Coronavirus

UK coronavirus LIVE: Covid vaccine ‘could jeopardise lockdown gains’ as cases plunge in east London

Britons should not rely on coronavirus vaccines “coming to our rescue”, health leaders have warned, as it remains “absolutely critical” that lockdown rules continue to be observed. NHS England’s medical director Stephen Powis told Monday’s Downing Street press briefing that it will be “some time" before the vaccine roll-out has an impact on the pressure facing hospitals, adding: "We all have a role to play in reducing the risk of transmission.”...

Stevie Wonder calls on Biden to launch commission on inequality

Legendary musician Stevie Wonder called on incoming President Joe Biden to investigate inequality in America by launching a commission.

‘I still have no sense of smell’: Peter and Emily Andre speak about their coronavirus battle

Peter and Emily Andre have spoken about their experience of having coronavirus and warned that the virus's symptoms aren't always "textbook". In an appearance on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday, the couple spoke about how the virus has affected them and described their symptoms to viewers. Andre, 47, admitted that he was "absolutely convinced" he didn't have Covid-19 when he first contracted the virus. He said: "It’s quite unbelievable because...

Storm Christoph declared as major incident in parts of the UK

The country faces a “timeline of different hazards” this week as Storm Christoph moves in, a Met Office weather forecaster has said. It comes as the Environment Agency has issued 15 flood warnings and 117 less serious flood alerts across England. The unsettled conditions could also bring the risks of wind and snowfall as the storm engulfs the country.

Ministers rule out rethink to rescue visa-free tours by musicians, insisting ‘control of borders’ must come first

Ministers have rejected calls for a rethink to rescue visa-free tours by musicians of the EU – insisting “taking back control” of borders must come first. Answering an urgent question in the Commons, Caroline Dinenage insisted talks would resume only if Brussels “changes its mind” about how to resolve the stalemate The culture minister admitted – as The Independent revealed – that the EU’s proposal was thrown out because of a fear it clashed...

UK fishermen protest against post-Brexit rules delaying exports to EU

Angry businessmen in London are claiming Brexit is killing the shellfish industry, as lorries descended on Westminster to protest against the export problems they are now facing. Exports of fresh fish and seafood have been severely disrupted by new border controls since the UK’s official depart from the European Union and the end of the Brexit transitional period. Fishermen are claiming the UK government is at fault, as FRANCE 24’s Philip Turle explains.

Boris Johnson 'does not have a nap' during the day, Downing Street says

Boris Johnson does not take naps during the day and claims that the prime minister likes an afternoon snooze are "untrue", Number 10 has said.

Who is Joe Manchin, the Senator in the centre of the tight Democratic legislative majority?

Following Joe Biden’s inauguration, the Democrats will have control of the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives, but the extremely delicate majority in the Senate means even one single Democratic senator could potentially count if sides decide to follow party lines. The tight margin has thrown one particular Senator in the spotlight: West Virginia’s Joe Manchin, known as the most conservative Democrat in the Upper chamber.

Trump’s last day as president is being hilariously celebrated with two words

Many people around the world are celebrating President Donald Trump's departure from the White House. Some on social media have chosen to do so by sharing two words in particular: Bye Felicia. The popular phrase originated from the 1995 movie “Friday”, when it was uttered by a character played by rapper Ice Cube. It has since become a go-to line for dismissing people and telling someone to get out of your face. Trump is the only president to be...

Boris Johnson woos Joe Biden with plans to be ‘problem-solving partner’ on environment and health

Boris Johnson today put the environment at the heart of a new strategy to reset Britain’s global role for the era of Joe Biden and Brexit. He told Cabinet ministers that Global Britain will be a “pragmatic and problem-solving partner” on the world stage. And he spelled out that his priorities were to take leading roles on issues like health, climate change and and nature. The Prime Minister led a special discussion at Cabinet on how the UK can...

Most non-food pubs in England still awaiting £1,000 Covid grants

Nearly three-quarters of the pubs promised a £1,000 grant by the prime minister to help them survive the loss of Christmas sales in England are still waiting for the money, the industry trade body has warned. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said it was “scandalous” that many of its members were still awaiting cash promised in December, warning that much of the industry was on the verge of financial ruin. The grants, which local...

Footage emerges of Black man shot to death by police officer called to perform mental health check

Footage has emerged of the moment a Black man was shot dead by a police officer called to help him deal with a mental health crisis. Patrick Warren, 52, was killed on the lawn outside his house in Killeen, Texas on 10 January. Video recorded by his home security system appears to show officer Reynaldo Contreras approaching the house and speaking to someone before walking away. Warren then exits his home, unarmed, waving his hands in the air. His...

Covid vaccine supply issues to blame for weekend drop in jabs, insists Number 10

A snag in the supply of Covid-19 jabs is behind the drop in the number of first doses administered on Sunday, Downing Street has said.

Harry Brant, son of top model Stephanie Seymour, dies at 24

Lawyer for Donald Trump’s niece planning to depose outgoing president in three cases

An attorney for Donald Trump’s niece will bring three cases against the outgoing president, who is due to leave the White House on Wednesday. The cases will allege defamation and fraud against him on behalf of his niece, Mary Trump, author E. Jean Carroll, and ACN, a marketing company. Roberta Kaplan, the 54-year-old attorney, told the Washington Post that she had become “the go-to person to sue the president”. The three cases are among a number...

Government may take regional approach when reopening schools, medical chief says

The deputy chief medical officer told MPs that ‘some glimmers of hope’ are becoming apparent in London.

Trump news – live: President ‘desperate’ for goodbye event numbers boost as he wakes up to last day in office

President Donald Trump is ‘desperate’ to pull in more numbers for his farewell event, CNN’s White House correspondent has reported, as he faces his final full day in the White House. Trump will host the goodbye ceremony just hours before President-elect Biden’s inauguration and is reportedly looking for a boost in numbers after a low level of confirmed attendees. One of Trump’s final acts in the Oval Office has been to lift Covid travel...

Russia brushes off calls to release opposition leader Alexei Navalny

Mr Navalny was arrested after returning from Germany following treatment for nerve agent poisoning.

Woman jailed for 43 years for ‘insulting’ Thailand’s royal family

A 65-year-old Thai woman has been handed a ‘shocking’ 43-year jail term, a sentence which Amnesty International claims is the longest ever handed out in the southeast Asian country for criticising the monarchy. Former civil servant, Anchan Preelert, was sentenced to 87 years in jail but her sentence was reduced to half after she pleaded guilty to 29 separate violations. Her total sentence was 43 years and six months. She was convicted for...

Actors scramble to apologise amid backlash against Amazon show for ‘insulting Hindu deities’

The stars and makers of a new Amazon Prime TV series in India have had to issue an “unconditional” apology after politicians called for the show to be banned following an uproar over alleged insults to Hindu gods. The apology came after a criminal case was registered against the makers of the series “Tandav” in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh for “hurting religious sentiments”, and India’s central ministry of information and broadcasting has...

iPhone feature excites Good Morning Britain presenters

iPhone feature excites Good Morning Britain presenters

Boy, 13, charged with murder after west London shooting

A 13-year-old boy has been charged with murder following a shooting in west London last year.

Plotting the future: the ‘seed guardians’ bringing variety to UK gardens

It’s a fine, crisp day and the first frost of the season, a significant occasion for any gardener and one that has not gone unnoticed by the seed guardians of the Stroud Community Seed Bank. Beth Richardson, a 27-year-old student midwife and coordinator at the seed bank, meets me by a big compost heap that steams on contact with the icy cold air. The heap, a valuable group resource, belongs to the allotment where Beth grows her crops. In...

More pupils in English schools last week than during first lockdown, data says

Figures suggest 21% of primary school pupils and 5% of secondary school students attended classrooms.

My mum was born into one of Ireland’s mother and baby homes – this is why everyone should know her story

Ireland spent five years on a judicial inquiry into its darkest secret – about unmarried mothers, babies and their incarceration in Catholic institutions, the last of which closed its heartless, heavy doors in 1993. The findings were published in the mother and baby homes report – a harrowing document for families like mine, because my darling mum Sally Mulready was born into such a place. Her mother, my nannie, wasn’t married, so mum’s...

Labour calls for Gavin Williamson to resign after ‘failing children throughout pandemic’

Labour has called for Gavin Williamson to resign as education secretary, after accusing him of “failing children throughout the pandemic”. Speaking in parliament, Labour’s Wes Streeting slammed the government for “having to be dragged to do the right thing” over free school meals in the past and last year’s exam results controversy – which initially saw tens of thousands of grades initially downgraded by an algorithm before a government U-turn....

Researchers warn of another Covid spike if people mix after vaccine

Vaccinated people mistakenly believe they are “good to go” and socialise with other people despite a continuing threat of the coronavirus, the head of the government’s behavioural unit said on Tuesday. Prof David Halpern, the chair of the Behavioural Insights Team, said surveys showed that those who had received a jab were preparing to meet family and friends, which could result in another spike of the virus. “We definitely do worry that people...

Inauguration Day 2021: Trump pardons expected as he spend final day as president

US President Donald Trump is reportedly set to grant clemency to rapper Lil Wayne on Tuesday in a final wave of pardons and commutations that is not expected to include lawyer Rudy Giuliani or ex-aide Steve Bannon. Tiger king star Joe Exotic's lawyers have said they fully expect their client to receive a pardon - and have even ordered a limo for the occasion. It comes ahead of US President-elect Joe Biden’s Inauguration on Wednesday. Mr Biden...

Inauguration Day: Full timeline and where to watch Joe Biden's entry to the White House

Joe Biden’s inauguration will take place tomorrow 20 January, making him the 46th President of the United States. The Democrat The post Inauguration Day: Full timeline and where to watch Joe Biden's entry to the White House appeared first on CityAM.

Holly Willoughby reveals unique solution to son Chester's nightmares - special crystal

Mother-of-three Holly placed a piece of green fluorite beside six-year-old Chester to ensure he has a quiet night, she told This Morning viewers on Tuesday

European countries struggle to make most of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine doses

European countries struggle to make most of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine doses

Analysis: Saudi overtures to wary Biden team driven by worries over Iran, economy

Analysis: Saudi overtures to wary Biden team driven by worries over Iran, economy

A picture and its Story - Protests, rallies and two impeachments: Trump's presidency in photographs

A picture and its Story - Protests, rallies and two impeachments: Trump's presidency in photographs

BBC hit with more than 100 complaints after Mrs Brown's Boys dropped from schedule

The BBC has told that complaints flooded in after a late-running football match forced a schedule re-work, resulting in a Mrs Brown's Boys episode being dropped

Biden inauguration news - live: Security scare over QAnon National Guard chatter as Field of Flags unveiled

As preparations continue for Joe Biden’s inauguration ceremony on Wednesday, concern reigns in Washington, DC, over rumours that QAnon believers plan to disguise themselves as National Guardsmen to infiltrate the event in the hope of promoting further unrest like that seen in the Capitol riot of 6 January. Meanwhile, a spectacular, 200,000-strong “Field of Flags” has been unveiled on the National Mall honouring Americans who cannot attend the...

'Eye watering': top police officer laments rate of stop and search on young black men

There is “widespread dissatisfaction” with the police among black communities with it being clear young black men are being disproportionately stopped and searched at an “eye-watering” rate, a former senior police chief has said. Mike Cunningham, who retired last month as chief executive of the College of Policing which sets standards for law enforcement, said stop and search was the “totemic” issue and called for “humility” from police leaders...

Ferrari motorway crash blamed on Storm Christoph

The vehicle smashed through a barrier on the M621 near Leeds.

Publication of Meghan’s letter ‘serious invasion’ of privacy, court told

The publication of an “intrinsically private, personal and sensitive” letter sent by the Duchess of Sussex to her estranged father was a “plain and serious invasion” of privacy, her lawyers have told the High Court. Meghan, 39, is suing the publisher of The Mail On Sunday and MailOnline over a series of articles which reproduced parts of the handwritten letter sent to 76-year-old Thomas Markle in August 2018. She is seeking damages for alleged misuse of private information, copyright infringement and breach of the Data Protection Act over five articles, published in February 2019, which included extracts from the “private and confidential” letter to her father.

Coronavirus news – live: One in eight people in England have had Covid amid warning over schools reopening

One in eight people in England are estimated to have had Covid-19 by December last year, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics. Figures estimating a total of 5.4 million people, or 12.1 per cent of the population, would have tested positive for coronavirus antibodies by last month were released as a government adviser warned it was still unclear whether schools will reopen next month. Dr Jenny Harries, a medical...

When will schools reopen in Scotland? Latest updates on Scottish schools reopening after Covid lockdown

Pupils were due to go back to schools from 1 February in Scotland but their return might be delayed

Two-thirds of Lincolnshire care home residents die in Covid outbreak

All residents and 20 staff members at The Old Hall at Halton Holegate, near Spilsby, Lincs became infected with the virus in November, and over six weeks they saw 18 residents die.

Continuity IRA ‘fired shots at civilian helicopter’ say PSNI as they ask public for patience in ongoing bomb search operation

Police have asked the public for their continued patience as they continue to search a rural Co Fermanagh area after a report that persons purporting to represent the Continuity IRA left a suspicious device.

Women groomed into prostitution as teenagers launch High Court legal fight over criminal records

Women who were coerced into prostitution as teenagers are to challenge their criminal records being held on file until they are aged 100 in a High Court legal fight. The women bringing the challenge against both police chiefs and the government were groomed into prostitution and have a slew of criminal convictions for soliciting and loitering. Records on the Police National Computer can be accessed by a broad variety of public bodies and some...

Forget Brexit and Boris – Britain is the envy of Europe thanks to the NHS

Britain now has the worst Covid death rate in the world, due in large part to Boris Johnson’s fatal refusal to make decisions in time, from the late lockdown in March last year to the delayed announcement of Covid PCR tests on arrivals into the UK – the norm in most of Europe since early summer. The provision of PPE has given rise to widespread accusations of Tory chumocracy pocket lining, with exposés in The New York Times and Le Monde...

Hitman 3, review: Less goofy than before, but still murderously satisfying

In the world of stealth games, the Hitman franchise has always been a bit of a black sheep. Far from the self-serious military cool of Splinter Cell or Metal Gear Solid, Hitman is basically a Looney Toon. In it, you play as the hairless master of disguise known as “Agent 47”, as he strangles, poisons, stabs, crushes, electrocutes and otherwise does away with a succession of high-profile targets, across a range of goofy and inventive scenarios....

Brexit news – live: UK’s biggest fish market left ‘like ghost town’, as Eurostar under threat

Boris Johnson’s government has been warned that meat worth hundreds of thousands of pounds is going to waste at EU ports, as British exporters continue to get caught up in post-Brexit red tape problems. It comes as photos emerged showing UK’s largest fish market in Peterhead largely deserted, as the industry struggles with an export slump caused by customs delays. “What a sad sight – like a ghost town,” said the Scotland Food and Drink group....

Donald Trump’s presidency in pictures: Key moments from Melania’s jacket to US Capitol riots

The US is just hours away from saying goodbye to President Donald J Trump. The country’s 45th leader will hand over the mantle to Joe Biden after four explosive years in charge. Since his inauguration on January 20, 2017, when he pledged to “make America great again”, Mr Trump has divided opinion across both his homeland and the world. This collection of images, collated by the Standard, offers a snapshot of some of his most memorable moments of...

What happens after lockdown? How tier system could replace national Covid restrictions when current rules end

The government is reportedly considering a three-point strategy for lifting the lockdown

GitHub offers to re-hire staff member it fired for calling Capitol attackers Nazis

The Microsoft-owned software hub GitHub has offered a Jewish employee who compared the Capitol Hill rioters to Nazis their job back, after initially firing them for the offense. The employee had used an internal Slack chat room to tell collagues in the Washington DC area to “stay safe homies, Nazis are about,” Business Insider first reported. A co-worker criticised the employee for their language, leading to a debate about the use of the term....

New York Mets fire general manager Jared Porter after he sent explicit text messages to female reporter

The New York Mets have fired general manager Jared Porter after it emerged he sent explicit text messages to a female reporter. Porter, hired this offseason by the New York franchise, admitted to sending a string of messages to the unnamed woman while a member of the Chicago Cubs in 2016. And now owner Steven Cohen has confirmed he has relieved Porter of his duties citing "zero tolerance for this type of behaviour". "We have terminated Jared...