politicalite--2020-12-12--DIVIDED STATES: Flynn Speaks at MAGA March as anti-Trumpers Clash with Proud Boys in DC

HUNDREDS of Thousands of President Trump supporters rallied with the former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn at what was dubbed the second ‘ Million MAGA march ’ in Washington DC on Saturday .
The rally was organised to protest US President Donald Trump ’ s loss in the US Presidential Election .
Flynn also attended the where he led prayer with the crowd before proceeding with the rest of his speech .
Donald Trump pardoned Flynn of ‘ any and all possible offences ’ last month .
Clearing the retired Army general of any crime he may have committed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Trump ’ s supporters still believe Donald Trump can overturn the election results and Flynn shared words of hope with the crowd .
“ We are in a crucial moment in the history of the United States of America .
Remember , the courts do not decide who the next President of the United States will be .
I will say , there are paths that are still in play .
Trust me , there ’ s a lot of activity that is still playing out , ” claimed Flynn .
Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Presidential Helicopter , Marine One , while his supporters and Flynn noticed and cheered for him .
LEFT-wing counter-protesters traded insults with supporters of US President Donald Trump .
Counter-protesters could be seen haranguing people they believed to be members of the Proud Boys , and they also exchanged insults with supporters of the president while lines of police kept the groups separate .
Some counter-protesters were seen being detained by the police .
Saturday ’ s event , which was organised in order to show support for Trump and his claims of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came as the US Supreme Court rejected unanimously a lawsuit brought by Texas , and backed by the president , that aimed to invalidate the results in Georgia , Michigan , Pennsylvania , and Wisconsin ; states which Trump lost .

HUNDREDS of Thousands of President Trump supporters rallied with the former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn at what was dubbed the second ‘Million MAGA march’ in Washington DC on Saturday.
The rally was organised to protest US President Donald Trump’s loss in the US Presidential Election. Flynn also attended the where he led prayer with the crowd before proceeding with the rest of his speech.
Donald Trump pardoned Flynn of ‘any and all possible offences’ last month. Clearing the retired Army general of any crime he may have committed in connection with the Mueller investigation.
Many of Trump’s supporters still believe Donald Trump can overturn the election results and Flynn shared words of hope with the crowd. “We are in a crucial moment in the history of the United States of America. Remember, the courts do not decide who the next President of the United States will be. I will say, there are paths that are still in play. Trust me, there’s a lot of activity that is still playing out,” claimed Flynn.
Donald Trump flew over the rally in his Presidential Helicopter, Marine One, while his supporters and Flynn noticed and cheered for him.
CLASHES
LEFT-wing counter-protesters traded insults with supporters of US President Donald Trump.
Counter-protesters could be seen haranguing people they believed to be members of the Proud Boys, and they also exchanged insults with supporters of the president while lines of police kept the groups separate.
Some counter-protesters were seen being detained by the police. Saturday’s event, which was organised in order to show support for Trump and his claims of fraud in the US presidential election, came as the US Supreme Court rejected unanimously a lawsuit brought by Texas, and backed by the president, that aimed to invalidate the results in Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin; states which Trump lost.
Additional reporting by Politicalite USA


politicalite--2020-12-12--BEN DURACELL JONES: Who Wants To See 50-Year-Old Men Getting Hit In The Head?

Ben ‘ Duracell ’ Jones is a former Professional Boxing Champion of five titles and is WBO World Number 4 , he is also a Motivational Speaker and a Personal Trainer .
HOW exciting was it to see this man return !
It was just a shame that it was ‘ all about Mike ’ , despite being that ferocious puncher that everyone loved , but for me – Roy Joner Jnr was one of my best fighters .
It was great to see two legends get back in the ring but it was all for entertainment it was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Jones who is naturally a super middleweight , but do I want to see it again ?
NO !
I don ’ t wan na see it ever happen again !
Who wants to see all of these older men not in their sporting prime come back , let ’ s remember them for being the legends they were .
There is a time to give up !
Do we really wan na be seeing 50-60-year-old men being punched in the head ?
He was such a talented man with skills that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will see that in him from his prime during the days when Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn were all fighting in Britain .
People like Roy Jones were the best of the best he was around the same weight but they refused to fight him !
There ’ s always the potential for these fights to go either way… We see the upset and shock to the heavyweight Boxing division when Ruiz beat Joshua in the first fight but let ’ s be honest would Eddie Hearn or AJ sign up to this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk of these big fights coming up in the future ?
it ’ s going to be a heavy sparring session with a lovely bit of money made .
No disrespect to Pulev but this will be AJ just getting rid of the ring rust .
An absolute shambles of a fight !
Respect to Nate as a professional athlete but he wouldn ’ t have been able to of been allowed to fight as an amateur he wasn ’ t ready , but as they say , money talks .
People can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learning the defensive side in boxing takes a lot of time .
Let ’ s also be honest , Logan would struggle to fight Amateurs , he wouldn ’ t even get in the ABA ’ s , especially here in the UK !
How has he even got the opportunity to fight someone with 50 professional wins under his belt ?
It ’ s mental !
It was a complete circus of a fight .
In my eyes , Billy Joe Saunders fight went exactly how I thought it would go , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with how he moves .
He ’ s slick and is a very tidy boxer .
This makes it very difficult for his opponents .
Murray at his age is a tough fighter but is very robotic which made it a win for Saunders all day long and he rightfully regained his WBO middleweight title .
His next opponent has to be Canelo .
He ’ s got to be given the chance to show what a great fighter he is and I think Billy Joe could give anyone trouble in the boxing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slick and elusive boxer .
Its time for him to have the opportunity in my eyes !
I look at this as a very strange fight for Callum , I highly rate Smith , He ’ s a great fighter and could potentially give a great fight the man ’ s a unit , it won ’ t be long until he moves up the weights .
I ’ m intrigued to see what happens as Smith was flawless but his last fight against John Ryder ( who isn ’ t a bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exactly at the World Class Standard and to me , he seems to underestimate his opponent .
He took a wobble , and looked at him as an easy opponent or took a back step or even just underestimated him he didn ’ t cope with him well and that ’ s nothing against Ryder but we are talking now about him facing probably the best pound for pound fighter Canelo will be a very different fight as he is probably one the best P4P fighters so Callum will have to be at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
Louie Lynn is a cracking fighter we trained at the same Amateur Boxing Club in Crawley ABC .
And he trained at Battle Bridge when I was a pro .
He was number one in Great Britain as an amateur and he is now really showing to his full potential .
Lynn is a very skilful boxer has the heart of a lion !
I see Lynn as being a very determined guy !
He is at the place he is because of his own determination and hard work , he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to watch has to be McCann .
He is very talented and has a bit of spite about him , very skillfull , very slick , has a lot of energy and has a lot of great potential and is definitely one to look out for @ Rich_Jonesy asked : Who is the hardest working fighter you know ?
Ben says : Louie Lynn without a doubt the lad pushes himself to the beyond !
He was very similar to me when I was fighting .
I remember one year it was snowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put my Timberlands on and went for a run it was mad but that ’ s the sort of person I am , always pushing myself to the next level .
@ VikingSports Limited Asked : What ’ s the hardest thing to learn in boxing ?
Ben says : For me one of the hardest things I believe is to learn is very good movement !
don ’ t get me wrong , If someone has good movement but can ’ t throw a punch there in trouble and vice versa , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easier to learn the different punches then it is to master the art of movement .
Jason asked : What would you of done differently in your pro career ?
Ben says : I would have stayed with Matchroom instead of getting greedy jumping ship for a bigger contract with the Fight Factory .
More from Ben next week .

Ben ‘Duracell’ Jones is a former Professional Boxing Champion of five titles and is WBO World Number 4, he is also a Motivational Speaker and a Personal Trainer.
HOW exciting was it to see this man return! It was just a shame that it was ‘all about Mike’, despite being that ferocious puncher that everyone loved, but for me – Roy Joner Jnr was one of my best fighters.
It was great to see two legends get back in the ring but it was all for entertainment it was a tough sparring session I guess, especially for Jones who is naturally a super middleweight, but do I want to see it again? NO! I don’t wanna see it ever happen again! Who wants to see all of these older men not in their sporting prime come back, let’s remember them for being the legends they were. There is a time to give up! Do we really wanna be seeing 50-60-year-old men being punched in the head?
ANALYSIS
He was such a talented man with skills that are beyond belief. Real Boxing fans will see that in him from his prime during the days when Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn were all fighting in Britain.
People like Roy Jones were the best of the best he was around the same weight but they refused to fight him!
There’s always the potential for these fights to go either way… We see the upset and shock to the heavyweight Boxing division when Ruiz beat Joshua in the first fight but let’s be honest would Eddie Hearn or AJ sign up to this knowing they would lose with all the talk of these big fights coming up in the future? it’s going to be a heavy sparring session with a lovely bit of money made. No disrespect to Pulev but this will be AJ just getting rid of the ring rust.
An absolute shambles of a fight! Respect to Nate as a professional athlete but he wouldn’t have been able to of been allowed to fight as an amateur he wasn’t ready, but as they say, money talks.
People can learn how to punch very quickly but learning the defensive side in boxing takes a lot of time. Let’s also be honest, Logan would struggle to fight Amateurs, he wouldn’t even get in the ABA’s, especially here in the UK!
How has he even got the opportunity to fight someone with 50 professional wins under his belt? It’s mental! It was a complete circus of a fight.
In my eyes, Billy Joe Saunders fight went exactly how I thought it would go, Saunders is very comfortable in the ring with how he moves. He’s slick and is a very tidy boxer.
This makes it very difficult for his opponents.
Murray at his age is a tough fighter but is very robotic which made it a win for Saunders all day long and he rightfully regained his WBO middleweight title.
“Saunders has done everything he could of and should have done so well done to Billy!
His next opponent has to be Canelo. He’s got to be given the chance to show what a great fighter he is and I think Billy Joe could give anyone trouble in the boxing ring due to him being such a slick and elusive boxer. Its time for him to have the opportunity in my eyes!
I look at this as a very strange fight for Callum, I highly rate Smith, He’s a great fighter and could potentially give a great fight the man’s a unit, it won’t be long until he moves up the weights.
I’m intrigued to see what happens as Smith was flawless but his last fight against John Ryder (who isn’t a bad boxer) but he’s no exactly at the World Class Standard and to me, he seems to underestimate his opponent.
He took a wobble, and looked at him as an easy opponent or took a back step or even just underestimated him he didn’t cope with him well and that’s nothing against Ryder but we are talking now about him facing probably the best pound for pound fighter Canelo will be a very different fight as he is probably one the best P4P fighters so Callum will have to be at the top of his game against him!
LOUIE LYNN
Louie Lynn is a cracking fighter we trained at the same Amateur Boxing Club in Crawley ABC. And he trained at Battle Bridge when I was a pro.
He was number one in Great Britain as an amateur and he is now really showing to his full potential. Lynn is a very skilful boxer has the heart of a lion! I see Lynn as being a very determined guy!
He is at the place he is because of his own determination and hard work, he’s aiming for perfection.
DENNIS McCANN
Another one to watch has to be McCann. He is very talented and has a bit of spite about him, very skillfull, very slick, has a lot of energy and has a lot of great potential and is definitely one to look out for
@Rich_Jonesy asked: Who is the hardest working fighter you know?
Ben says: Louie Lynn without a doubt the lad pushes himself to the beyond! He was very similar to me when I was fighting. I remember one year it was snowing probably about a metre of snow.. I put my Timberlands on and went for a run it was mad but that’s the sort of person I am, always pushing myself to the next level.
@VikingSports Limited Asked: What’s the hardest thing to learn in boxing?
Ben says: For me one of the hardest things I believe is to learn is very good movement! don’t get me wrong, If someone has good movement but can’t throw a punch there in trouble and vice versa, but its a hell of a lot easier to learn the different punches then it is to master the art of movement.
Jason asked: What would you of done differently in your pro career?
Ben says: I would have stayed with Matchroom instead of getting greedy jumping ship for a bigger contract with the Fight Factory.
More from Ben next week.


politicalite--2020-12-13--DEVASTATING INCIDENT: 14 & 19 y/o Arrested Over Death Of Boy ‘Secondary School Age’

A 14-year-old boy and a man aged 19 have been arrested on suspicion of murder after the body of a boy “ of secondary school age ” was found .
The body was found in Fishtoft , near Boston , on Saturday , Lincolnshire Police said .
The two teenage suspects remain in custody as police carry out “ meticulous ” inquiries , the force added .
It added in a statement : “ Final identification is yet to take place but we now believe the victim to be a boy of secondary school age .
“ Two males , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrested on suspicion of murder .
They remain in police custody.
” Detective Superintendent Martyn Parker said : “ This is a devastating incident in which a young boy has lost his life .
The impact will no doubt be felt greatly in the community and beyond .
“ We are working with those affected to keep them informed and offer our support .
“ I want to reassure the public that we will do all in our power to meticulously investigate the circumstances of this young boy ’ s death and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that could support this investigation to get in touch.
” The force appealed for anyone with CCTV covering the junction of Freiston Road and Woodthorpe Avenue and the entire length of Wing Drive and Alcorn Green between 8pm on Friday and 10.22am on Saturday to come forward .
Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting the reference 116 of December 12 ; email force.control @ lincs.pnn.police.uk quoting the same reference , or call anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org .

A 14-year-old boy and a man aged 19 have been arrested on suspicion of murder after the body of a boy “of secondary school age” was found.
The body was found in Fishtoft, near Boston, on Saturday, Lincolnshire Police said.
The two teenage suspects remain in custody as police carry out “meticulous” inquiries, the force added.
It added in a statement: “Final identification is yet to take place but we now believe the victim to be a boy of secondary school age.
“Two males, aged 14 and 19, have been arrested on suspicion of murder. They remain in police custody.”
Detective Superintendent Martyn Parker said: “This is a devastating incident in which a young boy has lost his life. The impact will no doubt be felt greatly in the community and beyond.
“We are working with those affected to keep them informed and offer our support.
“I want to reassure the public that we will do all in our power to meticulously investigate the circumstances of this young boy’s death and we would urge anyone who has any information that could support this investigation to get in touch.”
The force appealed for anyone with CCTV covering the junction of Freiston Road and Woodthorpe Avenue and the entire length of Wing Drive and Alcorn Green between 8pm on Friday and 10.22am on Saturday to come forward.
Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting the reference 116 of December 12; email [email protected] quoting the same reference, or call anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
Additional Reporting By The Press Association


politicalite--2020-12-14--BOSH: Proper Geezer Thomas Skinner ‘in Bid for London Mayor’

APPRENTICE star Thomas Skinner has signalled that he will run for London Mayor in the capital ’ s elections next year .
Thomas , 29 who shot to fame on BBC1 ’ s Apprentice , broke the news on his Twitter feed .
He vowed to “ sort this mess out ” whilst promising to fight for left-behind Londoners .
The proper geezer who has recently become a father told his 100,000 followers on Twitter that he would be straight up in ( his words ) “ parliament gaff ” and vowed to “ tell off ” Britain ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed that there was “ a massive disconnection between the normal people and certain MPs.
” in a post on his Twitter feed .
Speaking on the Corona crisis the BBC reality star announced : “ We needs [ sic ] to stick together in crisis .
Not shatter industries and punish the working class .
Big Tom ’ s Got Ya Back !
” Mr Skinner is also the owner of the East London based Fluffy Pillow Company was praised earlier this year after helping the nation in their deliveries and sleeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nation with his hilarious Twitter posts , earning much praise on social media .
On his social media profile , he highlighted how he was selling this stuff for the ‘ best price in the country ’ , and that he went as far as ‘ 400 miles ’ to deliver his items , showing his commitment to the job .
He has given hints to the expansion of the business in the coming days .

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APPRENTICE star Thomas Skinner has signalled that he will run for London Mayor in the capital’s elections next year.
Thomas, 29 who shot to fame on BBC1’s Apprentice, broke the news on his Twitter feed.
He vowed to “sort this mess out” whilst promising to fight for left-behind Londoners.
The proper geezer who has recently become a father told his 100,000 followers on Twitter that he would be straight up in (his words) “parliament gaff” and vowed to “tell off” Britain’s 650 MPs.
Skinner, 29 also claimed that there was “a massive disconnection between the normal people and certain MPs.” in a post on his Twitter feed.
I will sort this mess out. Stand on me. I’ll fight for you! Get me in parliament. pic.twitter.com/mzMtltQM05 — Thomas Skinner ⚒ (@iamtomskinner) December 14, 2020
Speaking on the Corona crisis the BBC reality star announced: “We needs [sic] to stick together in crisis. Not shatter industries and punish the working class. Big Tom’s Got Ya Back!”
Mr Skinner is also the owner of the East London based Fluffy Pillow Company was praised earlier this year after helping the nation in their deliveries and sleeping patterns through his work, and entertaining the nation with his hilarious Twitter posts, earning much praise on social media.
On his social media profile, he highlighted how he was selling this stuff for the ‘best price in the country’, and that he went as far as ‘400 miles’ to deliver his items, showing his commitment to the job. He has given hints to the expansion of the business in the coming days.


politicalite--2020-12-14--YOU PLONKER! Dumb Leftie Journalist Brands Only Fools ‘Racist’ and ‘Sexist’

A LEFTIE hack has sparked a row after branding one of Britain ’ s most loved sitcoms ‘ racist ’ after watching it for the first time .
April Curtin a reporter for Mirror owned website ‘ MyLondon ’ claims to be “ a proud Northerner but a London lover ” , but showed no love for John Sullivan ’ s classic London based comedy that ’ s loved up and down the country .
She headlined her woke hit-piece with “ I watched Only Fools and Horses for the first time and was just mortified ” She moaned : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the episode when I gave up hope !
” April added : “ Starting series one , episode one with ‘ jokes ’ at the expense of black people immediately sets the sinister tone for yet another racist and sexist show.
” “ Grandad ’ s inability to pronounce a black man ’ s name is unkind and frankly boring .
The fact it turns out to be another black man they are talking about is even more so.
” “ Make all the excuses you want , but three white men saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” DUMB Leftists on Twitter ran into their safe spaces and branded Only Fools and Horses ‘ Offensive ’ and ‘ Racist ’ when the classic comedy hit Netflix in 2018 .
Millennials said that the record-breaking show that first aired on BBC1 in 1981 was ‘ Horrifically racist ’ and said that ‘ Society moves on from the viewpoints shown in cherished TV shows.
’ Another said : ‘ Didn ’ t notice it at the time but Only Fools and Horses was racist as fuck .
Looks quite shocking when you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he ‘ didn ’ t notice ’ how ‘ racist ’ the show was when it hit screens when he was younger .
Only Fools represented Britain as it was back then – it ’ s a classic working-class comedy-drama that is cherished in the hearts of Brits , the iconic show was also part of many of our childhoods , especially at Christmas when it would regularly pull in 20 million .
Many gritty shows about working-class London had offensive terms , even EastEnders included racial slurs when it launched to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In one classic episode ‘ Many Happy Returns ’ Del Boy gives a young white boy 50 pence and tells him to go get an Icecream from the ‘ Pakis ’ on the corner – a term used by millions of working-class Brits throughout the 70s , 80 , 90s and early 2000s .
The young lad then asks for another 50p for his black friend who he calls his ‘ brother ’ Only Fools writer John Sullivan may have used a racist term , but he then showed that a young white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ brother ’ and didn ’ t see a problem with that .
How can that be racist ?
Surprisingly , one Sri Lankan immigrant backed the hit show and claimed that Only Fools spoke to his family of Immigrants .
Jason Murugesu who is a writer for The New Statesman said that despite Del being White , he resonated with the hard-working immigrants who came to Britain in the 70s and 80s .
“ I don ’ t think there has been a show with which the British Asian community has identified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apartments , hideous furniture , tacky wallpaper , makeshift dining tables and elder statesmen occupying dusty armchairs .
The Trotters ’ flat in Nelson Mandela House looked like all the homes of my relatives .
Whereas other hit shows of the 90s , such as Seinfeld and Friends , revolved around a group of self-obsessed characters who were all affluent , white and attractive , Only Fools employed a cavalcade of characters which were true to our lives .
Del Boy ’ s circle of friends looked like my dad ’ s .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and street cleaners .
People who weren ’ t always comfortable , but we ’ re doing all right.
” That ’ s just the point , Only Fools was such a success because it showed the highs and lows of life , Del may have stolen , cheated and conned people but when push came to shove , he made the right decision and never grassed on his pals – that ’ s just the working-class way .
Only Fools should inspire lefties and teach them that poor people don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strive – and most of us want to get rich quick – just like Del did .
The market trader who works hard and doesn ’ t beg the state for handouts or go to a food bank .
David Jason who played Del Boy was accused of racism in 2017 when , during a Jubilee radio broadcast , he told a story the Queen had once told about mistaking an ambassador for a gorilla .
“ It ’ s all gone too far , ” Mr Jason said .
‘ We should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he told The Daily Mail .
“ Comedy is anarchy and if you start making rules about what we can not laugh about then it ’ s all lost.
” He added : “ I find it sad that we allow the voices on Twitter and the like to take over and dictate what we can say .
It ’ s given too much credence .
A lot of the comedy I ’ ve done couldn ’ t be done today for those reasons .
My first role with Ronnie Barker was when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was throwing banana skins and I was slipping on them.
” “ When we did Open All Hours , Ronnie wanted Arkwright to have a stutter .
We had two letters of complaint sent to us and two letters from people saying they were pleased Ronnie was bringing stuttering to the fore .
“ We did all have a discussion about it .
The producers talked to Ronnie .
Ronnie stood his ground and said the character is funny and that the stuttering was a comic device that worked on several levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to the four people and the whole matter was discussed , thought about , explained and dealt with .
Now you just need one comment to destroy everything.
” What do you think , is Only Fools racist ?
or is it time to ignore the professional moaners on Twitter ?

1.4k SHARES Share Tweet
A LEFTIE hack has sparked a row after branding one of Britain’s most loved sitcoms ‘racist’ after watching it for the first time.
April Curtin a reporter for Mirror owned website ‘MyLondon’ claims to be “a proud Northerner but a London lover”, but showed no love for John Sullivan’s classic London based comedy that’s loved up and down the country.
She headlined her woke hit-piece with “I watched Only Fools and Horses for the first time and was just mortified”
She moaned: “I was approximately 30 seconds into the episode when I gave up hope!”
“The humour was uncomfortable and unnecessary”
SEXIST AND RACIST!
April added: “Starting series one, episode one with ‘jokes’ at the expense of black people immediately sets the sinister tone for yet another racist and sexist show.”
“Grandad’s inability to pronounce a black man’s name is unkind and frankly boring. The fact it turns out to be another black man they are talking about is even more so.”
“Make all the excuses you want, but three white men saying such things is completely uncomfortable and unnecessary.”
LEFTIES HATE THE WORKING-CLASS
DUMB Leftists on Twitter ran into their safe spaces and branded Only Fools and Horses ‘Offensive’ and ‘Racist’ when the classic comedy hit Netflix in 2018.
Millennials said that the record-breaking show that first aired on BBC1 in 1981 was ‘Horrifically racist’ and said that ‘Society moves on from the viewpoints shown in cherished TV shows.’
Another said: ‘Didn’t notice it at the time but Only Fools and Horses was racist as fuck. Looks quite shocking when you watch it now.’
And one claimed that he ‘didn’t notice’ how ‘racist’ the show was when it hit screens when he was younger.
Only Fools represented Britain as it was back then – it’s a classic working-class comedy-drama that is cherished in the hearts of Brits, the iconic show was also part of many of our childhoods, especially at Christmas when it would regularly pull in 20 million.
Many gritty shows about working-class London had offensive terms, even EastEnders included racial slurs when it launched to immediate success on BBC1 in 1985.
In one classic episode ‘Many Happy Returns’ Del Boy gives a young white boy 50 pence and tells him to go get an Icecream from the ‘Pakis’ on the corner – a term used by millions of working-class Brits throughout the 70s, 80, 90s and early 2000s.
The young lad then asks for another 50p for his black friend who he calls his ‘brother’ Only Fools writer John Sullivan may have used a racist term, but he then showed that a young white lad saw a black kid as his ‘brother’ and didn’t see a problem with that. How can that be racist?
Surprisingly, one Sri Lankan immigrant backed the hit show and claimed that Only Fools spoke to his family of Immigrants.
Jason Murugesu who is a writer for The New Statesman said that despite Del being White, he resonated with the hard-working immigrants who came to Britain in the 70s and 80s. “I don’t think there has been a show with which the British Asian community has identified more.” said Murugesu.
“Cramped apartments, hideous furniture, tacky wallpaper, makeshift dining tables and elder statesmen occupying dusty armchairs. The Trotters’ flat in Nelson Mandela House looked like all the homes of my relatives.
Whereas other hit shows of the 90s, such as Seinfeld and Friends, revolved around a group of self-obsessed characters who were all affluent, white and attractive, Only Fools employed a cavalcade of characters which were true to our lives. Del Boy’s circle of friends looked like my dad’s.
They were electricians, shop owners, and street cleaners. People who weren’t always comfortable, but we’re doing all right.”
That’s just the point, Only Fools was such a success because it showed the highs and lows of life, Del may have stolen, cheated and conned people but when push came to shove, he made the right decision and never grassed on his pals – that’s just the working-class way.
Only Fools should inspire lefties and teach them that poor people don’t want a handout, they want to strive – and most of us want to get rich quick – just like Del did. The market trader who works hard and doesn’t beg the state for handouts or go to a food bank.
David Jason who played Del Boy was accused of racism in 2017 when, during a Jubilee radio broadcast, he told a story the Queen had once told about mistaking an ambassador for a gorilla.
“It’s all gone too far,” Mr Jason said.
‘We should be able to laugh at ourselves. he told The Daily Mail. “Comedy is anarchy and if you start making rules about what we cannot laugh about then it’s all lost.”
He added: “I find it sad that we allow the voices on Twitter and the like to take over and dictate what we can say. It’s given too much credence. A lot of the comedy I’ve done couldn’t be done today for those reasons. My first role with Ronnie Barker was when he was playing Abdul The Filthy and he was throwing banana skins and I was slipping on them.”
“When we did Open All Hours, Ronnie wanted Arkwright to have a stutter. We had two letters of complaint sent to us and two letters from people saying they were pleased Ronnie was bringing stuttering to the fore.
“We did all have a discussion about it. The producers talked to Ronnie. Ronnie stood his ground and said the character is funny and that the stuttering was a comic device that worked on several levels. The producer wrote a long letter back to the four people and the whole matter was discussed, thought about, explained and dealt with. Now you just need one comment to destroy everything.”
What do you think, is Only Fools racist? or is it time to ignore the professional moaners on Twitter?
Comment Below.


politicalite--2020-12-14--TURNING TIERS! London set for Tier 3 Lockdown, Despite Economic Damage

LONDON ’ s move into tougher Covid-19 restrictions is “ another nail in the coffin ” for the city ’ s pubs and a “ hammer blow ” to the West End ’ s restaurants and hotels , industry chiefs have warned .
Hospitality venues must close , except for takeaway and delivery , in the capital as well as parts of Essex and Hertfordshire from Wednesday as the areas are plunged into Tier 3 rules .
The fresh restrictions come into force just two weeks after pubs , restaurants , bars and cafes were allowed to reopen following a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see them remain closed throughout the Christmas and New Year period .
The British Beer & Pub Association said in London alone the restrictions will force 1,250 pubs that remained open in Tier 2 to close , putting nearly 8,000 more jobs at risk .
In total , 56,000 jobs in the sector are now at risk with all of the capital ’ s 3,680 pubs forced to close except for takeaways , according to the trade association , which is calling for more financial support for pubs and brewers across the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the British Beer & Pub Association , said : “ Moving into Tier 3 is another nail in the coffin for London ’ s pubs , as well as those affected in parts of Hertfordshire and Essex .
“ It could completely destroy many pubs in London and parts of Hertfordshire and Essex who have taken bookings for the lead-up to Christmas and New Year ’ s Eve if the tiers don ’ t change before then .
“ It is cruel on hardworking publicans doing all they can to support their communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety measures .
Especially as the Government ’ s own evidence shows pubs are safe .
“ It is also cruel in stopping friends , families and loved-ones from using their local this Christmas as a safe space to socialise in , with all the evidence showing that pubs are ranked amongst the lowest places for transmission.
” UKHospitality called the Tier 3 move “ illogical ” and said the Government ’ s system puts an unfair burden on hospitality businesses without effectively tackling Covid-19 .
The trade association ’ s chief executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is cracking down on hospitality for an increase in the infection rates that occurred during a period when hospitality was forcibly closed .
It makes no sense.
” Will Bowlby , who runs the Kricket Indian restaurant chain in London , was also critical of the Government ’ s handling of the crisis .
“ I understand that things change but I feel like there ’ s just been mixed messages , ” he said .
“ Whether it ’ s applied to businesses or to people in general , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adapt .
“ You would have thought over time their messaging might have got a bit clearer but it hasn ’ t. ” Clover Eziashi , who has run Lounge Brixton , in south London for around 20 years , said her “ heart bleeds ” at having to shut down again after preparing for Christmas .
“ The lockdown of this last month and then opening up , people just went into a frenzy , ” she said .
“ It ’ s just not working , obviously it hasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve already put so much money into restocking , that ’ s where my heart bleeds a little bit .
“ We ’ ve geared up for Christmas , what are we going to do with all of this stock ?
” The director of the Theatres Trust , Jon Morgan , branded the move announced on Monday a “ disaster ” for London ’ s theatres , adding : “ Theatres have worked incredibly hard to create safe environments for audiences and through no fault of their own will now face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief executive at New West End Company , said : “ However well telegraphed , today ’ s announcement comes as a hammer blow to the West End ’ s restaurants and hotels .
“ Advising against travel will heap further pressure on retailers that have invested millions in enhanced safety measures and staff training to support trade .
”

LONDON’s move into tougher Covid-19 restrictions is “another nail in the coffin” for the city’s pubs and a “hammer blow” to the West End’s restaurants and hotels, industry chiefs have warned.
Hospitality venues must close, except for takeaway and delivery, in the capital as well as parts of Essex and Hertfordshire from Wednesday as the areas are plunged into Tier 3 rules.
The fresh restrictions come into force just two weeks after pubs, restaurants, bars and cafes were allowed to reopen following a second national lockdown in England and could see them remain closed throughout the Christmas and New Year period.
The British Beer & Pub Association said in London alone the restrictions will force 1,250 pubs that remained open in Tier 2 to close, putting nearly 8,000 more jobs at risk.
In total, 56,000 jobs in the sector are now at risk with all of the capital’s 3,680 pubs forced to close except for takeaways, according to the trade association, which is calling for more financial support for pubs and brewers across the country.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “Moving into Tier 3 is another nail in the coffin for London’s pubs, as well as those affected in parts of Hertfordshire and Essex.
“It could completely destroy many pubs in London and parts of Hertfordshire and Essex who have taken bookings for the lead-up to Christmas and New Year’s Eve if the tiers don’t change before then.
“It is cruel on hardworking publicans doing all they can to support their communities and invest in implementing all the required safety measures. Especially as the Government’s own evidence shows pubs are safe.
“It is also cruel in stopping friends, families and loved-ones from using their local this Christmas as a safe space to socialise in, with all the evidence showing that pubs are ranked amongst the lowest places for transmission.”
UKHospitality called the Tier 3 move “illogical” and said the Government’s system puts an unfair burden on hospitality businesses without effectively tackling Covid-19.
The trade association’s chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “The Government is cracking down on hospitality for an increase in the infection rates that occurred during a period when hospitality was forcibly closed. It makes no sense.”
Will Bowlby, who runs the Kricket Indian restaurant chain in London, was also critical of the Government’s handling of the crisis.
“I understand that things change but I feel like there’s just been mixed messages,” he said.
“Whether it’s applied to businesses or to people in general, it’s made it a lot more difficult to adapt.
“You would have thought over time their messaging might have got a bit clearer but it hasn’t.”
Clover Eziashi, who has run Lounge Brixton, in south London for around 20 years, said her “heart bleeds” at having to shut down again after preparing for Christmas.
“The lockdown of this last month and then opening up, people just went into a frenzy,” she said.
“It’s just not working, obviously it hasn’t worked shutting us down again when we’ve already put so much money into restocking, that’s where my heart bleeds a little bit.
“We’ve geared up for Christmas, what are we going to do with all of this stock?”
The director of the Theatres Trust, Jon Morgan, branded the move announced on Monday a “disaster” for London’s theatres, adding: “Theatres have worked incredibly hard to create safe environments for audiences and through no fault of their own will now face enormous financial losses.”
Jace Tyrrell, chief executive at New West End Company, said: “However well telegraphed, today’s announcement comes as a hammer blow to the West End’s restaurants and hotels.
“Advising against travel will heap further pressure on retailers that have invested millions in enhanced safety measures and staff training to support trade.”
Additional Reporting by PA Media


politicalite--2020-12-15--BETRAYAL: Grooming Gangs Report ‘Dumbed Down’ Over Racism Fears

BRITAIN ’ s Home Office has found that Grooming Gang perpetrators come from a “ diverse ” range of backgrounds , despite a clear majority of Pakistani origin offenders .
The Home Office review into one of the UK ’ s most under-reported social issues was accused of being “ watered down ” after a lengthy delay as campaigners warn that the problem “ has not gone away ” The review that was ordered under Sajid Javid was blasted by current Home Secretary Priti Patel who said she was “ disappointed ” in the investigation .
The report reveals : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we have found that in the operations reflected , offender groups come from diverse backgrounds , with each group being broadly ethnically homogenous.
” The probe was a response into the shocking gang rape and forced prostitution of dozens of criminal gang networks profiting from the sale of underage sex in working-class communities across the UK .
Rotherham , Rochdale and Telford were all highlighted in the reveiw – and the ‘ men ’ behind the child abuse networks were made up of men from Pakistani origin .
Campaigners fighting for justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watered down ” after fears of being accused of racism and a “ politically correct ” climate following the Black Lives Matter protests in the UK .
Ms Patel said : “ Some studies have indicated an over-representation of Asian and Black offenders .
However , it is difficult to draw conclusions about the ethnicity of offenders as existing research is limited and data collection is poor.
” “ This is disappointing because community and cultural factors are clearly relevant to understanding and tackling offending.
” “ Therefore , a commitment to improve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group-based child sexual exploitation , including in relation to characteristics of offenders such as ethnicity and other factors , will be included in the forthcoming Tackling Child Sexual Abuse Strategy .
”

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BRITAIN’s Home Office has found that Grooming Gang perpetrators come from a “diverse” range of backgrounds, despite a clear majority of Pakistani origin offenders.
The Home Office review into one of the UK’s most under-reported social issues was accused of being “watered down” after a lengthy delay as campaigners warn that the problem “has not gone away”
The review that was ordered under Sajid Javid was blasted by current Home Secretary Priti Patel who said she was “disappointed” in the investigation.
The report reveals: “During our conversations with police forces, we have found that in the operations reflected, offender groups come from diverse backgrounds, with each group being broadly ethnically homogenous.”
The probe was a response into the shocking gang rape and forced prostitution of dozens of criminal gang networks profiting from the sale of underage sex in working-class communities across the UK.
Rotherham, Rochdale and Telford were all highlighted in the reveiw – and the ‘men’ behind the child abuse networks were made up of men from Pakistani origin.
Campaigners fighting for justice say that the review has been “watered down” after fears of being accused of racism and a “politically correct” climate following the Black Lives Matter protests in the UK.
Ms Patel said: “Some studies have indicated an over-representation of Asian and Black offenders. However, it is difficult to draw conclusions about the ethnicity of offenders as existing research is limited and data collection is poor.”
“This is disappointing because community and cultural factors are clearly relevant to understanding and tackling offending.”
“Therefore, a commitment to improve the collection and analysis of data on group-based child sexual exploitation, including in relation to characteristics of offenders such as ethnicity and other factors, will be included in the forthcoming Tackling Child Sexual Abuse Strategy.”
More follows.


politicalite--2020-12-15--PHOENIX NIGHTS: Gtr Manchester ‘To Be Set Free’ as London Heads Into Tier 3

GREATER Manchester looks set to have the latest laugh in the North vs South Lockdown war over the festive period as London is forced into Tier 3 .
The Capital and Greater London will move from Tier 2 to Tier 3 from midnight tonight as the latest figures show rates are rising rapidly in all 32 areas of the Greater London area , with the biggest jump in the London borough of Havering .
This is also the highest rate anywhere in London , and the fourth highest in the whole of England with The City of Westminster has the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the top 50 highest rates in England are currently in London .
Tory party sources told Politicalite that the Greater Manchester region would be put into Tier 2 from midnight on Friday night .
This means that the regions restaurants , pubs and bars will be eligible to re-open in a limited capacity from Saturday .
The downgrade in restrictons would come after more than TWO months of strict measures that have forced Northerners to live under some of the toughest measures in the country .
• None In tier ONE , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with last orders at 22:00 • None In tier TWO , pubs and bars can also open until 23:00 , but only if they operate as a restaurant .
Alcohol can only be served with a substantial meal .
• None In tier THREE , hospitality venues must close apart from delivery , takeaway and drive-through services Tory MPs are also fighting for Manchester to exit Tier 3 with Bolton MP Mark Logan promising to “ fight ” for the Red-Wall area to leave the most stringent measures .
Bolton North East MP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve been looking at the numbers very closely , and as I promised just a couple of weeks ago , if we are under an infection rate of 200 per 100,000 and the other factors are looking pretty good I ’ m going to be pushing for us.
” The Red Wall MP added : “ That ’ s why on behalf of everyone in Bolton North East I will be lobbying the government hard to make sure we go into Tier 2.
” “ But given all this great effort from us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follow the rules and prevent a third wave.
” “ After all , it ’ s a fragile pandemic and anywhere can easily slip back into the red zone.
” Sir Graham Brady is also an anti-lockdown advocate and is the chair of the influential 1922 committee of backbench Tory MPs that holds the power to remove a Prime Minister .
Trafford council leader Andrew Western has also called for his Greater Manchester area to be removed from Tier 3 .
The Councillor wrote to the Government and said : “ It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all three local MPs – that Trafford should be removed from Tier 3 and placed in Tier 2 , given that our rates have continued to decline.
” TWO Thirds of areas across England are seeing a rise in Covid-19 case rates .
Seven days ago , 126 out of a total of 315 local authority areas had recorded a week-on-week jump in rates .
That figure now stands at 222 .
There is considerable variation in the level of rates among the different regions of England , however .
There are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tier 3 where rates have dropped steeply – and areas in Tier 2 where they have risen sharply .
The Government has already announced that London and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire are moving from Tier 2 to Tier 3 from 12.01am on December 16 .
Other changes could be announced this week following a review on Wednesday of the current system of tiers .
Here is a region-by-region guide to all the latest figures , including the areas recording the biggest week-on-week rise and fall .
In all instances , the rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have been calculated by Politicalite using data published by Public Health England .
This is currently the only region in England entirely in Tier 3 of the Government ’ s Covid-19 restrictions .
Case rates had previously been dropping in all local areas , but the latest figures show increases in four places : County Durham , Middlesbrough , South Tyneside and Redcar & Cleveland .
Rates overall are at a lower level than much of southern England , however .
The biggest week-on-week rise is in South Tyneside , up from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is also the highest rate in the region .
North Tyneside has seen the biggest fall , down from 152.9 to 125.1 .
The lowest rate is in Gateshead : 92.1 , down from 107.4 .
Most of north-west England has been in Tier 3 , with some notable exceptions : the six local authorities within the Liverpool City Region ; Warrington ; Cheshire East ; Cheshire West & Chester ; and all the local authorities in the county of Cumbria .
All of these have been in Tier 2 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of all local areas in the region – 22 areas out of 39 .
But , as with north-east England , rates across this region are typically lower than most areas in the southern half of the country .
Ribble Valley ( Tier 3 ) has seen the biggest week-on-week jump , up from 139.6 to 197.1 .
The biggest fall is in Pendle ( also Tier 3 ) , down from 289.9 to 233.4 .
Burnley ( Tier 3 ) has the highest rate in the region – 298.0 , up from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lowest : 22.0 , down from 44.0 .
Almost the whole of this region has been in Tier 3 , except for the city of York and the county of North Yorkshire , which have been in Tier 2 .
Rates are down across the region except in three local areas : Rotherham , Ryedale and Selby .
In each case the week-on-week increase is very small , however .
Rotherham , which is in Tier 3 and has seen the biggest jump , is up from 189.9 to 220.0 .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region .
North East Lincolnshire , also in Tier 3 , has recorded the biggest fall , from 180.5 to 115.3 .
Hambleton ( Tier 2 ) has the lowest rate – 48.0 , down from 63.3 .
A week ago , every area in the West Midlands was recording a fall in rates , with one exception : Staffordshire Moorlands .
The latest figures show increases in 17 of the 30 areas in the region ( including Staffordshire Moorlands ) .
Warwick ( currently in Tier 3 ) has seen the largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The biggest week-on-week drop is in Stoke-on-Trent ( also Tier 3 ) , down from 353.4 to 295.3 – though this is still the highest rate in the region .
Herefordshire , Shropshire and Worcestershire are currently in Tier 2 ; the rest of the West Midlands is in Tier 3 .
The lowest rate in the West Midlands is in Malvern Hills ( Tier 2 ) – 39.4 , down from 63.5 .
As with neighbouring West Midlands , a majority of areas in the East Midlands are now recording a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 40 local authority areas have seen rates increase in the latest figures .
The steepest jump is in South Derbyshire , currently in Tier 3 , where the rate has risen from 127.7 to 249.9 .
South Kesteven ( also Tier 3 ) has seen the biggest fall , down from 211.3 to 172.0 .
All of the East Midlands is currently in Tier 3 , except for the county of Rutland and all local authority areas in Northamptonshire .
Rutland is one of the Tier 2 areas where rates have risen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ East Northamptonshire , Northampton , South Northamptonshire and Wellingborough .
Lincoln ( Tier 3 ) has the highest rate in the region : 479.4 , up from 381.7 .
Derbyshire Dales , also in Tier 3 , has the lowest : 76.0 , down slightly from 80.2 .
The whole of eastern England has been in Tier 2 .
But from 12.01am on Wednesday December 16 , 11 local authority areas in Essex and four in Hertfordshire will be moving into Tier 3 .
All of these areas have seen a week-on-week rise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local area in the region – with three exceptions : North Norfolk , South Norfolk and Stevenage .
These three areas have seen very small decreases .
Basildon has recorded the biggest week-on-week increase , where the rates have soared from 391.0 to 643.2 .
It is one of the areas that will be moving from Tier 2 to Tier 3 on Wednesday , and is also the highest rate in the region .
North Norfolk ( Tier 2 ) has the lowest rate : 57.2 , down from 66.8 .
Rates are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 67 local authority areas in south-east England .
Currently 14 areas in the South East are in Tier 3 , comprising the county of Kent plus Slough in Berkshire .
Everywhere else is in Tier 2 , except the Isle of Wight , which is in Tier 1 .
No changes to these levels of restrictions have so far been announced .
Ashford in Tier 3 has seen the biggest week-on-week increase , up from 220.7 to 496.8 .
But the second biggest rise is in Hastings – currently in Tier 2 – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five areas where rates have fallen are Basingstoke & Deane , the Isle of Wight , Runnymede , Thanet , and Winchester .
South-east England is notable for containing both the highest and the lowest rates in the whole of England – Swale ( Tier 3 ) , currently on 671.6 cases per 100,000 ; and the Isle of Wight ( Tier 1 ) , currently on 14.1 .
Of the 29 local authority areas in south-west England , 18 have recorded a rise in the latest figures .
They include two of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are in Tier 3 – North Somerset and South Gloucestershire .
In the other Tier 3 area , Bristol , the rate has dropped slightly from 140.7 to 115.0 .
Forest of Dean ( currently in Tier 2 ) has seen the biggest rise of anywhere in the region , up from 68.0 to 184.4 .
South-west England includes the only other area in England , along with the Isle of Wight , that is in Tier 1 – Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly .
Here the rate currently stands at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lowest in the region .
Gloucester ( Tier 2 ) has the highest rate , up from 159.5 to 222.3 .

GREATER Manchester looks set to have the latest laugh in the North vs South Lockdown war over the festive period as London is forced into Tier 3.
The Capital and Greater London will move from Tier 2 to Tier 3 from midnight tonight as the latest figures show rates are rising rapidly in all 32 areas of the Greater London area, with the biggest jump in the London borough of Havering.
This is also the highest rate anywhere in London, and the fourth highest in the whole of England with The City of Westminster has the lowest rate. A total of 15 of the top 50 highest rates in England are currently in London.
FREEDOM IN SIGHT
Tory party sources told Politicalite that the Greater Manchester region would be put into Tier 2 from midnight on Friday night.
This means that the regions restaurants, pubs and bars will be eligible to re-open in a limited capacity from Saturday.
The downgrade in restrictons would come after more than TWO months of strict measures that have forced Northerners to live under some of the toughest measures in the country.
RULES BY TIER
In tier ONE , pubs can open until 23:00 GMT, with last orders at 22:00
In tier TWO , pubs and bars can also open until 23:00, but only if they operate as a restaurant. Alcohol can only be served with a substantial meal.
In tier THREE, hospitality venues must close apart from delivery, takeaway and drive-through services
Tory MPs are also fighting for Manchester to exit Tier 3 with Bolton MP Mark Logan promising to “fight” for the Red-Wall area to leave the most stringent measures.
Bolton North East MP Mark Logan said: “I’ve been looking at the numbers very closely, and as I promised just a couple of weeks ago, if we are under an infection rate of 200 per 100,000 and the other factors are looking pretty good I’m going to be pushing for us.”
The Red Wall MP added: “That’s why on behalf of everyone in Bolton North East I will be lobbying the government hard to make sure we go into Tier 2.”
“But given all this great effort from us in Bolton, we must continue to follow the rules and prevent a third wave.”
“After all, it’s a fragile pandemic and anywhere can easily slip back into the red zone.”
Sir Graham Brady is also an anti-lockdown advocate and is the chair of the influential 1922 committee of backbench Tory MPs that holds the power to remove a Prime Minister.
Trafford council leader Andrew Western has also called for his Greater Manchester area to be removed from Tier 3.
The Councillor wrote to the Government and said: “It is my firm belief that – supported by all three local MPs – that Trafford should be removed from Tier 3 and placed in Tier 2, given that our rates have continued to decline.”
RISING RATES
TWO Thirds of areas across England are seeing a rise in Covid-19 case rates.
Seven days ago, 126 out of a total of 315 local authority areas had recorded a week-on-week jump in rates. That figure now stands at 222.
There is considerable variation in the level of rates among the different regions of England, however.
There are also a number of local areas currently in Tier 3 where rates have dropped steeply – and areas in Tier 2 where they have risen sharply.
The Government has already announced that London and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire are moving from Tier 2 to Tier 3 from 12.01am on December 16.
Other changes could be announced this week following a review on Wednesday of the current system of tiers.
Here is a region-by-region guide to all the latest figures, including the areas recording the biggest week-on-week rise and fall.
In all instances, the rates are for the week ending December 10 and have been calculated by Politicalite using data published by Public Health England.
NORTH EAST
This is currently the only region in England entirely in Tier 3 of the Government’s Covid-19 restrictions.
Case rates had previously been dropping in all local areas, but the latest figures show increases in four places: County Durham, Middlesbrough, South Tyneside and Redcar & Cleveland.
Rates overall are at a lower level than much of southern England, however.
The biggest week-on-week rise is in South Tyneside, up from 215.3 cases per 100,000 people to 274.9.
This is also the highest rate in the region.
North Tyneside has seen the biggest fall, down from 152.9 to 125.1.
The lowest rate is in Gateshead: 92.1, down from 107.4.
NORTH WEST
Most of north-west England has been in Tier 3, with some notable exceptions: the six local authorities within the Liverpool City Region; Warrington; Cheshire East; Cheshire West & Chester; and all the local authorities in the county of Cumbria. All of these have been in Tier 2.
Rates are up in just over half of all local areas in the region – 22 areas out of 39.
But, as with north-east England, rates across this region are typically lower than most areas in the southern half of the country.
Ribble Valley (Tier 3) has seen the biggest week-on-week jump, up from 139.6 to 197.1.
The biggest fall is in Pendle (also Tier 3), down from 289.9 to 233.4.
Burnley (Tier 3) has the highest rate in the region – 298.0, up from 265.4.
Copeland in Tier 2 has the lowest: 22.0, down from 44.0.
YORKSHIRE
Almost the whole of this region has been in Tier 3, except for the city of York and the county of North Yorkshire, which have been in Tier 2.
Rates are down across the region except in three local areas: Rotherham, Ryedale and Selby.
In each case the week-on-week increase is very small, however.
Rotherham, which is in Tier 3 and has seen the biggest jump, is up from 189.9 to 220.0.
This is also the highest rate in the region.
North East Lincolnshire, also in Tier 3, has recorded the biggest fall, from 180.5 to 115.3.
Hambleton (Tier 2) has the lowest rate – 48.0, down from 63.3.
WEST MIDLANDS
A week ago, every area in the West Midlands was recording a fall in rates, with one exception: Staffordshire Moorlands.
The latest figures show increases in 17 of the 30 areas in the region (including Staffordshire Moorlands).
Warwick (currently in Tier 3) has seen the largest rise, up from 104.3 to 180.2.
The biggest week-on-week drop is in Stoke-on-Trent (also Tier 3), down from 353.4 to 295.3 – though this is still the highest rate in the region.
Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire are currently in Tier 2; the rest of the West Midlands is in Tier 3.
The lowest rate in the West Midlands is in Malvern Hills (Tier 2) – 39.4, down from 63.5.
EAST MIDLANDS
As with neighbouring West Midlands, a majority of areas in the East Midlands are now recording a rise.
A total of 23 of the 40 local authority areas have seen rates increase in the latest figures.
The steepest jump is in South Derbyshire, currently in Tier 3, where the rate has risen from 127.7 to 249.9.
South Kesteven (also Tier 3) has seen the biggest fall, down from 211.3 to 172.0.
All of the East Midlands is currently in Tier 3, except for the county of Rutland and all local authority areas in Northamptonshire.
Rutland is one of the Tier 2 areas where rates have risen, however, along with Corby, East Northamptonshire, Northampton, South Northamptonshire and Wellingborough.
Lincoln (Tier 3) has the highest rate in the region: 479.4, up from 381.7.
Derbyshire Dales, also in Tier 3, has the lowest: 76.0, down slightly from 80.2.
EASTERN ENGLAND
The whole of eastern England has been in Tier 2.
But from 12.01am on Wednesday December 16, 11 local authority areas in Essex and four in Hertfordshire will be moving into Tier 3.
All of these areas have seen a week-on-week rise in rates, along with every other local area in the region – with three exceptions: North Norfolk, South Norfolk and Stevenage.
These three areas have seen very small decreases.
Basildon has recorded the biggest week-on-week increase, where the rates have soared from 391.0 to 643.2.
It is one of the areas that will be moving from Tier 2 to Tier 3 on Wednesday, and is also the highest rate in the region.
North Norfolk (Tier 2) has the lowest rate: 57.2, down from 66.8.
SOUTH EAST
Rates are rising in all but five of the 67 local authority areas in south-east England.
Currently 14 areas in the South East are in Tier 3, comprising the county of Kent plus Slough in Berkshire.
Everywhere else is in Tier 2, except the Isle of Wight, which is in Tier 1.
No changes to these levels of restrictions have so far been announced.
Ashford in Tier 3 has seen the biggest week-on-week increase, up from 220.7 to 496.8.
But the second biggest rise is in Hastings – currently in Tier 2 – up from 153.2 to 396.1.
The five areas where rates have fallen are Basingstoke & Deane, the Isle of Wight, Runnymede, Thanet, and Winchester.
South-east England is notable for containing both the highest and the lowest rates in the whole of England – Swale (Tier 3), currently on 671.6 cases per 100,000; and the Isle of Wight (Tier 1), currently on 14.1.
SOUTH WEST
Of the 29 local authority areas in south-west England, 18 have recorded a rise in the latest figures.
They include two of the three areas of the South West that are in Tier 3 – North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
In the other Tier 3 area, Bristol, the rate has dropped slightly from 140.7 to 115.0.
Forest of Dean (currently in Tier 2) has seen the biggest rise of anywhere in the region, up from 68.0 to 184.4.
South-west England includes the only other area in England, along with the Isle of Wight, that is in Tier 1 – Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly.
Here the rate currently stands at 20.6, down from 25.9 and the lowest in the region.
Gloucester (Tier 2) has the highest rate, up from 159.5 to 222.3.
Additional Reporting courtesy of PA Media


politicalite--2020-12-15--UNTOUCHABLE: Drug Gang Leader Jailed For 22 Years

An “ untouchable ” crime boss has been jailed for 22 years for running a multimillion-pound drug smuggling ring .
Matthew Harrod led a network of smugglers and couriers who used encrypted mobile phones to deal drugs including cannabis , heroin , cocaine and amphetamines .
He along with nine other members of the gang were all jailed at Woolwich Crown Court on December 10 .
This was the end of a Metropolitan Police operation that began when the gang was placed under surveillance in June 2018 and ended with 21 people behind bars .
Harrod , 47 , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been released from prison in 2017 after serving part of a previous 10-year sentence for drug dealing and been placed under a serious crime prevention order .
The measure , designed to stop him from returning to a life of crime , placed him under restrictions including banning him from having more than one mobile phone .
But by the summer of the following year , Harrod was found to be back running a drug dealing network , and at the time of his arrest in January last year had three mobile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encrypted devices designed to keep communications secret .
The police operation to take down the smuggling ring saw the seizure of 31kg of cocaine , 308kg of amphetamine , 590kg of cannabis resin and 1.7kg of heroin .
Investigators also seized £900,000 in cash and weapons including a Taser , knives and air guns .
Detective Sergeant Rob Wiggins said : “ He was clearly the organiser and the leader of this criminal network .
Harrod ultimately thought he was untouchable – and he wasn ’ t. ” Several members of the gang @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passwords to access their regular and encrypted mobile phones .
But investigators did manage to access one encrypted device belonging to senior gang member Lee Taylor when he was arrested that gave access to crucial information .
It gave a snapshot of a typical day for the network , with details of 30 drugs deliveries and dealing with £750,000 in cash .
Police said the network was at the top of a tree which would have sold drugs to urban street gangs .
Detective Superintendent Neil Ballard , from the Met ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In his role as head of this organised crime network , Harrod tasked his associates to carry out his illicit activities and thought he was untouchable by police , concealing his criminal behaviour on an EncroChat device .
“ Little did he know that we were putting significant resources into curtailing his activities and bringing him to justice.
” Harrod , the only member of the gang to deny the charges against him , was sentenced to 22 years after being found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine , amphetamine and cannabis after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breaching his serious crime prevention order .
The remaining gang members who were also sentenced on December 10 included Harrod ’ s second in command Paul Clarke 45 , of Horns Lodge Lane , Tonbridge , Kent , who was jailed for 15 years for conspiracy to supply cocaine , amphetamine , cannabis and possession of criminal property .
Senior gang member John O ’ Brien , 69 , of Bean Road , Greenhithe , was jailed for 11 years for conspiracy to supply cocaine , amphetamine and cannabis , while Taylor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , refused to attend court but was sentenced to eight years for conspiracy to supply cocaine and possession of criminal property .

An “untouchable” crime boss has been jailed for 22 years for running a multimillion-pound drug smuggling ring.
Matthew Harrod led a network of smugglers and couriers who used encrypted mobile phones to deal drugs including cannabis, heroin, cocaine and amphetamines.
He along with nine other members of the gang were all jailed at Woolwich Crown Court on December 10.
This was the end of a Metropolitan Police operation that began when the gang was placed under surveillance in June 2018 and ended with 21 people behind bars.
Harrod, 47, of Kingsway, Hove, East Sussex, had been released from prison in 2017 after serving part of a previous 10-year sentence for drug dealing and been placed under a serious crime prevention order.
The measure, designed to stop him from returning to a life of crime, placed him under restrictions including banning him from having more than one mobile phone.
But by the summer of the following year, Harrod was found to be back running a drug dealing network, and at the time of his arrest in January last year had three mobile phones, two of which were EncroChat encrypted devices designed to keep communications secret.
The police operation to take down the smuggling ring saw the seizure of 31kg of cocaine, 308kg of amphetamine, 590kg of cannabis resin and 1.7kg of heroin.
Investigators also seized £900,000 in cash and weapons including a Taser, knives and air guns.
Detective Sergeant Rob Wiggins said: “He was clearly the organiser and the leader of this criminal network. Harrod ultimately thought he was untouchable – and he wasn’t.”
Several members of the gang refused to give police the Pin or passwords to access their regular and encrypted mobile phones.
But investigators did manage to access one encrypted device belonging to senior gang member Lee Taylor when he was arrested that gave access to crucial information.
It gave a snapshot of a typical day for the network, with details of 30 drugs deliveries and dealing with £750,000 in cash.
Police said the network was at the top of a tree which would have sold drugs to urban street gangs.
Detective Superintendent Neil Ballard, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “In his role as head of this organised crime network, Harrod tasked his associates to carry out his illicit activities and thought he was untouchable by police, concealing his criminal behaviour on an EncroChat device.
“Little did he know that we were putting significant resources into curtailing his activities and bringing him to justice.”
Harrod, the only member of the gang to deny the charges against him, was sentenced to 22 years after being found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis after a trial.
He had previously admitted breaching his serious crime prevention order.
The remaining gang members who were also sentenced on December 10 included Harrod’s second in command Paul Clarke 45, of Horns Lodge Lane, Tonbridge, Kent, who was jailed for 15 years for conspiracy to supply cocaine, amphetamine, cannabis and possession of criminal property.
Senior gang member John O’Brien, 69, of Bean Road, Greenhithe, was jailed for 11 years for conspiracy to supply cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis, while Taylor, 43, of Landstead Road, Greenwich, refused to attend court but was sentenced to eight years for conspiracy to supply cocaine and possession of criminal property.
Additional Reporting By The Press Association


politicalite--2020-12-15--BACK BEHIND CLOSED DOORS: Fans To Miss Out As London Moves Into Tier 3

Sport in London will have to move back behind closed doors after the capital was placed into the highest tier of coronavirus restrictions .
Only a fortnight ago it was announced that up to 2,000 fans were allowed into football matches for the first time since March , when London was initially placed in tier two following the second lockdown .
But the move into tier three from Wednesday means the capital ’ s stadiums will once again be empty .
West Ham hosted 2,000 fans when they played Manchester United at the London Stadium last weekend , but their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night will be behind closed doors , as will the matches at Arsenal and Fulham .
Arsenal said they were “ disappointed ” they would not be able to welcome fans to the Emirates Stadium for the clash with Southampton , while Fulham said they understood “ the frustration and disappointment ” of their supporters , some of whom would have been in the stands for the meeting with Brighton .
In fact , the only midweek Premier League fixture to have a crowd will be the top-of-the-table clash at Anfield , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three other Premier League clubs – Tottenham , Chelsea and Crystal Palace – will feel the impact when they play at home this weekend .
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard , whose side host West Ham on Monday , said it would be difficult to go back to playing without fans .
“ We ’ ve seen already and felt the backing they give you and what it does to the game , ” he said , speaking before the Government announced London was being moved to tier three .
“ I also think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government what to do – that we can control 2,000 fans coming into the stadium if they ’ re coming from within that tier or however they want to do that to keep things moving along .
It ’ s unfortunate to say the least.
” As of Wednesday only Liverpool , Everton , Brighton and Southampton in the top flight will be allowed 2,000 fans , until the restrictions are eased .
QPR and Watford both confirmed that 2,000 fans would still be attending their Sky Bet Championship home games on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , at London ’ s Alexandra Palace , planned to have 1,000 fans in attendance every day .
The sport ’ s biggest event begins on Tuesday but will have to be a fan-free zone by Wednesday .
Organisers confirmed the opening night would still go ahead with a crowd and said that , with the Government ’ s decision subject to review on December 23 , “ a further announcement in relation to tickets for the post-Christmas action ” would be made in due course .
Defending champion Peter Wright had earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front of the event ’ s trademark raucous crowd .
He said : “ I am definitely looking forward to it , defending champion as well is going to be pretty special .
“ The most important thing is that it is near Christmas and I get to go out in my Christmas outfit , up on stage in front of 1,000 people in the crowd , that is going to be more special , really , really special .
“ You couldn ’ t have it anywhere else really .
If they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would have gone nuts , I would have put myself in the loony bin.
” August ’ s World Snooker Championship had a small crowd for just one day before a tightening of the restrictions forced it back behind closed doors .
Current tournaments are taking place without spectators in Milton Keynes , but it is hoped that the Masters in January , also at Alexandra Palace , can allow 1,000 fans in .
In rugby union London Irish , who play at Brentford ’ s new stadium , have confirmed tickets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pau next Sunday have been taken off sale .
The Recovery Fund , which is intended to support publicly owned leisure facilities through the coronavirus pandemic , has opened .
Made up of £100million of Exchequer investment , it opened for applications on Monday on the Sport England website and will run until January , 8 with eligible local authorites able to submit an expression of interest form until December 21 .
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said : “ It ’ s vital that we keep ourselves fighting fit through this winter and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this .
“ This £100million fund will help keep leisure centres across the country open .
I urge leisure centres to bid for the money and people to make the most of these precious local facilities .
”

Sport in London will have to move back behind closed doors after the capital was placed into the highest tier of coronavirus restrictions.
Only a fortnight ago it was announced that up to 2,000 fans were allowed into football matches for the first time since March, when London was initially placed in tier two following the second lockdown.
But the move into tier three from Wednesday means the capital’s stadiums will once again be empty.
West Ham hosted 2,000 fans when they played Manchester United at the London Stadium last weekend, but their home match against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night will be behind closed doors, as will the matches at Arsenal and Fulham.
Arsenal said they were “disappointed” they would not be able to welcome fans to the Emirates Stadium for the clash with Southampton, while Fulham said they understood “the frustration and disappointment” of their supporters, some of whom would have been in the stands for the meeting with Brighton.
In fact, the only midweek Premier League fixture to have a crowd will be the top-of-the-table clash at Anfield, where Liverpool meet Tottenham.
London’s three other Premier League clubs – Tottenham, Chelsea and Crystal Palace – will feel the impact when they play at home this weekend.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard, whose side host West Ham on Monday, said it would be difficult to go back to playing without fans.
“We’ve seen already and felt the backing they give you and what it does to the game,” he said, speaking before the Government announced London was being moved to tier three.
“I also think – I’m not telling the Government what to do – that we can control 2,000 fans coming into the stadium if they’re coming from within that tier or however they want to do that to keep things moving along. It’s unfortunate to say the least.”
As of Wednesday only Liverpool, Everton, Brighton and Southampton in the top flight will be allowed 2,000 fans, until the restrictions are eased.
QPR and Watford both confirmed that 2,000 fans would still be attending their Sky Bet Championship home games on Tuesday.
The William Hill World Darts Championship, at London’s Alexandra Palace, planned to have 1,000 fans in attendance every day.
The sport’s biggest event begins on Tuesday but will have to be a fan-free zone by Wednesday.
Organisers confirmed the opening night would still go ahead with a crowd and said that, with the Government’s decision subject to review on December 23, “a further announcement in relation to tickets for the post-Christmas action” would be made in due course.
Defending champion Peter Wright had earlier spoken about the prospect of playing in front of the event’s trademark raucous crowd.
He said: “I am definitely looking forward to it, defending champion as well is going to be pretty special.
“The most important thing is that it is near Christmas and I get to go out in my Christmas outfit, up on stage in front of 1,000 people in the crowd, that is going to be more special, really, really special.
“You couldn’t have it anywhere else really. If they had it at Milton Keynes or Coventry I would have gone nuts, I would have put myself in the loony bin.”
August’s World Snooker Championship had a small crowd for just one day before a tightening of the restrictions forced it back behind closed doors.
Current tournaments are taking place without spectators in Milton Keynes, but it is hoped that the Masters in January, also at Alexandra Palace, can allow 1,000 fans in.
In rugby union London Irish, who play at Brentford’s new stadium, have confirmed tickets for their European Challenge Cup tie against Pau next Sunday have been taken off sale.
The Recovery Fund, which is intended to support publicly owned leisure facilities through the coronavirus pandemic, has opened.
Made up of £100million of Exchequer investment, it opened for applications on Monday on the Sport England website and will run until January, 8 with eligible local authorites able to submit an expression of interest form until December 21.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “It’s vital that we keep ourselves fighting fit through this winter and local authority leisure centres are crucial to this.
“This £100million fund will help keep leisure centres across the country open. I urge leisure centres to bid for the money and people to make the most of these precious local facilities.”
Additional Reporting By The Press Association


politicalite--2020-12-16--BADA BING BADA BANNED! Bonkers Beeb BANS Bing Crosby’s ‘Racist’ White Christmas

BONKERS Beeb bosses have reportedly banned the song ‘ White Christmas ’ from being played on BBC airwaves , Politicalite @ @ @ @ @ publicly-funded organisation that costs the taxpayer £157.50-a-year took advice from the Institute for Cultural Correctness @ @ @ @ @ hit by Bing Crosby needed to be banned not to offend people of colour .
@ @ @ @ @ in 2018 : “ When you analyse the lyrics you realise that it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Bing Crosby is an example of a rich white man singing about dreaming of a @ @ @ @ @ It denigrates the memory of the original nativity as nobody white would have been there.
@ @ @ @ @ airbrushed the contribution of other races right out of the story .
This isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s about reclaiming the Christmas story for everyone.
” The BBC denied the claims @ @ @ @

SATIRE
BONKERS Beeb bosses have reportedly banned the song ‘White Christmas’ from being played on BBC airwaves, Politicalite can exclusively reveal.
The publicly-funded organisation that costs the taxpayer £157.50-a-year took advice from the Institute for Cultural Correctness and announced the classic festive hit by Bing Crosby needed to be banned not to offend people of colour.
A spokesperson for ICC said in 2018: “When you analyse the lyrics you realise that it’s reinforcing white privilege.”
“Bing Crosby is an example of a rich white man singing about dreaming of a white Christian Christmas.”
“It denigrates the memory of the original nativity as nobody white would have been there.”
“It’s airbrushed the contribution of other races right out of the story. This isn’t about censorship, it’s about reclaiming the Christmas story for everyone.”
The BBC denied the claims when approached by Politicalite


politicalite--2020-12-16--PIERS MORON: Telly Host BLOCKS Right-Wing Commentator After Mask-Hap

BREAKFAST Telly presenter Piers Morgan is having a hard-time after The Sun exposed his lapse in wearing a mask and is blocking anyone who mentions his mask-hap .
The Sun on Sunday exposed the former newspaper editor after failed to wear a mask in a taxi with wife Cecila on Friday night .
The lapse came after the Presenter , 55 had spent the past seven months lecturing Britons on the benefits of mask-wearing and branding anyone opposed to draconian Covid-19 rules , “ morons ” , but the Covid sceptics had the last laugh after the fickle and thin-skinned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling out Piers on his hypocrisy .
Right-Wing commentator Dominique Samuels sent Piers a tweet accusing him of “ potentially killing thousands of Grannies.
” , and fickle Piers BLOCKED her .
“ You can ’ t just forget , Piers .
You of all people should know that just seconds of not wearing a mask means you just potentially killed thousands of grannies.
” Piers wasn ’ t having any of it and blocked Samuels .
Piers has apologised for forgetting to wear his mask telling his more than 6m Twitter followers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a few seconds by forgetting to put my mask on before I got in the cab.
” “ Fortunately , I remembered as we pulled away & put it on .
Masks help save lives , so it ’ s very important we all remember to wear them when we should.
” Piers is not the only telly host to breach COVID guidelines .
Last week Sky News presenter Kay Burley was suspended after breaching COVID social distancing rules .
Sky rapped the presenter and took her off air for six months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite attacking Government ministers and Dominic Cummings for breaking COVID rules .
The hypocrisy was too much and it seems Sky has judged that Kay Burley can no longer report on COVID-19 and grill ministers without her own rule breaks being brought up .
Sources told Politicalite that Sky hopes the COVID-19 restrictions will be over within six months and Kay will be able to return to front the channels morning programmes .
Sky political reporter Beth Rigby has also been rapped and suspended for three months along with correspondent Inzamam Rashid .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ A small number of Sky News staff attended a social event in London on Saturday evening during which COVID-19 guidelines were breached.
” “ As a result of an internal review Sky News presenter Kay Burley has agreed to be off air for six months , and political editor Beth Rigby and correspondent Inzamam Rashid have agreed to be off air for three months.
” “ All those involved regret the incident and have apologised.
” “ Everyone at Sky News is expected to comply with the rules and the company takes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

91 SHARES Share Tweet
BREAKFAST Telly presenter Piers Morgan is having a hard-time after The Sun exposed his lapse in wearing a mask and is blocking anyone who mentions his mask-hap.
The Sun on Sunday exposed the former newspaper editor after failed to wear a mask in a taxi with wife Cecila on Friday night.
The lapse came after the Presenter, 55 had spent the past seven months lecturing Britons on the benefits of mask-wearing and branding anyone opposed to draconian Covid-19 rules, “morons”, but the Covid sceptics had the last laugh after the fickle and thin-skinned presenter blocked a regular GMB guest for calling out Piers on his hypocrisy.
You can’t just forget, Piers. You of all people should know that just seconds of not wearing a mask means you just potentially killed thousands of grannies. https://t.co/VpsoAggto8 — Dominique Samuels (@DominiqueTaegon) December 13, 2020
Right-Wing commentator Dominique Samuels sent Piers a tweet accusing him of “potentially killing thousands of Grannies.”, and fickle Piers BLOCKED her.
Was it something I said? ? pic.twitter.com/mrlXX70hkz — Dominique Samuels (@DominiqueTaegon) December 15, 2020
“You can’t just forget, Piers. You of all people should know that just seconds of not wearing a mask means you just potentially killed thousands of grannies.” Piers wasn’t having any of it and blocked Samuels.
Piers has apologised for forgetting to wear his mask telling his more than 6m Twitter followers: “I did breach Covid rules for a few seconds by forgetting to put my mask on before I got in the cab.”
“Fortunately, I remembered as we pulled away & put it on. Masks help save lives, so it’s very important we all remember to wear them when we should.”
Piers is not the only telly host to breach COVID guidelines. Last week Sky News presenter Kay Burley was suspended after breaching COVID social distancing rules.
Sky rapped the presenter and took her off air for six months after she was busted breaking COVID-19 guidelines despite attacking Government ministers and Dominic Cummings for breaking COVID rules.
The hypocrisy was too much and it seems Sky has judged that Kay Burley can no longer report on COVID-19 and grill ministers without her own rule breaks being brought up.
Sources told Politicalite that Sky hopes the COVID-19 restrictions will be over within six months and Kay will be able to return to front the channels morning programmes.
Sky political reporter Beth Rigby has also been rapped and suspended for three months along with correspondent Inzamam Rashid.
In a statement Sky News said: “A small number of Sky News staff attended a social event in London on Saturday evening during which COVID-19 guidelines were breached.”
“As a result of an internal review Sky News presenter Kay Burley has agreed to be off air for six months, and political editor Beth Rigby and correspondent Inzamam Rashid have agreed to be off air for three months.”
“All those involved regret the incident and have apologised.”
“Everyone at Sky News is expected to comply with the rules and the company takes breaches like this very seriously indeed.”
More follows.


politicalite--2020-12-16--NATIONAL DISGRACE: Grooming Gangs Still Abusing Girls, says Maggie Oliver

GROOMING Gangs are still raping and abusing British Girls say victims and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse campaigners .
Former Celebrity Big Brother star and ex-Greater Manchester Police detective Maggie Oliver says that she has helped over 2,000 victims in past year alone , showing there is no sign of one of Britain ’ s most under-reported scandals from being solved .
Maggie told Sky News this week that victims are being “ fobbed off by the authorities ” .
One victim told Sky that she is still being abused by a gang now that she is an adult and was kidnapped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after speaking to the Police .
She said : “ They raped me first and then they said to me ‘ stop speaking to the police , don ’ t speak to the police , why are you doing that ?
’ All that kind of stuff and then he hit me.
” “ He cut my stomach [ with an old blade from a pair of scissors ] and then hit me around the head.
” Maggie Oliver now runs a charity for victims , she said : “ The problem in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s far easier to pretend it ’ s not there.
” “ It ’ s extremely typical to criminalise the victim .
To investigate a very organised gang of perhaps 20 men is very labour-intensive.
” “ It ’ s far easier to dismiss the victims as being drunk or as being guilty of public order offences.
” “ In the past year alone , we ’ ve helped more than 2,000 victims .
These are all desperate victims who have been abused and are being fobbed off by the authorities.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ West , Nazir Afzal , said : “ In 2015 we had the highest conviction rate for child sexual abuse in our history.
” “ But it ’ s gone backwards .
It ’ s gone backwards because of resourcing issues , because we ’ ve lost experience and because agencies have just got complacent.
” Sammy Woodhouse , a CSE survivor told Sky : “ People think the moment someone turns 18 , that they are an adult and that ’ s it – they can all of a sudden make this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ untrue .
You are going up against a gang of men that was known for raping , beating and torturing women .
“ It ’ s very scary .
Especially if the authorities are not being supportive.
” BRITAIN ’ s Home Office has found that Grooming Gang perpetrators come from a “ diverse ” range of backgrounds , despite a clear majority of Pakistani origin offenders .
The Home Office review into one of the UK ’ s most under-reported social issues was accused of being “ watered down ” after a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem “ has not gone away ” The report reveals : “ During our conversations with police forces , we have found that in the operations reflected , offender groups come from diverse backgrounds , with each group being broadly ethnically homogenous .
”

1k SHARES Share Tweet
GROOMING Gangs are still raping and abusing British Girls say victims and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse campaigners.
Former Celebrity Big Brother star and ex-Greater Manchester Police detective Maggie Oliver says that she has helped over 2,000 victims in past year alone, showing there is no sign of one of Britain’s most under-reported scandals from being solved.
Maggie told Sky News this week that victims are being “fobbed off by the authorities”.
One victim told Sky that she is still being abused by a gang now that she is an adult and was kidnapped and punished with a violent gang rape after speaking to the Police.
She said: “They raped me first and then they said to me ‘stop speaking to the police, don’t speak to the police, why are you doing that?’
All that kind of stuff and then he hit me.”
“He cut my stomach [with an old blade from a pair of scissors] and then hit me around the head.”
Maggie Oliver now runs a charity for victims, she said: “The problem in this country is so monumental, that it’s far easier to pretend it’s not there.”
“It’s expensive. It’s time-consuming. It’s labour-intensive.”
“It’s extremely typical to criminalise the victim. To investigate a very organised gang of perhaps 20 men is very labour-intensive.”
“It’s far easier to dismiss the victims as being drunk or as being guilty of public order offences.”
“In the past year alone, we’ve helped more than 2,000 victims. These are all desperate victims who have been abused and are being fobbed off by the authorities.”
Former chief prosecutor in the North West, Nazir Afzal, said: “In 2015 we had the highest conviction rate for child sexual abuse in our history.”
“But it’s gone backwards. It’s gone backwards because of resourcing issues, because we’ve lost experience and because agencies have just got complacent.”
Sammy Woodhouse, a CSE survivor told Sky: “People think the moment someone turns 18, that they are an adult and that’s it – they can all of a sudden make this stop.”
“That’s completely untrue. You are going up against a gang of men that was known for raping, beating and torturing women.
“It’s very scary. Especially if the authorities are not being supportive.”
REPORT ‘DUMBED DOWN’ OVER RACE FEARS
BRITAIN’s Home Office has found that Grooming Gang perpetrators come from a “diverse” range of backgrounds, despite a clear majority of Pakistani origin offenders.
The Home Office review into one of the UK’s most under-reported social issues was accused of being “watered down” after a lengthy delay as campaigners warn that the problem “has not gone away”
The report reveals: “During our conversations with police forces, we have found that in the operations reflected, offender groups come from diverse backgrounds, with each group being broadly ethnically homogenous.”


politicalite--2020-12-16--SCOTS DRUGS CRISIS: Drug-Related Deaths in Scotland ‘Worst in Europe’

DRUG related deaths in Scotland have reached another all-time high with more than 1,200 fatalities in 2019 , according to official statistics .
Last year saw 1,264 deaths which had a drug-related element – a higher rate than across all EU countries , and more than three times the UK as a whole .
The National Records of Scotland ( NRS ) figures show a 6 % increase on 2018 when Scotland also recorded the highest rate across Europe .
The rate of increase has slowed significantly since the 27 % rise between 2017 and 2018 .
Pete Whitehouse , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ 2019 saw the highest number of registered drug-related deaths in Scotland since reporting began over 20 years ago .
“ The figure of 1,264 deaths is an increase of 77 on 2018.
” Heroin and morphine were involved in more deaths than in any previous year – at 645 – and more than half of the total .
Methadone was involved in 560 fatalities , benzodiazepines of any form – street and prescription – in 999 , and cocaine in 365 .
A total of 404 deaths were in the Greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 163 in Lanarkshire , 155 in Lothian , 118 in Tayside and 108 in Ayrshire and Arran .
Nearly 70 % of the deaths were men , and more than two-thirds were aged between 35 and 54 .
Opposition politicians and charities called for more action to stop the deaths , saying each could have been prevented .
Scotland ’ s public health minister Joe FitzPatrick said : “ Each and every one of these deaths is a tragedy and I would like to offer my condolences to the family , friends and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their lives .
“ The Scottish Government is doing everything in its powers to tackle rising drug deaths and we are working urgently to put in place high-quality , person-centred services for those most at risk.
” He said steps taken by the Scottish Government and its partners include investing up to £93.5 million this year to tackle problem alcohol and drug misuse .
He added : “ These deaths stem from a long-standing and complex set of challenges , and there is no shortcut that will suddenly solve this .
“ There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are taking right now that will have an impact more immediately , such as maximising the availability of Naloxone and the routes by which it can be supplied .
“ Our work to introduce Medication Assisted Treatment standards is one of the most significant changes to the way in which treatment services operate .
“ Furthermore , we have seen the introduction of a range of new and innovative approaches , including Scotland ’ s first heroin assisted treatment service in Glasgow.
” He said the Scottish Government will keep working with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identify and put in place measures to tackle this issue and save lives ” .
Mr FitzPatrick said he will continue to urge the UK Government to change the law to legalise supervised drug consumption facilities or devolve the necessary powers to Scotland , something which it has repeatedly ruled out .
Speaking in the Commons , SNP MP Alison Thewliss ( Glasgow Central ) said “ we know we must do more , though we do this with our hands tied behind our back ” .
She said : “ In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close to my heart and the heart of my constituents , despite crying out for years in the face of a drugs death crisis – a drugs death crisis that last year saw 1,264 souls lost – the UK Government says Scotland will not be permitted , not allowed , not trusted to take further action to prevent the deaths of our citizens .
“ Scotland accepts responsibility in the areas where we can act and we know we must do more , though we do this with our hands tied behind our @ @ @

DRUG related deaths in Scotland have reached another all-time high with more than 1,200 fatalities in 2019, according to official statistics.
Last year saw 1,264 deaths which had a drug-related element – a higher rate than across all EU countries, and more than three times the UK as a whole.
The National Records of Scotland (NRS) figures show a 6% increase on 2018 when Scotland also recorded the highest rate across Europe.
The rate of increase has slowed significantly since the 27% rise between 2017 and 2018.
Pete Whitehouse, director of NRS statistical services, said: “2019 saw the highest number of registered drug-related deaths in Scotland since reporting began over 20 years ago.
“The figure of 1,264 deaths is an increase of 77 on 2018.”
Heroin and morphine were involved in more deaths than in any previous year – at 645 – and more than half of the total.
Methadone was involved in 560 fatalities, benzodiazepines of any form – street and prescription – in 999, and cocaine in 365.
A total of 404 deaths were in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board area, 163 in Lanarkshire, 155 in Lothian, 118 in Tayside and 108 in Ayrshire and Arran.
Nearly 70% of the deaths were men, and more than two-thirds were aged between 35 and 54.
Opposition politicians and charities called for more action to stop the deaths, saying each could have been prevented.
Scotland’s public health minister Joe FitzPatrick said: “Each and every one of these deaths is a tragedy and I would like to offer my condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of those who have lost their lives.
“The Scottish Government is doing everything in its powers to tackle rising drug deaths and we are working urgently to put in place high-quality, person-centred services for those most at risk.”
He said steps taken by the Scottish Government and its partners include investing up to £93.5 million this year to tackle problem alcohol and drug misuse.
He added: “These deaths stem from a long-standing and complex set of challenges, and there is no shortcut that will suddenly solve this.
“There is, however, action that we are taking right now that will have an impact more immediately, such as maximising the availability of Naloxone and the routes by which it can be supplied.
“Our work to introduce Medication Assisted Treatment standards is one of the most significant changes to the way in which treatment services operate.
“Furthermore, we have seen the introduction of a range of new and innovative approaches, including Scotland’s first heroin assisted treatment service in Glasgow.”
He said the Scottish Government will keep working with the drugs death taskforce and others to “identify and put in place measures to tackle this issue and save lives”.
Mr FitzPatrick said he will continue to urge the UK Government to change the law to legalise supervised drug consumption facilities or devolve the necessary powers to Scotland, something which it has repeatedly ruled out.
Speaking in the Commons, SNP MP Alison Thewliss (Glasgow Central) said “we know we must do more, though we do this with our hands tied behind our back”.
She said: “In the treatment of drug law, an area close to my heart and the heart of my constituents, despite crying out for years in the face of a drugs death crisis – a drugs death crisis that last year saw 1,264 souls lost – the UK Government says Scotland will not be permitted, not allowed, not trusted to take further action to prevent the deaths of our citizens.
“Scotland accepts responsibility in the areas where we can act and we know we must do more, though we do this with our hands tied behind our back.”
Additional Reporting by PA Media