Babak Belurs

Rabu, 03 Juni 2020

Alok Sharma: Cabinet minister tested for virus after being taken ill - BBC News

Business Secretary Alok Sharma is self-isolating at home after becoming unwell in Parliament.

Mr Sharma looked uncomfortable while taking part in a debate earlier, mopping his brow several times with his handkerchief while speaking.

A spokesman said the MP for Reading West had been tested for coronavirus and had returned home.

Mr Sharma was one of a handful of ministers to attend Tuesday's cabinet meeting in Downing Street in person.

The business secretary was in the Commons chamber for nearly an hour earlier while leading for the government on the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill.

Deep-cleaning

A spokesman said: "Alok Sharma began feeling unwell when in the Chamber delivering the second reading of the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill.

"In line with guidance he has been tested for coronavirus and is returning home to self isolate."

During the debate, Mr Sharma's opposite number, shadow business secretary Ed Miliband, passed him a glass of water at one point.

It's important to highlight that we don't know for sure whether the business secretary has coronavirus.

However, a potential case is causing real anger at Westminster.

Senior opposition figures say it shows the government was wrong to scrap a hybrid model which allowed MPs to contribute and vote remotely.

There are concerns some MPs didn't maintain social distancing rules in lengthy voting queues yesterday. Others fear they could become super spreaders, taking the virus back to their constituencies if there is an outbreak.

If Mr Sharma did test positive, anyone he had spent more than 15 minutes within two metres of would have to self-isolate for two weeks.

Mr Miliband subsequently sent his best wishes to Mr Sharma for a quick recovery.

The House of Commons authorities said "additional cleaning" had taken place, following the debate.

And the BBC's chief political correspondent Vicki Young said the MP who had sat nearest to Mr Sharma during his statement insisted that social distancing protocols had been observed throughout.

Mr Sharma was one of hundreds of MPs who queued around the building on Tuesday at two metre intervals as the Commons introduced new temporary voting procedures.

While the number of MPs permitted to sit in the chamber is still limited, many MPs are unhappy about being forced to return to Westminster, saying it poses a risk to them and their constituents.

Shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy said the events of the past 48 hours had shown that effective social distancing in Parliament was "impossible".

She said the government's decision to stop the largely virtual procedures in force since the middle of April, in which MPs were able to speak and vote remotely, was "reckless".

And her colleague Karl Turner said he had asked the Health and Safety Executive to conduct an urgent risk assessment of working conditions in Parliament.

He said MPs having to "huddle together" on escalators on the parliamentary estate while lining up to vote were among a number of "unsafe practices".

The HSE has the power to take enforcement action against any employers which it believes is compelling its staff to work in unsafe conditions or ignoring guidance set out by the government earlier this month.

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2020-06-03 19:47:07Z
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Boris Johnson on George Floyd killing: 'Racist violence has no place in society' - Guardian News

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Boris Johnson on George Floyd killing: 'Racist violence has no place in society' Guardian News
Coronavirus: Labour urges PM to stop 'winging it' over easing restrictions BBC News
Boris Johnson says George Floyd's death was 'appalling' The Independent
Boris Johnson is losing his grip on the coronavirus crisis inews
Johnson's 'mission accomplished' mode on Covid-19 shows how rattled he is The Guardian
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2020-06-03 18:22:49Z
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Joan Collins BLASTS 'ridiculous' quarantine rules and says restrictions are 'punishing' families - Daily Mail

'It’s unworkable, unfair and unenforceable!' Joan Collins BLASTS 'ridiculous' quarantine rules and says restrictions are 'punishing' families who've isolated for months

By Niomi Harris For Mailonline

Published: 18:05 BST, 3 June 2020 | Updated: 18:25 BST, 3 June 2020

Dame Joan Collins has hit out at the government's proposed plans to quarantine anyone arriving into the UK, branding the rules 'unworkable, unfair and unenforceable'.

Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, the actress, 87, hit out at the 'ridiculous' restrictions in a scathing rant, where she said the move was 'punishing' families who had been isolating for months.

Her fury comes as it emerged that from Monday, Home Secretary Priti Patel said anyone arriving in Britain from abroad, including Britons, will have to self-isolate for a fortnight.

Fuming: Dame Joan Collins has hit out at the government's proposed plans to quarantine anyone arriving into the UK, branding the rules 'unworkable, unfair and unenforceable'

The Dynasty star was clearly frustrated by the new rules and made her feelings very clear on social media.

In an impassioned post, she accused the government on 'punishing' families who had 'blindly obeyed' lockdown laws and urged Priti Patel to reconsider.

She wrote: 'This #quarantine rule at airports preventing people wanting to get away for the summer is ridiculous and unfair.

'Millions of families have blindly obeyed instructions to isolate for months and are now being punished. #pritiplease #PRITIPATEL.'

Unimpressed: Her fury comes as it emerged that from Monday, Home Secretary Priti Patel said anyone arriving in Britain from abroad, including Britons, will have to self-isolate for a fortnight

She then wrote another tweet in which she said it was 'impossible' for people to plan their getaways this Summer, suggesting that it was like a betrayal to the hospitality industry.

She fumed: 'It’s impossible to plan a family summer holiday at the end of June. It’s unworkable, unfair and unenforceable and it’s stabbing the airline and hospitality industry to death. You must reconsider #pritiplease #PRITIPATEL.'

The TV star divided fans with her opinion, with some seeing her point, while others remarked that there's more important things to worry about than a holiday.

Enraged: Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, the actress, 87, hit out at the 'ridiculous' restrictions in a scathing rant, where she said the move was 'punishing' families who had been isolating for months

Scathing: She then wrote another tweet in which she said it was 'impossible' for people to plan their getaways this Summer, suggesting that it was like a betrayal to the hospitality industry

It's been reported that Priti Patel insisted 14-day quarantine for UK arrivals is 'essential to save lives' today but admitted it will hit businesses hard - and confirmed 'travel corridors' are being considered to low-infection countries.

The Home Secretary defied a huge Tory revolt to tell MPs the blanket rule will come into force from Monday, with the next review new due to happen until the end of the month.

With only very limited exceptions for lorry drivers and NHS workers, everyone coming to the country by plane, rail or sea will be ordered to give an address and self-isolate for two weeks, with spot checks from officials.

Comments: 'It’s unworkable, unfair and unenforceable and it’s stabbing the airline and hospitality industry to death.'

While she was adamant the clampdown was 'proportionate' to ensure coronavirus did not spike again, Ms Patel did raise hopes by saying the government is looking at 'international travel corridors' to low infection countries in the future.

This isn't the only time the thespian has shared her strong opinion on the decisions imposed by the UK government amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Last month she criticised the government for being 'ageist' to those over the age of 70 amid the ongoing crisis.

In her column for The Spectator, the actress claimed government advice saying elderly people needed to stay indoors during the global pandemic was 'utter discrimination'.

'Essential': It's been reported that Priti Patel insisted 14-day quarantine for UK arrivals is 'essential to save lives' today but admitted it will hit businesses hard - and confirmed 'travel corridors' are being considered to low-infection countries

Calling it out: Last month Dame Joan criticised the UK government for being 'ageist' to those over the age of 70 amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis

Holding nothing back, she said: 'I've always thought Western society was terribly ageist, and I don't just mean showbiz folk but across the board.

'Then the UK government insisted the over-70s, horrible expression, were part of the vulnerables, an even more horrible expression, and should remain in lockdown, the most horrible expression of all, until a vaccine is found.

'That was utter discrimination against the hardy individuals who have no health issues. But more harmful was bolstering the existing belief among the general public that the old should keep out of everyone's way.'

The Royals star added that she was declared 'stunningly healthy' by her GP on her most recent visit, and has never limited herself by her age, which was true of others too.

Holding nothing back: Joan claimed the government telling those over 70 to stay inside was 'discrimination' and 'harmful' because of how it allowed the public to treat older people

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2020-06-03 17:31:04Z
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Coronavirus: Do not meet others indoors during rain, PM urges - BBC News

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the public not to move gatherings indoors if it rains, as parts of the UK brace themselves for wetter weather.

He said breaking the lockdown rules could "undermine and reverse all the progress that we've made together".

Since Monday, more than two people have been allowed to meet outside in the UK, though rules vary in each nation.

Mr Johnson said measures were relaxed because the risk of transmitting coronavirus was lower outdoors.

Many people have taken advantage of the sunny weather as restrictions eased earlier this week in parts of the UK - even taking the PM's advice to invite up to five people for barbecues in their garden.

But BBC Weather is forecasting cooler conditions and rain in the upcoming days - and Mr Johnson was particularly keen to stress that people response should not be to move their social gatherings indoors when rain falls.

At the government's daily coronavirus briefing, the prime minster said: "Some of you may be tempted to move the gatherings you've been enjoying outdoors indoors out of the rain. I really urge you: don't do that.

"The risks of passing on the virus are significantly higher indoors which is why gatherings inside other people's homes are still prohibited.

"Breaking these rules now could undermine and reverse all the progress that we've made together."

It comes as the UK recorded the deaths of another 359 people who tested positive for coronavirus.

Some 39,728 people have now died after testing positive, bringing the UK close to becoming the second country in the world to pass 40,000 deaths, with only the US recording more.

The government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said deaths were "not coming down as fast as we would like".

He said the UK still had "relatively large numbers" of new cases, which were "not coming down fast".

"That gives relatively little room for manoeuvre. We have to tread very cautiously," he said.

The latest figures showed more than 1,800 a day had tested positive for the virus, but Sir Patrick said official estimates suggested the true figure was significantly higher.

What are the rules on meeting up?

In England, groups of up to six people from different households can gather outside, in parks or private gardens.

In Scotland, two separate households - up to a maximum of eight people - can meet outdoors, ideally travelling no more than five miles.

In Wales, any number of people from two different households can meet each other outside.

In Northern Ireland, groups of up to six people who do not live together can meet outdoors.

In other developments:

Plans to force almost all arrivals to the UK to isolate for 14 days were confirmed by the home secretary
A fifth of people with negative coronavirus tests might have the virus, the chair of the Commons health committee Jeremy Hunt said
All schools in Wales will reopen on 29 June and will be open to pupils from all year groups for limited periods each week
A contact tracer working on the NHS Test and Trace scheme said she has not been asked to speak to anyone since she started work

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2020-06-03 17:28:43Z
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Downing Street is forced to deny bizarre claim Boris Johnson was wearing an EARPIECE at PMQs - Daily Mail

Downing Street is forced to deny claim Boris Johnson was wearing an EARPIECE and was 'being fed answers by Dominic Cummings' during bruising PMQs - so what is going on with PM's ear?

Labour MPs were among those who suggested he was receiving help today
Social media wags suggested images showed communications device in his ear
Downing Street said the claim was not true

By David Wilcock, Whitehall Correspondent For Mailonline

Published: 15:26 BST, 3 June 2020 | Updated: 18:12 BST, 3 June 2020

He has struggled in recent Prime Ministers Questions against a resurgent Labour under Sir Keir Starmer.

But Downing Street was forced to deny a bizarre claim that Boris Johnson received help at the Despatch Box this afternoon via an earpiece.

Labour MPs were among those who suggested he was receiving help in his confrontation the Leader of the Opposition after a shadowy image of his head circulated online.

Social media wags suggested the image showed a communications device in his ear, nestled below his increasingly unkempt lockdown mop.

It was picked up by MPs including Labour's Bill Esterson, who said: 'If he was receiving help, it didn't show.

'He was as useless as ever in response to calm, sensible scrutiny from Keir Starmer.'

But the Prime Minister's official spokesman this afternoon said: 'It is fair to say the Prime Minister was not wearing an earpiece.'

Online wags suggested the image showed a communications device in his ear, nestled below his increasingly unkept lockdown mop

Labour MPs were among those who suggested he was receiving help in his confrontation the Leader of the Opposition after a shadowy image of his head circulated online

The Rachel Swindon account, which was closely linked to Jeremy Corbyn's Labour leadership, was among those who shared the claim this afternoon

SO WHY DOES IT LOOK LIKE BORIS JOHNSON IS WEARING AN EARPIECE?

The Prime Minister was also forced to deny he was wearing an earpiece back in November, after eagle-eyed viewers noticed a dark patch in his ear when he took part in a BBC debate ahead of the General Election.

He dismissed the claims, saying that he had a 'weird flap of skin in his right ear that sometimes gets picked up by lights and camera flashes'.

It is not clear what flap of skin he was referring to - but other pictures taken of the PM show he has a prominent crus helix, a thin chunk of cartilage that tends to stretch halfway across the concha, the hollow part next to the ear canal.

Mr Johnson was dear until the age of eight because of 'glue ear', a condition where the ear canal fills with fluid that can cause temporary hearing loss.

It is not the first time Mr Johnson has been accused of wearing an earpiece at an important event.

Allegations swept Twitter in November when he took part in a BBC Question Time leaders' debate ahead of the General Election.

But that was dismissed after it was revealed that he has 'a weird flap of skin in his right ear that sometimes gets picked up by lights and camera flashes'.

Today's claim came as Sir Keir today took the gloves off in his battle against Mr Johnson as he battered the Prime Minister over the Government's test and trace programme, decision to reopen schools and transparency.

Sir Keir tried to use PMQs this lunchtime to score body blows on the PM over key parts of the Government's coronavirus response.

But a furious Mr Johnson hit back and accused the Labour leader of delivering 'endless attacks on public trust and confidence'.

Labour had adopted a largely constructive approach to the crisis to date, with the shadow cabinet seemingly reluctant to blast the Government in public.

Today marked a dramatic shift in approach as Sir Keir told Mr Johnson: 'The Prime Minister is confusing scrutiny for attacks.'

Sir Keir also looked to capitalise on reports that the PM has now decided to take more control of the Government's coronavirus strategy.

In an apparent reference to Mr Johnson's top aide Dominic Cummings, the Labour leader said: 'The Telegraph is reporting this morning that the Prime Minister has decided to take direct control of the Government's response to the virus.

It follows a similar claim that was made after his performance in a leadership debate last November that was widely discredited

Dragons' Den star Deborah Meaden was among those who took up the meme this afternoon. She later accepted it was not true

Other Twitter users who believed the claim demanded a parliamentary investigation and suggested he was receiving information from Dominic Cummings

Others compared the apparent 'object' to a scene from a film where a cockroach enters the ear

Another compared the 'ear piece' to a Jack Douglas comedy routine, advising Johnson to improve his commons performance

Another claimed he knew who had been giving Boris Johnson instructions, TV hosts Ant and Dec

Others joked that Jeremy Corbyn had been feeding Boris Johnson lines via the 'earpiece'

'So an obvious question for the Prime Minister, who's been in direct control up until now?'

Mr Johnson replied: 'I take full responsibility for everything this Government has been doing in tackling coronavirus and I'm very proud of our record'.

Despite the bruising exchanges, Tory spirits were likely to have been lifted by Mr Johnson's robust responses after a number of performances in recent weeks in which pundits suggested Sir Keir had got the better of the PM.

The clashes at PMQs came as the Government faced growing pressure over the roll out of the NHS Test and Trace programme.

Reports suggest that the system is failing to trace the contacts of approximately 60 per cent of people who have tested positive for the disease.

Another joker set up a Twitter for 'Boris's earpiece' with the bio reading 'Definitely not Dom'

One Twitter user by the name of Twr1 shared a picture of a large historic listening device

Another user joked that he could jump into Boris's 'cavernous' ear space

Twitter user Chris Laity shared a picture of the prime ministers ear that had been edited to show his adviser Dominic Cummings inside the ear canal

What are the rules on electronic devices in the Commons?

Using an earpiece to take instructions from outside the Commons would break rules on the use of electronics in the chamber.

Under guidelines introduced in 2011, MPs are allowed to use handheld devices like phones and tablets - but not laptops - 'provided that they are silent and used in a way which does not impair decorum'

They can be used during speeches in place of paper notes.

But they must be set to silent, and an earpiece that transmits vocal instructions would appear to fall foul of this restriction.

The official guide to Parliamentary rules and etiquette, Erskine May, notes: 'The Speaker has regularly deprecated the failure of Members to turn off mobile phones or other devices which may give rise to disturbance, and listening to a message is unacceptable.'

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2020-06-03 17:21:13Z
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