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Wednesday evening news briefing: Rishi Sunak poised to unveil furlough successor

A public information message in central Manchester -  Jon Super/AP
A public information message in central Manchester - Jon Super/AP

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Sunak poised to unveil successor to furlough scheme

Rishi Sunak has a problem. His furlough scheme, which successfully protected millions of jobs through the first lockdown, closes at the end of October. It has been winding down since August, encouraging people to go back to work and limiting the bill to the Treasury, which currently stands at £40bn. But a resurgence in the virus means new restrictions have been introduced, with experts warning the economy could "easily" slide back into reverse this autumn. The Treasury is working on plans for a successor to the furlough scheme to fend off a wave of unemployment in the autumn, with the Chancellor set to give a statement to the Commons tomorrow on his plans to protect jobs. This reportedly includes the possibility of the state subsidising the wages of workers able to work 50-60pc of their normal hours. Yet if this does not seem feasible, financially or politically, what other options does Mr Sunak have? Tim Wallace sets out what the Chancellor could take from other nations.

Tonight will see Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer make his own address to the nation on the BBC, which you can get an update on here. It comes after Boris Johnson set out the latest national restrictions on TV last night. But confusion still hangs over the nation after Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab issued a stark warning to the public that if the coronavirus rules are not obeyed, Britain could face a second lockdown by Christmas. It comes as the UK has recorded 6,178 new cases of Covid-19 in the last 24 hours - the third highest daily total since the pandemic began. Here is what a second lockdown could mean for house prices. Perhaps Sir Keir will hope his address isn't seen by Matt Lucas after his Great British Bake Off spoof of Mr Johnson's briefings.

Lorry drivers need post-Brexit permit through Kent

Lorry drivers will need permits to access Kent or face police action in a bid to avoid post-Brexit gridlock, the Government has said. Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said work is ongoing to avoid the possibility of 7,000-truck-long queues in the county caused by a lack of preparation for the end of the Brexit transition period this December. Conservative former minister Damian Green said such a prospect would "send a chill" through his Ashford constituents. Mr Gove confirmed the so-called 'Kent Access Permit' is being readied, but did not confirm exactly when it would be up and running. Our politics liveblog has details of his appearance in the Commons. It emerged JPMorgan is moving about €200bn (£184bn) of assets from the UK to Germany as the end of Brexit transition period approaches. For worried bosses, read five ways businesses can prepare for the end of the Brexit transition period.

Prince Harry risks diplomatic row over US voting drive

The Duke of Sussex has urged people in the US to "reject hate speech" as he risks a diplomatic row by joining a voting drive for the country's upcoming presidential election. The Duke, who as the grandson of the Queen has until now felt an obligation to remain politically neutral, appeared alongside his wife in a video on the US voting registration day. The Duchess, who is an American citizen and has undertaken several recent events ahead of the election, said: "Every four years, we're told, 'This is the most important election of our lifetime.' But this one is." It comes as bookmakers put Meghan at 100/1 to be the next US president. Read what Prince Harry said sitting beside her in the video broadcast.

At a glance: Latest coronavirus headlines

Also in the news: Today's other headlines

Racial prejudice | Uncle Ben's rice products will be renamed Ben's Original after its owner Mars acknowledged that the logo depicting an elderly African-American man promoted racial stereotypes. The revamped Ben's products, which feature the same blue font, orange packaging and half of the name, will hit shelves in 2021. The change comes as Colston Hall has been renamed Bristol Beacon following protests over its association to the slave trade. Read on for details.

Around the world: 470 whales stranded, feared dead

Rescuers trying to free a pod of whales beached off the Australian island of Tasmania said today they had found another 200 stranded mammals, bringing the total to 470 and making it one of the country's biggest beachings. As a rescue effort began its third day off the southern island's rugged west coast, rescuers said they spotted another large group of pilot whales during an aerial reconnaissance of remote Macquarie Harbour, and most were believed to be dead. Watch shocking footage.

Wednesday interview

'They started shooting each other - and I started running'

 

Cheslin Kolbe -  Pablo Morano/MB Media
Cheslin Kolbe - Pablo Morano/MB Media

South Africa's latest star Cheslin Kolbe has emerged from a world of drug dealing and gang violence to become one of rugby's brightest talents

Read the full interview

Comment and analysis

Editor's choice: Features and arts

  1. 'A life blighted by rancid men' | How Hollywood failed Rita Hayworth

  2. Tragicomic experience | After third time unlucky, I’ve given up arranging our wedding

  3. Audi e-tron Sportback review | Easy to admire, difficult to love

Business and money briefing

AA shares plunge | One of the suitors eyeing up a takeover of debt-laden breakdown company the AA has pulled out of the race three weeks after a deadline for bids was extended. Platinum Equity said discussions with the board of AA "have been terminated by mutual agreement", sending shares in the FTSE 250 company spiralling. Read on for details.

Sport briefing

Pub problems | Liverpool's Premier League clash with Arsenal on Monday night is being brought forward by 15 minutes due to the Government's 10pm curfew on pubs. The match had been scheduled to kick-off at 8.15pm, which would have meant those watching in bars potentially missing its climax. That led to a backlash from supporters.

Tonight's TV

Grayson Perry’s Big American Road Trip, Channel 4, 10pm | Grayson Perry's travels around the British psyche are always thought-provoking affairs, and the same proves the case with this three-part film which where he tries to make sense of America. Read on for more.

And finally... for this evening's downtime

Bond or bust | With the new curfew coming into force tomorrow, No Time to Die will soon be Britain's only late night entertainment. But Ed Power thinks this could be Bond's toughest mission yet.