then by martin hewitt, chair street then by martin hewitt, chair of the national police chief's council, adopted doctor linda walker, from nhs england in london, and the focus was very much on the message to the public to adhere to the rules and the punishments and enforcements that were at the police's disposal if people weren't doing that, so perhaps more that funny home secretary today. i think beyond that they will be questions for her on the lockdown restrictions in place in england in the context of the announcement we have had from northern ireland just in the last few minutes, that the lockdown there will be in place until the 5th of march. �* ., , march. and potentially... i will sto - march. and potentially... i will sto ou march. and potentially... i will step you now _ march. and potentially... i will stop you now because - march. and potentially... i will stop you now because here - march. and potentially... i will. stop you now because here comes march. and potentially... i will- stop you now because here comes the home secretary. good afternoon. i'm joined today by dr vin dawakar

good afternoon. i'm joined today by drvin dawakarand martin good afternoon. i'm joined today by dr vin dawakar and martin hewitt. the roll out of our fantastic vaccination programme continues to make good progress. the brilliant nhs is vaccinating people at the rate of 200 jabs a minute. as of today, four million 900 and 73,000 people have been vaccinated across the uk. the nhs are working as quickly, efficiently and as fairly as possible to get the vaccine to priority groups. i want to take this moment and opportunity to counter some of the disinformation about the vaccine. especially any messages targeted to those from an ethnic minority background. this vaccine is safe for us all. it will protect you and your family. safe for us all. it will protect you and yourfamily. it is our safe for us all. it will protect you and your family. it is our best chance of beating this virus. so i

urge everyone across our wonderfully diverse country to get the vaccine when their turn comes, to keep us all safe. but sadly we are not out of the woods yet. this virus remains severe. and it is a deadly threat. 0ur nhs is under pressure and large numbers of people are still falling ill and sadly dying. so it is absolutely crucial that you stay at home, to protect the nhs and save lives. since yesterday, 37,892 people have tested positive for coronavirus. as of 19th january, 38,676 people were in hospital with coronavirus. that is up li.8% from the week before. and those who have tested positive for coronavirus

across all settings sadly 94,580 people have died. that is 1,290 fatalities sips yesterday. ever —— since yesterday. every death is a tragedy and these numbers demonstrate the country remains in the grip of a pandemic. my thoughts go to all of those who have lost loved ones. the sacrifices that millions of are you are making are starting to make a difference and by staying at home, you are helping to keep those you care about safe and also contributing to this national effort. but there is still a small minority to ho refuse to —— who refuse to do the right thing. so them my message is if you don't follow the rules, the police will enforce them. police officers are moving more quickly to handing out fines and they have my backing in doing so. as we have done throughout

this pandemic, we are constantly reviewing our approach to ensure that we can crackdown on those most serious cases of rule—breaking. and today i can announce that next week we will be introducing a new £800 fine for those attending house parties, which will double for each repeat offence to a maximum level of £6,400. these fines will apply to those who attend illegal gatherings of more than 15 people in homes. the science is clear, such irresponsible behaviour poses a threat to public health. not only to those in attendance, but also to our wonderful police officers, who attend these events to shut them down. from the start, we have given the police the necessary powers to enforce the rules, which are in place to stop the spread of the virus and as these latest measures will trait, we will —— demonstrate

we not stand by some put others at risk. i want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to our police forces and fire service for their distribution. they're out there every day supporting our communities. risking their own health to keep us safe. as we have seen, in their own commitment, during this whole response to the flooding caused by storm christoph, during such a difficult time for this country, the commitment and courage shown by our emergency services has been truly inspiring. everyone has a role to play in our fight against this virus. so, please, stay at home, so we can protect the nhs and save lives. i will hand other to martin hewitt of the national police chief council. thank you. i would like to start by welcoming today's announcement we

have made it clear that house parties shouldn't be happening. they're dangerous, irresponsible and unacceptable. and i hope that the likelihood of an increased fine acts as a disincentive for those thinking of attending or organising such events and we will work with government to implement the new regulations. as we have done with other changes to the regulations, we will provide guidance to police officers to explain and apply the rules. when i spoke here ten days ago i said we were at the most dangerous stage of pandemic and personal decisions are critical and that remain it is case today. the death figures in recent recent days are shocking and i urge everyone to take notice. everyone lost is somebody�*s family members. gathers where people are in close contact in confined spaces will allow the virus to spread. and anyone who organises

one will be given a fixed penalty notice and so will those who choose to attend. this is about saving lives. when we see people that are putting others and themselves in danger we won't waste time trying to reason with them. they're demonstrating no regard for the safety of others or themselves. it is important to say that in most of our daily encounters, we only have to engage with people, explain the rule and encourage compliance. and we know that the majority of people are doing their best to follow the rules in the interests of their fundamentally citizens and protecting the nhs, but we must deal with the minority. official protecting the nhs, but we must deal with the minority. 0fficialfigures will be released next week showing how many fines have been given. forces are telling us there has been a significant increase and that is reflecting the fact that we have had more police officers on dedicated patrols taking targeted action

against those small few who are letting everyone down. what i am able to say is since regulations were introduced in august, and up to 17th january this year, 250 fixed penalty notices have been issued in forces in england to people who have organised a large gathering and those fines carry a £10,000 penalty. i make no apology for those fines, which are given in the most serious cases, where those organising the gatherings are putting lives at risk. and now anyone who attends one of these parties can expect to receive an £8 hundred fine. to illustrate what we are having to deal with let me give examples. last week in london following reports from neighbours, police officers attended a party where there were more than 40 people. they were hostile to the police, three police officers were injured and one

actually required hospital treatment and we also found drugs on the premises. in that case arrests were made and fines were issued. a house party in hertfordshire with over 150 people was stopped. they had music equipment, mixing teches and all —— — decks all being used. neighbours had contacteds after seeing cars outside. fines were given in that example. equipment was seized and sadly again an officer was injured in dealing with that issue. in a different sense a police officer who took part in an operation in bournemouth, policing an antivirus demonstration has is virus. what that does is put in perspective the dangerous nature of policing, even with the ppe that we provide to our staff, this is risky. in leighton

buzzard, police officers were call to a site where this was a dance floor and speaker. as part of our engage and explain approach the organiser was told that should not take place. but later in the day 50 people were this and a £10,000 fine was issued. those are examples where police officers are exposed to the risk of covid and are facing abuse and assault from those breaching the regulations. just today the crown prosecution service confirmed that in the last six months 1,688 offences were charged relating to assaults on emergency service workers. and from the beginning, we have been working with the director

of public prosecutions and will do everything we can to prosecute those who commit these offences. for every day of the pandemic officer, staff and volunteers have been keeping communities safe and helping to prevent the spread of the virus. and the examples i give demonstrate how dangerous that role can be. the most effective way to reduce that risk is for people to comply with the regulations and so my message is clear. wear a face covering on public transport and in shops unless you are exempt. self—isolate if you are required to do so. and unless you have a valid reason or importantly unless you you need to flee a harm such as domestic —— domestic abuse stay at home. flee a harm such as domestic -- domestic abuse stay at home. thank ou. i'm domestic abuse stay at home. thank yom i'm the — domestic abuse stay at home. thank you. i'm the medical— domestic abuse stay at home. thank you. i'm the medical director - domestic abuse stay at home. thank you. i'm the medical director for - you. i'm the medical director for the nhs in _ you. i'm the medical director for the nhs in london. _

you. i'm the medical director for the nhs in london. today - you. i'm the medical director for| the nhs in london. today dozens you. i'm the medical director for - the nhs in london. today dozens of new vaccination centres are opening across_ new vaccination centres are opening across the _ new vaccination centres are opening across the country, including one at across the country, including one at a mosque _ across the country, including one at a mosque in— across the country, including one at a mosque in birmingham, a cinema in ayleshury— a mosque in birmingham, a cinema in aylesbury and 65 pharmacies will start offering vaccinations this week — start offering vaccinations this week. that is on top of a thousand gp-led _ week. that is on top of a thousand gp—led services, more than 200 hospital— gp—led services, more than 200 hospital hubs and a network of large scale vaccination centres. 0ver hospital hubs and a network of large scale vaccination centres. over 4.5 million _ scale vaccination centres. over 4.5 million people have been vaccinated in england, with more than half a million _ in england, with more than half a million getting the vaccination in london — million getting the vaccination in london. and we are vaccinating hundreds— london. and we are vaccinating hundreds of thousands of people every— hundreds of thousands of people every day. as a doctor, i would like to encourage — every day. as a doctor, i would like to encourage anyone offered this vaccination to get it, because it protects — vaccination to get it, because it protects you against the seriousness of this— protects you against the seriousness of this awful disease. i applaud the "ham _ of this awful disease. i applaud the "hem of— of this awful disease. i applaud the imaam of the birmingham mas who can

spoke _ imaam of the birmingham mas who can spoke out _ imaam of the birmingham mas who can spoke out against fake vaccines. together— spoke out against fake vaccines. together with all my colleagues in the nhs _ together with all my colleagues in the nhs l — together with all my colleagues in the nhs i stand with him and want to say to— the nhs i stand with him and want to say to everyone if you're call ford the vaccine, _ say to everyone if you're call ford the vaccine, come forward. it could save _ the vaccine, come forward. it could save your _ the vaccine, come forward. it could save your life. people are being called _ save your life. people are being called in — save your life. people are being called in priority order, so that we can vaccinate those most at risk of serious _ can vaccinate those most at risk of serious illness first. that is why i was horrified to hear reports that some _ was horrified to hear reports that some people have used links shared with them _ some people have used links shared with them to try and falsely book a vaccination — with them to try and falsely book a vaccination appointment. to seek to do this— vaccination appointment. to seek to do this is— vaccination appointment. to seek to do this is denying some of the most vulnerable — do this is denying some of the most vulnerable people in our community a life-saving _ vulnerable people in our community a life—saving vaccine. let me be clear about _ life—saving vaccine. let me be clear about this, — life—saving vaccine. let me be clear about this, it— life—saving vaccine. let me be clear about this, it is morally reprehensible to try and jump the queue _ reprehensible to try and jump the queue and — reprehensible to try and jump the queue and everyone who tries to book the vaccine _ queue and everyone who tries to book the vaccine fraudulently will be turned — the vaccine fraudulently will be turned away. the situation in our hospitals — turned away. the situation in our hospitals remains really prepare cause _ hospitals remains really prepare cause in— hospitals remains really prepare cause. in london — precarious. in

london— cause. in london — precarious. in london more _ cause. in london — precarious. in london more than half of patients are being — london more than half of patients are being treated for coronavirus and over— are being treated for coronavirus and over a — are being treated for coronavirus and over a thousand patients died in hospitals _ and over a thousand patients died in hospitals in — and over a thousand patients died in hospitals in londonjust last week. every— hospitals in londonjust last week. every one — hospitals in londonjust last week. every one a — hospitals in londonjust last week. every one a tragedy. nationally, there _ every one a tragedy. nationally, there are — every one a tragedy. nationally, there are 34,000 people in hospital and pressure remains intense on our staff and _ and pressure remains intense on our staff and i_ and pressure remains intense on our staff and i would like to thank all my colleagues in the nhs and our partners — my colleagues in the nhs and our partners in — my colleagues in the nhs and our partners in local government, the police, _ partners in local government, the police, the — partners in local government, the police, the fire service, the voluntary— police, the fire service, the voluntary sectors and others who are supporting _ voluntary sectors and others who are supporting or efforts in dealing with record numbers of people. we do have hope. _ with record numbers of people. we do have hope, with an increasing number of people _ have hope, with an increasing number of people now vaccinated. but we must _ of people now vaccinated. but we must remain vigilant. stay home, follow— must remain vigilant. stay home, follow the — must remain vigilant. stay home, follow the guidance and help us to save lives — follow the guidance and help us to save lives. . ~ follow the guidance and help us to save lives. ., ,, , ., ., save lives. thank you. now we will move to questions _ save lives. thank you. now we will move to questions from _ save lives. thank you. now we will move to questions from the - save lives. thank you. now we will| move to questions from the public. the first is from david. from bristol. . . , , the first is from david. from bristol. ., ., , , ., ., bristol. variants will be a threat, et bristol. variants will be a threat, vet closing _ bristol. variants will be a threat, yet closing borders _ bristol. variants will be a threat, yet closing borders can _ bristol. variants will be a threat, yet closing borders can only -

bristol. variants will be a threat, yet closing borders can only be l bristol. variants will be a threat, yet closing borders can only be a j yet closing borders can only be a temporary_ yet closing borders can only be a temporary measure. _ yet closing borders can only be a temporary measure. can - yet closing borders can only be a temporary measure. can we - yet closing borders can only be a temporary measure. can we not| temporary measure. can we not therefore — temporary measure. can we not therefore manage _ temporary measure. can we not therefore manage the _ temporary measure. can we not therefore manage the threat - temporary measure. can we not therefore manage the threat on| temporary measure. can we not. therefore manage the threat on a less harmful— therefore manage the threat on a less harmful basis _ therefore manage the threat on a less harmful basis through - therefore manage the threat on a less harmful basis through the i less harmful basis through the updating — less harmful basis through the updating of— less harmful basis through the updating of vaccines _ less harmful basis through the updating of vaccines in - less harmful basis through the updating of vaccines in a - less harmful basis through the. updating of vaccines in a similar way we — updating of vaccines in a similar way we do — updating of vaccines in a similar way we do for— updating of vaccines in a similar way we do for the _ updating of vaccines in a similar way we do for the flu? - updating of vaccines in a similar way we do for the flu?— updating of vaccines in a similar way we do for the flu? thank you, i think that is — way we do for the flu? thank you, i think that is an _ way we do for the flu? thank you, i think that is an important _ way we do for the flu? thank you, i think that is an important point. . think that is an important point. about updating vaccines. this is something very much of a medical perspective. 50 something very much of a medical perspective-_ perspective. so firstly i would like to say how _ perspective. so firstly i would like to say how fantastic _ perspective. so firstly i would like to say how fantastic it _ perspective. so firstly i would like to say how fantastic it is - perspective. so firstly i would like to say how fantastic it is that - perspective. so firstly i would like to say how fantastic it is that we | to say how fantastic it is that we have _ to say how fantastic it is that we have developed a vaccine that is effective — have developed a vaccine that is effective against this disease and the research that has been published shows— the research that has been published shows that _ the research that has been published shows that the vaccine we have got is effective — shows that the vaccine we have got is effective against the strains that we — is effective against the strains that we have circulating currently at the _ that we have circulating currently at the moment. so our top priority at the moment. so our top priority at the _ at the moment. so our top priority at the moment. so our top priority at the moment has to be delivering the vaccine — at the moment has to be delivering the vaccine that we have got and giving _ the vaccine that we have got and giving it — the vaccine that we have got and giving it to — the vaccine that we have got and giving it to those who are at the greatest — giving it to those who are at the greatest risk of this disease.

obviously, we know that we monitor carefully— obviously, we know that we monitor carefully new variants. this particular virus does mutate. we carefully— particular virus does mutate. we carefully track those so we can understand the spread and understand what impact they have had. and that is something that is kept constantly under— is something that is kept constantly under review by the scientists and my colleagues in public health england. my colleagues in public health encland. ., , ., my colleagues in public health encland. ., ., . asa england. robert from norwich. as a teacherl england. robert from norwich. as a teacher i have _ england. robert from norwich. as a teacher i have found _ england. robert from norwich. as a teacher i have found it _ england. robert from norwich. as a teacher i have found it hard - england. robert from norwich. as a teacher i have found it hard to - teacher i have found it hard to understand _ teacher i have found it hard to understand why _ teacher i have found it hard to understand why the _ teacher i have found it hard to| understand why the definitions teacher i have found it hard to i understand why the definitions of key workers — understand why the definitions of key workers and _ understand why the definitions of key workers and vulnerable - understand why the definitions of. key workers and vulnerable children have been— key workers and vulnerable children have been broadened _ key workers and vulnerable children have been broadened and _ key workers and vulnerable children have been broadened and has - key workers and vulnerable children have been broadened and has led . key workers and vulnerable childrenj have been broadened and has led to key workers and vulnerable children . have been broadened and has led to a massive _ have been broadened and has led to a massive increase _ have been broadened and has led to a massive increase in _ have been broadened and has led to a massive increase in the _ have been broadened and has led to a massive increase in the amount - have been broadened and has led to a massive increase in the amount of- massive increase in the amount of children— massive increase in the amount of children in— massive increase in the amount of children in schools. _ massive increase in the amount of children in schools. increasing - massive increase in the amount of children in schools. increasing thej children in schools. increasing the risk of— children in schools. increasing the risk of transmission _ children in schools. increasing the risk of transmission massively. ifl risk of transmission massively. if the virus — risk of transmission massively. if the virus is — risk of transmission massively. if the virus is more _ risk of transmission massively. if the virus is more transmissible . risk of transmission massively. if i the virus is more transmissible than six months — the virus is more transmissible than six months ago _ the virus is more transmissible than six months ago and _ the virus is more transmissible than six months ago and more _ the virus is more transmissible than| six months ago and more dangerous the virus is more transmissible than i six months ago and more dangerous to children. _ six months ago and more dangerous to children, shouldn't _ six months ago and more dangerous to children, shouldn't the _ six months ago and more dangerous to children, shouldn't the protections - children, shouldn't the protections for children. — children, shouldn't the protections for children, their— children, shouldn't the protections for children, their families- children, shouldn't the protections for children, their families and - for children, their families and school— for children, their families and school staff _ for children, their families and school staff be _ for children, their families and school staff be as _ for children, their families and school staff be as strong - for children, their families and school staff be as strong if - for children, their families and school staff be as strong if not stronger— school staff be as strong if not stronger than _ school staff be as strong if not stronger than before? -

school staff be as strong if not stronger than before?- school staff be as strong if not stronger than before? robert, thank ou, that stronger than before? robert, thank you. that was _ stronger than before? robert, thank you, that was about _ stronger than before? robert, thank you, that was about the _ you, that was about the transmissible nature of the virus. we are speaking about the virus and the variants that we are seeing and it is right within school and school settings, all the measures that are in place in regard to teachers and pupils being in school. clearly linked to that we have testing within that particular circumstance and environment to protect teachers and environment to protect teachers and pupils and this a great deal of work that has taken place.- work that has taken place. thank ou, i work that has taken place. thank you. i think _ work that has taken place. thank you, i think firstly _ work that has taken place. thank you, i think firstly i'm _ work that has taken place. thank you, i think firstly i'm grateful. work that has taken place. thank you, i think firstly i'm grateful to j you, i think firstly i'm grateful to every— you, i think firstly i'm grateful to every single member of frontline staff and — every single member of frontline staff and key workers for the efforts — staff and key workers for the efforts they are making, putting themselves on the front line every day. themselves on the front line every dav i_ themselves on the front line every dav i know — themselves on the front line every day. i know that in the nhs all the nurses, _ day. i know that in the nhs all the nurses, the — day. i know that in the nhs all the nurses, the doctors, the physio

therapists, _ nurses, the doctors, the physio therapists, those working to open hundreds— therapists, those working to open hundreds of beds would not be possible — hundreds of beds would not be possible without the support of schools — possible without the support of schools and our teachers in this. so this is— schools and our teachers in this. so this is a _ schools and our teachers in this. so this is a critical part of it. clearly— this is a critical part of it. clearly there is a difficult balance to be _ clearly there is a difficult balance to be struck in deciding how to apply— to be struck in deciding how to apply the, _ to be struck in deciding how to apply the, how to broaden the definition of a key worker, but the important — definition of a key worker, but the important bit is that we know that schools _ important bit is that we know that schools have clear guidance on how to make _ schools have clear guidance on how to make sure that they're safe, that will reduce — to make sure that they're safe, that will reduce the spread of the virus. that is— will reduce the spread of the virus. that is the — will reduce the spread of the virus. that is the key bit that we have to be clear— that is the key bit that we have to be clear about here. now that is the key bit that we have to be clear about here.— that is the key bit that we have to be clear about here. now vicki young from the bbc- — be clear about here. now vicki young from the bbc. northern _ be clear about here. now vicki young from the bbc. northern ireland - be clear about here. now vicki young from the bbc. northern ireland has. from the bbc. northern ireland has “ust from the bbc. northern ireland has just extended _ from the bbc. northern ireland has just extended its _ from the bbc. northern ireland has just extended its lockdown - from the bbc. northern ireland has just extended its lockdown until- just extended its lockdown until march _ just extended its lockdown until march 5th. _ just extended its lockdown until march 5th, could _ just extended its lockdown until march 5th, could you _ just extended its lockdown until march 5th, could you be - just extended its lockdown until| march 5th, could you be straight with people _ march 5th, could you be straight with people and _ march 5th, could you be straight with people and tell— march 5th, could you be straight with people and tell us - march 5th, could you be straight with people and tell us whetherl march 5th, could you be straight. with people and tell us whether this is also _ with people and tell us whether this is also being — with people and tell us whether this is also being considered _ with people and tell us whether this is also being considered for- with people and tell us whether thisj is also being considered for england and also _ is also being considered for england and also on — is also being considered for england and also on travel, _ is also being considered for england and also on travel, are _ is also being considered for england and also on travel, are you - is also being considered for england and also on travel, are you pleasedl and also on travel, are you pleased that the _ and also on travel, are you pleased that the prime _ and also on travel, are you pleased that the prime minister— and also on travel, are you pleased that the prime minister has- and also on travel, are you pleased that the prime minister has come l that the prime minister has come round _ that the prime minister has come round to— that the prime minister has come round to your _ that the prime minister has come round to your way _ that the prime minister has come round to your way of _ that the prime minister has come round to your way of thinking - that the prime minister has come| round to your way of thinking that tighter— round to your way of thinking that tighter checks _ round to your way of thinking that tighter checks and _ round to your way of thinking that tighter checks and restrictions - round to your way of thinking thatj

tighter checks and restrictions are needed _ tighter checks and restrictions are needed at — tighter checks and restrictions are needed at the _ tighter checks and restrictions are needed at the border— tighter checks and restrictions are needed at the border and - tighter checks and restrictions are needed at the border and if- tighter checks and restrictions are needed at the border and if i - tighter checks and restrictions are| needed at the border and if i could ask the _ needed at the border and if i could ask the doctor, _ needed at the border and if i could ask the doctor, is _ needed at the border and if i could ask the doctor, is the _ needed at the border and if i could ask the doctor, is the nhs - needed at the border and if i could ask the doctor, is the nhs getting| ask the doctor, is the nhs getting all the _ ask the doctor, is the nhs getting all the vaccine _ ask the doctor, is the nhs getting all the vaccine supply— ask the doctor, is the nhs getting all the vaccine supply it _ ask the doctor, is the nhs getting all the vaccine supply it needs? i all the vaccine supply it needs? well— all the vaccine supply it needs? well first— all the vaccine supply it needs? well first of _ all the vaccine supply it needs? well first of all— all the vaccine supply it needs? well first of all with _ all the vaccine supply it needs? well first of all with regard - all the vaccine supply it needs? well first of all with regard to l well first of all with regard to lockdown measures, you have heard the numbers today, we are in the midsts of a global pandemic and when you look at the number of people being hospitalised and the number of people who have died because of this dreadful disease, we have these lockdown measures, it is right we have stringent measures in place, particularly to safeguard the role of vaccine programme. it is too early even to speak about other measures, but frankly the advice now is clearly to stay at home, because of the situation that we are in and then of course when it comes to measures, you have mentioned borders and travel, it is right that the government does everything that we can, first to protect the roll out

of vaccine, butjust look can, first to protect the roll out of vaccine, but just look at the measures we have brought in, the public need to show prove of a negative test, we have quarantine, we have the passenger locator form and taken action at the border when new strains have appeared. all our measures are constantly under review. now we see mutant strains and it is right we take every precautionary measure. thank you. the first thing _ precautionary measure. thank you. the first thing i _ precautionary measure. thank you. the first thing i would _ precautionary measure. thank you. the first thing i would say - precautionary measure. thank you. the first thing i would say is - precautionary measure. thank you. the first thing i would say is that i the first thing i would say is that it is very— the first thing i would say is that it is very early, but we are seeing some _ it is very early, but we are seeing some glimmers of the impact of the lockdown— some glimmers of the impact of the lockdown in the nhs. so in our general— lockdown in the nhs. so in our general and acute beds in 999 and in the it _ general and acute beds in 999 and in the 11 service we have seen the number— the 11 service we have seen the number of— the 11 service we have seen the number of people with coronavirus falling _ number of people with coronavirus falling since last week. but that has not —

falling since last week. but that has not fed through to intensive care, _ has not fed through to intensive care, the — has not fed through to intensive care, the most seriously ill people, because _ care, the most seriously ill people, because people become more unwell at seven to _ because people become more unwell at seven to ten _ because people become more unwell at seven to ten days and that is when they go— seven to ten days and that is when they go into hospital and may need intensive _ they go into hospital and may need intensive care. in london the numbers— intensive care. in london the numbers of patients in intensive care beds— numbers of patients in intensive care beds went up yesterday, not down _ care beds went up yesterday, not down it— care beds went up yesterday, not down it is— care beds went up yesterday, not down. it is too early to be thinking about— down. it is too early to be thinking about the — down. it is too early to be thinking about the lockdown, but there are early _ about the lockdown, but there are early signs — about the lockdown, but there are early signs of hope, because the lockdown— early signs of hope, because the lockdown measures we have in place do appear— lockdown measures we have in place do appear to be have been an impact. on the _ do appear to be have been an impact. on the the _ do appear to be have been an impact. on the the subject of the vaccine, we and _ on the the subject of the vaccine, we and our— on the the subject of the vaccine, we and our focus, our focus in the nhs _ we and our focus, our focus in the nhs is _ we and our focus, our focus in the nhs is making sure as supplies come in and _ nhs is making sure as supplies come in and are _ nhs is making sure as supplies come in and are delivered we get on and administer— in and are delivered we get on and administer it as fast as it is delivered _ administer it as fast as it is delivered and we are focussed on the first priority — delivered and we are focussed on the first priority groups. if we vaccinate the first four groups we

will have — vaccinate the first four groups we will have potentially prevented 82% of the _ will have potentially prevented 82% of the deaths that happened in the first wave — of the deaths that happened in the first wave and that would be a fantastic — first wave and that would be a fantastic achievement. moving on to sam coats from _ fantastic achievement. moving on to sam coats from sky. _ fantastic achievement. moving on to sam coats from sky. should - fantastic achievement. moving on to sam coats from sky. should people | fantastic achievement. moving on to i sam coats from sky. should people be bookin: a sam coats from sky. should people be booking a foreign _ sam coats from sky. should people be booking a foreign summer— sam coats from sky. should people be booking a foreign summer holiday - sam coats from sky. should people be booking a foreign summer holiday at i booking a foreign summer holiday at this time? _ booking a foreign summer holiday at this time? or— booking a foreign summer holiday at this time? or this _ booking a foreign summer holiday at this time? or this a _ booking a foreign summer holiday at this time? or this a realistic- this time? or this a realistic chance _ this time? or this a realistic chance britain— this time? or this a realistic chance britain could - this time? or this a realistic chance britain could keep. this time? or this a realistic| chance britain could keep its borders— chance britain could keep its borders closed _ chance britain could keep its borders closed until- chance britain could keep its borders closed until the - chance britain could keep its. borders closed until the autumn chance britain could keep its- borders closed until the autumn or could _ borders closed until the autumn or could it _ borders closed until the autumn or could it be — borders closed until the autumn or could it be the _ borders closed until the autumn or could it be the case _ borders closed until the autumn or could it be the case that— borders closed until the autumn or could it be the case that many- borders closed until the autumn or. could it be the case that many other countries _ could it be the case that many other countries close _ could it be the case that many other countries close their— could it be the case that many other countries close their borders - could it be the case that many other countries close their borders to - could it be the case that many other countries close their borders to us l countries close their borders to us through— countries close their borders to us through the — countries close their borders to us through the summer? _ countries close their borders to us through the summer? and - countries close their borders to us through the summer? and to - countries close their borders to us through the summer? and to the i through the summer? and to the doctor. _ through the summer? and to the doctor. is— through the summer? and to the doctor. is the _ through the summer? and to the doctor, is the first _ through the summer? and to the doctor, is the first wave, - through the summer? and to the doctor, is the first wave, in - through the summer? and to the doctor, is the first wave, in the l doctor, is the first wave, in the first— doctor, is the first wave, in the first wave — doctor, is the first wave, in the first wave the _ doctor, is the first wave, in the first wave the most _ doctor, is the first wave, in the first wave the most successfull first wave the most successful countries _ first wave the most successful countries were _ first wave the most successful countries were those - first wave the most successful countries were those that - first wave the most successfulj countries were those that shut first wave the most successful- countries were those that shut their board _ countries were those that shut their board rders — countries were those that shut their board rders is — countries were those that shut their board rders is the _ countries were those that shut their board rders is the best— countries were those that shut their board rders is the best way- countries were those that shut their board rders is the best way too - countries were those that shut theirl board rders is the best way too keep out new_ board rders is the best way too keep out new variants. _ board rders is the best way too keep out new variants. it _ board rders is the best way too keep out new variants. [it is _ board rders is the best way too keep out new variants.— out new variants. it is far too earl to out new variants. it is far too early to speculate _ out new variants. it is far too early to speculate around - early to speculate around restrictions such as the point you made should people book a holiday. we are unquestionably and i emphasise think, think about the numbers we have spoke about already,

we have thousands of people still in hospital, precious on the nhs, the advice is clear, we are in a lockdown, the public should be staying at home. our focus of course with regards to borders and travel, people should not be travelling unless it is critical and essential. but we have this incredible world leading vaccine roll out programme. our focus is leading vaccine roll out programme. ourfocus is on leading vaccine roll out programme. our focus is on delivering that vaccine, getting it to the public and you know clearly what the measures are at the border in terms of quarantine, passenger locater form and the need for a test. we have stringent measures for a good reason, because we want to protect the health of members of the public and also we want to make sure we can deliver and safeguard this world leading vaccine rollout programme. so, as the medical director of the nhs in _ so, as the medical director of the nhs in london, our focus in london

is on _ nhs in london, our focus in london is on making — nhs in london, our focus in london is on making sure that we have the beds. _ is on making sure that we have the beds. the — is on making sure that we have the beds, the staff, the equipment, the medications that we need in order to treat patients with coronavirus that need _ treat patients with coronavirus that need to _ treat patients with coronavirus that need to see their gp or access our emergency— need to see their gp or access our emergency services or be admitted to hospital _ emergency services or be admitted to hospital i_ emergency services or be admitted to hospital. i go back to the answer i gave. _ hospital. i go back to the answer i gave. which— hospital. i go back to the answer i gave, which is the lockdown that we have in _ gave, which is the lockdown that we have in place, there are early glimmers _ have in place, there are early glimmers of hope and that is a positive — glimmers of hope and that is a positive sign that we welcome. i was in a hospital— positive sign that we welcome. i was in a hospital in south west london this morning and in fact knowing i was coming here i said to the staff, what _ was coming here i said to the staff, what message would you like me to -ive what message would you like me to give to— what message would you like me to give to the — what message would you like me to give to the public about what they should _ give to the public about what they should do? and they said, tell everybody, follow the rules, stay at home. _ everybody, follow the rules, stay at home. help — everybody, follow the rules, stay at home, help us to save lives. if i can give — home, help us to save lives. if i can give you _ home, help us to save lives. if i can give you an example of what is going _ can give you an example of what is going on— can give you an example of what is going on in— can give you an example of what is going on in hospitals, i visited an intensive — going on in hospitals, i visited an intensive care unit and normally you have one _ intensive care unit and normally you have one nurse looking after one patient _ have one nurse looking after one patient in — have one nurse looking after one patient in intensive care, because

of numbers— patient in intensive care, because of numbers of patients, we have one nurse _ of numbers of patients, we have one nurse looking after two or three patients — nurse looking after two or three patients. supported by nurse that have come from the surgical wards, the phvsios— have come from the surgical wards, the physios who normally work in the community. — the physios who normally work in the community, supported by dentists, medical— community, supported by dentists, medical students and surgeons, because — medical students and surgeons, because we have had to bring staff into intensive care to support the care of— into intensive care to support the care of patients. of course what that means if our beds are occupied more _ that means if our beds are occupied more than — that means if our beds are occupied more than half by patients with coronavirus, and on top of that we have _ coronavirus, and on top of that we have our— coronavirus, and on top of that we have our staff all focussed on look after _ have our staff all focussed on look after coronavirus, that means that they're _ after coronavirus, that means that they're not— after coronavirus, that means that they're not doing the things they want _ they're not doing the things they want to— they're not doing the things they want to be doing, like operating on people _ want to be doing, like operating on people who need urgent surgery, that needs— people who need urgent surgery, that needs to _ people who need urgent surgery, that needs to be done not tomorrow, because — needs to be done not tomorrow, because we are still doing emergency surgery. _ because we are still doing emergency surgery, but surgery that might need doing _ surgery, but surgery that might need doing in— surgery, but surgery that might need doing in a _ surgery, but surgery that might need doing in a month or two, because we can't _ doing in a month or two, because we can't schedule that now. we can't treat _ can't schedule that now. we can't treat patients urgently for the things— treat patients urgently for the things that we think are important

such as _ things that we think are important such as cancer surgery. it is vital that— such as cancer surgery. it is vital that for— such as cancer surgery. it is vital that for the — such as cancer surgery. it is vital that for the public the key message is help— that for the public the key message is help us— that for the public the key message is help us to help you, stay at home. — is help us to help you, stay at home, follow the guidance and help the nhs _ home, follow the guidance and help the nhs manage this coronavirus pandemic, so we get on with what we want to— pandemic, so we get on with what we want to do. _ pandemic, so we get on with what we want to do, which is being here for everyone _ want to do, which is being here for everyone and notjust want to do, which is being here for everyone and not just coronavirus. thank— everyone and not just coronavirus. thank you — everyone and not just coronavirus. thank you. liz bates? it everyone and notjust coronavirus. thank you. liz bates?— everyone and notjust coronavirus. thank you. liz bates? it does seem once again — thank you. liz bates? it does seem once again like _ thank you. liz bates? it does seem once again like you're _ thank you. liz bates? it does seem once again like you're blaming - thank you. liz bates? it does seem once again like you're blaming the i once again like you're blaming the public— once again like you're blaming the public for— once again like you're blaming the public for breaking _ once again like you're blaming the public for breaking the _ once again like you're blaming the public for breaking the rules, - once again like you're blaming thei public for breaking the rules, when could _ public for breaking the rules, when could bit— public for breaking the rules, when could bit that — public for breaking the rules, when could bit that the _ public for breaking the rules, when could bit that the problem - public for breaking the rules, when could bit that the problem is - could bit that the problem is actually— could bit that the problem is actually the _ could bit that the problem is actually the rules _ could bit that the problem is i actually the rules themselves? could bit that the problem is - actually the rules themselves? given the numbers. — actually the rules themselves? given the numbers. do— actually the rules themselves? given the numbers, do you _ actually the rules themselves? given the numbers, do you think— actually the rules themselves? given the numbers, do you think it - actually the rules themselves? given the numbers, do you think it is - actually the rules themselves? given the numbers, do you think it is time i the numbers, do you think it is time for measures — the numbers, do you think it is time for measures to _ the numbers, do you think it is time for measures to be _ the numbers, do you think it is time for measures to be stricter? - the numbers, do you think it is time for measures to be stricter? and - the numbers, do you think it is time for measures to be stricter? and on| for measures to be stricter? and on the uk's _ for measures to be stricter? and on the uk's borders— for measures to be stricter? and on the uk's borders can _ for measures to be stricter? and on the uk's borders can you _ for measures to be stricter? and on the uk's borders can you say- for measures to be stricter? and on the uk's borders can you say now. the uk's borders can you say now that they— the uk's borders can you say now that they are _ the uk's borders can you say now that they are secure _ the uk's borders can you say now that they are secure enough - the uk's borders can you say now that they are secure enough to i that they are secure enough to prevent— that they are secure enough to prevent the _ that they are secure enough to prevent the dangerous - that they are secure enough to prevent the dangerous new. that they are secure enough to - prevent the dangerous new strains from getting — prevent the dangerous new strains from getting in? _ prevent the dangerous new strains from getting in? first— prevent the dangerous new strains from getting in?— from getting in? first in response to restrictions _ from getting in? first in response to restrictions and _ from getting in? first in response to restrictions and measures, - from getting in? first in response to restrictions and measures, i. from getting in? first in response i to restrictions and measures, i have always said in fact martin and across policing and all our

operational partners, we are clear that the majority of the british public are following the rules. you've heard today frankly some pretty shocking examples from martin. i hear examples like that every day. it gist very disturbing to hear of breaches, the majority of the public who are complying with the public who are complying with the rules will want that assurance, that when it comes to policing those who are breaking the rules are being fined and these breaches are costing lives. we have said all our measures are under review and when it comes to policing we will work with our partners on the type of fines and restrictions and the measures that we put in place and that has always been the case throughout this pandemic. it is right that we are doing everything at the border, whether it is quarantine or testing,

to do everything we can to protect the roll out of vaccine and to protect us, to protect the public and our vaccine from new strains. that is why we have said all measures are under review. we have this incredible vaccine roll out programme, a great british success story and it is right that we focus on protecting the vaccine, safeguarding, getting the needle into people's arms and that is our focus. i into people's arms and that is our focus. ., , . ., ., ., focus. i would be clear, we are not and we have _ focus. i would be clear, we are not and we have have _ focus. i would be clear, we are not and we have have never _ focus. i would be clear, we are not and we have have never blamed i focus. i would be clear, we are notl and we have have never blamed the public from the outset of this, we have worked with with the public. that has been the stance we have taken for the last ten months and has been said the majority of people are trying their best to follow the guidance, follow the rules and we accept the rules have changed over time, the risk has changed and it is complicated. but we have had police officers explaining, but we have to focus on those people who are

deliberately breaching the rules and putting people at risk. when you have 150 people coming together for a party, i don't accept that anyone of those people didn't understand the risk they were taking and i don't accept they didn't understand that was breaking the law and we are standing here with over another 1200 people died today and i think people just need to understand that, so it is not about blaming, the majority of the public have worked hard in difficult circumstances, all of us have, altering our lives, but we have, altering our lives, but we have to focus on the people who are completely irresponsible. that is what leads to the situation that we have heard in the intensive care units. ., .~ have heard in the intensive care units. ., ., units. nowjason from the daily mail. units. nowjason from the daily mail- you _ units. nowjason from the daily mail. you said _ units. nowjason from the daily mail. you said it _ units. nowjason from the daily mail. you said it is _ units. nowjason from the daily mail. you said it is too - units. nowjason from the daily mail. you said it is too reary i units. nowjason from the daily mail. you said it is too reary to | mail. you said it is too reary to think about _ mail. you said it is too reary to think about the _ mail. you said it is too reary to think about the sum _ mail. you said it is too reary to think about the sum -- - mail. you said it is too reary to think about the sum -- early i mail. you said it is too reary to | think about the sum -- early to think about the sum —— early to think— think about the sum —— early to think about _ think about the sum —— early to think about the _ think about the sum —— early to think about the summer, - think about the sum —— early to think about the summer, but i think about the sum —— early to - think about the summer, but people are thinking — think about the summer, but people are thinking about _ think about the summer, but people are thinking about their— think about the summer, but people

are thinking about their summer- are thinking about their summer holidays, — are thinking about their summer holidays, they— are thinking about their summer holidays, they want _ are thinking about their summer holidays, they want something i are thinking about their summerl holidays, they want something to look forward _ holidays, they want something to look forward to. _ holidays, they want something to look forward to. if— holidays, they want something to look forward to. if people - holidays, they want something to look forward to. if people are - look forward to. if people are thinking _ look forward to. if people are thinking about— look forward to. if people are thinking about booking - look forward to. if people are thinking about booking a - look forward to. if people are - thinking about booking a holiday, should _ thinking about booking a holiday, should they— thinking about booking a holiday, should they think— thinking about booking a holiday, should they think twice? - thinking about booking a holiday, should they think twice? and - thinking about booking a holiday, - should they think twice? and doctor, you talked _ should they think twice? and doctor, you talked about _ should they think twice? and doctor, you talked about the _ should they think twice? and doctor, you talked about the situation - should they think twice? and doctor, you talked about the situation in - you talked about the situation in london — you talked about the situation in london now. _ you talked about the situation in london now, you _ you talked about the situation in london now, you know- you talked about the situation in london now, you know how- you talked about the situation ini london now, you know how many you talked about the situation in - london now, you know how many cases are in— london now, you know how many cases are in the _ london now, you know how many cases are in the pipeline. _ london now, you know how many cases are in the pipeline, the _ london now, you know how many cases are in the pipeline, the review- london now, you know how many cases are in the pipeline, the review of- are in the pipeline, the review of the lockdown _ are in the pipeline, the review of the lockdown is— are in the pipeline, the review of the lockdown is up— are in the pipeline, the review of the lockdown is up in— are in the pipeline, the review of the lockdown is up in three - are in the pipeline, the review of. the lockdown is up in three weeks, can you _ the lockdown is up in three weeks, can you see — the lockdown is up in three weeks, can you see any— the lockdown is up in three weeks, can you see any circumstances - the lockdown is up in three weeks, can you see any circumstances in l can you see any circumstances in which _ can you see any circumstances in which you — can you see any circumstances in which you will— can you see any circumstances in which you will be _ can you see any circumstances in which you will be advising - which you will be advising government— which you will be advising government to _ which you will be advising government to lift - which you will be advising government to lift any - which you will be advising - government to lift any element of it, government to lift any element of it. whether— government to lift any element of it, whether schools _ government to lift any element of it, whether schools or— government to lift any element of it, whether schools or anything i it, whether schools or anything else? _ it jason, thank you, itjason, thank you, you have made a it jason, thank you, you have made a valid oint it jason, thank you, you have made a valid point in — it jason, thank you, you have made a valid point in terms _ it jason, thank you, you have made a valid point in terms of— it jason, thank you, you have made a valid point in terms of the _ it jason, thank you, you have made a valid point in terms of the public- valid point in terms of the public and looking _ valid point in terms of the public and looking forward, _ valid point in terms of the public and looking forward, what - valid point in terms of the public and looking forward, what i- valid point in terms of the public| and looking forward, what i want valid point in terms of the public. and looking forward, what i want to emphasise — and looking forward, what i want to emphasise what _ and looking forward, what i want to emphasise what i— and looking forward, what i want to emphasise what i said _ and looking forward, what i want to emphasise what i said early- and looking forward, what i want to emphasise what i said early on. - and looking forward, what i want to emphasise what i said early on. it. emphasise what i said early on. it would emphasise what i said early on. would be far too early to even contemplate where we go with restrictions. and ijust want to bring everyone back to some of the numbers we have spoken about. yesterday, 1219 people have died, the numbers really at this rate, as the numbers really at this rate, as

the doctor has said, it is right that all our measures are under review, that is inevitable, but right now it is too early to say or even speculate when we can lift restrictions and i want to emphasise, as to make sure the most vulnerable people are vaccinated and thatis vulnerable people are vaccinated and that is why this vaccine programme is so important and critical and crucial to saving lives, which brings us back to the fantastic work our colleagues and partners are doing on the front line, notjust in police and fire, but in the nhs. the first thing i— police and fire, but in the nhs. the first thing i would say is that i have — first thing i would say is that i have been the medical director for the nhs _ have been the medical director for the nhs in — have been the medical director for the nhs in london since the start of this pandemic and if there is one thing _ this pandemic and if there is one thing i_ this pandemic and if there is one thing i have learned is that you cannot— thing i have learned is that you cannot look more than a few days and potentially _ cannot look more than a few days and potentially a couple of weeks ahead of yourself. you can only make decisions — of yourself. you can only make decisions based on the information that you _ decisions based on the information that you have in front of you at the time _

that you have in front of you at the time about— that you have in front of you at the time about the trends. i completely agree _ time about the trends. i completely agree with — time about the trends. i completely agree with the home secretary. it is far too— agree with the home secretary. it is far too early — agree with the home secretary. it is far too early to be looking forward to the _ far too early to be looking forward to the sort — far too early to be looking forward to the sort of timescale is that you are talking — to the sort of timescale is that you are talking about. the second thing from the _ are talking about. the second thing from the public is that on behalf of the nhs _ from the public is that on behalf of the nhs and all nhs staff, i know that this — the nhs and all nhs staff, i know that this lockdown is really hard. if that this lockdown is really hard. if you _ that this lockdown is really hard. if you are — that this lockdown is really hard. if you are a — that this lockdown is really hard. if you are a parent and you are home—schooling, if you are someone who lives _ home—schooling, if you are someone who lives on— home—schooling, if you are someone who lives on your own and your lonely, — who lives on your own and your lonely, if— who lives on your own and your lonely, if you are someone who has been _ lonely, if you are someone who has been followed, on behalf of the nhs, thank— been followed, on behalf of the nhs, thank you, _ been followed, on behalf of the nhs, thank you, because you are saving lives _ thank you, because you are saving lives -- _ thank you, because you are saving lives -- if— thank you, because you are saving lives -- if you _ thank you, because you are saving lives —— if you have been icu. i said _ lives —— if you have been icu. i said this — lives —— if you have been icu. i said this last _ lives —— if you have been icu. i said this last week, this is the biggest — said this last week, this is the biggest health emergency to face this country since the second world war. this country since the second world war~ for— this country since the second world war~ for me — this country since the second world war. for me and my colleagues in the nhs. _ war. for me and my colleagues in the nhs, breaking the rules in a way that has— nhs, breaking the rules in a way that has been described today is like switching on a light in the middle — like switching on a light in the middle of a blackout in the blitz. it middle of a blackout in the blitz. it doesn't — middle of a blackout in the blitz. it doesn'tjust put middle of a blackout in the blitz. it doesn't just put you at middle of a blackout in the blitz. it doesn'tjust put you at risk in your— it doesn'tjust put you at risk in your house. _ it doesn'tjust put you at risk in your house, it fits your whole street — your house, it fits your whole street and _ your house, it fits your whole street and the of your community at risk. street and the of your community at risk that _ street and the of your community at risk that is — street and the of your community at risk. that is why it is absolutely critical — risk. that is why it is absolutely critical that for now, based on the

information— critical that for now, based on the information we've got, please follow the rules. _ information we've got, please follow the rules, please stay at her in, please — the rules, please stay at her in, please help save lives.- the rules, please stay at her in, please help save lives. thank you, we will now _ please help save lives. thank you, we will now go _ please help save lives. thank you, we will now go to _ please help save lives. thank you, we will now go to steve _ please help save lives. thank you, we will now go to steve swinford l we will now go to steve swinford from the times.— we will now go to steve swinford from the times. ,., ., ., ., ., ,., ., from the times. good afternoon. good afternoon, from the times. good afternoon. good afternoon. home _ from the times. good afternoon. good afternoon, home secretary, _ from the times. good afternoon. good afternoon, home secretary, the - afternoon, home secretary, the government— afternoon, home secretary, the government has— afternoon, home secretary, the government has confirmed - afternoon, home secretary, the government has confirmed it. afternoon, home secretary, the government has confirmed it isl government has confirmed it is looking — government has confirmed it is looking at— government has confirmed it is looking at enforced _ government has confirmed it is looking at enforced hotel - government has confirmed it is - looking at enforced hotel quarantine for travellers — looking at enforced hotel quarantine for travellers coming _ looking at enforced hotel quarantine for travellers coming to _ looking at enforced hotel quarantine for travellers coming to the - looking at enforced hotel quarantine for travellers coming to the uk. - looking at enforced hotel quarantine for travellers coming to the uk. is. for travellers coming to the uk. is that something _ for travellers coming to the uk. is that something you _ for travellers coming to the uk. is that something you support - for travellers coming to the uk. is that something you support in - that something you support in principle — that something you support in principle and _ that something you support in principle and how— that something you support in principle and how soon - that something you support in principle and how soon should that something you support in - principle and how soon should that come _ principle and how soon should that come in? — principle and how soon should that come in? downing— principle and how soon should that come in? downing street - principle and how soon should that come in? downing street has - principle and how soon should that. come in? downing street has rejected a request— come in? downing street has rejected a request by— come in? downing street has rejected a request by dame _ come in? downing street has rejected a request by dame cressida _ come in? downing street has rejected a request by dame cressida dick- come in? downing street has rejected a request by dame cressida dick for. a request by dame cressida dick for front line _ a request by dame cressida dick for front line police _ a request by dame cressida dick for front line police officers _ a request by dame cressida dick for front line police officers to - a request by dame cressida dick for front line police officers to be - front line police officers to be vaccinated _ front line police officers to be vaccinated ahead _ front line police officers to be vaccinated ahead of - front line police officers to be vaccinated ahead of those - front line police officers to bel vaccinated ahead of those who front line police officers to be - vaccinated ahead of those who are in their 50s— vaccinated ahead of those who are in their 50s and — vaccinated ahead of those who are in their 505 and 605, _ vaccinated ahead of those who are in their 505 and 605, do _ vaccinated ahead of those who are in their 505 and 605, do you _ vaccinated ahead of those who are in their 505 and 605, do you think - their 505 and 605, do you think number— their 505 and 605, do you think numberten— their 505 and 605, do you think number ten 5hould _ their 505 and 605, do you think number ten should be - their 505 and 605, do you think . number ten should be considering that and _ number ten should be considering that and is— number ten should be considering that and is it — number ten should be considering that and is it something _ number ten should be considering that and is it something that - number ten should be considering that and is it something that you i number ten should be consideringl that and is it something that you as home _ that and is it something that you as home secretary— that and is it something that you as home secretary should _ that and is it something that you as home secretary should be - that and is it something that you as home secretary should be looking. that and is it something that you as i home secretary should be looking at, and, home secretary should be looking at, and. doctor. — home secretary should be looking at, and. doctor. to— home secretary should be looking at, and, doctor, to have _ home secretary should be looking at, and, doctor, to have figures- home secretary should be looking at, and, doctor, to have figures the - and, doctor, to have figures the number— and, doctor, to have figures the number of— and, doctor, to have figures the number of people _ and, doctor, to have figures the number of people refusing - and, doctor, to have figures the number of people refusing to i and, doctor, to have figures the - number of people refusing to revise vaccines _ number of people refusing to revise vaccines and — number of people refusing to revise vaccines and is— number of people refusing to revise vaccines and is there _ number of people refusing to revise vaccines and is there any _ number of people refusing to revise vaccines and is there any group - vaccines and is there any group doing _ vaccines and is there any group doing that _ vaccines and is there any group doing that that _ vaccines and is there any group doing that that you _ vaccines and is there any group doing that that you have - vaccines and is there any group . doing that that you have particular concerns _ doing that that you have particular concerns about? _ doing that that you have particular concerns about?— doing that that you have particular concerns about? thank you, you are s-ueakin concerns about? thank you, you are speaking about _ concerns about? thank you, you are speaking about speculative - concerns about? thank you, you arel speaking about speculative measures from what i can tell. i have been very clear about the strong and stringent measures that have been put in place. testing, passenger

locator, quarantine and the fact that carriers themselves are fined for not complying with these rules, particularly on the passenger locator form. particularly on the passenger locatorform. if particularly on the passenger locator form. if a particularly on the passenger locatorform. if a right particularly on the passenger locator form. if a right hand particularly on the passenger locatorform. if a right hand over to martin on vaccination i have front line workers and police officers in particular, i think it is worth emphasising that the vaccine ruled out, of who gets access to the vaccine first of all this down to the joint committee for immunisation and vaccination, and they are the ones who have decided they are the ones who have decided the categories. that said, we are working, matt hancock and i are working, matt hancock and i are working, the government collectively, to look at the next phase. we said this would be a phased approach and it is right that we take that approach because right now we are vaccinating the most vulnerable people that could die from coronavirus if they did not get this vaccine. from coronavirus if they did not get this vaccine-— this vaccine. steve, of course, i auree

this vaccine. steve, of course, i agree with _ this vaccine. steve, of course, i agree with cressida, _ this vaccine. steve, of course, i agree with cressida, and - this vaccine. steve, of course, i agree with cressida, and i - this vaccine. steve, of course, i agree with cressida, and i want| agree with cressida, and i want police — agree with cressida, and i want police staff to be vaccinated at the earliest _ police staff to be vaccinated at the earliest opportunity that can happen _ earliest opportunity that can happen. we have been talking with government, and i have raised this personally— government, and i have raised this personally but the prime minister from _ personally but the prime minister from the — personally but the prime minister from the beginning about making sure that that _ from the beginning about making sure that that happens as soon as it possibly— that that happens as soon as it possibly can. the reason for that, very clearly. — possibly can. the reason for that, very clearly, as i've described the situation — very clearly, as i've described the situation is — very clearly, as i've described the situation is our offices are in, and we have _ situation is our offices are in, and we have been doing this for the last ten months. police officers are out there. _ ten months. police officers are out there, often going into situations where _ there, often going into situations where you — there, often going into situations where you have no idea whether someone — where you have no idea whether someone may or may not be positive for covid. _ someone may or may not be positive for covid, and they are getting on and doing — for covid, and they are getting on and doing theirjob. it is really important _ and doing theirjob. it is really important that we protect our officers — important that we protect our officers in every way we can, and of course _ officers in every way we can, and of course the — officers in every way we can, and of course the sooner we get officers vaccinated, that means that we are absolutely — vaccinated, that means that we are absolutely resilient in terms of numbers— absolutely resilient in terms of numbers to carry on and doing the other— numbers to carry on and doing the other policing we are doing as well. we have _ other policing we are doing as well. we have been talking from the outset — we have been talking from the outset. i'm confident that our position— outset. i'm confident that our position is— outset. i'm confident that our position is well understood and a5 position is well understood and as the home — position is well understood and as the home secretary said, as the body that is— the home secretary said, as the body that is deciding on the vaccination works— that is deciding on the vaccination works through, we will keep pressing

for police _ works through, we will keep pressing for police officers to be as high up the list _ for police officers to be as high up the list as— for police officers to be as high up the list as they should be.- for police officers to be as high up the list as they should be. steve, i wondered if— the list as they should be. steve, i wondered if you _ the list as they should be. steve, i wondered if you could _ the list as they should be. steve, i wondered if you could repeat - the list as they should be. steve, i wondered if you could repeat the l wondered if you could repeat the question you had to me. do wondered if you could repeat the question you had to me.- wondered if you could repeat the question you had to me. do we have any figures — question you had to me. do we have any figures for _ question you had to me. do we have any figures for the _ question you had to me. do we have any figures for the proportion - question you had to me. do we have any figures for the proportion of - any figures for the proportion of people — any figures for the proportion of people refusing _ any figures for the proportion of people refusing to _ any figures for the proportion of people refusing to have - any figures for the proportion of people refusing to have to - any figures for the proportion ofl people refusing to have to revise vaccines — people refusing to have to revise vaccines and _ people refusing to have to revise vaccines and how _ people refusing to have to revise vaccines and how that _ people refusing to have to revise vaccines and how that differs - people refusing to have to revise vaccines and how that differs for| vaccines and how that differs for different — vaccines and how that differs for different groups, _ vaccines and how that differs for different groups, and _ vaccines and how that differs for different groups, and i5 - vaccines and how that differs for different groups, and is there i vaccines and how that differs for. different groups, and is there any group— different groups, and is there any group you— different groups, and is there any group you are _ different groups, and is there any group you are particular- different groups, and is there any group you are particular concern5| group you are particular concerns about? _ group you are particular concerns about? , ., _ about? the first thing i would say, and ou about? the first thing i would say, and you can _ about? the first thing i would say, and you can tell— about? the first thing i would say, and you can tell this _ about? the first thing i would say, and you can tell this from - about? the first thing i would say, and you can tell this from the - and you can tell this from the pictures we have seen on tv screens and newspapers from vaccine centres the day, there is a huge amount of acceptance of the vaccine from people that are being offered it, and our focus at the moment up until february 15, is to make sure that the vaccine is offered to people who are in the most at risk groups. so there is a real sense of positivity in the vaccine centres, and a real sense of excitement. i saw somebody having a vaccine the other day and they said to me afterwards, thank

you, doctor, you are going to give me my life back, so there's a real sense of hope. of course, we do have communities who do have entirely legitimate and understandable concerns about the vaccine. we do know, for example, that in some of our asian communities, in some of our asian communities, in some of our black communities, there are long—standing concerns that go back generations, because of the history, in the way that people were brought up in the way that people were brought up by their grandparents who were told by their grandparents, that experiments were done, you know, in the early part of the last century, and that unethical experiments were done the way back in the 60s. i am convinced, as a doctor, having looked at all of the research, look at the medicine regulatory authority, this is a safe and effective vaccine. the things that happened historically in the past have not happened now. we have good research evidence, and i would urge people offered the vaccine to come together. we are here, and we will

be absolutely tireless and working with our communities, working with those who have got concerns, working with faith leaders, community leaders, colleagues and local government, to make sure that we will answer any question that anybody has, and any concern that anybody has, and any concern that anybody has, and any concern that anybody has to encourage people to come forward and take up their appointment. come forward and take up their appointment-— come forward and take up their appointment. come forward and take up their a- ointment. ., ,, ., ., . appointment. thank you for that. we will no to appointment. thank you for that. we will go to rachel _ appointment. thank you for that. we will go to rachel wearmouth, - appointment. thank you for that. we will go to rachel wearmouth, from l will go to rachel wearmouth, from the huffington post. can will go to rachel wearmouth, from the huffington post.— will go to rachel wearmouth, from the huffington post. can i ask these two questions _ the huffington post. can i ask these two questions of — the huffington post. can i ask these two questions of you, _ the huffington post. can i ask these two questions of you, home - two questions of you, home secretary? _ two questions of you, home secretary? figures- two questions of you, home secretary? figures collated i two questions of you, home i secretary? figures collated by oxford — secretary? figures collated by oxford university— secretary? figures collated by oxford university in _ secretary? figures collated by oxford university in the - secretary? figures collated by oxford university in the last i secretary? figures collated by . oxford university in the last week showed _ oxford university in the last week showed britain _ oxford university in the last week showed britain has _ oxford university in the last week showed britain has the _ oxford university in the last week showed britain has the worst - oxford university in the last week| showed britain has the worst daily coronavirus — showed britain has the worst daily coronavirus death _ showed britain has the worst daily coronavirus death rate _ showed britain has the worst daily coronavirus death rate in- showed britain has the worst daily coronavirus death rate in the - showed britain has the worst dailyl coronavirus death rate in the world per capita — coronavirus death rate in the world percapita do— coronavirus death rate in the world per capita. do you _ coronavirus death rate in the world per capita. do you think— coronavirus death rate in the world per capita. do you think that, - coronavirus death rate in the world per capita. do you think that, in i per capita. do you think that, in hindsight. — per capita. do you think that, in hindsight. the _ per capita. do you think that, in hindsight, the easing _ per capita. do you think that, in hindsight, the easing of- per capita. do you think that, in hindsight, the easing of rules i per capita. do you think that, in i hindsight, the easing of rules over christmas — hindsight, the easing of rules over christmas was _ hindsight, the easing of rules over christmas was a _ hindsight, the easing of rules over christmas was a mistake, - hindsight, the easing of rules over christmas was a mistake, and - christmas was a mistake, and secondly. _ christmas was a mistake, and secondly. dr— christmas was a mistake, and secondly, dr diwakar- christmas was a mistake, and secondly, dr diwakar said - christmas was a mistake, and i secondly, dr diwakar said earlier that people _ secondly, dr diwakar said earlier that people jumping _ secondly, dr diwakar said earlier that people jumping the - secondly, dr diwakar said earlier that people jumping the queue l secondly, dr diwakar said earlierl that people jumping the queue to secondly, dr diwakar said earlier- that people jumping the queue to get a vaccine _ that people jumping the queue to get a vaccine is _ that people jumping the queue to get a vaccine is morally— that people jumping the queue to get a vaccine is morally wrong, _ that people jumping the queue to get a vaccine is morally wrong, so - that people jumping the queue to get a vaccine is morally wrong, so with i a vaccine is morally wrong, so with the government— a vaccine is morally wrong, so with the government consider— a vaccine is morally wrong, so with the government consider penaltiesj the government consider penalties such as _ the government consider penalties such as fines — the government consider penalties such as fines for— the government consider penalties such as fines for this? _ the government consider penalties such as fines for this?— such as fines for this? rachel, thank you- _

such as fines for this? rachel, thank you- i — such as fines for this? rachel, thank you. i think _ such as fines for this? rachel, thank you. i think first - such as fines for this? rachel, thank you. i think first of - such as fines for this? rachel, thank you. i think first of all, | such as fines for this? rachel, thank you. i think first of all, i have frequently said, in fact all of my colleagues across government have always said, when you look at the level of transmission, also the devastation, coronavirus has impacted everyone's lives across the country but also with the number of people that have died, this is an absolute tragedy. and i think, importantly, right now, in terms of our approach is a government, our approach has always been informed by the professional advice from scientists, from the scientific advisers, from the medics who advise government, and that has always remained the case from day one and continues to remain the case. with regards to the jumping of cues around the vaccine, i completely echo the words of dr diwakar. quite frankly, it is morally reprehensible, because these individuals are putting the lives of vulnerable people at risk. the most

vulnerable people at risk. the most vulnerable that have been prioritised by the government to receive the vaccine. because they are vulnerable in the sense that they are susceptible to notjust contracting the virus but could die from this deadly virus. as i have always said, we say is a government as well, all our measures are under review, and quite frankly, right now, our world—class, word leading vaccine roll—out programme is there, for the most vulnerable people, we have prioritised our cohorts and our groups, and the focus is getting the vaccine to the most vulnerable, so we can protect them and obviously protect others in the community as well, thank you. thanks, everyone. and the home secretary bringing that latest coronavirus briefing to an end. there was an announcement there about fines that will apply to illegal gatherings of more than 15 people. let's take a look at the

main points from that press conference. priti patel has announced new fines for people found that house party is in violation of covid regulations. any fines issued for these breaches will begin at £800, and they can be doubled, up to a maximum of £6,400 for repeat offences. this applies to those who attend illegal gatherings of more than 15 people in homes. fines for the organisers of covid breaching house parties remain unchanged at £10,000. let's get more from our political correspondent jonathan blake is at westminster. that was the announcement about finding people who attend house parties. interesting, listening to the questions from journalists, about lockdown, about when restrictions might be lifted, about when people can plan a summer holiday. what you think the

government strategy is, here, to talk fines? ., government strategy is, here, to talk fines?— government strategy is, here, to talk fines? ., , , ., , talk fines? one of the big questions that we are — talk fines? one of the big questions that we are all _ talk fines? one of the big questions that we are all asking _ talk fines? one of the big questions that we are all asking at _ talk fines? one of the big questions that we are all asking at the - talk fines? one of the big questionsl that we are all asking at the moment and all want the answers to, there was very little if any in the way of detail from the home secretary and the others at that news conference. the focus on enforcement. and that new £800 fine for people attending house parties, of 15 people or more, which will double for repeat offenders, it reflects, i think, which will double for repeat offenders, it reflects, ithink, a concern and frustration that you heard from martin hewitt, the national police chief council chair and home secretary that whilst the vast majority of the public are following the rules, there a persistent minority, in the words of the national police chiefs council chair, who are not following the rules, and insist on breaking them. and you heard some detail, too, about the type of events police officers have been called to, in england. house parties and mass gatherings were in some cases police

officers have been abused or injured. and in one case ended up contracting covid—19 afterwards. this is an attempt, i think, not only to crack down on the people breaking the rules persistently, but to send the message more widely that there is lockdown in england is still very much in force. there is no talk of it ending any time soon. and the message isn't getting through at this point, to some people, and the government clearly feels that it has to take action to enforce it more readily. a significant increase in the number of fines we heard, which are being given out, and that reflects, as well as those numbers of people breaking the rules, the more ready nature with which police are enforcing the rules and moving more quickly to find people and prosecute them. that was very much the focus of the news conference this afternoon, and, despite the many questions about how long the lockdown will last and how far we can look into the future, with talk

of summer holidays, very little in the way of answers or dates in the diary to look forward to. i suppose the pressure _ diary to look forward to. i suppose the pressure for _ diary to look forward to. i suppose the pressure for more _ diary to look forward to. i suppose the pressure for more information | the pressure for more information about lockdown might have increased with this announcement from northern ireland this afternoon. fries. with this announcement from northern ireland this afternoon.— ireland this afternoon. yes, that has come _ ireland this afternoon. yes, that has come before _ ireland this afternoon. yes, that has come before a _ ireland this afternoon. yes, that has come before a scheduled . ireland this afternoon. yes, that. has come before a scheduled review of the lockdown which is in place of northern ireland, so the deputy first minister and the northern ireland executive taking action ahead of time, before they have to, believing it is right there lockdown should stay in place, that it needs to, until at least the 5th of march, potentially even beyond that, until easter, and that will only increase the pressure on the government at westminster, who of course have responsibility for measures in england, to give more details about how long the lockdown will stay in place. there is a review due in mid—february was that the current restrictions allow the lockdown to stay in place until the end of march, but even today, we are seeing

conservative mps who don't like these measures in place any longer than i have to be, putting pressure on the prime minister to come forward with a plan to lift them. jonathan, thank you very much indeed, jonathan blake, our political correspondent, in westminster. i am joined political correspondent, in westminster. iam joined by catherine da costa, our health correspondent who was also listening to the briefing. what struck you? one, they were trying to reassure all communities, black and ethnic communities, that the vaccine is safe and urged people to take it, the medical directorfor safe and urged people to take it, the medical director for london and nhs england said that there had been misinformation that had been put out there in these communities, and he wanted to say that, whatever has been talked about in the past, it is very much safe and that people should come forward, and they are working with faith leaders, local government, working with communities, to make sure they take it up. he said from his experience he has gone into vaccination centres and the atmosphere, there's lots of

excitement and relief from people taking up the jabs, and he said he wants to see more of that. today, there has been some positive news. dozens more vaccination centres have been opened up, joining thousands of gp centres, hospital hubs, and we know that nearly 5 million people have now received their first vaccination. so that was a key point. he also said he had been horrified about reports of people trying to jump the queue for vaccinations, he said it was morally indefensible and that people would be turned away, so the key message is that the nhs will contact you when it is your turn, and it is safe and you should come forward to take it up. and you should come forward to take it u -. .., and you should come forward to take it u. . ., and you should come forward to take it u -. .. . ., ., it up. the medical director for the nhs in london, _ it up. the medical director for the nhs in london, dr— it up. the medical director for the nhs in london, dr diwakar, - it up. the medical director for the nhs in london, dr diwakar, was i nhs in london, dr diwakar, was saying that there were some early glimmers of hope that the lockdown is having an effect within the nhs. they were asked when we —— when

might we see restrictions lifted and he said there were some glimmers of hope that lockdown was working. he had seen figures for 111 services, that demand had lower than the previous week, but that has not yet fed through to icu, which are still under intense pressure. he said in london in icu numbers had gone up yesterday and it was too early to talk about the end of lockdown, and he always says it is better to look at few days, a few weeks ahead, rather than to look longer term. he identified, he acknowledged, that lockdown has been really hard, if you are alone or home schooling, it is really tough right now, but he said by doing this, we are saving lives. he said, this is currently the biggest health emergency since the biggest health emergency since the second world war. he made this comparison to people breaking rules, like turning on a light during the blitz. it is notjust yourself at risk, you're putting everyone at risk, you're putting everyone at risk, so that was reinforced as

well, that they will be cracking down on people who flout the rules. our health correspondent, catherine da costa, there. for staff working on the frontline, the coronavirus is relentless. as we've been reporting, the country is in a race against time to keep hospitals functioning — until the vaccine rollout takes effect. three medics have recorded their experiences for bbc news — jayne mccubbin joined them to hear about the emotional impact the pandemic is having. the pressure has never been greater. in birmingham, 400 troops are being deployed to hospitals. very, very busy, and the flood is showing no signs of stopping. in london, police officers are being trained as ambulance drivers. there's just... there's no words.

in liverpool, the children's hospital has started admitting adults. so that's a bit of a worry for us. and the fact that the patients are young and fit, _ that's a bit of a concern. we've asked three medics from each city to share a night shift with us and reflect on the emotional impact of this crisis. three weeks ago when i came over, there were 59 patients. now we have nearly 140. and a lot of them are really, really sick. we've probably trebled the capacity of looking after critically unwell patients, but it has come at high cost. and the biggest problem is staffing. the staff feel anxious _ about being asked to look after more and more patients when there aren't any more nurses, and there's no - easy solution to that.

hello. hi, peter. hi, nitton. hi, emily. it is worse than april. it's the rate of admissions. we are surpassing april easily. this is onjust a whole other scale. we are way beyond the april peak. and remember, this is where in april, everyone was convinced, everyone was enthusiastic. everyone was willing to go in all—out. now i have about 20% of my medical workforce in ic that is off sick long—term with covid, self—isolating or something. everyone's tired, everyone's stressed and we are short of people. and we have more patients, a lot more patients than we had the first time. nearly 50% more. covid admissions and deaths are at a record high.

while hospitals are creating capacity to bring patients in, they can't magic up staff. i had a 32—year—old patient. he was six months older than me _ and i reassured him he would be fine. and then, he didn't live. we're seeing about four times as many deaths as we normally do, and there is the guilt of not being able to supply them with our usual high standard of intensive care. the reason itu works is— because we've got one to one nursing and the nurses look after the patient. and they document - every single observation. so if you dilute that, l you're going to dilute the effect of intensive care. absolutely. i'm taking care of two, three or four itu patients. and that's way beyond what i would usually be doing.

when i first came here, i felt incredibly guilty. and i think that's why i was struggling. i would go awayjust feeling horror at what i had seen and what i couldn't do. i wonder how much of a psychological toll we are storing up for icu staff. i think we will need to have a lot of support in place for health care staff once this ends. there will be a psychological reckoning here at some point. medics describe guilt for the things they cannot do and guilt for asking colleagues to do more and more and more. so, i'm asking my colleagues to step up again _ can you do some extra work? and you know that you've already asked them to do that and you'rej asking them again and asking. the nurses to do it again so that, you know, and you're also saying, yeah, but we want to look -

after you and they're kind l of like contradictory things. sometimes it feels worse to be on a break because you just feel like you should be in the hospital, or you're getting texts from your trust saying, "urgent call to arms. we need extra, extra anybody." i completely agree with emily. all of this has come at a cost, and there is anger. i'm angry. really angry. what a lot of us are really angry about is the covid deniers and the people that have been walking around videoing outpatient clinics at midnight. and recently, two people were arrested in my hospital and fined just for trespassing. so that's the sort of people that generally our anger is against. it's just after nine o'clock and we've had the handover from the night team. - er, a huge increase in the number of patients with covid in the trust. we've got 550 patients now, - and that was from yesterday morning.

so it's probably higher now. and another bit of bad news i is the two cubicles on our hdu have just flooded overnight. so that's really unhelpful. when we're trying to make more space for patients. it feels like people are tired i of hearing about the situation and sort of want to deny what's going on. - and i think that feeds into staff morale. - what peter is saying, morale is low and there'sjust a sense of hopelessness. it'5ju5t galling to be coming in and be around seeing what the general public are doing, and knowing that you're about to put in a 12 and a half hour stint in because people just for some reason are apathetic or don't believe or whatever. as their cities wait,

they prepare for home to sleep then face the same again tomorrow. death rates and hospital admissions have yet to hit their peak. i'm just coming out from my shift. and i'm just walking past stacks and stacks of ambulances. they have lived through this stress for a year and a lot of people are near breaking point. what i'm hoping is, and what all of my colleagues are hoping is, that in the next few weeks, as more and more people get vaccinated, the numbers will start coming down. and if i never see a patient with covid again in my life, i will be crying. the rain may mostly have eased off

but flooding will remain a concern for the next few days. because all of that water has to get through the river systems. you can check the latest flood warnings on the bbc weather website. storm christoph brought more than a months worth of rain to some places in recent days. that wet weather piled through the north of england especially, but as it began to clear today on the back edge, you can see we had some snow mixing and, quite a lot of snow over southern parts of scotland, a beautiful scene for this weather watcher earlier in east lothian. still some snowfall to come across northern scotland, particularly through tonight, and in the immediate coastline in north—east it will be rain that falls. ice is likely to be a concern across the western side of the uk but may be further east as well with temperatures dropping to around freezing, or below, in some spots, was still a scattering of wintry showers across western areas, and low pressure will remain to the east of the british isles. the wind is

coming down from the north, quite a chilly wind direction and that will continue to bring some wintry showers. across the north of scotland we will see further snow showers, a mixture of rain, sleet and snow across northern ireland, north—west england, some wintry showers and parts of wales and south—west england as well. to the east, predominantly driver spells of sunshine. quite a windy day in prospect, especially across scotland and, as far as temperatures go, no great shakes, really, 4— eight celsius. friday night is going to be very cold with lows of —7 possible in some places. some possible fog patches on saturday morning, some rain close to southern counties in england first thing, but for the most part, mainly a fine day with spells of sunshine. one or two showers, likely to be wintry, bringing snow to low levels with top temperatures between 2—7 celsius, and that cold air in place during saturday night into sunday, this

frontal system will push on from the west, with uncertainty about the exact position of this, but some places, particularly down towards the south could see some snow for a time, even to quite low levels, and it will be another cold day, at around 3—6 celsius.

i think it is too early to say when we will be able to lift some of the restrictions. ourfinal report from the royal london hospital — the pandemic, a lesson in what nhs workers can and can't do in a crisis. we'll be looking at why some areas are doing so much better on vaccinations than others. also tonight... parts of the north west of england and wales are still under danger to life flood warnings — hundreds of homes evacuated.

signing away the trump legacy — from the pandemic to immigration