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Wednesday morning UK news briefing: The big home-working gamble

Also from this morning's Front Page newsletter: Pfizer seeks jab go-ahead for young teens & turning the tide on online abuse. Sign up below

When the Government set out its plans on Monday to move to the next stage of lockdown release, it was clear that a critical shift in its pandemic response had occurred.

Far from expecting commuters to return to their offices, as happened at the end of the last two lockdowns, experts are now gambling on the fact that many people will continue working from home - and keep to restrictions - even when they are no longer mandated.

Science Editor Sarah Knapton examines how communities with more manufacturing and key worker jobs may be left at greater risk from Covid than predominantly richer areas.

It is also a good time to revisit a piece by Harry de Quetteville asking: Does home-working get the job done? 

It comes as deaths in Britain are now 7.3pc below the five-year average, with the number dying from Covid also continuing to drop.

Meanwhile, Pfizer has asked the UK regulator to follow US watchdogs by approving its vaccine for young teenagers.

The pharmaceutical giant wants to use the jab in 12 to 15-year-olds. Under the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency fast-track review process, the vaccine could be approved before the end of July, when the Government aims to have offered a jab to all adults.

Ministers secured an extra 60 million doses last month, on top of the 40 million originally purchased.

Use our postcode tool to search for vaccine rates in your area.

Telegraph campaign: Turning tide on online abuse

Social media platforms that fail to protect children from online harms face being shut down under "history-making" laws. In an article for The Telegraph, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden warns tech giants that under a draft Duty of Care Bill published today they "must face the consequences" if they fail to remove illegal and harmful content. The legislation, the first of its kind globally and designed to make Britain the safest country in the world online, follows a three-year campaign by The Telegraph for duty of care laws to protect children from online harms. Home Affairs Editor Charles Hymas explains the sanctions companies such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and YouTube would face.

Sussexes to work with consumer goods giant

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have signed a long-term "global partnership" with Procter & Gamble, the US consumer goods giant. The couple announced that their Archewell Foundation had joined with the company to "uplift girls and women" to "build more compassionate communities". It is the latest deal Harry and Meghan have struck with companies as they secure their financial futures. As an 11-year-old aspiring activist, Meghan had an early taste of success over P&G, which owns billion-dollar brands including Pampers, Ariel and Gillette.

At a glance: Coronavirus morning briefing

Also in the news: Today's other headlines

Labour crisis | Sir Keir Starmer's closest parliamentary aide has resigned after she was accused of circulating false rumours about Angela Rayner's private life in a bitter briefing war. The departure will be seen as a significant blow to Sir Keir, whose authority has been called into question over the handling of his front-bench reshuffle. Parliamentary sketchwriter Michael Deacon says Sir Keir once looked a serious threat to Boris Johnson, but is now the PM's hapless punchbag.  

Around the world: Hamas unleashes broadside

Israel bombed Palestinian areas and Hamas returned fire with more than 100 rockets last night as clashes between the two sides escalated. The Israeli military struck a tower block in Gaza, targeting senior Hamas officials. In retaliation, the militant group unleashed a huge barrage on Tel Aviv designed to cut through Israel's defence system. View our gallery for more pictures of the day from around the world.

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Comment and analysis

Editor's choice: Features and arts

  1. Dressing up is back! | How to dress up again: the seven key pieces to try now
  2. In mourning | Like Adele, I know what it feels like when your estranged parent dies
  3. LA's 'lymph queen' | How to massage your lymphatic system and improve your health

Business and money briefing

Growth stronger than expected | The UK economy grew by 2.1pc during March, according to ONS figures released at 7am, leaving output only 1.5pc smaller over the quarter - better than expected on both counts. Follow the latest numbers and markets reaction.  

Sport briefing

City champions | Pep Guardiola acclaimed Manchester City's fifth Premier League triumph as their toughest yet, after his side sealed the title without kicking a ball. Leicester City's victory at Old Trafford means Man United cannot catch City, who have three matches to spare and will lift the trophy at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday week. Chief Sports Writer Oliver Brown argues that Guardiola is a "Mancunian for life".  

Tonight's dinner

Salmon fillets on crushed potatoes with bacon and spring onion dressing | A simply splendid and easy dinner by Diana Henry. View the recipe and try our Cookbook newsletter.

And finally... for this morning's downtime

'The Millennium Dome was insulted daily' | Pierre-Yves Gerbeau is best known for his tenure at London's New Labour landmark. How did he cope? Elizabeth Grice speaks to the "horrible Frenchman" about how he saved Tony Blair's "tent".  

If you want to receive twice-daily briefings like this by email, sign up to the Front Page newsletter here. For two-minute audio updates, try The Briefing - on podcasts, smart speakers and WhatsApp.
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