PM to ease Covid rules as scientists urge caution

Latest updates and essential advice from The Independent [View in browser]( [Alternate text] Daily briefing July 05, 2021 Today’s essential news from the source you trust This morning’s headlines Boris Johnson is [poised to announce the easing of social distancing rules](, despite a backlash from scientists over his willingness to accept more serious illnesses and deaths from Covid-19. People will be urged to “learn to live with this virus” when the prime minister unveils decisions on whether to scrap the “one-metre-plus rule” and work-from-home guidance on Monday. He is expected to say England is on course to remove the distancing rule on 19 July - allowing drinkers to order at the bar again - after a cabinet minister revealed the wearing of face masks will be voluntary. But the likely end to restrictions and a call by Sajid Javid, the new health secretary, for an acceptance that “cases are going to rise significantly”, likening Covid to flu, drew fierce criticism. The Queen has meanwhile [awarded the George Cross to the NHS]( and thanked all staff for their “courage, compassion and dedication”. In a personal, handwritten message on Windsor Castle-headed paper, the monarch said the award recognised all NHS staff across all four home nations “past and present”. The award comes on the 73rd anniversary of the service[’](s founding and ranks alongside the Victoria Cross as Britain’s highest award for gallantry. Instituted by King George VI in 1940, it is intended to grant recognition for “acts of the greatest heroism or of the most courage in circumstances of extreme danger”. Senior police officers have [undermined the government’s justification for controversial new laws]( to crack down on “noisy” protests, saying they did not ask for the powers. The shadow policing minister called the proposals, which home secretary Priti Patel is trying to force through, a “partisan power grab” following human rights warnings from United Nations experts and parliamentary committees. Sarah Jones told The Independent: “At no point have the police said they want or need these powers on the basis of noise, and it would be very serious if ministers were trying to mislead the public into thinking they did. These public order clauses are nothing more than a partisan power grab by a Conservative Party that no longer believes in the right of the people to disagree.” . 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 [Jewish man targeted with antisemitic abuse on Tube and bus twice within an hour]( [Demolition crew blows up remaining section of collapsed Miami building]( [World’s largest ever four-day-week trial ‘an overwhelming success’]( . . Stories chosen for you - [Boris Johnson urged to reciprocate EU’s ‘flexibility’ - follow Brexit live]( - [Netflix is about to remove a selection of films and TV shows]( - [Given talk of Labour shortages in the wake of Brexit –]( - [Labour is strongest when resisting the desire for self-flagellation | Jess Phillips]( - [Fresh call for Government intervention following collapsed Newcastle takeover]( . 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 Daily Briefing email, 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](.