UK Policing News

Oxford University/John Cairns *:not([hidden]):not(style) ~ *:not([hidden]):not(style){margin-top:1rem;}]]>The coronavirus vaccine developed by the University of Oxford stops 70% of people developing Covid symptoms, a large-scale trial shows. It will be seen as both a triumph and a disappointment after vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna showed 95% protection. However, the Oxford jab is far cheaper, and is easier to store and get to every corner of the world than the other two. So it will still play a significant role in tackling the pandemic, if it is approved by regulators. There is also intriguing data that suggests perfecting the dose could increase protection up to 90%.…

PA Media *:not([hidden]):not(style) ~ *:not([hidden]):not(style){margin-top:1rem;}]]>Gyms and non-essential shops in all areas are expected to be allowed to reopen when England's lockdown ends. Prime Minister Boris Johnson will make a statement to the House of Commons on Monday unveiling plans for Covid restrictions from 2 December. While parts of the tier system will be toughened, the 10pm closing time for pubs and restaurants will be relaxed, alongside gyms and shops reopening. And mass testing will be introduced in all tier three areas, the PM will say. Mr Johnson will say rapid testing with military support, as used in Liverpool, will form part of the stricter three-t…

Getty Images *:not([hidden]):not(style) ~ *:not([hidden]):not(style){margin-top:1rem;}]]>The UK's four nations have backed plans to allow households to meet "for a small number of days" over Christmas. It comes as Boris Johnson is due to announce on Monday what Covid restrictions may be in place over the festive period. The PM will also outline plans for a tougher three-tiered system for England - to be introduced at the end of the current lockdown on 2 December. The 10pm curfew could be eased under the new system. The Cabinet Office said ministers from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have endorsed a "shared objective of facilitating some limited additiona…

PA Media *:not([hidden]):not(style) ~ *:not([hidden]):not(style){margin-top:1rem;}]]>A tougher three-tiered system of local restrictions will come into force in England when the lockdown ends on 2 December, Downing Street has said. Boris Johnson is expected to set out his plan - including details of how families can see different households at Christmas - to MPs on Monday. More areas are set to be placed into the higher tiers to keep the virus under control, No 10 said. And some tiers will be strengthened to safeguard lockdown progress. It is not yet clear exactly how restrictions could change. Full details of the so-called "Covid winter plan" are expected on Monday, aft…

PA Media *:not([hidden]):not(style) ~ *:not([hidden]):not(style){margin-top:1rem;}]]>Boris Johnson's adviser on the ministerial code has resigned after the PM backed Home Secretary Priti Patel over a bullying inquiry. The government's standards adviser Sir Alex Allan found Ms Patel's approach "amounted to behaviour that can be described as bullying". Ms Patel released a statement saying she was sorry "that my behaviour in the past has upset people". The government said the PM had "full confidence" in his home secretary. A statement said Mr Johnson was "reassured that the home secretary is sorry for inadvertently upsetting those with whom she was working". "He is also rea…

National Crime Agency and Police Service of Northern Ireland officers working as part of the Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) have seized over one kilo of suspected cocaine following searches of two parked cars and nearby land in the Greenisland area of County Antrim. The searches, which were conducted yesterday and today as part of an ongoing NCA-led investigation into criminality linked to the South East Antrim UDA, also uncovered suspected deal bags containing white powder. The cars have been removed and are currently undergoing further search and forensic examination. NCA Belfast Branch Commander David Cunningham said: “This intelligence-led operation was a …