We're very sad to report that our lovely Dad/Husband/Mike/Michael Barratt died this morning. He was 94.
He spent his final days being cared for at the wonderful Thames Hospice in Berkshire, surrounded by his family.
A life lived to the full.
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Boris Johnson on Rishi Sunak:
'I think as far as we possibly can in politics it is a good thing to steer clear of wives and families in political discussion'
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Chancellor Rishi Sunak:
'We are taking action to increase NHS capacity.'
Says Health Secretary will give an update on plans to support social care tomorrow
BREAKING
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirms path to citizenship will be opened up to 3 million Hong Kong residents, after Beijing enacted national security law.
🇬🇧🗺️
🇹🇷 Turkey comes off the UK's Red List. 7 day case average 23 407, and cases have been rising since the end of August.
🇿🇦 South Africa stays on the red list. 7 day case average 4339, and cases have been falling since 25th August.
@eNCA
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirms 'first step in an infringement procedure' being taken by Brussels over IMB. She says it is a "clear breach of the obligation of good faith laid down in the Withdrawal Agreement"
Very interesting lines from
#HarryAndMeghan
with
@tombradby
. Also interesting that the Royal Couple is quite consciously using the news media as its vehicle to correspond its criticism of the news media.
"A face covering is not the same as a facemask such as the surgical masks or respirators used as part of personal protective equipment by healthcare and other workers. These supplies must continue to be reserved for those who need it."
By rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement, President Biden indicates he’s more interested in the views of the citizens of Paris than in the jobs of the citizens of Pittsburgh. This agreement will do little to affect the climate and will harm the livelihoods of Americans.
Boris Johnson:
'Places like China or Taiwan... they don't actually have mandatory face coverings or face masks... it's just part of the way they do things. We don't have that culture here in the UK and we have to think about how we make it happen and make it work'
#PeoplesPMQs
Downing St:
“The Prime Minister spoke to Prime Minister Modi this morning, to express his regret that he will be unable to visit India later this month as planned."
If I was going to do a 'WHY ISN'T THE BBC REPORTING THIS STORY????' tweet I would check the BBC before doing the tweet and then probably realise I should not do the tweet because the BBC is actually reporting that story quite comprehensively online and on television and in tweets
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Business Secretary Alok Sharma:
'The worst thing we could do now is ease up too soon and allow a second peak of the virus to hit the NHS and the British people'
speech in 2016 directed at crowds in Karachi, was according to charge: 'likely to be understood by some or all of members of the public to whom they were published as a direct or indirect encouragement to them to the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism'
Downing St:
“In light of the national lockdown announced last night, and the speed at which the new coronavirus variant is spreading, the Prime Minister said that it was important for him to remain in the UK so he can focus on the domestic response to the virus."
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Transport Secretary Grant Shapps:
'We've managed to do things in weeks that would normally take years'
'Extraordinary changes in the way employers and employees work'
'If building a new hospital takes two weeks, why should building a new road take as long as 20 yrs?'
The pub I'm in isn't particularly busy yet, but they've got lots of table bookings for this afternoon.
The Covid preparations seem rigorous.
They're absolutely delighted to be open. The punters are delighted they're open. Everyone is smiling.
It's lovely.
🍻❤
NEW: Former UK PM Sir John Major says he'd seek immediate judicial review if a PM Boris Johnson tried to suspend / prorogue Parliament to force through No Deal Brexit
@BBCRadio4
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UK PM Boris Johnson:
'Unlike the lady you mention < Catherine Calderwood > , Mr Cummings actually went into lockdown... went into self-isolation for 14 days or more'
For
@theSNP
,
@Ianblackford_MP
:
'The public knows the difference between the truth and lying... and they know the PM is only apologising for one reason, and one reason only. The only reason he ever apologises: because he's been caught.'
England's CMO Chris Whitty on 10 new UK deaths:
“I understand this increase in the number of deaths linked to COVID-19 will be a cause for concern for many. The public should know every measure we are taking is seeking to save lives and protect the most vulnerable".
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UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab:
'I spoke to the PM over the weekend. I chaired the morning meeting that he would normally chair. He's being kept abreast of all developments.'
So many of you were so nice about him so I'm sad to report my best friend Buster died yesterday. We only knew him for 18 months of his 13 and a half years, but he brought us so much joy, saved our sanity during lockdown(s), and was just the absolute best 💙💙💙
“The Prime Minister said that he hopes to be able to visit India in the first half of 2021, and ahead of the UK’s G7 Summit that Prime Minister Modi is due to attend as a guest.”
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UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab:
'Later on this week the PM will update the country' < on possible easing of lockdown
'It's now clear that the second phase will be different. We will need to adapt to a new normal.'
Number 10: “The leaders underlined their shared commitment to the bilateral relationship, and to continuing to build on the close collaboration between our countries – including in response to the pandemic."
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UK PM Boris Johnson:
'We're starting to get much more and better data as to where things are'
'we'll be much more sophisticated in the way we respond' as a result, when it comes to easing lockdown etc
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Govt says it is Boris Johnson's 'intention' to shut off Russia's access to SWIFT.
PM wants to 'work with allies' on this... 'there are a range of views'
< ie a bit of a row ...
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First Secretary of State Dominic Raab:
'We still don't have the infection rate down as far as we need to'
'Any change to our social distancing measures now... would threaten a second peak of the virus'
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Chancellor Rishi Sunak:
Govt to pay self-employed up to 80% of average monthly profits over last 3 yrs. Up to £2500 a month. Anyone with trading profits up to £50 000, and who makes majority of income from self-employment.
For
@theSNP
,
@Ianblackford_MP
:
'We have a PM beset by chaos and mired in a police investigation for breaking his own Covid laws. A PM who has no moral authority to lead, desperately seeking to appease his back-benchers'
#covid19
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Health Secretary Matt Hancock:
'As of yesterday we've had 8331 offers of PPE equipment'
'Not everyone who approaches us can deliver on their offers at scale'
'We're working with 159 potential UK manufacturers which are starting to come on stream'
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I'm told by insiders that the London-based DA abroad requested a meeting with Spurs to discuss the proposed SA Tourism deal... and Spurs have declined to take that meeting. Spurs 'refused to meet with DA Abroad', is how a source describes it.
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UK PM Boris Johnson:
'This is a huge package of support for business large and small...
This is a quite extraordinary effort to put liquidity into the economy at a difficult time.'
President Ramaphosa to King Charles:
'I wish to compliment you personally on your visionary leadership on environmental issues over many years'
'Some of your messages over many years sounded very prophetic'