Boris Johnson has been warned of "huge outcry" among MPs if he seeks to tighten restrictions within the tiered system after lockdown is lifted.
Last night Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser to NHS Test and Trace, said ministers would have to look at "strengthening" the tier system. Tier 1 restrictions that covered huge parts of England had "very little effect", she said, adding that even Tier 2 only worked in some areas.
But MPs said any move to toughen measures ahead of Christmas would be met with a firm response. One MP suggested there could be a tactical rebellion against an unrelated motion, with Labour likely to support any Covid measures.
A former minister told The Telegraph the country needed "clarity, and for things to just be settled, rather than forever changing".
The MP added: "If we keep saying people can't have contact with loved ones over the winter, that is going to be hard to enforce. It seems the choice is going to be between having a 'normal' Christmas followed by a massive surge in Covid or no Christmas, and no surge... Either way, we need to know. It seems to change on a daily basis."
Another warned against a return to "the lockdown hokie-kokie", stressing the need for businesses to plan, adding there would be "a huge outcry" if tougher restrictions were imposed.
"They can't just keep flip-flopping like this, they have got to have a strategy... We were promised and we voted for second lockdown with reassurances that it would save Christmas, so they better bloody well save Christmas."
Follow the latest updates below.
04:03 PM
And that's it for another day...
Boris Johnson might well be rehearsing the nation's Christmas performance, stuck in his Downing Street flat as he continues to self-isolate.
The good news is the Prime Minister has had a negative test: but that's about as far as the good news extends.
Today more details filtered out about the plans to "strengthen" tiers after the national lockdown, with Robert Jenrick confirming it could involve the creation of a more restrictive Tier 4, as well as bolstering the measures at the lower categories.
MPs are expecting to get a vote on whatever happens after December 2 - but with Nicola Sturgeon plunging much of Scotland into restrictions for the next three weeks, it seems hopes of a Merry Christmas are receding.
As one Tory said: "She can cancel Christmas but we do not want England to do that."
Certainly our readers seem a gloomy bunch: 60 per cent of you think it'll be a lonely Christmas, followed by an unhappy new year. Just 17 per cent predicted goodwill for all, with a loosening of restrictions and the prospect of a vaccine.
"Sturgeon can cancel Christmas but we do not want England to do that." - AFP
03:56 PM
Patrick O'Flynn: The public needs to know if there's a plan for Christmas - and fast
The national lockdown is due to end on December 2 - but do we even have an inkling as to what tiers different parts of the country will find themselves in and what restrictions those tiers will involve?
As of yesterday, no we don’t.
Because at the Downing Street press conference yesterday – the one Boris Johnson had planned to lead before being confined to the attic – one of our leading medics dropped a heavy hint that it will definitely not be as straightforward as just going back to the tiers we were in before the curtain fell again on everyday activity.
UK could face 'security downgrade' without Brexit deal, senior MP warns
The UK could face a "security downgrade" in January if there is no negotiated outcome on a Brexit deal in the next few weeks, according to the Home Affairs Committee.
Committee chairman Yvette Cooper said she had received "extremely serious" and "troubling" letters from the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) on the subject.
"These are extremely serious and frankly very troubling letters from the country's senior police officers who are in charge of law enforcement preparation for January 1 about the security downgrade the UK will face if there is no negotiated outcome in the next few weeks," she said.
"They make clear that without a negotiated outcome the UK authorities will lose the ability to use a wide range of law enforcement tools with 'a major operational impact' on policing and security.
"But their letters also suggest that the police expect us to lose important security capabilities - in particular access to the SIS II criminal database - even in the expected negotiated outcome."
03:31 PM
China is the 'single biggest threat' to the UK and free world, says Sir Iain Duncan Smith
Sir Iain Duncan Smith has claimed that China is now the "single biggest threat" posed to the UK and to the free world.
Speaking during a debate on the National Security and Investment Bill, the former leader of the Conservative party warned MPs that "parked across this space are two very big threats": Russia and China.
He added: "In fact, I think China is now the single biggest threat and problem that is posed to the United Kingdom and the free world. And the way it is going, its problems, its difficulties, the way that it's focusing on internal suppression, external expansion and trashing both WTO rules and laws means that we will have to deal with this and progressively more and more I suspect this Bill will be right in the middle of this."
He added: "We understand in China something very, very special is taking place. This idea of civil-military fusion which is now infecting every single enterprise and company in China."
Sir Iain suggested that an "external investment screening body" be set up to investigate "this strategy" of acquiring IP and technology from companies in other countries.
03:10 PM
Police suspend on-the-spot £10,000 fines for breaking Covid rules
Police chiefs have suspended on-the-spot £10,000 fines for breaking Covid rules amid fears of challenges over a lack of means testing.
The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) said forces would no longer be handing out £10,000 fixed notice penalties because of concerns over "inequalities", as those choosing to go to court could pay less.
Instead, they will be issued as summons requiring those fined to go before magistrates. People will be means tested, which could result in them paying less than £10,000 or given more time to pay the sum after means testing.
Have your say on: Government plans to strengthen tiers before Christmas
Tory MPs are deeply concerned about plans to tighten restrictions across the tiered system ahead of lockdown being lifted.
Dr Susan Hopkins put the cat among the pigeons yesterday when she said officials would have to consider "strengthening" some of the restrictions within lower tiers.
Matt Hancock has refused to be drawn on this, but Robert Jenrick this morning admitted it was something being considered as part of a wider review. However the Communities Secretary also indicated that Christmas would be protected, saying the "hard yard" was being done in November to free up December.
So will we have a merry Christmas followed by a gloomy new year? Have your say in the poll below.
02:48 PM
Travel outside Scottish Level 3 and 4 will be against the law, says Nicola Sturgeon
Travel into and away from parts of Scotland that are in Level 3 and Level 4 areas will be against the law from Friday, Nicola Sturgeon has said.
She warned that this would lead to other areas seeing a rise in infections, and they could be placed in higher categories too.
The First Minister said: "To put it bluntly - and we will require to monitor this.
"If we see evidence that people from East or South Ayrshire are visiting places in North Ayrshire, or that people from Glasgow are going to Inverclyde, we would have no choice but to put these areas in Level 4 too.
"So it is essential that we all abide by travel restrictions."
The First Minister added: "To underline how important this is, I can confirm that the guidance that has been in place in recent weeks will become law from Friday."
02:43 PM
Scottish restrictions will be 'short and sharp', says Nicola Sturgeon
Placing council areas in Scotland into the toughest restrictions is intended to be "short and sharp", and should be lifted ahead of Christmas, Nicola Sturgeon has said.
The First Minister told MSPs: "I know people are frustrated that other restrictions have remained in place longer than planned. But Level 4 is intended to be short and sharp. And in this situation, it is specifically intended to have an impact in advance of Christmas and the most challenging winter period.
"Lifting the Level 4 restrictions then - as we will do - also means that they will not be in place for most of the Hanukkah period - so again, while celebrations may be different, there will be a greater degree of freedom.
"We will assess nearer the time the level that will apply in each area when the Level 4 restrictions end on December 11."
The First Minister added that she hoped the affected areas would be able to move to Level 2 "much more quickly than would otherwise be the case".
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in Holyrood - AFP
02:40 PM
Nicola Sturgeon places 11 council areas under Scotland's toughest restrictions
Nicola Sturgeon has placed 11 council areas under Scotland's toughest coronavirus restrictions for three weeks from Friday evening.
The City of Glasgow, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, Stirling and West Lothian will be under heavier restrictions until December 11, she said.
Noting that Scotland will pass a "sombre and distressing milestone" of 5,000 Covid deaths this week, the First Minister said: "It is important we acknowledge it and remember every individual whose life has been lost to this virus. Those figures remind us of the harm and heartbreak that this virus causes if allowed to spread. "
Ms Sturgeon told MSPs the country had been on track to see 3,000 new cases per day, but added: "That has not happened. Daily case numbers are almost a third of that.
"Prevalence in Scotland is also lower than in other UK nations. So we have made progress, but the overall level of infection remains higher than we need it to be. And the national picture is masking significant regional variation."
02:24 PM
Lobby latest: Marcus Rashford's book club 'fantastic', says Downing Street
Downing Street has welcomed the launch of footballer Marcus Rashford's book club to encourage more children to discover the joys of reading.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "It is fantastic that Marcus Rashford is shining a light on the power that books have and we welcome his book club allowing more children to benefit from the enjoyment which books bring."
The England and Manchester United star has previously clashed with the Government over the issue of providing free school meals for children during the school holidays while the pandemic continues.
Previously, Downing Street refused to comment on the response from businesses and charities to his campaign for free school meals.
Marcus Rashford has switched his focus from free school meals to bedtime stories - AFP
02:20 PM
Further 330 people die with coronavirus in England
A further 330 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 36,842.
Patients were aged between 27 and 99 years old. All except 11, aged between 30 and 93 years old, had known underlying health conditions.
The date of death ranges from 29 October to 16 November 2020 with the majority being on or after 13 November.
The North West was the worst-affected region, with 87 deaths, followed by the Midlands with 86 deaths and the North East & Yorkshire, with 63 deaths.
There were 29 deaths recorded in the East of England, 24 in London, 22 in the South East and 19 in the South West.
02:14 PM
Lobby latest: Government 'disappointed' with lack of progress from Premier League
The Prime Minister's official spokesman says that ministers have been assured by the Premier League English Football League that they have no intention to let "any club go bust in the future".
He adds: "We've been clear that we've expected football to support itself and we are disappointed in the lack of progress, particularly, as you've heard me say before, when Premier League clubs have spent over a billion pounds on players in the recent transfer window.
"The PM and Culture Secretary agree that we want to see a deal reach the whole football family. "We understand the special place football clubs have in their local communities. That must be protected."
Constructive conversation with football leaders on governance & £, diversity & getting fans back
I want to work together with football to make progress on important issues for the game's long-term future
Discussions to continue as we start our fan-led review of governance
Lobby latest: Boris Johnson is 'the voice of the majority' on Scottish independence, says Downing Street
Boris Johnson is the "voice of the majority" in Scotland who voted against independence in the 2014 referendum, Downing Street has said.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said Mr Johnson had "always fully supported" Scottish devolution - despite reportedly describing it as a "disaster" in a conference call with Tory MPs
"This Government continues to put the Union at the heart of everything that we do," the spokesman said.
"The PM has been clear that he thinks the four corners of the UK stronger together and he will be the voice of the majority of Scottish people who voted decisively to keep the UK together.
"He will always stand against those trying to separate the United Kingdom. The PM believes that we had what was a once-in-a-generation referendum and that the result of it should be respected. He firmly rejects the SNP's call to break up the United Kingdom."
Boris Johnson and Nicola Sturgeon - Getty
02:00 PM
Lobby latest: PM tells Cabinet a Brexit trade deal is 'far from certain'
Boris Johnson has told his Cabinet that it is "far from certain" that Britain will get a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said that Mr Johnson had made clear that while the UK was working hard to find an agreement, there were still "significant issues" that needed to be resolved.
"His position hasn't changed: the UK is keen to secure a deal with the EU, but not at the cost of our core principles around sovereignty and control over our laws, borders, money - and our fish," the spokesman said.
"Significant issues remain, particularly on the so-called level playing field and fisheries. We are working hard to find solutions which fully respect UK sovereignty, but it is far from certain that an agreement will prove possible and time is now very short.
"The PM said that, if we cannot find suitable compromises with our European friends, we will leave the transition period on Australia terms on January 1.
"The PM said he was incredibly confident that the UK will thrive with or without a free trade agreement with the EU."
01:57 PM
Lobby latest: Boris Johnson tells Cabinet about 10-point plan for 'green industrial revolution'
Boris Johnson has updated his senior ministers on the forthcoming 10-point plan to tackle climate change.
At a Cabinet meeting held remotely while the Prime Minister self-isolates, Mr Johnson set out plans for a "green industrial revolution".
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said Mr Johnson told ministers it was "vital to achieving a green recovery and delivering new jobs through public and private investment".
"The PM said it will drive down emissions by creating and using clean power; and level-up the country by pioneering new technology and energy supply in our towns and regions."
01:55 PM
Lobby latest: Downing Street wants to ensure people can see 'close family' over Christmas
Downing Street has insisted England's national lockdown will expire on December 2, and that people will be able to spend Christmas with their "close family".
Yesterday Matt Hancock said it was "too early to tell" whether restrictions would be extended, prompting concern among Tory MPs.
But the Prime Minister's official spokesman noted that the R number - the virus reproduction rate - had been coming down "in some parts of the country".
"What we continue to do is follow the rules and by doing so we can slow the spread of the infection."
A return to a tiered system of restrictions is planned, with decisions made on factors including the R number, the number of people in hospital beds and intensive care occupancy rates.
The Prime Minister is hopeful people will be allowed to see their families at Christmas, the spokesman said.
"We are looking at ways to ensure that people can spend time with close family over Christmas at the end of what has been an incredibly difficult year."
Matt Hancock said it was "too early to say" whether restrictions would be extended beyond Dec 2 - Getty
01:47 PM
Lobby latest: Boris Johnson tests negative - but will continue to self-isolate
Boris Johnson has tested negative for coronavirus but will remain in self-isolation for the full period, Downing Street said.
The Prime Minister took a rapid turnaround lateral flow test as part of a pilot scheme for No 10 staff.
"The PM took a test yesterday and that test was negative," the Prime Minister's official spokesman said.
"But he will, in accordance with the rules on self-isolation, continue to self-isolate."
The Prime Minister has been shut in Downing Street since he received an email saying Tory MP Lee Anderson - who he hosted for a breakfast meeting last Thursday - had tested positive.
Mr Johnson will answer Prime Minister's Questions remotely on Wednesday, Downing Street said.
Boris Johnson and Lee Anderson last Thursday
01:23 PM
Grenfell Tower certificate issued by copying manufacturer's 'deliberate and dishonest' description
A national building control body issued a certificate for flammable insulation used on Grenfell Tower by copy and pasting the manufacturer's "intentional, deliberate and dishonest" description of the product as being safe for high-rises, the inquiry into the fire has heard.
The Local Authority Building Control (LABC) lifted word-for-word a description of Celotex's Rs5000 insulation which had been suggested by the firm's assistant product manager Jonathan Roper in June 2014, the hearing was told on Tuesday.
The "untrue and misleading" certificate issued several weeks later was subsequently provided to external wall fitters Harley Facades and relied upon by building control officer John Hoban during the revamp of Grenfell Tower.
Celotex employees earlier that year manipulated a key fire safety test to secure a pass for its combustible Rs5000 product for use on high-rise buildings, including by falsifying technical drawings and failing to declare a fire-resisting material had been included in the test.
Rs5000 was withdrawn from the market in the wake of the June 2017 fire, which killed 72 people.
Proceedings continue.
The Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 killed 72 people - Julian Simmonds
01:03 PM
Mass testing might not be solution to open care homes to family visits, minister suggests
Care minister Helen Whately has suggested that mass testing might not be sufficient to enable family visits to their loved ones.
Labour's shadow health minister Liz Kendall called for spare capacity tests to be ring-fenced for such purposes "so we can safely bring all families back together in time for Christmas?"
But Ms Whately responded: "I absolutely want to enable relatives to go and visit their loved ones in care homes, but we do have to remember we're against a backdrop... Covid is incredibly cruel to those living in care homes.
"We've seen outbreaks that have gone from one resident to across almost all residents within a few days and staff also affected. So we have to get the balance right. We have to make sure we do this in a way that is safe to residents and staff."
12:43 PM
Robert Jenrick: Nicola Sturgeon is 'driving a wedge' in country
Robert Jenrick has defended Boris Johnson's comments about devolution, in which he told a group of northern MPs that the move had been "a disaster north of the border".
Last night Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross hit out at the Prime Minister, saying: "Devolution has not been a disaster. The SNP’s non-stop obsession with another referendum - above jobs, schools and everything else - has been a disaster."
This morning Housing Secretary insisted Mr Johnson had "always supported devolution, but is at heart a unionist", claiming that he backed the principle of giving people and local communities more of a say "in their destiny".
But he claimed the Prime Minister was "troubled by the separatism and nationalism" that had emerged under the SNP, accusing the party of "trying to drive a wedge between people".
Mr Jenrick told BBC Breakfast: "What he does feel strongly is that devolution in Scotland has facilitated a rise in separatism and nationalism in form of the SNP, that is trying to break apart the UK.
"That is a very, very dangerous and disappointing outcome we need to battle against."
12:28 PM
Matt Hancock agrees to consider district-level restrictions after lockdown
A Conservative MP has called on the Health Secretary to look at a tiered system by districts. He said the economic effects of the lockdown on the hospitality sector particularly is "very severe".
Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Thirsk and Malton, noted that the infection rate in large constituencies "can vary significantly across different districts", adding: "When he moves... back to a tiered system on December 3, would he look at allocating these by districts rather than by county to keep the economy as open as possible?"
Matt Hancock replied: "Throughout the process of the tiered system, we've always looked at a level of granular detail whether that be district council-level or indeed at ward-level in some cases to make sure that we have the appropriate measures in the appropriate places.
"Whilst it's too early to say exactly how we'll proceed from December 3, that's a commitment that I can make to (him).
12:13 PM
Jeremy Corbyn's Labour suspension likely to be lifted today
It seems likely that Jeremy Corbyn's suspension from the Labour party will be overturned when a panel considering the matter meets this afternoon.
The former Labour leader issued a statement this morning saying he "regrets the pain" caused by the rise in anti-Semitism within the party and that concerns were "neither 'exaggerated' nor 'overstated'" - a retraction of his comments last month, albeit without an apology (9.22am).
The five-strong NEC panel deciding on the next steps meets at 1pm, and is said to be tipped in favour of Mr Corbyn, making his reinstatement seem likely.
Jeremy Corbyn said this morning he "regrets the pain" caused by anti-Semitism within the party - Getty
11:55 AM
Have your say on: Government plans to strengthen tiers before Christmas
Dr Susan Hopkins put the cat among the pigeons yesterday when she said officials would have to consider "strengthening" some of the restrictions within lower tiers.
Matt Hancock has refused to be drawn on this, but Robert Jenrick this morning admitted it was something being considered as part of a wider review. However the Communities Secretary also indicated that Christmas would be protected, saying the "hard yard" was being done in November to free up December.
So will we have a merry Christmas followed by a gloomy new year? Have your say in the poll below.
11:46 AM
Matt Hancock dodges question about strengthening tiers
Matt Hancock has refused to comment on whether there will be tougher restrictions for the lower tiers, after the medical director for NHS Test and Trace suggested that was the case yesterday.
At the Downing Street press conference Dr Susan Hopkins said the system had "a different effect in each area", noting that "Tier 2 seems to hold in some areas and not so well in others" while there was "very little effect from Tier 1". She added that the Government would "have to think about strengthening them in order to get us through the winter months until the vaccine is available for everyone."
But when shadow health secretary Jon Ashwoth asked Mr Hancock about her comments, he dodged the question.
"It is too early to do the analysis that the hon gentleman requests, but of course we remain vigilant," he replied.
11:31 AM
Beijing gives British diplomat 'big, big thumbs up' for rescuing drowning student
Beijing has praised a British diplomat who was filmed diving into a river in southern China to save a drowning student, a rare warm moment between two countries at loggerheads over human rights in Hong Kong and Xinjiang.
Consul General Stephen Ellison leapt into action at the weekend to save a woman who had fallen into a river coursing through a nearby tourist town.
The video on Chinese social media - viewed more than 170 million times in China - shows Mr Ellison pulling off his shoes and jumping in to rescue the woman, who was floating face down.
"I think he should be commended for his act of bravery. I'd like to give him a big, big thumbs up," said foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian at a routine briefing Tuesday.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab tweeted: "His bravery and commitment demonstrates the very best of British diplomats around the world."
11:19 AM
Chloe Smith: 'It's easier to talk to strangers about my cancer than family'
Earlier this month, Government minister Chloe Smith interrupted the flow of politics-related messages on her Twitter feed to announce some personal news. ‘I’ve learnt I have breast cancer and start treatment soon,’ she wrote. ‘I aim to carry on as normally, positively and openly as possible – with a bit of support and privacy at times. Please, check for lumps and see your GP.’
The words were as matter of fact as Smith’s manner in person. The Tory MP for Norwich North, who is also constitution and devolution minister, is remarkably calm and composed when we speak shortly after her revelation on Zoom. Aged 38 and the mother of two children aged four and 18 months, she is briskly upbeat – and determined to remain so.
38-year-old Chloe Smith opens up about her cancer diagnosis - Corbis News
11:01 AM
Liam Halligan: Boris finally has a chance to prove that levelling up means something
The Prime Minister’s 80-seat majority was built not just on a pledge to break the Brexit impasse, but to "level up" - a promise widely deemed to be the brainchild of Dominic Cummings.
Now that Boris Johnson’s chief strategist has left No 10, there is a fear among his allies that Tory priorities will shift away from “blue collar” concerns, back towards a more “metropolitan” agenda favoured by affluent voters.
It is no doubt true that some well-healed Tory strategists long for a return to the pre-Brexit era, when Conservatism was about “hugging hoodies”, and will be pleased by mooted announcements such as bringing forward the ban on new petrol and diesel cars, which will disproportionately hit the finances of less prosperous, regional voters.
Yet there was always more to “levelling up” than the presence in Government of one man.
Civil service has 'much to be proud of' in pandemic response
Lord Sedwill has defended the civil service's response to coronavirus saying there is "much to be proud of", despite not being prepared initially.
Asked if the civil service had been a constraint in dealing with Brexit and the pandemic, the former Cabinet Secretary said the capability had developed over time, but that no deal preparation had given officials something to "draw upon" that would not otherwise have been there.
"I know there have been lots of criticism of the way the Government has handled Covid... but there is a lot we should be very proud of in the speed and effectiveness of our response."
He stressed that PPE had been in short supply globally but the UK "probably ended up with more than our fair share", adding the "pivot to getting the furlough programme and other economic support schemes devised at breakneck speed."
"No one who needed medical treatment failed to get what they needed," he added, noting that was in contrast to some parts of Europe. "There is much to be proud of [although] of course there are lessons to be learned."
PPE shortages - something the Government was attacked over in the first wave - was a global issue, says Mark Sedwill - EPA
10:25 AM
Watch: Government reviewing regional lockdown tiers, says Robert Jenrick
Tory MPs are alarmed by the prospect that a review of the tiers could result in tighter restrictions across the country once lockdown has been lifted.
Those in lower tiers look likely to face tougher measures after NHS Test and Trace medical director Dr Susan Hopkins last night said they were having limited effect.
This morning Robert Jenrick also suggested that those in tier three could face harsher restrictions, despite many of those regions having been under the toughest form of measures for many months already.
Here is what he said:
10:18 AM
Sacking DfE permanent secretary over exams row 'very unusual', says Lord Sedwill
Mark Sedwill has said the abrupt sacking of Department for Education's permanent secretary Jonathan Slater was "very unusual".
Mr Slater had been in the post for nearly four years until he was dismissed over the school exams row in the summer.
Asked if it was right for him to be sacked while Education Secretary Gavin Williamson remained, Lord Sedwill stressed it was "for the Prime Minister to decide" about his ministers, noting, he would "make those changes with cabinet reshuffles and so on".
However the sacking of his colleague was "very unusual," he said. Quoting a recent interview with Mr Slater, Lord Sedwill added: "He recognised that the Prime Minister had decided there was a need for new leadership and therefore was appropriate for him to step aside."
Mr Sedwill also confirmed that the long-awaited report into allegations that Priti Patel had 'bullied' civil servants at the Home Office had been given to Boris Johnson before his departure.
Lord Sedwill said it was 'very unusual' that the permanent secretary was sacked while Gavin Williamson remained - Bloomberg
10:06 AM
Brexit 'challenged' the idea that institutions can be neutral on 'existential' matters, says Lord Sedwill
Brexit has challenged the notion that all institutions can be neutral on a matter that is "existential" and about identity, Lord Sedwill has said.
The former Cabinet Secretary noted the infamous Daily Mail headline describing judges as "Enemies of the People" after they ruled that the UK Government would require the consent of Parliament to give notice of Brexit.
The paper claimed the court's decision purposefully blocked the Brexit process, provoking widespread criticism and resulting in more than 1,000 people complaining to regulator Ipso. Then-Justice Secretary Liz Truss issued a brief statement defending the independence and impartiality of the judiciary.
Lord Sedwill told MPs of the PACAC that during the years following the EU referendum "the idea that institutions can be neutral on a question that is that existential is inevitably challenged".
He added: "That is just a feature of existential question, identity questions... of that kind, notwithstanding the fact those institutions absolutely maintain their neutrality and impartiality."
09:58 AM
Hostile briefings 'detrimental to good government', Lord Sedwill warns
Hostile briefing against key political figures is "detrimental to good government" and "damaging to the administration", former Cabinet Secretary Lord Sedwill has said.
He told MPs of the PACAC that he had noticed "only in the last week or so, briefing against ministers, Spads, other leading personalities involved in or within government", following a series of negative stories appearing about Boris Johnson and his fiance Carrie Symonds.
"It is a regrettable feature of modern political life," he added. "It is detrimental to good government, whoever is at the wrong end of it."
Although there was nothing new in these briefings, Lord Sedwill noted it was "new for the civil service to find ourselves in the firing line... I can't imagine my predecessors being speculated about being fired with change of Prime Minister approaching as I was when the leadership election was still underway."
Mark Sedwill - Shutterstock
09:41 AM
Boris Johnson sacked Dominic Cummings to 'ensure he has right support', says Lord Sedwill
Boris Johnson has sacked Dominic Cummings to "ensure he has the right support around him as he navigates to the next phase" of his Government, Lord Sedwill has said.
The former Cabinet Secretary, who left his role "by mutual agreement" earlier this year, told William Wragg's Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC) that he had "watched those events like others have, largely through the media", stressing "these things happen from time to time".
He added: "Advisers come and go. Clearly the Prime Minister wants to try and ensure he has the right support around him as he navigates to the next phase.
"There are always tensions and friction in government, particularly when the government is under pressure... but it is a significant political story."
Lord Sedwill said his preference would have been to stay on and move into a different role, including the National Security Adviser role taken by Lord Frost, but he did not want to "haunt" his successor by staying on.
09:22 AM
Jeremy Corbyn says he 'regrets the pain' caused by anti-Semitism in Labour
Jeremy Corbyn: "I regret the pain this issue has caused the Jewish community" - Geoff Pugh
Jeremy Corbyn has rowed back his comments in response to the EHRC report into anti-Semitism within the Labour party, nearly a month after he first made them.
The former leader was suspended after he said the issue had been "dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party, as well as by much of the media", despite the report saying Labour had broken the law and there were "serious failings" under his leadership.
This morning Mr Corbyn said:
We must never tolerate antisemitism or belittle concerns about it. And that was not my intention in anything I said this week. I regret the pain this issue has caused the Jewish community and would wish to do nothing that would exacerbate or prolong it.To be clear, concerns about antisemitism are neither "exaggerated" nor "overstated". The point I wished to make was that the vast majority of Labour Party members were and remain committed anti-racists deeply opposed to antisemitism.
He added: "I hope this matter is resolved as quickly as possible, so that the party can work together to root out antisemitism and unite to oppose and defeat this deeply damaging Conservative government."
09:11 AM
Boris Johnson's devolution comments 'typical' of his 'loose language', says Sir Malcolm Rifkind
Boris Johnson's comments on devolution were "typical" of the Prime Minister's "rather loose language", former Conservative Scottish secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind has said.
The Government is attempting to get back on the front foot after he told a virtual meeting with MPs of the Northern Research Group that devolution had been "a disaster north of the border".
Sir Malcolm said: "What he should have said is devolution has become a disaster because the Scottish national government, the SNP government in Scotland, are using the Scottish Parliament and the power they've got to try and destroy the United Kingdom."
He said the SNP, which has been in power since 2007, has been "pretty useless" on domestic Scottish issues and have become "obsessed with demands for referendums".
"What I'm absolutely certain of is that it was not meant to be an attack on the principle of devolution," he said.
Boris Johnson and Sir Malcolm Rifkind at the 75th anniversary of VJ Ceremony in August - Julian Simmonds
09:01 AM
Cancelling live performances until April 'not Government policy', says Culture Secretary
Oliver Dowden has played down reports that live performances are being cancelled until April next year, saying this is "not Government policy".
The Culture Secretary said he is working on a plan to restart live entertainment such as plays and concerts "as soon as we safely can".
"Certainty is hard in a pandemic but know this is important for planning," he added.
Rumours of performances being cancelled until April is not govt policy. We want performances back on as soon as we safely can
I have heard calls for a restart date with fuller audiences & am working on this. Certainty is hard in a pandemic but know this is important for planning
England 'doing hard yards in November' so there can be 'significant easing' in December, says minister
Robert Jenrick has stressed that it is “a fact of law” that the national lockdown ends on December 2, amid fears that restrictions could roll on until Christmas.
The country was “doing the hard yards in November” so there could be a “significant easing” in December, he added.
The Housing and Communities Secretary said that if it was deemed that measures must remain in place “we would have to go back to the Commons and make the case, have a vote”.
But he stressed that his expectation was that the country would return to tiers, noting that there would be a range of “measures in place to protect people in some parts of the country”.
Exactly how restrictions would fall will depend on the data at the end of the month, he added, saying it would be “stiffer in some places than others, reflecting the rate of infection in that part of the country.”
08:57 AM
Boris Johnson supports devolution but does not want union 'split apart', says Robert Jenrick
Boris Johnson “has always supported” devolution to nations and within England - but he does not want to see the union “split apart”, one of his Cabinet ministers has said.
Robert Jenrick told Radio 4’s Today programme that it was right that the Prime Minister “fight back against” the SNP’s push for independence.
“The point he was making was not that handing power to communities was a bad thing but it has facilitated the rise of a separatist party,” he added.
“The Prime Minister cares about the union, you can see that in the decisions we are taking every day.”
He pointed to the fact the Treasury was working on a “UK-wide basis to support millions of people in Scotland and elsewhere”, among other measures, as proof of the commitment to all four parts of the union.
08:29 AM
Andy Burnham warns of mental health crisis as he calls for more self-employed support
Andy Burnham has urged Rishi Sunak to give more support to freelancer or those who became self-employed too close to the start of the pandemic to qualify for any Government grants.
The Greater Manchester Mayor said he and Liverpool leaders met these excluded workers last week who felt "rejected", despite having "given so much to this country over the years," he said.
"I want the Government to listen to this. We are going to have a growing mental health crisis," he told Sky News
"Some people have taken their own lives this year. It's that serious. It goes way beyond party politics. These people really need your help.
"And I am calling on the Chancellor to do that. He has a spending review next week – he should do the right thing and listen to these people."
On Boris Johnson's devolution comments, he added that they "would not go down well" in Greater Manchester and called for a "more federal UK".
08:24 AM
Disinfect parcels and Christmas cards to avoid Covid risk, experts say
Disinfecting parcels and sending cards early are among scientists' recommendations for those wanting to take extra coronavirus precautions this Christmas.
Research published by Australia's national science agency CSIRO in October showed the virus can last up to four weeks on mobile phone screens and banknotes, but it has a much shorter survival on porous surfaces like paper.
Dr Lena Ciric, who specialises in molecular biology, recommended sending gifts to family and friends "at the start of December" so they have time to quarantine parcels for "a few extra days".
She said: "The likelihood that a gift or card sent in the post by an infected person would have enough virus on it to cause an infection is really low."
Respiratory medicine specialist Professor Ashley Woodcock said: "If I were an old person I would be handling Christmas cards with gloves and putting them on a radiator for a few minutes....
"They should accept the parcel wearing Marigolds and put it in an area or on a table, and wipe it down with a cloth soaked in detergent, leave it for 30 minutes, and then it's very safe."
08:19 AM
No plan for compulsory vaccine, says Robert Jenrick
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said it was not the Government's "expectation" to make a potential coronavirus vaccine mandatory.
Appearing on BBC Breakfast he said: "We don't want to make the vaccine mandatory."
He added: "Of course, we do need to win the argument and to persuade the public that the vaccine is safe.
"We've seen with previous vaccines over the course of the last 20 or 30 years, that there's sometimes misinformation, that misinformation is now predominately online and we've got to combat that, and persuade people that it's safe to take the vaccine."
"I think it's really important that people do, and I will be doing everything I can to try to persuade people that I know, my family and friends, to take it when they have the opportunity."
Mr Jenrick added: "Let me be perfectly clear, we don't have any plan to make the vaccine compulsory."
08:18 AM
Government mulling tier 4 category after national lockdown
Robert Jenrick has said the Government has not "come to a decision" about whether to introduce a higher tier category once the national lockdown has been lifted.
The Housing Secretary told BBC Breakfast that tier three's "baseline" had not been deemed sufficient in some areas, which had resulted in "some tweaks to the tiers that you were seeing in some parts of the country".
He noted that the ongoing review of the tier system was considering whether those additional tighter restrictions were "a sensible move" and "If so, should we embed that in the new tier structure?"
He added: "I just asked people to wait another week or so, and then we'll be able to say more authoritatively when we come to the end of the new national measure."
08:15 AM
Tougher tiers to be unveiled 'in the next week or so', says Robert Jenrick
Robert Jenrick has confirmed the Government is reviewing the tiers which could result in tougher restrictions across all categories.
The Housing Secretary told BBC Breakfast that once the national lockdown ends on December 2, "we hope back into the tiered structure".
As a result ministers were now considering how to carve up the country and what measures should be in each tier.
"In tier three, there was a baseline of measures which the chief medical officer and others had always said was only the beginning," he explained, noting that this resulted in variation across parts of the country. He pointed to the fact that off licence sales were banned after 10pm in Nottinghamshire.
"In the new tiers we'd like greater consistency and we'll have to look at the evidence to see which of those measures was actually the most impactful on the virus so that we take the most evidence based approach that we can do.
"We haven't come to a conclusion on that yet to be perfectly honest, but we will be within the next week or so."
08:11 AM
Vaccines offer hope of 'more promising 2021', says Robert Jenrick
The roll out of the Pfizer vaccine will "make a huge difference" in the country's return to "a degree of normality" next year, Robert Jenrick has said.
The Communities Secretary said he did not want to give people "false hope" over a potential vaccine, which the UK has 40m doses pre-ordered, due to the need for safety tests and the time required to produce them.
But he added: "We're told that the first doses of the Pfizer vaccine should be in the UK and available to be used by the end of this year.
"We'll then roll that out in a sensible and fair way, focusing on the most vulnerable people in society and key workers within health and social care first.
"But it does look as if over the course of the first half of next year, a very large proportion of population will have access to the vaccine and that will make a huge difference in our ability to return to a degree of normality.
"So this really is a period of hope, where we can look ahead to a much more promising 2021."
08:06 AM
Ministers hoping for 'significant easing' of restrictions from Dec 2, says Robert Jenrick
Ministers want to see a "significant easing" of coronavirus controls when the lockdown in England is lifted on December 2, but it is "too early to say" how things will look after that point, Robert Jenrick has said.
"It is our hope and expectation that that won't be the case and that people in England will be able to move back into the tiered system," the Housing Secretary told Sky News.
"There will be a review. That work is undergoing on what those tiers look like and how local areas go back in but that will very much depend on the data.
"We will have to make decisions nearer the end of the month once we have got the most up-to-date information possible.
"So it is too early to say which tiers people will be able to go into. But we all want to see a significant easing of the measures in all parts of England at the beginning of next month."
Tomorrow’s Telegraph front page: “Lockdown looms over Christmas”#TomorrowsPapersToday
Boris Johnson says devolution has been a 'disaster' in Scotland
Boris Johnson has ignited a row with Scottish Tories after he reportedly said that devolution had been a "disaster north of the border".
In comments immediately seized upon by First Minister of Scotland and leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon, the Prime Minister is said to have told a group of northern Conservative MPs he believed the way powers had been handed to Scotland had been “Tony Blair’s biggest mistake”.
The remarks appeared to be a reference to the creation of the Scottish Parliament in 1999 under the Labour government, although Downing Street sources suggested Mr Johnson had been referring to the SNP rather than the actual process of devolution.
According to the Sun newspaper, Mr Johnson also went on to state while he had originally believed devolution to be a good idea when Mayor of London, he currently did not “see a case” for handing down more powers to the devolved administrations
Affluent Americans may want to double-check how much of their bank deposits are protected by government-backed insurance. The rules governing trust accounts just changed.
Teams have made their big splashes in free agency and made their draft picks, it's time for you to do the same. It's fantasy football mock draft time. Some call this time of year best ball season, others know it's an opportunity to get a leg up on your competition for when you have to draft in August. The staff at Yahoo Fantasy did their first mock draft of the 2024 season to help you with the latter. Matt Harmon and Andy Behrens are here to break it all down by each round and crush some staff members in the process.
Former NBA guard Darius Morris has died at the age of 33. He played for five teams during his four NBA seasons. Morris played college basketball at Michigan.
With free agency and the draft behind us, what 32 teams look like today will likely be what they look like Week 1 and beyond for the 2024 season. Matt Harmon and Scott Pianowski reveal the post-draft fantasy power rankings. The duo break down the rankings in six tiers: Elite offensive ecosystems, teams on the cusp of being complete mixed bag ecosystems, offensive ecosystems with something to prove, offenses that could go either way, and offenses that are best to stay away from in fantasy.
It’s key to note that we’re not saying the “best team” or “best roster.” Instead, we’re talking about the best confluence of factors that can outline a path for survival and then success.
In the most anticlimactic way possible, Nintendo on Tuesday confirmed years of rumors: The Nintendo Switch 2 console is on the way. "We will make an announcement about the successor to Nintendo Switch within this fiscal year," wrote Shuntaro Furukawa, the president of Nintendo, on X. Rather, Furukawa wanted to warn users not to expect the actual announcement in next month's Nintendo Direct livestream.
An annual government report offered a glimmer of good news for Social Security and a jolt of good news for Medicare even as both programs continue to be on pace to run dry next decade.
The 2023-024 NBA season isn't yet over. A number of teams are still dreaming of championship glory. But for those that have been bounced from the playoffs, it's time to reassess and re-evaluate for next season.
