channel4uk--2020-12-01--FactCheck: government won’t say how much tiered restrictions will cost economy

Parliament votes today on whether to return to tiered Covid restrictions in England once the four-week lockdown ends tonight .
In a bid to quell disquiet from many Conservative backbenchers , the government published an “ Analysis of the health , economic and social effects of COVID-19 and the approach to tiering ” last night .
It was supposed to give MPs the information they needed to make an informed decision about today ’ s vote .
But , despite containing a chapter titled “ Economic impacts of tiers ” , the document doesn ’ t actually tell us what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy .
It even says : “ it is not possible to precisely estimate the economic impacts of any specific restrictions ” .
Instead , it sets out three scenarios devised by the independent spending watchdog , the Office for Budget Responsibility ( OBR ) .
In the “ upside ” forecast , the OBR considers what would happen if Test and Trace were working effectively , the country were in restrictions equivalent to England ’ s Tier 2 until spring , and a vaccine were widely available shortly after that .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Trace is “ partly effective ” , vaccines roll out in mid-2021 , and the UK is under Tier 3-style rules until spring .
The “ downside ” imagines what would happen if the Test and Trace system were “ ineffective ” , regulations were stricter than Tier 3 , and no vaccine ever became widely available .
All three forecasts make for sober reading , with a significant fall in GDP and a surge in unemployment in even the best case .
But as the government analysis document says , these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detail of specific restrictions ” .
That ’ s because each situation contains multiple different assumptions about the progress of the pandemic .
It ’ s not just the tiered restrictions that change in between scenarios : vaccine rollout dates and Test and Trace effectiveness do too .
It ’ s also possible to have elements from different scenarios happening at once , as the government says , “ if the rollout of a vaccine is earlier than expected , then the short-term economic costs may be less than forecast in [ the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
But those variations are not modelled separately .
So we can ’ t tell from this whether it ’ s the tiered restrictions themselves or one of those other factors that accounts for the different economic results between the three scenarios .
There ’ s a further problem , as Dr Flavio Toxvaerd , University Lecturer in the Faculty of Economics at the University of Cambridge , points out .
“ The key difficulty in analysing the effects of the lockdown is to assess what would happen with the disease and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , he says .
“ The Treasury ’ s release is clear on this important point but stops short of performing the required analysis.
” He continues : “ To make things worse , they don ’ t heed their own advice and in places suggest that government restrictions have had significant impact on the economy .
The evidence they present does not support this conclusion , as the economic effects we see are the consequences of both the epidemic and of the restrictions introduced to contain it.
” So the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set out the economic effects of the tiered system , but for various reasons , the analysis fails to shed any light , and even claims it ’ s not possible to make such an assessment .
It leaves us with the thorny question : did the government announce the decision to introduce tiered restrictions in England without first estimating the economic effect of the policy ?
Or if they did make an assessment , why hasn ’ t it been published ?
We put that to the Treasury .
A government spokesperson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Plan puts forward the UK Government ’ s programme for suppressing the virus , protecting the NHS and the vulnerable , keeping education and the economy going , and providing a route back to normality .
“ As this paper sets out , the balance of evidence supports the need for our tiered approach .
“ Tiering decisions are based on recommendations from a range of national and regional public health experts and we will continue to work closely with local leaders to drive down local infection rates .
”

Parliament votes today on whether to return to tiered Covid restrictions in England once the four-week lockdown ends tonight.
In a bid to quell disquiet from many Conservative backbenchers, the government published an “Analysis of the health, economic and social effects of COVID-19 and the approach to tiering” last night.
It was supposed to give MPs the information they needed to make an informed decision about today’s vote.
But, despite containing a chapter titled “Economic impacts of tiers”, the document doesn’t actually tell us what effect the policy will have on the economy. It even says: “it is not possible to precisely estimate the economic impacts of any specific restrictions”.
Instead, it sets out three scenarios devised by the independent spending watchdog, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).
In the “upside” forecast, the OBR considers what would happen if Test and Trace were working effectively, the country were in restrictions equivalent to England’s Tier 2 until spring, and a vaccine were widely available shortly after that.
In the “central” scenario, Test and Trace is “partly effective”, vaccines roll out in mid-2021, and the UK is under Tier 3-style rules until spring.
The “downside” imagines what would happen if the Test and Trace system were “ineffective”, regulations were stricter than Tier 3, and no vaccine ever became widely available.
All three forecasts make for sober reading, with a significant fall in GDP and a surge in unemployment in even the best case.
But as the government analysis document says, these scenarios “do not model the precise detail of specific restrictions”.
That’s because each situation contains multiple different assumptions about the progress of the pandemic. It’s not just the tiered restrictions that change in between scenarios: vaccine rollout dates and Test and Trace effectiveness do too.
It’s also possible to have elements from different scenarios happening at once, as the government says, “if the rollout of a vaccine is earlier than expected, then the short-term economic costs may be less than forecast in [the central scenario], and vice versa”. But those variations are not modelled separately.
So we can’t tell from this whether it’s the tiered restrictions themselves or one of those other factors that accounts for the different economic results between the three scenarios.
There’s a further problem, as Dr Flavio Toxvaerd, University Lecturer in the Faculty of Economics at the University of Cambridge, points out. “The key difficulty in analysing the effects of the lockdown is to assess what would happen with the disease and the economy in the absence of restrictions”, he says.
“The Treasury’s release is clear on this important point but stops short of performing the required analysis.”
He continues: “To make things worse, they don’t heed their own advice and in places suggest that government restrictions have had significant impact on the economy. The evidence they present does not support this conclusion, as the economic effects we see are the consequences of both the epidemic and of the restrictions introduced to contain it.”
So the government has published a document that purports to set out the economic effects of the tiered system, but for various reasons, the analysis fails to shed any light, and even claims it’s not possible to make such an assessment.
It leaves us with the thorny question: did the government announce the decision to introduce tiered restrictions in England without first estimating the economic effect of the policy? Or if they did make an assessment, why hasn’t it been published? We put that to the Treasury.
A government spokesperson told FactCheck: “Our COVID-19 Winter Plan puts forward the UK Government’s programme for suppressing the virus, protecting the NHS and the vulnerable, keeping education and the economy going, and providing a route back to normality.
“As this paper sets out, the balance of evidence supports the need for our tiered approach.
“Tiering decisions are based on recommendations from a range of national and regional public health experts and we will continue to work closely with local leaders to drive down local infection rates.”


channel4uk--2020-12-01--Series 6, Episode 15: Bim Afolami

Series 6, Episode 15: Bim Afolami

Bim Afolami is a Conservative MP , who was elected in 2017 to represent Hitchin and Harpenden .
His family @ @ @ @ @ he has recently written and spoken about the way Black people are perceived in politics @ @ @ @ @ about his experience within the world of politics , whether political discourse has become too @ @ @ @ @ .
You can listen to and subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts here .
@ @ @ @ @ , CastBox and other good podcast apps .
So join us as we explore the @ @ @ @ @ we think , act and live – and how much impact we can really have @ @ @ @ @ version of each interview is available on our Channel 4 News YouTube channel – hit @ @ @ @ @ when a new episode is published .

Bim Afolami is a Conservative MP, who was elected in 2017 to represent Hitchin and Harpenden.
His family are Nigerien by origin and he has recently written and spoken about the way Black people are perceived in politics.
He talks to Krishnan about his experience within the world of politics, whether political discourse has become too violent and on Scottish independence.
Listen and subscribe
You can listen to and subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts here.
Or on Spotify, Acast, CastBox and other good podcast apps.
So join us as we explore the big ideas changing the way we think, act and live – and how much impact we can really have as individuals.
A filmed version of each interview is available on our Channel 4 News YouTube channel – hit subscribe to keep updated on when a new episode is published.


channel4uk--2020-12-01--Boris Johnson says people should get Covid test before visiting elderly relatives for Christmas

Boris Johnson has suggested that anyone who wants to visit elderly relatives over Christmas should get a rapid coronavirus test @ @ @ @ @ testing won ’ t be fully up and running in many areas until the new @ @ @ @ @ offering local authorities in England the chance to get funding for mass testing programmes , @ @ @ @ @ Liverpool .
But they ’ re not likely to get help from the armed forces @ @ @ @

Boris Johnson has suggested that anyone who wants to visit elderly relatives over Christmas should get a rapid coronavirus test, despite warnings that community testing won’t be fully up and running in many areas until the new year.
The government is offering local authorities in England the chance to get funding for mass testing programmes, after a pilot scheme in Liverpool. But they’re not likely to get help from the armed forces in large numbers.


channel4uk--2020-12-01--‘If children are at home and not being seen… it’s hard to know where new problems are emerging’ – Of

‘If children are at home and not being seen… it’s hard to know where new problems are emerging’ – Ofsted chief inspector on special needs education during pandemic

We spoke to the Ofsted chief inspector Amanda Spielman about whether the most vulnerable young people in our society have @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .

We spoke to the Ofsted chief inspector Amanda Spielman about whether the most vulnerable young people in our society have suffered the most during the coronavirus pandemic.


channel4uk--2020-12-01--Children with special needs will suffer “lasting harm” from lockdown, says watchdog

The education watchdog has warned that children with special needs and disabilities will suffer “ lasting harm ” after crucial @ @ @ @ @ suspended when the country first went into lockdown .
Meanwhile , the Ofsted chief inspector @ @ @ @ @ of vulnerable children was a real cause for concern .

The education watchdog has warned that children with special needs and disabilities will suffer “lasting harm” after crucial support services in England were suspended when the country first went into lockdown.
Meanwhile, the Ofsted chief inspector said the “invisibility” of vulnerable children was a real cause for concern.


channel4uk--2020-12-01--Far-right MEP resigns after attending an alleged sex party

An MEP from Hungary ’ s far-right Fidesz party has resigned after being caught when police raided an alleged sex @ @ @ @ @ party was attended by around 20 people – mostly men – in clear breach of @ @ @ @ @ initially said he had been under “ mental strain ” , but later offered a @ @ @ @ @ the rules of assembly ” .
Other diplomats were also said to have taken part @ @ @ @ @

An MEP from Hungary’s far-right Fidesz party has resigned after being caught when police raided an alleged sex party in Brussels. The party was attended by around 20 people – mostly men – in clear breach of coronavirus rules. Jozsef Szajer initially said he had been under “mental strain”, but later offered a full apology for “violating the rules of assembly”. Other diplomats were also said to have taken part in the secret party.


channel4uk--2020-12-01--Puberty blockers for under-16s ruled on by High Court judges

In a landmark ruling , the High Court has declared that teenagers under the age of 16 are unlikely to @ @ @ @ @ informed consent to take puberty blockers for gender reassignment .
The ruling followed a legal @ @ @ @ @ Portman NHS Trust , which runs England ’ s only gender identity service for children @ @ @ @ @ brought the action , said the judgment would protect vulnerable young people – but trans @ @ @ @ @ absolutely devastating blow ” .

In a landmark ruling, the High Court has declared that teenagers under the age of 16 are unlikely to be mature enough to give informed consent to take puberty blockers for gender reassignment. The ruling followed a legal challenge against the Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust, which runs England’s only gender identity service for children.
Keira Bell, who brought the action, said the judgment would protect vulnerable young people – but trans campaigners called it an “absolutely devastating blow”.


channel4uk--2020-12-01--‘Whenever another retailer goes… one does feel the chill winds’ – Waterstones boss on collapse of De

‘Whenever another retailer goes… one does feel the chill winds’ – Waterstones boss on collapse of Debenhams

Thousands of job losses loom after the collapse of last minute efforts to rescue the high street retail chain Debenhams @ @ @ @ @ all 124 stores around the country .
This is just the latest gloomy news from @ @ @ @ @ hit by coronavirus restrictions.We spoke to Julie Abraham , the boss of the hi-fi and @ @ @ @ @ and to James Daunt , the CEO of Waterstones .

Thousands of job losses loom after the collapse of last minute efforts to rescue the high street retail chain Debenhams – now set to close all 124 stores around the country. This is just the latest gloomy news from a British retail sector hard hit by coronavirus restrictions.We spoke to Julie Abraham, the boss of the hi-fi and TV chain Richer Sounds, and to James Daunt, the CEO of Waterstones.


channel4uk--2020-12-01--How the pandemic is pushing people into poverty

This year , hundreds of thousands of families face a bleak Christmas .
We have been to meet some of @ @ @ @ @ steady jobs and secure incomes – but whose hopes for the future have been wiped @ @ @ @ @ Here are the stories of eight of those now struggling to make ends meet .

This year, hundreds of thousands of families face a bleak Christmas. We have been to meet some of those who started 2020 with steady jobs and secure incomes – but whose hopes for the future have been wiped out with the pandemic. Here are the stories of eight of those now struggling to make ends meet.


channel4uk--2020-12-01--‘It was with a heavy heart I supported the government today’ – Tory MP Mel Stride

Tory MP and Chair of the Treasury Committee , Mel Stride , spoke to Matt Frei about supporting the government @ @ @ @ @ for England .
None of the MPs who said they ’ d rebel wanted to @ @ @ @ @ , but instead we spoke to Lord Jonathan Sumption , a former Supreme Court Judge @ @ @ @ @

Tory MP and Chair of the Treasury Committee, Mel Stride, spoke to Matt Frei about supporting the government’s Covid tier plan for England.
None of the MPs who said they’d rebel wanted to talk to Channel 4 News, but instead we spoke to Lord Jonathan Sumption, a former Supreme Court Judge who supports their view.


channel4uk--2020-12-01--MPs vote on England’s new Covid restrictions

Boris Johnson has told MPs that the country needs to “ hold our nerve ” for a few more months @ @ @ @ @ deployed .
He made the remarks as he appealed to rebel backbenchers , urging them @ @ @ @ @ tough new tier system .
We report as MPs vote on the new measures , @ @ @ @ @ said they won ’ t back the plans – despite a promise of a £1,000 @ @ @ @ @ remain closed .
Labour will abstain , but said the economic help for those worst @ @ @ @ @ .

Boris Johnson has told MPs that the country needs to “hold our nerve” for a few more months, before coronavirus vaccines are deployed. He made the remarks as he appealed to rebel backbenchers, urging them to support England’s tough new tier system.
We report as MPs vote on the new measures, after a string of Conservatives said they won’t back the plans – despite a promise of a £1,000 grant to pubs forced to remain closed.
Labour will abstain, but said the economic help for those worst hit was nowhere near enough.


channel4uk--2020-12-01--Debenhams set to close – 12,000 jobs at risk across UK

It ’ s another major casualty on the British high street : Debenhams is set to close all its 124 @ @ @ @ @ of 12,000 employees at risk .
Efforts to rescue the struggling retailer collapsed when JD @ @ @ @ @ bidder , pulled out .
It ’ s just days after the Arcadia Group went @ @ @ @ @ potential loss of thousands more jobs .
With high streets deserted by lockdowns , and @ @ @ @ @ , other big names could follow .

It’s another major casualty on the British high street: Debenhams is set to close all its 124 stores, putting the jobs of 12,000 employees at risk.
Efforts to rescue the struggling retailer collapsed when JD Sports, the last remaining bidder, pulled out. It’s just days after the Arcadia Group went into administration – with the potential loss of thousands more jobs.
With high streets deserted by lockdowns, and many people reluctant to spend, other big names could follow.


channel4uk--2020-12-01--Post-Brexit farming policy ‘less a revolution, more an evolution’ – Environment Secretary George Eus

Post-Brexit farming policy ‘less a revolution, more an evolution’ – Environment Secretary George Eustice

We spoke to the environment secretary George Eustice and started by asking him why the government had made such a @ @ @ @ @ when we don ’ t even know yet what kind of Brexit deal we ’ @ @ @ @ @ if any .

We spoke to the environment secretary George Eustice and started by asking him why the government had made such a revolutionary move with farming, when we don’t even know yet what kind of Brexit deal we’re going to get, if any.


channel4uk--2020-12-02--Cornwall residents in Tier One restrictions call for visitor rules

There are very few places left under the new tier system where you can socialise with someone else indoors or @ @ @ @ @ to buy a Scotch egg .
Along with the Isle of Wight and the Scilly @ @ @ @ @ to just one percent of England ’ s population – and the only county on @ @ @ @ @ the lowest Tier one alert .
But despite the obvious relief among residents – many @ @ @ @ @ from higher tiers to keep to their own , stricter rules if they visit the @ @

There are very few places left under the new tier system where you can socialise with someone else indoors or have a drink without having to buy a Scotch egg.
Along with the Isle of Wight and the Scilly Isles is Cornwall – home to just one percent of England’s population – and the only county on the mainland which is in the lowest Tier one alert.
But despite the obvious relief among residents – many are calling on any tourists from higher tiers to keep to their own, stricter rules if they visit the area.


channel4uk--2020-12-02--‘We’ve got to persuade… those across the country about what a game changer this is’ – Sadiq Khan on

‘We’ve got to persuade… those across the country about what a game changer this is’ – Sadiq Khan on Covid vaccine

We spoke to the Mayor of London , Sadiq Khan , about mistrust of the coronavirus vaccine .

We spoke to the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, about mistrust of the coronavirus vaccine.


channel4uk--2020-12-02--The churches tackling Covid-19 vaccine mistrust

For most of us , today ’ s news about the coronavirus vaccine is reason to hope again – that @ @ @ @ @ be like this , and life will one day return to something more normal .
@ @ @ @ @ , the jab is something to fear .
A snap poll by YouGov has found @ @ @ @ @ traditionally has a high take up of immunisations , one in five Britons are not @ @ @ @ @ .
We ’ ve been to Croydon in south London , where the first wave @ @ @ @ @ – and where some residents are mistrustful of the authorities .
Told through two churches @ @ @ @ @ are the stories of those trying to help their congregations to have faith .

For most of us, today’s news about the coronavirus vaccine is reason to hope again – that it won’t always be like this, and life will one day return to something more normal.
But, for some people, the jab is something to fear. A snap poll by YouGov has found that, although the UK traditionally has a high take up of immunisations, one in five Britons are not confident the vaccine is safe.
We’ve been to Croydon in south London, where the first wave hit early and hit hard – and where some residents are mistrustful of the authorities.
Told through two churches in the area, these are the stories of those trying to help their congregations to have faith.


channel4uk--2020-12-02--After violent clashes, Bobi Wine resumes Ugandan presidential election campaign

Uganda ’ s leading opposition presidential contender has resumed his campaign following violence yesterday .
Two people were reportedly killed @ @ @ @ @ staff was hit in the face by a rubber bullet fired by police .
The @ @ @ @ @ the name Bobi Wine , is wildly popular among young Ugandans .
He is attempting @ @ @ @ @ , who ’ s seeking a sixth term after 35 years in power .
In @ @ @ @ @ 4 News was filming with Bobi Wine during yesterday ’ s campaigning and the chaos @ @ @

Uganda’s leading opposition presidential contender has resumed his campaign following violence yesterday.
Two people were reportedly killed and one of his campaign staff was hit in the face by a rubber bullet fired by police.
The popstar-turned-politician, who goes by the name Bobi Wine, is wildly popular among young Ugandans. He is attempting to unseat President Yoweri Museveni, who’s seeking a sixth term after 35 years in power.
In this exclusive report, Channel 4 News was filming with Bobi Wine during yesterday’s campaigning and the chaos that ensued.


channel4uk--2020-12-02--Football fans welcomed back to stadiums in limited numbers

After shutting them out for months , some English professional football clubs are welcoming a limited number of fans back @ @ @ @ @ of the first matches to take place – with supporters cheering on from the stands @ @ @ @ @ Stoke City .

After shutting them out for months, some English professional football clubs are welcoming a limited number of fans back into their stadiums.
One of the first matches to take place – with supporters cheering on from the stands – is Wycombe Wanderers versus Stoke City.


channel4uk--2020-12-02--Shops and gyms reopen as England enters new tier system

Shops across England have been welcoming customers again , after the four week national lockdown was lifted , with queues @ @ @ @ @ But 99 % of the country will still be under strict coronavirus measures , banning @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s creating problems for hospitality venues , which remain closed in large swathes @ @ @ @ @ retailers are hoping for a boost in sales in the vital weeks before Christmas .

Shops across England have been welcoming customers again, after the four week national lockdown was lifted, with queues forming outside some stores.
But 99% of the country will still be under strict coronavirus measures, banning households from mixing indoors.
That’s creating problems for hospitality venues, which remain closed in large swathes of the country, while retailers are hoping for a boost in sales in the vital weeks before Christmas.


channel4uk--2020-12-02--Country faces a ‘dilemma’ if not enough people get vaccinated against Covid, immunisation expert say

Country faces a ‘dilemma’ if not enough people get vaccinated against Covid, immunisation expert says

We ’ re joined by professor David Salisbury , who is a former director of immunisation at the Department of @ @ @ @ @ Katrina Pollock , a vaccine specialist at Imperial College London .
We also asked to @ @ @ @ @ government about today ’ s vaccine announcement , but no-one was made available .

We’re joined by professor David Salisbury, who is a former director of immunisation at the Department of Health, and by Dr Katrina Pollock, a vaccine specialist at Imperial College London.
We also asked to speak to someone from the government about today’s vaccine announcement, but no-one was made available.


channel4uk--2020-12-02--Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine approved for rollout in UK from next week

This is a huge moment , the prime minister declared today – with the Covid vaccine rollout beginning as soon @ @ @ @ @ over 80s will be first in line , with care home residents having to wait @ @ @ @ @ the logistical challenge of transporting the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine are overcome .
50 hospitals in England @ @ @ @ @ community venues like sports stadiums and conference centres also being pressed into action as vaccine @ @ @ @ @ the first vaccines there early next week , while Wales hopes to start its roll-out @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Johnson said approving the jab meant we could now be “ sure and @ @ @ @ @ to normal life/ But he warned there are long months ahead .

This is a huge moment, the prime minister declared today – with the Covid vaccine rollout beginning as soon as next week.
The over 80s will be first in line, with care home residents having to wait just a little longer until the logistical challenge of transporting the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine are overcome.
50 hospitals in England are on standby, with community venues like sports stadiums and conference centres also being pressed into action as vaccine centres.
Scotland will begin the first vaccines there early next week, while Wales hopes to start its roll-out within 7 to 14 days.
Mr Johnson said approving the jab meant we could now be “sure and certain” of a return to normal life/ But he warned there are long months ahead.


channel4uk--2020-12-02--FactCheck: Brexit did not speed up UK vaccine authorisation

The UK has become the first country in the world to authorise the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for use , with the rollout due to start next week .
Amid the excitement , Matt Hancock told an interviewer : His colleagues Jacob Rees Mogg and Nadine Dorries made similar comments on Twitter this morning .
But it ’ s not correct .
Here ’ s why .
Today ’ s decision comes from the UK ’ s independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency ( MHRA ) .
It ’ s long worked in tandem with the European Medicines Agency ( EMA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use .
When we were part of the EU , the EMA had areas of jurisdiction that meant only it could make decisions about certain types of medicine , including vaccines .
National regulators like the MHRA couldn ’ t get involved .
When the UK left the EU on 31 January this year , we entered the “ transition period ” , which means the European regulations we adopted during our time in the trade bloc are still in effect until the end of 2020 .
That includes the rule that says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EMA instead of national regulators .
But as a UK government press release from 23 November 2020 states : “ if a suitable COVID-19 vaccine candidate , [ … ] becomes available before the end of the transition period , EU legislation which we have implemented via Regulation 174 of the Human Medicines Regulations allows the MHRA to temporarily authorise the supply of a medicine or vaccine , based on public health need.
” So even if we were still a member of the EU , the UK regulator would have been able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because EU law already allows it .
Incidentally , that legislation took effect in the UK in 2012 , long before Brexit was on the cards .
Asked whether Brexit had sped up the process , the head of the MHRA , Dr June Raine , said today : “ We have been able to authorise the supply of the vaccine using provisions under European law which exist until 1 January.
” She added that the regulator ’ s “ speed or our progress has been totally dependent on the availability of data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rigorous assessment and independent advice we have received ” .
What about that new legislation Matt Hancock mentioned ?
In October 2020 , the government announced it would amend regulation 174 of the Human Medicines Regulations ( the same piece of EU-derived law discussed today ) .
But , as the government ’ s own consultation document set out , the amendments would only “ clarify ” the situation because the existing law was already adequate for coronavirus vaccines .
Here ’ s what the government said : “ If the need arises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form , could be used to authorise nationwide distribution and supply of an unlicensed COVID-19 vaccine ( or treatment ) in the UK , as well as other potential products .
“ In practice , this means that , if a suitable COVID-19 vaccine candidate – with strong supporting evidence of safety , quality and efficacy – became available before the end of the transition period but it had not yet been licensed by the European Medicines Agency , regulation 174 could be used to enable temporary UK-only deployment .
”

The UK has become the first country in the world to authorise the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for use, with the rollout due to start next week. Amid the excitement, Matt Hancock told an interviewer:
“It is absolutely clear that because we’ve left the EU I was able to change the law so that the UK alone could make this authorisation decision. So because we’ve left the EU, we’ve been able to move faster.”
His colleagues Jacob Rees Mogg and Nadine Dorries made similar comments on Twitter this morning.
But it’s not correct. Here’s why.
Today’s decision comes from the UK’s independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). It’s long worked in tandem with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) deciding which drugs are safe for use.
When we were part of the EU, the EMA had areas of jurisdiction that meant only it could make decisions about certain types of medicine, including vaccines. National regulators like the MHRA couldn’t get involved.
When the UK left the EU on 31 January this year, we entered the “transition period”, which means the European regulations we adopted during our time in the trade bloc are still in effect until the end of 2020.
That includes the rule that says vaccines generally must be authorised by the EMA instead of national regulators.
But as a UK government press release from 23 November 2020 states: “if a suitable COVID-19 vaccine candidate, […] becomes available before the end of the transition period, EU legislation which we have implemented via Regulation 174 of the Human Medicines Regulations allows the MHRA to temporarily authorise the supply of a medicine or vaccine, based on public health need.”
So even if we were still a member of the EU, the UK regulator would have been able to take this decision on its own because EU law already allows it. Incidentally, that legislation took effect in the UK in 2012, long before Brexit was on the cards.
Asked whether Brexit had sped up the process, the head of the MHRA, Dr June Raine, said today: “We have been able to authorise the supply of the vaccine using provisions under European law which exist until 1 January.”
She added that the regulator’s “speed or our progress has been totally dependent on the availability of data in our rolling review, and the rigorous assessment and independent advice we have received”.
What about that new legislation Matt Hancock mentioned?
In October 2020, the government announced it would amend regulation 174 of the Human Medicines Regulations (the same piece of EU-derived law discussed today).
But, as the government’s own consultation document set out, the amendments would only “clarify” the situation because the existing law was already adequate for coronavirus vaccines.
Here’s what the government said: “If the need arises, regulation 174, in its present form, could be used to authorise nationwide distribution and supply of an unlicensed COVID-19 vaccine (or treatment) in the UK, as well as other potential products.
“In practice, this means that, if a suitable COVID-19 vaccine candidate – with strong supporting evidence of safety, quality and efficacy – became available before the end of the transition period but it had not yet been licensed by the European Medicines Agency, regulation 174 could be used to enable temporary UK-only deployment.”
3 December update
Since we published this article, we’ve been asked by several readers: didn’t EU nations decide to “move as one” when it came to vaccines? Wouldn’t that have slowed the UK down if we were still a member?
In October, the European Commission issued a “Communication” after EU countries agreed that no individual national regulator would move faster than the EMA.
It’s true that if Britain were still part of the trading bloc, we’d have been under political pressure to be part of that arrangement.
But the European Commission confirmed to FactCheck that “there was no legal obligation to sign up to the Strategy”.
The German health minister, Jens Spahn said yesterday that it was a matter of choice: “We have member states including, Germany, who could have issued such an emergency authorisation if we’d wanted to. But we decided against this and what we opted for was a common European approach to move forward together”.
So even if Brexit hadn’t happened, we’d still have been entitled, under EU law, to opt out of the joint system and “go it alone” with the Covid vaccine.


channel4uk--2020-12-03--The people determined to have the best Covid Christmas

No carol singing , no board games , no passing plates round the festive dinner table .
Instead , we @ @ @ @ @ distancing , singsongs on Zoom , and sanitiser under the tree .
But while we @ @ @ @ @ 2020 to finally be over , there are plenty of people determined to make the @ @ @ @ @ , pandemic or not .

No carol singing, no board games, no passing plates round the festive dinner table.
Instead, we can look forward to social distancing, singsongs on Zoom, and sanitiser under the tree.
But while we can’t wait for 2020 to finally be over, there are plenty of people determined to make the best of things this Christmas, pandemic or not.


channel4uk--2020-12-03--Thousands killed and injured amid fighting in Ethiopia

Concerns are mounting for the welfare of tens of thousands of people who have fled fighting in the northern Ethiopian @ @ @ @ @ Sudan .
Forces loyal to the powerful local Tigray People ’ s Liberation Front have @ @ @ @ @ launched a lightning offensive .
Thousands of people are thought to have been killed or @ @ @ @ @ has been cut off for weeks and the UN has only just secured an agreement @ @ @ @ @ deliver much needed aid .

Concerns are mounting for the welfare of tens of thousands of people who have fled fighting in the northern Ethiopian province of Tigray into neighbouring Sudan.
Forces loyal to the powerful local Tigray People’s Liberation Front have been overwhelmed after Ethiopian troops launched a lightning offensive.
Thousands of people are thought to have been killed or injured, but the area has been cut off for weeks and the UN has only just secured an agreement allowing it unhindered access to deliver much needed aid.
Camera: Salah Nasser


channel4uk--2020-12-03--‘Quite a lot of progress’ made on ‘levelling up’ agenda despite Covid, says Tory MP Neil O’Brien

Neil O ’ Brien is the Conservative MP for Harborough , Oadby and Wigston , and is the chair of @ @ @ @ @ up by a group of Tory MPs .

Neil O’Brien is the Conservative MP for Harborough, Oadby and Wigston, and is the chair of the levelling up taskforce set up by a group of Tory MPs.


channel4uk--2020-12-03--Major road and rail works suspended to avoid travel chaos over Christmas

Ministers say they are trying to head off the prospect of travel chaos and overcrowding over the festive period by @ @ @ @ @ works on the roads and railways .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the government was @ @ @ @ @ help people see their loved ones safely ” .

Ministers say they are trying to head off the prospect of travel chaos and overcrowding over the festive period by suspending a series of major works on the roads and railways.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the government was working with operators “to help people see their loved ones safely”.


channel4uk--2020-12-03--Calls for Bangladesh to halt relocation of Rohingya refugees to remote island

Human rights groups have called on Bangladesh to halt what they claim is the forced relocation of Rohingya refugees to @ @ @ @ @ island that ’ s been described as dangerous and barely habitable .
Thousands of Muslim @ @ @ @ @ already fled the violence in Myanmar , have begun leaving in convoys for the island @ @ @ @ @ .
Relief groups have not been allowed to visit the island , while the United @ @ @ @ @ given limited information on the whole operation .

Human rights groups have called on Bangladesh to halt what they claim is the forced relocation of Rohingya refugees to a remote, cyclone prone island that’s been described as dangerous and barely habitable.
Thousands of Muslim Rohingya people, who have already fled the violence in Myanmar, have begun leaving in convoys for the island in the Bay of Bengal.
Relief groups have not been allowed to visit the island, while the United Nations says it has been given limited information on the whole operation.


channel4uk--2020-12-03--Avonmouth explosion: Four die in blast at waste water plant near Bristol

Avon and Somerset Police say four people have been killed in a large explosion at a water waste treatment works @ @ @ @ @ declared a major incident at the Wessex Water plant in Avonmouth , which involved one @ @ @ @ @ the site .

Avon and Somerset Police say four people have been killed in a large explosion at a water waste treatment works near Bristol.
Emergency services declared a major incident at the Wessex Water plant in Avonmouth, which involved one of the chemical tanks at the site.


channel4uk--2020-12-03--Covid patients in US hospitals top 100,000 – as daily death toll hits 3,000

A top American health official has warned of “ the most difficult time in the public health history of this @ @ @ @ @ number of Covid infections and patients in hospital reached record highs .
There are now @ @ @ @ @ Covid in US hospitals , while more than 3,000 daily deaths were reported , another @ @ @ @ @ there are fears that the figures could surge yet again in the wake of the @ @ @

A top American health official has warned of “the most difficult time in the public health history of this nation” – as the number of Covid infections and patients in hospital reached record highs.
There are now more than 100,000 people with Covid in US hospitals, while more than 3,000 daily deaths were reported, another all time high.
And there are fears that the figures could surge yet again in the wake of the Thanksgiving holiday.


channel4uk--2020-12-03--‘Not the time to let up on social distancing’ despite Covid vaccine rollout, says Sage scientist

We were joined by Sir Mark Walport , former chief scientific advisor and now a member of Sage .
We @ @ @ @ @ government and Public Health England but no one was available .

We were joined by Sir Mark Walport, former chief scientific advisor and now a member of Sage.
We asked to speak to the government and Public Health England but no one was available.


channel4uk--2020-12-03--Care home residents no longer first in line for Covid vaccine

The UK government has begun rolling out rapid testing for care home visitors in England , so that people will @ @ @ @ @ their loved ones as often as twice a week before Christmas .
There ’ s @ @ @ @ @ residents will not now be top of the list to get Covid vaccines because of @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ve been to one home in Liverpool to see how they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ who were hoping to be reunited after many months apart .

The UK government has begun rolling out rapid testing for care home visitors in England, so that people will finally be able to see their loved ones as often as twice a week before Christmas.
There’s already disappointment that care home residents will not now be top of the list to get Covid vaccines because of the logistical challenges. But we’ve been to one home in Liverpool to see how they’re coping and meet a family who were hoping to be reunited after many months apart.


channel4uk--2020-12-03--Covid vaccine arrives in the UK for mass rollout

The first batches of the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine are thought to have arrived in the UK today , carried by @ @ @ @ @ from Belgium , through the Eurotunnel .
It ’ s the first step in the @ @ @ @ @ drive in history – and the sheer enormity of the logistical challenge is becoming clear @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s not viable to get the fragile doses to residents inside care homes @ @ @ @ @ conceded that they may need to wait .

The first batches of the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine are thought to have arrived in the UK today, carried by a fleet of unmarked lorries from Belgium, through the Eurotunnel.
It’s the first step in the country’s biggest vaccination drive in history – and the sheer enormity of the logistical challenge is becoming clear.
At the moment, it’s not viable to get the fragile doses to residents inside care homes in England and officials have conceded that they may need to wait.


channel4uk--2020-12-03--Exclusive: Poll reveals Labour leads in ‘Red Wall’ constituencies

Survey suggests the Conservatives are struggling to hold on to the support they won in 2019 .
The Labour Party has re-taken the lead in ‘ Red Wall ’ constituencies , according to an exclusive poll for Channel 4 News .
The survey , by research company J.L .
Partners , suggests the Conservatives are struggling to hold on to the support they won in 2019 .
Many cited confusing messaging over Covid , and Dominic Cummings ’ s trip to Barnard Castle .
If this were translated into votes , researchers estimate that Labour could win back 36 out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last election .
Voters said that confusing messaging over Covid was a major negative for Boris Johnson ’ s party .
Many also cited Dominic Cummings ’ s trip to Barnard Castle during lockdown as an important factor – feeding a sense there was one rule for the elite and another for ordinary people .
In the Red Wall , Boris Johnson has a negative rating of –3 % , while Keir Starmer is on +18 % .
But Conservatives still fare better on certain issues , like the economy and defence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conservative voters ) say they now do not know how they would vote in a General Election , while others ( 7 % ) are switching directly to Labour .
If there was an election today , polling suggests the Conservatives would only hold on to nine of the 45 seats they won in 2019 – all but wiping out their majority .
However , Chancellor Rishi Sunak has emerged as the most popular politician in Red Wall constituencies .

Survey suggests the Conservatives are struggling to hold on to the support they won in 2019.
The Labour Party has re-taken the lead in ‘Red Wall’ constituencies, according to an exclusive poll for Channel 4 News.
The survey, by research company J.L. Partners, suggests the Conservatives are struggling to hold on to the support they won in 2019.
Many cited confusing messaging over Covid, and Dominic Cummings’s trip to Barnard Castle.
If this were translated into votes, researchers estimate that Labour could win back 36 out of 45 seats they lost in the last election.
Voters said that confusing messaging over Covid was a major negative for Boris Johnson’s party.
Many also cited Dominic Cummings’s trip to Barnard Castle during lockdown as an important factor – feeding a sense there was one rule for the elite and another for ordinary people.
In the Red Wall, Boris Johnson has a negative rating of –3%, while Keir Starmer is on +18%. But Conservatives still fare better on certain issues, like the economy and defence.
Some voters (16% of 2019 Conservative voters) say they now do not know how they would vote in a General Election, while others (7%) are switching directly to Labour.
If there was an election today, polling suggests the Conservatives would only hold on to nine of the 45 seats they won in 2019 – all but wiping out their majority.
However, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has emerged as the most popular politician in Red Wall constituencies.


channel4uk--2020-12-04--Series 6, Episode 16: David Dimbleby

Series 6, Episode 16: David Dimbleby

David Dimbleby is a British journalist who has covered major news events for the BBC for over 40 years .
@ @ @ @ @ for chairing the long-running topical debate programme , ‘ Question Time ’ , but has @ @ @ @ @ political programmes .
He talks to Krishnan about his new podcast , ‘ The Fault @ @ @ @ @ the events and decisions leading up the Iraq War , his thoughts on the future @ @ @ @ @ this political generation compares to past ones .
You can listen to and subscribe to @ @ @ @ @ here .
Or on Spotify , Acast , CastBox and other good podcast apps .
@ @ @ @ @ explore the big ideas changing the way we think , act and live – and @ @ @ @ @ really have as individuals .
A filmed version of each interview is available on our @ @ @ @ @ – hit subscribe to keep updated on when a new episode is published .

David Dimbleby is a British journalist who has covered major news events for the BBC for over 40 years.
He perhaps is best known for chairing the long-running topical debate programme, ‘Question Time’, but has presented numerous current affairs and political programmes.
He talks to Krishnan about his new podcast, ‘The Fault Line’, which examines the events and decisions leading up the Iraq War, his thoughts on the future of broadcast news and how this political generation compares to past ones.
Listen and subscribe
You can listen to and subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts here.
Or on Spotify, Acast, CastBox and other good podcast apps.
So join us as we explore the big ideas changing the way we think, act and live – and how much impact we can really have as individuals.
A filmed version of each interview is available on our Channel 4 News YouTube channel – hit subscribe to keep updated on when a new episode is published.


channel4uk--2020-12-04--Family of Shukri Abdi speak of their grief as coroner rules schoolgirl’s death was an accident

In June last year , as a heatwave swept the country , a 12-year-old girl drowned in a river in @ @ @ @ @ Shukri Abdi was swimming with other children .
But she didn ’ t know how @ @ @ @ @ arrived in this country two years before , as part of a United Nations resettlement @ @ @ @ @ to protests after her family claimed they were let down by the police investigation , @ @ @ @ @ family say blinded the police to the issue of bullying which Shukri suffered .
But @ @ @ @ @ ruled that the death was accidental .
And the Independent Office for Police Conduct says @ @ @ @ @ treat the family less favourably because of their ethnicity .
Channel 4 News has done @ @ @ @ @ the family .

In June last year, as a heatwave swept the country, a 12-year-old girl drowned in a river in Bury, Greater Manchester.
Shukri Abdi was swimming with other children. But she didn’t know how to swim. She only arrived in this country two years before, as part of a United Nations resettlement scheme.
Her death led to protests after her family claimed they were let down by the police investigation, alleging institutional racism that the family say blinded the police to the issue of bullying which Shukri suffered.
But today, a coroner has ruled that the death was accidental. And the Independent Office for Police Conduct says Greater Manchester Police did not treat the family less favourably because of their ethnicity. Channel 4 News has done the only broadcast interview with the family.


channel4uk--2020-12-04--Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson understood to have been arrested in fraud probe

It ’ s understood that the mayor of Liverpool , Joe Anderson , has been arrested in connection with a @ @ @ @ @ in the city .
Sources say he has been suspended from the Labour Party .

It’s understood that the mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, has been arrested in connection with a fraud probe into building deals in the city. Sources say he has been suspended from the Labour Party.


channel4uk--2020-12-04--What could President Trump do after leaving the White House?

In 47 days , Joe Biden ’ s presidential inauguration will take place and with it the Trump era will @ @ @ @ @ more accurately , just this chapter of the Trump age will draw to a close @ @ @ @ @ the election ’ s loser who has been centre stage for the last five years @

In 47 days, Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration will take place and with it the Trump era will be over – or maybe more accurately, just this chapter of the Trump age will draw to a close.
But what next for the election’s loser who has been centre stage for the last five years?


channel4uk--2020-12-04--Tory MP says if we end up with a no deal Brexit ‘EU negotiators care more about their own jobs than

Tory MP says if we end up with a no deal Brexit ‘EU negotiators care more about their own jobs than jobs of German car workers’

We were joined by Belgian MEP Phillippe Lamberts , who sits on the European Parliament ’ s UK Coordination Group @ @ @ @ @ Bridgen .

We were joined by Belgian MEP Phillippe Lamberts, who sits on the European Parliament’s UK Coordination Group, and Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen.


channel4uk--2020-12-04--UK government says Brexit talks at ‘difficult point’

The end of the Brexit transition period inches ever nearer , and with the passing of each day the negotiations @ @ @ @ @ closer and closer to success or failure .

The end of the Brexit transition period inches ever nearer, and with the passing of each day the negotiations over a trade deal get closer and closer to success or failure.


channel4uk--2020-12-04--‘There is a way to meet these targets, what’s missing is the political will’ – Hannah Martin from ca

‘There is a way to meet these targets, what’s missing is the political will’ – Hannah Martin from campaign group Green New Deal

We were joined by Hannah Martin , from the Green New Deal campaign group , and the chairman of Committee @ @ @ @ @ Deben , who is also the former Conservative environment secretary John Gummer .

We were joined by Hannah Martin, from the Green New Deal campaign group, and the chairman of Committee on Climate change, Lord Deben, who is also the former Conservative environment secretary John Gummer.


channel4uk--2020-12-04--UK government defends vaccine approval process after criticism

The government has defended its vaccine regulatory process after it was criticised by America ’ s top infectious disease expert @ @ @ @ @ .
The agency which authorised the vaccine said it had been rigorous in assessing the @ @ @ @ @ of the programme gathers pace .
The first recipients in all four of the home @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday next week .
The latest statistics have been confirmed for covid cases and @ @ @ @ @ : in the last 24 hours , there have been 504 deaths , bringing the @ @ @ @ @ far to 60,61 , and there have been 16,298 new cases diagnosed .

The government has defended its vaccine regulatory process after it was criticised by America’s top infectious disease expert as being “rushed”.
The agency which authorised the vaccine said it had been rigorous in assessing the data as the roll out of the programme gathers pace. The first recipients in all four of the home nations will get their dose on Tuesday next week.
The latest statistics have been confirmed for covid cases and deaths for the United Kingdom: in the last 24 hours, there have been 504 deaths, bringing the total number of deaths so far to 60,61, and there have been 16,298 new cases diagnosed.


channel4uk--2020-12-04--UK vows to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 68% by 2030

The UK ’ s greenhouse gas emissions will fall sooner and by more than any other major economy in the @ @ @ @ @ the target announced today by Boris Johnson who wants to see a reduction of 68 @ @ @ @ @ by 2030 , compared with 1990 levels .
That ’ s a significant increase from @ @ @ @ @ the level by 57 per cent , and it comes ahead of a virtual climate @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister will co-host .

The UK’s greenhouse gas emissions will fall sooner and by more than any other major economy in the coming years. That is the target announced today by Boris Johnson who wants to see a reduction of 68 per cent of carbon emissions by 2030, compared with 1990 levels.
That’s a significant increase from the current pledge to reduce the level by 57 per cent, and it comes ahead of a virtual climate summit next week that the Prime Minister will co-host.


channel4uk--2020-12-05--Dominic who: Actor David Tennant stars as a government adviser in new satirical short film

As the clock on the Brexit negotiations ticks down and the tension ratchets up in Whitehall , one notable absence @ @ @ @ @ indeed , from government – is Dominic Cummings .
It ’ s three weeks since @ @ @ @ @ campaign to “ Get Brexit Done ” , went .
But his role is proving @ @ @ @ @ .
Actor David Tennant stars as a casually-dressed government adviser in a new short film @ @ @ @ @ released on YouTube – written and directed by fellow actor Christian Brassington .
They insist @ @ @ @ @ downing street aides is purely coincidental .

As the clock on the Brexit negotiations ticks down and the tension ratchets up in Whitehall, one notable absence from the talks – and indeed, from government – is Dominic Cummings. It’s three weeks since the man who masterminded the campaign to “Get Brexit Done”, went.
But his role is proving fertile territory for the satirists. Actor David Tennant stars as a casually-dressed government adviser in a new short film that’s just been released on YouTube – written and directed by fellow actor Christian Brassington. They insist any resemblance to actual former downing street aides is purely coincidental.


channel4uk--2020-12-05--Team behind Oxford Covid jab enter final stage of malaria vaccine trials

As the fight against Coronavirus dominates the world ’ s attention , other diseases continue to kill on a massive @ @ @ @ @ than four hundred thousand lives every year .
But now a cheap and effective vaccine @ @ @ @ @ team behind the Oxford Covid-19 jab are about to begin final stage human trials on @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll be tested on children in Africa next year and if the trials are @ @ @ @ @ in use by 2024 .

As the fight against Coronavirus dominates the world’s attention, other diseases continue to kill on a massive scale. Malaria claims more than four hundred thousand lives every year. But now a cheap and effective vaccine could be imminent.
The team behind the Oxford Covid-19 jab are about to begin final stage human trials on a new inoculation. It’ll be tested on children in Africa next year and if the trials are successful, it could be in use by 2024.


channel4uk--2020-12-05--Second phase of mass testing launched in Wales in areas worst affected by Covid-19

The first doses of Corona Virus vaccine may have arrived in the country .
But overburdened hospitals have been warned @ @ @ @ @ a “ marginal impact ” on their patient numbers this winter .
In a letter @ @ @ @ @ four Chief Medical Officers said the Health Service should prepare for an “ especially hard @ @ @ @ @ show a further 397 UK deaths have been reported .
That brings the total to @ @ @ @ @ been another 15,539 new cases of the virus in the last 24 hours .
All @ @ @ @ @ administer jabs in the coming week .
In the meantime , the governments in Westminster @ @ @ @ @ their faith in mass testing – despite concerns about the accuracy of tests deployed in @ @ @ @ @ .

The first doses of Corona Virus vaccine may have arrived in the country. But overburdened hospitals have been warned the jab will have only a “marginal impact” on their patient numbers this winter. In a letter, the UK’s four Chief Medical Officers said the Health Service should prepare for an “especially hard” winter.
Latest figures show a further 397 UK deaths have been reported. That brings the total to 61,014. And there have been another 15,539 new cases of the virus in the last 24 hours.
All four nations will begin to administer jabs in the coming week. In the meantime, the governments in Westminster and Cardiff continue to put their faith in mass testing – despite concerns about the accuracy of tests deployed in Liverpool’s pilot study.


channel4uk--2020-12-05--“It looks like both sides are going to have to shift position.” – Lord Gavin Barwell on Brexit deal

Earlier I spoke to Lord Barwell , who was the chief of staff to Theresa May as she negotiated the @ @ @ @ @ EU .
And French MEP Gwendoline Delbos-Corfield , who sits on the European Parliament ’ @ @ @ @ @ .
I began by asking Lord Barwell if he thought a deal was still possible @

Earlier I spoke to Lord Barwell, who was the chief of staff to Theresa May as she negotiated the brexit withdrawal agreement with the EU. And French MEP Gwendoline Delbos-Corfield, who sits on the European Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional Affairs.
I began by asking Lord Barwell if he thought a deal was still possible.


channel4uk--2020-12-05--Boris Johnson holds emergency Brexit talks with Ursula Von Der Leyen

So it ’ s come down to a phone call to jump start stalled talks .
The EU ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Brussels this morning , leaving the Prime Minister and the EU Commission President Ursula von @ @ @ @ @ out .
They went to the same school in Belgium – but can they find @ @ @ @ @ approach to trade ?

So it’s come down to a phone call to jump start stalled talks. The EU’s Chief Negotiator went back to Brussels this morning, leaving the Prime Minister and the EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to hammer things out.
They went to the same school in Belgium – but can they find any common ground in their approach to trade?


channel4uk--2020-12-06--Donald Trump holds first rally since U.S. election ahead of crucial Georgia Senate runoff

The US has recorded more than a million new Coronavirus cases in the last five days .
But that hasn @ @ @ @ @ from getting back on the campaign trial .
He flew to Georgia for his first @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Presidential election .
In front of thousands of mostly unmasked supporters , he @ @ @ @ @ turn out for a crucial Senate run-off election in January .
But much of his @ @ @ @ @ more unsubstantiated claims of widespread electoral fraud .

The US has recorded more than a million new Coronavirus cases in the last five days. But that hasn’t stopped President Trump from getting back on the campaign trial. He flew to Georgia for his first rally since losing last month’s Presidential election.
In front of thousands of mostly unmasked supporters, he appealed to Republican voters to turn out for a crucial Senate run-off election in January. But much of his appearance was taken up with more unsubstantiated claims of widespread electoral fraud.


channel4uk--2020-12-06--UK-EU trade talks resume as  chief negotiator Lord Frost arrives in Brussels

The talks between Lord Frost and his EU counterparts might have resumed , but “ significant differences ” remain on @ @ @ @ @ the governance of any deal .
It ’ s been reported that the Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ tomorrow if he thinks an agreement is close , by abandoning plans to over-ride the @ @ @ @ @ But with just 25 days to the end of the transition period , there are @ @ @ @ @ him backing to pursue a No Deal .

The talks between Lord Frost and his EU counterparts might have resumed, but “significant differences” remain on fishing, state aid and the governance of any deal. It’s been reported that the Prime Minister may decide to appease Brussels tomorrow if he thinks an agreement is close, by abandoning plans to over-ride the withdrawal agreement he negotiated.
But with just 25 days to the end of the transition period, there are reports Cabinet Ministers have given him backing to pursue a No Deal.


channel4uk--2020-12-07--How bad was Donald Trump for the planet – and can Joe Biden turn things around?

When Donald Trump responded to the California wildfires by saying it would “ start getting cooler ” , it was @ @ @ @ @ president ’ s climate change scepticism that has partly defined his tenure in the White @ @ @ @ @ responded to the California wildfires by saying it would “ start getting cooler ” , @ @ @ @ @ of the president ’ s climate change scepticism that has partly defined his tenure in @ @ @ @ @ chief correspondent , Alex Thomson , explains how far Trump set the country back , @ @ @ @ @ who calls the climate crisis an “ urgent national security issue ” – can buy @ @ @ @ @ – back some time .
You can listen to , download and subscribe to the @ @ @ @ @ .
Also available on Google Podcasts , Spotify , Acast , CastBox and other good @ @ @ @ @ feed is here .

When Donald Trump responded to the California wildfires by saying it would “start getting cooler”, it was a prime example of the president’s climate change scepticism that has partly defined his tenure in the White House.
When Donald Trump responded to the California wildfires by saying it would “start getting cooler”, it was a prime example of the president’s climate change scepticism that has partly defined his tenure in the White House.
Our chief correspondent, Alex Thomson, explains how far Trump set the country back, and whether President-elect Biden – who calls the climate crisis an “urgent national security issue” – can buy America – and the planet – back some time.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE
You can listen to, download and subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts here.
Also available on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Acast, CastBox and other good podcast apps.
The RSS feed is here.


channel4uk--2020-12-07--The Fourcast – Channel 4 News’ new podcast, introduced by Jon Snow

Welcome to a new podcast from Channel 4 News , an in- depth look at the stories you need to @ @ @ @ @ past shapes the present and what might lie ahead for us all .
In our @ @ @ @ @ looks back on a turbulent year of personal and professional challenges – and explains why @ @ @ @ @ needed now more than ever .
You can listen to , download and subscribe to @ @ @ @ @ here .
Also available on Google Podcasts , Spotify , Acast , CastBox and other @ @ @ @ @ RSS feed is here .

Welcome to a new podcast from Channel 4 News, an in- depth look at the stories you need to know about; how the past shapes the present and what might lie ahead for us all.
In our first episode, Jon Snow looks back on a turbulent year of personal and professional challenges – and explains why he thinks this podcast is needed now more than ever.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE
You can listen to, download and subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts here.
Also available on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Acast, CastBox and other good podcast apps.
The RSS feed is here.


Trailer: The Fourcast

Introducing the Fourcast .
From Channel 4 News , an in-depth look at the stories you need to know about @ @ @ @ @ the present and what might lie ahead for us all .
Launching 7 December .
@ @ @ @ @ download and subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts here .
Also available on Google @ @ @ @ @ , CastBox and other good podcast apps .
The RSS feed is here .

Trailer: The Fourcast
Introducing the Fourcast. From Channel 4 News, an in-depth look at the stories you need to know about; how the past shapes the present and what might lie ahead for us all. Launching 7 December.
//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/17003069/height/360/theme/standard/thumbnail/yes/direction/backward/
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE
You can listen to, download and subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts here.
Also available on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Acast, CastBox and other good podcast apps.
The RSS feed is here.


channel4uk--2020-12-07--‘We have to remain optimistic, or we all just curl up and die’ – The Young Vic’s Kwame Kwei-Armah

The forecast for the next 5 days


channel4uk--2020-12-07--Theatres begin to reopen in London’s West End after Covid shutdown

A cause for some good cheer : a new comedy play called The Comeback is quite literally making a comeback @ @ @ @ @ ’ s West End begin opening their doors once again .
It ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ Ben Ashenden and Alex Owen – and it promises to bring a much needed dose @ @ @ @ @ a year where laughs have been few and far between .
In keeping with Covid @ @ @ @ @ be a much reduced crowd , but the show will go on .

A cause for some good cheer: a new comedy play called The Comeback is quite literally making a comeback, as theatres in London’s West End begin opening their doors once again.
It’s the debut play by comedy duo Ben Ashenden and Alex Owen – and it promises to bring a much needed dose of feel good escapism to a year where laughs have been few and far between.
In keeping with Covid guidelines, there’ll be a much reduced crowd, but the show will go on.


channel4uk--2020-12-07--Peru defends its waters as Chinese boats are accused of illegal fishing

A vast fleet of Chinese boats is sailing around the waters off Latin America , accused of illegal fishing and @ @ @ @ @ of the South Pacific .
Hundreds of vessels have spent weeks trawling for stocks , @ @ @ @ @ considered one of the world ’ s most biodiverse marine areas .
Illegal fishing has @ @ @ @ @ activity , racking up revenues in the tens of billions of pounds .
Now , @ @ @ @ @ out defending their territorial waters .

A vast fleet of Chinese boats is sailing around the waters off Latin America, accused of illegal fishing and threatening the rich biological diversity of the South Pacific.
Hundreds of vessels have spent weeks trawling for stocks, in a region which is considered one of the world’s most biodiverse marine areas.
Illegal fishing has become a highly lucrative criminal activity, racking up revenues in the tens of billions of pounds.
Now, Peru’s coastguards are out defending their territorial waters.


channel4uk--2020-12-07--Care regulator identifies failings at East Dunbartonshire care home amidst Covid outbreak

Care homes bore the brunt of the first wave of the pandemic , and tragically there have been more fatal @ @ @ @ @ – if not quite at the levels seen in the spring .
In the last @ @ @ @ @ deaths in care homes accounted for more than a quarter of all Covid-related deaths in @ @ @ @ @ fifth in England and Wales .
In East Dunbartonshire , the care regulator has identified @ @ @ @ @ amid an outbreak which has so far claimed the lives of 14 residents .

Care homes bore the brunt of the first wave of the pandemic, and tragically there have been more fatal outbreaks among residents this winter – if not quite at the levels seen in the spring.
In the last comparable week of data, deaths in care homes accounted for more than a quarter of all Covid-related deaths in Scotland, and almost a fifth in England and Wales.
In East Dunbartonshire, the care regulator has identified failings at a home, amid an outbreak which has so far claimed the lives of 14 residents.


channel4uk--2020-12-07--Covid vaccine to be rolled out from Tuesday across the UK

Hospitals across the country are preparing to administer the first doses of the new Covid vaccine , starting tomorrow – @ @ @ @ @ England described it as a “ decisive turning point ” in the battle against the @ @ @ @ @ logistical challenges of this unprecedented vaccination drive remain , not least how to keep the @ @ @ @ @ -70 celsius and transport it safely to the hubs where it will be distributed .
@ @ @ @ @ have been a further 14,718 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours .
Another @ @ @ @ @ reported , bringing the total to 61,434 .

Hospitals across the country are preparing to administer the first doses of the new Covid vaccine, starting tomorrow – as the head of NHS England described it as a “decisive turning point” in the battle against the virus.
But the huge logistical challenges of this unprecedented vaccination drive remain, not least how to keep the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine at a constant -70 celsius and transport it safely to the hubs where it will be distributed.
Latest government figures show there have been a further 14,718 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours.
Another 189 deaths have also been reported, bringing the total to 61,434.


channel4uk--2020-12-07--Brother of Manchester Arena bomber admits role in planning attack, inquiry told

The brother of the Manchester Arena bomber has admitted for the first time that he was involved in planning the @ @ @ @ @ jailed for the murder of the 22 people who died in the bomb attack at @ @ @ @ @ May 2017 .
During his trial he denied helping his brother , Salman , to @ @ @ @ @ today the public inquiry was told that he had admitted to it during an interview @ @ @ @ @

The brother of the Manchester Arena bomber has admitted for the first time that he was involved in planning the attack.
Hashem Abedi was jailed for the murder of the 22 people who died in the bomb attack at an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017.
During his trial he denied helping his brother, Salman, to plan the atrocity.
But today the public inquiry was told that he had admitted to it during an interview with lawyers in prison.


channel4uk--2020-12-07--No-deal Brexit will reflect ‘very poorly on leadership of both sides’, says Tory MP Tom Tugendhat

We did ask the government for an interview , but no one was available to appear on the programme .
@ @ @ @ @ strongly pro-Brexit MP Peter Bone , and his Conservative colleague Tom Tugendhat , who is @ @ @ @ @ Committee .

We did ask the government for an interview, but no one was available to appear on the programme.
But, we spoke to strongly pro-Brexit MP Peter Bone, and his Conservative colleague Tom Tugendhat, who is chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee.


channel4uk--2020-12-07--Businesses consider post-Brexit impact amid wait for new trade deal

As giant lorry parks are constructed in Kent , local hauliers still don ’ t know what paperwork they will @ @ @ @ @ operate in Europe after the end of the year – despite the government setting up @ @ @ @ @ to help them prepare .
And they ’ re not alone : there are still @ @ @ @ @ about the future , just 24 days before the Brexit transition period ends .

For businesses, it’s all a waiting game.
Meanwhile, the uncertainty continues.
As giant lorry parks are constructed in Kent, local hauliers still don’t know what paperwork they will need to be able to operate in Europe after the end of the year – despite the government setting up 45 information and advice sites to help them prepare.
And they’re not alone: there are still a host of unanswered questions about the future, just 24 days before the Brexit transition period ends.


channel4uk--2020-12-07--Businesses on both sides of the Channel ‘need clarity and they need it now’ – French MEP Nathalie Lo

Businesses on both sides of the Channel ‘need clarity and they need it now’ – French MEP Nathalie Loiseau

We were joined by the French MEP and former French minister for European affairs , Nathalie Loiseau .
She is @ @ @ @ @ UK Coordination Group in the European Parliament .

We were joined by the French MEP and former French minister for European affairs, Nathalie Loiseau.
She is also a member of the UK Coordination Group in the European Parliament.


channel4uk--2020-12-07--UK PM and EU chief say conditions for finalising post-Brexit trade deal ‘are not there’

“ The conditions for finalising an agreement are not there ” – that ’ s the conclusion of the latest @ @ @ @ @ Johnson and the European Commission president , Ursula von der Leyen .
They spent an @ @ @ @ @ this afternoon before stopping for more consultations .
A few minutes ago they announced that @ @ @ @ @ t resume , but the two leaders will head to Brussels this week .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ s chief Brexit negotiator gave what was described as a “ gloomy and downbeat ” @ @ @ @ @ European Union ambassadors .

“The conditions for finalising an agreement are not there” – that’s the conclusion of the latest high-level phone call between Boris Johnson and the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen.
They spent an hour-and-a-half in direct phone negotiations this afternoon before stopping for more consultations.
A few minutes ago they announced that the phone call won’t resume, but the two leaders will head to Brussels this week.
Earlier, the European Union’s chief Brexit negotiator gave what was described as a “gloomy and downbeat” assessment of the negotiations to European Union ambassadors.


channel4uk--2020-12-08--First person to break sound barrier dies, aged 97

America ’ s greatest pilot , Chuck Yeager – who became the first person to break the sound barrier – @ @ @ @ @ of 97 .
The former Second World War fighter ace made history in 1947 , @ @ @ @ @ speeds of more than 700 miles an hour in an experimental rocket plane .
His @ @ @ @ @ Tom Wolfe ’ s ‘ The Right Stuff ’ .
Today his widow said his @ @ @ @ @ patriotism and adventure will be remembered forever ” .

America’s greatest pilot, Chuck Yeager – who became the first person to break the sound barrier – has died at the age of 97.
The former Second World War fighter ace made history in 1947, when he managed to reach speeds of more than 700 miles an hour in an experimental rocket plane.
His story was later immortalised in Tom Wolfe’s ‘The Right Stuff’.
Today his widow said his legacy of “strength, patriotism and adventure will be remembered forever”.
From the United States, Kate Fisher reports.


channel4uk--2020-12-08--Plans for gambling crackdown unveiled

Plans for gambling crackdown unveiled

The government has unveiled plans to crack down on gambling – including raising the age limit for playing the National @ @ @ @ @ have promised a “ major and wide ranging review ” , and are calling for @ @ @ @ @ measures designed to tackle all forms of problem gambling , as well as protecting children @ @ @ @ @ could mean betting firms are banned from sponsoring football shirts , as well as more @ @ @ @

The government has unveiled plans to crack down on gambling – including raising the age limit for playing the National Lottery to 18.
Ministers have promised a “major and wide ranging review”, and are calling for views on a range of measures designed to tackle all forms of problem gambling, as well as protecting children and vulnerable people.
That could mean betting firms are banned from sponsoring football shirts, as well as more restrictions on advertising.


channel4uk--2020-12-08--Forestry Commission admits it was wrong to allow trees to be planted on peat bogs

The Forestry Commission has admitted it was wrong to grant permission for trees to be planted on land containing peat @ @ @ @ @ there for thousands of years .
The bogs are not only one of our most @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re important wildlife habitats too .
Our chief correspondent Alex Thomson has been @ @ @ @ @ used taxpayer money to plant trees on the UK ’ s equivalent of the Amazon @ @

The Forestry Commission has admitted it was wrong to grant permission for trees to be planted on land containing peat bogs, which have been there for thousands of years.
The bogs are not only one of our most precious stores of carbon, they’re important wildlife habitats too.
Our chief correspondent Alex Thomson has been investigating how the Forestry Commission used taxpayer money to plant trees on the UK’s equivalent of the Amazon rainforest.


channel4uk--2020-12-08--Brexit latest: Boris Johnson in direct talks with EU as deadline looms

Boris Johnson will travel to Brussels tomorrow for direct talks with the European Commission president , Ursula Von der Leyen @ @ @ @ @ meet for dinner in an attempt to find a breakthrough in the Brexit trade negotiations @ @ @ @ @ today : the two sides have struck a deal on future customs checks between Northern @ @ @ @ @ as a result the government has withdrawn its controversial plans to unilaterally change the Withdrawal @ @ @ @ @ law .

Boris Johnson will travel to Brussels tomorrow for direct talks with the European Commission president, Ursula Von der Leyen.
The two leaders will meet for dinner in an attempt to find a breakthrough in the Brexit trade negotiations.
There was some progress today: the two sides have struck a deal on future customs checks between Northern Ireland and Britain – and as a result the government has withdrawn its controversial plans to unilaterally change the Withdrawal Agreement in defiance of international law.


channel4uk--2020-12-08--Next year’s Higher and Advanced Higher exams cancelled in Scotland

Scotland has announced that all Higher and Advanced Higher exams will be cancelled next year .

Scotland has announced that all Higher and Advanced Higher exams will be cancelled next year.


channel4uk--2020-12-08--Almost all residents and 45 carers contract Covid in a single Scottish care home

A major incident was declared at a care home in Aberdeenshire after almost all its residents and 45 of its @ @ @ @ @ contracted Covid-19 .
The incident was eventually stood down , after a group of NHS @ @ @ @ @ in and help .
Several of the residents have sadly died .
It comes as @ @ @ @ @ two million people who have been living under the country ’ s strictest coronavirus measures @ @ @ @ @ restrictions eased from Friday .

A major incident was declared at a care home in Aberdeenshire after almost all its residents and 45 of its carers are thought to have contracted Covid-19.
The incident was eventually stood down, after a group of NHS workers were found to step in and help. Several of the residents have sadly died.
It comes as the Scottish government announced that two million people who have been living under the country’s strictest coronavirus measures will see some of those restrictions eased from Friday.


channel4uk--2020-12-08--‘The Christmas period is going to pour petrol on an already burning fire’ – intensive care doctor in

‘The Christmas period is going to pour petrol on an already burning fire’ – intensive care doctor in Wales

The Welsh first minister has said that the new vaccine offers “ a glimmer of light ” at the end @ @ @ @ @ difficult year ” .
But Mark Drakeford warned the country could face further tough restrictions @ @ @ @ @ Wales now has the highest rates of coronavirus in the UK and staff at a @ @ @ @ @ told this programme they ’ ve run out of critical care beds , describing the @ @ @ @ @ ” .

The Welsh first minister has said that the new vaccine offers “a glimmer of light” at the end of a “long and difficult year”.
But Mark Drakeford warned the country could face further tough restrictions in the new year.
Wales now has the highest rates of coronavirus in the UK and staff at a hospital in south Wales have told this programme they’ve run out of critical care beds, describing the situation there as “desperate”.


channel4uk--2020-12-08--Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine proven to be safe and effective, says peer-reviewed study

The AstraZeneca Oxford University vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials .
It is now @ @ @ @ @ that it can be rolled out among the population .
The government has pre-ordered 100 @ @ @ @ @ ready to go .
We spoke to Professor Sarah Gilbert , who is professor of @ @ @ @ @ Oxford and head of the team that ’ s developed the vaccine .

The AstraZeneca Oxford University vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials. It is now waiting to be approved so that it can be rolled out among the population.
The government has pre-ordered 100 million doses which will be ready to go.
We spoke to Professor Sarah Gilbert, who is professor of vaccinology at the University of Oxford and head of the team that’s developed the vaccine.


channel4uk--2020-12-08--Vaccine is ‘the start of the end’ of Coronavirus, says health secretary Matt Hancock

We spoke to the health secretary , Matt Hancock , and began by asking him how he felt seeing the @ @ @ @ @

We spoke to the health secretary, Matt Hancock, and began by asking him how he felt seeing the vaccine being rolled out.


channel4uk--2020-12-08--UK begins Covid vaccine rollout

UK begins Covid vaccine rollout

“ Today marks the start of the fightback against our common enemy – the coronavirus , ” the health secretary @ @ @ @ @ people in the UK began receiving the Pfizer Covid vaccine , with millions more jabs @ @ @ @ @ the end of the month .
But along with the plaudits come the warnings : @ @ @ @ @ many months still to go before enough people are vaccinated – making it all the @ @ @ @ @ distancing rules in place .

“Today marks the start of the fightback against our common enemy – the coronavirus,” the health secretary said today.
The first people in the UK began receiving the Pfizer Covid vaccine, with millions more jabs scheduled to take place by the end of the month.
But along with the plaudits come the warnings: health chiefs stressed there are many months still to go before enough people are vaccinated – making it all the more crucial to keep social distancing rules in place.


channel4uk--2020-12-08--Vaccines: what we know and what we still don’t know

The first people taking part in the national roll-out of a coronavirus vaccine were given their jabs today .
British regulators are the first in the world to approve the mass use of the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine , and more are in the pipeline .
The makers of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine became the first manufacturers to publish the results of clinical trials in a peer-reviewed journal today .
They say they hope to get regulatory approval within weeks .
FactCheck is answering as many reader ’ s vaccine questions as we can .
But there are some questions that no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Here ’ s what we still don ’ t know .
How much vaccine will we get before Christmas ?
The first batch of Pfizer vaccine to arrive in the UK consists of just 800,000 doses , but NHS bosses say they expect to have more by the end of the year .
Saffron Cordery , deputy CEO of NHS Providers , said this weekend : “ We are expecting in the low millions , so up to four million doses , to be with us by the end of December.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today that he did not know the precise number .
If the AstraZeneca vaccine is approved this month , there are already several million doses in the country waiting to be used too , according to the UK Vaccines Taskforce .
But we don ’ t have exact numbers .
Most of AstraZeneca ’ s product is expected to be manufactured in the UK if regulators give the company the green light .
The British government has placed orders with five other manufacturers who have vaccines in the pipeline .
Will everyone get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the supply of all the leading vaccines , it ’ s possible that different people will get different vaccines at different times – or even that the same person gets two different vaccines .
The Vaccines Taskforce says the UK is considering launching trials to see whether there is a benefit from “ mixing and matching ” different vaccines – giving someone a shot of one vaccine then a second booster jab with a different one .
This approach , sometimes called “ heterologous prime-boost ” , has been around for decades and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immune response in some clinical trials .
If successful , it could lead to better results than treating people with the same vaccine .
But we will have to wait until more than one vaccine is licensed for use in the UK before British trials can begin .
Which vaccine is the best ?
Both Pfizer and fellow pharmaceutical giant Moderna have reported efficacy of more than 90 per cent for their vaccines .
That means that of all the people in clinical trials who caught Covid-19 , more than nine out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the group treated with vaccines .
The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine has demonstrated lower overall efficacy in trials , although the data suggests a protocol of giving people a half-dose followed by a full one could improve its effectiveness .
The overall efficacy of 70.4 % , based on 11,636 trial participants across Britain and Brazil , is still significantly above the minimum expectations set out by regulators , and this vaccine is considerably cheaper and easier to store than others .
There is still uncertainty about whether any of the leading vaccines are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mild symptoms from passing on the virus to others .
And there is no way of knowing yet how long immunized people will be protected from the virus .
This is perhaps the most important question for many of us , but the government is refusing to set out a date for the likely lifting of the restrictions designed to slow the spread of the virus .
This morning the health secretary , Matt Hancock , said in broadcast interviews today that he hoped to lift restrictions in spring next year , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the meantime .
Put your vaccines questions to FactCheck online using the hashtag # FactCheckVaccines .

The first people taking part in the national roll-out of a coronavirus vaccine were given their jabs today.
British regulators are the first in the world to approve the mass use of the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine, and more are in the pipeline.
The makers of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine became the first manufacturers to publish the results of clinical trials in a peer-reviewed journal today. They say they hope to get regulatory approval within weeks.
FactCheck is answering as many reader’s vaccine questions as we can.
But there are some questions that no one knows the answers to yet. Here’s what we still don’t know.
How much vaccine will we get before Christmas?
The first batch of Pfizer vaccine to arrive in the UK consists of just 800,000 doses, but NHS bosses say they expect to have more by the end of the year.
Saffron Cordery, deputy CEO of NHS Providers, said this weekend: “We are expecting in the low millions, so up to four million doses, to be with us by the end of December.”
The health secretary, Matt Hancock, said today that he did not know the precise number.
If the AstraZeneca vaccine is approved this month, there are already several million doses in the country waiting to be used too, according to the UK Vaccines Taskforce. But we don’t have exact numbers.
Most of AstraZeneca’s product is expected to be manufactured in the UK if regulators give the company the green light.
The British government has placed orders with five other manufacturers who have vaccines in the pipeline.
Will everyone get the same jab?
With uncertainty over the supply of all the leading vaccines, it’s possible that different people will get different vaccines at different times – or even that the same person gets two different vaccines.
The Vaccines Taskforce says the UK is considering launching trials to see whether there is a benefit from “mixing and matching” different vaccines – giving someone a shot of one vaccine then a second booster jab with a different one.
This approach, sometimes called “heterologous prime-boost”, has been around for decades and has been found to lead to improved immune response in some clinical trials.
If successful, it could lead to better results than treating people with the same vaccine. But we will have to wait until more than one vaccine is licensed for use in the UK before British trials can begin.
Which vaccine is the best?
Both Pfizer and fellow pharmaceutical giant Moderna have reported efficacy of more than 90 per cent for their vaccines.
That means that of all the people in clinical trials who caught Covid-19, more than nine out of ten were in the placebo group, not the group treated with vaccines.
The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine has demonstrated lower overall efficacy in trials, although the data suggests a protocol of giving people a half-dose followed by a full one could improve its effectiveness.
The overall efficacy of 70.4%, based on 11,636 trial participants across Britain and Brazil, is still significantly above the minimum expectations set out by regulators, and this vaccine is considerably cheaper and easier to store than others.
There is still uncertainty about whether any of the leading vaccines are able to stop people with no or mild symptoms from passing on the virus to others.
And there is no way of knowing yet how long immunized people will be protected from the virus.
When will social distancing measures end?
This is perhaps the most important question for many of us, but the government is refusing to set out a date for the likely lifting of the restrictions designed to slow the spread of the virus.
This morning the health secretary, Matt Hancock, said in broadcast interviews today that he hoped to lift restrictions in spring next year, but he urged people to follow existing guidelines in the meantime.
Put your vaccines questions to FactCheck online using the hashtag #FactCheckVaccines.


channel4uk--2020-12-09--FactCheck: Conservatives keep repeating dodgy NHS election claims

It ’ s nearly a year since the Conservatives won the 2019 general election and returned to power with an 80-seat majority .
Reflecting on the anniversary , party chair Amanda Milling wrote in the Express this week : That “ £34bn a year ” pledge was a common refrain before polling day last year .
( As health policy is devolved , it only applies to England ) .
But as the independent Institute for Fiscal Studies calculated at the time , once you account for inflation , the commitment works out closer to £23.5bn .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ record ” five-year settlement either – again , due to the effects of inflation .
As a House of Commons Library briefing released in January 2019 confirms , the last Labour government increased total health spending by £24bn in real terms between 2004-5 and 2009-10 ( though there are some caveats to the comparison ) .
There ’ s a further catch : while Ms Milling ’ s article was about Boris Johnson ’ s first year since winning the election , the money she refers to was actually pledged by his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The target will be met in 2023-24 ) .
This isn ’ t the only dodgy health stat from the election to still be doing the rounds .
The Chancellor Rishi Sunak told MPs at last month ’ s spending review that despite the financial gloom the country faces , the government would : It ’ s another Conservative manifesto pledge that got the party into trouble at the time : when they made the promise , the government had only given the go-ahead for six projects – with more to come later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and there ’ s rather more detail .
A Department of Health press release names the 40 schemes it ’ s backing .
But now there ’ s a new problem .
Though Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock are quoted in the October publication welcoming the “ 40 new hospitals ” , the same document reveals that 18 of the projects given the green light will simply rebuild existing facilities .
A further four will see replacement hospitals built on the same site .
Of course , up-to-date facilities are beneficial to staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ministers ’ claims about “ 40 new hospitals ” mean England will have 40 more hospitals than it currently does by 2030 , you ’ d be wrong .
Without this crucial context , we think the claim is misleading .

It’s nearly a year since the Conservatives won the 2019 general election and returned to power with an 80-seat majority. Reflecting on the anniversary, party chair Amanda Milling wrote in the Express this week:
“We promised to invest more in our NHS and we have – in March we passed the NHS Funding Act, delivering a record £34 billion per year by the end of the Parliament in additional funding for the NHS.”
That “£34bn a year” pledge was a common refrain before polling day last year. (As health policy is devolved, it only applies to England).
But as the independent Institute for Fiscal Studies calculated at the time, once you account for inflation, the commitment works out closer to £23.5bn.
It’s not entirely clear that this is a “record” five-year settlement either – again, due to the effects of inflation. As a House of Commons Library briefing released in January 2019 confirms, the last Labour government increased total health spending by £24bn in real terms between 2004-5 and 2009-10 (though there are some caveats to the comparison).
There’s a further catch: while Ms Milling’s article was about Boris Johnson’s first year since winning the election, the money she refers to was actually pledged by his predecessor Theresa May in 2018. (The target will be met in 2023-24).
This isn’t the only dodgy health stat from the election to still be doing the rounds.
The Chancellor Rishi Sunak told MPs at last month’s spending review that despite the financial gloom the country faces, the government would:
“Fund the biggest hospital building programme in a generation – building 40 new hospitals”
It’s another Conservative manifesto pledge that got the party into trouble at the time: when they made the promise, the government had only given the go-ahead for six projects – with more to come later.
Fast forward to October 2020, and there’s rather more detail. A Department of Health press release names the 40 schemes it’s backing.
But now there’s a new problem. Though Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock are quoted in the October publication welcoming the “40 new hospitals”, the same document reveals that 18 of the projects given the green light will simply rebuild existing facilities. A further four will see replacement hospitals built on the same site.
Of course, up-to-date facilities are beneficial to staff and patients. But if you thought that ministers’ claims about “40 new hospitals” mean England will have 40 more hospitals than it currently does by 2030, you’d be wrong. Without this crucial context, we think the claim is misleading.


channel4uk--2020-12-09--Singer Yungblud reflects on how the pandemic has changed music the music industry

At the start of the pandemic we spoke to singer/songwriter Dominic Harrison – or Yungblud – the poster boy of @ @ @ @ @ at the time , responded to cancelled tours and gigs by becoming one of the @ @ @ @ @ streaming performances from his LA home .
Nine months on , he ’ s back @ @ @ @ @ to more than nine million followers online and heading for a number one album in @ @ @ @ @ so today felt a good time to catch up with him again .

At the start of the pandemic we spoke to singer/songwriter Dominic Harrison – or Yungblud – the poster boy of a new generation who, at the time, responded to cancelled tours and gigs by becoming one of the first major artists to start streaming performances from his LA home.
Nine months on, he’s back in the UK, streaming to more than nine million followers online and heading for a number one album in the charts this week – so today felt a good time to catch up with him again.


channel4uk--2020-12-09--Champions League game resumes after match abandoned over racism accusation

An international football game has resumed tonight after a racism row erupted on the pitch .
It happened just 14 @ @ @ @ @ game between Paris St-Germain ’ s and Istanbul Basaksehir last night .
A match official @ @ @ @ @ a racist remark about one of the players who got a red card .
It @ @ @ @ @ the touchline and ultimately players from both teams abandoned the game .

An international football game has resumed tonight after a racism row erupted on the pitch. It happened just 14 minutes into a Champions League game between Paris St-Germain’s and Istanbul Basaksehir last night.
A match official is alleged to have made a racist remark about one of the players who got a red card. It led to loud exchanges at the touchline and ultimately players from both teams abandoned the game.


channel4uk--2020-12-09--Universal credit should have been designed with people ‘who have experience with the system’, Joseph

Universal credit should have been designed with people ‘who have experience with the system’, Joseph Rowntree Foundation director says

We ’ re joined by Edward Davies , who ’ s policy director at the Centre for Social Justice – @ @ @ @ @ by the Conservative former work and pensions secretary , Sir Ian Duncan Smith .
We @ @ @ @ @ Helen Barnard , director of the anti-poverty charity the Joseph Rowntree Foundation which undertook the @ @ @ @ @ .

We’re joined by Edward Davies, who’s policy director at the Centre for Social Justice – a think tank jointly founded by the Conservative former work and pensions secretary, Sir Ian Duncan Smith.
We’re also joined by Helen Barnard, director of the anti-poverty charity the Joseph Rowntree Foundation which undertook the research in our previous report.


channel4uk--2020-12-09--Kids living in destitution in UK rose by 50% in two years

No food in the cupboard , no warm clothes in winter , not enough money to keep the heating on @ @ @ @ @ vision of life which should feel far removed from modern Britain – yet new research @ @ @ @ @ reality for almost two and a half million people .
Figures from the Joseph Rowntree @ @ @ @ @ children experiencing destitution has gone up 52 per cent in the past two years .
@ @ @ @ @ the pandemic could drag millions more into the sort of poverty that renders people barely @ @ @ @

No food in the cupboard, no warm clothes in winter, not enough money to keep the heating on.
It’s a vision of life which should feel far removed from modern Britain – yet new research shows it’s a reality for almost two and a half million people.
Figures from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation show the number of children experiencing destitution has gone up 52 per cent in the past two years. And they’re warning the pandemic could drag millions more into the sort of poverty that renders people barely able to survive.