Thread by @thehoff102

Listening to @RishiSunak now.

Listen to @RishiSunak #StaySafeStayHome #SaveLives and #ProtectTheNHS. /1

Nice green tie @RishiSunak! /2

For the smallest businesses @RishiSunak says for the smallest businesses #HardshipGrantPlan - up live. /3

Now @RishiSunak talking to the #selfemployed saying you are not forgotten.

He announces #SelfEmploymentScheme of 80% of the aversge monthly profits over last 3 years they made - £2,500 a month- for at least 3 months. This is for those who are impacted by #coronavirus. /4

Available for those who earn up to £50,000 a year.

This seems to once again to perpetuate the myth - about self employed being richer than others- not true. /5

#covid19UK

That said I'm so glad a lot being to done to help #selfemployed via the tax system and @RishiSunak is right any system needs to be fair and reach those who need it most. /6

On self-employed- cover 95% - there average incomes is £200,000 a year.

Up and running with the scheme end of June - totally new self-employed scheme and a diverse system @RishiSunak.

Reason takes longer as given people more time to let people to file their tax returns./7

@RishiSunak being honest- in terms of speed - people can get get advanced payment asap @BethRigby I know this.

I have been on since September 2019 and got an advanced payment as soon as I apply and I know from others still happening - check your facts @BethRigby! /8

Interesting questions from @Peston based on his economist background.

And a good question on testing. /9

The scheme for self employed will be up for 3 months, backdated to March - @RishiSunak.

Fair point on taxation to employed and self-employed- @RishiSunak /10

Deputy CMO - Yes correct a brand new virus- but shes being very prickly in her response, whilst @RishiSunak being honest and calm.

/11

@JPGroves jumping down Rishi's throat.

You did not listening to @RishiSunak - it's a brand new scheme it takes time.

And you didn't listen on tax returns.

Very boorish and clearly did not listen. Do your homework. You cannot pull the wool over eyes of @RishiSunak ! /12

And @JPGroves - I have bad mental health and walking helps me and the Govt has made it clear #StayHomeSaveLives.

Booze isles empty @JPGroves! Booze is not a necessity! /13

Good question by @GeorgeWParker on fraud in the system for self-employed. - I like @RishiSunak as again honest saying at this time cant let "perfect be the enemy of the good." /14

On the @bankofengland loan scheme question by @GeorgeWParker I will be honest him and @RishiSunak know far more than me as they are economists - @anandMenon1, @KateAndrs and @Philip_Salter explanation for the non economists please! /15

@RishiSunak honest to question from @Telegraph about terrible U.S. and UK figures, saying there will be hardship. /16

Its not so much the answers I have the problem with from Deputy CMO.

But she comes across as prickly, not done her homework and talking in bureaucratise.

On 1 million letters for self-testing kits do from home being sent out, she simply did not answer @Telegraph question. /17

Very impressed by @RishiSunak explaining why it took longer to provide a package for self-employed and honest. /18

From @RishiSunak he clearly has done his homework and worked closely from IPSE.

Andy Chamberlain - government not deliberately causing delay and takes time to get the scheme up and running. /19

Andy Chamberlain from IPSE - generous from @RishiSunak, some countries doing nothing for self employed and unemployed

He will be working with Govt to improve scheme, but acknowledges sadly some will go under

@TenThinkTank know you did loads, so thank you, Andy & @RishiSunak /20

@TheBMA is right to say the fuck ups around local distribution networks on testing kits is simply not good enough. /21

If you have any questions on the package for self-employed, I understand from @BBCNews that a financial journalist from @FT will be asking your questions via #bbcyourquestions. /22

Now at 8pm let's all do our best to support those heroes via #ClapForCarers.

Tune in to @BBCNews just before 8pm to see how you can support.

And thank you @BBCNews for doing a great job for all of us during #COVID2019. /23

Also the first question to @RishiSunak and Deputy CMO was asked by @bbclaurak.

Laura has done an excellent job as a journalist for many years and sadly I've seen she gets horrid sexist and antisemitic abuse and it's time people showed her some kindness! /24

@threadreaderapp unroll please.