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Health Secretary Steve Barclay has insisted the risk of the public getting diphtheria is “very low” despite an expected rise in the number of infections being reported among asylum seekers.
He said hundreds of migrants were vaccinated against the highly contagious disease before being moved from the Manston processing center in Kent to hotels across the country, but stressed the situation was being “closely monitored”.
The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) had identified 39 cases of diphtheria among asylum seekers in England this year as of 10 November. The number is understood to have risen to around 50, with officials expected to confirm the figure later.
Asked about the risk to the general public, he added: “The risk is very low, partly because there is a very high uptake of vaccination among the British public in the first place.
“But we also had a specific vaccination drive in Manston and so 500 people were vaccinated before they left Manston, and it’s something UKHSA is monitoring very closely.”
key points
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Downing Street has suggested that Grant Shapps was referring to existing rules when he spoke of the local consent required for onshore wind developments.
Asked if the business secretary was signaling an imminent U-turn, the prime minister’s official spokesman said: “You have our position – I’m sure it points to the rules that are already in place – to allow consultation.”
Emily Atkinson November 28, 2022 3:00 p.m
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Rishi Sunak cannot allow policy changes and conservative rebellions to pile up
U-turns were a staple of both Boris Johnson’s and Liz Truss’ prime ministers, writes Chris Stevenson. It does not project a control image.
Emily Atkinson November 28, 2022 2:40 pm
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Number 10 refuses to “predict the future” of the Earth’s wind
Number 10 has indicated that he would not predict “what might happen in the future” with onshore wind.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “You know there are quite detailed rules about onshore wind and what is allowed – it requires developers to consult with communities before (making) a planning application.
“So I’m not going to predict what might happen in the future.”
He said the government is considering amendments to the bills “as presented”.
“The Prime Minister has spoken at length about his views on where the focus should be on renewables, where he talks about building more offshore wind turbines to increase energy security and also the importance of ensuring that communities support to whatever action the government takes. on renewables,” he said.
“So we will continue to have discussions as we normally would.”
He said he did not believe the Commons leader had put forward a timetable for the bill, but “I’m sure they will do it in the normal way”.
Emily Atkinson November 28, 2022 2:20 pm
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Rishi Sunak calls China arrest of BBC journalist ‘shocking and unacceptable’ –
Rishi Sunak has denounced the arrest of a BBC journalist covering protests in China as “shocking and unacceptable”.
Footage shared on social media showed several police officers grabbing Mr Lawrence and pinning him to the ground. The BBC said the police officers had beaten and kicked him and then taken me away.
Our political editor Andrew Woodcock has more:
Emily Atkinson November 28, 2022 2:01 pm
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Health chiefs took action to stop the diphtheria outbreak at the asylum, the minister insists
Suella Braverman, the home secretary, is under fresh pressure after a report that more than 70 people suspected of having the highly contagious disease were moved across the country.
But Steve Barclay denied the government had been negligent, insisting there is only a “very low” risk to the general public, because most people also have child stroke protection.
Our Deputy Political Editor Rob Merrick reports:
Emily Atkinson November 28, 2022 1:42 p.m
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Pat McFadden: Are you and your family better off under the Tories?
This government is stuck in a fatal loop of low growth, high taxes and neglected public services, writes Pat McFadden, with no ability or desire to find a way out.
Emily Atkinson November 28, 2022 1:25 p.m
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Blair says Qatar protests risk blowing over the top
Tony Blair has warned that protests over Qatar’s human rights record taking place throughout the World Cup risk being “overblown”.
The former British prime minister told The News Agents podcast: “It’s not unreasonable for us to disrespect Qatar. This is their biggest event they’ve ever held.
“It is a great event for the country. They are our allies, they invest huge amounts of money in this country.
“One of the things that I can see now is a kind of social revolution that is happening throughout the Middle East and I think that eventually it will change the role of women and things like gay rights.
“Explain your opinion, but after you have made your opinion you recognize for the country that it is a very important event.
“There is a process of change. Is it happening fast enough? No, you always want it to happen faster, but there is this process of change throughout the Middle East,” he said.
(PA file)
Emily Atkinson November 28, 2022 12:55 p.m
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What does the exodus of Tory MPs mean for Rishi Sunak?
Dozens of parliamentarians must resign before the next elections. Adam Forrest examines how he can shape the future of the game.
Emily Atkinson November 28, 2022 12:24 p.m
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Steve Barclay faces questions about diphtheria in Manston
During a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, Health Secretary Steve Barclay was questioned by reporters about diphtheria cases at the Manston asylum processing centre.
He said: “We vaccinated a number of people in Manston before we moved them, so this was part of the targeted action UKHSA put in place.
“Clearly, within the general population, it’s very low risk because there’s a very high uptake of vaccinations in the local population, but we’re monitoring it closely and that’s why so many people were vaccinated – 500 were vaccinated before leave Manston.”
Asked about the risk to the general public, he added: “The risk is very low, partly because there is a very high uptake of vaccination among the British public in the first place.
“But we also had a targeted vaccination drive in Manston and so 500 people were vaccinated before they left Manston, and it’s something UKHSA is monitoring very closely.
“And that’s why they took the specific action that they did.”
Emily Atkinson November 28, 2022 12:01 p.m
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Watch: Grant Shapps refers to U-turn on onshore wind ban
Grant Shapps refers to a U-turn on the onshore wind ban
Emily Atkinson November 28, 2022 11:35 am