Boris Johnson news – live: Russia report on influence in UK politics could soon be released as Grayling nominated to chair security committee
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Your support makes all the difference.The long-awaited report into Russia’s influence on UK politics could soon be cleared for publication, after Downing Street confirmed MPs will vote on Monday to re-establish a key intelligence committee. A No 10 spokesman said the committee would be encouraged to publish “as soon as possible”.
At the same time, Boris Johnson has nominated Chris Grayling to lead the influential intelligence and security committee, which has not sat for a number of months. Recently, Mr Grayling’s disastrous privatisation of probation services was entirely undone and the service renationalised.
It came as Rishi Sunak defended his £30bn mini-Budget plan but admitted the UK was “entering one of the most severe recessions this country has ever seen”. Economists have warned Britain could face decades of tax rises to repair its battered public finances, with borrowing set to soar.
The chancellor admitted that “we can’t sustainably live like this ... and over the medium term we can and we will return our public finances to a sustainable position”.
He also said there would be “significant” unemployment as a result of Covid-19.
On the economic front, Oliver Dowden announced on Thursday evening that gyms could reopen from 25 July, subject to conditions, while outdoor arts performances would be able to resume from 11 July. Recreational sports, once teams publish approved guidance, can also restart from 11 July, the culture secretary said.
Meanwhile, Brexit talks broke up a day early due to, as Michel Barnier put it, “significant divergences” between Britain and the EU. Negotiations will continue later in the month. Mr Barnier warned EU countries to expect disruption at the end of the year, with a no-deal scenario looming.
Scroll down to see how we covered the day’s events live.
Starmer condemns racist abuse of Labour MP
Sir Keir Starmer has condemned "racist abuse" suffered by Labour MP Dawn Butler and her staff in her constituency in Brent, northwest London.
The Labour leader tweeted: "I have spoken to DawnButlerBrent to offer the Labour Party's full support and solidarity. The racist abuse that Dawn and her staff have suffered is appalling.
"Dawn's voice is vital. The racism that our Black MPs face has no place in our society."
Ms Butler announced today she was closing the constituency office because of threats against it. You can read our story below.
Brexit talks break up early amid 'significant divergences'
Brexit trade talks have broken up early for the week as the EU's chief negotiator warned that "significant divergences" remain between the two sides, writes Jon Stone.
Michel Barnier said talks would continue later this month but issued a formal communication to EU national governments urging them to prepare for disruption at the end of the year, as no-deal looms.
Informal discussions were held in London as opposed to Brussels this week for the first time, with Mr Barnier and his officials arriving by train in time for dinner with UK negotiator David Frost on Tuesday.
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