Trade talks are over, says No 10, as Boris Johnson paves way for No Deal

Cat Neilan
·59-min read

Brexit trade talks between the UK and EU “are over”, Downing Street said today, after Boris Johnson told the country to brace for a no deal.

The Prime Minister said that although he had only ever sought a Canada-style deal "to judge from the latest summit in Brussels that won't work for our EU partners", who wanted the continued power over the UK's laws and fisheries.

"Given that they have refused to negotiate seriously for much of the last few months, and given that this summit appears explicitly to rule out a Canada-style deal, I have concluded that we should get ready for January 1 with arrangements that are more like Australia’s based on simple principles of global free trade."

Mr Johnson did not rule out reopening talks if there was "a change of heart", although stressed: "Unless there is a fundamental change of approach we are going to go for the Australian solution."

EU negotiator Michel Barnier has been told by Brussels to return to London next week for last-ditch talks.  But Downing Street suggested he would not be welcome unless he was prepared to discuss the legal text in an accelerated way “without the UK being required to make all the moves”. Alternatively “practical” matters such as lorries can be worked out.

“If not there is no point coming,” the PM’s spokesman said.  “Trade talks are over. The EU effectively ended them.

"The EU can either change its position or we leave on Australian terms, but there is no point in trade talks if the EU doesn't change its position and the EU effectively ended trade talks yesterday.”

French President Emmanuel Macron suggested that a reduced access to British fishing waters after Brexit had already been factored in - but warned that the problem ran deeper than fisheries.

"The state of our talks is not that we are stumbling over the issue of fishing, which is the tactical argument of the British, but we're stumbling over everything. Everything," he told journalists today.

Mr Macron said that Britain would lose more in a no-deal scenario than the EU "so that's a bad deal for the UK."

Follow the latest updates below.

03:58 PM

Brexit trade talks stumbling not over fishing but 'everything', says Macron

Back over in Brussels, French President Emmanuel Macron has been showing that he can talk just as tough as Boris Johnson. 

Although he conceded that a reduced access to British fishing waters after Brexit had already been factored in by French fishermen, he claimed that the problem in Brexit trade talks ran deeper than fisheries. 

"The state of our talks is not that we are stumbling over the issue of fishing, which is the tactical argument of the British, but we're stumbling over everything. Everything," he told journalists today. 

Mr Macron said that Britain would lose more in a no-deal scenario than the EU "so that's a bad deal for the UK."

He followed that up with this Tweet:

03:51 PM

All sectors can get ready for Australian exit, says Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson is asked again about Brexit, in the context of the economic situation caused by coronavirus, and if certain industries are "expendable for Brexit". 

The Prime Minister repeats his line that the UK will "prosper mightily" under the Australian terms, and said all the sectors can "get ready for an Australian exit". 

03:49 PM

Boris Johnson: We can do it together

Boris Johnson is then asked about his exit strategy for getting people under restrictions back out. 

He thanks the leaders in Lancashire, and says "we can do it together." 

"The amount we need to reduce the R-rate is not as big as it was at the start. 

"I would like to see Lancashire and everywhere else come out as soon as possible," he adds. 

03:48 PM

Circuit breaker 'locally or nationally' would break transmission, says Sir Patrick Vallance

They are asked about a circuit breaker again. Boris Johnson says he wants the local approach to work. 

We are giving it our best shot, he adds, and I hope everyone will take their repsonsibilities. 

"We did it for a long time and I think a regional approach, keeping our kids in school, keeping our economy moving where possible is the best way forward," he adds. 

Sir Patrick Vallace says a circuit breaker "locally or nationally" was a way to break the transmission, but there are different ways. 

He is also asked about Brexit, and says "alas, they don't seem to want to progress any free trade deal... they don't want to go any further. 

Unless that changes we will have to come out on Australian terms."

03:45 PM

Testing asymptomatic patients will keep schools open over the winter, says Test and Trace head

Boris Johnson is asked if he will rule out another lockdown and he says he won't rule anything out. 

Susan Hopkins from Test and Trace says it is important to keep contacts down, and says that testing particularly of asymptomatic patients is critical. This will help protect care homes and keep schools open over the winter months. 

Sir Patrick Vallance reminds people that self-isolation is also important. 

Other measures can be taken with "local knowledge" to get the R-rate below one, he adds. 

03:41 PM

Three tiered structure has 'a chance' of working, says Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson is then asked why he is not acting harder today to avoid a longer lockdown overall. 

The Prime Minister says "of course you're right we do need action in areas where the virus is most prevalent".

But he notes that R-rate is "not rising in the way that it was a few months ago, you are not seeing the very rapid doubling of cases."

He adds; "There is a chance with these measures - more than a chance - that we can get the R-rate down."

The package of measures should do it, if they are properly implemented, he adds. 

"My judgement is that it is better to go for that route now, rather than go back to the bad old days - the most difficult period - of closing our schools again, alas... making it very difficult for businesses to continue, in a way that causes long-term economic pain."

Sir Patrick Vallance says from his perspective, going hard and going fast is better. 

03:39 PM

Circuit breaker recommendation obsolete given case rates, Sir Patrick Vallance warns

The journalist also asks if a circuit breaker would save more lives than the tiered structure. 

Sir Patrick Vallance notes that it was recommended some weeks ago and "where we are now is different". 

Tier 3 baseline conditions "almost certainly aren't enough on their own" but if you add other measures it "should be enough" as long as they are properly implemented. 

He stressed that there are "other harms" by taking or not taking action - the economy, the use of beds for Covid patients and the effect on society in terms of education, loneliness and the other effects of lockdown. 

03:36 PM

Boris Johnson: Manchester Mayor should 'come on board' to boost compliance

Then he turns to questions from the media, the first of which is about Greater Manchester and whether he will "make a quick decision" about whether to impose measures or give them more money. 

Boris Johnson says it would be "much much better if we could work with our friends" in local government around the country. 

He says it doesn't make sense to "lock down the entire country" to bring down transmission in parts of the North West.

"Of course we are working flat out with our friends across all those regions," he says. "There is an issue outstanding in Greater Manchester, but I hope the Mayor will also come with us." 

It is "far better to do it together because we want the maximum local buy-in... and enforcement, and that means local leadership," he adds. 

03:33 PM

No return to shielding - for now - says Boris Johnson

The first question is from a member of the public, a single parent, who has to travel between Essex and Kent and wants to know what happens if one area goes into a higher tier than another. 

Boris Johnson says "alas" that there are restrictions on household mixing, but says he "really needs to go on the website to see what is going on in Kent and what is going on in Essex to be absolutely sure". 

The next question is about shielding. 

Mr Johnson says at present it is not being reintroduced, but that will be kept under review. 

03:31 PM

Intensive care admissions on the rise, says Sir Patrick Vallance

The next chart shows the increase in people in intensive care with Covid since the beginning of September. 

It is a relatively big increase, especially for people in the older age groups. 

ICU admissions 

 The next slide looks at the regions, which shows increases across the board.

Regional increases

 "The news is that although the R-rate is such that the epidemic is growing, it's growing not as fast as it was in March and April," he says. That is because the measures that we are taking. 

However there are still rising numbers of hospital admissions. 

03:28 PM

Gradual trend of young people spreading virus to older people, says Sir Patrick Vallance

There is a gradual trend of increased numbers in the young moving to increased numbers among older people, Sir Patrick Vallance says. 

This is in turn leading to increased hospital admission rates. 

Age spread

 Although there are higher rates of elderly going into hospital, the chief scientific adviser notes that younger people are also being hospitalised. 

Hospital admissions

03:25 PM

Virus is spreading 'everywhere', says Sir Patrick Vallance

Sir Patrick Vallance then shows the geographical spread of the virus, which is concentrated in the regions which now have higher restrictions on them.

However, he pointedly states that the virus is growing "everywhere".

Spread

 When you look at the cases of over-60s the spread is mirrored, he notes. 

Spread by age

03:22 PM

Sir Patrick Vallance: The epidemic is growing - but not as bad as it could be

Sir Patrick Vallance is now going through the slides, which show that cases declined from May but have risen quite markedly in the last few weeks. 

He says 336,000 people have Covid in the last two-week period. 

The slide below shows estimates for how many new infections, there have been per day. 

"All of these are a bit lag, so we would expect them to be the higher end of these now," says Sir Patrick

Slide two

 The R-rate was pretty flat during the summer, and then it "began to pick up in August, breached one and is now well above", he adds. "In other words, the epidemic is growing" - but it is not where it would be without interventions, which is around 3. 

R rate

 

03:16 PM

Tests will 'take time to get right', says Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson says it will take time to build a logistics operation around the country, and they won't be used to get businesses reopen soon. 

"It will take time to get this right before many organisations can buy and operate these tests themselves," he says. 

"The most important thing is that people isolate when they test positive. If you test positive you must stay at home," the Prime Minister adds. 

That is how we will suppress the disease, which thrives on human contact. 

"Hands, face, space," he adds. 

03:14 PM

Tests will help 'save lives and jobs' this winter, says Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson then turns to his new testing strategy, which will focus on asymptomatic patients. 

There are new tests which are "faster, simpler and cheaper" he says. "Though there is work to do, it is becoming clear that some of these new tests are highly effective and can help save lives and jobs over the winter," he says. 

The Government has already bought millions of the tests, some of which have a result in 15 and work with saliva. 

They have started the process to begin domestic manufacturing and they will begin testing NHS and care home staff more regularly, he says. That will help prevent the spread of the virus through care homes, and students can be tested without breaks in their education. 

Tests will also be given to local health directors who can use them "as they think best", he says. Those in the very high alert level will be prioritised. 

03:11 PM

Boris Johnson won't rule out circuit breaker

Boris Johnson then turns to the circuit breaker, which he says is not a good idea. 

Why would imposing restrictions on Cornwall help the situation in Manchester, he asks. 

But he says he "can't rule anything out" although says he wants to "avoid another damaging national lockdown". 

Instead the Government is backing treatment and vaccine development, as well as creating a "huge diagnostics industry from scratch". 

03:09 PM

Boris Johnson pleads with Greater Manchester leaders to agree restrictions now

Boris Johnson urges leaders in Greater Manchester to agree a similar set of restrictions, warning that without action there will be more people in intensive care than there were in the spring peak. 

Each day without action means more people will end up in hospital, and tragically, more people will die, he says. 

The Prime Minister says: "We have not yet reached an agreement with Manchester. 

"I completely understand the reluctance of the Mayor... it is far from a pain free course of action and will be a difficult time. But I must stress the situation in Greater Manchester is grave and it worsens in each passing day."

He says he can do it unilaterally if required, but he would prefer not to. 

03:06 PM

Boris Johnson thanks local leaders for agreeing coronavirus restrictions

Boris Johnson is now giving his press conference, updating the country on the current coronavirus situation. 

He is joined by Sir Patrick Vallance, chief scientific adviser. 

The Prime Minister thanks Steve Rotheram, Sadiq Khan and local leaders in Lancashire "who have worked constructively with us". 

He said the discussions were tough, adding that no one wants to impose restrictions on people "but these decisions were necessary because of the rate of increase" in cases and hospital admissions. 

He says restrictions are "backed up" by financial support. 

02:52 PM

Rishi Sunak considering additional support for firms facing months of restricted trading

Rishi Sunak is considering additional financial support for businesses that face months of restricted trading due to large swathes of the country being banned from socialising in homes, pubs and restaurants, Harry Yorke writes.

The Treasury is understood to be looking at expanding the support available to firms which are not mandated to close and therefore unable to access the more generous support available to those in the most severe local lockdowns. 

One option believed to be under consideration is to increase the generosity of the job support scheme, with a higher wage subsidy for businesses in tier two. 

02:43 PM

Theresa May's killer drivers' bill blocked by single MP

Theresa May's bid to ensure killer drivers face life behind bars has been blocked in the Commons.

The former prime minister had hoped her Death By Dangerous Driving (Sentencing) Bill would progress to the next stage in the parliamentary process on Friday. Her government had committed to introducing such a change in the Sentencing Bill but it was delayed

But a shout of "object" was heard in the Commons chamber when the Bill's title was read out, meaning it could not receive a second reading.

It comes as an RAC poll of 2,800 drivers indicated that 40 per cent believe courts should be able to hand down life sentences for causing death by dangerous driving.

A further 15 per cent think maximum sentences should at least be increased from the existing level of 14 years.

Theresa May's government had committed to passing the bill - PA

02:32 PM

Iain Duncan Smith: Sage's recommended cure would kill the patient entirely

Coronavirus has changed the political landscape more than we could possibly have imagined. At the end of last year, the Prime Minister was returned to office on a huge wave of goodwill with two key objectives: to get Brexit done and to level up the economy.

That was before Covid-19 struck. Since then, in a country overwhelmed by the need to defeat the pandemic, goodwill has become a rare commodity.

In the midst of this sits the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage). The normal run of affairs is that advisors advise and ministers decide. Yet, argues Iain Duncan Smith, with Sage it is different, for when the government does not follow its advice exactly, it immediately publishes its minutes, in what appears to be a nakedly political act.

02:22 PM

Analysis: Why the Brexit trade talks are still far from over

Boris Johnson has stopped short of slamming the door shut on any further trade negotiations with Brussels, and in the process fully committing to a no-deal Brexit, James Crisp writes from Brussels.

These demands rehearse long-held British positions in the Brexit trade negotiations.

Strip back the rhetoric and the Prime Minister simply repeated the UK’s negotiating positions, and called on the EU to move closer to them. This is just as he has done before and doubtless will again. 

As his doomed predecessor Theresa May once put it, nothing has changed.

02:18 PM

Businesses leaders urge negotiators to restart Brexit talks

The UK and EU must get Brexit talks back on track to protect the economy and avoid unnecessary costs for consumers and businesses, the Government has been told. 

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said a no deal would have a "devastating" impact on the motor industry, hitting the economy and jobs in every region of the country.

Ian Wright, chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation, said Boris Johnson's statement today "signals that we are heading into very dangerous territory" which would be costly for consumers. 

Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI director general, said: "After four years of negotiations and so many hurdles crossed, this is no time to give up. Neither side can afford to fall at the final fence. A deal is the only outcome that protects Covid-hit livelihoods at a time when every job in every country counts."  

Mike Cherry, chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses said firms were "being told to both prepare [for no deal] and simultaneously manage a fresh set of Covid restrictions.

"Many simply don't have the time or money to make adjustments, even if they want and need to, and they don't even know what they're preparing for."

02:06 PM

​Friday Q&A: There is no 'Scrooge-like crusade to level down the North', says William Wragg

William Wragg, chair of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee and MP for Hazel Grove, talks to Politics Live.

With so much focus on the pandemic, are you concerned that the election promises about levelling up are being forgotten?   

No, I see it in my constituency, things are incrementally improving. We have new rolling stick on the railway -  although no one is using it at the moment. My local hospital will have a much improved A&E unit, the schools in my constituency had a significant increase in funding so I know stuff is happening, and I am quite sure we are going to maintain that - but time will tell.   

Downing Street has talked about the need for a less London-centric approach. Would a northern HQ have any interest for your constituents and do you think the pandemic risks reopening the North-South divide?

Well firstly, central office going to Leeds  that may as well be the moon as far as my constituents are concerned, but they have to pick somewhere in the North, and it can't always be Manchester, I suppose. But I think it will undoubtedly improve thinking.

Whenever I go home on the train, I quite often just have a sense of relief: the air is fresher and the opinions are too. There is a different quality to them. You can't be everywhere all the time, so I don't think it’s a massive deal but it will certainly help. 

In terms of the North-South divide, even I could not argue that the data is different in different parts of the country, The idea that there is this Scrooge-like crusade to level down the North is just nonsense.

We have to get a grip of the virus in the North and it is how we do it that counts. 

01:58 PM

Europe still 'very much up for the deal', says Irish Taoiseach

Europe is still "very much up for the deal" with the UK, despite Boris Johnson's claim that the EU has effectively ruled one out, Irish leader Micheal Martin has said. 

Earlier today the Prime Minister told the country to prepare for a no-deal Brexit unless there is a "fundamental change of approach" from the EU.

Speaking in Brussels at the conclusion of the European Councils summit, the Taoiseach said: "That is not my read of the situation.

"Europe is very much up for a deal and I think judging by Michel Barnier's assessment and presentation to the European Council yesterday afternoon, my assessment would be that within that there clearly is room for a deal and there has been actually progress on quite a number of issues."

While there were outstanding issues to be resolved, "anybody looking in would say, you know, there is the basis for an agreement," he added. 

"That's why I would say to the UK Government and indeed, I'm speaking as a member state of the European Union, we are quite clearly willing to engage and want to engage and I think the talks will continue next week and they should intensify on both sides, and there will have to be give and take."

01:48 PM

Wales circuit breaker decision to be announced on Monday

The Welsh Government is looking "very carefully" at introducing a time-limited circuit-breaker lockdown in Wales, the First Minister has confirmed.

Mark Drakeford said the "short, sharp" lockdown could last for between two and three weeks, with a decision due to be announced on Monday.

The Welsh Labour leader also suggested Wales could introduce a new set of national restrictions after a successful reset of the virus, after warning around 2,500 people in the country are currently being infected every day.

It was also confirmed that a travel ban preventing people from areas of the UK with high levels of coronavirus from entering Wales will come into force from 6pm on Friday.

The restriction will prevent travel to Wales from areas in England in Tier 2 or 3, as well as the central belt of Scotland, the whole of Northern Ireland, and any other areas which are categorised as high prevalence in future.

Speaking at the Welsh Government's Covid-19 press briefing on Friday afternoon, Mr Drakeford said introducing a circuit-break is the "the option that is most actively under consideration" for reducing levels of Covid-19.

01:44 PM

Further 82 people die - but Southern England escapes unscathed

A further 82 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 30,825.

Patients were aged between 35 and 97 years old. All except eight had known underlying health conditions. The date of death ranges from 2 October to 15 October 2020, with the majority being on or after 14 October.

The North West was the worst-affected region, registering 39 deaths, while 21 were recorded in the North East & Yorkshire. That was followed by the Midlands (13), East of England (five) and London (four). 

No deaths were recorded in the South East or South West.  

01:39 PM

Lobby latest: Tier 2 couples can see but not touch, Downing Street confirms

Downing Street said Tier 2 restrictions meant couples living apart could see each other outdoors - but social distancing restrictions meant they would not be able to have physical contact.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman stressed that the restrictions were set out in law.

"The rules on household mixing in Tier 2 set out that you should mix with your own household only unless you have formed a support bubble and that obviously does apply to some couples," he said.

The spokesman confirmed couples not in support bubbles and living apart could meet outside but should "follow social distancing and the hand, face, space rules".

Asked why an exemption for "established relationships" was not written into the law for those in Tiers 2 and 3, he added: "Because the purpose of the measures we've put in place is to break the chain of transmission between households and the scientific advice is that there is greatest transmission of the virus indoors."

01:22 PM

Have your say on: Boris Johnson's grip on the pandemic

There is growing scepticism among Conservative MPs about Boris Johnson's ability to steer the ship through the growing crisis, with some suggesting crunch time could come after transition ends on New Year's Day.

The Prime Minister attempted to get on the front foot this week, unveiling his three-tiered system. But the promise that there would be no change to the line-up this week lasted just a couple of days, while his refusal to rule out a circuit breaker now seems to be paving the way for multiple mini-lockdowns over every school holiday.

He has locked horns with local leaders in Greater Manchester, while those in Wales and Scotland are threatening travel bans on people travelling from English hotspots. 

So do you have faith that Mr Johnson is able to get things back on track  - or will it get worse before it gets better? 

Have your say in the poll below. 

01:19 PM

Lobby latest: Boris Johnson still fighting circuit breaker, Downing Street says

Boris Johnson is not currently looking at imposing a so-called "circuit-breaker" national lockdown, Downing Street has said. 

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "I think you've heard from the PM on a number of occasions on this topic this week.

"We do keep all measures under review but he has set out this week that he doesn't believe there should be a national lockdown, and that we believe our three-tiered approach is the right way forward."

01:17 PM

Lobby latest: Downing Street insists Lancashire talks were 'constructive'

Downing Street has rejected claims that ministers "bullied" local leaders as they sought to get an agreement on moving Lancashire into Tier 3 this morning. 

Several leaders have made this claim today, including Preston City Council leader Matthew Brown (12:51pm). 

The Prime Minister's spokesman said: "He (Boris Johnson) is very grateful that those council leaders in Lancashire have worked in consultation with the Government and have come on board.

"We want to continue to work with local authorities in other areas where we have significant concerns in order to seek to put in place further measures to control the virus."

The No 10 spokesman was also pressed on Pendle Council leader, Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, saying Downing Street had effectively "threatened" to withhold funding to individual local authorities if they objected to the upgrade in restrictions.

He replied: "I don't personally know the detail of the discussions that were had.

"But I know our approach throughout was to work constructively with local authorities and to ensure we had the right level of support for people locally because we know just how difficult the coronavirus restrictions are."

01:14 PM

Lobby latest: Regional leaders must decide on gyms, says Downing Street

Downing Street said it was up to regional leaders to decide whether gyms should be closed as part of Tier 3 restrictions.

In the Liverpool City Region gyms are closed but they will remain open in Lancashire when it enters the strictest level of measures.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman told reporters: "The purpose of the Very High level is to allow for local, tailored interventions and they are determined on the basis of discussions with local authorities and based on local evidence.

"You have soft play and car boot sales which are open in Merseyside but will be closed in Lancashire, whereas for gyms the opposite is the case."

Asked whether it was possible to see the evidence the gym and soft play decisions had been based on, the spokesman said: "As I say, there is a consultation process that takes place with local authorities that is based on local evidence.

"And on the basis of that it is determined which measures above the base line should be implemented."

01:13 PM

Government told to show science behind Liverpool gyms closures

The Government has been told to share scientific evidence to support their decision to close gyms in Liverpool while allowing them to stay open in other areas.

Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said while he understood the need for measures, it was not clear why Lancashire was being given lighter touch restrictions.  

 "We simply will not accept our region being treated differently to other Tier 3 areas without robust scientific evidence," he said. "These inconsistencies in restrictions between areas within the same tier risk undermining the new system from the beginning.

"So today we are once again demanding that Government urgently supplies us with the scientific evidence behind their decision to close gyms in our area, while allowing them to stay open in other areas.

"In the meantime, we are doing everything we can to support hospitality and leisure businesses that are affected by the new restrictions via our own £40 million emergency fund, using local funds that have been repurposed to support our economy."

12:57 PM

R-rate nudges up as transmission grows

The reproduction number, or R value, of coronavirus transmission across the UK has nudged further up since last week, as transmission around the country grows. 

Data released on Friday by the Government Office for Science and the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) shows the estimate for R for the whole of the UK is between 1.3 and 1.5.

Last week, the R number was between 1.2 and 1.5. R represents the average number of people each Covid-19 positive person goes on to infect.

When the figure is above 1, an outbreak can grow exponentially.

An R number between 1.3 and 1.5 means that on average every 10 people infected will infect between 13 and 15 other people.

But whiel numbers are undoubtedly rising, the two chiefs' chart of doom remains wildly inaccurate. 

12:39 PM

More healthcare workers given right to administer flu and Covid vaccines

New laws allowing more healthcare workers to administer flu and potential Covid-19 vaccines have been introduced by the Government.

The measures will help in the UK-wide deployment of Covid-19 vaccines once they have been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the Department of Health and Social Care (DCHC) said.

The changes to the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 came into force on Friday, following a public consultation.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "The NHS has vast experience in vaccinating millions of people against diseases every year.

"These legal changes will help us in doing everything we can to make sure we are ready to roll out a safe and effective Covid-19 vaccine as soon as it has passed clinical trials and undergone rigorous checks by the regulator."

According to the DCHC, planning will ensure the changes do not affect other services in hospitals and in GP and community services.

12:31 PM

​Friday Q&A: Covid is responsible for growing distance between MPs and ministers, says William Wragg

William Wragg, chair of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee and MP for Hazel Grove, talks to Politics Live.

Do you believe that scrutiny has become harder under the current Government? Is the promise of greater transparency being kept, or does the situation make it impossible?    

Yes I think that's true. The situation of Covid has brought real practical problems to Parliament and how Parliament works.  Parliament is very organic place, founded on people and personalities. That is the key change that has happened.

The quality of correspondence - probably reflects the volume of work.  Ministers are not in as much, civil servants aren't at immediate hand, and we aren't able to nobble ministers in the corridor - that very human aspect of Parliament and the executive that is caused by Covid and is responsible for those apparent ills.   

But it always takes two to tango. There is no point blaming Number 10 if you are not prepared to accept that it takes two.

So this separation and distance, it's a mutual issue.mutual. You lack that ability as easily to bring people together an understand where each of them is coming from. 

12:15 PM

Friday Q&A: The Prime Minister knows he is not a President, says William Wragg

William Wragg, chair of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee and MP for Hazel Grove, talks to Politics Live.

We all know that the cost of the pandemic is going to probably require cuts as well as tax rises. Can the Government maintain its manifesto pledge on the triple lock?

At different stages of this we are going to have to asses what state the public finances are in. I set a great deal of store by fiscal responsibility - we can’t throw that away.

People vote Conservative not because they like us but because they grudgingly respect us for being able to govern. We can't lose that USP.    

Your committee is currently looking into the role of No 10. Do you think it is changing under the current Prime Minister? Do you have any early thoughts about what the inquiry might find and what recommendations you might make?    

The inquiry is not designed as some sort of threat. We are not there to poke around and cause problems... It is looking at the age-old question - do we need a department for the Prime Minister, or is the Cabinet Office in fact that department? 

We are a parliamentary system and not a presidential system, and I  don't think the PM would disagree with that... we have been here before, with tumult within the civil service - Tony Blair’s relations with his first two Cabinet Secretaries for example. 

It's about different personalities and different characteristics - an age-old struggle played out with a decade or two intervals. I don't see it as complete novel situation.

12:06 PM

Life not going back to normal 'any time soon', say public health directors

Life is not going to return to normal "any time soon" the public health directors for Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool have said, as they made a joint plea to the public to stick to the rules.

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Professor Dominic Harrison and Dr Arif Rajpura said: "We are at a very dangerous phase of the pandemic.

"Infection rates are going up across Lancashire, hospitals are getting busier and people are quite frankly sick of coronavirus and just want life to return to normal.

"That's something we all want, but we have to level with you - it isn't happening any time soon. All of our lives have been affected by coronavirus and will continue to be so until we have a vaccine. Now that Lancashire has entered Tier 3 the next month is critical to getting the virus under control."

They urged local residents to "protect yourself, your family and your community", saying: "By sticking to the restrictions - even though we know it's hard - and following the simple guidance around hands, face and space you will help limit the spread of coronavirus."

11:51 AM

Government 'bullied' local leaders into agreeing Lancashire deal, says Preston council head

The Government "bullied" leaders as ministers sought to reach a deal to put Lancashire into Tier 3, the head of Preston City Council has claimed.

Matthew Brown said he had "lots of solidarity" with other local leaders such as Andy Burnham, saying he thought they should have "held out for a bit longer" to get more support for those on lowest incomes. 

He told Sky News: "Many of us were bullied and told, basically, you'll be an island, the rest of Lancashire would get better benefits, you won't be able to travel outside... lots of pressure was put on us. I am  pretty disgusted with the way Government has treated us."

They were made to feel that "you do what you're told and if you rebel a bit you're sidelined," he said. 

It would "excerbate regional inequalities", he added, arguing that instead of levelling up it would level down the area. 

11:44 AM

Brexit talks to continue next week, says Ursula von der Leyen

Boris Johnson might have signalled his willingness to pull out of negotiations and pave the way for a no-deal Brexit - but talks are continuing behind the scenes. 

Earlier today Micheal Martin, Ireland's Taoiseach, said Michel Barnier been given the "necessary flexibility" to continue Brexit deal talks.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has just tweeted; "As planned, our negotiation team will go to London next week to intensify these negotiations."

11:36 AM

Nadine Dorries self-isolating after contact tests posistive

Health minister Nadine Dorries has stayed away from the House of Commons after a close contact tested positive for Covid-19, MPs have heard.

Ms Dorries was due to respond for the Government on the Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Bill, which seeks to ban certain cosmetic procedures for children in England.

Health minister Edward Argar deputised at the despatch box and explained: "I know (Ms Dorries) would very much wish to be here today given her work with (Conservative MP Laura Trott) on her Bill.

"However, and she's asked me to say this, as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 she is, as always, doing the right thing, and staying away from the House."

Ms Dorries was the first sitting MP to test positive for Covid-19, revealing the news on March 11.

Nadine Dorries is self-isolating - Andrew Crowley

11:34 AM

Wales to introduce travel ban on tourists from hotspots, confirms First Minister

Mark Drakeford has confirmed that a travel ban preventing people from areas of the UK with high levels of coronavirus from entering Wales will come into force.

In a statement, the First Minister said the number of Covid-19 cases across Wales was growing, with the health services coming "under pressure".

"To keep Wales safe, the Welsh Government is therefore amending the regulations to make it clear that people living in areas with a high prevalence of coronavirus in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland would not be able to travel to parts of Wales where there is a low prevalence," Mr Drakeford said.

"It is vital that we keep communities which have low levels of infection as safe as possible and this sensible and necessary restriction will help prevent the virus moving from more urban, highly populated areas to more sparsely populated areas."

People are already unable to enter or leave areas of Wales subjected to local lockdown restrictions without a reasonable excuse such as work or education.

11:27 AM

Boris Johnson to hold press conference this afternoon

The Prime Minister has just given an update on Brexit, after which he answered a couple of questions - but he is due to give a full-blown press conference later this afternoon.

If we were in any doubt about Boris Johnson's intent regarding Greater Manchester, my colleague Gordon Rayner has tweeted this:

11:23 AM

Boris Johnson warns he will impose restrictions on Greater Manchester

Boris Johnson has raised the threat of restrictions being imposed on Greater Manchester if the local leaders continue to resist. 

The Prime Minister said he would "much rather not impose things, I'd much rather work out something together with local authorities, with the mayor [Andy Burnham]. 

"It is up to local leaders to show the kind of leadership we have seen in Liverpool, in London... other local leaders have come forward and joined in the tiering system,s howig the kind of leadership I think is necessary.

"This is about saving lives, joining together in a national effort." 

11:11 AM

UK ready for no trade deal with 'high hearts' says Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson said the UK should be ready to leave the EU without a trade deal in place "with high hearts" - but did not rule out reopening talks if there was "a change of heart".  

He said: "We always knew there would be change on January 1st whatever the type of relationship we had.... we should do this with high hearts and complete confidence that we will embrace the alternative."

The UK will "prosper mightliy as free trading nation," he added. 

Asked if he was walking away from talks, Mr Johnson said there "doesn't appear to be any progress in Brussels" but if they "come to us" he was "more than happy to talk about practicalities.

"Unless there is a fundamental change of approach we are going to go for the Australian solution," he said. 

11:06 AM

UK must get ready for Australia-style trade deal with EU, says Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson has said it is time for the UK to "get ready for January 1st with arrangements that are more like Australia's" as he signals the end of Brexit talks. 

The Prime Minister said he had been "totally clear from the outset that we want nothing more complicated than a Canada style FTA... but to judge from latest summit in Brussels that won't work for our EU partners". 

The EU wanted the continued power over the UK's laws and fisheries, he claimed. 

"I have to make a judgement about the likely outcome and to get us all ready," Mr Johnson said. "Given they haeve refused to negotiate seriously, this summit appears to explicitly rule out a Canada-stule deal."

As a result, it is time to "get ready for January 1st with arrangements that are more like Australia's", he said. 

10:52 AM

Michel Barnier gets 'necessary flexibility' to continue Brexit talks after mid-October deadline

Michel Barnier has been given the "necessary flexibility" to continue Brexit deal talks, Ireland's Taoiseach has said. 

Speaking in Brussels, Micheal Martin said EU leaders had had "constructive" Brexit discussions on Thursday.

"We received a very good assessment on the sate of the negotiations from our chief negotiator Michel Barnier," he said.

"He emphasised the need for mutual respect on these negotiations and I think he was given the necessary flexibility to continue with the negotiations on behalf of the EU Council to ensure a comprehensive, fair free trade deal between the UK and the European Union and that's how we'd like to see things evolve now and in the future weeks to bring this to a conclusion."

10:50 AM

Liverpool leaders slam 'inconsistent mess' after Lancashire agrees lighter restrictions

Just when one battle concludes, another fault line opens up.

Minutes after the Lancashire deal was confirmed. the Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said he was demanding "instant clarification" as to why gyms are shut in his city and not elsewhere. 

"Inconsistent mess, we now have Tier 3 A and Tier 3 B. Are gym users in Lancashire more safer than those in Liverpool region?"

This was echoed by Wirral Council leader Jan Williamson, who tweeted: "As Liverpool City Region leaders we demanding the evidence from Government immediately as to why our gyms have had to shut and Lancashire can keep theirs open.

"We need fairness and consistency, what we have is a shambles."

10:30 AM

Lancashire to go into Tier 3 from midnight after agreeing £12m funding package

Lancashire will enter Tier 3 from midnight today, the Government has confirmed, after agreeing an extra £12m funding package. 

Pus and bars must close if they are not serving "substantial meals", with people told they are not allowed to socialise with anyone they do not live with indoors, in private gardens or "most outdoor hospitality venues".

People should try to avoid travelling outside the very-high alert level or entering a very-high alert level area, other than for work, education or for caring responsibilities or to travel through as part of a longer journey.

Residents should avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK, and others should avoid staying overnight in the very high alert area

From Monday, the adult gaming industry, casinos, bingo halls, bookmakers and betting shops, and soft play areas must close. Car boot sales will not be permitted.

Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, said: “An unrelenting rise in cases in Lancashire means we must act now, and we have worked intensively with local leaders to agree on additional restrictions.

“I know how heavy these additional challenges will weigh on everyday life for the people of Lancashire – but they are critical in bringing this virus under control."

10:19 AM

Northern leaders issue joint statement saying they are 'united' in fight for more financial support

Northern mayors issued a joint statement on the financial package available as the stand-off with Number 10 continued.

Just minutes after it emerged that Lancashire had agreed a deal to enter Tier 3, the leaders published a statement insisting they remain united in their fight for more financial support. 

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Jamie Driscoll, Mayor of North Tyne and Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool City Region, said: "The Government is claiming that the North is divided and only interested in getting what we can for our own region.

"That is simply not the case.

"We are all united in fighting for an 80 per cent furlough scheme for all people affected by regional lockdowns, wherever they are in the country. Paying two-thirds of salaries will not be enough to protect the jobs of thousands - it should at least match the 80 per cent that was available under furlough, with the minimum wage as the minimum support.

"The Universal Credit top-up is not the answer. It doesn't help everybody and takes weeks to come through. It will not prevent severe hardship for thousands of low-paid workers before Christmas.

"But we won't forget the self-employed and freelancers and other business who will be affected by these lockdowns, they also need support and we stand firm for those too.

"This is a fight for what is right."

10:17 AM

Friday Q&A: Constituents are not in the mood for a political squabble, says William Wragg

William Wragg, chair of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee and MP for Hazel Grove, talks to Politics Live.

What mark would you give the Government for its handling of the pandemic? What has been their biggest failing?  

I don't know if I can give them a mark, given what I said about the degree of humility needed. 

What needs most attention is testing. They have acknowledged that, and we have to make it work. When [Labour] raise things like that it shouldn't be taken in that way, I think therefore that is something that needs to change - we are all looking at our inboxes, we are all dealing with our constituents.

There is political stuff, but I don't think there is a monopoly on good ideas, and we should not go down that route.    The pandemic should elevate our thoughts in the way we do  it - constituents are not in the mood for political squabble.

Even though Mr Burnham is the arch master of grievance politics, today at least there is that unanimity of opinion on Greater Manchester and that probably goes down well locally.    

Under Keir Starmer, do you think Labour is a more serious threat to the Tories? 

Yes, for the simple reasons that he is not as awful as the last one. But a great many other people would have been a significant improvement. Jeremy Corbyn was certainly an asset to the Conservative party at the election.

[Starmer] is very skillful, but I wonder how long he can sit on the fence and continue this outward display that he supports the Government, when of course he doesn't. He is far cannier.  

10:01 AM

Friday Q&A: I wouldn't bank on a vaccine, says William Wragg

William Wragg, chair of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee and MP for Hazel Grove, talks to Politics Live.

Yesterday you made it clear that you opposed further restrictions in Greater Manchester, and said negotiations were like "talking to the wall". What are your main concerns? Can they be resolved with better economic support, or do you think a whole new approach is needed?  

My concern is to close that Covid-secure venues, where people can meet in a socially distant way, risks driving the virus even more into people’s homes. If you combine that with lockdown fatigue, they may do it even though it’s against the rules.

We have to appeal to people's better judgement, inculcate that responsibility, rather than saying tough enforcement will be sufficient. I don't buy into that psychology.  

There comes a point where you have to consider is the medicine worse than the thing it's trying to cure. I know people in my constituents in desperate states - suicides, family breakdowns, on benefits for the first time in their lives. It makes me question it.   

But I accept it's an impossible situation for the Government and people like me should have sufficient humility to recognise that. I don't envy Boris’ job at the moment.   

Do you think there will be a second lockdown akin to the one we saw in March? How can this be avoided? 

Yes I think it can be avoided, through an ever greater focus on testing.  I hope there is a vaccine but I wouldn't bank on it.

Whatever can be done, it must continue to be done to improve testing and isolation. 

It would be calamitous if we ended up in a second lockdown… it would show that other things have failed.  

09:52 AM

Finish prime minister forced to leave EU summit to self-isolate

Finnish prime minister Sanna Marin left an EU summit on Friday to self-isolate as a precaution after attending a meeting this week with a Finnish MP who has since tested positive for Covid-19, the government said.

"The prime minister has today left the European Council and asked the Swedish Prime Minister, Stefan Lofven, to represent Finland during the final meeting," the government said in a statement.

She follows Ursula von der Leyen, who had to enter self-isolation for a second time this month yesterday afternoon, just hours after she arrived at the critical summit. 

Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin (L) and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen - Anadolu Agency

09:40 AM

Breaking: Lancashire to go into tier three

Lancashire will be going in tier three this weekend, the local council has confirmed, after a last-ditch deal was agreed with the Government. 

It is thought the local leaders have secured additional funding for them to agree the move, although it is not known the extent of the additional support. 

More to follow...

09:36 AM

Friday Q&A: People’s lives are under greater strain in the second wave, says William Wragg

William Wragg, chair of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee and MP for Hazel Grove, talks to Politics Live.

How have you been finding the last seven months personally - were there any silver linings to lockdown for you or was it a tough slog? And what about your wider constituency?   

I was ill with it fairly early on in March - spent 10 days isolation in my flat down here [in London], and then lockdown came in that evening.

I recovered without having to be in hospital, but 10 days in a flat on my own - with food being left at the door - means I have some sympathy with people who have to go through it now. It was certainly unpleasant but at least I could recoup on my own without having to go into hospital.

In terms of the constituency, it's a very old-fashioned phrase but there was public spiritedness, with lots of different voluntary groups.    The broad measures of economic support by and large meant there was broad support for lockdown

Is there a different attitude now among your constituents - are you seeing lockdown fatigue? And do you think this has been made worse by public figures not following the rules?

Certainly there is  fatigue. The more rules and regulations we put in place, there is a growing number of people are fatigued by it. People’s livelihoods and wider health, relationships and friendships are under greater strain now, so I don't think it is surprising that there is this fatigue.  

It is hard to say whether that would be less if we hadn't seen some of those figures [breaking lockdown rules. I am maybe more generous than I have been before but I think if you make the rules you are probably set to a higher judgement bar.

William Wragg caught Covid in the spring - PA

09:14 AM

Have your say on: Boris Johnson's grip on the pandemic

There is growing scepticism among Conservative MPs about Boris Johnson's ability to steer the ship through the growing crisis, with some suggesting crunch time could come after transition ends on New Year's Day.

The Prime Minister attempted to get on the front foot this week, unveiling his three-tiered system. But the promise that there would be no change to the line-up this week lasted just a couple of days, while his refusal to rule out a circuit breaker now seems to be paving the way for multiple mini-lockdowns over every school holiday.

He has locked horns with local leaders in Greater Manchester, while those in Wales and Scotland are threatening travel bans on people travelling from English hotspots. 

So do you have faith that Mr Johnson is able to get things back on track  - or will it get worse before it gets better? 

Have your say in the poll below. 

09:08 AM

Andy Burnham hits back over Dominic Raab's party politics claim

Andy Burnham has hit back at Dominic Raab's claim that he is not acting in the best interests of the people of Manchester. 

The Foreign Secretary repeatedly attacked the Greater Manchester Mayor this morning, claiming he was trying to "hold the Government over a barrel" and playing party politics. 

Avoiding tier three was not "right for the people of Manchester, or people of this country," he added.

But here is what Mr Burnham had to say about that:

08:45 AM

Deaths to reach between 240 and 690 daily by end of month, scientists warn

Around 47,000 Covid-19 infections are occurring daily across England, with deaths expected to hit 240 to 690 per day by October 26, according to evidence presented to Government scientists.

The Medical Research Council (MRC) biostatistics unit at Cambridge University published new predictions on October 12 on how fast the epidemic is growing across the country.

They estimate cases are doubling in under seven days, with a "substantial proportion" of those being asymptomatic.

The figures are fed to the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, which provides real-time information to the Government through the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), and to regional Public Health England (PHE) teams.

08:31 AM

Thousands sign petition calling for lorry park to be renamed after Nigel Farage

Thousands of people are calling for a huge new Brexit "lorry park" in Kent to be named after Nigel Farage.

A tongue-in-cheek petition wants the Brexit Party leader to be recognised for his contribution to the UK leaving the EU.

Up to 1,700 lorries will be able to park at the new facility, which is under construction next to the M20 in Ashford.

The petition says: "It is fitting that every lorry driver, every commuter and every local resident has a chance to link this fine example of civil engineering to its true hero.

"It may be that Mr Farage will be unable or unwilling to attend the unveiling of this great honour that we do him, but that shouldn't get in the way of seeing his name and huge gurn plastered all over the boundary fence at regular intervals, topped by a coil of razor wire no doubt festooned with the shreds of black farmers' plastic known as witches' knickers.

"For the foreseeable future everyone should genuinely be able to refer to this diesel-soaked Valhalla as Nigel's Folly."

Petition calls for a lorry park - or"diesel-soaked Valhalla" to be renamed "Nigel's Folly" - Eddie Mulholland

08:21 AM

Manchester MP hits out at reports further support is being considered for London

A Labour MP has hit out at reports that the Treasury is considering further support for businesses in tier two, noting that it is timed as London enters the "high" category.

Shadow business minister and Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell noted that her constituency has "been in tier two for nearly three months with nothing."

She added: "They wonder why we up here are fed up and are demanding more support."

08:10 AM

Threat of circuit breaker lockdowns over every school holiday looms

Conservative MPs might be getting twitchy about the prospect of a two-week circuit breaker for October half-term - but Sage scientists have advised something far more alarming. 

A series of mini lockdowns need to be put "in the diary" for every school holiday through to the spring, they say. 

Ministers believe the Prime Minister will announce a series of regional "circuit-breakers" at the end of next week if the three-tier system fails to halt the rise in coronavirus cases. On Friday, cases in the UK stood at 18,980, with 138 deaths. 

07:57 AM

Vaccine disinformation campaign 'shabby' and 'deplorable', says Dominic Raab

Dominic Raab has said spreading lies about coronavirus and a vaccine is "shabby" and "utterly deplorable".

A Russian disinformation campaign has been set up in order to spread fear about the Oxford University coronavirus vaccine, with pictures, memes and video clips depicting the British-made inoculation as dangerous, it was reported this morning.

The Foreign Secretary told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "It's a shabby piece of disinformation but it is very serious because it is an attempt to disrupt the attempts to find a safe vaccine.

"We know that Russia has a track record of using disinformation as a foreign policy tool ... but actually any attempt to spread lies about Covid-19, and the vaccine in particular, when we're trying to come together as an international community to resolve a global pandemic is utterly deplorable."

Dominic Raab - Barcroft Media

07:54 AM

Financial support for local lockdowns 'under review', says Dominic Raab

Dominic Raab has conceded that the Government is keeping the financial support on offer for people living under the highest category of restrictions "under review". 

Andy Burnham and other local leaders have said the package is not sufficient, particularly for those on the lowest incomes, and called for "a full and fair 80 per cent furlough scheme for all affected workers, 80 per cent income support for people who are self-employed and a proper compensation scheme for businesses".

This morning the Foreign Secretary stressed that while the support so far had been generous, ministers "constantly keep it under review".

He added: "We are doing everything we can."

07:48 AM

There is a Brexit trade deal to be done, says Dominic Raab

Dominic Raab has called on EU leaders to show "flexibility" in reaching a post-Brexit trade deal between the EU and UK, saying there was "a deal to be done". 

The EU signalled on Thursday that it is willing to continue trade negotiations but called on Britain to make the next move.

The Foreign Secretary told the Today programme: "There's a deal to be done, but there needs to be flexibility on both sides, energy and goodwill and political will on both sides, and the Prime Minister will say more (today)."

He said the Government is "surprised by the attitude and the disposition" of the European Council".

He went on: "I'm surprised and disappointed by the lack of flexibility and will that at least seems to have come out of the European Council."

07:47 AM

Dominic Raab: Tiered approach will work if people 'lean into it'

Dominic Raab has argued it is "not correct" to suggest that people in Manchester are being asked to go under restrictions with no guarantee of success. 

The Foreign Secretary said the scientific advice was that if people "lean in" to the restrictions the transmission rate would drop without having to endure a local lockdown. 

Mr Raab told the Today programme: "There is a risk that this tiered, targeted approach won't work. The answer is to that risk is to lean in, make it work as effectively and swiftly as possible.

"Andy Burnham ought to be working with the Government and not pulling up the drawbridge."

He stressed that a three-week circuit breaker would cause much more economic damage than the targeted tier system. 

07:43 AM

Listen: Stop 'demonising youngsters', 1922 vice-chairman tells Chopper's Podcast

Politicians with "pensions funded out of the public purse" should stop "demonising youngsters" for partying in the street after being thrown out of pubs under the 10pm coronavirus curfew, a senior Tory MP has said.

Sir Charles Walker, the vice-chairman of the 1922 Committee, said students and young people were behaving rationally because coronavirus posed little risk to them.

He also said decisions to shut parts of the economy were being taken by people in Government with "no experience of the private sector" and with few friends who had built their own companies.

Sir Charles, who has rebelled against Covid-19 restrictions three times in the Commons in recent weeks, was speaking to this week's Chopper's Politics podcast, which you can listen to on the audio player below.

07:31 AM

Lancashire poised to enter tier three today, says Burnley Mayor

Manchester's leaders might be holding out for a better package, but Lancashire's leaders are poised to strike a deal, the Mayor of Burnley has said. 

Wajid Khan told Sky News that conversations were ongoing and that details would be finalised later today, possibly as early as this morning.  

He hit out at the Government for "dictating to Lancashire leaders", who were being told it is "our way or the highway".

Although the leaders are "fighting for more money", Mr Khan accepted they would ultimately accept what was on offer. 

He added: "It is a false choice - they are saying either you accept tier three with a package or you get tier three anyway." 

07:19 AM

Dominic Raab hits out at Andy Burnham's 'crazy' national lockdown suggestion

Dominic Raab has hit out Andy Burnham's "crazy" suggestion that a national lockdown would be better than putting Manchester into tier three. 

The Mayor said yesterday that he had been told this by deputy CMO Jonathan Van-Tam as he accused the Government of "being willing to sacrifice jobs and businesses here to try and save them elsewhere.”

But the Foreign Secretary said: "It is crazy to say one area would take restrictions only if the rest of the country does... it can't be right to say we will only have those restrictions in our area if everyone has to when the challenge and the problem isn't the same everywhere."

07:11 AM

'No threats, just the facts of life', Dominic Raab tells Andy Burnham

Dominic Raab has warned that the Government will override Greater Manchester leaders if they continue to resist the region being put into the highest category of coronavirus restrictions. 

The Foreign Secretary said as "the last resort, the Government has the powers to proceed in any event but we would much prefer to work with local leaders."

Asked if he was threatening Andy Burnham, Mr Raab told Sky News: "No threats, just the facts of life.

"We want to work, we are striving to work with local leaders. We understand the challenges of the local authorities and local mayors."

He highlighted agreements struck with London Mayor Sadiq Khan and his Liverpool counterpart Steve Rotheram, saying: "It ought to be possible in Manchester."

Avoiding tier three was not "right for the people of Manchester, or people of this country," he added.

07:06 AM

Circuit breaker would need at least two weeks, says Sage scientist

A Sage scientist has warned that "some areas are going to be back to the same kind of position they were at the end of March" as he said a circuit breaker would need to run for at least two weeks. 

Professor Graham Medley, an expert in infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and member of Sage, told the Today programme that bubbles would help maintain some social contact while reducing transmission. But he also raised the prospect of a circuit breaker - although warned  "a week isn't long enough."

He told the Today programme: "The idea is now out there that we could do it for a short period and know when we're going to do it and that would potentially mitigate the damage as well."

He added: "Somebody who's infected the day before you go into that break would still be infectious when you came out.

"You need at least one generation of infection, so people who were infected before, to stop being infected by the end, so it would need to be at least two weeks."

07:01 AM

'Do the right thing by Manchester', Dominic Raab tells Andy Burnham

The Mayor of Greater Manchester should "do the right thing by the people of Manchester", Dominic Raab has said, as the two sides stand off over coronavirus restrictions. 

The Foreign Secretary also warned that if action wasn't taken rapidly, it increased the risk of a national lockdown. 

Mr Raab told BBC Breakfast: "Ultimately we need to take action - we can't have a situation as we have seen in Manchester where Andy Burnham is effectively trying to hold the Government over a barrel over money and politics when actually we need to take action.

"The cases there are 470 per 100,000 so it is very serious, and we must take action in the interest of the people of Manchester and the wider area, and if we take those targeted actions in those areas most affected... we get through this and we avoid the national level lockdown."

06:53 AM

Boris Johnson pushed towards national lockdown

Boris Johnson was on Thursday night embroiled in a standoff with Labour mayors and his own health advisers over his plans for local lockdowns.

Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, effectively held the Government to ransom by demanding more money for supporting a move into the top tier of restrictions, while health chiefs warned that a national "circuit-breaker" lockdown may be necessary.

Meanwhile Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, was accused of bouncing ministers into imposing draconian new restrictions on the capital that will decimate its economy.

Mr Johnson is expected to impose the highest level of Covid-19 restrictions on Greater Manchester on Friday, with or without Mr Bunham's consent, while Lancashire was close to agreeing to Tier 3 status on Thursday night.

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