🔴 Boris Johnson is about to hold a Downing Street press conference.
He is expected to talk about the return of schools and to face questions about the Royal family after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's interview with Oprah.
More in this thread 👇
telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/…
He is expected to talk about the return of schools and to face questions about the Royal family after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's interview with Oprah.
More in this thread 👇
telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/…
We're live!
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⏯️ Watch the briefing on our YouTube channel ⬇️
Boris Johnson starts by saying it has been "a big day - and an emotional day" for parents and children as they return to school.
While some will feel anxious, he notes that many will be excited and "the greater risk will be keeping them out of schools for a day longer"
While some will feel anxious, he notes that many will be excited and "the greater risk will be keeping them out of schools for a day longer"
The Prime Minister thanks parents who have been teaching at home "from fronted adverbials to quadratic equations", noting the burden has fallen "disproportionately on women".
The Government must now build on the work they have done, he says
telegraph.co.uk/global-health/…
The Government must now build on the work they have done, he says
telegraph.co.uk/global-health/…
Boris Johnson says the "huge national effort" of keeping kids at home has helped to reduce the spread of the virus.
That means we are able to take the first "cautious step" of the roadmap out of lockdown, he says.
People will now be able to socialise outdoors one-to-one
That means we are able to take the first "cautious step" of the roadmap out of lockdown, he says.
People will now be able to socialise outdoors one-to-one
We can take this step "with confidence" because of the vaccine programme, the Prime Minister adds.
But the return of pupils to school will have an impact on the spread of the virus, he warns.
He says it is more vital than ever to follow the rules
But the return of pupils to school will have an impact on the spread of the virus, he warns.
He says it is more vital than ever to follow the rules
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jenny Harries says the seven-day average for deaths is now down to 206 deaths.
As the vaccine starts to have effect among older people, the death rates fall more rapidly than other indicators fall, she adds
As the vaccine starts to have effect among older people, the death rates fall more rapidly than other indicators fall, she adds
Asked about support for young people by a member of the public, Boris Johnson points to the Kickstart fund for 16-24-year-olds and other support.
It will be a tough time for the country, "but I am confident we will get through it", he adds
telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/…
It will be a tough time for the country, "but I am confident we will get through it", he adds
telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/…
Boris Johnson is also asked about the Duchess of Sussex's claims about racism within the Royal Family.
The Prime Minister says he has "always had the highest admiration for the Queen", but "all other matters to do with the Royal Family" he will not comment on
The Prime Minister says he has "always had the highest admiration for the Queen", but "all other matters to do with the Royal Family" he will not comment on
Dr Jenny Harris says "schools will be inherently safer places" than the wider community.
There might be a temporary rise in cases from reopening schools initially, the deputy CMO adds, but this is likely to fall as pupils and teachers become more familiar with testing mechanisms
There might be a temporary rise in cases from reopening schools initially, the deputy CMO adds, but this is likely to fall as pupils and teachers become more familiar with testing mechanisms
Boris Johnson is asked again about the speed of the roadmap.
He says there are "encouraging signs", but notes that last summer the virus was down to levels much lower than today, but there was a spike
telegraph.co.uk/global-health/…
He says there are "encouraging signs", but notes that last summer the virus was down to levels much lower than today, but there was a spike
telegraph.co.uk/global-health/…
Journalists continue to probe the Prime Minister on the Sussexes' revelations.
He is asked: "Do you think the Royal Family, or the Queen, are racist?"
Mr Johnson congratulates Sun reporter Harry Cole to try to get him involved, but he says he is not going to comment
He is asked: "Do you think the Royal Family, or the Queen, are racist?"
Mr Johnson congratulates Sun reporter Harry Cole to try to get him involved, but he says he is not going to comment
Boris Johnson is then asked about the one per cent pay rise for nurses.
He stresses "the gratitude that everyone feels for nurses", but says what they want is more nurses on the wards.
There are 10,000 more than there were last year, he says
He stresses "the gratitude that everyone feels for nurses", but says what they want is more nurses on the wards.
There are 10,000 more than there were last year, he says
Follow all the updates on our live blog 👇
telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/…
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