Coronavirus: Boris Johnson calls for end to Black Lives Matter protesters ‘flouting social distancing’

Latest updates and essential advice from the news source you trust Trouble viewing? [View in browser]( [Image]( [Image] Daily coronavirus briefing Latest updates and essential advice from the news source you trust Boris Johnson calls for end to Black Lives Matter protesters ‘flouting social distancing’ Boris Johnson has said he will [not approve of protesters “flouting social distancing”]( after a weekend of activism against systemic racism in the UK, amid a call from the government to end any violent action or breaching of the rules intended to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Around 200 protests took place across the UK on Saturday and Sunday, with the majority passing peacefully - part of a global call for action following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of a police officer. Focusing on violence in London, which saw 35 officers injured, and vandalism in Bristol where a statue to 17th century slave trader Edward Colston was torn down, the prime minister urged an end to conflict and claimed violence undermined the Black Lives Matter movement “in the eyes of many who might otherwise be sympathetic”. Prince Andrew’s lawyers have [lashed out at the US Department of Justice]( (DOJ) over its treatment of their client as part of the investigation into prolific sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Duke of York, a known associate of the hedge fund billionaire who took his own life in a New York prison last summer, has offered to assist as a witness “on at least three occasions this year”, Blackfords LLP said in a statement. “Unfortunately, the DOJ has reacted to the first two offers by breaching their own confidentiality rules and claiming that the duke has offered zero cooperation,” his lawyers said. “In doing so, they are perhaps seeking publicity rather than accepting the assistance proffered.” A German prosecutor has claimed to have seen [evidence that Madeleine McCann is no longer alive](, according to reports. “After all the information we got, the girl is dead,” Hans Christian Wolters told Sky News. “We got things we cannot communicate that speak for the theory that Madeleine is dead, even if I have to admit that we don’t have the body. Investigators say they have received hundreds of tips regarding McCann’s disappearance since they announced a new suspect in the 13-year-old case earlier this week. Join our Independent Premium virtual event tomorrow at 6.30pm to discuss the future of the NHS after coronavirus. Editor Christian Broughton, award-winning health correspondent Shaun Lintern and a panel of expert guests - including shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth - will look at how the health service recovers from the pandemic. [Book your ticket now.]( Podcast [Image]( The Independent Coronavirus Podcast Subscribe now wherever you listen for all the latest coronavirus news. [Listen now]( There's now three ways to support independent journalism. Why not explore our [subscription options](, [choose to donate]( or simply [register for free](? Top stories [I'm an image]( PREMIUM [Can the government really afford to ‘save our summer’?]( [I'm an image]( [US prosecutors 'request Prince Andrew answer questions on Epstein']( [I'm an image]( [PM urged to provide funds for memorial to victims of slave trade]( More news [Houston says goodbye to George Floyd, but vows to fight on]( [KKK leader allegedly drove vehicle into crowd of peaceful protesters]( [Schools may not fully reopen in September, health secretary hints]( [Thousands renew call for Oxford University to remove Rhodes statue]( [UK and Japan to start negotiations over trade deal]( [Book your ticket]( Suggested for you [I'm an image]( [Dizzee Rascal returns to his old neighbourhood to distribute food]( [I'm an image]( [Could the UK’s beaches close if a second wave emerges?]( [I'm an image]( [All you need to know about why NFL players are taking a knee]( [I'm an image]( [Europe's lockdowns may have saved millions of lives, study suggests]( Follow us [Twitter]( [Facebook]( Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's News email. Add us to your safe list of senders. If you do not want to receive The Independent News email and Breaking News alerts, please [unsubscribe](list_name=IND_Headlines_Masterlist_CDP). If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe [here](. This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5HF. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345. Read our [privacy notice]( and [cookie policy](.