UK

A senior minister has told Sky News he is “confident” the government is doing the right thing by lifting almost all coronavirus restrictions in England, as a top World Health Organization (WHO) envoy warned: “This virus hasn’t gone away.” Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said now is “as good a time as any” to lift most

Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak will not be isolating despite being ‘pinged’ after Sajid Javid’s positive COVID test, Downing Street has said. After Mr Javid, the newly-appointed health secretary, contracted coronavirus and went into quarantine, it was thought a number of other ministers and officials might also have to self-isolate. But Downing Street said Mr

All UK adults have been offered a first dose of a COVID vaccine – hitting the prime minister’s target just ahead of schedule, the government has announced. The Department of Health and Social Care said more than 46.2 million people had now had a first dose (87.8% of the population), while 35.7 million had received

Pop-up clinics will be offering coronavirus jabs this weekend as part of a major drive to get more people vaccinated, so those enjoying the sunshine by going shopping or visiting the park will be able to get one on the go. Some clothing stores, sports venues and parks will be hosting vaccination centres as part

More than 35 million people, including secondary school pupils, will be offered a free flu vaccine this winter under plans announced by the government. The biggest flu programme in the country’s history will be launched in September, the government said, and will build on the success of last year’s expanded scheme which saw a record

There are no plans to change the sensitivity of the NHS COVID-19 app to reduce the number of people being told to self-isolate. Ministers had indicated that the contact tracing tool would be tweaked, with Transport Secretary Grant Shapps telling Sky News last Friday, 9 July, it would be “tailored” to keep it aligned with

Racially and religiously motivated hate crimes hit a new high across England and Wales in 2020, data has revealed. A total of 61,851 racially and religiously aggravated offences were recorded last year – up 7% on the 57,825 in 2019. That is more than double the 28,479 recorded in 2013 – the first year specific

The UK has recorded 48,553 COVID cases and 63 more deaths in the latest 24-hour period. It is the highest number of fatalities since 26 March, when 70 were reported, and the largest number of infections since mid-January. A further 42,302 infections were announced yesterday, along with 49 fatalities. Seven days ago, there were 32,551

As many as 60,000 people could die from flu this winter and a combination of seasonal viruses and COVID-19 could leave the NHS “unable to cope”, according to a report. The stark warning was made by scientists who say the flu season could be particularly deadly but the enhanced flu jab programme and rapid tests

England star Jadon Sancho says “hate will never win” as he hit back at online racial abuse that he and other black players suffered following the penalty shootout defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final. The winger, along with teammates Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka, were targeted on social media after they missed their

Lockdown restrictions in Scotland will be eased from Monday, Nicola Sturgeon has said – but with certain conditions. The First Minister told the Scottish Parliament that the country would move to Level 0 but face masks will remain “mandatory”. She went on to say that it is a time for “continued caution” and that lifting

Wales is set to announce further easing of coronavirus restrictions today, which could bring it in line with England removing nearly all measures from 19 July. First Minister Mark Drakeford will “set out any changes to the existing restrictions” at around midday, he announced in a tweet on Monday. “Please note any changes announced by

The long-term detainment of autistic people and individuals with learning disabilities must be banned, a committee of MPs has said. Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt, who chairs the Commons Health and Social Care Committee, said it is a “national shame” that “far too many” people are still being detained. In a new report, the committee said

The UK has reported 34,471 new COVID-19 cases and six more coronavirus-related deaths in the latest 24-hour period, government data shows. The figures compare with 31,772 infections and 26 deaths announced yesterday, while 27,334 cases and nine fatalities were recorded this time last week. It is the sixth day in a row where total cases

Italy have beaten England on penalties to win the European Championships in a nail-biting final at Wembley, after the game finished 1-1 following extra time. The Three Lions managed to score the fastest ever Euros final goal after Luke Shaw fired home off the back of a Kieran Trippier cross just before the second minute,

England manager Gareth Southgate has told fans their “support and energy has given us a huge lift” as his team prepares to take on Italy in the Euro 2020 final. In a video message released with hours to go before kick-off at Wembley, Southgate thanked fans for their “incredible support”, adding “your support and energy