Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

More than 1,200 experts slam Johnson government ahead of Freedom Day

More than 1,200 experts slam Johnson government ahead of Freedom Day

MORE than 1,200 leading scientists and experts have slammed the Boris Johnson government to go ahead with the 'Freedom Day' on Monday (19), calling the move 'criminal' and its pursing of herd immunity 'unethical'.

The group comprised of experts and doctors as they signed a letter in the medical journal, The Lancet, berating Johnson's 'unscientific' decision, when the daily infections, deaths and hospitalisations are rising in the UK.


With soaring cases and 50 Covid deaths for the first time since April, the group which includes SAGE experts argued that millions still need to be double-jabbed before it is safe to ease restrictions.

Among the signatories are David Cameron's former Chief Scientific Adviser Sir David King, as well as BMA council chair Dr Chaand Nagpaul and Professor Christina Pagel, a mathematician at University College London and Independent SAGE member.

According to SAGE modelling, the final unlocking happening next week could result in 1,000 and 2,000 daily hospital admissions and 200 deaths. Then in a worst-case projection there could be 25,000 hospitalisations and 3,000 deaths.

MailOnline reports that Professor Adrian Hayday, an immunobiologist at King’s College London, told MPs in the group that opening up on July 19 will cause 'unnecessary and inappropriate self-inflicted harm'.

On the other hand, Dr Richard Horton, editor-in-chief of the Lancet, said he was shocked by No. 10's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and chief scientific scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance for not 'being more public about their concerns'.

Dr Horton accused Professor Whitty of 'wilfully misrepresenting scientific opinion across the country'. Professor Whitty had previously voiced his support for the July 19 unlocking to prevent a bigger wave in the winter.

Johnson announced most Covid restrictions will be eased next Monday (19) — but has also warned that restrictions could return as soon as September if new freedoms are abused.

He also dropped his claim that the unlocking would be 'irreversible' and called for continued mask-wearing in busy indoor settings such as trains, supermarkets and cinemas.

The Lancet letter's 1,246 signatories said the government's decision to open up before vaccinating children and pursuing herd immunity through natural infection rather than vaccines is a 'terrible mistake'.

The group’s statement said: "The Prime Minister’s statement leaves little doubt that the government’s latest pandemic plan involves exposing millions of people to acute and long-term impacts of mass infection. We believe it is a terrible mistake."

"A strategy that chooses mass infection in children and young people now as a way to protect the vulnerable in winter, instead of taking the time to vaccinate our young is unethical and unscientific," it also read.

More For You

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra says she wants strong roles not just ornamental characters

Getty Images

Priyanka Chopra says she is just getting started in Hollywood with 'Heads of State' on Prime Video

Quick highlights:

  • Priyanka Chopra Jonas says she’s just getting started in Hollywood.
  • Stars as a fierce MI6 agent alongside Idris Elba and John Cena.
  • Gets into serious action mode with explosions, helicopters, and hand-to-hand combat.
  • Says her journey is still evolving, with much more to explore in the West.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas may have ruled Bollywood for over two decades, but the global star believes she’s still “nascent” in her Hollywood journey, and that’s what makes it exciting.

The Quantico and Citadel actor stars in the new Amazon Prime Video film Heads of State, playing a sharp MI6 agent named Noel Bisset. Her character has a complicated history with British Prime Minister Sam Clarke (played by Idris Elba) and is tasked with protecting him and the newly elected US President Will Derringer (John Cena) when they're attacked before a major NATO conference.

Keep ReadingShow less
Arijit Singh

Arijit Singh becomes most followed musician on Spotify

Getty Images

Arijit Singh overtakes Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran to become most followed artist on Spotify

Quick highlights:

• Arijit Singh makes global music history with 151 million Spotify followers

• Surpasses Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran in follower count

Keep ReadingShow less
Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

Photo for representation. (iStock)

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE is now investigating more than 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects, following years of public criticism and institutional failings in tackling child sexual exploitation.

A new report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has revealed the force has made “significant improvements” in dealing with group-based sexual abuse and related crimes.

Keep ReadingShow less
Diwali

This year’s Diwali event will still see Belgrave Road continue to host what is left of the festival. (Representational image)

Major changes announced for Leicester’s Diwali celebrations amid safety fears

LDRS

THIS year’s annual Diwali celebrations will be stripped back amid public safety fears. Leicester City Council has said there will be no fireworks or stage entertainment as part of major changes announced for the event.

Cossington Street Recreation Ground will also not be used for the festivities, the council has revealed. The green space previously was the location for the main stage and the Diwali Village with its food stalls, funfair rides, fashion and arts. The annual fire garden display was also based there, offering “a peaceful oasis amid the festive excitement”.

Keep ReadingShow less
Liam Gallagher

Liam Gallagher arrives for the special screening of Oasis documentary "Supersonic"

Getty Images

Liam Gallagher apologises for racial slur after backlash as Oasis reunion tour kicks off

Quick highlights:

  • Liam Gallagher issued an apology after using a racial slur in a now-deleted social media post.
  • The offensive post appeared just days before Oasis kicked off their reunion tour in Cardiff.
  • Fans criticised the singer on X, prompting him to clarify it was unintentional.
  • Oasis will perform over 40 shows globally, starting 5 July in Wales.

Liam Gallagher has apologised for using a racial slur in a post on X, as Oasis reunites for their first tour in 15 years. The singer shared a one-word reply on Monday that included a derogatory term aimed at East Asian people. Though he quickly deleted it, screenshots circulated online, sparking widespread criticism.

In a follow-up post on Tuesday, Gallagher wrote: “Sorry if I offended anyone with my tweet before it wasn’t intentional you know I love you all and I do not discriminate. Peace and love LG x.”

Keep ReadingShow less