NEWS
Covid laws extended until September by MPs
Coronavirus laws will remain in place until September after MPs voted overwhelmingly for an extension today, despite a Tory rebellion. The Commons voted 484 to 76, a majority of 408, in favour of keeping the powers in place into the autumn. Matt Hancock told the chamber he ‘cannot answer’ whether the Coronavirus Act will be retired in six months or rolled on, as he opened the debate – Mail
40,600 people likely caught Covid while hospital inpatients in England – Guardian
Education secretary criticises ‘threats’ against Batley teacher who showed pupils Muhammad image – Times
Boris Johnson could face a second probe over bill for makeover of Downing Street flat as Cabinet Secretary is urged to investigate – Mail
China sanctions UK businesses, MPs and lawyers in Xinjiang row – Guardian
Democrats push for more censorship at Facebook, Google, Twitter hearing – Epoch Times
COMMENT
Vaccine passports threaten to be just the start of a new biosecurity state – Fraser Nelson, Telegraph
Scrap the theatre interval? It’s the only bit old soaks like me with a weak bladder really enjoy – Tom Utley, Mail
