politicalite--2020-12-22--FEED THEM: Politicalite Distributes Christmas Food For The People in Bolton

POLITICALITE joined forces with Homeless Aid UK and the UK ’ s biggest supermarket chain Tesco ahead of festive period to provide Christmas dinners for the homeless and needy in Greater Manchester amid the Coronavirus pandemic .
Back in 2013 , before launching Britain ’ s Number One working-class news site , our Editor and Founder , Jordan James was working nights as a store assistant at Tesco .
After going to University , he set up Politicalite , a working-class news outlet for the people and he reached out to his old employer to ask if they would lift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in bulk .
To his surprise , Tesco head office said they would not just lift limits , but they would donate Turkey ’ s , Pigs in Blankets and Trimmings to help him in his mission to feed the needy and thanks to Tesco and our amazing readers across the UK , and the US-based firm Donorbox , the campaign was able to feed families and the homeless across Bolton with the help of Homeless Aid UK founded by Billa Ahmed .
Jordan and volunteers from local community groups Homeless Aid and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his hometown in Bolton .
Jordan said : “ It ’ s was so eye-opening to see the state of this country and the levels of poverty right here on our doorstep , and it ’ s even more evidence that the Government is failing Red Wall voters in the North.
” “ Never mind the rest of the world , it ’ s time we helped our own people .
We need to come together to help one another in these tough times.. don ’ t leave it to Boris the Buffoon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions for his rich mates in London amid the Pandemic.
” added Jordan .
Politicalite and Homeless Aid UK also collaborated with the Bolton-based community group Believe and Achieve to distribute the Christmas dinners to families across Bolton .
Tunde Olasupo , a volunteer , said : “ One of the best feelings in the world is helping others .
We collaborated with Homeless Aid and Politicalite to supply Christmas dinner to families that need support within our great community.
” “ Thank you Tesco for your support .
We are simply at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipped and ready to drive Bolton forward to a fine and better future.
” added Tunde .
Stephen Gibbons , Store Manager at Horwich Tesco , said : “ We ’ re really proud to support this great cause .
We support homeless charities in Manchester all year round but wanted to make an extra special donation as it ’ s Christmas time.
” Taylor Robinson , who has been working tirelessly as a Homeless Aid UK volunteer for several years said : “ It was lovely to give out and help people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ street kitchens in Bolton , with the Coronavirus pandemic it ’ s not just homeless people who are in need , everyday families need help , and we are proud to have supported this campaign.
” Jordan added : “ Christmas might be about presents , but there is a world outside your window , and the best gift you can give this Christmas is a hot meal for someone who desperately needs it.
” you can still donate to help us feed even more families ahead of Christmas day , by visiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

81 SHARES Share Tweet
POLITICALITE joined forces with Homeless Aid UK and the UK’s biggest supermarket chain Tesco ahead of festive period to provide Christmas dinners for the homeless and needy in Greater Manchester amid the Coronavirus pandemic.
Back in 2013, before launching Britain’s Number One working-class news site, our Editor and Founder, Jordan James was working nights as a store assistant at Tesco.
After going to University, he set up Politicalite, a working-class news outlet for the people and he reached out to his old employer to ask if they would lift limits on items so he could purchase in bulk.
To his surprise, Tesco head office said they would not just lift limits, but they would donate Turkey’s, Pigs in Blankets and Trimmings to help him in his mission to feed the needy and thanks to Tesco and our amazing readers across the UK, and the US-based firm Donorbox, the campaign was able to feed families and the homeless across Bolton with the help of Homeless Aid UK founded by Billa Ahmed.
Jordan and volunteers from local community groups Homeless Aid and Believe & Achieve distributed Christmas Dinners across his hometown in Bolton.
Jordan said: “It’s was so eye-opening to see the state of this country and the levels of poverty right here on our doorstep, and it’s even more evidence that the Government is failing Red Wall voters in the North.”
“Never mind the rest of the world, it’s time we helped our own people. We need to come together to help one another in these tough times.. don’t leave it to Boris the Buffoon. He’s too busy making millions for his rich mates in London amid the Pandemic.” added Jordan.
Politicalite and Homeless Aid UK also collaborated with the Bolton-based community group Believe and Achieve to distribute the Christmas dinners to families across Bolton.
Tunde Olasupo, a volunteer, said: “One of the best feelings in the world is helping others. We collaborated with Homeless Aid and Politicalite to supply Christmas dinner to families that need support within our great community.”
“Thank you Tesco for your support. We are simply at war against hunger. We are fully equipped and ready to drive Bolton forward to a fine and better future.” added Tunde.
Stephen Gibbons, Store Manager at Horwich Tesco, said: “We’re really proud to support this great cause. We support homeless charities in Manchester all year round but wanted to make an extra special donation as it’s Christmas time.”
Taylor Robinson, who has been working tirelessly as a Homeless Aid UK volunteer for several years said: “It was lovely to give out and help people amid the Pandemic. We already run street kitchens in Bolton, with the Coronavirus pandemic it’s not just homeless people who are in need, everyday families need help, and we are proud to have supported this campaign.”
Jordan added: “Christmas might be about presents, but there is a world outside your window, and the best gift you can give this Christmas is a hot meal for someone who desperately needs it.” you can still donate to help us feed even more families ahead of Christmas day, by visiting the donation page powered by Donorbox here.


politicalite--2020-12-22--FEROCIOUS AMBUSH: Four Convicted Of Birthday Party Murder Of Teens

Two young men and two teenage boys have been convicted of murdering a pair of 17-year-olds in a “ ferocious ” ambush at a birthday party .
Dom Ansah and Ben Gillham-Rice were stabbed to death at a house in the Emerson Valley area of Milton Keynes on October 19 last year .
Two other people were stabbed and left with serious but non-life-threatening injuries .
Charlie Chandler , 22 , Clayton Barker , 20 , a 17-year-old and a 16-year-old denied both murders and two counts of wounding with intent .
However , jurors at Luton Crown Court convicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four males will be joined at sentencing by a fifth defendant , 23-year-old Earl Bevans , who admitted two counts of murder and both counts of wounding at the start of the trial .
Before the verdicts were delivered , Mr Justice Spencer reminded those in the court to maintain the dignity of the proceedings .
He said : “ It is very important that , when the jury returns its verdicts , those are met with silence .
There must be no emotional displays.
” The two juvenile defendants , who were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defendants , were not seen to react as the verdicts were delivered after more than nine hours of deliberation .
During the six-week trial , jurors heard that the defendants were either members or associated with members of the B3 gang in West Bletchley , named after the MK3 postcode , and had planned the attack after receiving a tip-off that members of the rival M4 gang were at the party .
Prosecutor Charlotte Newell QC said the group stormed into the rear of the house in Archford Croft shortly after midnight , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She said : “ The male party-goers were targeted and the attack upon them was immediate and ferocious .
“ They had little or no time to react and little or no chance of protecting themselves .
“ Within seconds of the arrival of the defendants ’ group , one young man was dead , two had been sliced with a knife or knives , causing serious , but mercifully not fatal , injuries , and a fourth was running for his life.
” Ben was stabbed six times in the living room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was subjected to a “ frenzied ” attack after he ran from the property , the prosecutor said .
Jurors were shown pictures of the living room where Ben had been stabbed and declared dead , described as a “ bloodbath ” and a “ scene of carnage ” .
Dom was chased down and “ hacked ” , jurors were told , suffering 47 injuries and dying in hospital three hours later .
Miss Newell said : “ He appeared to have been a particular focus of the defendants ’ attention and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Having run from the house , he circled back into the street pursued by two of the defendants , where he slipped , thereby allowing the attackers to gain ground upon him .
“ He was repeatedly sliced and stabbed as he lay on the ground.
” Dashcam footage shown to the jury showed the defendants outside the property and later chasing Dom , including a man said to be Barker holding a machete .
Jurors were also shown mock-ups of the Emerson Valley house and how the defendants would have entered the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later shown map footage of where a knife , said to have been used in the murders , was found in a drain in the Furzton area some distance away after a witness reported two males acting suspiciously .
On top of the animosity between the two gangs , Miss Newell suggested an incident in which the 17-year-old defendant was assaulted , stripped and taunted in woodland at the age of 14 may have been a “ catalyst ” for the attack .
The teenager later named Dom as one of the perpetrators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incident that was recorded and widely shared on social media .
Bevans , of no fixed address , Chandler and Barker , both of Bletchley , Milton Keynes , and the two unnamed teenagers will return to Luton Crown Court for sentencing on January 5 and 6 .

Two young men and two teenage boys have been convicted of murdering a pair of 17-year-olds in a “ferocious” ambush at a birthday party.
Dom Ansah and Ben Gillham-Rice were stabbed to death at a house in the Emerson Valley area of Milton Keynes on October 19 last year.
Two other people were stabbed and left with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Charlie Chandler, 22, Clayton Barker, 20, a 17-year-old and a 16-year-old denied both murders and two counts of wounding with intent.
However, jurors at Luton Crown Court convicted the four defendants on Tuesday.
The four males will be joined at sentencing by a fifth defendant, 23-year-old Earl Bevans, who admitted two counts of murder and both counts of wounding at the start of the trial.
Before the verdicts were delivered, Mr Justice Spencer reminded those in the court to maintain the dignity of the proceedings.
He said: “It is very important that, when the jury returns its verdicts, those are met with silence. There must be no emotional displays.”
The two juvenile defendants, who were in a separate court from the adult defendants, were not seen to react as the verdicts were delivered after more than nine hours of deliberation.
During the six-week trial, jurors heard that the defendants were either members or associated with members of the B3 gang in West Bletchley, named after the MK3 postcode, and had planned the attack after receiving a tip-off that members of the rival M4 gang were at the party.
Prosecutor Charlotte Newell QC said the group stormed into the rear of the house in Archford Croft shortly after midnight, armed and with their faces covered.
She said: “The male party-goers were targeted and the attack upon them was immediate and ferocious.
“They had little or no time to react and little or no chance of protecting themselves.
“Within seconds of the arrival of the defendants’ group, one young man was dead, two had been sliced with a knife or knives, causing serious, but mercifully not fatal, injuries, and a fourth was running for his life.”
Ben was stabbed six times in the living room of the three-bedroom house, and Dom was subjected to a “frenzied” attack after he ran from the property, the prosecutor said.
Jurors were shown pictures of the living room where Ben had been stabbed and declared dead, described as a “bloodbath” and a “scene of carnage”.
A post-mortem examination showed Ben had suffered injuries including a 7.9in (20cm) deep wound damaging his heart.
Dom was chased down and “hacked”, jurors were told, suffering 47 injuries and dying in hospital three hours later.
Miss Newell said: “He appeared to have been a particular focus of the defendants’ attention and he did not get away.
“Having run from the house, he circled back into the street pursued by two of the defendants, where he slipped, thereby allowing the attackers to gain ground upon him.
“He was repeatedly sliced and stabbed as he lay on the ground.”
Dashcam footage shown to the jury showed the defendants outside the property and later chasing Dom, including a man said to be Barker holding a machete.
Jurors were also shown mock-ups of the Emerson Valley house and how the defendants would have entered the property through the conservatory.
They were later shown map footage of where a knife, said to have been used in the murders, was found in a drain in the Furzton area some distance away after a witness reported two males acting suspiciously.
On top of the animosity between the two gangs, Miss Newell suggested an incident in which the 17-year-old defendant was assaulted, stripped and taunted in woodland at the age of 14 may have been a “catalyst” for the attack.
The teenager later named Dom as one of the perpetrators, the court heard, in an incident that was recorded and widely shared on social media.
Bevans, of no fixed address, Chandler and Barker, both of Bletchley, Milton Keynes, and the two unnamed teenagers will return to Luton Crown Court for sentencing on January 5 and 6.
Additional Reporting By The Press Association


politicalite--2020-12-24--MERRY BREXMAS! Boris ‘Close to Brexit Trade Deal’ with EU

BORIS Johnson appeared close to finally striking a post-Brexit trade deal and is expected to announce details on Christmas Eve , giving Brexiteers the best Christmas gift .
Britain and the EU were understood to have made progress on their differences over fishing rights and “ level playing field ” mechanisms on competition issues as the clock ticked down to the December 31 deadline for the end of the Brexit transition period .
It follows nine months of intense , and at times rancorous , negotiations .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson called a virtual meeting late on Wednesday night with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earlier in the day , Downing Street struck a more upbeat than usual stance on the talks as a senior source said the unveiling of a deal before Christmas Eve was “ possible ” , but not certain .
However , in what was being seen as a warning shot to Mr Johnson at Westminster , the European Research Group ( ERG ) of hardline pro-Brexit Tory MPs said they would scrutinise any deal in great detail .
The ERG said it would reconvene its so-called “ star chamber ” to examine any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group on Wednesday said : “ Assuming a deal between UK and the EU is officially confirmed tonight , the European Research Group will tomorrow reconvene the panel of legal experts , chaired by Sir William Cash MP , to examine the details of the deal and legal text .
“ The team of highly-experienced lawyers , previously known as the ‘ star chamber ’ , was first assembled in 2019 to examine the legal aspects of Theresa May ’ s original Withdrawal Agreement .
“ Given that the new agreement is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scrutinise it in detail , to ensure that its provisions genuinely protect the sovereignty of the United Kingdom after we exit the transition period at the end of this year.
” Negotiators continued talks in Brussels on Wednesday while Mr Johnson and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen were in close contact to try to resolve remaining difficulties .
As expectations of an agreement announcement grew , chief spokesman for Ms von der Leyen teased the “ suspense ” of waiting by sharing a photograph of several boxes of pizzas .
Eric @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Is it Frutti di mare ?
Or Bismarck ?
Or good old 4 stagione ?
Suspense… ” A gathering of EU ambassadors is expected to take place on Thursday – Christmas Eve – if a deal is agreed .
The ratification process would then begin with the UK Parliament , the European Parliament , and the remaining 27 EU member states needing to agree to the deal .
Mr Johnson has previously said that the most likely outcome is failure to reach a deal , with the UK then relying on World Trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tariffs and quotas on trade with the EU .
France had warned that the EU would not be pressed into agreeing a deal just because of the looming deadline .
French Europe minister Clement Beaune said a no-deal situation would be “ catastrophic ” for the UK and suggested the EU should hold out .
He said : “ We should not put ourselves , Europeans , under time pressure to finish by this hour or that day .
Otherwise we would put ourselves in a situation to make bad concessions.
” Earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Micheal Martin raised the prospect of officials working on the text of a Brexit deal on Christmas Day if a breakthrough came before then .
The Taoiseach said he and other EU leaders were on stand-by to endorse any agreement that might emerge from negotiations between Brussels and the UK Government .
“ On balance , I think , given the progress that has been made , that there should be a deal , ” he told RTE .

137 SHARES Share Tweet
BORIS Johnson appeared close to finally striking a post-Brexit trade deal and is expected to announce details on Christmas Eve, giving Brexiteers the best Christmas gift.
Britain and the EU were understood to have made progress on their differences over fishing rights and “level playing field” mechanisms on competition issues as the clock ticked down to the December 31 deadline for the end of the Brexit transition period.
It follows nine months of intense, and at times rancorous, negotiations.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson called a virtual meeting late on Wednesday night with Cabinet ministers to discuss the situation.
Earlier in the day, Downing Street struck a more upbeat than usual stance on the talks as a senior source said the unveiling of a deal before Christmas Eve was “possible”, but not certain.
However, in what was being seen as a warning shot to Mr Johnson at Westminster, the European Research Group (ERG) of hardline pro-Brexit Tory MPs said they would scrutinise any deal in great detail.
The ERG said it would reconvene its so-called “star chamber” to examine any deal.
A statement issued by the group on Wednesday said: “Assuming a deal between UK and the EU is officially confirmed tonight, the European Research Group will tomorrow reconvene the panel of legal experts, chaired by Sir William Cash MP, to examine the details of the deal and legal text.
“The team of highly-experienced lawyers, previously known as the ‘star chamber’, was first assembled in 2019 to examine the legal aspects of Theresa May’s original Withdrawal Agreement.
“Given that the new agreement is also highly complex, the star chamber will scrutinise it in detail, to ensure that its provisions genuinely protect the sovereignty of the United Kingdom after we exit the transition period at the end of this year.”
Negotiators continued talks in Brussels on Wednesday while Mr Johnson and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen were in close contact to try to resolve remaining difficulties.
As expectations of an agreement announcement grew, chief spokesman for Ms von der Leyen teased the “suspense” of waiting by sharing a photograph of several boxes of pizzas.
Eric Mamer tweeted: “Pizza has arrived… Is it Frutti di mare? Or Bismarck? Or good old 4 stagione? Suspense…”
A gathering of EU ambassadors is expected to take place on Thursday – Christmas Eve – if a deal is agreed.
The ratification process would then begin with the UK Parliament, the European Parliament, and the remaining 27 EU member states needing to agree to the deal.
Mr Johnson has previously said that the most likely outcome is failure to reach a deal, with the UK then relying on World Trade Organisation (WTO) terms – meaning tariffs and quotas on trade with the EU.
France had warned that the EU would not be pressed into agreeing a deal just because of the looming deadline.
French Europe minister Clement Beaune said a no-deal situation would be “catastrophic” for the UK and suggested the EU should hold out.
He said: “We should not put ourselves, Europeans, under time pressure to finish by this hour or that day. Otherwise we would put ourselves in a situation to make bad concessions.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Ireland’s premier Micheal Martin raised the prospect of officials working on the text of a Brexit deal on Christmas Day if a breakthrough came before then.
The Taoiseach said he and other EU leaders were on stand-by to endorse any agreement that might emerge from negotiations between Brussels and the UK Government.
“On balance, I think, given the progress that has been made, that there should be a deal,” he told RTE.
Additional Reporting by PA Media


politicalite--2020-12-23--LIVE SPORT: Where Can You Still Go To Watch Live Sport On Boxing Day?

The Government reviewed the regionalised tier system to combat the spread of coronavirus on Wednesday , with more than 40 @ @ @ @ @ population set to be in lockdown from Boxing Day .
Some sports venues however have @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus restrictions and can welcome up to 2,000 fans .
Here , the PA news @ @ @ @ @ will still be able to admit fans after the latest announcement .
Bristol City ( @ @ @ @ @ which has remained in tier two ) Everton Carlisle Cartmel Catterick Exeter Haydock Hereford ( @ @ @ @ @ Boxing Day ) Ludlow Newton Abbot

The Government reviewed the regionalised tier system to combat the spread of coronavirus on Wednesday, with more than 40 percent of England’s population set to be in lockdown from Boxing Day.
Some sports venues however have remained in tier two of coronavirus restrictions and can welcome up to 2,000 fans.
Here, the PA news agency looks at which venues will still be able to admit fans after the latest announcement.
Premier League
Everton
Liverpool
Championship
Bournemouth
League One
Plymouth
Shrewsbury
League Two
Barrow
Carlisle
Exeter
Harrogate
Tranmere
Women’s Super League
Bristol City (play home games in Bath which has remained in tier two)
Everton
Gallagher Premiership rugby
Bath
Exeter
Worcester
Horse Racing
Carlisle
Cartmel
Catterick
Exeter
Haydock
Hereford (moving to tier two on Boxing Day)
Ludlow
Newton Abbot
Additional Reporting By The Press Association


politicalite--2020-12-24--LIVE FROM THE VATICAN: Pope Francis leads Christmas Eve Mass

POPE Francis leads Christmas Eve Mass at the Basilica of St Peter in Vatican City on Thursday , December 24 @ @ @ @ @ will take place earlier than traditionally to allow the limited number of attendees to return @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus curfew .

POPE Francis leads Christmas Eve Mass at the Basilica of St Peter in Vatican City on Thursday, December 24.
This year the mass will take place earlier than traditionally to allow the limited number of attendees to return home in time for the coronavirus curfew.


politicalite--2020-12-24--BACK OF THE NET! Boris Johnson Agrees £660Bn EU Trade Deal

BORIS Johnson has agreed a Trade Deal with the European Union worth a whopping £600 BILLION that will make Britain prosper for years to come .
The Prime Minister said the agreement resolves the European question which has “ bedevilled ” British politics for generations .
Mr Johnson said the UK had managed to “ take back control ” as promised in the 2016 Brexit referendum .
The Prime Minister said : “ We have taken back control of our laws and our destiny .
We have taken back control of every jot and tittle of our regulation in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ From January 1 we are outside the customs union and outside the single market .
“ British laws will be made solely by the British Parliament interpreted by British judges sitting in UK courts and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice will come to an end.
” European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said : “ We have finally found an agreement .
“ It was a long and winding road , but we have got a good deal to show for it .
“ It is fair , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is the right and responsible thing to do for both sides.
” She said the deal meant “ EU rules and standards will be respected ” with “ effective tools to react ” if the UK side tries to undercut Brussels to seek a competitive advantage .
There will be a five-and-a-half year transition period for the fishing industry , she indicated .
And co-operation will continue on issues including climate change , energy , security and transport .
Mrs von der Leyen said she felt “ quiet satisfaction ” and “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concluded .
“ It is time to leave Brexit behind , our future is made in Europe , ” she added .
The Christmas Eve deal comes just a week before the current trading arrangements expire with the UK leaving the single market and customs union .
But the Prime Minister acknowledged he had been forced to give ground on his demands on fishing .
“ The EU began with I think wanting a transition period of 14 years , we wanted three years , we ’ ve ended up at five years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services , a vitally important sector to the UK , Mr Johnson conceded he had not got all he wanted .
“ There is some good language about equivalence for financial services , perhaps not as much as we would have liked , but it is nonetheless going to enable our dynamic City of London to get on and prosper as never before , ” he said .
The UK will no longer participate in the Erasmus student exchange scheme , which Mr Johnson said was because it is “ extremely expensive ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turing Scheme will provide an alternative .
Parliament will be recalled from its Christmas break to vote on the deal on December 30 , though MPs have been urged not to return in person to the Commons because of the pandemic unless it is “ absolutely necessary ” .
It is almost certain to be approved – with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer confirming his party would vote for it – but Mr Johnson could face opposition from hardline Brexiteers .
Sir Keir said : “ At a moment of such national significance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be on the sidelines .
That is why I can say today that when this deal comes before Parliament , Labour will accept it and vote for it.
” The Tory European Research Group has promised to convene a “ star chamber ” of lawyers to pore over the 500 pages of the deal .
The agreement also has to be approved by the 27 EU members – and their diplomats will receive a Christmas Day briefing from lead negotiator Michel Barnier .
The European Parliament is unlikely to vote on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its application will have to be provisional until they give it the green light .
Business leaders welcomed the trade deal , saying it had come as a “ huge relief ” , despite being so late in the day .
Tony Danker , CBI director general , said : “ Firms will immediately study the details , when they can , to understand the implications for their companies , customers and clients but immediate guidance from government is required across all sectors .
“ Above all , we need urgent confirmation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on everything from data to rules of origin and we need to ensure we keep goods moving across borders.
” More follows after Christmas .

BORIS Johnson has agreed a Trade Deal with the European Union worth a whopping £600 BILLION that will make Britain prosper for years to come.
The Prime Minister said the agreement resolves the European question which has “bedevilled” British politics for generations.
Mr Johnson said the UK had managed to “take back control” as promised in the 2016 Brexit referendum.
The Prime Minister said: “We have taken back control of our laws and our destiny. We have taken back control of every jot and tittle of our regulation in a way that is complete and unfettered.
“From January 1 we are outside the customs union and outside the single market.
“British laws will be made solely by the British Parliament interpreted by British judges sitting in UK courts and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice will come to an end.”
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said: “We have finally found an agreement.
“It was a long and winding road, but we have got a good deal to show for it.
“It is fair, it is a balanced deal, and it is the right and responsible thing to do for both sides.”
She said the deal meant “EU rules and standards will be respected” with “effective tools to react” if the UK side tries to undercut Brussels to seek a competitive advantage.
There will be a five-and-a-half year transition period for the fishing industry, she indicated.
And co-operation will continue on issues including climate change, energy, security and transport.
Mrs von der Leyen said she felt “quiet satisfaction” and “relief” that a deal had been concluded.
“It is time to leave Brexit behind, our future is made in Europe,” she added.
The Christmas Eve deal comes just a week before the current trading arrangements expire with the UK leaving the single market and customs union.
Mr Johnson said the deal covers trade worth around £660 billion and means:
– Goods and components can be sold without tariffs and quotas in the EU market. – Will allow the share of fish in British waters that the UK can catch to rise from around half now to two-thirds by the end of the five-and-a-half year transition. – Allegations of unfair competition will be judged by an independent third-party arbitration panel with the possibility of a “proportionate” response.
But the Prime Minister acknowledged he had been forced to give ground on his demands on fishing.
“The EU began with I think wanting a transition period of 14 years, we wanted three years, we’ve ended up at five years,” he said.
On financial services, a vitally important sector to the UK, Mr Johnson conceded he had not got all he wanted.
“There is some good language about equivalence for financial services, perhaps not as much as we would have liked, but it is nonetheless going to enable our dynamic City of London to get on and prosper as never before,” he said.
The UK will no longer participate in the Erasmus student exchange scheme, which Mr Johnson said was because it is “extremely expensive” – but a British alternative called the Turing Scheme will provide an alternative.
Parliament will be recalled from its Christmas break to vote on the deal on December 30, though MPs have been urged not to return in person to the Commons because of the pandemic unless it is “absolutely necessary”.
It is almost certain to be approved – with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer confirming his party would vote for it – but Mr Johnson could face opposition from hardline Brexiteers.
Sir Keir said: “At a moment of such national significance, it is not credible for Labour to be on the sidelines. That is why I can say today that when this deal comes before Parliament, Labour will accept it and vote for it.”
The Tory European Research Group has promised to convene a “star chamber” of lawyers to pore over the 500 pages of the deal.
The agreement also has to be approved by the 27 EU members – and their diplomats will receive a Christmas Day briefing from lead negotiator Michel Barnier.
The European Parliament is unlikely to vote on the deal until the new year, meaning its application will have to be provisional until they give it the green light.
Business leaders welcomed the trade deal, saying it had come as a “huge relief”, despite being so late in the day.
Tony Danker, CBI director general, said: “Firms will immediately study the details, when they can, to understand the implications for their companies, customers and clients but immediate guidance from government is required across all sectors.
“Above all, we need urgent confirmation of grace periods to smooth the cliff edge on everything from data to rules of origin and we need to ensure we keep goods moving across borders.”
More follows after Christmas.


politicalite--2020-12-25--NUMBER ONE: LadBaby Bags Christmas Number One

LAD Baby has claimed the Christmas number one single for the third consecutive year .
Mark Hoyle and his wife Roxanne ( LadBaby Mum ) have scored this year ’ s top chart spot with the song Don ’ t Stop Me Eatin ’ , according to the Official Charts Company .
The song is raising money for food bank charity The Trussell Trust .
Speaking on Christmas Day , Hoyle told the Politicalite “ We started this three years ago as a bit of fun and to raise money for a good cause .
“ We genuinely just hoped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago and the fact now that three years on the songs have got better in terms of the downloads each year , each year we ’ ve had more and more people support it , more and more people download it , more people get behind us and raise even more money for the charity every year , it ’ s unbelievable… ” .
He said they had been inspired to support The Trussell Trust as Roxanne ’ s mother has been a long-time supporter of the charity .
He explained : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ banks and the families that went there and how bad the situation is here in the UK for the amount of people relying on foodbanks and I think it ’ s one of those things that about four , four-and-a-half years ago we were in a very different position to what we are now .
“ We know what it ’ s like when you really are on a budget , you ’ re struggling to make ends meet and you ’ re worried about putting food on the table , and knowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worry of having enough money to put food on the table is something we ’ ll never forget and why it is we decided to do this ” .
The duo also recorded a version of this year ’ s song , which is a light-hearted rendition of Journey ’ s hit Don ’ t Stop Believing featuring sausage rolls , with Ronan Keating .
The Official Charts Company says the single has enjoyed the biggest opening week for a single this year and has also become the fastest selling single in more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LadBaby has now matched a joint record held by The Beatles and Spice Girls , who are the only other musical acts to score a hat-trick of consecutive Christmas number ones .
LadBaby previously landed Christmas number ones with 2018 ’ s We Built This City… On Sausage Rolls and last year ’ s I Love Sausage Rolls .
But , the Charts Company said this year ’ s song is the biggest number one yet of the three .
LadBaby fended off competition in the festive singles charts from Mariah Carey ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You , which lands in second position with Wham !
hit Last Christmas in third position .

LAD Baby has claimed the Christmas number one single for the third consecutive year.
Mark Hoyle and his wife Roxanne (LadBaby Mum) have scored this year’s top chart spot with the song Don’t Stop Me Eatin’, according to the Official Charts Company.
The song is raising money for food bank charity The Trussell Trust.
Speaking on Christmas Day, Hoyle told the Politicalite “We started this three years ago as a bit of fun and to raise money for a good cause.
“We genuinely just hoped to make the top 40 three years ago and the fact now that three years on the songs have got better in terms of the downloads each year, each year we’ve had more and more people support it, more and more people download it, more people get behind us and raise even more money for the charity every year, it’s unbelievable…”.
He said they had been inspired to support The Trussell Trust as Roxanne’s mother has been a long-time supporter of the charity.
He explained: “We always heard the stories about food banks and the families that went there and how bad the situation is here in the UK for the amount of people relying on foodbanks and I think it’s one of those things that about four, four-and-a-half years ago we were in a very different position to what we are now.
“We know what it’s like when you really are on a budget, you’re struggling to make ends meet and you’re worried about putting food on the table, and knowing what it’s like and that worry of having enough money to put food on the table is something we’ll never forget and why it is we decided to do this”.
The duo also recorded a version of this year’s song, which is a light-hearted rendition of Journey’s hit Don’t Stop Believing featuring sausage rolls, with Ronan Keating.
The Official Charts Company says the single has enjoyed the biggest opening week for a single this year and has also become the fastest selling single in more than three years.
They added that LadBaby has now matched a joint record held by The Beatles and Spice Girls, who are the only other musical acts to score a hat-trick of consecutive Christmas number ones.
LadBaby previously landed Christmas number ones with 2018’s We Built This City… On Sausage Rolls and last year’s I Love Sausage Rolls.
But, the Charts Company said this year’s song is the biggest number one yet of the three.
LadBaby fended off competition in the festive singles charts from Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You, which lands in second position with Wham! hit Last Christmas in third position.
Additional Reporting by PA Media


politicalite--2020-12-25--BRITAIN’S NEW DAWN: HM Queen’s Christmas Message of Hope

HM Queen Elizabeth has delivered a heartfelt message of hope to the country and has announced a “ new dawn ” amid Brexit in her Christmas address , praising the “ indomitable spirit ” of those who have risen “ magnificently ” to the challenges of the pandemic .
In her annual televised speech , the Queen paid tribute to the “ kindness of strangers ” whose actions have inspired all and , sounding a positive note , said even the “ darkest nights ” have a promise of a “ new dawn ” .
The message , recorded before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saw the Queen sympathise with those unable to see family and friends and who just wanted a “ simple hug or a squeeze of the hand ” as a festive present .
Sounding resolute , she told the nation “ but we need life to go on ” , after describing how major religious festivals for many faiths had been disrupted this year .
The personal message was written by the Queen , as it is every year , and her words are likely to have added poignancy given the upheaval many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex , who stepped down as working royals in March , were not featured in the photo and video montages of major events from the royal year that illustrated the broadcast .
But national hero Captain Sir Tom Moore , whose huge NHS fundraising efforts saw him knighted , was shown as the Queen highlighted how “ Good Samaritans have emerged across society ” during the crisis .
Speaking from Windsor Castle , the Queen said : “ Remarkably , a year that has necessarily kept people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought us closer.
” The head of state delivered her message from a desk where the only family photo on show was a private portrait of the Duke of Edinburgh chosen by the Queen .
It reflected the Queen and Philip ’ s decision to have a quiet Christmas as a couple at Windsor and was symbolic of people across the country who have also chosen to have pared back family gatherings .
The Queen added : “ Across the Commonwealth , my family and I have been inspired by stories of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in need .
“ In the United Kingdom and around the world , people have risen magnificently to the challenges of the year , and I am so proud and moved by this quiet , indomitable spirit .
To our young people in particular I say thank you for the part you have played.
” The Queen began her address , delivered from the castle ’ s Green Drawing Room , by highlighting how the lights that fill our homes at Christmas also symbolise “ hope ” .
And she said fireworks that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month , as residents celebrated Diwali – the festival of lights – provided a “ joyous moment of hope and unity ” .
The head of state added how she had celebrated International Nurses Day on the 200th anniversary of the birth of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale – famously known as the lady with the lamp .
“ Today , our front-line services still shine that lamp for us – supported by the amazing achievements of modern science – and we owe them a debt of gratitude , ” said the head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to be inspired by the kindness of strangers and draw comfort that – even on the darkest nights – there is hope in the new dawn.
” During the broadcast , images showing life under lockdown from the Duchess of Cambridge ’ s Hold Still photographic project were shown .
Steph James ’ picture of her one-year-old son placing his hand on a window while his great-grandmother , on the other side of the glass , kissed his hand , was featured .
Footage of Sir Tom being knighted by the Queen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the many video calls conducted by the royal family as official engagements moved online during the pandemic .
The head of state was seen among a wall of faces taking part in a video call in May to mark International Nurses Day , another with the Princess Royal and four carers highlighted Carers Week in June , and the following month she spoke online with members of the armed forces .
William and Kate ’ s meeting with Cardiff care home resident Joan Drew-Smith , who had given a four-letter verdict on their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with laughter behind face masks , footage revealed .
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were also shown , visiting Gloucestershire Royal Hospital to thank health workers , as were images of the weekly applause for carers and a picture of a rainbow – the symbol of thanks for the efforts of key workers .
The Unknown Warrior – who was buried at Westminster Abbey 100 years ago – represented millions who have echoed his values of selfless sacrifice , the Queen suggested .
“ For me , this is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unpredictable times , ” the monarch added .
She said : “ Of course , for many , this time of year will be tinged with sadness : some mourning the loss of those dear to them , and others missing friends and family members distanced for safety , when all they ’ d really want for Christmas is a simple hug or a squeeze of the hand .
“ If you are among them , you are not alone , and let me assure you of my thoughts and prayers.
” There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address reflecting her Christian faith and the Queen said the biblical story of the Good Samaritan had relevance today .
“ Good Samaritans have emerged across society showing care and respect for all , regardless of gender , race or background , reminding us that each one of us is special and equal in the eyes of God , ” said the Queen .
The message was recorded in mid-December with a pared back film crew in accordance with appropriate guidance , and saw the Queen wearing the Queen Mother ’ s Shell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Choir , who are featured on Justin Bieber ’ s new single Holy alongside Chance the Rapper , singing the carol Joy To The World from Windsor Castle .

74 SHARES Share Tweet
HM Queen Elizabeth has delivered a heartfelt message of hope to the country and has announced a “new dawn” amid Brexit in her Christmas address, praising the “indomitable spirit” of those who have risen “magnificently” to the challenges of the pandemic.
In her annual televised speech, the Queen paid tribute to the “kindness of strangers” whose actions have inspired all and, sounding a positive note, said even the “darkest nights” have a promise of a “new dawn”.
The message, recorded before Boris Johnson effectively cancelled Christmas for millions, saw the Queen sympathise with those unable to see family and friends and who just wanted a “simple hug or a squeeze of the hand” as a festive present.
Sounding resolute, she told the nation “but we need life to go on”, after describing how major religious festivals for many faiths had been disrupted this year.
The personal message was written by the Queen, as it is every year, and her words are likely to have added poignancy given the upheaval many families will have experienced due to Covid-19.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who stepped down as working royals in March, were not featured in the photo and video montages of major events from the royal year that illustrated the broadcast.
But national hero Captain Sir Tom Moore, whose huge NHS fundraising efforts saw him knighted, was shown as the Queen highlighted how “Good Samaritans have emerged across society” during the crisis.
Speaking from Windsor Castle, the Queen said: “Remarkably, a year that has necessarily kept people apart has, in many ways, brought us closer.”
The head of state delivered her message from a desk where the only family photo on show was a private portrait of the Duke of Edinburgh chosen by the Queen.
It reflected the Queen and Philip’s decision to have a quiet Christmas as a couple at Windsor and was symbolic of people across the country who have also chosen to have pared back family gatherings.
The Queen added: “Across the Commonwealth, my family and I have been inspired by stories of people volunteering in their communities, helping those in need.
“In the United Kingdom and around the world, people have risen magnificently to the challenges of the year, and I am so proud and moved by this quiet, indomitable spirit. To our young people in particular I say thank you for the part you have played.”
The Queen began her address, delivered from the castle’s Green Drawing Room, by highlighting how the lights that fill our homes at Christmas also symbolise “hope”.
And she said fireworks that had filled the skies above Windsor last month, as residents celebrated Diwali – the festival of lights – provided a “joyous moment of hope and unity”.
The head of state added how she had celebrated International Nurses Day on the 200th anniversary of the birth of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale – famously known as the lady with the lamp.
“Today, our front-line services still shine that lamp for us – supported by the amazing achievements of modern science – and we owe them a debt of gratitude,” said the head of state.
She added: “We continue to be inspired by the kindness of strangers and draw comfort that – even on the darkest nights – there is hope in the new dawn.”
During the broadcast, images showing life under lockdown from the Duchess of Cambridge’s Hold Still photographic project were shown.
Steph James’ picture of her one-year-old son placing his hand on a window while his great-grandmother, on the other side of the glass, kissed his hand, was featured.
Footage of Sir Tom being knighted by the Queen at Windsor Castle was also shown and the many video calls conducted by the royal family as official engagements moved online during the pandemic.
The head of state was seen among a wall of faces taking part in a video call in May to mark International Nurses Day, another with the Princess Royal and four carers highlighted Carers Week in June, and the following month she spoke online with members of the armed forces.
William and Kate’s meeting with Cardiff care home resident Joan Drew-Smith, who had given a four-letter verdict on their bingo calling skills, had everyone roaring with laughter behind face masks, footage revealed.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were also shown, visiting Gloucestershire Royal Hospital to thank health workers, as were images of the weekly applause for carers and a picture of a rainbow – the symbol of thanks for the efforts of key workers.
The Unknown Warrior – who was buried at Westminster Abbey 100 years ago – represented millions who have echoed his values of selfless sacrifice, the Queen suggested.
“For me, this is a source of enduring hope in difficult and unpredictable times,” the monarch added.
She said: “Of course, for many, this time of year will be tinged with sadness: some mourning the loss of those dear to them, and others missing friends and family members distanced for safety, when all they’d really want for Christmas is a simple hug or a squeeze of the hand.
“If you are among them, you are not alone, and let me assure you of my thoughts and prayers.”
There was a strong religious theme to the address reflecting her Christian faith and the Queen said the biblical story of the Good Samaritan had relevance today.
“Good Samaritans have emerged across society showing care and respect for all, regardless of gender, race or background, reminding us that each one of us is special and equal in the eyes of God,” said the Queen.
The message was recorded in mid-December with a pared back film crew in accordance with appropriate guidance, and saw the Queen wearing the Queen Mother’s Shell Brooch.
The broadcast ended with the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Choir, who are featured on Justin Bieber’s new single Holy alongside Chance the Rapper, singing the carol Joy To The World from Windsor Castle.


politicalite--2020-12-25--NASHVILLE TERROR: Terrorists Attack America on Christmas Day

A BOMB Exploded in downtown Nashville , Tennessee on Christmas Day shattering windows , damaging buildings and wounding three people .
Authorities said they believed the blast was intentional and the FBI is leading the investigation .
Police spokesman Don Aaron said the 6.30am explosion was believed to be “ an intentional act ” .
Mr Aaron said police responded to a call of shots fired just before 6am but found no immediate signs of a shooting , although officers noticed a suspicious vehicle and called for a hazardous unit .
While they waited , the vehicle exploded .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital for treatment , although none were in a critical condition .
The FBI will be taking the lead in the investigation , said spokesman Joel Siskovic .
Federal investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives were also at the scene .
The FBI is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for investigating federal crimes , such as explosives violations and acts of terrorism .
Black smoke and flames were seen billowing from the area , which is packed with bars , restaurants and other retail establishments and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nashville ’ s tourist scene .
Buildings shook in the immediate area and beyond after a loud boom was heard .
The Metro Nashville Office of Emergency Management told Nashville television station WKRN that a parked vehicle exploded and damaged several buildings .
Buck McCoy , who lives near the area , posted videos on Facebook that show water pouring down the ceiling of his home .
Alarms blare in the background , as well the cries of people in distress .
A fire is visible in the street outside .
Mr McCoy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entirely blown out .
“ All my windows , every single one of them got blown into the next room .
If I had been standing there it would have been horrible , ” he said .
“ It felt like a bomb , it was that big , ” he told The Associated Press .
“ There were about four cars on fire .
I don ’ t know if it was so hot they just caught on fire , and the trees were all blown apart , ” he said .

94 SHARES Share Tweet
A BOMB Exploded in downtown Nashville, Tennessee on Christmas Day shattering windows, damaging buildings and wounding three people.
Authorities said they believed the blast was intentional and the FBI is leading the investigation.
Police spokesman Don Aaron said the 6.30am explosion was believed to be “an intentional act”.
Mr Aaron said police responded to a call of shots fired just before 6am but found no immediate signs of a shooting, although officers noticed a suspicious vehicle and called for a hazardous unit.
While they waited, the vehicle exploded.
Mr Aaron said three people were taken to hospital for treatment, although none were in a critical condition.
The FBI will be taking the lead in the investigation, said spokesman Joel Siskovic.
Federal investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were also at the scene.
The FBI is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for investigating federal crimes, such as explosives violations and acts of terrorism.
Black smoke and flames were seen billowing from the area, which is packed with bars, restaurants and other retail establishments and is known as the heart of central Nashville’s tourist scene.
Buildings shook in the immediate area and beyond after a loud boom was heard.
The Metro Nashville Office of Emergency Management told Nashville television station WKRN that a parked vehicle exploded and damaged several buildings.
Buck McCoy, who lives near the area, posted videos on Facebook that show water pouring down the ceiling of his home.
Alarms blare in the background, as well the cries of people in distress. A fire is visible in the street outside.
Mr McCoy said the windows of his home were entirely blown out.
“All my windows, every single one of them got blown into the next room. If I had been standing there it would have been horrible,” he said.
“It felt like a bomb, it was that big,” he told The Associated Press.
“There were about four cars on fire. I don’t know if it was so hot they just caught on fire, and the trees were all blown apart,” he said.
Additional Reporting by PA Media.


politicalite--2020-12-26--NASHVILLE TERROR: FBI Raid Home Of ‘Person Of Interest’ In Terror Investigation

US investigators have identified a person of interest in connection with the explosion that rocked the centre of Nashville on Christmas Day and are searching a house in the city ’ s suburbs , the FBI has said .
Officers raided a home in Antioch after receiving information relevant to the investigation , according to FBI special agent Jason Pack .
Another law enforcement official said investigators regard a person associated with the property as a person of interest over the explosion .
Earlier , investigators said they were looking at a number of individuals who may be connected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no additional explosive devices – indicating no active threat to the area .
Douglas Korneski , the special agent in charge of the FBI ’ s Memphis field office , said 250 agents , analysts and FBI staff are making progress in the search for the person or people responsible for planting a bomb in a campervan that exploded along a mostly deserted street .
Three people were injured in the explosion .
He said : “ It ’ s just going to take us some time , ” adding that his team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out who was responsible , and why .
Separately , the US Federal Emergency Management Agency said that tissue samples found at the scene were determined to be human remains .
The attack continues to wreak havoc on communications systems across the state .
Police emergency systems in Tennessee , Kentucky and Alabama , as well as Nashville ’ s Covid-19 community hotline and a handful of hospital systems , remain out of service due to an AT & T central office being affected by the blast .
The building contained a telephone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – but the company has declined to say exactly how many people have been affected .
Investigators shut down the heart of downtown Nashville ’ s tourist scene – an area packed with bars , restaurants and shops – as they shuffled through broken glass and damaged buildings to learn more about the explosion .
City mayor John Cooper has enforced a curfew in the city centre area until Sunday via an executive order .
AT & T said restoration efforts are facing several challenges , which include a fire that “ reignited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the building ” .
This has forced their teams to work with safety and structural engineers and drilling access holes into the building in order to reconnect power .
Tennessee state governor Bill Lee asked the White House for federal assistance due to the “ severity and magnitude ” of the explosion ’ s impact .
At least 41 buildings were damaged , and communications systems — including residential and mobile phone service and emergency call centres — failed across the state , he said .
Kentucky and northern Alabama were also affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president of technology at T-Mobile , said on Twitter that service disruptions affected Louisville , Nashville , Knoxville , Birmingham and Atlanta .
“ We continue to see service interruptions in these areas following yesterday ’ s explosion .
Restoration efforts continue around the clock & we will keep you updated on progress , ” he said in a tweet .
The outages had even briefly grounded flights at the Nashville International Airport , but services are continuing normally as of Saturday .
The Federal Aviation Association has since issued a temporary flight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to follow strict procedures until December 30 .
According to Metro Nashville police chief John Drake , police officers were responding to a report of shots fired on Friday morning when they encountered the campervan blaring a recorded warning that a bomb would detonate in 15 minutes .
Police evacuated nearby buildings and called in the bomb squad .
The vehicle exploded shortly afterwards .
Law enforcement officials have said since shortly after the explosion occurred at around 6.30am that they believe the blast was intentional .
They have not talked publicly about @ @ @ @ @ @

US investigators have identified a person of interest in connection with the explosion that rocked the centre of Nashville on Christmas Day and are searching a house in the city’s suburbs, the FBI has said.
Officers raided a home in Antioch after receiving information relevant to the investigation, according to FBI special agent Jason Pack.
Another law enforcement official said investigators regard a person associated with the property as a person of interest over the explosion.
Earlier, investigators said they were looking at a number of individuals who may be connected to the blast, but have also found no additional explosive devices – indicating no active threat to the area.
Douglas Korneski, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Memphis field office, said 250 agents, analysts and FBI staff are making progress in the search for the person or people responsible for planting a bomb in a campervan that exploded along a mostly deserted street.
Three people were injured in the explosion.
He said: “It’s just going to take us some time,” adding that his team would turn over every stone to find out who was responsible, and why.
Separately, the US Federal Emergency Management Agency said that tissue samples found at the scene were determined to be human remains.
The attack continues to wreak havoc on communications systems across the state.
Police emergency systems in Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama, as well as Nashville’s Covid-19 community hotline and a handful of hospital systems, remain out of service due to an AT&T central office being affected by the blast.
The building contained a telephone exchange, with network equipment in it – but the company has declined to say exactly how many people have been affected.
Investigators shut down the heart of downtown Nashville’s tourist scene – an area packed with bars, restaurants and shops – as they shuffled through broken glass and damaged buildings to learn more about the explosion.
City mayor John Cooper has enforced a curfew in the city centre area until Sunday via an executive order.
AT&T said restoration efforts are facing several challenges, which include a fire that “reignited overnight and led to the evacuation of the building”.
This has forced their teams to work with safety and structural engineers and drilling access holes into the building in order to reconnect power.
Tennessee state governor Bill Lee asked the White House for federal assistance due to the “severity and magnitude” of the explosion’s impact.
At least 41 buildings were damaged, and communications systems — including residential and mobile phone service and emergency call centres — failed across the state, he said.
Kentucky and northern Alabama were also affected, he said.
Ray Neville, president of technology at T-Mobile, said on Twitter that service disruptions affected Louisville, Nashville, Knoxville, Birmingham and Atlanta.
“We continue to see service interruptions in these areas following yesterday’s explosion. Restoration efforts continue around the clock & we will keep you updated on progress,” he said in a tweet.
The outages had even briefly grounded flights at the Nashville International Airport, but services are continuing normally as of Saturday.
The Federal Aviation Association has since issued a temporary flight restriction around the airport, requiring pilots to follow strict procedures until December 30.
According to Metro Nashville police chief John Drake, police officers were responding to a report of shots fired on Friday morning when they encountered the campervan blaring a recorded warning that a bomb would detonate in 15 minutes.
Police evacuated nearby buildings and called in the bomb squad. The vehicle exploded shortly afterwards.
Law enforcement officials have said since shortly after the explosion occurred at around 6.30am that they believe the blast was intentional. They have not talked publicly about a possible target or motive.
Additional Reporting By The Press Association


politicalite--2020-12-26--RIGHT DEAL: Prime Minister Defends Brexit Deal After Criticism

Boris Johnson has begun the task of trying to persuade Eurosceptic Tories to back his Brexit trade agreement , insisting it is the “ right deal ” for the country .
The Prime Minister acknowledged “ the devil is in the detail ” but insisted it would stand up to inspection from the European Research Group ( ERG ) of Brexiteers , who will assemble a panel of lawyers to examine the 1,246-page text .
His message to Tory MPs came as the EU ’ s 27 member states indicated they will formally back the deal agreed by the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU ambassadors were briefed on the contents of the deal by Michel Barnier , who led Brussels ’ negotiating team in the talks with the UK .
After a highly unusual meeting on Christmas Day – with at least one diplomat wearing a Santa hat and another in a festive jumper – they agreed to write to the European Parliament to say they intend to take a decision on the provisional application of the deal .
The timing of the Christmas Eve deal forced politicians and officials in the UK and Brussels to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peers will be called back to Westminster on December 30 to vote on the deal , but MEPs are not expected to approve it until the new year , meaning it will have to apply provisionally until they give it the green light .
The agreement will almost certainly be passed by Parliament , with Labour supporting it , as the alternative would be a chaotic no-deal situation on January 1 .
But Mr Johnson is keen to retain the support of the Eurosceptics on his benches who helped him reach No 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right deal for the UK and the EU , ” Mr Johnson told Tory MPs on WhatsApp , the Telegraph reported .
“ We have delivered on every one of our manifesto commitments : control of money , borders , laws , fish and all the rest .
“ But even more important , I believe we now have a basis for long-term friendship and partnership with the EU as sovereign equals.
” He added that “ I know the devil is in the detail ” but the deal will survive “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chamber legal eagles ” .
The “ star chamber ” is the nickname given to the panel assembled by the ERG , including veteran Eurosceptic Sir Bill Cash .
Cabinet minister Michael Gove , writing in The Times , said the deal will create a new “ special relationship ” – a term usually used to refer to UK-US links – and end the “ ugly ” politics since the 2016 Brexit referendum .
Officials in Brussels and the capitals of EU states are also beginning to scrutinise the deal , with another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , possibly on December 28 .
The European Commission has also announced a £4.5 billion fund to help regions and industries within the bloc which will be hit by the UK ’ s withdrawal from the single market and customs union – including fishing communities who face losing out as the UK takes a greater share of stock in British waters .
French Europe minister Clement Beaune said it was a “ good agreement ” and stressed the EU had not accepted a deal “ at all costs ” .
He told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement less than the British ” as “ for them , it was a vital need ” .
Mr Beaune said British food and industrial products entering the European single market after January 1 will not pay customs duties “ but will have to meet all our standards ” .
“ There is no country in the world that will be subject to as many export rules to us as the UK , ” he said .
Mr Johnson used his Christmas message to sell the deal to a public weary of Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referendum .
Brandishing a sheaf of papers he said it offered “ glad tidings of great joy ” .
The deal covers trade worth about £660 billion and means goods can be sold without tariffs or quotas in the EU market .
The share of fish in British waters that the UK can catch will rise from about half now to two-thirds by the end of the five-and-a-half-year transition .
At a Downing Street press conference on Christmas Eve , Mr Johnson said “ we will as a result of this deal be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quantities of extra fish ” , with £100 million for the industry to modernise and expand .
But Barrie Deas , chief executive of the National Federation of Fishermen ’ s Organisations , said there will be “ frustration and anger ” across the industry , telling the PA news agency : “ In the end it was clear that Boris Johnson wanted an overall trade deal and was willing to sacrifice fishing .
”

Boris Johnson has begun the task of trying to persuade Eurosceptic Tories to back his Brexit trade agreement, insisting it is the “right deal” for the country.
The Prime Minister acknowledged “the devil is in the detail” but insisted it would stand up to inspection from the European Research Group (ERG) of Brexiteers, who will assemble a panel of lawyers to examine the 1,246-page text.
His message to Tory MPs came as the EU’s 27 member states indicated they will formally back the deal agreed by the UK with Brussels’ officials within days.
EU ambassadors were briefed on the contents of the deal by Michel Barnier, who led Brussels’ negotiating team in the talks with the UK.
After a highly unusual meeting on Christmas Day – with at least one diplomat wearing a Santa hat and another in a festive jumper – they agreed to write to the European Parliament to say they intend to take a decision on the provisional application of the deal.
The timing of the Christmas Eve deal forced politicians and officials in the UK and Brussels to tear up their plans.
MPs and peers will be called back to Westminster on December 30 to vote on the deal, but MEPs are not expected to approve it until the new year, meaning it will have to apply provisionally until they give it the green light.
The agreement will almost certainly be passed by Parliament, with Labour supporting it, as the alternative would be a chaotic no-deal situation on January 1.
But Mr Johnson is keen to retain the support of the Eurosceptics on his benches who helped him reach No 10.
“I truly believe this is the right deal for the UK and the EU,” Mr Johnson told Tory MPs on WhatsApp, the Telegraph reported.
“We have delivered on every one of our manifesto commitments: control of money, borders, laws, fish and all the rest.
“But even more important, I believe we now have a basis for long-term friendship and partnership with the EU as sovereign equals.”
He added that “I know the devil is in the detail” but the deal will survive “ruthless” scrutiny from the “star chamber legal eagles”.
The “star chamber” is the nickname given to the panel assembled by the ERG, including veteran Eurosceptic Sir Bill Cash.
Cabinet minister Michael Gove, writing in The Times, said the deal will create a new “special relationship” – a term usually used to refer to UK-US links – and end the “ugly” politics since the 2016 Brexit referendum.
Officials in Brussels and the capitals of EU states are also beginning to scrutinise the deal, with another meeting of ambassadors expected before the new year, possibly on December 28.
The European Commission has also announced a £4.5 billion fund to help regions and industries within the bloc which will be hit by the UK’s withdrawal from the single market and customs union – including fishing communities who face losing out as the UK takes a greater share of stock in British waters.
French Europe minister Clement Beaune said it was a “good agreement” and stressed the EU had not accepted a deal “at all costs”.
He told broadcaster Europe 1 “we needed an agreement less than the British” as “for them, it was a vital need”.
Mr Beaune said British food and industrial products entering the European single market after January 1 will not pay customs duties “but will have to meet all our standards”.
“There is no country in the world that will be subject to as many export rules to us as the UK,” he said.
Mr Johnson used his Christmas message to sell the deal to a public weary of Brexit after years of acrimonious wrangling since the referendum.
Brandishing a sheaf of papers he said it offered “glad tidings of great joy”.
The deal covers trade worth about £660 billion and means goods can be sold without tariffs or quotas in the EU market.
The share of fish in British waters that the UK can catch will rise from about half now to two-thirds by the end of the five-and-a-half-year transition.
At a Downing Street press conference on Christmas Eve, Mr Johnson said “we will as a result of this deal be able to catch and eat quite prodigious quantities of extra fish”, with £100 million for the industry to modernise and expand.
But Barrie Deas, chief executive of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, said there will be “frustration and anger” across the industry, telling the PA news agency: “In the end it was clear that Boris Johnson wanted an overall trade deal and was willing to sacrifice fishing.”
Additional Reporting By The Press Association


politicalite--2020-12-28--DEADLY PANDEMIC? Coronavirus responsible for 12% of total deaths so far in 2020

CORONAVIRUS – the so-called deadly pandemic that has brought Britain to its knees was responsible for just 12 % of @ @ @ @ @ so far .
The figures , released by the National Office of Statistics show that @ @ @ @ @ slight increase in deaths compared to 2019 .
In 2019 , according to ONS a @ @ @ @ @ died .
So far in 2020 with the final two weeks of December missing from @ @ @ @ @ 574,549 people have died .
70,405 people have died from Coronavirus in 2020 , official @ @ @ @ @ with those numbers – it is just 12 % of deaths .
This figure is @ @ @ @ @ total number of deaths in the UK .
Do these numbers really justify locking up @ @ @ @ @ indefinitely ?

CORONAVIRUS – the so-called deadly pandemic that has brought Britain to its knees was responsible for just 12% of the total deaths in 2020 so far.
The figures, released by the National Office of Statistics show that there has only been a slight increase in deaths compared to 2019.
In 2019, according to ONS a total number of 530,841 people died. So far in 2020 with the final two weeks of December missing from official data a total of 574,549 people have died.
70,405 people have died from Coronavirus in 2020, official Government figures reveal – and with those numbers – it is just 12% of deaths.
This figure is a tiny fraction of the total number of deaths in the UK. Do these numbers really justify locking up the population in their homes indefinitely?


politicalite--2020-12-28--UP YOURS DELORS! Thatcher SLAMMED EU Presidents Plans for Euro

MARGARET Thatcher blasted plans for a single currency in 1990 and said they were a “ rush of blood to the head.
” The British Prime Minister hit out at the “ politburo ” in Brussels and vowed not to be dictated to , during talks with her Irish counterpart .
The Tory Eurosceptic likened giving away powers of taxation to gifting sovereignty to Europe , Dublin archives from 1990 show .
The Irish Government note recorded that Mrs Thatcher said : “ In talking of a single currency , Delors must have had a rush of blood to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have a single currency.
” Jacques Delors was European Commission president at the time and an advocate of deeper integration .
The Tory leader was engaged in discussions with Irish Taoiseach Charles Haughey in June 1990 , State files showed .
She wanted to turn the Commission into a professional civil service , without the power of initiative , whose job would be to service the Council of Ministers which represents national governments in Europe .
She told Mr Haughey that cultural differences between member states over the internal market in goods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue not to pay taxes.
” She accused the European Court of giving more powers to the Commission .
“ The days of appointed commissioners must be numbered.
” “ We must give power to the Council of Ministers.
” “ I am not handing over authority to a non-elected bureaucracy.
” Mr Haughey said the Commission was contacting Irish local authorities and inviting groups over to Brussels .
“ They are going behind the back of the Government.
” Mrs Thatcher said the deciding body must be the Council of Ministers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of initiative of the Commission .
“ I am getting completely fed up with the European Community trying to tie us up with bureaucratic regulations.
” At the time , Soviet Union control over eastern Europe was collapsing .
Mrs Thatcher added : “ We are trying to get Eastern Europe to accept democratic standards and here we are recreating our own politburo .
“ They are just too much.
” She said she would not accept a central bank of the 12 EU member states and wanted to keep inflation down by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Germany had experience of inflation – hyper inflation prompted by printing of paper money heralded the rise of Nazism – and kept its currency like a gold standard , where cash had a value directly linked to that of the precious metal .
Mrs Thatcher said the central bank of the 12 would not have the same will to fight inflation as the Germans had .
“ They would think of economic growth and jobs and inflation as equal objectives and mix them all up .
“ All we want is an effective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with that .
”

MARGARET Thatcher blasted plans for a single currency in 1990 and said they were a “rush of blood to the head.”
The British Prime Minister hit out at the “politburo” in Brussels and vowed not to be dictated to, during talks with her Irish counterpart.
The Tory Eurosceptic likened giving away powers of taxation to gifting sovereignty to Europe, Dublin archives from 1990 show.
The Irish Government note recorded that Mrs Thatcher said: “In talking of a single currency, Delors must have had a rush of blood to the head.
“We are not going to have a single currency.”
Jacques Delors was European Commission president at the time and an advocate of deeper integration.
The Tory leader was engaged in discussions with Irish Taoiseach Charles Haughey in June 1990, State files showed.
She wanted to turn the Commission into a professional civil service, without the power of initiative, whose job would be to service the Council of Ministers which represents national governments in Europe.
She told Mr Haughey that cultural differences between member states over the internal market in goods would remain.
“The Italians will continue not to pay taxes.”
She accused the European Court of giving more powers to the Commission.
“The days of appointed commissioners must be numbered.”
“We must give power to the Council of Ministers.”
“I am not handing over authority to a non-elected bureaucracy.”
Mr Haughey said the Commission was contacting Irish local authorities and inviting groups over to Brussels.
“They are going behind the back of the Government.”
Mrs Thatcher said the deciding body must be the Council of Ministers.
“We must take away the power of initiative of the Commission.
“I am getting completely fed up with the European Community trying to tie us up with bureaucratic regulations.”
At the time, Soviet Union control over eastern Europe was collapsing.
Mrs Thatcher added: “We are trying to get Eastern Europe to accept democratic standards and here we are recreating our own politburo.
“They are just too much.”
She said she would not accept a central bank of the 12 EU member states and wanted to keep inflation down by allying with the Deutschmark.
She noted Germany had experience of inflation – hyper inflation prompted by printing of paper money heralded the rise of Nazism – and kept its currency like a gold standard, where cash had a value directly linked to that of the precious metal.
Mrs Thatcher said the central bank of the 12 would not have the same will to fight inflation as the Germans had.
“They would think of economic growth and jobs and inflation as equal objectives and mix them all up.
“All we want is an effective gold standard and the deutschmark provides us with that.”


politicalite--2020-12-28--I’m Abandoning Lockdown to Eat, Laugh and Get VERY Merry… Britain Should Too

CHRISTMAS and New Year is about spending time with family and friends , and this year seeing my loved ones on Crimbo day was the perfect antidote to a horrible year .
I have never felt so refreshed and sound mentally by enjoying the basic human right off social interaction and after a year being crushed by Dictator Boris Johnson and his barmy Lockdown rules , I have decided to fight back .
On Christmas Day , everyone around the table seemed to agree on one thing… that Lockdown is complete bollocks and the British people can not continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a fight against David and Goliath and to win , I will no longer be following ludicours lockdown rules and I ’ m going to continue in my fight against Lockdown by going to as many house parties as I can over the next few days .
I ’ m going to live as if there is no Pandemic .
I will enjoy life like the good old days .
I won ’ t be watching mainstream TV so I can avoid reminders of Corona , I will order everything online to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no longer have my good spirits chipped away by the daily stream of depressing Corona update notifications on my smartphone from news organisations trying to make money from fear by deleting all of their apps .
Now is the time to fight back against the Government and its authoritarian Corona regime .

124 SHARES Share Tweet
CHRISTMAS and New Year is about spending time with family and friends, and this year seeing my loved ones on Crimbo day was the perfect antidote to a horrible year.
I have never felt so refreshed and sound mentally by enjoying the basic human right off social interaction and after a year being crushed by Dictator Boris Johnson and his barmy Lockdown rules, I have decided to fight back.
On Christmas Day, everyone around the table seemed to agree on one thing… that Lockdown is complete bollocks and the British people cannot continue to have our rights stampled upon. This is a fight against David and Goliath and to win, I will no longer be following ludicours lockdown rules and I’m going to continue in my fight against Lockdown by going to as many house parties as I can over the next few days.
I’m going to live as if there is no Pandemic. I will enjoy life like the good old days. I won’t be watching mainstream TV so I can avoid reminders of Corona, I will order everything online to avoid store mask rules and I will no longer have my good spirits chipped away by the daily stream of depressing Corona update notifications on my smartphone from news organisations trying to make money from fear by deleting all of their apps.
Now is the time to fight back against the Government and its authoritarian Corona regime.
Britain wants its freedom back.


politicalite--2020-12-29--YOU DECIDE: Vote For The Best LIVE & UNCENSORED of 2020

POLITICALITE aired Live and Uncensored coverage of major protests and events in 2020 during a year that saw protests sweep @ @ @ @ @ the Black Lives Matter movement .
Our biggest live streams were the Anti-Lockdown protests in @ @ @ @ @ Black Lives Matter riots in June and the All Lives Matter response a week later @ @ @ @ @ LIVE saw more than 1.9m viewers across Facebook , Twitter , YouTube and Periscope .
@ @ @ @ @ four most popular , and you can decide the winner .

POLITICALITE aired Live and Uncensored coverage of major protests and events in 2020 during a year that saw protests sweep the world amid Coronavirus and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Our biggest live streams were the Anti-Lockdown protests in Trafalgar Square in September, Black Lives Matter riots in June and the All Lives Matter response a week later .
https://twitter.com/politicalite/status/1343744850001334272
In total, Politicalite LIVE saw more than 1.9m viewers across Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Periscope.
We’ve chosen the four most popular, and you can decide the winner.
[yop_poll id=”3″]


politicalite--2020-12-28--LIFELESS BODY: Women Charged With Murder Over Death Of 4 Y/O Boy

A woman in her 30s has been charged with murder after a four-year-old boy was found dead at a flat @ @ @ @ @ , the Metropolitan Police said .
Officers were called to a property in Invermore Place @ @ @ @ @ .
The boy was found “ lifeless ” and was pronounced dead at the scene @ @ @ @ @ by the emergency services .
The woman and child are related and next of kin @ @ @ @ @ police are not naming them at this time .
She was arrested at the scene @ @ @ @ @ being charged later on Sunday .
The woman subsequently appeared at Bromley Magistrates ’ Court @ @ @ @ @ in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday .
Inquiries continue and a @ @ @ @ @ out on Thursday .

A woman in her 30s has been charged with murder after a four-year-old boy was found dead at a flat in Plumstead, south-east London, the Metropolitan Police said.
Officers were called to a property in Invermore Place shortly before 8am on Sunday.
The boy was found “lifeless” and was pronounced dead at the scene following attempts to resuscitate him by the emergency services.
The woman and child are related and next of kin have been informed, but police are not naming them at this time.
She was arrested at the scene and taken into custody before being charged later on Sunday.
The woman subsequently appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Monday and was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday.
Inquiries continue and a post mortem will be carried out on Thursday.
Additional Reporting By The Press Association


politicalite--2020-12-28--NEW DAWN: Boris CAN Be A Great PM.. Only If He SCRAPS Loony Lockdown

WE WANT OUR BORIS BACK !
BORIS Johnson has faced a tough year with Covid-19 pandemic , and despite his Brexit win in Brussels this week , the man who said he would rule Britain with a “ People ’ s Government ” his response to COVID-19 has led to the “ levelling down ” of the UK .
Politicalite has rightly called out Boris over his barmy lockdown regulations that have seen more changes than the men in Katie Price ’ s bedroom , he must now fix the mess he created by abandoning lockdown and turning Britain into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the world .
Britain is a nation that keeps calm and carries on , we are people who will not submit or cower to foreign attacks , including response to the Chinese Coronavirus that wrecking our economy and plunging millions into poverty .
Approximately 16,000 people may have died as a direct result of the lockdown , government figures show .
The Independent reported : “ The shock number includes an estimated 6,000 people who did not go to A & E because they feared catching the coronavirus , and another 10,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital discharges designed to free up capacity.
” “ In the same period of 23 May to 1 May , some 25,000 people died after testing positive for Covid-19.
” “ Another 81,500 lives could be lost over the next half century because of a combination of the recession caused by the lockdown and increased waiting times for hospital care , according to the figures.
” Lockdown is bad for Britain – it ’ s also bad for our mental health .
There have been a reported 16,000 deaths from his policy of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain needs its freedom back , not just from Europe .
Boris ’ Brexit deal has also meant that former Eurosceptic PM Maggie Thatcher has finally had the last laugh .
In 1980 , Thatcher famously called for the UK ’ s contributions to the then EEC ( Now the EU ) to be lowered , if not , Maggie warned that she would withhold VAT payments .
“ I want my money back !
” she screamed , whilst the French President read a newspaper in the meeting and his driver revved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on , banging on the table making her demands .
In 1990 , the former secretary of state for the environment challenged Maggie on the EU , she said No !
No !
No !
to the planned European Union that would take away Britain ’ s sovereignty .
Mr Johnson praised late Maggie in an interview with The Sunday Telegraph and said : “ I think it is absolutely true that Margaret Thatcher … she did begin this period of questioning .
Her Bruges speech was very , very important.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s prophetic , ” Mr Johnson said .
“ There ’ s no question I think she would have voted … ” , at which point he stops abruptly.
” “ It ’ s the end of a long and fractious period , in which we kept trying to pretend to ourselves that we could go along with all sorts of things we didn ’ t really want to do for the sake of keeping up with the great project of European Union , ” he added .
The Tories have finally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they can not afford to flunk it by losing popularity with unpopular Covid-19 restrictions .
Boris echoed Thatcher ’ s resilience on Brexit , if he can do the same with Coronavirus , he will go down as the greatest PM in history .

WE WANT OUR BORIS BACK!
BORIS Johnson has faced a tough year with Covid-19 pandemic, and despite his Brexit win in Brussels this week, the man who said he would rule Britain with a “People’s Government” his response to COVID-19 has led to the “levelling down” of the UK.
Politicalite has rightly called out Boris over his barmy lockdown regulations that have seen more changes than the men in Katie Price’s bedroom, he must now fix the mess he created by abandoning lockdown and turning Britain into the powerhouse that made us rule half of the world.
Britain is a nation that keeps calm and carries on, we are people who will not submit or cower to foreign attacks, including response to the Chinese Coronavirus that wrecking our economy and plunging millions into poverty.
Approximately 16,000 people may have died as a direct result of the lockdown, government figures show.
The Independent reported: “The shock number includes an estimated 6,000 people who did not go to A&E because they feared catching the coronavirus, and another 10,000 who died in care homes following early hospital discharges designed to free up capacity.”
“In the same period of 23 May to 1 May, some 25,000 people died after testing positive for Covid-19.”
“Another 81,500 lives could be lost over the next half century because of a combination of the recession caused by the lockdown and increased waiting times for hospital care, according to the figures.”
Lockdown is bad for Britain – it’s also bad for our mental health. There have been a reported 16,000 deaths from his policy of social isolation. Enough is Enough. Britain needs its freedom back, not just from Europe.
Boris’ Brexit deal has also meant that former Eurosceptic PM Maggie Thatcher has finally had the last laugh.
BORIS HAS DONE THATCHER PROUD
In 1980, Thatcher famously called for the UK’s contributions to the then EEC (Now the EU) to be lowered, if not, Maggie warned that she would withhold VAT payments.
“I want my money back!” she screamed, whilst the French President read a newspaper in the meeting and his driver revved his engines… undeterred, Mrs Thatcher pressed on, banging on the table making her demands.
In 1990, the former secretary of state for the environment challenged Maggie on the EU, she said No! No! No! to the planned European Union that would take away Britain’s sovereignty.
Mr Johnson praised late Maggie in an interview with The Sunday Telegraph and said: “I think it is absolutely true that Margaret Thatcher … she did begin this period of questioning. Her Bruges speech was very, very important.”
“When you read it now … it’s prophetic,” Mr Johnson said. “There’s no question I think she would have voted …”, at which point he stops abruptly.”
“It’s the end of a long and fractious period, in which we kept trying to pretend to ourselves that we could go along with all sorts of things we didn’t really want to do for the sake of keeping up with the great project of European Union,” he added.
The Tories have finally healed their thirty-year war over Europe, and they cannot afford to flunk it by losing popularity with unpopular Covid-19 restrictions.
Boris echoed Thatcher’s resilience on Brexit, if he can do the same with Coronavirus, he will go down as the greatest PM in history.


politicalite--2020-12-30--BREAKING: Police Find Body of Missing 86-Year-Old Man from Bolton

AN 86-YEAR-OLD man who was reported missing over the Christmas period has been found dead , Politicalite can reveal .
Norman Stewart , aged 86 was last seen in Horwich , Bolton on Tuesday 29th December and Greater Manchester Police began a full-scale search for the missing man .
Police sources told us that they found a body of missing Norman in the early hours .
“ He has been identified as the missing 86-year-old , Norman Stewart.
” “ Police are not treating this as suspicious and a file will be passed to the coroner .
” Police said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a dark blue coat , as well as walking boots and did not take any money or a mobile phone .
The clothing he was wearing was also feared to be unsuitable for the cold weather .
Norman left the Horwich area reportedly headed towards Rivington area on foot and an appeal was launched by Police and Facebook users in the Bolton area in an effort to find Norman .
His daughter Jennifer Baines has revealed on Facebook that her Grandad had passed away .
She posted online : “ This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to write , I know how much effort people have been putting in to find my Grandad safe and well….. ” “ Unfortunately we have just received the news my Grandad has passed away earlier this morning .
Any death is tragic but in these circumstances makes it so much worse .
”

22 SHARES Share Tweet
AN 86-YEAR-OLD man who was reported missing over the Christmas period has been found dead, Politicalite can reveal.
Norman Stewart, aged 86 was last seen in Horwich, Bolton on Tuesday 29th December and Greater Manchester Police began a full-scale search for the missing man.
Police sources told us that they found a body of missing Norman in the early hours.
Greater Manchester Police told Politicalite: Police searching for a missing man have sadly found a body.”
“He has been identified as the missing 86-year-old, Norman Stewart.”
“Police are not treating this as suspicious and a file will be passed to the coroner. ”
Police said the man left wearing dark blue trousers and a dark blue coat, as well as walking boots and did not take any money or a mobile phone.
The clothing he was wearing was also feared to be unsuitable for the cold weather.
Norman left the Horwich area reportedly headed towards Rivington area on foot and an appeal was launched by Police and Facebook users in the Bolton area in an effort to find Norman.
His daughter Jennifer Baines has revealed on Facebook that her Grandad had passed away.
She posted online: “This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to write, I know how much effort people have been putting in to find my Grandad safe and well…..”
“Unfortunately we have just received the news my Grandad has passed away earlier this morning.
Any death is tragic but in these circumstances makes it so much worse.”
More follows.


politicalite--2020-12-30--WATCH LIVE: MPs Set To Vote on Boris Johnson’s Brexit Deal in House of Commons

MPs have returned to the House of Commons has to debate and vote on legislation implementing Boris Johnson ’ s @ @ @ @ @ deal with the European Union .
it is expected that the deal will get approval @ @ @ @ @ opposition Sir Keir Starmer confirmed the Labour party would back the deal when it reaches @ @ @ @ @ is expected to hold a ratification vote early next year .
Until the formal approval @ @ @ @ @ deal will be applied provisionally .
The UK Parliament is currently in Christmas recess and @ @ @ @ @ return until January 5.

16 SHARES Share Tweet
MPs have returned to the House of Commons has to debate and vote on legislation implementing Boris Johnson’s recently signed trade and cooperation deal with the European Union.
it is expected that the deal will get approval after the leader of the opposition Sir Keir Starmer confirmed the Labour party would back the deal when it reaches Parliament.
The European Parliament is expected to hold a ratification vote early next year. Until the formal approval on both sides, the deal will be applied provisionally.
The UK Parliament is currently in Christmas recess and MPs were not due to return until January 5.


politicalite--2020-12-29--ON STANDBY: NHS ‘Nightingale’ Hospitals Remain Unused Despite Covid Pressure

London ’ s Nightingale hospital remains on standby for use , NHS England has insisted , despite the removal of some equipment from the site .
England ’ s hospitals are currently seeing more Covid-19 patients than at the first-wave peak of the virus in April .
NHS England sent a letter to trusts on December 23 asking them to plan for the use of additional facilities such as the seven Nightingale hospitals , amid rising numbers of patients with the virus .
The Nightingale hospital sites across England include Manchester , Bristol , Sunderland , Harrogate , Exeter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some equipment which was initially at the ExCel centre site in the capital when it opened in April is no longer there .
Beds and ventilators have been removed , the Daily Telegraph reported .
A spokesperson for the NHS said : “ The Nightingale in London remains on standby and will be available to support the capital ’ s hospitals if needed .
“ In the meantime it is vital that Londoners do everything possible to reduce transmission and cut the number of new infections which otherwise inevitably result in more avoidable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North West Hospital – which opened at the end of October for use by non-Covid patients – remains open and “ is supporting patient flow across the region ’ s hospitals ” .
NHS England had no update on the status of the other Nightingale sites on Tuesday .
Concerns have been raised around the already-stretched health service ’ s ability to staff Nightingale facilities .
Dr Nick Scriven , immediate past president of the Society for Acute Medicine , said : “ It is not ‘ just the case ’ of using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no staff for them to run as they were originally intended ( mini intensive care units ) .
“ They could play a role perhaps if used as rehabilitation units for those recovering but , again , where do we find the specialist staff – the NHS simply does not have the capacity to spare anyone.
” Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said the Nightingale hospitals had been opened “ at great expense and fanfare ” .
The Labour MP tweeted : “ But the reality is years of Tory failures to invest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short of staff needed.
” The NHS Nightingale hospital in Exeter received its first coronavirus patients in November .
The 116-bed hospital , built on the site of a former retail site , was set up to provide extra capacity to support existing NHS services across the south west .
It began accepting patients last month with Covid-19 who had been transferred from the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust , which was described as “ very busy ” .
NHS Nightingale Bristol announced in November that it would assess and treat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

London’s Nightingale hospital remains on standby for use, NHS England has insisted, despite the removal of some equipment from the site.
England’s hospitals are currently seeing more Covid-19 patients than at the first-wave peak of the virus in April.
NHS England sent a letter to trusts on December 23 asking them to plan for the use of additional facilities such as the seven Nightingale hospitals, amid rising numbers of patients with the virus.
The Nightingale hospital sites across England include Manchester, Bristol, Sunderland, Harrogate, Exeter, Birmingham and London.
It is understood some equipment which was initially at the ExCel centre site in the capital when it opened in April is no longer there.
Beds and ventilators have been removed, the Daily Telegraph reported.
A spokesperson for the NHS said: “The Nightingale in London remains on standby and will be available to support the capital’s hospitals if needed.
“In the meantime it is vital that Londoners do everything possible to reduce transmission and cut the number of new infections which otherwise inevitably result in more avoidable deaths.”
A spokeswoman said NHS Nightingale North West Hospital – which opened at the end of October for use by non-Covid patients – remains open and “is supporting patient flow across the region’s hospitals”.
NHS England had no update on the status of the other Nightingale sites on Tuesday.
Concerns have been raised around the already-stretched health service’s ability to staff Nightingale facilities.
Dr Nick Scriven, immediate past president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “It is not ‘just the case’ of using the Nightingale hospital as there are simply no staff for them to run as they were originally intended (mini intensive care units).
“They could play a role perhaps if used as rehabilitation units for those recovering but, again, where do we find the specialist staff – the NHS simply does not have the capacity to spare anyone.”
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said the Nightingale hospitals had been opened “at great expense and fanfare”.
The Labour MP tweeted: “But the reality is years of Tory failures to invest in training and staffing has left NHS short of staff needed.”
The NHS Nightingale hospital in Exeter received its first coronavirus patients in November.
The 116-bed hospital, built on the site of a former retail site, was set up to provide extra capacity to support existing NHS services across the south west.
It began accepting patients last month with Covid-19 who had been transferred from the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, which was described as “very busy”.
NHS Nightingale Bristol announced in November that it would assess and treat non-Covid-19 day patients, while on standby.
Additional Reporting By The Press Association