this is chris whitty. _ restrictions come christmas time. this is chris whitty.e got this good cop, bad cop with borisj this good cop, bad cop with boris johnson — this good cop, bad cop with boris johnson but — this good cop, bad cop with boris johnson but he _ this good cop, bad cop with boris johnson but he clearly— this good cop, bad cop with boris johnson but he clearly has - this good cop, bad cop with boris - johnson but he clearly has manoeuvre because _ johnson but he clearly has manoeuvre because at _ johnson but he clearly has manoeuvre because at the — johnson but he clearly has manoeuvre because at the moment, _ johnson but he clearly has manoeuvre because at the moment, the - johnson but he clearly has manoeuvre because at the moment, the british. because at the moment, the british public— because at the moment, the british public are _ because at the moment, the british public are listening _ because at the moment, the british public are listening to _ because at the moment, the british public are listening to him - because at the moment, the briti

professor chris whitty flagged its inevitable that the consequence of the measures is that there willre to cases and that there will be more to cases and that there should be anticipated but he said majority of transmission is in younger age group people and those of the people that have yet to receive a vaccine. that vaccine has not yet been approved by the regulator, but her health correspondent was telling us it may be that it's been bottled here rather than bottled abroad which is the original plan because the intentions over import and export countries. professor chris whitty urged anyone over the age of 50 who has not yet forced to receive their first dose of the vaccine to contact the doctor as soon as possible. the prime minister confirmed the lowest number of coronavirus infections in six months but warned the wave is still rising across the channel of course. and on the topic of international travel people optimistic we hoping for foreign holidays currently prefer that in. they have to say it's having to stop most variants coming in and professor chris whitty said it's a var

professor doom and gloom chris whitty is going by the l gloom chris whitty is going by the data.nestly! that _ following the science! doom and gloom, honestly! that was - following the science! doom and gloom, honestly! that was a - following the science! doom and gloom, honestly! that was a bit| gloom, honestly! that was a bit hard. gloom, honestly! that was a bit hard- yes! _ gloom, honestly! that was a bit hard. yes! so _ gloom, honestly! that was a bit hard. yes! so we _ gloom, honestly! that was a bit hard. yes! so we have - gloom, honestly! that was a bit hard. yes! so we have obsoletej gloom, honestly! that was a bit - hard. yes! so we have obsolete heard about this big row over the kind of contract and what actually they had to supply and now there are more problems and the brussels internal market commissioner has told the financial times, market commissioner has told the financialtimes, ic market commissioner has told the financial times, ic efforts but not best efforts. that is not good enough yet for astrazeneca to meet its obligations. so there was this clause that t

chris whitty and the prime _ exhausted by the last year. , i am 51, _ be susceptible. on the question of the inoculation, i am 51, and - be susceptible. on the question of the inoculation, i am 51, and lots l the inoculation, i am 51, and lots of my friends and acquaintances in people older, relatives and stuff, have had the injection. there is that sense of, i've had the injection, and i know it is only the first one but i will get the second, but i am starting to feel i have a protection, but that wall is still not there for at least three weeks. for someone like you, you are vaccinated two weeks ago, you are still building immunity, and that is one of the overriding message is in the press conference, the need to respect still the social distancing guidance. chris whitty said if we do that he thinks any rise could be relatively modest. certainly, the seasons, good weather coming, some around the corner, that could well help —— summer round the corner, that could help keep numbers down. if we see a dramatic surge because there are still su

let�*s presented by people like chris whitty ministers as well. to the times. i _ whitty ministers as well. let's go into the times. i know _ whitty ministers as well. let's go into the times. i know this - whitty ministers as well. let's go into the times. i know this is - whitty ministers as well. let's go into the times. i know this is one | into the times. i know this is one of your favourites. royal aides reveal meghan bullying claim before interview. an exclusive. just talk us through with the claims are. this is us through with the claims are. ti 3 is extraordinary, both us through with the claims are. ti 1 is extraordinary, both the context of any claims are that there were accusations which went via the then head of communications to the head of human resources that meghan had been difficult with members of staff. now, whatever the rights and wrongs of this, this is a classic case of different courts fighting it out. and it could not come at a worse time. this seems to be a piece of fairly below the belt retaliation ahead of the screening

for professor chris whitty, how - professor chris whitty, how important _ professor chris whitty, howimportant is it that the under 505 get immunised _ important is it that the under 505 get immunised a5 _ important is it that the under 505 get immunised as soon _ important is it that the under 505 get immunised as soon as- important is it that the under 505 i get immunised as soon as possible? thank— get immunised as soon as possible? thank you _ get immunised as soon as possible? thank you fergus, _ get immunised as soon as possible? thank you. fergus, the _ get immunised as soon as possible? thank you. fergus, the best- thank you. fergus, the best testimony that i can offer about the safety of the pfizer and the oxford astrazeneca, which seem to be pretty much identical in safety terms, is really what you have heard just now from doctor raine and professor whitty. | from doctor raine and professor whitty. i think they are medical professionals whose view it is that these are safe and effective vaccines. that has been confirmed today by the european medicines agency. i think that is

yes, professor chris whitty _ you see another dramatic peak. use: professor chris whitty was appearingp—by—step move out of lockdown, and he said, whilst we are in a good position, there are going to be bumps along there are going to be bumps along the road. he said the vaccines, whilst at the roll—out has gone well, there could still be shortages. we know the number of first doses that are going to be given in april is going to be less than we thought. ihlick given in april is going to be less than we thought.— given in april is going to be less than we thought. nick triggle, thank ou. heading abroad for some sunshine could see you facing a £5,000 fine. the government says new coronavirus laws, due to come into force next week, will target people from england travelling without good reason. 0ur transport correspondent caroline davies reports. the empty beaches may be calling, but they aren't in reach yet. holidays are already illegal, and anyone travelling abroad needs to have a declaration form. in addition, on monday, when the stay—at—home rule ends, the government plans to introduc

chris whitty said it was a decision for ministers but he offered advice based on principles. do not try and concentina the five—week breaks because if you want to be based on data, you will have to use those five weeks if you wish to give people a week's notice. you simply cannot see the effect size any time that is shorter than that. the chief scientific adviser was equally cautious. the estimate is that, after three weeks, you can start to get a real handle on this and it is probably between three and four weeks to really get a decent handle on what is happening. and that is the week that the ministers want to be able to alert businesses and others to what will happen. i think if you truncate that, you are essentially flying blind. you might feel i can smell it going in a certain direction and looks like this but you really won't know. sir patrick and professor whitty co—chair sage, the government's scientific advisory group on emergencies. but do ministers follow the science? scientific advice on this issue and on previous occasions in terms of advising the government to g

chris whitty was talkin: if you like. chris whitty was talking about _ if you like.ou like. chris whitty was - talking about periods of several weeks with reopening may be four to five weeks between stages to fully assess the impact of each reopening and then deciding whether it was safe to go ahead with their next step. are you scientific advisor saying anything different? ida. step. are you scientific advisor saying anything different? no, the programme _ saying anything different? no, the programme we — saying anything different? no, the programme we are _ saying anything different? no, the programme we are setting - saying anything different? no, the programme we are setting out - saying anything different? no, the programme we are setting out is l programme we are setting out is sufficiently cautious in order to enable us to be able to measure the impact. i think the period of time between action depends on what actions you are taking in those individual steps and what we are describing is a very gradual process on return. we are absolutely happy to see the numb

professor chris whitty was appearing before mps on the science and technology committee.s as things are opening up, what all the models suggest at some point we will get a surge in the virus, and whether that happen, we it doesn't happen soon, but it might, for example, happen later in the summer if we open up gradually, or if there is a seasonal effect, it might happen over the next autumn and winter. but i think all of it suggests there is going to be a further surge, and that will find the people who either have not been vaccinated or where the vaccine has not worked. and some of them will end up in hospital, and sadly, some of them will go on to die. he was asked if improved data could speed up the lifting of lockdown. zeroing in on particular numbers, every single number will be incorrect. what they are doing is giving an indication of general principles, and the first and most important principle that models demonstrate is if you open up too fast, a lot more people die, a lot more people die. a conservative mp looked ahead to the scheduled lifting of all restriction

this is chris whitty. boris johnson but he clearly. has room for manoeuvre because at the moment, the british— public are listening to him i and he doesn't have to listen to those voices in his backbenches. now, it's almost as long as new york's empire state building is high, and it spent most of the week blocking egypt's suez canal. the evergreen, stranded in a sandstorm, caused an almighty traffic jam. the alternative — take the pre—18805 route for freight, going around africa. even with 21st century ships, that's quite a diversion — up to three weeks. ashis, there is something kind of almost funny about the idea that despite all of the logistics and all of the modern technology, that the combination of a bit of bad weather, a really bad sand storm, and a troublesome three—point turn can jam one of the most important waterways in the world, but in a sense, it is potentially a lot more serious, isn't it? notjust because of the economic cost but because of the strategic significance of this canal. absolute

to have toi lockdown a little bit longer. than it is going to have to be done~ — someone like chris whittyice, i suppose you could say, he is very cautious. - he is worried about the winter coming.| and the pressures on the national— and the pressures on the national health— and the pressures on the national health service. i he is worried about - variants on the continent. and the longer this vaccine i is out there, the more chance there is for mutations. he is talking about - the possibility of still having restrictions come christmastime. l this is chris whitty. you have got this good cop, bad cop with boris johnson. but he clearly has room . for manoeuvre because at the moment, the british public are listening to him _ and he doesn't have - to listen to those voices in his backbenches. now, it's almost as long as new york's empire state building is high, and it spent most of the week blocking egypt's suez canal. the ever green, stranded in a sandstorm, caused an almighty traffic jam. the alternative — take the pre—1880s route forfreight, going around africa. even with 21st century ship

professor chris whitty was appearing before mps on the science and technology committee. things are opening up, what all the models suggest at some point we will get a surge in the virus, and whether that happen, we hope it doesn't happen soon, but it might, for example, happen later in the summer if we open up gradually, or if there is a seasonal effect, it might happen over the next autumn and winter. but i think all of it suggests there is going to be a further surge, and that will find the people who either have not been vaccinated or where the vaccine has not worked. and some of them will end up in hospital, and sadly, some of them will go on to die. he was asked if improved data could speed up the lifting of lockdown. zeroing in on particular numbers, every single number will be incorrect. what they are doing is giving an indication of general principles, and the first and most important principle that models demonstrate is if you open up too fast, a lot more people die, a lot more people die. a conservative mp looked ahead to the scheduled lifting of all restrictio

prof chris whitty said that would be dangerous as there are still a lot of vulnerable people who ares in the _ of easing restrictions? to have the key figures in the government's i key figures in the government's response to coronavirus what questioned by the science and technology committee, professor chris whitty and also the government's chief scientific adviser, sir patrick balance. as restrictions begin to ease and the road map embarked upon, everyone will be watching closely to see how that affects hospital admissions, deaths and cases. sir patrick balance, on the initial stage we've seen this week of all pupils returning to school in england, he said that could push up the reproduction rate of coronavirus cases anything from 10—50%. that gives you an idea of the impact of that stage on its own. professor whitty looks ahead to may the 17th, couple of stages down the road where people can meet indoors with groups of up to six, theatres, cinemas, restaurants conserve people indoors and he said that that it is a very significant block with a lot of stuff happening indoors for the

and others _ tell him that, and chris whitty and others going to face some hard questions — others goinghing like this from boris johnson or from sources— like this from boris johnson or from sources close to, and i think given the paper— sources close to, and i think given the paper which is putting this in we can— the paper which is putting this in we can look is a fairly reliable report~ — we can look is a fairly reliable report. some of the most striking stories— report. some of the most striking stories not— report. some of the most striking stories not involving the protests that have. — stories not involving the protests that have, that are in the papers. your— that have, that are in the papers. your thoughts on this? this is something that almost certainly going to have to be some kind of inquiry into. going to have to be some kind of inquiry into-— inquiry into. there will be an inuui inquiry into. there will be an inquiry to — inquiry into. there will be an inquiry to all— inquiry into. there will be an inquiry to all aspects - inquiry into. there will be an inquiry to all aspe

leak from a cabinet meeting which will go to a vote and it would certainly support what professor chris whitty press conferences. ., , ., w conferences. so, the idea is to make “abs back conferences. so, the idea is to make jabs back in — conferences. so, the idea is to make jabs back in a — conferences. so, the idea is to make jabs back in a legal _ conferences. so, the idea is to make jabs back in a legal requirement. - conferences. so, the idea is to make jabs back in a legal requirement. we j jabs back in a legal requirement. we know— jabs back in a legal requirement. we know they— jabs back in a legal requirement. we know they are one of the places where _ know they are one of the places where people are most at risk, and this would — where people are most at risk, and this would affect 1.5 million people who work— this would affect 1.5 million people who work in england. it raises a lot of moral— who work in england. it raises a lot of moral and — who work in england. it raises a lot of moral and ethical questions. there _ of moral and ethical questions. there are — of moral and ethical

chris whitty is mentioned as potentially taking some flak. so is patrick balance.g in future, if not now. ~ ., ., ., ., if not now. we are going to leave what is perhaps _ if not now. we are going to leave what is perhaps one _ if not now. we are going to leave what is perhaps one of _ if not now. we are going to leave what is perhaps one of the - if not now. we are going to leave what is perhaps one of the most| what is perhaps one of the most unexpected photographs on the front of the telegraph tomorrow, which is jemima bega, in a detention camp in syria, sporting a rather lovely pair of sunglasses. —— shamima begum. the so—called jihadis bride, who is contesting having her nationality removed. let's talk about the yorkshire post story, a fascinating story. we will leave aside the northern transport hub in yorkshire. inaudible. what do you make of this story? inaudible. what do ou make of this sto ? , what do you make of this story? this is one of a series of accusations that— is one of a series of accusations that some — is one of a series of accusations that so

and chris whitty of course has reportedly said that he does want all nhs workers to get the job. most of the country has high take—up rates, but amongst workers, it's relatively low or certainly lower than expected. i think that is something the government is really toying with, just as his vaccine particles... toying with, 'ust as his vaccine particles. . .— particles... finally, the sun, �*brint particles... finally, the sun, "bring home _ particles... finally, the sun, "bring home the _ particles... finally, the sun, "bring home the euros - particles... finally, the sun, "bring home the euros and l particles... finally, the sun, l "bring home the euros and the particles... finally, the sun, - "bring home the euros and the spirit of 1966." does this have legs, john? i have to laugh, it is typical — it's a — i have to laugh, it is typical — it's a classic _ i have to laugh, it is typical — it's a classic the sun story which obviously. — it's a classic the sun story which obviously, they like to play on this feel-good — obviously, they like to play on this feel—good factor. the e

borisjohnson is going to lead today's briefing and he'lljoined by the chief medical officer chris whittye'll have full coverage on bbc one and the bbc news channel. special coverage begins at az30pm on bbc one and here on the bbc news channel. art classes, playing football or gardening are all perfectly good hobbies in their own right — but they could also be referred by gps as a valuable way to improve mental and physical health. fiona lamdin has been finding out more about this holistic approach in bristol. i'm at this medical centre in bristol and you might wonder why i'm pruning. that is because in the next month, these grounds could be full of patients who have been referred here to garden, to help with their mental and physical health. how will work? caitlin, how will it work? if you are struggling with any kind of social issue that's affecting your health and well— being, you may be able to be referred to your social prescriber at your gp practice. if you're feeling anxious or low, struggling with social isolation or self—care. we help people to figure out what matters to them and

chris whitty said _ telling the bbc the truth. chris whitty said covid _ telling the bbc the truth.he foreseeable future, the government requires powers to use if they need them. filth. powers to use if they need them. oh, es. but powers to use if they need them. oh, yes- itut all — powers to use if they need them. oh, yes- itut all the _ powers to use if they need them. oi yes. but all the powers powers to use if they need them. <1>“i, yes. but all the powers they have been using for lockdown, quarantine, all the restrictions to deal with the pandemic don't come from the coronavirus act, they come from the public health act and again this is my worry. i don't say this about chris whitty but i do say it about boris johnson's chris whitty but i do say it about borisjohnson's ministers. they are trying to take away our freedoms in the name of coronavirus but they are not telling you the truth. the reality is they have all the powers they need in public health act. the coronavirus act is just a measure which takes away basic rights and freedoms and we will not hand them a blank cheque.

professor chris whitty told mps that plans to allow some indoor mixing of people in england in may involveduropean union accused the country of imposing a vaccine export ban. the claim was made by european council chief charles michel. but the uk foreign secretary has said the allegation is "completely false". like many countries around the world, singapore has started a coronavirus vaccination programme. but, perhaps uniquely, the island state is dependent on the outside world and foreign nationals for much of its economic prowess. so it's taking a unique approach to giving out the jabs — as karishma vaswani reports. the crowds are back at singapore's airport, but they are not here to fly. this terminal�*s now transformed into a vaccination centre for front line workers. but in singapore, that doesn't mean only nurses and doctors. everyone here today is from the aviation sector. that includes this woman, who works in customer service. she's considered a front—line worker here — it's why she's among the first in line. it's very sad to look at the situation now, because it's very quiet. if e

will happen at a 5pm this afternoon and he will be joined by the chief medical officer professor chris whittyick vallance. that is at 5pm this afternoon and we will of course be bringing it to you live here on bbc news. a major french pharmaceutical company has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, over a drug which was linked to hundreds of deaths. servier produced mediator, a treatment for diabetes and weight loss, for more than three decades, despite warnings about side effects. it withdrew the drug in 2009, saying it was not until then that it learned it could cause serious heart problems. 0ur paris correspondent hugh schofield explained the implications of this verdict. mediator was a drug which was administered for many, many years from the 70s up to 2010, 2009, in france. originally developed for diabetes, it became apparent that it also helped in weight loss and many, many people, mainly women and women who were struggling with weight, were prescribed it over the years. the scandal came because it became apparent to some, and the argument is over when, that there were side—ef

professor chris whitty told mps that all the modelling suggests there is going to be a further surgee people still aren't protected. here's our health editor hugh pym. the vaccination programme rolls on. people in derby queueing, and happy to get theirjabs. 55—59—year—olds in england now getting their invitations. it's a relief cos i thought i'd have to wait quite a while, but i got the letter yesterday and i'm booked in today, which is quite good. been waiting quite a long time, but the sooner the better for me. government advisers say the vaccination plan is going very well, but they warn that while people will get some protection against serious illness, the virus won't go away. in fact, it will probably spread faster as lockdown is eased. all the modelling suggests there will be a further surge and that will find the people who either have not been vaccinated or where the vaccine has not worked, and some of them will end up in hospital and some of them, sadly, will go on to die, and that's just the reality. schools in england have opened up this week. at this primary in norwich t

, or i of the timing of this is well, or presumably is pairing a study went again, we did have chris whittyying that people should not assume that we won't be back facing quite significant restrictions again because of ongoing concerns about covid—19 come the end of the year. in a sense, it is kind of preparation for the potential of this at least that risk?- this at least that risk? yes, it makes sense, _ this at least that risk? yes, it makes sense, and _ this at least that risk? yes, it makes sense, and i _ this at least that risk? yes, it makes sense, and i share - this at least that risk? yes, it| makes sense, and i share that concern. we need to get back into the routine of thinking about covid—19 like flu and in that way, having a seasonal vaccination for those most vulnerable and the health care workers and i hope that this would extend their four health and social care work as well. that would make good sense. —— health and social care workers. boosters are widely accepted as being sensible, particularly with new variance and to me, this is not a shocking piece of news, this just m

professor chris whitty told mps that all the modelling suggests there is going to be a further surge autumn and many vulnerable people still aren't protected. here's our health editor, hugh pym. the vaccination programme rolls on. those aged between 56 and 59 in england now getting their invitations, people in derby queueing, and happy to be there to get theirjabs. it's a relief because i thought i would have to wait quite a while, but i got the letter yesterday and i am booked in today, which is quite good. been waiting quite a long time, but the sooner the better for me. government advisers say the vaccination plan is going very well, but they warn that while people will get some protection against serious illness, the virus won't go away. in fact, it will probably spread faster as lockdown is eased. all the modelling suggests there will be a further surge and that will find the people who have not been vaccinated or the vaccine has not worked, and some of them will end up in hospital and some of them, sadly, will go on to die, and that is a reality. schools in england have opened

will lead today's downing street briefing, he'll be joined by england's chief medical officer chris whittybbc one and the bbc news channel. the time is 1.19. our top story this lunchtime... the health secretary insists all adults in the uk will get their first covid jab by the end ofjuly, despite a delay in some deliveries. a collection of handwritten letters from diana, princess of wales are being sold at auction, to raise money for arts charities. and coming up in sport on bbc news... in what will be his first international start at outside centre since 2016, elliot daly will replace the injured henry slade in england's six nations match against ireland on saturday. the inquest into the death of sarah everard has been opened, and adjourned until the end of the trial of the man accused of her murder. our correspondent charlotte wright is at the coroner's court in maidstone. welcome it tookjust under half an hourfor the inquest to be opened and adjourned today. sarah's mother, father, brotherand and adjourned today. sarah's mother, father, brother and sister were all watching remotely via

professor chris whitty said it would be dangerous as there are still a lot of vulnerable people who areimportant, perhaps most difficult, question facing politicians and scientists. how to open up society without causing another major wave of the virus and more pressure on hospitals. speaking in front of mps, england's chief medical officer was cautious, saying even with a successful vaccine programme, another rise in infections is inevitable at some point. infections is inevitable at some oint. ~ :, infections is inevitable at some oint, . ., , infections is inevitable at some oint. . , , , point. what we can see is, as things are opening — point. what we can see is, as things are opening up. _ point. what we can see is, as things are opening up. all _ point. what we can see is, as things are opening up, all the _ point. what we can see is, as things are opening up, all the modelling i are opening up, all the modelling suggests that some point we will get a surge in the virus, and we hope it does not happen soon.— a surge in the virus, and we hope it does not happen soon. another key r

. —— chris whitty.e at the brazilian or south african strain and we don�*t want that here. and somebody else pointed out that many of the people coming across from france come all the drivers, no checks at all, they are subject to any curve and suggestions now that france may be put on the red list but that has not been ruled officially get by downing street. certainly concerned about the impact of the virus and covid—i9 in europe and as you rightly say, clear indication that it is far from over yet. indication that it is far from over et. �* , ., ., ., , yet. let's go to the telegraph. their splash. _ yet. let's go to the telegraph. their splash, it _ yet. let's go to the telegraph. their splash, it is _ yet. let's go to the telegraph. their splash, it is different - yet. let's go to the telegraph. i their splash, it is different from all the others. children in line for covid—i9jabs. this hasn�*t been pooh—poohed by the government but is been clarified. yes. pooh-poohed by the government but is been c

i thank you will have heard the chief medical officer, chris whitty, warning earlier this week that whenoff another wave. and that's why we really do need to stick to the guidance as it is. and obviously, we are going to have to watch very carefully because the figures this week are too early to tell what the effects are of opening up, and we won't see that until the next couple of weeks, which is why it's so important to watch the data. the r value, which is the number, the average number of infections of what an individual infection causes, it still below one, which means that the epidemic is shrinking, but remember, we are always looking behind us, the data a week before, so that's the r number as calculated this week, but it's looking back in time a little bit. so we need to be watching very carefully moving forward whether we begin to see any uptake. and there is a little sense that we are not quite sure what's going on in the southwest and southeast, but these are just hints now which we need to continue to keep an eye on. now which we need to continue to keep an eye on-— now which

street, lights on there, the prime minister has given a press conference to date with professor chris whittyght o'clock moment. this is the tower at blackpool. as you can see, illuminated as always, but the idea today is to try and bring more light into what is very dark anniversary indeed. and anniversary of the 126,000 people plus who have died from covid, 4.3 million cases in the past year, but the good news now, and this also part of the beacon of light to shine a light, the 28 million people, 42% of the population, who have been vaccinated so far. as i say, marie curie, the charity organise this national day of reflection, the idea for everyone to come together to reflect their loss and support those who have been bereaved and notjust for the pandemic. since the lockdown began in 2020, hundreds of thousands of people have died. too many lives cut short, millions bereaved. those who have died from covid, it is thought lost ten years of their lives. here we are at a downing street, a lit candle outside of that famous black door, which we think will be replicated right around the uk. let's

professor chris whitty said it would be dangerous as there are still a lot of vulnerable people who aretant, perhaps most difficult, question facing politicians and scientists. how to open up society without causing another major wave of the virus and more pressure on hospitals? speaking in front of mps, england's chief medical officer was cautious, saying even with a successful vaccine programme, another rise in infections is inevitable at some point. what we're going to see is, as things are opening up, all the modelling suggests that at some point we will get a surge in the virus. we hope it doesn't happen soon. another key question is this, if cases rise, can vaccines protect enough people from serious disease? early data shows currentjobs are performing better than expected after one dose but they cannot offer 100% protection. straight to holyrood and an update on the first minister. aha, straight to holyrood and an update on the first minister.— on the first minister. a change which will _ on the first minister. a change which will be _ on the first minister. a change which will b

professor chris whitty said an accelerated easing of restrictions would be dangerous as there are stillerable people who are not yet protected by the vaccine. he also said things could "turn bad" quickly if the process is rushed. our health correspondent jim reed reports. it's the most important, perhaps the most difficult question facing politicians and scientists. how to open up society without causing another major wave of the virus and more pressure on hospitals. speaking in front of mps, england's chief medical officer was cautious, saying even with a successful vaccine programme, another rise in infections is inevitable at some point. what we're going to see is, as things are opening up, all the modelling suggests that some point we will get a surge in virus, and we hope it doesn't happen soon. another key question is this — if cases rise, can vaccines protect enough people from serious disease? early data shows currentjabs are performing better than expected after one dose, but they cannot offer 100% protection. professor whitty said lifting lockdown restrictions too quickly coul

the uk government's chief medical adviser, professor chris whitty, told mps that all the modelling suggestsany vulnerable people still aren't protected. here's our health editor, hugh pym. the vaccination programme rolls on. those aged between 56 and 59 in england now getting their invitations, people in derby queueing and happy to be there to get theirjabs. it's a relief because i thought i would have to wait quite a while, but i got the letter yesterday and i'm booked in today, which is quite good. been waiting quite a long time, yeah, but the sooner the better for me. government advisers say the vaccination plan is going very well, but they warn that while people will get some protection against serious illness, the virus won't go away. in fact, it will probably spread faster as lockdown is eased. all the modelling suggests there will be a further surge, and that will find the people who either have not been vaccinated or where the vaccine has not worked, and some of them will end up in hospital and sadly, some of them will go on to die, and that is the reality. schools in england have o

bejoining boris johnson and the government's chief science adviser, sir patrick vallance, and chris whittyn, so see you in the aool. :,, :, :, 1 ,, the pool. people have really missed it. it's so important _ the pool. people have really missed it. it's so important for _ the pool. people have really missed it. it's so important for all _ the pool. people have really missed it. it's so important for all round - it. it's so important for all round heatth. — the prime minister is due to give an update on the government's handling of the coronavirus

will lead today's downing street briefing, he'll be joined by england's chief medical officer chris whittyicines regulatory agency, the mhra. we'll have full coverage from 4.30 on bbc one and the bbc news channel. germany has seen a jump in the number of infections — it's just had its biggest daily rise in covid cases for nearly two months. it comes as the eu's medicines regulator is due to deliver its findings about the safety of the astrazeneca vaccine — its rollout has been halted across much of the eu because of concerns about blood clots. jenny hill reports from berlin. is germany playing it too safe? infection is spreading fast here, cases rising in newly reopened kindergartens. nursery workers have been pushed up the vaccination priority list. isabella and her staff were offered the astrazeneca jab. translation: i think it's devastating. - three of us were vaccinated on sunday, two others would have had it today, but that was cancelled. even if they re—approve it, my colleagues don't want to have it now. germany dismissed concerns about astrazeneca and blood clotting from other coun

these are sobering words, and they from chris whitty? what do you make of them?— make of them?nother i make of them? yes, he really was. worried we might get another surge and everybody might be complacent, thinking _ and everybody might be complacent, thinking everything is all good. as the numbers go down, and they are failing _ the numbers go down, and they are failing like — the numbers go down, and they are falling like a stone. as we come up for the _ falling like a stone. as we come up for the summer, we know that ultraviolet light, people can open their windows, they can be outdoors, so that— their windows, they can be outdoors, so that internal connection with the virus _ so that internal connection with the virus can— so that internal connection with the virus can disappear. and the worry is that— virus can disappear. and the worry is that everyone is going to forget about— is that everyone is going to forget about it _ is that everyone is going to forget about it and it is going to disappear. 0f about it and it is going to disappear. of course, it won't. it will be _

and kate bingham, maddy mctiernan, ruth todd, nikki kidd nani, professorjonathan van tam, sir chris whittyknow that colleagues in the nhs and social care are beginning cautiously to look to the recovery ahead. i know everyone in this house is proud of the life—saving work we have seen in hospitals across the country yet we also know that our battles against covid—i9 have meant there are things that we've not been able to do like routine treatments and operations, and the challenges of covid are still with us. we must continue to treat patients with the disease, bolster our vital mission of infection control while also laying the groundwork for a recovery that gets us back to where we need to be. we have backed the nhs at every point in this pandemic so that they can treat patients, stay safe and save lives, and i'm delighted to inform the house that we are backing them again today with a further £6.6 billion of funding for the first half of this coming financial year. this money is in addition to the 3 billion committed at the spending review last november to help the nhs meet the addition

professor chris whitty was talking yesterday in downing street about the expected changes and the uptick, we know a huge number, _ expect it in a way? well, yes, we know a huge number, 80 - expect it in a way? well, yes, we know a huge number, 80 or- expect it in a way? well, yes, we know a huge number, 80 or 90%j expect it in a way? well, yes, we i know a huge number, 80 or 9096 of know a huge number, 80 or 90% of people who are hospitalised or died where the elderly. so that comes rapidly down after the age of 70, 50s and 60s, the numbers get smaller. when you get into the 30s and a05, it smaller. when you get into the 305 and a05, it is very rare and a minute ri5k and a05, it is very rare and a minute risk of having to end up in hospital. but it does happen and ho5pital. but it does happen and there are some sad cases of even some deaths but they are few and far between. if we do get a rise in this group, it should not lead to the dreadful deaths and problems in intensive care and hospital admissions that we saw before. this is calculated. a5 admissions that we saw before. this is cal

chris whitty the chief medical officer and his deputy jonathan van—tam saying if you work in health andour is that you are better to encourage people to take the vaccine rather than forcing certain professions to have to take it. as rachel reeves the shadow cabinet officer explained. i worry that coercion _ cabinet officer explained. i worry that coercion make _ cabinet officer explained. i worry that coercion make me _ cabinet officer explained. i worry that coercion make me do - cabinet officer explained. i worry that coercion make me do more | cabinet officer explained. i worry - that coercion make me do more harm than good _ that coercion make me do more harm than good. people feel they are being _ than good. people feel they are being forced to do something it starts _ being forced to do something it starts to— being forced to do something it starts to raise doubts in their mind about— starts to raise doubts in their mind about whether it is right. let's improve — about whether it is right. let's improve the information available to people. _ improve the information available to pe