Could Russia invade Ukraine?
Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, says UK will ‘contribute’ to NATO deployment if Russia invades Ukraine. Whilst Russia says they have no plans to invade Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has gathered an estimated 100,000 troops near Ukraine’s borders, with the United States and its European allies scrambling to deter an invasion and respond to the Kremlin’s demands. The Kremlin demands security guarantees for Russia that would include a stop to NATO’s expansion eastward, and a formal veto on Ukraine from ever joining the military alliance. It also wants NATO to remove its military deployments in the region. These demands have been largely dismissed by the US and NATO.
Covid updates
The Covid travel restrictions imposed by the government are being removed. Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, has given a range of measures aimed at making travel easier for all.
Starting at 4am on 11th February, there will be no requirement for passengers who are fully vaccinated who arrive in England to do post-arrival lateral flow tests.
Starting at the same time, vaccine certificates from 16 new countries, will be accepted at the UK border – this means more than 180 countries and territories will have their vaccine certificates accepted in the UK.
Sue Gray to report on ‘party gate’
There is increasing anticipation for the publication of the Sue Gray report on Number 10 lockdown parties. According to the Cabinet Office, the “primary purpose” of Ms Gray’s inquiry is to “establish swiftly a general understanding of the nature of the gatherings, including attendance, the setting and the purpose, with reference to adherence to the guidance in place at the time”. The report is yet to be sent to Number 10 as senior civil servant, Ms Gray, is running it past lawyers, HR and the Metropolitan Police to make sure the document can be published in full.
