Covid crisis is a call to arms like 1945, Starmer says

Latest updates and essential advice from The Independent [View in browser]( [Alternate text] Daily briefing February 18, 2021 Today’s essential news from the source you trust This morning’s headlines Sir Keir Starmer will pledge to be [as bold as when Labour built the NHS and the welfare state]( as he hits back at growing criticism with a blueprint for recovery from the pandemic. The crisis sparked by Covid-19 is “a call to arms” like 1945, the Labour leader will say, drawing a direct parallel with the way Clement Attlee transformed Britain from the ruins of war. “I believe people are now looking for more from their government - like they were after the Second World War,” Sir Keir will say, arguing Boris Johnson’s “failed Conservative ideology” cannot provide that. Casting himself as that leader-in-waiting, he will say: “This must now be a moment to think again about the country that we want to be. A call to arms - like the Beveridge Report was in the 1940s. A chance to diagnose the condition of Britain and to start the process of putting it right. That’s the path I would take in the March Budget.” The government’s current self-isolation protocol [could fall under new scrutiny]( after research showed that the UK variant of the coronavirus appears to linger far longer in the body compared to other versions of the virus. Scientists from a number of American universities, including Harvard and Yale, have found in research that has not yet been peer reviewed that it takes the immune system almost 30 per cent more time to clear infection caused by the variant first detected in Kent, which is now dominant in the British population. Separate research from Public Health England and the University of Birmingham has shown that the UK variant generates higher viral loads in people. The findings come as the government prepares to unveil its roadmap for exiting the current lockdown. Prime minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday that he would adopt a data-led approach to lifting restrictions, stressing that England would ease measures cautiously. The Duke of Edinburgh [has been admitted to hospital]( as a “precautionary measure” on the advice of his doctor after feeling unwell, Buckingham Palace has said. Prince Philip was taken to the King Edward VII’s Hospital in London on Tuesday evening. In a statement, the palace said: “His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to the King Edward VII Hospital in London, on Tuesday evening. The Duke’s admission is a precautionary measure, on the advice of His Royal Highness’s doctor, after feeling unwell. The Duke is expected to remain in hospital for a few days of observation and rest.” . We need your support The Independent employs over 100 journalists around the world to bring you news you can trust. Please consider showing your support with a contribution. [Contribute]( . Top stories [‘If I get seriously ill, it’s worth it’: Volunteers infected with Covid in world first human trials]( [Trump says ‘a lot of great polls out there’ when asked about 2024 run]( [Restart Brexit talks because UK is ‘less safe’, Tory group tells PM]( . Sign up for our free weekly climate email Subscribe to the Independent Climate Newsletter for exclusive news and features from our specialist reporters across the world. Signing up takes just one click. [Sign up for free]( . More news - [UAE dismantles Eritrea base as it pulls back after Yemen war]( - [AP source: Blue Jays' 1st 2 homestands in Dunedin, Florida]( - [Keir Starmer to vow to be as bold as Labour in 1945, amid growing criticism of his leadership]( - [Editorial: Labour should be wary of fighting yesterday’s battle over the economy]( - [Rush Limbaugh, ‘voice of American conservatism,’ has died]( . News you can trust The Independent has a 100% NewsGuard trust rating [NewsGuard] [Find out more]( . If you can spare two minutes we’d love to hear your [feedback]( on our newsletters [Alternate text] Join the conversation or 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](.