1.8m children need devices for remote learning – ‘alternative is unacceptable’ says Children’s Commissioner

Almost two million children in the UK do not have access to a laptop, desktop computer or tablet at home, with warnings that the digital divide will lead to more inequality and further damage children’s education. The Children’s Commissioner Anne Longfield wants pupils who do not have access to remote learning equipment, to be designated […]

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‘Extreme concern’ over surge in Covid cases with NHS staff ‘back in the eye of the storm’

Matt Hancock has warned the “NHS is facing unprecedented pressures” from the coronavirus while a senior medical adviser expressed “extreme concern” about infection rates across the UK. Boris Johnson is meeting with ministers tonight (Tuesday) to discuss what changes need to be made to England’s tier system to curb the virus spreading. Concerns have been […]

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UK’s R-rate is below 1 for first time since August while Johnson defends ‘tough tiering’

The UK’s R-rate for coronavirus infection has fallen to below 1 for the first time since August – three weeks into England’s second national lockdown. Government scientists have announced the R-number for the UK has dropped to between 0.9 and 1 meaning infections should now decrease. The number of new cases reported today – 16,022 […]

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Delight at new vaccine tempered by fears of tighter tiers after lockdown

The UK has secured five million doses of the Moderna coronavirus vaccine which claims to have almost 95% effectiveness against the virus. Health secretary Matt Hancock confirmed the UK has “an initial agreement” for five million doses from the US drugmaker, but added they will not be available until spring 2021. “Absolutely brilliant news,” hailed […]

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Vaccine and mass testing boost for UK but Covid deaths hit highest daily toll since May

Doctors and soldiers have been put on notice to prepare for a national immunisation and mass testing drive across the UK following yesterday’s announcement of a coronavirus vaccine. Some 1,500 GPs and drive-through centres will deliver “at least 1,000 jabs a week” of the Pfizer and BioNtech vaccine from December 1, with health officials saying […]

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Sunak U-turns on furlough – 3 million workers still excluded; Bank of England’s (extra) £150bn to bolster UK economy

Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled his fourth winter economic plan in six weeks by announcing the extension of the furlough scheme until March. It means the government will pay 80% of workers’ wages with companies paying national insurance and pension contributions. Support for self-employed had also been extended and the amount increased from previous Treasury statements. […]

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