Coronavirus: 'Risk, not politics' will decide border restrictions - BBC News

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said any move to place restrictions on visitors from England to Scotland would be based on risk, not politics.

Speaking on The Andrew Marr Show, she said quarantine for visitors from elsewhere in the UK could not be ruled out.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously called the idea "astonishing and shameful".

Scotland has been recording a lower rate of Covid infections than England.

The first minister said the UK nations need to work together on outbreak management in a way that "mitigates against having to put any border restrictions in place".

Ms Sturgeon told Andrew Marr: "One of our biggest risks over the next few weeks, as we have driven levels of the virus to very low levels in Scotland, is the risk of importation into the country.

"That's why we've taken a very cautious decision about international quarantine.

"And - this is not a position I relish being in - it also means that we have to take a very close look at making sure that we are not seeing the virus come in from other parts of the UK."

The first minister pointed out that in countries such as Australia and the United States, controls have been put in place to limit movement across state or regional boundaries.

The Scottish government would look at similar measures on a public health basis.

Ms Sturgeon said: "That's not political. It's not constitutional. It's just taking a similar view to countries across the world in terms of protecting the population from the risk of the virus."

"This is not about saying to people in England you are not welcome in Scotland - of course people in England are welcome in Scotland," she added.

'No border'

The topic of quarantine for visitors from England entering Scotland was raised at Prime Minister's Questions, with Mr Johnson describing the idea as "astonishing and shameful".

He added: "There have been no such discussions with the Scottish administration about that, but I would point out that there is no such thing as a border between England and Scotland."

The number of new coronavirus cases in Scotland fell back to single figures on Saturday after a rise on Friday led Ms Sturgeon to warn against complacency.

No Covid-19 deaths were reported on Saturday, making it the third day in a row without any new deaths.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiQWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jby51ay9uZXdzL3VrLXNjb3RsYW5kLXNjb3RsYW5kLXBvbGl0aWNzLTUzMzgwOTAw0gFFaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmJjLmNvLnVrL25ld3MvYW1wL3VrLXNjb3RsYW5kLXNjb3RsYW5kLXBvbGl0aWNzLTUzMzgwOTAw?oc=5

2020-07-12 10:16:12Z
52780914652709

Michael Gove says face coverings WON'T be mandatory in shops in England - Daily Mail

Michael Gove says face coverings WON'T be mandatory in shops in England despite Boris Johnson hinting at the move - and Nicola Sturgeon imposing the rule in Scotland

• Michael Gove said face coverings will not become compulsory in English shops
• Cabinet minister insisted the government will 'trust' people to do the right thing
• Boris Johnson hinted a mandatory masks and Scotland has imposed the rule 

By James Tapsfield, Political Editor For Mailonline

Published: 10:54 BST, 12 July 2020 | Updated: 11:56 BST, 12 July 2020

Michael Gove today dismissed the idea of making face coverings compulsory in shops - despite Boris Johnson strongly hinting at the change.

The Cabinet minister said it was best to 'trust' the public and wearing a mask was a matter of 'good manners'.

The intervention comes after the PM said on Friday that he believed the government 'needs to be stricter in insisting people wear face coverings in confined spaces'. 

Meanwhile, Nicola Sturgeon - who has made the rule compulsory in shops in Scotland - said today that masks were the 'right thing'.

And she swiped at the UK government's coronavirus response by highlighting that 147 out of 148 deaths recorded yesterday were in England. 

Asked about the issue on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show this morning, Mr Gove said: 'I don't think mandatory, no, but I would encourage people to wear face masks when they are inside, in an environment where they are likely to be mixing with others and where the ventilation may not be as good as it might.

On the BBC's Andrew Marr show today, Michael Gove said it was best to 'trust' the public and wearing a mask was a matter of 'good manners'

Boris Johnson was pictured wearing a face mask for the first time in public while out in his Uxbridge constituency on Friday

Nicola Sturgeon - who has made the rule compulsory in shops in Scotland - said today that masks were the 'right thing' to do

How the government's line on face coverings has changed over the months 

March 12: Deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries: 'For the average member of the public walking down a street, it is not a good idea… in fact, you can actually trap the virus in the mask and start breathing it in.'

April 16: Chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said: 'The evidence is weak, but the evidence of a small effect is there under certain circumstances.'

April 21: Revealed in meeting minutes a month later, Sage advised: 'On balance, there is enough evidence to support recommendation of community use of cloth face masks, for short periods in enclosed spaces, where social distancing is not possible.'

April 23: Dr Jenny Harries said there could be 'a very, very small potential beneficial effect in some enclosed environments'.

April 24: Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: 'On masks, as more information comes through, the science is constantly evolving and we always bear in mind that science and then take the decision. As of today, the government position is unchanged.'

April 30: Boris Johnson said: 'I do think that face coverings will be useful, both for epidemiological reasons, but also for giving people confidence that they can go back to work.'

May 20: Researchers in Hong Kong found face masks reduced infection by up to 75 per cent. 

June 4: Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced that face coverings will be mandatory on public transport from June 15. He said: 'With more people using transport the evidence suggests wearing face coverings offers some - albeit limited - protection against the spread for the virus.'

June 5: Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed plans to make face coverings compulsory in hospitals for all staff, visitors and outpatients from June 15, but a furious NHS boss said the decision was made 'without any notice or consultation'. Meanwhile, Grant Shapps said masks would not be required in other settings such as shops because people spend little time in close proximity.

June 12: German study suggests making face masks compulsory could slow the spread of Covid-19 by as much as 40 per cent.

July 10: The PM says the government 'needs to be stricter in insisting people wear face coverings in confined spaces'. A government source later briefs that it is a 'fair assumption' that masks will become mandatory in shops and other indoor settings within a few weeks.

July 12: Michael Gove says masks will not be compulsory in shops in England, insisting it is best to 'trust' the public and wearing a face covering is a matter of 'good manners'.

Advertisement

'I think that it is basic good manners, courtesy and consideration, to wear a face mask if you are, for example, in a shop.

'I trust people's good sense. Now of course the Government at all times does look at the emerging evidence about what the best way to control the disease is.

'If necessary, and if tough measures are required and as we have seen in Leicester, obviously a very different situation, then tough measures will be taken.

'But on the whole... it is always best to trust people's common sense.'

Mr Johnson was was pictured wearing face mask in public for the first time on Friday while touring a pub shops and a haidresser in his Uxbridge constituency. 

Government sources briefed afterwards that it was a 'fair assumption' masks would become mandatory in shops and other indoor settings within a few weeks. 

Currently the recommendation in England is that measures such as a face covering should be taken if people cannot keep two metres away from each other indoors.

However, the only place they are mandated is on public transport. In Scotland masks became compulsory in shops from Friday. 

Speaking during an online Q&A session with members of the public on Friday, the PM admitted that 'the balance of scientific opinion seemed to have shifted' over how effective masks can be.

'I do think we need to be stricter in insisting people wear face coverings in confined spaces where they are meeting people they don't normally meet,' Mr Johnson said.

Before the PP's photo op, Ms Sturgeon had appeared in public sporting a tartan model, and trolled Mr Johnson by retweeting an article asking why Westminster politicians were not wearing them.

A poll by Redfield & Wilton Strategies for MailOnline found 61 per cent of the public in England would like to see coverings enforced in shops and supermarkets - with just 26 per cent opposed. 

Figures from the Office for National Statistics last week suggested half of adults are already routinely donning them. 

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has been seen wearing a mask while visiting a hospital, while Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden also wore one while attending a gallery this week.

But despite revealing he has a Florence Nightingale mask, the PM had not previously been seen wearing one. 

Chancellor Rishi Sunak faced a backlash last week after he was pictured serving food to customers at a Wagamamas in London without a face covering. 

London mayor Sadiq Khan has written to the PM saying he is 'disappointed and frustrated' that the Government has not said masks must be worn in 'busy and enclosed public places'. 

The Labour politician added: 'Face coverings are not only vital for public health. 

'They could play an increasing role in supporting public confidence and our economic recovery.'

A poll by Redfield & Wilton Strategies for MailOnline found 61 per cent of the public in England would like to see coverings enforced in shops and supermarkets - with just 26 per cent opposed. The support is reflected across the wider UK

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMic2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmRhaWx5bWFpbC5jby51ay9uZXdzL2FydGljbGUtODUxNDYxNS9NaWNoYWVsLUdvdmUtc2F5cy1mYWNlLWNvdmVyaW5ncy1XT05ULW1hbmRhdG9yeS1zaG9wcy1FbmdsYW5kLmh0bWzSAXdodHRwczovL3d3dy5kYWlseW1haWwuY28udWsvbmV3cy9hcnRpY2xlLTg1MTQ2MTUvYW1wL01pY2hhZWwtR292ZS1zYXlzLWZhY2UtY292ZXJpbmdzLVdPTlQtbWFuZGF0b3J5LXNob3BzLUVuZ2xhbmQuaHRtbA?oc=5

2020-07-12 09:54:27Z
52780916535881

Gove announces package to strengthen borders after Brexit - Financial Times

Michael Gove, cabinet office minister, has announced a £705m package of measures to strengthen Britain’s borders, claiming it would help the UK “seize the opportunities” of Brexit.

Mr Gove has had to delay by six months the full implementation of border controls from January 1 — when the Brexit transition period ends — after he claimed Covid-19 had held up preparations.

That has led to tensions with Liz Truss, trade secretary, who said the porous border could lead to smuggling and breach Britain’s obligations under the World Trade Organization to carry out checks.

Mr Gove’s plans include new border control posts and 500 extra Border Force staff, with proposals to set up checks away from ports that do not have the space to expand customs controls.

The money will include £470m for port and inland infrastructure and £235m for IT systems and staffing, while there will also be more cash for HM Revenue & Customs to reduce the burden on traders who will face new paperwork when trading with the EU.

Even in the event of Britain signing a tariff-free trade deal with the EU, new customs declarations will be required.

Mr Gove has not contested industry claims that 50,000 private sector customs agents will be needed to help with the form filling.

Brexit Briefing

Public policy editor Peter Foster probes the gap between ministerial rhetoric and a new reality for business and industry, as Britain enters the final, critical stages of negotiations with the EU. Get Brexit Briefing in your inbox every Thursday. Sign up here.

Last week a leaked letter from Ms Truss, first reported by Business Insider, saw the trade secretary express concerns about Mr Gove’s plan to phase in checks on EU goods coming into the UK after January 1.

Mr Gove, writing in the Sunday Telegraph, said he wanted to create the “world’s most effective border by 2025”. He also announced plans for a publicity campaign to urge Britain’s business to prepare for “the UK’s new start”.

He added: “Whether you’re the managing director of a multinational conglomerate or a family business; a UK citizen resident in the EU or planning to work abroad, the new campaign will clearly set out the steps that will help this big change go as smoothly as possible.”

Rachel Reeves, shadow cabinet office minister, said it was astonishing that Mr Gove was only increasing spending on border preparations five months before the end of the transition period, when the country had voted for Brexit in 2016.

“It’s too little, too late,” Ms Reeves told The Andrew Marr Show on the BBC. She said she would rather the government was spending money on schools and hospitals instead of a new lorry park in Kent.

Mr Gove told Sky’s Sophy Ridge that the government was changing its advice to people to work from home where possible, amid fears that homeworking was holding back the economic recovery.

“We want to see more people back at work on the shop floor or in the office wherever they can be,” he said.

Mr Gove said later on the Andrew Marr programme that progress was being made in trade talks with the EU and claimed there was “movement” on the EU side. “There are hopeful signs, but I would not want to be over-enthusiastic.”

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiP2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmZ0LmNvbS9jb250ZW50LzNlNDdlZjBmLWEzM2MtNGM4Mi1hOTU2LWEzMzhkMzdjZmM5NdIBAA?oc=5

2020-07-12 09:25:00Z
52780915083610

Nicola Sturgeon refuses to rule out quarantine for Brits crossing Scottish border - Express

Nicola Sturgeon has yet to rule out whether she will force people crossing into Scotland from other parts of the UK to quarantine for two weeks. The SNP leader has implemented different measures in Scotland after enforcing the public must wear face coverings in shops and on public transport. Host Andrew Marr asked the First Minister: "You have said that the rate of infection of coronavirus in England is now five times worse than Scotland where you're pursuing an elimination strategy and yet you are not pressing the button on people from England coming into Scotland quarantine. Why not?"

Mr Sturgeon told the BBC show: "I said we will keep all of these things under review.

"I set out in Parliament on Thursday is one of our biggest risks in the next weeks is the risk of importation into the country.

"That's why we've taken a very cautious decision on international quarantine.

"This is not a position I relish being in but it also means we have to take a very close look in making sure the virus doesn't come in from other parts of the UK.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon's car crash interview on cost of independence revealed

"That's not political or constitutional, it's not something I'm planning to do but I will make decisions to protect the public health of Scotland."

It comes as Ms Sturgeon has welcomed figures showing there were no Covid-19 deaths in Scotland in the last 24 hours.

On Twitter, she wrote: "Positive cases in past 24 hrs back in single figures (7) after yesterday's increase

"Also, another day with no registered deaths amongst people who had tested positive.

"Progress still good - but with significant easing of lockdown next week, we all must take care #StaySafe."

A maximum of eight people from up to three households can meet indoors.

And couples who do not live together will now be able to meet without physically distancing, regardless of their living arrangements.

From Monday, children can enjoy contact sports and shopping centres can fully reopen.

July 15 will see hairdressers, indoor pubs and restaurants re-start business and museums and galleries can also open their doors once again.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMid2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmV4cHJlc3MuY28udWsvbmV3cy91ay8xMzA4Mzk4L25pY29sYS1zdHVyZ2Vvbi1uZXdzLXNjb3RsYW5kLWJvcmRlci1yb3ctY29yb25hdmlydXMtcXVhcmFudGluZS1sYXRlc3QtdXBkYXRl0gF7aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZXhwcmVzcy5jby51ay9uZXdzL3VrLzEzMDgzOTgvbmljb2xhLXN0dXJnZW9uLW5ld3Mtc2NvdGxhbmQtYm9yZGVyLXJvdy1jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy1xdWFyYW50aW5lLWxhdGVzdC11cGRhdGUvYW1w?oc=5

2020-07-12 09:08:00Z
52780914652709

Animal rights protesters dye Trafalgar Square fountains red - The Independent

[unable to retrieve full-text content]

1. Animal rights protesters dye Trafalgar Square fountains red  The Independent
2. Trafalgar Square fountains: Two arrested over red dye protest  BBC News
3. Trafalgar Square fountains turn blood red as Animal Rebellion activists pour in dye  Daily Mail
4. Vegan activists turn Trafalgar Square fountains blood red  Metro.co.uk
5. Trafalgar Square: Two arrested after animal rights protesters pour red dye into fountains  Sky News
6. View Full coverage on Google News

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiK2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnlvdXR1YmUuY29tL3dhdGNoP3Y9TDVJNG5BaTVXdjTSAQA?oc=5

2020-07-12 08:26:51Z
52780914101088

'Nothing in 100 days!' Starmer mocked as Labour MP struggles to name a single party policy - Express

Sophy Ridge stunned viewers this morning after pointing out that the leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer, had failed to announce a single policy in his first 100 days as leader. She asked Labour's shadow business minister Lucy Powell to "please name" a single policy from the Labour leader in an humiliating exchange. Ms Powell struggled to respond, claiming that the public have "gotten to know Keir" over the first 100 days and said one policy Labour had would be to spend the budget money "more wisely".

Ridge said: "Now, Keir Starmer has been Labour leader for 100 days.

"I might be at fault here but I can't think of a single policy he has announced in that time. Can you please help me out?"

Ms Powell looked stunned as she struggled to defend the Labour leader, insisting it wasn't the time for "manifesto commitments".

She explained: "Now is not the time for manifesto commitments, especially given the context of an unprecedented health and economic crisis."

JUST IN: Keir Starmer urged to discipline 16 MPs including Jeremy Corbyn

Ridge fired back: "I mean, no-one is expecting a manifesto this far from an election.

"But what I'm confused about is the lack of policy, any policy.

"Is the only policy Keir Stamer has that he isn't Jeremy Corbyn?"

Ms Powell responded: "No, that isn't fair at all. He has gotten off to a fantastic start as leader.

"He has made such an impact on the public, the public really like him.

Ms Powell responded: "We would have had a much more flexible approach to the furlough scheme.

"We would have done more to protect jobs than the Government are willing to do.

"We would have spent the money more wisely."

Despite the grilling, the latest Opinium poll for the Observer shows that half of UK voters say they have formed a more favourable view of the Labour party since Sir Keir became its leader in April.

The poll also showed Sir Keir is now strongly favoured by voters over Boris Johnson when people are asked about the two leaders’ qualities including their competence, their ability to take decisions and get things done, and their ability to represent this country abroad.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMieWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmV4cHJlc3MuY28udWsvbmV3cy91ay8xMzA4MzgxL0xhYm91ci1QYXJ0eS1TaXItS2Vpci1TdGFybWVyLVNvcGh5LVJpZGdlLUx1Y3ktUG93ZWxsLUplcmVteS1Db3JieW4tbGF0ZXN0LW5ld3PSAX1odHRwczovL3d3dy5leHByZXNzLmNvLnVrL25ld3MvdWsvMTMwODM4MS9MYWJvdXItUGFydHktU2lyLUtlaXItU3Rhcm1lci1Tb3BoeS1SaWRnZS1MdWN5LVBvd2VsbC1KZXJlbXktQ29yYnluLWxhdGVzdC1uZXdzL2FtcA?oc=5

2020-07-12 08:15:00Z
52780911301559

Coronavirus map LIVE: So it begins... second wave panic as death toll DOUBLES in weeks - Express

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said a further 148 people had died from COVID-19 over the most recent 24-hour period - the highest Saturday fatality number for a month. The new figure is also more than double the 67 people who died from coronavirus last week and more than triple that of Friday, with the overall death toll now rising to 44,798. A further 820 people have tested positive for the virus, bringing the total number of infections up to 288,953.

The latest spike in daily deaths comes three weeks after shops throughout England were allowed to reopen.

This is a gap which is significant as it can take several weeks before changes in lockdown policy show up in death data.

Several other lockdown measures have been eased over recent weeks, including the reopening of pubs, cafes and restaurants.

But the new surge in daily deaths on Saturday will trigger fears more local lockdowns will have to be enforced in a desperate effort to further curb the spread of coronavirus throughout the country.

The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) revealed the reproduction rate, the average number of people each COVID-19 patient infects, is between 0.8 and 1 in England.

According to the Office of National Statistics, around 14,000 people in England currently have coronavirus.

FOLLOW EXPRESS.CO.UK FOR LIVE UPDATES

7.56am update: Donald Trump wears a mask! US President makes major U-turn for hospital visit

Donald Trump has been pictured wearing a mask to protect against coronavirus in a dramatic U-turn after refusing to wear one earlier in the pandemic.

The US President wore a black mask over his mouth and nose whilst visiting the Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre on Saturday.

He was at the facility in Bethesda, Maryland, to visit injured service personnel.

Mr Trump had earlier stoked controversy by not wearing a mask whilst America’s COVID-19 epidemic deepened over the last few months.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the visit Mr Trump said: “I'll probably have a mask if you must know. I'll probably have a mask.

“I think when you’re in a hospital especially in that particular setting, where you are talking to a lot of soldiers, people that in some cases just got off the operating table. I think it’s a great thing to wear a mask.

“I've never been against masks but I do believe they have a time and a place.”

7.50pm update: Scotland to allow designated visitors for non-COVID patients from this week

Scotland will allows family and friends toi visit patients in hospital not suffering from coronavirus this week as lockdown measures continue to be eased.

From Monday, patients can have a designated visitor but will still have to follow strict public health guidance.

They must arrange a time to visit in advance with ward staff and not visit any other patient in the hospital.

Visitors will also have to follow hand hygiene and face covering guidance, maintain social distancing in communal areas of the hospital and not visit if they are experiencing coronavirus symptoms.

So far in Scotland during the pandemic, hospital visits have only been permitted in limited essential circumstances, such as when a patient is reaching the end of their life.

7.40am update: Back to work! Boris Johnson to relax train and bus restrictions to push Britons to commute

The Government is planning to ease restrictions on using public transport, so people can be encouraged to return to work by using rail, bus and tube networks.

The Prime Minister has already been easing lockdown, by reopening the non-essential shops and now the hospitality industry.

And now Government ministers want to ensure the public can regain their confidence in using public transport.

One Whitehall source told the Daily Telegraph: “It is costing a great deal of money to run all these train services with so few people on them.

“Different departments are looking at ways to ease the message of avoiding public transport.

“The best way to do this, and when, is currently under discussion.”

“There is some debate about how best to get the message across that the Government wants to allow more people to travel."

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMifGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmV4cHJlc3MuY28udWsvbmV3cy91ay8xMzA4MzU1L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLWxhdGVzdC1uZXdzLXVrLWxvY2tkb3duLWNvcm9uYXZpcnVzLWJvcmlzLWpvaG5zb24tY2FzZXMtZGVhdGhzLWNvdmlkMTnSAYABaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZXhwcmVzcy5jby51ay9uZXdzL3VrLzEzMDgzNTUvY29yb25hdmlydXMtbGF0ZXN0LW5ld3MtdWstbG9ja2Rvd24tY29yb25hdmlydXMtYm9yaXMtam9obnNvbi1jYXNlcy1kZWF0aHMtY292aWQxOS9hbXA?oc=5

2020-07-12 06:28:00Z
52780912255823