Johnson to be cleared of breaking rules over Downing St flat refurbishment “Boris Johnson is set to be cleared of breaking the ministerial code by an internal Whitehall inquiry into a loan to redecorate his Downing Street residence but his conduct will be criticised, according to senior officials. Lord Christopher Geidt, the independent adviser on […]
Coronavirus 1) “No quick fix” to PCR tests shortage, admits Javid “Sajid Javid has told MPs there will be “no quick fix” to the growing Covid testing crisis, with officials warning that the system will be overwhelmed within days. On Wednesday, Mr Javid, the Health Secretary, privately admitted that there was a worldwide shortage of […]
Cut self-isolation to save NHS, Johnson is urged “Boris Johnson is facing pressure to stave off an NHS staffing crisis by reducing the coronavirus self-isolation period as infections hit a record high yesterday. Health service chiefs warned that staff absences caused by the requirement to isolate for seven days after a positive test risked causing […]
Coronavirus 1) No more restrictions in England before New Year’s Eve… “Boris Johnson has decided not to impose new coronavirus restrictions in England before the end of the year, giving the green light to New Year’s Eve parties. The prime minister concluded that curbs were not required on indoor gatherings after a meeting with senior […]
Johnson ‘fights to avoid introducing any stricter new Covid curbs’ “Boris Johnson is battling to avoid imposing tough Covid restrictions for the New Year ahead of a crunch meeting with scientists today. The Prime Minister will hold talks with advisers to discuss whether legal curbs are needed to deal with the threat of Omicron. Downing […]
Millions set for early fourth Covid vaccination “Millions of Britons face having an earlier fourth Covid jab next year after data suggested that protection against Omicron from booster shots starts to wane within three months. An official analysis of real-world cases confirmed that people infected with the new variant were up to 70 per cent less […]
No further restrictions before Christmas confirmed as studies suggest that Omicron is less severe than Delta “The Omicron variant of Covid-19 is less likely to cause severe disease than the Delta variant, according to two studies published yesterday that offer early support for Boris Johnson’s decision to pause further restrictions. The risk of requiring an […]
Take a Covid test to see family, says Johnson “Boris Johnson has urged people to test themselves before meeting relatives for Christmas as he ruled out new Covid-19 restrictions this week. The prime minister left a big question mark over new year celebrations as he said he could not rule out “further measures” next week, […]
Coronavirus 1) Christmas hopes grow as Johnson delays action “Boris Johnson is unlikely to impose further coronavirus restrictions before Christmas after delaying a decision yesterday. The prime minister called a cabinet meeting to discuss the latest data on the spread of the Omicron variant and whether a two-week circuit breaker banning indoor mixing was needed. […]
Coronavirus 1) Johnson is pulled one way by scientific advisers and the other by his backbenchers over new Covid restrictions “Boris Johnson is considering urging the public to limit household mixing over Christmas, as he risks a new row with his Cabinet. The Telegraph understands that the Prime Minister has been presented with three options drawn […]
Frost resigns – citing “concerns about the current direction of travel” on Covid and tax “Boris Johnson has been dealt a severe blow following the sensational resignation of Cabinet Minister Lord Frost, which has sparked discussions among Conservative MPs about the Government’s direction over Covid, taxes and green policies. Lord Frost, who negotiated Britain’s departure […]
Downing Street parties 1) Case quits investigation – after it emerges his own office held one “Downing Street was plunged into greater turmoil last night after the top civil servant appointed by Boris Johnson to lead a significant inquiry had to step down from the role. Simon Case, the cabinet secretary, quit the investigation into […]
North Shropshire by-election: Lib Dems win Tory stronghold “The Conservatives have suffered a humiliating defeat to the Liberal Democrats in the North Shropshire by-election. Boris Johnson faces a major test of his leadership after the Lib Dems overturned a 23,000 Tory majority to secure a stunning victory with a 34 per cent swing. Helen Morgan, the […]
1922 Committee will allow emailed letters of no confidence in Johnson… “The entire leadership of the 1922 Committee of backbench MPs joined the rebellion over Boris Johnson’s plan for Covid passports, it emerged on Wednesday. It came as Tory MPs were told they can email letters of no confidence in Boris Johnson over Christmas, in a […]
Coronavirus 1) Johnson suffers biggest rebellion of premiership “Boris Johnson suffered the biggest rebellion of his premiership last night as nearly 100 Conservative MPs voted against plans for Covid passes and some of them openly questioned his future. Almost half of Tory backbenchers voted against new curbs that will require people to show proof of […]