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It is “possible” that putting India on the red list earlier might have prevented the widely anticipated delay to easing England’s coronavirus lockdown that is set to be announced later, a minister has said.

Boris Johnson is preparing to announce a delay of four weeks to step four of the country’s roadmap out of COVID-19 restrictions because of the spread of the Delta variant first identified in India.

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The variant now makes up more than 90% of cases in England and is estimated by Public Health England (PHE) to be 64% more transmissible than the Alpha (Kent) variant indoors.

The government has been criticised for putting India on the travel red list on 23 April – two weeks after neighbouring Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Asked if quicker action could have prevented the current situation, health minister Edward Argar told Sky News that such a suggestion was a “hypothetical” and “we don’t know is the short answer”.

“I don’t think that would have necessarily stopped the variant coming,” he insisted.

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But pressed again, Mr Argar acknowledged: “It’s a hypothetical. It’s possible, but there’s no way of knowing that.”

The minister defended the government’s approach, saying ministers took “swift and decisive action”.

“We have some of the toughest border regimes in the world when it comes to tackling coronavirus and I think we acted swiftly and decisively when that was put on the list of variants of concern,” he said.

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Girl, 5, dies in house fire near Crymych, Pembrokeshire

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Girl, 5, dies in house fire near Crymych, Pembrokeshire

A five-year-old girl has died after a house fire in Pembrokeshire.

Alysia Salisbury – who was described by her family as “a beautiful daughter and sister” – died at the scene of the blaze, Dyfed-Powys Police said.

Emergency crews were called to the fire in the Pontyglasier area, near Crymych, shortly before 10pm on Saturday.

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams said: “Our thoughts are with the family and the local community at this tragic time.

“HM Coroner has been informed and officers will now work with colleagues from the fire service to establish the cause of the fire.

“The family request privacy at this difficult time.”

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Alysia’s family is being supported by specialist officers, police said.

The operation on Saturday evening involved fire crews from a wide area of West Wales, including Crymych, Cardigan, Newcastle Emlyn, Whitland and Fishguard.

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Leicester City and Leeds United relegated from Premier League as Everton survive on dramatic final day

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Leicester City and Leeds United relegated from Premier League as Everton survive on dramatic final day

Leicester City and Leeds United have been relegated from the Premier League as Everton survived on a dramatic final day.

The Toffees secured safety with an 1-0 win over Bournemouth at Goodison Park. They remain one of six clubs to have never been relegated from the Premier League since its creation.

Leicester, who lifted the title only seven years ago, beat West Ham 2-1 at the King Power Stadium but it wasn’t enough to secure their survival due to Everton’s win.

Leeds went down 4-1 at home to Tottenham Hotspur.

Harry Kane got a brace but Spurs still miss out on European qualification.

Leeds United's Robin Koch appears dejected after Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane (not pictured) scores their side's third goal of the game during the Premier League match at Elland Road, Leeds. Picture date: Sunday May 28, 2023.
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Leeds United’s Robin Koch after Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane scored a goal

Aston Villa will play in the Europa Conference League next season. They were 2-1 winners at home to Brighton.

Manchester City were previously announced as the winners of the Premier League. However, the champions suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat at Brentford.

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Leicester City players wait to find out the results at other matches after the Premier League match at King Power Stadium, Leicester. Picture date: Sunday May 28, 2023.
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Leicester City players waiting to find out the results of other matches

Frank Lampard’s last game as Chelsea interim boss ended in a 1-1 draw to Newcastle.

Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest also finished 1-1.

Arsenal thrashed Wolves 5-0, Manchester United beat Fulham 2-1 and Southampton and Liverpool played out a thrilling 4-all draw.

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BMW washes out to sea after parking on Cornwall beach

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BMW washes out to sea after parking on Cornwall beach

A car was left stranded after parking on a Cornwall beach.

St Agnes Coastguard Search and Rescue Team was alerted to the presence of the black BMW at Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes, shortly before 8.30am on Sunday.

BMW washes out to sea at Trevaunance beach. Pic: St Agnes Coastguard Search and Rescue Team
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Pic: St Agnes Coastguard Search and Rescue Team

The team was tasked to ensure everybody in the vehicle was safe and remained at the scene while the car was recovered.

Posting pictures and video of the incident on social media, St Agnes Coastguard Search and Rescue Team said: “The vehicle was finally removed. The team stood down and returned to the station at 10.19am.”

BMW washes out to sea at Trevaunance beach. Pic: St Agnes Coastguard Search and Rescue Team
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Pic: St Agnes Coastguard Search and Rescue Team

Read more:
Man rescued after 24 hours stuck on remote cliff

BMW washes out to sea at Trevaunance beach. Pic: St Agnes Coastguard Search and Rescue Team
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Pic: St Agnes Coastguard Search and Rescue Team

The Facebook post ended: “You can’t park there sir!”

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