The simple questions Johnson still won’t answer

Latest updates and essential advice from The Independent [View in browser]( [Alternate text] Daily briefing April 28, 2021 Today’s essential news from the source you trust This morning’s headlines Boris Johnson faces [the threat of tough sanctions from the House of Commons’ standards watchdog]( if it is confirmed he took a loan to pay for refurbishment of his Downing Street flat. The prime minister was facing growing pressure over the £88,000 refit, with Labour demanding an investigation into whether Mr Johnson’s former press secretary misled the media by denying that Conservative Party funds were used and whether there was a “cover-up” by senior members of the government. And, in a letter obtained by The Independent, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has called on the head of the civil service Simon Case urgently to reveal whether any donor received anything in return for helping the PM with the lavish renovation of the No 11 apartment. Critics say that key questions remain unanswered, as the government[’](s statement did not exclude the possibility that party money was initially used but had now been returned by the PM, or resolve the issue of whether Mr Johnson had been forced to take out a loan in order to repay the cash. Ministers should [consider a delay to the final easing of lockdown restrictions]( unless a slowdown in the coronavirus vaccination programme can be reversed, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) says. Mr Johnson has said he wants to return the UK to as close to normality as possible on 21 June. But a new report says slowing down that timetable as part of a package of measures could save an estimated 15,000 lives. Plans to scrap all limits on social contact in June should be delayed for a month until the summer school holidays, when transmission rates are expected to be lower, the TBI warns. Ensuring the restrictions were lifted only when all adults had been offered at least one vaccine could also prevent a resurgence of the virus this summer, it says. [A 6.4-magnitude earthquake]( has struck the Indian state of Assam, causing significant damage to some buildings in a country currently hard-hit by the coronavirus. Tremors were reportedly felt across the entire northeast region, including the neighbouring state of Meghalaya. The aftershock was also felt in the state of West Bengal. Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal tweeted: “Big earthquake hits Assam. I pray for the wellbeing of all and urge everyone to stay alert.” The epicentre of the earthquake was near Dhekiajuli town, 140km north of the city of Guwahati. While there are no reports of injuries so far, damage to buildings has been observed. . 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 [How to make sure your money is not funding the climate crisis]( [Trump issues bizarre statement ranting about the Oscars]( [Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s despair as Raab skips Commons debate]( . Discover the full story Save 50% on a digital subscription when you subscribe today. [Subscribe now]( . Stories chosen for you - [PM under pressure amid new claim he said let Covid ‘rip as lockdowns mad’ – follow live]( - [Why has Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal caused UK milk and cream exports to plunge?]( - [EU warns UK faces tough action for Brexit trade deal breaches as MEPs ratify it]( - [Arlene Foster seeks to play down attempts to oust her as DUP leader]( - [SNP minister says referendum asking Scots if they want to re-join EU could be ‘desirable’]( . 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](.