Just 55 prisoners have been released early under emergency measures to alleviate the Covid-19 crisis in jails in England and Wales for which up to 4,000 prisoners were eligible, a minister has revealed. Lucy Frazer, the justice minister, told the justice select committee, that as of 11 May, an additional 21 pregnant women had been … Read more
The chancellor has extended the government’s coronavirus wage subsidy scheme for workers until the end of October despite its spiralling cost, as he attempts to prevent a wave of job losses in the summer. In a surprise move that underlines the likely duration of the economic crisis, Rishi Sunak said the unprecedented scheme would continue … Read more
There are no silver bullets, clever models or easy answers for how to control the coronavirus. But neither is it rocket science. Governments have three choices in how they respond. The first and most difficult path is to contain the virus through a programme of mass testing, contact tracing and isolating. This requires a huge … Read more
Summer holidays are likely to be cancelled this year, the health secretary warned, as he said the public need to prepare for the “reality of life” in a period of physical distancing. Matt Hancock appeared on ITV’s This Morning just 24 hours after the government was severely criticised by the presenter Phillip Schofield for its … Read more
Government plans to reopen schools in England face a mounting backlash from education unions, who say the proposals are not feasible and have advised teachers and support staff not to “engage with” preparations for a 1 June return. The Department for Education (DfE) wants children back in primary school in a phased reopening starting next … Read more