Politics latest news: Boris Johnson makes 'absolutely no apologies' over James Dyson texts

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Boris Johnson has said he makes "absolutely no apologies" for the series of text messages between him and Sir James Dyson, after it emerged he would "fix it" so that staff would not have to pay extra tax while building ventilators in the UK during the pandemic.

The exchanges took place in March last year at the start of the pandemic, when the Government was appealing to firms to supply ventilators amid fears the NHS could run out.

Responding to Sir Keir Starmer's opening salvo during a fiery PMQs, Mr Johnson said: "I make absolutely no apology at all for shifting heaven and earth and doing everything I possibly could, as I think any prime minister would in those circumstances, to secure ventilators for the people of this country."

He added: "I just remind the House what we were facing in March last year, which was that we had a new virus which was capable of killing people in ways that we didn't understand. "

The UK's "ventilator challenge" secured a further 22,000 devices, having started the crisis with just 9,000, he noted.

During a subsequent exchange with SNP's Westminster leader Ian Blackford, the Prime Minister said there was "absolutely nothing to conceal about this", promising to "share all the details with the House, as indeed I have shared them with my officials immediately".

​​Follow the latest updates below.


02:52 PM

Use Brexit to make history by banning fur, says Labour MP

Britain should "make history" by becoming the first country in the world to ban the importation and sale of fur, a Labour MP has suggested.

Taiwo Owatemi said Brexit presented the opportunity to eliminate the "double standard" of permitting imports while prohibiting the "cruelty of fur farming".

The move she said would "have the overwhelming support of the animal-loving British public".

The MP for Coventry North West said: "As a member of the EU decisions on what imports to permit were not ours to take.

"But now as an independent trading nation we have the opportunity to eliminate that double standard and once again to make history by becoming the first country in the world to ban the importation and sale of fur."

The Fur Trade (Prohibition) Bill was listed for a second reading tomorrow, but is unlikely to become law due to a lack of parliamentary time.


02:38 PM

At least 13 highly paid bureaucrats had second jobs during time at Whitehall

At least 13 of the highest paid mandarins and bureaucrats have held second roles during their time in Whitehall, an investigation by The Telegraph has found.

Among them is Jonson Cox, the head of the Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat) who holds non-executive roles at two energy companies, and Sir Stephen Lovegrove, the UK’s National Security Adviser, who is a non-executive director at a property company.

The revelations comes just days after Simon Case, the Cabinet Secretary, ordered all civil servants to reveal their second jobs in the wake of the Greensill lobbying scandal.

Read the full story here.


02:23 PM

Boris Johnson told to publish James Dyson texts today

Ian Blackford has written to Boris Johnson demanding that he publish his correspondence with Sir James Dyson today, and calling for an independent inquiry into the matter.

The SNP's Westminster leader, who challenged the Prime Minister on the matter during PMQs, said the "public deserve answers and transparency right now".

Noting that Mr Johnson had promised to publish his texts "immediately", Mr Blackford said: "The public have a right to expect that you stand by this commitment. If there is nothing to conceal, I presume you will follow through on this promise."

See his letter in full below.


02:07 PM

Alex Salmond's new party calls for 'immediate' independence plans after election

Alex Salmond's new Alba party will push hard for an independence referendum immediately after elections next month, according to its manifesto published today.

While voters go to the polls on May 6, Alba's manifesto promised to propose a motion on the subject in three weeks' time.

"Immediately the new Scottish government is formed it should begin to negotiate with Westminster on both the delivery of a referendum and the terms of independence," it said.

As part of that, Alba has said plans for a Scottish Central Bank and a new currency, as well as a written constitution, should begin.

It also calls for an "early and rapid return" to the EU's Single Market via the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and through this gain admission to the European Economic Area.

Scotland could then decide whether to negotiate for EU membership, it added.


01:50 PM

MPs bemoan 'missed opportunity' to ban Nazi group

Proposals to ban a white supremacist group from the UK have been backed by MPs - although some backbenchers have warned that action should be taken against another group.

Atomwaffen Division and National Socialist Order have been added to the list of proscribed organisations, meaning it will be a criminal offence to be a member of, or invite support, for the group, with those found guilty facing up to 10 years in prison.

Home Office minister Chris Philp said the group sought to "divide communities" and to "stir up hated".

Shadow justice minister Bambos Charalambous welcomed the move but noted there was "a pattern emerging from this Government, one of dither and delay on these vital decisions when actions happen far too late".

But Labour backbenchers including Charlotte Nichols and Stephanie Peacock said it was a "missed opportunity" to also ban Nazi occultists the Order of the Nine Angles.


01:39 PM

Lobby latest: 'Very useful'£2.6m media room will be used, No 10 insists

The £2.6 million media studio is a "very useful room" which will be used after the pandemic, despite the White House-style daily televised briefings being scrapped, Number 10 has said.

"During the pandemic we have seen the benefits of ministers, including the Prime Minister, and other experts conducting press conferences and being able to speak directly to the public," the Prime Minister's official spokesman said.

"So with that in mind a decision was taken to continue to use the studio in No 9 for ministerial press conferences, so the public can hear direct from their elected representatives."

The spokesman added: "The room will continue to be used regularly. The Prime Minister used it yesterday for the press conference, it will be used for the US climate leaders' summit on Thursday so you will continue to see it regularly on your screens.


01:33 PM

Lobby latest: No inquiry into Boris Johnson's text leak

Downing Street has said there will be no leak inquiry into how the BBC received a series of text messages sent between Boris Johnson and Sir James Dyson - despite acknowledging it was a matter of national security.

Asked if the National Security Adviser would look at the leak, the spokesman replied: "No. I don’t think you’d expect me to get into issues of national security on this."

Asked if there was an investigation into the leak, the spokesman replied: "No. I’m not going to get into speculation about how stuff gets into the public domain.”

When asked if that meant the PM knows who leaked the texts, he replied “this is just speculation."

Asked who else has access to the PM’s phone, the spokesman said: “I don’t think you’d expect me to get into that.”

The spokesman also had no update on the putative investigation into the leaks about the second lockdown, which was launched in October last year.

The investigation, which was backed by several MPs, was prompted after the Government was bounced into a last-minute press conference to confirm that restrictions were being imposed after the story appeared in the Times.


01:25 PM

Lobby latest: PM's objection to European Super League unrelated to Brexit

Andrea Agnelli claimed Boris Johnson was opposed to the European Super League because it would undermine Brexit - AFP

Downing Street dismissed a suggestion from Andrea Agnelli, the chairman of Juventus and a vice-chairman of the Super League, that the Government's opposition to the plan was linked to Brexit.

He told Reuters that if the breakaway competition had threatened the English Premier League it "would have seen that as an attack to Brexit and their political scheme".

But Boris Johnson's spokesman said: "I would reject that.

"The Prime Minister was very clear on why it was right for the Government to step in and take action that contributed to these clubs stepping back from this proposal, which was the importance of football at the heart of communities up and down the country."


01:19 PM

Lobby latest: Boris Johnson to create 'delivery unit' for recovery agenda

Dr Emily Lawson with vaccine volunteer Phoebe Howard - Emily Lawson / SWNS

Boris Johnson is to establish a new No 10 Delivery Unit to ensure the Government machine delivers on his priorities as the country emerges from the pandemic, Downing Street has said.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said the move followed a review by Sir Michael Barber who set up the original Downing Street delivery unit under Tony Blair.

The new unit will be headed by Dr Emily Lawson who led on the operational delivery of the NHS coronavirus vaccination programme.

"The new team will be made up of both existing civil servants and those with key skills such as auditors and data scientists," the spokesman said.

"The unit will work closely with No 10 teams, the Cabinet Office, Treasury, relevant Government departments to further improve policy delivery and ensure we are delivering on our commitments swiftly."


01:11 PM

Lobby latest: Boris Johnson did not breach ministerial code, No 10 says

Downing Street insisted Boris Johnson did not breach the ministerial code in his contacts with Sir James Dyson.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "The Prime Minister abides by the ministerial code.

"He alerted officials after his contact with Dyson and then that passed on to officials to work up the advice.

"It came to the House, it was voted on in Parliament."

The spokesman was unable to confirm exactly how soon after the correspondence Mr Johnson informed his office, but said it was "in a timely way".


12:58 PM

New minister promises law to protect veterans is coming 'soon'

A new law to protect veterans who served in Northern Ireland will be brought forward soon, according to the newly minted veterans minister.

Leo Docherty, who was named as Johnny Mercer's replacement after he was forced out of the role following a row over the matter, told MPs: "A Bill will soon come forward from the Northern Ireland Office that will protect our Northern Ireland veterans of Operation Banner and address the legacy of the Troubles."

Conservative former army officer Bob Stewart, intervening, said: "That's very good news."

Mr Stewart said the current situation meant Northern Ireland veterans were treated as "second class" compared to those who served overseas.

During today's PMQs, Boris Johnson praised Mr Mercer and stressed there was "more to be done... and we will be bringing forward more measures in due course".


12:51 PM

Labour claims there is evidence that Boris Johnson broke ministerial code

Boris Johnson corresponded with Sir James Dyson via text - AFP

Labour has claimed that there is "evidence" that Boris Johnson breached the ministerial code over his texts to businessman Sir James Dyson.

Speaking after PMQs, a spokesman for Sir Keir Starmer told reporters: "There is evidence that the code may very well have been breached and we will be following that up in the coming days."

The spokesman refused to say if the Labour leader receives text messages from trade union general secretaries about policy, and whether he would be willing to publish those texts if so.

But he added: "When Keir is prime minister, he will follow the ministerial code."

The Prime Minister has promised to publish the details of his correspondence.


12:45 PM

Lord McFall elected as new Speaker

Former Labour minister Lord McFall of Alcluith has been elected as the fourth Lord Speaker of the House of Lords.

The non-affiliated peer, who joined the upper chamber in 2010, has served as senior deputy speaker since 2016, overseeing work to revamp the house's select committees and to develop new procedures for hybrid working during the coronavirus pandemic.

He replaces Lord Fowler, who will step down from the role at the end of the month.

Lord McFall's election was announced in the chamber at the start of Wednesday's proceedings by Clerk of the Parliaments Simon Burton, following the confirmation of the appointment by the Queen.

Lord McFall served as an MP for more than 20 years in the Commons where he was also chairman of the Treasury Select Committee at the time of the financial crash.


12:37 PM

Wednesday in the park with Wilfred

While Boris Johnson was duking it out with Sir Keir Starmer, Carrie Symonds has been snapped taking a stroll in the park with their son Wilfred.

It will be his first birthday on 29 April

Carrie Symonds seen on a stroll with baby Wilfred - Nigel Howard Media
Carrie Symonds seen on a stroll with baby Wilfred - Nigel Howard Media

12:30 PM

Watch: Post-PMQs chat between Sir Keir Starmer and Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer had plenty to talk about during PMQs today - which is presumably why the conversation continued afterwards.

The political rivals were caught chatting on camera shortly after their weekly clash came to an end.

It looks as though the Labour leader stopped the Prime Minister - but to say precisely what can't be heard.

Perhaps the afternoon's lobby briefings - which will remain untelevised for the foreseeable - will shed some light.


12:19 PM

Labour calls for Boris Johnson's texts to be published 'immediately'

Labour has welcomed Boris Johnson's promise to publish his correspondence with business leaders on Covid contracts, but called for the texts to "immediately be made public".

During PMQs, the Prime Minister said he had "absolutely nothing to conceal" and that he would "share all the details with the House".

Shadow Cabinet Office minister Rachel Reeves said: "Given the shocking revelations this morning and a serious lack of transparency for months, we welcome the Prime Minister's commitment to publish his text messages with business leaders in Prime Minister's Questions today.

"Since we also have no independent adviser on ministerial Standards in place, and no register of ministers' financial interests published for nine months, these texts must immediately be made public."


12:12 PM

Have your say: Did normal rules apply during the pandemic?

Boris Johnson has rejected any suggestion that he was wrong to agree to "fix" a tax policy for Sir James Dyson, after the entrepreneur sought assurances his employees would not pay more tax while working in the UK.

The Prime Minister said he made "absolutely no apology" for having moved "heaven and earth" to secure ventilators at the start of the Covid crisis. He has also promised to publish "all the details".

Labour has claimed that this latest lobbying row is "jaw-dropping", with Sir Keir Starmer arguing that steel workers and nurses are not able to text ministers to seek changes. However as Mr Johnson pointed out, even former Tony Blair has recognised the extreme circumstances.

So is there a principle at stake in this latest row - or did the times sweep normal rules to one side?

Have your say in the poll below.


11:54 AM

Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle rebukes ministers over Greensill silence

The Speaker has issued a stern rebuke to "those on Treasury frontbench" and other ministers, after a Labour MP claimed his requests for answers on lobbying and Greensill were going unanswered.

During a point of order Nick Smith, MP for Blaenau Gwent, said he had been trying to "make sense" of Greensill's relationship with Liberty Steel, noting he has constituents affected by the fall out.

He said he had sought answers from Michael Gove, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and others but had heard nothing for some weeks.

Speaking robustly, Sir Lindsay Hoyle told ministers that this was affecting "people's lives, communities", adding: "I would expect ministers take seriously the role and duty they have to MPs who have been elected to those constituencies.

"Whatever the political side, MPs quite rightly deserve the answer to questions. There is no reason for them not to answer in time."


11:38 AM

PMQs: Boris Johnson agrees that Whitehall should 'buy British first'

Boris Johnson speaks at PMQs

John Spellar, Labour's MP for Warley, notes that the last year has "demonstrated very clearly the risks of neglecting British production capacity, let alone the impact on prosperity and levelling up agendas".

He asks Boris Johnson to instruct Whitehall "to buy British first".

The Prime Minister says "yes of course", noting that 85 per cent of PPE is now made in the UK which was "completely impossible before the pandemic began".

He notes the UK-wide vaccine development, saying the investment will not just protect us against future pandemics but "drive prosperity across the UK".


11:35 AM

PMQs: Boris Johnson commits to 'promoting role of fans' in football

Saqib Bhatti, the Tory MP for Meriden, says he is pleased that "common sense has prevailed" over the European Super League and says clubs should put fans "at the heart of their decision making".

Boris Johnson says he agrees, noting that "one of the most worrying features" of the proposals was that the clubs would be turned "into global brands with no relation to the fans, the communities, that gave them life and give them the most love and support."

That was "entirely wrong - not to say the lack of competition", he adds.

Tracey Crouch will be looking to see what can be done to "promote the role of fans" in football in future, he says.


11:30 AM

PMQs: Boris Johnson says he is 'proud' of decisions to boost ventilator capacity

Boris Johnson rejected any suggestion he should apologise

Anna McMorrin says "day after day" more corruption comes to light while more and more people are struggling to "put food on the table".

The Labour MP says she is ashamed on behalf of the country, and asks Boris Johnson to meet her constituents to discuss "how they can rebuild their lives".

But Mr Johnson says he is "proud of the rollout of the ventilators... I am proud of the decisions we took."

He says the country will "bounce back all the better and all the stronger" because of the strength of the economy "which would have been impossible under a Labour government".


11:27 AM

PMQs: Boris Johnson promises to look into new fire and rehire case

Kim Johnson, the Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside , asks Boris Johnson about fire and rehire practices "which are spreading like wildfire" through private business.

She calls on him to bring forward legislation to tackle "this shameful and immoral practice" in the Queen's Speech next month.

The Prime Minister says he will look into the particular case she has raised.


11:25 AM

PMQs: Boris Johnson thanks Johnny Mercer as he promises to support NI veterans

The DUP's Sir Jeffrey Donaldson asks about the Prime Minister's manifesto commitment to "protect those men and women from vexatious prosecutions" in Northern Ireland.

He asks if Boris Johnson will stand by that commitment.

Mr Johnson puts on record his thanks to Johnny Mercer "for the work he did to help with improving the lot of veterans across our country".

He notes there is "more to be done" in Northern Ireland, "and will be bringing forward more measures in due course".


11:23 AM

PMQs: Boris Johnson claims Ian Blackford's dog 'makes more sense'

Ian Blackford: Boris Johnson resisted the temptation to call him 'barking'

Ian Blackford says the "Tory texts for contracts scandal" is getting more and more serious.

The SNP's Westminster leader asks if Boris Johnson will commit to a public inquiry into himself as well as the one into David Cameron.

But Mr Blackford's question is overshadowed by a barking dog - which Mr Johnson says "makes more sense than him".


11:21 AM

PMQs: Boris Johnson promises to publish 'all the details' of his involvement on Covid contracts

Boris Johnson during today's PMQs - Reuters

Ian Blackford, the SNP's Westminster leader, challenges Boris Johnson for being "at the very heart of this scandal".

He asks how many more Covid contracts "he personally fixed" and calls on him to publish exchanges by the end of the day.

The Prime Minister says he has "nothing to conceal" and will share "all the details" with the House "immediately".

He says he has helped "people of the whole UK to get access in record time to the vaccines we all depend".

He says people understand it is "sometimes necessary to act decisively".


11:18 AM

PMQs: Sir Keir Starmer accuses Boris Johnson of 'sleaze, sleaze, sleaze'

Sir Keir Starmer accuses Boris Johnson of 'sleaze, sleaze, sleaze' - Reuters

Sir Keir Starmer says there is a "pattern of behaviour" with new allegations surfacing "every day".

"Sleaze, sleaze, sleaze - and it's all on his watch," says the Labour leader.

He asks why people should trust him to clear it up.

Boris Johnson says the difference between the two parties "is staringly obvious", stressing that the Government has been making "tough decisions" which are opposed by Labour.

"Captain Hindsight snipes continually from the sidelines," he concludes.


11:16 AM

PMQs: Nurses didn't get text - they got a kick in the teeth, claims Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer asks the same question from a different point of view - this time about nurse's pay rise.

Boris Johnson lists the support on offer for nurses, as well as the recruitment drive.

"This is the Government that is helping nurses by recruiting more than ever before," he adds. "We will continue to back them to the hilt."

But the Labour leader says nurses are "insulted" by the pay cut, saying "they didn't get a text from the prime minister - they got a kick in the teeth."


11:14 AM

PMQs: Tax breaks and favours are 'main currency' of Government, claims Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer says favours and tax breaks for mates "are the main currency" of the Government.

He asks if one of the three million excluded texted Boris Johnson for a tax break "so they could survive" would the law change?

The Prime Minsiter says there has been a "vast package" to support people in the country and tells his opposite number to "take back what he has said" about the ventilator challenge, saying it is the same as his "opportunistic" attacks on the vaccine taskforce.

Sir Keir says it is "an open door" for friends and donors but a closed door for everyone else.


11:12 AM

PMQs: Boris Johnson challenged over support for steel

But Sir Keir Starmer claims that at the heart of the scandal are "people's jobs and taxpayers' money".

He claims Boris Johnson has "done nothing to help steel workers" and suggests it is "one rule for people who have the PM's phone number".

But the Prime Minister reminds the Labour leader he voted for the change to the rules.

He adds that "yes of course I am concerned" abut steel workers, but notes that steel jobs were lost under Labour while the Tories "believe in British steel".


11:10 AM

PMQs: Boris Johnson defends push to secure more ventilators amid lobbying row

Sir James Dyson: The man at the heart of this latest lobbying row - AFP

Sir Keir Starmer says the texts show James Dyson was seeking a change to tax law, and asks how many other people he has "given preferential treatment to".

Boris Johnson counters that at the time the opposition said he should do everything he can, and congratulated the Government on their efforts at securing the ventilators.

The Prime Minister reminds the House that there were 9,000 ventilators at the start of the pandemic, and 22,000 were secured as a result of the programme.

"It was entirely the right thing to do to work with all potential makers of ventilators," adding that Tony Blair has given it his backing.


11:07 AM

PMQs: Boris Johnson says he makes 'absolutely no apologies' on Dyson texts

Sir Keir Starmer begins by echoing many of Boris Johnson's comments, including birthday wishes for the Queen.

The Labour leader then asks what the right thing to do is the Prime Minister receives a text message from a billionaire businessman asking him to "fix" a tax issue.

Mr Johnson says he "makes absolutely no apologies at all for shifting heaven and earth... to secure ventilators for people of this country and save lives".


11:05 AM

PMQs: Boris Johnson challenged over body image issue

Luke Evans, Conservative MP, says as we come out of lockdown "many people will be concerned about their body image".

He asks about doctored images, and asks the Prime Minsiter to consider all options including labelling those images which have been doctored.

Boris Johnson says the whole House is concerned about this issue, and says he will be responding to the select committee's report shortly.


11:02 AM

Boris Johnson kicks off PMQs with football - and a birthday wish

Boris Johnson has opened PMQs by "sending our best best wishes to Her Majesty the Queen on her 95th birthday".

He also welcomes the decision on the European Super League, saying it is right for the game and fans around the country.


10:58 AM

Boris Johnson leaves for PMQs

Boris Johnson was unfazed by the protest on his doorstep, as he left Downing Street for PMQs this morning.

The Prime Minister will be on his feet from midday.

Boris Johnson leaves 10 Downing Street this morning - AFP
Boris Johnson leaves 10 Downing Street this morning - AFP

10:57 AM

Lots of cheddar: Labour campaigners hit Downing Street over lobbying claims

Labour Party activists have protested outside Downing Street dressed up as Boris Johnson, Rishi Sunak and David Cameron as part of a stunt over recent lobbying claims.

Campaigners posed for a selfie outside Downing Street during a stunt in which they carried envelopes labelled "Taxpayer's Money".

It comes just minutes before PMQs is due to start.

Labour Party campaigners pose for a selfie outside Downing Street during a stunt in which they carried envelopes labelled 'Taxpayer's Money' - Getty
Labour Party campaigners pose for a selfie outside Downing Street during a stunt in which they carried envelopes labelled 'Taxpayer's Money' - Getty
Say cheese: Campaigners dressed as ministers past and present outside Downing Street - Getty
Say cheese: Campaigners dressed as ministers past and present outside Downing Street - Getty

10:53 AM

Northern Ireland unrest must not become 'endemic', minister told

The Conservative chair of the Northern Ireland committee has said the attack on the police officer in Co Derry yesterday must not become "endemic to the present or part of Northern Ireland's future".

Simon Hoare said the planting of a device in the female officer's car - which she was about to get into the vehicle with her daughter when she spotted - was "horrible and horrific."

"That and recent scenes remind us all too well of the horrors of the past, and surely must reinvigorate all of us to ensure they do not become endemic to the present or part of Northern Ireland's future".

He asked Brandon Lewis for assurances that the PNSI had "adequate resourcing to proactively disrupt" social media which is "clearly the new way of communicating types of disorder".

The Northern Ireland Secretary said this was a "very important point", adding he had "absolutely" outlined the full support on offer to police chiefs.


10:47 AM

MPs unite in condemning 'cowardly' and 'despicable' attack on NI police officer

MPs have been united in condemning the attempted attack on a female police officer, which was reported yesterday.

The device left at the part-time officer's home near Dungiven, Co Derry, was attached to a container of flammable liquid. It is believed the officer was about to get into the vehicle with her daughter when she spotted the suspicious object.

Police in Northern Ireland have blamed the New IRA.

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said it was a "cowardly attack", adding: "Those who attack our public services and emergency services personnel have nothing to offer the communities they claim to represent."

The SNP's Patricia Gibson said she shared his "concern and alarm", while the DUP's Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said he condemned "unreservedly" the attack.

Labour's Alex Davies-Jones said it was "despicable", while the SDLP's Claire Hanna sad it was an "appalling experience at the hands of warped throw-backs who have absolutely nothing to offer people here."


10:33 AM

Gloves are off: Scottish Tories unveil Nicola Sturgeon attack ad

Douglas Ross is taking his fight to Nicola Sturgeon, as the Scottish Tories leader launches an ad van campaign featuring the First Minister.

The Holyrood election on May 6 is critical, with the SNP saying that if they secure another majority it will act as a mandate for a second independence referendum.

That is why pro-union parties, led by Mr Ross' Tories, are fighting tooth and nail to stop her.

The Holyrood election is seen as a possible tipping point in the SNP's fight for indyref2 - PA
The Holyrood election is seen as a possible tipping point in the SNP's fight for indyref2 - PA
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross is fighting against the SNP's calls for a second independence referendum - AFP
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross is fighting against the SNP's calls for a second independence referendum - AFP

Read more: ‘Delusional’ Nicola Sturgeon accused of refusing to credit the Union for vaccine success


10:23 AM

PMQs lookahead: Lobbying and India likely to dominate

Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer are set to go toe-to-toe in just over half an hour, in what could be another dramatic PMQs.

Last week saw the Labour leader dedicate everyone of his six questions to the Greensill scandal and related lobbying issues.

After this morning's revelations about yet another businessman texting the Prime Minister directly to ask him to act on taxes, that is likely to feature once again.

But, with several days to go until India's red list status comes into effect Sir Keir could also pick up on why the Government isn't doing more to protect the UK from the spiralling situation beyond our borders.

Yesteday India reached an unwelcome record of more than 2,000 deaths in a single day, amid a warning there could be hundreds of new variants circulating in the country.


10:15 AM

Tony Blair: World could be vaccinated this year 'if it gets its act together'

The world must 'get its act together' on vaccines - PA

Tony Blair has claimed the entire world could be vaccinated before the end of the year, if global leaders "got [their] act together".

The former prime minister told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “We will produce a report in the next few weeks showing how we could, if the world got its act together, vaccinate the entire world in 2021, really ambitious but it’s really necessary.”

He attacked the “crazy situation” where European regulators are limiting the use of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine and also countries in Africa refusing the AZ jab “when it will have a huge beneficial impact on their people if they can get them vaccinated”.

Mr Blair said it was essential to publish data showing post-vaccination hospital and deaths rates, to give the AZ jab "credibility".

"AstraZeneca, along with Johnson and Johnson, the two big adenovirus vaccines, they are going to be the workhorse vaccines for vaccinating the world," he added.


10:05 AM

Labour sends Boris Johnson lookalike to Downing Street in lobbying stunt

Labour is holding a stunt in Downing Street today, as it seeks to pile on the pressure over lobbying.

Activists dressed as David Cameron, Rishi Sunak, Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock will be "brandishing large envelopes of taxpayers’ money" outside Number 10.

Angela Rayner, Labour’s deputy leader, said: “Boris Johnson has ushered in a new era of Tory sleaze.

"This Government has become infected with sleaze to the point where ministers either no longer know or simply no longer care about the difference between their personal interests and the public interest.

"The public deserve answers to serious questions about billions of pounds of taxpayers’ money being handed out to Tory donors and cronies and dodgy lobbying for commercial gain. An urgent and thorough investigation is needed now to root out this sleaze."


10:02 AM

Youtube prankster leapfrogs Laurence Fox in London mayoral poll

A 23-year old Youtuber with more than three million followers is at five per cent in the latest poll for London mayor - putting him ahead of the likes of Laurence Fox and Ukip.

A Savanta-ComRes poll has Labour's Sadiq Khan on a comfortable lead, with 41 per cent, with Conservative candidate Shaun Bailey on 28 per cent.

Niko Omilana is in fifth place after the Liberal Democrats, on eight per cent, and the Greens, on six per cent.

His Youtube channel is filled with undercover pranks including opening a fake McDonalds and a fake Starbucks and one where he attends an EDL march.


09:53 AM

Government urged to at on air pollution after death of nine-year-old girl

Ella, who lived lived 25 metres from the South Circular Road in Lewisham, was the first person in the UK to have air pollution listed as the cause of death - PA

The Government has been urged to set tougher legally binding pollution targets by the coroner in an inquest into a nine-year-old girl who died of a fatal asthma attack after being exposed to toxic air.

Philip Barlow ruled in a landmark second inquest last year that air pollution contributed to the death of Ella Kissi-Debrah. In a report to prevent future deaths, he called for legally binding targets for particulate matter in line with WHO guidelines.

Responding, Ella's mother Rosamund Kissi-Debrah said "children are dying unnecessarily because the Government is not doing enough to combat air pollution".

A Government spokesman said: "Our thoughts continue to be with Ella's family and friends... Through our landmark Environment Bill, we are also setting ambitious new air quality targets, with a focus on reducing public health impacts.

"We will carefully consider the recommendations in the report and respond in due course."


09:39 AM

UK inflation rises, but it's nothing to worry about - yet

The UK's rate of inflation accelerated in March, stoking analyst fears of spiking prices when the nation emerges from the pandemic.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) hit 0.7 per cent in March. Inflation had unexpectedly eased in February, in part because of the biggest annual fall in clothing and footwear costs since 2009.

Laith Khalaf, an analyst AJ Bell, said the spike in inflation "is nothing to worry about - yet".

"We always knew inflation was going to rise once we started lapping the beginning of the pandemic, in particular the steep falls in energy prices witnessed in the spring of last year," he added.

"The big question is whether the economic recovery, combined with fiscal and monetary stimulus, will start to foster a more sustained, inflationary trend that has the potential to get out of hand."

That thorny question is precisely what Ambrose Evans-Pritchard considers in his latest column, which you can read here.


09:22 AM

Boris Johnson right to act on Dyson's tax requests 'in extraordinary times'

Boris Johnson told James Dyson: "I will fix it tomo! We need you. It looks fantastic." - Reuters

A Government spokesman has said it was right to take action in "extraordinary times" to ensure the NHS had the equipment it needed, amid yet another lobbying row.

Boris Johnson personally promised Sir James Dyson he would "fix" an issue over the tax status of his employees after he was directly lobbied by the entrepreneur, the BBC reports this morning.

But while Labour has hit out at the "jaw-breaking" new allegations, which appear to be a breach of the ministerial code, Downing Street has insisted it was the right thing to do.

"At the height of the pandemic, there were genuine fears that we would quickly run out of ventilators, leaving the NHS unable to treat patients and putting many lives at risk," the spokesman said.

"As the public would expect, we did everything we could in extraordinary times to protect our citizens and get access to the right medical equipment."


09:07 AM

Summer Covid surge in UK 'clearly' anticipated, says JCVI member

Boris Johnson is right to warn that the UK will see a surge in Covid cases again this summer, a member of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has said.

Professor Adam Finn, from the University of Bristol told BBC Breakfast: "I'm afraid he is right yes.

"The models that we've seen on JCVI clearly point to a summer surge in cases as the lockdown is relaxed, because there are still many people in the adult population who've not been immunised and who will therefore start to transmit the infection between each other."

He added: "If people move too far forward with that too fast, we'll see things start to come up earlier. The sense that the problem is all over, I'm afraid.. is a flawed one, we're still in a vulnerable situation, and there are still significant numbers of people who potentially could be harmed by this infection if this happens."

Prof Finn added: "They may need to adjust back those [roadmap] dates in order to avoid the situation coming into effect."


09:04 AM

UK and Israel to become test cases for vaccine efficacy against variants

Israel and the UK will provide real-world data on whether the Covid vaccines work against new variants as they emerge, a member of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has said.

Professor Adam Finn said experts will be "looking very hard to see if there are any cases occurring among people who've been immunised and whether these particular variants are more likely to show up in that context".

He told BBC Breakfast: "As we all gradually become immune, either from being infected or being vaccinated, then variants of the virus that can resist that immunity will predominate - they'll have an advantage over the old versions if you like."

He said he was "somewhere in between" on what would happen with vaccines and variants, adding: "I don't think that we're going to see a complete collapse and 'back to square one' situation.

"I think that the immunity that we've got already from infection and vaccines will continue to be useful, but it will get eroded and there will come a point where we need to reformulate vaccines to keep up with changes in the virus."


08:54 AM

Johnny Mercer replaced by Leo Docherty after veterans row

Johnny Mercer was pushed before he could jump over the treatment of NI veterans - Geoff Pugh

Leo Docherty has been confirmed as the new veterans minister following Johnny Mercer's exit from the Government.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "He will be taking up one of the most important roles, championing our veterans and service personnel.

"Leo comes with a wealth of experience both of the armed forces, having served in Afghanistan, and of politics. I know that he will do an excellent job."

Mr Mercer was sacked via text message last night, in a pre-emptive strike by Downing Street.

The MP for Plymouth Moor View said he was "relieved of his responsibilities" after expressing frustration at a lack of progress over legislation to protect British veterans who served in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.


08:50 AM

Have your say: Did normal rules apply during the pandemic?

Boris Johnson is coming under new pressure this morning, after it emerged that he had personally intervened to "fix" a tax policy for employees of Sir James Dyson.

The inventor had contacted the Prime Minister to ensure his employees would not pay additional taxes when building ventilators for the UK during last spring's peak.

Labour has claimed that this latest lobbying row is "jaw-dropping", noting that "billionaire businessmen" are able to secure a change in tax policy simply by virtue of the fact they have the right phone numbers.

However Oliver Dowden has insisted it was "not normal times" - a view even echoed by former Labour prime minister Tony Blair.

So is there a principle at stake in this latest row - or did the times sweep normal rules to one side?

Have your say in the poll below.


08:38 AM

What next for Allegra Stratton?

Allegra Stratton will now become spokeswoman for COP26, the climate change conference - Heathcliff O'Malley

Allegra Stratton was at the heart of the Downing Street drama last autumn, when she moved from being Rishi Sunak's right-hand woman to Number 10 as Boris Johnson's press secretary.

Ms Stratton was said to be one of the key figures instrumental in the departure of Lee Cain and Dominic Cummings, alongside the Prime Minister's fiance Carrie Symonds.

But last night Downing Street revealed that plans for the new White House-style press conferences were being scrapped - after spending £2.6m on a shiny new room to host them.

So what next for Ms Stratton, who is paid a salary of around £125,000 a year?

She has been given the job of the government's spokeswoman for COP26 - a UN climate change conference due to take place in November in Glasgow, chaired by former business secretary Alok Sharma.

She said: "I am delighted to be starting this new role. The COP26 climate conference is a unique opportunity to deliver a cleaner, greener world and I'm looking forward to working with the prime minister and Alok Sharma to ensure it is a success."


08:22 AM

Exclusive: Only 32 people hospitalised with Covid after having vaccination

Just 32 vaccinated people were hospitalised with Covid-19 in recent months, according to “extraordinary” real world data showing the effectiveness of Britain’s jabs programme.

The figure represents a tiny fraction of the more than 74,000 people admitted to hospital with the virus during the time period examined in the study.

Scientists are preparing to hand findings to the Government’s advisers on Thursday, showing the dramatic impact of first doses on hospitalisations and deaths.

It comes after Boris Johnson was questioned at a Downing Street press conference on Tuesday over why the Government does not publish statistics showing the number of Covid-19 hospitalisations and deaths among those who have been vaccinated.

The Prime Minister said “we simply don’t know that data”, but added that he “suspected the number was very small”.

Read the full story here


08:11 AM

Tory MPs call on Boris Johnson to save summer events with new insurance scheme

More than 40 Conservative backbenchers have called on Boris Johnson to save the summer's live music events and festivals, after Boomtown cancelled its 7,000-person event.

The Covid Recovery Group, led by Mark Harper and Steve Baker, are pressing the case for a £250m insurance scheme for event organisers to “ensure that live music festivals can proceed with their plans to go ahead after 21 June”.

Reminding the Prime Minister of his promise of a "one-way road to freedom” by 21 June the MPs write that “this underwriting should not cost the taxpayer a penny."

They argue that the industry "does not require another lump sum" from Government, but instead requires "insurance against the political risk, however minimal, that the Government will impose restrictions on the industry and its customers after 21 June."

"Without this, most music festivals and live events will be cancelled this Summer with countless job losses and business closures," the MPs added.


08:07 AM

Labour hits out at 'fairness of access' amid latest lobbying row

Lucy Powell: It's about fairness of access - Heathcliff O'Malley

Labour has rejected the Government's defence over the latest row over access to ministers, amid reports that Sir James Dyson sent text messages to the Prime Minister seeking assurances over tax.

Shadow business minister Lucy Powell said the reports were "jaw-dropping", telling the oday programme: "It seems like the country only works for people who are rich enough or influential enough and, frankly, donors to the Tory Party, who have the personal mobile number of the Prime Minister and Chancellor."

When it was pointed out that the texts had been exchanged during a "desperate situation" at the start of the pandemic, Ms Powell said: "It's about fairness of access here.

"Government needs to work for everyone, not just for the privileged few and those who happen to have the phone number of the Prime Minister and who happen to sit next to him at some Tory glamour ball."


08:03 AM

Ofcom-style regulation of football and reform of ownership still on the cards

The Culture Secretary is still looking at appointing an Ofcom-style regulator to oversee football, despite the collapse of the European Super League.

Oliver Dowden said it is one of the issues that will be considered by the fan-led review of the game to be chaired by former sports minister Tracey Crouch.

"The fan-led review will look at this," he told LBC Radio. "Clearly we have got to get a balance. I want the Government to do as little as it has to do. The game is rightly self-governed, but I do think it is right that we look at governance questions like that, and that will not be off the table."

Mr Dowden said the review will also consider whether fans should be able to take a stake in their clubs in the way they German fans can, noting that no German clubs had been involved in the Super League proposal.

"I'm not saying we shouldn't have foreign investment, but I do think it is right that we look at how fans can have a stake in the game."


08:00 AM

Prime Minister's text messages to Dyson sent during 'war with Covid', says minister

Sir James Dyson was seeking assurances that staff would not be "disadvantaged" in coming to the UK to help with the ventilator drive during "not normal times", a minister has said.

Oliver Dowden, the Culture Secretary, told BBC Breakfast: "The point here is this was not normal times, this was not business as usual as a Government in peace time.

"We were essentially at war with this virus, people expected us to move very rapidly, the Prime Minister moved rapidly, and the result of this was that it helped us to meet this ventilator challenge.

"It has to be viewed in this context."

He added: "I believe what happened in this case was that Dyson was seeking an assurance that people from his company that came to the UK to help were not disadvantaged."

When asked if the Prime Minister's text messages should be covered by transparency rules: "We have robust transparency rules."


07:26 AM

Boris Johnson 'proud' to serve Queen as she marks 95th birthday

Boris Johnson said he is "proud" to serve as the Queen's Prime Minister as the monarch marks her 95th birthday privately following the death of her husband the Duke of Edinburgh.

"I would like to send my warm wishes to Her Majesty The Queen on her 95th birthday," the Prime Minister wrote on Twitter this morning.

"I am proud to serve as her Prime Minister."

Her birthday falls within the two-week period of royal mourning, which is being observed until Friday, so no photograph to mark the milestone is expected to be released.


07:24 AM

Prime Minister and James Dyson's texts 'not for personal gain', says minister

James Dyson sought reassurance that his employees would not pay extra tax while making ventilators in the UK - AFP

Oliver Dowden has defended Boris Johnson over a series of messages with Sir James Dyson about changing tax policy, saying it was not "for their own gain".

He also noted the policy had been signed off by MPs.

Mr Dowden said the discussion had been during the "absolute height of the Covid crisis", telling BBC Breakfast he felt 'comfortable' about the texts "for two reasons".

He explained: "First, we were in the middle of a national emergency and the Prime Minister was doing this not for his own gain, James Dyson was not doing it for his own gain, they were doing it in order to ensure that we got these ventilators rapidly, in order to ensure we dealt with the national emergency - and it was a temporary measure.

"Secondly, this measure went before Parliament in a proper transparent way."


07:20 AM

Scrapped £2.6m media room 'not wasted money', minister insists

The £2.6m media room was only unveiled a few weeks ago - Reuters

A Cabinet minister has insisted the £2.6m media room is "not wasted money", after Downing Street scrapped plans for televised journalist briefings last night.

The news was not hugely surprising - many journalists and advisers had noted that it could end up backfiring on the Government, a point that was hammered home last night when Boris Johnson was asked an awkward question about his relationship with Jennifer Arcuri during his latest Covid press conference.

But the move has been attacked by critics across the political spectrum. John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, told PoliticsHome: "Without an urgent explanation, taxpayers will be furious that their funds were wasted on the government’s high-priced spin suite."

Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner accused the Government of having “wasted millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money on a pointless vanity project”.

This morning Oliver Dowden, the Culture Secretary, insisted the media room would be used "not just by this Government, but by future governments".

He told BBC Breakfast: "It is not wasted money in that sense."


07:11 AM

Minister welcomes George Floyd verdict and pledges to stamp out online abuse

The Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden welcomed the conviction in the United States of a white police officer for the killing of George Floyd, and stressed the UK Government will do more to stamp out online abuse.

Oliver Dowden told Sky News: "Justice has been done. It is so important in situations like this, particularly when people feel the justice system has not served them in the past."

Highlighting his own work to address racism as part of the Online Harms Bill, he added: "What we need to ensure is that the sort of things that people wouldn't feel comfortable saying on the street, they don't feel they have a safe space to do it online.

"I found it extraordinary speaking to some of our leading black [football] players that first thing in the morning, last thing at night, they turn on their mobile phones, they have got this abuse coming and it is just not acceptable."


07:08 AM

'Stench of sleaze' in Downing Street getting stronger, says Labour

Labour has seized on the latest set of allegations about big business' access to Number 10 during the pandemic this morning, saying the "stench of sleaze" is getting stronger.

A Labour Party spokesperson said: “These are jaw-dropping revelations. Boris Johnson is now front and centre of the biggest lobbying scandal in a generation, and Tory sleaze has reached the heart of Downing Street.

“The Prime Minister appears to have used the power of his office to personally hand public money to a billionaire friend in the form of tax breaks. If true, it is clearer than ever there is one rule for the Conservatives and their friends, another for everyone else.

“The stench of sleaze has been building up around this Conservative Government for months. Boris Johnson must now agree to a full, transparent and independent inquiry into lobbying - and end the scandal of Conservative politicians abusing taxpayer money.”


07:06 AM

Govt to stop NI veterans being 'hounded', promises minister

Oliver Dowden has insisted the Government is bringing forward legislation to ensure veterans who are not "hounded", following the departure of Johnny Mercer yesterday.

The veterans’ minister was sacked by text message as he accused Boris Johnson of lacking the “moral strength and courage” to protect ex-soldiers from prosecution in Northern Ireland.

Mr Mercer, a former captain in the Army, had told Number 10 of his intention to resign on Monday night but was fired 24 hours later in a pre-emptive strike.

He complained that Mr Johnson’s Government had “abandoned our people in a way I simply cannot reconcile” and added: “Whilst endless plans are promised… veterans are being sectioned, drinking themselves to death and dying well before their time – simply because the UK Government cannot find the moral strength or courage … to stop these appalling injustices.”

The Culture Secretary told Sky News: "I have a great deal of respect for Johnny, but I don't think he is entirely correct on this... ministers as we speak are signing off legislation to address that problem. The Prime Minister is absolutely determined to address this."


07:04 AM

Minister vows to press on with football reform as Boris Johnson hails 'right result for cherished game'

A minister has vowed to press on with reform of football governance as Boris Johnson hailed the "right result" for followers of the "cherished game" after plans for a European Super League crumbled.

Oliver Dowden, the Culture Secretary, told Sky News it was "a victory for fans", but stressed: "This is not the end of the process.

"What this has highlighted is the need more than ever to look at the governance of football.

"That is why I appointed Tracey Crouch... to look at how we look at football governance, football finance and indeed the whole experience. We have been clear as a Government... we will not have our national game taken away from us for profit."


07:02 AM

Tony Blair gives Boris Johnson qualified defence over James Dyson row

Tony Blair has given a qualified defence of Boris Johnson over the latest row over access and lobbying.

The former prime minister noted that the texts were sent during the "middle of a pandemic", adding: "We were actually asking James Dyson to step forward and make ventilators. I find it hard to get worked up about it.

"There has to be a certain degree of understanding if you are in the middle of a huge crisis like this," he told the Today programme, although stressed he did not know the details of the story, which has only just broken.

Mr Blair also said he "never had a mobile phone" during his time as prime minister "something for which I am extremely grateful I may say now."


06:51 AM

Johnny Mercer sacked by text message after row over NI veterans

Johnny Mercer, the veterans’ minister, was sacked by text message on Tuesday as he accused Boris Johnson of lacking the “moral strength and courage” to protect ex-soldiers from prosecution in Northern Ireland.

Mr Mercer, a former captain in the Army, had told Number 10 of his intention to resign on Monday night but was fired 24 hours later in a pre-emptive strike.

Mr Merceron Tuesday night posted on Twitter a letter of resignation he had originally planned to make public on Wednesday in which he criticised the prime minister for continuing “to say all the right things” but failing “to match that with what we deliver”.

He complained that Mr Johnson’s Government had “abandoned our people in a way I simply cannot reconcile” and added: “Whilst endless plans are promised… veterans are being sectioned, drinking themselves to death and dying well before their time – simply because the UK Government cannot find the moral strength or courage … to stop these appalling injustices.”

Mr Mercer had become increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress and had clashed with Ben Wallace, the Defence Secretary, and Brandon Lewis, the Northern Ireland Secretary.