News- UK

Rees-Mogg's plan to end remote voting in parliament condemned by rights body Equalities commission says exclusion of older MPs and those with disabilities ‘cannot be right’Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe Equality and Human Rights Commission has condemned the UK government’s plan to only allow MPs to participate in Commons debates and votes in person, saying it “cannot be right” to exclude older MPs or those with disabilities or illnesses.In a letter to Vicky Foxcroft, the shadow minister for disabled people, Rebecca Hilsenrath, the chief executive of the EHRC, said she wanted to raise concerns “that proceedings in parliament must remain fully inclusive during the coronavirus pandemic”. Continue reading... ...

George Floyd protests: Trump tells governors they need to 'dominate' activists – live Pressure grows for other three officers to face chargesMinneapolis police chief: all four officers ‘complicit’ in deathObama shares advice on how to make protests ‘a turning point’Angry Trump calls for tougher approach against protestsGet a fresh perspective on America – sign up to our First Thing newsletter 6.36pm BSTTrump spoke to South Korean President Moon Jae-in today, two days after the US president floated the idea of allowing the foreign ally of joining an expanded G7 summit later this year.“The two leaders discussed a range of economic and national security issues, including the coronavirus pandemic and restoring the strength of the global economy,” Wh...

Easing Covid-19 shielding in England 'risks second wave' Operators warn new guidance for vulnerable people could bring virus back into care homes Care home operators have warned that easing Covid-19 shielding restrictions for 2.2 million vulnerable people risks a second wave of infections, as it emerged government scientific advisers who previously warned against such a move were not asked to reconsider the matter.New guidance allows the “clinically extremely vulnerable” to go outside and, if they live alone, meet one friend from Monday. They include many in long-term care facilities for the elderly as well as those with chronic illnesses living at home. Continue reading... Go to Source

Public trust in UK government over coronavirus falls sharply Exclusive: research suggests ministers may struggle to ensure compliance with distancing measuresCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coveragePublic trust in the UK government as a source of accurate information about the coronavirus has collapsed in recent weeks, suggesting ministers may struggle to maintain lockdown restrictions in the aftermath of the Dominic Cummings affair.According to surveys conducted on behalf of the University of Oxford’s Reuters Institute by YouGov, less than half of Britons now trust the Westminster government to provide correct information on the pandemic – down from more than two-thirds of the public in mid-April. Continue reading... Go to Source

UK protesters accuse police of targeting black people during lockdown Protest organisers condemn use of stop and search in areas with large BAME populationsCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageOrganisers of anti-racism protests in the UK have accused the police of unfairly targeting black people during the lockdown and called for further demonstrations this week.Protests took place in London, Cardiff, Manchester and Nottingham on Saturday and Sunday against the killing last week of George Floyd by a white police officer in Minnesota, which has led to widespread unrest across the US. Continue reading... Go to Source

Coronavirus news live: no new Covid-19 deaths in Spain for first time since March South Africa reverses decision to open schools; Sweden reports fewest new infections since 27 March, Brazil passes 500,000 casesIran’s rapid rise in cases stokes fears of second waveColosseum reopens to touristsCoronavirus latest: at a glanceSee all our coronavirus coverage 6.45pm BSTThe coronavirus outbreak has led to a child care crisis that threatens to undermine the reopening of the US economy, the Associated Press reports. More than one-third of families report that someone has stayed home from work to mind their children because of the outbreak, according to a nationwide survey by the Urban Institute, an economic policy research group. 6.32pm BSTChurches and mosques will reopen in Nigeria from ...

George Floyd: curfews fail to deter a new wave of protests across US Governors set curfews and national guard troops were deployedFires light up Washington DC on third night of George Floyd protestsRobert Reich: the Trump presidency is overGeorge Floyd protests: live coverageCities across the US saw further unrest on Sunday as protests against police brutality and the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis raged on. Fires burned in the nation’s capital, including near the White House, on the sixth day of nationwide demonstrations. Related: George Floyd: Donald Trump under fire as violence flares across America Continue reading... Go to Source

UK coronavirus live: England's schools begin to reopen as lockdown eases across UK News updates: many parents sceptical about return; new rules for meeting outside come into effect in England, Wales and ScotlandSchools expect half of pupils will stay home as year groups returnSpate of possible UK coronavirus cases from 2019 come to lightUK lockdown rules: what you are allowed to do from MondayCoronavirus – latest global updatesSee all our coronavirus coverage 12.46pm BSTPolice in Scotland were forced to disperse people five times more often on Saturday than the previous week, as people flouted social distancing rules as the lockdown was eased. Nicola Sturgeon said she was pleased to see the majority of people enjoying long-awaited family reunions over the weekend stuck to the soci...

Could Covid-19 have reached UK earlier than thought? WHO is urging countries to investigate any suspicious deaths so virus can be better understoodCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageA day before the first confirmed fatality from coronavirus outside mainland China was reported on 2 February this year, the death of the influential guitarist and musician Andy Gill was announced. The 64-year-old, who fronted the post-punk band Gang of Four, died of pneumonia after two weeks in St Thomas’ hospital in London.The trajectory of Gill’s illness, which took medics looking after him in January by surprise, is now familiar – sudden deterioration, low oxygen levels and organ failure. He had fallen sick after his band returned from a trip to China in la...

UK hospitals to trial five new drugs in search for coronavirus treatment Exclusive: thirty hospitals looking to sign up hundreds of patients to take part in studiesCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageFive new drugs are to be trialled in 30 hospitals across the country in the race to find a treatment for Covid-19, it has emerged.Just days after World Health Organization trials of hydroxychloroquine, the drug promoted by Donald Trump as a cure, were halted, British scientists are looking to sign up hundreds of patients for trials of medicines they hope will prevent people becoming ill enough to need intensive care or ventilators. Continue reading... Go to Source

Coronavirus news live: South Africa reverses decision to open schools; sharp rise in Iran's infection rate Brazil passes 500,000 Covid-19 cases; Japan could allow overseas visitors; India extends lockdown in ‘high-risk’ zones; UK ministers defend easing lockdownSouth Africa backs down over reopening of schools Iran sees highest daily rise in infections since 1 AprilCoronavirus latest: at a glanceUK coronavirus updates – liveSee all our coronavirus coverage 12.36pm BSTPatrick Wintour, the Guardian’s diplomatic editor, has now written an update on the situation in Iran where, as I reported earlier, figures suggest a second wave of coronavirus infection is spreading. He writes:Fresh signs that Iran has failed to bring the Coronavirus outbreak under control emerged t...

George Floyd: Trump security adviser denies systemic racism in US – live Robert O’Brien: ‘There are some bad cops that are racist’Mayors impose curfews, governors call in national guard amid violenceDispatch from Minneapolis: the night the city cracked down on protestsWashington: unrest comes to the White HouseAs protests rage, Trump comments inflame tensionsGet a fresh perspective on America – sign up to our First Thing newsletter 6.49pm BSTThe Legal Rights Center and ACLU of Minnesota have released a statement expressing concern that the third-degree murder charge given to Derek Chauvin, the officer who knelt on George Floyd’s neck before his death, is insufficient. The organisations say they have “grave concerns about the legal sufficiency of the c...

Health officials make last-minute plea to stop lockdown easing in England Royal College of Nursing also fears lifting of more restrictions on ‘happy Monday’ is too earlyCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageSenior public health officials have made a last-minute plea for ministers to scrap Monday’s easing of the coronavirus lockdown in England, warning the country is unprepared to deal with any surge in infection and that public resolve to take steps to limit transmisson has been eroded.The Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) said new rules, including allowing groups of up to six people to meet outdoors and in private gardens, were “not supported by the science” and that pictures of crowded beaches and beauty spots ov...

Second senior medical adviser weighs in over Dominic Cummings Jenny Harries says obeying lockdown rules is ‘matter of personal and professional integrity’Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageA second senior government medical adviser has effectively criticised Dominic Cummings for breaching lockdown regulations by saying it is “a matter of personal and professional integrity” to abide by the rules.The outspoken comments by Jenny Harries, the deputy chief medical officer for England, come a day after Jonathan Van-Tam, who holds the same post, broke the silence among advisers by criticising Cummings’ actions. Continue reading... Go to Source

George Floyd: protests and unrest coast to coast as US cities impose curfews Police forcefully cracking down on protests across USUnrest comes to White HouseAs protests rage, Trump comments inflame tensionsGeorge Floyd protests – live updatesTense protests over the death of George Floyd and other police killings of black men spread across the US on Saturday night as mayors around the country imposed curfews and several governors called in the national guard amid scenes of violence, injuries and unrest.After a Friday night that saw anger at police brutality erupt into rioting and unrest in cities across the country, authorities appeared intent on re-establishing order through increased shows of force. Continue reading... Go to Source

Local lockdowns could be used if coronavirus cases rise, says Raab Foreign secretary’s suggestion comes as he defends easing of rules on gatherings in EnglandCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe government could impose geographically targeted measures to combat coronavirus such as locking down specific cities if an easing of restrictions in England brings a rise in new cases, Dominic Raab has said.The foreign secretary defended the decision to allow bigger outdoor gatherings and other new freedoms, which has prompted alarm from some government scientific advisers, but said he accepted it was a “delicate and dangerous moment”. Continue reading... Go to Source

How a decade of privatisation and cuts exposed England to coronavirus Government reliance on private contractors follows dramatic changes to local councils and public servicesCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageEvery Thursday at 8pm, millions of Britons have opened their front doors or stood on balconies to applaud the NHS. The ritual has been a weekly expression of gratitude to medical workers, and national pride in a state-run health service said to be the envy of the world.“Let’s not forget,” Boris Johnson said in early March, near the start of the coronavirus crisis, “we already have a fantastic NHS, fantastic testing systems and fantastic surveillance of the spread of disease.” Continue reading... Go to Source

Coronavirus live news: Brazil sees record increase as cases jump by 33,000 Brazil becomes fourth worst country for deaths; Spanish prime minister to seek two-week extension of state of emergency; Pressure builds on South African presidentGlobal report: cases pass 6 million as Donald Trump postpones G7Senior UK adviser has broken trust in policy, say top scientistsUK coronavirus updates - liveCoronavirus latest: at a glance 12.13pm BSTPope Francis is cautioning against pessimism as many people emerge from lockdowns to lament that nothing will ever be the same, AP reports. During Mass in St. Peters Basilica to mark Pentecost Sunday, Francis noted a tendency to say nothing will return as before. That kind of thinking, Francis said, guarantees that the one thing that certainly does not retu...

MPs furious about forced return of ‘physical voting’ to Commons Elderly members or those with health conditions fear they will be disenfranchised by the move, which ends remote participationCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageSenior MPs have warned that many elderly members of parliament and those with health conditions will be “disenfranchised” and put at risk of contracting Covid-19 if they are forced back to the House of Commons for debates and votes this week.A furious argument has broken out between backbench MPs of all parties and the government over plans which, if passed, will end all remote voting from this week and mean members have to attend in person. Parliament is resuming on Tuesday with the row still unresolved. Continue reading.....

George Floyd: protesters and police clash in cities across US – live Protests rock US cities as anger over killing spreadsUnrest comes to the White HouseTrump threatens protesters with ‘vicious dogs’Get a fresh perspective on America – sign up to our First Thing newsletter 6.20am BSTThe Guardian’s Ankita Rao, reporting from New York, on the mayor’s controversial late-night statements:Mayor Bill de Blasio took to the podium on Saturday night to tell protestors across the city that they were “heard, loud and clear”.I’m in Brooklyn to talk about tonight’s protests. https://t.co/oBVXGh7JWo 6.12am BSTUS prosecutors have filed federal charges against three people in New York, accusing them of using “molotov cocktails” on New Yo...

Dominic Cummings has broken Covid-19 policy trust, say top scientists Health experts warn lives ‘put at risk’, as Opinium/Observer poll shows slump in Tory supportCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageBritain’s top public health leaders and scientists have warned Boris Johnson that trust in the government has been shattered by the Dominic Cummings affair and now poses real danger to life when lockdown measures are lifted this week.In a letter sent to No 10 on Friday, 26 senior UK academics and health administrators warn that public faith in the government is essential if the Covid-19 crisis is to be tackled effectively. Continue reading... Go to Source

Lockdown to be eased for England's most clinically vulnerable New Covid-19 guidelines to allow 2.2 million who are shielding to go outside from MondayCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe more than 2 million people who have been “shielding” from Covid-19 in England because they are deemed to be clinically extremely vulnerable will be allowed to spend time outdoors from Monday for the first time in 10 weeks.Boris Johnson praised their resilience as their particular lockdown measures are set to be eased. The communities secretary, Robert Jenrick, will confirm the move on Sunday. Continue reading... Go to Source

George Floyd protests: Minnesota governor orders full mobilisation of national guard – live Protests rock cities across US as anger over killing spreadsAtlanta police chief: ‘black lives being diminished’ Officer in George Floyd killing charged with murderGet a fresh perspective on America – sign up to our First Thing newsletter 6.47pm BSTSomething worth noting in light of Trump’s earlier comments about deploying the military to Minnesota to quell protests: if he sends troops, it would have to be at the invitation of the state’s governor.The Associated Press has more on the story: 6.41pm BSTThe rapper Killer Mike has addressed protesters in Atlanta after a troubled night that saw the city’s college football hall of fame damaged and looted. Killer Mik...

Dominic Cummings row: senior health official says lockdown rules 'apply to all' England’s deputy chief medical officer says country is at ‘very dangerous moment’ as restrictions easeCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageEngland’s deputy chief medical officer has said that the lockdown rules “are clear and they have always been clear”, in the strongest condemnation yet by a senior health official of Dominic Cummings’ lockdown breach.It comes as the government’s own science advisers broke cover over its decision to ease lockdown measures, with a growing number expressing concerns about plans for England from Monday. Continue reading... Go to Source

Coronavirus live news: deaths surge in Brazil and Russia as Trump says US is quitting WHO Afghanistan similarly reports worst day yet; Angela Merkel said she will not attend G7 if Trump insists on holding it. All the developments liveIndia to partially lift lockdown despite record infectionsTrump announces severing of ties with WHOCoronavirus latest: at a glance 6.59pm BSTCoronavirus infections in France are continuing to decline, health officials said on Saturday, with 14,380 patients currently in hospital, down from 14,695 a day earlier. The number of serious coronavirus cases in intensive care in the country has fallen to 1,325 from 1,361. 6.45pm BSTNew York’s governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill on Saturday that will grant death benefits to the families of police officers, publ...

'I’m stuck in limbo': will the Covid generation of young people face long-term fallout? After a first taste of freedom, many teenagers and students are finding themselves back with their parents, and strugglingOn 20 April, Lucy left her house in a small market town in Buckinghamshire and walked through winding country lanes to a quiet field. There, her friend Owen was waiting with a joint already rolled. The weather was balmy; barely a cloud in sight. The pair smoked and caught up on school gossip, before Lucy judged that she should probably head home – any longer, and her parents might become suspicious.When she got back, she chatted to her family, before heading upstairs to her bedroom, her mother none the wiser. Lucy, who is 17, wasn’t going to let the coronavirus pandemi...

Calls to lift lockdown in UK care homes over fears for residents' mental health Relatives and social care chiefs warn that Covid-19 social isolation is contributing to deaths of residentsCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageSenior social care leaders are calling on ministers to prioritise unlocking care homes amid growing concerns that mental health problems are contributing to the deaths of residents.Most care homes have been closed to visitors since the lockdown began, to prevent the spread of Covid-19, but many fear the lack of contact with loved ones has had serious consequences on residents’ mental and physical wellbeing. Continue reading... Go to Source

George Floyd killing: police officer charged with murder as Minneapolis sets curfew – live Derek Chauvin may also face ‘subsequent charges later’Trump says US is terminating relationship with WHOBiden ‘furious’ about Trump tweetWhite House tweet flagged for ‘glorifying violence’Black CNN reporter arrested on air at protestsGet a fresh perspective on America – sign up to our First Thing newsletter 12.42am BSTGuardian reporter Vivian Ho reports: With protesters outside the gates, it appears that the White House is now under lockdown orders from the Secret Service. NEWS: White House is under lockdown orders from the U.S. Secret Service amid protests outside the gates over George Floyd, @MarioDParker reports.Volatile situation outside WH https://t.c...

Covid-19 spreading too fast to lift lockdown in England – Sage advisers Scientist says 8,000 daily coronavirus infections makes relaxing restrictions too risky Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageGovernment advisers have voiced unease over the decision to lift England’s lockdown while thousands of people a day are still becoming infected with the coronavirus, warning that loosening restrictions could easily lead to a second wave.“We cannot relax our guard by very much at all,” said John Edmunds, a professor of infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine who attends meetings of Sage, the scientific advisory group on emergencies. Continue reading... Go to Source

Constituents bombard MPs with tens of thousands of emails over Dominic Cummings Guardian analysis reveals level of hurt and anger over aide’s lockdown tripsCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe furore over Dominic Cummings’ breach of lockdown rules has prompted tens of thousands of people to flood their MPs’ inboxes in what some described as the biggest outpouring since Brexit, a Guardian analysis has found.As Boris Johnson tried to draw a line under the crisis involving his chief adviser, constituents across the country sent missives to their MPs, with many sharing stories of their own lockdown hardship. Continue reading... Go to Source