“Scientists and medics have said they will refuse a third jab until poorer countries have access to vaccinations, in a backlash against the Government’s booster scheme. From Monday the first 1.5million people will be contacted and invited to book their third jab, in a scheme which Sajid Javid, the Health Secretary, said will “strengthen the wall of defence” against coronavirus. Frontline healthcare workers are also included in the first tranche of booster jabs, but many doctors, nurses and scientists say they are uncomfortable having a further jab, when others around the world need it more.” – Daily Telegraph
Coronavirus 2) Number of children in A&E with serious mental health issues jumps 50 per cent since start of pandemic
“The number of children who go to A&E with serious mental health issues has jumped by more than 50 per cent since the coronavirus pandemic began, after school closures pushed youngsters to crisis point, a Telegraph investigation has revealed. More than 2,243 children in England were referred for specialist mental health care from emergency departments in May this year, compared with just 1,428 in May 2019. Experts say children have struggled with schools being closed and without face-to-face interaction with their peers. Robert Halfon, the Conservative MP and the chair of the education select committee, called for schools to remain open to stave off a mental health “catastrophe”.” – Daily Telegraph
Coronavirus 3) Just three top universities offer full in-person teaching this term
“Only three out of 27 top UK universities are to return to full in-person teaching this term, despite increasing demand from students for face-to-face learning. The universities of Sheffield, Sussex and Southampton expect to return to in-person studies, with students expected to be on campus from the beginning of the academic year. The other 24 universities surveyed by The Times plan to adopt a “blended” approach, combining face-to-face and online learning. The University of Sheffield has told students that they are “expected to attend in person, on campus, from the start date of your studies”, while Southampton said it would conduct all teaching “in-person and on campus”.” – The Times
Norman “quit the Treasury over Johnson’s bid for more diversity”
“Jesse Norman has revealed he quit the Treasury after Boris Johnson told him he wanted diversity to improve. The former financial secretary to the Treasury was removed from post last week in what was considered a surprise move during the Prime Minister’s reshuffle. However, Mr Norman has revealed that he stepped down from the position after a conversation with Mr Johnson about improving diversity within Government. Mr Norman told Times Radio: “We had a conversation in which he (Boris Johnson) actually offered me the choice of staying on, but said that he was looking to improve the diversity and representation within the Government.”” – Daily Telegraph