inews--2020-05-23--Coronavirus latest: UK's immigration rules will exclude desperately needed for foreign care workers

Coronavirus latest: UK's immigration rules will exclude desperately needed for foreign care workers and put lives at risk

Coronavirus latest : UK 's immigration rules will exclude desperately needed for foreign care workers and put lives at risk The average salary for full-time at-home carers is around £20,000 — less than the £26,000 required Who cares about our carers ?
Elderly members of the public wearing face masks walk down a street in Central London ( Photo : Getty ) The union Unison believes that exempting care workers from the new immigration rules is the only choice , but is also calling for a wholesale review of the sector once the health crisis easesIts assistant general secretary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s really quite simple : care workers should be exempted now and paid significantly more .
Care was in crisis long before most people in the UK had even heard of the coronavirus .
Huge vacancy and turnover rates meant a heavy dependence on staff from overseas .
That ’ s why hitting the sector with these new rules isn ’ t one of this Government ’ s finest moments .
Dawn Gouveia says : 'She ’ s great fun .
Joan and I get along famously .
She has a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked on and off in the UK for around two-and-a-half years .
I normally spend a few weeks or a month here in a client ’ s home , but this time it is different .
I have to be here longer .
Not because my company is asking me to , but because I want to .
It ’ s important.
” Like many live-in carers , Dawn has barely left the house during this health crisis .
“ I don ’ t want to .
I ’ m not bringing that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibly avoid it , ” she says .
“ I get two hours off a day but I ’ ve only left the house twice .
I wear a mask and gloves when I go for a walk , and when I ’ m back I destroy the mask and gloves , take off the clothes I was wearing , have a thorough wash and put on clean clothes .
That virus isn ’ t coming in here .
I won ’ t allow it.
” While Dawn provides every kind of care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , getting her ready for the day to putting her to bed – she believes her main role is much more important than any of that.
“ Joan can ’ t see her family , like many people in her situation during this pandemic .
The biggest part of my role is to be there for her to talk to and enjoy the silly things , despite what ’ s going on .
Julie Riddell says : 'Sure , I ’ m tired , but I ’ ve got a good routine going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along really well '

Care workers have been hailed as heroes of the pandemic, providing essential help to the elderly and vulnerable, often putting themselves at increased risk of contracting the coronavirus.
Many come from abroad, yet earn so little that under the Government’s new points-based immigration system, will in future find themselves ineligible to live or work in the UK.
Social care bosses, whose staff often work part-time, fear this will lead to a vast increase in vacancies in a sector that is already short of carers, and put the lives of some of the UK’s most vulnerable people at risk.
Under the new immigration rules championed by Home Secretary Priti Patel, overseas workers with less than A-level standard qualifications or who do not have a job offer for a minimum of £26,000
a year will not be permitted to live or work in the UK.
Who cares about our carers?
The danger to life will be particularly acute to those who are in need of at-home care, according to Ken Deary, the chief executive of care group Right At Home.
“If the new points-based immigration system is imposed on the social care sector, then I believe lives will be put at risk,” said Mr Deary. “Our sector relies heavily on the excellent work of many from overseas and without them we could be creating another crisis that affects the vulnerable and elderly in this country.”
Mr Deary wants care homes exempted from the rules – a plea backed by Peter Seldon, chief executive of Consultus Care & Nursing, which, like Right At Home, provides live-in care for clients who wish to remain in their home rather than go into a care home.
He said: “I believe our staff, and all live-in carers around the country, are the forgotten frontline heroes of the Covid-19 health crisis. Their work is saving people’s lives. The new points-based immigration system would put lives at risk.”
No exemptions planned
However, the Home Office did not give any indication that it would grant exemption to the new laws, which are due to come into force on 1 January next year.
A spokeswoman for the Home Office said: “The Migration Advisory Committee has been clear that immigration is not the solution for issues in the care sector. It does a disservice to the sector to press for an immigration system that would ensure wages in the sector are suppressed.”
Mark Adams, chief executive of Community Integrated Care, described the Government’s immigration policy as “another blow to the under-resourced, but vitally important, care sector”.
“Going into this pandemic, there were more than 122,000 vacancies within social care,” he added. “We are now adopting policies that will compound these workforce challenges. The Government is at risk of stumbling from the coronavirus crisis into a wider care sector crisis.”
Mr Adams said the points system would “make it virtually impossible for any overseas worker to secure a role in frontline social care”.
Read More The people who can’t shake off coronavirus: ‘Week nine and I’m exhausted and back to being bed bound’
Care in crisis — Union calls for wholesale review
In all, there are around 4,000 live-in carers in the UK, and 680,000 homecare workers in total, which includes those providing daily visits or fulfilling administrative functions. Of those, around 16 per cent, or 108,800, are from outside the UK.
While the United Kingdom Homecare Association confirmed that those from overseas who are already working in the sector when the new points-based immigration laws come into force will be able to stay, any leaving the profession will have to be replaced by people in the domestic workforce.
The average salary for full-time at-home carers is around £20,000 – less than the £26,000 required
by the new immigration laws.
Many earn less than the average, as they are part-time.
The majority of workers in the sector are also trained in-house by the companies they work for, which the Home Office would not consider as an A-Level equivalent.
The union Unison believes that exempting care workers from the new immigration rules is the only choice, but is also calling for a wholesale review of the sector once the health crisis eases
Its assistant general secretary, Christina McAnea, said: “It’s really quite simple: care workers should be exempted now and paid significantly more. Care was in crisis long before most people in the UK had even heard of the coronavirus. Huge vacancy and turnover rates meant a heavy dependence on staff from overseas. That’s why hitting the sector with these new rules isn’t one of this Government’s finest moments.
“Minimum-wage hourly rates are common, suggesting low-skilled work when it is anything but.
“As soon as the virus is beaten, there must be a wholesale review of social care – of its structure, funding, staffing and the value society places on it. At the heart of that must be a substantial and lasting pay rise for all care workers.”
Dawn Gouveia, 66, from Cape Town in South Africa
Dawn has left her husband and two sons behind in Cape Town to come to the UK to live-in with Joan in Sevenoaks, Kent.
“I’ve worked on and off in the UK for around two-and-a-half years. I normally spend a few weeks or a month here in a client’s home, but this time it is different. I have to be here longer. Not because my company is asking me to, but because I want to. It’s important.”
Joan is 93 – or rather, “93 and a bit,” says Dawn. “The bit is important, Joan always tells me, as she’s closer to her target of getting to 100 and getting a card from the Queen.”
Like many live-in carers, Dawn has barely left the house during this health crisis. “I don’t want to. I’m not bringing that virus into this home if I can possibly avoid it,” she says. “I get two hours off a day but I’ve only left the house twice. I wear a mask and gloves when I go for a walk, and when I’m back I destroy the mask and gloves, take off the clothes I was wearing, have a thorough wash and put on clean clothes. That virus isn’t coming in here. I won’t allow it.”
Dawn has grown close to Joan. “She’s great fun. Joan and I get along famously. She has a great sense of humour.”
While Dawn provides every kind of care for Joan – from cooking to cleaning, getting her ready for the day to putting her to bed – she believes her main role is much more important than any of that.
“Joan can’t see her family, like many people in her situation during this pandemic. The biggest part of my role is to be there for her to talk to and enjoy the silly things, despite what’s going on.
“I’ve been here for two months living with Joan, and I’ll stay here until November. I don’t have to, but I want to. My job has never been so important and I want to do it properly.”
Julie Riddell, 55, from Tonbridge, Kent
Before the pandemic struck, Julie would spend two weeks, sometimes three, living 24/7 with a client. Yet she does not feel that is enough.
When Covid-19 reached the UK, Julie did not believe the normal two- or three-week rotation would work.
“I volunteered to stay with Rosemary, because we all knew how bad this could be. I needed to do my best to protect her. And I’m hoping I can stay with her until it’s safer to go out.”
She has been with 96-year-old Rosemary at her home in the quiet village of Charing, near Ashford, for two months.
“I do this job because it’s flexible,” she says. “I’m an artist and this has always given me the opportunity to have time away from work and focus on my art, but also do a job I love.”
She takes care of Rosemary’s every need, working about 15 hours a day.
“Sure, I’m tired, but I’ve got a good routine going. I love Rosemary and we get along really well. We’re friends.
“At the beginning of this, I sat down with her, held her hand and said, ‘Look, I think we’re going to be spending a long time together, so let’s make it like a holiday at home.’
“We get food delivered by some of Rosemary wonderful friends in the village, and some other friends and family come and say hello through the window. We couldn’t get through this without their help and support.”


inews--2020-05-23--Citizens of Boomtown: The Story of The Boomtown Rats, BBC2, review: A curiously cold, self-congratul

Citizens of Boomtown: The Story of The Boomtown Rats, BBC2, review: A curiously cold, self-congratulatory film

Citizens of Boomtown : The Story of The Boomtown Rats , BBC2 , review : A curiously cold , self-congratulatory film Billy McGrath 's documentary was much more interesting when unveiling Ireland 's history of cultural oppression Citizens of Boomtown : The Story of The Boomtown Rats , 9pm , BBC Two ★★★ If you choose to create an hour and a half music documentary , you ’ d better find a decent subject - one with a little mystique or a tragic story of suffering for art .
Unfortunately , Citizens of Boomtown director Billy McGrath chose The Boomtown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is so well publicised and , frankly , a little cliche , that it simply doesn ’ t warrant such a magnifying glass .
Told almost entirely through archive footage and photographs , the extent of the research needed to create this film was impressive , but there ’ s only so much these physical memoirs can tell us .
Music ’ s power is in how it makes you feel and the influence it has on the world .
But - despite the number of journalists telling us theirs did change the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ documentary felt oddly emotionless .
And with the addition of film student-esque scenes of the band walking through a tunnel behind a figure wearing a gas mask and pulling a board laden with rocks ( me neither ) promoting their latest album , the whole project felt rather self-congratulating .
However it wasn ’ t a total waste of time .
As a potted history of Ireland ’ s recent past it was fascinating , charting the tensions between an increasingly young population and the old guard of an intertwined church and state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an inevitable but vital event in the band ’ s history and one that warrants Geldof another pat on the back .
The Boomtown Rats formed in Dún Laoghaire , Ireland in 1975 ( Photo : BBC ) The band themselves - Bob Geldof , Johnnie Fingers , Pete Briquette , Simon Crowe , Gerry Cott and Garry Roberts - rarely appeared on screen , despite narrating their own tale .
At times it felt as though they were reading from a pre-approved script , devised to eradicate any apparent cracks in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than the stars of the show were their fans - Sinead O ’ Connor , Bono and Sting - who were more than willing to make up for the Rats ’ lacklustre enthusiasm .

Citizens of Boomtown: The Story of The Boomtown Rats, 9pm, BBC Two ★★★
If you choose to create an hour and a half music documentary, you’d better find a decent subject – one with a little mystique or a tragic story of suffering for art. Unfortunately, Citizens of Boomtown director Billy McGrath chose The Boomtown Rats, an Irish band whose history is so well publicised and, frankly, a little cliche, that it simply doesn’t warrant such a magnifying glass.
Told almost entirely through archive footage and photographs, the extent of the research needed to create this film was impressive, but there’s only so much these physical memoirs can tell us. Music’s power is in how it makes you feel and the influence it has on the world. But – despite the number of journalists telling us theirs did change the world, just not how – this documentary felt oddly emotionless. And with the addition of film student-esque scenes of the band walking through a tunnel behind a figure wearing a gas mask and pulling a board laden with rocks (me neither) promoting their latest album, the whole project felt rather self-congratulating.
However it wasn’t a total waste of time. As a potted history of Ireland’s recent past it was fascinating, charting the tensions between an increasingly young population and the old guard of an intertwined church and state. Live Aid, too, was an inevitable but vital event in the band’s history and one that warrants Geldof another pat on the back.
The band themselves – Bob Geldof, Johnnie Fingers, Pete Briquette, Simon Crowe, Gerry Cott and Garry Roberts – rarely appeared on screen, despite narrating their own tale. At times it felt as though they were reading from a pre-approved script, devised to eradicate any apparent cracks in the band’s foundations. More insightful than the stars of the show were their fans – Sinead O’Connor, Bono and Sting – who were more than willing to make up for the Rats’ lacklustre enthusiasm.


inews--2020-05-23--Coronavirus latest: PM's advisor Dominic Cummings 'visited parents and broke lockdown rules for a se

Coronavirus latest: PM's advisor Dominic Cummings 'visited parents and broke lockdown rules for a second time'

Coronavirus latest : PM 's advisor Dominic Cummings 'visited parents and broke lockdown rules for a second time' Boris Johnson ’ s senior aid was seen walking with his wife in Houghwall Woods , near the family home , two weeks after he traveled there for th Dominic Cummings ignored lockdown rules and travelled 260 miles to his parents ’ Durham home for a second time , it has been alleged .
Boris Johnson ’ s senior aid was seen walking with his wife in Houghwall Woods , near the family home , two weeks after he went there for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him as saying : “ Aren ’ t the bluebells lovely ?
” as he strolled past on April 19 .
At the time , at the height of the Coronavirus pandemic , the Government advice was to stay at home .
He said the family needed help with childcare after both of them became ill .
According to a joint investigation by The Guardian/Observer and Sunday Mirror , two new witnesses have come forward .
One , who didn ’ t want to be named saw him walking on April 19 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walking with a woman believed to be his wife .
The witnesses stepped back to allow them past , and said the political advisor said : “ Aren ’ t the bluebells lovely ” as they walked by .
Another , Robin Lees , 70 , said he saw Cummings and his family walking in Barnard Castle on Easter Day , before getting into a car around lunch time on 12 April .
Lees told the newspapers : “ I was a bit gobsmacked to see him , because I know what he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the family seemed to match - a wife and child .
“ I was pretty convinced it was him and it didn ’ t seem right because I assumed he would be in London.
” He added : “ I went home and told my wife , we thought he must be in London .
I searched up the number plate later that day and my computer search history shows that.
” Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Twitter : `` I know how ill coronavirus makes you .
It was entirely right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his toddler , when both he and his wife were getting ill . ''

Dominic Cummings ignored lockdown rules and travelled 260 miles to his parents’ Durham home for a second time, it has been alleged.
Boris Johnson’s senior aid was seen walking with his wife in Houghwall Woods, near the family home, two weeks after he went there for the first time.
Witnesses have described him as saying: “Aren’t the bluebells lovely?” as he strolled past on April 19.
At the time, at the height of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Government advice was to stay at home.
It emerged yesterday that Mr Cummings drove to his parents’ house when he and his wife Mary Wakefield contracted Covid-19.
He said the family needed help with childcare after both of them became ill.
Out walking
According to a joint investigation by The Guardian/Observer and Sunday Mirror, two new witnesses have come forward.
One, who didn’t want to be named saw him walking on April 19 in Houghwall Woods wearing his trademark beanie and walking with a woman believed to be his wife.
The witnesses stepped back to allow them past, and said the political advisor said: “Aren’t the bluebells lovely” as they walked by.
Mr Cummings had been photographed outside Downing Street on April 14, before this sighting, the newspapers claimed.
Another, Robin Lees, 70, said he saw Cummings and his family walking in Barnard Castle on Easter Day, before getting into a car around lunch time on 12 April.
Lees told the newspapers: “I was a bit gobsmacked to see him, because I know what he looks like. And the rest of the family seemed to match – a wife and child.
“I was pretty convinced it was him and it didn’t seem right because I assumed he would be in London.”
He added: “I went home and told my wife, we thought he must be in London. I searched up the number plate later that day and my computer search history shows that.”
When asked if he thought Mr Cummings should resign, Mr Lees said “of course he should”.
‘Justifiable and reasonable’
This comes after ministers were forced to defend Mr Cummings’ actions on social media.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Twitter: “I know how ill coronavirus makes you. It was entirely right for Dom Cummings to find childcare for his toddler, when both he and his wife were getting ill.”
Chancellor Rishi Sunak added: “Taking care of your wife and young child is justifiable and reasonable, trying to score political points over it isn’t.”
At Saturday’s coronavirus press briefing, Grant Shapps fielded a string of questions about Mr Cummings, who has faced pressure to quit over the accusations.
Mr Shapps reasserted Downing Street’s claim that Mr Cummings opted to self-isolate near his family “to ensure his young child could be properly cared for” if he became seriously unwell.
He also insisted that neither Mr Cummings nor his family were questioned by police, contradicting the statement put out by Durham Constabulary.


inews--2020-05-23--Ministers demand "urgent investigation" into the movements of Dominic Cummings

Ministers demand `` urgent investigation '' into the movements of Dominic Cummings Labour and the SNP have written to the head of the civil service looking for answers .
The Labour Party is calling for an `` urgent investigation '' into the movements of the Prime Minister 's chief adviser during the coronavirus lockdown .
In the letter to Sir Mark Sedwill , the party said that Downing Street 's explanation for Dominic Cummings ' journey from London to County Durham `` raised more questions than they answer '' .
Boris Johnson 's chief advisor Mr Cummings faces pressure to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March with a trip to his family home in Durham .
Mr Cummings and his wife opted to self-isolate near his family `` to ensure his young child could be properly cared for '' if he became seriously unwell .
Rachel Reeves , shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster , wrote : `` The British people have made important and painful sacrifices to support the national effort , including being away from family in times of need .
`` It is therefore vital that the Government can reassure the public that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the same rules as everyone else . ''
The letter alleged that press reports suggested Mr Cummings may have breached legal restrictions on movement , the Government 's guidance on self-isolation and official NHS advice .
The Labour letter laid out a number of questions that the party said had been raised by the Downing Street statement on Mr Cummings made on Saturday .
- `` When was the Prime Minister first made aware about Dominic Cummings decision to travel to Durham ?
Was this decision approved by the Prime Minister ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ? ''
- `` Did Dominic Cummings seek advice from any part of Government , either prior to or subsequent from , his trip to Durham on either the legality of his actions or whether he was in full adherence to the rules in place during his trip to Durham ? ''
Scottish National Party ( SNP ) Westminster leader Ian Blackford has called for an investigation ( Photo : NIKLAS HALLE ' N/AFP via Getty Images ) - `` On how many occasions has Dominic Cummings travel to and from Durham since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter added : `` I am sure you agree that senior officials and political figures play a critical role in ensuring the British public continue to have confidence in the Government 's approach to tackling the current crisis .

The Labour Party is calling for an “urgent investigation” into the movements of the Prime Minister’s chief adviser during the coronavirus lockdown.
In the letter to Sir Mark Sedwill, the party said that Downing Street’s explanation for Dominic Cummings’ journey from London to County Durham “raised more questions than they answer”.
Boris Johnson’s chief advisor Mr Cummings faces pressure to quit over accusations he breached the lockdown in March with a trip to his family home in Durham.
Mr Cummings and his wife opted to self-isolate near his family “to ensure his young child could be properly cared for” if he became seriously unwell.
Rachel Reeves, shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, wrote: “The British people have made important and painful sacrifices to support the national effort, including being away from family in times of need.
“It is therefore vital that the Government can reassure the public that its most senior figures have been adhering to the same rules as everyone else.”
The letter alleged that press reports suggested Mr Cummings may have breached legal restrictions on movement, the Government’s guidance on self-isolation and official NHS advice.
Mr Cummings has insisted that he acted “reasonably and legally”.
‘Completely untenable’
Labour’s intervention follows SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford calling on Sir Mark to investigate the “rule-breaking and the Tory Government’s cover-up” of Dominic Cummings’ lockdown journey to Durham.
Mr Blackford has also called for Mr Cummings to resign, stating his position as “completely untenable”.
The Labour letter laid out a number of questions that the party said had been raised by the Downing Street statement on Mr Cummings made on Saturday.
These included:
– “When was the Prime Minister first made aware that Dominic Cummings was experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus?”
– “When was the Prime Minister first made aware about Dominic Cummings decision to travel to Durham? Was this decision approved by the Prime Minister? And if so, on what grounds?”
– “Did Dominic Cummings seek advice from any part of Government, either prior to or subsequent from, his trip to Durham on either the legality of his actions or whether he was in full adherence to the rules in place during his trip to Durham?”
– “On how many occasions has Dominic Cummings travel to and from Durham since the lockdown was introduced?”
– “Does the Cabinet Office believe Dominic Cummings’s behaviour has breached official Government guidelines?”
– “Has Dominic Cummings behaviour breached the code of conduct for special advisers?”
The letter added: “I am sure you agree that senior officials and political figures play a critical role in ensuring the British public continue to have confidence in the Government’s approach to tackling the current crisis.
“By undermining this confidence, it undermines our collective effort to beat the coronavirus and the sacrifices millions of us have had to make.
“The British people do not expect there to be one rule for them and another rule for the Prime Minister’s most senior adviser.”


inews--2020-05-23--Grant Shapps faces bruising briefing over Dominic Cummings, as Cabinet ministers pledge fealty on Tw

Grant Shapps faces bruising briefing over Dominic Cummings, as Cabinet ministers pledge fealty on Twitter

Grant Shapps faces bruising briefing over Dominic Cummings , as Cabinet ministers pledge fealty on Twitter The Transport Secretary had the task of fielding questions about the Dominic Cummings row Grant Shapps has insisted that Dominic Cummings did nothing wrong by travelling 260 miles to visit his parents while experiencing coronavirus symptoms .
At Saturday 's coronavirus press briefing , Mr Shapps fielded a string of questions about Boris Johnson 's chief aide , who has faced pressure to quit over accusations he breached the lockdown in March with a trip to his family home .
Mr Shapps reasserted Downing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to self-isolate near his family `` to ensure his young child could be properly cared for '' if he became seriously unwell .
He also insisted that neither Mr Cummings nor his family were questioned by police , contradicting the statement put out by Durham Constabulary .
The Transport Secretary refused to say whether the Prime Minister knew that Mr Cummings had driven to County Durham during the lockdown .
But he did say Mr Johnson knew Mr Cummings had been `` unwell and locked down '' , and that the aide has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the uncomfortable press conference Mr Shapps supported Mr Cummings by saying `` not all '' lockdown measures would be possible for people , `` depending on circumstance '' .
He added : `` It is up to the individual to make sure you have enough support around the family . ''
Mr Cummings outside his home on 23 May 2020 ( Photo : Getty ) Previously , no government advice had stated it is acceptable to travel to stay with family before self-isolating with coronavirus .
And in a previous briefing Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family members who do not live in your home '' .
But Mr Shapps claimed Mr Cummings `` stayed put '' while self-isolating - despite the 260-mile trip from London to the North of England .
Saturday also saw senior members of the Cabinet mobilised in support of Mr Cummings on Twitter , after the initial report on Friday evening was met with radio silence from the Government .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Twitter : `` I know how ill coronavirus makes you .
It was entirely right for Dom Cummings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when both he and his wife were getting ill. '' Chancellor Rishi Sunak said : `` Taking care of your wife and young child is justifiable and reasonable , trying to score political points over it isn ’ t . ''
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said : `` It ’ s reasonable and fair to ask for an explanation on this .
And it has been provided : two parents with coronavirus , were anxiously taking care of their young child .
Those now seeking to politicise it should take a long hard @ @ @ @ @ @

Grant Shapps has insisted that Dominic Cummings did nothing wrong by travelling 260 miles to visit his parents while experiencing coronavirus symptoms.
At Saturday’s coronavirus press briefing, Mr Shapps fielded a string of questions about Boris Johnson‘s chief aide, who has faced pressure to quit over accusations he breached the lockdown in March with a trip to his family home.
Mr Shapps reasserted Downing Street’s claim that Mr Cummings opted to self-isolate near his family “to ensure his young child could be properly cared for” if he became seriously unwell.
He also insisted that neither Mr Cummings nor his family were questioned by police, contradicting the statement put out by Durham Constabulary.
Cummings has PM’s ‘full support’
The Transport Secretary refused to say whether the Prime Minister knew that Mr Cummings had driven to County Durham during the lockdown.
But he did say Mr Johnson knew Mr Cummings had been “unwell and locked down”, and that the aide has his “full support”.
During the uncomfortable press conference Mr Shapps supported Mr Cummings by saying “not all” lockdown measures would be possible for people, “depending on circumstance”.
He added: “It is up to the individual to make sure you have enough support around the family.”
Previously, no government advice had stated it is acceptable to travel to stay with family before self-isolating with coronavirus.
And in a previous briefing Mr Johnson said you “should not be visiting family members who do not live in your home”.
Lobby journalists argued that the refusal to condemn Mr Cummings undermines the Government’s “stay at home” message.
But Mr Shapps claimed Mr Cummings “stayed put” while self-isolating – despite the 260-mile trip from London to the North of England.
Cabinet members pledge support
Saturday also saw senior members of the Cabinet mobilised in support of Mr Cummings on Twitter, after the initial report on Friday evening was met with radio silence from the Government.
I know how ill coronavirus makes you. It was entirely right for Dom Cummings to find childcare for his toddler, when both he and his wife were getting ill. — Matt Hancock (@MattHancock) May 23, 2020
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Twitter: “I know how ill coronavirus makes you. It was entirely right for Dom Cummings to find childcare for his toddler, when both he and his wife were getting ill.”
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “Taking care of your wife and young child is justifiable and reasonable, trying to score political points over it isn’t.”
It’s reasonable and fair to ask for an explanation on this. And it has been provided: two parents with Coronavirus, were anxiously taking care of their young child. Those now seeking to politicise it should take a long hard look in the mirror. https://t.co/fvfvPmlccQ — Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) May 23, 2020
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: “It’s reasonable and fair to ask for an explanation on this. And it has been provided: two parents with coronavirus, were anxiously taking care of their young child. Those now seeking to politicise it should take a long hard look in the mirror.”
Michael Gove simply tweeted: “Caring for your wife and child is not a crime.”


inews--2020-05-23--Coronavirus latest: Boris Johnson set to reduce Huawei involvement in UK's 5G network following Covi

Coronavirus latest: Boris Johnson set to reduce Huawei involvement in UK's 5G network following Covid-19 outbreak, reports suggest

Coronavirus latest : Boris Johnson set to reduce Huawei involvement in UK 's 5G network following Covid-19 outbreak , reports suggest The decision is thought to have been made as a means to boost Britain 's position in crucial trade talks with the US Boris Johnson is reportedly planning to reduce the involvement of Huawei in the creation of Britain 's 5G network in the wake of the coronavirus crisis .
The Prime Minister has asked officials to limit the Chinese telecoms company 's participation in the new infrastructure to zero by 2023 .
“ He ( Johnson ) still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Huawei deal is going to be significantly scaled back , ” a source was quoted by the Daily Telegraph as saying .
“ Officials have been instructed to come up with a plan to reduce Huawei ’ s involvement as quickly as possible.
” The decision is thought to have been made as a means to boost Britain 's position in crucial trade talks with US President Donald Trump following the UK 's exit from the European Union .
It follows a further inquiry by The Times on Friday , which claims Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on plans to end Britain 's reliance on China for vital medical supplies and other strategic imports .
Victor Zhang , VP , Huawei : “ We ’ ve seen the reports from unnamed sources which simply don ’ t make sense .
The government decided in January to approve our part in the 5G rollout , because Britain needs the best possible technologies , more choice , innovation and more suppliers , all of which means more secure and more resilient networks .
`` As a private company , 100 % owned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK for 20 years , our priority has been to help mobile and broadband companies keep Britain connected , which in this current health crisis has been more vital than ever .
This is our proven track-record.
” Intelligence officials had warned that Huawei was a 'high risk vendor ' because of its close links to the Chinese government ( Photo : Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire ) Beijing is currently under heavy criticism for its handling of the coronavirus outbreak , which began in the Wuhan province of China .
The US accuses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transparent about the scale and severity of the outbreak , which has since turned into a global pandemic .
Beijing denies the accusations .
The development would mark a change in direction for the UK , which only confirmed it would hand Huawei a role in the construction of its 5G network in late April .
The decision to allow the company 's access to non-sensitive parts of the network was made by ministers in January .
They capped Huawei 's input to 35 per cent .
Meanwhile , across the Atlantic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security concerns about the Huawei equipment .
The Trump administration also warned allied countries that they risked being cut off from valuable intelligence sharing networks if the equipment was used .

Boris Johnson is reportedly planning to reduce the involvement of Huawei in the creation of Britain’s 5G network in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.
The Prime Minister has asked officials to limit the Chinese telecoms company’s participation in the new infrastructure to zero by 2023.
“He (Johnson) still wants a relationship with China but the Huawei deal is going to be significantly scaled back,” a source was quoted by the Daily Telegraph as saying. “Officials have been instructed to come up with a plan to reduce Huawei’s involvement as quickly as possible.”
The decision is thought to have been made as a means to boost Britain’s position in crucial trade talks with US President Donald Trump following the UK’s exit from the European Union.
It follows a further inquiry by The Times on Friday, which claims Johnson had instructed civil servants to push forward on plans to end Britain’s reliance on China for vital medical supplies and other strategic imports.
Victor Zhang, VP, Huawei: “We’ve seen the reports from unnamed sources which simply don’t make sense. The government decided in January to approve our part in the 5G rollout, because Britain needs the best possible technologies, more choice, innovation and more suppliers, all of which means more secure and more resilient networks.
“As a private company, 100% owned by employees, which has operated in the UK for 20 years, our priority has been to help mobile and broadband companies keep Britain connected, which in this current health crisis has been more vital than ever. This is our proven track-record.”
Beijing under fire over Covid-19
Beijing is currently under heavy criticism for its handling of the coronavirus outbreak, which began in the Wuhan province of China.
The US accuses the Chinese government of being less than transparent about the scale and severity of the outbreak, which has since turned into a global pandemic. Beijing denies the accusations.
The development would mark a change in direction for the UK, which only confirmed it would hand Huawei a role in the construction of its 5G network in late April.
The decision to allow the company’s access to non-sensitive parts of the network was made by ministers in January. They capped Huawei’s input to 35 per cent.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the US has raised a series of security concerns about the Huawei equipment. The Trump administration also warned allied countries that they risked being cut off from valuable intelligence sharing networks if the equipment was used.
Additional reporting by agencies


inews--2020-05-23--La Liga to resume behind closed doors on 8 June, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez confirms

La Liga to resume behind closed doors on 8 June , Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez confirms The first La Liga game to take place since play was suspended in March is expected to be the derby between Sevilla and Real Betis '' Spain has done what it should and now new horizons are opening for everyone .
The time has come to bring back many day-to-day activities , '' Sanchez announced .
`` From 8 June , La Liga will be back .
Spanish football has a huge following but it will not be the only recreational activity that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's president , Javier Tebas , had hoped that matches would resume on 12 June .
The league itself , however , has yet to confirm the date .
The second division in Spain is also set to continue at the same time .
'We are very pleased' The first La Liga game to take place is expected to be the derby between Sevilla and Real Betis .
`` We are very pleased with the decision , '' Tebas said .
`` It is the result of the great work of clubs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sports Council ) and agents .
`` But we can not lower our guard , it is important to follow health regulations and ensure the pandemic does n't come back . ''
Real Betis players listen instructions from staff members during a training session on 23 May 2020 in Seville , Spain .
( Photo by Handout/Getty Images ) Play was suspended in Spain on 12 March as the coronavirus pandemic swept across the country .
After testing negative for the virus , players in the top two flights were only able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Five players , however , tested positive for the virus across Spain and went into isolation .
There are just 11 La Liga games left to play this season .
Barcelona leads by two points ahead of Real Madrid at the top of the table .
Across the border in Portugal , meanwhile , the Primeira Liga is expected to restart on 3 June .

Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez has confirmed that La Liga can resume behind closed doors for 8 June.
“Spain has done what it should and now new horizons are opening for everyone. The time has come to bring back many day-to-day activities,” Sanchez announced.
“From 8 June, La Liga will be back. Spanish football has a huge following but it will not be the only recreational activity that will return.”
The football league’s president, Javier Tebas, had hoped that matches would resume on 12 June. The league itself, however, has yet to confirm the date.
La Liga players started training in groups no larger than 10 this week..
The second division in Spain is also set to continue at the same time.
‘We are very pleased’
The first La Liga game to take place is expected to be the derby between Sevilla and Real Betis.
“We are very pleased with the decision,” Tebas said. “It is the result of the great work of clubs, players, coaches, CSD (National Sports Council) and agents.
“But we cannot lower our guard, it is important to follow health regulations and ensure the pandemic doesn’t come back.”
Play was suspended in Spain on 12 March as the coronavirus pandemic swept across the country.
After testing negative for the virus, players in the top two flights were only able to return to individual training early in May.
Five players, however, tested positive for the virus across Spain and went into isolation.
Across the border
There are just 11 La Liga games left to play this season. Barcelona leads by two points ahead of Real Madrid at the top of the table.
Across the border in Portugal, meanwhile, the Primeira Liga is expected to restart on 3 June.
The first matches to be played will be Portimonense against Gil Vicente and Famalicao taking on current leaders Porto at home.
Porto leads rivals Benfica by a single point with 10 rounds still to be played.


inews--2020-05-23--Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Jaeger owner hits back at ‘unproductive’ blacklist threat from Bangladesh

Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Jaeger owner hits back at ‘unproductive’ blacklist threat from Bangladesh garment association

Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Jaeger owner hits back at ‘ unproductive ’ blacklist threat from Bangladesh garment association Exclusive : Retailer says its negotiations with suppliers have 'the best of intentions' The high street retail empire , which owns a number of brands including Bonmarche , Peacocks and Jaeger , said the association ’ s approach has left it “ with a very bitter taste in our mouth ” and insisted it has been engaging with suppliers with “ the best of intentions ” .
It comes after The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association ( BGMEA ) said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company should stop asking for discounts , otherwise it would be blocked from placing future orders with its members .
A spokesman for EWM Group told i that the company had not received the letter until after it had appeared in local media and that it was the first time it had been contacted by the BGMEA .
He added that conversations with the vast majority of its suppliers have been “ positive ” as “ they have understood that we are trying to find a balanced way forward that matches the immediate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationally and those of suppliers ” .
EWM said the vast majority of discussions with its suppliers had been positive ( Photo by MUNIR UZ ZAMAN / AFP ) ( Photo by MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP via Getty Images ) EWM is one of several well-known brands to have entered negotiations with suppliers after Covid-19 restrictions led to the shutdown of the UK ’ s high street .
The company said it had already paid for the majority of future stock when the crisis hit , but is now talking to manufacturers about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We have looked at literally every option on the table and worked hand-in-hand with all our suppliers to find solutions , but we also need to recognise that these are difficult and complicated issues .
`` There are not simple problems , and every potential quick solution has long-term implications .
If we took delivery of remaining unmade stock for the Spring season with all our stores closed , this stock would only be stored for next year and depress 2021 orders . ''
According to the BGMEA , EWM has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( £6.76m ) across five factories .
It is understood that EWM has reached agreements with suppliers on more than half of this total , with about $ 2-3m yet to be settled .
Discounts could be 'financially catastrophic ' , says association “ It should be noted that the demand for the discounts will not only be financially catastrophic , but will also expose our members to various claims and liabilities from regulations , banks and other third parties , which will eventually legally implicate the buyers themselves , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Arcadia have both also been named as companies which are pushing suppliers for discounts related to the pandemic .
Last month Primark agreed to pay almost £400m to its suppliers to cover stock made before mid-April after being criticised for initially withholding payment on unwanted stock .
“ There is a lot of discussion on sustainability , but sourcing practices are often not syncing with sustainability concerns , '' she said .
`` For example , many buyers have n't paid us but we have had their offices chasing us about salary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid .
This is not fair .
`` So , we have to step up and take a stand and ensure that our terms of engagement with our buyers change for the better and that we end up with a more sustainable relationship with them .
”

Philip Day’s Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group has hit back after the trade organisation for Bangladesh’s garment makers threatened to blacklist the company over its price negotiations with suppliers.
The high street retail empire, which owns a number of brands including Bonmarche, Peacocks and Jaeger, said the association’s approach has left it “with a very bitter taste in our mouth” and insisted it has been engaging with suppliers with “the best of intentions”.
It comes after The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) said in a letter on Thursday that the retail company should stop asking for discounts, otherwise it would be blocked from placing future orders with its members.
‘Unproductive and uncollaborative’ approach
A spokesman for EWM Group told i that the company had not received the letter until after it had appeared in local media and that it was the first time it had been contacted by the BGMEA.
“We are left with a very bitter taste in our mouth over the sincerity of this letter,” he said. “We think their approach has been unproductive and uncollaborative.”
He added that conversations with the vast majority of its suppliers have been “positive” as “they have understood that we are trying to find a balanced way forward that matches the immediate, urgent challenges faced by high-street stores nationally and those of suppliers”.
EWM is one of several well-known brands to have entered negotiations with suppliers after Covid-19 restrictions led to the shutdown of the UK’s high street. The company said it had already paid for the majority of future stock when the crisis hit, but is now talking to manufacturers about the remainder.
The company’s spokesman said: “We have looked at literally every option on the table and worked hand-in-hand with all our suppliers to find solutions, but we also need to recognise that these are difficult and complicated issues.
“There are not simple problems, and every potential quick solution has long-term implications. If we took delivery of remaining unmade stock for the Spring season with all our stores closed, this stock would only be stored for next year and depress 2021 orders.”
According to the BGMEA, EWM has so far cancelled orders worth $8.22m (£6.76m) across five factories. It is understood that EWM has reached agreements with suppliers on more than half of this total, with about $2-3m yet to be settled.
Discounts could be ‘financially catastrophic’, says association
The lobby group’s president Dr Rubana Huq said in her letter to EWM that certain buyers have been taking advantage of the situation to demand “unreasonable” discounts.
“It should be noted that the demand for the discounts will not only be financially catastrophic, but will also expose our members to various claims and liabilities from regulations, banks and other third parties, which will eventually legally implicate the buyers themselves,” she said.
Asda and Sir Philip Green’s Arcadia have both also been named as companies which are pushing suppliers for discounts related to the pandemic. Last month Primark agreed to pay almost £400m to its suppliers to cover stock made before mid-April after being criticised for initially withholding payment on unwanted stock.
Dr Huq told Bangladeshi newspaper The Daily Star that some companies were also continuing to put pressure on suppliers to meet ethical targets despite cancelling orders.
“There is a lot of discussion on sustainability, but sourcing practices are often not syncing with sustainability concerns,” she said.
“For example, many buyers haven’t paid us but we have had their offices chasing us about salary and bonuses and whether those have been paid. This is not fair.
“So, we have to step up and take a stand and ensure that our terms of engagement with our buyers change for the better and that we end up with a more sustainable relationship with them.”
However EWM’s spokesman said the BGMEA was trying to invalidate the “productive” discussions it has held with its suppliers and claimed some of the association’s members disagreed with its approach, “which appears to be putting media noise and tactics above engagement, discussion and solutions”.


inews--2020-05-23--France to quarantine British travellers in 'reciprocal measure' to UK plans

France to quarantine British travellers in 'reciprocal measure ' to UK plans The move comes in response to the UK Government announcing the same measures will apply to those entering Britain from France France will make all travellers entering from Britain quarantine for 14 days , crushing hopes of people hoping to hop across the Channel on holiday this summer .
The move comes in response to the UK Government announcing the same measures will apply to those entering Britain from France , despite earlier plans to make exemptions .
A spokesman for France ’ s Interior Minister said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government ’ s decision and we regret it .
France is ready to put in place a reciprocal measure as soon as the system comes into force on the British side . ''
Home Secretary Priti Patel said on Friday that anyone found breaching the mandatory 14-day quarantine in the UK could face a £1,000 fine .
Passengers will be made to fill out an online contact form providing details of where they will spend their self-isolation .
The airline industry has been critical of the mandatory quarantine ( Photo : Getty ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accommodation they will be required to stay in `` facilities arranged by the government '' at their own expense .
Lorry drivers , medical officials and those directly involved in the coronavirus response will be exempt , as will anyone arriving from Ireland .
The UK and France originally announced an agreement to allow travel between the two countries without a quarantine , but those plans were abandoned .
Ms Patel said of the measures : `` We are not shutting down completely .
We are not closing our borders .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to avoid a second wave and that is absolutely vital . ''
The airline industry , as well as the British Chambers of Commerce ( BCC ) , have been heavily critical of the move .
Tim Alderslade , chief executive of Airlines UK , said : `` Introducing a quarantine at this stage makes no sense and will mean very limited international aviation at best .
It is just about the worst thing government could do if their aim is to restart the economy . ''
BCC director general Adam Marshall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international business and investor confidence at a time when it is vital to demonstrate that the UK can open for business safely . ''

France will make all travellers entering from Britain quarantine for 14 days, crushing hopes of people hoping to hop across the Channel on holiday this summer.
The move comes in response to the UK Government announcing the same measures will apply to those entering Britain from France, despite earlier plans to make exemptions.
The French government said on Saturday it “regretted” Britain’s decision to introduce a two-week quarantine from 8 June.
A spokesman for France’s Interior Minister said: “We take note of the British Government’s decision and we regret it. France is ready to put in place a reciprocal measure as soon as the system comes into force on the British side.”
Fines for quarantine breach
Home Secretary Priti Patel said on Friday that anyone found breaching the mandatory 14-day quarantine in the UK could face a £1,000 fine.
Passengers will be made to fill out an online contact form providing details of where they will spend their self-isolation.
If a person does not have suitable accommodation they will be required to stay in “facilities arranged by the government” at their own expense.
Health officials will perform spot checks to make sure people are complying with the regulations.
Lorry drivers, medical officials and those directly involved in the coronavirus response will be exempt, as will anyone arriving from Ireland.
Exemption plans scrapped
The UK and France originally announced an agreement to allow travel between the two countries without a quarantine, but those plans were abandoned.
Ms Patel said of the measures: “We are not shutting down completely. We are not closing our borders. This is absolutely not about booking holidays. We want to avoid a second wave and that is absolutely vital.”
The airline industry, as well as the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), have been heavily critical of the move.
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, said: “Introducing a quarantine at this stage makes no sense and will mean very limited international aviation at best. It is just about the worst thing government could do if their aim is to restart the economy.”
BCC director general Adam Marshall said. “This approach will damage international business and investor confidence at a time when it is vital to demonstrate that the UK can open for business safely.”


inews--2020-05-23--Pakistan plane crash survivor: 'I saw so much smoke and fire. I heard people crying, children crying

Pakistan plane crash survivor: 'I saw so much smoke and fire. I heard people crying, children crying'

Pakistan plane crash survivor : ' I saw so much smoke and fire .
I heard people crying , children @ @ @ @ @ of only two survivors after Pakistan International Airlines flight crashed , killing 97 Mr Zubair @ @ @ @ @ normally until it starts preparing for its descent , when there was a sudden jolt @ @ @ @ @ the landing in Karachi would be `` troublesome '' .
Fire brigade staff try to @ @ @ @ @ plane crash in Karachi ( Photo : AP/Fareed Khan ) Army troops carry the coffin @ @ @ @ @ a funeral a day after the crash ( Photo : RIZWAN TABASSUM/AFP via Getty Images @ @ @ @ @ the Eid holiday Volunteers carry an injured person at the site of a plane crash @ @ @ @ @ Photo : AP/Fareed Khan ) '' We at Airbus are deeply saddened by the tragic @ @ @ @ @ , '' tweeted executive director Guillaume Faury .
`` In aviation , we all work @ @ @ @ @ Airbus will provide full assistance to the investigating authorities . ''

A survivor of the Pakistan plane crash has described scenes of chaos, with smoke, fire and children crying.
Passenger Mohammad Zubair is one of only two survivors after the Pakistan International Airlines flight crashed into the crowded neighbourhood of Karachi, killing 97 people, all of them passengers and crew members.
Mr Zubair said the flight had proceeded normally until it starts preparing for its descent , when there was a sudden jolt and the pilot warned that the landing in Karachi would be “troublesome”.
The airplane was carrying people returning home for Eid al-Fitr, a major holiday marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Provincial health department spokeswoman Meeran Yousaf said only 19 bodies have been identified so far and that most of the victims were badly burned.
Three people on the ground were reportedly injured, and rescue crews were still sifting through the rubble on Saturday.
The plane crashed near Jinnah International Airport, in the poor and congested residential area known as Model Colony. At least five houses were destroyed.
Civil Aviation Authority spokesman Abdul Sattar Kokhar said the Airbus A230 was carrying 91 passengers and eight crew members. The only other survivor of the crash was Zafar Masood, a bank executive.
In a telephone interview from his hospital bed, Mr Zubair, a mechanical engineer, said flight PK8308 had taken off on time from the eastern city of Lahore at 1pm local time.
It was a smooth, uneventful flight until the aircraft began its descent shortly before 3pm.
He said: “Suddenly the plane jerked violently, once and then again.”
The aircraft turned and the pilot’s voice came over the intercom. They were experiencing engine trouble and the landing could be “troublesome”, the pilot said.
That was the last thing Mr Zubair remembered until he woke up in a scene of chaos: “I saw so much smoke and fire. I heard people crying, children crying.”
He managed to crawl out of the smoke and rubble, and was eventually lifted from the ground and rushed to an ambulance.
Families were returning for the Eid holiday
Pakistan had only resumed domestic flights earlier this week.
Many of the passengers on board were families returning home for the holiday, said Science Minister Fawad Ahmed Chaudhry.
Between the coronavirus pandemic and the plane crash, this year has been a “catastrophe”, he added.
“What is most unfortunate and sad is whole families have died, whole families who were travelling together for the Eid holiday.”
Social media and local news reports said Zara Abid, an actor and award-winning model, was among those killed.
A senior banker, his wife and three young children were also reportedly killed.
Shabaz Hussein, whose mother died in the crash, told AP that he had identified her body at a local hospital and was waiting to take it away for burial.
Pakistan has been in a countrywide lockdown since mid-March because of the coronavirus, and when flights resumed every other seat was left empty to promote social distancing.
Southern Sindh province, of which Karachi is the capital, is the epicentre of Pakistan’s outbreak, with nearly 20,000 of the country’s more than 50,000 cases. Pakistan has reported 1,101 deaths from Covid-19s.
A transmission of the pilot’s final exchange with air traffic control, posted on the website LiveATC.net, indicated that he had failed to land and was circling to make another attempt.
“We are proceeding direct, sir – we have lost engine,” the pilot said.
“Confirm your attempt on belly,” the air traffic controller said, offering a runway.
“Sir, mayday, mayday, mayday, mayday Pakistan 8303,” the pilot said before the transmission ended.
An independent inquiry
PIA chairman Arshad Malik told reporters in Karachi on Friday that an independent inquiry would be held but said the aircraft was in good working order.
Airworthiness documents showed the plane last received a government check on November 1 2019.
PIA’s chief engineer signed a separate certificate April 28 saying all maintenance had been carried out.
It said “the aircraft is fully airworthy and meets all the safety” standards.
Ownership records for the Airbus A320 showed China Eastern Airlines flew the plane from 2004 until 2014. The plane then entered PIA’s fleet, leased from GE Capital Aviation Services.
Airbus said the plane had logged 47,100 flight hours and 25,860 flights as of Friday. The plane had two CFM56-5B4 engines.
Airbus said it would provide technical assistance to investigators in France and Pakistan, as well as the airline and engine manufacturers.
“We at Airbus are deeply saddened by the tragic news of flight #PK8303,” tweeted executive director Guillaume Faury. “In aviation, we all work hard to prevent this. Airbus will provide full assistance to the investigating authorities.”
Additional reporting by agencies


inews--2020-05-23--Hertz: Car rental company files for bankruptcy due to debt and Covid-19

Hertz : Car rental company files for bankruptcy due to debt and Covid-19 The firm , which has more than 400 outlets across the UK and Ireland , was £15.3billion in debt at the end of March , Hertz has become the latest business casualty of the coronavirus pandemic , filing for bankruptcy due to debt and the crippling effect Covid-19 has had on global travel .
The car rental company , which has more than 400 outlets across the UK and Ireland , was £15.3 billion in debt at the end of March , with only £820 million of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The firm was recently forced to axe the jobs of 12,000 people from its global workforce .
Bosses also furloughed 4,000 staff , but the money-saving measures came too late to stop the 102-year-old business from going under .
Since mid-March , Hertz lost all revenue due to forced closures of services because of virus restrictions .
It started missing crucial debt payments in April .
The company has also been blighted by instability at the top : Hertz named its fourth chief executive in six years on 18 May .
'Only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No business is built for zero revenue , '' former CEO Kathryn Marinello said on the company 's first-quarter earnings conference call on 12 May .
`` There 's only so long that companies ' reserves will carry them . ''
Hertz 's bankruptcy protection filing will not come as a surprise to many .
In its first-quarter report filed earlier in May with securities regulators , the company warned that it may not be able to repay or refinance debt and may not have enough cash to keep operating .
`` Management @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company 's ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the issuance date of this quarterly report , '' it said .
Under a Chapter 11 restructuring , creditors will have to settle for less than full repayment , but the business is likely to continue operating .
“ All of Hertz 's businesses globally , including its Hertz , Dollar , Thrifty , Firefly , Hertz Car Sales , and Donlen subsidiaries , are open and serving customers , ” the company states .
“ All reservations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and loyalty programs , including rewards points , are expected to continue as usual .
”

Hertz has become the latest business casualty of the coronavirus pandemic, filing for bankruptcy due to debt and the crippling effect Covid-19 has had on global travel.
The car rental company, which has more than 400 outlets across the UK and Ireland, was £15.3 billion in debt at the end of March, with only £820 million of available cash, court documents have shown.
The firm was recently forced to axe the jobs of 12,000 people from its global workforce. Bosses also furloughed 4,000 staff, but the money-saving measures came too late to stop the 102-year-old business from going under.
Since mid-March, Hertz lost all revenue due to forced closures of services because of virus restrictions. It started missing crucial debt payments in April.
The company has also been blighted by instability at the top: Hertz named its fourth chief executive in six years on 18 May.
‘Only so long’ companies can survive
“No business is built for zero revenue,” former CEO Kathryn Marinello said on the company’s first-quarter earnings conference call on 12 May.
“There’s only so long that companies’ reserves will carry them.”
Hertz’s bankruptcy protection filing will not come as a surprise to many.
In its first-quarter report filed earlier in May with securities regulators, the company warned that it may not be able to repay or refinance debt and may not have enough cash to keep operating.
“Management has concluded there is substantial doubt regarding the company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the issuance date of this quarterly report,” it said.
Businesses ‘as usual’
Under a Chapter 11 restructuring, creditors will have to settle for less than full repayment, but the business is likely to continue operating.
“All of Hertz’s businesses globally, including its Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, Firefly, Hertz Car Sales, and Donlen subsidiaries, are open and serving customers,” the company states. “All reservations, promotional offers, vouchers, and customer and loyalty programs, including rewards points, are expected to continue as usual.”
Additional reporting by Press Association


inews--2020-05-23--Who is Dominic Cummings? Boris Johnson aide's controversies, from breaching lockdown to contempt of

Who is Dominic Cummings? Boris Johnson aide's controversies, from breaching lockdown to contempt of Parliament

Mr Cameron once reportedly described Mr Cummings as a `` career psychopath '' .
As the director of Vote Leave @ @ @ @ @ Britain 's exit from the EU , as well as inventing the slogan `` Take @ @ @ @ @ was also the person who came up with the pledge on the side of the @ @ @ @ @ the £350 million per week the UK sends to the EU to the NHS instead @ @ @ @ @ known when he was played by Benedict Cumberbatch in Channel 4 's dramatisation of the @ @ @ @ @ The Uncivil War .

Dominic Cummings is facing calls to resign after it emerged he drove 260 miles to visit his parents during the coronavirus lockdown.
Mr Cummings has been the chief adviser to Boris Johnson since July 2019. Before that he was director of the Vote Leave campaign, and one of the key figures in Britain’s exit from the European Union.
He served as a special adviser to Michael Gove from 2007 to 2014, before being dismissed by David Cameron.
Background
Mr Cummings was born in Durham and went to a local school before studying Ancient and Modern History at Oxford University.
He moved to London in the late 90s after a stint living in Russia, and became campaign director at Business for Sterling – pushing against Britain joining the Euro.
He was then director of strategy for Iain Duncan Smith for eight months in 2002, but quit and called him “incompetent”.
In 2007 Mr Gove asked him to join him in Westminster after the pair had become friends, offering him the job of special adviser for education. He later became his chief of staff.
Mr Cameron once reportedly described Mr Cummings as a “career psychopath”. As the director of Vote Leave he is credited with masterminding Britain’s exit from the EU, as well as inventing the slogan “Take back control”. He was also the person who came up with the pledge on the side of the Vote Leave bus to send the £350 million per week the UK sends to the EU to the NHS instead. Mr Cummings became widely known when he was played by Benedict Cumberbatch in Channel 4’s dramatisation of the EU referendum, Brexit: The Uncivil War.
Controversies
Lockdown breach
On 22 May it emerged Mr Cummings had travelled more than 260 miles from London to County Durham in March while he was thought to be self-isolating with coronavirus symptoms.
Mr Cummings claims he acted responsibly and made the trip with his wife and son so that they could be near family, should both of them become too ill to care for their son.
However, the journey was in breach of government lockdown regulations at the time, which ordered people displaying symptoms to remain at home.
Influencing Sage committee
In April, it was revealed that Mr Cummings had sat in on meeting of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), an independent body which advises the Government.
At the meetings, he allegedly tried to sway the committee to introduce lockdown measures earlier.
Sage is supposed to be politically independent, and Mr Cummings’ attendance at their meetings raised concerns over its integrity.
Genetics claims
In February this year it emerged Mr Cummings wrote a blog in 2014 calling for the NHS to provide funding to allow people to select genetic traits such as intelligence for babies.
He wrote: “Once we identify a substantial number of IQ genes, there is no obvious reason why rich people will not select the egg that has the highest prediction for IQ.”
He added: “One response is that if this sort of thing does become possible, then a national health system should fund everybody to do this (i.e. it would not mandate such a process but it would give everybody a choice of whether to make use of it).
“Once the knowledge exists, it is hard to see what will stop some people making use of it and offering services to – at least – the super-rich.”
Proroguing Parliament
Mr Cummings was alleged to have been influential in the Prime Minister proroguing Parliament last year – a move which was ruled illegal by the Supreme Court.
Opponents to the Government claimed the move was made purely to force through a no-deal Brexit.
Sonia Khan dismissal
In August 2019 Mr Cummings fired Sonia Khan, one of the Treasury’s special advisers, without the permission or knowledge of then-Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid.
Mr Cummings believed she had been dishonest about contact with her former boss, no-deal opponent Philip Hammond, summoned her to 10 Downing Street, and requested an armed officer remove her from the premises.
Dal Babu, former chief superintendent of the Metropolitan Police, called it “a shocking abuse of armed officers”.
Ms Khan has since launced an unfair dismissal case.
Contempt of Parliament
Following the EU referendum, a group of MPs investigating fake news ordered Mr Cummings to appear before them for questioning about the Vote Leave campaign.
He did not respond the order of the House, and was accused of showing a “total disregard” for the authority of Parliament.
A report concluded Mr Cummings committed contempt of Parliament “both by his initial refusal to obey the Committee’s order to attend it and by his subsequent refusal to obey the House’s order”.
Brexit bus
Mr Cummings was behind the infamous claim brandished on the side of the Vote Leave bus that the £350m the UK sent to the EU each week would go directly to the NHS.
He later said the pledge, which was proven to be untrue, was “necessary to win” the EU referendum.
Farming subsidy ‘hypocrisy’
Not long after his appointment as Mr Johnson’s chief aide it was revealed that Mr Cummings co-owned a farm which received £235,000 in EU farming subsidies.
He was accused of hypocrisy, having previously called such subsidies as “absurd”, complaining that some of them were handed out to “very rich landowners to do stupid things”.
Using private emails for government business
While working for Mr Gove in 2011, Mr Cummings was given a warning by the Information Commissioner’s Office for using private Gmail accounts to deal with government business, a practice it said should be “actively discouraged”.
Bullying case
In 2012, a senior female civil servant received a payout of £25,000 in a bullying case she took against Mr Cummings and a senior member of Mr Gove’s team when he was a special adviser at the Department for Education.


inews--2020-05-24--Coronavirus vaccine: Oxford University trial now has only '50% chance of success' because virus is f

Coronavirus vaccine: Oxford University trial now has only '50% chance of success' because virus is fading 'too quickly'

Coronavirus vaccine : Oxford University trial now has only '50 % chance of success ' because virus is fading 'too quickly' Oxford University 's Jenner Institute and the Oxford Vaccine Group began development on a coronavirus vaccine in January An Oxford University coronavirus vaccine trial has ben reduced to having a `` 50 per cent chance '' of success because of how quickly the virus is fading in the UK .
But now their hopes are being dashed by how much the spread of Covid-19 has been slowed by the lockdown .
Following an initial phase of testing on 160 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the study is now set to progress to phases two and three , which involve increasing the testing to up to 10,260 people and expanding the age range of volunteers to include children and the elderly .
There are hopes the vaccine could be ready by September ( Photo : Getty ) But Professor Adrian Hill , director of the Jenner Institute , told The Sunday Telegraph that if the virus ' spread is too low not enough of the volunteers will catch it and the trial will be unable to definitively say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said earlier in the year that there was an 80 per cent chance of developing an effective vaccine by September .
But at the moment , there 's a 50 per cent chance that we get no result at all .
Vaccine could see people in work this autumn If it works , the vaccine would allow people to leave their homes , go back to work , and begin to live life as normal again .
`` There ’ s a danger of over-promising here .
This is the way I usually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There are multiple risks .
It 's never been done before .
We do n't know if we can do it .
We think we can . ''

People in Britain will have access to the coronavirus vaccine from September, the chief executive of the pharmaceutical firm working to create it has pledged.
This is despite a key figure in the trial stating it only has a “50 per cent” chance of success because of how quickly the virus is fading in the UK.
AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot told The Andrew Marr Show on Sunday that British people will get first access to the vaccine from autumn.
“We have actually received an order from the British Government to supply 100 million doses of vaccine, and those will go to the British people,” he said.
“And there’s no doubt, starting in September, we will start delivering these doses of vaccine to the British Government for vaccination.”
The firm began development of a coronavirus vaccine with Oxford University’s Jenner Institute and the Oxford Vaccine Group in January, using a virus taken from chimpanzees.
Researchers initially believed they had an 80 per cent chance of developing an effective vaccine by September
But now their hopes are being dashed by how much the spread of Covid-19 has been slowed by the lockdown.
‘Race against time’
Following an initial phase of testing on 160 healthy volunteers between 18 and 55, the study is now set to progress to phases two and three, which involve increasing the testing to up to 10,260 people and expanding the age range of volunteers to include children and the elderly.
But Professor Adrian Hill, director of the Jenner Institute, told The Sunday Telegraph that if the virus’ spread is too low not enough of the volunteers will catch it and the trial will be unable to definitively say if the vaccine works.
“It’s a race against the virus disappearing, and against time,” he said.
“We said earlier in the year that there was an 80 per cent chance of developing an effective vaccine by September. But at the moment, there’s a 50 per cent chance that we get no result at all.
“We’re in the bizarre position of wanting Covid to stay, at least for a little while.”
Vaccine could see people in work this autumn
If it works, the vaccine would allow people to leave their homes, go back to work, and begin to live life as normal again.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma suggested on 17 May that half the UK population could be given the jab this autumn, should it prove effective.
But Professor Hill said: “I wouldn’t book a holiday in October on the back of these announcements, put it that way.
“There’s a danger of over-promising here. This is the way I usually say it: this is our ambition. There are multiple risks. It’s never been done before. We don’t know if we can do it. We think we can.”


inews--2020-05-24--Urinals could be replaced with stalls in men's loos due to infection fears

Urinals could be replaced with stalls in men 's loos due to infection fears Foot-operated flushes , self-closing seats , sensor-activated taps and soap dispensers are potential solutions to keep toilets safe According to the British Toilet Association 's managing director Raymond Martin , public urinals could become a thing of the past in a post-Covid society due to rapidly shifting health priorities .
The Association has been offering advice to councils and companies on keeping washrooms clean and safe during a global pandemic , with Mr Martin telling The Sunday Times that solutions could include foot-operated flushes , self-closing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Urinals in men 's loos may have to be replaced with cubicles , with a one-way traffic system in place to maintain social distancing .
'Toilets are a vital part of bringing back life to this country' Mr Martin is calling on the Government to invest in revolutionising the country 's toilets , as a matter of `` public health '' .
Many public conveniences have been closed due to the coronavirus lockdown , and as restrictions begin to ease , it 's unclear how to maintain safe washroom facilities and beat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed virus cases hits almost 3000 today .
Mr Martin said : “ We have been inundated by councils asking us , ‘ How do we open up , how do we clean our toilets , how do we maintain social distancing ? ''
Studies have found evidence of coronavirus in human feces , although it 's unclear if the virus can be transmitted through contact with contaminated human waste .
According to the newspaper , there are also concerns virus particles can be distributed in the `` aerosol '' effect created by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains open , a `` toilet plume '' of small droplets can spread 6ft in any direction - although no direct evidence of the virus being spread in this manner has been identified .
A revolution in lavatory design could also involve the creation of individual `` sanitation stations '' , which Mr Martin believes might become as iconic as red telephone boxes .
Mr Martin said : “ Toilets have a massive commercial effect on an area , which is why they are one of the first things you plan in any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s going to cost a lot of money , but if we want to get back outdoors , to socialise , to go to parks and beaches , then the Government has to step in .

A new normal after coronavirus could see stalls replace urinals in men’s loos, industry leaders have suggested.
According to the British Toilet Association’s managing director Raymond Martin, public urinals could become a thing of the past in a post-Covid society due to rapidly shifting health priorities.
The Association has been offering advice to councils and companies on keeping washrooms clean and safe during a global pandemic, with Mr Martin telling The Sunday Times that solutions could include foot-operated flushes, self-closing seats and sensor-activated taps or soap dispensers.
Urinals in men’s loos may have to be replaced with cubicles, with a one-way traffic system in place to maintain social distancing.
‘Toilets are a vital part of bringing back life to this country’
Mr Martin is calling on the Government to invest in revolutionising the country’s toilets, as a matter of “public health”.
Many public conveniences have been closed due to the coronavirus lockdown, and as restrictions begin to ease, it’s unclear how to maintain safe washroom facilities and beat infection, as the number of new confirmed virus cases hits almost 3000 today.
Mr Martin said: “We have been inundated by councils asking us, ‘How do we open up, how do we clean our toilets, how do we maintain social distancing?”
Studies have found evidence of coronavirus in human feces, although it’s unclear if the virus can be transmitted through contact with contaminated human waste.
Flushing problems
According to the newspaper , there are also concerns virus particles can be distributed in the “aerosol” effect created by flushing a toilet.
If the lid remains open, a “toilet plume” of small droplets can spread 6ft in any direction – although no direct evidence of the virus being spread in this manner has been identified.
A revolution in lavatory design could also involve the creation of individual “sanitation stations”, which Mr Martin believes might become as iconic as red telephone boxes.
Mr Martin said: “Toilets have a massive commercial effect on an area, which is why they are one of the first things you plan in any new shopping centre.
“It’s going to cost a lot of money, but if we want to get back outdoors, to socialise, to go to parks and beaches, then the Government has to step in.
“We want to bring back life to this country, and toilets are a vital part of that.”


inews--2020-05-24--Analysis: Will Dominic Cummings hang on?

The PM 's adviser risks being on wrong side of the public , as his future hangs in the balance What was meant to be the start of a week where Downing Street was to offer a desperate public more easing of strict lockdown rules was quickly derailed by a scandal at the very heart of No 10 .
Questions of whether schools will go back next week , if families may be allowed to begin meeting one another once again have been replaced by interrogations as to whether Dominic Cummings will keep his job or not .
From afar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incident as a storm in a teacup , set against the sheer scale of the Covid-19 crisis the actions of one man and his family appear inconsequential .
But as the Prime Minister ’ s chief adviser , one who has been instrumental in setting the rules for the public to follow to halt the spread of the virus , his reinterpretation of the guidelines drastically undermines the Government ’ s message and its integrity .
It is doubtful that a mutiny of backbench MPs , animated by years of pent up rage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sway over whether he remains in his job or not .
Even a Cabinet revolt , which does not appear to be on the cards given the show of support over the weekend , is unlikely to unroot Boris Johnson ’ s most senior consigliere .
Only two people can decide Mr Cummings ’ s fate : the PM and the man himself .
The former has , via briefings to the Sunday papers , made it clear he will not throw his right hand man “ to the dogs ” .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he will not be quitting .
The mastermind of both the successful 2016 Brexit and 2019 election campaigns tends to believe such “ Westminster bubble ” fiascos are nothing more than media storms that have no bearing on wider public life .
To him it is navel gazing from journalists and MPs , usually played out on Twitter but barely registering in the country at large .
But this is different .
This goes right to the quick of all people ’ s lives right now , and many of the general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his own rules with this decision to drive 260 miles to Durham when infectious with Covid-19 .
A YouGov poll showed that 68 per cent of the British public believed he broke the rules , while 52 per cent think he should quit .
As a man who has made his career sneering at the “ Westminster elite ” for being out of touch with the general public , as the architect behind the “ People ’ s Government ” coined to describe this Conservative administration , he now risks finding himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

What was meant to be the start of a week where Downing Street was to offer a desperate public more easing of strict lockdown rules was quickly derailed by a scandal at the very heart of No 10.
Questions of whether schools will go back next week, if families may be allowed to begin meeting one another once again have been replaced by interrogations as to whether Dominic Cummings will keep his job or not.
From afar it would be easy to dismiss this incident as a storm in a teacup, set against the sheer scale of the Covid-19 crisis the actions of one man and his family appear inconsequential.
But as the Prime Minister’s chief adviser, one who has been instrumental in setting the rules for the public to follow to halt the spread of the virus, his reinterpretation of the guidelines drastically undermines the Government’s message and its integrity.
Tory revolt
It is doubtful that a mutiny of backbench MPs, animated by years of pent up rage towards Mr Cummings, will hold much sway over whether he remains in his job or not.
Even a Cabinet revolt, which does not appear to be on the cards given the show of support over the weekend, is unlikely to unroot Boris Johnson’s most senior consigliere.
Only two people can decide Mr Cummings’s fate: the PM and the man himself. The former has, via briefings to the Sunday papers, made it clear he will not throw his right hand man “to the dogs”. The latter has already told reporters on Saturday that he will not be quitting.
The mastermind of both the successful 2016 Brexit and 2019 election campaigns tends to believe such “Westminster bubble” fiascos are nothing more than media storms that have no bearing on wider public life. To him it is navel gazing from journalists and MPs, usually played out on Twitter but barely registering in the country at large.
People’s Government?
But this is different. This goes right to the quick of all people’s lives right now, and many of the general public will feel Mr Cummings is working to his own rules with this decision to drive 260 miles to Durham when infectious with Covid-19.
A YouGov poll showed that 68 per cent of the British public believed he broke the rules, while 52 per cent think he should quit.
As a man who has made his career sneering at the “Westminster elite” for being out of touch with the general public, as the architect behind the “People’s Government” coined to describe this Conservative administration, he now risks finding himself on the wrong side of the people.


inews--2020-05-24--Coronavirus latest: 25,000 contact tracers recruited ahead of track-and-trace launch

The newly-recruited contact tracers will run a virtual call centre operation and work with the public to stop the spread of coronavirus The Government has said its new test-and-trace system will launch in a week 's time , with 25,000 contact tracers recruited in the aim of stopping the spread of coronavirus .
The system involves tracing and advising people who may have come into close contact with someone testing positive for the virus , and will rely on the public 's co-operation .
Ministers have been aiming for human contact tracers to be in place for 1 June , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-essential shops in England .
The NHS coronavirus contact tracing app has been delayed by several weeks ( Photo : PA ) Currently , the Government is trialling a contact-tracing app designed by the NHS ’ digital arm , NHSX , on the Isle of Wight that has been hit by delays .
Previously he declared the app would be introduced by mid-May , but it has now been delayed by several weeks .
According to the Government , the test and trace system will involve the public being asked to work closely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will run a national virtual call centre operation .
Individuals who test positive for Covid-19 will need to share information about who they have been in recent , prolonged close contact with and who might have been exposed to the virus - which will typically be work colleagues , or members of someone 's own household .
This way , contact tracers will be able to distribute advice and guidance to those who could have been exposed , to ensure their safety and halt the spread of the virus .
'Everyone will need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No 10 spokesperson said : “ A test and trace system allows us to isolate new infections so that we can control the spread of this virus , which will be vital while coronavirus remains present in the UK .
“ As we continue on the road to recovery , this will mean that in time lockdown will no longer be necessary for the vast majority of the public and instead it will be possible for there to be a targeted lockdown for a small number of people .
“ For this to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay alert and play their part to control the virus and save lives .
“ By working with our tracers and complying with the rules , the public will avoid unknowingly spreading the virus to their family and loved ones and this new test and trace service will help to control coronavirus .
”

The Government has said its new test-and-trace system will launch in a week’s time, with 25,000 contact tracers recruited in the aim of stopping the spread of coronavirus.
The system involves tracing and advising people who may have come into close contact with someone testing positive for the virus, and will rely on the public’s co-operation.
Ministers have been aiming for human contact tracers to be in place for 1 June, alongside the planned re-opening of schools and non-essential shops in England.
As the number of coronavirus cases rocketed in the UK from mid-March, widespread contact tracing was abandoned.
However, now a test, track and trace (TTT) strategy is deemed vital in order to ease lockdown safely and minimise the risk of a second wave of infections.
National virtual call centre
Currently, the Government is trialling a contact-tracing app designed by the NHS’ digital arm, NHSX, on the Isle of Wight that has been hit by delays.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has sought to play down the importance of the delayed app in the contact-tracing process.
Previously he declared the app would be introduced by mid-May, but it has now been delayed by several weeks.
According to the Government, the test and trace system will involve the public being asked to work closely with the newly-recruited contact tracers, who will run a national virtual call centre operation.
Individuals who test positive for Covid-19 will need to share information about who they have been in recent, prolonged close contact with and who might have been exposed to the virus – which will typically be work colleagues, or members of someone’s own household.
This way, contact tracers will be able to distribute advice and guidance to those who could have been exposed, to ensure their safety and halt the spread of the virus.
‘Everyone will need to stay alert’
The Government will offer detailed guidance on the actions people must take later this week.
On Saturday, a No 10 spokesperson said: “A test and trace system allows us to isolate new infections so that we can control the spread of this virus, which will be vital while coronavirus remains present in the UK.
“As we continue on the road to recovery, this will mean that in time lockdown will no longer be necessary for the vast majority of the public and instead it will be possible for there to be a targeted lockdown for a small number of people.
“For this to be effective, everyone will need to stay alert and play their part to control the virus and save lives.
“By working with our tracers and complying with the rules, the public will avoid unknowingly spreading the virus to their family and loved ones and this new test and trace service will help to control coronavirus.”


inews--2020-05-24--Coronavirus latest: Government's delay in imposing lockdown saw cases rise by 1.3m in nine days

Coronavirus latest : Government 's delay in imposing lockdown saw cases rise by 1.3m in nine days More than a million people were infected while the Government decided on how best to impose lockdown The Government 's delay in imposing lockdown restrictions saw the number of people infected with coronavirus rise by 1.3 million in nine days .
According to a report by the Sunday Times , the Government first agreed lockdown measures would be necessary to curb the spread of Covid-19 on 14 March .
At that point there had been 200,000 confirmed cases of the virus in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day on which Boris Johnson announced the lockdown , there were 1.5 million cases .
The increase in cases during this time is shown in a study by Imperial College London 's pandemic modellers and Oxford University 's department of statistics .
The study used backward modelling to calculate that the rate of infection was doubling every three days on 14 March .
The number of coronavirus cases in the UK rose by 1.3 million while the Government was decided how to implement lockdown ( Photo : Getty ) Professor Peter Openshaw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group , told the paper : `` I think that critical period of delay made the big difference to the peak numbers , both of hospitalisations and of deaths .
`` I think everyone would accept now in retrospect that if we 'd gone for lockdown a couple of weeks earlier that would have greatly reduced the numbers of hospitalisations and deaths . ''
In a statement to the paper , a Government spokesman said : `` Our strategy has been designed at all times to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Our response has ensured that the NHS can provide the best care possible for people who become ill , enabled hospitals to maintain essential services and ensured ongoing support for people ill in the community .
“ It has been vital through this global pandemic to make interventions which the public can feasibly adopt in sufficient numbers over long periods . ''

A new report suggests the Government’s delay in imposing lockdown restrictions saw the number of people infected with coronavirus rise steeply during the period prior to lockdown.
According to a report by the Sunday Times, the Government first agreed lockdown measures would be necessary to curb the spread of Covid-19 on 14 March.
At that point the number of confirmed cases of the virus in the UK was still in the hundreds, but the new report uses backward modelling that says the country actually had experienced more than 200,000 cases.
Then by 23 March, the day on which Boris Johnson announced the lockdown, there were actually 1.5 million cases, rather than the few thousand official figures reported. At this point, testing was limited, meaning overall numbers were much lower than were officially reported.
Earlier lockdown would have ‘greatly reduced’ deaths
The increase in cases during this time is shown in a study by Imperial College London’s pandemic modellers and Oxford University’s department of statistics.
Professor Peter Openshaw, a member of the Government’s New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group, told the paper: “I think that critical period of delay made the big difference to the peak numbers, both of hospitalisations and of deaths.
“I think everyone would accept now in retrospect that if we’d gone for lockdown a couple of weeks earlier that would have greatly reduced the numbers of hospitalisations and deaths.”
Government defends strategy
In a statement to the paper, a Government spokesman said: “Our strategy has been designed at all times to protect our NHS and save lives.
“Our response has ensured that the NHS can provide the best care possible for people who become ill, enabled hospitals to maintain essential services and ensured ongoing support for people ill in the community.
“It has been vital through this global pandemic to make interventions which the public can feasibly adopt in sufficient numbers over long periods.”
Additional reporting by Press Association