Conservative Revolt Brews as UK Faces Tough Choices on Lockdown
MPs Form New Faction to End Blanket Restrictions
The government is split over whether to reopen hard-hit sectors like cafes and hairdressers. Meanwhile, around 50 Tory MPs have launched a new group to block any fresh nationwide lockdown measures beyond December 2.
They demand a public cost-benefit analysis and tougher scrutiny of the government’s scientific advisers.
Coronavirus Worsens North-South Divide
A study by the Northern Health Science Alliance reveals covid has deepened regional gaps in poverty, education, jobs, and mental health. Mortality rates, even after adjusting for deprivation, age, and ethnicity, are highest in the North.
“Coronavirus has exacerbated regional inequalities in poverty, education, employment and mental health,” the report states.
The report calls for urgent “level up” measures – echoing Boris Johnson’s own slogan – including prioritising deprived communities for the first phase of the vaccine rollout.
Germany Sees Rising Covid Cases
Meanwhile, Germany reported a sharp rise in new infections, with 18,487 fresh cases pushing total infections to 705,687. The death toll climbed by 261 to 11,767, according to the Robert Koch Institute’s latest data.
