‘Why is there delay until 2027?’: Huawei ban reaction

Tory MP Tobias Ellwood, chair of the defence committee, said he was “pleased” at the decision, adding: “This is a first opportunity for the government to stand up and say, ‘No more’. It’s the first indication that we are going to stand up.”

Nigel Farage described it as only “a partial victory”, tweeting: “No to Huawei is great but we cannot wait until 2027 for removal of the kit.”

Tory MP Bob Seely, one of the party’s leading anti-Huawei backbench rebels, said: “If the telecoms firms believe Huawei can be taken out of 5G by 2025, why is there delay until 2027?”

Huawei must remove equipment by 2027, says minister

Huawei has seven years before all of its equipment must be removed from the 5G network.

“We have concluded it is necessary and indeed prudent to commit to a timetable for the removal of Huawei equipment from our 5G network by 2027,” said Dowden.

But those sums are on top of costs already incurred by delays over the Chinese tech giant. The minister explained the whole saga would cost between £2bn and £3bn and cause a delay of between two to three years.

Make masks free, says Independent Sage group scientist

The Independent Sage group of scientists – or at least most if it – supports the compulsory wearing of face coverings in shops and would like it extended to other indoor settings, writes deputy political editor Rob Merrick.

However, several members are urging ministers to recognise a big public information campaign is needed to make the new policy a success, to give the public detailed advice on how to wear them and the benefits of doing so.

Susan Michie, a health psychologist, said the less well-off should not expected to pay for coverings, saying: “We need to ensure that everyone who needs them and cannot afford them is provided with them without cost.”

Robert West, a professor of health psychology, acknowledged the true medical benefits of face coverings – particularly for the wearer – were still uncertain, but argued it was worth taking the step. “In the normal course of events, lots of us feel there is not enough to legislate to make people do something – but these are unusual times. The balance has shifted to some form of mandating.”

But the plan to fine refuseniks was criticised. Stephen Reicher, a professor of social psychology said: “I don’t think fines are necessary. The first instinct should not be to punish.”

Business chief calls for ‘absolute clarity’ on face covering rules

The head of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has urged the government to provide “absolute clarity” to retailers on the new rules around wearing face coverings in shops and supermarkets.

Marshall said the BCC was supportive of the new rules, which he said would help to “restore consumer confidence” and encourage more people to return to shops.

Sabrina Barr has everything you need to know about the new rules, and who is exempt from them.

Two-thirds agree face coverings should be mandatory in shops

Debate continues to rage on social media about the mandatory wearing of masks, and whether it’s necessary for the government to give England’s shops and shoppers 11 days to prepare.

A reminder that 60 per cent of the public agree it should be compulsory in shops, and only 34 per cent say it should be left to the people to decide whether to or not.

When it comes to “common sense” voluntary behaviour (as Michael Gove recently called it), a recent YouGov poll found that 36 per cent of Britons a face mask in public places, compared with 65 per cent of people in Germany, 78 per cent in France, 83 per cent in Italy and 86 per cent in Spain.

When will Huawei be removed from Britain’s 5G?

So how long might Huawei play a role in Britain’s 5G network? It’s not yet clear what deadlines culture secretary Oliver Dowden will be setting out today.

The minister is expected to say that no new Huawei equipment can be installed in the network from as soon as next year.

The Telegraph has reported that the government is “targeting” 2024 for removal of all of the company’s kit, but according to The Times the firm’s technology will not be totally removed from the network until 2027.

Sir Iain Duncan Smith is one of 60 Tory MPs said to have written to warning against “unreasonable delay”.

The letter said: “Knowing how lightly China takes the assurances it has given, many colleagues are even more uncomfortable about a role for Huawei in our networks. Given that, we fervently hope you will end Huawei’s ability to supply the UK’s critical national infrastructure.”

‘Rocco, put your tail down’

They say never work with children or animals. MP John Nicolson’s cat Rocco has become an instant social media star after interrupting the SNP politician’s contribution to this morning’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) committee session.

“Rocco, put your tail down,” he said after trying in vain to continue during laughter.

Deaths involving Covid-19 in UK rise to just under 56,000, data shows

The number of deaths involving Covid-19 in the UK has risen to just under 56,000, according to the latest available ONS data and official figures from Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

But the number of weekly registered deaths involving coronavirus has fallen to the lowest level since lockdown began in March, the latest figures have shown.

Data from the ONS published on Tuesday showed the number of deaths involved Covid-19 registered in England and Wales in the week ending 3 July was 532.

Story of Leicester’s lockdown – and lessons to be learnt

It’s now two weeks from the local lockdown imposed on Leicester following a spike in coronavirus cases – with no immediate sign of it being eased.

Any decision to lift Leicester’s lockdown “can’t be rushed” and will depend on coronavirus disease rates falling to levels comparable with other areas, said one of the government’s deputy chief medical officers on Monday.

Yet several local leaders and health experts have told The Independent that the initial decision to lock down Leicester was preceded by miscommunication and a catalogue of errors and delays that only served to exacerbate the city’s situation.

Samuel Lovett has taken a closer look.

Huawei’s UK chairman stepping down 

Lord Browne is stepping down as Huawei’s UK chairman ahead of the Chinese tech giant being barred from playing any role in Britain’s 5G network.

A Huawei spokesman said: “When Lord Browne became chairman of Huawei UK’s board of directors in 2015 he brought with him a wealth of experience which has proved vital in ensuring Huawei’s commitment to corporate governance in the UK.

“He has been central to our commitment here dating back 20 years, and we thank him for his valuable contribution.”

It looks like the big U-turn is having an impact before it’s even officially announced. A reminder we’re expecting to hear from culture secretary Oliver Dowden in the Commons at around 12.30pm.

Housing groups rejoice as ‘No DSS’ ruled unlawful

A county court ruling that a letting agency’s “No DSS” policy discriminated against a prospective tenant is a “momentous” judgment, according to Shelter and other housing campaigners.

The case, heard at York County Court, involved a single mother who inquired about renting a two-bedroom flat – but was told her application would not be considered as she was in receipt of housing benefit.

District Judge Victoria Mark ruled that the prospective tenant had been indirectly discriminated against due to her sex and disability.

Shelter said the ruling is “a huge breakthrough” for its End DSS Discrimination campaign and a “clear warning” to landlords. Chief executive Polly Neate said: “This momentous ruling should be the nail in the coffin for ‘No DSS’ discrimination.”

UK on track for ‘largest decline in GDP for 300 years’

More on the rather grim economic news. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) is forecasting a big rise in unemployment when the furlough scheme comes to an end. In the worst-case scenario, it could peak at 13 per cent early in 2021.

The public body also says there’s been nothing like it since at least the 1700s. “The UK is on track to record the largest decline in annual GDP for 300 years,” this morning’s report states.

The OBR is also projecting UK public sector borrowing of between 13 per cent and 21 per cent this year – far higher than during the financial crisis more than a decade ago, and something more akin to the Second World War.

Hancock to take action on ‘do not resuscitate’ orders

Health secretary Matt Hancock is to issue guidance on controversial “do not resuscitate” orders for doctors after growing concern over use of blanket notices in care homes during the coronavirus crisis.

Multiple examples of unlawful or inappropriate orders being applied to patients during the coronavirus outbreak sparked fears of widespread systemic breaches of patients’ human rights.

But now – following the threat of a judicial review – ministers have agreed to make the rules clearer for doctors and patients. Legally, the orders must be made on a case-by-case basis and patients should be included in the discussion.

Our health correspondent Shaun Lintern has the exclusive story:

Face coverings not compulsory for shop staff, says minister

Environment secretary George Eustice suggested face covering use would not be compulsory for shop staff and said the rules for shoppers would not be enforced until July 24, to give people time to prepare.

He told BBC Breakfast: “We want to give people time to plan and prepare and for retailers to maybe put in place measures to encourage people to do this or potentially even to have some masks themselves if people haven’t got one.”

Asked if the rules will apply to supermarket staff, he said: “They’re not being covered by this but I think if you go into most shops you will see that staff for a longer time now have either been wearing face shields or face masks.

“It won’t be a compulsory requirement because it won’t always be right for every setting in a retail environment, particularly those working behind the tills and so on.”

Police warns new face covering policy will be ‘impossible’ to enforce

Retailers and police must both play a role in enforcing the use of face coverings by shoppers in England, said environment secretary George Eustice this morning.

But Metropolitan Police Federation chairman Ken Marsh said the government’s move to require the wearing of face masks in English shops will be “impossible for enforcement”.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Shopkeepers need to step up to the plate and take some responsibility. They can quite easily put signs up on their doors ‘No mask on, no entry, this is private property’.

“That’s the first point we need to get across because this cannot all be laid on the shoulders of the police yet again.

“The second point is it will be nigh-on impossible for enforcement because you won’t have a police officer on every shop door because there isn’t enough of us.

“If a shopkeeper calls the police because someone hasn’t got a mask on, they haven’t got the power to detain them so that person can just walk away.

“We’ll be driving around and around London looking for people who aren’t wearing masks, it’s absolutely absurd.”

‘We’re in for pretty severe turbulence’: Experts warn of Cold War with China

Experts have warned about the huge impact of the looming ban on Huawei in Britain’s 5G network.

“I think we’re in for some pretty severe turbulence … What might be described as a perfect storm,” Charles Parton, a senior associate fellow at the RUSI think tank, told the Politico website.

He predicted China will put the UK in the “diplomatic doghouse” and reduce investment in the UK. Parton also warned of an uptick in cyberattacks in the UK as a result of the decision.

Tobias Ellwood, chair of the Commons defence committee, said: “This is a pivotal moment — a moment that is overdue — for us to recalibrate our stance, our geostrategic position with China. We are heading into a Cold War; there’s no doubt about it.”

Rana Mitter, director of the University of Oxford’s China Centre, said today’s big announcement will at least lead to a “very, very strong” formal response from Beijing – but added there was “a lot more rhetoric than reality” to the threats.

Mixed messages on face coverings is the problem, says Sadiq Khan

Sadiq Khan has said he thinks Londoners “by and large will follow the rules” on face coverings inside shops and noted there has been a high level of compliance with masks on public transport.

Khan told BBC Radio 4 that he did not think there would be many examples of police officers “having to enforce the rules”.

“The problem is not the issue of enforcement, the problem is the mixed messages and the confused communications,” he said.

On public transport, Khan added: “Our enforcement officers and the BTP have stopped in the region of 18,500 people travelling because they refuse to wear face coverings and actually the fines that have had to be issued so far is only 59.

“And during rush hour we have more than 90 per cent compliance.”

Second wave could be worse than outbreak, scientists warn

A potential second wave of Covid-19 could bring twice as many deaths as the initial outbreak, according to a report commissioned by the chief scientific adviser.

Presenting the worst-case scenario, experts said the R rate could rise to 1.7 by September and as many as 120,000 people may die in hospital while the NHS is managing the winter flu season.

Our health correspondent Shaun Lintern has the details: