There was a telling moment in the House of Commons last week that for me encapsulated the mood of exasperation and disillusionment at the Government’s maladroit handling of coronavirus. When Health Secretary Matt Hancock began trumpeting the Cabinet’s new ambition of achieving ten million tests a day, he was greeted by howls of derision. It … Read more
Weary Brits have taken to social media to slam Boris Johnson after his new coronavirus crackdown was announced last night. The Prime Minister revealed it will be illegal from Monday to assemble in groups of seven or more anywhere in England, whether indoors or out, but for a few exceptions. The ‘rule of six’ is … Read more
Grant Shapps admitted the government’s coronavirus quarantine rules cause ‘confusion’ today after England kept Portugal on the safe list – despite Scotland and Wales imposing curbs. Amid rising anger from bewildered holidaymakers that the system amounts to ‘roulette’, the Transport Secretary conceded that starkly different approaches within the UK were a problem. But he insisted … Read more
Keir Starmer today warned plans for children to return to classrooms in September could be at ‘serious risk’ due to the government’s chaotic handling of exam results. The Labour leader said Downing Street had wasted two weeks which could have been spent preparing for the new school year ‘clearing up a mess of the government’s … Read more
GCSE confusion as Government says pupils will get grades based on predicted marks on Thursday but ‘official results’ will not be released until next week DfE says pupils will get their ‘centre assessment grades’ on Thursday But department also said ‘official results will be released to students next week Created confusion about what teenagers will receive … Read more
The Holiday Guru is always on hand to answer your questions. This week the issues tackled include claiming a refund for a cancelled trip to the Maldives and the forms that need to be filled in before entering Croatia. Q. My husband and I tried to get a refund from Destination2 for a cancelled trip … Read more
There have been mixed messages, inconsistencies and confusion over holidays abroad this summer. Not any more. Despite the likelihood of thousands of holidaymakers having their travel plans ruined, the Prime Minister is, to borrow a phrase from one of his predecessors, ‘not for turning’. ‘Let’s be absolutely clear about what’s happening in Europe, amongst some of … Read more
New coronavirus laws forcing customers to wear face masks in all shops, stations, banks and post offices came into force this morning as Sainsbury’s, Asda, Co-Op and Costa Coffee all said they would not police the rules. The laws also require people to cover their faces in all ‘transport hubs’, shopping centres and petrol stations. Even … Read more
Holidays are still in chaos as flights face being axed due to continuing confusion over air corridors – with some airlines planning their schedules ‘hand to mouth’ The UK created ‘air corridors’ for residents to travel to some countries on holiday However some flights could still be cancelled due to the continuing travel chaos Several … Read more
Boris Johnson is facing questions over his lockdown easing today as it emerged the coronavirus alert level has not been reduced. The PM unveiled a significant loosening of the rules last night, with groups of six people from different households allowed to mix outdoors and in gardens from Monday, schools reopening and non-essential shops set … Read more