politicalite--2020-07-10--WORKING 9-5: Boris Urges Brits To ‘Go Back To Work’ As Lockdown Eased

BORIS Johnson has urged Britons to go back to work if they can , in a significant shift from the Government ’ s policy of telling people to work from home .
The Prime Minister said people should “ try to lead their lives more normally ” as restrictions are eased after months of lockdown .
And he hinted that stricter rules on wearing face coverings in public places may be introduced in a bid to reduce the spread of coronavirus .
In an online question and answer session with the public , Mr Johnson said : “ I want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carefully as possible .
It ’ s very important that people should be going back to work if they can now .
“ I think everybody has sort of taken the ‘ stay at home if you can ’ – I think we should now say , well , ‘ go back to work if you can ’ .
Because I think it ’ s very important that people should try to lead their lives more normally .
“ I want to see more people feeling confident to use the shops , use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work – but only if we all follow the guidance.
” He later added that people should only return if their company is obeying the guidelines and it is safe to do so .
The PM said that as the number of coronavirus cases falls , the rules on wearing face coverings need to be “ stricter ” .
“ I do think we need to be stricter in insisting people wear face coverings in confined spaces where they are meeting people they don ’ t normally meet , ” he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ making sure that people really do have face coverings in shops , for instance , where there is a risk of transmission.
” Face coverings are currently compulsory on public transport and in hospitals in England , but are only advised in other enclosed public spaces where social distancing is not possible and where “ you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet ” .
In Scotland , people are legally obliged to wear face coverings inside shops and on public transport .
It is understood that the issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Johnson later shared pictures of himself wearing a face covering on a visit to businesses in his Uxbridge constituency .
It is the first time the PM has been seen publicly wearing a mask , which is understood to have cost £2 from discount store Poundstretcher .
Earlier this week , the World Health Organisation acknowledged there is “ emerging evidence ” that Covid-19 could be spread through particles in the air .
And the president of the Royal Society , Professor Venki Ramakrishnan , said everyone should wear a face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a second wave of Covid-19 infection .
Mr Johnson also said he wanted to see universities return along with schools this autumn .
“ I want that to happen , it should happen , it must happen , ” he told the ‘ People ’ s PMQs ’ question session .
The PM also said it was important to suppress coronavirus ahead of the winter when the disease could come back .
“ If we do that we have got a fantastic chance of slowly getting the economy going again over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then being in a good position for the colder months , ” he said during the online question and answer session .
“ It is going to be the winter where we are really going to have to be on it , because that is when you are going to get flu , you are going to get real problems of general public health , and there is a risk that the virus will come back again anyway .
“ It is so important now to make real , real progress in driving @ @ @ @

BORIS Johnson has urged Britons to go back to work if they can, in a significant shift from the Government’s policy of telling people to work from home.
The Prime Minister said people should “try to lead their lives more normally” as restrictions are eased after months of lockdown.
And he hinted that stricter rules on wearing face coverings in public places may be introduced in a bid to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
In an online question and answer session with the public, Mr Johnson said: “I want people to go back to work as carefully as possible. It’s very important that people should be going back to work if they can now.
“I think everybody has sort of taken the ‘stay at home if you can’ – I think we should now say, well, ‘go back to work if you can’. Because I think it’s very important that people should try to lead their lives more normally.
“I want to see more people feeling confident to use the shops, use the restaurants, and get back into work – but only if we all follow the guidance.”
He later added that people should only return if their company is obeying the guidelines and it is safe to do so.
The PM said that as the number of coronavirus cases falls, the rules on wearing face coverings need to be “stricter”.
“I do think we need to be stricter in insisting people wear face coverings in confined spaces where they are meeting people they don’t normally meet,” he said.
“We are looking at ways of making sure that people really do have face coverings in shops, for instance, where there is a risk of transmission.”
Face coverings are currently compulsory on public transport and in hospitals in England, but are only advised in other enclosed public spaces where social distancing is not possible and where “you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet”.
In Scotland, people are legally obliged to wear face coverings inside shops and on public transport.
It is understood that the issue is being looked at inside Number 10.
Mr Johnson later shared pictures of himself wearing a face covering on a visit to businesses in his Uxbridge constituency.
It is the first time the PM has been seen publicly wearing a mask, which is understood to have cost £2 from discount store Poundstretcher.
Earlier this week, the World Health Organisation acknowledged there is “emerging evidence” that Covid-19 could be spread through particles in the air.
And the president of the Royal Society, Professor Venki Ramakrishnan, said everyone should wear a face covering in public to reduce the risk of a second wave of Covid-19 infection.
Mr Johnson also said he wanted to see universities return along with schools this autumn.
“I want that to happen, it should happen, it must happen,” he told the ‘People’s PMQs’ question session.
The PM also said it was important to suppress coronavirus ahead of the winter when the disease could come back.
“If we do that we have got a fantastic chance of slowly getting the economy going again over the summer, keeping it down, and then being in a good position for the colder months,” he said during the online question and answer session.
“It is going to be the winter where we are really going to have to be on it, because that is when you are going to get flu, you are going to get real problems of general public health, and there is a risk that the virus will come back again anyway.
“It is so important now to make real, real progress in driving it down.”
Additional Reporting by PA Media


politicalite--2020-07-10--WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Politician ‘Poisoned’ By Serb Prez Claims Vucic ‘Applying TERROR against Democracy’

A SERBIAN Politician who was allegedly poisoned by Serbian forces on the orders of Serbian President has told Politicalite that the leader of the Eastern European nation is “ actively applying terror against democracy and political opponents.
” Opposition leader Nikola Sandulovic made a slow recovery following his alleged arrest by Serbian Police amid the Coronavirus crisis .
Speaking exclusively to Politicalite he said : “ Police was at my doorstep once more , and the prosecutor ’ s office is actively applying terror against democracy and political opponent.
” “ Are all in hands of one dictator Aleksandar Vucic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Europe.
” “ On June 29th the police came again to my home demanding that I must go to the police station during that day , in order to give a statement regarding a post on my facebook profile.
” “ Police was working by order of prosecutor ’ s office , which tried again , to falsely accuse me of “ putting a President ’ s security in danger “ He added : “ That is one more instructed political-criminal attack on me and my family , just one more in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened to the journalist of KRIK as well.
” Earlier this year Politicalite revealed that Republican leader Sandulovic was ‘ arrested and poisoned ’ by Serbian Police after he spoke out about faulty Chinese Coronavirus tests .
Republican Party sources told Politicalite that Nikola ’ s health is “ getting better by the day ” .
Sandulovic , who is the leader of the opposition ‘ Republican party ’ in Serbia is well known in the Eastern European country and is said to be “ a huge opponent ” of current Serb President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and detained after he spoke out publicly about defective tests for the Coronavirus which Serbia imported from China .
Party sources claimed that the politician is also said to have “ revealed the truth about importing immigrants to Serbia at Serbian borders during the state of emergency and police hours.
” Serbian Republican Party sources told Politicalite last week that “ He was writing about Chinese narco-mafia and their [ alleged ] connection with the President Vucic , the way they transport drug and gold through Serbia to Europe.
” Sources also said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the decision on his house arrest and internet ban .
“ He is free again to go out and use the internet.
” “ The Judicial Council overturned a decision , claiming that they did not have the right to keep him in prison OR to put him under house arrest since he has never been convicted in the past .
” “ The court made many illegal steps , they kept him in prison at first for 48 hours.
” added the source .
The Republican Party added : “ The international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as our party has very good cooperation all over the world , including the US and UK ” “ At the moment , he feels much better , he is very eager to go even harder against this corrupt government .
”

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WORLD EXCLUSIVE by ‘THE CAPTAIN’ in BELGRADE
A SERBIAN Politician who was allegedly poisoned by Serbian forces on the orders of Serbian President has told Politicalite that the leader of the Eastern European nation is “actively applying terror against democracy and political opponents.”
Opposition leader Nikola Sandulovic made a slow recovery following his alleged arrest by Serbian Police amid the Coronavirus crisis.
Speaking exclusively to Politicalite he said: “Police was at my doorstep once more, and the prosecutor’s office is actively applying terror against democracy and political opponent.”
“Are all in hands of one dictator Aleksandar Vucic and it is happening at the heart of Europe.”
“On June 29th the police came again to my home demanding that I must go to the police station during that day , in order to give a statement regarding a post on my facebook profile.”
WATCH LIVE : PROTESTS ROCK BELGRADE
https://twitter.com/politicalite/status/1281646962631045120
“Police was working by order of prosecutor’s office , which tried again , to falsely accuse me of “ putting a President’s security in danger “
He added: “That is one more instructed political-criminal attack on me and my family , just one more in line of events such as one that happened to the journalist of KRIK as well.”
Earlier this year Politicalite revealed that Republican leader Sandulovic was ‘arrested and poisoned’ by Serbian Police after he spoke out about faulty Chinese Coronavirus tests.
Republican Party sources told Politicalite that Nikola’s health is “getting better by the day”.
Sandulovic, who is the leader of the opposition ‘Republican party’ in Serbia is well known in the Eastern European country and is said to be “a huge opponent” of current Serb President Aleksandar Vucic.
He was reportedly arrested and detained after he spoke out publicly about defective tests for the Coronavirus which Serbia imported from China.
Party sources claimed that the politician is also said to have “revealed the truth about importing immigrants to Serbia at Serbian borders during the state of emergency and police hours.”
Serbian Republican Party sources told Politicalite last week that “He was writing about Chinese narco-mafia and their [alleged] connection with the President Vucic, the way they transport drug and gold through Serbia to Europe.”
Sources also said that Serbia’s Judicial Council overturned the decision on his house arrest and internet ban.
“He is free again to go out and use the internet.”
“The Judicial Council overturned a decision, claiming that they did not have the right to keep him in prison OR to put him under house arrest since he has never been convicted in the past .”
“The court made many illegal steps, they kept him in prison at first for 48 hours.” added the source.
The Republican Party added: “The international pressure on the Serbian government was huge, as our
party has very good cooperation all over the world, including the US and UK”
“At the moment, he feels much better, he is very eager to go even harder against this corrupt government.”
More follows.


politicalite--2020-07-10--SERB RIOTS: Anti-Gov Protesters Stand Off With Police Outside Serbian Parliament

ANTI-Government protesters hurled flares , rocks and fireworks at the Serbian Parliament in Belgrade on Friday night as the eastern European country was gripped by the third night of protests .
Under-fire President Aleksandar Vučić said he was “ not worried ” about about losing political power amid large protests against his handling of the coronavirus crisis and hard-line rule .
He told EuroNews : “ “ It is so irresponsible to call upon people to gather and demonstrate when we are faced with the most horrific numbers of infections from the coronavirus , ” on his visit to France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let ’ s keep our health safe .
Nobody is going to take power by force .
Power is taken at the elections .
You can protest as much as you want when the epidemic is over , ” Vučić said .
“ If you don ’ t understand this , and you want to bring some tycoons to power — let me tell you — this is not going to happen.
” Despite his calls for calm protesters gathered in Belgrade early Friday evening outside the House of the National Assembly of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ I want a fair government which is transparent and which isn ’ t putting everything on their citizens .
We are blamed for everything , yet they held their meetings , they held their football matches , they held every big gathering here in Serbia yet we are the ones to blame .
I ’ m sorry but no.
” A LEADING Politician in Serbia has accused the Eastern European nations President of being involved in an ‘ alarming ’ Chinese drugs conspiracy , Politicalite can exclusively reveal .
Nikola @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poisoned ’ by Serbian state forces last month after speaking out about faulty Chinese Coronavirus tests told Politicalite that the country was “ without money ” and was involved in drugs business .
The Republican boss who is making a successful recovery following his assassination attempt alleged that Vucic and his Brother were involved in the trade of White Heroin , Meth , LSD and Amphetamines .
Politicalite can not verify the claims .

ANTI-Government protesters hurled flares, rocks and fireworks at the Serbian Parliament in Belgrade on Friday night as the eastern European country was gripped by the third night of protests.
Under-fire President Aleksandar Vučić said he was “not worried” about about losing political power amid large protests against his handling of the coronavirus crisis and hard-line rule.
He told EuroNews: ““It is so irresponsible to call upon people to gather and demonstrate when we are faced with the most horrific numbers of infections from the coronavirus,” on his visit to France.
WATCH: ANTI-GOV PROTEST IN BELGRADE
https://twitter.com/politicalite/status/1281646962631045120
“I beg people, please let’s keep our health safe. Nobody is going to take power by force. Power is taken at the elections. You can protest as much as you want when the epidemic is over,” Vučić said.
“If you don’t understand this, and you want to bring some tycoons to power — let me tell you — this is not going to happen.”
Despite his calls for calm protesters gathered in Belgrade early Friday evening outside the House of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia.
One protester said: “I want a fair government which is transparent and which isn’t putting everything on their citizens. We are blamed for everything, yet they held their meetings, they held their football matches, they held every big gathering here in Serbia yet we are the ones to blame. I’m sorry but no.”
THE SERBRANOS
A LEADING Politician in Serbia has accused the Eastern European nations President of being involved in an ‘alarming’ Chinese drugs conspiracy, Politicalite can exclusively reveal.
Nikola Sandulovic who claimed that he was ‘poisoned’ by Serbian state forces last month after speaking out about faulty Chinese Coronavirus tests told Politicalite that the country was “without money” and was involved in drugs business.
The Republican boss who is making a successful recovery following his assassination attempt alleged that Vucic and his Brother were involved in the trade of White Heroin, Meth, LSD and Amphetamines. Politicalite cannot verify the claims.


politicalite--2020-07-10--OPINION: ‘Experts’ Predict Second Wave of Coronavirus in Fall

THIS year has been unlike anything we ’ ve seen before .
Since the coronavirus outbreak in China –Wuhan , and the quick spread across the whole globe , people have changed how they live their lives .
Unfortunately , wearing masks and home isolation has been our new reality , and it is going to last since experts predict a second wave of coronavirus in Fall .
Covid-19 is a virus that doesn ’ t go well with high temperatures .
So , with the high temperatures and humidity levels this summer , people hope that the coronavirus spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ characteristics with as flu and the common cold , this statement makes sense just because they react in a similar seasonal pattern .
Covid-19 impacted the global economy , as well .
Companies all around the world were forced to close factories and stores due to quarantine , and many people have lost their jobs .
Currently , the best way to make money is through online businesses , but even they have face trouble functioning .
The situation will be much more serious in the upcoming months .
If the coronavirus comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winter , it will coincide with the flu season .
This means that there will be a lot of sick people that will put additional pressure on the healthcare system .
Experts are basing their thoughts about the second wave from past experiences with similar viruses , just like you would only bet on NFL games online if you had analyzed previous matches .
If we compare the flu pandemic that hit the United States back in 1918 , the first wave of infections occurred in March , followed by much more lethal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wave was responsible for the most deaths .
If we compare Covid-19 to other viruses in the past such as SARS and MERS , they don ’ t appear in the same seasonal patterns .
Some of them are very seasonal , and others not .
Studies showed us that people who are infected with coronavirus start to develop antibodies to fight against it within about 12 days if the immune system has the strength and durability to respond .
With the upcoming second wave , the only thing that can save us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , does that antibodies are effective in preventing another infection ?
And another important question is , how long do those antibodies last ?
If the body ’ s immune system is strong and durable enough , it will be capable of contracting the virus the second time .
As a result , the second wave of Covid-19 could be contracted by people with a good immune system .
However , if the immune response is not durable enough , the person who had an infection will be able to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus is the weight it puts on the healthcare system .
The crushed healthcare system was the only reason Italy experienced a collapse .
Since all the medical personnel is fighting against the coronavirus , healthcare institutions don ’ t have enough capacity to heal regular patients .
In order to prepare for the second wave that experts predict it will happen in Fall is to improve our hospital capacity , remapping up efforts to secure protective equipment , and make sure every country has enough and adequate staff to fight the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not arrive soon enough .
So we have to take every action imaginable to prevent a more devastating spread in Fall when temperatures and humidity levels start to fall down .
The combination with coronavirus and seasonal flu will put a test on every healthcare system in the world .
That is why experts predict that tough times are yet to come .
Unfortunately , this virus has become our reality , and there is no way we can make it disappear any sooner .
We just have to prepare for what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interaction .

THIS year has been unlike anything we’ve seen before. Since the coronavirus outbreak in China –Wuhan, and the quick spread across the whole globe, people have changed how they live their lives.
Unfortunately, wearing masks and home isolation has been our new reality, and it is going to last since experts predict a second wave of coronavirus in Fall.
Covid-19 is a virus that doesn’t go well with high temperatures. So, with the high temperatures and humidity levels this summer, people hope that the coronavirus spread will drop. Since it shares most characteristics with as flu and the common cold, this statement makes sense just because they react in a similar seasonal pattern.
Covid-19 impacted the global economy, as well. Companies all around the world were forced to close factories and stores due to quarantine, and many people have lost their jobs. Currently, the best way to make money is through online businesses, but even they have face trouble functioning.
The situation will be much more serious in the upcoming months. If the coronavirus comes with a second wave in Fall and winter, it will coincide with the flu season. This means that there will be a lot of sick people that will put additional pressure on the healthcare system.
Learn from the Past
Experts are basing their thoughts about the second wave from past experiences with similar viruses, just like you would only bet on NFL games online if you had analyzed previous matches. If we compare the flu pandemic that hit the United States back in 1918, the first wave of infections occurred in March, followed by much more lethal second wave in October. The second wave was responsible for the most deaths.
If we compare Covid-19 to other viruses in the past such as SARS and MERS, they don’t appear in the same seasonal patterns. Some of them are very seasonal, and others not.
Immunity
Studies showed us that people who are infected with coronavirus start to develop antibodies to fight against it within about 12 days if the immune system has the strength and durability to respond.
With the upcoming second wave, the only thing that can save us is a good immune system developed closely.
However, does that antibodies are effective in preventing another infection?
And another important question is, how long do those antibodies last?
If the body’s immune system is strong and durable enough, it will be capable of contracting the virus the second time. As a result, the second wave of Covid-19 could be contracted by people with a good immune system.
However, if the immune response is not durable enough, the person who had an infection will be able to get infected again.
Prepare for the Outcome
The only trouble with the coronavirus is the weight it puts on the healthcare system. The crushed healthcare system was the only reason Italy experienced a collapse. Since all the medical personnel is fighting against the coronavirus, healthcare institutions don’t have enough capacity to heal regular patients.
In order to prepare for the second wave that experts predict it will happen in Fall is to improve our hospital capacity, remapping up efforts to secure protective equipment, and make sure every country has enough and adequate staff to fight the virus.
The truth is that vaccines will not arrive soon enough. So we have to take every action imaginable to prevent a more devastating spread in Fall when temperatures and humidity levels start to fall down.
Final Words
The combination with coronavirus and seasonal flu will put a test on every healthcare system in the world. That is why experts predict that tough times are yet to come.
Unfortunately, this virus has become our reality, and there is no way we can make it disappear any sooner. We just have to prepare for what’s next and limit our social interaction.


politicalite--2020-07-14--MACHETE MURDER: Police Name Wanted Thug Over Brum Stabbing

POLICE investigating the fatal stabbing of a 24-year-old father in Wolverhampton have named a man they are searching for .
Sean Bulle , aged 20 , is being sought over the killing of father-of-one Paulius Petrasiunas .
Officers attended Chervil Rise , Heath Town , just before 5.20pm on Monday , after being alerted by a 999 call reporting a man having been attacked with a machete .
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene , and a post-mortem examination is due to be carried out on Wednesday .
The family of Mr Petrasiunas , who had a son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Rest in peace , I love you so much and always will .
Your little sister will miss you too .
We will love you forever my beautiful angel.
” West Midlands Police said a number of lines of inquiry had been followed in an attempt to trace Bulle .
Detective Inspector Jim Mahon , who is leading the investigation , said : “ We ’ ve been working hard to establish what happened yesterday afternoon and are following up a number of lines of enquiry .
“ We believe Bulle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m asking for your help in tracing him.
” “ If anyone knows where he is or thinks they may have seen him , I ’ d urge them to our incident room on 101 , extension 861 3026 immediately .
“ Anyone who may be shielding him through a sense of misguided loyalty , should be aware that they are committing an offence and could be prosecuted .
“ It ’ s vitally important that we speak to Bulle .
My message to him , is to do the right thing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anyone who sees Bulle is asked not to approach him , but contact to police immediately .
Call 111 if you have information .

POLICE investigating the fatal stabbing of a 24-year-old father in Wolverhampton have named a man they are searching for.
Sean Bulle, aged 20, is being sought over the killing of father-of-one Paulius Petrasiunas.
Officers attended Chervil Rise, Heath Town, just before 5.20pm on Monday, after being alerted by a 999 call reporting a man having been attacked with a machete.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, and a post-mortem examination is due to be carried out on Wednesday.
The family of Mr Petrasiunas, who had a son aged one, said in a statement: “Rest in peace, I love you so much and always will. Your little sister will miss you too. We will love you forever my beautiful angel.”
West Midlands Police said a number of lines of inquiry had been followed in an attempt to trace Bulle.
Detective Inspector Jim Mahon, who is leading the investigation, said: “We’ve been working hard to establish what happened yesterday afternoon and are following up a number of lines of enquiry.
“We believe Bulle may have been involved and I’m asking for your help in tracing him.”
“If anyone knows where he is or thinks they may have seen him, I’d urge them to our incident room on 101, extension 861 3026 immediately.
“Anyone who may be shielding him through a sense of misguided loyalty, should be aware that they are committing an offence and could be prosecuted.
“It’s vitally important that we speak to Bulle. My message to him, is to do the right thing and let us know where you are.”
Anyone who sees Bulle is asked not to approach him, but contact to police immediately.
Call 111 if you have information.


politicalite--2020-07-14--FOREIGN THUG BAN: Priti Patel Vows To KICK OUT Foreign Criminals In TOUGH New Laws

HOME Secretary Priti Patel has vowed to ban foreign criminals sentenced to more than a year in jail from entering Britain .
Priti unveiled details of how the UK ’ s new points-based immigration system – which will come into effect on January 1 after freedom of movement ends – will operate .
Ministers will be given powers to exclude or deport foreign criminals who have received prison sentences of more than a year , the Daily Telegraph reported .
The paper said officials will also be able to bar persistent offenders such as pickpockets and burglars , even if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a year .
The change would mean criminals from the European Union are treated the same as currently happens to those from non-EU countries .
Under the present rules , convicted criminals from the bloc can only be excluded on a case-by-case basis .
The new immigration system is designed to cut the number of low-skilled migrants entering Britain from the beginning of next year , but aims to make it easier for higher-skilled workers to get UK visas .
People who want to live and work in the UK will need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apply for a visa .
Points will be awarded for key requirements like being able to speak English to a certain level , having a job offer from an approved employer , and meeting a minimum salary threshold .
A health and care visa will provide a route for key health professionals to work in the UK , while a graduate route will allow international students to stay in the UK for at least two years after completing their studies .
Ms Patel said on Sunday : “ The British people voted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduce a new points-based immigration system .
“ Now we have left the EU , we are free to unleash this country ’ s full potential and implement the changes we need to restore trust in the immigration system and deliver a new fairer , firmer , skills-led system from 1 January 2021 .
“ Britain is open for business and ready to welcome the best and brightest global talent.
” Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said Labour would “ scrutinise the proposals on visas very carefully ” .
“ The Government has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detail in the middle of a global pandemic.
” “ There are real concerns that this will cause major problems for our NHS and our care sector , at a time when we are still waiting for the Government to make good on their promise to scrap the unfair immigration health surcharge for workers who were being charged to access the very services they were keeping going to help others during the toughest of times .
”

HOME Secretary Priti Patel has vowed to ban foreign criminals sentenced to more than a year in jail from entering Britain.
Priti unveiled details of how the UK’s new points-based immigration system – which will come into effect on January 1 after freedom of movement ends – will operate.
Ministers will be given powers to exclude or deport foreign criminals who have received prison sentences of more than a year, the Daily Telegraph reported.
The paper said officials will also be able to bar persistent offenders such as pickpockets and burglars, even if they have been sentenced to less than a year.
The change would mean criminals from the European Union are treated the same as currently happens to those from non-EU countries.
Under the present rules, convicted criminals from the bloc can only be excluded on a case-by-case basis.
The new immigration system is designed to cut the number of low-skilled migrants entering Britain from the beginning of next year, but aims to make it easier for higher-skilled workers to get UK visas.
People who want to live and work in the UK will need to gain 70 points to be eligible to apply for a visa.
Points will be awarded for key requirements like being able to speak English to a certain level, having a job offer from an approved employer, and meeting a minimum salary threshold.
A health and care visa will provide a route for key health professionals to work in the UK, while a graduate route will allow international students to stay in the UK for at least two years after completing their studies.
Ms Patel said on Sunday: “The British people voted to take back control of our borders and introduce a new points-based immigration system.
“Now we have left the EU, we are free to unleash this country’s full potential and implement the changes we need to restore trust in the immigration system and deliver a new fairer, firmer, skills-led system from 1 January 2021.
“Britain is open for business and ready to welcome the best and brightest global talent.”
Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said Labour would “scrutinise the proposals on visas very carefully”.
“The Government has rushed through immigration legislation with very little detail in the middle of a global pandemic.”
“There are real concerns that this will cause major problems for our NHS and our care sector, at a time when we are still waiting for the Government to make good on their promise to scrap the unfair immigration health surcharge for workers who were being charged to access the very services they were keeping going to help others during the toughest of times.”


politicalite--2020-07-14--OPINION: “Statues Taken Down Should Go to a Museum” – but will they be safe there and will any actua

OPINION: “Statues Taken Down Should Go to a Museum” – but will they be safe there and will any actually go there?”

MANY who support the removal of outdoor Confederate and other statues offer an alternative location , “ send them to a museum.
” To date , no recently toppled or removed sculptures in the US have gone to museums , no matter how important or valuable , and none are even scheduled to do so .
As previously mentioned , Civil war experts fear that some already removed statues may have been melted down in secret .
Two statues outside of the US will meet a better fate – the recently removed bronze sculpture of King Leopold II in Antwerp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slave owner Edward Colson in Bristol , UK .
Both are already scheduled for restoration , and museum locations are planned .
The 1895 Colson bronze statue was created by John Cassidy .
He wasn ’ t a high priced artist .
*A similar Cassidy piece is worth about 50,000 pounds today , or $ 63,000 .
It ’ s always important to try to give a monetary value to vandalized sculptures , which the press refuses to do , because statue destruction is a criminal act .
Actually , there has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colson statue .
As to already downed statues in Richmond , Mayor Levar Stoney only paid lip service to preserving them .
He used “ emergency powers ” to start removing them , but he hasn ’ t disclosed where they are going .
He had previously announced a new city ordinance giving him the power to do whatever he wanted with local statues .
It should be noted that in 2018 , the Monument Avenue Commission held a city wide vote about what to do with the statues .
The public overwhelmingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Confederate monuments rather than take them away .
City officials never acted upon this plan .
They should bear responsibility for the current mayhem and damage .
Now Mayor Stoney , with his drastic destruction of Monument Avenue , can look forward to a huge increase in crime in Richmond , as already seen in Memphis , New Orleans , and Baltimore after statue removals .
Stoney previously encouraged the mostly white millennial protestors to destroy the extremely valuable Monument Avenue Beaux Arts sculptures , by ordering a police stand down , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protestors displayed such wild hatred for inanimate objects , the question becomes – if these sculptures ever land in a museum , will the museum and their personnel be safe from attacks ?
The answer is ’ no ’ until local politicians endorse arresting vandals .
Congress is complicit , with those who are history-semi-literate , publicly encouraging the destruction of irreplaceable high priced fine art .
On July 1 , 2020 , the bronze General Thomas ‘ Stonewall ’ Jackson on Little Sorrel by Frederick William Sievers on Monument Avenue was just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ empty except for Lee , on state land and protected by a challenge from an original benefactor , and Arthur Ashe .
An allegorical statue of Confederate Navy officer Admiral Matthew Fontaine Maury , also by Sievers , from 1929 , was also removed .
He created naval charts that are still in use today .
No matter what contemporary sculptures replace the fallen ones , tourism in Richmond will suffer .
As reported previously , it had been extremely high , with tourists coming from Europe and all over to see the @ @ @ @ @

MANY who support the removal of outdoor Confederate and other statues offer an alternative location, “send them to a museum.” To date, no recently toppled or removed sculptures in the US have gone to museums, no matter how important or valuable, and none are even scheduled to do so. As previously mentioned, Civil war experts fear that some already removed statues may have been melted down in secret.
Two statues outside of the US will meet a better fate – the recently removed bronze sculpture of King Leopold II in Antwerp and the toppled statue of philanthropist, slave owner Edward Colson in Bristol, UK. Both are already scheduled for restoration, and museum locations are planned.
The 1895 Colson bronze statue was created by John Cassidy. He wasn’t a high priced artist. *A similar Cassidy piece is worth about 50,000 pounds today, or $63,000. It’s always important to try to give a monetary value to vandalized sculptures, which the press refuses to do, because statue destruction is a criminal act. Actually, there has been at least one arrest for toppling the Colson statue.
As to already downed statues in Richmond, Mayor Levar Stoney only paid lip service to preserving them. He used “emergency powers” to start removing them, but he hasn’t disclosed where they are going. He had previously announced a new city ordinance giving him the power to do whatever he wanted with local statues.
It should be noted that in 2018, the Monument Avenue Commission held a city wide vote about what to do with the statues. The public overwhelmingly voted in every district to ADD to the Confederate monuments rather than take them away. City officials never acted upon this plan. They should bear responsibility for the current mayhem and damage.
Now Mayor Stoney, with his drastic destruction of Monument Avenue, can look forward to a huge increase in crime in Richmond, as already seen in Memphis, New Orleans, and Baltimore after statue removals.
Stoney previously encouraged the mostly white millennial protestors to destroy the extremely valuable Monument Avenue Beaux Arts sculptures, by ordering a police stand down, according to the police. Since these protestors displayed such wild hatred for inanimate objects, the question becomes – if these sculptures ever land in a museum, will the museum and their personnel be safe from attacks? The answer is ’no’ until local politicians endorse arresting vandals. Congress is complicit, with those who are history-semi-literate, publicly encouraging the destruction of irreplaceable high priced fine art.
On July 1, 2020, the bronze General Thomas ‘Stonewall’ Jackson on Little Sorrel by Frederick William Sievers on Monument Avenue was just removed. The avenue will soon be empty except for Lee, on state land and protected by a challenge from an original benefactor, and Arthur Ashe. An allegorical statue of Confederate Navy officer Admiral Matthew Fontaine Maury, also by Sievers, from 1929, was also removed. He created naval charts that are still in use today.
No matter what contemporary sculptures replace the fallen ones, tourism in Richmond will suffer. As reported previously, it had been extremely high, with tourists coming from Europe and all over to see the avenue of spectacular monuments.


politicalite--2020-07-14--HIT THE HUAWEI ROAD: China Attacks Britain After 5G Axe

CHINA has hit out at Britain after the Government ’ s decision to strip Huawei equipment from its 5G network citing security fears .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered telecoms firms to strip equipment from the Chinese tech giant out of 5G networks by 2027 .
The move , which will delay the deployment of 5G technology by up to three years and add billions to the cost , came after the UK ’ s experts warned that highly restrictive US sanctions meant the security of Huawei ’ s equipment could not be guaranteed .
Liu Xiaoming , the Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Disappointing and wrong decision by the UK on Huawei .
“ It has become questionable whether the UK can provide an open , fair and non-discriminatory business environment for companies from other countries.
” The reaction from China signals a reversal in relations since former prime minister David Cameron heralded a “ golden era ” between the two countries less than five years ago .
China branded the UK´s decision to terminate Huawei´s role in its 5G roll-out as ` wrong´ .
The decision , taken by the National Security Council ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised in the Commons about the possibility of retaliation from Beijing , but ministers insisted they would not be “ cowed ” by China .
Huawei said it was disappointed by the move and claimed decisions on its future in the UK had become politicised .
From next year , telecoms firms will be banned from purchasing new 5G equipment from Huawei and will have to remove all the Chinese company ’ s kit by 2027 .
They are also expected to be ordered to shift away from the purchase of Huawei ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a period lasting up to two years .
The decisions were taken at a meeting of the NSC , chaired by Prime Minister Boris Johnson , on Tuesday morning .
It followed an assessment of the impact of US sanctions by experts from the National Cyber Security Centre ( NCSC ) .
In January , the firm had been given permission to play a limited role in the 5G network , but Downing Street insiders said the sanctions imposed in May were a “ game changer ” .
The restrictions imposed by Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s access to products which have been built based on US semiconductor technology .
The NCSC ’ s technical director Ian Levy said products adapted to cope with the restrictions “ are likely to suffer more security and reliability problems because of the massive engineering challenge ahead of them ” and it will also be “ harder for us to be confident ” in their use within the mitigation measures already in place for the “ high risk ” firm ’ s equipment .
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said the decisions taken in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 5G by two to three years and potentially add £2 billion to the overall cost .
There had been a “ global market failure ” which meant that there countries including the UK had become “ dangerously reliant on too few vendors ” leaving few clear alternatives to Huawei , Mr Dowden said .
The Government had faced pressure from Tory backbenchers for a quicker approach to removing Huawei equipment , but Mr Dowden insisted that the changes would mean that , by the time of the next general election – expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on an “ irreversible path ” to a network free from the firm .
The move takes place as the relationship with Beijing was already under strain over the imposition of a new national security law in Hong Kong .
Mr Dowden said the Government is “ clear-eyed about China ” but wanted a “ modern and mature relationship ” based on mutual respect .
Defence Select Committee chairman Tobias Ellwood said the Government should “ expect repercussions from China ” .
Tory former Cabinet minister David Jones highlighted a warning from China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liu Xiaoming , of “ consequences ” if Huawei was banned .
Mr Dowden said : “ This Government will not be cowed by the comments of any other country .
“ This decision has been made in the national security interests of this nation.
” Meanwhile , GCHQ ’ s protective signals intelligence network is on stand-by to detect and disrupt any attempt by China to mount cyber attacks on the UK in retaliation for the decision .
Officials say they are already dealing with a sustained high tempo of hostile cyber @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Russia .
Huawei UK spokesman Ed Brewster said the “ disappointing decision ” is “ bad news for anyone in the UK with a mobile phone ” .
“ We remain confident that the new US restrictions would not have affected the resilience or security of the products we supply to the UK , ” he said .
“ Regrettably , our future in the UK has become politicised – this is about US trade policy and not security.
” The decision was welcomed by the US , which has called for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which also includes the UK , Canada , Australia and New Zealand – to avoid Huawei kit .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted : “ Today ’ s decision by the UK to ban Huawei from its 5G networks advances trans-Atlantic security in the 5G era while protecting citizens ’ privacy , national security , and free-world values.
” Huawei ’ s UK chairman Lord Browne is to step down six months early , the firm announced shortly before the Government ’ s decision was made public , leaving the company @ @ @

CHINA has hit out at Britain after the Government’s decision to strip Huawei equipment from its 5G network citing security fears.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered telecoms firms to strip equipment from the Chinese tech giant out of 5G networks by 2027.
The move, which will delay the deployment of 5G technology by up to three years and add billions to the cost, came after the UK’s experts warned that highly restrictive US sanctions meant the security of Huawei’s equipment could not be guaranteed.
Liu Xiaoming, the Chinese ambassador to the UK, tweeted: “Disappointing and wrong decision by the UK on Huawei.
“It has become questionable whether the UK can provide an open, fair and non-discriminatory business environment for companies from other countries.”
The reaction from China signals a reversal in relations since former prime minister David Cameron heralded a “golden era” between the two countries less than five years ago.
China branded the UK´s decision to terminate Huawei´s role in its 5G roll-out as `wrong´.
The decision, taken by the National Security Council (NSC), led to concerns being raised in the Commons about the possibility of retaliation from Beijing, but ministers insisted they would not be “cowed” by China.
Huawei said it was disappointed by the move and claimed decisions on its future in the UK had become politicised.
From next year, telecoms firms will be banned from purchasing new 5G equipment from Huawei and will have to remove all the Chinese company’s kit by 2027.
They are also expected to be ordered to shift away from the purchase of Huawei’s equipment for full-fibre broadband networks over a period lasting up to two years.
The decisions were taken at a meeting of the NSC, chaired by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, on Tuesday morning.
It followed an assessment of the impact of US sanctions by experts from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
In January, the firm had been given permission to play a limited role in the 5G network, but Downing Street insiders said the sanctions imposed in May were a “game changer”.
The restrictions imposed by Donald Trump’s administration removes Huawei’s access to products which have been built based on US semiconductor technology.
The NCSC’s technical director Ian Levy said products adapted to cope with the restrictions “are likely to suffer more security and reliability problems because of the massive engineering challenge ahead of them” and it will also be “harder for us to be confident” in their use within the mitigation measures already in place for the “high risk” firm’s equipment.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said the decisions taken in relation to Huawei could delay the roll-out of 5G by two to three years and potentially add £2 billion to the overall cost.
There had been a “global market failure” which meant that there countries including the UK had become “dangerously reliant on too few vendors” leaving few clear alternatives to Huawei, Mr Dowden said.
The Government had faced pressure from Tory backbenchers for a quicker approach to removing Huawei equipment, but Mr Dowden insisted that the changes would mean that, by the time of the next general election – expected in 2024 – the UK would be on an “irreversible path” to a network free from the firm.
The move takes place as the relationship with Beijing was already under strain over the imposition of a new national security law in Hong Kong.
Mr Dowden said the Government is “clear-eyed about China” but wanted a “modern and mature relationship” based on mutual respect.
Defence Select Committee chairman Tobias Ellwood said the Government should “expect repercussions from China”.
Tory former Cabinet minister David Jones highlighted a warning from China’s ambassador to the UK, Liu Xiaoming, of “consequences” if Huawei was banned.
Mr Dowden said: “This Government will not be cowed by the comments of any other country.
“This decision has been made in the national security interests of this nation.”
Meanwhile, GCHQ’s protective signals intelligence network is on stand-by to detect and disrupt any attempt by China to mount cyber attacks on the UK in retaliation for the decision.
Officials say they are already dealing with a sustained high tempo of hostile cyber activity by state-sponsored actors including both China and Russia.
Huawei UK spokesman Ed Brewster said the “disappointing decision” is “bad news for anyone in the UK with a mobile phone”.
“We remain confident that the new US restrictions would not have affected the resilience or security of the products we supply to the UK,” he said.
“Regrettably, our future in the UK has become politicised – this is about US trade policy and not security.”
The decision was welcomed by the US, which has called for members of the Five Eyes alliance – which also includes the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand – to avoid Huawei kit.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted: “Today’s decision by the UK to ban Huawei from its 5G networks advances trans-Atlantic security in the 5G era while protecting citizens’ privacy, national security, and free-world values.”
Huawei’s UK chairman Lord Browne is to step down six months early, the firm announced shortly before the Government’s decision was made public, leaving the company in September.


politicalite--2020-07-14--EPSTEIN PIMP CASE: Ghislaine Maxwell Pleads NOT GUILTY To ‘Abuse Charges’

JEFFREY Epstein pimp Ghislaine Maxwell has pleaded not guilty to charges that she recruited girls and women for the financier to sexually abuse .
Maxwell , 58 , has been held without bail since her July 2 arrest at her million-dollar New Hampshire estate , where prosecutors say she refused to open the door for FBI agents , who broke through to find that she had retreated to an interior room .
She was charged with recruiting at least three girls , one as young as 14 , for Epstein to abuse between 1994 and 1997 .
An indictment alleged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endure sexual abuse and was sometimes there when Epstein abused them .
It also alleged that she lied during a 2016 deposition in a civil case stemming from Epstein ’ s abuse of girls and women .
Epstein killed himself in August 2019 , several weeks after he was confronted by two accusers at a bail hearing who insisted that he should remain in jail while awaiting sex trafficking charges that alleged he abused girls at his Manhattan and Florida mansions in the early 2000s .
In court papers , Maxwell ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left the media “ wrongly trying to substitute her for Epstein — even though she ’ d had no contact with Epstein for more than a decade , had never been charged with a crime or been found liable in any civil litigation , and has always denied any allegations of claimed misconduct ” .
Prosecutors had argued in court papers filed on Monday that Maxwell was a danger to flee the country if she was freed on five million US dollars bail , which her lawyers recommended .
“ The defendant has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the means to do so swiftly and effectively , ” prosecutors wrote , citing her access to millions of dollars and the scant information about her finances provided by her lawyers .
Maxwell ’ s lawyers have said she “ vigorously denies the charges , intends to fight them , and is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
” Epstein had a wide circle of friends including the Duke of York , Donald Trump and former US president Bill Clinton .
Andrew , who denies any wrongdoing , has since been urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a US attorney .
Laura Goldman , an investment banker who claims to have known Maxwell since she moved to the US , told BBC Radio 4 ’ s Today programme earlier this month her friend would “ have to ” go for a plea deal with prosecutors .
Asked if Maxwell would speak about the duke as part of the investigation , Ms Goldman said : “ She has always told me she would never , ever say anything about him .
“ I think she felt he was her friend and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about him .
“ She felt in the 90s when her father died that Prince Andrew was there for her .
”

JEFFREY Epstein pimp Ghislaine Maxwell has pleaded not guilty to charges that she recruited girls and women for the financier to sexually abuse.
Maxwell appeared in a video court hearing in Manhattan.
Maxwell, 58, has been held without bail since her July 2 arrest at her million-dollar New Hampshire estate, where prosecutors say she refused to open the door for FBI agents, who broke through to find that she had retreated to an interior room.
She was charged with recruiting at least three girls, one as young as 14, for Epstein to abuse between 1994 and 1997.
An indictment alleged that she helped groom the victims to endure sexual abuse and was sometimes there when Epstein abused them.
It also alleged that she lied during a 2016 deposition in a civil case stemming from Epstein’s abuse of girls and women.
Epstein killed himself in August 2019, several weeks after he was confronted by two accusers at a bail hearing who insisted that he should remain in jail while awaiting sex trafficking charges that alleged he abused girls at his Manhattan and Florida mansions in the early 2000s.
In court papers, Maxwell’s lawyers argued that Epstein’s death left the media “wrongly trying to substitute her for Epstein — even though she’d had no contact with Epstein for more than a decade, had never been charged with a crime or been found liable in any civil litigation, and has always denied any allegations of claimed misconduct”.
Prosecutors had argued in court papers filed on Monday that Maxwell was a danger to flee the country if she was freed on five million US dollars bail, which her lawyers recommended.
“The defendant has not only the motive to flee, but the means to do so swiftly and effectively,” prosecutors wrote, citing her access to millions of dollars and the scant information about her finances provided by her lawyers.
Maxwell’s lawyers have said she “vigorously denies the charges, intends to fight them, and is entitled to the presumption of innocence.”
Epstein had a wide circle of friends including the Duke of York, Donald Trump and former US president Bill Clinton.
Andrew, who denies any wrongdoing, has since been urged to provide information to the investigation by a US attorney.
Laura Goldman, an investment banker who claims to have known Maxwell since she moved to the US, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme earlier this month her friend would “have to” go for a plea deal with prosecutors.
Asked if Maxwell would speak about the duke as part of the investigation, Ms Goldman said: “She has always told me she would never, ever say anything about him.
“I think she felt he was her friend and she was never going to say anything about him.
“She felt in the 90s when her father died that Prince Andrew was there for her.”


politicalite--2020-07-14--WUHAN VIRUS: Scientists From Chinese Lab ‘Defect’ To West, Claims Bannon

PRESIDENT Donald Trump ’ s former advisor Steve Bannon has claimed that top scientists from the lab suspected of being at the epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak have defected to the west .
Bannon also added that spies are building case against Beijing that virus was lab leak talking to UK and US intelligence agencies .
He said the leak from the Institute of Virology in Wuhan and that the subsequent cover-up had amounted to ‘ pre-meditated murder ’ .
In an exclusive interview with The Mail on Sunday , Mr Bannon urged Boris Johnson to scrap plans to allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a role in the UK ’ s new 5G network .
Mr Bannon , 66 , who worked as a naval officer , investment banker and film producer before becoming chief executive officer of Trump ’ s presidential campaign , describes himself as an ‘ ultra-hawk ’ on China , arguing that Western countries should work together to bring down the ‘ brutal , authoritarian ’ regime .
His incendiary claims about the source of the virus , which has so far claimed more than 560,000 lives worldwide , came as Western governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s original claim that the infection first spread from a market His incendiary claims about the source of the virus , which has so far claimed more than 560,000 lives worldwide , came as Western governments gather growing evidence to challenge Beijing ’ s original claim that the infection first spread from a market .
Even the Chinese government ’ s own Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recently admitted that the virus had been brought in to the market , rather than originating there .

PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s former advisor Steve Bannon has claimed that top scientists from the lab suspected of being at the epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak have defected to the west.
Bannon also added that spies are building case against Beijing that virus was lab leak talking to UK and US intelligence agencies.
He said the leak from the Institute of Virology in Wuhan and that the subsequent cover-up had amounted to ‘pre-meditated murder’.
In an exclusive interview with The Mail on Sunday, Mr Bannon urged Boris Johnson to scrap plans to allow the Chinese communications firm Huawei to play a role in the UK’s new 5G network.
Mr Bannon, 66, who worked as a naval officer, investment banker and film producer before becoming chief executive officer of Trump’s presidential campaign, describes himself as an ‘ultra-hawk’ on China, arguing that Western countries should work together to bring down the ‘brutal, authoritarian’ regime.
His incendiary claims about the source of the virus, which has so far claimed more than 560,000 lives worldwide, came as Western governments gather growing evidence to challenge Beijing’s original claim that the infection first spread from a market
His incendiary claims about the source of the virus, which has so far claimed more than 560,000 lives worldwide, came as Western governments gather growing evidence to challenge Beijing’s original claim that the infection first spread from a market.
Even the Chinese government’s own Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recently admitted that the virus had been brought in to the market, rather than originating there.


politicalite--2020-07-14--COMMENT: To Prevent A Second Wave, We MUST Make The Small Sacrifice Of Wearing A Mask

NO One likes the idea of wearing a mask to go shopping , but wearing one could save lives .
“ The Prime Minister has been clear that people should be wearing face coverings in shops and we will make this mandatory from July 24.
” said Number 10 .
The reaction to the Government ’ s decision to force Brits to wear face coverings in stores from July 24 will restore confidence in the high street and make those still gripped by ‘ Coronaphobia ’ to go out and spend , and save the economy .
The move is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and halt a second wave .
Many critics have asked why we must now wear masks in stores despite Coronavirus deaths being at record lows , but that was in lockdown when most of us stayed home and non-essential stores were closed .
To get Britain back to normal we must make the small sacrifice of wearing a damned mask .
Government is not about being ‘ popular ’ all of the time and sometimes our elected leaders must make tough decicions to protect the people .
You may not like it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety and health , so suck it up and bang on a mask whilst shopping , it ’ s not hard .

NO One likes the idea of wearing a mask to go shopping, but wearing one could save lives.
“The Prime Minister has been clear that people should be wearing face coverings in shops and we will make this mandatory from July 24.” said Number 10.
The reaction to the Government’s decision to force Brits to wear face coverings in stores from July 24 will restore confidence in the high street and make those still gripped by ‘Coronaphobia’ to go out and spend, and save the economy.
The move is to stop the spread of the coronavirus and halt a second wave.
Many critics have asked why we must now wear masks in stores despite Coronavirus deaths being at record lows, but that was in lockdown when most of us stayed home and non-essential stores were closed.
To get Britain back to normal we must make the small sacrifice of wearing a damned mask.
Government is not about being ‘popular’ all of the time and sometimes our elected leaders must make tough decicions to protect the people.
You may not like it, but it’s for your own safety and health, so suck it up and bang on a mask whilst shopping, it’s not hard.


politicalite--2020-07-14--MASKED REVOLT: Tory Members QUIT Party Over Face Mask Decision

TORY Voters cut up their cards and vowed to ‘ never vote Tory again ’ after the Governments decision to force Brits to wear facemasks in stores , despite masks helping to protect Brits from a second wave .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the public to wear face coverings in shops and announced plans for a £100 fine if shoppers refuse .
Stricter measures for shoppers in England brings the country into line with Scotland , where First Minister Nicola Sturgeon made their use compulsory in shops as of Friday .
The PM , wearing a covering during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they “ have a great deal of value in confined spaces ” where people are coming into contact with those they do not normally meet .
He said : “ Yes face coverings , I think people should be wearing in shops and in terms of how we do that , whether we will be making that mandatory or not we will be looking at the guidance , we will be saying a little bit more in the next few days.
” “ We will be looking in the next few days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of enforcement , we think we want to make progress.
” “ As the virus comes down in incidence and we have more and more success , I think face coverings are a kind of extra insurance we can all use to stop it coming back and stop it getting out of control again.
” Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove had said on Sunday it was “ best to trust people ’ s common sense ” rather than force them to adopt coverings despite the PM earlier saying he would support “ stricter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ashworth wrote : “ Conflicting advice and conflicting statements from the Government only hinder our fight against the virus .
Clear communication is vital in combating the spread of Covid-19 .
“ For the public to know that they are doing the right thing in shops , restaurants and other crowded places , I am asking that you urgently set out the position on face coverings .
“ As lockdown rules are further relaxed this week , it is vital that updated guidance on this issue is published by the Government without delay.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he could support the use of face coverings being made compulsory as an expert advising the Government as part of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) acknowledged the evidence has “ shifted ” .
Royal Society president Dr Venki Ramakrishnan told ITV ’ s Good Morning Britain : “ It ’ s now quite strongly in favour of using face coverings in enclosed spaces where we ’ re likely to come into contact with strangers .
“ I think that the Government should be very clear .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public transport and not make it mandatory in other enclosed and busy public spaces , because the behaviour of the virus is the same in all of these spaces.
” An alternative group of scientists calling itself Independent Sage urged the Government to quickly legislate to include the mandatory wearing of face coverings in public spaces with limited ventilation , including shops .
It believes some studies “ strongly suggest ” mandatory use “ can substantially reduce infection rates ” .
The Usdaw union representing shop workers joined the calls for the Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the early signs are that the measure has been “ working well ” in Scotland .
General secretary Paddy Lillis said : “ We welcome anything that helps to keep customers and shop workers safe , but the most important measures to help stop the spread of Covid-19 are to maintain proper social distancing and hygiene .
“ We need clarity from the Government , the mixed messaging and indecision is not helpful for shop workers.
” Meanwhile , Wales ’ s First Minister Mark Drakeford said the nation would be brought into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coverings are made compulsory on public transport in Wales from July 27 .
And Mr Johnson urged the public to consider returning to workplaces as the lockdown further eased in England on Monday with the reopening of beauty salons , nail bars and tattoo parlours .
The PM said : “ Where businesses have made a huge effort to make the workplace safe , I do think people should start to think about getting back to work but provided we all continue to follow the precautions.
” The work-from-home guidance currently in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

TORY Voters cut up their cards and vowed to ‘never vote Tory again’ after the Governments decision to force Brits to wear facemasks in stores, despite masks helping to protect Brits from a second wave.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the public to wear face coverings in shops and announced plans for a £100 fine if shoppers refuse.
Stricter measures for shoppers in England brings the country into line with Scotland, where First Minister Nicola Sturgeon made their use compulsory in shops as of Friday.
The PM, wearing a covering during a visit to the London Ambulance Service, said they “have a great deal of value in confined spaces” where people are coming into contact with those they do not normally meet.
He said: “Yes face coverings, I think people should be wearing in shops and in terms of how we do that, whether we will be making that mandatory or not we will be looking at the guidance, we will be saying a little bit more in the next few days.”
“We will be looking in the next few days about exactly how, with what tools of enforcement, we think we want to make progress.”
“As the virus comes down in incidence and we have more and more success, I think face coverings are a kind of extra insurance we can all use to stop it coming back and stop it getting out of control again.”
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove had said on Sunday it was “best to trust people’s common sense” rather than force them to adopt coverings despite the PM earlier saying he would support “stricter” measures.
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth wrote: “Conflicting advice and conflicting statements from the Government only hinder our fight against the virus. Clear communication is vital in combating the spread of Covid-19.
“For the public to know that they are doing the right thing in shops, restaurants and other crowded places, I am asking that you urgently set out the position on face coverings.
“As lockdown rules are further relaxed this week, it is vital that updated guidance on this issue is published by the Government without delay.”
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland also suggested he could support the use of face coverings being made compulsory as an expert advising the Government as part of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) acknowledged the evidence has “shifted”.
Royal Society president Dr Venki Ramakrishnan told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “It’s now quite strongly in favour of using face coverings in enclosed spaces where we’re likely to come into contact with strangers.
“I think that the Government should be very clear. It’s not consistent to make it mandatory on public transport and not make it mandatory in other enclosed and busy public spaces, because the behaviour of the virus is the same in all of these spaces.”
An alternative group of scientists calling itself Independent Sage urged the Government to quickly legislate to include the mandatory wearing of face coverings in public spaces with limited ventilation, including shops.
It believes some studies “strongly suggest” mandatory use “can substantially reduce infection rates”.
The Usdaw union representing shop workers joined the calls for the Government to set out its position, saying the early signs are that the measure has been “working well” in Scotland.
General secretary Paddy Lillis said: “We welcome anything that helps to keep customers and shop workers safe, but the most important measures to help stop the spread of Covid-19 are to maintain proper social distancing and hygiene.
“We need clarity from the Government, the mixed messaging and indecision is not helpful for shop workers.”
Meanwhile, Wales’s First Minister Mark Drakeford said the nation would be brought into line with England and Scotland when face coverings are made compulsory on public transport in Wales from July 27.
And Mr Johnson urged the public to consider returning to workplaces as the lockdown further eased in England on Monday with the reopening of beauty salons, nail bars and tattoo parlours.
The PM said: “Where businesses have made a huge effort to make the workplace safe, I do think people should start to think about getting back to work but provided we all continue to follow the precautions.”
The work-from-home guidance currently in place was under review, No 10 added.


politicalite--2020-07-16--HUNG OUT TO DRY: Suspected Drugs and Money Laundering Network Members ARRESTED in Bolton

FIVE suspected members of a Bolton-based organised crime group involved in drugs supply and money laundering have been arrested as part of National Crime Agency activity linked to Operation Venetic .
NCA officers arrested the first two men , aged 34 and aged 58 , on 11 May 2020 for money laundering offences , following a cash handover in Bolton .
Surveillance officers had watched the money be transported to a property from a nearby property before the men were detained .
£400,000 in cash was seized from the property , contained in several bags .
As the investigation continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EncroChat platform to identify additional members of the network .
Last week the NCA announced that it had been working with international law enforcement since 2016 to target EncroChat – the supplier of encrypted devices used by criminals worldwide to coordinate the planning and distribution of illicit commodities .
The arrests stem from Operation Venetic , the largest ever UK investigation into serious and organised crime .
Two more suspected members of the Bolton crime group were arrested on Wednesday 8 July after NCA officers executed a number of warrants in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 and 43 , were arrested for money laundering and drugs offences .
£60,000 in cash was recovered , along with two luxury watches , across three properties in Bolton and Oldham .
A fifth man , aged 34 , handed himself in at Bury Police Station on Thursday 9 July , following NCA officers searching his home in Bolton .
He was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and money laundering .
All five have either been released under investigation or on bail .
Mark Spoors , Branch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This operation has made a huge dent in a criminal network we believe is responsible for supplying drugs in the North West , on top of laundering criminal cash .
“ It ’ s yet another example of the impact in localities up and down the country of Operation Venetic , the most significant investigation into serious and organised crime we have seen in this country .
“ The NCA , and our law enforcement partners , are working together to bear down on the criminals the pose the highest risk to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not done yet .
”

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FIVE suspected members of a Bolton-based organised crime group involved in drugs supply and money laundering have been arrested as part of National Crime Agency activity linked to Operation Venetic.
NCA officers arrested the first two men, aged 34 and aged 58, on 11 May 2020 for money laundering offences, following a cash handover in Bolton.
Surveillance officers had watched the money be transported to a property from a nearby property before the men were detained. £400,000 in cash was seized from the property, contained in several bags.
As the investigation continued, NCA investigators used intelligence obtained from the EncroChat platform to identify additional members of the network.
Last week the NCA announced that it had been working with international law enforcement since 2016 to target EncroChat – the supplier of encrypted devices used by criminals worldwide to coordinate the planning and distribution of illicit commodities.
The arrests stem from Operation Venetic, the largest ever UK investigation into serious and organised crime.
Two more suspected members of the Bolton crime group were arrested on Wednesday 8 July after NCA officers executed a number of warrants in the North West.
The men, aged 31 and 43, were arrested for money laundering and drugs offences.
£60,000 in cash was recovered, along with two luxury watches, across three properties in Bolton and Oldham.
A fifth man, aged 34, handed himself in at Bury Police Station on Thursday 9 July, following NCA officers searching his home in Bolton. He was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and money laundering.
All five have either been released under investigation or on bail.
Mark Spoors, Branch Commander at the NCA, said: “This operation has made a huge dent in a criminal network we believe is responsible for supplying drugs in the North West, on top of laundering criminal cash.
“It’s yet another example of the impact in localities up and down the country of Operation Venetic, the most significant investigation into serious and organised crime we have seen in this country.
“The NCA, and our law enforcement partners, are working together to bear down on the criminals the pose the highest risk to the UK. Rest assured, we are not done yet.”


politicalite--2020-07-16--CANCELLED CULTURE: Universities MUST End Cancel Culture To Get Loans Says Government

UNIVERSITIES in Britain must prove their commitment to protecting free speech in order to be eligible for emergency loans to help them through the pandemic , Boris Johnson ’ s Government has said .
The Department for Education DfE today announced a new package of loans for higher education providers for those at risk of collapse due to the pandemic .
But universities who fail to “ demonstrate their commitment to academic freedom and free speech ” would be excluded , Education Secretary Gavin Williamson warned .
The measures have caused alarm in some quarters , after the DfE also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from bankruptcy if they are not deemed to be providing a valuable education .
One of the UK ’ s largest higher education unions accused the Government of exploiting universities ’ financial difficulties in order to impose its own conservative ideology on the sector .
Mr Williamson has previously expressed his anger at so-called “ cancel culture ” and “ no-platforming ” , whereby individuals are barred from speaking at university events because their views are perceived as offensive .
In an article in the Times in February , he warned : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( to protect free speech ) , the Government will.
” In March , former home secretary Amber Rudd found herself no platformed by an Oxford University women ’ s society having previously been asked to come and speak at one of its events .
Outlining the new “ higher education restructuring regime ” , the Education Secretary also told universities they must also ensure student union funding is not used for “ subsidising niche activism and campaigns ” .
Institutions were told the regime was not a bailout and that loan applications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by case basis ” , and that they would be expected to dramatically cut back on bureaucracy .
The DfE added the regime was “ not a guarantee that no organisation will fail , ” adding “ public funding for courses that do not deliver for students will be reassessed ” .
Vice-chancellor pay and administration costs must also be slashed , the Education Secretary said .
Any intervention must be “ a last resort ” , the DfE said , and the business case for each loan will be investigated by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Board .
The Education Secretary will then base his decision on whether or not to intervene on the advice of the board , the DfE said .
The University and College Union ( UCU ) accused the Government of exploiting the loan scheme to impose its own ideology on institutions as they fight for survival .
UCU general secretary Jo Grady said : “ What are these so-called low-quality courses ?
Where is the evidence that cutting the number of people going to university can improve our economy ?
” “ The Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sole measure of quality exposes its refusal to engage with the real issues behind inequality .
“ Graduate salaries are heavily determined by pre-existing factors such as gender , race , social background , contacts and previous education.
” She added : “ All degree study has the potential to increase earnings , but it also brings with it so much more than that as students gain many social and cultural benefits from going to university.
” In May the DfE announced £2.6 billion in forecast tuition fee payments would be brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with £100 million in Government funding to help protect research activities .
Last month , ministers announced a package of grants and low-interest loans to cover 80 % income lost from the decline in international student numbers due to the pandemic .

UNIVERSITIES in Britain must prove their commitment to protecting free speech in order to be eligible for emergency loans to help them through the pandemic, Boris Johnson’s Government has said.
The Department for Education DfE today announced a new package of loans for higher education providers for those at risk of collapse due to the pandemic.
But universities who fail to “demonstrate their commitment to academic freedom and free speech” would be excluded, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson warned.
The measures have caused alarm in some quarters, after the DfE also warned not all establishments would be saved from bankruptcy if they are not deemed to be providing a valuable education.
One of the UK’s largest higher education unions accused the Government of exploiting universities’ financial difficulties in order to impose its own conservative ideology on the sector.
Mr Williamson has previously expressed his anger at so-called “cancel culture” and “no-platforming”, whereby individuals are barred from speaking at university events because their views are perceived as offensive.
In an article in the Times in February, he warned: “If universities don’t take action (to protect free speech), the Government will.”
In March, former home secretary Amber Rudd found herself no platformed by an Oxford University women’s society having previously been asked to come and speak at one of its events.
Outlining the new “higher education restructuring regime”, the Education Secretary also told universities they must also ensure student union funding is not used for “subsidising niche activism and campaigns”.
Institutions were told the regime was not a bailout and that loan applications would be considered on a “case by case basis”, and that they would be expected to dramatically cut back on bureaucracy.
The DfE added the regime was “not a guarantee that no organisation will fail,” adding “public funding for courses that do not deliver for students will be reassessed”.
Vice-chancellor pay and administration costs must also be slashed, the Education Secretary said.
Any intervention must be “a last resort”, the DfE said, and the business case for each loan will be investigated by a new, independent Higher Education Restructuring Regime Board.
The Education Secretary will then base his decision on whether or not to intervene on the advice of the board, the DfE said.
The University and College Union (UCU) accused the Government of exploiting the loan scheme to impose its own ideology on institutions as they fight for survival.
UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “What are these so-called low-quality courses? Where is the evidence that cutting the number of people going to university can improve our economy?”
“The Government’s obsession with graduate earnings as a sole measure of quality exposes its refusal to engage with the real issues behind inequality.
“Graduate salaries are heavily determined by pre-existing factors such as gender, race, social background, contacts and previous education.”
She added: “All degree study has the potential to increase earnings, but it also brings with it so much more than that as students gain many social and cultural benefits from going to university.”
In May the DfE announced £2.6 billion in forecast tuition fee payments would be brought forward to help cash flow, along with £100 million in Government funding to help protect research activities.
Last month, ministers announced a package of grants and low-interest loans to cover 80% income lost from the decline in international student numbers due to the pandemic.
Additional Reporting by PA Media


politicalite--2020-07-16--BREAKING BAD: Meth Kingpin To Be THIRD Man Executed in US this week

A RUTHLESS Meth boss from Iowa who killed five people , including two young girls , in 1993 in a bid to thwart his prosecution for drug trafficking is to become the third federal inmate to be executed this week .
Dustin Honken , 52 , would become the first Iowa defendant to be put to death since 1963 if he is executed as scheduled on Friday .
Iowa abolished the death penalty in 1965 but federal prosecutors sought to execute Honken for killing US Government informants and children .
Honken is set to die by lethal injection at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where he has been on death row since 2005 and two other men have been put to death since Tuesday after a 17-year hiatus in federal executions .
His appeals to delay the execution have so far been denied .
Lori Duncan , her new boyfriend Greg Nicholson and her daughters were kidnapped and killed by Honken and his girlfriend in 1993 , seven years before their bodies were found .
Susan Torres , 54 , who was Ms Duncan ’ s sister-in-law and aunt to 10-year-old Kandi and six-year-old Amber , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what he ’ s getting .
I can tell you that .
He deserved it a long time ago.
” Ms Torres , of Des Moines , Iowa , plans to attend the execution with other victims ’ relatives .
Mark Bennett , the federal judge who oversaw Honken ’ s trial , said he generally opposes the death penalty but if anyone deserves to be executed , it is Honken .
He said Honken ’ s crimes were reprehensible and he had a fair legal process , including talented lawyers who “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work with ” .
“ I am not going to lose any sleep if he is executed , ” said Mr Bennett , who has since retired from the bench .
“ Normally I would but the evidence was so overwhelming.
” Mr Nicholson , who was one of Honken ’ s dealers , began co-operating with investigators in 1993 after coming under suspicion .
Honken was arrested and indicted for conspiring to manufacture meth after Mr Nicholson secretly recorded him and testified before a grand jury .
The kingpin informed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before his July 1993 plea hearing , he and his girlfriend , Angela Johnson , went searching for Mr Nicholson .
They found him at the home where he had moved in with Ms Duncan and her daughters .
Honken forced Mr Nicholson , 34 , to record a statement declaring him innocent of the drug charges .
Mr Nicholson and the Duncans were taken to a remote area , fatally shot and buried .
Honken withdrew his guilty plea and gave his lawyer the videotape of Mr Nicholson .
As the investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 32-year-old Terry DeGeus , disappeared months after Mr Nicholson and the Duncans .
Johnson lured Mr DeGeus , whom she dated before Honken , to a property where the kingpin beat him with a bat and shot him .
Investigators found the bodies of Mr Nicholson and the Duncans in 2000 in a wooded area outside Mason City .
The adults had been bound and gagged and shot multiple times .
The girls had each been shot once in the back of the head .
Mr DeGeus ’ body was found a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Honken was convicted of the killings in 2004 in a trial that featured extraordinary security measures , including an anonymous jury .
He was bolted to the floor of the courtroom and forced to wear a stun belt under his clothing to prevent escape attempts .
The jury recommended Honken be put to death for killing the girls and Mr Bennett agreed .
Johnson was convicted in a separate trial and sentenced to death .

A RUTHLESS Meth boss from Iowa who killed five people, including two young girls, in 1993 in a bid to thwart his prosecution for drug trafficking is to become the third federal inmate to be executed this week.
Dustin Honken, 52, would become the first Iowa defendant to be put to death since 1963 if he is executed as scheduled on Friday.
Iowa abolished the death penalty in 1965 but federal prosecutors sought to execute Honken for killing US Government informants and children.
Honken is set to die by lethal injection at the prison in Terre Haute, Indiana, where he has been on death row since 2005 and two other men have been put to death since Tuesday after a 17-year hiatus in federal executions.
His appeals to delay the execution have so far been denied.
Lori Duncan, her new boyfriend Greg Nicholson and her daughters were kidnapped and killed by Honken and his girlfriend in 1993, seven years before their bodies were found.
Susan Torres, 54, who was Ms Duncan’s sister-in-law and aunt to 10-year-old Kandi and six-year-old Amber, said of Honken: “He does deserve what he’s getting. I can tell you that. He deserved it a long time ago.”
Ms Torres, of Des Moines, Iowa, plans to attend the execution with other victims’ relatives.
Mark Bennett, the federal judge who oversaw Honken’s trial, said he generally opposes the death penalty but if anyone deserves to be executed, it is Honken.
He said Honken’s crimes were reprehensible and he had a fair legal process, including talented lawyers who “did an outstanding job with virtually nothing to work with”.
“I am not going to lose any sleep if he is executed,” said Mr Bennett, who has since retired from the bench.
“Normally I would but the evidence was so overwhelming.”
Mr Nicholson, who was one of Honken’s dealers, began co-operating with investigators in 1993 after coming under suspicion.
Honken was arrested and indicted for conspiring to manufacture meth after Mr Nicholson secretly recorded him and testified before a grand jury.
The kingpin informed the court he would plead guilty but days before his July 1993 plea hearing, he and his girlfriend, Angela Johnson, went searching for Mr Nicholson.
They found him at the home where he had moved in with Ms Duncan and her daughters.
Honken forced Mr Nicholson, 34, to record a statement declaring him innocent of the drug charges.
Mr Nicholson and the Duncans were taken to a remote area, fatally shot and buried.
Honken withdrew his guilty plea and gave his lawyer the videotape of Mr Nicholson.
As the investigation into Honken continued, his other dealer, 32-year-old Terry DeGeus, disappeared months after Mr Nicholson and the Duncans.
Johnson lured Mr DeGeus, whom she dated before Honken, to a property where the kingpin beat him with a bat and shot him.
Investigators found the bodies of Mr Nicholson and the Duncans in 2000 in a wooded area outside Mason City.
The adults had been bound and gagged and shot multiple times. The girls had each been shot once in the back of the head.
Mr DeGeus’ body was found a few miles away, his skull fractured.
Honken was convicted of the killings in 2004 in a trial that featured extraordinary security measures, including an anonymous jury.
He was bolted to the floor of the courtroom and forced to wear a stun belt under his clothing to prevent escape attempts.
The jury recommended Honken be put to death for killing the girls and Mr Bennett agreed.
Johnson was convicted in a separate trial and sentenced to death.


politicalite--2020-07-16--BAD VLAD: Russian Hackers Targeting Western Coronavirus Researchers, says British security agency

HACKERS linked to the Russian intelligence agencies are targeting British scientists seeking to develop a coronavirus vaccine , the National Cyber Security Centre ( NCSC ) has warned .
In a joint statement with the US National Security Agency and the Canadian Communication Security Establishment , the NCSC said the attacks were part of a global campaign by the group known as APT29 to steal the secrets of vaccine research .
NCSC director of operations Paul Chichester said : “ We condemn these despicable attacks against those doing vital work to combat the coronavirus pandemic .
“ Working with our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protecting our most critical assets and our top priority at this time is to protect the health sector .
“ We would urge organisations to familiarise themselves with the advice we have published to help defend their networks.
” The UK is home to two of the leading research programmes to develop a vaccine based at Oxford University and Imperial College London .
The NCSC said that , together with the US and the Canadians , it had assessed that APT29 – also known as the Dukes or Cozy Bear – was “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian intelligence services .
It said the group ’ s campaign of “ malicious activity ” was aimed predominantly at government , diplomatic , think-tank , healthcare and energy targets in an attempt to steal valuable intellectual property .
The NCSC has previously warned that APT ( standing for advanced persistent threat ) groups have been targeting organisations involved in both national and international Covid-19 research .
APT29 is said to use a variety of tools and techniques , including spear-phishing and custom malware known as “ WellMess ” and “ WellMail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said : “ It is completely unacceptable that the Russian Intelligence Services are targeting those working to combat the coronavirus pandemic .
“ While others pursue their selfish interests with reckless behaviour , the UK and its allies are getting on with the hard work of finding a vaccine and protecting global health .
“ The UK will continue to counter those conducting such cyber attacks , and work with our allies to hold perpetrators to account.
” APT29 has been operating for a number of years but this is the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the auspices of the GCHQ spy agency – has publicly linked it to Russian intelligence .
The group was previously implicated in attacks on the Democratic Party during the 2016 US presidential elections and its activities are said to be known at the “ highest level ” of the Russian state .
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic it is said to have been targeting research into vaccines and therapeutics in multiple countries , focusing particularly on pharmaceutical and academic institutions .
It is said to specialise in exploiting known vulnerabilities in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .

HACKERS linked to the Russian intelligence agencies are targeting British scientists seeking to develop a coronavirus vaccine, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has warned.
In a joint statement with the US National Security Agency and the Canadian Communication Security Establishment, the NCSC said the attacks were part of a global campaign by the group known as APT29 to steal the secrets of vaccine research.
NCSC director of operations Paul Chichester said: “We condemn these despicable attacks against those doing vital work to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
“Working with our allies, the NCSC is committed to protecting our most critical assets and our top priority at this time is to protect the health sector.
“We would urge organisations to familiarise themselves with the advice we have published to help defend their networks.”
The UK is home to two of the leading research programmes to develop a vaccine based at Oxford University and Imperial College London.
The NCSC said that, together with the US and the Canadians, it had assessed that APT29 – also known as the Dukes or Cozy Bear – was “almost certainly” operating as part of the Russian intelligence services.
It said the group’s campaign of “malicious activity” was aimed predominantly at government, diplomatic, think-tank, healthcare and energy targets in an attempt to steal valuable intellectual property.
The NCSC has previously warned that APT (standing for advanced persistent threat) groups have been targeting organisations involved in both national and international Covid-19 research.
APT29 is said to use a variety of tools and techniques, including spear-phishing and custom malware known as “WellMess” and “WellMail”.
Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, said: “It is completely unacceptable that the Russian Intelligence Services are targeting those working to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
“While others pursue their selfish interests with reckless behaviour, the UK and its allies are getting on with the hard work of finding a vaccine and protecting global health.
“The UK will continue to counter those conducting such cyber attacks, and work with our allies to hold perpetrators to account.”
APT29 has been operating for a number of years but this is the first time the NCSC – which operates under the auspices of the GCHQ spy agency – has publicly linked it to Russian intelligence.
The group was previously implicated in attacks on the Democratic Party during the 2016 US presidential elections and its activities are said to be known at the “highest level” of the Russian state.
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic it is said to have been targeting research into vaccines and therapeutics in multiple countries, focusing particularly on pharmaceutical and academic institutions.
It is said to specialise in exploiting known vulnerabilities in software and then rapidly “weaponising” them.
Additional Reporting by PA Media


politicalite--2020-07-16--FOOTBALL FRIENDLY: England to play Wales at Wembley in October

ENGLAND will face Wales in a friendly at Wembley Stadium on October 8 , the Football Association of Wales has @ @ @ @ @ be played behind closed doors before both sides return to Nations League action the following @ @ @ @ @ the first meeting of the home nations since Daniel Sturridge ’ s last-minute winner gave @ @ @ @ @ the group stages of Euro 2016 .
The fixture will also be the first international @ @ @ @ @ since the coronavirus outbreak , with no supporters in place .
England take on Nations @ @ @ @ @ in September but both games are away from home , with Gareth Southgate keen to @ @ @ @ @ the finals of the competition for the second time .
Ryan Giggs ’ Wales will @ @ @ @ @ face the Republic of Ireland three days after the Wembley friendly , while England host @ @ @ @ @ .

ENGLAND will face Wales in a friendly at Wembley Stadium on October 8, the Football Association of Wales has announced.
The game will be played behind closed doors before both sides return to Nations League action the following weekend.
It will be the first meeting of the home nations since Daniel Sturridge’s last-minute winner gave England a 2-1 victory during the group stages of Euro 2016.
The fixture will also be the first international to be held at Wembley since the coronavirus outbreak, with no supporters in place.
England take on Nations League rivals Iceland and Denmark in September but both games are away from home, with Gareth Southgate keen to replicate the success of reaching the finals of the competition for the second time.
Ryan Giggs’ Wales will make the short journey to face the Republic of Ireland three days after the Wembley friendly, while England host Belgium on the same day.
Additional Reporting by PA Media


politicalite--2020-07-16--SHA-MEME-AS: The Best Memes Have BEGUM Following ISIS Bride Upcoming Return To UK

BRITAIN is known for its sense of humour in the face of adversity , and Brits did not let the @ @ @ @ @ was announced that ISIS Bride Shamima would be returning to the UK to fight for @ @ @ @ @ have the ‘ ShaMEMEa ’ s Begum .
Here are some of social media ’ @ @ @ @

57 SHARES Share Tweet
BRITAIN is known for its sense of humour in the face of adversity, and Brits did not let the team down when the news was announced that ISIS Bride Shamima would be returning to the UK to fight for her citizenship, and boy have the ‘ShaMEMEa’s Begum.
Here are some of social media’s best responses.
We need this man now more than ever #ShamimaBegum pic.twitter.com/Ac15Tld3tv — T G J (@thatguysjokes) July 16, 2020
https://twitter.com/TheBeardOfSatan/status/1283783231129747457