Boris Johnson scraps overseas aid department, heralding end to 'giant cashpoint in the sky' - watch today's briefing live

Amy Jones
·38 min read

The merging of the Foreign Office and International Development departments will stop UK aid being seen a "giant cashpoint in the sky", Boris Johnson announced today.

The Prime Minister said that it was time to "strengthen our position in an intensely competitive world" and insisted the public wanted to ensure "maximum value for every pound that we spend."

Mr Johnson told MPs that the plans were "a big step forward for global Britain", as he set out the changes in the Commons.

Dominic Raab, the Foreign Secretary, will take direct control of the aid budget and be instructed to ensure that its spending is in line with UK foreign policy.

The merger comes after Mr Johnson's reshuffle four months ago which left seven out of the eight Dfid ministers which paralell jobs in the Foreign Office. The Telegraph first reported the likely merger in February.

International Development secretary Anne Marie Trevelyan is being lined up for a new role Minister of State in the Foreign Office after a merger.

Follow the latest updates below.

04:40 PM

Will the PM discuss air bridges with Emmanuel Macron on Thursday?

The French President will become the first world leader to visit the UK since lockdown on Thursday and will hold bilateral talks with Boris Johnson inside Number 10.

Mr Johnson said that they will discuss "all sorts of ways" in which we can bring "our countries together".

He says that he eventually wants it to be possible to "travel freely" between France and the UK "as soon as we can".

The Prime Minister said: "The reason having the quarantine system is very simple... we don't want to re-import the disease just at the moment when we've really got it under control in this country.

"But we're certainly looking at air bridges and ways to ensure that people can safely go on a holiday eventually."

04:33 PM

Boris Johnson says 'all fine' with baby Wilfred

The Prime Minister is asked during the press conference how things about going with his newborn baby Wilfred.

Mr Johnson replies: "You know I never normally comment about these sorts of things but it'll all fine so far." 

04:29 PM

Boris Johnson says scrapping Dfid gives taxpayers more 'bang for our buck'

The Prime Minister says rolling Dfid into the FCO is a "fantastic opportunity for this country to make the most of our enormous influence abroad".

Mr Johnson says he is "absolutely certain it's the it's the right thing for our country right now" and says it will it enable the UK to express its priorities "more powerfully around the world".

04:22 PM

Boris Johnson congratulated Marcus Rashford on successful campaign

The Prime Minister confirms that he spoke with the footballer to "congratulate him on his campaign" to extend free school meals over the summer holidays.

Mr Johnson said: "I thank him for what he's done, I think he's right to draw attention to this issue."

He says he hopes that the scheme "will make a big difference to those kids and to those families".

04:19 PM

New drug reduces risk of mortality 'significantly'

Peter Horby, professor of emerging infectious diseases and global health at the University of Oxford, says that the new drug reduces risk of death by 35% on ventilated patients over the course of a 10 day treatment.

"It is the only drug so far shown to reduce mortality and it reduces it significantly,” Prof Horby says.

04:14 PM

Boris Johnson says new drug is the 'biggest breakthrough' yet in coronavirus fight

The Prime Minister says he is "absolutely delighted" to announce that dexamethasone, an anti-inflammatory drug, has been approved for treatment.

He says he is "proud of these British scientists, backed by UK Government funding, who led the first robust clinical trial anywhere in the world".

04:11 PM

Prime Minister says he 'absolutely' hears concerns over two metre rule

Boris Johnson says I that he will do "everything in my power" to get the country back to normal and insists he understands that the two metre rule has "big implications" for schools and other sectors.

He adds: "I'm still committed to the central goal to get back to life as close to normal as possible for as many people as possible as fast and as fair as as possible in a way that minimises the risk of a new epidemic."

Mr Johnson signals there will be no movement on the issue soon, signalling the UK will unlock further "no earlier than July".

04:07 PM

Boris Johnson tells parents school 'is safe'

The Prime Minister says it has been "very good" to see more children returning to school this week.

He adds: "I want to say to all parents whose children are eligible to return in primary school - and there's loads of them - I want to tell you it is safe and there is no need for your kids to miss out on their education."

04:05 PM

Boris Johnson is going to let the experts 'do the talking'

But first, he runs down the daily statistics:

  • 6,981,493 tests for coronavirus have now been carried out or posted in the UK
  • This includes 113,107 carried out or posted yesterday
  • 298,136 have tested positive, an increase of 1279 cases since yesterday
  • 410, people were admitted to hospital with coronavirus and England, Wales and Northern Ireland on June 13, down from 438 a week earlier
  • 385 coronavirus patients are currently in mechanical ventilation beds in the UK, down from 513 a week ago
  • The total number of deaths now stands at 41,969, an increase of 233 fatalities since yesterday

Mr Johnson says that although the figures are "very sad" he insists the UK is "making good progress in controlling the spread of the virus".

03:59 PM

Today's Downing Street briefing is about to begin

Boris Johnson will lead the press conference this evening.

He will be joined by Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and Peter Horby, professor of emerging infectious diseases and global health at the University of Oxford.

We'll bring you the latest here.

03:55 PM

Prime Minister urged to save hundreds of Scottish jobs

Boris Johnson has been urged to give a "cast-iron guarantee" hundreds of Scottish jobs will be safe after he announced the scrapping of the Department for International Development.

The Prime Minister said it is "outdated" to keep Dfid - which has a base in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire - as a separate department.

Ian Murray, the shadow Scottish secretary said it is "vital" the jobs in East Kilbride are fully protected.

Earlier in the Commons, Mr Johnson committed to keeping the Scottish jobs.

03:45 PM

What's behind today's merge?

This week the Refresher newsletter will examine what led Boris Johnson to merge the Foreign Office and the International Development departments.

And given that Government sources have long suggested that Dfid would roll into the FCO after Brexit, it will also ask the question: Why now?

You can sign up to get it in your inbox here:

03:16 PM

Calls for pet passport extension on behalf of 'French-speaking' dogs

A Conservative MP has spoken out on behalf of his "French-speaking" dogs in support of a new pet passport scheme.

Bob Stewart made a plea for an extension of the arrangements as he explained that his two dogs make several trips across the Channel each year.

Mr Stewart told the Commons: "Our two French-speaking dogs cross the Channel several times a year on a pet passport.

"Can I ask if there will be similar arrangements after December 31?"

Speaking in French, Mr Gove added: "We always defend the rights of dogs."

Emmanuel Macron with his own French-speaking dog Nemo - ALAIN JOCARD/AFP/Getty Images/ALAIN JOCARD/AFP/Getty Images

02:57 PM

Coronavirus treatment approved for use by UK Government

Dexamethasone, an anti-inflammatory drug, has been approved to treat all UK hospitalised coronavirus patients requiring oxygen, including those on ventilators, across the NHS from today. 

The drug has been proven to reduce the risk of death significantly in Covid-19 patients on ventilation by as much as 35% and patients on oxygen by 20%, reducing the total 28-day mortality rate by 17%.

The government has taken action to secure supplies of dexamethasone and estimates there is enough treatment for over 200,000 people from stockpiles alone.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “I’m absolutely delighted that today we can announce the world’s first successful clinical trial for a treatment for Covid-19. This astounding breakthrough is testament to the incredible work being done by our scientists behind the scenes.

“From today the standard treatment for Covid-19 will include dexamethasone, helping save thousands of lives while we deal with this terrible virus."

02:55 PM

Tony Blair says merge is 'wrong and regressive'

Mr Blair joins former Prime Ministers in attacking Boris Johnson's decision to scrap Dfid.

In a statement, he said: "I am utterly dismayed by the decision to abolish Dfid. We created Dfid in 1997 to play a strong, important role in projecting British soft power. It has done so to general global acclaim.

"It is a leader in both programmes and thought in development, helping millions of the world's most vulnerable to be relieved of poverty and killer diseases.

"The strategic aims of alignment with diplomacy and focus on new areas of strategic interest to Britain could be accomplished without its abolition. Wrong and regressive move."

02:44 PM

Gordon Brown accuses PM of 'abolishing one of UK's great international assets'

The former Prime Minister says Dfid has "lifted millions of people out of poverty, saved millions of lives, and helped millions more children go to school".

"It's sad the government is abolishing one of the UK's great international assets," he writes in a statement.

02:36 PM

Marcus Rashford thanks MPS for giving families 'one less thing to worry about'

After his successful campaign to keep free school meals running through the summer holidays, the footballer thanks all MPs for giving families " just one less thing to worry about tonight".

In a statement shared on social media, he wrote: "This was never about me or you, this was never about politics, this was a cry out for help from vulnerable parents all over the country and I simply provided a platform for their voices to be heard.

"I stand proud today knowing that we have listened, and we have done what is right.

"There is still a long way to go but I am thankful to you all that we have given these families just one less thing to worry about tonight.

"The wellbeing of our children should ALWAYS be a priority."

02:28 PM

Arlene Foster urges UK Government to 'stand up' to Brexit commitments

Northern Ireland's First Minister conceded she does not like the Northern Ireland Protocol, which will see UK authorities apply EU customs rules to goods entering the region, but has accepted it is a "legislative reality".

However she said the UK Government must "stand up" to commitments made in its command paper.

Mrs Foster said: "My job now as First Minister is to try and make sure that we minimise any checks between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

"We must make sure that there is unfettered access, as it says in the UK Government command paper.

"We will, very much, want to see the Government standing up to what their commitments are in the command paper."

02:17 PM

It's coming home?

Michael Gove has claimed there is still time for the UK and EU to "bring a deal home".

The Cabinet Office minister said Brexit trade talks will be intensified from June 29, adding that meetings will take place every week in July with a "keen focus on finding an early understanding" on the "principles which will underpin a broad agreement".

Mr Gove said there is "no intrinsic reason" why a deal cannot be concluded in good time, saying: "The UK's political will is there, our position is reasonable, based on precedent, and we still have the time to bring a deal home.

"That is why the Prime Minister has led the drive to accelerate these talks, to reach agreement and to ensure next January we leave the regulatory reach of the EU and embrace the new opportunities our independence will bring."

02:13 PM

UK ready to be 'flexible' on trade deal

Michael Gove tells the Commons that make progress in Brexit talks both sides need to be "clear-eyed and constructive".

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster says the negotiators are "ready to be flexible about how we secure an FTA that works for both sides".

"There must be movement, and the clock is ticking," he said.

He adds: "One thing we cannot do is accept the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice.

"We voted to be an independent nation and we must honour that decision. Democracy is more important than any other principle."

02:07 PM

Nicola Sturgeon stands firm on 'reckless relaxation' of lockdown rules

The Scottish First Minister said the planned easing of some restrictions later this week could help the economy, adding there could be some "really significant steps taken for all of Scotland to start to get us back to normal".

Ms Sturgeon revealed she could announce an indicative date for when non-essential shops can reopen their doors if Scotland - as expected - moves to the second phase of a four-part plan to end lockdown.

But the First Minister warned "not all major changes will happen overnight".

01:50 PM

Does the PM agree with David Cameron?

Boris Johnson is asked whether he agrees with the former Prime Minister, who described the merger as a "mistake" (see 14.42 post).

Mr Johnson said: "No, I profoundly disagree with that. In all my experiences, alas, there is an incoherence in in UK foreign policy which we can now rectify."

01:46 PM

Lisa Nandy says the PM is becoming 'increasingly desperate'

The shadow foreign secretary says the merger shows the Prime Minister is becoming "increasingly desperate" and accuses him of "trying to ignite a culture war over aid". 

Ms Nandy tweeted: "The truth is he's failing children at home and overseas and diminishing Britain's global standing to distract from his own failures. We deserve better leadership."

01:42 PM

David Cameron calls the merge a 'mistake'

The former Prime Minister says that the end of Dfid will "less expertise, less voice for development at the top table and ultimately less respect for the UK overseas".

Mr Cameron added that Mr Johnson was "right to maintain the commitment to 0.7 - it saves lives, promotes a safer world and builds British influence".

01:37 PM

Dominic Raab insists Government will commit to spending 0.7% of GDP on aid

The Foreign Secretary insists that the Government is not "rolling back on our commitments to international development".

In a series of tweets, he said: "The pandemic has shown security, prosperity, development and foreign policy are inextricably interlinked.

"These changes mean the UK will be best placed to lead the international effort on COVID recovery and renewal."

01:29 PM

Tobias Ellwood admits concern over 'timing' of announcement

The chair of the Commons Defence Select Committee says he backs the idea of an integrated approach, but warns that now may not be the time.

Mr Ellwood said:  "I am concerned about the timing of this because there is an enduring emergency. That must be the Government's priority."

He says that the defence, security and foreign policy review should "surely" have delivered its results before the Prime Minister's announcement.

01:24 PM

Sajid Javid warns of a return to 'protectionism'

The former chancellor notes that the World Bank has reported that "some hundred million people could be driven into extreme poverty because of the COVID-19 crisis".

Mr Javid notes that many developing countries are already being "hit hard" with falling investments.

He said: "know that many are also concerned by increasing talk of protectionism by advanced economies including by some people in this country.

"So can I ask my Right Honourable Friend to take this opportunity to commit Britain to fighting protectionism in all its forms, because trade is as important as aid."

01:19 PM

Tom Tugendhat says he is pleased the PM has been 'listening'

The Conservative chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee notes that he has been calling for this change for some time. 

Mr Tugendhat said: "I'm very glad that my Right Honourable Friend the Prime Minister has been listening to a few of the things I said over the last three years.

"Bringing strategic alignment to foreign policy is something that many of us have been calling for so I must say I welcome this."

01:11 PM

SNP's Westminster leader calls plans 'shameful'

Ian Blackford says that the Government is "blatantly using challenging domestic circumstances as an excuse to wind down" support for the world's poorest.

He says that this is "shameful" and will affect "people burdened with suffering every single day".

He adds that the decision does "not represent the values of the vast majority of people in Scotland and we want no part in it".

01:07 PM

Overseas aid seen as a 'giant cashpoint in the sky', PM says

Boris Johnson says that UK overseas aid has been seen as "some giant cashpoint in the sky" that emerges without "any reference to UK interests".

The Prime Minister says that Britain "wishes to express, all the priorities, diplomatic political or commercial, of the Government of the UK".

01:05 PM

Boris Johnson says everyone in new department will have a 'sense of mission'

The Prime Minister says that everyone inside the new Whitehall "super department" will have an "idealism and sense of mission" to project the UK's interests overseas.

Mr Johnson urges the Labour leader: "This is a long overdue reform, and he should support it."

01:01 PM

'Jo Cox would have seen right through this,' Sir Keir Starmer says

The Labour leader says that his former colleague, as a passionate supporter of overseas aid, would have "seen right through" the Prime Minister's announcement.

Sir Keir notes that Britain is on the "verge" of mass unemployment has has "one of the highest" death tolls from coronavirus in the world.

He said: "This statement is intended to deflect attention from all of that, but can I assure the Prime Minister it will not work.

"There is no rationale for making this statement today. The Prime Minister should stop these distractions and get on with the job of tackling the health and economic crisis."

12:58 PM

PM concedes that many will ask if this is 'the right moment to reorganise Whitehall'

However, Boris Johnson says that the coronavirus crisis has already imposed "fundamental changes on the way that we operate".

The Prime Minister says that "getting maximum value for the British taxpayer is just as important abroad as it is at home" and insists it is the moment to make the change.

Mr Johnson says that the new department will be "using all the tools of British influence to seize the opportunities ahead".

12:56 PM

Boris Johnson announces the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Announcing the anticipated merge of Dfid and the FCO, the Prime Minister says "we must now strengthen our position in an intensely competitive world by making sensible changes".

The Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will be "empowered" to decide which countries receive will cease to receive British aid.

He says that the UK is "following the examples of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand" in this move.

12:52 PM

Boris Johnsons says he has begun the 'biggest review' of foreign defence since the end of the Cold War

The Prime Minister says the overriding aim is to "bring this country's strength and expertise to bear on the world's biggest problems".

He says that "one cardinal lesson of the pandemic" is that distinctions between diplomacy and overseas development are "artificial and outdated".

Mr Johnson adds; "The UK will need to work alongside our friends to strengthen international bodies like the World Health Organisation and help vulnerable countries to improve their health systems and achieve greater resilience.

"It makes no sense to ask whether this amounts to aid or foreign policy that are one and the same endeavour. "

12:49 PM

Boris Johnson is on his feet

He begins by paying tribute to the memory of Jo Cox, who was murdered four years ago.

The Prime Minister also sends his "best wishes" to the SNP's Amy Callaghan MP, who was found collapsed at home suffering from a brain haemorrhage.

12:36 PM

Unemployment figures show that coronavirus is starting to bite

Responding to the jobs figures, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "We are seeing the impact of coronavirus on our economy, as is the case in many countries.

"It is starting to show in today's figures but our extensive support through the furlough scheme, grants, loans and tax cuts has protected thousands of businesses and millions of jobs."

12:18 PM

Bridge to nowhere (yet)

Asked for an update on the Government's negotiations over air bridges to enable British holidaymakers to travel overseas this summer, the Prime Minister's spokesman said: "The first thing to say is that the Foreign Office advice remains to avoid travel, unless it's essential.

"Secondly, we would obviously respect the decisions taken by countries to public health, and it's important that people abide by the rules set out by those governments."

Pressed on whether discussions were taking place with Spain, he added: "Travel corridors is something which we're actively looking at in terms of a list of countries, being able to share with you." 

12:15 PM

One million falling through gaps in Covid-19 support

Mel Stride, the chairman of the Commons Treasury committee, said more than one million people are not receiving Covid-19 financial support from the Government when they should be.

Mr Stride, a former minister, told MPs: "There remain over a million people who should qualify for furlough or self-employed support who are not receiving it."

Responding, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Jesse Norman, said he will look at "any positive and constructive suggestions" contained in the report.

12:13 PM

Marcus Rashford welcomes Government U-turn

12:12 PM

Still no certainty for hospitality sector

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said the Government "fully understands the hospitality industry wants to get going again".

He said that they were working closely with the industry on reopening plans, but cautioned they "need to ensure that we do this in a way that is safe".

He said a date for the hospitality industry would be a provisional date of July 4, and that this would be under the condition that they continue to meet the five tests.

"We will of course want to provide certainty to the hospitality industry, as soon as we practically can," the spokesman added.

"I think we absolutely recognise the challenges faced by certain sectors during this time, but businesses can still access our extensive packages support, including our furloughs scheme, which has been extended until October, 100 per cent business rates holidays, and tens of billions of pounds worth of business loans guaranteed and tax deferrals."

12:07 PM

Chancellor to give fiscal statement in July

The Prime Minister's spokesman has confirmed the Chancellor will be making a "statement" on his plans for the economy - expected to be a mini-Budget - in July.

The spokesman said Rishi Sunak "will make a Statement before summer recess – it will be before Parliament rises for the summer."

Previously the Treasury would not confirm reports of a summer statement.

12:06 PM

Cabinet discusses free school meals

Today's Cabinet meeting saw the Prime Minister raise the issue of free schools meals. Ministers also discussed the return to school of primary school pupils in and years 10 and 12.

The Prime Minister's spokesman said there will be updated guidance "encouraging schools to invite additional pupils."

Ministers also discussed plans for a catch up programme – the Education Secretary to announce it later this week, the PM’s spokesman said, adding: “It is certainly the intention to do it this week."

Cabinet also discussed measures the government is taking to tackle rough sleeping during Covid-19 and Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming visit on Thursday.

12:04 PM

Keir Starmer welcomes Government U-turn

12:03 PM

Government U-turns on free school meals

The government has announced a new "Covid summer food fund" to cover the six-week summer holiday for children who qualify for free school meals, fending off a looming Tory MP rebellion.

About 1.3m children are expected to benefit. The Prime Minister's spokesman said: "This is a specific measure to reflect the unique circumstances. Those eligible will be those who already qualify for school meals."

Payments will be made through vouchers, valued at £15 a week for six weeks, and given to families at the end of term to use in supermarkets.

It will cost about £120m in additional funding agreed by the Treasury. It is separate to the existing crisis grant fund.

The Prime Minister's spokesman said: "The scheme will not continue beyond the summer" adding the government's intention is to get schools up and running in September.

Asked whether Marcus Rashford had influenced the decision, the spokesman said Boris Johnson "welcomes his contribution to the debate around poverty. He respects the fact he has been using his profile as a leading sportsman."

Full details will be set out shortly. The spokesman said he did not know whether this means the government will drop its amendment opposing calls for free school meals, adding that it was a "matter for the whips."

11:59 AM

Treasury ministers says Government's energy focussed on economic recovery

Financial Secretary to the Treasury Jesse Norman said the "thoughts, the energies and the resources" of Government are focused on the planning for the UK's economic recovery from coronavirus.

Speaking in the Commons during an urgent question tabled by shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds, Mr Norman said the ONS figures on GDP growth make it "clear that restrictions introduced during lockdown, while necessary, have had a severe impact on output".

His comments come after the latest unemployment figures, published this morning, revealed that unemployment has risen by 600,000 in recent weeks.

Mr Norman added: "It is also important to note that OECD forecasts the UK to have the strongest recovery out of all those large companies that they looked at with an unemployed rate projected to be lower than that of France and Italy by the end of 2021".

"However, I can assure the House that the thoughts, the energies and the resources of the Government are focused increasingly on planning for the recovery."

11:57 AM

Nicola Sturgeon confirms free school meals will continue over the summer

The Scottish First Minister has ratcheted up pressure on the UK Government over the free school meal voucher scheme, as she confirmed Scotland would extend the scheme over the summer holiday period. 

It comes amid a growing backlash from Tory MPs over the Government's refusal to follow suit. 

The latest rebel, Jason McCartney, has backed England footballer Marcus Rashford in his campaign on the issue. 

Expressing his support on Twitter, Mr McCartney said: "You're so right Marcus, this isn't about politics, these are exceptional times and we need to put party rivalries to one side to do the right thing for vulnerable children & families who need extra support now and through the summer."

11:53 AM

Scotland to move to phase two of lockdown easing

Speaking at her daily briefing, Nicola Sturgeon said she "expected" to be able to move into the second phase of the Scottish route map out of lockdown on Thursday, when the review of measures takes place.

However, she said not all measures will be put in place "overnight", but that in "the coming weeks" staff would be able to return to factories, construction would be able to continue its restart plan and non-essential retail firms will have an opening date.

She added: "None of this will restore the economy immediately to full health, but it will be a significant and sustainable improvement on our current position and that is, of course, important.

"That gradual re-emergence from lockdown is crucial, that is how we allow our businesses to start to operate and to make money again."

11:42 AM

Rory Stewart criticises Whitehall merger

Former international development secretary Rory Stewart has said he would be arguing "strongly" against a merger of his former departments if he was still in Cabinet.

His comments follow reports the Prime Minister is preparing to announce that the Department for International Development (Dfid) will be merged with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Asked whether he would have argued against any merger, ex-Tory leadership candidate Mr Stewart told PA news agency: "Yes, strongly."

He added: "I don't think it is the smart option. There are many other things we need to be concentrating on at the moment.

"It will lead to a lot of disruption, a lot of uncertainty at a time when the Foreign Office has an enormous amount of be focused on."

11:36 AM

Hairdressers and pubs waiting for guidance on reopening

Shadow business minister Lucy Powell pressed the Government on when businesses in the hospitality sector, as well as hairdressers, will receive guidance on reopening.

She said: "Pubs, cafes, hairdressers and restaurants are the lifeblood of our high streets. But business critical guidance about their reopening in just two-and-a-half weeks' time was due yesterday but is nowhere to be seen.

"Instead, they got another review, making a bad situation much worse. When will they get this guidance?"

Business minister Paul Scully responded: "As you'll see from my hairstyle, I'm desperately awaiting the reopening of hairdressers and barbers as well. It's really key that we get this right though.

"At the moment when people are going out to shop for the businesses that are open today, two metres is still the rule but we will get further guidance as soon as we practically can."

11:32 AM

Government urged to provide more support for manufacturers

Shadow business secretary Ed Miliband urged the Government to provide more support for the manufacturing industry to prevent a mass loss of jobs.

He told MPs: "Here, three months since the crisis began, 60 per cent of companies that have applied for large loans are still waiting and there has been no targeted help for our manufacturers.

"Can the Secretary of State tell us when specific help will actually materialise for sectors like steel and aerospace?"

Business Secretary Alok Sharma replied: "What I would just say to him, if he would look at the sum total of what this Government is providing, it is significant and it is incredibly favourable when compared with international comparators."

He added that the Government "will continue to support businesses" and that "in certain cases we do have individual discussions ongoing with businesses".

11:08 AM

Alok Sharma told to cut two-metre rule

The Business Secretary has been urged to ensure the two-metre social distancing rule is scrapped to save jobs in the hospitality industry.

Tory Chris Green said businesses in his constituency have "a deep concern about the social distancing making it impossible for them to reopen their restaurants".

He added: "What consideration is Mr Sharma giving to reducing the social distancing from 6ft down to 3ft and then getting rid of it altogether?"

Mr Sharma replied: "What I would say is that, as he will know, a review is currently taking place and we will await to see its results."

11:01 AM

Business Secretary urged to cut VAT to boost tourism sector

Long-term support is needed to help businesses hit by Covid-19, including a VAT cut for tourism, the SNP business spokesman said.

During business questions, Drew Hendry said: "Businesses facing insolvency will be under further pressure with the premature end to the furlough and self-employed scheme."

He added: "While some businesses will soon be able to reopen outside areas, vital public health rules and consumer sentiment will mean most activity will be subdued.

"Will he (Alok Sharma) follow the Scottish Government by setting up a tourism taskforce and using his Government's reserve powers to cut VAT for tourism?"

Responding, Business Secretary Alok Sharma said the Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden was working with the tourism sector.

He added: "I do recognise the concerns that he has raised, this is a sector that is closed but that's why we have made sure we have provided particular support in terms of a rates holiday for hospitality businesses."

10:58 AM

Former aid secretary says merger would be 'extraordinary mistake'

Senior Conservative Andrew Mitchell has expressed concern over reports that Boris Johnson is due to announce the merger of the Foreign Office and the Department for International Development. 

Mr Mitchell, a former international development secretary, told the BBC it would be a "quite extraordinary mistake" and would "at a stroke destroy a key aspect of Global Britain". 

10:39 AM

Air bridges ready by the end of the month

Air bridges enabling holidaymakers to travel overseas without entering self-isolation when they return will be announced by the end of June, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has indicated.

He told LBC Radio that the Government is "actively working" on introducing travel corridors amid concerns the quarantine policy is damaging the travel and tourism industry.

Mr Shapps said: "We won't be in a position to announce which countries - where reciprocal arrangements go in place - until the 29th.

"So don't expect anything this week, I think I'm right in saying it's only the end of next week."

June 29 is the date for the Government's first review of its controversial quarantine policy, which came into force last week.

Most international arrivals into the UK are required to go into self-isolation for 14 days.

All passengers - bar a handful of exemptions - have to fill out an online locator form giving their contact and travel details, as well as the address of where they will isolate.

09:59 AM

Pandemic has been 'catastrophic' for oral health, MPs told

Mick Armstrong, chair of the British Dental Association, says the effects of the pandemic on oral health have been "catastrophic".

"Dentistry was not in a great place when we started. We've got access problems which have been raised in both Houses, and also in the previous Health Select Committee, with widening inequalities, rock-bottom morale and retention problems, so the pandemic has just made that that much worse," he said.

"The effects on general practice, NHS and private, has been devastating and is probably existential. The effect on oral health has been catastrophic."

Mr Armstrong, who works as a frontline clinician in West Yorkshire, told MPs: "We've cancelled eight million courses of treatment nationally."

09:44 AM

Coronavirus responsible for 80% of excess deaths, ONS say

Today's ONS figures show Covid-19 was responsible for 80 per cent of the excess deaths registered in England and Wales between March 21 and June 5 2020.

There were 58,693 excess deaths in total, which is the number of deaths above the five-year average for this period.

Some 46,996 were deaths where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, including suspected cases.

The overall number of excess deaths registered per week has fallen from a peak of 11,854 in the week ending April 17 to 732 in the week ending June 5.

09:28 AM

Government working on air bridges 'behind the scenes'

The Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has hinted we can expect an announcement on 'air bridges' next week, saying: "Behind the scenes we are working on it.

"Working and looking at and starting to work with countries with whom air bridges, or international travel corridors as they will rightly be known - because it could be sea, ferries or trains - we're working with those countries to do that.

"We won't be in a position to announce which countries - where reciprocal arrangements go in place - until the 29th.

"So don't expect anything this week, I think I'm right in saying it's only the end of next week."

09:13 AM

Therese Coffey says she 'welcomes' Marcus Rashford's passion

The Work and Pensions Secretary has responded to the free school meals row, after her earlier tweets drew criticism (see 09.48 post).

She said that she welcomed the footballer's "passion for supporting children and the most vulnerable in society".

Ms Coffey added: "We are working to the same aim. I & this Govt will continue to actively help and support families and businesses through this emergency and beyond."

09:07 AM

More Tory support for Marcus Rashford campaign

Conservative MP George Freeman has also offered his support to Mr Rashford's campaign to extend free school meals over the summer.

He wrote said that free school meals are a "lifeline" for low income families.

"Let's do the right thing," he said.

08:48 AM

Therese Coffey faces criticism over 'snarky' comment on free school meals

Ms Coffey has been urged to “put rivalries aside” by Marcus Rashford, after she weighed in with a “snarky comment” on the debate over free school meals.

In a series of tweets the Manchester United striker said: “When you wake up this morning and run your shower, take a second to think about parents who have had their water turned off during lockdown."

The Work and Pensions Secretary replied to the England forward, saying: "Water cannot be disconnected though."

Mr Rashford said he was “concerned” that it was the only “tweet of mine you acknowledged” and pleaded with her to “put rivalries aside for a second".

Labour criticised the Cabinet minister, with shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds accusing her of making a “snarky” response to a “powerful campaign”.

07:58 AM

Marcus Rashford receives Tory backing for free school meals campaign

Education Select Committee chairman Robert Halfon has thrown his support behind the footballer's campaign to extend free schools meals over the summer holidays.

Mr Halfon said he supported that plan because "so many people up and down the country are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and to feed their families".

The Tory MP commended the Government for helping vulnerable families by raising the living wage, cutting taxes for lower earners, and keeping fuel duty frozen.

However, he added: "The Prime Minister said that when we come out of this, we will not be in austerity again.

"If that is the case, I think an important example of this would be to keep the school meal programme over the summer, because it is not a lot of extra money if you add up all the different Government food programmes, but it's simple, it works, and the public understand it.

"I think that's why Marcus Rashford has so much support."

07:54 AM

What's on the agenda today?

Here's what you have to look forward in politics today:

11.30am: Alok Sharma has an hour-long Q&A session with shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds, who has secured an urgent question on the impact of coronavirus on the UK economy

1.15pm: Boris Johnson will make a statement to the House of Commons about "Global Britain", in which he is expected to give an upbeat assessment of the UK's future as an independent trading nation outside the EU.

2.30pm: Michael Gove will update MPs on the current progress in the post-Brexit trade talks with Brussels.

5pm: Daily Downing Street briefing, Politics Live will update you on who will be fielding questions when we hear.

07:48 AM

Today's front page

Today's Daily Telegraph leads on warnings from former Conservative leader Lord Hague described the lockdown as a "disaster for our society" that will cause economic “catastrophe” for hundreds of thousands of people.

You can read his piece here:

07:36 AM

Good morning

We're kicking off the day with new data from the ONS, which reveals that the number of people on British company payrolls fell by more than 600,000 in April.

The jobless rate unexpectedly held steady at 3.9 per cent over the three months to April but this morning Grant Shapps conceded that there is an "awful lot going" below the surface - pointing out that 9 million people are still on the furlough scheme.

The Transport Secretary said that "problems and dangers" lie ahead.

It puts the Government under renewed pressure to reduce the two metre rule. We'll bring you the latest here.