Rishi Sunak seeks to heal rift between Westminster and North as Labour attacks 'insulting' delay in support

Cat Neilan
·60 min read

The Government has sought to heal the rift between Westminster and the North today, with a financial package that can be backdated to cover those who have been under Tier 2 restrictions for the last three months.

Rishi Sunak unveiled this morning pledged cash grants of up to £2,100 per month for businesses in the hospitality, accommodation and leisure sector, which can be backdated to August. For the Jobs Support Scheme, which replaces furlough, employer contributions have been cut five per cent and the minimum hours requirements dropped from a third to 20 per cent.

But his delay in acting was attacked as "nothing short of insulting" by the shadow chancellor.

"Many parts of our country have spent months under Tier 2 restrictions, without adequate support," Anneliese Dodds said. "What has changed which means it is the right thing to do now? The Chancellor has only caught up to the concerns of businesses when it looks like these restrictions will be affecting London and the West Midlands."

Andy Burnham said he could "barely believe" that support was being backdated, claiming this was something he had called for during talks that collapsed earlier this week.

Alex Norris, MP for Nottingham North, complained that he was being cut out of talks to place his region into Tier 3, which are set for this afternoon.

Meanwhile SNP's Alison Thewliss attacked the Treasury's "disrespectful" decision to give journalists more information about the package than relevant spokespeople.

And Mr Sunak was forced to defend his breakfast meeting with London-based business groups, telling the national press conference that representatives from Merseyside and North Yorkshire joined remotely.

​Read the latest updates below

04:13 PM

And that's it for another day....

Today was largely about damage limitation as the relationship between central Government and local leaders appeared to fracture further. 

This morning we heard from Andy Burnham and other metro mayors, who told the Business (Beis) Committee that England had "devolution in name but not in reality". 

Rishi Sunak might have been dubbed "the man, the myth, the legend" by one enthusiastic Tory but even the Chancellor's polished charm wasn't enough to smooth the ruffled feathers on the opposition benches, who questioned why it was that extra support was being rolled out just as London goes into extra restrictions - but many months after those same restrictions were imposed on the North. 

He and Boris Johnson stressed they were being "fair" - and the Prime Minister even offered some gratitude to the Mayor of Greater Manchester - as the pair look to put this bruising week behind them. 

Talks with other local leaders are ongoing, although none of them threaten to erupt in quite the same way they have done with Manchester, not surprisingly given the balance of power with those smaller regions. But all this could flare up again when they are reviewed in 28 days. 

That might be why 64 per cent of you said the Government should adopt a transparent framework so everyone knows what they are eligible for if and when they enter Tier 3. Some 36 per cent argued for a tailored approach. 

We will leave the debate there - and pick it up again tomorrow morning. 

03:49 PM

Boris Johnson warns not to 'count on' a vaccine

The final question is about the prospect of a vaccine and whether people should expect measures like social distancing and masks - and possibly more lockdowns - throughout 2021. 

Sir Patrick Vallance says he wont speculate on how successful they will be, but once that becomes clear then a plan can be made. 

"Clearly the aim of vaccination is to take most of the load of infection spread onto the vaccine in order to release other measures," he says, noting the speed of development so far is "remarkable". 

Boris Johnson says he really hopes there is progress on vaccines and it is "wonderful" that Sir Patrick is so confident. 

"But we can't just count on that which is why we have to do all the other things," he says. But another lockdown would be economically and psychologically damaging, he adds. 

He thanks local leaders again and says it is "down to all of us to follow the guidance". 

And the press conference is over.

03:44 PM

Rishi Sunak defends meeting with London-based business figures

Asked about the Greater Manchester negotiations, which broke up over £5m, Boris Johnson says it was "about fairness". 

The Prime Minister says as the fight against the virus changes, we change our response. 

Rishi Sunak says the original jobs support scheme was designed "with a view to the economy being opened and restrictions being lifted". 

This has caused a "cumulative weight" which is why he has been in discussions to make changes. 

He says he and Robert Jenrick met with business representatives and unions, and that people from Merseyside and North Yorkshire joined remotely. 

"I wouldn't take anything from the fact it happened in London," he adds. 

03:42 PM

Sir Patrick Vallance: Could see some vaccine doses before Christmas

Sir Patrick Vallance says there is "good progress" on vaccines, even suggesting there might be some movement this side of Christmas, although stresses the spring is more likely. 

"Wider use of vaccines isn't going to be until spring of next year... but we might get a few doses before Christmas."

He says Test and Trace tries to "remove from circulation" people who are infectious, and that is "very difficult" because levels are so high. 

However technologies are improving, he adds. 

03:38 PM

Rishi Sunak: Support will last 'at least' six months

Rishi Sunak is asked about the UK's rising debt levels. He says while it is right to protect the economy now, he also has an eye on the long-term finances. 

"It is clearly not sustainable to carry on like this forever... we won't always be able to do everything people would want us to do," he adds. 

Asked if he can guarantee support will be on offer until a vaccine is on offer, the Chancellor says he wants to give businesses "some certainty and ability to plan" during the winter. 

The schemes will last for at least six months, with a "review point" in the middle. 

"We know this is something that will be a fact of our lives for some months to come," he adds. 

Boris Johnson says this is "billions more" support, which is "far better" than the alternative, where "skills and energy" might be lost, hampering the recovery. 

He adds that the improvements in treatments and "some changes in mortality rates" make him confident that we will get through this "but for the moment we have to use the same tools" as before -namely social distancing. 

03:33 PM

Boris Johnson: I share people's frustrations on Test and Trace

Boris Johnson is then asked why the UK's Test and Trace system is not up to scratch compared to international standards. 

He says "I share people's frustrations" and says turnaround time does need to be improved. 

"People who do get a positive test do need to self-isolate... but the achievements of Test and Trace have been colossal," he adds. 

They are on track to reach 500,000 capacity by the end of this month, he adds. 

"If you test positive you have got to self-isolate," says the Prime Minister, reminding people about the carrot and stick approach of fine and support for those on low incomes. 

03:30 PM

Boris Johnson: New measures are about 'basic fairness'

Boris Johnson is again asked if the Government has neglected the North and whether today's announcement is designed to address that. 

He says the issue "is really one of basic fairness between the various parts of the country". 

What is happening now is "bringing forward measures designed to help businesses that can't trade as they normally would and have experienced a fall in income". 

He also points to the fact they have been backdated to August, meaning Greater Manchester and other parts of the country that have been under Tier 2 restrictions for some months will be able to claim. 

Asked about the falling Test & Trace numbers, Sir Patrick Vallance says it has been ramped up but "it is very clear there is room for improvement", particularly on the turnaround time. 

03:27 PM

Boris Johnson thanks Andy Burnham despite 'tough' talks

Sir Patrick Vallance is asked about the prospect of restrictions running up to and including Christmas - and he doesn't have happy news. 

He says they will have to be in place for some time. The quicker you get the R-rate below one, the quicker the restrictions can be lifted. 

"At the moment the numbers are heading in the wrong direction", but we have to wait and see, he adds. 

Boris Johnson then takes a turn responding to a question about his relationship with local leaders, who rejects claims he is unpopular, praising various local leaders.  

He even thanks Andy Burnham. 

"We have had fantastic and extensive local cooperation," he says, although admits it has been "tough"

03:25 PM

Rishi Sunak: New support will be 'in place for a while to come'

The press conference then turns to questions from journalists, the first of which is about Rishi Sunak "underestimating" what the country needs. 

The Chancellor says it is "a perfectly fair question to ask about the timing on this", saying his original packages had to be changed because of the new restrictions which have been "highly significant". 

He says the "cumulative weight of all these restrictions" has led to him adapting and responding "pragmatically and flexibly". 

The measures will protect jobs and "will be in place for a while to come", he adds. 

03:22 PM

UK giving 'start-up businesses the basis on which to build', says Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson is then asked about setting up a business in the current environment, and he points to the "unprecedentedly low" business rates and VAT cuts, as well as investment in skills, broadband and so on. 

This will "give start up businesses the basis on which to build," he says. 

Rishi Sunak says start-ups will "help drive our recovery" and points to the Future Fund, which "shares the risk" between Government and investors up to £5m. 

This has funded just under 1,000 companies so far, he says. 

03:20 PM

Rishi Sunak sets out support for businesses that are struggling but not shut

Boris Johnson then turns to questions from the public, the first of which is about support for firms to cover the cost of wages if they have not been specifically asked to close but there is no work available. 

The Prime Minister says they are doing everything they can to support businesses and points to a string of measures including loans and VAT cuts. 

Rishi Sunak then points to additional measures including £3,000 grant for businesses told to close, and the fact that staff wages will be covered by the Government. 

But for those who are still open, he says businesses can apply for grants worth up to £2,100 per month, and that staff can work as little as one day a week and be paid two-thirds of their salary, of which the employer pays just five per cent. 

03:16 PM

R-rate appears to be slowing in young people and in 'some areas'

Sir Patrick Vallance says the R-rate is about half what it would be naturally, which reflects the effort people are making to keep it under control. 

However the epidemic is still growing, he notes. It is doubling every 14-18 days, he says. 

Among young people this appears to be flattening off, and in some areas, but "we need to do more", he adds

R-rate

 He then turns to the spread of the virus across England, which you can see here. 

03:13 PM

Sir Patrick Vallance: Here come the slides

Sir Patrick Vallance is then brought on to go through the regular slides, which he starts with the ONS estimates

ONS estimates

 And hospital admissions, which he stresses is a lagging indicator and will lead to a rise in more serious outcomes including deaths

Hospital admissions

 Sir Patrick notes that this all has a knock-on effect on the NHS' ability to deal with other illnesses as well. 

03:10 PM

Chancellor says new plan is 'better for the economy'

Rishi Sunak now takes the stand, confirming his new swathe of measures announced earlier today, including that people now only need to work a day a week to qualify for the jobs support scheme.

Employer contributions will only be cut to five per cent, he adds. 

"It is better for business, better for jobs and better for the economy," he says. The Chancellor runs through the other measures, all of which you can read about here. 

03:07 PM

Boris Johnson thanks people who have been 'enduring restrictions for so long'

Boris Johnson then turns to those who are enduring restrictions "and who have been enduring them for so long", and thanks them for their "patience and public spiritedness".

He says there are "clear signs" that is working, although the R-remains above one - but about half its natural rate. 

If everyone follows the rule, "we can get it down", he adds. 

That is why the Government is offering "unprecedented support" which has been adapted to the new restrictions. 

"We will win this fight against Covid," he adds. 

03:05 PM

Government's 'balanced approach' will chart a course between Scylla and Charybdis, says Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson has started the press conference in which he will set out more about the enhanced package of support for people in Tier 2 and 3. 

The Prime Minister notes that some people argue the economic imperative is such that we should "stop any restrictions" on our lives but "alas, we would face many thousands more deaths". 

Vulnerable people could not be protected and the NHS would have even less capacity to deal with other medical needs "so that is why we reject that extreme laissez faire approach," he adds. 

On the other sides, there are calls for a March-style lockdown which "is not the right way now," he says. 

Not least if we have to "perform the same brutal lockdowns again and again and again", he adds. 

"That is why we are going for a balanced approach" that takes us between Scylla and Charybdis, the former classics student adds. 

02:55 PM

Final chance to have your say in the daily poll

Rishi Sunak has been urged to set a framework for financial support so that regions know ahead of time what package is on offer to help local leaders cope with Tier 3 restrictions. 

The push - which was started by Labour yesterday but continued by business groups today - has been triggered by the 10-day negotiations with leaders in Greater Manchester, which resulted in talks collapsing, restrictions imposed unilaterally and tensions rising between central and local government - as well as MPs, including some Tories. 

Ministers have insisted that there is a broad formula which is used, but they are being called on to go further and give people clarity. 

What should they do? Have your say in the poll below. 

02:41 PM

Government strategy is 'herd stupidity', claims Tory MP

The UK Government deploying a similar strategy to control coronavirus to other countries is "herd stupidity", lockdown refusenik Sir Desmond Swayne has said. 

The New Forest West MP told the Commons that "Covid is by no means chief amongst the killers" of people. 

He noted that some ministers were questioning "the existence of herd immunity which is odd given a successful vaccine programme relies on herd immunity, and this is the basket in which the Government has placed all its eggs". 

Fatality numbers and case rates were just "large numbers to terrify people", the MP continued.

"Our actions defy rational explanation...  The danger is if we do not change the way we respond to this disease, in years to come historians will pick over how it was a prosperous society entered into such a devastating act of self-harm."

02:26 PM

Further 152 Covid patients die in English hospitals

A further 152 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 31,427.

Patients were aged between 36 and 97 years old. All except seven, aged between 61 and 95, had known underlying health conditions.

The dates range from 3 September to 21 October 2020, with the majority being on or after 16 October.

The North West was the worst affected region, with 60 deaths recorded, followed by the North East & Yorkshire (35), Midlands (29), East of England (10), London (nine), South East (seven) and South West (two). 

02:19 PM

Matt Hancock hits out at 'political knockabout' over Test and Trace complaints

Matt Hancock has defended himself from "political knockabout" claims from Labour about the dismal performance of Test and Trace. 

The new weekly data from the programme shows 15.1 per cent of people who were tested for Covid-19 in England in the week ending October 14 at a regional site, local site or mobile testing unit - a so-called in-person test - received their result within 24 hours.

This is down from 32.8 per cent in the previous week and is the lowest weekly percentage since Test and Trace began.

The figures also show a drop to 59.6 per cent in the proportion of close contacts of people who tested positive who were reached.

This is the lowest weekly percentage since Test and Trace began and is down from 63 per cent in the previous week.

However challenged on this, Mr Hancock hits back, saying 50 sets of Test and Trace stats are released every week and Labour "always finds the one going in the wrong direction".

02:09 PM

Health Secretary urged to 'level with us' over circuit breaker rumours

People want to know there is "light at the end of the tunnel", Labour frontbencher Jon Ashworth has said. 

The shadow health secretary told his opposite number that people needed clarity about why areas would be able to leave restrictions, asking whether the R-rate should be brought below one locally or nationally. He also asks about hospitalisations and other factors. 

Mr Ashworth says he accepts that it is now too late for a circuit-breaker to be held over October half-term, but his concern is that without a circuit breaker will require "tougher, deeper action". 

He quotes Sage scientists who have suggested a national circuit breaker be deployed, although notes that Jonathan Van-Tam did not. 

He says Matt Hancock is "a decent man, he is not playing games" and that there are "no easy solutions". But he notes that without taking action, there is a worry that "we will all wind up in Tier 3 eventually".

He asks the Health Secretary to "level with us" if a circuit breaker is being readied for next month. 

01:50 PM

Human challenge vaccine trials getting £33m in support, says Health Secretary

Matt Hancock then turns to vaccines, which is also showing progress. 

The Health Secretary confirms that "human challenge trials" are starting to speed up development, backed with £33m. 

This involves taking a vaccine candidate that has been proven to be safe in trials and giving it to healthy human subjects who are then infected with the virus. 

"We should all be proud that once again we are leading on this global effort," he adds. 

01:47 PM

Pregnancy-style Covid tests being rolled out to schools, universities and councils

Matt Hancock says the Government is making progress on "long-term solutions" to the virus. 

That includes testing capacity of more than 370,000. The Government has a target of 500,000 by the end of the month. 

The Health Secretary confirms that lateral flow tests - pregnancy test-style kits - have begun being rolled out to schools and universities. "The kit gives you the result in minutes," Mr Hancock says. 

"If we can deliver a mass testing solution so that pupils in a bubble don't have to self-isolate for a fortnight when one in the bubble tests positive, we will not only control the spread of the virus, we will protect education better and help schools, parents and teachers to live their lives much closer to normal," he says. 

The tests are also starting to be rolled out in councils, kicking off with Stoke-on-Trent. 

01:42 PM

Stoke-on-Trent, Coventry and Slough to be moved into Tier 2 from Saturday

Matt Hancock then turns to new measures, which will apply to Stoke-on-Trent, Coventry and Slough where there are more than 100 cases per 100,000 and cases are doubling every fortnight. 

As a result, they will be put into the high alert level - or Tier 2 - from one minute past midnight on Saturday. 

The main difference is no indoor socialising with people from outside your household, he explains. 

Conversations are also starting with Warrington about placing that area into Tier 3.  

"I am worried about the rising cases, especially among the over-60s in Warrington," he says. 

01:39 PM

Younger people more likely to get long Covid, says Matt Hancock

Matt Hancock tells MPs that under-50s are more likely to suffer long Covid. 

The Health Secretary says while overall the number is one in 20 who have caught coronavirus go on to have "these long-term symptoms" but among the over-50s "it is more like one in 10". 

He says understanding it is still "in its early stages", and it is "very difficult to know" exactly how many have it. 

"The fewer people who get Covid, the fewer people who get long Covid," he adds. 

01:36 PM

Coronavirus can affect 'anyone of any age and any background', says Matt Hancock

Matt Hancock has argued against the idea of shielding the most vulnerable, saying there is no guarantee the impact is "confined to these groups". 

The Health Secretary says: "The virus can affect anyone of any age and any background, and we have already seen worrying numbers of young, fit healthy people suffering debilitating symptoms months after contracting the virus."

One in 20 are likely to have symptoms eight weeks or more, he claims. 

"To anyone, of any age, catching Covid can be very serious. Long Covid underpins our strategy of suppressing the virus until a vaccine arrives."

He adds there appears to be no correlation between the seriousness of the initial virus and long Covid. 

"It is a very serious complication," he says. 

01:30 PM

Second wave 'much more regional' than the first, says Matt Hancock

Matt Hancock says the second wave is "much more regional" than the first.

He tells MPs we also know much more about the virus and how it spreads, while the NHS has learned how to run health care services during the pandemic. 

Conservative MP Steve Baker intervenes to ask if the second wave is not progressing as it did in the first. 

"I want to keep it that way," says the Health Secretary. He claims mortality rates are lower for non-Covid deaths than usual but the growth of the virus means that number will increase "hence the need for the actions" that MPs voted for. 

01:26 PM

Matt Hancock calls on MPs to stop 'political point-scoring' to fight coronavirus

Matt Hancock is giving the Commons another coronavirus update, urging "resolve" until a vaccine is developed. 

He tells MP the "fight is not over and the virus continues to spread", noting that Liverpool Hospital Trust is now treating more Covid patients than in the April peak. 

But he says the hope of a solution is growing. 

The Health Secretary says he rejects "political point scoring" and calls on the House to come together to fight the virus. 

01:19 PM

Disproportionate impact of coronavirus on BAME groups 'unexplained', says minister

The reason why black and minority ethnic groups appear to be worse hit by coronavirus "remains unexplained", the equalities ministers  has said.

Kemi Badenoch told MPs that further analysis  was "planned for the coming months".

"What has emerged is that interventions across the entire population are most likely to disproportionately benefit ethnic minorities and are least likely to attach damaging stigma," she told the Commons. "This is best captured through our experience of the national lockdown and shielding programme."

She added: "As the CMO has said, we must assess the impact of Covid-19 based on all-cause mortality to incorporate its indirect impact.

"On this specific metric, early evidence suggests that there is no disproportionate impact across different ethnic groups."

01:11 PM

Rishi Sunak offering 'sticking plaster' to bigger problems, claims Sadiq Khan

Sadiq Khan has attacked Rishi Sunak's boost to support as a "sticking plaster" rather than a solution to the problems faced by the economy.

The London Mayor said the changes were "a welcome improvement to the flawed and narrow" set of support previously offered. 

But he added: "These should have been in place from the start - instead, businesses and workers have been put through weeks of uncertainty.

"This latest announcement is just a sticking-plaster solution that still fails to match the true scale of the problem.

"The collapse of tourism into London has impacted heavily on footfall and left many hospitality, retail and leisure businesses without any prospect of returning to normal levels of business for many months to come.

"The Government needs to get its act together and provide a functioning test and trace system so the economy can be further reopened, safely."

Sadiq Khan - Reuters

01:07 PM

Rishi Sunak's support boost given 'three cheers' by CBI

Rishi Sunak's announcement today has been welcomed by the boss of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), who has given it "three cheers". 

Dame Carolyn Fairbairn said she was "relieved" by the further support for businesses and firms who have been "closed by circumstance not decree".

She added: "Many jobs will be saved."

12:59 PM

Brexit legislation 'undermines human rights', MPs and peers warn

Controversial Brexit legislation undermines human rights protections, MPs and peers have said.

The UK Internal Market Bill "raises concerns" and needs to be changed, according to a report by Parliament's cross-party Joint Committee on Human Rights.

The legislation gives powers to British ministers to override the Brexit divorce deal agreed with Brussels, but could be incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.

The report stated: "The committee are concerned that the Bill still seems to envisage ministers not being bound by the Human Rights Act duty to act compatibly with Convention rights when making regulations.

"It also seeks to prevent the courts striking down regulations that are incompatible with human rights.

"The committee conclude that these changes undermine human rights protections, which is very hard to reconcile with Government statements that the Bill is compatible with human rights.

"As such, the Committee recommends that the Bill is amended to ensure that human rights are protected."

Controversial Brexit legislation may be incompatible with human rights - AP

12:44 PM

Downing Street defends Test & Trace following lowest 24-hour turnaround figures yet

The performance of the NHS Test and Trace system continues to slide, with just one in seven people having a test at a centre getting their result back in 24 hours.

The new weekly data from the programme shows 15.1 per cent of people who received in-person tests received their result within 24 hours, down from 32.8 per cent in the previous week and is the lowest weekly percentage since Test and Trace began.

The figures also show a drop to 59.6 per cent in the proportion of close contacts of people who tested positive who were reached.

However the Prime Minister's spokesman defended the system, saying tests were now being processed at an "unprecedented scale," with more than 300,000 being completed a day. 

However, he acknowledged that "testing turnaround times must improve", adding that test and trace was increasing staffing levels and introducing more automation to try and reach its targets.

Asked if had been a mistake to cut the number of national contact tracers from 18,000 to 12,000 in August, he replied: "No, what you’ve seen is us also adding significant resource and funding to our ability to use local test and trace teams to identify people on the ground and encourage them to self isolate."

12:38 PM

Have your say: Should there be a framework for financial support?

Rishi Sunak is being urged to set a framework for financial support so that regions know ahead of time what package is on offer to help local leaders cope with Tier 3 restrictions. 

The push - which was started by Labour yesterday but continued by business groups today - has been triggered by the 10-day negotiations with leaders in Greater Manchester, which resulted in talks collapsing, restrictions imposed unilaterally and tensions rising between central and local government - as well as MPs, including some Tories. 

Ministers have insisted that there is a broad formula which is used, but they are being called on to go further and give people clarity. 

What should they do? Have your say in the poll below. 

12:35 PM

Talks over Warrington entering Tier 3 taking place

Discussions about Warrington becoming a Tier 3 area have been held with the Government this  afternoon. 

Council leader Russ Bowden said the local authority had initiated talks about the alert level increasing from Tier 2 as coronavirus cases in the Cheshire borough were "not decreasing".

He said: "I do have concerns about the impact on local businesses and jobs if Warrington goes into Tier 3, and I'm particularly worried for our hospitality sector and those whose businesses are connected to the industry.

"The discussions we have held with Government so far, however, have been honest and realistic.

"If Warrington is to enter Tier 3 restrictions, I will do all I can to ensure there is an acceptable level of financial support made available for our businesses and their staff. This is an absolute priority for me.

"We cannot ignore the stubbornly high case numbers of coronavirus in the town, with more people being admitted to hospital and, distressingly, more people being taken by the virus."

12:22 PM

Stoke-on-Trent leaders ask to go under Tier 2 restrictions

Stoke-on-Trent council has asked the Health Secretary to place the city under harsher Tier 2 restrictions amid rising Covid infections.

City council leader Abi Brown said in asking for the tougher high-risk area measures and not "dithering for a week" she hoped to stem infections and head off "further escalation" to Tier 3 controls.

The city of 250,000 people is currently in Tier 1 or medium-risk category, but if its application is granted by Matt Hancock there would be a ban on household mixing indoors, with a 10pm curfew on pubs and restaurants.

Latest NHS Digital figures showed the number of new cases in the city rose to 210 per 100,000 in the week to October 19.

12:10 PM

University students could be asked to self-isolate before Christmas, minister confirms

UK-wide discussions are ongoing as to whether university students will be asked to self-isolate before returning to their family homes for Christmas, a Welsh minister has confirmed,

Wales' education minster Kirsty Williams has revealed that all four UK nations will meet next week to work out how they could facilitate a "safe return" for students in December.

This was floated by Gavin Williamson previously but it sounds as though things are closer to being finalised now. 

Ms Williams told a press conference in Cardiff: "I have just within the last half hour finished a meeting with colleagues across the United Kingdom, discussing how we can ensure that students, wherever they are studying in the UK, will be able to return safely home for Christmas.

"We are looking at a range of options to allow that to happen. Self-isolation is an active consideration and how we can limit the amount of time people will self-isolate and other approaches are being actively considered."

12:02 PM

Today we go further: The new scent by Rishi

No Chancellor's statement is complete without a Rishi-branded social media post. 

12:00 PM

Am I eligible? What Rishi Sunak's updated support means for you

While MPs are still working through the details of the Chancellor's economic support (including a novel suggestion from Ipswich MP Tom Hunt, asking if the grants can be used for heaters and gazebos to encourage outdoor socialising) many of our readers are probably wondering what it means for them. 

You can find out everything you need here. 

11:41 AM

Boris Johnson to hold press conference today

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will hold a press conference at 4pm on Thursday regarding the coronavirus situation, Downing Street has said.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance will also be answering questions at the event.

11:36 AM

Nottingham MP complains over being cut out of lockdown talks

A Nottingham MP has complained about the fact he has found out about plans to move his region into Tier 3 this afternoon through the media. 

Alex Norris, MP for Nottingham North, said the meeting would be at 4:30pm. He said "of course we will support" the restrictions but asks what financial support will be on offer. 

Rishi Sunak says he understands it will be "a difficult time" but he is pleased that the local leaders are engaging. 

He pledges grants and other forms of business support, similar to other areas, under talks with Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick. 

"Of course there is a formula to provide support, up to £8 a head, for the local authority and that money is used to enhance local compliance, and contact tracing, so I know those conversations are ongoing and I very much hope there will be a positive outcome," he adds. 

11:31 AM

Tory MP thanks 'small' Chancellor for his 'huge' package of support

A Conservative MP has praised "the myth, the man, the legend" Rishi Sunak for announcing changes to the Tier 2 and 3 packages announced today.

Matt Vickers, the MP for Stockton South, told the Commons: "They say that good things come in small packages. Well, my Right Hon friend might be small but he has delivered a huge package of jobs-saving business-boosting support that will benefit the people of Stockton South and right across the country. 

He asked the Chancellor to continue responding to the changing situation in his "characteristically charismatic" way. 

A gobsmacked Rishi Sunak laughed and thanked him "for his - I think - kind compliments". 

11:27 AM

Andy Burnham can 'barely believe' Rishi Sunak's support U-turn

Looking in from outside the Commons, Andy Burnham has said he can "barely believe" the changes to support announced by Rishi Sunak moments ago. 

The Mayor of Greater Manchester claims he told Boris Johnson "that a deal was there to be done if it took into account the effects on GM businesses of three months in Tier 2."

"Why on earth was this not put on the table on Tuesday to reach an agreement with us?" he adds. 

11:20 AM

Chancellor trying to 'achieve lockdowns on the cheap', claims Labour MP

Angela Eagle, the MP for Wallasey, accuses Rishi Sunak of "trying to achieve lockdowns on the cheap", asking why the support on offer now is not equivalent to that being given during the first wave. 

The Chancellor rejects her assertion, saying he will "continue to do everything that is required and continue to adapt and evolve as the circumstances demand". 

Sir Bernard Jenkin thanks him for bringing forward the package and asks MPs to "draw back from the partisanship" of the last few days. 

Mr Sunak says they are "wise words" and says it is right to take a "constructive and collegiate approach". 

11:16 AM

SNP attacks Rishi Sunak over 'disrespectful' lack of communication

The SNP has attacked Rishi Sunak for sending out a press release to journalists, giving them more information to opposition spokespeople. 

Alison Thewliss claimed it was "a real sign of disrespect" to have done this, as she called on him to "plug the gaps" that still remain, particularly the two-thirds reduction on salaries for those on minimum wage.  

Support for Scotland "does not go far enough", she added, calling for clarity on the level of funding needed. 

"Scottish people need this today, not eventually, not at some point in the future. We need this now and the Chancellor should give clarity today so the Scottish Government can act," she added. 

"This is nowhere near whatever it takes," Ms Thewliss said. 

Mr Sunak responds by saying his plans have been "very strongly welcomed" by business groups and unions, but the situation has changed and his new measures reflect that. 

He claims there is certainty because the new schemes will last six months. 

11:05 AM

Rishi Sunak and Anneliese Dodds clash over circuit breaker

Anneliese Dodds has called on the Government to "stop running to catch up" and call a circuit breaker before half term. 

"This is becoming like a long running TV show: The winter economy plan series three," she says. "The twist is that it didn't last the winter, it didn't fix the economy and it wasn't a plan."

But Rishi Sunak says the Government has always been striking the balance between saving lives and livelihoods and they are "striving to keep businesses open". 

"All of this progress, of this hope, is being put at risk by the party opposite's repeated call for a damaging blunt national lockdown," he adds, as he lists the many reasons why he is against one. 

"The facts simply don't support that conclusion," he adds. 

He adds that he will always seek "to build consensus, to reach out to those with different views, to work past tribal political point scoring and support our country through this moment of immense challenge so we come out stronger."

11:01 AM

Rishi Sunak attacked for only bolstering support after London enters Tier 2

Anneliese Dodds attacks Rishi Sunak for his new package, which she claims comes after months of Labour calling for him to do so. 

His delay in acting has had "real consequences", says the shadow chancellor. "Many parts of our country have spent months under Tier 2 restrictions, without adequate support. 

"How many jobs have been lost? Over a million have already gone... the Chancellor could have done much more if he had acted sooner," the Labour frontbencher says. 

"What has changed which means it is the right thing to do now?" she asks, "The Chancellor has only caught up to the concerns of businesses when it looks like these restrictions will be affecting London and the West Midlands."

She says it is "nothing short of insulting" to see Labour's recommendations now be described as fair, after months of the opposition calling for them. 

10:54 AM

Rishi Sunak doubles support for self-employed

Rishi Sunak then goes onto unveil support for the "dynamic entrepreneurial heart of the economy" - the self-employed. 

He confirms the Government will increase the amount of profits covered by the two forthcoming self-employed grants from 20 per cent to 40 per cent, meaning the maximum grant will increase from £1,875 to £3,750.

The Chancellor says "this is our plan - a plan for jobs, for businesses, for the regions, for the economy, for the country."

It is a plan to "support the British people," he concludes. 

10:53 AM

Rishi Sunak cuts employer contributions to jobs support scheme

Rishi Sunak has also unveiled some changes to the jobs support scheme, which replaces the furlough. 

Originally the JSS – which will come into effect on November 1 - expected employers to a third of their employees’ wages for hours not worked, and required employers to be working 33 per cent of their normal hours.

The Chancellor said the amount employers must contribute for unworked hours could be cut to just five per cent. He also  reduced the minimum hours requirements to 20 per cent, so those working just one day a week will be eligible.  

"It is better for businesses, better for jobs and better for the economy," he says. 

10:50 AM

Rishi Sunak announces backdated cash grants for businesses under restrictions

Rishi Sunak has said it is "clear that even businesses who can stay open are facing profound economic uncertainty". 

He says the message from hospitality businesses this morning was clear and the impact of Tier 2 restrictions was "worse than they hoped". The Chancellor notes a "significant fall in consumer demand is causing profound economic harm to their industry". 

Mr Sunak says "open but struggling businesses require further support" as he launches three new measures.

The Chancellor announces cash grants of up to £2,100 per month primarily for businesses in the hospitality, accommodation and leisure sector, which can be backdated to August. 

He lists MPs from many northern cities saying the backdating will help those businesses under higher restrictions for longer.

"Let no one say this Government is not committed to supporting people and businesses in every region and nation of the United Kingdom," he adds. 

10:46 AM

Rishi Sunak warns of 'difficult weeks ahead' as he promises 'people are not alone'

Rishi Sunak is giving his statement to the Commons while Boris Johnson watches from the frontbench. 

The Chancellor says there "are difficult days and weeks ahead" but stresses "people are not alone". 

People will be protected "wherever they live and whatever their situation", he adds. 

"I make no apology for responding to changing circumstances, and so today we go further," Mr Sunak says. 

He reiterates his commitment to the three-tiered system, which comes with billions of support for local authorities, grant schemes and a jobs support scheme, he adds. 

10:30 AM

Tory MP claims his mum has been abused after Labour frontbencher used word 'scum' in chamber

A Conservative MP has claimed his mother has been called "scum" by people down the phone, after a Labour frontbencher used it in the chamber yesterday. 

Angela Rayner was forced to apologise after she was called by Chris Clarkson, after he heard her insulting him during a speech. 

Shaun Bailey, MP for West Bromwich West, said "same of the language we saw yesterday was abhorrent, particularly the use of the word 'scum'. 

"When I got a phone call at 11:30pm last night from my mum, saying she had people using that type of wording down the phone at her because she was my mother, and today my staff members have called me because of that type of abhorrent abuse, it absolutely not on," he added. 

He called for a debate on "the standards of conduct that we have in this chamber, because the language we use has an impact people beyond us" and called for Ms Rayner to apologise to his mum as well as other colleagues. 

10:22 AM

Jacob Rees-Mogg accuses Andy Burnham of 'playing politics of the cheapest kind'

Back in the Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg has accused Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham of "playing party politics of the cheapest and most disagreeable kind".

The Commons leader told MPs: "In Lancaster, Liverpool and South Yorkshire agreement was reached with the mayors, whereas in Manchester we had this ridiculous fandango with the mayor pretending he didn't know when he had been told by the Secretary of State, my right honourable friend for Communities and Local Government, hours earlier.

"It was as if he was trying to go on the stage. A most ridiculous, prancing performance that one could imagine when he should have been seriously trying to help the people of Manchester, which is what Her Majesty's Government was doing.

"I'm afraid he was playing party politics of the cheapest and most disagreeable kind, whereas other people, including the Mayor of Liverpool - who was very clear of his political opinions when he was in this House - was able to work with the Government and to put aside party political differences, and I think has showed himself a model of how to behave."

10:18 AM

Further devolution would create 'healthier politics', says Andy Burnham

Further devolution would create "healthier politics" for the country as a whole, Andy Burnham has told MPs. 

The Mayor of Greater Manchester said a move towards full fiscal devolution, where power is more distributed, would allow "English cities outside London to start punching their weight".

"Everywhere is on a journey here," he said. "You can have healthier politics when it is about place not party because you start with something where everyone agrees, rather than something that is divisive.

"There is so much the country could benefit from properly embracing devolution," he added, instead of the "half-hearted" system there is now. 

"Rome wasn't built in a day but we are getting there," he added. 

10:06 AM

Jacob Rees-Mogg rules out return of remote voting

Over in the Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg has ruled out a return to remote voting in the Commons, adding that divisions are "working well and efficiently".

MPs have been calling for this in light of new advice that MPs who shielded in the first wave should start working from home again, and those who felt they should not leave their regions if they are under Tier 3 restrictions. 

The Commons Leader told MPs: "It is important that MPs are here. MPs have a right to be here, they are essential workers and all the advice the Government has given, whether it be in Tier 1, 2 or 3, is that people who have essential work to do must carry on doing it.

"We are in that category, we are expecting people to teach school children, we are expecting other people in other categories to go to work, we should do the same."

But shadow Commons leader Valerie Vaz said he was "excluding honourable members from taking part in the debate at this really difficult time".

"So please, could he reconsider remote voting. It is just for the pandemic, not for life."

10:03 AM

Government faces 'reckoning' over treatment of regional leaders, claims Andy Burnham

The Government has "major questions to answer" about how it has treated regional leaders, Andy Burnham has said, as he accused ministers of trying to "play us off against each other". 

Greater Manchester has a higher density of businesses than other Tier 3 areas, but "that factor did not weigh at all in the final analysis," the Mayor said. 

"It feels as thought it is dividing and ruling... and I don't think that is how you get through a pandemic," he added. "In fact it is the worst way to manage things in a pandemic. 

"There has to be something of a reckoning now," he added, as he rejected claims that he was posturing. 

"There has to be a bit of a clear the air here... a reset between national and local government, and a sense of fairness. Without it we are going into quite a dark and fairly dangerous place."

09:59 AM

Andy Burnham 'open mouthed' about Tier 2 support only after London enters restrictions

Andy Burnham has stressed he is not trying to "set people apart", acknowledging that people in the South are struggling, but added he is "really struggling" with the prospect of support for firms under Tier 2 restrictions. 

He said he was "open mouthed" at the news of the support package given that Greater Manchester has been under restrictions for three months without any support. 

The Greater Manchester said: "It's not that I begrudge people working in pubs and restaurants in London the help - of course I don't - but why now? Why has it taken London to go into Tier 2 for Tier 2 support to become a national issue. 

"That is the question that everyone has to answer, not just the Government but the country as a whole. Why do we see London's issues much more than we see Liverpool's issues or Greater Manchester;s issues. 

"That is a really troubling issue... and wouldn't we have had a better response to the pandemic if we just devolved flexible significant funding for the support that individuals and businesses were going to need."

09:52 AM

Government must work 'seriously and meaningfully' with metro mayors on levelling up

The Government must work "seriously and meaningfully" with metro mayors if ministers are serious about addressing the levelling up agenda, Steve Rotheram has said. 

The metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region and former MP for Liverpool Walton said his time in Parliament had taught him "what the Westminster bubble really is", adding that "for too long, too many decisions been taken with the interests of London" first and foremost. 

"The London-centricity of Government, the overall London culture that exists within Parliament, has been hugely disadvantageous to areas like ours," he added. 

"We stand ready to [level up] but the Government needs to work seriously and meaningfully with us."

Labour's Steve Rotheram - Getty

09:46 AM

Coronavirus has 'exposed the faultlines' between North and South, says Liverpool mayor

Covid has "exposed the faultlines that were already there" between the North and the South, Liverpool mayor Steve Rotheram has said. 

Speaking to the Business Committee, he claimed that outcomes have been worse for those in the Liverpool city region, while the restrictions have "really started to hold areas back".

Around 70,000 people in the region were unable to work because of health or firms being shut, he said, and there have been a disproportionately high number of deaths as a result. 

"Our economy suffered because of that and because of the interventions from central Government that could have helped address the levelling up agenda," he added. 

09:43 AM

England has 'devolution in name but not reality', claims Andy Burnham

England has "devolution in name but not in reality", Andy Burnham has said, as he slams Westminster for holding "all the power and all the money". 

The Mayor of Greater Manchester to the Beis committee that the stand-off this week could be a "moment where England grows up a little" around the idea of regions having a share of power. 

He said he and his colleagues "have to go on bended knee" to get money and warned it would derail Boris Johnson's levelling up agenda. 

"The reason why this became a fundamental issue for me in the negotiation we have just have... we were used to seeing the North of England being pushed around but it came to a head. 

"If you are going to lock down people's lives, and you are going to do that to some places and not others, you can't do that on terms dictated from 200 miles."

 

09:35 AM

Andy Burnham's prominence during Greater Manchester stand-off 'a fantastic success story'

It might not be Boris Johnson's chosen description, but George Osborne has said the prominence of mayors like Greater Manchester's Andy Burnham in the debate over regional lockdowns "is a fantastic success story".

The former chancellor said mayors across the North of England and the Midlands are now part of the "national conversation", and called for further devolution as part of the post-Covid recovery.

He told the Great Northern Conference 2020: "What I can see is real representation in the North... and we now have a national political conversation where representatives of the North of England are heard on our national news. And that is a fantastic success story."

The architect of the Northern Powerhouse concept told the online conference more powers should be devolved over "decisions like transport, like skills, like business support, like issues like healthcare."

He added: "I would want to see us double down on devolution because I think we're beginning to see a much more balanced, healthy British society and state where not every decision is taken at Westminster and other voices are heard. But we've got much more to do."

09:28 AM

Tory MP quits Government job after backing Labour on free school meals

A Conservative MP has quit her Government job after backing a Labour motion to offer free school meals during holidays until Easter 2021.

Caroline Ansell was one of five Conservative MPs who rebelled against their party last night. by voting with Labour.

She has now stepped down as parliamentary private secretary (PPS) at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Ms Ansell said: "In these unprecedented times I am very concerned to be doing all we can to help lower income families and their children who are really struggling due to the impact of the virus."

09:18 AM

Rishi Sunak urged to end 'bonkers' regional Tier 3 talks during crunch meeting

Rishi Sunak has been urged to end the "absolutely bonkers" region-by-region negotiations over Tier 3 restrictions during a crunch meeting with industry figures this morning. 

The Chancellor held a roundtable with business leaders, ahead of a statement to the House of Commons at 11:30am, to discuss further support for businesses in Tier 2 and Tier 3. 

As well as being called on to reduce employer contributions to the jobs support scheme - which replaces the furlough scheme from early November - and give grants to local authorities in Tier 2 so they can help distressed businesses directly, ministers will also be called on to standardise a package for those areas entering Tier 3. 

This would ensure local businesses understand what support is on offer and are better able to plan, said one figure who was close to the situation. 

"You have to standardise these local lockdowns," he told the Telegraph. "The rolling negotiations don't make any sense from a business perspective.

"If you are trying to action something urgently, it is absolutely bonkers to have this situation."

It would also improve relationships between local and central governments, saying having the two sides "at logger heads doesn't exactly set you up for a swift recovery." 

09:10 AM

DfT budgeting up to £12.6bn to help transport sector

The Department for Transport is expecting to spend between £10.6 billion and £12.6 billion to support the sector during the pandemic, Grant Shapps has said. 

Speaking in the Commons, the Transport Secretary said: "The Government will continue to provide the support that is necessary to maintain public transport throughout this pandemic.

"It may be helpful to the House if I were to let them know that the Department is expecting to spend between £10.6 billion and £12.6 billion on supporting the transport sector in response to this pandemic."

08:59 AM

Wales to nationalise rail franchise amid Covid-induced slump in passengers

The Welsh Government is nationalising the Wales and Borders rail franchise following a significant drop in passenger numbers.

Ken Skates, Wales' transport minister, said bringing the franchise under public control would help secure the future of passenger services in Wales, protect jobs and ensure the country's South Wales Metro project went ahead.

Private firm KeolisAmey has run day-to-day rail services in Wales for just two years after taking it over from Arriva Trains Wales.

Mr Skates said: "The last few months have been extremely challenging for public transport in Wales and across the UK. Covid has significantly impacted passenger revenues and the Welsh Government has had to step in with significant support to stabilise the network and keep it running.

"We have decided to transfer of day-to-day rail services to a new publicly-owned subsidiary of Transport for Wales".

He added: "In Wales we continue a partnership approach between TfW and KeolisAmey as we work together to protect services for the Welsh public, safeguard jobs and secure the important Metro projects we have been working so hard on over the last few years."

08:55 AM

Have your say: Should there be a framework for financial support?

Rishi Sunak is being urged to set a framework for financial support so that regions know ahead of time what package is on offer to help local leaders cope with Tier 3 restrictions. 

The push - which was started by Labour yesterday but continued by business groups today - has been triggered by the 10-day negotiations with leaders in Greater Manchester, which resulted in talks collapsing, restrictions imposed unilaterally and tensions rising between central and local government - as well as MPs, including some Tories. 

Ministers have insisted that there is a broad formula which is used, but they are being called on to go further and give people clarity. 

What should they do? Have your say in the poll below. 

08:47 AM

ICYMI: Angela Rayner apologises for calling Tory MP 'scum'

Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner was forced to apologise last night after she called a Conservative MP "scum" during a debate on financial support for local lockdowns in several regions.

She made the insult after Chris Clarkson, the MP for Heywood and Middleton in Rochdale, accused Labour politicians of taking an opportunistic approach to the pandemic.

Mr Clarkson later wrote to Labour’s deputy leader asking her to retract and apologise for the comment “in the interest of providing a united front in the battle against coronavirus”.

Ms Rayner later said in a statement: “I apologise for the language that I used in a heated debate in Parliament earlier.” 

 You can watch the moment again below. 

08:34 AM

Labour frontbencher breaches parliamentary rules for third time in three years

Shadow health minister Rosena Allin-Khan sent out more than 1,600 letters on pre-paid House of Commons stationery in breach of the rules, an inquiry has found.

The Commons Standards Committee recommended that Dr Allin-Khan should repay the £1,142.52 cost of sending the "Brexit Update" letter to voters in her Tooting constituency in the run-up to last year's general election.

Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Kathryn Stone found that the letter used "public resources to highlight to a group of voters her position and record on an issue that was one of the key themes of the imminent election".

The committee noted that it was the third time Dr Allin-Khan had been found to have breached the rules in three years.

08:25 AM

Michael Deacon: Has Britain been driven to the brink of a Covid civil war?

We can all see what the Government is doing. Essentially, it’s trying to avoid a national lockdown... by covering the entire country in local lockdowns.

What ministers failed to foresee, however, is the damage that local lockdowns are doing to the national mood. They’re tearing us apart. Back in the spring, we were all following the same rules – and as a result, we felt as if were all in it together. We clapped on our doorsteps for the NHS. We held socially distanced street parties for VE Day. We cheered Joe Wicks as he shuffled round his garden for charity, and we tried to keep up with Captain Tom’s punishing workout videos. There was a stirring sense of national unity.

Not any more, writes Micheal Deacon. In fact, these days it feels as if we’re on the brink of some Covid-induced civil war. 

08:10 AM

Celebrity chef says he is 'begging to be shut down' to avoid 'slow miserable death' of Tier 2

Celebrity chef Yotam Ottolenghi has said he would rather his six restaurants were shut down than suffer the "miserable slow death" of being in Tier 2. 

Speaking as Rishi Sunak meets with business representatives including figures from the hospitality industry, he told Radio 4's Today the outlook was bleak for firms like his. 

"We are begging to be shut down," he said. "I can't believe I am saying that but it is the sad reality.

"If we were shut down, it would mean we had not been put in this miserable slow death, then at least we would know we will get some support."

He was one of hundreds of hospitality workers to protest against the lack of support for Tier 2 pubs, bars and restaurants on Monday this week.

Hospitality workers protest in Parliament Square - PA

08:04 AM

Structural racism 'not a reasonable explanation' for BAME Covid deaths, says adviser

Structural racism is “not a reasonable explanation" for the greater risk of death BAME people face from Covid-19, a Government adviser has said.

Speaking before equalities minister Kemi Badenoch is expected to outline plans to tackle the disproportionate effect that coronavirus is having on ethnic minority groups, newly-appointed adviser Dr Raghib Ali, said he was not convinced structural racism played a role.

The spotlight should be on risk factors such as obesity, age, population density, occupational exposure and overcrowded housing, involving not just the ethnic minorities but the population as a whole, he claimed

Dr Ali added: "If structural racism was an important problem, not saying it doesn't exist, but if it was an important problem in healthcare outcomes, you'd expect it to be reflected not just in Covid but with other outcomes as well.

"But the truth, as we know from data, particularly from Scotland but also from England, is that most of ethnic minority groups actually have better overall health and lower rates of all-cause mortality than white groups."

07:53 AM

Andy Street will 'stand up' for West Midlands - but do it 'slightly differently' to Andy Burnham

Andy Street has insisted that his political persuasion makes no difference to his role, promising to "stand up" for West Midlands. 

Asked whether he would "have the sort of row that Andy Burnham did", the Conservative politician told the Today programme: "It doesn't mean we don't both stand up for our regions. Maybe we do it slightly differently but the role of the mayor is to stand up for your region.

"I would hope we do not have a protracted 10-day negotiation, when clearly there is a health crisis going on.

"My whole intention is that we would prepare our position before it becomes a reality and then if we were to get to that position we would act decisively, hopefully agree very quickly with the Government, in the best interest of the West Midlands."

Andy Burnham's stand off led to 10 days of 'protracted' negotiation - Getty

07:46 AM

Rishi Sunak will announce further support for hospitality firms in Tier 2, says Andy Street

Rishi Sunak will announce additional support for businesses in the hospitality sector in areas in England under Tier 2 coronavirus controls,  Andy Street has said. 

The Conservative Mayor for West Midlands said industry and local leaders were looking to the Chancellor is to "make the two comparable", arguing that businesses in the high category were losing out on support being offered to the highest category, despite many of the issues applying in both cases. 

"The Government have given incredible support to businesses, but clearly this particular point was just one that was completely missed in planning the Tier 2 restrictions, and so I am really optimistic that they will respond, and it will be a good case of the sector  with some politicians shouting up and getting them to respond and listen," he told the Today programme. 

 "The principle is really simple here," he added. "The Government didn't expect us to be in a position through the autumn where we were having a rising level of the virus to this extent, so if you look at the design of the winter economy package at the time that seemed rational but clearly events have moved very quickly."

Andy Street - as the former John Lewis MD, he knows a thing or two about high streets - PA

07:34 AM

Rishi Sunak will 'trim the sails' on Government support, says minister

Rishi Sunak will "tack a little bit, trim the sails" on Government support for businesses in Tier 2 and 3 today, a minister has said. 

Kit Malthouse said that the Chancellor had been "agile" to the different impacts of the virus throughout the pandemic.

While he told BBC Breakfast he did not know what Mr Sunak will announce later, he added: "There are lots of areas where people are filling MPs' inboxes with emails of distress and concern.

"That's all being fed in and so hopefully this afternoon we will see the Chancellor tack a little bit, trim the sails, to make sure we are getting the right balance in terms of the support we are offering across the economy."

07:32 AM

People must 'grit their teeth' and get through second wave, says minister

People must "grit their teeth" and do their best to get through the current wave of the virus, a minister has said.

Kit Malthouse, the policing minister, said this morning: "I think everybody is fed up, we are all fed up, nobody is enjoying this experience.

"But in truth this is the moment, as we see the numbers mounting, that we all have to grit our teeth and do our best to get through it."

Mr Malthouse said the majority of people were complying with the rules and the number of fines issued by police for breaches was "tiny really".

He added: "What we are seeing across the country, the polling is telling us there's strong support for the measures being put in place and we are seeing high levels of compliance."

Kit Malthouse, the policing minister - Paul Grover

07:30 AM

Minister urges people to 'inform themselves' as he admits tiered system has 'complexity'

Minister for crime and policing Kit Malthouse said it was important that people inform themselves about the coronavirus regulations in their areas.

When asked on BBC Breakfast on Thursday about assistant chief constable Owen Weatherill's comments about the new tier system being confusing, Mr Malthouse said the different rules do bring some "complexity".

He added: "There's plenty of information out there on the internet where people can go and inform themselves about what the regulations are in their area and that fundamentally is what we would recommend everybody has to do.

"We all need to recognise we have an individual duty towards our collective health and that means informing ourselves about what the regulations are in our area and complying with the rules."

07:28 AM

Tories 'not ganging up on' Marcus Rashford over free school meals, insists minister

Conservative MPs are "not ganging up" on Marcus Rashford over his free school meals campaign, a minister has insisted. 

It comes after briefing notes sent by the whips office were leaked, with suggested MPs attack Labour MPs over their support for his cause. 

Kit Malthouse told Sky News: "They are not ganging up on him. It is standard practice to issue briefs... MPs make their own decisions about what they say publicly,  but the party gives guidance about what the position is and so on.

"Nobody is decrying what Marcus Rashford is trying to do," he added, stressing he had "Dedicated enormous amounts of my life to trying to better the lives of my fellow citizens.

"This is the privilege and difficulty of government, somehow our motivations are impugned."

07:20 AM

Brexit: 'Cause for hope' as Michel Barnier returns to London for talks

Kit Malthouse has told Sky News there was "cause for hope" as Brexit talks resume in London today, adding: "Fingers crossed this new intensification of talks work."

Michel Barnier is returning to the UK after trade negotiations were rebooted, following what the UK Government deemed a "significant" step forward. This round will last until end of Sunday before restarting in Brussels on Monday. 

This morning the policing minister said: "This is a negotiation - it will often involve a bit of tempers and tension and slamming doors.

"It is the nature of negations that things get tense... particularly towards the end

"The point is get to a good conclusion and in Manchester we did and with Brexit hopefully we will do too."

His characterisation of the talks in Manchester ending well might be contested by more than a few people, however....

07:17 AM

What to expect when you're expecting Rishi

The Chancellor is locked in talks with business leaders and industry groups right now, ahead of an 11:30am statement to the Commons - which we will be bringing you live. 

Policing minister Kit Malthouse gave nothing away about what to expect this morning, telling Sky News only that he thought there would be a "flexing" of support. 

However one option believed to be under consideration would involve widening the eligibility of the Job Support Scheme to include firms required to shut by "circumstance" rather than by law. 

This could also be applied to the cash grants, meaning firms that choose to shut because they are no longer commercially viable could receive up to £3,000 a month. Alternatively, business groups have suggested Mr Sunak increase the generosity of the part-time wage subsidy and remove the hefty employer contributions.

My colleague Harry Yorke has more details here. 

06:48 AM

Brexit trade negotiations to restart after Michel Barnier says deal 'within reach'

A Brexit trade deal could be done in a fortnight after the European Union caved to British conditions in a “significant” shift that led to negotiations being restarted in London on Thursday.

Michel Barnier said the new free trade agreement “was in reach” and UK sources said it could be struck in “two to three weeks”.

Both sides have agreed a schedule of daily, intensive talks up to the EU’s deadline at the end of this month.

Lord Frost was convinced Brussels was bringing a “fundamental” change of approach to the stalled negotiations after Mr Barnier gave a conciliatory speech in the European Parliament in Brussels.

“We have agreed that a basis for negotiations with the EU and Michel Barnier has been re-established,” Lord Frost, the UK’s top Brexit official, said as he rebooted trade talks.

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