‘Breaking America’, they say, is an indication that you’ve made it.
06.03.2023 - 08:01 / msn.com
Matt Hancock told aides he wanted to “frighten the pants off everyone” about the Kent variant of Covid to ensure compliance with lockdown rules, leaked messages have revealed. The latest set of WhatsApp exchanges show the then-health secretary and others discussing how to use an announcement about the variant to scare the public into changing their behaviour. The messages, among 100,000 passed to the Telegraph by journalist Isabel Oakeshott, show cabinet secretary Simon Case suggested in January 2021 that the “fear” factor would be “vital”.
They also show Mr Hancock’s repeated concerns that the then chancellor Rishi Sunak’s signature Eat Out To Help Out initiative was contributing to the spread of Covid. And Mr Sunak and Mr Hancock were revealed to have complained about Dominic Cummings’ “nightmare” tenure as Boris Johnson’s top adviser at No 10. The latest messages show that in December 2020, there was concern London Mayor Sadiq Khan could follow the example of Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, who had clashed with the government over the decision to impose stringent lockdown curbs.
Mr Hancock’s adviser said: “Rather than doing too much forward signalling, we can roll pitch with the new strain. ” The then health secretary responded: “We frighten the pants of everyone with the new strain. ”The conversation, on 13 December, came amid concerns about the rapid spread of the virus in south-east England.
On 14 December Mr Hancock announced that a new variant had been identified in the UK. London and south-east England were to enter a new Tier 4 alert level, it was announced on 19 December 19, when Mr Johnson also cancelled a promised Christmas “bubbles” policy allowing families to meet. The entirety of England entered
.‘Breaking America’, they say, is an indication that you’ve made it.
Carol Vorderman has addressed the allegation that she was “cosying up” to Gareth Gates at the Cheltenham Races this week. Carol brushed arms with other UK stars this week as she attended the racing festival alongside the likes of Mike and Zara Tindall, former Conservative MP Matt Hancock and former Made in Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo. In the VIP area on Tuesday, Carol, 62, was pictured laughing and giggling with former Pop Idol singer Gareth Gates.
, the former Countdown host has claimed that she has been stitched up. The 62-year-old took to Twitter to claim that she wasn't "cosying up" to Mr Hancock, 44, and partner Gina Coladangelo at all. READ MORE: Wetherspoon hack to get cheaper food and drinks shared onlineThe Mail said: "They were seen to be in deep conversation on the terrace during the Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle after the first racegoers made their way through the gates at the Cheltenham Festival today.
Jeremy Hunt poked fun at former health secretary Matt Hancock as he set out the details of his spring budget on Wednesday (March 15).
The UK prime minister Rishi Sunak has found his meeting with French premier Emmanuel Macron this weekend totally overshadowed in the British media. On Saturday evening, Sunak’s office released a statement from the PM, saying:
Cheryl Burke supports her ex-husband Matthew Lawrence’s desire to have kids with his new girlfriend, Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas.
Cheryl Burke is opening up about her ex-husband’s new relationship.The alum was on Thursday's episode of The Most Dramatic Podcast Ever With Chris Harrison and discussed ex-husband Matthew Lawrence and singer Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas’ new relationship, stressing that she does “wish him well.” Back in January, Matthew and Chilli took to Instagram to confirm their relationship. The confirmation of the pair's relationship came just over three months after Matthew and Cheryl finalized their divorce. Cheryl first filed for divorce back in February 2022 at a Los Angeles courthouse.
Cheryl Burke has some thoughts on her ex Matthew Lawrence’s new romance! But they’re actually WAY more chill than we ever expected!!
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A preliminary report in relation to a helicopter crash on the Gold Coast of Australia which resulted in the death of a couple from Cheshire has been released.
Matt Hancock discussed withholding funding for a learning disability centre if a Bury MP 'rebelled' against coronavirus restrictions, newly leaked messages have suggested.
Kate Garraway has been extremely open about her husband Derek Draper's health battle since he contracted coronavirus back in 2020.In a new interview with The Sun, the Good Morning Britain presenter touched upon the financial impact caring for her partner has had on the family.WATCH: Kate Garraway grills Matt Hancock about his time as Health Secretary "Every day is a roller coaster. Derek's spirit fluctuates," she told the publication.
Subscribe here for the latest news where you liveHis adviser responded: “I was about to message. What a f—ing piece of s—. You went out and backed him over Barnard castle, and he responds by briefing against you relentlessly, in private and now in public.
Matt Hancock expressed concern that a flagship Rishi Sunak policy was contributing to the spread of Covid-19 as the latest set of leaked messages reveal how the pair were at odds during the pandemic.
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Kate Garraway has opened up about the ‘tough’ mounting costs of caring for her husband Derek Draper. The former political advisor, 55, fell seriously ill with Covid-19 in March 2020 and was placed in a coma to help his body recover from the symptoms. He was discharged from hospital the following year but suffered severe damage to his body, including his heart and lungs.
Babatunde Aleshe has said Matt Hancock is no longer a member of the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! group chat.
Babatunde Aleshe has said Matt Hancock is no longer a member of the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! group chat with his former campmates. Comedian Babatunde, 36, and the former Health Secretary, 44, were contestants on the hit ITV reality show in 2022.
The partygate inquiry has stated that there are strong suggestions that breaches of Covid rules would have been "obvious" to Boris Johnson.
Ministers did not understand their own Covid lockdown rules, causing confusion and 'huge resentment' among the police charged with enforcing them, a former GMP chief has said. Police forces across the UK were criticised for their sometimes heavy-handed approach to enforcing lockdown rules, including using drones to monitor people going for a walk in the Peak District and breaking up a child's birthday party in Salford.