'Reckless and irresponsible' anti-vaxxer bootcamp plan condemned by Scottish Government - Daily Record

An anti-vaxxer bootcamp led by the sinister Alpha Men group has been branded ­“reckless and irresponsible” by the Scottish Government.

Hundreds of anti-vaccination protesters are preparing to gather in the Lanarkshire countryside for a training event – with the group saying they will take “direct action” to stop the “forced vaccination” of children.

Members planning to attend the training event at Strathclyde Park on January 29 have been urged to get training in the gym to enable them to “fight the evil.”

Those attending the group’s training events around the UK have also been told to wear a “black uniform, black boots and a black hat.”

Membership of a social media group dedicated to Alpha Men Assemble Scotland has grown quickly from 100 to 400 in the last week.

The group has become highly active in recent months and has attracted support from men opposed to the roll-out of the corona vaccine – even though having one is ­voluntary and there are no plans to make it mandatory.

And now the Scottish ­Government has hit out, saying their views need to be “ignored.”

Asked about the Lanarkshire event, a Scottish Government spokesman said: “ Covid-19 ­vaccinations are entirely voluntary in Scotland, and those for children will only take place with the ­appropriate consent.

“Getting vaccinated saves lives and helps protect the NHS by making it much less likely that people will need hospital treatment if they do get Covid.

“Deliberately spreading ­misinformation about the vaccine is irresponsible and reckless, and anyone doing so should be ignored.”

The spokesman added: “Any claims that Covid-19 vaccinations are mandatory for children or adults in Scotland are entirely false.”

Police Scotland is also aware of the event. A force spokesman said: “Officers will give the area passing attention and engage with anyone in ­attendance.”

The Alpha Men Assemble group on social media site Telegram has seen a torrent of messages urging people to avoid taking any vaccines or using masks in public places.

The Telegram group has been hugely inspired by a leader known only as Matthew, who outlines a mission to stop a ­government “power grab” on “the bodies of children”.

Bearded “Matthew,” who is expected to travel to Scotland for the event, told followers in one video: “You think we are riff-raff extremists.

“I tell you we are you. We are each and every one of you.

“We are checkout staff. We are warehouse workers. We are builders, we are boxers, we are kickboxers, we are MMA fighters, we are farmers.

“Anybody with a tiny little bit of humanity left understands the violence that will be inflicted on our kids if we allow a government power grab over our bodies, our medical treatments, with stipulations.”

The group said they will take “direct action” to stop the “forced vaccination” of children

He added: “If you think that we are going to condemn our kids to endless vaccines and medical treatments stipulated to a vaccine pass to get entry in different buildings in our country, you are very, very, very much mistaken.”

A group member known as “Samuel” – who coordinates the ­Scottish group – stated online: ­“Do not falter, do not listen to the lies of the corrupt so-called elites.”

He also posted a video of “Matthew” training, and said: “Our strong brother Matt and the other alphas are training really hard – getting ready to protect our families and future.” A notice promoting the ­Lanarkshire event stated: “This group is about action, not chatting or protesting. We need numbers.”

The Alpha Men Assemble UK group has more than 4000 members. Numbers have increased by 1000 in a week. It has hosted several ­meetings in recent weeks for “training and strategy tactics.”

At one session, on a beach in West Sussex on December 28, about 100 activists took part in boxing drills and other military style exercises.

The Alpha Men Assemble UK group has more than 4000 members

Top news stories today

As well as the meet-up near ­Motherwell, a similar event is due to take place in ­Staffordshire later this month. A statement on the Alpha Men Assemble site gave mixed messages on the use of violence.

It read: “Learning self defence and team-building exercises are carried out at our meet-ups. We do not tolerate the abuse of children or women. We are lawful and peaceful but we will defend our families and children if we need to. Do not test us.”

It added that bans will be given to anyone committing violence, racism or breaking any laws.

Last night “Samuel” from Alpha Men emailed the Record after we contacted the group for comment. He wrote: “Be on the right side of history do your job.” He said he was submitting a crime report to the police over the “damage the vaccine is doing.”

He added: “Of note and hugely significant, allegations were made of the most serious crimes being committed by a number of named ­Government ministers, civil servants and the bosses of UK news networks.”

With no supporting evidence, he claimed these crimes included “murder,” ­“blackmail” and “crimes against humanity.”

Last night MSPs said the group’s tactics could ­intimidate members of the public. Scottish Conservative community safety spokesman Russell Findlay said: “It’s not exactly clear what this rabble plan to ‘take action’ against.

“While it’s tempting to dismiss them as incoherent conspiracy cranks, they’re acting in a way that could intimidate the law-abiding majority of Scots who ­understand that vaccines save lives and protect the NHS.

"I have no doubt that Police Scotland will have the measure of any group seeking to put public safety at risk.”

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .

Adblock test (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiYWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmRhaWx5cmVjb3JkLmNvLnVrL25ld3Mvc2NvdHRpc2gtbmV3cy9nb3Zlcm5tZW50LWNvbmRlbW4tYW50aS12YXh4ZXItYm9vdGNhbXAtMjU4OTgyMjjSAQA?oc=5

2022-01-10 04:30:00Z
CAIiENNCsV5B7eGFB6n8QGSOK-EqGQgEKhAIACoHCAowrueiCTDmn7gCMKXUtwU

UK urged to impose windfall tax on offshore oil and gas operators - Financial Times

Pressure is mounting on Rishi Sunak, chancellor, to levy a one-off windfall tax on UK offshore oil and gas operators, just weeks after the boss of BP said high commodity prices had turned his company into “a cash machine”.

Labour, the Liberal Democrats and some Tory MPs want Sunak to levy a tax on the profits of North Sea operators to alleviate soaring domestic energy bills, arguing the sector can easily withstand the hit.

Rachel Reeves, shadow chancellor, said a windfall tax would partly fund a Labour plan to cut energy costs for all consumers by about £200 this year, with a further £400 taken off the bills of more than 9m poorer households.

The industry has claimed a one-off windfall tax on UK offshore oil and gas operators would cause “irreparable damage” to the sector and leave consumers even more exposed to global shortages.

But politicians at Westminster are eyeing the operators as a potential source of money to alleviate the cost of living crisis, not least because industry leaders have suggested their companies are awash with cash.

In November, Bernard Looney, BP chief executive, said soaring global commodity prices had made his company a “cash machine”, as it bolstered its share buyback programme, thanks to a sharp rise in quarterly profits.

“When the market is strong, when oil prices are strong and when gas prices are strong, this is literally a cash machine,” he told the Financial Times.

Meanwhile, Serica Energy, the North Sea company responsible for 5 per cent of UK gas production, said in September it was expecting to make “very significant returns” to shareholders, thanks to record high prices.

Despite that, Oil and Gas UK, the offshore industry body, claimed companies would become increasingly reluctant to make long-term investments if they were threatened with windfall taxes whenever prices rose.

Mike Tholen, sustainability director at OGUK, said that calls for a windfall tax were “in no one’s interest” and that the Treasury was already seeing “significantly higher returns” from North Sea energy companies.

“Over the next two years, the Treasury expects an additional £3bn in tax revenue from this industry — with a predicted direct tax take of almost £5bn. The upstream oil and gas industry already pays almost double the rate of corporation tax that other sectors pay,” Tholen said.

He added that, by taxing companies more, the government also risked holding up investment into green energy infrastructure in the UK.

Despite energy companies’ UK tax contribution, North Sea operators still benefit from one of the most favourable tax regimes compared with other oil and gas-producing regions around the world.

Under Labour’s plan, North Sea energy producers would be forced to pay £1.2bn to mitigate household bills through a year-long increase to their corporation tax of 10 percentage points.

Labour would also scrap VAT on fuel bills as part of a drive to contain energy prices; a cap on household bills is in April expected to rise from £1,277 for an average household to almost £2,000, driven by high wholesale gas prices.

Reeves said the whole package would cost £6.6bn; she claimed that aside from the £1.2bn windfall tax, the Treasury would raise £3.1bn from higher-than-expected VAT receipts from higher prices and £2.3bn from higher tax receipts from North Sea energy production.

Sir Ed Davey, Lib Dem leader, who also backs the windfall tax, said: “It can’t be right that a few energy fat cats are raking it in from record gas prices while millions of people can’t even afford to heat their homes.” Chris Skidmore, a former Tory energy minister, has also endorsed the idea.

Sunak will hold a mini-Budget in March but the Treasury has been wary in the past of one-off taxes, which can have the effect of significantly reducing investment and supply in the year they are implemented — putting further upward pressure on prices.

There is a fear in government circles that an offshore windfall levy would also largely hit oil rather than gas producers, forcing up fuel prices. But Sunak has also said he is considering a range of options to help people with their domestic energy bills.

Meanwhile, Labour will set out proposals on Monday to help businesses facing higher power costs, with a “£600m contingency fund to support struggling firms, including energy-intensive industries”.

Adblock test (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiP2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmZ0LmNvbS9jb250ZW50Lzc0MGY4ZjNhLTExNGYtNGQ1OC1hYjc0LWE3MjIxZDY0NjQzZtIBAA?oc=5

2022-01-09 22:30:39Z
1244084390

UK urged to impose windfall tax on offshore oil and gas operators - Financial Times

Pressure is mounting on Rishi Sunak, chancellor, to levy a one-off windfall tax on UK offshore oil and gas operators, just weeks after the boss of BP said high commodity prices had turned his company into “a cash machine”.

Labour, the Liberal Democrats and some Tory MPs want Sunak to levy a tax on the profits of North Sea operators to alleviate soaring domestic energy bills, arguing the sector can easily withstand the hit.

Rachel Reeves, shadow chancellor, said a windfall tax would partly fund a Labour plan to cut energy costs for all consumers by about £200 this year, with a further £400 taken off the bills of more than 9m poorer households.

The industry has claimed a one-off windfall tax on UK offshore oil and gas operators would cause “irreparable damage” to the sector and leave consumers even more exposed to global shortages.

But politicians at Westminster are eyeing the operators as a potential source of money to alleviate the cost of living crisis, not least because industry leaders have suggested their companies are awash with cash.

In November, Bernard Looney, BP chief executive, said soaring global commodity prices had made his company a “cash machine”, as it bolstered its share buyback programme, thanks to a sharp rise in quarterly profits.

“When the market is strong, when oil prices are strong and when gas prices are strong, this is literally a cash machine,” he told the Financial Times.

Meanwhile, Serica Energy, the North Sea company responsible for 5 per cent of UK gas production, said in September it was expecting to make “very significant returns” to shareholders, thanks to record high prices.

Despite that, Oil and Gas UK, the offshore industry body, claimed companies would become increasingly reluctant to make long-term investments if they were threatened with windfall taxes whenever prices rose.

Mike Tholen, sustainability director at OGUK, said that calls for a windfall tax were “in no one’s interest” and that the Treasury was already seeing “significantly higher returns” from North Sea energy companies.

“Over the next two years, the Treasury expects an additional £3bn in tax revenue from this industry — with a predicted direct tax take of almost £5bn. The upstream oil and gas industry already pays almost double the rate of corporation tax that other sectors pay,” Tholen said.

He added that, by taxing companies more, the government also risked holding up investment into green energy infrastructure in the UK.

Despite energy companies’ UK tax contribution, North Sea operators still benefit from one of the most favourable tax regimes compared with other oil and gas-producing regions around the world.

Under Labour’s plan, North Sea energy producers would be forced to pay £1.2bn to mitigate household bills through a year-long increase to their corporation tax of 10 percentage points.

Labour would also scrap VAT on fuel bills as part of a drive to contain energy prices; a cap on household bills is in April expected to rise from £1,277 for an average household to almost £2,000, driven by high wholesale gas prices.

Reeves said the whole package would cost £6.6bn; she claimed that aside from the £1.2bn windfall tax, the Treasury would raise £3.1bn from higher-than-expected VAT receipts from higher prices and £2.3bn from higher tax receipts from North Sea energy production.

Sir Ed Davey, Lib Dem leader, who also backs the windfall tax, said: “It can’t be right that a few energy fat cats are raking it in from record gas prices while millions of people can’t even afford to heat their homes.” Chris Skidmore, a former Tory energy minister, has also endorsed the idea.

Sunak will hold a mini-Budget in March but the Treasury has been wary in the past of one-off taxes, which can have the effect of significantly reducing investment and supply in the year they are implemented — putting further upward pressure on prices.

There is a fear in government circles that an offshore windfall levy would also largely hit oil rather than gas producers, forcing up fuel prices. But Sunak has also said he is considering a range of options to help people with their domestic energy bills.

Meanwhile, Labour will set out proposals on Monday to help businesses facing higher power costs, with a “£600m contingency fund to support struggling firms, including energy-intensive industries”.

Adblock test (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiP2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmZ0LmNvbS9jb250ZW50Lzc0MGY4ZjNhLTExNGYtNGQ1OC1hYjc0LWE3MjIxZDY0NjQzZtIBAA?oc=5

2022-01-09 16:17:24Z
1244084390

Covid-19: Cutting self-isolation to five days would be helpful, Nadhim Zahawi says - BBC News

This video can not be played

To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.

Cutting the Covid self-isolation period to five days would "certainly help", a cabinet minister has said.

Nadhim Zahawi also denied the government planned to stop supplying free lateral flow tests - after a report in a Sunday paper.

People who test positive for Covid are required to self-isolate for at least seven days, but several sectors are experiencing staffing pressure.

Mr Zahawi told the BBC the country was on the road "from pandemic to endemic".

He said reducing the self-isolation period would help with staff absenteeism in the workplace.

Asked about exams, the education secretary said they would be going ahead but said there was also contingency planning.

On the idea of stopping free lateral flow tests Mr Zahawi, a former vaccines minister, said he did not recognise the Sunday Times report, saying the government had ordered 425 million lateral flow devices in January.

"We are not calling to an end free lateral flow tests," he said.

• Who needs to self-isolate now and for how long?
• Look familiar? How rapid tests changed the pandemic
• Covid isolation cut from 10 days to seven with tests

The US recently shortened the self-isolation window to five days, and the education secretary said it was important to remember that in the UK isolation begins when you get symptoms while in the US it starts from when you test positive.

Mr Zahawi told BBC One's Sunday Morning that the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) had said that there might be a higher spike if the period was cut from seven to five days.

He said the government would follow the science but would keep the potential measure under review.

Rules on self-isolation for people in England infected with Covid changed last month, dropping from 10 days' quarantine to seven if they test negative on days six and seven.

Scottish Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said his government was "not contemplating" reducing the isolation time to five days at this stage, having just made the change from 10 to seven days.

"I think it would be sensible to see the impact," he said.

With vaccines and new treatments reducing the risk Covid presents, what's considered proportionate changes because of the need to balance the harms caused by the virus and those caused by trying to suppress it.

Take the isolation period, infectiousness is not like a switch. It doesn't just go on to off.

Instead, people gradually move from peak infectiousness to lower infectiousness.

As we become more able to live with the virus because it's causing milder illness, the benefits of long isolation periods wane.

But the costs in terms of missing school or disrupting work remain.

Slowly, but surely, we will see a rowing back of the remaining measures in place.

Plans are understood to have been drawn up within government to start this as early as March, but the rise of Omicron set that back.

There are several steps that could be taken. Shortening the isolation period further and then ending it unless an individual has symptoms is one.

Dismantling PCR testing infrastructure in the community is another. These lab tests are needed to keep an eye on variants, but that can be done by testing hospital patients.

Before Mr Zahawi said there were no plans to end free lateral flow tests opposition politicians had criticised the suggestion free tests might be stopped.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said such a move would be an "utterly wrongheaded" approach to dealing with coronavirus.

Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said ending free tests would be the wrong policy at the wrong time, adding that the best way to prevent the need for further restrictions was to ensure that people could test regularly and stop passing on the virus.

"That's why we believe those lateral flow tests have got to remain free whilst we have huge numbers of cases on a daily basis," she said.

This video can not be played

To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.

Mr Zahawi also accepted more school staff will end up off work isolating for coronavirus as case rates rise when pupils return.

He said staff absenteeism was at about 8.5% last week but "will increase, no doubt, because now schools are back we're going to see an increase in infection rates".

Contingency plans are being made for rising numbers of staff being off, the education secretary said, adding that some schools had remained open despite up to 40% of staff being absent.

He said that "exams in January are going ahead" and "in the summer we will be going ahead with GCSEs and A-levels".

But he added that there was "always contingency planning".

There have been issues with staff absences in transport, health and schools as Covid cases rose over the festive period and in England Covid-related staff absences at hospitals have risen sharply since Omicron took hold last month.

And the boss of one of London's busiest hospitals has said he is worried about losing staff when mandatory vaccination rules come in from April.

It comes as the UK recorded 141,472 new cases, as well as 97 deaths within 28 days of a positive test - although the number of deaths recorded over weekends tends to be lower because of reporting delays.

The total number of cases over the past seven days is up 6.6% on the previous week, while the figure for deaths is up 30.9%.

Are you a business owner? What are your thoughts on the proposed reduction to the isolation period? Are you struggling with staff shortages due to Covid? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

• WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
• Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
• Upload pictures or video
• Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.

• THEY SAID IT COULDN'T BE DONE! David Tennant stars in Around the World in 80 Days
• HE'S RUNNING FROM A PAST HE CAN'T REMEMBER: Who is The Tourist?

Adblock test (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiJGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jb20vbmV3cy91ay01OTkyNTcwMtIBAA?oc=5

2022-01-09 13:34:30Z
1247839583

End of free lateral flow tests as country told to live with Covid - The Times

Free lateral flow tests face the axe under plans for living with Covid which Boris Johnson will announce within weeks.

More than £6 billion of public money has been spent on mass testing using the devices.

The new system could mean free tests being provided only in high-risk settings such as care homes, hospitals and schools, and to people with symptoms. Contact tracing by NHS Test and Trace is also likely to be scaled back.

A senior Whitehall source said: “I don’t think we are in a world where we can continue to hand out free lateral flow tests to everybody for evermore. It’s likely we will move to a scenario where there is less testing but where we have a capacity to ramp it

Adblock test (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMibmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnRoZXRpbWVzLmNvLnVrL2FydGljbGUvZW5kLW9mLWZyZWUtbGF0ZXJhbC1mbG93LXRlc3RzLWFzLWNvdW50cnktdG9sZC10by1saXZlLXdpdGgtY292aWQtM2JwejhsbnFm0gEA?oc=5

2022-01-09 12:30:00Z
1242845321

Duchess Of Cambridge celebrates 40th birthday with new photographs that will hang in London gallery - Sky News

New photographs have been released of the Duchess Of Cambridge, celebrating her 40th birthday on Sunday.

The portraits, which were taken in Kew Gardens in west London last November by Paolo Roversi, will eventually become part of the permanent collection at the National Portrait Gallery once it reopens.

They show Kate in relaxed poses, wearing different Alexander McQueen dresses.

Image: Duchess Of Cambridge. Pic: Paolo Roversi

In one, wearing a red dress, she completed the outfit with a pair of the Queen's earrings, which Her Majesty had loaned to her.

In another, she is seen wearing a pair of earrings belonging to Diana, Princess Of Wales - her late mother-in-law.

Advertisement

'Moved by her warmth'

Roversi said that photographing the duchess was "a moment of pure joy" and said with her "positive energy" she can "bring hope to the whole world".

More on Duchess Of Cambridge

Related Topics:

He added: "I was moved by her warmth and friendly welcome and enchanted by her shining eyes that reflected the loveliness of her soul and her smile showing the generosity of her heart.

Ahead of the venue's reopening in 2023, the portraits will first hang in as-yet unannounced locations in Berkshire, St Andrews and Anglesey - places said to have a special meaning for to the duchess.

The Duchess famously met Prince William while at the University Of St Andrews, marrying him in 2011 in the surrounds of Westminster Abbey.

Duchess is keen photographer herself

Since her marriage to the duke, she has had three children - George, Charlotte and Louis - and has devoted much of her public life to supporting the early years development of children.

Now, the milestone birthday will mark the start of an important few years for the future queen, who will be at her husband's side as royal events intensify as lockdowns ease, and watch her children grow up.

The duchess has also emerged as a keen photographer herself, often stepping behind the camera rather than being in front of it.

In the past, she has used the couple's Instagram account to document family life and those causes closest to them.

Snaps of Prince William at the Hindu Kush, as well as portraits of her children are among the images often shared by the duchess.

Adblock test (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMihwFodHRwczovL25ld3Muc2t5LmNvbS9zdG9yeS9kdWNoZXNzLW9mLWNhbWJyaWRnZS1jZWxlYnJhdGVzLTQwdGgtYmlydGhkYXktd2l0aC1uZXctcGhvdG9ncmFwaHMtdGhhdC13aWxsLWhhbmctaW4tbG9uZG9uLWdhbGxlcnktMTI1MTE3MjPSAYsBaHR0cHM6Ly9uZXdzLnNreS5jb20vc3RvcnkvYW1wL2R1Y2hlc3Mtb2YtY2FtYnJpZGdlLWNlbGVicmF0ZXMtNDB0aC1iaXJ0aGRheS13aXRoLW5ldy1waG90b2dyYXBocy10aGF0LXdpbGwtaGFuZy1pbi1sb25kb24tZ2FsbGVyeS0xMjUxMTcyMw?oc=5

2022-01-08 22:34:10Z
1235279423

COVID-19: UK tops 150,000 coronavirus-related deaths since start of pandemic after recorded 313 in last 24 hours - Sky News

The UK has recorded more than 150,000 COVID-related deaths since the start of the pandemic after the latest daily figures showed 313 further fatalities.

It brings the total number of deaths reported within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test to 150,057.

A further 146,390 COVID cases have also been reported, according to the latest government data, taking the total number since the beginning of the pandemic to 14,333,794.

Saturday's figures compare to 178,250 coronavirus infections and 231 fatalities reported yesterday.

Live COVID updates from the UK and around the world

Advertisement

A total of 47,632,483 people have been double jabbed after 32,455 received their second dose yesterday.

A further 22,526 people have received their first dose, taking the total under that measurement to 51,919,815, and 35,273,945 have now been boosted - accounting for 61.3% of the eligible population.

More on Covid

Related Topics:

"Every death from this virus is a tragedy and our sympathies are with everyone who has lost loved ones," a government spokesperson said.

"We are thankful for the collective national effort and the hard work of frontline health and social care staff and volunteers for administering vaccines to tens of millions of people and keeping people safe. Their tireless efforts have saved thousands of lives.

"But the pandemic is not over. That's why it is so important everyone continues to play their part - by coming forward to get boosted now, or getting a first or second jab."

The first COVID death

The UK's first reported COVID death was on 5 March 2020, less than three weeks before the country went into its first lockdown.

The woman, in her 70s, was admitted to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading and tested positive for COVID-19. She died the following day.

However, Britain's first COVID victim died on 30 January 2020 - with his cause of death discovered seven months later.

Peter Attwood, 84, died the day after Public Health England confirmed what were then thought to be the first UK cases in York, on 31 January.

Image: Peter Attwood was the first COVID-19 victim in the UK

The highest number of deaths occurred on 20 January 2021, when 1,820 people died within 28 days of testing positive for the virus.

This was during the second wave, with the vaccination rollout was having started just a month before, but the UK was in the midst of a third lockdown, which ended in March 2021.

Which area has reported the highest number of COVID-related deaths?

In the UK, England has recorded the highest number of COVID-related deaths since the start of the pandemic - with a total of 130,493.

Across England, the North West has the most deaths with 21,089, followed by the South East which has 19,296.

London has reported 17,731 fatalities and the West Midlands has seen 15,596.

The lowest number of deaths have been recorded in the North East, which has reported a total of 7,217, and the only other region to have less than 10,000 deaths is the South West.

Health secretary challenged over mandatory vaccines

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

2:19

Moment doctor challenges Javid over jabs

Meanwhile, Sajid Javid has been challenged by an unvaccinated hospital consultant over the government's policy of compulsory COVID jabs for NHS staff.

During a visit to King's College Hospital in south London, the health secretary asked ICU staff about the new rules, and Steve James, a consultant anesthetist, explained his displeasure.

He told Mr Javid that he had contracted COVID "at some point" and had "antibodies", adding that the "science isn't strong enough" and he did not want to get vaccinated.

Mr Javid responded by saying that he respected his opinion but there are also "many different views", before adding that the government has to "weigh all that up for both health and social care and there will always be a debate about it."

Adblock test (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMikwFodHRwczovL25ld3Muc2t5LmNvbS9zdG9yeS9jb3ZpZC0xOS11ay10b3BzLTE1MC0wMDAtY29yb25hdmlydXMtcmVsYXRlZC1kZWF0aHMtc2luY2Utc3RhcnQtb2YtcGFuZGVtaWMtYWZ0ZXItcmVjb3JkZWQtMzEzLWluLWxhc3QtMjQtaG91cnMtMTI1MTE2NjTSAZcBaHR0cHM6Ly9uZXdzLnNreS5jb20vc3RvcnkvYW1wL2NvdmlkLTE5LXVrLXRvcHMtMTUwLTAwMC1jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy1yZWxhdGVkLWRlYXRocy1zaW5jZS1zdGFydC1vZi1wYW5kZW1pYy1hZnRlci1yZWNvcmRlZC0zMTMtaW4tbGFzdC0yNC1ob3Vycy0xMjUxMTY2NA?oc=5

2022-01-08 16:36:55Z
1214065659