News- UK

Oxford college backs removal of Cecil Rhodes statue Oriel College launches independent commission to examine key issues around imperialist’s statueOxford University’s Oriel College has voted in favour of removing its statue of the Victorian imperialist Cecil Rhodes and will set up an independent inquiry into the key issues around it following a student-led campaign that began four years ago.The governing body of Oriel College meeting follows protests by the Rhodes Must Fall campaign outside the college over the past two weeks. The campaign, which started in 2015 but dwindled after students graduated, was reignited by the recent Black Lives Matter demonstrations across the UK, which included the dramatic toppling of a statue of the slave trader Edward Colston in Bristol. Cont...

Premier League rises to occasion with players taking a knee Teams kneel to support Black Lives Matter as football returnsTechnology failure denies Sheffield United a goal at Aston VillaIt did not take long to notice that something was different. The players of Aston Villa and Sheffield United, contesting the first English football fixture in 100 days, came out on to the pitch at staggered times and then stood in a physically distant line to listen, as the Premier League anthem echoed across empty stands.The teams then passed by each other without the traditional shake of hands and when the referee, Michael Oliver, blew his whistle for kick-off something else uncommon happened too: both teams and their coaching staff dropping to the ground to take a knee. This graceful, powerful action h...

Lloyd's of London and Greene King to make slave trade reparations Firms will provide money to benefit the BAME community and promote diversityTwo major British firms have pledged to make payments to representatives of black people, as well as those of other minority ethnic backgrounds, as they seek to address their founders’ roles in the trans-Atlantic slave trade.The pub chain and brewer Greene King and the insurance market Lloyd’s of London both revealed on Wednesday evening that they would be making the reparations. Continue reading... Go to Source

Government to fund private tutors for English schools Year-long programme aims to help pupils catch up on learning lost during Covid-19 pandemicCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe government is set to announce a year-long national tutoring programme aimed at helping pupils in England to catch up on lost learning as a result of school closures due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Guardian has learned.Under the plans, schools will be funded to hire private tutors from approved agencies to deliver one-to-one and small group lessons to pupils who have fallen behind with their studies after months out of school. Many have not accessed any remote learning throughout lockdown. Continue reading... Go to Source

UK theatre faces ruin amid coronavirus crisis, say top cultural figures Exclusive: almost 100 leading creative figures sign letter calling for government action to prevent demise of sectorCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageBritain’s world-leading performing arts sector has been brought to its knees and faces ruin without urgent government investment, a powerful alliance of nearly 100 actors, writers, directors and creatives has warned.Phoebe Waller-Bridge, James McAvoy, Sharon D Clarke, Tom Stoppard, Wendell Pierce, Emma Rice and Andrew Scott are among the names backing a letter warning of the threat facing theatre, opera and dance amid the coronavirus crisis. Continue reading... Go to Source

Serco boss defends its work on setting up NHS test-and-trace system Rupert Soames says criticism largely motivated by ideology amid calls for £45.8m contract to be cancelledCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe boss of the outsourcing firm Serco has defended its “extraordinary” work in setting up the NHS coronavirus test-and-trace system, amid calls for the £45.8m contract to be cancelled.Critics of Serco’s involvement have pointed to its mixed record on public works, the use of subcontractors and a blunder last month in which it inadvertently revealed the email addresses of contract tracers recruited to assist in the UK government’s “test, track and trace” strategy. Continue reading... Go to Source

UK public health bodies reviewing vitamin D's effects on coronavirus Exclusive: emerging evidence studied to see if ‘sunshine nutrient’ could lower Covid-19 riskCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coveragePublic health officials are urgently reviewing the potential ability of vitamin D to reduce the risk of coronavirus.It comes amid growing concern over the disproportionate number of black, Asian and minority ethnic people contracting and dying from the disease, including a reported 94% of all doctors killed by the virus. Continue reading... Go to Source

Coronavirus live news: WHO halts trial of hydroxychloroquine; Germany bans all major events until October WHO says hydroxychloroquine showed no benefit; Germany extends ban on large events for four months; Beijing raises alert level and grounds hundreds of flightsCovid-19 outbreaks in New Zealand and China highlight stark choicesSpanish opera house reopens with concert for plantsSix US states see record new casesSee all our coronavirus coverage 6.51pm BSTSouth Korea’s top health official has expressed caution on the UK’s successful trial of Dexamethasone, the low-cost anti-inflammatory drug found to save lives when used on coronavirus patients.Jeong Eun-kyeong, head of Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said: “Some experts have warned of the drug not onl...

Les Mis and Hamilton shut until 2021 as Cameron Mackintosh starts redundancy process West End producer also delays Mary Poppins and The Phantom of the Opera as consultation over possible job losses beginsFour of London’s most successful stage musicals will not reopen until 2021, the producer Cameron Mackintosh has announced.Mackintosh said he had taken the “heartbreaking” decision to delay the return of his shows Les Misérables, Mary Poppins, Hamilton and The Phantom of the Opera because of uncertainty over both safety for audiences and a date for the withdrawal of social distancing measures. Mackintosh, his producing partners and Delfont Mackintosh Theatres are starting a process of consultation over potential redundancies for all employees on the four producti...

Coronavirus UK live: Keir Starmer questions Boris Johnson over child poverty and struggling councils PM faces Labour leader at PMQs; Hancock says government to write to 2.2m people shielding in England ‘very shortly’ amid confusion over end to measureEnglish and Welsh police more likely to fine BAME people in lockdownCharities call for clarity over end to England coronavirus shieldingMatt Hancock blames ‘Daniel Rashford’ slip on Harry PotterCoronavirus global updatesSee all our coronavirus coverage 12.54pm BSTThe SNP’s Philippa Whitford asked why a multimillion pound contract about PPE was awarded to a pest control with no experience in providing PPE. 12.53pm BSTJeremy Hunt said 20% of the people with the coronavirus are estimated to have caught the virus ...

Coronavirus live news: New Zealand to trace 320 'close contacts' of virus pair who stopped to meet friends Beijing raises alert level and grounds hundreds of flights; India’s official death toll leaps by more than 2,000 to reach 11,903; Brazil suffers record case increaseGermany to ban large events until at least October - reportsNew Zealand traces 320 ‘close contacts’ of two new casesSix US states see record new casesCovid-19 outbreaks in New Zealand and China highlight stark choicesSee all our coronavirus coverage 12.52pm BSTAround 11,000 mink at a farm in Denmark will have to be culled after they were found to be infected with the coronavirus, the country’s authorities have said.The outbreak is the first in Denmark, the world’s biggest producer of mink ...

Police in England and Wales six times more likely to fine BAME people in lockdown One senior police chief says bias and lack of trust may have contributed to figuresCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coveragePolice enforcing the coronavirus lockdown in England and Wales were more than six times more likely to issue fines to black, Asian and minority ethnic people than white people, figures show.Data from police forces shows 17 were more likely to issue a penalty notice to BAME people than to white people. Two forces, Northumbria and Merseyside, were not. Continue reading... Go to Source

Pandemics result from destruction of nature, say UN and WHO Experts call for legislation and trade deals worldwide to encourage green recoveryCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coveragePandemics such as coronavirus are the result of humanity’s destruction of nature, according to leaders at the UN, WHO and WWF International, and the world has been ignoring this stark reality for decades.The illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade as well as the devastation of forests and other wild places were still the driving forces behind the increasing number of diseases leaping from wildlife to humans, the leaders told the Guardian. Continue reading... Go to Source

UK ministers order urgent vitamin D coronavirus review Emerging evidence studied to see if ‘sunshine nutrient’ could reduce risk of coronavirusCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe government has ordered an urgent review of the potential ability of vitamin D to reduce the risk of coronavirus.It comes amid growing concern over the disproportionate number of black, Asian and minority ethnic people (BAME) contracting and dying from the disease, including a reported 94% of all doctors killed by the virus. Continue reading... Go to Source

Boris Johnson faces Tory rebellion over Marcus Rashford's school meals call Senior Conservatives back footballer’s plea to extend scheme over summer holidaysCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe footballer Marcus Rashford has stepped up his campaign to pressure the UK government into feeding hungry children during the school holidays, buoyed by support from Conservative MPs, businesses and celebrities.On Tuesday morning, the Manchester United player began tweeting about the UK’s poorest families, who cannot afford to pay their water and electricity bills or put food on the table. Continue reading... Go to Source

Coronavirus live news: New Zealand records first new cases for weeks as Beijing bans high-risk travellers from leaving city China reimposes partial lockdown in capital to tackle new cluster; US authorities revoke emergency use of hydroxychloroquine; two imported cases in NZ. Follow the latest updatesNew Zealand ends Covid-free run with two cases from UKBeijing lockdown tightens as new coronavirus outbreak spreadsUS revokes emergency approval of hydroxychloroquine for Covid-19Covid-19 can damage lungs of victims beyond recognition, expert saysSee all our coronavirus coverage 12.36pm BSTPeople under 20 are around half as susceptible to Covid-19 as people aged 20 or above, according to research published on Tuesday, and clinical symptoms of the disease appear in only about a fifth of infec...

More than 16,000 people in UK care homes have died from coronavirus Official figures show almost a third of Covid-19 fatalities have happened in care homesCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageMore than 16,000 people have died from Covid-19 in UK care homes, according to the latest official figures - almost a third of all fatalities.The grim milestone was reached with the deaths of 564 residents in England and Wales in the week to 5 June, according to Office for National Statistics’s analysis of death certificates. Continue reading... Go to Source

Beijing coronavirus outbreak: travel restricted to tackle 'extremely severe' situation Restrictions on travel to and from China capital brought in as neighbourhoods sealed off and venues close Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageBeijing authorities have described the city’s coronavirus outbreak as “extremely severe” as dozens more cases emerged, sports and entertainment sites were closed and travel was curtailed.Parts of the Chinese capital were fenced off on Monday night, with security checkpoints set up at residential compounds, and high-risk people – such as close contacts of diagnosed cases – prevented from leaving the city. Continue reading... Go to Source

Stocks gain on US stimulus hopes as 600,000 UK workers lose jobs in Covid-19 crisis – business live Live rolling coverage of business, economics and financial markets as stocks rise strongly in Europe UK unemployment steady at 3.9% as furlough scheme masks damage Stock markets jump on Fed stimulus and reported infrastructure plan Apple to be investigated by EU over app store competition concerns Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverage 12.29pm BSTChancellor Rishi Sunak has appointed a hedge fund manager and former Goldman Sachs partner to the Bank of England’s financial policy committee, a key regulatory role.The role of the FPC in enhancing and protecting the stability of the UK’s financial system has never been more important, and having highly qu...

Dismay as No 10 adviser is chosen to set up UK race inequality commission Munira Mirza has doubted existence of institutional racism and criticised ‘culture of grievance’Profile: Munira MirzaThe new government commission on racial inequalities is being set up by a No 10 adviser who has cast doubt on the existence of institutional racism and condemned previous inquiries for fostering a “culture of grievance”, it has emerged.Munira Mirza, the head of the No 10 policy unit, is leading much of the work to form the commission on race and ethnic disparities announced by Boris Johnson on Sunday after the global wave of Black Lives Matter protests, the Guardian has been told. Continue reading... Go to Source

Johnson's racism inquiry plan 'written on back of fag packet', says Lammy Shadow justice secretary says Boris Johnson seeking culture war to distract from lack of action The shadow justice secretary, David Lammy, has condemned Boris Johnson’s plan for a government commission to examine racial inequalities as “written on the back of a fag packet” and intended as a distraction from the government’s lack of action over the issue.Lammy accused the prime minister of primarily seeking a culture war by announcing the plan in a comment piece for the Daily Telegraph, which was devoted mainly to reiterating his opposition to removing statues of historical figures. Continue reading... Go to Source

Black Lives Matter protests: Atlanta shooting of Rayshard Brooks declared homicide – live Rayshard Brooks police shooting was homicide, says examinerOutrage over video showing police macing child at Seattle protestBeyoncé seeks justice for Breonna Taylor in letterThe Black youth leading the George Floyd protestsSign up to our First Thing newsletter 12.57am BSTThe Seattle City Council has voted to ban chokeholds. It will next vote on the use of crowd control weapons like tear gas, which have been controversial in response to recent protests.Breaking: The Seattle City Council just voted unanimously to ban SPD officers from using chokeholds. Now voting on banning the use of crowd control weapons, like tear gas, in the wake of #seattleprotest 12.18am BSTTop Trump administration offic...

Tens of thousands across US march in support of black trans people Protesters dressed in white attend huge rally in BrooklynTwo black trans women killed in space of 24 hours last weekTens of thousands of people rallied across the US on Sunday, to campaign for the rights of black transgender people – a group particularly at risk of violence and of being killed. Related: Black Lives Matter protests: Atlanta shooting of Rayshard Brooks declared homicide – live Continue reading... Go to Source

Covid-19 can damage lungs of victims beyond recognition, expert says Organs of some who die after over a month in hospital sustain ‘complete disruption’, peers toldCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageCovid-19 can leave the lungs of people who died from the disease completely unrecognisable, a professor of cardiovascular science has told parliament.It created such massive damage in those who spent more than a month in hospital that it resulted in “complete disruption of the lung architecture”, said Prof Mauro Giacca of King’s College London. Continue reading... Go to Source

2m children in UK 'have done almost no school work in lockdown' Private school pupils five times as likely to get near-full-time teaching during crisis, study findsCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coveragePrivate school pupils are five times more likely to get near-full-time teaching online during lockdown as those at state schools, according to research that suggests far less school work is being done at home than previously thought.The study, by the UCL Institute of Education (IOE), found that 2 million children in the UK – about one in five – had done no school work at all, or managed less than an hour a day while studying at home. Continue reading... Go to Source

Tory MPs urge Boris Johnson to cut 2m physical distancing High-profile backbenchers insist 1m rule would prevent ‘many more lost jobs’Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageSenior Tory MPs have publicly urged Boris Johnson to cut the 2 metre distancing rule in England immediately, underlining the scale of discontent about the issue in his party.Pubs, restaurants and hairdressers across the country have been scheduled to reopen on 4 July, but they do not yet know whether they will have to abide by the 2 metre rule at all times – something many say would mean they will not be viable businesses. Continue reading... Go to Source

Summer of illegal raves expected in England despite coronavirus crisis Huge parties organised via social media will thrive after long lockdown, experts warnCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageEngland will experience a “summer of rave” not seen since 1989 because the government has failed to give “socially starved” young people any clarity on when they can start partying again legally, clubbing experts have warned.Police forces across England have been struggling to keep up with an explosion of illicit parties in motorway underpasses, parks and industrial estates since Boris Johnson relaxed lockdown restrictions last month. Continue reading... Go to Source

Coronavirus live news: over 100 cases recorded in new Beijing outbreak, says WHO India and Pakistan to reimpose local lockdowns; Covid-19 mutation increases chance of infection, says study; Iran deaths top 100 for first time in two monthsWHO cautions against further lifting of lockdown in EnglandGermany and France reopen borders as continent emerges from lockdownRepublican coronavirus scepticism may shift as cases rise in Trump statesUK coronavirus updates - liveSee all our coronavirus coverage 6.41pm BSTPhilippine president Rodrigo Duterte has said partial restrictions will remain in place in the capital Manila for another two weeks because the threat from the new coronavirus is still present. But Duterte reinstated strict lockdown rules in Cebu City, the country’s fifth most pop...

Boris Johnson rejects Marcus Rashford's plea for summer free school meals Manchester United striker says ‘It’s not over yet’ on TwitterDowning Street said prime minister will respond to RashfordMarcus Rashford has vowed not to give up after Boris Johnson rejected a plea from the Manchester United and England striker to reconsider the government’s decision not to extend its free school meals voucher system for low-income families over the summer holiday period.Rashford tweeted on Monday afternoon: “We aren’t beaten yet, stand strong for the 200,000 children who haven’t had a meal to eat today and keep retweeting #maketheUturn.” That post had been retweeted 13,000 times within an hour of going up with his initial letter being liked by more t...

UK coronavirus live: non-essential shops reopen in England for first time in three months 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 coverage 12.43pm BSTGoogle has apologised for an error that resulted in an image of Winston Churchill being removed from its search results, after accusations that the company had deliberately taken it down in support of the Black Lives Matter protests.Conservative activists first noted the omission late on Saturday night, highlighting the fact that Churchill’s image was absent from the gallery results for “UK prime ministers”.Google "UK Prime Ministers" and Winston Churchill's photo isn't there. Very...