skynewspolitics--2020-10-07--Government mulls closing pubs and more household mixing limits in coronavirus hotspots

Ministers are preparing to introduce further restrictions in the north of England as the government races to handle the spike in coronavirus cases and hospital admissions .
Government insiders told Sky News that no decisions had been taken on whether to introduce even tighter controls in the North - with the the North East and North West of particular concern - but admitted `` further action is likely to be needed '' in the coming days .
Ministers and officials are discussing whether to close hospitality venues - pubs and restaurants - for a period while also looking at whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus updates from the UK and around the world '' The numbers in the North are very alarming , '' a Whitehall figure told Sky News .
`` Discussions are ongoing around when - and if - further measures are needed .
`` The worrying thing is the spread of the disease in certain parts of the country is looking like it is getting into the older population a bit more . ''
The figure also said there was concern about pressure on hospitals .
The government had been expected to announce a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week in a bid to simplify the patchwork of local restrictions across the country , but this has now been delayed until next week as the government puts all its energy into drawing up plans for further restrictions .
`` The tiering system announcement has been moved to next week , '' explained another Whitehall source .
`` No 10 is focused on trying to get ahead of the numbers .
`` Addressing the growing number of cases is now the priority . ''
But government figures cautioned against an imminent announcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was going on and discussions were being had with regional officials and metro mayors to decide what is needed .
`` We need to do this right rather than rushing it , '' said one government figure .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock will this afternoon chair a gold command meeting with officials and politicians in the regions to discuss the case numbers and next steps The government is also having to consider what financial support it can offer if further restrictions are introduced .
Local businesses can claim a £1,500 grant for every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while individuals who are asked to self-isolate can claim a one-off £500 payment .
The developments come amid growing criticism over local lockdowns as cases continue to rise despite restrictions .
Sir Keir Starmer called into question the effectiveness of local lockdowns on Wednesday , as the Labour leader highlighted 19 out of 20 areas in England under restrictions for two months that had reported increasing infection rates , from Bolton to Burnley .
He also demanded Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out the `` scientific basis '' for the introduction of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might not support a vote on the 10pm curfew rules - adding fuel to the Tory rebellion over the measure .
His remarks provoked fury within government , with one official telling Sky News that Labour 's pivoting from supporting measures to then undermining government efforts would only serve to `` make the situation on the ground worse because people are going to be less likely to comply '' .

Ministers are preparing to introduce further restrictions in the north of England as the government races to handle the spike in coronavirus cases and hospital admissions.
Government insiders told Sky News that no decisions had been taken on whether to introduce even tighter controls in the North - with the the North East and North West of particular concern - but admitted "further action is likely to be needed" in the coming days.
Ministers and officials are discussing whether to close hospitality venues - pubs and restaurants - for a period while also looking at whether to further limit household mixing.
Live coronavirus updates from the UK and around the world
Image: Pubs have already been hit with a 10pm curfew but may be forced to close completely in some areas
"The numbers in the North are very alarming," a Whitehall figure told Sky News.
"Discussions are ongoing around when - and if - further measures are needed.
"The worrying thing is the spread of the disease in certain parts of the country is looking like it is getting into the older population a bit more."
The figure also said there was concern about pressure on hospitals.
The government had been expected to announce a new three-tier "traffic light" system this week in a bid to simplify the patchwork of local restrictions across the country, but this has now been delayed until next week as the government puts all its energy into drawing up plans for further restrictions.
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"The tiering system announcement has been moved to next week," explained another Whitehall source. "No 10 is focused on trying to get ahead of the numbers.
"Addressing the growing number of cases is now the priority."
Image: Boris Johnson is considering further restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19
But government figures cautioned against an imminent announcement, saying that a lot of work was going on and discussions were being had with regional officials and metro mayors to decide what is needed.
"We need to do this right rather than rushing it," said one government figure.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock will this afternoon chair a gold command meeting with officials and politicians in the regions to discuss the case numbers and next steps
The government is also having to consider what financial support it can offer if further restrictions are introduced.
Local businesses can claim a £1,500 grant for every three weeks they are forced to close, while individuals who are asked to self-isolate can claim a one-off £500 payment.
Image: Health Secretary Matt Hancock will meet with local officials to discuss next steps. Pic: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor
The developments come amid growing criticism over local lockdowns as cases continue to rise despite restrictions.
Sir Keir Starmer called into question the effectiveness of local lockdowns on Wednesday, as the Labour leader highlighted 19 out of 20 areas in England under restrictions for two months that had reported increasing infection rates, from Bolton to Burnley.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:37 Starmer calls for 10pm curfew evidence
He also demanded Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out the "scientific basis" for the introduction of further lockdown measures and hinted that Labour might not support a vote on the 10pm curfew rules - adding fuel to the Tory rebellion over the measure.
His remarks provoked fury within government, with one official telling Sky News that Labour's pivoting from supporting measures to then undermining government efforts would only serve to "make the situation on the ground worse because people are going to be less likely to comply".


skynewspolitics--2020-10-07--The PM is in trouble - and he could be about to face a parliamentary defeat over the 10pm pub curfew

Boris Johnson may have avoided a high-profile coronavirus defeat by his own MPs last week , but rebellion has not gone away .
The consequence is the Commons is starting to exert newfound influence over his plans , and the first casualty may well be the 10pm pub and restaurant curfew .
The prime minister is in trouble because Keir Starmer has switched tactics on coronavirus .
Until now , he has supported all Downing Street 's restrictions in England .
No longer .
At today 's PMQs , the Labour leader signalled that Labour 's support for measures would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to question whether there was a scientific basis for the 10pm curfew , something many Tories want to know too .
Although Labour has n't formally announced it 's voting against the 10pm curfew when it comes to the Commons on Monday , all the signs point to this .
This is important since a parliamentary defeat for Mr Johnson has become a mathematical possibility if enough Tory MPs now join in .
This would be a massive Commons moment : a signal that MPs do not have confidence in Mr Johnson 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Mr Johnson 's authority .
The 10pm curfew is a curious policy , which many in the Tories dislike .
It was blamed specifically today by Greene King which announced it will shut dozens of pubs with the loss of 800 jobs .
Liz Truss , the trade secretary , justified the move on the grounds that people were more likely to be drunk and struggle to socially distance after 10pm .
Many Tory MPs believe it to be a compromise with Rishi Sunak who resisted more draconian shutdown measures across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think , is that government needed to be seen to do something small .
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Unhelpfully for Number 10 , Tory MP Steve Baker - one of the most talented parliamentary organisers - has signalled his opposition to the 10pm curfew , suggesting today it is counterproductive .
A lot will hinge on whether the SNP - who have a similar 10pm curfew policy in Scotland - can find a way of joining the rebellion against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a foregone conclusion , but how this rebellion develops in the coming days will be closely watched in Number 10 .
Downing Street insists the vote is going ahead as it stands .
But the first rumours - courtesy of the Evening Standard - have emerged that Number 10 is considering a whole rethink of the policy anyway .
Make no mistake , if this happens it will have been a consequence of the Commons starting to take back control of coronavirus policy .

Boris Johnson may have avoided a high-profile coronavirus defeat by his own MPs last week, but rebellion has not gone away.
The consequence is the Commons is starting to exert newfound influence over his plans, and the first casualty may well be the 10pm pub and restaurant curfew.
The prime minister is in trouble because Keir Starmer has switched tactics on coronavirus.
Until now, he has supported all Downing Street's restrictions in England. No longer.
At today's PMQs, the Labour leader signalled that Labour's support for measures would not be automatic. He went on to question whether there was a scientific basis for the 10pm curfew, something many Tories want to know too.
Although Labour hasn't formally announced it's voting against the 10pm curfew when it comes to the Commons on Monday, all the signs point to this.
This is important since a parliamentary defeat for Mr Johnson has become a mathematical possibility if enough Tory MPs now join in.
This would be a massive Commons moment: a signal that MPs do not have confidence in Mr Johnson's coronavirus policies and an extremely serious blow to Mr Johnson's authority.
The 10pm curfew is a curious policy, which many in the Tories dislike. It was blamed specifically today by Greene King which announced it will shut dozens of pubs with the loss of 800 jobs.
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Liz Truss, the trade secretary, justified the move on the grounds that people were more likely to be drunk and struggle to socially distance after 10pm.
Many Tory MPs believe it to be a compromise with Rishi Sunak who resisted more draconian shutdown measures across the hospitality sector. Its rationale, they think, is that government needed to be seen to do something small.
:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Unhelpfully for Number 10, Tory MP Steve Baker - one of the most talented parliamentary organisers - has signalled his opposition to the 10pm curfew, suggesting today it is counterproductive.
A lot will hinge on whether the SNP - who have a similar 10pm curfew policy in Scotland - can find a way of joining the rebellion against the English equivalent.
So defeat is not a foregone conclusion, but how this rebellion develops in the coming days will be closely watched in Number 10.
Downing Street insists the vote is going ahead as it stands. But the first rumours - courtesy of the Evening Standard - have emerged that Number 10 is considering a whole rethink of the policy anyway.
Make no mistake, if this happens it will have been a consequence of the Commons starting to take back control of coronavirus policy.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-07--Pubs and restaurants barred from selling alcohol indoors for 16 days in Scotland

Pubs , restaurants and cafes in Scotland are being barred from selling alcohol indoors for 16 days from Friday , Nicola Sturgeon has announced .
They can continue selling food and non-alcoholic drinks indoors until 6pm and are able to sell alcohol outside up until the 10pm curfew .
But in areas with particularly high coronavirus rates , all licenced premises apart from hotels will be forced to close both indoor and outdoor services , though can continue doing takeaways .
Those tougher restrictions will affect Greater Glasgow and Clyde , Lanarkshire , Ayrshire and Arran , Lothian and Forth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in those areas will also be encouraged not to travel outside them `` if they do n't need to '' , though the first minister insisted she was not ordering a second lockdown .
And snooker , pool and bingo halls as well as casinos in the problem regions will have to cease trading , with most contact sport also having to stop .
Gyms can stay open and exceptions will be made for already-booked life events like weddings and funerals .
The Scottish government also confirmed National 5 exams will be cancelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` alternative approach '' to be worked out based on exam centre estimates and teachers ' judgements .
Ms Sturgeon promised an extra £40m of government support will go towards businesses affected by the fresh restrictions .
She said the measures will last until Sunday 25 October and people do not need to cancel half-term plans .
In `` many respects '' the moves feel like `` backward steps '' , Ms Sturgeon admitted , but she said without action coronavirus cases could shoot up by the end of October to levels not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are already beginning to rise , she added , with the highest number of fatalities linked to COVID-19 recorded last week since late June .
But the Scottish Beer and Pub Association said the latest restrictions will `` deliver a knockout blow for many of Scotland 's much-loved pubs and the communities they serve '' .
`` We question the fairness and wisdom of these restrictions and the level of financial support available to help our sector through this , '' chief executive Emma McClarkin added .
And former Labour first minister Jack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NOT the same '' .
He wrote : `` Majority of law abiding and decent businesses being punished because the Scottish Government is not enforcing the rules in the few places that are breaking the rules .
`` Heartbreaking for those who have worked so hard .
Lost the plot . ''
It comes after Ms Sturgeon warned yesterday she was getting `` very strong public health advice '' that further restrictions were necessary .
In England , the government is considering temporarily closing pubs and restaurants and limiting household mixing further .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14,162 new coronavirus cases reported on Wednesday - a slight fall from 14,542 the previous day .
A further 70 people have also died within four weeks of testing positive - bringing the total number of deaths in the UK to 42,515 .

Pubs, restaurants and cafes in Scotland are being barred from selling alcohol indoors for 16 days from Friday, Nicola Sturgeon has announced.
They can continue selling food and non-alcoholic drinks indoors until 6pm and are able to sell alcohol outside up until the 10pm curfew.
But in areas with particularly high coronavirus rates, all licenced premises apart from hotels will be forced to close both indoor and outdoor services, though can continue doing takeaways.
Image: Pubs across Scotland can only sell alcohol outdoors
Those tougher restrictions will affect Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Lothian and Forth Valley from 6pm on Friday.
Residents in those areas will also be encouraged not to travel outside them "if they don't need to", though the first minister insisted she was not ordering a second lockdown.
Image: The measures will stay in place until 25 October
And snooker, pool and bingo halls as well as casinos in the problem regions will have to cease trading, with most contact sport also having to stop.
Gyms can stay open and exceptions will be made for already-booked life events like weddings and funerals.
The Scottish government also confirmed National 5 exams will be cancelled for this academic year, with an "alternative approach" to be worked out based on exam centre estimates and teachers' judgements.
Image: Tougher measures will come into effect in Greater Glasgow and other areas
Ms Sturgeon promised an extra £40m of government support will go towards businesses affected by the fresh restrictions.
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She said the measures will last until Sunday 25 October and people do not need to cancel half-term plans.
In "many respects" the moves feel like "backward steps", Ms Sturgeon admitted, but she said without action coronavirus cases could shoot up by the end of October to levels not seen since the first peak.
Deaths are already beginning to rise, she added, with the highest number of fatalities linked to COVID-19 recorded last week since late June.
But the Scottish Beer and Pub Association said the latest restrictions will "deliver a knockout blow for many of Scotland's much-loved pubs and the communities they serve".
"We question the fairness and wisdom of these restrictions and the level of financial support available to help our sector through this," chief executive Emma McClarkin added.
Image: Concern was raised about the financial support offered to affected businesses
And former Labour first minister Jack McConnell tweeted "pubs and restaurants are NOT the same".
He wrote: "Majority of law abiding and decent businesses being punished because the Scottish Government is not enforcing the rules in the few places that are breaking the rules.
"Heartbreaking for those who have worked so hard. Lost the plot."
It comes after Ms Sturgeon warned yesterday she was getting "very strong public health advice" that further restrictions were necessary.
In England, the government is considering temporarily closing pubs and restaurants and limiting household mixing further.
The latest UK figures show there were 14,162 new coronavirus cases reported on Wednesday - a slight fall from 14,542 the previous day.
A further 70 people have also died within four weeks of testing positive - bringing the total number of deaths in the UK to 42,515.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-07--Chance EU deal will be struck around 66%, says Gove

A post-Brexit trade deal with the EU is more likely than not , Michael Gove has revealed as it appeared progress had been made on one of the key stumbling blocks .
The Cabinet Office minister said it was `` about right '' the chances of negotiators succeeding were 66 % , when quizzed by a Tory MP .
His positive tone suggests the government is making progress towards striking an agreement to avoid a no-deal divorce with Brussels at the end of the transition period .
Brexit happened on 31 January meaning the UK left the EU but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same rules until the end of 2020 .
After that there will either be a trade deal to replace the arrangements , or no-deal , leaving firms forced to export and import based on World Trade Organisation terms .
Lord David Frost , appearing alongside Mr Gove at a Commons select committee on Wednesday , was also asked how likely a deal is but declined to give a specific figure .
`` I think that a deal is eminently achievable , '' the UK 's chief negotiator said .
Meanwhile it appears there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state aid - the ability of countries to give support to businesses that could compromise competition laws .
A Whitehall source told Sky News `` there has been a little bit of progress '' on the issue .
They added the `` biggest gaps remaining are on fish but there 's still a lot to do across other areas '' .
And a Downing Street readout on a call between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the EU Council President Charles Michel , who represents all the EU27 leaders , also contained no mention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It had in previous Number 10 news releases , but the one issued on Wednesday said : the two leaders `` acknowledged that significant areas of difference remain , particularly on fisheries '' .
It added that Mr Johnson `` outlined our clear commitment to trying to reach an agreement '' .

A post-Brexit trade deal with the EU is more likely than not, Michael Gove has revealed as it appeared progress had been made on one of the key stumbling blocks.
The Cabinet Office minister said it was "about right" the chances of negotiators succeeding were 66%, when quizzed by a Tory MP.
His positive tone suggests the government is making progress towards striking an agreement to avoid a no-deal divorce with Brussels at the end of the transition period.
Brexit happened on 31 January meaning the UK left the EU but it is continuing to follow many of the same rules until the end of 2020.
After that there will either be a trade deal to replace the arrangements, or no-deal, leaving firms forced to export and import based on World Trade Organisation terms.
Lord David Frost, appearing alongside Mr Gove at a Commons select committee on Wednesday, was also asked how likely a deal is but declined to give a specific figure.
"I think that a deal is eminently achievable," the UK's chief negotiator said.
Meanwhile it appears there has been progress on the issue of state aid - the ability of countries to give support to businesses that could compromise competition laws.
A Whitehall source told Sky News "there has been a little bit of progress" on the issue.
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They added the "biggest gaps remaining are on fish but there's still a lot to do across other areas".
Image: Negotiators are trying to hammer out a trade deal
And a Downing Street readout on a call between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the EU Council President Charles Michel, who represents all the EU27 leaders, also contained no mention of state aid as an unresolved issue.
It had in previous Number 10 news releases, but the one issued on Wednesday said: the two leaders "acknowledged that significant areas of difference remain, particularly on fisheries".
It added that Mr Johnson "outlined our clear commitment to trying to reach an agreement".


skynewspolitics--2020-10-07--National 5 exams in Scotland cancelled in 2021

Students preparing to sit National 5s in Scotland next year have had their exams cancelled .
Highers and Advanced Highers will also be pushed back , starting on the later date of 13 May , to let students who missed teaching time due to the coronavirus pandemic catch up .
But contingency plans will be developed for the cancellation of those exams as well , with `` check points '' in place up until February for a decision to be made .
The National 5s are roughly the Scottish equivalent to GCSEs .
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business as usual '' in next year 's exam timetable .
He told MSPs : `` Due to the level of disruption already caused by COVID-19 and due to the likely disruption faced by some or all of our pupils and students this academic year , a full exam diet is simply too big a risk to take . ''
The decision was based on recommendations from a review ordered in the wake of the exam results scandal , led by Professor Mark Priestley of Stirling University .
Mr Swinney said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teacher judgement , supported by assessment resources and quality assurance . ''
Between two and four pieces of work for every subject will be required from pupils , with Mr Swinney saying guidance from the Scottish Qualifications Authority will `` emphasise quality , not quantity '' .
He appeared to try to head off criticism the government could be heading for trouble , given the U-turn all four UK nations took to scrap students ' grades moderated by an algorithm over the summer .
`` There will be no algorithm , '' Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on the progress of our young people and their work . ''
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Scottish Tory education spokesman Jamie Greene said he thought a full exam diet could still run next year , though he welcomed the fact a decision had been taken on the matter early .
He added : `` I 'm not convinced that full justification has been offered in today 's statement for the cancellation of National 5s .
`` It does feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already . ''
It comes after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a new nationwide ban on selling alcohol indoors , with further restrictions for Greater Glasgow and Clyde , Lanarkshire , Ayrshire and Arran , Lothian and Forth Valley .

Students preparing to sit National 5s in Scotland next year have had their exams cancelled.
Highers and Advanced Highers will also be pushed back, starting on the later date of 13 May, to let students who missed teaching time due to the coronavirus pandemic catch up.
But contingency plans will be developed for the cancellation of those exams as well, with "check points" in place up until February for a decision to be made.
Image: The deputy first minister confirmed 'there will be no algorithm'
The National 5s are roughly the Scottish equivalent to GCSEs.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said the Scottish government "could not plan for business as usual" in next year's exam timetable.
He told MSPs: "Due to the level of disruption already caused by COVID-19 and due to the likely disruption faced by some or all of our pupils and students this academic year, a full exam diet is simply too big a risk to take."
The decision was based on recommendations from a review ordered in the wake of the exam results scandal, led by Professor Mark Priestley of Stirling University.
Mr Swinney said: "The alternative approach will be based on teacher judgement, supported by assessment resources and quality assurance."
Image: Mr Swinney said he 'could not plan for business as usual'
Between two and four pieces of work for every subject will be required from pupils, with Mr Swinney saying guidance from the Scottish Qualifications Authority will "emphasise quality, not quantity".
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He appeared to try to head off criticism the government could be heading for trouble, given the U-turn all four UK nations took to scrap students' grades moderated by an algorithm over the summer.
"There will be no algorithm," Mr Swinney confirmed. "Awards will be based on the progress of our young people and their work."
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Scottish Tory education spokesman Jamie Greene said he thought a full exam diet could still run next year, though he welcomed the fact a decision had been taken on the matter early.
He added: "I'm not convinced that full justification has been offered in today's statement for the cancellation of National 5s.
"It does feel like the towel has been thrown in already."
It comes after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a new nationwide ban on selling alcohol indoors, with further restrictions for Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Lothian and Forth Valley.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-07--PM accused of 'intergalactic incompetence' in clashes over testing and local lockdowns

Boris Johnson has been accused of `` intergalactic incompetence '' by Sir Keir Starmer , who urged the prime minister to publish the `` scientific basis '' for the 10pm curfew .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called on the prime minister to set out the reasons for the measure , which was introduced across England on 24 September , before MPs are due to vote on the issue next week .
During Prime Minister 's Questions on Wednesday , Sir Keir also grilled Mr Johnson on the effectiveness of local lockdowns and the 16,000 COVID-19 cases missed by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus updates from the UK and around the world The Labour leader 's focus on the 10pm curfew will heighten the pressure on Mr Johnson over the measure , with a number of Conservative MPs critical of the national restriction .
Next week 's expected vote in the House Commons - which comes after the government was forced to give MPs a greater say over COVID-19 rules - could see a Tory rebellion against the early closure of hospitality businesses , and follows warnings it has been devastating for the industry .
Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to supporting the curfew in next week 's vote .
Sky News has learned the restriction has contributed to one of Britain 's biggest pub operators moving to close 25 sites and axe 800 jobs .
Ahead of the Commons vote next week , Sir Keir told Mr Johnson : `` The prime minister knows that there are deeply-held views across the country in different ways on this .
`` One question is now screaming out : is there a scientific basis for the 10pm rule ?
The public deserves to know .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is , why does n't the government do yourself a favour and publish it ?
`` If not , why does n't the government review the rule ? ''
Senior local Labour politicians - including Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson - are also among those who have criticised the 10pm curfew for being ineffective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 .
There have even been warnings the measure is worsening the situation , as it was encouraging house parties and forcing people onto the streets and public transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responded to Sir Keir that the basis for the curfew was the same on which the Labour leader had `` accepted it two weeks ago '' .
`` That is to reduce the spread of the virus and that is our objective , '' the prime minister said .
He also attacked Labour for abstaining in a Commons vote on Tuesday night on the `` rule of six '' restriction on social gatherings .
`` What kind of a signal does this send to the people of the country about the robustness of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforce the restrictions ?
, '' Mr Johnson said .
`` That is not new leadership , that is no leadership . ''
Sir Keir quizzed Mr Johnson about the effectiveness of local lockdowns , with Labour analysis claiming that 19 out of 20 areas in England that have been under restrictions for two months have seen an increase in infection rates .
Mr Johnson replied : `` He 's heard from me and heard repeatedly from the government why we 're bringing in differentiated local restrictions . ''
The prime minster called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to follow COVID-19 rules in the face of rising infections .
He also defended the government 's action since it emerged nearly 16,000 coronavirus cases were missed by the Test and Trace scheme .
`` As soon as we became aware of the missing data we brought in 800 people to chase up those index cases and we continue to chase their contacts , '' the prime minister said .
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Sir Keir had asked Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put people 's lives at risk .
`` It 's now much harder to contact people after so long , the contacts of the 16,000 , '' he said .
`` Even if they 're contacted successfully , for many the self-isolation period has already expired .
`` Thirdly , important decisions on local restrictions were made using the wrong data .
`` £12bn has been invested in this system yet a basic Excel error brings it down - no wonder it 's been described as intergalactic incompetence . ''

Boris Johnson has been accused of "intergalactic incompetence" by Sir Keir Starmer, who urged the prime minister to publish the "scientific basis" for the 10pm curfew.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called on the prime minister to set out the reasons for the measure, which was introduced across England on 24 September, before MPs are due to vote on the issue next week.
During Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, Sir Keir also grilled Mr Johnson on the effectiveness of local lockdowns and the 16,000 COVID-19 cases missed by the NHS Test and Trace scheme.
Live coronavirus updates from the UK and around the world
Image: Pubs have to shut at 10pm across England
The Labour leader's focus on the 10pm curfew will heighten the pressure on Mr Johnson over the measure, with a number of Conservative MPs critical of the national restriction.
Next week's expected vote in the House Commons - which comes after the government was forced to give MPs a greater say over COVID-19 rules - could see a Tory rebellion against the early closure of hospitality businesses, and follows warnings it has been devastating for the industry.
Labour themselves have not yet made a commitment to supporting the curfew in next week's vote.
Sky News has learned the restriction has contributed to one of Britain's biggest pub operators moving to close 25 sites and axe 800 jobs.
Ahead of the Commons vote next week, Sir Keir told Mr Johnson: "The prime minister knows that there are deeply-held views across the country in different ways on this.
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"One question is now screaming out: is there a scientific basis for the 10pm rule? The public deserves to know. Parliament deserves to know. If there is, why doesn't the government do yourself a favour and publish it?
"If not, why doesn't the government review the rule?"
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:12 PM's appeal to the nation
Senior local Labour politicians - including Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson - are also among those who have criticised the 10pm curfew for being ineffective in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
There have even been warnings the measure is worsening the situation, as it was encouraging house parties and forcing people onto the streets and public transport at the same time.
Mr Johnson responded to Sir Keir that the basis for the curfew was the same on which the Labour leader had "accepted it two weeks ago".
"That is to reduce the spread of the virus and that is our objective," the prime minister said.
He also attacked Labour for abstaining in a Commons vote on Tuesday night on the "rule of six" restriction on social gatherings.
"What kind of a signal does this send to the people of the country about the robustness of the Labour Party and their willingness to enforce the restrictions?," Mr Johnson said.
"That is not new leadership, that is no leadership."
Sir Keir quizzed Mr Johnson about the effectiveness of local lockdowns, with Labour analysis claiming that 19 out of 20 areas in England that have been under restrictions for two months have seen an increase in infection rates.
Mr Johnson replied: "He's heard from me and heard repeatedly from the government why we're bringing in differentiated local restrictions."
The prime minster called for a "concerted national effort" to follow COVID-19 rules in the face of rising infections.
He also defended the government's action since it emerged nearly 16,000 coronavirus cases were missed by the Test and Trace scheme.
"As soon as we became aware of the missing data we brought in 800 people to chase up those index cases and we continue to chase their contacts," the prime minister said.
:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Sir Keir had asked Mr Johnson if he accepted the error had put people's lives at risk.
"It's now much harder to contact people after so long, the contacts of the 16,000," he said.
"Even if they're contacted successfully, for many the self-isolation period has already expired.
"Thirdly, important decisions on local restrictions were made using the wrong data.
"£12bn has been invested in this system yet a basic Excel error brings it down - no wonder it's been described as intergalactic incompetence."


skynewspolitics--2020-10-08--Toughest COVID rules could include ban on household mixing in any setting

England is expected to be carved into three different lockdown tiers next week , with millions of people facing tougher restrictions as the government tries to get a handle on rising coronavirus cases and hospital admissions .
Pubs , restaurants and leisure facilities are expected to be closed in parts of the North put into the strictest tier , according to two sources who have seen blueprints of the current plans .
Under the proposals , people living in the strictest tier - tier three - are also expected to be ordered not to have any social contact with anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to one person familiar with the blueprints being drawn up by the government .
This goes a step beyond the current rules in Northern cities with high infection rates such as Newcastle and Liverpool - where people can meet other households outdoors - but not in their garden or a pub garden .
The strictest tier will also come with a financial compensation package for businesses forced to shut up shop .
A second source who has also seen the tiering proposals said tier two restrictions would be the same as those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - no household mixing in homes or gardens , and no household mixing in hospitality settings .
Meeting people who live in different households in those areas is currently `` advised against '' but not illegal .
Those in tier one will be in the most light-touch tier , with the public expected to follow the rule of six and maintain social distancing .
Whitehall sources stressed that nothing has yet been signed off .
`` There 's still a lot of work to be done , '' they said .
Earlier , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government is `` considering a range of different options '' .
He said ministers are trying to take a `` regional and proportionate approach '' , especially in cities in the North East , North West and others such as Nottingham .
The government had planned to announce the new tiering system today , but decided instead to push it back to next week and implement it immediately across England amid growing alarm within government about the rising COVID-19 case numbers and increased hospital admissions .
`` The numbers in the North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure told Sky News .
`` The worrying thing is the spread of the disease in certain parts of the country is looking like it is getting into the older population a bit more , '' they added .
Ministers are also worried about the pressure on hospitals as we approach winter .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It comes amid growing anger from local political leaders over the lack of consultation between Westminster and city Mayors , with the discussions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather than politicians .
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham claims ministers have offered `` no discussion '' and `` no consultation '' on new coronavirus measures in his area .
Liverpool city mayor Steve Rotherham described the lack of communication with Westminster as `` deeply disappointing '' .
Newcastle City Council leader Nick Forbes added : `` We need dialogue with government , and a stronger sense of partnership , rather than diktats announced without notice . ''
Health Secretary Matt Hancock briefed public health officials and local resilience teams on proposals on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not included in that call .
`` There 's no passage of information , '' one regional leader told Sky News .
`` There are politics at play here . ''

England is expected to be carved into three different lockdown tiers next week, with millions of people facing tougher restrictions as the government tries to get a handle on rising coronavirus cases and hospital admissions.
Pubs, restaurants and leisure facilities are expected to be closed in parts of the North put into the strictest tier, according to two sources who have seen blueprints of the current plans.
Under the proposals, people living in the strictest tier - tier three - are also expected to be ordered not to have any social contact with anyone outside their household in any setting, according to one person familiar with the blueprints being drawn up by the government.
This goes a step beyond the current rules in Northern cities with high infection rates such as Newcastle and Liverpool - where people can meet other households outdoors - but not in their garden or a pub garden.
The strictest tier will also come with a financial compensation package for businesses forced to shut up shop.
Live coronavirus updates from UK and around the world
A second source who has also seen the tiering proposals said tier two restrictions would be the same as those currently in the North East and Merseyside - no household mixing in homes or gardens, and no household mixing in hospitality settings.
Meeting people who live in different households in those areas is currently "advised against" but not illegal.
Those in tier one will be in the most light-touch tier, with the public expected to follow the rule of six and maintain social distancing.
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Whitehall sources stressed that nothing has yet been signed off. "There's still a lot of work to be done," they said.
Image: Tier two will be similar to lockdowns already imposed in the North East and Merseyside
Earlier, housing secretary Robert Jenrick told Sky News the government is "considering a range of different options".
He said ministers are trying to take a "regional and proportionate approach", especially in cities in the North East, North West and others such as Nottingham.
The government had planned to announce the new tiering system today, but decided instead to push it back to next week and implement it immediately across England amid growing alarm within government about the rising COVID-19 case numbers and increased hospital admissions.
"The numbers in the North are very alarming," a Whitehall figure told Sky News.
"The worrying thing is the spread of the disease in certain parts of the country is looking like it is getting into the older population a bit more," they added.
Ministers are also worried about the pressure on hospitals as we approach winter.
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It comes amid growing anger from local political leaders over the lack of consultation between Westminster and city Mayors, with the discussions on local lockdowns being held between officials rather than politicians.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham claims ministers have offered "no discussion" and "no consultation" on new coronavirus measures in his area.
Liverpool city mayor Steve Rotherham described the lack of communication with Westminster as "deeply disappointing".
Newcastle City Council leader Nick Forbes added: "We need dialogue with government, and a stronger sense of partnership, rather than diktats announced without notice."
Health Secretary Matt Hancock briefed public health officials and local resilience teams on proposals on Wednesday afternoon, but political leaders were not included in that call.
"There's no passage of information," one regional leader told Sky News. "There are politics at play here."


skynewspolitics--2020-10-08--'Recklessly irresponsible': PM faces backlash from mayors in the North over new restrictions

Boris Johnson has been condemned by the mayors of northern cities as ministers plan tougher coronavirus restrictions in a bid to stem regional spikes in infections .
The prime minister is expected to order tough new curbs next week on pubs in northern England , which could include closing them altogether in Liverpool , Manchester and Newcastle .
But the government is facing anger from local politicians who have accused ministers of failing to consult with them on the plans , as well as expressing their fears about the impact on businesses .
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham claimed ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` no consultation '' on new COVID-19 measures .
He added on Twitter : `` Millions of lives affected by Whitehall diktat .
It is proving impossible to deal with this government . ''
Dan Jarvis , a Labour MP and mayor of the Sheffield city region , responded to newspaper reports of new restrictions by tweeting : `` Recklessly irresponsible to brief the papers but not leaders in the North who 'll somehow have to make this work .
Get a grip @ BorisJohnson . ''
Steve Rotherham , the mayor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It is deeply disappointing to wake up this morning to reports that new COVID-19 restrictions affecting millions of people in our city region , and across the North , could be in place within days , rather than hearing it during a genuine dialogue between ministers and local leaders . ''
And Newcastle City Council leader Nick Forbes said : `` We need dialogue with government , and a stronger sense of partnership , rather than diktats announced without notice . ''
The anger from regional Labour politicians was also echoed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deputy leader Angela Rayner tweeting : `` An utter disgrace that millions in the North are finding out about further restrictions via leaks to newspapers or on journalists ' Twitter feeds .
`` We need clarity , not more opaque briefings .
The government has not learnt from its mistakes and is treating people with contempt . ''
Meanwhile the leaders of Birmingham City Council have written to Chancellor Rishi Sunak to argue the Midlands city `` must not be forced into restricting household mixing in bars and restaurants if there 's no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It would cost jobs and livelihoods without making anyone safer , '' added the city council 's deputy leader Brigid Jones .
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said it was `` not fair '' to say the government was not consulting with local leaders and revealed he had spoken to Mr Burnham on Wednesday .
`` We 're in regular contact with the mayors and local council leaders , '' he told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme .
`` We want to bring local leaders with us and come to decisions in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But it is right that the ultimate decision is taken by the government , guided by the chief medical officer . ''

Boris Johnson has been condemned by the mayors of northern cities as ministers plan tougher coronavirus restrictions in a bid to stem regional spikes in infections.
The prime minister is expected to order tough new curbs next week on pubs in northern England, which could include closing them altogether in Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle.
But the government is facing anger from local politicians who have accused ministers of failing to consult with them on the plans, as well as expressing their fears about the impact on businesses.
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Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham claimed ministers had offered "no discussion" and "no consultation" on new COVID-19 measures.
He added on Twitter: "Millions of lives affected by Whitehall diktat. It is proving impossible to deal with this government."
Dan Jarvis, a Labour MP and mayor of the Sheffield city region, responded to newspaper reports of new restrictions by tweeting: "Recklessly irresponsible to brief the papers but not leaders in the North who'll somehow have to make this work. Get a grip @BorisJohnson."
Steve Rotherham, the mayor of the Liverpool city region, said: "It is deeply disappointing to wake up this morning to reports that new COVID-19 restrictions affecting millions of people in our city region, and across the North, could be in place within days, rather than hearing it during a genuine dialogue between ministers and local leaders."
And Newcastle City Council leader Nick Forbes said: "We need dialogue with government, and a stronger sense of partnership, rather than diktats announced without notice."
The anger from regional Labour politicians was also echoed by the party's front bench, with deputy leader Angela Rayner tweeting: "An utter disgrace that millions in the North are finding out about further restrictions via leaks to newspapers or on journalists' Twitter feeds.
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"We need clarity, not more opaque briefings. The government has not learnt from its mistakes and is treating people with contempt."
Meanwhile the leaders of Birmingham City Council have written to Chancellor Rishi Sunak to argue the Midlands city "must not be forced into restricting household mixing in bars and restaurants if there's no evidence it's spreading COVID".
"It would cost jobs and livelihoods without making anyone safer," added the city council's deputy leader Brigid Jones.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:39 Jenrick defends govt's lockdown approach
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said it was "not fair" to say the government was not consulting with local leaders and revealed he had spoken to Mr Burnham on Wednesday.
"We're in regular contact with the mayors and local council leaders," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
"We want to bring local leaders with us and come to decisions in the most amicable way possible.
"But it is right that the ultimate decision is taken by the government, guided by the chief medical officer."
Mr Burnham later disputed that, posting on Twitter: "The first time I heard that all bars and restaurants across the North are to close was when I read it in @thetimes.
"I've had two meetings with Cabinet ministers this week along with other Mayors and it wasn't mentioned once."


skynewspolitics--2020-10-08--Investigation into racist threats against MP dropped after Twitter 'fails to assist' police

An investigation into racist online threats against an MP was dropped after Twitter refused to cooperate with police , it has been claimed .
David Lammy reported a Twitter account to the Metropolitan Police in August after the user referred to him with a racial slur and threatened that he should `` hang from a lamppost '' .
But the Labour MP for Tottenham now claims the Met were forced to abandon their investigation because Twitter refused to get involved .
He tweeted on Wednesday : `` I have just been informed by @ metpoliceuk they have dropped their investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refused to assist in their investigation . ''
The shadow justice secretary also tweeted Twitter 's founder Jack Dorsey , adding : `` Please explain why you are shielding vile racists who make death threats on your platform ?
# BlackLivesMatter .
`` You should not be able to push race hate and send death threats with impunity online .
Shame on Twitter for failing to act with the Metropolitan Police to identify who sent this threat . ''
A Twitter spokesperson said the social media giant is cooperating with police `` having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Sky News has contacted the Met for comment .
When the tweet was originally posted in August , Mr Lammy claimed it took several days for it to be removed and the account to be suspended .
This week , fellow politicians including Home Secretary Priti Patel have called on Twitter to act faster against racism in light of Mr Lammy 's complaint .
Ms Patel had offered her support to Mr Lammy back in August .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said : `` The racism David Lammy , black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are subjected to is disgraceful .
`` Social media platforms must be quicker at taking action against hate .
Racism has no place online or anywhere in our society . ''

An investigation into racist online threats against an MP was dropped after Twitter refused to cooperate with police, it has been claimed.
David Lammy reported a Twitter account to the Metropolitan Police in August after the user referred to him with a racial slur and threatened that he should "hang from a lamppost".
But the Labour MP for Tottenham now claims the Met were forced to abandon their investigation because Twitter refused to get involved.
He tweeted on Wednesday: "I have just been informed by @metpoliceuk they have dropped their investigation into this threat because @Twitter has refused to assist in their investigation."
The shadow justice secretary also tweeted Twitter's founder Jack Dorsey, adding: "Please explain why you are shielding vile racists who make death threats on your platform? #BlackLivesMatter.
"You should not be able to push race hate and send death threats with impunity online. Shame on Twitter for failing to act with the Metropolitan Police to identify who sent this threat."
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A Twitter spokesperson said the social media giant is cooperating with police "having now received and processed the correct information".
Sky News has contacted the Met for comment.
When the tweet was originally posted in August, Mr Lammy claimed it took several days for it to be removed and the account to be suspended.
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This week, fellow politicians including Home Secretary Priti Patel have called on Twitter to act faster against racism in light of Mr Lammy's complaint.
Ms Patel had offered her support to Mr Lammy back in August.
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Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: "The racism David Lammy, black MPs and black people across our society are subjected to is disgraceful.
"Social media platforms must be quicker at taking action against hate. Racism has no place online or anywhere in our society."


skynewspolitics--2020-10-08--Who is the new Downing Street press secretary?

Former journalist Allegra Stratton has become Downing Street 's new press secretary , Sky News understands .
The ex-BBC , ITN and Guardian reporter will front daily news conferences held by the government , and will likely become a household name .
She became director of strategic communications to Rishi Sunak earlier this year following his promotion to chancellor .
Ms Stratton is credited with sharpening up the chancellor 's social media presence and launching the Eat Out To Help Out discount scheme .
A former Guardian political correspondent and Newsnight political editor , she spent five years at ITV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Sunday .
In her new job , Ms Stratton will front daily TV briefings - inspired by the government 's COVID-19 news conferences , which boasted between two million and five million viewers a night .
The White House-style broadcasts will take place at 9 Downing Street , where a former colonial courtroom is being transformed into a state-of-the-art broadcast hub .
Other contenders who were said to be in the running for the job on Boris Johnson 's media team were Angus Walker , a former ITV News correspondent and editor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special adviser , and BBC political reporter Ellie Price .
Currently , political journalists are given a briefing by the prime minister 's official spokesman - who is a civil servant - behind closed doors .
But the job advert for a new political figure to lead TV briefings said : `` You will represent the government and the prime minister to an audience of millions on a daily basis , across the main broadcast channels and social media , and have the chance to influence and shape public opinion .
`` You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the issues they care most about , explaining the government 's position , reassuring people that we are taking action on their priorities and driving positive changes . ''

Former journalist Allegra Stratton has become Downing Street's new press secretary, Sky News understands.
The ex-BBC, ITN and Guardian reporter will front daily news conferences held by the government, and will likely become a household name.
She became director of strategic communications to Rishi Sunak earlier this year following his promotion to chancellor.
Image: PM Boris Johnson launched a search for someone to front daily TV briefings
Ms Stratton is credited with sharpening up the chancellor's social media presence and launching the Eat Out To Help Out discount scheme.
A former Guardian political correspondent and Newsnight political editor, she spent five years at ITV News as national editor and co-presented Peston On Sunday.
In her new job, Ms Stratton will front daily TV briefings - inspired by the government's COVID-19 news conferences, which boasted between two million and five million viewers a night.
The White House-style broadcasts will take place at 9 Downing Street, where a former colonial courtroom is being transformed into a state-of-the-art broadcast hub.
Other contenders who were said to be in the running for the job on Boris Johnson's media team were Angus Walker, a former ITV News correspondent and editor who became Education Secretary Gavin Williamson's special adviser, and BBC political reporter Ellie Price.
Image: Downing Street wants to emulate the daily coronavirus news conferences
Currently, political journalists are given a briefing by the prime minister's official spokesman - who is a civil servant - behind closed doors.
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But the job advert for a new political figure to lead TV briefings said: "You will represent the government and the prime minister to an audience of millions on a daily basis, across the main broadcast channels and social media, and have the chance to influence and shape public opinion.
"You will speak directly to the public on the issues they care most about, explaining the government's position, reassuring people that we are taking action on their priorities and driving positive changes."


skynewspolitics--2020-10-08--Theresa May leads Tory rebellion against housing shake-up proposed by PM

Theresa May has led a fierce onslaught by Tory ex-cabinet ministers against a housing shake-up proposed by Boris Johnson , which could lead to some building going ahead without planning permission .
Backed by her former cabinet allies Damian Green , Jeremy Hunt and Chris Grayling - and several more ex-ministers - the former prime minister demanded a rethink on the government 's proposals for reform of the planning system .
The backlash came during a House of Commons debate in which Conservative MPs bitterly attacked the reforms , described by Mr Johnson as part of his plans to `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK out of the coronavirus crisis .
It was Mrs May 's second major revolt against government policy in less than three weeks , after she accused her successor of `` acting recklessly and irresponsibly '' by breaking international law with his UK Internal Market Bill .
Earlier this week , defending his planning shake-up in his party conference speech , Mr Johnson declared : `` We will transform the sclerotic planning system .
`` We will make it faster and easier to build beautiful new homes without destroying the green belt or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May , MP for the commuter town of Maidenhead in Berkshire , told the Commons that the prime minister 's proposals were contrary to the government 's `` levelling up '' agenda , and she called on ministers to think again .
`` The problem with these proposals , the problem with this algorithm on housing numbers , is that it does n't guarantee a single extra home being built and far from levelling up , it forces more investment into London and the South , '' she said .
`` This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We need to make sure that the planning system sees the right number of homes being built in the right places .
`` But we wo n't do that by removing local democracy , cutting the number of affordable homes that will be built and building over rural areas - yet that is exactly what these reforms will lead to .
`` And we do need to build more homes , but we wo n't do that by forcing local authorities to grant more planning permissions to developers so that they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down , because developers simply wo n't do it .
`` The government does need to think again on this and it needs to understand the impact that the proposals it 's put forward are going to have . ''
Mrs May also attacked the algorithm at the heart of the government 's proposed planning reforms .
`` What this algorithm does is build up planning permissions , it does n't build houses , '' she said .
In a reference to the government 's handling of A-level results this summer , Mrs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have thought the government might have abandoned algorithms by now . ''
The former PM called for the government to return with a `` comprehensive proposal '' for MPs ahead of a `` proper debate '' on planning reforms and - in a nod to her Brexit travails of last year - she added : `` And , dare I say it , a meaningful vote . ''
Responding to the protests of Tory MPs at the end of the debate , housing minister Chris Pincher said the government would carefully consider their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am especially mindful that MPs are concerned about geographic imbalance - concerns about too many homes in the South and not enough in the Midlands and the North .
`` Equally , I recognise anxieties about what these changes might mean for our countryside in contrast to our urban areas .
`` I want to reassure the House that through this consultation process we are committed to addressing any supposed imbalances .
`` I recognise that our future is not just about what we build , but where we build it . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Earlier , Mr Hunt , MP for the affluent constituency of South West Surrey , said he had `` grave reservations '' over the government 's plans and warned of risks to the English countryside .
`` We lose that at our peril , '' he said .
Mr Green , MP for the commuter hotspot of Ashford in Kent , told MPs : `` We are in danger of turning the Garden of England into a patio . ''
He told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I just gently say to the minister that algorithms are a tool for mathematicians , not politicians . ''
Mr Green added : `` This wo n't be levelling up , it will be levelling over green fields with concrete . ''
Mr Grayling , MP for another affluent commuter constituency , Epsom and Ewell , told MPs the housing algorithm was `` completely inconsistent '' with the promises the Tories made at last year 's general election .
`` In its current form I regret to say , even as a loyal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not support this , '' he said .

Theresa May has led a fierce onslaught by Tory ex-cabinet ministers against a housing shake-up proposed by Boris Johnson, which could lead to some building going ahead without planning permission.
Backed by her former cabinet allies Damian Green, Jeremy Hunt and Chris Grayling - and several more ex-ministers - the former prime minister demanded a rethink on the government's proposals for reform of the planning system.
The backlash came during a House of Commons debate in which Conservative MPs bitterly attacked the reforms, described by Mr Johnson as part of his plans to "build, build, build" the UK out of the coronavirus crisis.
Image: Boris Johnson has vowed to 'transform the sclerotic planning system'
It was Mrs May's second major revolt against government policy in less than three weeks, after she accused her successor of "acting recklessly and irresponsibly" by breaking international law with his UK Internal Market Bill.
Earlier this week, defending his planning shake-up in his party conference speech, Mr Johnson declared: "We will transform the sclerotic planning system.
"We will make it faster and easier to build beautiful new homes without destroying the green belt or desecrating the countryside."
But Mrs May, MP for the commuter town of Maidenhead in Berkshire, told the Commons that the prime minister's proposals were contrary to the government's "levelling up" agenda, and she called on ministers to think again.
"The problem with these proposals, the problem with this algorithm on housing numbers, is that it doesn't guarantee a single extra home being built and far from levelling up, it forces more investment into London and the South," she said.
"This is a mechanistic approach and it is ill-conceived. We need to make sure that the planning system sees the right number of homes being built in the right places.
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"But we won't do that by removing local democracy, cutting the number of affordable homes that will be built and building over rural areas - yet that is exactly what these reforms will lead to.
"And we do need to build more homes, but we won't do that by forcing local authorities to grant more planning permissions to developers so that they can build more homes to bring the price down, because developers simply won't do it.
"The government does need to think again on this and it needs to understand the impact that the proposals it's put forward are going to have."
Image: Damian Green warned the government is in 'danger of turning the Garden of England into a patio'
Mrs May also attacked the algorithm at the heart of the government's proposed planning reforms.
"What this algorithm does is build up planning permissions, it doesn't build houses," she said.
In a reference to the government's handling of A-level results this summer, Mrs May also quipped: "I would have thought the government might have abandoned algorithms by now."
The former PM called for the government to return with a "comprehensive proposal" for MPs ahead of a "proper debate" on planning reforms and - in a nod to her Brexit travails of last year - she added: "And, dare I say it, a meaningful vote."
Responding to the protests of Tory MPs at the end of the debate, housing minister Chris Pincher said the government would carefully consider their concerns.
He added: "I am especially mindful that MPs are concerned about geographic imbalance - concerns about too many homes in the South and not enough in the Midlands and the North.
"Equally, I recognise anxieties about what these changes might mean for our countryside in contrast to our urban areas.
"I want to reassure the House that through this consultation process we are committed to addressing any supposed imbalances.
"I recognise that our future is not just about what we build, but where we build it."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Earlier, Mr Hunt, MP for the affluent constituency of South West Surrey, said he had "grave reservations" over the government's plans and warned of risks to the English countryside.
"We lose that at our peril," he said.
Mr Green, MP for the commuter hotspot of Ashford in Kent, told MPs: "We are in danger of turning the Garden of England into a patio."
He told housing minister Chris Pincher: "Can I just gently say to the minister that algorithms are a tool for mathematicians, not politicians."
Mr Green added: "This won't be levelling up, it will be levelling over green fields with concrete."
Mr Grayling, MP for another affluent commuter constituency, Epsom and Ewell, told MPs the housing algorithm was "completely inconsistent" with the promises the Tories made at last year's general election.
"In its current form I regret to say, even as a loyal supporter of the government, I cannot support this," he said.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-08--Sturgeon accused of misleading parliament over when she first knew of Salmond allegations

Nicola Sturgeon insists she has `` nothing to hide '' over the Alex Salmond inquiry , after being accused of misleading parliament about when she first knew of allegations against him .
The first minister previously said she was first made aware of complaints against her predecessor when he told her in a meeting at her home on 2 April 2018 .
But it has since emerged she was informed during a meeting with Mr Salmond 's former chief of staff Geoff Aberdein several days earlier - on 29 March .
Mr Salmond was cleared of 13 charges of sexual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the High Court in Edinburgh in March 2020 .
The case followed legal action taken by Mr Salmond , which found the Scottish government 's handling of complaints against him had been unlawful .
He was awarded more than £500,000 .
Ms Sturgeon said she had forgotten about the meeting with Mr Aberdein in evidence submitted to a committee set up to investigate the matter .
During First Minister 's Questions on Thursday , Ms Sturgeon was challenged by the Conservatives ' Holyrood leader Ruth Davidson on whether her claim to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sturgeon said : `` I get why people will look at that and raise an eyebrow .
`` There is something seared on my memory and it is actually the meeting that took place some three days later when Alex Salmond himself sat in my own home and gave me the details of the complaints that had been made against him and also gave me his response to aspects of those complaints .
`` That is what seared in my memory and I think most reasonable people would understand that .
`` Forgive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my mind a much more fleeting , opportunistic meeting that took place a few days earlier , that is just how it is . ''
The first minister repeatedly added she wants to appear before the committee to answer any questions MSPs may have , adding that she is `` looking forward '' to giving evidence .
Ms Davidson said the explanation given by the first minister `` does not even bear the lightest scrutiny '' , adding it is `` beyond belief '' .
But Ms Sturgeon hit back : `` That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decide to give their own evidence - I will give mine and I will sit before a committee whenever the committee decides to call me and I will do that on oath and I will give my account of what happened .
`` I have got nothing to hide in all of this . ''
Ms Davidson went on to ask the first minister if she believes a judge-led inquiry should be launched to look into the handling of the complaints , an idea put forward by SNP MSP Alex Neil .
Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parliamentary inquiry under way that I 've given evidence to and that I will sit in front of and give evidence to orally , I will do it under oath .
`` I 've got nothing to hide in all of this .
I 've had two years or more of people making accusations about my conduct .
`` It 's not my conduct that sparked off this , I 've tried to act in the proper way - if I 've made mistakes along the way then I will say that and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But I have tried to do the right thing and I will continue to try to do the right thing . ''

Nicola Sturgeon insists she has "nothing to hide" over the Alex Salmond inquiry, after being accused of misleading parliament about when she first knew of allegations against him.
The first minister previously said she was first made aware of complaints against her predecessor when he told her in a meeting at her home on 2 April 2018.
But it has since emerged she was informed during a meeting with Mr Salmond's former chief of staff Geoff Aberdein several days earlier - on 29 March.
Image: Alex Salmond was acquitted of sexual assault charges earlier this year
Mr Salmond was cleared of 13 charges of sexual assault, attempted rape and indecent exposure at the High Court in Edinburgh in March 2020.
The case followed legal action taken by Mr Salmond, which found the Scottish government's handling of complaints against him had been unlawful. He was awarded more than £500,000.
Ms Sturgeon said she had forgotten about the meeting with Mr Aberdein in evidence submitted to a committee set up to investigate the matter.
During First Minister's Questions on Thursday, Ms Sturgeon was challenged by the Conservatives' Holyrood leader Ruth Davidson on whether her claim to have forgotten was "credible".
Ms Sturgeon said: "I get why people will look at that and raise an eyebrow.
"There is something seared on my memory and it is actually the meeting that took place some three days later when Alex Salmond himself sat in my own home and gave me the details of the complaints that had been made against him and also gave me his response to aspects of those complaints.
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"That is what seared in my memory and I think most reasonable people would understand that.
"Forgive me if that has somehow overwritten in my mind a much more fleeting, opportunistic meeting that took place a few days earlier, that is just how it is."
The first minister repeatedly added she wants to appear before the committee to answer any questions MSPs may have, adding that she is "looking forward" to giving evidence.
Image: Ruth Davidson said the first minister's explanation was 'beyond belief'
Ms Davidson said the explanation given by the first minister "does not even bear the lightest scrutiny", adding it is "beyond belief".
But Ms Sturgeon hit back: "That is the fact, other people can decide to give their own evidence - I will give mine and I will sit before a committee whenever the committee decides to call me and I will do that on oath and I will give my account of what happened.
"I have got nothing to hide in all of this."
Ms Davidson went on to ask the first minister if she believes a judge-led inquiry should be launched to look into the handling of the complaints, an idea put forward by SNP MSP Alex Neil.
Ms Sturgeon said: "There is a parliamentary inquiry under way that I've given evidence to and that I will sit in front of and give evidence to orally, I will do it under oath.
"I've got nothing to hide in all of this. I've had two years or more of people making accusations about my conduct.
"It's not my conduct that sparked off this, I've tried to act in the proper way - if I've made mistakes along the way then I will say that and people can make their judgments.
"But I have tried to do the right thing and I will continue to try to do the right thing."


skynewspolitics--2020-10-08--England expected to be split into three different lockdown tiers next week

England is expected to be carved into three different lockdown tiers next week , with millions of people facing tougher restrictions as the government tries to get a handle on rising coronavirus cases and hospital admissions .
Pubs , restaurants and leisure facilities are expected to be closed in parts of the North put into the strictest tier , according to two sources who have seen blueprints of the current plans .
Under the proposals , people living in the strictest tier - tier three - are also expected to be ordered not to have any social contact with anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to one person familiar with the blueprints being drawn up by the government .
This goes a step beyond the current rules in Northern cities with high infection rates such as Newcastle and Liverpool - where people can meet other households outdoors - but not in their garden or a pub garden .
The strictest tier will also come with a financial compensation package for businesses forced to shut up shop .
Live coronavirus updates from UK and around the world A second source who has also seen the tiering proposals said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as those currently in the North East and Merseyside - no household mixing in homes or gardens , and no household mixing in hospitality settings .
Meeting people who live in different households in those areas is currently `` advised against '' but not illegal .
Those in tier one will be in the most light-touch tier , with the public expected to follow the rule of six and maintain social distancing .
Whitehall sources stressed that nothing has yet been signed off .
`` There 's still a lot of work to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earlier , housing secretary Robert Jenrick told Sky News the government is `` considering a range of different options '' .
He said ministers are trying to take a `` regional and proportionate approach '' , especially in cities in the North East , North West and others such as Nottingham .
The government had planned to announce the new tiering system today , but decided instead to push it back to next week and implement it immediately across England amid growing alarm within government about the rising COVID-19 case numbers and increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the North are very alarming , '' a Whitehall figure told Sky News .
`` The worrying thing is the spread of the disease in certain parts of the country is looking like it is getting into the older population a bit more , '' they added .
Ministers are also worried about the pressure on hospitals as we approach winter .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It comes amid growing anger from local political leaders over the lack of consultation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the discussions on local lockdowns being held between officials rather than politicians .
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham claims ministers have offered `` no discussion '' and `` no consultation '' on new coronavirus measures in his area .
Liverpool city mayor Steve Rotherham described the lack of communication with Westminster as `` deeply disappointing '' .
Newcastle City Council leader Nick Forbes added : `` We need dialogue with government , and a stronger sense of partnership , rather than diktats announced without notice . ''
Health Secretary Matt Hancock briefed public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposals on Wednesday afternoon , but political leaders were not included in that call .
`` There 's no passage of information , '' one regional leader told Sky News .
`` There are politics at play here . ''


skynewspolitics--2020-10-08--Hogwarts and Downton Abbey sites get coronavirus grants

Harry Potter and Downton Abbey are in the money as the government hands out more than £100m to protect heritage sites from disrepair and job losses due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Gloucester Cathedral , used for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films , and Highclere Castle , Downton Abbey in the film and TV series , are to receive grants from a new culture recovery fund for heritage .
Also in line for cash is Wentworth Woodhouse , a South Yorkshire mansion that doubled for Buckingham Palace in the Winston Churchill biopic Darkest Hour , which earned Gary Oldman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Announcing the handouts , Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said grants from the £1.57bn culture recovery fund already announced , would be a lifeline for a total of 445 heritage organisations .
`` As a nation it is essential that we preserve our heritage and celebrate and learn from our past , '' he said .
`` This massive support package will protect our shared heritage for future generations , save jobs and help us prepare for a cultural bounce-back post-COVID . ''
Gloucester Cathedral and its cloisters were used in several Hogwarts scenes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home to the original door to the Gryffindor Common Room and the corridor that spelled out the ominous words : `` The Chamber of Secrets has been opened ! ''
Highclere Castle , near Newbury , was used for the exterior shots and some indoor scenes in Downton Abbey and as a result was visited by 60,000 tourists a year until it was forced by the coronavirus pandemic to close earlier this year .
Other heritage sites receiving cash will include Blackpool 's Winter Gardens , the entertainment complex that for many years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blyth Tall Ship restoration project in Northumberland .
Also benefiting will be the Severn Valley Railway , the International Bomber Command Centre memorial in Lincolnshire and the Piece Hall in Halifax , a former cloth market now a tourist attraction hosting TV shows like Antiques Roadshow .
Welcoming the handouts , Lucy Worsley , chief curator of Historic Royal Palaces , said : `` Sadly , the pandemic meant that we had to stop some of our critical conservation work .
`` The grant we have received from the Culture Recovery Fund will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so we can give some of Britain 's most historic buildings the care and attention they deserve , while supporting the specialist craftspeople who are vital for the future of our national heritage .
`` We are enormously grateful to the government for this support . ''
Duncan Wilson , Historic England 's chief executive , said : `` These grants range from giving skilled craft workers the chance to keep their trades alive to helping heritage organisations pay the bills , and to kick-starting repair works at our best-loved historic sites .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the National Lottery Heritage Fund said : `` Our heritage is still facing a perilous future - we are not out of the woods yet . ''

Harry Potter and Downton Abbey are in the money as the government hands out more than £100m to protect heritage sites from disrepair and job losses due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Gloucester Cathedral, used for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films, and Highclere Castle, Downton Abbey in the film and TV series, are to receive grants from a new culture recovery fund for heritage.
Also in line for cash is Wentworth Woodhouse, a South Yorkshire mansion that doubled for Buckingham Palace in the Winston Churchill biopic Darkest Hour, which earned Gary Oldman an Oscar for the starring role.
Image: Highclere Castle is home to the cast of Downton Abbey
Announcing the handouts, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said grants from the £1.57bn culture recovery fund already announced, would be a lifeline for a total of 445 heritage organisations.
"As a nation it is essential that we preserve our heritage and celebrate and learn from our past," he said.
"This massive support package will protect our shared heritage for future generations, save jobs and help us prepare for a cultural bounce-back post-COVID."
Image: Oliver Dowden said the money would support a 'cultural bounce-back'
Gloucester Cathedral and its cloisters were used in several Hogwarts scenes in Harry Potter films.
It was home to the original door to the Gryffindor Common Room and the corridor that spelled out the ominous words: "The Chamber of Secrets has been opened!"
Highclere Castle, near Newbury, was used for the exterior shots and some indoor scenes in Downton Abbey and as a result was visited by 60,000 tourists a year until it was forced by the coronavirus pandemic to close earlier this year.
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Other heritage sites receiving cash will include Blackpool's Winter Gardens, the entertainment complex that for many years hosted political party conferences, and the Blyth Tall Ship restoration project in Northumberland.
Image: Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham will also benefit from a grant
Also benefiting will be the Severn Valley Railway, the International Bomber Command Centre memorial in Lincolnshire and the Piece Hall in Halifax, a former cloth market now a tourist attraction hosting TV shows like Antiques Roadshow.
Welcoming the handouts, Lucy Worsley, chief curator of Historic Royal Palaces, said: "Sadly, the pandemic meant that we had to stop some of our critical conservation work.
"The grant we have received from the Culture Recovery Fund will enable to this work to resume - so we can give some of Britain's most historic buildings the care and attention they deserve, while supporting the specialist craftspeople who are vital for the future of our national heritage.
"We are enormously grateful to the government for this support."
Duncan Wilson, Historic England's chief executive, said: "These grants range from giving skilled craft workers the chance to keep their trades alive to helping heritage organisations pay the bills, and to kick-starting repair works at our best-loved historic sites."
But Ros Kerslake, chief executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund said: "Our heritage is still facing a perilous future - we are not out of the woods yet."


skynewspolitics--2020-10-09--UK 'back to pre-lockdown choices of March', warns SAGE member

A member of the government 's scientific advisory group has warned the country is `` back to choices faced in early March '' before the national coronavirus lockdown .
Sir Jeremy Farrar - part of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) that has been making recommendations to ministers throughout the COVID-19 crisis - offered a stark warning as the government considers what action to take amid a significant rise in infections in northern England .
Live coronavirus updates from UK and around world His intervention came as an Imperial College and Ipsos MORI study - of 175,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the country - showed : • One in 170 people in England had coronavirus between 18 September and 5 October , with 45,000 new infections every day • One in 100 people had the virus in the North West , which had the highest regional prevalance , followed by the North East ( 0.9 % of people ) • Coronavirus cases are doubling about twice as fast in the North West , Yorkshire and the West Midlands as for the whole of England Imperial College 's Professor Steven Riley , who led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they found did n't change , then `` in a relatively short period of time '' the country could again reach infection rates comparable to the peak of the infection earlier this year .
He said the data supported further restrictions in the north of England `` sooner rather than later '' .
Sir Jeremy also called for immediate action `` to avoid spiralling out of control '' , as he commented on warnings from local health chiefs that some hospitals in northern England could reach maximum capacity in as little as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close to or at events & choices of 13-23 March , '' he added , referring to Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's decision to order Britons to `` stay at home '' on 23 March .
Urging ministers to implement a `` package of interventions now '' , Sir Jeremy added on Twitter : `` We are back to choices faced in the early March .
`` With the lag time between making a decision , its implementation & its effect measured in weeks the longer the decisions are delayed the harder & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change trajectory of epidemic curve .
`` Do n't act slower than the speed of the epidemic , do n't get behind an epidemic curve .
`` So much harder to turn that epidemic curve around . ''
Sir Jeremy , who is director of the Wellcome Trust medical research foundation , last month called for more COVID-19 restrictions and claimed a previous `` slow response in February left us quickly and dangerously behind the curve '' .
The prime minister is expected to carve England into three different lockdown tiers next week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions .
Pubs , restaurants and leisure facilities are expected to be closed in those parts of northern England put into the highest tier .
Professor Chris Whitty , England 's chief medical officer , on Thursday discussed the rise in infections with MPs from the North and the Midlands .
: : Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The MPs were shown data of coronavirus cases and hospital admissions continuing to rise in the North West , North East and Yorkshire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to suggest pubs , bars , restaurants and cafes counted for around 30 % of exposure to COVID-19 .
However , one unnamed MP quoted by the Daily Telegraph accused the government of having `` cobbled together '' the data to justify a decision to close pubs .
The newspaper also reported MPs referring to it as a `` dodgy dossier '' .

A member of the government's scientific advisory group has warned the country is "back to choices faced in early March" before the national coronavirus lockdown.
Sir Jeremy Farrar - part of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) that has been making recommendations to ministers throughout the COVID-19 crisis - offered a stark warning as the government considers what action to take amid a significant rise in infections in northern England.
Live coronavirus updates from UK and around world
His intervention came as an Imperial College and Ipsos MORI study - of 175,000 volunteers across England, and the largest in the country - showed:
One in 170 people in England had coronavirus between 18 September and 5 October, with 45,000 new infections every day
One in 100 people had the virus in the North West, which had the highest regional prevalance, followed by the North East (0.9% of people)
Coronavirus cases are doubling about twice as fast in the North West, Yorkshire and the West Midlands as for the whole of England
Imperial College's Professor Steven Riley, who led the study, warned if the patterns they found didn't change, then "in a relatively short period of time" the country could again reach infection rates comparable to the peak of the infection earlier this year.
He said the data supported further restrictions in the north of England "sooner rather than later".
Sir Jeremy also called for immediate action "to avoid spiralling out of control", as he commented on warnings from local health chiefs that some hospitals in northern England could reach maximum capacity in as little as a week or two.
"We are close to or at events & choices of 13-23 March," he added, referring to Prime Minister Boris Johnson's decision to order Britons to "stay at home" on 23 March.
Urging ministers to implement a "package of interventions now", Sir Jeremy added on Twitter: "We are back to choices faced in the early March.
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"With the lag time between making a decision, its implementation & its effect measured in weeks the longer the decisions are delayed the harder & more draconian are the interventions needed to change trajectory of epidemic curve.
"Don't act slower than the speed of the epidemic, don't get behind an epidemic curve.
"So much harder to turn that epidemic curve around."
Image: SAGE member Sir Jeremy Farrar called for immediate action
Sir Jeremy, who is director of the Wellcome Trust medical research foundation, last month called for more COVID-19 restrictions and claimed a previous "slow response in February left us quickly and dangerously behind the curve".
The prime minister is expected to carve England into three different lockdown tiers next week, with millions of people facing tougher restrictions.
Pubs, restaurants and leisure facilities are expected to be closed in those parts of northern England put into the highest tier.
Professor Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, on Thursday discussed the rise in infections with MPs from the North and the Midlands.
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The MPs were shown data of coronavirus cases and hospital admissions continuing to rise in the North West, North East and Yorkshire.
The MPs were also shown analysis to suggest pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes counted for around 30% of exposure to COVID-19.
However, one unnamed MP quoted by the Daily Telegraph accused the government of having "cobbled together" the data to justify a decision to close pubs.
The newspaper also reported MPs referring to it as a "dodgy dossier".
Mark Spencer, the Conservative chief whip, on Friday confirmed the government is planning to give MPs a vote on new restrictions next week.
"There will be a statement to parliament next week and these things will come into force next week, subject to parliamentary vote of course," he told BBC Radio Nottingham.
"Because you'll recall a fortnight ago there was quite a furore about parliament having its say and MPs wanting to comment on these things before they came into law.
"And that's what we've decided to do, that's what the process is now in place.
"MPs will get to discuss and vote upon these new systems next week, I hope, and then we'll be able to move forward."