Tuesday morning news briefing: Sunak’s £3bn green giveaway
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Stage set for Sunak’s homeowner vouchers scheme
Rishi Sunak continues to be credited with riding to the public’s rescue amid the Covid-19 recession. The Chancellor will announce tomorrow that homeowners will be given vouchers to pay for insulation and double glazing as part of a multibillion-pound job creation drive. He will use his summer economic update to unveil a £3billion green scheme that he says will create thousands of roles and support “tens of thousands” more by stimulating demand for eco-friendly home improvements. Political Editor Gordon Rayner explains more of what we can expect. With mass job cuts expected over the summer, it is thought it will be deemed too soon to roll out policies that could punish prudent savers, workers and investors. This is what Mr Sunak should do to bolster personal finances.
As Mr Sunak prepares to make a “jobs, jobs, jobs” pledge in his Wednesday statement, the esteem in which the 40-year-old rookie is held is soaring. But tough challenges loom for the man with the Government’s highest approval ratings. Associate Editor Camilla Tominey asks in this analysis: Mr Sunak is like Macavity the Mystery Cat – but can he land on his feet again? And Matt’s cartoon today jokes that Mr Sunak’s popularity might not help him in every area of his life.
Pub alcohol takeaways are a ‘recipe for violence’
Plans to allow late-night pubs and bars to sell takeaway alcohol will spark street violence, disorder and drunkenness, ministers have been warned. The Government faced criticism from senior politicians and policing chiefs over plans to relax licensing rules to boost the hospitality sector. The proposals would see rules relaxed for a year, freeing pubs and bars currently prevented from doing so to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises even if their licence extends into the early hours. Staying home? These are the best cocktails to make with pantry staples.
Doctors to refer obese patients to slimming classes
Many Britons have put on a few extra pounds during lockdown. But new guidance for the NHS suggests GPs should be paid to refer obese patients to slimming classes. The advice follows pledges from Boris Johnson to do more to tackle obesity – after becoming convinced that his own excess weight was the reason he became critically ill with Covid-19. Ministers are now considering ways to tackle the issue, such as banning price promotions like “buy one, get one free” offers and junk food advertisements. Read our guide to losing weight without going on a diet.
At a glance: More coronavirus headlines
Mysteries | Scientists race to answer six key questions about virus
Testing | Airport ‘red list’ passengers could pay to avoid quarantine
Data | No 10 blocks publication of daily Covid-19 testing figures
Spain | Antibody figures ‘long way’ from ‘herd’ immunity
Justice | Juries of seven could sit to clear backlog of trials
Also in the news: Today’s other headlines
Brexit negotiations | Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, has said the trading bloc may agree to the UK’s key demand for a deal on fishing. Mr Barnier said the EU accepted that a deal based on dividing fishing opportunities using a scientific method reflecting the number of fish in UK waters, rather than the Common Fisheries Policy, was possible. Brussels Correspondent James Crisp explains the next steps.
Diana fund | William and Harry divide money as they part ways
Huawei | Firm ‘orchestrating covert campaign to manipulate MPs’
Travel ban | Dominic Raab sanctions Saudis over Khashoggi killing
Hunting imports | Prime Minister to push ahead with trophy ban
Last night on TV | Our review of The Secrets She Keeps – and more
Around the world: Will Covid rules ruin the Louvre?
With no unedifying scrums for a selfie with Mona Lisa, the world famous Louvre in Paris has reopened after being shut for almost four months. Read Mark Stratton’s verdict after visiting the gallery. And view more images of how lockdown is gradually being lifted around the world.
Comment and analysis
William Hague | Hong Kong shows democracy is in great peril
Lucy Denyer | Stop pretending only rich can have a healthy diet
Celia Walden | Scrabble is the latest target for woke warriors
Nina Power | Twitter mobs have poisoned our cultural life
Reader letters | Conservatives can welcome state intervention
Editor’s choice: Features and arts
Pedal peril | ‘I’ve become that cyclist on the road that every driver hates’
Baby oil, murder, then midnight snack | Sordid case of ex-cop turned Golden State Killer
Arts bailout | Inside the frenzied, nail-biting 48 hours that saved UK culture
Business and money briefing
Employment hopes | While some countries’ jobs markets have already made a full recovery, experts predict it will take Britain up to 18 months to bounce back. Marianna Hunt explains the regions and sectors that offer glimmers of hope – including travel and hospitality.
Gambling and pubs | Should you back these in your fantasy fund?
Investment tip | Investors should sit up and take notice of this firm
Alex cartoon | See our cartoonist’s latest work on world of finance
Sport briefing
‘Old boys’ club’ culture | The Lawn Tennis Association has been hit by a spate of departures among senior women. An investigation by Tennis Correspondent Simon Briggs reveals long-standing allegations of chauvinism and a widespread perception of an “old boys’ club” at the top.
Fight club | Pitch clash but Spurs hold on to beat Everton
Deal delay | Arteta still waiting for Aubameyang contract
Budget cuts | Rugby Football Union to cut quarter of staff
And finally… for this morning’s downtime
OneWeb | The UK’s high-risk satellite ambitions are being bankrolled by the Punjab-born billionaire Sunil Mittal. US Technology Reporter Laurence Dodds examines why India is bankrolling Britain’s high-risk ambitions.