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Boris Johnson told councils they should pay for free school meals with government funds that have already been depleted, as five more regions confirmed they would enter Level 3 restrictions.
After coming under pressure from soccer player Marcus Rashford’s campaign to feed underprivileged children during the October semester, the prime minister promised that the government would do “everything in our power” to make sure no one goes hungry during the Christmas holidays.
Both Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock pointed to £ 63 million that was made available to councils to help those struggling to buy food during the pandemic, but the plan began disbursing funds in July.
Meanwhile, Hancock has refused to rule out the possibility of further Level 4 restrictions in England if the current three-tier system fails to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
The health secretary also confirmed Monday afternoon that Warrington would enter Level 3 restrictions starting Tuesday, while Nottingham and parts of Nottinghamshire will move to Level 3 starting Thursday.
55 Conservative MPs join the ‘blue wall rebellion’
The letter from the Conservative MPs from the North (see previous post) contains the signatures of Jake Berry and 40 other MPs.
However, it appears that 14 other MPs also support the letter, but have called for their names to be removed.
Peter stubley26 October 2020 21:38
Covid ‘could push north back’, say Tory MPs
Boris Johnson has been warned by more than 50 Conservative MPs that the coronavirus crisis threatens his promise to “level up” the country and could “push the North back.”
A group of conservative MPs from the north, led by former northern power minister Jake Berry, have written to the prime minister expressing their concerns.
The Northern Research Group (NRG) wants Johnson to establish a “clear roadmap” to get out of the blockade and develop an economic recovery plan for the North.
They also urge the government to prioritize key infrastructure projects and accelerate job creation in the region.
Berry, who represents Rossendale and Darwen, said: “Our party’s return to government in December was won by hardworking people in constituencies like ours who backed the Conservatives for the first time in a generation, and who did. in the promise that they would not be forgotten.
“We cannot forget that we must fulfill our commitments made during that election, to level northern communities and create opportunities throughout our region.”
He added: “Our constituents have been some of the hardest hit by this virus, and many have lost jobs, businesses and livelihoods.
“There has never been a more relevant and urgent political and economic case to support people living in the North.
“However, instead of moving forward with our shared ambitions, the cost of Covid and the virus itself threatens to push the North back.”
Peter stubley26 October 2020 21:25
9:00 p.m. curfew in the Czech Republic
The Czech government has ordered a 9 p.m. curfew and will limit retail sales on Sundays in a bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Health Minister Roman Prymula said the curfew will run from October 28 to November 3 and will last until 5 a.m. every day. Exemptions include travel for work or family visits.
Retail stores still operating under the current restrictions must also close at 8 p.m. and on Sundays, with exceptions that include gas stations or pharmacies.
Peter stubley26 October 2020 21:06
Mask rejection linked to antisocial personality disorder
Scientists in Brazil have linked resistance to Covid-19 security measures, such as wearing a mask, with antisocial personality disorder traits.
Their study was the first of its kind in Latin America and surveyed more than 1,500 people between the ages of 18 and 73.
Peter stubley26 October 2020 20:16
Europe ‘loses control of the Covid pandemic’, warns WHO
European governments are “far behind” in the fight against the coronavirus and the continent is becoming an epicenter of the disease, a senior doctor from the World Health Organization warned.
Dr Michael Ryan, executive director of the WHO health emergencies program, said Monday that much more comprehensive measures will be needed if Europe is to overcome the virus.
At a press conference, Dr. Ryan said: “There is no question that the European region is an epicenter of disease at the moment.
“At the moment we are far behind this virus in Europe, so getting ahead of it will require a significant acceleration in what we do and perhaps a much more comprehensive nature of the measures that will be necessary.”
Peter stubley26 October 2020 20:43
Young people ‘twice hit’ by job losses
Young people are more than twice as likely to have lost their jobs and just under six in 10 have seen their earnings drop since the coronavirus pandemic began, according to research.
Job and income losses are also more pronounced for women, the self-employed and those who grew up in a poor family, according to researchers from the London School of Economics.
Peter stubley26 October 2020 20:15
Here is the response from Nottingham East MP Nadia Whittome to the Level 3 announcement.
The Labor MP blames the government and Track and Trace’s failures for the “totally avoidable situation.”
Peter stubley26 October 2020 20:13
If you missed the news earlier, here is our full report on the announcement that Nottingham will enter Level 3 restrictions on Thursday.
Political editor Andrew Woodcock has the details:
Peter stubley26 October 2020 20:07
Former Minister Supports Free School Meals Campaign
Conservative Congressman George Freeman has issued a statement saying he regrets voting against free school meals during the holidays.
He says that “20 million pounds to ensure that no child goes hungry this semester is a small price” and asks the government to commit to funding free school meals until Easter.
“Having funded eating out to help out this summer, I don’t see why the £ 20 million cost of free school meal coupons is banned for half the term,” he adds.
Peter stubley26 October 2020 20:00
West Yorkshire in talks on Level 3
Council leaders in West Yorkshire have said talks with the government on tighter coronavirus restrictions will take place in the “coming days.”
A statement from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority said: “Today we were invited to a meeting with senior government ministers and the deputy medical director to discuss next steps in the fight against Covid-19 in West Yorkshire.
“The latest data on infections and hospital admissions shows a steady increase, and we have repeated our calls on the government for more local action, including strengthening community involvement and testing and tracing.
“There will be more discussions with the government in the coming days.
“We are absolutely committed to implementing the most effective measures to protect the people and economy of West Yorkshire.”
Peter stubley26 October 2020 19:29
