Britain can’t “photoshop” its history, warns Johnson…
“Boris Johnson has warned that Britain cannot “photoshop” its long and complicated cultural history and that to do so would be a “distortion” of our past, amid the ongoing row over the removal of public monuments. Writing for The Telegraph, the Prime Minister promises to fight “with every breath in his body” any attempt to remove the statue of Winston Churchill from Parliament Square. Mr Johnson acknowledges Britain has much more to do to tackle the issue of racism and has pledged to set up a cross-government commission to examine inequality. But he also launches a passionate defence of “one of the country’s greatest ever leaders”, declaring it the “height of lunacy” to accuse Churchill of racism.” – Daily Telegraph
Bishop calls for statue of Henry Morton Stanley to be removed – Daily Telegraph
English Heritage to assess 950 plaques in London – The Times
Protesters should be banned under Covid laws, says Police Fed – Daily Telegraph
… as he writes: “Rather than tear some people down we should build others up”
“It was utterly absurd that a load of far-Right thugs and bovver boys this weekend converged on London with a mission to protect the statue of Winston Churchill. It was right that a good number should have been arrested. They were violent. They were aggressive towards the police. They were patently racist. There is nothing that can excuse their behaviour. And yet it was also, frankly, absurd and deplorable that the statue of Winston Churchill should have been in any plausible danger of attack. It was outrageous that anyone could even have claimed that the statue needed protection. It was and is miserable to see his statue entombed in its protective sheath.” – Daily Telegraph
“Boris Johnson pledged last night to set up a commission that will report on racial inequalities across Britain as protests continued over the weekend. The prime minister said it would look at “all aspects of inequality – in employment, in health outcomes, in academic and all other walks of life”. The inquiry, to be overseen by Kemi Badenoch, the equalities minister, will produce recommendations for the government by the end of the year. It will be headed by an independent officer and include a mix of people from a variety of ethnic and social backgrounds. Mr Johnson warned Britain not to “photoshop” its history by removing controversial statues.” – The Times
Johnson criticised over “victimisation” comment – The Guardian
Racism “contributed to disproportionate UK BAME coronavirus deaths”, inquiry finds – The Guardian
Coronavirus 1) Shops reopen today – as PM urges public to “shop with confidence”
“Boris Johnson urged the country to return to the high street and ‘shop with confidence’ when non-essential stores reopen today with huge price cuts. The Prime Minister said he was ‘very optimistic’ that the lifting of restrictions would help the economy bounce back from three months of coronavirus lockdown. Stores including Zara, John Lewis and Debenhams have slashed prices by as much as 70 per cent in a bid to lure shoppers back. Desperate fashion chains are sitting on as much as £15billion of unsold stock they are keen to shift. Speaking during a visit to the Westfield shopping centre in east London yesterday, the PM said he hoped to see a ‘gradual’ build-up of people visiting the high street.” – Daily Mail
Shoppers could be tempted with VAT cut – The Times
Camden market reopens, as retailers unsure of how many shoppers will come out – FT
London’s West End expects 80 per cent fewer visitors – BBC
Coronavirus 2) Johnson to launch review of two-metre distancing…
“Boris Johnson began the process of relaxing the two-metre rule yesterday, launching a review of its economic impact and saying a change would be safer as infections fell. Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, said that “everyone would like to see it reduce from an economic perspective” and that it was time for a “fresh look” at the social-distancing guidance. Public opposition to relaxing the rule has emerged as the main obstacle to change, with ministers nervous of being seen to put the economy before lives. The prime minister has set up a review involving economists and scientists that could report before pubs and restaurants are due to reopen on July 4.” – The Times
SAGE warned not to give view on two-metre rule – Daily Telegraph
PM must provide clarity or jobs will go, caution hospitality chiefs – Daily Telegraph
The WHO cautions against the further lifting of lockdown in England – The Guardian
The nine areas likely to be hardest hit by Covid-19 pandemic – Daily Telegraph
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