There are 25 coronavirus variants “under monitoring”, Public Health England’s strategic COVID-19 response director has told MPs. Dr Susan Hopkins told the Science and Technology Committee: “We’re living in a world of variants now, so everything we see is a variation of the original. She said eight COVID-19 variants are “under investigation”, along with the
UK
More than 30 million people in the UK are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the government. A total of 30,204,738 people have had both doses of a coronavirus vaccine (57.3% of the adult population). And 41,830,546 people across the UK have had a first dose (79.4%). The government met its target of offering
The UK is even less prepared to deal with climate change already hitting the country than it was five years ago, thanks to a “failing” government response, its own independent advisers have warned. In a damning report published today, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) said government action to improve the nation’s resilience was failing to
The NHS is launching Long COVID services for children, as concerns grow about the number of young people experiencing long-term symptoms. Fifteen paediatric hubs will be created in the UK, drawing together experts on symptoms such as respiratory problems and fatigue. They will treat young people, advise family doctors or other carers, or refer patients
The theory that Martin Bashir was rehired by the BBC to cover up events surrounding his Panorama interview with Princess Diana is “completely unfounded”, a review has found. An investigation has concluded that no one involved in Mr Bashir‘s recruitment in 2016 had knowledge of all of the matters contained in the Lord Dyson report
Boris Johnson will plead with the nation to make “one last heave” to freedom as he announces a delay of up to four weeks in lifting lockdown restrictions in England. A government source has told Sky News the prime minister will dash hopes that Freedom Day will come in two weeks’ time, on 21 June,
Boris Johnson is expected to agree to the delay of lockdown easing in England and, according to a new poll, just over half of the UK public is backing the move. The lifting of the last remaining coronavirus restrictions had been planned for 21 June, so-called Freedom Day, under the government’s road map. But, due
“It is time for the country to unite. Full stop!” Gareth Southgate said, with added purpose as Euro 2020 finally got under way in Rome. He is steadfast in his support for his England players choosing to still “take the knee” before kick-off – despite booing from some sections of the limited number of England
A second person has been charged in connection with the shooting of black equal rights activist Sasha Johnson at a party in south London in late May. Devonte Brown, 18, of Southwark, was charged with conspiracy to murder, the Metropolitan Police said, nearly two weeks after Cameron Deriggs appeared in court charged with the same
England’s R number has jumped to between 1.2 and 1.4, according to new figures. R represents the average number of people each person with COVID-19 goes on to infect. Last week, the estimated R number was between 1 and 1.2 in England. An outbreak can grow exponentially when the figure is above 1. When it
The scientists behind some of the most significant advancements in the battle against COVID -19 have been commended in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. The life-saving work of those involved in the creation of coronavirus vaccines is celebrated in this year’s list, with the heroes behind the design of the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab recognised for their
The UK will donate at least 100 million surplus COVID vaccines to other countries within the next year, Boris Johnson has pledged. As he prepares to welcome world leaders to Cornwall for the G7 summit, the prime minister has vowed to “take a massive step towards beating this pandemic for good”. Mr Johnson’s action builds
A woman whose employment contract was not renewed after expressing views that sex cannot be changed and transgender women are “not women” has won an appeal against an employment tribunal. In 2018, Maya Forstater posted a number of tweets expressing her beliefs about sex and gender, including her opposition to proposed reform of the Gender
More than one million people booked a COVID-19 vaccine through the NHS website on Tuesday – a record high. The landmark came on the day that bookings were opened up to those aged 25 to 29 and appear to have put to rest any suggestions that younger people might be reluctant to be vaccinated. A
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has called for vaccinations for 18 to 30-year-olds to be included in the government’s “strengthened support package” to tackle the Delta variant. On Wednesday the health secretary asked people in Greater Manchester and Lancashire to minimise travel and meet people outside where possible to prevent the variant spreading further there.
Boris Johnson is battling to avoid a sausage trade war with Brussels which could see chilled meats barred from shops in Northern Ireland from the end of this month. The PM’s Brexit minister Lord Frost is holding a showdown with a top EU official who is threatening to prevent sausages and mince produced in Britain