channel4uk--2020-11-23--Shops and gyms to reopen in England under new tougher tier system

The prime minister has been setting out details of the new system of tiered coronavirus restrictions for England , starting @ @ @ @ @ warned that the rules will be tougher than they were in October , and more @ @ @ @ @ or very high alert .
In the highest alert level all pubs , restaurants will @ @ @ @ @ takeaway allowed – while indoor entertainment will be shut too .
However , all shops @ @ @ @ @ again .
Outdoor sports will also be permitted , as well as individual exercise indoors @ @

The prime minister has been setting out details of the new system of tiered coronavirus restrictions for England, starting next week.
He has warned that the rules will be tougher than they were in October, and more areas will be under high or very high alert.
In the highest alert level all pubs, restaurants will be closed, with just takeaway allowed – while indoor entertainment will be shut too.
However, all shops will be allowed to open again.
Outdoor sports will also be permitted, as well as individual exercise indoors in gyms


channel4uk--2020-11-23--Public health strategy needed after vaccine rollout to ‘protect most vulnerable’, says Imperial Coll

Public health strategy needed after vaccine rollout to ‘protect most vulnerable’, says Imperial College vaccinologist

The forecast for the next 5 days

Dr Katrina Pollock is a senior clinical research fellow in vaccinology at Imperial College London.


channel4uk--2020-11-23--Oxford vaccine shown to be up to 90% effective, cheap and easy to transport

Finally , there is hope of an end to all this , hope of a route out of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ potentially highly effective vaccine from Oxford University and AstraZeneca .
One that ’ s cheap @ @ @ @ @ the tens of millions .
But , as Boris Johnson warned today , “ we @ @ @ @ @ first ” .
And that means tougher restrictions for England until at least the end @ @ @

Finally, there is hope of an end to all this, hope of a route out of the pandemic – with news of another potentially highly effective vaccine from Oxford University and AstraZeneca.
One that’s cheap enough to order doses in the tens of millions.
But, as Boris Johnson warned today, “we have to get through winter first”. And that means tougher restrictions for England until at least the end of March.


channel4uk--2020-11-23--FactCheck: how do the coronavirus vaccines compare so far?

A coronavirus vaccine developed by Oxford University and pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca can prevent up to 90 per cent of Covid infections , the researchers announced today .
Teams at Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna announced similar results earlier in the autumn .
The UK government has ordered batches of all three jabs , and is set to roll them out to the public if they pass rigorous safety checks by the British medicines regulator .
So what do we know about the three vaccines so far , and when might we get access to them ?
Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to their research teams .
( They calculate this by comparing the number of infections among participants who had the vaccine with those who had a placebo ) .
Among volunteers who got half a dose of the Oxford jab followed by a full dose 28 days later , the vaccine was shown to prevent 90 per cent of Covid infections .
Among a separate group , who got two full doses over the same time , the figure was 62 per cent .
How many doses has the UK government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has “ secured early access to 350 million doses ” from six vaccine teams around the world .
Some of them haven ’ t reported the results of their trials yet , so we don ’ t know if all will turn out to be viable – but clearly the government intends to hedge its bets .
The largest single investment is in Oxford , which the government says will provide 100 million doses to the UK .
We ’ ve also got 40 million Pfizer jabs on order , and a further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government announced its deal with Oxford/AstraZeneca in May , the business secretary Alok Sharma said the agreement would mean “ we are able to make the vaccines available to developing countries at the lowest possible cost ” .
The CEO of AstraZeneca welcomed the government ’ s “ generosity for its help in expanding access beyond the UK ” .
But as FactCheck reported in October , it ’ s not clear exactly how many of the doses bought by the UK will be distributed to other countries .
We ’ ve been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on this for some time .
Researchers in all three teams say they have recorded no serious “ safety events ” relating to the vaccine .
Volunteers have reported some short-term symptoms including headache and fatigue .
Now it ’ s for regulators around the world to do their own checks to make sure they are safe for use .
Unlike in Russia , where the Sputnik V vaccine was rolled out before full safety checks were complete , there ’ s no chance of getting a jab here until the Medicines and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approves it .
The head of the MHRA said today that they have received the latest batch of data from Pfizer/BioNTech and have already begun their analysis .
Matt Hancock said today that subject to safety approval , he “ hope [ s ] ” to start rollout of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine in December , with the “ bulk ” completed in January , February and March .
The government said last week that Pfizer/BioNTech “ is expected to begin delivery as early as December 2020 ” subject to MHRA authorisation , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK in spring 2021 at the earliest ” .
One of the main challenges when it comes to rolling out vaccines is how to store them .
The Pfizer jab needs to be held at minus 70 celsius to be effective – which could create problems for the people tasked with doling out the doses , like GP surgeries .
Here ’ s where Moderna and Oxford have an advantage : their vaccines only need to be kept at fridge temperature , between 2 and 8 degrees .
In the Oxford case , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” six months , according to the researchers .
How much do they cost ?
It looks like the Oxford vaccine will be the cheapest of the three , at an estimated £3 per dose , versus Pfizer ’ s £15 and Moderna ’ s £25 .

A coronavirus vaccine developed by Oxford University and pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca can prevent up to 90 per cent of Covid infections, the researchers announced today.
Teams at Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna announced similar results earlier in the autumn.
The UK government has ordered batches of all three jabs, and is set to roll them out to the public if they pass rigorous safety checks by the British medicines regulator.
So what do we know about the three vaccines so far, and when might we get access to them?
Efficacy
Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines prevent 95 per cent of Covid infections, according to their research teams. (They calculate this by comparing the number of infections among participants who had the vaccine with those who had a placebo).
Among volunteers who got half a dose of the Oxford jab followed by a full dose 28 days later, the vaccine was shown to prevent 90 per cent of Covid infections. Among a separate group, who got two full doses over the same time, the figure was 62 per cent.
How many doses has the UK government ordered?
The UK government says it has “secured early access to 350 million doses” from six vaccine teams around the world. Some of them haven’t reported the results of their trials yet, so we don’t know if all will turn out to be viable – but clearly the government intends to hedge its bets.
The largest single investment is in Oxford, which the government says will provide 100 million doses to the UK. We’ve also got 40 million Pfizer jabs on order, and a further 5 million from Moderna.
When the government announced its deal with Oxford/AstraZeneca in May, the business secretary Alok Sharma said the agreement would mean “we are able to make the vaccines available to developing countries at the lowest possible cost”. The CEO of AstraZeneca welcomed the government’s “generosity for its help in expanding access beyond the UK”.
But as FactCheck reported in October, it’s not clear exactly how many of the doses bought by the UK will be distributed to other countries. We’ve been trying to get answers from the government on this for some time.
What about safety concerns?
Researchers in all three teams say they have recorded no serious “safety events” relating to the vaccine. Volunteers have reported some short-term symptoms including headache and fatigue.
Now it’s for regulators around the world to do their own checks to make sure they are safe for use.
Unlike in Russia, where the Sputnik V vaccine was rolled out before full safety checks were complete, there’s no chance of getting a jab here until the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approves it.
The head of the MHRA said today that they have received the latest batch of data from Pfizer/BioNTech and have already begun their analysis.
When could UK rollouts begin?
Matt Hancock said today that subject to safety approval, he “hope[s]” to start rollout of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine in December, with the “bulk” completed in January, February and March.
The government said last week that Pfizer/BioNTech “is expected to begin delivery as early as December 2020” subject to MHRA authorisation, though Moderna would be “available to the UK in spring 2021 at the earliest”.
Storage temperature
One of the main challenges when it comes to rolling out vaccines is how to store them. The Pfizer jab needs to be held at minus 70 celsius to be effective – which could create problems for the people tasked with doling out the doses, like GP surgeries.
Here’s where Moderna and Oxford have an advantage: their vaccines only need to be kept at fridge temperature, between 2 and 8 degrees. In the Oxford case, this can last for “at least” six months, according to the researchers.
How much do they cost?
It looks like the Oxford vaccine will be the cheapest of the three, at an estimated £3 per dose, versus Pfizer’s £15 and Moderna’s £25.


channel4uk--2020-11-23--What you need to know about the Covid vaccines

Is there light at the end of the tunnel ?
Three different researchers have announced potential Covid-19 vaccines that are @ @ @ @ @ .
First there was the Pfizer vaccine in Germany , then days later researchers in @ @ @ @ @ results , and now there ’ s the U.S. Moderna team as well .
There @ @ @ @ @ in development at The University of Oxford , which is around 70-90 % effective .
@ @ @ @ @ valid questions about safety , especially considering the huge rush there ’ s been to @ @ @ @ @ ’ s separate the facts and look at why we actually need a vaccine , @ @ @ @ @ make it , and whether enough people will actually take one for it to work @

Is there light at the end of the tunnel? Three different researchers have announced potential Covid-19 vaccines that are more than 90% effective.
First there was the Pfizer vaccine in Germany, then days later researchers in Russia said they had similar results, and now there’s the U.S. Moderna team as well.
There’s also another vaccine in development at The University of Oxford, which is around 70-90% effective.
But there are many asking valid questions about safety, especially considering the huge rush there’s been to develop these vaccines.
Let’s separate the facts and look at why we actually need a vaccine, who’s trying to make it, and whether enough people will actually take one for it to work.


channel4uk--2020-11-25--Home Office broke equality law over treatment of Windrush generation, watchdog says

The Home Office broke equality law in the way it treated the Windrush generation , according to the equalities watchdog @ @ @ @ @ the negative impacts of the government ’ s “ hostile environment ” policy were repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ dismissed .

The Home Office broke equality law in the way it treated the Windrush generation, according to the equalities watchdog.
It said today that the negative impacts of the government’s “hostile environment” policy were repeatedly ignored, and concerns were dismissed.


channel4uk--2020-11-25--Saudi women’s rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul faces trial in terrorism court

A women ’ s rights activist , who has been held by authorities in Saudi Arabia , has been put @ @ @ @ @ after the kingdom hosted the G20 summit .
Loujain al-Hathloul was arrested in 2018 , @ @ @ @ @ the right to drive .
Her family say she has been tortured and will now @ @ @ @ @ court .
But could the change in a US administration make a difference for her @

A women’s rights activist, who has been held by authorities in Saudi Arabia, has been put on trial – just days after the kingdom hosted the G20 summit.
Loujain al-Hathloul was arrested in 2018, shortly before women were given the right to drive. Her family say she has been tortured and will now be tried in a terrorism court. But could the change in a US administration make a difference for her?


channel4uk--2020-11-25--Minister resigns over chancellor’s overseas aid cut

The chancellor has announced a change of policy that has led to criticism from former Conservative prime minister David Cameron @ @ @ @ @ to resign .
Spending 0.7 percent of our gross national income in the form of @ @ @ @ @ a commitment made in the Conservative manifesto .
But today , that budget was reduced @ @ @ @

The chancellor has announced a change of policy that has led to criticism from former Conservative prime minister David Cameron and caused a junior minister to resign.
Spending 0.7 percent of our gross national income in the form of aid to developing countries is a commitment made in the Conservative manifesto. But today, that budget was reduced to 0.5 percent.


channel4uk--2020-11-25--UK spent billions on PPE because stockpile was inadequate, report says

One of the biggest items in the chancellor ’ s massive spending spree over the last few months has been @ @ @ @ @ personal protective equipment ( PPE ) for healthcare workers .
But today , the public @ @ @ @ @ expenditure was the result of the government buying gloves , masks and gowns when global @ @ @ @ @ had relied on a stockpile that proved inadequate when the crisis hit , and the @ @ @ @ @ scale of demand for these items .

One of the biggest items in the chancellor’s massive spending spree over the last few months has been the £12.5 billion spent on personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers.
But today, the public spending watchdog said that huge expenditure was the result of the government buying gloves, masks and gowns when global prices were soaring.
Ministers had relied on a stockpile that proved inadequate when the crisis hit, and the system was overwhelmed by the scale of demand for these items.


channel4uk--2020-11-25--New £4 billion fund to ‘level up’ UK economy

The chancellor has announced a new fund , worth £4 billion , which he says will put into action the @ @ @ @ @ of levelling up the UK economy .
Mr Sunak said the money would “ fund @ @ @ @ @ ” in an attempt to improve standards of living in disadvantaged areas around the country @

The chancellor has announced a new fund, worth £4 billion, which he says will put into action the government’s election mantra of levelling up the UK economy.
Mr Sunak said the money would “fund the infrastructure of everyday life” in an attempt to improve standards of living in disadvantaged areas around the country.


channel4uk--2020-11-25--Unemployment predicted to surge to 2.6m by mid-2021

We took a closer look at the chilly economic figures put out by the spending watchdog , the Office for @ @ @

We took a closer look at the chilly economic figures put out by the spending watchdog, the Office for Budget Responsibility.


channel4uk--2020-11-25--‘We’ve had to make tough decisions’ to prioritise British people, says Chancellor on overseas aid cu

‘We’ve had to make tough decisions’ to prioritise British people, says Chancellor on overseas aid cut

Cathy Newman got a few minutes with the chancellor , for a short interview on behalf of all the UK @ @ @ @

Cathy Newman got a few minutes with the chancellor, for a short interview on behalf of all the UK’s broadcasters.


channel4uk--2020-11-25--Chancellor Rishi Sunak warns UK economy will shrink by 11% this year

The chancellor , Rishi Sunak , has spelled out the devastation inflicted on the economy by coronavirus .
Announcing his @ @ @ @ @ , he warned : “ The economic emergency has only just begun.
” He published @ @ @ @ @ ’ s finances have been damaged in a way not seen for decades , if @ @ @ @ @ predicted a steep rise in unemployment by next year .
In the first sign of @ @ @ @ @ the future , he did away with the commitment to spend 0.7 % of GDP @ @ @ @

The chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has spelled out the devastation inflicted on the economy by coronavirus.
Announcing his spending review in the Commons, he warned: “The economic emergency has only just begun.”
He published statistics showing that the nation’s finances have been damaged in a way not seen for decades, if not centuries. And he predicted a steep rise in unemployment by next year.
In the first sign of the tough remedies likely in the future, he did away with the commitment to spend 0.7% of GDP on overseas aid.


channel4uk--2020-11-25--‘60 for Diego Maradona is a really long life, and he’s lived a few lives’, says Maradona documentary

‘60 for Diego Maradona is a really long life, and he’s lived a few lives’, says Maradona documentary filmmaker

We spoke to Asif Kapadia , the filmmaker behind the 2019 documentary on Diego Maradona , and began by asking @ @ @ @ @ of the man – the secret to the sporting legend .

We spoke to Asif Kapadia, the filmmaker behind the 2019 documentary on Diego Maradona, and began by asking him what was the essence of the man – the secret to the sporting legend.


channel4uk--2020-11-25--Argentina football legend Diego Maradona dies aged 60

He died of a heart attack after having brain surgery earlier this month .
Known almost as much for his @ @ @ @ @ his artistry on it , he led Argentina to the World Cup in 1986 and @ @ @ @ @ the Italian game the following year .
There ’ s a reason Argentina has declared @ @ @ @ @ .

Diego Maradona was just 60.
He died of a heart attack after having brain surgery earlier this month.
Known almost as much for his lifestyle off the pitch as his artistry on it, he led Argentina to the World Cup in 1986 and Naples to the top of the Italian game the following year.
There’s a reason Argentina has declared three days of national mourning.


channel4uk--2020-11-25--FactCheck: will the “poorest and neediest” get the coronavirus vaccine in time?

At Prime Minister ’ s Questions today , Boris Johnson told MPs : “ We are in the lead in promoting and not just inventing vaccines , but in making sure the poorest and neediest around the world get those vaccines.
” Over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic , the UK government has made various commitments to make vaccines that guard against the disease available in the developing world .
But some of the promises appear to contradict each other , and it is proving very difficult to get straight answers on how the government intends to honour them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in May that it was going to give £84 million to researchers at Oxford University who were working on coronavirus vaccine .
From the outset , the plan was to “ make the vaccines available to developing countries at the lowest possible cost ” .
Six months on , and it looks like the Oxford team has now come up with a vaccine that works ( subject to regulatory approval ) .
And AstraZeneca , the pharmaceutical giant backing the project , will make it available at a considerably lower price than other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in low-income countries .
It looks like other aspects of the plan have changed over time , although government departments have been reluctant to answer detailed questions on this when contacted by FactCheck .
In May , the plan was for AstraZeneca to manufacture 100 million doses in total , 30 million of which would be for use in the UK by September this year ( a deadline that proved to be overly optimistic ) .
By August , Professor Jonathan Van-Tam , the deputy chief medical officer , was writing to MPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 15 million doses to the UK in 2020 ” .
It ’ s not clear why the number of doses suddenly fell by half and again , our questions on this have gone unanswered .
The UK government ’ s line now is that it “ has secured access to 100 million doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine for use across the UK ” .
This sounds like the original plan to give most of those 100 million doses to people in the developing world has been dropped .
It may not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has said that it will manufacture much more than 100 million doses of the Oxford vaccine in total .
The company in fact aspires to make 3 billion doses by early next year – enough to vaccinate about 20 per cent of the whole population of the world , assuming everyone needs two doses , as clinical trials suggest .
But there ’ s an obvious danger : if all the initial production run is bought up by richer countries , poorer ones might have to wait for months or years , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with an obvious cost in human life .
An international protocol called Covax was set up earlier this year to guard against exactly this danger .
Covax is run by the World Health Organization , Gavi – an international organisation that aims to improve access to vaccines in poorer countries – and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness .
Britain is a major financial contributor to Gavi and CEPI .
While the details are complicated , the aim of Covax is clear : to prevent a situation where the rich countries hoover up all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poorer ones are forced to wait or miss out altogether .
The Covax documents state : “ It is crucial that all countries have timely access to vaccines as they become available .
“ The fair allocation of vaccines will combine the principle of fairness to meet the basic needs of all countries at the same time in the initial stages ( that is , based on proportional allocation ) , as well as the principle of equity to account for differences in risk profiles across countries.
” Britain signed up to Covax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then announced it was donating £500m to the project in aid money .
Most other countries are members , with the notable exceptions of Russia and the United States .
But the exact nature of the commitment each country has made to Covax is not clear .
While Covax is all about making sure all countries have equal access to vaccines at the same time , the British government has stuck to its repeated commitment that people in the UK will get the Oxford vaccine ahead of people in other countries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , FactCheck asked Kate Bingham , the head of the UK ’ s Vaccine Taskforce ( VTF ) , about Britain ’ s commitments to help supply vaccine to the developing world .
The positive results of the Oxford vaccine trials had not been reported at the time .
Miss Bingham gave us this written reply : “ IF – big IF – the UK has surplus vaccines then the government will need to decide how to distribute this excess such as contributing these to Covax .
NB need to assess what level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immunity .
This is not VTF decision.
” We asked the people running Covax if this “ UK first ” approach means Britain is breaking its commitment to the principle of ensuring vaccines are available to everyone at the same time .
No one has replied to our questions .
When we pushed the World Health Organization on Covax last month question last month , a spokesman said some of the details were “ still being worked out ” .
“ The more countries who contribute to the goal of enabling equitable global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Precisely how we balance the allocation of doses from the Facility with those already secured outside Covax is still being worked out and is of course in part dependent on which vaccine is proved successful and when .
“ These decisions will be governed by the principle of fair access to vaccines and the overall aim of Covax which is that no country should be left behind.
” This leaves it unclear whether richer countries like Britain ( and many others ) who pre-ordered vaccines before joining Covax will be expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ fair access ” in the early stages .
A government spokesman said : “ The Prime Minister has made clear that equitable access is an integral part of the UK ’ s approach to vaccine development and distribution , and that world leaders have a ‘ moral duty ’ to support these efforts .
“ The UK has made one of the largest donations to COVAX , a global initiative with a target of delivering 2 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines around the world by the end of 2021 , and has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Market Commitment to support lower and middle-income countries to access vaccines that are developed.
” Boris Johnson was right to say that Britain is at the forefront of vaccine development .
A vaccine developed by Oxford University has been shown to be effective in clinical trials and is likely to be made available cheaply .
But questions remain over how the UK government will go about , as the prime minister said , “ making sure the poorest and neediest around the world get those vaccines ” .
The government has signed up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ designed to make sure all countries get equal access to vaccines at the same time .
But it has also said it wants British people to get the Oxford vaccine first .
It ’ s hard to understand how ministers will balance those two competing principles , and there have been few straight answers from the government on this question .

At Prime Minister’s Questions today, Boris Johnson told MPs: “We are in the lead in promoting and not just inventing vaccines, but in making sure the poorest and neediest around the world get those vaccines.”
Over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, the UK government has made various commitments to make vaccines that guard against the disease available in the developing world.
But some of the promises appear to contradict each other, and it is proving very difficult to get straight answers on how the government intends to honour them.
The analysis
The UK government first announced back in May that it was going to give £84 million to researchers at Oxford University who were working on coronavirus vaccine.
From the outset, the plan was to “make the vaccines available to developing countries at the lowest possible cost”.
Six months on, and it looks like the Oxford team has now come up with a vaccine that works (subject to regulatory approval).
And AstraZeneca, the pharmaceutical giant backing the project, will make it available at a considerably lower price than other potential vaccines, potentially saving many lives in low-income countries.
It looks like other aspects of the plan have changed over time, although government departments have been reluctant to answer detailed questions on this when contacted by FactCheck.
In May, the plan was for AstraZeneca to manufacture 100 million doses in total, 30 million of which would be for use in the UK by September this year (a deadline that proved to be overly optimistic).
By August, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, the deputy chief medical officer, was writing to MPs saying AstraZeneca was “aiming to deliver up to 15 million doses to the UK in 2020”.
It’s not clear why the number of doses suddenly fell by half and again, our questions on this have gone unanswered.
The UK government’s line now is that it “has secured access to 100 million doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine for use across the UK”.
This sounds like the original plan to give most of those 100 million doses to people in the developing world has been dropped.
It may not matter as much now, because AstraZeneca has said that it will manufacture much more than 100 million doses of the Oxford vaccine in total.
The company in fact aspires to make 3 billion doses by early next year – enough to vaccinate about 20 per cent of the whole population of the world, assuming everyone needs two doses, as clinical trials suggest.
But there’s an obvious danger: if all the initial production run is bought up by richer countries, poorer ones might have to wait for months or years, if they can afford it at all, with an obvious cost in human life.
Enter Covax
An international protocol called Covax was set up earlier this year to guard against exactly this danger.
Covax is run by the World Health Organization, Gavi – an international organisation that aims to improve access to vaccines in poorer countries – and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness. Britain is a major financial contributor to Gavi and CEPI.
While the details are complicated, the aim of Covax is clear: to prevent a situation where the rich countries hoover up all the vaccines on the market and the poorer ones are forced to wait or miss out altogether.
The Covax documents state: “It is crucial that all countries have timely access to vaccines as they become available.
“The fair allocation of vaccines will combine the principle of fairness to meet the basic needs of all countries at the same time in the initial stages (that is, based on proportional allocation), as well as the principle of equity to account for differences in risk profiles across countries.”
Britain signed up to Covax on the last possible day in September, then announced it was donating £500m to the project in aid money.
Most other countries are members, with the notable exceptions of Russia and the United States. But the exact nature of the commitment each country has made to Covax is not clear.
While Covax is all about making sure all countries have equal access to vaccines at the same time, the British government has stuck to its repeated commitment that people in the UK will get the Oxford vaccine ahead of people in other countries.
At a media briefing earlier this month, FactCheck asked Kate Bingham, the head of the UK’s Vaccine Taskforce (VTF), about Britain’s commitments to help supply vaccine to the developing world. The positive results of the Oxford vaccine trials had not been reported at the time.
Miss Bingham gave us this written reply: “IF – big IF – the UK has surplus vaccines then the government will need to decide how to distribute this excess such as contributing these to Covax. NB need to assess what level of revaccination is needed to maintain protective immunity. This is not VTF decision.”
We asked the people running Covax if this “UK first” approach means Britain is breaking its commitment to the principle of ensuring vaccines are available to everyone at the same time. No one has replied to our questions.
When we pushed the World Health Organization on Covax last month question last month, a spokesman said some of the details were “still being worked out”.
“The more countries who contribute to the goal of enabling equitable global access to vaccines, the better.
“Precisely how we balance the allocation of doses from the Facility with those already secured outside Covax is still being worked out and is of course in part dependent on which vaccine is proved successful and when.
“These decisions will be governed by the principle of fair access to vaccines and the overall aim of Covax which is that no country should be left behind.”
This leaves it unclear whether richer countries like Britain (and many others) who pre-ordered vaccines before joining Covax will be expected to donate vaccines to poorer nations to ensure “fair access” in the early stages.
A government spokesman said: “The Prime Minister has made clear that equitable access is an integral part of the UK’s approach to vaccine development and distribution, and that world leaders have a ‘moral duty’ to support these efforts.
“The UK has made one of the largest donations to COVAX, a global initiative with a target of delivering 2 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines around the world by the end of 2021, and has pledged up to £548m to COVAX Advance Market Commitment to support lower and middle-income countries to access vaccines that are developed.”
Verdict
Boris Johnson was right to say that Britain is at the forefront of vaccine development. A vaccine developed by Oxford University has been shown to be effective in clinical trials and is likely to be made available cheaply.
But questions remain over how the UK government will go about, as the prime minister said, “making sure the poorest and neediest around the world get those vaccines”.
The government has signed up and donated £500m to an international project designed to make sure all countries get equal access to vaccines at the same time. But it has also said it wants British people to get the Oxford vaccine first.
It’s hard to understand how ministers will balance those two competing principles, and there have been few straight answers from the government on this question.


channel4uk--2020-11-25--Factcheck: The Coronavirus Vaccines

Factcheck: The Coronavirus Vaccines

FactCheck : will the “ poorest and neediest ” get the coronavirus vaccine in time ?
The government has signed @ @ @ @ @ designed to make sure all countries get equal access to coronavirus vaccines at the same @ @ @ @ @ also said it wants British people to get the new Oxford vaccine first .

Will vaccines finally end the misery of the global Covid-19 pandemic? Three vaccines have been approved for use in the UK and others are in the pipeline. But how safe are they? Who will be vaccinated first? FactCheck cuts through the complexity, spin and misinformation to bring you the truth about vaccines.
#FactCheckVaccines


channel4uk--2020-11-24--Trump steps closer to a formal election concession

President Trump has appeared in the Rose Garden of the White House for the annual “ pardoning of the turkey @ @ @ @ @ Thanksgiving celebration .
President Trump has also reluctantly agreed to the transition of powers to @ @ @ @

President Trump has appeared in the Rose Garden of the White House for the annual “pardoning of the turkey” ceremony ahead of the Thanksgiving celebration.
President Trump has also reluctantly agreed to the transition of powers to President-elect Joe Biden.


channel4uk--2020-11-24--‘Schools are responsible for those children who are excluded,’ says Robert Halfon MP

We spoke to Kendra Houseman , who supports young people involved with gangs .
We also spoke to Robert Halfon @ @ @ @ @ chair of the Education Select Committee .
We began by asking Kendra Houseman about the @ @ @ @ @

We spoke to Kendra Houseman, who supports young people involved with gangs. We also spoke to Robert Halfon, the Conservative MP and chair of the Education Select Committee.
We began by asking Kendra Houseman about the importance of early intervention.


channel4uk--2020-11-26--Tier system must be clear and fair, says psychologist

The Scottish government has announced that people hoping to form social bubbles over the Christmas holidays will be limited to @ @ @ @ @ , not including children .
We spoke to the social psychologist Prof Stephen Reicher and @ @ @ @ @ the restrictions will be loosened at Christmas will make people more likely to abide by @ @ @ @ @ .

The Scottish government has announced that people hoping to form social bubbles over the Christmas holidays will be limited to a maximum of eight people, not including children.
We spoke to the social psychologist Prof Stephen Reicher and asked him whether knowing that the restrictions will be loosened at Christmas will make people more likely to abide by them, in the meantime.


channel4uk--2020-11-26--How Leicester has struggled after 150 days of Covid restrictions

Northern Ireland will enter a circuit-breaker for a fortnight starting tomorrow .
In Leicester , they know more than most @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s more than 150 days since local restrictions were imposed on the @ @ @ @ @ they have been living with some form of enhanced measures ever since .
And today @ @ @ @ @ to tier 3 at the end of the latest lockdown .

Northern Ireland will enter a circuit-breaker for a fortnight starting tomorrow. In Leicester, they know more than most about the strains of lockdown.
It’s more than 150 days since local restrictions were imposed on the city’s residents and they have been living with some form of enhanced measures ever since. And today they learned they will return to tier 3 at the end of the latest lockdown.


channel4uk--2020-11-26--Diego Maradona: Thousands take to streets to pay tribute

Tens of thousands have flooded onto the streets of Buenos Aires today to pay tribute to Diego Maradona , following @ @ @ @ @ to a million people are expected to file past his casket in Argentina ’ s @ @ @ @ @ country observes three days of national mourning .
But the significance of his death far @ @ @

Tens of thousands have flooded onto the streets of Buenos Aires today to pay tribute to Diego Maradona, following his death yesterday.
Up to a million people are expected to file past his casket in Argentina’s presidential palace, as the country observes three days of national mourning. But the significance of his death far transcends football.


channel4uk--2020-11-26--Global PPE manufacturer Top Glove hit by Covid-19 outbreak

In Malaysia , there ’ s been a serious outbreak of Covid-19 among workers at the world ’ s biggest @ @ @ @ @ The company , Top Glove , which supplies the NHS , was the subject of @ @ @ @ @ in June .
We revealed shocking evidence about working and living conditions which put the @ @ @ @ @ of infection .
Following our report , Top Glove was placed under US sanctions , @ @ @ @ @ profits continued to surge as demand intensified .
Now the virus has hit the very @ @ @ @ @ supply chain .

Producer: Lee Sorrell
In Malaysia, there’s been a serious outbreak of Covid-19 among workers at the world’s biggest manufacturer of medical gloves. The company, Top Glove, which supplies the NHS, was the subject of an investigation by this programme in June. We revealed shocking evidence about working and living conditions which put the migrant workforce itself at risk of infection.
Following our report, Top Glove was placed under US sanctions, but the company’s profits continued to surge as demand intensified. Now the virus has hit the very heart of the PPE global supply chain.


channel4uk--2020-11-26--‘Serious work’ with families needed to turn child poverty around, says Conservative MP

We spoke to the Conservative MP David Simmonds – and began by asking if he thought the government needed to @ @ @

We spoke to the Conservative MP David Simmonds – and began by asking if he thought the government needed to do better.


channel4uk--2020-11-26--Are politicians doing enough for Britain’s poorest people? ‘It’s not ok to leave that to charity’

Dame Louise Casey led the scheme to arrange temporary accommodation for thousands of rough sleepers at the start of the @ @ @ @ @ most of the country likely to face Covid restrictions for many more months , she @ @ @ @ @ resurrect a sense of kindness and giving ” to help people struggling in the “ @ @ @ @ @ February ” .
We spoke to her on a visit to the Queens Crescent Community @ @ @ @ @ ’ s busiest foodbanks , where there are often queues for hot meals .
She @ @ @ @ @ were failing the country ’ s poorest people .

Dame Louise Casey led the scheme to arrange temporary accommodation for thousands of rough sleepers at the start of the pandemic. Now, with most of the country likely to face Covid restrictions for many more months, she says the government must “resurrect a sense of kindness and giving” to help people struggling in the “tough months of January and February”.
We spoke to her on a visit to the Queens Crescent Community Association, one of London’s busiest foodbanks, where there are often queues for hot meals. She told me she believed politicians were failing the country’s poorest people.


channel4uk--2020-11-26--Council tax rise likely, says IFS

Council tax rise likely, says IFS

The government has said it remains committed to Conservative manifesto commitments not to raise income tax , VAT or National @ @ @ @ @ the chancellor announced yesterday that he would jettison the party ’ s commitment to spend @ @ @ @ @ foreign aid .
Today , the IFS warned that Rishi Sunak ’ s spending review @ @ @ @ @ a council tax rise of £70 per household and people on Universal Credit could end @ @ @ @ @ as well .

The government has said it remains committed to Conservative manifesto commitments not to raise income tax, VAT or National Insurance.
It comes after the chancellor announced yesterday that he would jettison the party’s commitment to spend 0.7% of GDP on foreign aid. Today, the IFS warned that Rishi Sunak’s spending review is likely to result in a council tax rise of £70 per household and people on Universal Credit could end up worse off next year as well.


channel4uk--2020-11-26--Two police officers could face criminal charges over crime scene photos

In June , this programme revealed that two police officers had been arrested over allegations they ’ d shared “ @ @ @ @ @ crime scene .
Now the police watchdog , the Independent Office for Police Conduct , @ @ @ @ @ evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service .
Sisters Nicole Smallman and Bibaa Henry were stabbed @ @ @ @ @ Park in north-west London in June .
A man will soon go on trial charged @ @ @

In June, this programme revealed that two police officers had been arrested over allegations they’d shared “inappropriate” photographs of a crime scene.
Now the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, has handed a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service. Sisters Nicole Smallman and Bibaa Henry were stabbed to death at Fryent Country Park in north-west London in June. A man will soon go on trial charged with their murder


channel4uk--2020-11-26--‘Just about starting to see the benefits’ of lockdown, says Academy of Medical Royal Colleges chair

The forecast for the next 5 days


channel4uk--2020-11-26--The science behind England’s new Covid tier system

One area going into Tier 3 is Kent .
Case rates there vary widely – Swale and Thanet have the @ @ @ @ @ UK , whilst other areas are below average .
But the government decided to put @ @ @ @ @ highest level of restrictions , ignoring pleas from MPs for more localised measures .
So @ @ @ @ @ behind moving an area into Tier 3 ?

One area going into Tier 3 is Kent. Case rates there vary widely – Swale and Thanet have the two highest rates in the UK, whilst other areas are below average.
But the government decided to put the whole county into the highest level of restrictions, ignoring pleas from MPs for more localised measures.
So what are the health reasons behind moving an area into Tier 3?


channel4uk--2020-11-26--‘More sophisticated, localised support’ needed instead of tier systems, says Tory MP

We spoke to Paul Maynard , the Conservative MP for Blackpool North , which has been placed in Tier 3 @

We spoke to Paul Maynard, the Conservative MP for Blackpool North, which has been placed in Tier 3.


channel4uk--2020-11-26--Most of northern England faces toughest Covid restrictions after lockdown

Both the health secretary and the prime minister praised Liverpool for getting its case rate down .
The city entered @ @ @ @ @ but will exit it in Tier 2 .
For most places in the north of @ @ @ @ @ a different story .
Tier 3 beckons for much of the region , including Greater @ @

Both the health secretary and the prime minister praised Liverpool for getting its case rate down. The city entered lockdown under Tier 3, but will exit it in Tier 2.
For most places in the north of England though, it was a different story. Tier 3 beckons for much of the region, including Greater Manchester.


channel4uk--2020-11-26--Tier system announced for England after lockdown

Blink and you could miss the transition next week – from lockdown to the tier system .
Just 700,000 in @ @ @ @ @ the lowest tier of Covid alert .
More than 40 percent of the population , @ @ @ @ @ Midlands will be in the highest tier .
Boris Johnson admitted that the new regional @ @ @ @ @ great deal of heartache and frustration ” .
Latest government figures show that in the @ @ @ @ @ been another 17,555 new coronavirus cases across the UK and a further 498 people have @ @ @ @ @ total to 57,031 .

Blink and you could miss the transition next week – from lockdown to the tier system. Just 700,000 in England will move back to the lowest tier of Covid alert. More than 40 percent of the population, many in the North and Midlands will be in the highest tier.
Boris Johnson admitted that the new regional restrictions would cause a “great deal of heartache and frustration”.
Latest government figures show that in the last 24 hours there have been another 17,555 new coronavirus cases across the UK and a further 498 people have died, which brings the total to 57,031.


channel4uk--2020-11-26--FactCheck Q&A: how safe is the Oxford Covid-19 vaccine?

There was more apparent good news this week on the race to develop a vaccine against the coronavirus .
The drug company AstraZeneca said in a press release that its AZD1222 vaccine candidate had proved to be “ highly effective ” in preventing Covid-19 , based on early results from clinical trials in the UK and Brazil .
The vaccine is being developed in collaboration with scientists at Oxford University , with financial backing from the UK government .
The results were widely reported as good news .
But the headline figures for how many infections the vaccine prevented were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other vaccines that have recently reported trial results .
Now the Oxford vaccine has been criticised by some in the scientific community for offering incomplete and confusing data , and only belatedly admitting to an error that changed the results .
Some scientists have even said that they doubt whether the British vaccine would be approved by regulators in the US .
Let ’ s try to put all this in context .
Why is the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine under fire ?
AstraZeneca put out a press release saying its vaccine prevented up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depending on how much vaccine people were given .
This was a less clear-cut result than those offered by Pfizer and Moderna , who are also developing vaccines and claim 95 per cent efficacy – a calculation based on new coronavirus infections among people vaccinated , compared to those given a placebo .
In the Oxford clinical trials , two full doses given a month apart prevented 62 per cent of cases .
When they halved the first dose , efficacy rose to 90 per cent .
Averaging the two gave an overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team are looking at data from more than 23,000 participants in total , only 2,741 people got the dose that protected against 90 per cent of infections .
Some scientists , like former senior Pfizer executive John LaMattina , have said they doubt whether US regulators would grant emergency use authorization to AstraZeneca on the bases of such a small number , saying : “ More data for this dosing ( regimen ) will be needed.
” There ’ s a second issue : AstraZeneca only admitted after it had published the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dosage given to different groups of trial participants stemmed from an error in the manufacturing process .
Mene Pangalos , head of drug research at AstraZeneca , played down the mistake , calling it “ serendipity.
” A spokesman for the Oxford researchers said the team spotted the error and raised it with regulators .
They agreed that the scientists could test both the lower and higher dose groups and include the results on the phase III trial .
The researchers say the dosing problem has been fixed now , but they say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving people a lower first dose proved , apparently , to be more effective .
What do independent experts say ?
Dr Joy Leahy , Royal Statistical Society Statistical Ambassador , told the Science Media Centre : “ The dosing error does throw up some problems .
“ Taking any trial , the more different dosing regimens that are in the trial , the more likely it is that any one regimen will turn out to have a particularly high efficacy , just because of chance and random variation.
” The scientist Hilda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s approach , writing in Wired that its results come from “ patched-together analysis instead of data from a single , large trial ” like Pfizer and Moderna .
Others have defended the Oxford team ’ s approach , pointing out that regulators approved the decision to include the lower dose group in the trial and that efficacy in the high dose group was still above 50 per cent – often considered the bar for a successful vaccine .
Most scientists say they are suspending judgement until the full peer-reviewed results are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a short press release to go on , there are many unanswered questions about the data .
Why don ’ t we have the full data yet ?
There ’ s long been criticism of the way drug companies announce selective results from trials in press releases , instead of publishing the full data in peer-reviewed journals .
The incomplete information often leaves scientists scratching their heads over how to interpret the data .
Issuing press releases ahead of a proper data release is , however , standard practice .
Professor Stephen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , said in a statement : “ When the trial data indicate that the vaccine is likely to meet the criteria for authorization of use then they have to inform the investigators and the companies .
“ At that stage because there could be leaks of confidential information which might result in insider trading , the sponsors and investigators have to put out a press release with minimal information because of stock market law .
“ This of course is not ideal from a scientific point of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic.
” He added : “ The way the data are put together will have been specified in the protocol and scrutinised very carefully by regulators to ensure that there is no “ cherry picking ” of the results .
“ We have good grounds for trusting that the regulation in this high-profile area will be done as carefully or more carefully for these vaccines than for any others in the past .
”

There was more apparent good news this week on the race to develop a vaccine against the coronavirus.
The drug company AstraZeneca said in a press release that its AZD1222 vaccine candidate had proved to be “highly effective” in preventing Covid-19, based on early results from clinical trials in the UK and Brazil.
The vaccine is being developed in collaboration with scientists at Oxford University, with financial backing from the UK government.
The results were widely reported as good news. But the headline figures for how many infections the vaccine prevented were slightly lower and harder to understand than other vaccines that have recently reported trial results.
Now the Oxford vaccine has been criticised by some in the scientific community for offering incomplete and confusing data, and only belatedly admitting to an error that changed the results.
Some scientists have even said that they doubt whether the British vaccine would be approved by regulators in the US.
Let’s try to put all this in context.
Why is the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine under fire?
AstraZeneca put out a press release saying its vaccine prevented up to 90 per cent of Covid-19 infections, depending on how much vaccine people were given.
This was a less clear-cut result than those offered by Pfizer and Moderna, who are also developing vaccines and claim 95 per cent efficacy – a calculation based on new coronavirus infections among people vaccinated, compared to those given a placebo.
In the Oxford clinical trials, two full doses given a month apart prevented 62 per cent of cases. When they halved the first dose, efficacy rose to 90 per cent. Averaging the two gave an overall efficacy of 70 per cent.
While the team are looking at data from more than 23,000 participants in total, only 2,741 people got the dose that protected against 90 per cent of infections.
Some scientists, like former senior Pfizer executive John LaMattina, have said they doubt whether US regulators would grant emergency use authorization to AstraZeneca on the bases of such a small number, saying: “More data for this dosing (regimen) will be needed.”
Dosing error
There’s a second issue: AstraZeneca only admitted after it had published the initial press release that the difference in dosage given to different groups of trial participants stemmed from an error in the manufacturing process.
Mene Pangalos, head of drug research at AstraZeneca, played down the mistake, calling it “serendipity.”
A spokesman for the Oxford researchers said the team spotted the error and raised it with regulators.
They agreed that the scientists could test both the lower and higher dose groups and include the results on the phase III trial.
The researchers say the dosing problem has been fixed now, but they say they don’t yet know why giving people a lower first dose proved, apparently, to be more effective.
What do independent experts say?
Dr Joy Leahy, Royal Statistical Society Statistical Ambassador, told the Science Media Centre: “The dosing error does throw up some problems.
“Taking any trial, the more different dosing regimens that are in the trial, the more likely it is that any one regimen will turn out to have a particularly high efficacy, just because of chance and random variation.”
The scientist Hilda Bastian has been particularly critical of AstraZeneca’s approach, writing in Wired that its results come from “patched-together analysis instead of data from a single, large trial” like Pfizer and Moderna.
Others have defended the Oxford team’s approach, pointing out that regulators approved the decision to include the lower dose group in the trial and that efficacy in the high dose group was still above 50 per cent – often considered the bar for a successful vaccine.
Most scientists say they are suspending judgement until the full peer-reviewed results are published.
With only the scant details of a short press release to go on, there are many unanswered questions about the data.
Why don’t we have the full data yet?
There’s long been criticism of the way drug companies announce selective results from trials in press releases, instead of publishing the full data in peer-reviewed journals.
The incomplete information often leaves scientists scratching their heads over how to interpret the data. Issuing press releases ahead of a proper data release is, however, standard practice.
Professor Stephen Evans, Professor of Pharmacoepidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said in a statement: “When the trial data indicate that the vaccine is likely to meet the criteria for authorization of use then they have to inform the investigators and the companies.
“At that stage because there could be leaks of confidential information which might result in insider trading, the sponsors and investigators have to put out a press release with minimal information because of stock market law.
“This of course is not ideal from a scientific point of view but has become necessary in this pandemic.”
He added: “The way the data are put together will have been specified in the protocol and scrutinised very carefully by regulators to ensure that there is no “cherry picking” of the results.
“We have good grounds for trusting that the regulation in this high-profile area will be done as carefully or more carefully for these vaccines than for any others in the past.”


channel4uk--2020-11-27--Former youth worker explores reality of child exploitation in debut film County Lines

They are children drawn into a dangerous , sometimes deadly world of drugs , crime and violence .
County Lines @ @ @ @ @ explores the reality of child criminal exploitation in all its grimness .
Fiction perhaps , @ @ @ @ @ life , as filmmaker Henry Blake draws on more than a decade ’ s experience @ @ @ @ @ work .
County Lines is released in cinemas and digitally on BFI Player and Curzon @ @ @ @ @ .

They are children drawn into a dangerous, sometimes deadly world of drugs, crime and violence. County Lines is a new film which explores the reality of child criminal exploitation in all its grimness.
Fiction perhaps, but absolutely rooted in real life, as filmmaker Henry Blake draws on more than a decade’s experience on the frontline of youth work.
County Lines is released in cinemas and digitally on BFI Player and Curzon Home Cinema on 4 December.


channel4uk--2020-11-27--Funeral of football legend Diego Maradona takes place in Buenos Aires

The football legend Diego Maradona has been laid to rest at a private ceremony in Buenos Aires , with only @ @ @ @ @ present .
Fans around the world are still mourning the Argentinian football icon , who @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday at the age of just 60 .

The football legend Diego Maradona has been laid to rest at a private ceremony in Buenos Aires, with only his closest friends and family present.
Fans around the world are still mourning the Argentinian football icon, who suffered a heart attack on Wednesday at the age of just 60.


channel4uk--2020-11-27--Aim is to increase cancers detected at an early stage to ‘have the best chance of curing it’ – Prof

Aim is to increase cancers detected at an early stage to ‘have the best chance of curing it’ – Prof Peter Johnson

We spoke to Prof Peter Johnson , the National Clinical Director for Cancer at NHS England .

We spoke to Prof Peter Johnson, the National Clinical Director for Cancer at NHS England.


channel4uk--2020-11-27--Blood test that could detect 50 types of cancer to be trialled by NHS

It ’ s being described as a potential “ game changer ” blood test that could help to save many @ @ @ @ @ can screen for more than 50 forms of cancer .
Under the NHS trial , @ @ @ @ @ initially be offered the Galleri test , which can help identify the signs of cancers @ @ @ @ @ diagnose early .

It’s being described as a potential “game changer” blood test that could help to save many lives – a test that can screen for more than 50 forms of cancer.
Under the NHS trial, 165,000 people in England will initially be offered the Galleri test, which can help identify the signs of cancers which are notoriously hard to diagnose early.


channel4uk--2020-11-27--Some small businesses claim Facebook technology glitches cost them revenue

When you can ’ t open your shop , you can take it online .
And that ’ s how @ @ @ @ @ to keep going during the pandemic .
But when digital platforms don ’ t work @ @ @ @ @ the difference , with some small firms saying glitches with Facebook ’ s technology are @ @ @ @ @ All this , on the day a new digital markets unit is being launched , @ @ @ @ @ power of online sites like Google and Facebook .

When you can’t open your shop, you can take it online. And that’s how many small businesses have managed to keep going during the pandemic.
But when digital platforms don’t work smoothly it can make all the difference, with some small firms saying glitches with Facebook’s technology are costing them important revenue.
All this, on the day a new digital markets unit is being launched, designed to rein in the power of online sites like Google and Facebook.


channel4uk--2020-11-27--Iran’s top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh assassinated near Tehran

Iran ’ s top nuclear scientist has been assassinated in an ambush near the capital Tehran .
A reporter at @ @ @ @ @ were involved .
Israel is widely believed to be behind the attack , though neither @ @ @ @ @ administration have commented publicly .

Iran’s top nuclear scientist has been assassinated in an ambush near the capital Tehran.
A reporter at the scene said six gunmen were involved. Israel is widely believed to be behind the attack, though neither the Israelis nor the Trump administration have commented publicly.


channel4uk--2020-11-27--EU and UK to resume Brexit trade talks, as UK calls EU fishing offer ‘risible’

The EU ’ s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier is heading to London this weekend to carry on with the @ @ @ @ @ Johnson warned that “ substantial and important differences ” remained .
Not least – fishing @ @ @ @ @ sticking point in the negotiations .

The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier is heading to London this weekend to carry on with the trade talks, although Boris Johnson warned that “substantial and important differences” remained.
Not least – fishing rights – still the biggest sticking point in the negotiations.


channel4uk--2020-11-27--Scientists call for action to persuade people hesitant to take Covid-19 vaccine

While all these tight restrictions are more and more frustrating , at least there ’ s a vaccine around the @ @ @ @ @ .
Yet there are concerns about the effectiveness of Oxford Astra Zeneca ’ s jab @ @ @ @ @ bought 100 million doses of it , and is asking the regulator to approve it @ @ @ @ @ for more action to persuade those who are hesitant about taking a coronavirus vaccine .

While all these tight restrictions are more and more frustrating, at least there’s a vaccine around the corner to offer some hope.
Yet there are concerns about the effectiveness of Oxford Astra Zeneca’s jab, the UK government has bought 100 million doses of it, and is asking the regulator
to approve it. Some scientists are calling for more action to persuade those who are hesitant about taking a coronavirus vaccine.


channel4uk--2020-11-27--Tory MP says PM needs to ‘rethink’ Covid restrictions and ‘get Britain working again’

Northern Ireland has just begun another two weeks of circuit-breaker restrictions , with pubs and restaurants shut and most shops @ @ @ @ @ an appointment only basis for collection .
It follows a steep rise in the number @ @ @ @ @ that the health service could swiftly become overwhelmed .
We spoke to Christina Pagel , @ @ @ @ @ University College London and a member of the Independent Sage group and Andrew Rosindell , @ @ @ @ @

Northern Ireland has just begun another two weeks of circuit-breaker restrictions, with pubs and restaurants shut and most shops only able to operate on an appointment only basis for collection.
It follows a steep rise in the number of hospital admissions and warnings that the health service could swiftly become overwhelmed.
We spoke to Christina Pagel, professor of Operational Research at University College London and a member of the Independent Sage group and Andrew Rosindell, Conservative MP for Romford.


channel4uk--2020-11-27--Wales to bring in new Covid restrictions for pubs and restaurants

We have the latest on new Covid restrictions due to come into force in Wales before Christmas .

We have the latest on new Covid restrictions due to come into force in Wales before Christmas.


channel4uk--2020-11-27--Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Covid tiers, community testing and Brexit

We spoke to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson , for a short interview on behalf of all the UK ’ @ @ @

We spoke to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, for a short interview on behalf of all the UK’s broadcasters.


channel4uk--2020-11-27--Boris Johnson defends tougher Covid-19 tier system as he faces rebellion

Boris Johnson has defended the new tier system for England in the face of a growing Conservative backbench revolt – @ @ @ @ @ simplicity and clarity ’ .
There are some encouraging signs about the impact of the @ @ @ @ @ , the rate at which the virus is transmitted , may now be below 1.0 @ @ @ @ @ mid-August .
But it ’ s rising in Wales – where new restrictions will be @ @ @ @ @ although details have not yet been finalised .
Latest figures show there have been another @ @ @ @ @ virus in the last 24 hours and a further 521 deaths have been reported , @ @ @ @ @ 57,551 .

Boris Johnson has defended the new tier system for England in the face of a growing Conservative backbench revolt – insisting the country needs ‘simplicity and clarity’. There are some encouraging signs about the impact of the lockdown: the R number, the rate at which the virus is transmitted, may now be below 1.0, the lowest level since mid-August.
But it’s rising in Wales – where new restrictions will be imposed from next week, although details have not yet been finalised.
Latest figures show there have been another 16,022 new cases of the virus in the last 24 hours and a further 521 deaths have been reported, which brings the total to 57,551.


channel4uk--2020-11-27--FactCheck: how does government decide which areas of England go into which Tiers?

When England ’ s second national lockdown ends on Wednesday , some 23 million people will find themselves in Tier 3 – the toughest level of restriction – with a further 32 million in Tier 2 .
It ’ s fair to say there ’ s been some anger about the decision , with one bar-chain owner describing the new rules as a “ mortal blow ” to his industry and up to 70 Conservative backbenchers reportedly threatening to rebel or abstain on next week ’ s Parliamentary vote .
The crux of the complaint from many MPs is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk in their area warrants being put under tougher restrictions , with all the economic and social damage that entails .
So how does the government decide which areas of England will go into which Tier ?
And can we tell if any local authorities have been treated unfairly ?
Let ’ s take a look at what we know .
Matt Hancock told MPs yesterday that the decisions “ have been made according to the best clinical advice , and the criteria that we set out in the COVID-19 Winter Plan.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in all age groups , case detection rates in the over 60s , the rate at which cases are rising or falling , positivity rate ( the number of positive cases detected as a percentage of tests taken ) , pressure on the NHS ” .
And it ’ s not just about absolute numbers – the government also takes account of whether there ’ s been a change in any of the indicators .
This graph from Public Health England looks at one of the five indicators .
It plots cases per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November ( along the bottom ) against the equivalent figure for the previous week up the side ( y ) axis .
PHE says : “ Bubbles above the diagonal dotted line show areas that have experienced a fall in their case rate over the past week.
” Conversely , those below the dotted line have seen an uptick .
This goes some way to explaining why Kent is in Tier 3 , despite having fewer cases per capita than places like Cheshire and Shropshire , which are in Tier 2 .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and not always directly comparable between areas ) .
But while the graph seems to resolve one question , it raises another : why are so many parts of the North still in the top Tier if their case rates are falling ?
The PHE analysis says : “ This chart shows some decreases in weekly case rates in the north of England , and other areas where case rates are high but declining .
Continued improvement over the coming period may make these areas candidates for de-escalation in the New Year ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can we work out whether any areas have been badly treated ( or unfairly protected ) by the latest announcement ?
This analysis from the Financial Times has a go at the answer .
It concludes that overall , Tiers are “ correct ” in most places , but suggests that some areas , like Stratford-upon-Avon , might have been treated more harshly than those in similar Covid situations .
At the same time , it indicates boroughs in outer London might have been “ let off ” .
Though there are some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weights ” each of the five factors equally , but as the analysts themselves acknowledge , the government does not .
The Department of Health ’ s Winter Plan says : “ The Government will need to maintain some flexibility to weight these indicators against each other as the context demands .
For example , hospital capacity in a given area will need to be considered in the light of the capacity in neighbouring areas and the feasibility of moving patients .
Case detection rates will need to be weighted against whether the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ localised to particular communities ” .
Matt Hancock set out some detail yesterday on how different parts of England have been allocated their Tiers .
It ’ s clear from the account he gives that certain factors weigh more heavily in some areas than in others .
We asked the Department of Health whether they would release more precise numerical data on weightings , which would allow us to replicate their calculations .
They ’ ve yet to say if they ’ ll publish the information .
The government ’ s Winter Plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in play than the listed criteria , stating that Tiering decisions will be based only “ primarily ” on the five named indicators .
And Matt Hancock gave himself some wiggle room when he referred to the “ best clinical advice ” sitting alongside the measures .
Back in October , the Department of Health gave FactCheck a list of eleven different datasets that formed part of its calculations .
These were : “ the number of patients in hospital with coronavirus , seroprevalence , modelling data , ONS and React surveillance data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as GP attendance , calls to the NHS 111 service and hospital admissions.
” ( “ Seroprevalence ” is when the government analyses blood samples from donors to calculate how many people might have had coronavirus without any symptoms .
“ React surveillance data ” comes from a major study by Imperial ) .
Six out of the eleven indicators are not included in the most recent list of official criteria , but as we ’ ve seen , those latest lists are not exhaustive .
The Department of Health hasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still included in the government ’ s calculations .
The government says it decides which areas of England go into which Tiers “ primarily ” on the basis of five criteria : “ case detection rates in all age groups , case detection rates in the over 60s , the rate at which cases are rising or falling , positivity rate ( the number of positive cases detected as a percentage of tests taken ) , pressure on the NHS ” .
This gives us some useful insight into what ’ s hitherto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using these measures finds that for the most part , areas have been sorted into the “ correct ” Tier , though it gestures towards possible outliers .
But there are still gaps in our knowledge .
We don ’ t know how much weight each of the five factors is given in the Tiering decision .
Indeed , the government has said that in some areas , certain indicators will bear more heavily on the outcome than they would in other parts of the country .
There are sound reasons for this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be wrongly flattened out by a one-size-fits-all approach ) , and Matt Hancock has set out some detail for MPs .
But we haven ’ t yet got a numerical account of how each factor is weighted in each area , which would allow us to do a more precise analysis .
We also have reason to believe that factors other than the five listed form part of the calculation .
In October , we heard about six other indicators , but the government is yet to tell us whether these are @ @ @ @

When England’s second national lockdown ends on Wednesday, some 23 million people will find themselves in Tier 3 – the toughest level of restriction – with a further 32 million in Tier 2.
It’s fair to say there’s been some anger about the decision, with one bar-chain owner describing the new rules as a “mortal blow” to his industry and up to 70 Conservative backbenchers reportedly threatening to rebel or abstain on next week’s Parliamentary vote.
The crux of the complaint from many MPs is that they don’t think the coronavirus risk in their area warrants being put under tougher restrictions, with all the economic and social damage that entails.
So how does the government decide which areas of England will go into which Tier? And can we tell if any local authorities have been treated unfairly?
Let’s take a look at what we know.
Five criteria
Matt Hancock told MPs yesterday that the decisions “have been made according to the best clinical advice, and the criteria that we set out in the COVID-19 Winter Plan.”
Those are: “case detection rates in all age groups, case detection rates in the over 60s, the rate at which cases are rising or falling, positivity rate (the number of positive cases detected as a percentage of tests taken), pressure on the NHS”.
Changing fortunes
And it’s not just about absolute numbers – the government also takes account of whether there’s been a change in any of the indicators.
This graph from Public Health England looks at one of the five indicators. It plots cases per 100,000 people in the week ending 19 November (along the bottom) against the equivalent figure for the previous week up the side (y) axis.
PHE says: “Bubbles above the diagonal dotted line show areas that have experienced a fall in their case rate over the past week.” Conversely, those below the dotted line have seen an uptick.
This goes some way to explaining why Kent is in Tier 3, despite having fewer cases per capita than places like Cheshire and Shropshire, which are in Tier 2. (Though it’s only one indicator and not always directly comparable between areas).
But while the graph seems to resolve one question, it raises another: why are so many parts of the North still in the top Tier if their case rates are falling?
The PHE analysis says: “This chart shows some decreases in weekly case rates in the north of England, and other areas where case rates are high but declining. Continued improvement over the coming period may make these areas candidates for de-escalation in the New Year”.
Unfair treatment?
So now we know this, can we work out whether any areas have been badly treated (or unfairly protected) by the latest announcement?
This analysis from the Financial Times has a go at the answer. It concludes that overall, Tiers are “correct” in most places, but suggests that some areas, like Stratford-upon-Avon, might have been treated more harshly than those in similar Covid situations. At the same time, it indicates boroughs in outer London might have been “let off”.
Though there are some important caveats. The FT assessment “weights” each of the five factors equally, but as the analysts themselves acknowledge, the government does not.
The Department of Health’s Winter Plan says: “The Government will need to maintain some flexibility to weight these indicators against each other as the context demands. For example, hospital capacity in a given area will need to be considered in the light of the capacity in neighbouring areas and the feasibility of moving patients. Case detection rates will need to be weighted against whether the spread of the virus appears to be localised to particular communities”.
Matt Hancock set out some detail yesterday on how different parts of England have been allocated their Tiers. It’s clear from the account he gives that certain factors weigh more heavily in some areas than in others.
We asked the Department of Health whether they would release more precise numerical data on weightings, which would allow us to replicate their calculations. They’ve yet to say if they’ll publish the information.
Other factors?
The government’s Winter Plan indicates that there might be more factors in play than the listed criteria, stating that Tiering decisions will be based only “primarily” on the five named indicators. And Matt Hancock gave himself some wiggle room when he referred to the “best clinical advice” sitting alongside the measures.
Back in October, the Department of Health gave FactCheck a list of eleven different datasets that formed part of its calculations.
These were: “the number of patients in hospital with coronavirus, seroprevalence, modelling data, ONS and React surveillance data, positivity rates and NHS indicators such as GP attendance, calls to the NHS 111 service and hospital admissions.”
(“Seroprevalence” is when the government analyses blood samples from donors to calculate how many people might have had coronavirus without any symptoms. “React surveillance data” comes from a major study by Imperial).
Six out of the eleven indicators are not included in the most recent list of official criteria, but as we’ve seen, those latest lists are not exhaustive. The Department of Health hasn’t confirmed whether any of these six are still included in the government’s calculations.
FactCheck verdict
The government says it decides which areas of England go into which Tiers “primarily” on the basis of five criteria: “case detection rates in all age groups, case detection rates in the over 60s, the rate at which cases are rising or falling, positivity rate (the number of positive cases detected as a percentage of tests taken), pressure on the NHS”.
This gives us some useful insight into what’s hitherto been an opaque process. One analysis using these measures finds that for the most part, areas have been sorted into the “correct” Tier, though it gestures towards possible outliers.
But there are still gaps in our knowledge. We don’t know how much weight each of the five factors is given in the Tiering decision. Indeed, the government has said that in some areas, certain indicators will bear more heavily on the outcome than they would in other parts of the country.
There are sound reasons for this (local authorities face unique circumstances which would be wrongly flattened out by a one-size-fits-all approach), and Matt Hancock has set out some detail for MPs. But we haven’t yet got a numerical account of how each factor is weighted in each area, which would allow us to do a more precise analysis.
We also have reason to believe that factors other than the five listed form part of the calculation. In October, we heard about six other indicators, but the government is yet to tell us whether these are still in play.


channel4uk--2020-11-28--Falsely imprisoned: The story behind the hit TV series For Life

A man imprisoned for a crime he didn ’ t commit is a familiar theme for a courtroom drama – @ @ @ @ @ distinctive is that it ’ s based on the real life story of Isaac Wright @ @ @ @ @ convicted of being a drugs kingpin and while in prison he vowed to change the @ @ @ @ @ .
We spoke to him and the actor Nicholas Pinnock who plays the character inspired @ @ @ @ @ series .

A man imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit is a familiar theme for a courtroom drama – but what makes For Life distinctive is that it’s based on the real life story of Isaac Wright Junior.
He was wrongly convicted of being a drugs kingpin and while in prison he vowed to change the system that put him there.
We spoke to him and the actor Nicholas Pinnock who plays the character inspired by his life in the series.


channel4uk--2020-11-28--Hundreds of young activists hold ‘Mock COP’ to fight for climate change action

Hundreds of young activists from across the world have been meeting virtually to demand action to tackle climate change .
@ @ @ @ @ summit in Glasgow has been postponed till next year because of the pandemic .
But @ @ @ @ @ involving more than 350 young campaigners in 150 countries , has gone ahead – and @ @ @ @ @ persuade governments to put their demands into practice .

Hundreds of young activists from across the world have been meeting virtually to demand action to tackle climate change.
The UN’s global summit in Glasgow has been postponed till next year because of the pandemic.
But the Mock COP event , involving more than 350 young campaigners in 150 countries, has gone ahead – and they’re hoping to persuade governments to put their demands into practice.


channel4uk--2020-11-28--Government appoints Nadhim Zahawi as vaccines minister

Nadhim Zahawi has been appointed as minister in charge of rolling out the Covid vaccine across England , as soon @ @ @ @ @ by regulators .
The Government has ordered almost 150 million doses of three different vaccines @ @ @ @ @ the rollout could begin as soon as next week .
In the last 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ cases have been confirmed in the UK .
A further 479 deaths have been reported @ @ @ @ @ to 58,030 .
But just days before England ’ s lockdown is eased – police @ @ @ @ @ during protests against the measures in central London .

Nadhim Zahawi has been appointed as minister in charge of rolling out the Covid vaccine across England, as soon as it’s approved by regulators.
The Government has ordered almost 150 million doses of three different vaccines – with some reports suggesting the rollout could begin as soon as next week.
In the last 24 hours – a further 15,871 new cases have been confirmed in the UK. A further 479 deaths have been reported – which takes the total to 58,030.
But just days before England’s lockdown is eased – police arrested more than 60 people during protests against the measures in central London.
Symeon Brown reports.


channel4uk--2020-11-28--‘Both sides’ political red lines seem to be trumping economic considerations’, says head of UK-EU re

‘Both sides’ political red lines seem to be trumping economic considerations’, says head of UK-EU relations think tank

We ’ re joined by Anand Menon – director of the ‘ UK in a Changing Europe ’ think tank @

We’re joined by Anand Menon – director of the ‘UK in a Changing Europe’ think tank.


channel4uk--2020-11-28--UK and EU hold last minute Brexit talks days before deadline

Face-to-face Brexit talks have begun again in London , with just days left before a trade deal has to be @ @ @ @ @ s chief negotiator Michel Barnier arrived in Westminster warning that the same sticking points remained @ @ @ @ @ and governance – while there ’ s growing scepticism among European countries that the sizeable @ @ @ @ @ can be resolved in time .
And a warning : there is flash photography from @ @ @ @ @ by Jane Deith .

Face-to-face Brexit talks have begun again in London, with just days left before a trade deal has to be agreed.
The EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier arrived in Westminster warning that the same sticking points remained over issues like fishing rights and governance – while there’s growing scepticism among European countries that the sizeable differences between the two sides can be resolved in time.
And a warning: there is flash photography from the start of this report by Jane Deith.


channel4uk--2020-11-29--Europe divided over Christmas virus rules

All across Europe it ’ s a familiar picture – getting through winter and Christmas while navigating a gradual way @ @ @ @ @ .
The relentlessly tough restrictions , and the consequent economic hardship , have sparked protests @ @ @ @ @ to Berlin .
While the authorities in many countries , reeling from the soaring case @ @ @ @ @ , are divided over how to let families meet up over Christmas – if at @ @

All across Europe it’s a familiar picture – getting through winter and Christmas while navigating a gradual way out of lockdown yet again.
The relentlessly tough restrictions, and the consequent economic hardship, have sparked protests on the streets from Madrid to Berlin.
While the authorities in many countries, reeling from the soaring case numbers of the second wave, are divided over how to let families meet up over Christmas – if at all.


channel4uk--2020-11-29--‘Why are we making everybody go into a tier they probably don’t need to be in?’, asks Conservative M

‘Why are we making everybody go into a tier they probably don’t need to be in?’, asks Conservative MP Pauline Latham

We spoke to Conservative MP Pauline Latham .
Her Mid Derbyshire constituency was in Tier 2 before the lockdown , @ @ @ @ @ Tier 3 next week .
We began by asking her whether she would vote with @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .

We spoke to Conservative MP Pauline Latham. Her Mid Derbyshire constituency was in Tier 2 before the lockdown, but will be put into Tier 3 next week.
We began by asking her whether she would vote with or against the government on Tuesday.


channel4uk--2020-11-29--Johnson fighting Tory revolt ahead of vote on new virus measures

Avoiding a third wave and a third lockdown .
That ’ s the issue uppermost on the Government ’ s @ @ @ @ @ promised Conservative MPs that England ’ s strict new tier system would be reviewed every @ @ @ @ @ s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has defended her handling of the crisis , amid figures @ @ @ @ @ north of the border in recent weeks .
Across the UK another 12,155 new cases @ @ @ @ @ last 24 hours .
A further 215 deaths have been reported , taking the total @ @ @

Avoiding a third wave and a third lockdown. That’s the issue uppermost on the Government’s mind – as Boris Johnson promised Conservative MPs that England’s strict new tier system would be reviewed every two weeks.
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has defended her handling of the crisis, amid figures showing a higher death rate north of the border in recent weeks.
Across the UK another 12,155 new cases have been confirmed over the last 24 hours. A further 215 deaths have been reported, taking the total to 58,245.


channel4uk--2020-11-29--UK in ‘last leg of negotiations’ over Brexit trade deal

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said the UK is now in “ the last leg ” of talks with the @ @ @ @ @ trade deal – claiming that a very narrow set of issues remained to be resolved @ @ @ @ @ out for a deal to be agreed .

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said the UK is now in “the last leg” of talks with the EU over a post Brexit trade deal – claiming that a very narrow set of issues remained to be resolved.
Time is fast running out for a deal to be agreed.


channel4uk--2020-11-30--Post-Brexit farming revolution ‘cannot afford to fail’, says National Farmers’ Union president

We ’ re joined by Minette Batters , president of the National Farmers ’ Union , which represents more than @ @ @ @ @ Wales .

We’re joined by Minette Batters, president of the National Farmers’ Union, which represents more than 55,000 farmers across England and Wales.


channel4uk--2020-11-30--Catching HIV early saves up to £250,000 per patient in long-term costs, says AIDS campaigner David F

Catching HIV early saves up to £250,000 per patient in long-term costs, says AIDS campaigner David Furnish

David Furnish spoke to Victoria Macdonald about why they set up the AIDS testing pilot study .

David Furnish spoke to Victoria Macdonald about why they set up the AIDS testing pilot study.


channel4uk--2020-11-30--Aids testing pilot backed by Elton John Aids Foundation hailed a success

In recent months the world ’ s attention has been consumed by one virus above all others .
But while @ @ @ @ @ , tens of millions of people across the world are still living with HIV .
@ @ @ @ @ London , backed by the Elton John Aids Foundation , is finding people who did @ @ @ @ @ with the virus , by testing people as they go into A & E .
@ @ @ @ @ HIV commission will call for testing to be expanded across England .

In recent months the world’s attention has been consumed by one virus above all others.
But while the pandemic continues to rage, tens of millions of people across the world are still living with HIV.
A pilot study in south London, backed by the Elton John Aids Foundation, is finding people who did not know they were infected with the virus, by testing people as they go into A&E.
On Tuesday, an independent HIV commission will call for testing to be expanded across England.


channel4uk--2020-11-30--Grenfell Tower: Manager apologises over fire safety email

A manager of a firm whose product was used on Grenfell Tower has apologised to the public inquiry into the @ @ @ @ @ his emails were read out .
Philip Heath , who works for the insulation manufacturer @ @ @ @ @ which he threatened legal action against someone who raised questions about fire safety – and @ @ @ @ @ him confused with someone who gives a dam ” .

A manager of a firm whose product was used on Grenfell Tower has apologised to the public inquiry into the disaster, after some of his emails were read out.
Philip Heath, who works for the insulation manufacturer Kingspan, sent messages in which he threatened legal action against someone who raised questions about fire safety – and suggested they were “getting him confused with someone who gives a dam”.


channel4uk--2020-11-30--Topshop owner Arcadia on brink of collapse

They are some of the biggest brands on the high street and have been for years .
But Topshop , @ @ @ @ @ and Burton could all soon vanish , as Sir Philip Green ’ s Arcadia retail @ @ @ @ @ of administration .
13,000 jobs are at risk in what would be the biggest retail @ @ @ @ @ .
MPs and unions have called for Sir Philip to use his personal fortune to @ @ @ @ @ in the group ’ s pension scheme , if the firm can not be saved @

They are some of the biggest brands on the high street and have been for years.
But Topshop, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins and Burton could all soon vanish, as Sir Philip Green’s Arcadia retail empire teeters on the edge of administration.
13,000 jobs are at risk in what would be the biggest retail failure of the coronavirus crisis.
MPs and unions have called for Sir Philip to use his personal fortune to plug a £350 million gap in the group’s pension scheme, if the firm cannot be saved.


channel4uk--2020-11-30--Arcadia boss should use his wealth to ensure employees ‘do not suffer’, says Lord Myners

We were joined by Lord Myners , who was city minister under Gordon Brown .
He is also a former @ @ @ @ @ Green , having fought off the Arcadia boss ’ s attempted takeover of Marks and @ @ @ @ @ .

We were joined by Lord Myners, who was city minister under Gordon Brown.
He is also a former business rival of Sir Philip Green, having fought off the Arcadia boss’s attempted takeover of Marks and Spencer in the early 2000s.


channel4uk--2020-11-30--Wales to ban alcohol in pubs after 6pm

Wales to ban alcohol in pubs after 6pm

In the seesaw of lockdowns , Wales is due to tighten up as England loosens up a fraction .
Although @ @ @ @ @ firebreak ” lockdown before England , cases have risen alarmingly since it was lifted .
@ @ @ @ @ all indoor hospitality will close at 6pm and no alcohol will be served anywhere .
@ @ @ @ @ the pub , but it will feel like a tearoom .

In the seesaw of lockdowns, Wales is due to tighten up as England loosens up a fraction.
Although Wales entered its second “firebreak” lockdown before England, cases have risen alarmingly since it was lifted.
So, from Friday, all indoor hospitality will close at 6pm and no alcohol will be served anywhere. You can still go to the pub, but it will feel like a tearoom.


channel4uk--2020-11-30--Efficacy of Covid vaccines ‘give greater cause for optimism’, epidemiologist says

We were joined by Prof Steven Riley .
He ’ s an epidemiologist at Imperial College London , and is @ @ @ @ @ which models the pandemic for Sage and an author of the React Study .
We @ @ @ @ @ he was surprised at the drop in the infection rate reported in his study ?

We were joined by Prof Steven Riley.
He’s an epidemiologist at Imperial College London, and is a member of the group which models the pandemic for Sage and an author of the React Study.
We began by asking him if he was surprised at the drop in the infection rate reported in his study?


channel4uk--2020-11-30--Matt Hancock says English lockdown has helped bring pandemic ‘under control’

Health secretary Matt Hancock said the lockdown had helped bring the pandemic “ back under control ” .
He touted @ @ @ @ @ by Imperial College London , a survey of 105,000 people which suggests coronavirus infections have @ @ @ @ @ ’ s lockdown .
So is it a coincidence , or are the tougher measures @ @

Health secretary Matt Hancock said the lockdown had helped bring the pandemic “back under control”.
He touted figures from the React study by Imperial College London, a survey of 105,000 people which suggests coronavirus infections have dropped a third during England’s lockdown.
So is it a coincidence, or are the tougher measures working?


channel4uk--2020-11-30--UK Parliament to vote on tougher Covid tiers – as study suggests virus cases fell by third in Novemb

UK Parliament to vote on tougher Covid tiers – as study suggests virus cases fell by third in November

Boris Johnson has defended his decision to put most of England into the top two tiers of coronavirus restrictions from @ @ @ @ @ own backbenchers are furious about the effect that will have on hospitality businesses in their @ @ @ @ @ them that although he understands the frustration it will cause , the measures are designed @ @ @ @ @ to keep the virus under control .
Latest figures show there have been another 12,330 @ @ @ @ @ in the last 24 hours and a further 205 deaths have been reported , bringing @ @ @ @ @

Boris Johnson has defended his decision to put most of England into the top two tiers of coronavirus restrictions from Wednesday.
Many of his own backbenchers are furious about the effect that will have on hospitality businesses in their constituencies.
But he told them that although he understands the frustration it will cause, the measures are designed to be tough in order to keep the virus under control.
Latest figures show there have been another 12,330 new cases of the virus in the last 24 hours and a further 205 deaths have been reported, bringing the total to 58,448.


channel4uk--2020-11-30--Farmers to be paid for improving wildlife under post-Brexit farming policy changes

Tens of thousands of farms rely heavily on subsidies from the EU – and the more land you own , @ @ @ @ @ .
But the plan is to phase out these payments completely , over seven years @ @ @ @ @ scheme that rewards things like planting woodlands and improving wildlife .
But , at a @ @ @ @ @ cost more , could it push up prices further ?

Tens of thousands of farms rely heavily on subsidies from the EU – and the more land you own, the more money you get.
But the plan is to phase out these payments completely, over seven years, replacing them with a scheme that rewards things like planting woodlands and improving wildlife.
But, at a time when imported food could cost more, could it push up prices further?


channel4uk--2020-11-30--FactCheck: will England tier restrictions cost ‘almost £1bn’ a day?

That was the claim from Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood this morning .
He was speaking ahead of tomorrow ’ s parliamentary vote which is set to enshrine the new tiered Covid restrictions for England into law .
Mr Ellwood , whose Bournemouth East constituency is destined for Tier 2 on Wednesday , is among a number of backbenchers to express unhappiness over the new rules , which many fear will deliver a hammer blow to the hospitality sector .
So is the figure accurate ?
We asked Mr Ellwood for the source of his claim .
It looks like it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday Telegraph , which says “ Boris Johnson ’ s decision to impose tougher Covid tiers ‘ will cost £900 million a day ’ ” .
It bases the figure on analysis by the Centre for Business Research ( CEBR ) think tank , which predicts GDP will be 13 per cent lower in December than the same time last year .
But there are some important caveats .
The economist behind the analysis , Douglas McWilliams , told FactCheck it ’ s based on a comparison between December 2020 projections and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s important because it means that the £900m figure can not tell us how costly the tier system is in and of itself – as opposed to other types of restrictions , or a situation where the pandemic is ongoing but there are no official restrictions in place .
So can we separate these things out ?
It all depends on what we use as the “ counterfactual ” or “ road-not-taken ” scenario .
Mr McWilliams told us that his “ very rough estimate [ … ] is that compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other restrictions ended at the beginning of December , the fall in GDP might be around half of the 13 per cent ” .
On that basis , according to this research , the tier system would see the economy £450m per day worse off compared to a “ pandemic-but-no-restrictions ” December .
Though Mr McWilliams was keen to stress that all of these numbers are “ rough estimates [ … ] and no more ” .
And of course , the choice is not binary : it ’ s not tiered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government could have gone for any number of alternative routes .
The cost of those have not been quantified here – so we ’ re still left with a situation where we can ’ t say how much the tiered system will cost the economy versus other options available .

“We must also recognise that every day this tier system will cost the economy about almost a billion pounds”
That was the claim from Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood this morning. He was speaking ahead of tomorrow’s parliamentary vote which is set to enshrine the new tiered Covid restrictions for England into law.
Mr Ellwood, whose Bournemouth East constituency is destined for Tier 2 on Wednesday, is among a number of backbenchers to express unhappiness over the new rules, which many fear will deliver a hammer blow to the hospitality sector.
So is the figure accurate?
The source
We asked Mr Ellwood for the source of his claim. It looks like it’s from this article in the Sunday Telegraph, which says “Boris Johnson’s decision to impose tougher Covid tiers ‘will cost £900 million a day’”.
It bases the figure on analysis by the Centre for Business Research (CEBR) think tank, which predicts GDP will be 13 per cent lower in December than the same time last year.
The catch
But there are some important caveats.
The economist behind the analysis, Douglas McWilliams, told FactCheck it’s based on a comparison between December 2020 projections and a “normal”, pre-pandemic situation.
That’s important because it means that the £900m figure cannot tell us how costly the tier system is in and of itself – as opposed to other types of restrictions, or a situation where the pandemic is ongoing but there are no official restrictions in place.
So can we separate these things out? It all depends on what we use as the “counterfactual” or “road-not-taken” scenario.
Mr McWilliams told us that his “very rough estimate […] is that compared with what might have happened had lockdown and other restrictions ended at the beginning of December, the fall in GDP might be around half of the 13 per cent”.
On that basis, according to this research, the tier system would see the economy £450m per day worse off compared to a “pandemic-but-no-restrictions” December. Though Mr McWilliams was keen to stress that all of these numbers are “rough estimates […] and no more”.
And of course, the choice is not binary: it’s not tiered restrictions or nothing at all. The government could have gone for any number of alternative routes.
The cost of those have not been quantified here – so we’re still left with a situation where we can’t say how much the tiered system will cost the economy versus other options available.