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Boris Johnson accused by Labour of seeking 'culture war' over Churchill statue - live news Boris Johnson accused by Labour of seeking 'culture war' over Churchill statue - live news
(32 minutes later)
Labour criticises PM’s new racism inquiry as non-essential shops open in England in latest easing of coronavirus lockdown.Global coronavirus live updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageLabour criticises PM’s new racism inquiry as non-essential shops open in England in latest easing of coronavirus lockdown.Global coronavirus live updatesSee all our coronavirus coverage
Travis Perkins, the builders’ merchant, is cutting 2,500 jobs in the UK, almost a tenth of its workforce, and closing 165 stores. The business says it expects weaker demand for materials in the next two years in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. You can read the full story at the link below and follow more live updates on the Guardian’s business live blog here.
A 28-year-old football fan has been jailed after admitting urinating next to the memorial dedicated to PC Keith Palmer, who was stabbed to death in the 2017 Westminster terror attack.
Andrew Banks, of Manor Road in Stansted, Essex, was handed a 14-day immediate jail term after pleading guilty to outraging public decency during a far-right protest in central London on Saturday.
The PA Media news agency reports that Banks said he had been on an all-night drinking session in the capital and decided to join fellow football supporters travelling to London to “protect the statues”, but admitted he did not know which statues.
He also said he had no idea about the memorial to PC Palmer, and handed himself into police when he was confronted by his father, who saw images of the incident online.
Jailing Banks at Westminster magistrates court on Monday morning, Chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot said:
Music venue Colston Hall has removed lettering from the outside of its building ahead of a planned name change, PA Media reports. It was named after Edward Colston, the 17th century slave trader, and built almost 150 years after his death. Bristol Music Trust, which runs the venue, announced in 2017 that the name would be changed this year following a £49m refurbishment. The organisation said this morning that removing the lettering is “just one step on our road” to revealing the new name this autumn. The move comes after a statue of Colston was toppled and thrown into Bristol harbour during a Black Lives Matter march last weekend.
Bristol Music Trust said:
Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that levels of anxiety among Britons appear to be reducing compared with the start of lockdown.
At the beginning of lockdown, the body noted a “marked” increase in anxiety. Between 20-30 March, almost half (49.6%) of people reported high anxiety. This reduced to 37% between 30 April and 10 May. But average anxiety scores are still higher compared with last year, and it has been estimated that 19 million adults in Britain are suffering high levels of anxiety.
The ONS report on anxiety and coronavirus (which you can read here) states:
David Isaac, chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, has said Boris Johnson should be taking action to address racial inequality instead of just announcing another inquiry. Echoing the point made by Labour (see 10.02am), Isaac said:David Isaac, chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, has said Boris Johnson should be taking action to address racial inequality instead of just announcing another inquiry. Echoing the point made by Labour (see 10.02am), Isaac said:
A report by an influential group of MPs has said the Treasury should act to help more than a million people who have fallen through the cracks in the government’s Covid-19 income support schemes.A report by an influential group of MPs has said the Treasury should act to help more than a million people who have fallen through the cracks in the government’s Covid-19 income support schemes.
The Guardian’s Larry Elliott and Kalyeena Makortoff report that the all-party Treasury select committee said large numbers of people were enduring financial hardship as they were unable to benefit from the chancellor’s schemes for salaried employees and the self-employed.The Guardian’s Larry Elliott and Kalyeena Makortoff report that the all-party Treasury select committee said large numbers of people were enduring financial hardship as they were unable to benefit from the chancellor’s schemes for salaried employees and the self-employed.
The committee said the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, needed to make good on his promise to “do whatever it takes” to protect individuals and businesses from the impact of the pandemic. The MPs called on Sunak to address the gaps in his coronavirus job retention scheme (CJRS) and self-employment income support scheme (SEISS).The committee said the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, needed to make good on his promise to “do whatever it takes” to protect individuals and businesses from the impact of the pandemic. The MPs called on Sunak to address the gaps in his coronavirus job retention scheme (CJRS) and self-employment income support scheme (SEISS).
Employers across Britain face a deadline this week to make job cuts, as the furlough scheme is gradually wound down from August.Employers across Britain face a deadline this week to make job cuts, as the furlough scheme is gradually wound down from August.
The Scottish National party has announced that Amy Callaghan, the 28-year-old MP for East Dunbartonshire, is recovering in hospital following emergency surgery after collapsing at home with a brain haemorrhage last week.The Scottish National party has announced that Amy Callaghan, the 28-year-old MP for East Dunbartonshire, is recovering in hospital following emergency surgery after collapsing at home with a brain haemorrhage last week.
The party said it was linked to a manageable but unspecified medical condition, and the event could have longer-term consequences. Callaghan took the seat from Jo Swinson, the then Liberal Democrat leader, in a closely-fought contest in last December’s snap election.The party said it was linked to a manageable but unspecified medical condition, and the event could have longer-term consequences. Callaghan took the seat from Jo Swinson, the then Liberal Democrat leader, in a closely-fought contest in last December’s snap election.
Callaghan’s family said:Callaghan’s family said:
In England non-essential shops are opening again today. Retailers were not sure in advance how many shoppers would turn up, but in some areas interest seems high. Here are some places where people have been queuing.In England non-essential shops are opening again today. Retailers were not sure in advance how many shoppers would turn up, but in some areas interest seems high. Here are some places where people have been queuing.
Thousands more pupils are going back to school today, but the picture across the UK is patchy.Thousands more pupils are going back to school today, but the picture across the UK is patchy.
At least parts of years 10 and 12 are returning to school to get some time with teachers ahead of their GCSEs and A-levels next year.At least parts of years 10 and 12 are returning to school to get some time with teachers ahead of their GCSEs and A-levels next year.
The government has faced criticism that it has not done more to get schools reopened, with some children facing the prospect of having been out of the classroom for almost six months by the time they return in September.The government has faced criticism that it has not done more to get schools reopened, with some children facing the prospect of having been out of the classroom for almost six months by the time they return in September.
A No 10 source said Mr Johnson was “acutely aware” of the impact the extended closure was having on pupils and was working with the education secretary, Gavin Williamson, on a major “catch-up” plan.A No 10 source said Mr Johnson was “acutely aware” of the impact the extended closure was having on pupils and was working with the education secretary, Gavin Williamson, on a major “catch-up” plan.
Here’s some pics of what some of those classrooms look like:Here’s some pics of what some of those classrooms look like:
In his Daily Telegraph article, which he has now posted on his Facebook page (perhaps to counter claims he was announcing government policy behind the Telegraph paywall), Boris Johnson says that the Black Lives Matter focus on statues is “a total distraction from the matter in hand”. That is a bit rich, given that his own article says much more about statues than it does about racial inequalities (a point that prompted David Lammy to accuse him of trying to provoke a culture war - see 10.22am). But the article also amounts to Johnson’s most extensive comment on an issue that has attracted huge interest in the last week, and so it is worth highlighting what he says.In his Daily Telegraph article, which he has now posted on his Facebook page (perhaps to counter claims he was announcing government policy behind the Telegraph paywall), Boris Johnson says that the Black Lives Matter focus on statues is “a total distraction from the matter in hand”. That is a bit rich, given that his own article says much more about statues than it does about racial inequalities (a point that prompted David Lammy to accuse him of trying to provoke a culture war - see 10.22am). But the article also amounts to Johnson’s most extensive comment on an issue that has attracted huge interest in the last week, and so it is worth highlighting what he says.
Here are the main points.Here are the main points.
Johnson claims that those calling for statues to be removed are trying to distort history. He says:Johnson claims that those calling for statues to be removed are trying to distort history. He says:
This seems to fundamentally misunderstand the motives of those, for instance, who celebrated the removal of the Edward Colston statue in Bristol. They would argue that what amounted to “distortion” was a monument celebrating someone as a benefactor with no acknowledgement of the monstrous origins of his wealth.This seems to fundamentally misunderstand the motives of those, for instance, who celebrated the removal of the Edward Colston statue in Bristol. They would argue that what amounted to “distortion” was a monument celebrating someone as a benefactor with no acknowledgement of the monstrous origins of his wealth.
He says he will resist “with every breath in my body” attempts to remove Winston Churchill’s statue from Parliament Square.He says he will resist “with every breath in my body” attempts to remove Winston Churchill’s statue from Parliament Square.
But, as David Lammy pointed out on Today, there is no serious campaign to remove the Churchill statute from Parliament Square in the first place and no one is calling for this beyond a small minority of activists (like Imarn Ayton, who was on the Today programme at the weekend). Johnson’s argument seems designed to curry favour with the Mail on Sunday, which yesterday launched a campaign to save the Churchill statue. As the Financial Times’ Robert Wright pointed out, that is about the safest newspaper campaign ever.But, as David Lammy pointed out on Today, there is no serious campaign to remove the Churchill statute from Parliament Square in the first place and no one is calling for this beyond a small minority of activists (like Imarn Ayton, who was on the Today programme at the weekend). Johnson’s argument seems designed to curry favour with the Mail on Sunday, which yesterday launched a campaign to save the Churchill statue. As the Financial Times’ Robert Wright pointed out, that is about the safest newspaper campaign ever.
Johnson claims that removing statues of historic figures will result in a “never-ending debate about which well-known historical figure is sufficiently pure or politically correct to remain in public view”. He goes on:Johnson claims that removing statues of historic figures will result in a “never-ending debate about which well-known historical figure is sufficiently pure or politically correct to remain in public view”. He goes on:
He says that, instead of seeing statues taken down, he would rather see a more representative statues erected. He says:He says that, instead of seeing statues taken down, he would rather see a more representative statues erected. He says:
That “cheerful” is very telling. One criticism of Johnson is that he has a fundamental aversion into facing up to anything negative.That “cheerful” is very telling. One criticism of Johnson is that he has a fundamental aversion into facing up to anything negative.
He restates this view that there is “much more” that the government has to do to tackle racism.He restates this view that there is “much more” that the government has to do to tackle racism.
He proposes a “cross-government commission to look at all aspects of inequality”. The only reference to what is the news announcement in the article takes up about two sentences. Johnson says:He proposes a “cross-government commission to look at all aspects of inequality”. The only reference to what is the news announcement in the article takes up about two sentences. Johnson says:
Explained like this, it is hard to see how this might be different from the race disparity audit published by Theresa May in 2017.Explained like this, it is hard to see how this might be different from the race disparity audit published by Theresa May in 2017.
Up to half of people who are shielding from Covid-19 have left their home against advice, while a third say their mental health has worsened, according to new data. PA Media reports:Up to half of people who are shielding from Covid-19 have left their home against advice, while a third say their mental health has worsened, according to new data. PA Media reports:
Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), based on a survey of 4,149 people who are shielding, found that 49% have been out since shielding began, while 51% have stayed at home. People who are shielding were initially told not to leave their home or garden, including for exercise, shopping or to go to work.Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), based on a survey of 4,149 people who are shielding, found that 49% have been out since shielding began, while 51% have stayed at home. People who are shielding were initially told not to leave their home or garden, including for exercise, shopping or to go to work.
But on 1 June, the rules in England were relaxed to say people could leave their homes once a day for exercise.But on 1 June, the rules in England were relaxed to say people could leave their homes once a day for exercise.
The new poll across England, covering May 28 to June 3, found:The new poll across England, covering May 28 to June 3, found:
Two-thirds (66%) have not stayed 2 metres away from those they live with despite being advised to do so, while 11% have always kept their distance and 23% have done so sometimes.Two-thirds (66%) have not stayed 2 metres away from those they live with despite being advised to do so, while 11% have always kept their distance and 23% have done so sometimes.
Almost half (49%, an estimated 1.1 million people) said they have left the house since receiving advice to shield and 40% have left home at least once in the previous seven days.Almost half (49%, an estimated 1.1 million people) said they have left the house since receiving advice to shield and 40% have left home at least once in the previous seven days.
Some 53% said they had left home during the shielding period for exercise, 26% attended a GP or hospital appointment and 24% shopped for essentials. Some 12% collected a prescription, 11% had a blood test and 3% went to work.Some 53% said they had left home during the shielding period for exercise, 26% attended a GP or hospital appointment and 24% shopped for essentials. Some 12% collected a prescription, 11% had a blood test and 3% went to work.
In the previous seven days, 19% had left their house or garden every day, 34% had on some days, 29% had done so once and 18% had not at all.In the previous seven days, 19% had left their house or garden every day, 34% had on some days, 29% had done so once and 18% had not at all.
The poll also found that while 61% of those shielding had experienced no difference in their mental health and wellbeing due to shielding, 35% said their mental health had got worse (29% slightly worse and 6% much worse).The poll also found that while 61% of those shielding had experienced no difference in their mental health and wellbeing due to shielding, 35% said their mental health had got worse (29% slightly worse and 6% much worse).
The data also showed that around 627,000 of those shielding (28% of the total) had previously worked before being advised to shield.Of those who normally worked before shielding, 36% are now working from home and 5% are continuing to work outside the home (an estimated 32,000).The data also showed that around 627,000 of those shielding (28% of the total) had previously worked before being advised to shield.Of those who normally worked before shielding, 36% are now working from home and 5% are continuing to work outside the home (an estimated 32,000).
Just over a third (36 %) of those who normally work have been furloughed, and 17% have stopped working.Of those offered support from the government to help them receive supplies while shielding, 54% had registered for support and 46% had not.Just over a third (36 %) of those who normally work have been furloughed, and 17% have stopped working.Of those offered support from the government to help them receive supplies while shielding, 54% had registered for support and 46% had not.
Some 2.2 million clinically extremely vulnerable people have been advised to shield due to Covid-19.Some 2.2 million clinically extremely vulnerable people have been advised to shield due to Covid-19.
Long queues of people formed outside ZSL London Zoo in Regent’s Park, west London. Parents and children were asked to respect 2-metre social distancing and many wore face coverings.Long queues of people formed outside ZSL London Zoo in Regent’s Park, west London. Parents and children were asked to respect 2-metre social distancing and many wore face coverings.
Jamie Turner, site manager for ZSL London Zoo, said just under 2,000 tickets had been sold for Monday and that the return of so many customers was “beautiful to see”.Jamie Turner, site manager for ZSL London Zoo, said just under 2,000 tickets had been sold for Monday and that the return of so many customers was “beautiful to see”.
Visitors are being asked to keep “a tiger’s length” apart.Visitors are being asked to keep “a tiger’s length” apart.
In his Today interview (see 9.19am and 10.02am) David Lammy, the shadow justice secretary, also accused Boris Johnson of making his Telegraph article mostly about Winston Churchill statue because the Tories want a “culture war” as a distraction from their policy failings on race. Lammy said:In his Today interview (see 9.19am and 10.02am) David Lammy, the shadow justice secretary, also accused Boris Johnson of making his Telegraph article mostly about Winston Churchill statue because the Tories want a “culture war” as a distraction from their policy failings on race. Lammy said:
The governing bodies of 80 of the nation’s leading sports – including British Athletics, British Cycling and England Netball – have published an unprecedented statement saying they have not done enough to confront racism at all levels from grassroots participation through to the boardroom, our colleague Sean Ingle reports.The governing bodies of 80 of the nation’s leading sports – including British Athletics, British Cycling and England Netball – have published an unprecedented statement saying they have not done enough to confront racism at all levels from grassroots participation through to the boardroom, our colleague Sean Ingle reports.
In his Today programme interview this morning (see 9.19am) David Lammy, the shadow justice secretary, said that if Boris Johnson were serious about wanting to address racial inequalities, he should implement the recommendations of the many reviews already sitting on shelves in Westminster instead of ordering a new inquiry.In his Today programme interview this morning (see 9.19am) David Lammy, the shadow justice secretary, said that if Boris Johnson were serious about wanting to address racial inequalities, he should implement the recommendations of the many reviews already sitting on shelves in Westminster instead of ordering a new inquiry.
Helpfully, he itemised some of them, starting with a reference to the review he himself led into the way BAME people are treated by the criminal justice system. David Cameron appointed Lammy to head the review when he was PM, and it reported to Theresa May’s government inn 2017.Helpfully, he itemised some of them, starting with a reference to the review he himself led into the way BAME people are treated by the criminal justice system. David Cameron appointed Lammy to head the review when he was PM, and it reported to Theresa May’s government inn 2017.
Lammy said:Lammy said:
There will be an an urgent question in the Commons on the 2-metre rule. Having repeatedly said that this is being regularly kept under review, ministers have now said a specific review of it is under way.There will be an an urgent question in the Commons on the 2-metre rule. Having repeatedly said that this is being regularly kept under review, ministers have now said a specific review of it is under way.
Greg Clark, the Conservative chair of the Commons science committee, has tabled the UQ. He is asking Boris Johnson to respond, although it is very unlikely that he will. No 10 is much more likely to send another minister to the Commons to respond (which is allowed).Greg Clark, the Conservative chair of the Commons science committee, has tabled the UQ. He is asking Boris Johnson to respond, although it is very unlikely that he will. No 10 is much more likely to send another minister to the Commons to respond (which is allowed).