Daily Update 19/06/2020

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The total deaths as a result of Coronavirus now stand at 42,461, an increase of 173 as of today. 

In the daily briefing Gavin Williamson, the education Secretary, announced that the government will lower the alert level from 4 to 3 today. Level 3 means that the virus is in general circulation whereas level 4 means that transmission is high and rising. 

The Government has received criticism for seemingly downplaying the amount of Coronavirus deaths during the peak of the outbreak. According to ONS figures there were 22 days in which the total deaths were above 1,000 and near 1,500 deaths in one day. 

The UK Government’s debt exceeded the size of the economy in May for the first time in 50 years. 

Daily Update 18/06/2020

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The total deaths as a result of Coronavirus now stand at 42,288, an increase of 135 as of today. Public Health England published a report stating that for the first time since mid-March the number of people who have died is no higher than what is normal during this time of the year. 

The Government has received criticising for their inability to develop a nationwide track and trace app. In the daily Coronavirus briefing Matt Hancock stated that the Government’s search for a working track and trace app has been hindered by its incompatibility Apple software. 

New HMRC Guide

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Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs have updated their very helpful booklet, explaining how they can help you to help your constituents.

If you would like a copy of the updated version, please email us and we’ll send you the PDF.

*** Please note that we are only able to send these documents to current Members of the Senedd, Members of Parliament and Members of the Scottish Parliament and their staff with intranet email accounts. It is not available to members of the public. ***

Daily Update 16/06/2020

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The total death toll as a result of Coronavirus now stands at 41,969, an increase of 233 as of today. 

Progress has been made in the Government’s attempts to treat Coronavirus as dexamethasone, a corticosteroid medication, has been shown to be effective in treating Coronavirus. The drug has been shown to reduce the risk of death by 35% for patients that require ventilators.

The Government have made a U-turn on their decision to now extend the free school meals program to the summer. The government’s introduction of a £120 million vouchers scheme, entitling children eligible for free school meals to £15 worth of vouchers a week, comes after a campaign led by the the football player Marcus Rashford. 

Daily Update 15/06/2020

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Non-essential shops across the country reopened on today, increasing footfall by over 40%. 

Boris Johnson has announced a cross government commission to look into all aspects of racial inequality within the UK. The commission will look into inequality in “employment, in health outcomes, in academic and all other walks of life”, according to the Prime Minister. 

The total deaths as a result of Coronavirus in the UK now stands at 41,736, an increase of 38 as of today. 

Negotiations between the EU and the UK are still ongoing as the bloc’s negotiators have insisted that there will be no trade deal unless the UK accepts a level playing field with the EU. 

Daily Update 12/06/2020

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Police have imposed restrictions on all demonstrations in London this weekend. The new restrictions, which require public assemblies to end before 5pm, apply to Black Lives Matter protests as well as left- and right-wing groups that have notified the Government about arranging demonstrations. 

The total deaths as a result of Coronavirus now stands at 41,481, an increase of 202 as of today. 

In the daily briefing Grant Shapps drew attention to the Government’s plans to invest in renewable energy for transport. The Transport Secretary stated that it was the Government’s aim to develop renewable sources of energy in the aviation industry within a generation.  

Coronavirus (COVID-19): right to work checks

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Advice for employers carrying out ‘right to work’ checks during the coronavirus pandemic.

It is still necessary for employers to check that their employees have the right to work in the UK and it remains an offence to knowingly employ anyone who does not have the right to work in the UK.

Right to work checks have been temporarily adjusted due to coronavirus (COVID-19). This is to make it easier for employers to carry them out.

Please see here for full details: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-right-to-work-checks

Daily Update 11/06/2020

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The economy shrunk by 20.4% in April during lockdown. This is the biggest ever monthly fall in economic activity in the UK. 

Relatives of 450 people who have died as a result of Coronavirus have asked the government to launch a public enquiry into whether these deaths could have been prevented. 

The total death toll as a result of Coronavirus now stands at 41,279, an increase of 151 as of today. In the daily briefing Matt Hancock again stressed that people should not attend public gatherings and demonstrations with more than six people.

Covid-19 and Casework: Ask the Library

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The House of Commons Library is running a series of online training sessions on 25 and 26 June to help MPs’ staff deal with Covid-19 related casework. The programme covers:

  • Preventing evictions
  • Understanding the data on case numbers and deaths
  • The lockdown laws
  • Schools
  • The economic impact
  • Using the Library remotely

And much more…

Take a look at the full programme on ACT and sign up by 22 June to reserve your place.

 

Daily Update 10/06/2020

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The total death toll as a result of Coronavirus now stands at 41,128, an increase of 245 as of today. 

The OECD has warned that the UK economy will shrink by 11.5% this year, making it the worst hit of all developed countries. The OECD also warned that the impact on the economy could be worsened if there is a second wave. 

In the daily Coronavirus briefing Boris Johnson introduced changes to the lockdown restrictions. From 15 June, people living alone and single parents will be able to form “bubbles” with another household, and some leisure centres and places of worship can reopen.

During Prime Minister’s Questions today Sir Keir Starmer attacked the Government for lacking a coherent plan for returning all children back to school.

Alok Sharmer confirmed the plans to reopen non-essential shops, including Zoos and safari parks, from Monday. This news comes as more than half of Boris Johnson’s cabinet pushing for the Government to the two-metre rule.