Politics latest news: NHS app still an 'important tool', claims Government despite pingdemic chaos
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Brexit divorce bill £3bn less than EU’s estimate, says Treasury
Coronavirus latest news: UK 'not out of the woods yet', warns Whitty
The Government has insisted the NHS Covid app is an "important tool", despite growing chaos and fears that millions of people could be forced to isolate in the coming days.
This morning The Telegraph revealed that some people are being forced to self-isolate for 10 days despite never having come into face-to-face contact with a positive Covid case. According to sources close to the Test and Trace app team, the Bluetooth signal used is known to be strong enough to penetrate walls.
Asked about this story Lucy Frazer, the solicitor general, defended the app but said work was under way to find alternatives.
She told Times Radio: "It's really important that we have a tool that enables you to self-isolate if you come into contact with other people... the Government is looking at other things as well - the rules being lifted for those who have been double vaccinated and a number of pilots to see whether it would work instead of having to self-isolate you could take a test instead."
During an interview with Sky News, the minister did not dispute that millions would be isolating by the end of the month, with half a million pinged last week, but stressed that the Government was "looking at this very carefully, recognising the impact it is having on business".
Sir Jonathan Montgomery, the former chair of the ethics advisory board for the NHS Test and Trace app, said he would not change the function of being "pinged" by the app but the need to isolate as a result.
He told LBC the app had been designed before widespread testing or vaccinations, adding: "So, I wouldn't be changing the pinging but I would be changing the consequences of being pinged."
Follow the latest updates below.
09:12 AM
Just a third of people isolating develop Covid: ONS
Around a third (34 per cent) of people who self-isolated went on to develop Covid-19 symptoms, according to an Office for National Statistics survey.
This is broadly unchanged from the previous month's survey but is up from around one in five (21 per cent) in early May - a "statistically significant" increase, the ONS said.
Tim Gibbs, from the ONS public services analysis team, said: "As infection rates have increased, it is unsurprising that around one-third of those required to self-isolate after contact with a positive case reported developing symptoms of Covid-19."
Adherence to self-isolation requirements was also found to be "significantly higher" among those who developed symptoms (94 per cent) compared with those who did not (86 per cent).
"With restrictions easing further, it is important we continue to monitor the behaviour of those required to self-isolate," Mr Gibbs added.
09:08 AM
Pingdemic likely to surge, warns transport union
The surge in people being pinged with self-isolation instructions will increase on Monday due to the Government's "confused and conflicting" messaging on wearing masks on transport services, the Rail, Maritime and Transport union has warned.
Mick Lynch, the general secretary, said: "RMT warned earlier this week that the Government's botched handling of continuing Covid protection measures on public transport from Monday would have dire consequences and the sheer incompetence of those calling the shots will see a surge in workers pinged with a self-isolation instruction next week.
"Even at this late stage the Government, the train operators and the bus companies should issue a clear, legally backed instruction that levels up the rest of the UK up to the safety standards that will remain in force in Wales and Scotland. "
09:05 AM
Nearly nine in 10 people following self-isolating rules
Most people who come into contact with a positive Covid-19 case are continuing to follow the rules for self-isolating, a new survey has suggested.
Nearly nine in 10 (89 per cent) of respondents said they had fully adhered to self-isolation requirements for the entire 10-day period required by law.
The survey, by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), covers the period June 28 to July 3 and is based on a small sample of 990 people in England.
Previous surveys found a similar level of full adherence to the rules for self-isolating, with 87 per cent for the period June 1 to 5 and 93 per cent for May 4 to 8.
08:58 AM
Brexit divorce bill is £3bn less than the EU’s estimate, says Treasury
The UK owes the European Union £3bn less than it has asked for as part of the Brexit divorce bill, the Treasury has claimed, putting the two sides on a fresh collision course.
Steve Barclay, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, confirmed on Thursday that the Exchequer’s current estimate of the UK’s contribution was set at £37.3bn.
This is significantly below the figure produced by the bloc last week, which stood at approximately £40.8bn.
The bill covers spending commitments made during the 47 years of the UK's membership of the bloc.
08:50 AM
Surge in cases 'still not driving hospitalisations or deaths at similar rates', says Dr Jenny Harries
Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, has stressed that while cases are rising, there "still does not appear to be associated with a similar increase in hospitalisations and deaths".
She added: "This is testament to the continued success of the vaccination programme in reducing the incidence of severe disease. The best way to keep yourself and those around you safe is to get both doses of the vaccine as soon as you are eligible.
"However, while vaccines offer excellent protection, they do not completely eliminate risk.
"As we approach the end of restrictions, it is as important as ever that we continue to exercise caution. Take your free twice-weekly rapid tests and if you have symptoms, you should book a PCR test immediately and stay at home until you receive your result."
08:42 AM
Delta variant cases rise 17pc in a week
Delta variant Covid cases have risen 17 per cent week-on-week, according to the latest figures from Public Health England.
A total of 253,049 confirmed and probable cases of the Covid-19 Delta variant have now been identified in the UK - up by 36,800 from 216,249 cases in the previous week.
Of the 253,049 cases, 209,926 have been in England, 32,708 in Scotland, 5,601 in Wales and 4,814 in Northern Ireland.
The Delta variant continues to account for approximately 99 per cent of confirmed cases of coronavirus across the UK.
08:41 AM
Health staff asked to postponed holidays amid Covid surge
Health bosses in Sunderland have asked staff to postpone holidays as the trust came "under extreme pressure" due to a surge in coronavirus cases.
Staff at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust - dealing with one of the highest infection rates in the country - are seeing hospital cases doubling week-on-week.
In an internal note to staff earlier this week, bosses said there were 80 Covid-19 patients receiving hospital treatment compared with just two exactly a month before.
The message said: "The Trust is currently under extreme pressure due to a surge in Covid-19 cases. Many people are seriously ill and receiving intensive care support."
It asked for staff to work additional shifts, with a £250 bonus for staff who could work an extra week of overtime spread over the next six weeks. They were told they would need to be flexible and might need to work outside their normal area.
08:33 AM
Londoners reminded to keep their masks on TfL
Transport for London (TfL) has reminded customers that face masks will be required on any services "for the duration of their journey", despite legal restrictions being lifted from Monday.
"Customers not wearing a face covering may be refused entry or asked to leave the network," the network said. "TfL does not tolerate any abuse of its customers or staff and will work with the police to prevent such behaviour and take action where necessary."
Enforcement offices will patrol the transport network and run "targeted operations" to ensure face masks are worn.
08:30 AM
Over-50s to get free flu jab, says JCVI member
People aged 50 and over will be offered a free NHS flu vaccine this year, together with older children, a member of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has said.
Professor Adam Finn, from the University of Bristol told Sky News that flu was a "more serious illness" than Covid in some respects, especially for children, adding: "The truth is that we see epidemics of influenza every winter, with one exception and that was last winter."
As a result of last winter's restrictions "we actually are really concerned that we might see a much bigger epidemic of flu this year, simply because all of the immunity that that epidemic would have created doesn't exist", he added.
"So, if you have then a coincidence of a big flu epidemic, and a further wave of Covid, that doubles the pressure on the health service and means that we're in a much more vulnerable place."
08:18 AM
Boris Johnson’s flat: Government and Tory Party initially paid for refurbishment
Boris Johnson’s flat refurbishment was paid for by the Government and the Conservative Party before he met the costs himself, accounts reveal.
No 10 has always maintained that an estimated £58,000 refurbishment of the flat above 11 Downing Street that Mr Johnson shares with his wife, Carrie, was paid for personally by the Prime Minister.
But Cabinet Office accounts published on Thursday show that it initially met the costs of painting and the sanding of floorboards, plus additional expenses that are thought to include the purchase of gold wallpaper.
After it was reported that the refurbishments to Mr Johnson’s flat had been paid for by the party – with the help of Tory donor Lord Brownlow – the party was refunded by an upmarket designer and Mr Johnson subsequently paid the costs himself in March.
The accounts raise questions about whether Mr Johnson would have paid for the work out of his own pocket if it had not been reported that donors had footed the bill.
08:10 AM
Chaos of the pingdemic: bin collections halted, ferries cancelled and guests clean own hotel rooms
An emblem of British car manufacturing, Rolls-Royce has been “religious” about social distancing within its factories throughout the pandemic.
But its chief executive has now said it is on the “edge of a critical situation” and would not rule out shutting down production after a large proportion of its staff had been pinged by the NHS Covid-19 app.
“Cases have gone through the roof and it is causing havoc,” Torsten Müller-Ötvös, the chief executive, told The Telegraph, declining to reveal what proportion of the company’s 2,000 staff have been ordered to self-isolate.
The luxury car maker is the latest in a list of UK manufacturers, hospitality businesses, transport operators and councils which have been hit by staff absences after they were told to self-isolate by the app.
Read our analysis of the pingdemic.
07:53 AM
Chopper's Politics: Show you are levelling up the South, MP tells Boris Johnson
Boris Johnson should build a £1.5billion tunnel under Guildford to show that he is levelling up the whole country, the local Conservative MP has told The Telegraph.
Angela Richardson said that it was only fair given that taxpayers in her Guildford constituency often saw their taxes distributed around the UK by the exchequer.
Speaking on today's Chopper's Politics podcast, Ms Richardson admitted the plans "sound expensive" but it was important that public money was distributed to the South as well as the North.
"We've got to make sure that some of it comes back, because the economy in the south east really is the driver of the ability to be able to level up," she said. Listen to the interview in full below.
07:38 AM
Investigation into Hancock leak right in 'general principle', says Solicitor General
The Solicitor General has said it is right "as a general principle" for the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) to investigate an alleged data breach over the leaking of Matt Hancock's CCTV footage.
Asked whether she supported the action, Lucy Frazer told LBC Radio: "I do think that where people have breached security rules, it is appropriate to investigate, but that investigation is ongoing."
Asked a number of times, Ms Frazer declined to confirm the story was in the public interest, adding only: "The Information Commissioner is looking into it, that is a matter for the Information Commissioner.
"But as a general principle, of course if there are particular rules in relation to security, in relation to confidentiality, it is also important that those are protected."
07:35 AM
People who are pinged must isolate, says minister
A minister has said that people who are 'pinged' by the NHS Covid app must stay at home, despite fears being raised that alerts are being sent through walls.
Asked what employers should do in those circumstances, Lucy Frazer, the Solicitor General, told Radio 4's Today programme: "Business are rightly taking their responsibilities very seriously...
"I would hope that people would follow the obviously appropriate guidance which is that if you are pinged you stay at home."
07:28 AM
Minister refuses to comment on estimates for summer isolation figures
A minister has refused to comment on what government estimates are for how many people will isolate this summer.
Lucy Frazer, the Solicitor General, told Radio 4's Today programme that while "the position is" that daily cases could reach 100,000, she did not have a figure "to hand" for how many people will have to quarantine.
"I'm sure it is possible to extrapolate from current figures," she added.
Challenged over the withdrawal of support at a time when millions of people are likely to have to take time off work, she said there had been a "significant amount of support" during the pandemic.
"As businesses revive again... of course we need to ensure they pay again."
07:24 AM
Minister rejects calls to bring forward end of isolation from mid-August
A minister has rejected calls to bring forward the end of isolation for people who have been double-vaccinated from August 16.
Lucy Frazer, the Solicitor General, told Radio 4's Today programme: "I understand the position he is in, and how frustrating it is. But we are middle of pandemic, we know virus spreads without showing any symptoms.
"The app is one of a number of ways in which we are trying to tackle the virus. The Government is looking very closely a this and from august 16 if you are double-vaccinated you wont have to isolate if pinged."
But asked why that couldn't be brought forward, she said: "Because we need to take every step carefully, cautiously and as advised by scientists."
07:21 AM
People who test negative after being pinged should go back to work, says Punch Taverns boss
People who test negative with a PCR test should be allowed to go back to work, even if they have been pinged by the NHS app, the founder of Punch Taverns has said.
Hugh Osmond told Radio 4's Today programme: "Especially as we now have such high prevalence of the vaccination, and most of our staff are young,
"But we don't want to go against health and safety advice, it's very confusing."
07:20 AM
Pingdemic is causing 'absolute chaos', says Punch Taverns founder
The pingdemic is causing "absolute chaos", the founder of Punch Taverns has said.
"The app really isn't fit for purpose, people are getting pinged all over the place," Hugh Osmond told Radio 4's Today programme.
"The vast majority don't get positive, let alone ill, but it makes it impossible to operate."
He added: "There are half a million people out of the workforce, plus 800,000 children out of school - you cannot function like that, and we know it will get worse before it gets better."
Noting the high vaccination rate in the country, the entrepreneur said: "We are told that we have to try and live with this virus - living with this virus cannot mean half a million people taken out of the workforce. You can say restaurants and leisure is just for pleasure, but it is the NHS, it is vital food supplies - it just doesn't function."
07:15 AM
People must 'go carefully' from Monday amid 'high uncertainty', says JCVI boss
People must "go carefully" when the legal restrictions come to an end on Monday, amid "high uncertainty", a member of the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation has said.
Professor Adam Finn told Sky News he will "continue to use a mask indefinitely", particularly in enclosed spaces, and noted there had been a "readjustment in the rhetoric, partly because of the continuing rise in number of cases and this is a balancing act that we've got going on at the moment", as well as anxieties about unlocking from among "quite a large proportion of the public".
He added: "It's not as though everyone's throwing their hands up with glee and saying 'thank goodness it is all over', and people are recognising that it's not all over and that things are still really quite dangerous out there.
"I think there's a political readjustment to that reality and that public attitude... things should go carefully and we need to keep things under control.
"We're still in a position of really quite high uncertainty about what the next few weeks holds and in the context of uncertainty, caution is always a good approach."
07:11 AM
There is a link: Unlocking will push up hospitalisations and deaths, says minister
Unlocking next week will cause deaths to rise but there are "consequences" to keeping restrictions, the Solicitor General has said.
Lucy Frazer told Sky News: "I don't think that the Health Secretary has suggested anything otherwise than the infection rate is going to rise and, as a consequence of the infection rate rising, that means, because there is a link between the two, that it follows that hospitalisations and deaths will rise as well.
"But there are also consequences for not opening up, real consequences not just to people's jobs and the economy, but to mental health as well (and) also to people who haven't been going to the doctor because they fear it.
"It is really important that we get the balance right between ensuring that we keep this virus under control and we take the necessary clinical measures to do that, but that we also recognise that there are consequences of not opening up and not allowing people to go about their daily lives."
07:06 AM
Isolation after being pinged 'should not be yes or no think', says NHS app ethics boss
Being "pinged" should be a tool used to "help us manage the risk" rather than always being required to self-isolate, the former chair of the ethics advisory board for the NHS Test and Trace app.
Sir Jonathan Montgomery, the professor of healthcare law at University College London, noted that someone's vaccination status would have a bearing on how infectious they might be, and that isolation should not be "a yes or no thing".
"If I have been pinged and I'm pretty sure that I wasn't infected and I'm taking lateral flow tests, I'm still not going to go and see an elderly relative who is vulnerable or someone who is having cancer care, because I just don't want to take that risk," he told LBC.
"But I would like to be able to go to work where I can take other precautions, I can be masked, I can wash my hands, because that's managing the risk... It shouldn't become a yes or no thing, you are either locked up in home or you are out and about."
07:02 AM
Change 'consequences of being pinged', says ethics advisory chair
The NHS Covid app should not be ditched but the requirement to isolate after being 'pinged' should be reconsidered, the former chair of the ethics advisory board which oversaw it has said.
Sir Jonathan Montgomery, the professor of healthcare law at University College London, told LBC: "We need to think about the consequences of being pinged.
"When the app was designed, we didn't have the ability to reliable home test, we didn't have very many people jabbed, and the big worrying thing about this virus is that you can pass it on before you know you have it.
"So, I wouldn't be changing the pinging but I would be changing the consequences of being pinged."
06:58 AM
Minister admits restrictions could be reimposed amid concerns that "matters could escalate"
Restrictions could be reimposed, amid fears that "matters could escalate", a minister has said.
Lucy Frazer, the Solicitor General, told Sky News the Government was still going ahead with unlocking on July 19, saying it was "the right time", despite Chris Whitty's warning that restrictions might have to be reimposed as early as September.
England's chief medical officer said Boris Johnson could have to bring back restrictions in "five, six, seven eight weeks' time", with cases doubling about every three weeks and could reach "quite scary numbers".
Ms Frazer told Sky News: "Matters could escalate, that is true, but he also said let's look at where we have come from, and we are not in the same place as when restrictions first went in....
"If we get into a situation where things get unacceptable and need to put restrictions back, that of course is something we will look at."
06:46 AM
Rishi Sunak urged to adjust pensions triple lock formula
Rishi Sunak has been urged to tweak a key metric used for the pensions triple lock under a proposal that could see pensioners lose out on £200 a year.
The Chancellor faces a difficult decision over uprating the state pension this autumn, with concerns that the Covid pandemic has skewed economic data in a way that could force an "artificial" pension spike under the terms of the triple lock.
The mechanism, a 2019 Tory party manifesto pledge, means the state pension must rise each year by whichever is the highest of 2.5 per cent, inflation or average earnings growth.
The latest wage growth data, published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Thursday, suggested earnings have increased by 6.6 per cent. However, the ONS also published a new metric for "underlying" earnings data, which stripped out the abnormal effects of the pandemic.
06:45 AM
Good Morning
The nation appears to be on the cusp of a 'pingdemic', with fears growing that millions of people could be forced to isolate - some of whom haven't actually come into contact with positive cases.
Our exclusive story on this is causing quite a kerfuffle, as we reveal neighbours have been pinged through the wall.
Here is today's front page.
