Politics latest news: Boris Johnson apologises for confusing his own lockdown rules

Cat Neilan
·53-min read

Boris Johnson has apologised for having "misspoke" after he confused his own lockdown rules.

The Prime Minister was asked to clarify what the rule was for people in the North East of England, where from tomorrow two households are legally banned from mixing indoors, after a junior minister admitted this morning she did not know whether that applied to outdoor environments.

But Mr Johnson got into a muddle, mixing up the household ban with the rule of six.

"In the North East and other areas where extra-tight measures have been brought in, you should follow the guidance of local authorities but it is six in a home, six in hospitality but as I understand it, not six outside," he said.

Angela Rayner, deputy Labour leader, said: "For the Prime Minister to not understand his own rules is grossly incompetent.

"These new restrictions are due to come into force across huge parts of the country tonight. The government needs to get a grip."

The Prime Minister has since apologised, and issued a clarification, saying: "In the North East, new rules mean you cannot meet people from different households in social settings indoors, including in pubs, restaurants and your home. You should also avoid socialising with other households outside."

Follow the latest updates below.

02:50 PM

Government had 'ample time' to introduce regular testing for university students

There was "ample time" for the Government to introduce regular testing of students for Covid-19 to ensure their safe return to university, an expert has said.

Jonathan Ball, professor of molecular virology at the University of Nottingham, said there had been "ample time" to prepare for the start of term, but that in some cases students' learning had "already been compromised".

Prof Ball, who is involved in Covid-19 surveillance PCR testing at the University of Nottingham, said: "Undoubtedly more should have been done to ensure the safe return of university students, not least Government-led testing and surveillance initiatives that can effectively identify cases before significant outbreaks - outbreaks that not only affect the university but the wider community - appear.

He added: "There has been ample time to prepare for the new intake and return of existing students.

"They've invested significantly, not simply in course fees but also on accommodation costs, so we owe them an engaging and valuable learning experience.

"In many cases, this has already been compromised, so closing campuses and turning to remote learning would sell them short," he said. "If we do go down that path as the very last resort, then students deserve and should expect some recompense."

Signs on a window at Manchester Metropolitan University's Birley campus where hundreds of students have been told to self-isolate - PA

02:41 PM

Gavin Williamson attacked for being 'completely absent' during universities crisis

Gavin Williamson has been "completely absent" while coronavirus outbreaks struck universities, the National Union of Students has said.

The Education Secretary appeared in the Commons this afternoon, having been notable by his absence for more than two weeks, despite the growing crisis on campuses around the country. 

NUS vice-president for higher education Hillary Gyebi-Ababio said: "In the past five days we've seen universities lock fire gates to stop students from leaving their halls, send private security guards with dogs to patrol student residences and lock down students with zero notice. This is unacceptable.

"Williamson has said his Government prioritises education, but he's been completely absent until today.

She added: "We welcome Williamson's acknowledgement that students should not be held to different laws and restrictions to the rest of the population, nor should we be blamed for the uptick in coronavirus cases.

"It is, however, extremely concerning that it has taken the Government so long to clarify this. Students' basic legal rights must be upheld throughout the pandemic. To even have to argue this is, frankly, shocking."

02:30 PM

Boris Johnson's lockdown gaffe further erodes Conservative goodwill

Boris Johnson might have apologised for his lockdown gaffe earlier today - but the misstep is eroding goodwill among Conservatives further still. 

My colleague Christopher Hope has been speaking with an exasperated former minister who had this to say:

02:25 PM

Labour would 'remove safety net' from Internal Market Bill, says minister

Labour attempts to rewrite controversial Brexit legislation to ensure ministers respect the rule of law have been dismissed by the Government.

The Opposition has tabled new clause one to the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill, which removes sections of the legislation which allow the UK to override the Brexit divorce deal.

During the debate, Brexiter backbencher Sir John Redwood told the Commons the bill did not break the law and "anyone who says otherwise is seeking to undermine our negotiations with the EU".

Business minister Paul Scully said: "The Government has already been clear that these clauses are required to provide a safety net of powers in reserve."

He claimed Labour's proposals would "remove that safety net", adding this is something the Government "can't agree with".

Mr Scully went on: "I can reassure MPs that many of the proposals in new clause one are already addressed in the Bill."

Paul Scully, business minister - Eddie Mulholland

02:12 PM

UK sanctions Lukashenko over human rights abuses following 'rigged' election

The UK Government has imposed sanctions on Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko and other senior figures, including his son Victor.

The move was announced by Dominic Raab following human rights abuses in the wake of August's "rigged" election.

The sanctions include a travel ban and asset freeze on eight individuals from the Belarusian regime, including Mr Lukashenko, his son and Igor Sergeenko, head of the presidential administration. Similar sanctions were imposed by Canada.

The Foreign Secretary said: "Today the UK and Canada have sent a clear message by imposing sanctions against Alexander Lukashenko's violent and fraudulent regime.

"We don't accept the results of this rigged election," he added. "We will hold those responsible for the thuggery deployed against the Belarusian people to account and we will stand up for our values of democracy and human rights."

There have been widespread protests following the 'rigged' election - TUT

02:08 PM

Senior Tory piles on pressure over Parliamentary vote on emergency powers

A senior Conservative has written to Boris Johnson telling him that the "majority" of Commiteee chairs support Parliament having a vote "before or immediately after" restrictions come into force.

Sir Bernard Jenkin, chair of the Liaison Committee, piled further pressure on the Prime Minister ahead of what could be a bruising debate on renewing the emergency Coronavirus Act tomorrow afternoon. 

"The idea that such restrictions can be applied without express parliamentary approval, except in dire emergency, is not widely acceptable and indeed may be challenged in law," Sir Bernard said.

So far 52 Conservatives have publicly backed an amendment to the legislation by Sir Graham Brady, the influential chair of the 1922 Committee of backbench Tories. However this morning Steve Baker said the actual number of rebels was closer to 80. 

However it is still uncertain whether Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle will select the amendment, but there is optimism among rebels that a compromise can be reached before that point. 

Sir Graham Brady said: "They know we have the numbers. So likely to be an accommodation reached."

01:54 PM

Alex Salmond probe 'completely frustrated' by lack of evidence, MSP claims

The investigation into the Scottish Government's botched handling of harassment claims against Alex Salmond is being "completely frustrated" by a lack of evidence from key witnesses, an MSP has said.

Convener Linda Fabiani said the Holyrood committee faced "obstruction" as it seeks evidence about how the Government handled complaints of sexual misconduct against Mr Salmond when he was first minister.

The SNP MSP said: "The committee continues to be completely frustrated with the lack of evidence and, quite frankly, obstruction it is experiencing."

As a result "we simply cannot proceed at this stage", she added.

Committee member Jackie Baillie said: "Quite frankly, the Scottish Government and others are treating this committee as a laughing stock. It is all too clear that the Government's commitment to transparency was little more than a bad joke and that they are determined to prevent the committee from executing its vital task.

"The Scottish Government and, indeed, many others involved in this affair have demonstrated contempt for this committee and its aims. The secrecy must end and the Scottish Government and others must stop treating elected representatives as annoyances." 

The investigation into Alex Salmond is being 'completely frustrated' - PA

01:38 PM

Norman Tebbit: Commanding Rishi Sunak is in pole position to succeed the PM

The Chancellor's statement in the Commons last week was made in the absence of the Prime Minister, who was visiting a police training unit in Northamptonshire.

It was well received not only in the Commons, but very widely in the media too where Rishi Sunak's command of the figures and the underlying statistics was contrasted with the Prime Minister's hesitancy over his Covid-19 counter measures. 

Fairly or not, it all brought more speculation that in the new year Boris Johnson might announce that with the completion of Brexit and the restoration of democratic self government to the people of the United Kingdom his political ambition had been achieved, allowing him to step down and retire from political life to enjoy holidays with his partner and their child.

Norman Tebbit considers what that means for Number 10 here.

01:26 PM

Further 44 people die in English hospitals with big jump in northern Covid deaths

A further 44 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in English hospitals, as northern parts of the country see a big jump in deaths. 

There were 18 new Covid-related deaths registered in the North West, and 15 in the North East & Yorkshire, according to NHS England.  The Midlands recorded a further seven deaths, while there were three in London and one in the South East. The East of England and South West continue to avoid fatalities. 

Overall that brings the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 29,962.

Patients were aged between 47 and 99 years old. All had known underlying health conditions.

Date of death ranges from 23 to 28 September 2020.

01:22 PM

Blind peer groped masseuse and asked for 'extras', jury is told

A blind peer allegedly groped a beauty therapist's bottom and asked her if she did "extras" while she gave him a massage at a five-star London hotel, a court has heard.

Lord Holmes of Richmond, 48, one of the UK's most successful Paralympians, is accused of grabbing the woman after asking to touch her to get a sense of what she looked like.

Holmes allegedly asked the masseuse how old she was, before using her arm to pull himself upright on the massage bed. He then asked her "can I see how you look?", it is claimed, and that the complainant allowed him to touch her, believing it was what blind people did.

At the time he was covered only by a towel, having removed the paper underpants provided because they had torn, the court heard.

Holmes is accused of grabbing her by the buttocks when she tried to back away from him when she became uncomfortable, and asking if he could touch her breasts. He is then said to have asked if she did "extras", adding "are you sure you've never done it?" when the masseuse replied "no, I am a professional". 

The trial, which is due to last about a week, continues.

Lord Holmes of Richmond leaves Southwark Crown Court, in London - PA

01:16 PM

Dominic Raab and Greg Hands pop up in Seoul

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and international trade minister Greg Hands are in Seoul - but did they quarantine on their arrival?

South Korea is one of the handful of countries that UK travellers are allowed to visit without incurring a two-week mandatory quarantine on their return, although those restrictions are in place for those arriving in the country from the UK. 

12:53 PM

University bonuses should not be paid out during pandemic, says Gavin Williamson

Bonuses should not be paid to university vice-chancellors during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the Education Secretary.

Laura Trott, the Conservative MP for Sevenoaks, said: "In some cases students will be paying full fees for what are now only online courses.

"The financial burden must be shared with the universities so can the Secretary of State ask the Office for Students to confirm and strongly advise that university bonuses should not be paid out unless fees are lowered?"

Gavin Williamson said this was an "incredibly important point", adding: "We have had an issue of excessive vice-chancellor pay and bonuses for quite a long time.

"I will be asking the Office for Students to look at this and give very strong and clear steers on this matter to ensure that there aren't bonuses going out as a result of this crisis."

The issue of vice-chancellor pay has come under intense scrutiny in recent years, with 2018 research showing the average was £268,103 in salary, bonuses and benefits.

12:49 PM

Have your say on: the Tory rebels

The Government is facing another rebellion from its backbenchers - but this time it is one that unites factions that have been long divided. 

1922 officers Sir Graham, Sir Charles Walker, Bob Blackman, Pauline Latham, Karl McCartney, Dame Cheryl Gillan and Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown are joined by refuseniks Sir Desmond Swayne and Sir John Redwood, as well as the likes of Damian Green, Tom Tugendhat and Sir Bob Neill.

It's looking unlikely that Sir Graham's amendment will be selected for tomorrow's debate - but rebels including Sir Desmond are threatening to vote against renewing the Coronavirus Act at all if they consider that their views have not been sufficiently listened to. 

So are they freedom fighters, pushing against an overweening executive on behalf of democracy and our liberties? Or irresponsible meddlers making life harder during a pandemic? 

Have your say in the poll below. 

12:39 PM

Universities with pre-Christmas outbreaks could be made to shift classes online

Gavin Williamson has suggested universities with a Covid-19 outbreak close to Christmas could be required to shift to online learning to help with efforts to allow students to spend the festive period with their families.

Pressed further by Labour former minister Yvette Cooper over the Christmas plan, the Education Secretary told the Commons: "All youngsters that want to return home will be able to do so.

"But what we will look at is where there are specific cases, and (Ms Cooper) will be fully aware many universities have a different time at which they end in order to be able to return for Christmas, but we will be working with the university sector if there are specific cases and specifically local circumstances we would look at shifting to online learning solely in order to be able to ensure that all students are able to... have the benefit of being with their families at Christmas.

"But we envisage that to be a very small number of universities."

A sign in a window at Birley Halls student accommodation at Manchester Metropolitan University - PA

12:36 PM

German minister writes open letter to British 'friends' urging for pragmatism

The UK's Internal Market Bill has cast a "dark shadow" over the last round of trade talks but a fair deal is still possible with a dose of "British pragmatism", Germany's Europe minister has said. 

Michael Roth has written an open letter to Britain - published in Der Spiegel in English for us monoglots - saying the  "common goal" is to make a "clean, fair break and then remain friends".

A fair deal is still possible "but it is not helpful to play games", Mr Roth wrote. "The kind of deal we are after has no winners or losers. What we need now is that much vaunted British pragmatism of which we were always a little envious," he says.

"It does take two to tango. Staying in one place or even dancing off in the opposite direction is a waste of valuable time.

No deal would be a "huge disappointment...nonetheless the EU and its 27 member states are well prepared for no deal 2.0"

The German politician then invokes Sir Winston Churchill, saying "You must look at facts, because they look at you”, before adding: "No country can shoulder the global tests we are facing on its own". 

12:21 PM

Boris Johnson apologises for 'misspeaking' over lockdown rules

Boris Johnson has apologised and issued a statement clarifying what the official position is regarding household socialising in the North East. 

The Prime Minister confused his own lockdown rules earlier this afternoon, answering a question about the new restrictions in the North East by referring to the rule of six. 

He has since tweeted: "Apologies, I misspoke today."

His explanation appears to suggest that outdoors socialising will not be outlawed, but is advised against. 

12:15 PM

Gavin Williamson must 'get a grip' or university crisis will worsen, says Labour

If Gavin Williamson does not "get a grip" of the outbreaks on university campuses, the situation could get worse, Labour's shadow education secretary has said.

Kate Green told the Commons to think of the "thousands of young people, many away from home for the first time, many now isolated with a group of people who are practically strangers. We can only imagine how hard it is for them".

She added: "If he doesn't get a grip, the situation we've seen in recent days could repeat itself across the country. Students will be unable to continue their studies, families will be concerned for their well-beings and universities will face serious financial difficulties.

"And the Secretary of State will once again have let young people down as a result of his incompetence."

Kate Green MP - Heathcliff O'Malley

12:09 PM

Labour MPs attack Boris Johnson over local lockdown confusion

MPs from the North East have piled on the criticism of Boris Johnson after he failed to clarify whether the ban on household mixing extends to outdoor environments. 

Jarrow's Labour MP Kate Osborne said: "For the Prime Minister to not know the latest rules that his government set is an outright disgrace.

"He's not fit to be Prime Minister."

Labour MP for South Shields, Emma Lewell-Buck, had this to say:

12:03 PM

ICYMI: Boris Johnson's response to the question about household mixing

Boris Johnson is under attack for failing to clarify whether people living in the North East will be outlawed from meeting people from other households outdoors from tonight. 

It was a question that his junior minister, Gillian Keegan, could not answer this morning either, saying she did not represent that part of the country. 

Instead of responding to the question about whether people from different homes could meet in beer gardens, the Prime Minister talked about the rule of six - underlining the criticism that many have made about how confusing the range of restrictions now are. 

Watch his answer again below. 

12:00 PM

Universities asked to support students including with mental health services, says Gavin Williamson

Gavin Williamson has said students will face "added pressures" because of the disruption and uncertainty caused by the pandemic, adding: "We must be mindful of how this will affect mental health and wellbeing of students.

"Many universities have bolstered existing mental health services and offer alternatives to face-to-face consultations."

Universities have been asked to provide "additional help and practical support" to students who have been asked to self-isolate, with universities ensuring those isolating are "properly cared for" and can access food, medical and cleaning supplies if needed.

He also told the Commons: "We will never be in a position where we can eliminate all risk. But we will not condemn a generation of young people by asking them to put their lives on hold for months or years ahead.

"We believe that universities are very well prepared to handle any outbreaks as they arise."

11:57 AM

Government will help students return home for Christmas, says Gavin Williamson

The Government will work with universities to make sure all students are supported to return home for Christmas if they choose to do so, Gavin Williamson has said. 

The Education Secretary told the Commons: "Students as well as the wider community accept when we are living in a global pandemic we have to operate in a society with restrictions.

"But I do not believe that we should look to inflict stricter measures on students or expect higher standards of behaviour from them than we would from any other sector of society - there must be a parity."

"Students are important members of the communities that they choose to study in. We expect them to follow the same guidance as those same local communities.

"We are going to work with universities to make sure that all students are supported to return home safely and spend Christmas with their loved ones if they choose to do so."

Gavin Williamson  - AFP

11:45 AM

Boris Johnson: Was he badly briefed or trying to wing it?

Today's life-skills press conference was specifically designed to get Boris Johnson on the front foot and be - for once - the deliverer of good news, stealing some of the spotlight off Rishi Sunak. 

But instead the Prime Minister is being attacked for not being on top of the details, having failed to answer a simple question about his own lockdown rules, despite the fact that one of his own ministers had already been grilled about it this morning. 

Mr Johnson's own spokesman was asked about it by lobby journalists before he stood up, which begs the question why his advisers didn't brief him that it was likely to come up during the Q&A. 

But perhaps they did and perhaps the man who has made a career out of winging it thought he could carry on regardless. 

Here's what our political editor Gordon Rayner makes of it. 

11:38 AM

Labour attacks Boris Johnson's 'grossly incompetent' household mixing confusion

Labour's deputy leader has attacked Boris Johnson for failing to clarify his own rules on household mixing as "grossly incompetent". 

The Prime Minister was asked to set out whether households in the North East can legally meet in outdoor areas such as beer gardens, with new laws banning indoor mixing from this evening. 

However he did not appear to understand the question, instead answering about the rule of six. 

Angela Rayner  said: "For the Prime Minister to not understand his own rules is grossly incompetent.

"These new restrictions are due to come into force across huge parts of the country tonight. The government needs to get a grip."

11:32 AM

Ed Miliband challenges Government over 'wrong, insulting, terrible' move to pull support from jobs

Shadow business secretary Ed Miliband said it is "wrong, insulting and terrible" for the Government to have considered some people's jobs as unviable.

The former Labour leader told the Commons that the only reason those sectors are not "viable" is because "they are rightly following the Government's public health guidance to help tackle the virus".

Business Secretary Alok Sharma replied that "the measures have been welcomed by business groups and indeed trade unions".

He later added: "Let me assure (Mr Miliband) that this department does stand up for businesses and we have a very regular dialogue with sectors on an ongoing basis and, as I said, I acknowledge some of them are facing particular difficulties - but as he himself knows from his time in government, we're not going to be able to protect every single job very, very sadly."

Ed Miliband - PA Wire

11:27 AM

Boris Johnson to hold press conference tomorrow

You wait for one Prime Ministerial press conference, and then two come along at once.... 

Boris Johnson will hold a press conference on Wednesday afternoon to update the public on the coronavirus pandemic.

He will be joined by England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance, Downing Street said.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "The purpose of that is to provide an update on the latest statistics. It is not because there is some specific set of new announcements to make."

11:03 AM

Boris Johnson defends pub curfew

Boris Johnson is then asked about evidence for the 10pm pub curfew, and the fact it has led to impromptu street parties. 

The Prime Minister says "nobody wants to impose a curfew or limit of any kind", but "alas" the coronavirus is spread through contact and hospitality is "an obvious place" for that. 

"The crucial thing is by getting the virus down, we can also keep education and the economy going," he adds, saying there is "a distinction" between the situation now and in March. 

Hospitality can keep going, he notes, albeit with restrictions. 

11:01 AM

Boris Johnson promises MPs chance to debate new laws - but says nothing about votes

Boris Johnson is asked about the draconian new laws banning singing and dancing in public places. 

The Prime Minister says: "Nobody wants to do these kinds of things. Nobody in their right mind wants to stop people singing and dancing in pubs or enjoying themselves in the normal way.

"But I'm afraid we're no longer in the emergency of March but we're still in a serious situation."

He said the virus needs to be kept down by following the guidance for when medical breakthroughs will deliver "long term liberation".

"That's what I respectfully say to my colleagues in Parliament and they will, as I know they all want, have an opportunity to talk about these issues, to debate them properly, and discuss them as parliamentarians should," he added.

Asked about long Covid, and the rumours he may be suffering from it, Mr Johnson says work is being carried out into this condition, which "plainly exists". 

But personally he is "fitter than I was before - it may irritate you to know - I am fitter than a butcher's dog", thanks primarily to losing weight. 

"I feel much, much better," he adds. 

10:56 AM

Boris Johnson urges people to follow local guidance on household mixing

Boris Johnson is then asked if people in the North East can meet people from other households, following Gillian Keegan's confusion this morning. 

The Prime Minister says he understands people's feelings about the restrictions, but they are required to reduce the transmission. 

He says the rule of six applies to both inside and outside in general, but in other areas "you should follow the guidance of local authorities". 

He said: "In the North East and other areas where extra-tight measures have been brought in, you should follow the guidance of local authorities but it is six in a home, six in hospitality but as I understand it, not six outside."

He says he understands that people might find it confusing, but common sense is "one of the great tools of this country", urging people to "pull together". 

10:54 AM

Boris Johnson: University refunds a matter for those institutions

Boris Johnson is then asked whether the economy needs immigrant workers, to which he says he is "very very open to scientific geniuses" coming to the UK. 

"We also want to have control over our immigration system... and above all to ensure that people growing up in this country get the opportunities and skills they need," he adds. 

The Prime Minister is also asked if universities should refund students who are self-isolating, which he says is a matter for the institutions. 

10:52 AM

Skills package responds to long-term problems with economy, says Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson then takes questions from the media, starting with the BBC.

He is asked why his programme only starts in April when people need help now, and whether he believes the traditional retail industry will never recover. 

He responds by pointing to the Kickstart scheme, which starts now. "Most people would agree the Chancellor's package was very creative... This is about a package to support lifelong learning... not just to deal with the problems of the crisis but basic problems the economy has had for a long time."

On retail he said he didn't think any one sector faced "mortal" challenges, but they will change, which is why training must evolve. 

10:50 AM

Government reforms will make UK 'richer and fairer', says Boris Johnson

As some types of employment fall away, others will open up, Boris Johnson says. 

He claims "no other country has been as adaptable" to technological changes over the last few centuries, but in the last few decades we have been "hamstrung" by a lack of infrastructure, planning and the right kind of education. 

The Prime Minister lists all the investment and proposals the Government is bringing forward to address this, saying "This combination of reforms" will help boost productivity "and contribute to humanity's great challenges" including responding to pandemics and climate change. 

"This will make our country richer, and it will make it fairer," he adds. 

Other countries have had "the edge on us" when it comes to skills and technical education. "We have the skills, we have the talent - all we need to do is give people the chance."

Boris Johnson reacts as lays bricks whilst talking with students during his visit to Exeter College - AFP

 It is time to end the "snooty and frankly pointless" distinction between academia and practical learning. 

10:44 AM

Coronavirus has 'massively accelerated changes' to economy, says Boris Johnson

Covid has "massively accelerated changes that were already happening in the UK economy", says Boris Johnson. 

He points to retail and restaurant chains as two such areas where things are shifting, and quotes Rishi Sunak saying not every job can be saved. 

But the Government can give people the skills to find alternatives. 

Boris Johnson during his visit to Exeter College - Getty

If you are over 23, the state provides virtually no training, he says. "We are going to change that right now."

Mr Johnson highlights the new boot camps and the free training and qualifications for adults, helping people to move sectors. You can read more about that here.  

10:41 AM

Time to end 'bogus distinction' between academia and technical qualifications, says Boris Johnson

It is time for radical change, says Boris Johnson. Improving all further education is part of his "levelling up" agenda, the Prime Minister says. 

He says the gap between "so-called academic and so-called practical" learning must be closed. 

Everything is a skill, whether it's engineering, mathematics or ancient Greek. He says it is time to "end this bogus distinction" between universities and further education. 

Boris Johnson during his visit to Exeter College - Getty

He says there is a bias that "propels" people towards academia, but it is time to end that bias. 

Every student will have a "flexible life long loan entitlement" to four-year post-18 education, he says. 

That will bring universities and FE closer together "and a new vista of choice will open up". 

10:36 AM

Education system is not working, says Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson is speaking now, pledging a "lifetime guarantee" helping people not just to get through the crisis but to "build back better". 

He says the problems in the education system have been "painfully apparent". 

He points to the requirements for building testing capacity, saying it is hard work. That type of role has attracted many people from around the world but "there is a shortage of UK-trained lab technicians", he says, just as there is a shortage of other key trades and skills. 

"It is not as though the market doesn't need those skills... the problem is one of supply," he adds. The education system is not working in such a way as to "endow" people with those skills. 

There is a "significant and growing minority" of people leaving with a degree and debt, without necessarily having the choice of training that might lead to better-paid jobs. 

10:30 AM

Tory rebels will vote against Coronavirus Act

A rebel MP has threatened to vote against renewing the Coronavirus Act if the Government does not offer a "satisfactory" compromise. 

It is thought that Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker, will not select Sir Graham Brady's amendment granting MPs a vote before further restrictions come into force, despite growing numbers of backbenchers supporting it. As of last night, more than 50 Tories across the party spectrum had publicly backed it. 

Sir Desmond Swayne, who yesterday told the Commons he thought Boris Johnson had been "abducted by Dr Strange-Glove", told Radio 4's Today programme that "a number" of his colleagues would join him in voting against the renewal of the act tomorrow, potentially embarrassing Number 10, although he conceded there would not be sufficient numbers to defeat the Government outright. 

"If there isn't a vote on the amendment and there isn't a satisfactory response from the Government to the demands of the amendment, many people will vote against a renewal of an act," he said. 

The New Forest West MP blasted the "disproportionate" response to the pandemic and the Government's "intrusions into our individual liberty, into our… private lives", saying they should be "determined by Parliament, not by government fiat".

He noted that the emergency powers act was actually "a totem", with most restrictions being made under the "real villain of the piece", the Orwellian-sounding 1984 Public Health Act.

But he added: "It provides a means of showing our anger and discontent."

10:24 AM

Tim Davie defends senior journalist against accusations of pro-EU bias

Tim Davie, the new director-general of the BBC, has defended one of the broadcaster's most senior journalists from accusations of pro-EU bias.

Conservative MP and Brexiter Philip Davies read out part of a blog written by Katya Adler, the Europe editor, arguing she had only put forward the EU's view of the Brexit talks and asking where the UK Government's position was. 

"I think we have got an outstanding journalist there. In laying out the European position, there is no endorsement of the European position," he said. "She is the European editor... she is not the EU Parliaments editor, she is the European editor. 

"There are plenty of areas where we need to reach out to people who feel that the metropolitan media elite do not represent their view... there is no one's job to toe the Government's line. Everyone's job is to represent impartially the situation across all the lines. That's our job."

Katya Adler, BBC's Europe editor - Jay Williams

10:12 AM

Government urged to bring forward funding proposal for social care 'very soon'

The Government has been urged to bring forward proposals to increase pay in the social care sector as the best way to plug the gaps in the sector's workforce. 

The head of the Migration Advisory Committee said the problems faced by the sector were "not really about immigration, they are about the fact that wages are very low". 

Professor Brian Bell added: "What needs to happen is there needs to be a better funding model for social care that makes work in that sector better rewarded and that's the right way not only to attract resident workers and not have to rely on migrants but also to deal with things like the turnover of staff in that sector which is very high.

"Part of that is because workers don't feel they are valued appropriately. We think the way you value workers is you pay them better."

He added: "I hope the Department for Health and Social Care will be coming forward soon, very soon, with proposals to do exactly that."

10:03 AM

Social care faces 'stark' funding gaps as freedom of movement ends during pandemic, says MAC boss

The social care sector faces "stark" funding gaps and increased pressure to fill jobs with freedom of movement ending in the midst of the pandemic, the head of the Migration Advisory Committee has warned. 

Professor Brian Bell told journalists the advisory group had focused on health and social care in light of the pandemic, saying "the right way to address" shortages in the workforce is to increase wages "rather than relying on migrant workers to fill the gaps".

He added: "We continue to hold this view. However, the risks of this funding increase not happening in a timely manner are stark... We would expect the end of free movement to increase the pressure on the social care sector.

"Something that will be particularly difficult to understand at a time when so many care occupations are central to the Covid-19 response."

09:58 AM

Migration experts raise warning about social care workers

Just turning away from the DCMS Committee briefly, as the independent group of advisers on migration has published a report urging senior care workers and nursing assistants to be prioritised when freedom of movement from the EU ends after Brexit.

They should be among the workers added to a Shortage Occupation List (SOL), the Migration Advisory Committee said in its Government-commissioned report. 

But the MAC also warned of the "stark consequences of low wages in social care", saying they should be made "more attractive to UK workers by increasing salaries rather than relying on migrants" during the Covid-19 pandemic.

MAC chairman, professor Brian Bell, said: "The number of migrants coming to work in the UK has already decreased and we are likely to see an increase in unemployment over the next year as the economic impact of the pandemic continues, so this has been a very challenging time to look at the Shortage Occupation Lists.

"It has made us more willing to recommend some roles for inclusion simply because it is the sensible thing to do, but we have been clear that migration is not always the solution.

"We remain particularly concerned about the social care sector, which is so central to the frontline response to this health pandemic, as it will struggle to recruit the necessary staff if wages do not increase as a matter of urgency."

09:49 AM

Gary Lineker 'understands his responsibilities', says BBC boss

Gary Lineker "understands his responsibilities as a person within the BBC", the broadcaster's new boss has said, despite the star's mocking response to planned restrictions on social media use. 

Tim Davie, the new director-general, told the DCMS Committee: "Gary has always got a flavoursome turn of phrase.

"What I would say is that Gary has said since - the thing is to judge us now as the BBC on what we tweet, how we tweet and our social media profile. I think Gary has been very clear. He has said that he is not concerned by what he said. You can let the man speak for himself.

"He said he understands his responsibilities as a person within the BBC. The good thing is I will be making that even clearer as I go through my social media guidelines."

Mr Davie was asked about a specific interaction on Twitter, in which a Telegraph journalist tweeted the ex-England star and said it "must be a double pants moment" for him - to which Mr Lineker replied "nah."

09:35 AM

Future BBC chairman must leave 'political views at the door', says Sir David Clementi

Tim Davie has dodged a question about who should be the next chairman of the BBC. 

"I don't run the appointment process of my boss and I think that is appropriate," he told the DCMS Committee. 

"I put my trust in the process and am confident in the process... I am not going to make judgements about whether they have the right criteria."

Committee chair Julian Knight said it seemed "beyond the pale" to have a chairman who has been convicted of non-payment of a licence fee. "It is almost like being convicted of fraud and running a bank," he said. 

Although he didn't name him, Mr Knight was clearly referring to Sir Charles Moore, who has been tipped as a likely replacement, despite having been fined for non-payment of the fee for Jonathan Ross-inspired TV licence boycott 10 years ago.

Outgoing chairman Sir David Clementi said it was more a question for Mr Knight than Mr Davie, saying it is "for the Government and your committee".

He added: "Impartiality starts at the top of the organisation... if the candidate comes from that kind of background he or she will have to demonstrate to you they have left their political views at the door."

09:27 AM

Decriminalising licence fee 'doesn't pass the logic test', says new BBC boss

Decriminalising the BBC's licence fee "doesn't pass the logic test", the broadcaster's new boss has said. 

Tim Davie told the DCMS Committee that just five people went to prison for non-payment last year, "low in relation to the millions and millions of law-abiding citizens who are paying". 

He said he was "sensitive" to issues around non-payment, but "no one has proposed a system to us that beats the current system". 

In the interest of "efficiently collecting the money with the right amount of sanction... the current system is the best", he added, pointing to an independent report that backed this view. 

"I have been very clear.... unless we really work together, and we will need support to do this, and it is a winnable battle, but in the world of internet-enabled hyper competition, the BBC needs to keep delivering value."

09:22 AM

BBC boss promises 'disciplinary action' including termination for breaking impartiality rules on social media

The new boss of the BBC has said he is "prepared to take disciplinary action all the way to termination" if stars break impartiality rules on social media. 

Tim Davie said action could also be taken to suspend Twitter accounts if presenters break forthcoming social media guidelines.

Asked about recent tweets by football star Gary Lineker, Mr Davie told the DCMS Committee: "I am running the show now and in my view, party political statements not the right thing for people to be making if they are part of an impartial news organisation.

"We will come back with social media guidelines to make clear where the lines are, but if someone is the face of BBC entering into party politics seems to me not the right place to be."

He stressed it made no difference how big the star was, but that exceptions would be made for guests, reiterating that if someone is "the face of the BBC" they must abide by the rules. 

Gary Lineker is the BBC's top paid star - Getty 

09:17 AM

BBC boss tells MPs he is 'not complacent' about need to improve representation

The BBC's new director-general has said he is "not complacent" about the need to better represent views across the country. 

Tim Davie told MPs of the DCMS Committee he was "very proud" of the overall record on impartiality, stressing that trust scores had held up when compared with other institutions. But he noted it was a "much more polarised country" in recent years, adding: "There is no doubt people say they would like to see their view more represented by the BBC - we take that challenge."

He added: "There are definitely some peope who feel the BBC is too distant and their views not represented. I take the point there are areas of country who would like to feel their.., point of views are more represented."

Tim Davie, new DG of BBC - Reuters

09:09 AM

Have your say on: the Tory rebels

The Government is facing another rebellion from its backbenchers - but this time it is one that unites factions that have been long divided. 

1922 officers Sir Graham, Sir Charles Walker, Bob Blackman, Pauline Latham, Karl McCartney, Dame Cheryl Gillan and Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown are joined by refuseniks Sir Desmond Swayne and Sir John Redwood, as well as the likes of Damian Green, Tom Tugendhat and Sir Bob Neill.

So are they freedom fighters, pushing against an overweening executive on behalf of democracy and our liberties? Or irresponsible meddlers making life harder during a pandemic? 

Have your say in the poll below. 

09:00 AM

'Absolutely huge rebellion' brewing over Government powers, says former minister

There is an "absolutely huge rebellion" brewing on the Tory backbenches over the Government's use of emergency powers to impose coronavirus restrictions, a former minister has said. 

Steve Baker, the ex-Brexit minister, told the Spectator’s Alternative Conference that the number of Conservative MPs willing to back Sir Graham Brady's amendment now stands at 80. However there are no guarantees the amendment will be selected by Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker. 

Speaking on panel called 'Civil liberties in a Crisis', Mr Baker said: "Here we stand, wandering down the road to hell."

He added: "The assumption is always that the state should do more but the only thing that is going wrong is the competence of the Government... I have long argued we are in the midst of a developing crisis in the political economy... in this belief that the state can do everything."

This had "come to a head" because of the pandemic, but the shift toward interventionism was a long-term trend. 

"There's been this assumption that people would comply... but there is an enormous gap between people's intention to comply and what they actually do. 

"Is the Government really going to keep on applying greater degrees of force? "

08:49 AM

Covid-related deaths rise for second week in a row

The number of deaths involving Covid-19 registered in England and Wales has risen for the second week in a row.

A total of 139 deaths registered in the week ending September 18 mentioned Covid-19 on the death certificate, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

This is up from 99 deaths in the week to September 11, and 78 deaths in the week to September 4.

08:40 AM

'Invisible Man' Gavin Williamson pictured ahead of Commons statement

The lesser-spotted Education Secretary has been photographed in the wild. 

Gavin Williamson is due to give a statement in the Commons from 12:30pm today, as Labour prepares to go on the attack, issuing a press release last night saying his "Invisible Man act stands in stark contrast to his usual high profile". 

The opposition noted that Mr Williamson hasn’t made any public appearances in recent days, despite the universities crisis leading the news; hasn’t tweeted since 10 September and hasn’t issued a statement on universities since 10 September – in which he stressed the importance of “deliver[ing] clear messages to students”

Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Education, arriving at the Department of Education - Shutterstock

He has, however, written a column for the Telegraph on the importance of life-long learning - which you can read here.

08:24 AM

Tougher rules will not help world fight 'war against virus', says WHO special envoy

A World Health Organisation special envoy on coronavirus has warned against imposing stricter rules to control behaviour, arguing people must support the restrictions needed to slow the spread.

David Nabarro told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "This war, and I think it's reasonable to call it a war, against this virus, which is going to go on for the foreseeable future, is not going to be won by creating tougher and tougher rules that attempt to control people's behaviour.

"The only way that we will come out ahead of this virus is if we're all able to do the right thing in the right place at the right time because we choose to do it.

"I think we will get the point, I just hope that it doesn't require a lot more people to end up in hospital and dying for us all to get the point, that all of us, all of us, have to be rigorous about physical distance, wearing masks, hygiene, isolating when we're sick and protecting those who are most vulnerable."

08:23 AM

Nightclubs among the sectors that 'don't fit' with coronavirus, warns minister

Jobs that "don't fit" with coronavirus may "take a long time to come back", a minister has said - issuing a particular warning for nightclubs. 

Last week Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor, said he could only support "viable" jobs through the winter months, suggesting that people who cannot return to work under current restrictions will have to consider new opportunities. 

This morning Gillian Keegan, the apprenticeships and skills minister, stressed the furlough scheme could not continue "indefinitely".

She admitted it "is hard to see how nightclubs will open until we have some kind of long-term way to deal with coronavirus".

The MP for Chichester noted that social distancing was a challenge in those kind of enviroments, saying: "It's hard to keep your space if people are moving and you don't know how someone else is going to move."

08:14 AM

North East restrictions appear to be slowing spread of coronavirus, says Sage scientist

New restrictions do appear to be slowing the transmission of coronavirus, a Sage scientist has said, 

Professor Andrew Hayward, a scientist advising the Government's coronavirus response, said some measures such as the 10pm curfew are just "chipping at the edge".

But the UCL epidemiologist said that "unfortunately" the new measures across North East England, which include household mixing, are necessary to prevent a large death toll.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "It does look like the rate of increase has decreased with some of the new measures that have been introduced - so that's a good thing."

08:06 AM

Incompetent or refreshing? Minister's admission that she doesn't know rules divides commentators

Gillian Keegan's admission that she did not know the detail of the Government's most recent restrictions in the North East (see post below) has been seized on by Labour as evidence of "incompetence" at the top. 

Alex Norris, shadow health minister, said: “It speaks volumes that even the government’s own ministers don’t know what’s going on.   This will do little to inspire public confidence in the North East and across the country. 

“The Conservatives’ incompetence is hampering our response to this pandemic.” 

However the apprenticeships and skills minister's honest response has been applauded by others as refreshing - including former Number 10 adviser (and son of Sir Patrick) Jimmy McLoughlin, and even the Mirror's political editor Pippa Crear. 

07:55 AM

Minister unable to say if households can mix outdoors in North East

A Government minister has admitted she does not know if people living under restrictions in the North East of England, banning households mingling, could meet in pub gardens or other outdoor areas.

The new law is due to come into force from tonight. 

Gillian Keegan, the apprenticeships and skills minister and MP for Chichester, told Today programme she did not know because she did not represent the affected area. 

"I can't clarify that," she said. "I don't know the answer to that question, I am sure they can find out the answer to that question.... I am sure there are many people that could."

She said it would be "clear to everybody in those areas, it will be communicated very clearly". 

07:53 AM

Government knew Eat Out to Help Out would have impact on coronavirus cases, says minister

The Government was aware that the Eat Out to Help Out scheme would have an impact on coronavirus transmission, a minister has admitted. 

Preserving the hospitality sector has been "one of the biggest drivers" for the Government, Gillian Keegan said, pointing to the summer's discount offer for food. 

She told the Today programme: "Of course [the scheme] was going to have an impact in terms of more people socialising and mingling, that was something that clearly we knew."

The UK was now facing a "very serious situation with case rate doubling every 10 days", she added. 

07:47 AM

Minister dodges question over whether locked down students should get refund

A Government minister has refused to say whether university students forced to miss out on classes because they are under lockdown should get a partial refund. 

Gillian Keegan, the apprenticeships and skills minister, dodged the question several times during an interview with the Today programme, stressing that the majority would still receive "the whole university experience" and that it was just "a small number of people who are self-isolating". 

She added: "Most universities are offering a blend of online and face to face learning... we know that blended learning is something we have to live with."

She stressed that "universities are independent", adding: "Universities have been very hard hit by this, they have to make their own decisions.

"It is not the same as last year's experience, this year's group are dealing with exceptional circumstances," said Ms Keegan. 

 

07:40 AM

Andy Burnham calls out Government for lockdown 'anomalies' and 'injustices'

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham urged the Government to let Bolton's pubs and restaurants reopen, pointing to other areas that have higher infection rates but no restrictions on hospitality.

He tweeted: "This is the problem with local restrictions. Once they're in, they tend to stay in. And the longer they're in, the more the anomalies/injustices grow.

"Either Ministers close hospitality in places with high cases with compensation. Or let Bolton's open today. It's that simple."

07:22 AM

Introducing ‘The Trump Card’, a new Telegraph podcast with Nigel Farage

Nigel Farage has met with Donald Trump more than any other British politician in recent years. The pair share a following, a fervour and a friendship.

Who better, then, to tell us what the President is like when the cameras are off, what norms he’s willing to break and who forms his inner circle?

In The Telegraph’s new three-part podcast, The Trump Card, hosted by chief political correspondent, Christopher Hope, the Brexit Party leader pulls back the curtain on his friendship with the President.

07:21 AM

Government will help uni students get home for Christmas 'in sensible way', says minister

The Government will help ensure university students can go home for Christmas "in a sensible way", a minister has said. 

Apprenticeships and skills minister Gillian Keegan stressed that students were not being treated any differently to anyone else in the population in terms of having to self-isolate if there is a positive coronavirus test or if they have have been in contact with a carrier.

She told Times Radio: "Of course we expect students to go home for Christmas and of course we will make sure that is facilitated in a sensible way.

"I think it is important to say that this is a serious situation that we are in with this virus. The rate of cases is doubling every 10 days and it is down to all of us to try and use the hands, face, space (guidance).

"The only thing we know is soap and hand sanitiser and keeping far enough from airborne infections. It is really so important that we follow those rules - that is what we are expecting students to do and everyone across the country to do and to download the app."

She added that the more people follow the guidance "the more we will be able to have restrictions lifted as opposed to more imposed".

Signs on a window at Manchester Metropolitan University where hundreds of students have been told to self-isolate - PA

07:15 AM

Government's skills focus 'massively accelerated' by coronavirus, says minister

The Government's plans to offer free A-level course and apprenticeships to retrain as builders, plumbers and in other essential trades to people who have lost their jobs has been "massively accelerated" by the pandemic, a minister has said. 

Last week Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor, said he could only save "viable" jobs, warning that many who have been furloughed are in jobs that effectively no longer exist. 

Today apprenticeships and skills minister Gillian Keegan said the college scheme had been originally designed with the impact technology was having on work, but the restrictions imposed as a result of coronavirus has sped things up. 

She told Times Radio: "We have often talked about the need to retrain.

"There will be some technological disruption based on artificial intelligence robotics and the trend to move online and some aspects of that have been massively accelerated with coronavirus.

"We wanted to make sure that we had the right package to support adults through their development and career progression and to give them the opportunities that perhaps they didn't have for the last few years."

Gillian Keegan - Andrew Hasson

07:04 AM

Last 'formal' round of Brexit deal talks resume today

The ninth - and final - round of trade talks between London and Brussels will resume today, with both sides digging their heels in over the controversial Internal Market Bill. 

Yesterday European Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic again called on London to rip out the law-breaking clauses contained in the bill, saying the EU "will not be shy" in taking legal action if the UK does not withdraw measures from the draft Bill by the end of the month.

However the Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said the provisions were a legal "safety net" to ensure the Government could continue to protect the peace process if talks on a post-Brexit free trade deal fail. That position was echoed by Downing Street. 

Boris Johnson has indicated that he would be prepared to walk away from the negotiations if there is no agreement by the time of the next EU summit on October 15.

He has said that if there is no deal in place by then it would be too late to implement before the end of the current Brexit transition period which ends at the end of the year.

However yesterday his spokesman said talks would continue on an "informal" basis right until the middle of the month, offering some hope that a compromise could be reached in time. 

Michel Barnier in London last week - AP

06:58 AM

Government to offer free courses to adults of all ages as part of 'build back better' drive

The Government is set to announce that adults without an A-level or equivalent qualification will be offered a free college course.

Boris Johnson will today announce that those who lose their jobs because of the Covid-19 lockdown will be given apprenticeships to retrain as builders, plumbers and in other essential trades. 

The Prime Minister will also offer free A-level courses to any adult who does not have an A-level or similar qualification as part of a drive to "build back better" after the pandemic. The full details are available here.

Speaking ahead of his statement this morning, apprenticeships and skills minister Gillian Keegan said the scheme would look to address "massive skill shortages" which could include sectors from engineering to teaching, science, data, digital and construction.

She told Times Radio: "There are a lot of sectors where we have skill shortages, so what we want is for people to really go on to have great careers in those areas."

She said the scheme would be available for people aged 24 onwards "right up to however long you want to keep going" and it would apply to "as many adults" as want to take it up.

She added that it would be "a large proportion of our adults".

06:45 AM

Repeated lockdowns untenable, peers tell Boris Johnson

Conservative grandees and senior MPs lined up to attack Boris Johnson's handling of the coronavirus crisis on Monday, with Lord Lamont saying "draconian" repeated lockdowns were "not a tenable strategy".

The former Tory Chancellor likened the Government's reasons for the restrictions on freedom to the so-called "dodgy dossier" which Tony Blair used to justify the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Senior Tory MPs hit out at Number 10's handling of the virus pandemic, with one backbencher saying it had tried "to terrify the British people" with its use of Covid-19 data.

The row came as Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, made it illegal for households to meet in pubs and restaurants in large parts of north-east England at the request of the local councils because coronavirus is still spreading.

Mr Hancock faced demands for a "rapid" review of the 10pm pub and restaurant curfew (described as counter-productive by Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham in the video above) after online footage emerged of people "piling out of pubs" into busy streets.

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