Politics

Coronavirus: Testing opens for millions more people in England

Image copyright PA Media Coronavirus testing opens for millions more people in England today after the government loosened rules on who could apply. Testing was expanded last week to all key workers in England and their households. Now, all care home residents and staff, people over 65 and those who must leave home to work […]

Politics

Coronavirus lockdown: How can we lift restrictions?

Image copyright Getty Images When can I see my family? Have friends round? Have a night out? A holiday? Or even go back to work? When can children go back to school? Lockdowns have been essential for containing the spread of coronavirus, but they are causing huge disruption, and distress, to lives around the world. […]

Politics

Coronavirus: Six ways the lockdown has changed the UK

Image copyright Getty Images Life in the UK has been transformed since restrictions were brought in to curb the spread of coronavirus. On 23 March, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said all non-essential travel and public gatherings had to stop, with people urged to leave home only for exercise, to shop for essential items, for medical […]

Politics

Coronavirus: Why are there doubts over contact-tracing apps?

Image copyright Getty Images There are growing tensions over the best approach to coronavirus contact-tracing apps and whether or not the technology can live up to its promise. Smartphone software is being developed to alert users when someone they were recently near becomes infected. But the Ada Lovelace Institute has said there is “an absence […]

Politics

Coronavirus: Key workers are clapped and cheered, but what are they paid?

Image copyright Getty Images Every Thursday evening the UK is clapping for NHS staff, carers and other key workers. But many are on low pay. Labour leader Keir Starmer said that many key workers are “overlooked and underpaid”, while the Liberal Democrats have called for front-line health and care workers to receive a £29-a-day reward. […]

Politics

Priti Patel probe findings should be made public ‘as soon as possible’ – Labour

Image copyright PA Media Labour is calling for the findings of an inquiry into Priti Patel’s conduct be made public “as soon as possible”. Boris Johnson asked the Cabinet Office to establish the facts following claims the home secretary had bullied staff at three different government departments. Ms Patel, who was interviewed as part of […]

Politics

Coronavirus: How long does it take to recover?

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Boris Johnson made a speech outside 10 Downing Street on his return to work UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has returned to work after recovering from Covid-19, but for many patients it could take a long time to get back to full health. Recovery time will depend on how […]

Politics

Coronavirus: Council funds to be shared ‘in fairest way possible’

Image copyright PA Media The latest tranche of emergency coronavirus funding for councils in England is to be allocated “in the fairest way possible”, ministers say. County councils will get 65% of the £1.6bn pot and district councils 35%, based on population size and local authorities’ specific needs. None of the money will be ring-fenced, […]

Politics

Sara Britcliffe gives maiden speech in Parliament by video

A Conservative MP told the Commons about her mother’s alcohol and mental health issues in her maiden speech – the first ever to be delivered remotely. Sara Britcliffe was speaking in the Domestic Abuse Bill debate as she recalled her mother’s death and the effect on her family. She appeared on television screens in the […]