Boris Johnson news – live: Russia report on influence in UK politics could soon be released as Grayling nominated to chair security committee

Russian report could soon be cleared for publication

The long-awaited report into Russian influence in British politics could soon be cleared for publication, after Downing Street confirmed that MPs will vote on Monday on the establishment of a new Intelligence and Security Committee.

Downing Street said it wanted the Russia report published. The spokesman said: “The publication will be a matter for the new committee but we will encourage them to publish it as soon as possible.”

Independent food banks call on PM to address rise in hunger

The Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN) has written to Boris Johnson asking him to take “immediate and urgent action to reduce the rapidly growing number of people needing our support”.

The number of emergency parcels distributed by independent food banks across Britain has increased 177 per cent since last year.

Sabine Goodwin, IFAN coordinator, said: “Food bank teams have provided incredible and vital support during the Covid-19 crisis but it’s clearer than ever that short-term fixes are not the answer. Food banks should not be relied on to fill the ever-growing gap.

“The chancellor’s concessions are welcome but they do not go anywhere near far enough to tackle the desperate crisis that is unfolding.”

Culture secretary expected to set out next stage of lockdown easing later

Oliver Dowden will hold a news conference later on Thursday, a spokesman for Boris Johnson has confirmed. The minister is expected to set out the next stages in its easing of the coronavirus lockdown.

Johnson had indicated the government would outline the next steps in its plan to reopen the economy this week, with new guidelines for nail bars and gyms expected to be set out.

PM misses 24-hour coronavirus testing target

Boris Johnson failed to meet his target of having all coronavirus tests completed within 24 hours by the end of June, newly-released data shows.

There was only a minimal increase in the proportion of tests completed within the timeframe after the PM made his pledge, statistics from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) suggested on Thursday.

Downing Street has also defended NHS Test and Trace despite falls in the proportion of contacts being reached. The PM’s official spokesman said: “Test and Trace is doing significant work but as the PM and Baroness Harding have said this is a service that will improve over time.”

Data for the latest week of the test and trace service showed 77 per cent of those who tested positive for coronavirus were reached by the test and trace service and asked to share details of their close contacts. A total of 71 per cent of those contacts were reached and told to self-isolate.

Asked why it was getting worse, not better, the PM’s spokesman said: “We are making significant progress.”

‘Working hard to overcome divergences’, says European Commission

There remain “significant divergences” between the EU and the UK in attempts to seal a post-Brexit trade deal, the European Commission has said.

“A number of meetings took place in London this week, as set out in the addendum of the terms of reference,” said European Commission spokesman Daniel Farrie at a briefing with journalists on Thursday.

“The EU is acting constructively and in good faith, as (EU chief negotiator) Michel Barnier pointed out earlier this week. We are working hard to overcome the significant divergences that remain between us.

“Meetings will continue in Brussels next week and the next round of negotiations will take place in week of July 20 in London.”

When pushed on whether there were positives to take from the London meetings, Mr Farrie added: “We are working towards an agreement.”

Theresa May mourns impact of stop and search

Former prime minister Theresa May has spoken out against the disproportionate impact of stop and search on black people in Britain.

“I fundamentally believe that you should not be stopped on the streets of our country simply because of the colour of your skin,” May told the BBC’s World at One programme.

“Sadly, we’re seeing some of the [stop and search] figures go back up again.”

No plans to update guidance on outdoor gatherings, says No 10

Downing Street said there are “no plans” to update guidance on the size of outdoor gatherings in England, despite the law allowing up to 30 people to meet.

The PM’s spokesman confirmed that the six-person or two household limit was just “guidance”, but said: “It is there because that’s what scientific and medical advice suggests is a sensible, precautionary number.

“We're trusting the public to exercise their common sense and to follow our advice just as they have done during the pandemic.”

Asked why there was a gap between the law and guidance, the spokesman said: “The law... allows police to use their enforcement powers for any gatherings over 30 unless there is an exemption listed in the regulations.”

Culture secretary Oliver Dowden will be holding on the next steps in lockdown easing later this afternoon.

  ↵Health minister ‘shocked and angry’ at Cumberlege inquiry evidence

The junior health minister Nadine Dorries has told MPs she was left “shocked but incredibly angry” at what the “harrowing” evidence revealed by the Cumberlege inquiry published yesterday.

The report revealed tens of thousands of women and children suffered avoidable harm because of the continued use of epilepsy drug sodium valproate in pregnancy, hormone pregnancy test Primodus and pelvic mesh implants.

Responding to the inquiry’s final report Nadine Dorries MP, herself a former nurse, said the government would need time to respond to the recommendations, adding: “I have watched and read some of the testimonies. They left me shocked, but also incredibly angry. And most of all determined to make the changes that are needed to protect women in the future.”

Our health correspondent Shaun Lintern has the details:

Gyms and leisure centres set to reopen within days 

Gyms and leisure centres look set to reopen within days, with beauty salons returning soon after, as the government continues the process of lifting further elements of the lockdown.

Culture secretary Oliver Dowden told MPs he hoped gyms will be allowed to open their doors by mid-July, while the House of Commons was told that close-contact services like nail bars, beauty parlours and tattooists will follow as soon as possible afterwards.

The cabinet minister is due to deliver the latest coronavirus briefing at 5pm today – raising expectations of an imminent announcement.

Scotland to move to phase three of lockdown easing

As we await an announcement on further lockdown easing in England, first minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed Scotland will move to phase three of its lockdown easing.

Sturgeon said in the new phase exceptions would be made to the two-metre social distancing rule in some sectors, such as public transport and retail. However, there would be mitigations in place in these sectors, with face coverings becoming mandatory from Friday.

|Indoor hospitality businesses have also been given the go-ahead to open on 15 July and places of worship will be allowed to open again for communal prayer and services, with social distancing and restrictions on singing and chanting.

From 22 July, beauty salons will be able to open again, universities and colleges can begin to implement a phased return to learning and motorcycle instruction along with theory and hazard tests will be able to return.