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Raising of UK Covid alert level opens door to major restrictions Chief medical officers agree jump to level 4, meaning virus is ‘high or rising exponentially’Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe UK’s Covid-19 alert level has been raised to four, meaning the virus is “high or rising exponentially” – a move which will give Boris Johnson cover for significant new restrictions to stem the surge of the virus.The health secretary, Matt Hancock, said the change “reflects the significant shift in the current threat posed by coronavirus”. He added: “This country now faces a tipping point in its response and it is vital everybody plays their part now to stop the spread of the virus and protect lives.” Continue reading... Go to Source

'I'm traumatised now': Covid bereaved call for inquiry into NHS 111 Hundreds of people believe the helpline failed their relatives. Now they are demanding their voices be heardCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageFamilies whose relatives died from Covid-19 in the early period of the pandemic are calling for an inquiry into the NHS 111 service, arguing that many critically ill people were given inadequate advice and told to stay at home.The Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group says approximately a fifth of its 1,800 members – more than 350 people – believe the 111 service failed to recognise how seriously ill their relatives were and direct them to appropriate care. Continue reading... Go to Source

Westminster Cathedral says PM's son baptised on day of alleged Italy trip No 10 says PM attended baptism in London on 12 September so he could not have taken secret trip to PerugiaCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageOne of Boris Johnson’s ministers has denied a report in the Italian media that the UK prime minister made a secret trip to the country less than a fortnight ago, a claim Downing Street has also rejected as “completely untrue”.Asked if Johnson had landed in Perugia in the past two weeks, which the Umbrian airport said in a statement had happened, Grant Shapps, the transport minister, told Sky News: “Not that I’m aware of. I think it’s mistaken, as far as I’m aware.” Continue reading... Go to Source

Meghan and Harry did not cooperate with book authors, court told Duchess’s lawyers reject claim made by Mail publisher in latest hearing of legal actionThe Duke and Duchess of Sussex did not collaborate with the authors of a recent book about them, Meghan’s lawyers told the high court in the latest hearing of her legal action against the Mail on Sunday.Meghan, 39, is suing Associated Newspapers (ANL), publisher of the Mail on Sunday and Mail Online, over articles that reproduced part of her handwritten letter to her estranged father, 76-year-old Thomas Markle, in August 2018. Continue reading... Go to Source

Grenfell insulation was sold at almost 50% discount, inquiry hears Inexperienced project manager says he did not check it complied with fire safety regulationsGrenfell Tower may have been used as “a guinea pig” for a newly branded insulation material that burned and released toxic gas, contributing to the deaths of 72 people, the inquiry into the disaster has heard.Foam boards used to insulate the west London council block were sold at an almost 50% discount by their manufacturer, Celotex, to contractors who were asked for help making the refurbishment a “case study” for the firm, the public inquiry was told. Continue reading... Go to Source

UK could have 50,000 Covid cases a day by mid-October, says chief medical officer Country should be prepared for significant restrictions for next six months, says Chris WhittyCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe UK has “turned a corner” for the worse and is on course for up to 50,000 new daily cases of Covid-19 by mid-October, which could lead to 200 deaths a day by the following month, the chief medical officer for England has warned.The country should be prepared for significant restrictions for the next six months, over the winter period when the virus can be expected to flourish, Prof Chris Whitty said. Continue reading... Go to Source

No 10 denies reports Boris Johnson went on secret Italy trip Minister also rejects airport’s statement PM flew into Perugia in past fortnightCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageOne of Boris Johnson’s ministers has denied a report in the Italian media that the UK prime minister made a secret trip to the country less than a fortnight ago, a claim Downing Street has also rejected as “completely untrue”.Asked if Johnson had landed in Perugia in the past two weeks, which the Umbrian airport said had happened in a statement, Grant Shapps, the transport minister, told Sky News: “Not that I’m aware of. I think it’s mistaken, as far as I’m aware.” Continue reading... Go to Source

UK plan to use all-male team to host UN climate summit angers observers All senior politicians, civil servants and negotiators to represent Britain at next year’s Cop26 talks are menThe UK is fielding an all-male team to host a vital UN climate summit next year, flouting international norms and angering activists and observers, who say the lack of gender balance imperils progress on key issues.All of the politicians who will host the Cop26 talks for the UK in Glasgow are men, from the business secretary Alok Sharma, who will act as president of the summit, to his team of climate and energy ministers – Lord Callanan, Lord Goldsmith and Kwasi Kwarteng – who have represented the UK in recent online meetings. Continue reading... Go to Source