A public inquiry concludes the pandemic response under Boris Johnson was chaotic and toxic, with delays and indecision causing an estimated 23,000 avoidable deaths. It says the PM failed to grasp urgency, advisers sowed mistrust, and dissenting voices—particularly women—were often ignored.
An official report says the government’s early pandemic response was delayed and chaotic, citing a toxic No 10 culture, poor preparation and missed meetings by the then PM. It concludes an earlier lockdown could have saved many lives. Bereaved families urge accountability and rapid reform.
An official inquiry concludes early-pandemic policies shut schools and nurseries unnecessarily, halting ordinary childhood. It says decisions prioritised adults, harming education and wellbeing, and that more proportionate alternatives were available.
An official inquiry finds Johnson’s government responded too late in early 2020. It says imposing lockdown a week earlier might have saved 23,000 lives in England, condemns a toxic, sexist and chaotic culture in No 10, notes all UK nations were ill-prepared, and criticises senior officials.
Monty Panesar has hit back at a jibe from Australia’s captain, insisting he won’t be underestimated as the Ashes start. The former England spinner is lending his knowledge to a quiz team, cheekily teasing the tourists while rallying home support ahead of the series.
Ministers plan a migration overhaul giving high earners and entrepreneurs a three‑year route to settled status, while lower‑paid workers could face waits of up to 15 years. The scheme raises salary thresholds and streamlines priority-sector routes to curb numbers and respond to political pressure.
An official inquiry into the Covid response criticises the former PM for a disorganised operation and flawed decisions, citing delayed restrictions, poor preparedness and failures in care settings. It says governments across the UK acted too late and that up to 23,000 deaths were avoidable.
A YouGov poll days before the Budget finds 0% of respondents say the economy is in a “very good” state under Labour, with only 4% calling it “fairly good”. Most judge conditions bad. The results intensify pressure on the Chancellor ahead of next week’s fiscal plans.
Defence Secretary John Healey warned a foreign surveillance ship operating close to UK waters after its crew allegedly directed lasers at RAF pilots. He said the Navy and RAF stand ready to intervene to safeguard aircrews and infrastructure in the North Sea.
A foreign surveillance ship allegedly aimed lasers at RAF pilots over the North Sea, prompting condemnation from the defence secretary. A Royal Navy frigate shadowed the vessel in UK waters as ministers consider steps to safeguard aircrews and undersea infrastructure.