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UK Covid live: Burnham tells Sturgeon to justify Scotland ban on non-essential travel to and from Manchester UK Covid live: Burnham tells Sturgeon to justify Scotland ban on non-essential travel to and from Manchester
(32 minutes later)
Latest updates: mayor of Greater Manchester writes open letter to Scotland’s first minister about decision ban on non-essential travel to and from cityLatest updates: mayor of Greater Manchester writes open letter to Scotland’s first minister about decision ban on non-essential travel to and from city
Boris Johnson has said that England remains on course to lift all remaining restrictions on 19 July - but that the NHS faces a “rough winter”. (See 12.47pm.)
Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has challenged Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, to explain why she has imposed a ban on non-essential travel to and from his city. (See 5pm.)
Downing Street under Boris Johnson is “a branch of the entertainment industry” and nothing will get done in terms of serious policy focus until he leaves, Dominic Cummings has said in his latest blast at his former boss.
People in England who are double vaccinated but notified by the NHS Covid-19 app for coming into close contact with someone infected with the virus may soon no longer need to isolate, Matt Hancock, the health secretary, has confirmed.
The UK’s economic recovery accelerated in May as tourism and recreation firms reopened, but the delay in ending Covid-19 restrictions is putting hospitality firms at risk, research shows.
Scotland’s plans for their crucial Group D game against Croatia at Hampden Park on Tuesday have been seriously disrupted after Billy Gilmour, who played a starring role in the draw at Wembley on Friday, tested positive for Covid-19. Gilmour will now complete 10 days of isolation.
That’s all from me for today. Our coronavirus coverage continues on our global live blog.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP has confirmed that he is standing for the DUP leadershp. In a statement, he stressed that opposition to the Northern Ireland protocol would be at the heart of his leadership. He said:
Paul Givan, who became Northern Ireland’s first minister last week, said that Donaldson would have his full support as party leader. Givan became first minister because the former DUP leader, Edwin Poots, did not want the job and nominated Givan instead. Poots resigned because, as part of a deal to get Givan in post and re-establish the power-sharing executive, he accepted a deal that could lead to Westminster legislating to give Northern Ireland the Irish language legislation Sinn Féin wants. Many DUP MPs and MLAs were infuriated.
Donaldson, who was narrowly defeated by Poots in last month’s election, is expected to be elected DUP leader unopposed.
Anti-lockdown and anti-vaccine protesters have been demonstrating in Westminster this afternoon.
And here is my colleague Peter Walker’s take on Dominic Cummings’s Substack Q&A. Peter has focused on Cummings’s latest withering assessment of his former boss.And here is my colleague Peter Walker’s take on Dominic Cummings’s Substack Q&A. Peter has focused on Cummings’s latest withering assessment of his former boss.
The UK has recorded 10,633 new coronavirus cases and five further deaths, according to the latest update on the government’s Covid dashboard. The total number of new cases over the past week is now 31.4% up on the total for the previous week, while deaths are up 12.1% week on week.The UK has recorded 10,633 new coronavirus cases and five further deaths, according to the latest update on the government’s Covid dashboard. The total number of new cases over the past week is now 31.4% up on the total for the previous week, while deaths are up 12.1% week on week.
Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has written an open letter to Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, about her decision to impose a ban on non-essential travel to and from his city. (See 11.50am and 2.48pm.) In it, he asks Sturgeon to justify her policy, challenges her to explain why her government is refusing to compensate people who will lose out and urges her to improve communications with the devolved administrations in England.Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has written an open letter to Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, about her decision to impose a ban on non-essential travel to and from his city. (See 11.50am and 2.48pm.) In it, he asks Sturgeon to justify her policy, challenges her to explain why her government is refusing to compensate people who will lose out and urges her to improve communications with the devolved administrations in England.
Here is an extract.Here is an extract.
Dominic Cummings is still responding to questions from subscribers on his Substack page, or at least he was until recently. (See 12.58pm.) To his credit, he has answered a lot of questions, and he is prepared to engage properly with his subscribers.Dominic Cummings is still responding to questions from subscribers on his Substack page, or at least he was until recently. (See 12.58pm.) To his credit, he has answered a lot of questions, and he is prepared to engage properly with his subscribers.
Have we learned anything much that’s new? Not particularly. Although he did not give a lot of media interviews, Cummings did set out his thinking about the world when he was not in government on his blog at great length (he says today he is re-reading War and Peace; it is not just its content that’s an inspiration, but its word count) and today we got a rehash. The quote posted at 12.58pm may be the best best summary so far. A lot of it is about the supposed uselessness of Westminster politicians and journalists; a related problem, as he sees it, because he thinks the former spend too much time worrying about the latter.Have we learned anything much that’s new? Not particularly. Although he did not give a lot of media interviews, Cummings did set out his thinking about the world when he was not in government on his blog at great length (he says today he is re-reading War and Peace; it is not just its content that’s an inspiration, but its word count) and today we got a rehash. The quote posted at 12.58pm may be the best best summary so far. A lot of it is about the supposed uselessness of Westminster politicians and journalists; a related problem, as he sees it, because he thinks the former spend too much time worrying about the latter.
Cummings has said little of substance that is new about the Covid decision-making process in government. And he has generally avoided personal attacks; some invitations to comment on Carrie Johnson have been ignored.Cummings has said little of substance that is new about the Covid decision-making process in government. And he has generally avoided personal attacks; some invitations to comment on Carrie Johnson have been ignored.
But Cummings is never dull, and a lot of what he has to say is worth a read. Here are some of the other key points.But Cummings is never dull, and a lot of what he has to say is worth a read. Here are some of the other key points.
(Cummings’s replies are not written in formal English, but I have quoted them as published, apart from minor style changes, like removing or inserting capital letters.(Cummings’s replies are not written in formal English, but I have quoted them as published, apart from minor style changes, like removing or inserting capital letters.
Cummings said that, after the Tories won the 2019 general election, he wanted to put more expert non-MPs into the cabinet. This would be a move towards separating the executive from the legislature - a move that would amount to major constitutional upheaval. Cummings said:Cummings said that, after the Tories won the 2019 general election, he wanted to put more expert non-MPs into the cabinet. This would be a move towards separating the executive from the legislature - a move that would amount to major constitutional upheaval. Cummings said:
Cummings said it was “reasonable” for people to ask why he devoted so much time to making Boris Johnson PM when he thought he was unsuitable for the job. He said he would write a proper answer to this separately.Cummings said it was “reasonable” for people to ask why he devoted so much time to making Boris Johnson PM when he thought he was unsuitable for the job. He said he would write a proper answer to this separately.
He said Labour should attack the government over its record on violent crime. Asked what the opposition should do, he said:He said Labour should attack the government over its record on violent crime. Asked what the opposition should do, he said:
He also said:He also said:
Cummings said he thought Brexit would reduce the chances of “hateful politics dominating”. In a passage about why he supported it, he said:Cummings said he thought Brexit would reduce the chances of “hateful politics dominating”. In a passage about why he supported it, he said:
On some issues, Cummings has been remarkable prescient. But on Brexit and “hateful politics”, perhaps not ...On some issues, Cummings has been remarkable prescient. But on Brexit and “hateful politics”, perhaps not ...
He said “Global Britain” was a “crap slogan” that meant nothing. Talking about Brexit, he said:He said “Global Britain” was a “crap slogan” that meant nothing. Talking about Brexit, he said:
He said he hoped Brexit would change the “hideous” Conservative party. He said:He said he hoped Brexit would change the “hideous” Conservative party. He said:
Cummings’s definition of what made the old Conservative party “hideous” is probably not one shared by many of those criticising the party on those grounds now.Cummings’s definition of what made the old Conservative party “hideous” is probably not one shared by many of those criticising the party on those grounds now.
He said it was often hard to persuade Boris Johnson to ignore the media. He said:He said it was often hard to persuade Boris Johnson to ignore the media. He said:
Cummings said he was worried about how fragile civilisation was, and alarmed at the quality of the leaders in charge of defending it. He said:Cummings said he was worried about how fragile civilisation was, and alarmed at the quality of the leaders in charge of defending it. He said:
He said there should be a “revolving door” between the civil service and the private sector. He said all civil service jobs should be open to outsiders. When a reader said this could create the risk of a revolving door between the civil service and business, Cummings replied: “That’s not a risk, that’s the goal!”He said there should be a “revolving door” between the civil service and the private sector. He said all civil service jobs should be open to outsiders. When a reader said this could create the risk of a revolving door between the civil service and business, Cummings replied: “That’s not a risk, that’s the goal!”
He said all the existing political parties were “rotten to the core, old decrepit entities literally dying on their feet”.He said all the existing political parties were “rotten to the core, old decrepit entities literally dying on their feet”.
He said studying Bismarck was the best way to understand politics. He said:He said studying Bismarck was the best way to understand politics. He said:
And in another answer he said:And in another answer he said:
Alterations to usual period patterns among some women after they received a Covid-19 jab could have occurred “by chance”, leading gynaecologists have said. As PA Media reports, experts at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) said that many women experience a temporary change to their periods in their lifetime, so for some women the change may occur around the time they receive a Covid-19 vaccine. PA says:Alterations to usual period patterns among some women after they received a Covid-19 jab could have occurred “by chance”, leading gynaecologists have said. As PA Media reports, experts at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) said that many women experience a temporary change to their periods in their lifetime, so for some women the change may occur around the time they receive a Covid-19 vaccine. PA says:
Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has responded angrily to Nicola Sturgeon’s suggestion that his own Labour party leadership ambitions were behind his complaints about Scotland imposing a ban on non-essential travel to and from his city. (See 11.50am.) Asked about her comment, Burnham said:Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has responded angrily to Nicola Sturgeon’s suggestion that his own Labour party leadership ambitions were behind his complaints about Scotland imposing a ban on non-essential travel to and from his city. (See 11.50am.) Asked about her comment, Burnham said:
Citing an email he had received from a local resident, Burnham went on:Citing an email he had received from a local resident, Burnham went on:
Burnham said he would be writing to Sturgeon asking her to explain the reasons for her decision and to compensate those affected.Burnham said he would be writing to Sturgeon asking her to explain the reasons for her decision and to compensate those affected.
And here is a fuller summary of the Downing Street lobby briefing.And here is a fuller summary of the Downing Street lobby briefing.
Downing Street strongly played down suggestions that the government might temporarily suspend the triple lock on pensions. The Conservatives pledged to keep it in their manifesto, but there has been intense speculation about the possibility of it being suspended for a year since Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, gave an interview to GB News last week in which he said he could not pre-empt what a review of the policy would decide. A rise in average earnings caused by the Covid recovery means that the triple lock formula used to decide pension increase could this year make them far more generous than the government intended. Asked if the triple lock might be suspended, the prime minister’s spokesman referred journalists to what Boris Johnson himself said this morning. (See 12.47pm.) The spokesman said there was “significant uncertainty” about average earnings figures for this year and that the spike that has been forecast might not materialise. He said the government had made a commitment to the triple lock and it would stick to that commitment. Asked if he could rule out a one-year suspension of it, he said:Downing Street strongly played down suggestions that the government might temporarily suspend the triple lock on pensions. The Conservatives pledged to keep it in their manifesto, but there has been intense speculation about the possibility of it being suspended for a year since Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, gave an interview to GB News last week in which he said he could not pre-empt what a review of the policy would decide. A rise in average earnings caused by the Covid recovery means that the triple lock formula used to decide pension increase could this year make them far more generous than the government intended. Asked if the triple lock might be suspended, the prime minister’s spokesman referred journalists to what Boris Johnson himself said this morning. (See 12.47pm.) The spokesman said there was “significant uncertainty” about average earnings figures for this year and that the spike that has been forecast might not materialise. He said the government had made a commitment to the triple lock and it would stick to that commitment. Asked if he could rule out a one-year suspension of it, he said:
Asked if that was a yes, the spokesman said reporters had his words.Asked if that was a yes, the spokesman said reporters had his words.
The spokesman said that the government was “finalising” its plans for the reform of adult social care and that they would be published “before the end of the year”. He would not comment on reports that a key meeting to discuss the plans had been scheduled for tomorrow. Asked how the reforms would be paid for, the spokesman said:The spokesman said that the government was “finalising” its plans for the reform of adult social care and that they would be published “before the end of the year”. He would not comment on reports that a key meeting to discuss the plans had been scheduled for tomorrow. Asked how the reforms would be paid for, the spokesman said:
The spokesman said the Ministry of Defence will pay for the successor to the Royal Yacht. Yesterday it was reported that government departments could not agree who should pay for the vessel, which is not being called a royal yacht, has not been welcomed by the royal family, and which is intended to help drum up trade for the UK. The spokesman said the MoD would pay for it. But he said it would be “a trade ship, not a military vessel”.The spokesman said the Ministry of Defence will pay for the successor to the Royal Yacht. Yesterday it was reported that government departments could not agree who should pay for the vessel, which is not being called a royal yacht, has not been welcomed by the royal family, and which is intended to help drum up trade for the UK. The spokesman said the MoD would pay for it. But he said it would be “a trade ship, not a military vessel”.
The spokesman rejected claims that Johnson does not consult his cabinet properly. Asked about these complaints, the spokesman said cabinet government had been “working effectively throughout the pandemic” and would continue to do so.The spokesman rejected claims that Johnson does not consult his cabinet properly. Asked about these complaints, the spokesman said cabinet government had been “working effectively throughout the pandemic” and would continue to do so.
The spokesman defended government plans announced last week to stop the Electoral Commission initiating criminal proceedings. The move has triggered protests because the commission is currently investigating Johnson himself. But the spokesman said this was about clarifying the situation; he said that although the commission has been developing the ability to launch criminal proceedings, it was never the intention of the government or parliament for the commission to have this power in the first place. This is seen as a job for the police and the CPS.The spokesman defended government plans announced last week to stop the Electoral Commission initiating criminal proceedings. The move has triggered protests because the commission is currently investigating Johnson himself. But the spokesman said this was about clarifying the situation; he said that although the commission has been developing the ability to launch criminal proceedings, it was never the intention of the government or parliament for the commission to have this power in the first place. This is seen as a job for the police and the CPS.
The spokesman rejected claims the G7 was responsible for a spike in coronavirus cases in Cornwall, particularly around Carbis Bay. (See 1.34pm.)The spokesman rejected claims the G7 was responsible for a spike in coronavirus cases in Cornwall, particularly around Carbis Bay. (See 1.34pm.)
At the Downing Street lobby briefing the prime minister’s spokesman rejected suggestions that the G7 was to blame for a rise in coronavirus cases in Cornwall, particularly around Carbis Bay and other places used by summit visitors.At the Downing Street lobby briefing the prime minister’s spokesman rejected suggestions that the G7 was to blame for a rise in coronavirus cases in Cornwall, particularly around Carbis Bay and other places used by summit visitors.
According to the latest update to the government’s dashboard, cases in Cornwall over the past week are 126.3% up on the previous week. Across the UK as a whole cases are just up 31.1% week on week.According to the latest update to the government’s dashboard, cases in Cornwall over the past week are 126.3% up on the previous week. Across the UK as a whole cases are just up 31.1% week on week.
And in the ward including Carbis Bay, cases are running at the rate of 426 per 100,000 people, one of the highest rates in the UK, although that figure covers the seven days to 15 June and only comprises 26 cases.And in the ward including Carbis Bay, cases are running at the rate of 426 per 100,000 people, one of the highest rates in the UK, although that figure covers the seven days to 15 June and only comprises 26 cases.
Andy Virr, Cornwall council’s cabinet member for health, and a doctor, said last week the rise in cases was not related to the G7, but, as Cornwall Live reports, this claim is disputed in the county.Andy Virr, Cornwall council’s cabinet member for health, and a doctor, said last week the rise in cases was not related to the G7, but, as Cornwall Live reports, this claim is disputed in the county.
Asked if Downing Street thought the summit was to blame for the rise in cases, the prime minister’s spokesman said no. He told journalists:Asked if Downing Street thought the summit was to blame for the rise in cases, the prime minister’s spokesman said no. He told journalists:
Although attendees at the summit were tested, the theory that it contributed to the rise in cases is based on the potential impact of the thousands of people had to be in Cornwall to enable it to take place, not least the 6,500 police officers on duty.Although attendees at the summit were tested, the theory that it contributed to the rise in cases is based on the potential impact of the thousands of people had to be in Cornwall to enable it to take place, not least the 6,500 police officers on duty.
Dominic Cummings, Boris Johnson’s former chief adviser, has started his Q&A on his subscriber-only Substack account. This is what he said in response to a subscriber who asked what it was like being close to power. Cummings said:Dominic Cummings, Boris Johnson’s former chief adviser, has started his Q&A on his subscriber-only Substack account. This is what he said in response to a subscriber who asked what it was like being close to power. Cummings said:
And here are some more lines from Boris Johnson’s interview this morning.And here are some more lines from Boris Johnson’s interview this morning.
Johnson said England is still on course to lift all remaining restrictions on 19 July. He said:Johnson said England is still on course to lift all remaining restrictions on 19 July. He said:
He said that the NHS faced a “rough winter” – and that this was all the more reason to reduce cases now. He said:He said that the NHS faced a “rough winter” – and that this was all the more reason to reduce cases now. He said:
Johnson’s comment about winter reflects what Prof Chris Whitty was saying at the end of last week about a further Covid surge being likely in the autumn or winter.Johnson’s comment about winter reflects what Prof Chris Whitty was saying at the end of last week about a further Covid surge being likely in the autumn or winter.
Johnson said the government was looking at the possibility of cutting the quarantine time for people returning from amber list countries.Johnson said the government was looking at the possibility of cutting the quarantine time for people returning from amber list countries.
He restated his commitment to bringing forward a plan to reform social care “in due course”. In comments suggesting the government is not yet close to announcing a plan, he said:He restated his commitment to bringing forward a plan to reform social care “in due course”. In comments suggesting the government is not yet close to announcing a plan, he said:
Asked if he favoured a £50,000 cap on the amount any person would have to pay in line with the original Dilnot proposals, as has been reported, Johnson refused to say.Asked if he favoured a £50,000 cap on the amount any person would have to pay in line with the original Dilnot proposals, as has been reported, Johnson refused to say.
He played down the prospects of the government breaking its pledge to maintain the triple lock for pensions. Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, is reportedly keen to suspend the triple lock temporarily because it ensures pensions rise every year in line with inflation, earnings or 2.5%, which is higher, and the pandemic recovery means earnings could rise this year by a disproportionately high amount. But asked if the triple lock might be abandoned, Johnson said:He played down the prospects of the government breaking its pledge to maintain the triple lock for pensions. Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, is reportedly keen to suspend the triple lock temporarily because it ensures pensions rise every year in line with inflation, earnings or 2.5%, which is higher, and the pandemic recovery means earnings could rise this year by a disproportionately high amount. But asked if the triple lock might be abandoned, Johnson said:
Boris Johnson has played down the prospects of any significant easing of travel restrictions for people in England wanting a foreign holiday any time soon.Boris Johnson has played down the prospects of any significant easing of travel restrictions for people in England wanting a foreign holiday any time soon.
At the last review of the rules placing countries on the green, amber or red list for travel, Portugal was downgraded, moving from green to amber, meaning that travellers would have to quarantine on their return. The rules are due to be reviewed every three weeks, which suggests an update should be coming on Thursday.At the last review of the rules placing countries on the green, amber or red list for travel, Portugal was downgraded, moving from green to amber, meaning that travellers would have to quarantine on their return. The rules are due to be reviewed every three weeks, which suggests an update should be coming on Thursday.
But, in an interview this morning, Johnson implied there might be little, if any, change. He said:But, in an interview this morning, Johnson implied there might be little, if any, change. He said: