Will crisis talks mean we face MORE curbs?
Crunch Cobra meeting to discuss fears over Omicron
Ministers will decide this weekend whether any new Covid restrictions are needed following the latest dire warnings from scientists.
An emergency Cobra meeting will discuss if a joint response to the threat of the Omicron variant is needed across the UK.
the meeting will raise fears that more curbs could be imposed before Christmas – despite the opposition of tory MPs and Downing street’s apparent determination to get through without them.
it came as one scientific study predicted a large spike in the number of deaths, while an official assessment gave Omicron a ‘red’ risk rating for its growth advantage over the Delta variant and how well it escapes the immune system.
Late on thursday, the Welsh government said it would close nightclubs from December 27 and impose a two-metre social distancing rule in offices. this weekend’s
‘This couldn’t come at a worse time’
Cobra meeting, involving ministers from all the devolved administrations, is the second in a matter of days.
Boris Johnson held crisis talks with the leaders of the three devolved administrations, including scottish first minister nicola sturgeon, earlier this week.
Any further restrictions would increase the pressure on rishi sunak to give more help to the hospitality sector, which has been hit by the warnings over the new strain. Yesterday the Chancellor met business leaders to discuss their concerns after he was forced to return early from a work trip to san Francisco. Many have been left enraged by advice from government scientists to cut down on socialising which has led to a collapse in trade.
the CBi and other groups asked him for emergency grants, 100 per cent business rates relief for retail, and for VAt to be reduced to 5 per cent for hospitality and tourism. the business groups raised concerns about the impact of cancellations on certain sectors and the importance of clear messaging from the Government.
it came as figures showed that footfall in London’s West end on thursday was 32 per cent down on the same day in 2019, before the pandemic. numbers were down 7 per cent on a week ago.
Jace tyrrell, chief executive of new West end Company, said: ‘With rising Covid cases dampening consumer confidence and a planned tube strike looming on saturday, we’re anticipating a muted final weekend of Christmas trading at a time when West end businesses should be enjoying a much-needed boost.
‘the Government must act quickly to provide temporary financial support to leisure businesses across the UK, otherwise we run the risk of further viable businesses closing their doors in the coming months.’
the institute of Directors’ chief economist, Kitty Ussher, said: ‘it made sense to unwind pandemicrelated business support schemes when it looked like business conditions were beginning to return to some semblance of normality.
‘However, following the Omicron variant and the subsequent drop in consumer demand in some parts of the economy, this is patently no longer the case. For restaurants, travel companies and venues, this couldn’t come at a worse time.
‘We are therefore calling on government to stop the unwinding of remaining support schemes, such as the VAt reduction for hospitality and business rates support.’
UK Hospitality chief executive Kate nicholls said she was not optimistic the hospitality sector will get the support it needed, but was confident some kind of package will be announced.
she said the crisis was ‘rapidly deteriorating’ and ‘getting worse by the hour’ as measures introduced in Wales had a knock-on effect on businesses in england.
A treasury spokesman said: ‘the Chancellor spoke to business and industry leaders. We recognise how important the festive period is for so many businesses and the Government will continue to engage constructively on how it can best provide ongoing support to the businesses and sectors affected.’
THE Queen could be without some of her nearest and dearest this Christmas if her plans to spend the festive season at Sandringham are cancelled.
After her ‘regretful’ decision to scrap next week’s traditional pre-Christmas dinner for up to 50 family members due to soaring Covid cases, sources told the Daily Mail yesterday that ‘all plans were under consideration’ – including her annual trip to Norfolk.
It means that the 95-year-old – spending her first Yuletide without her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip – could spend a second festive season at Windsor Castle. But the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their three children still intend to travel to their Norfolk home for the holidays, and their plans are unlikely to change – meaning the Queen may not be able to join them as planned. A final decision is expected to be made early next week as royal aides anxiously monitor government advice.
The Queen is still keen to go to her beloved 20,000-acre estate at Sandringham, where she normally stays until early February – particularly as she spent last year at Windsor alone apart from her late husband and a handful of staff, due to lockdown. But a second royal source said last night they felt her Norfolk sojourn was ‘increasingly in the balance’ given the fluctuating situation. ‘Her Majesty always leads by example, regardless of her personal preferences,’ they said.
However, as long as the Government does not restrict social mixing, the Queen will not be alone. The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall plan to join her on Christmas Eve with the Duke of York, Princess Anne and the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
Meanwhile, the Duchess of Cambridge was dressed for the festive season in a glimpse of her carol concert. A trailer released yesterday shows Kate, 39, sporting a red Miu Miu cardigan at Westminster Abbey in rehearsals earlier this month. The £1,350 cashmere top has a pattern of black and white roses, with pearl buttons and detachable Peter Pan collar. The service, hosted by the duchess, has been developed with BBC Studios Events Productions but will be broadcast on ITV at 7.30pm on Christmas Eve as part of a special programme, Royal Carols: Together At Christmas.
William and Kate dropped the BBC as broadcaster in the wake of its series The Princes and the Press, which they criticised for giving credibility to ‘overblown and unfounded claims’ about the Royal Family.