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UK coronavirus live: Nicola Sturgeon attacks ministers' 'shambolic' handling of air bridge plan UK coronavirus live: Nicola Sturgeon attacks ministers' 'shambolic' handling of air bridge plan
(32 minutes later)
Sturgeon said list of countries Scotland had seen was different from list UK is to publish; English pubs can open from 6am on SaturdaySturgeon said list of countries Scotland had seen was different from list UK is to publish; English pubs can open from 6am on Saturday
The Welsh first minister, Mark Drakeford, has launched a scathing attack on how the UK government has handled the issue of lifting quarantine regulations.
Drakeford said: “Dealing with the UK government over the last few days has been an utterly shambolic experience. If ever there was an example of making an announcement first and then trying to work out what you meant by it, that is what we have seen since this announcement was first trailed.
“Day after day we have attempted to get a sensible answer from the UK government of how they intend to make these changes, which countries they intend to extend the new arrangements to and I just have to say it’s been an impossible experience to follow.
“We still don’t know the list the UK government will finally publish. When we have it, then our chief medical officer will provide me with advice. Provided he says to me that there is nothing on that list he believes will cause harm to the health of the public here in Wales it will be my intention to take regulations to the floor of the Senedd to implement those changes here.”
A further 38 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospitals in England, bringing the total number of confirmed hospital deaths in England to 28,832.
NHS England said the patients were aged between 33 and 96 years old. Two patients, aged 50 and 69, had no known underlying health conditions.
An NHS cadet programme is being piloted to encourage thousands of young people into the health workforce.An NHS cadet programme is being piloted to encourage thousands of young people into the health workforce.
Teenagers aged between 14 and 18 will be given first aid and leadership training and volunteer placements within the NHS.Teenagers aged between 14 and 18 will be given first aid and leadership training and volunteer placements within the NHS.
The £6m programme, funded by the health service and St John’s Ambulance, aims to improve patient care while offering work experience for up to 10,000 people.The £6m programme, funded by the health service and St John’s Ambulance, aims to improve patient care while offering work experience for up to 10,000 people.
It is being piloted in Colchester, Hull and London and will be rolled out to Liverpool, Bradford, Hertfordshire and the Wirral in the coming months.It is being piloted in Colchester, Hull and London and will be rolled out to Liverpool, Bradford, Hertfordshire and the Wirral in the coming months.
Organisers said they are seeking people from marginalised backgrounds who may not have previously considered a career in the NHS, such as those not in employment, education or training.Organisers said they are seeking people from marginalised backgrounds who may not have previously considered a career in the NHS, such as those not in employment, education or training.
Chief nurse for the NHS Ruth May said:Chief nurse for the NHS Ruth May said:
Staff and residents in care homes for people over 65 or with dementia will be regularly tested for coronavirus from next week, the government has announced.Staff and residents in care homes for people over 65 or with dementia will be regularly tested for coronavirus from next week, the government has announced.
The Department of Health and Social Care said staff would be tested weekly, while residents will receive a test every 28 days as part of the new strategy.The Department of Health and Social Care said staff would be tested weekly, while residents will receive a test every 28 days as part of the new strategy.
Care homes facing an outbreak or increased risk of flare-ups are already subject to intensive testing, it added.Care homes facing an outbreak or increased risk of flare-ups are already subject to intensive testing, it added.
The repeat testing programme will be rolled out to all care homes for the elderly and for those with dementia which have registered over the next four weeks, and will expand to the entire care home sector from August.The repeat testing programme will be rolled out to all care homes for the elderly and for those with dementia which have registered over the next four weeks, and will expand to the entire care home sector from August.
Health secretary Matt Hancock said:Health secretary Matt Hancock said:
The government has faced fierce criticism for failing to protect care homes from the virus during the height of the pandemic.The government has faced fierce criticism for failing to protect care homes from the virus during the height of the pandemic.
There have been 14,658 deaths linked to coronavirus in care homes across England and Wales registered up to June 19, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics.There have been 14,658 deaths linked to coronavirus in care homes across England and Wales registered up to June 19, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics.
While pub and bars can reopen from 6am tomorrow, an industry boss has warned they could be making financial losses “for some time” with up to 18,000 at risk of closure by the end of the year. While pubs and bars can reopen from 6am tomorrow, an industry boss has warned they could be making financial losses “for some time” with up to 18,000 at risk of closure by the end of the year.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), said the industry would need further financial support from the government to survive. She told the PA news agency:Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), said the industry would need further financial support from the government to survive. She told the PA news agency:
McClarkin said it could take businesses more than a year to rebuild customer confidence and return to pre-coronavirus trading levels, with owners expecting “much lower” footfall initially.McClarkin said it could take businesses more than a year to rebuild customer confidence and return to pre-coronavirus trading levels, with owners expecting “much lower” footfall initially.
Due to social distancing measures, some smaller premises could be limited to having just eight customers inside, she added.Due to social distancing measures, some smaller premises could be limited to having just eight customers inside, she added.
Rachelle Stringer, licensee of The Vine in Manchester, which Downing Street used a picture of in its announcement that pubs could reopen two weeks ago, said staff were “excited” about tomorrow, “but realise there could still be some tough times ahead”.
I’m Amy Walker, taking over the blog while my colleague Lucy Campbell grabs some lunch. You can get in touch with me on Twitter @amyrwalker.I’m Amy Walker, taking over the blog while my colleague Lucy Campbell grabs some lunch. You can get in touch with me on Twitter @amyrwalker.
Scotland’s closure-threatened theatres and live performance arts companies have been offered another £10m by the Scottish government to prevent them becoming insolvent and sacking core staff.Scotland’s closure-threatened theatres and live performance arts companies have been offered another £10m by the Scottish government to prevent them becoming insolvent and sacking core staff.
Fiona Hyslop, the Scottish culture secretary, said the fund will be administered by Creative Scotland and were in addition to previous emergency funding announcements. She said:Fiona Hyslop, the Scottish culture secretary, said the fund will be administered by Creative Scotland and were in addition to previous emergency funding announcements. She said:
Many of Scotland’s best known venues, including the Royal Lyceum in Edinburgh, have warned they face permanent closure, while the cancellation of this August’s festivals in Edinburgh will mean the loss of tens of millions of pounds in income.Many of Scotland’s best known venues, including the Royal Lyceum in Edinburgh, have warned they face permanent closure, while the cancellation of this August’s festivals in Edinburgh will mean the loss of tens of millions of pounds in income.
Many of the UK’s most prominent artists and venues have warned the UK government the arts and culture industries will be devastated without greater financial support.Many of the UK’s most prominent artists and venues have warned the UK government the arts and culture industries will be devastated without greater financial support.
Holidaymakers could risk ending up out of pocket if they start developing coronavirus symptoms just before they were due to embark on a getaway, a consumer rights expert has warned.Holidaymakers could risk ending up out of pocket if they start developing coronavirus symptoms just before they were due to embark on a getaway, a consumer rights expert has warned.
Alex Neill, chief executive of consumer resolution service Resolver, told PA Media that UK tourists needed to be aware they were “taking a risk”.Alex Neill, chief executive of consumer resolution service Resolver, told PA Media that UK tourists needed to be aware they were “taking a risk”.
Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said:Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said:
According to figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), in more normal times, insurers deal with around 1,300 travel claims typically every day, and people can run up huge medical bills for conditions other than coronavirus.According to figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), in more normal times, insurers deal with around 1,300 travel claims typically every day, and people can run up huge medical bills for conditions other than coronavirus.
People who are unsure what their insurance will cover should contact their insurer, as the terms of policies vary.People who are unsure what their insurance will cover should contact their insurer, as the terms of policies vary.
A spokesman for the ABI said:A spokesman for the ABI said:
A production of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has announced its plans to return to the West End in October with social distancing measures in place inside the theatre.A production of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has announced its plans to return to the West End in October with social distancing measures in place inside the theatre.
Live performances are currently banned in the UK, however on Thursday the culture secretary Oliver Dowden said he is working “intensively” to find ways for shows to return.Live performances are currently banned in the UK, however on Thursday the culture secretary Oliver Dowden said he is working “intensively” to find ways for shows to return.
While many in the theatre industry have warned that performing shows with social distancing measures in place is not financially viable, the makers of The Mousetrap insist they will be able to put on the performance for a short time.While many in the theatre industry have warned that performing shows with social distancing measures in place is not financially viable, the makers of The Mousetrap insist they will be able to put on the performance for a short time.
Adam Spiegel, The Mousetrap’s producer, said:Adam Spiegel, The Mousetrap’s producer, said:
The play is scheduled to return to St Martin’s Theatre in London on 23 October, with actors and audience members observing social distancing rules.The play is scheduled to return to St Martin’s Theatre in London on 23 October, with actors and audience members observing social distancing rules.
Up to 200 people will be able to get inside the theatre under the proposals.Up to 200 people will be able to get inside the theatre under the proposals.
Last week Dowden unveiled a five-stage plan that could see the return of live performances.Last week Dowden unveiled a five-stage plan that could see the return of live performances.
The Mousetrap would take place during stage four of the plan, which allows for performances to take place inside with a limited, socially-distanced audience.The Mousetrap would take place during stage four of the plan, which allows for performances to take place inside with a limited, socially-distanced audience.
David Starkey has resigned his honorary fellowship at a Cambridge college after he said slavery was not genocide because there are “so many damn blacks” still around.David Starkey has resigned his honorary fellowship at a Cambridge college after he said slavery was not genocide because there are “so many damn blacks” still around.
The Master of Fitzwilliam College at Cambridge University contacted the Tudor historian following his racist remarks and he has now resigned from his position with immediate effect.The Master of Fitzwilliam College at Cambridge University contacted the Tudor historian following his racist remarks and he has now resigned from his position with immediate effect.
Canterbury Christ Church University has also terminated Starkey’s role as visiting professor, adding that his comments are “completely unacceptable”.Canterbury Christ Church University has also terminated Starkey’s role as visiting professor, adding that his comments are “completely unacceptable”.
Fitzwilliam College at Cambridge University said it will “not tolerate racism”, adding that honorary fellows are expected to uphold the college’s values.Fitzwilliam College at Cambridge University said it will “not tolerate racism”, adding that honorary fellows are expected to uphold the college’s values.
Starkey made the remarks during an online interview with Brexit campaigner Darren Grimes for YouTube channel Reasoned UK.Starkey made the remarks during an online interview with Brexit campaigner Darren Grimes for YouTube channel Reasoned UK.
A Fitzwilliam College statement on Friday said:A Fitzwilliam College statement on Friday said:
They added:They added:
Prof Rama Thirunamachandran, vice-chancellor of Canterbury Christ Church University, has apologised to staff and students at the university in Kent who have been offended and upset by the “appalling” comments.Prof Rama Thirunamachandran, vice-chancellor of Canterbury Christ Church University, has apologised to staff and students at the university in Kent who have been offended and upset by the “appalling” comments.
He said:He said:
Lancaster University has also launched a review of Starkey’s status as an honorary graduate following the comments, which it called “abhorrent”.Lancaster University has also launched a review of Starkey’s status as an honorary graduate following the comments, which it called “abhorrent”.
During the interview, Starkey said:During the interview, Starkey said:
The interview has sparked a massive backlash - including from former chancellor Sajid Javid, who said Starkey’s “racist” comments were a “reminder of the appalling views that still exist”.The interview has sparked a massive backlash - including from former chancellor Sajid Javid, who said Starkey’s “racist” comments were a “reminder of the appalling views that still exist”.
Starkey was contacted by PA Media for comment.Starkey was contacted by PA Media for comment.
Here are the key points from this afternoon’s Downing Street briefing to lobby journalists, as reported by PA Media.Here are the key points from this afternoon’s Downing Street briefing to lobby journalists, as reported by PA Media.
Coronavirus regulations will not limit the amount of time people can spend in pubs and restaurants.Coronavirus regulations will not limit the amount of time people can spend in pubs and restaurants.
The PM’s official spokesman said:The PM’s official spokesman said:
The new regulations will put a 30-person limit on gatherings at home and in outdoor spaces that are not deemed Covid-secure.The new regulations will put a 30-person limit on gatherings at home and in outdoor spaces that are not deemed Covid-secure.
Health protection regulations were signed by the health secretary Matt Hancock this morning and will be laid before Parliament and published later today, No 10 said.Health protection regulations were signed by the health secretary Matt Hancock this morning and will be laid before Parliament and published later today, No 10 said.
They also prevent pubs and bars rushing to serve pints immediately after midnight, with reopening banned until 6am on Saturday.They also prevent pubs and bars rushing to serve pints immediately after midnight, with reopening banned until 6am on Saturday.
The spokesman said:The spokesman said:
The two-household limit on meetings is also to remain in place, the spokesman added.The two-household limit on meetings is also to remain in place, the spokesman added.
Televised daily press briefings with Westminster journalists will not be introduced until at least the autumn.Televised daily press briefings with Westminster journalists will not be introduced until at least the autumn.
The PM’s spokesman also said that “nobody has been recruited yet” to front the briefings.The PM’s spokesman also said that “nobody has been recruited yet” to front the briefings.
The spokesman said the previous daily coronavirus press conferences showed “there is a significant public appetite for information about what the government is doing and why, and we feel that daily on-camera press briefings will help to increase government accountability and transparency”.The spokesman said the previous daily coronavirus press conferences showed “there is a significant public appetite for information about what the government is doing and why, and we feel that daily on-camera press briefings will help to increase government accountability and transparency”.
Eligibility for the flu vaccine will be expanded as the government increases its stocks during the coronavirus crisis.Eligibility for the flu vaccine will be expanded as the government increases its stocks during the coronavirus crisis.
The prime minister’s official spokesman said it was particularly important this year to protect as many people as possible in risk groups:The prime minister’s official spokesman said it was particularly important this year to protect as many people as possible in risk groups:
The prime minister Boris Johnson will work from his Chequers retreat on Saturday, the first time he has been there since his convalescence from Covid-19.The prime minister Boris Johnson will work from his Chequers retreat on Saturday, the first time he has been there since his convalescence from Covid-19.
Nicola Sturgeon has accused UK ministers of behaving in a “shambolic” fashion over their attempts to get UK-wide agreement on relaxing quarantine rules for foreign travel.
The first minister faces intense pressure from Scottish airport owners after refusing to immediately adopt proposals from the UK government to lift quarantine rules for travellers from Spain, Italy, France and Germany, and relax them for up to 60 others from 10 July.
Grant Shapps, the UK transport secretary, insisted the UK government had sought a UK-wide or “four nations” agreement first through the joint biosecurity centre, which includes all four chief medical officers; so far, the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish devolved governments have refused to agree it.
Humza Yousaf, the Scottish justice secretary, said on BBC Radio Scotland on Friday morning they had only had 30 minutes notice of the list of countries; Sturgeon said the first list of countries they saw was different from the list the UK government is due to publish today, and it had changed repeatedly yesterday.
She said:
She said the Scottish government was very likely to agree early next week to lift quarantine for low risk countries but remained worried about doing so for medium-risk countries. Scotland’s coronavirus prevalence rate was five times lower than in England, Sturgeon added.
Gordon Dewar, the chief executive of Edinburgh airport, said he told Sturgeon earlier this week it would damage the economy, weaken confidence amongst airlines about Scottish airports and lead to job losses.
Sturgeon insisted Scotland’s quarantine rules applied to everyone but Dewar implied foreign travellers could easily avoid Scotland’s stricter quarantine rules by travelling via English airports.
He said:
This is from Sky’s Alan McGuinness
This is from the BBC’s Scotland editor Sarah Smith
We have more on this coming shortly.
The Welsh government has urged people to respect the places and communities they will be allowed to visit from Monday when the country’s stay-local regulations are lifted.
From Monday the requirement for people to stay local in Wales will be lifted, which will give people the change to travel widely – and begin to open up tourist spots to all for the first time since lockdown.
Changes are also being made to allow families to be reunited as the concept of extended households is introduced. People from two separate households will be able to join to form one larger but exclusive household.
The government called on people to remember the importance of social distancing, good hand hygiene and the need for respect.
Welsh first minister Mark Drakeford said:
Boris Johnson has refused to condemn his father for flying to Greece in apparent breach of Foreign Office guidance to avoid non-essential travel.
Stanley Johnson was widely criticised after reportedly travelling via Bulgaria - in order to avoid the ban on direct flights from the UK - to visit his Greek villa.
During an LBC radio phone-in, the prime minister repeatedly refused to say whether he was “disappointed” with his father’s actions.
Earlier this week, Johnson senior posted a picture on Instagram of himself apparently arriving at Athens airport wearing a face mask.
The 79-year-old told the Daily Mail that he was visiting on “essential business” because he needed to “Covid-proof my property” ahead of the letting season.
His actions drew comparisons with the notorious visit by the prime minister’s top adviser Dominic Cummings to Barnard Castle during the height of lockdown, supposedly to test his eyesight after recovering from Covid-19.
Boris Johnson said he understood the anger that had been caused by that visit but insisted the government was “very much on people’s side”.
Earlier, the transport secretary Grant Shapps disclosed that Greece was not on the initial list of countries from which travellers to England would no longer be required to quarantine for 14 days on arrival.
Shapps said a decision on whether to add Greece to the list would have to wait until at least 15 July when the government in Athens will decide whether to lift its restrictions on travellers from the UK.
He said that if Johnson senior returned to the UK before that date he would have to self-isolate for a fortnight “which he will be happy to do”.
Asked whether is visit to his villa constituted “essential business”, Shapps said it was “up to an individual to decide”. He told the BBC’s Radio 4 Today programme:
While we wait for the government to publish a list of countries and territories English holidaymakers will be able to visit without quarantining on return, the UK is set to be upgraded into category B from 1 August by Cyprus, according to the Cyprus Mail.
This means flights will be allowed, but travellers from the UK - the island’s biggest tourism market - will need to provide the Cypriot authorities with a negative coronavirus test upon arrival. Cyprus’ second largest market, Russia, remains in category C.
The negative test will need to have been taken in the country of origin 72 hours before travelling.
The Cypriot minister of health, Constantinos Ioannou, said that while Russia’s epidemiological profile was currently not good enough,
I’m really grateful to reader Roger for flagging this!
Downing Street has revealed plans to televise daily press briefings with Westminster journalists in a major change to its communications strategy.
Lobby correspondents currently have twice daily briefings with the prime minister’s spokesman or deputy, who are both civil servants. The briefings are on the record, meaning they can be quoted and attributed to No 10, but are not broadcast.
Under the new plans, the afternoon session will be filmed at 9 Downing Street, while the morning briefing will continue to be held behind closed doors.
An experienced broadcaster is reportedly being sought to lead the White House-style briefings on behalf of the government.
Boris Johnson confirmed the changes in an interview with LBC Radio, suggesting the public had liked having more direct information from ministers during the coronavirus press conferences.
He said:
The prime minister said he would “pop up from time to time” at the briefings.
The full LBC interview is here.
Just one in three pubs, bars and restaurants in Newcastle city centre will reopen for business on Saturday, a council spokesman said.
A number of pubs on Tyneside have already stated they do not want to join the rush to reopen on so-called “Super Saturday”, fearing “total chaos” as drinkers head out to enjoy their first poured pint in months.
Council figures show around 30% of licensees in the city centre have stated they will definitely welcome patrons once again on Saturday.
A further 10% said they plan to open later in the month, once the initial rush has passed, and another 35% said they have not yet decided whether to open this month, with the remainder not stating their plans to licensing officials.
Earlier this week, bosses of the popular Tyne Bar which overlooks the river said it will not be opening on 4 July, along with other venues in the trendy Ouseburn, and would instead reopen on 6 July to allow more time to implement safety measures bar.
Superintendent Karl Wilson, of Northumbria police, urged people to show restraint.
Northumbria police and crime commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said although pubs reopening seemed like a return to normality, this was not the case yet.
She added:
English holidaymakers will be able to visit Spain, Italy, France and Germany without having to quarantine for 14 days on their return and travel restrictions on up to 60 other countries and territories are also set to be lifted, our Kate Proctor reports.
The government’s rule change will come into effect on 10 July with the transport secretary, Grant Shapps, describing it as a major step in “reopening the nation”.
We’re expecting a full list around around lunchtime.