UK News Today: Robert Jenrick quits, Johnson says ‘sorry’ and City shock at 1-0 loss
Good morning Britain!
Former PM Boris Johnson faced a six-hour grilling yesterday at the Covid inquiry – he’ll sit again today for a final session.
Johnson started with an apology saying sorry for the “pain and the loss and the suffering” caused by the pandemic and acknowledging that his government “may have made mistakes” that added to the hurt.
Previous evidence handed to the inquiry revealed senior figures in his government had questioned his ability to lead and government, and created an image of chaos during the pandemic.
Johnson was met by protesters in the inquiry, who stood up holding a sign that read: “the dead can’t hear your apologies” as well as protesters who booed him as he left the inquiry.
UK IN FOCUS
Robert Jenrick resigns as immigration minister over Rwanda legislation
Robert Jenrick, the immigration minister, has quit, stating that the government’s Rwanda legislation isn’t sufficient. He believes there’s a need for “stronger protections” to stop constant legal challenges that could hinder the scheme. The government argues that the bill establishes in UK law that Rwanda is a safe country for asylum seekers, but for some of the right of the Conservative Party, it falls short of meeting what they wanted.
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Boris Johnson admits mistakes but defends his record at Covid inquiry
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson defended his handling of COVID-19 on Wednesday at a public inquiry into the pandemic, saying the government “got some things wrong” but did its best.
Johnson began two days of being grilled under oath by lawyers for the judge-led inquiry about his initial reluctance to impose a national lockdown in early 2020 and other fateful decisions.
Johnson opened his testimony with an apology “for the pain and the loss and the suffering of the COVID victims,” though not for any of his own actions. Four people stood up in court as he spoke, holding signs saying: “The Dead can’t hear your apologies,” before being escorted out by security staff.
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UK braces for a deluge as snow is replaced with heavy rain
For those of us fed up with the threat of snowfall looming overhead, good news – the white stuff is going to be replaced with the wet stuff. We’ve seen dozens of warnings for snow, ice, and rain across the UK in recent days, causing power cuts and flooding and even leading to comparisons with the Alps. Wednesday was a bit more settled weather-wise, with two yellow warnings for ice and rain issued – but poor conditions will increase again today with 10 warnings in place. The Met Office has put nine rain warnings and one ice warning in place at various times on Thursday, covering large swathes of the UK.
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Boy, seven, killed in hit and run crash involving a van and a car
A seven-year-old boy has died in a hit and run crash in Kent. The child was struck and killed when two vehicles collided in Folkestone at around 5.35pm on Wednesday. Police say a red Citroen and an unidentified van or car were involved on the A259, near the junction with Prospect Road. The vehicle fled the scene in the direction of Hythe before emergency services arrived.
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UK shopping centre evacuated after ‘suspicious package’ found in bin
Shoppers have been evacuated from an area at a major UK shopping centre after a suspicious package was found in a bin. Emergency services rushed to the scene outside The Galleries in Bristol city centre, where a huge cordon is now in place. Officers from Avon and Somerset Police are now in attendance.
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BBC presenter gives the middle finger on air
BBC presenter Maryam Moshiri appeared to give the middle finger live on air in an awkward blunder. The reporter had been fronting the midday news on Wednesday but seemed unaware that she was on camera when she made the rude gesture as the bulletin began. She was pulling a funny face before quickly recovering as she began the report, clearly aware that she was now on air.
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SPORT IN FOCUS
City lose 1-0 to Aston Villa
Premier League: Pep Guardiola says Manchester City need to ‘change the dynamic’ and is struggling after defeat to Aston Villa on Wednesday night. The Premier League champions slipped to fourth in the table after a 1-0 defeat at Villa Park, with Leon Bailey scoring a second-half winner.
Ferdinand defends Antony criticism
Premier League: Rio Ferdinand has defended himself and a string of fellow Manchester United legends following stinging criticism from the club’s current Brazil international winger Antony. The 23-year-old has endured a turbulent start to his United career following his £82million transfer from Ajax 18 months ago.
Lionesses: A year of history and heartbreak
Women’s football: As Lucy Bronze headed in England’s sixth goal against Scotland, the Lionesses believed in the 93rd minute they had booked the squad spot in the finals of the inaugural Women’s Nations League. It may be disappointing to not be heading to the Olympics, but it’s important to remember, that, unlike countries like the USA and Germany, women’s football in England has only started to see investments in the last five years. The free summer ahead might lead to positive developments for the Lionesses in the long run.
Newspapers in focus
Catch up on today’s newspaper headlines.
