This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2020/may/07/uk-coronavirus-live-boris-johnson-cabinet-meeting-review-lift-lockdown-measures-latest-updates

The article has changed 24 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
UK coronavirus live: Boris Johnson to chair cabinet meeting reviewing lockdown measures UK coronavirus live: black people four times more likely to die from coronavirus than whites - ONS
(32 minutes later)
Prime minister to discuss measures ahead of expected easing of restrictions next weekPrime minister to discuss measures ahead of expected easing of restrictions next week
A majority of British voters want the UK government to force social media sites to remove false information from their platforms, with misinformation proliferating on sites such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
A poll by Survation for the open data campaign Open Knowledge Foundation found 55% of people believed the government needed to “impose compulsory action on social media sites to prevent the spread of disinformation on their sites”.
A third (33%) said those sites should take voluntary action against misinformation. All the sites involved, including YouTube, insist they do remove fake news and misinformation both proactively and if content is flagged, but they also argue people are entitled to freely share their opinions, even if they are wrong.
The poll found 51% had seen misinformation about the coronavirus, often posts wrongly linking the pandemic to 5G mobile phone masts.
That echoes similar results in polls by Ofcom, the broadcasting regulator, which has already taken enforcement against broadcasters for airing such claims by David Ike, the conspiracy theorist. YouTube deleted Ike’s channel on the platform for repeatedly breaching its ban on disputing the existence of Covid-19.
The ONS has just published its report on coronavirus deaths by ethnicity. Here are the main points.
The ONS says the risk of death from coronavirus is “significantly higher” among some ethnic groups than among people of white ethnicity.
Black men are 4.2 times more likely to die from coronavirus than their white counterparts, and black women 4.3 times more likely, the ONS say, when age is taken into account.
When allowance is made for health factors and deprivation, black people are still 1.9 times more likely to die from coronavirus than their white counterparts, the ONS says.
People of Bangladeshi and Pakistani, Indian, and mixed ethnicities are also significantly more likely to die from coronavirus than their white counterparts, the ONS says.
Bangladeshi and Pakistani men are 1.8 times more likely to die from coronavirus than their white counterparts, even when health factors and deprivation is taking into account. Bangladeshi and Pakistani women are 1.6 times more likely to die from coronavirus.
The ONS says that, although deprivation and other factors explain some of these differences, a remaining part of the difference has not yet been explained.
Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, joining the blog for the day.Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, joining the blog for the day.
Here are the main items on the agenda for later.Here are the main items on the agenda for later.
9.30am: The Office for National Statistics is due to publish data on the economic impact of coronavirus, and deaths by occupation and ethnicity.9.30am: The Office for National Statistics is due to publish data on the economic impact of coronavirus, and deaths by occupation and ethnicity.
9.30am: The Commons home affairs committee takes evidence on coronavirus and asylum accommodation.9.30am: The Commons home affairs committee takes evidence on coronavirus and asylum accommodation.
Morning: Boris Johnson chairs cabinet.Morning: Boris Johnson chairs cabinet.
12.30pm: The Scottish and Welsh governments are due to hold their daily briefings.12.30pm: The Scottish and Welsh governments are due to hold their daily briefings.
Around 1pm: Downing Street lobby briefing.Around 1pm: Downing Street lobby briefing.
2.30pm: Prof Sir Ian Diamond, the national statistician, and Prof John Edmunds, head of infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, give evidence to the Commons science committee about the R number. At 3.30pm Prof David Peters from Johns Hopkins University and Prof David Spiegelhalter will give evidence.2.30pm: Prof Sir Ian Diamond, the national statistician, and Prof John Edmunds, head of infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, give evidence to the Commons science committee about the R number. At 3.30pm Prof David Peters from Johns Hopkins University and Prof David Spiegelhalter will give evidence.
5pm: Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, is expected to take the UK government’s daily press conference.5pm: Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, is expected to take the UK government’s daily press conference.
Schools have been asking teachers to come into work during lockdown to decorate classrooms, attend face-to-face meetings and make fresh preparations for a reopening, a union has claimed. NASUWT, the teachers’ union, says it has received reports of teachers being brought back into work amid speculation that schools will be asked to reopen to more pupils before the summer. Patrick Roach, general secretary of the NASUWT, has said the requests - which he called “wholly inappropriate” - have “intensified” in the past week following reports of an early return. In recent days, teachers have been told to come into school to get them “used to” the workplace and to get classrooms ready for social distancing measures, according to the union leader.Schools have been asking teachers to come into work during lockdown to decorate classrooms, attend face-to-face meetings and make fresh preparations for a reopening, a union has claimed. NASUWT, the teachers’ union, says it has received reports of teachers being brought back into work amid speculation that schools will be asked to reopen to more pupils before the summer. Patrick Roach, general secretary of the NASUWT, has said the requests - which he called “wholly inappropriate” - have “intensified” in the past week following reports of an early return. In recent days, teachers have been told to come into school to get them “used to” the workplace and to get classrooms ready for social distancing measures, according to the union leader.
Dr Roach has urged schools not to act prematurely as staff are being put “at risk unnecessarily”. Roach has urged schools not to act prematurely as staff are being put “at risk unnecessarily”.
Schools, colleges and nurseries closed more than six weeks ago due to the coronavirus outbreak, remaining open only for vulnerable youngsters and the children of key workers.Schools, colleges and nurseries closed more than six weeks ago due to the coronavirus outbreak, remaining open only for vulnerable youngsters and the children of key workers.
Shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds has warned the government to “be quite careful” about saying employees who have been furloughed have become “addicted” to the scheme. Dodds told Sky News: The shadow chancellor, Anneliese Dodds, has warned the government to “be quite careful” about saying employees who have been furloughed have become “addicted” to the scheme. Dodds told Sky News:
On the unusable gowns from Turkey, she added: “Well to be completely honest, clearly a mistake was made around this but for me the critical thing is how are we going to deal with this in the future? “Because I don’t see that need in care homes, in particular, ebbing away actually, it is even more pressing now, so let’s not dwell too much on what might have gone wrong, let’s focus on how we can actually try and get this fixed and sorted.”On the unusable gowns from Turkey, she added: “Well to be completely honest, clearly a mistake was made around this but for me the critical thing is how are we going to deal with this in the future? “Because I don’t see that need in care homes, in particular, ebbing away actually, it is even more pressing now, so let’s not dwell too much on what might have gone wrong, let’s focus on how we can actually try and get this fixed and sorted.”
I will be updating you on the latest news and developments. Please do get in touch to share any thoughts, news tips or insights with me. It’s always really helpful, thanks in advanceI will be updating you on the latest news and developments. Please do get in touch to share any thoughts, news tips or insights with me. It’s always really helpful, thanks in advance
Twitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.comTwitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.com
Nadia Whittome, a Labour MP who said she was fired from her temporary role as a carer for speaking out about PPE shortages, has responded to her former employer after it said it had sufficient equipment. Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Whittome said:Nadia Whittome, a Labour MP who said she was fired from her temporary role as a carer for speaking out about PPE shortages, has responded to her former employer after it said it had sufficient equipment. Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Whittome said:
When asked if speaking to the media about PPE shortages may have been unsettling for the residents in her care, Whittome said:When asked if speaking to the media about PPE shortages may have been unsettling for the residents in her care, Whittome said:
Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien has praised Liam Gallagher for announcing a free concert for NHS workers, but said his own band had no such plans. Former Oasis singer Gallagher plans to perform at The O2 arena in London, which has a capacity of 20,000, on October 29. O’Brien, 52, said Radiohead were “dormant”, although they occasionally came together for band meetings. But he suggested NHS and care home workers might not even want to see them perform live. He told the PA news agency: “Radiohead is kind of dormant at the moment. We have meetings but it’s not an active thing. “We don’t have any plans but I think it’s brilliant, the way that the initial wave of people like Liam Gallagher ... I think that all of that stuff is brilliant.Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien has praised Liam Gallagher for announcing a free concert for NHS workers, but said his own band had no such plans. Former Oasis singer Gallagher plans to perform at The O2 arena in London, which has a capacity of 20,000, on October 29. O’Brien, 52, said Radiohead were “dormant”, although they occasionally came together for band meetings. But he suggested NHS and care home workers might not even want to see them perform live. He told the PA news agency: “Radiohead is kind of dormant at the moment. We have meetings but it’s not an active thing. “We don’t have any plans but I think it’s brilliant, the way that the initial wave of people like Liam Gallagher ... I think that all of that stuff is brilliant.
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has called for ethnicity to be recorded on all death certificates to expose the disproportionate effect that Covid-19 and other illnesses are having on the capital’s black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities.The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has called for ethnicity to be recorded on all death certificates to expose the disproportionate effect that Covid-19 and other illnesses are having on the capital’s black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities.
The Institute of Fiscal Studies estimates that hospital death rates are highest among those with black Caribbean, Pakistani and black African heritage. However, it’s not possible to understand the full extent of this inequality as, unlike in Scotland, ethnicity is not recorded on death certificates in England.The Institute of Fiscal Studies estimates that hospital death rates are highest among those with black Caribbean, Pakistani and black African heritage. However, it’s not possible to understand the full extent of this inequality as, unlike in Scotland, ethnicity is not recorded on death certificates in England.
Khan has successfully lobbied ministers to routinely collect and publish demographics of those dying in hospital and welcomed the government’s review into the disproportionate effect of the virus, but only by adding ethnicity on to death certificates would we be able to get a complete picture, he said.Khan has successfully lobbied ministers to routinely collect and publish demographics of those dying in hospital and welcomed the government’s review into the disproportionate effect of the virus, but only by adding ethnicity on to death certificates would we be able to get a complete picture, he said.
Khan said:Khan said:
The SNP’s Westminster leader, Ian Blackford, has urged Boris Johnson to build a consensus with all the devolved nations on easing lockdown restrictions.Yesterday we reported on significant tensions between the UK government, Scotland and Wales on exit strategy.The SNP’s Westminster leader, Ian Blackford, has urged Boris Johnson to build a consensus with all the devolved nations on easing lockdown restrictions.Yesterday we reported on significant tensions between the UK government, Scotland and Wales on exit strategy.
Blackford told BBC Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland programme: “It’s important we do all seek to work together... this shouldn’t be about politics, this should be about the scientific and medical advice.”Criticising the UK government for “briefing to newspapers ahead of discussions with devolved leaders”, he said: “We know that the R rate in Scotland is slightly above that of rest of the UK and the public would expect the first minister to take action to look after the people of Scotland ... If we do allow an earlier lifting of restrictions all we do is run the risk of a second spike.”Blackford told BBC Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland programme: “It’s important we do all seek to work together... this shouldn’t be about politics, this should be about the scientific and medical advice.”Criticising the UK government for “briefing to newspapers ahead of discussions with devolved leaders”, he said: “We know that the R rate in Scotland is slightly above that of rest of the UK and the public would expect the first minister to take action to look after the people of Scotland ... If we do allow an earlier lifting of restrictions all we do is run the risk of a second spike.”
Morning all and welcome to the Guardian’s live feed. I will be updating you on the latest news and developments. Please do get in touch to share any thoughts, news tips or insights with me.Morning all and welcome to the Guardian’s live feed. I will be updating you on the latest news and developments. Please do get in touch to share any thoughts, news tips or insights with me.
Twitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.comTwitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.com
The Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer told BBC Good Morning Scotland he thinks lockdown should continue.The Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer told BBC Good Morning Scotland he thinks lockdown should continue.
He told the programme:He told the programme:
Asked whether we should continue with lockdown measures he said:Asked whether we should continue with lockdown measures he said:
On testing, Lewis told Sky News that “there has been a bit of a drop-off in the tests in the last couple of days because of some technical issues”. On the Bank of England figures, he added:On testing, Lewis told Sky News that “there has been a bit of a drop-off in the tests in the last couple of days because of some technical issues”. On the Bank of England figures, he added:
Speaking on Sky News on the review of lockdown measures, the Northern Ireland secretary, Brandon Lewis, said:Speaking on Sky News on the review of lockdown measures, the Northern Ireland secretary, Brandon Lewis, said:
He added that “the way in which we do it, I think we’ve got to be very cautious”.He added that “the way in which we do it, I think we’ve got to be very cautious”.
“Because the worst thing that could happen would be to have a very fast, quick and dangerous second peak to this virus.”“Because the worst thing that could happen would be to have a very fast, quick and dangerous second peak to this virus.”
The Bank of England’s monetary policy committee (MPC) voted unanimously in favour of holding rates. In a statement, the central bank added: “The spread of Covid-19 and the measures to contain it are having a significant impact on the United Kingdom and many countries around the world. “Activity has fallen sharply since the beginning of the year and unemployment has risen markedly.”The Bank of England’s monetary policy committee (MPC) voted unanimously in favour of holding rates. In a statement, the central bank added: “The spread of Covid-19 and the measures to contain it are having a significant impact on the United Kingdom and many countries around the world. “Activity has fallen sharply since the beginning of the year and unemployment has risen markedly.”
The acting leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey, has said it is possible for the Bank of England to lend money to the government to help the economic situation. Davey told BBC Breakfast:The acting leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey, has said it is possible for the Bank of England to lend money to the government to help the economic situation. Davey told BBC Breakfast:
On loosening lockdown, he said:On loosening lockdown, he said:
He added:He added:
Picnics, sunbathing and unlimited rambles will be among the first activities to be allowed when the lockdown loosens, it emerged on Wednesday, after Boris Johnson announced that restrictions would begin to ease from Monday. With the stringent restrictions due to be reviewed on Thursday – and details to be announced on Sunday – the prime minister is expected to change the rules so that people would be able to leave the house repeatedly in a single day, so long as they keep a safe distance from anyone from outside their household.Picnics, sunbathing and unlimited rambles will be among the first activities to be allowed when the lockdown loosens, it emerged on Wednesday, after Boris Johnson announced that restrictions would begin to ease from Monday. With the stringent restrictions due to be reviewed on Thursday – and details to be announced on Sunday – the prime minister is expected to change the rules so that people would be able to leave the house repeatedly in a single day, so long as they keep a safe distance from anyone from outside their household.
Every one of the 400,000 protective gowns that arrived from Turkey has been impounded after being found not to conform to UK standards. The Department for Health and Social Care confirmed on Wednesday evening that the items were being held in a facility near Heathrow airport. It is understood that they are due to be sent back and that the DHSC intends to seek a refund, as it has done in similar situations in the past.Every one of the 400,000 protective gowns that arrived from Turkey has been impounded after being found not to conform to UK standards. The Department for Health and Social Care confirmed on Wednesday evening that the items were being held in a facility near Heathrow airport. It is understood that they are due to be sent back and that the DHSC intends to seek a refund, as it has done in similar situations in the past.
Donald Trump has again suggested the US may need to accept the reality of more deaths in order to start reopening the economy, as governments around the world continued to ease out of lockdown restrictions. After backtracking on earlier indications that he would wind up the White House coronavirus taskforce, the Trump spelled out a potentially brutal approach to kickstarting the world’s biggest economy. “We have to be warriors,” Trump told Fox News when asked if Americans should expect additional deaths as the country looks to reopen. “We can’t keep our country closed down for years.”Donald Trump has again suggested the US may need to accept the reality of more deaths in order to start reopening the economy, as governments around the world continued to ease out of lockdown restrictions. After backtracking on earlier indications that he would wind up the White House coronavirus taskforce, the Trump spelled out a potentially brutal approach to kickstarting the world’s biggest economy. “We have to be warriors,” Trump told Fox News when asked if Americans should expect additional deaths as the country looks to reopen. “We can’t keep our country closed down for years.”
The results of hundreds of thousands of coronavirus tests carried out at privately run drive-through centres in England have not yet been shared with GPs or local authorities, who complain they have “no idea” where local disease clusters are.The results of hundreds of thousands of coronavirus tests carried out at privately run drive-through centres in England have not yet been shared with GPs or local authorities, who complain they have “no idea” where local disease clusters are.
A statistician has asked the government to stop using an article he wrote for the Guardian as justification for why Britain’s death toll from coronavirus should not be compared with that of other countries. Prof David Spiegelhalter said in the piece published on 30 April that comparing the number of deaths from Covid-19 between countries was difficult because of the different methodologies used by governments to measure deaths.A statistician has asked the government to stop using an article he wrote for the Guardian as justification for why Britain’s death toll from coronavirus should not be compared with that of other countries. Prof David Spiegelhalter said in the piece published on 30 April that comparing the number of deaths from Covid-19 between countries was difficult because of the different methodologies used by governments to measure deaths.
Welcome to the Guardian’s live feed this morning. I will be updating you on the latest news and developments. Please do get in touch to share any thoughts, news tips or insights with me.Welcome to the Guardian’s live feed this morning. I will be updating you on the latest news and developments. Please do get in touch to share any thoughts, news tips or insights with me.
Twitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.comTwitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.com
Boris Johnson will review coronavirus lockdown measures with ministers on Thursday ahead of an expected easing of restrictions next week.Boris Johnson will review coronavirus lockdown measures with ministers on Thursday ahead of an expected easing of restrictions next week.
The prime minister will chair a cabinet meeting which is likely to focus on what freedoms can be restored weeks after the “draconian” measures were put in place on society to halt the spread of the virus.The prime minister will chair a cabinet meeting which is likely to focus on what freedoms can be restored weeks after the “draconian” measures were put in place on society to halt the spread of the virus.
Johnson hinted he would announce a limited return to pre-pandemic life in an address to the nation on Sunday, with new measures set to come in as early as Monday.Johnson hinted he would announce a limited return to pre-pandemic life in an address to the nation on Sunday, with new measures set to come in as early as Monday.
Reports suggest changes could include unlimited exercise, the return of some sports, park picnics, and the opening of pub and cafe gardens - but people would still be required to remain two metres apart.Reports suggest changes could include unlimited exercise, the return of some sports, park picnics, and the opening of pub and cafe gardens - but people would still be required to remain two metres apart.
The move could also see the government scrap its “stay home” slogan, and encourage people to wear face coverings on public transport and in crowded places as some return to work, according to the Daily Telegraph.The move could also see the government scrap its “stay home” slogan, and encourage people to wear face coverings on public transport and in crowded places as some return to work, according to the Daily Telegraph.