitors.
Can I use any library services now?
When lockdown restrictions began to ease, the government released a list of businesses and venues that “must remain closed”, with libraries included in the list.
There are some exceptions to this rule though, with the government stating: “Digital library services and those where orders are taken electronically, by telephone or by post (for example no-contact Home Library Services) may continue.”
Many libraries offer online services – you can find out more about what your library offers by signing up.
You can do this via the government website here.
What is the government doing to help libraries?
Earlier in May, the government unveiled new ministerial-led task forces that have been created to help plan how closed sectors can reopen safely.
The announcement said: “These task forces will be crucial to the reopening of Britain’s economy and each one will lead on developing new Covid-19 secure guidelines for the reopening of public places and businesses, where and when it is safe to do so.”
One of the task forces, managed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, looks after libraries, as well as other recreation and leisure facilities.
Headed up by Oliver Dowden, the task force will help develop safe ways for libraries and other creative venues to operate, and feed back issues and concerns to the government.


inews--2020-05-31--Philharmonia, Channel 4, review: Another rapturous drama from Walter Presents

The French series follows Hélène Barizet , an unorthodox and potentially dangerous conductor of an orchestra The word “ soapy ” is often used to describe television lacking depth .
But it is exactly what keeps French drama Philharmonia , the latest offering from Channel 4 ’ s foreign language strand Walter Presents , so intriguing .
A series that centres on the inner workings of a national philharmonic orchestra may seem a little lofty , particularly if broadcast late on a Sunday evening , but throw in an affair , a psychotic illness and a secretive gun and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plays Hélène Barizet , a brilliant conductor drafted in to take over a Parisian orchestra following the untimely death of her predecessor .
Her fiery reputation precedes her – it turns out she was hired despite the orchestra and its director voting not to bring her on board .
Throughout the first episode , supporters were warned of her tenacity and willingness to “ tear you apart ” , characteristics quickly illustrated by her decision to swap out the company ’ s stalwart First violinist with a female newcomer .
Philharmonia is another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Walter Presents ( Photo : Channel 4 ) But is the orchestra ’ s reaction to Barizet simply a case of old-fashioned misogyny ?
A group of old-school musicians , perhaps , clinging on to ideas of how a conductor should behave and afraid of a ruthlessly ambitious woman ?
There is an element of that , but there are other hints at Barizet ’ s cruel side .
Her mother , living in hospital , irritates Barizet who chastises her for “ ruining everything ” .
And then there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drawer .
Philharmonia sits comfortably alongside Doctor Foster and Bancroft in its portrayal of imperfect women and deserves to be just as lauded .

Philharmonia, 11:15pm, Channel 4 ★★★★
The word “soapy” is often used to describe television lacking depth. But it is exactly what keeps French drama Philharmonia, the latest offering from Channel 4’s foreign language strand Walter Presents, so intriguing. A series that centres on the inner workings of a national philharmonic orchestra may seem a little lofty, particularly if broadcast late on a Sunday evening, but throw in an affair, a psychotic illness and a secretive gun and I’m all in.
Marie-Sophie Ferdane plays Hélène Barizet, a brilliant conductor drafted in to take over a Parisian orchestra following the untimely death of her predecessor. Her fiery reputation precedes her – it turns out she was hired despite the orchestra and its director voting not to bring her on board.
Throughout the first episode, supporters were warned of her tenacity and willingness to “tear you apart”, characteristics quickly illustrated by her decision to swap out the company’s stalwart First violinist with a female newcomer.
But is the orchestra’s reaction to Barizet simply a case of old-fashioned misogyny? A group of old-school musicians, perhaps, clinging on to ideas of how a conductor should behave and afraid of a ruthlessly ambitious woman? There is an element of that, but there are other hints at Barizet’s cruel side. Her mother, living in hospital, irritates Barizet who chastises her for “ruining everything”. And then there’s the gun she keeps in her desk drawer.
Philharmonia sits comfortably alongside Doctor Foster and Bancroft in its portrayal of imperfect women and deserves to be just as lauded.
@emilyrbakes


inews--2020-05-31--Coronavirus: Rishi Sunak will be steeled for charm offensive from business

Coronavirus : Rishi Sunak will be steeled for charm offensive from business Chancellor Rishi Sunak can expect many of the UK 's leading business bosses will be trying to catch his eye in the coming weeks and months ( Photo : Getty ) The practice of public relations is usually focused on charming one ’ s customers via the media .
But as we move into the economic recovery stage of the Covid-19 crisis , you will see more emphasis by brands on trying to charm the Treasury .
It will now gain special prominence for two reasons : one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and two , many struggling companies are desperate to grab on to Chancellor Rishi Sunak ’ s “ Project Birch ” .
This bailout project , revealed by the Treasury over the past week , is designed to save strategically important businesses now drowning in debt : airlines whose fleets have been grounded for months ; manufacturers whose factories have been idle .
You will have seen the news of easyJet laying off thousands of people or Rolls Royce shares taking on junk status .
Rishi Sunak will be faced with hard choices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigns to convince the Treasury to inject state equity into one ’ s business will need to be expert and credible .
Sunak is more likely to invest in sectors or businesses that have made themselves feel worthy over a long period .
He may , for example , look askance at backing a business like Sports Direct , where owner Mike Ashley has hardly covered himself in glory in his treatment of staff and customers .
And should he prop up Virgin Atlantic ?
Elsewhere , the Treasury is known to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which manufactures the majority of its classic British car brands on English soil yet has been owned by the Indian billionaire Tata family for more than a decade .
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak during a media briefing in Downing Street , London , on coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) .
You can guarantee dozens of household names currently seeking government investment are , as we speak , working hard on such charm offensives .
Can one play the nationalist “ buy British ” card ?
How much goodwill leverage do we hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learned from the last financial crisis , however , is that these comms programmes are just the start .
Even if one is successful in getting the Government to take a stake , professional communicators will then be needed to convince taxpayers they are getting a good deal and , ultimately , their money back .

The practice of public relations is usually focused on charming one’s customers via the media. But as we move into the economic recovery stage of the Covid-19 crisis, you will see more emphasis by brands on trying to charm the Treasury.
It will now gain special prominence for two reasons: one, we are in a serious recession and two, many struggling companies are desperate to grab on to Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s “Project Birch”.
This bailout project, revealed by the Treasury over the past week, is designed to save strategically important businesses now drowning in debt: airlines whose fleets have been grounded for months; manufacturers whose factories have been idle.
You will have seen the news of easyJet laying off thousands of people or Rolls Royce shares taking on junk status.
Sunak will favour the ‘worthy’
But campaigns to convince the Treasury to inject state equity into one’s business will need to be expert and credible. Sunak is more likely to invest in sectors or businesses that have made themselves feel worthy over a long period.
He may, for example, look askance at backing a business like Sports Direct, where owner Mike Ashley has hardly covered himself in glory in his treatment of staff and customers. And should he prop up Virgin Atlantic?
Yes, it’s a British company, but majority shareholder Sir Richard Branson is personally a tax exile based in the Caribbean.
Elsewhere, the Treasury is known to be in talks with Jaguar Land Rover, which manufactures the majority of its classic British car brands on English soil yet has been owned by the Indian billionaire Tata family for more than a decade.
Charm offences
You can guarantee dozens of household names currently seeking government investment are, as we speak, working hard on such charm offensives. Can one play the nationalist “buy British” card? How much goodwill leverage do we hold in the reputational bank?
What we learned from the last financial crisis, however, is that these comms programmes are just the start.
Even if one is successful in getting the Government to take a stake, professional communicators will then be needed to convince taxpayers they are getting a good deal and, ultimately, their money back.


inews--2020-05-31--Belfast pub wins right to deliver takeaway pints of Guinness

Belfast pub wins right to deliver takeaway pints of Guinness Staff use a specially adapted van and pour beer into plastic glasses Harry McKeaveney from The Hatfield House , wears a face mask as he delivers pints ( Photo by PAUL FAITH/AFP via Getty Images ) Door-to-door deliveries of Guinness in Belfast have resumed after a pub resolved a legal battle with the police over its right to pour a takeaway pint .
The Hatfield House began delivering pints after being forced to close due to the lockdown .
Staff arrived outside the homes of customers in a specially adapted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while wearing protective gloves .
The pints were then left on the doorstep to avoid any direct contact .
The PSNI claimed last month that the van-to-door service breached licensing legislation and the pub was subsequently forced to pause its deliveries .
Discussions between the owners of The Hatfield House and the police took place after the publicans launched a High Court challenge .
The judge has now been told that a resolution has been reached to allow the draught beer delivery service to resume .
Mr Justice McAlinden urged lawyers to formalise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an element of legal certainty which can be relied upon by others who may wish to engage in a similar provision of service in the community while the present restrictions on pub opening remain in place.
” The Hatfield House responded to the news by posting a video on Facebook of a member of staff taking a protective dust sheet off the specially fitted van and delivering a pint .
The PSNI said they were “ happy to work with any licensees considering introducing a similar service ” but would advise them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requirements .
”

Door-to-door deliveries of Guinness in Belfast have resumed after a pub resolved a legal battle with the police over its right to pour a takeaway pint.
The Hatfield House began delivering pints after being forced to close due to the lockdown. Staff arrived outside the homes of customers in a specially adapted van and poured beer into plastic glasses while wearing protective gloves. The pints were then left on the doorstep to avoid any direct contact.
The PSNI claimed last month that the van-to-door service breached licensing legislation and the pub was subsequently forced to pause its deliveries.
Police discussions
Discussions between the owners of The Hatfield House and the police took place after the publicans launched a High Court challenge. The judge has now been told that a resolution has been reached to allow the draught beer delivery service to resume.
Mr Justice McAlinden urged lawyers to formalise a position “to ensure there’s an element of legal certainty which can be relied upon by others who may wish to engage in a similar provision of service in the community while the present restrictions on pub opening remain in place.”
Protective measures
The Hatfield House responded to the news by posting a video on Facebook of a member of staff taking a protective dust sheet off the specially fitted van and delivering a pint.
The PSNI said they were “happy to work with any licensees considering introducing a similar service” but would advise them to ensure it “meets all current legislative requirements.”
A final conclusion to the case is expected next week.


inews--2020-05-31--Brexit war of words restarts ahead of next round of UK-EU trade negotiations

Brexit war of words restarts ahead of next round of UK-EU trade negotiations The two sides have warned that talks could be close to collapse Britain and the EU have launched a fresh war of words ahead of the next stage of post-Brexit trade talks which starts on Monday .
This round of negotiations , carried out via video conferencing , is the last before a scheduled summit between Boris Johnson and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen later this month .
Speaking over the weekend , chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier accused the UK Government of backsliding on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Agreement signed in January .
Meanwhile Downing Street claimed the talks are close to collapse because Brussels has refused to shift from its starting point .
Mr Barnier told the Sunday Times that Britain had already agreed to maintain a `` level playing field '' on regulations and accused the Government of `` cherry picking '' from exiting EU treaties .
He said : `` The UK has been taking a step back - two steps back , three steps back - from the original commitments .
`` The UK negotiators need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister signed up to with us .
Because 27 heads of state and government and the European Parliament do not have a short memory . ''
Mr Barnier added : `` If that does n't happen there will be no agreement . ''
The British negotiating team said the talks had failed to make progress because of the inflexible attitude shown by Mr Barnier , who says he is bound by the mandate given to him by EU member states .
A source close to David Frost , the UK 's chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` What is clear is that the conventional approach will not get us much further .
`` The EU needs to inject some political reality into its approach and appreciate that they can not use their usual tactic of delay to drag the talks into the autumn .
October is too late . ''
The summit taking place in mid-June is designed to take stock of the progress of negotiations .
If the two sides conclude at that point there is no realistic prospect of a deal by the time the transition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theory they could decide to end the talks and concentrate on moving to World Trade Organisation terms .
The deadline for extending the transition period is on 1 July .
The UK Government has said it will not request an extension and will not accept one if offered by the EU .

Britain and the EU have launched a fresh war of words ahead of the next stage of post-Brexit trade talks which starts on Monday.
This round of negotiations, carried out via video conferencing, is the last before a scheduled summit between Boris Johnson and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen later this month.
Speaking over the weekend, chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier accused the UK Government of backsliding on the commitments it made in the Withdrawal Agreement signed in January.
Meanwhile Downing Street claimed the talks are close to collapse because Brussels has refused to shift from its starting point.
‘Cherry picking’ treaties
Mr Barnier told the Sunday Times that Britain had already agreed to maintain a “level playing field” on regulations and accused the Government of “cherry picking” from exiting EU treaties.
He said: “The UK has been taking a step back – two steps back, three steps back – from the original commitments.
“The UK negotiators need to be fully in line with what the Prime Minister signed up to with us. Because 27 heads of state and government and the European Parliament do not have a short memory.” Mr Barnier added: “If that doesn’t happen there will be no agreement.”
The British negotiating team said the talks had failed to make progress because of the inflexible attitude shown by Mr Barnier, who says he is bound by the mandate given to him by EU member states.
Calls for political reality
A source close to David Frost, the UK’s chief negotiator, told the Mail on Sunday: “What is clear is that the conventional approach will not get us much further.
“The EU needs to inject some political reality into its approach and appreciate that they cannot use their usual tactic of delay to drag the talks into the autumn. October is too late.”
The summit taking place in mid-June is designed to take stock of the progress of negotiations. If the two sides conclude at that point there is no realistic prospect of a deal by the time the transition period ends on 31 December, in theory they could decide to end the talks and concentrate on moving to World Trade Organisation terms.
The deadline for extending the transition period is on 1 July. The UK Government has said it will not request an extension and will not accept one if offered by the EU.


inews--2020-05-31--UK coronavirus testing capacity reaches 200,000 a day - just meeting target set by Boris Johnson

There are still questions over exactly how many people are being tested for Covid-19 The UK 's coronavirus testing capacity has now passed 200,000 a day as contact tracing is ramped up in a bid to keep the virus under control while easing lockdown .
Boris Johnson set the target to reach 200,000 by the end of May , a month after the country first gained the ability to carry out 100,000 tests in a day .
The goal was reached on Saturday , 24 hours before the self-imposed deadline .
But there are still questions over whether enough people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS Test and Trace programme to work properly .
Problems at one of the testing labs mean that the number of individuals receiving tests has been unknown for several days .
In the 24 hours to 9am on Sunday , 115,725 Covid-19 tests were delivered .
Some people need to be tested twice , and some of those tests were sent out to patients but may not have been carried out immediately .
Contact tracing is based on the principle that everyone who has coronavirus symptoms can immediately get tested , with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government says it is trying to reduce the turnaround time to 24 hours , to give tracers more time to find the contacts of those who are infected .
The major increase in testing capacity over recent days is the result of a surge in the number of antibody tests , which tell you whether you have ever had the virus .
40,000 such tests can now be carried out every day , with NHS workers first in line to receive them .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said : “ Reaching our 200,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our journey to control the spread of the virus , save lives and gradually ease lockdown .
By rapidly expanding our testing capacity , we have been able to introduce NHS Test and Trace , and enabling those who have coronavirus symptoms to get a test is an important part of the programme .
`` This is by no means the end of our ramping up of testing .
We will continue to build upon the tremendous work so far , exploring new technology and deliver even more test results . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 6 May that his `` ambition '' was to see 200,000 tests a day by the end of the month .
No10 later clarified that this referred to capacity rather than delivery .

The UK’s coronavirus testing capacity has now passed 200,000 a day as contact tracing is ramped up in a bid to keep the virus under control while easing lockdown.
Boris Johnson set the target to reach 200,000 by the end of May, a month after the country first gained the ability to carry out 100,000 tests in a day. The goal was reached on Saturday, 24 hours before the self-imposed deadline.
But there are still questions over whether enough people are being tested every day for the NHS Test and Trace programme to work properly. Problems at one of the testing labs mean that the number of individuals receiving tests has been unknown for several days.
In the 24 hours to 9am on Sunday, 115,725 Covid-19 tests were delivered. Some people need to be tested twice, and some of those tests were sent out to patients but may not have been carried out immediately.
Major testing increase
Contact tracing is based on the principle that everyone who has coronavirus symptoms can immediately get tested, with the results available within 48 hours.
The Government says it is trying to reduce the turnaround time to 24 hours, to give tracers more time to find the contacts of those who are infected.
The major increase in testing capacity over recent days is the result of a surge in the number of antibody tests, which tell you whether you have ever had the virus. 40,000 such tests can now be carried out every day, with NHS workers first in line to receive them.
‘Important milestone’
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Reaching our 200,000 capacity target is an important milestone on our journey to control the spread of the virus, save lives and gradually ease lockdown.
By rapidly expanding our testing capacity, we have been able to introduce NHS Test and Trace, and enabling those who have coronavirus symptoms to get a test is an important part of the programme.
“This is by no means the end of our ramping up of testing. We will continue to build upon the tremendous work so far, exploring new technology and deliver even more test results.”
The Prime Minister told the House of Commons on 6 May that his “ambition” was to see 200,000 tests a day by the end of the month. No10 later clarified that this referred to capacity rather than delivery.


inews--2020-05-31--Coronavirus: Government meets target to increase coronavirus testing capacity to 200,000 a day

Matt Hancock described it as 'an important milestone on our journey to control the spread' The UK has met its target of having capacity for 200,000 coronavirus tests a day by the end of May ( Photo : Getty ) The Government has met its target of increasing its coronavirus testing capacity to 200,000 by the end of May .
The Government said 205,634 tests were available on Saturday 30 May .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock described it as `` an important milestone on our journey to control the spread of the virus '' .
The news comes as another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours after testing positive for Covid-19 .
Despite capacity for testing being over 200,000 , just over 115,000 tests were actually carried out in the 24 hours up to 9am on Sunday 31 May .
When it met its 100,000 capacity target at the end of April it was accused of including more than 40,000 sampling kits posted out to people 's homes and to `` satellite testing locations '' - whether or not they were returned and processed .
And for a week leading up to today 's announcement the Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested , leading to accusations it had `` something to hide '' .
'Openness is not there' A member of the armed forces tests a key worker for the novel coronavirus COVID-19 at a drive-in testing facility at the Chessington World of Adventures Resort ( Photo : Getty ) Paul Hunter , professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia , told The Guardian : `` Whether or not the Department of Health is trying to hide these figures ... not making them publicly available could be perceived as that .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s then going to judge itself by , the results should be publicly available so that people outside the small group of advisers to the government are able to judge them independently .
It does feel that the openness is not there . ''
The tests , which determine whether someone has had the virus , are currently only available to health and care staff .
The capacity figure also includes tests sent out to a random cross-section of people by statisticians , as well as those conducted on people displaying @ @

The Government has met its target of increasing its coronavirus testing capacity to 200,000 by the end of May. The Government said 205,634 tests were available on Saturday 30 May.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock described it as “an important milestone on our journey to control the spread of the virus”. The news comes as another 113 people have died in the last 24 hours after testing positive for Covid-19.
This means 38,489 people have now died in the UK after testing positive.
Despite capacity for testing being over 200,000, just over 115,000 tests were actually carried out in the 24 hours up to 9am on Sunday 31 May.
Accusations of fudging numbers
In the past the Government has been accused of using statistical tricks to meet testing targets.
When it met its 100,000 capacity target at the end of April it was accused of including more than 40,000 sampling kits posted out to people’s homes and to “satellite testing locations” – whether or not they were returned and processed.
And for a week leading up to today’s announcement the Government did not release the number of people tested, leading to accusations it had “something to hide”.
‘Openness is not there’
Paul Hunter, professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia, told The Guardian: “Whether or not the Department of Health is trying to hide these figures… not making them publicly available could be perceived as that.
“If the government is setting targets that it’s then going to judge itself by, the results should be publicly available so that people outside the small group of advisers to the government are able to judge them independently. It does feel that the openness is not there.”
The tests, which determine whether someone has had the virus, are currently only available to health and care staff.
The capacity figure also includes tests sent out to a random cross-section of people by statisticians, as well as those conducted on people displaying symptoms.


inews--2020-05-31--Coronavirus lockdown: UK faces 'very sensitive moment' as rules ease despite high number of new case

Coronavirus lockdown: UK faces 'very sensitive moment' as rules ease despite high number of new cases

Coronavirus lockdown : UK faces 'very sensitive moment ' as rules ease despite high number of new cases Scientific experts have cast doubt on the timing of the rules which come into effect on Monday Dominic Raab said the Government was prepared to reimpose strict lockdown measures at a local level if cases of coronavirus are seen to start rising again .
Many leading experts , including some of those who advise ministers , believe that the UK is lifting its lockdown too quickly while Covid-19 continues to exact a heavy toll .
Nicola Sturgeon said she was 'nervous ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Photo : Getty ) The Foreign Secretary told Sky News : `` This is a sensitive moment but we can ’ t just stay in lockdown forever , we ’ ve got to transition and the more we transition in careful steps , the more I think we ’ ll build up confidence in the approach we ’ re taking . ''
Speaking to the BBC , he added : `` It ’ s not that suddenly the brakes come off and you just go . ''
Mr Raab said that stricter lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which records an increased rate of infection in the weeks to come .
`` We will target specific settings or particular regions or geographic areas , '' he said .
Nicola Sturgeon said : `` This virus hasn ’ t gone away , there is still a significant risk that it could run out of control again , that ’ s why in Scotland we are moving very slowly , very cautiously . ''
Robert Jenrick told the daily Downing Street press conference : `` We 're reasonably confident that the steps we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday are manageable but we have to all continue to play our part in that because the rate of infection remains somewhere between 0.7 and 0.9 and the room for manoeuvre is quite limited . ''
MPs have sent a letter ask Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick to ease restrictions on the hospitality sector ( Photo : PIPPA FOWLES/10 Downing Street/AFP via Getty Images ) Peter Openshaw , a professor at Imperial College London who is advising the Government on coronavirus , insisted it was still too early for the lockdown to be eased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are contracted Covid-19 daily .
He said : `` To me , we need the numbers to be much lower .
We need also to gear up test and trace in order to be able to cope with many thousands of cases which are now being seen . ''
He backed the idea of `` local lockdowns '' , saying : `` I think we need to be more subtle about the geography and we need to look at the particular areas where it may be appropriate to ease lockdown . ''

Britain faces a “very sensitive moment” as new lockdown rules come in to force in England and Wales on Monday, ministers and leading scientists have warned.
Dominic Raab said the Government was prepared to reimpose strict lockdown measures at a local level if cases of coronavirus are seen to start rising again. Many leading experts, including some of those who advise ministers, believe that the UK is lifting its lockdown too quickly while Covid-19 continues to exact a heavy toll.
Another 113 people were confirmed dead on Sunday, taking the total to 38,489 – a higher confirmed toll than any country other than the USA.
The number of people dying daily has only slightly declined over the past week, although statistics on new cases and hospital admissions suggest the daily figure should soon start falling faster.
Coronavirus threat remains
The rules on meeting up with friends and family have been relaxed in England and Wales from Monday, and were loosened in Scotland last Thursday.
The Foreign Secretary told Sky News: “This is a sensitive moment but we can’t just stay in lockdown forever, we’ve got to transition and the more we transition in careful steps, the more I think we’ll build up confidence in the approach we’re taking.”
Speaking to the BBC, he added: “It’s not that suddenly the brakes come off and you just go.” Mr Raab said that stricter lockdown rules would be imposed on any region which records an increased rate of infection in the weeks to come. “We will target specific settings or particular regions or geographic areas,” he said.
Nicola Sturgeon said: “This virus hasn’t gone away, there is still a significant risk that it could run out of control again, that’s why in Scotland we are moving very slowly, very cautiously.”
‘Reasonably confident’
Robert Jenrick told the daily Downing Street press conference: “We’re reasonably confident that the steps we’ve taken and will be taking on Monday are manageable but we have to all continue to play our part in that because the rate of infection remains somewhere between 0.7 and 0.9 and the room for manoeuvre is quite limited.”
The Communities Secretary said the new measures would be reviewed again on 15 June.
Deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries said people should continue to stay at home as much as possible and added: “This is a really, really critical time.”
Peter Openshaw, a professor at Imperial College London who is advising the Government on coronavirus, insisted it was still too early for the lockdown to be eased significantly given that as many as 8,000 people are contracted Covid-19 daily. He said: “To me, we need the numbers to be much lower.
We need also to gear up test and trace in order to be able to cope with many thousands of cases which are now being seen.” He backed the idea of “local lockdowns”, saying: “I think we need to be more subtle about the geography and we need to look at the particular areas where it may be appropriate to ease lockdown.”


inews--2020-05-31--What's on TV tonight: Meet conjoined twins Carmen and Lupita on Two Sisters, One Body

What 's on TV tonight : Meet conjoined twins Carmen and Lupita on Two Sisters , One Body There 's also the penultimate episode of Killing Eve and an appearance from Justin Bieber on Dave Pick of the day : Two Sisters , One Body Carmen and Lupita are bright and cheerful Mexican twins living in the US .
They were brought north of the border as babies in 2002 in the hope of surgically separating them , since they were born joined at the abdomen , having one leg each but individual hearts and stomachs .
Eighteen years later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they still live in America – except this is now Trump ’ s America , and for two Mexican kids , says Jack MacInnes in his insightful and life-affirming documentary , “ that ’ s sometimes as big a deal as being stuck to your sister ” .
He follows the conjoined siblings as they fight for the right to remain while facing coming-of-age milestones .
John Craven is at home in his garden , you will be reassured to learn , where he dispenses tips on what butterflies to look out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nationwide survey .
He also catches up with NHS fundraiser extraordinaire Tom Moore to discover what role the countryside has played in his life , while shepherdess Hannah Jackson puts her two new collie pups through their first paces as working dogs .
A fresh quartet of inventive crafters compete for Keith Lemon and Anna Richardson ’ s approval and go through to create a one-off decoration for this week ’ s celebrity client , Martin Kemp .
Kemp is after a one-off dog-themed thank you gift for Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with lots of familiar pleasures while simultaneously feeling like a show on artificial life support .
The penultimate episode finds Villanelle and Dasha ( Jodie Comer and Harriet Walter ) dispatched on a joint hit in Aberdeen , where they pose as a German mother and daughter at a luxury golf hotel ( some good comedy here ) – Villanelle ’ s promotion in jeopardy after her recent botched job .
While Alexandra Roach ( Utopia , No Offence ) joins the cast as a potential replacement killer , we still await what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eve and Villanelle reunited .
Justin Bieber appears as himself in the second of this week ’ s double bill , as Dave Burd ’ s suburban Jewish rapper scores his first invite to a Hollywood party ( Dave excitedly reporting back on Bieber ’ s “ tattoos like high-end wallpaper ” ) .
There is a rather more extended cameo for rapper Benny Blanco , who is actually throwing the party , while Dave ’ s girlfriend , Ally , is miffed at not being allowed along as a plus-one .
David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stoker ’ s Gothic romance will delight Hammer horror fans with its fast-moving , neck-biting elan , as the dancers of Northern Ballet perform to music by Schnittke , Rachmaninov , Pärt and Daugherty .
This particular performance was filmed at Leeds Playhouse in 2019 , with Cuban dancer Javier Torres as an athletic Count .

Pick of the day: Two Sisters, One Body
9.15pm, Channel 4
Carmen and Lupita are bright and cheerful Mexican twins living in the US. They were brought north of the border as babies in 2002 in the hope of surgically separating them, since they were born joined at the abdomen, having one leg each but individual hearts and stomachs. Eighteen years later, the operation having been deemed impossible, they still live in America – except this is now Trump’s America, and for two Mexican kids, says Jack MacInnes in his insightful and life-affirming documentary, “that’s sometimes as big a deal as being stuck to your sister”. He follows the conjoined siblings as they fight for the right to remain while facing coming-of-age milestones.
Countryfile
7.15pm, BBC One
John Craven is at home in his garden, you will be reassured to learn, where he dispenses tips on what butterflies to look out for and how to get involved in a nationwide survey. He also catches up with NHS fundraiser extraordinaire Tom Moore to discover what role the countryside has played in his life, while shepherdess Hannah Jackson puts her two new collie pups through their first paces as working dogs.
Read More Smack The Pony’s re-run on Channel 4 marks a welcome return to silliness
The Fantastical Factory of Curious Craft
8.15pm, Channel 4
A fresh quartet of inventive crafters compete for Keith Lemon and Anna Richardson’s approval and go through to create a one-off decoration for this week’s celebrity client, Martin Kemp. Kemp is after a one-off dog-themed thank you gift for Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick.
Killing Eve
9.15pm, BBC One
This third season is frustrating, peppered with lots of familiar pleasures while simultaneously feeling like a show on artificial life support. The penultimate episode finds Villanelle and Dasha (Jodie Comer and Harriet Walter) dispatched on a joint hit in Aberdeen, where they pose as a German mother and daughter at a luxury golf hotel (some good comedy here) – Villanelle’s promotion in jeopardy after her recent botched job. While Alexandra Roach (Utopia, No Offence) joins the cast as a potential replacement killer, we still await what the current season has sorely lacked: Eve and Villanelle reunited.
Dave
10pm, BBC Two
Justin Bieber appears as himself in the second of this week’s double bill, as Dave Burd’s suburban Jewish rapper scores his first invite to a Hollywood party (Dave excitedly reporting back on Bieber’s “tattoos like high-end wallpaper”). There is a rather more extended cameo for rapper Benny Blanco, who is actually throwing the party, while Dave’s girlfriend, Ally, is miffed at not being allowed along as a plus-one.
Dracula by Northern Ballet
10pm, BBC Four
David Nixon’s sexy take on Bram Stoker’s Gothic romance will delight Hammer horror fans with its fast-moving, neck-biting elan, as the dancers of Northern Ballet perform to music by Schnittke, Rachmaninov, Pärt and Daugherty. This particular performance was filmed at Leeds Playhouse in 2019, with Cuban dancer Javier Torres as an athletic Count.


inews--2020-05-31--I gave in to lockdown pressure and got on my bike - but pop-up cycling lanes are scary

I gave in to lockdown pressure and got on my bike - but pop-up cycling lanes are scary Temporary cycle lanes have appeared over night , but the signage is confusing and it 's dangerous for a newbie The red plastic barriers appeared overnight , dividing the one-way high street .
Cars drove down the right side , cyclists down the left .
Which was great – except that it was supposed to be the other way round !
Or , at least I think so , because the signage was terrible and who knows anything in the post-local newspaper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being introduced across my borough in a well-meaning attempt to allow legions of new lockdown cyclists to have more space as vehicle traffic returns – which , post-Cummings , it did .
Among the newbies was me .
After a lifetime on four wheels or two feet , I have succumbed to lockdown loved ones ’ pressure and got on a bike .
I had no choice .
Sadly , my happy place , the 25m pool near my house , will not reopen until ... please , please reopen .
My knees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gives them when jogging and I got “ yoga elbow ” overdoing it with “ Adrienne ” , yoga ’ s online Joe Wicks .
So when my daughter was gifted a trendy gearless bike at work , I took over the now unloved present that I ’ d spent a fortune on at Christmas .
What the ... ?
How can something so many do with ease and grace be so uncomfortable and terrifying ?
We did not have bikes as children , so I never learned .
There was one traumatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oh , and a Center Parcs disaster .
But , surely it ’ s just a case of Allen-keying the seat to its highest setting , squashing a helmet on lockdown hair and setting off ?
How the hell do you actually start ?
Wildly wobbling to the left and to the right , I find I am not a Weeble and do fall down .
Gears : why ?
Hate them .
I drive an automatic car .
So I get going , but the river path is in lockdown , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , daring to slither through tiny cyclist barriers without ripping the skin off my knees and trying to avoid toddlers trailing their Mamil fathers like ducklings on stabilisers .
Pop-up cycle lanes are appearing across the capital ( Photo : JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty ) It ’ s the A4 for me , a major artery .
I am not even on the road itself with the Bradleys and Froomes , but the adjacent cycle and pedestrian path .
If drunk , furloughed party-goers don ’ t get you , then overgrown branches will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forcing us on to bikes , but without training and proper planning , I am genuinely terrified .
With good reason .
Approaching a bus-stop on the cycle path , the to-me minuscule gap to a wall is surely passable for anyone competent ?
Ouch !
Anyone got a Band-Aid ?

The red plastic barriers appeared overnight, dividing the one-way high street. Cars drove down the right side, cyclists down the left. Which was great – except that it was supposed to be the other way round!
Or, at least I think so, because the signage was terrible and who knows anything in the post-local newspaper age? Who knew bike lanes were being introduced across my borough in a well-meaning attempt to allow legions of new lockdown cyclists to have more space as vehicle traffic returns – which, post-Cummings, it did.
Among the newbies was me. After a lifetime on four wheels or two feet, I have succumbed to lockdown loved ones’ pressure and got on a bike. I had no choice. Sadly, my happy place, the 25m pool near my house, will not reopen until… please, please reopen. My knees abhor the pounding my 6ft 4in frame gives them when jogging and I got “yoga elbow” overdoing it with “Adrienne”, yoga’s online Joe Wicks. So when my daughter was gifted a trendy gearless bike at work, I took over the now unloved present that I’d spent a fortune on at Christmas.
What the…? How can something so many do with ease and grace be so uncomfortable and terrifying? We did not have bikes as children, so I never learned. There was one traumatic experience on a rust-bucket in India.
Oh, and a Center Parcs disaster. But, surely it’s just a case of Allen-keying the seat to its highest setting, squashing a helmet on lockdown hair and setting off?
How the hell do you actually start? Wildly wobbling to the left and to the right, I find I am not a Weeble and do fall down. Gears: why? Hate them. I drive an automatic car. So I get going, but the river path is in lockdown, so it’s the back streets for me, daring to slither through tiny cyclist barriers without ripping the skin off my knees and trying to avoid toddlers trailing their Mamil fathers like ducklings on stabilisers.
It’s the A4 for me, a major artery. I am not even on the road itself with the Bradleys and Froomes, but the adjacent cycle and pedestrian path. If drunk, furloughed party-goers don’t get you, then overgrown branches will. It’s all very well forcing us on to bikes, but without training and proper planning, I am genuinely terrified. With good reason.
Approaching a bus-stop on the cycle path, the to-me minuscule gap to a wall is surely passable for anyone competent? Ouch! Anyone got a Band-Aid?


inews--2020-05-31--Boris Johnson relies on Dominic Cummings as a comfort blanket because he has few ideas of his own

Boris Johnson relies on Dominic Cummings as a comfort blanket because he has few ideas of his own The Prime Minister 's pathetic appearance at the Commons Liaison Committee shows that he is a hollow , shallow Prime Minster Clearly Dominic Cummings has little respect for rules .
So he must be delighted to have shattered one of the most oft-heard maxims in Westminster : when an adviser becomes the story , they must go .
Never mind that he has been exposed as a fraud – the populist who believes he can behave differently to lesser folk ; the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be easily detected ; the “ superforecaster ” who failed to see the furore .
Nor indeed that the entire nation could observe the pomposity being pricked of a man who sneers at many other mortals , squirming to keep his job with an absurd story about driving to test his eyesight .
This diminished character stays in Downing Street to serve as a perpetual symbol of the political elite he claimed to despise .
His behaviour has reinforced the most corrosive image for the Conservatives as a party out of touch with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have come at worse time for his boss as questions arise over the Government ’ s dire response to deadly pandemic .
The big question is why was Boris Johnson so desperate to retain his toxic pal in defiance of much of his party and the public ?
There are a slew of suggested answers .
Johnson has long been a rule breaker in both his personal and professional life .
He dislikes lockdown as someone intuitively sceptical about the state ( almost certainly one reason Britain was fatally slow in its response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incoming prime minister , he is determined not to be pushed around by the media .
These are valid explanations .
The key reason , however , was exposed when Johnson was forced to finally appear for a grilling by the Commons Liaison Committee .
We know the Prime Minister is a politician who tries to evade tough questioning .
This 100-minute session showed the reason for his reluctance .
From start to finish , Johnson was floundering – repeating mantras such as the need to “ move on ” from the Cummings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sluggish in reply to tough questions , admitting he did not read scientific advice “ except in exceptional circumstances ” , and , most alarmingly , lacking grasp of basic political detail .
Boris Johnson appears in front of the Liaison Committee ( Photo : PA ) The only sharp response came when he moved like a shark against Jeremy Hunt – his former leadership rival who spent seven years as health secretary – to claim that our pandemic response was hampered by failure to learn from previous epidemics .
Dodging questions over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was also fortunate some interrogators sought to grandstand rather than probe .
But when urged , for instance , to help hitherto overlooked self-employed workers reliant on dividend payments from their own firms – which the Tory MP Mel Stride rightly called a gaffe in the strong fiscal response to pandemic – Johnson ended up boasting about “ a pretty awesome package ” .
There were several more toe-curling moments .
Caroline Nokes , chair of the equalities committee , fired off a series of strong questions on childcare and female representation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ female advisers .
Then Johnson patronisingly told a woman he fired from senior ministerial office that she might end up the third Tory prime minister .
Finally he had to be reprimanded for laughing by the chair with a warning that gender equality was “ not a joking matter ” .
Mostly it was rather pitiful , like watching a talentless comedian wilt on stage .
Yet one moment was terrible .
Labour ’ s Stephen Timms raised the case of a struggling couple in his London consistency with leave to remain in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds .
“ Hang on , ” he replied .
“ Why aren ’ t they eligible for universal credit or employment support allowance or any of the other benefits ?
” Gender equality in Parliament is 'not a joking matter . '
( Photo : ISABEL INFANTES/AFP via Getty Images ) Bear in mind this is a politician who won highest office at the helm of a movement exploiting fear over foreign workers .
He has given speeches about migrants treating Britain “ as their own country ” .
He plans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ fairer ” .
Yet he was baffled when asked about a key plank of policy introduced in the last century , extended by the Tories and debated dozens of times in Parliament .
Alarmingly , Johnson claimed to have prepared .
He was trying to be on his best behaviour .
The questions were not even that tricky .
Yet he ended up showing that while he can be an engaging and witty performer of set pieces , he lacks many skills demanded of a top politician – from verbal dexterity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a firm grasp of detail and policy .
Perhaps this should not be a surprise .
The broadcaster Jeremy Vine revealed how much of his act is based on artifice after seeing two identical speeches with the same messed-up hair and gags .
But it is depressing to witness in a prime minister , especially amid a pandemic .
For all his showboating success in winning elections , Johnson has a poor record in office .
As mayor he rode the coat-tails of his predecessor , his landmark policy of a garden bridge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign secretary , his inattention to detail was disastrous .
As prime minister , he seems to have no driving cause beyond a hollow brand of patriotism and self-preservation .
So it is obvious why he wants the comfort blanket of a trusted aide who poses as someone with bold solutions .

Clearly Dominic Cummings has little respect for rules. So he must be delighted to have shattered one of the most oft-heard maxims in Westminster: when an adviser becomes the story, they must go.
Never mind that he has been exposed as a fraud – the populist who believes he can behave differently to lesser folk; the data guru unaware changing a blog could be easily detected; the “superforecaster” who failed to see the furore.
Nor indeed that the entire nation could observe the pomposity being pricked of a man who sneers at many other mortals, squirming to keep his job with an absurd story about driving to test his eyesight.
This diminished character stays in Downing Street to serve as a perpetual symbol of the political elite he claimed to despise. His behaviour has reinforced the most corrosive image for the Conservatives as a party out of touch with ordinary people. The furore could not have come at worse time for his boss as questions arise over the Government’s dire response to deadly pandemic. The big question is why was Boris Johnson so desperate to retain his toxic pal in defiance of much of his party and the public?
There are a slew of suggested answers. Johnson has long been a rule breaker in both his personal and professional life. He dislikes lockdown as someone intuitively sceptical about the state (almost certainly one reason Britain was fatally slow in its response to the virus). Like every incoming prime minister, he is determined not to be pushed around by the media. These are valid explanations. The key reason, however, was exposed when Johnson was forced to finally appear for a grilling by the Commons Liaison Committee.
We know the Prime Minister is a politician who tries to evade tough questioning. This 100-minute session showed the reason for his reluctance. From start to finish, Johnson was floundering – repeating mantras such as the need to “move on” from the Cummings farce, waffling almost incoherently, woefully sluggish in reply to tough questions, admitting he did not read scientific advice “except in exceptional circumstances”, and, most alarmingly, lacking grasp of basic political detail.
The only sharp response came when he moved like a shark against Jeremy Hunt – his former leadership rival who spent seven years as health secretary – to claim that our pandemic response was hampered by failure to learn from previous epidemics.
Dodging questions over Cummings was demeaning but predictable. Johnson was also fortunate some interrogators sought to grandstand rather than probe. But when urged, for instance, to help hitherto overlooked self-employed workers reliant on dividend payments from their own firms – which the Tory MP Mel Stride rightly called a gaffe in the strong fiscal response to pandemic – Johnson ended up boasting about “a pretty awesome package”.
Darren Jones then raised issues on the self-employed income support scheme, only to be met with blathering about “generous” universal credit. “Prime minister, universal credit is not generous,” the Labour MP replied acidly.
There were several more toe-curling moments. Caroline Nokes, chair of the equalities committee, fired off a series of strong questions on childcare and female representation in decision-making. First came some flannel about female advisers. Then Johnson patronisingly told a woman he fired from senior ministerial office that she might end up the third Tory prime minister. Finally he had to be reprimanded for laughing by the chair with a warning that gender equality was “not a joking matter”.
Mostly it was rather pitiful, like watching a talentless comedian wilt on stage. Yet one moment was terrible. Labour’s Stephen Timms raised the case of a struggling couple in his London consistency with leave to remain in the country but no recourse to public funds. “Hang on,” he replied. “Why aren’t they eligible for universal credit or employment support allowance or any of the other benefits?”
Bear in mind this is a politician who won highest office at the helm of a movement exploiting fear over foreign workers. He has given speeches about migrants treating Britain “as their own country”. He plans to reform the immigration system to make it “fairer”. Yet he was baffled when asked about a key plank of policy introduced in the last century, extended by the Tories and debated dozens of times in Parliament.
Alarmingly, Johnson claimed to have prepared. He was trying to be on his best behaviour. The questions were not even that tricky. Yet he ended up showing that while he can be an engaging and witty performer of set pieces, he lacks many skills demanded of a top politician – from verbal dexterity, beyond mumbling and bumbling, through to a firm grasp of detail and policy. Perhaps this should not be a surprise. The broadcaster Jeremy Vine revealed how much of his act is based on artifice after seeing two identical speeches with the same messed-up hair and gags. But it is depressing to witness in a prime minister, especially amid a pandemic.
For all his showboating success in winning elections, Johnson has a poor record in office. As mayor he rode the coat-tails of his predecessor, his landmark policy of a garden bridge turning into a costly flop. As foreign secretary, his inattention to detail was disastrous. As prime minister, he seems to have no driving cause beyond a hollow brand of patriotism and self-preservation. So it is obvious why he wants the comfort blanket of a trusted aide who poses as someone with bold solutions.
But Britain faces extremely challenging times. A pandemic is raging. People are dying. Flaws in society lie brutally exposed. We face a savage economic downturn, possibly the worst for three centuries. Now we have seen again, harshly exposed in the spotlight of parliamentary accountability, the person in charge of our country. It is not a reassuring image.


inews--2020-05-31--Margaret Hodge: Rolling back the furlough scheme will devastate performing arts

As chair of Theatre Royal Stratford East I know that many theatres will be forced to close if we do not get proper government support Actors , musicians , dancers and the creative teams with whom they work have all felt the hit since the economy ground to a halt .
Events have been cancelled , performances abandoned , venues mothballed .
In the last months the arts have been completely reliant on packages such as the furlough scheme and the self-employment scheme .
The lockdown has been necessary to protect us all .
But the sudden and total closure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a bolt out of the blue to a sector that was riding high .
Without an audience and without income from selling tickets , many of our arts venues are in a desperate situation .
Nuffield Southampton theatres are already in administration and other theatres across the country are struggling to keep afloat .
From the celebrated Tate Modern to the fields of Glastonbury , from the famous stages of the National Theatre to the intimacy of radical small theatres , these cultural experiences enhance our lives , deepen our understanding of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These industries also make a vital contribution to our economy .
Last year the arts and creative industries contributed nearly £11bn to the UK economy .
They employ more than 360,000 people .
Glastonbury Festival is a core part of our culture ( Photo : Ian Gavan/Getty Images ) I am privileged to chair Theatre Royal Stratford East in London .
It is a lovely Grade 2 listed building in the heart of the East End .
Renowned for the contribution it made under the direction of Joan Littlewood in the last century @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominations for the Olivier Awards this year .
( We won ’ t know until the autumn whether we have won ) .
Since we closed on 16 March we have ditched plans to re-open in July and October .
We will probably ditch our annual panto that brings many young people into theatre for the first time .
We now wonder whether opening in January 2021 is going to be possible .
As a charity we receive funding from Newham Council and the Arts Council , but money has always been tight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for over a decade and used our creativity .
Our mission is to make radical new shows that tell relevant stories to our diverse community .
We are one of the few theatres that can attract local black , minority , and ethnic young people for an evening ’ s entertainment .
We have been forced to furlough most of our staff .
They are all on low wages and now many are struggling on 80 per cent of their salary .
Our leadership team has taken a 20 per cent pay cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools , youth groups and the community have been curtailed .
We have abandoned the recruitment of apprentices to work behind the scenes learning learn to build sets , work in sound and lighting , or design costumes .
The future looks at best uncertain and at worst calamitous .
Opening theatres to live audiences while maintaining social distancing is simply unsustainable .
If our theatre keeps to the two metres rule , we only fill one in every five seats .
We need to fill well over half of our seats just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme is phased out we will be forced to make staff redundant .
If Government pulls the plug and we can ’ t open our doors because of social distancing rules , many theatres will be forced to close .
Phasing out the self-employment scheme also hits theatre badly as 70 per cent work as freelancers .
We need a short-term increase in funding to make shows on the streets , in the parks and online for as long as theatres remain out of bounds .
The shows must go on .

Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s determination to roll back Government support for jobs will sound the death knell for the performing arts. Theatres, concert halls and dance venues face a catastrophic existential threat.
Actors, musicians, dancers and the creative teams with whom they work have all felt the hit since the economy ground to a halt. Events have been cancelled, performances abandoned, venues mothballed. In the last months the arts have been completely reliant on packages such as the furlough scheme and the self-employment scheme.
The lockdown has been necessary to protect us all. But the sudden and total closure of all theatres and concert halls came as a bolt out of the blue to a sector that was riding high. Without an audience and without income from selling tickets, many of our arts venues are in a desperate situation. Nuffield Southampton theatres are already in administration and other theatres across the country are struggling to keep afloat.
From the celebrated Tate Modern to the fields of Glastonbury, from the famous stages of the National Theatre to the intimacy of radical small theatres, these cultural experiences enhance our lives, deepen our understanding of the world and support our well-being. These industries also make a vital contribution to our economy. Last year the arts and creative industries contributed nearly £11bn to the UK economy. They employ more than 360,000 people.
I am privileged to chair Theatre Royal Stratford East in London. It is a lovely Grade 2 listed building in the heart of the East End. Renowned for the contribution it made under the direction of Joan Littlewood in the last century, we were proud to receive three nominations for the Olivier Awards this year. (We won’t know until the autumn whether we have won).
Since we closed on 16 March we have ditched plans to re-open in July and October. We will probably ditch our annual panto that brings many young people into theatre for the first time. We now wonder whether opening in January 2021 is going to be possible.
As a charity we receive funding from Newham Council and the Arts Council, but money has always been tight. We have lived with spending cuts for over a decade and used our creativity. Our mission is to make radical new shows that tell relevant stories to our diverse community. We are one of the few theatres that can attract local black, minority, and ethnic young people for an evening’s entertainment.
We have been forced to furlough most of our staff. They are all on low wages and now many are struggling on 80 per cent of their salary. Our leadership team has taken a 20 per cent pay cut, our plans to work with local schools, youth groups and the community have been curtailed. We have abandoned the recruitment of apprentices to work behind the scenes learning learn to build sets, work in sound and lighting, or design costumes.
The future looks at best uncertain and at worst calamitous. Opening theatres to live audiences while maintaining social distancing is simply unsustainable. If our theatre keeps to the two metres rule, we only fill one in every five seats. We need to fill well over half of our seats just to break even.
If the furlough scheme is phased out we will be forced to make staff redundant. If Government pulls the plug and we can’t open our doors because of social distancing rules, many theatres will be forced to close. Phasing out the self-employment scheme also hits theatre badly as 70 per cent work as freelancers.
We need the furlough and self-employed schemes to continue for as long as they are needed.
We need a short-term increase in funding to make shows on the streets, in the parks and online for as long as theatres remain out of bounds. The shows must go on.
Dame Margaret Hodge is the Labour MP for Barking and chair of Theatre Royal Stratford East


inews--2020-05-31--Coronavirus in Scotland: Fresh warnings of tighter lockdown after 'house parties and mass gatherings

Coronavirus in Scotland: Fresh warnings of tighter lockdown after 'house parties and mass gatherings'

Coronavirus in Scotland : Fresh warnings of tighter lockdown after 'house parties and mass gatherings' Nicola Sturgeon stressed that people “ should not be flocking ” to beauty or tourist spots Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said while the “ vast majority ” of people had followed the new rules , ministers were concerned at reports of some behaviour .
The impact of people ’ s actions over the weekend will take two weeks to be observed in Covid-19 statistics , at which point tightening the rules again may be considered .
While most Scots chose to spend the weekend holding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in parks or back gardens , not everyone followed the new rules to the letter .
Residents of the village of Luss on the banks of Loch Lomond said they were forced to retreat indoors after large crowds gathered , with cars choking the streets .
Bed and breakfast owner Alyson Walker , who has lived in the village for more than 40 years , told the Sunday Mail newspaper : “ It ’ s been horrendous .
The main road is closed off and the car parks and swing parks are shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
People have left their cars anywhere and everywhere .
“ A lot of elderly people are living here in fear and are now prisoners in their own home .
They ’ re frightened to go out with so many people wandering about.
” Nicola Sturgeon responded directly to the concerns by stressing that people “ should not be flocking ” to beauty or tourist spots , or travelling more than around five miles from home .
“ Doing so puts yourself and others at risk and increases the chance of restrictions having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter .
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman told people to 'change your plans ' if a beauty spot was crowded ( Photo : PA ) During the daily Scottish Government coronavirus briefing , Ms Freeman said she knew the majority of people had been responsible , using the weekend for “ long awaited meetings ” .
But she added : “ We have heard and seen some reports this weekend of more than two households meeting , of house parties taking place and of large gatherings outdoors .
None of that should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at risk.
” Addressing those tempted to drive to beauty spots , she added : “ Please don ’ t travel more than five miles from your home and don ’ t crowd beauty spots , rural locations or small villages .
Nicola Sturgeon said she was 'nervous ' about the impact of the changes ( Photo : Getty ) “ Car parks in many of these locations remain closed .
They ’ re closed for a reason – to stop crowding .
So please don ’ t ignore that .
Don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side of the road as an alternative .
That is unsafe in itself .
If it ’ s crowded , please change your plans and go elsewhere .
”

Fresh warnings about Scotland’s coronavirus lockdown being tightened again have been issued after a weekend that saw house parties, mass outdoor gatherings and crowded beauty spots.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said while the “vast majority” of people had followed the new rules, ministers were concerned at reports of some behaviour.
The impact of people’s actions over the weekend will take two weeks to be observed in Covid-19 statistics, at which point tightening the rules again may be considered.
Friends reunited
While most Scots chose to spend the weekend holding socially distant reunions with friends and family in parks or back gardens, not everyone followed the new rules to the letter.
Residents of the village of Luss on the banks of Loch Lomond said they were forced to retreat indoors after large crowds gathered, with cars choking the streets.
Bed and breakfast owner Alyson Walker, who has lived in the village for more than 40 years, told the Sunday Mail newspaper: “It’s been horrendous. The main road is closed off and the car parks and swing parks are shut but people have come here in droves. People have left their cars anywhere and everywhere.
“A lot of elderly people are living here in fear and are now prisoners in their own home. They’re frightened to go out with so many people wandering about.”
Don’t flock outdoors
Nicola Sturgeon responded directly to the concerns by stressing that people “should not be flocking” to beauty or tourist spots, or travelling more than around five miles from home.
“Doing so puts yourself and others at risk and increases the chance of restrictions having to be reapplied,” she wrote on Twitter.
During the daily Scottish Government coronavirus briefing, Ms Freeman said she knew the majority of people had been responsible, using the weekend for “long awaited meetings”.
But she added: “We have heard and seen some reports this weekend of more than two households meeting, of house parties taking place and of large gatherings outdoors. None of that should be happening. It puts you and others at risk.”
Addressing those tempted to drive to beauty spots, she added: “Please don’t travel more than five miles from your home and don’t crowd beauty spots, rural locations or small villages.
“Car parks in many of these locations remain closed. They’re closed for a reason – to stop crowding. So please don’t ignore that. Don’t park on verges or at the side of the road as an alternative. That is unsafe in itself. If it’s crowded, please change your plans and go elsewhere.”
The chief nursing officer, Professor Fiona McQueen, also warned that a spike in infections caused by people flouting the rules may also delay plans to resume full NHS services, as staff would be busy caring for a fresh influx of patients.


inews--2020-05-31--UK ministers under pressure to support Hong Kong citizens after residency offer

UK ministers under pressure to support Hong Kong citizens after residency offer Conservative MPs are pushing for financial sanctions on China 's government Government ministers are under pressure from Conservative MPs to take further action against China in retaliation for its government 's alleged power grab in Hong Kong .
Backbenchers have applauded Dominic Raab 's move to give 2.9m Hong Kong citizens the right to settle in the UK if China does not withdraw plans to impose a new national security law on the territory .
But some have called for more assertive moves such as financial sanctions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the operations of firms such as Huawei .
Tory MP Neil O'Brien , co-chairman of the China Research Group , told i that he welcomed the new rules for holders of British National ( Overseas ) passports but added : `` I think it 's a good start and the right thing to do , but it ca n't be the end of the story . ''
He warned that while the Chinese government has opposed the move , `` it does n't really hurt them very much '' .
Mr O'Brien suggested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China 's elite benefits from access to the UK and concentrate on those benefits , such as imposing sanctions on some Chinese investors in British property or stopping state-backed researchers from working with British universities .
Tom Tugendhat , who chairs the Commons foreign affairs select committee , echoed the call for sanctions and added : `` One of the things the Government can do is it can stop dumping - steel dumping is a problem in some industries . ''
He said the UK should start working with countries such as Japan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-operative action as well as teaming up with traditional allies such as the USA .
There are 2.9 million Hong Kong residents who were granted BN ( O ) status before the UK handed the territory back to China in 1997 .
Mr Raab 's offer would allow them all to live and work in Britain but would not cover other Hongkongers , including those born since 1997 .
Conservative backbencher Bob Seely has co-sponsored legislation which would extend the same status to everyone in Hong Kong .
Mr Raab said the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Hong Kong '' , adding : `` We will not just look the other way . ''
He rejected the suggestion that expanding the right of BN ( O ) holders would lead to an unsustainable increase in immigration to Britain , insisting that only a small minority of those eligible to emigrate would actually do so .

Government ministers are under pressure from Conservative MPs to take further action against China in retaliation for its government’s alleged power grab in Hong Kong.
Backbenchers have applauded Dominic Raab’s move to give 2.9m Hong Kong citizens the right to settle in the UK if China does not withdraw plans to impose a new national security law on the territory.
But some have called for more assertive moves such as financial sanctions, restrictions on academic collaboration and curbs on the operations of firms such as Huawei.
Tory MP Neil O’Brien, co-chairman of the China Research Group, told i that he welcomed the new rules for holders of British National (Overseas) passports but added: “I think it’s a good start and the right thing to do, but it can’t be the end of the story.”
‘Duty to Hong Kong’
He warned that while the Chinese government has opposed the move, “it doesn’t really hurt them very much”. Mr O’Brien suggested that the Government should work out how China’s elite benefits from access to the UK and concentrate on those benefits, such as imposing sanctions on some Chinese investors in British property or stopping state-backed researchers from working with British universities.
Tom Tugendhat, who chairs the Commons foreign affairs select committee, echoed the call for sanctions and added: “One of the things the Government can do is it can stop dumping – steel dumping is a problem in some industries.” He said the UK should start working with countries such as Japan, South Korea and India to forge co-operative action as well as teaming up with traditional allies such as the USA.
There are 2.9 million Hong Kong residents who were granted BN(O) status before the UK handed the territory back to China in 1997.
Avoid financial dependence
Mr Raab’s offer would allow them all to live and work in Britain but would not cover other Hongkongers, including those born since 1997. Conservative backbencher Bob Seely has co-sponsored legislation which would extend the same status to everyone in Hong Kong.
Mr Raab said the UK has “a duty to the people of Hong Kong”, adding: “We will not just look the other way.”
He rejected the suggestion that expanding the right of BN(O) holders would lead to an unsustainable increase in immigration to Britain, insisting that only a small minority of those eligible to emigrate would actually do so.


inews--2020-05-31--The UK needs to set strong rules as we exit lockdown - not confusing guidelines

The UK needs to set strong rules as we exit lockdown - not confusing guidelines As a behavioural economist , I would argue that we can not rely on voluntary suggestions to get people to stick to social distancing Imagine a world where all traffic laws were replaced with voluntary guidelines and all speed cameras were dismantled .
Imagine we exchanged all these for recommendations and behavioural nudges to encourage people to follow the guidelines .
If this imaginary scenario scares you , you should have similar feelings about a lockdown exit strategy that relies primarily on soft guidelines instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t we rely on nudges to get people to abide by traffic rules ?
One would think that the fear of losing one ’ s life in a car accident would suffice to get people to drive carefully .
But , unfortunately , it does not .
A car accident is an event too remote , fanciful , and rare to take seriously .
The likelihood of a £100 fine combined with the shame associated with violating the law is way more effective .
The very same logic applies for social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government has never made it fully clear which rules are mandatory and which are merely recommended guidelines .
It seems , however , that there are only three rules where violation might be interpreted as an offence : leaving home while suspected to have contracted the virus either by symptoms or by testing ; participating or organising a large gathering or a party ; and threatening others with infection by coronavirus , for example by coughing in their direction .
Face masks are not mandatory in the UK , despite the fact that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images ) Even the few and ambiguous activities that are considered as offences stop being so if one has a “ reasonable excuse ” – what such excuse might be is left for us to decide .
Successive governments have relied too heavily on soft policies ( recommendations and nudges ) , a tradition that started with David Cameron ’ s “ Nudge Unit ” .
Governments love it because it allows them to avoid unpopular policies , and to get it endorsed by experts .
Academic advisers enjoy it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being listened to .
But too often there is one party that loses : the public !
A typical nudge changes the behaviour of only 4 per cent to 7 per cent of the people exposed to it .
Social distancing requires a very broad compliance to be effective , which is unlikely to be achieved without mandatory restrictions .
The UK is among the few countries that did not impose mandatory use of masks , in spite of a comprehensive study by the Royal Society that unequivocally asserts that masks save lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and millions of people “ starving ” for shopping , entertainment and pubs start pouring into narrow spaces , masks are likely to be the only thing standing between them and the virus .
Yet only about 20 per cent use them in the UK , compared with more than 80 per cent in Italy .
Soft policies are useful in cases where at least one of the following conditions applies : when the alternative of mandatory rules is so repugnant that it makes many of us sick in terms of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stakes are small ; or when the person ’ s behaviour has no major effect on the wellbeing of other people .
Behavioural tools are used around the world to increase deceased organ donations , which is fine because mandating it would be repugnant .
Nudging people to get tested for colon cancer is also fine .
The stakes are high , but it ’ s a personal decision that affects only the decision-maker .
With Covid-19 nudging , however , the stakes are huge , in terms of the effects that one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The alternative of mandatory restrictions is not repugnant .
As Britons we should be proud of our liberal culture .
But liberalism does not mean the right to get infected and infect others with a deadly virus .

Imagine a world where all traffic laws were replaced with voluntary guidelines and all speed cameras were dismantled. Imagine we exchanged all these for recommendations and behavioural nudges to encourage people to follow the guidelines. If this imaginary scenario scares you, you should have similar feelings about a lockdown exit strategy that relies primarily on soft guidelines instead of clear and mandatory restrictions.
Why can’t we rely on nudges to get people to abide by traffic rules? One would think that the fear of losing one’s life in a car accident would suffice to get people to drive carefully. But, unfortunately, it does not. A car accident is an event too remote, fanciful, and rare to take seriously. The likelihood of a £100 fine combined with the shame associated with violating the law is way more effective. The very same logic applies for social distancing rules during lockdown easing.
The Government has never made it fully clear which rules are mandatory and which are merely recommended guidelines. It seems, however, that there are only three rules where violation might be interpreted as an offence: leaving home while suspected to have contracted the virus either by symptoms or by testing; participating or organising a large gathering or a party; and threatening others with infection by coronavirus, for example by coughing in their direction.
Even the few and ambiguous activities that are considered as offences stop being so if one has a “reasonable excuse” – what such excuse might be is left for us to decide.
Successive governments have relied too heavily on soft policies (recommendations and nudges), a tradition that started with David Cameron’s “Nudge Unit”. Governments love it because it allows them to avoid unpopular policies, and to get it endorsed by experts. Academic advisers enjoy it, because they feel that they are being listened to. But too often there is one party that loses: the public!
A typical nudge changes the behaviour of only 4 per cent to 7 per cent of the people exposed to it. Social distancing requires a very broad compliance to be effective, which is unlikely to be achieved without mandatory restrictions.
The UK is among the few countries that did not impose mandatory use of masks, in spite of a comprehensive study by the Royal Society that unequivocally asserts that masks save lives.
When the lockdown is gradually removed, and millions of people “starving” for shopping, entertainment and pubs start pouring into narrow spaces, masks are likely to be the only thing standing between them and the virus. Yet only about 20 per cent use them in the UK, compared with more than 80 per cent in Italy.
Soft policies are useful in cases where at least one of the following conditions applies: when the alternative of mandatory rules is so repugnant that it makes many of us sick in terms of the violation of human rights; when the stakes are small; or when the person’s behaviour has no major effect on the wellbeing of other people.
Behavioural tools are used around the world to increase deceased organ donations, which is fine because mandating it would be repugnant. Nudging people to get tested for colon cancer is also fine. The stakes are high, but it’s a personal decision that affects only the decision-maker.
With Covid-19 nudging, however, the stakes are huge, in terms of the effects that one’s decisions have on others. The alternative of mandatory restrictions is not repugnant. As Britons we should be proud of our liberal culture. But liberalism does not mean the right to get infected and infect others with a deadly virus.
Professor Eyal Winter is the holder of the Andrews and Brunner Chair in Economics at Lancaster University, and has advised the British and Israeli governments on their coronavirus exit strategies