Worth pointing out just how experimental this idea is, and unclear whether any council will want to trial it, given poss probs of implementation.
But it underlines how keen govt is to reassure MPs there is a way out of Tier 3, even for just some individuals who live there
.@justinmadders: "This is another example of the Government making unrealistic promises without any idea how'll they'll implement them. "
"If relaxing tier 3 restrictions for people with a negative test result really is their ambition, ministers must put in place the plans and resources to ensure mass testing becomes a reality, not just a soundbite."
Here's another example of how the testing could work, according to the govt document.
Will it be enough to persuade some Tory MPs (who feel their whole 'Clanford' area is held back by cases in one city 'Fairbridge') to back the govt?
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Here is the Q&A between the Lobby + the PM’s spokesman on
1 @MattHancock saying Brexit was the reason the UK was the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer vaccine.
2 @AlokSharma_RDG saying today was 'the day the UK led humanity’s charge' against Covid
Read n weep:
Q “There’s lots of interest in Matt Hancock’s claim that it was sort of ‘Brexit wot won it’ for us. Is that the PM’s view as well, we are first because of Brexit?”
A “I think the important point is that we are the first country in the world to approve this vaccine + that’s thanks to the hard work of the MHRA + obviously special thanks needs to go to those who took part in these trials and who have worked tirelessly in producing the vaccine
.@BorisJohnson again suggesting Liverpool mass testing ("together with the effect of national restrictions") is among reasons that its cases have fallen.
But many MPs say the lag on mass testing means too early to assess its impact.
But the PM clearly thinks "community testing" is a valuable key to unlocking Tier 3 and giving it Tier 2 freedoms.
Here's No.10 on this latest moonshot idea: “We want to work closely with local authorities in Tier 3, that’s why we set out this prospectus. Engagement is underway. We have always been clear of the important role that mass testing can play.”
.@BorisJohnson announces new hospitality sector support
in form of one-off £1,000 grant to 'wet pubs'
Says that pubs, hotels and restaurants have borne "disproportionate" burden of Covid restrictions
Not sure that one grand payment will do enough to help many of those pubs. And nowt for hotels or restaurants, despite their "disproportionate" burdne.
.@johnmcdonnellMP's words echo those of @jonlansman to @siennamarla recently, in which the Momentum founder said:
"I’ve had lots of antisemitic abuse. I am hurt by that. The hurt has not been exaggerated. The hurt is real. So I think Jeremy’s words were not right."
McDonnell (and Lansman) wants Corbyn reinstated.
But will the former leader follow his old friend's advice that "we need to keep on apologising" to the Jewish community for the pain caused by Labour anti-Semitism?
At PLP tonight, @RachelReevesMP talked about poss vote on a govt Brexit deal. "Keir and I will read the deal. We are not being bounced into this decision." But gave strong hint Labour likely to back the deal rather than abstain and defo won't vote against.
She led a discussion on how a Brexit deal, even if inadequate, could provide a platform for building on later. Voting for it would also show Labour listening to voters Keir Starmer has promised to listen to after last exln defeat, and that party is ready to move on.
Strong support from PLP inc Hilary Benn, Liam Byrne; Harriet Harman, Sarah Owen, Yvette Cooper.