MPs tell Boris Johnson 'freedom is not just for Christmas' as they call for long-term strategy

Cat Neilan
·43 min read
When will the cycle of lockdowns end? - Shutterstock
When will the cycle of lockdowns end? - Shutterstock
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A group of senior MPs have told Boris Johnson that "freedom cannot just be for Christmas" as they urged the Prime Minister to develop a longer-term strategy to avoid living "under a cycle of lockdowns".

Mark Harper, former chief whip and chair of the Covid Recovery Group, said the Prime Minister must come up with a "different and enduring strategy for living with the virus that lasts beyond Christmas."

He added: "We cannot keep living under a cycle of lockdowns and restrictions that expect people to be grateful for being let out to enjoy the festive season, only to have strict restrictions imposed on them afterwards that cause them health problems and destroy their livelihoods.”

Deputy chair, Steve Baker MP, said: “Freedom cannot just be for Christmas.  Lockdowns and restrictions cause immense economic, social and non-Covid health damage and we’ve got to start talking about those so that we know the restrictions we’re being asked to live under are not causing more harm than good to our citizens.

" We’ve also got to develop a much better strategy for living with this virus that doesn’t require us being locked up and freed by the government.” 

Read the rest of the day's news 

04:04 PM

And that's it for another day...

Boris Johnson was quizzed during a historic, if forgettable, virtual PMQs today, fending off questions about opaque spending of taxpayers' money on pandemic-related contracts and his comments earlier this week on devolution. 

The Prime Minister's real challenge will be behind closed doors however, with virtual meetings going on with Tory MPs threatening to rebel over post-lockdown restrictions, as it looks increasingly likely that Christmas will be a tiny oasis of time spent with family. 

It was arguably a tougher day for Sir Keir Starmer, who is at the centre of a civil war over his refusal to reinstate Jeremy Corbyn as a Labour MP. Despite claims that he would have the whip returned automatically by former adviser James Schneider, team LOTO were unmoved. 

You were equally clear: some 81 per cent of you said he was right to keep the suspension up - even if it is bad news for the PM. Some 19 per cent said making a political move would come back to bite the Labour leader. 

That's it for today, I'll be back tomorrow morning with all the latest from Westminster and beyond. 

Historic, but forgettable: The first virtual PMQs - AFP

03:54 PM

Robert Jenrick accused of 'cronyism and sleaze' over £3.6bn Towns Fund

Robert Jenrick has  been accused of "cronyism and sleaze" over the allocation of £3.6 billion funding to help struggling towns.

Shadow communities secretary Steve Reed accused the Housing Secretary of "blocking" cash from the Towns Fund from "going to the most deprived towns for which it was intended, and instead funnelling it into Conservative Party marginal seats ahead of the general election, and to help his own re-election campaign."  

The SNP's MP for Glasgow East David Linden accused the Government of "cronyism and sleaze" while Labour's Andrew Gwynne questioned why funding was given to Cheadle, "one of the North's least deprived areas", suggesting it was "the Tory majority of just 2,366?"

Mr Jenrick replied: "We're working extremely well with other Labour councils and MPs throughout the North West to bring forward proposals. We've just heard from one in Cheshire."

He added: "We followed a very clear and robust procedure. The permanent secretary of my department has made that very clear."

Robert Jenrick is at the centre of another storm - Bloomberg

03:38 PM

Stephen Pollard: Risible Keir Starmer has shown the very opposite of leadership

It is difficult to imagine a worse bit of politics than the mess Sir Keir Starmer has got himself into over Jeremy Corbyn, which is deeply revealing both about the Labour leader and the Labour Party.

It shows a leader who is too weak to lead and – perhaps – a party which is too toxic to change.

It is true that the decision to lift Mr Corbyn’s suspension was not Mr Starmer’s. Indeed, he was telling allies over the weekend that he believed Mr Corbyn would be expelled in the fullness of time.

But it was the decision of the man Sir Keir hand-picked to be Labour’s new general secretary, David Evans, to convene a disciplinary panel this week – far sooner than anyone expected – to choose the members and to ensure that the issue was brought to a head now.

The Labour leader's pathetic response to his party choosing Jeremy Corbyn over its Jewish members is damning - PA

03:27 PM

DCMS Committee chair backs independent probe into Diana Panorama

The chairman of the DCMS Committee has praised the BBC's decision to launch an independent investigation into the circumstances around the 1995 Panorama interview with Diana, Princess of Wales.

Conservative MP Julian Knight said it was  the "right way to proceed".

He added: "We will monitor developments as the inquiry goes forward and request to be updated on its progress.

"The DCMS Committee has no plans to hold its own inquiry into this matter, however we will review the outcome and reserve a decision on whether any further action should be taken at that point.

"The ongoing scrutiny of the work of the BBC will always be a priority for this committee as part of its remit to hold the broadcaster to account."

Lady Diana during the infamous 1995 Panorama with the BBC's Martin Bashir - AFP

03:15 PM

PMQs: Boris Johnson 'single biggest threat to UK', claims Sir Keir Starmer

Boris Johnson literally had to (video) phone it in during today's PMQs, which saw the Prime Minister take part remotely. 

Sir Keir Starmer made the most of it, hammering his opponent over various topics including opaque spending of public money and those comments about devolution. 

His argument that Mr Johnson was "the single biggest threat to the UK" will have struck home with several MPs on the Tory benches, who secretly agree, and worry about the rise in support for Scottish independence during his tenure.

I'm told there is a five point difference in polls above the border when factoring in Mr Johnson. 

Watch the PMQs highlights below.

02:58 PM

Jewish 'victims' must have 'full confidence' in Labour's anti-Semitism complaints process, says MP

The Jewish community must have "full confidence" that Labour's new independent complaints system will be rigorous in dealing with concerns over anti-Semitism, an MP has said. 

Labour MP Steve Reed told the BBC it was "absolutely the right thing" for the party whip to be removed from Jeremy Corbyn, saying the former leader had "undermined efforts to repair relationship with the Jewish community". 

He said: "The victims in all this - the Jewish community and Jewish members of the Labour party - should have full confidence in the new system...

"In the meantime, they [Sir Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner] have taken  decision, the whip will not be restored to Jeremy Corbyn because he has undermined the necessary work of repairing damaged relationships with the Jewish community."

02:45 PM

Lobby latest: Dominic Cummings' Durham trip 'closed', says Allegra Stratton

Dominic Cummings' lockdown-breaking trip remains a "closed" matter, Boris Johnson's new press secretary has said. 

The former adviser has been blamed for a deterioration in compliance, and following his departure from Number 10 there has been renewed pressure for the Prime Minister to finally admit Mr Cummings was in the wrong. 

However Allegra Straton said Mr Cummings had accounted for his actions in a "very long and rigorous" press conference earlier this year. "And I think the Prime Minister in the end, believed that he had been thoroughly challenged."

However, on the back of his departure, the Government has set up a series of new taskforces to give MPs "the chance to to feed in to issues that are enormously important because we value their opinion". 

She said: "We want to get into the mix of decision making with a broad variety of voices but it is something that's work in progress and the key thing right now is we are keen to take on different points of view, to make sure that our position is as effective as it can be."

Dominic Cummings has fully accounted for his lockdown-breaking trip - AFP

02:42 PM

Prime Minister believes media has played a 'positive' role during pandemic

In her lobby debut, Allegra Stratton, the Prime Minister’s Press Secretary, said Boris Johnson believes the media "has had a very good and powerful role during the pandemic".

Her predecessor had suggested that trust in the media had fallen, appearing to blame this on the journalists themselves - despite supplying no evidence for this. That view was not expressed today. 

She said: "The Prime Minister, as a former journalist, I think has spoken publicly about the positive role the media has played during this pandemic in relaying information about what we need people to do to survive social distancing and so on. 

"And indeed inside the building quite often the Prime Minister can be heard saying he's seen such and such a TV broadcast, it's very powerful, what are we doing about this particular issue?

"So it's certainly my understanding that the Prime Minister believes the media has had a very good and powerful role during the pandemic."

Allegra Stratton is resetting the PM's relationship with the media - Reuters

02:29 PM

Lobby latest: Boris Johnson 'clear in his desire' for Christmas celebrations to go ahead

Boris Johnson wants families to be able to spend Christmas together, Downing Street has said.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman told a Westminster briefing: "I think the PM has been clear in his desire to try and allow families to have Christmas together.

"We accept it won't be a normal Christmas but as I say the PM has been clear in his desire for families to be able to see each other.

"I think the point I would make is we are taking the tougher measures now to drive down the level of transmission, to drive down the number of patients admitted to hospital and then ultimately, those who end up on ICU and sadly die.

"We are taking these tougher measures now so that, as I say, the PM has given his clear intent to allow families to spend Christmas together."

02:28 PM

Lobby latest: Downing Street plays down concerns over Whitehall Covid outbreak

Downing Street played down fears of a Whitehall coronavirus cluster after Baroness Harding and NHS England's Steve Powis were forced into self-isolation.

Boris Johnson is already self-isolating and took part in Prime Minister Questions remotely. At least 12 other MPs are also having to quarantine following Lee Anderson's positive test. 

A No 10 spokesman said: "I would say that it points to the system working and where people are around those who receive a positive test or if the app determines that you need to self-isolate, people are being asked to self-isolate.

"The whole point of that is to reduce the spread of the virus and to help protect the NHS.

"I would say that's proof that the system works."

Dido Harding is now self-isolating - Shutterstock

02:26 PM

Jeremy Corbyn should 'immediately have the whip restored', says former shadow minister

Former Labour frontbencher Richard Burgon has said Jeremy Corbyn "should immediately have the whip restored".

The East Leeds MP, who was shadow justice secretary under the former leader, tweeted that it was right he had been "reinstated to the Labour Party" and should be allowed to sit as a Labour MP.

He added: "At a time of national crisis, division in the Labour party serves nobody but the Tory Gov't."

02:15 PM

Sir Keir Starmer 'trying to destroy the left', says Momentum

Momentum, the campaign group launched to support Jeremy Corbyn's leadership, described Sir Keir Starmer's decision as a "joke" as it launched a petition calling for the whip to be restored to him.

The petition read: "In his leadership campaign, Starmer promised party unity and progressive policy. So far he's launched a vindictive campaign against everyone from Corbyn to CLP members, and done a U-turn on the public ownership of the big energy companies.

"Rather than fighting a corrupt Tory party, he's trying to destroy the left."

The petition has so far received just over 1,000 signatures.

02:08 PM

Further 282 people die with coronavirus in English hospitals

A further 282 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 37,124.

Patients were aged between 38 and 101 years old. All except 12, aged 64 to 95 years old, had known underlying health conditions.

The date of death ranges from 10 September to 17 November 2020 with the majority being on or after 13 November.

The North West was the worst-affected region, with 98 deaths recorded, followed by the North East and Yorkshire with 62 and the Midlands with 52. There were 23 deaths recorded in London, 20 in the South East, 16 in the East of England and 11 in the South West. 

02:04 PM

Jeremy Corbyn was told of Keir Starmer's decision by phone this morning, spokesman says

Jeremy Corbyn was informed that he would have the Labour whip withdrawn from him over the phone by party chief whip Nick Brown earlier this morning, Sir Keir Starmer's spokesman said.

The Labour leader's spokesman told reporters: "Jeremy was informed of the decision this morning before Keir issued his statement.

"Jeremy was informed by the chief whip. As I understand it, he spoke to him over the phone."

'Jeremy was informed before Keir made his statement', the leader's spokesman said - PA

02:01 PM

Fast-track decision on Jeremy Corbyn taken by party HQ, says Sir Keir Starmer's team

The decision to speed up Jeremy Corbyn's disciplinary case was taken by party HQ but would not outline how the former leader could regain the whip, Sir Keir Starmer's spokesman has said. 

The Labour leader's spokesman told reporters: "That was a decision taken by the party, by the headquarters."

Sir Keir left the door open for Mr Corbyn to rejoin the Parliamentary Labour Party by saying the situation would be kept "under review" but his spokesman would not detail any of the steps needed for him to rejoin.

"I'm not going to pre-empt any of that," the spokesman said, when asked if a clear retraction and an apology would be sufficient.

 Jeremy Corbyn leaves his home today - Getty

01:59 PM

European Union engaged in 'wrecking tactics' in Brexit talks, claims former minister

A former minister has accused the EU of engaging in "wrecking tactics" over Brexit negotiations 

Conservative MP Sir Christopher Chope told Robin Walker, the Northern Ireland minister, that Brussels was  "both in breach of its duty of good faith and its duty of sincere co-operation" as a result. 

Mr Walker said his colleague was "absolutely right to draw attention" to this issue. 

He added: "We continue to engage in good faith and we hope that these issues can be resolved with the joint-committee in a way which shows that both parties have done so."

During the same debate SDLP MP for Belfast South Claire Hanna asked whether the risk of "deep economic damage and political instability" was really "a price worth paying just so this government can have a power that it can boast about but it claims it's not going to use".

Mr Walker responded: "It is essential that we do is deliver on a protocol which is there to protect the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland and that is absolutely what we will do."

01:44 PM

Northern Irish businesses expressing 'frustration, anxiety, fear' over Brexit, minister told

"Countless" businesses and communities in Northern Ireland are expressing "frustration, anxiety and fear" over Brexit trading arrangements with 43 days until the end of the transition period, shadow Northern Ireland secretary Lou Haigh has warned.

Asking an urgent question in the Commons on the Northern Ireland Protocol: Implementation preparations, she said: "Northern Ireland needed every second of this transition year to get ready for the biggest changes to their trading relationship it has ever known, but vital time has been squandered.

"First denying any checks would take place at all and then the extraordinary spectacle of the Government threatening to tear up its own oven-ready deal and breach international treaties they had signed into law...

"The result of this recklessness, this incompetence, is that thousands of businesses still do not know the bare basics of how they will trade with Great Britain in just six weeks' time."

01:35 PM

Withholding the whip from Jeremy Corbyn 'the right decision', says Margaret Hodge

Sir Keir Starmer might be opening himself up for attacks from the Labour left, but he has won the support of veteran MP Dame Margaret Hodge, who was reported to be considering her position in the party. 

Dame Margaret, who is Jewish, said withholding the whip from Mr Corbyn was the "right decision".

She tweeted: "Yesterday has shown once again just how broken and unjust the existing complaints system is. It has caused untold hurt and anguish across the Jewish community, undermined progress made and made me question my own place in the party.

"As Corbyn has refused to himself accept the findings of the EHRC report, refused to apologise for his actions and refused to take any responsibility, withholding the whip is the right decision."

Margaret Hodge said withholding the whip was the "right decision" - Getty

01:27 PM

Aslef warns of 'factional infighting' over Jeremy Corbyn decision

Train drivers' union Aslef said it was disappointed that Jeremy Corbyn had not been restored the Labour whip as it welcomed his readmission as a party member.

General secretary Mick Whelan said: "We are delighted with the decision, which is the right decision, to readmit Jeremy. He has been a member of the Labour Party all his adult life and made an enormous contribution to his Islington North constituency, to the party, and to the labour movement.

"But we are disappointed that he will not be able to sit as a Labour MP in the House of Commons as the whip is still withdrawn.

"Jeremy has called for the recommendations of the Equality and Human Rights Commission to be implemented so that anti-Semitism is rooted out once and for all. And that is right.

"We believe it is vital that we move forward, as a Labour Party and a labour movement, together. We need to look to the future, and come together, to take on the Tories and rebuild Britain after the ravages of the pandemic. We do not want - or need - factional infighting."

01:22 PM

Allison Pearson: Where on earth is the common sense among the chaos?

A friend forwarded Allison Pearson one of those funny things doing the rounds on social media, which contains more than a despairing grain of truth. “I’m giving up drinking until Christmas. Sorry, wrong punctuation. I’m giving up. Drinking until Christmas.”

Well, quite. No place to go, no holiday to look forward to, no theatre or sport, no parties or concerts; socialising reduced to furtive assignations with friends on a “dog walk”. 

It’s easy to see why the Royal College of Psychiatrists warned this week that money saved during lockdown is being spent on alcohol by those of us aged 45-74.

Only the thought of Christmas is keeping us going through this numbing interlude, shining like that invincible star over a long-ago stable.

01:00 PM

Have your say: Was Keir Starmer right to block Jeremy Corbyn's return?

Sir Keir Starmer has made his position clear: Jeremy Corbyn will not be returning to the Labour party, at least not until he offers a more fulsome retraction and apology for his response to the EHRC report last month. 

The current Labour leader said his predecessor's response "undermined and set back our work in restoring trust and confidence in the Labour Party’s ability to tackle antisemitism". 

But will blocking him from the party turn grumblings into open warfare - or is this the only way he can deal with the problem effectively? Have your say in the poll below. 

12:44 PM

Keir Starmer blocks Jeremy Corbyn from having Labour whip restored

Sir Keir Starmer has gone head-to-head with Boris Johnson in the first ever virtual PMQs after the Labour leader confirmed Jeremy Corbyn would not have the whip restored. 

Corbyn allies had hoped the former leader had been automatically reinstated after receiving a formal warning from the NEC.

His communications director James Schneider told Radio 4's Today programme: "It's automatic. Jeremy Corbyn is a Labour MP with the whip restored. It would be a decision for the leadership to now withdraw the whip if that's what they want to do."

However Sir Keir has issued a statement saying: "Jeremy Corbyn’s actions in response to the EHRC report undermined and set back our work in restoring trust and confidence in the Labour Party’s ability to tackle antisemitism.

"In those circumstances, I have taken the decision not to restore the whip to Jeremy Corbyn. I will keep this situation under review." 

12:40 PM

PMQs: Boris Johnson rejects suggestion that Covid-positive people get six months exemption

Sir Christopher Chope, Conservative MP for Christchurch, says more than one people have recovered from Covid.

He notes that means they cannot be reinfected for at least six months and asks if Boris Johnson will follow Sweden and exempt them from the rules. 

This would be to "follow the science and also common sense", he adds. 

Mr Johnson says it is "a very well meant suggestion" but there is evidence on both sides, so everyone who gets "pinged" should follow the rules and self-isolate. 

12:37 PM

Margaret Ferrier makes first PMQs appearance since losing whip

Margaret Ferrier, the MP who was ejected from the SNP for travelling across the country after testing positive for coronavirus, asks about an application to the EU settlement scheme on behalf of one of her constituents. 

She asked her question remotely - and on audio only. 

Boris Johnson avoids making any comment about her, saying he understands this case is being considered urgently and a decision will be made shortly.

12:35 PM

PMQs: Tory MP calls for supermarkets to pay business rates

Mark Pawsey, the Conservative MP for Rugby, raises the plight of smaller retailers forced to shut while supermarkets can sell non-essential items. 

He says it would be "a welcome gesture" if multiples paid the business rates that they have been exempted from as result of the holiday. 

Boris Johnson says the Government is trying to help all retailers get through this tough period "and allow all retailers to reopen". 

12:29 PM

PMQs: Sir Graham Brady calls for airport testing to be launched before lockdown ends

Sir Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 committee, is called to speak part-way through Boris Johnson's long-winded reply. 

He asks if the aviation taskforce can report in time to replace the current two-week quarantine with a "testing regime" in time for the lift of lockdown. 

Boris Johnson says work is being carried out "very fast" but "whether it will come in time for me, I don't know". 

He adds the Government "certainly wants to help the airlines". 

12:26 PM

PMQs: Boris Johnson's attack on devolution 'a slip of the Tory mask', claims Ian Blackford

Ian Blackford - in the Chamber for the first PMQs in some time - defends the SNP from Boris Johnson's claims that devolution was "a disaster". 

The Prime Minister says his "policies of wanting to break up the union are a disaster, and I wish he and his party would focus on the real priorities  of the people of Scotland - education health, tackling crime and housing, the issues that matter to all our people."

He says when he was London Mayor "that is what we focused on". 

Mr Blackford says the PM "wasn't listening... no apology and no regrets. His attack on the devolution was not a slip of the tongue, it was a slip of the Tory mask. 

"We know these were not flippant remarks... the fact is Scotland has been completely ignored by Westminster."

Mr Johnson emphasises the UK-wide approach to dealing with the pandemic, saying "the UK has shown its value and will continue to show its value". 

12:22 PM

PMQS: Sir Keir Starmer attacks Government over damning report into public spending

Sir Keir Starmer then turns to the NAO report this morning, which found that more than half of all contracts were handed out without competitive tender and those with political contacts were 10-times more likely to receive them. 

He asks for a cast-iron guarantee that from now on all contracts will be agreed through proper processes and in a transparent way. 

Boris Johnson says "of course" they are published and uses it as another opportunity to thank those who have helped the pandemic effort. 

He then claims Rachel Reeves had written to the Government suggesting they use some frankly unsuitable suppliers. 

"It is absolutely absurd that Captain Hindsight is trying to score political points for moving too fast," he adds. "I am proud of what we have achieved."

12:19 PM

PMQs: Sir Keir Starmer attacks Boris Johnson over £21m payment for 'go-between'

Sir Keir Starmer then turns to reports that a "go-between" was paid £21m to "deliver lucrative contacts from the Department of Health". 

He notes that amount of money could be "found" for free school meals, and asks if this was an acceptable use of taxpayer's money. 

Boris Johnson says he was told to "remove the blockages" to get PPE at the start of the pandemic. "We shifted heaven and earth to get 32 billion items of PPE into this country. I am very proud of what has been achieved". 

He claims "Captain Hindsight" is now attacking them for "going too fast". 

A protester - possibly Steve Bray, the Stop Brexit man - can be heard on his audio. 

12:15 PM

PMQs: Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer clash over self-isolation compliance

Sir Keir Starmer points out that the lockdown measures were only passed with Labour votes. 

"He should be thanking us for our support, not criticising."

He notes that only one in eight workers qualify for the self-isolation scheme, despite many people not being able to afford it. 

The Labour leader says the reason only 11 per cent of people are self-isolating when asked is because of a "significant cut to their income". 

Boris Johnson says it is "extraordinary that he is coming out in favour of Test & Trace" but says the figures he quotes are "way too low". 

He urges people to self-isolate, noting it breaks the chain of transmission. 

12:13 PM

PMQs: Boris Johnson says Labour backs Test and Trace for 'keeping me away'

Sir Keir Starmer then turns to the Government's support for people who are self-isolating, asking if Boris Johnson could stay at home so easily if he had to do so on the current package. 

Mr Johnson says it is "good to hear" him say something positive about Test and Trace, even if it is "to keep me away from answering his questions in person". 

He defends the "exceptional" package that has been created by the Government, listing the various forms of support on offer, saying the £500 is in addition to everything else. 

"I know it's tough for people to self-isolate, but I'm glad that after so long of him attacking Test and Trace he is now coming around to support it."

12:10 PM

PMQs: SNP is 'not engaging in basic work' to improve people's lives, claims Boris Johnson

Sir Keir Starmer then asks if he will consider "further devolution of powers and resources across the UK". 

Boris Johnson says "Tony Blair himself had conceded he did not foresee the rise of a separatist party or the collapse of Scottish Labour". 

He notes there are "great advantages" to devolution and points to the work on transport and housing he carried out in his time as London Mayor, but claims the SNP is "not engaging in that basic work". 

"Instead they are campaigning to break up the UK," and asks Sir Keir if he will repudiate this stance.

"Of course I don't want the break up of the UK but if anything is fuelling the break up, it is the Prime Minister," the Labour leader responds. 

12:07 PM

PMQs: Boris Johnson 'single biggest threat to UK', claims Sir Keir Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer opens with a question about devolution, asking why Boris Johnson had told his MPs it was "a disaster". 

Boris Johnson says what is a disaster is the way SNP has used devolution "not to improve the lives of their constituents.... but constantly to campaign for the break up of our country".

He claims devolution was an "otherwise sound policy" but had been turned into a disaster by efforts to break up the UK. He is then chastised by the Speaker for calling the SNP the "nationalist" party. 

Sir Keir responds saying "the single biggest threat to the UK is the Prime Minister every time he opens his mouth". 

He claims the quote is "very clear" and not as Mr Johnson has suggested, noting he is "seriously undermining the fabric of the union". 

12:04 PM

Boris Johnson blasts Sadiq Khan over TfL funding (again)

Andrew Rosindell, MP for Romford, asks about a dangerous road in his constituency and whether Boris Johnson will "step in where Sadiq Khan has failed". 

Mr Johnson says the Mayor "blew TfL's funding" which he claims were left in a good state by himself - something which has been contested by the current administration. 

He says he will review the situation and update him in due course. 

12:02 PM

Boris Johnson begins virtual PMQs

Boris Johnson has started PMQs on a slightly fuzzy video conference line, emphasising that he will be having "virtual" meetings throughout the rest of the day. 

The first question comes from Labour over reports No 10 is cutting the aid budget. 

The Prime Minister doesn't address the question directly, but stresses the "UK is leading the world in tackling one of the greatest problems this planet faces" - climate change. 

12:00 PM

Sir Keir Starmer's authority undermined by 'disgraceful' NEC decision, says campaign group

Sir Keir Starmer's move to prevent Jeremy Corbyn regaining the whip is a "welcome gesture" but his authority has been undermined by the "disgraceful events" that saw the former leader's suspension from the party ended, Labour Against Anti-Semitism has said

Spokeswoman Fiona Sharpe said: "The decision to continue to withhold the whip from Jeremy Corbyn is a welcome gesture. However, it must not be used to obscure the disgraceful events of the last 24 hours or the calamity of institutional anti-Semitism in the Labour Party.

"Having announced that his leadership signalled new management of the Labour Party, Keir Starmer's authority has been completely undermined by the lifting of Mr Corbyn's suspension yesterday.

"Less than three weeks on from the publication of the damning EHRC report into anti-Jewish racism in the Labour Party, the Jewish community has again been ignored and failed.

"Until an independent complaints process is introduced, and all historical cases of anti-Semitism from 2015 onwards are reviewed in full, the Labour Party will not be a safe space for British Jews." 

11:59 AM

Labour must 'move on' from Jeremy Corbyn suspension, says frontbencher

A Labour frontbencher has said it is time to "move on" after Sir Keir Starmer refused to restore the whip to Jeremy Corbyn today. 

Lucy Powell, shadow business and consumer affairs minister, told Sky News the anti-Semitism row had been "a serious stain on us as a party" and the EHRC report "probably the lowest point we have ever had as a party".

The finding that Labour had been institutionally discriminatory was "pretty appalling", she added. 

She said: "Keir has made a clear decision, a difficult decision no doubt, but I hope we can begin to move on from this issue now. 

"It is up to Jeremy to reflect on how he responded to that very serious report."

11:54 AM

Keir Starmer's decision on Jeremy Corbyn divides the left

Sir Keir Starmer's decision not to restore the whip to Jeremy Corbyn has been welcomed by some - but attacked by others. 

11:31 AM

Jon Lansman slams 'political interference' in Jeremy Corbyn's case

Switching back to today's big story about Jeremy Corbyn's continued suspension from the Labour party -  Momentum founder Jon Lansman claims it has "driven a coach and horses" through the disciplinary process. 

The one-time ally of Mr Corbyn said: "The decision not to restore the whip to Corbyn just announced has driven a coach and horses through the party’s disciplinary process, making it subservient to the parliamentary party and embedding “political interference”.

"The whip was only removed because he had been suspended!"

He added: "The EHRC condemned exactly this kind of political interference in the process as indirectly discriminatory, potentially unlawful, lacking in transparency & consistency, & undermining of public confidence in the process. That cannot go on!"

11:25 AM

Tier 3 restrictions were causing a drop in cases before second lockdown, says Government scientist

Areas under the tier three restrictions had already started to see a drop in new cases before the second lockdown was brought in, England's deputy chief scientific adviser has said. 

Dame Angela McClean told the Downing Street press conference the number of people testing positive for coronavirus in the community had risen steeply in September and October but had slowed down.

"What you see is even before national restrictions were brought in, in the parts of the country where the amount of infections was already very high the progress of the epidemic had already flattened off, that's the North West and Yorkshire and Humber.

"Those also happen to include the parts of the country that were under tier 3 restrictions so that's good news that some parts of the country have already flattened off."

Public Health England's Dr Susan Hopkins said that increased excess mortality rates have been witnessed again in recent weeks.

"This is clearly concerning and this is clearly one of the reasons why the national restrictions had to come into play," she added. 

11:18 AM

Two days of lockdown for every day of Christmas socialising, says Sage scientist

Turning back to the press conference, Dr Susan Hill and Angela McClean have been asked about reports that they have been modelling the impact of a five-day lift on socialising for Christmas. 

The NHS Test and Trace medical director said modelling had suggested that "for every day restrictions are released released two days with tighter restrictions". 

She added: "Hopefully the Government will make a decision that will allow us to have some mixing.... But once we are past the Christmas period, if they had been released and there has been some socialising we all have to be very careful."

Angela McClean, deputy chief scientific adviser, said she "like everyone" was hoping for a lift in measures over Christmas.

"We did send some advice in over the weekend, but we genuinely don't know what decisions are being made," she added. 

11:14 AM

Jeremy Corbyn 'apologised over and over again' for anti-Semitism scandal

A former adviser to Jeremy Corbyn has insisted his former boos had "apologised over and over again" for his mishandling of anti-Semitism within the party, claiming this is "a red herring". 

James Schneider, former director of strategic communications for the leader of the opposition, said that within Mr Corbyn's response to the EHRC report last month he "didn't say anything that was either factually or morally wrong". 

"If he didn't accept the clear failings he wouldn't have done so much to improve the process," Mr Schneider added. 

Mr Corbyn had "apologised over and over again", he told Radio 4's Today programme, describing the question of whether or not the MP had said sorry for the findings in the EHRC report as a "red herring". 

Former Corbyn adviser James Schneider - Christopher Pledger

11:04 AM

R-number has fallen since September, says deputy chief scientific adviser

Dr Susan Hopkins opens the weekly press conference by noting the high compliance with social distancing (81 per cent), mask wearing (98 per cent) and people working from home (38 per cent).

Angela McClean, the deputy chief scientific adviser, then says it is "particularly good to note"  a big fall in the number of trips people are making for retail or general transit since the second lockdown has come in. 

She says "the famous R-number" has fallen since September, but is still above one. 

It is now thought to be 1-1.2. 

10:54 AM

Philip Johnston: The Union is doomed if Boris fails to secure a Brexit trade agreement

The next few weeks, maybe even the next few days, will be critical to the future of the 313-year-old union between England and Scotland. We should know soon whether a post-Brexit trade deal is to be struck with the EU. If it is, the Union can and should be saved. If it isn’t, it could well be doomed.

It is extraordinary to think that, while this historic drama is playing out, the Prime Minister is in quarantine. He has had a Covid test and has been shown to be negative, so why is he locked up for a fortnight? It is mad. Not that being shut away in his Downing Street flat has stopped him causing fresh ructions north of the Border.

In a remote conversation with Conservative Party MPs from northern England, Mr Johnson volunteered the opinion that “devolution has been a disaster for Scotland”.

It has certainly been a disaster for the integrity of the United Kingdom, but at this critical juncture it might have been better had he kept this observation to himself.

10:37 AM

Households to be banned from mixing after lockdown in bid to save Christmas

Households across the country are set to be banned from mixing when lockdown ends under Government plans to rescue Christmas, The Telegraph understands.

Boris Johnson has repeatedly promised that the national lockdown will be replaced with a "regional tiered approach" when it ends on December 2.

But Government sources say default restrictions across the country are likely to include a ban on mixing with other households until close to Christmas.

Read the full story here.

10:16 AM

Sir Keir Starmer: Corbyn's EHRC response 'should shame us all'

Sir Keir Starmer has declined to comment on what his next steps will be regarding Jeremy Corbyn, after the former Labour leader was effectively let off with an official warning by an NEC panel yesterday. 

The current Labour leader declined to comment when asked by journalists this morning, instead pointing to his Twitter thread last night. 

Here is what he said. 

10:01 AM

Chris Grayling to press ministers over aviation industry support

Ministers will face renewed pressure to introduce Covid-19 testing for passengers flying on key routes to and from the UK.

The former transport secretary Chris Grayling will lead a 90-minute Westminster Hall debate this afternoon on the future of the aviation industry, calling on the Government to "unlock" the sector by introducing arrival and departure testing at airports.

Mr Grayling has previously called on ministers to work with the industry to carry out test trials as an alternative to the current quarantining system. Currently international travellers arriving in the UK are required to self-isolate for 14 days.

Speaking in a Commons debate in September, Mr Grayling told MPs: "At least let us try testing on some key routes, track very carefully what happens to the passengers on those routes, see if there really is a problem and establish whether we can make airport testing work to allow the airline industry to get going, not just locally within Europe but some of the international routes that are so important to them."

Chris Grayling expected to press the Government over the aviation - Geoff Pugh

09:45 AM

Keir Starmer urged to refuse the whip to Jeremy Corbyn by Board of Deputies president

Sir Keir Starmer has been urged not to restore the whip to Jeremy Corbyn by a senior figure from the Jewish community. 

Marie van der Zyl, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said the decision to reinstate Mr Corbyn yesterday was an "absolute sham" and shows the Labour Party "have not learned anything at all".

She told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme that the former leader's case has "clearly been rushed through and judged by a politicised panel stuffed with his own supporters".

She added: "I hope this morning that Keir Starmer will have reflected on what has happened yesterday and make it clear that he is refusing to restore the whip."

09:25 AM

What's on the agenda today

It's another busy day in Westminster - here is what we are looking at today:

11am: The now-regular data briefings from Downing Street. Today's will be hosted by Dr Susan Hopkins, a deputy director of Public Health England and medical adviser to NHS test and trace, who might give us more detail on her suggesting that tiers will be "strengthened" after lockdown.

Also at 11am: A Westminster Hall debate on textile worker exploitation in Leicester, led by local MP Liz Kendall

12pm: Boris Johnson to take the first-ever virtual PMQs. While he is under pressure over the damning NAO report, and what he is doing to save Christmas, Sir Keir Starmer is likely to have a tougher time over the Jeremy Corbyn-induced civil war. 

12.15pm: Nicola Sturgeon's regular coronavirus briefing - the first since announcing part of Scotland will be under restrictions until December 11. 

12.15pm: Dr Andrew Goodall, the chief executive of NHS Wales, holds a Welsh government coronavirus briefing.

From 12:40pm: Two urgent questions - one about the Northern Ireland protocol and one about the Towns Fund.

2:30pm: Back in Westminster Hall for a debate on the aviation industry, led by former transport secretary Chris Grayling

3pm: Justice Secretary Robert Buckland gives evidence on human rights to the joint committee on human rights.

09:13 AM

Dido Harding 'feeling well' as she reveals she is self-isolating

Baroness Dido Harding has revealed she is self-isolating, having been 'pinged' by NHS Test & Trace. 

The operation's boss tweeted that she been alerted to the fact she had come into contact with someone who had tested positive overnight. 

 "Nothing like personal experience of your own products," she said, adding: "Feeling well."

Her husband, the MP John Penrose, has been self-isolating since November 9. 

09:03 AM

Boris Johnson to take first virtual PMQs

Today will mark a first for Prime Minister's Questions, as Boris Johnson answers remotely while he continues to self-isolate.

The Prime Minister has been confined to Downing Street after being in contact with Conservative MP Lee Anderson, who tested positive for coronavirus.

Mr Johnson will take part from self-isolation rather than having his deputy Dominic Raab stand-in for him at the despatch box.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "There is an agreement that Prime Minister's Questions will go ahead and the Prime Minister will take part remotely."

Boris Johnson appeared remotely before the Liaison Committee in May - Reuters

08:52 AM

Alok Sharma defends Government over damning report on public spending

Alok Sharma has defended the Government after a damning report by the public spending watchdog.

The National Audit Office found a lack of transparency around some of the £18 billion of coronavirus contracts that had been awarded to the end of July. It also found that firms with political connections were directed to a “high-priority” channel for UK government contracts. 

The Business Secretary told BBC Breakfast there was "huge pressure" at the time to secure personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline workers after the National Audit Office exposed transparency failings.

"We had to do an enormous amount of work very fast to secure PPE and that's what we did, and I'm not going to apologise for the fact that quite rightly we made that effort," he added.

Mr Sharma also insisted that "checks were done" in the case of a Spanish businessman acting as a go-between who was reportedly given £21 million of UK taxpayers' cash.

Alok Sharma insisted the Government had been working in a pressured environment - Reuters

08:38 AM

Margaret Hodge on resignation watch after she blasts 'broken system' over Jeremy Corbyn ruling

Sir Keir Starmer has a tight window to decide what to do about Jeremy Corbyn, if he is to avoid handing Boris Johnson a gift in PMQs. 

But it is how it plays out in his own party that will probably be the bigger conern, amid reports that former minister Dame Margaret Hodge, who is Jewish, could quit the party.

She said on Tuesday evening that she could not "comprehend" why it was acceptable for Mr Corbyn to "be a Labour MP if he thinks anti-Semitism is exaggerated and a political attack".

Dame Louise Ellman, the Jewish former Labour MP who quit the party over its handling of anti-Semitism last year, said Sir Keir should "refuse to restore the whip" to Mr Corbyn.

"That way they could show that they are determined - as they have said they are - to rid the party of this dreadful stain," she told BBC Two's Newsnight.

08:25 AM

Tory MP compares Keir Starmer to 'Cowardly Lion' over Jeremy Corbyn

A Conservative MP has compared Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to the Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz for his failure to stand firm on Jeremy Corbyn. 

Robert Halfon, the Jewish MP for Harlow, shared a video of the character running away from the great and mysterious magician in fear.

"Really Disappointing," he added. 

08:22 AM

Alok Sharma: Too early to confirm five-day lift on restrictions over Christmas

Alok Sharma has said it is "too early" to know whether social distancing restrictions could be eased around Christmas.

This morning the Sun reported that a ban on indoor socialising could be lifted for five days, paving the way for larger gatherings around the festive period. 

Asked about this, the Business Secretary told BBC Breakfast: "I want to have my mum and dad around, I want to have members of my family around that Christmas table.

"I just think it's too early to be reaching any conclusions on that. What none of us knows right now is what the infection rate is going to be in different parts of the country."

However, it is not just about the family. Several MPs are concerned about the impact restrictions will have on busineses in the most critical part of the year. 

08:05 AM

Starmer under fire as Corbyn readmitted to Labour

Sir Keir Starmer faced a mutiny from his own MPs on Tuesday night after Labour was accused of "adding insult to injury" by readmitting Jeremy Corbyn just three weeks after he was suspended from the party in a row over anti-Semitism.

Former leader Mr Corbyn had refused to apologise for playing down the scale of the problem in the party, and his readmittance sparked a major new row over anti-Semitism which threatens to undermine Sir Keir's pledge to clean up Labour.

Sir Keir is now under intense pressure to withhold the whip from Mr Corbyn after the party lifted his suspension and gave him a "slap on the wrist", and at least one MP has threatened to resign if the whip is restored. On Tuesday night, Labour sources confirmed that he had not yet made a decision on whether to reinstate the whip.