skynewspolitics--2020-06-09--Remember Brexit? Here's why we're at a crucial moment

Remember when Brexit was the biggest story in town ?
As the crowds waving Union Jack flags massed in Parliament Square on the night of January 31 - and the countdown clock projected onto the façade of 10 Downing Street marked the moment when Britain left the EU - it seemed the terms of our exit would dominate this year .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson declared : `` This is the moment when the dawn breaks and the curtain goes up on a new act in our great national drama . ''
The plot then , of course , took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in Newcastle-upon-Tyne , the first two COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the UK and , within weeks , the entire government machine in the UK and other European countries would be absorbed , as never before , on controlling the pandemic .
But , while Brexit has slipped down the political agenda , this is a crucial month which is likely to have ramifications for decades to come .
The end of this month is the deadline - written into law via the Withdrawal Agreement Act that Mr Johnson 's government triumphantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - to extend the transition period .
Currently the UK remains in the EU 's single market trading arrangements , accepting free movement of people and the bloc 's laws until 31 December , by which time the government aims to negotiate a trade deal .
We can extend that transition period for up to one or two years ; but have to agree it this month .
There seems almost no chance of that , as the prime minister has repeatedly insisted - and has indeed passed legislation to guarantee - that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministers are increasingly bullish on this .
Cabinet Office minister Penny Mordaunt told a fellow Conservative MP in the House of Commons on Tuesday that he was `` damn right '' that extending would `` serve no useful purpose '' and was a `` crazy '' idea .
And yet talks on the new trade deal have made little progress so far , according to both sides .
The EU 's Michel Barnier and senior UK negotiators acknowledged on Friday that after four rounds of talks this year - three of them by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big stumbling blocks remain .
These are fishing , a totemic issue for the UK and several key EU countries including France ; the `` level playing field '' - or how far the UK aligns with EU rules into the future ; and state aid rules .
State aid would not have troubled previous Tory administrations .
But Mr Johnson has indicated he wants to take a very different approach to government investment to achieve the `` levelling up '' he promised at the 2019 election .
Why not then , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , extend the timescale to secure the right deal , not least in case the UK and Europe are hit by a debilitating second wave of COVID-19 infections later in the year ?
But the clamour to do so is actually pretty muted .
The Tory party is , publicly at least , at one over Brexit .
Labour leader Keir Starmer , who pushed his party to back a second referendum , is holding fire , saying the government promised a deal by the end of the year and `` let 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Even the CBI , which once declared that `` Rome is burning '' at the possibility of no deal , now says there 's no point prolonging the uncertainty beyond this year .
The devolved administrations have also voiced concerns .
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon , riding high in the opinion polls , says it would be `` deeply irresponsible and reckless '' not to extend , as vital resources would need to be diverted away from the COVID-19 pandemic to prepare for a no-deal Brexit .
The Labour First Minister of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ written to the prime minister warning of a further `` economic shock '' .
And in Northern Ireland , where the UK government has now conceded that businesses will have to follow some new administrative processes after the transition period , the Assembly has passed a resolution calling on the UK government to extend to give business time to prepare .
None of this is likely to change the calculations in Number 10 , although pressure on the Union may have longer-term consequences .
There is a view in Number 10 , some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade and travel has been transformed by COVID-19 would make the trade barriers that would come with a no-deal Brexit more acceptable .
As one minister put it to me : `` No-deal Brexit was going to be the biggest thing to happen to our economy until three months ago .
Now it 's almost irrelevant .
`` That 's certainly part of the Brexit calculation , if we 're going to see 10-15 % wiped off our GDP anyway .
`` Politically there 's no case for extension , it looks humiliating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Restive Brexiteers on the Tory benches , who have already bared their teeth over Dominic Cummings , the quarantine rules and Huawei , will not accept any backsliding on this .
The UK in a Changing Europe think tank warns in a new report that the possibility of no deal means a double whammy for business .
They say : `` The economic impact of leaving the EU at the end of the year with no deal in place , to trade with the EU on WTO terms ( what the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be serious - and hit businesses who will just have seen the furlough scheme end and will still be in a precarious position as they ( hopefully ) recover from the worst impacts of the pandemic . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The state of practical preparations is uncertain , including the plans for 50,000 new customs officials , which recent reports suggest is off target , and progress on the points-based immigration system due to be ready for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen , in person or remotely , this month in the hope of a political breakthrough , but there seems little pressure to provide more than warm words at this stage .
The EU says a trade deal would need to be struck by the end of October , in order to allow time for it to be ratified by all 27 member states and regional parliaments .
Brexit deadlines have been moved at the last minute before .
EU expert Professor Catherine Barnard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says extending the transition later in the year would be legally very difficult , but a `` magnificent fudge '' by EU and UK lawyers is not unthinkable .
One figure in government with experience of EU talks is relatively confident of a last-minute breakthrough .
`` Last time it was no deal , no deal right until the end , and then suddenly at the last minute the PM flies to Brussels there was a deal , '' they said .
`` The EU need a deal too . ''
When the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment in June may seem far more significant than it does now .

Remember when Brexit was the biggest story in town?
As the crowds waving Union Jack flags massed in Parliament Square on the night of January 31 - and the countdown clock projected onto the façade of 10 Downing Street marked the moment when Britain left the EU - it seemed the terms of our exit would dominate this year.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson declared: "This is the moment when the dawn breaks and the curtain goes up on a new act in our great national drama."
Image: Brexiteers celebrated in Parliament Square on 31 January, when the UK officially left the EU
The plot then, of course, took an unpredictable turn.
That same day, in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the first two COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the UK and, within weeks, the entire government machine in the UK and other European countries would be absorbed, as never before, on controlling the pandemic.
But, while Brexit has slipped down the political agenda, this is a crucial month which is likely to have ramifications for decades to come.
The deadline
The end of this month is the deadline - written into law via the Withdrawal Agreement Act that Mr Johnson's government triumphantly passed at the start of this year - to extend the transition period.
Currently the UK remains in the EU's single market trading arrangements, accepting free movement of people and the bloc's laws until 31 December, by which time the government aims to negotiate a trade deal.
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We can extend that transition period for up to one or two years; but have to agree it this month.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:33 The moment the UK left the EU
There seems almost no chance of that, as the prime minister has repeatedly insisted - and has indeed passed legislation to guarantee - that the UK does not delay.
His ministers are increasingly bullish on this.
Cabinet Office minister Penny Mordaunt told a fellow Conservative MP in the House of Commons on Tuesday that he was "damn right" that extending would "serve no useful purpose" and was a "crazy" idea.
Talks stalling
And yet talks on the new trade deal have made little progress so far, according to both sides.
The EU's Michel Barnier and senior UK negotiators acknowledged on Friday that after four rounds of talks this year - three of them by video conference due to coronavirus restrictions - big stumbling blocks remain.
These are fishing, a totemic issue for the UK and several key EU countries including France; the "level playing field" - or how far the UK aligns with EU rules into the future; and state aid rules.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:16 'UK backtracking on Brexit commitments', says Michel Barnier
State aid would not have troubled previous Tory administrations.
But Mr Johnson has indicated he wants to take a very different approach to government investment to achieve the "levelling up" he promised at the 2019 election.
Little pressure to extend
Why not then, as opposition MPs and some business groups suggest, extend the timescale to secure the right deal, not least in case the UK and Europe are hit by a debilitating second wave of COVID-19 infections later in the year?
But the clamour to do so is actually pretty muted.
The Tory party is, publicly at least, at one over Brexit.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:43 Now the UK is out of the EU, what next?
Labour leader Keir Starmer, who pushed his party to back a second referendum, is holding fire, saying the government promised a deal by the end of the year and "let's see how they get on".
Even the CBI, which once declared that "Rome is burning" at the possibility of no deal, now says there's no point prolonging the uncertainty beyond this year.
The devolved administrations have also voiced concerns.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, riding high in the opinion polls, says it would be "deeply irresponsible and reckless" not to extend, as vital resources would need to be diverted away from the COVID-19 pandemic to prepare for a no-deal Brexit.
Image: Labour's Sir Keir Starmer is waiting to see if the government agree a deal
The Labour First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, has also written to the prime minister warning of a further "economic shock".
And in Northern Ireland, where the UK government has now conceded that businesses will have to follow some new administrative processes after the transition period, the Assembly has passed a resolution calling on the UK government to extend to give business time to prepare.
None of this is likely to change the calculations in Number 10, although pressure on the Union may have longer-term consequences.
Useful timing
There is a view in Number 10, some insiders say, that the way world trade and travel has been transformed by COVID-19 would make the trade barriers that would come with a no-deal Brexit more acceptable.
Or cover the impact.
Image: Tory Brexiteers won't accept any backsliding
As one minister put it to me: "No-deal Brexit was going to be the biggest thing to happen to our economy until three months ago. Now it's almost irrelevant.
"That's certainly part of the Brexit calculation, if we're going to see 10-15% wiped off our GDP anyway.
"Politically there's no case for extension, it looks humiliating and angers Boris's natural supporters."
Restive Brexiteers on the Tory benches, who have already bared their teeth over Dominic Cummings, the quarantine rules and Huawei, will not accept any backsliding on this.
Unprepared
The UK in a Changing Europe think tank warns in a new report that the possibility of no deal means a double whammy for business.
They say: "The economic impact of leaving the EU at the end of the year with no deal in place, to trade with the EU on WTO terms (what the government now calls an Australia-style deal), would be serious - and hit businesses who will just have seen the furlough scheme end and will still be in a precarious position as they (hopefully) recover from the worst impacts of the pandemic."
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The state of practical preparations is uncertain, including the plans for 50,000 new customs officials, which recent reports suggest is off target, and progress on the points-based immigration system due to be ready for 1 January 2021.
Breakthrough?
Mr Johnson is due to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in person or remotely, this month in the hope of a political breakthrough, but there seems little pressure to provide more than warm words at this stage.
The EU says a trade deal would need to be struck by the end of October, in order to allow time for it to be ratified by all 27 member states and regional parliaments.
Image: Boris Johnson is due to meet the European Commission's president this month
Brexit deadlines have been moved at the last minute before.
EU expert Professor Catherine Barnard, from the University of Cambridge, says extending the transition later in the year would be legally very difficult, but a "magnificent fudge" by EU and UK lawyers is not unthinkable.
One figure in government with experience of EU talks is relatively confident of a last-minute breakthrough.
"Last time it was no deal, no deal right until the end, and then suddenly at the last minute the PM flies to Brussels there was a deal," they said.
"The EU need a deal too."
When the real deadline in December looms, this moment in June may seem far more significant than it does now.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-10--UK 'always had a race problem' and people are 'finally looking in the mirror'

The UK has `` always had a race problem '' and `` this time people are finally looking in the mirror '' , a spokesperson for Black Lives Matter UK has told Sky News .
Speaking to Kay Burley @ Breakfast , Siana Bangura said the global protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd in police custody in the US `` does feel different '' .
Thousands of people have taken to the streets in the UK to voice their anger at Mr Floyd 's death and their support for the Black Lives Matter movement .
They have also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in the UK and called for action to tackle racial injustice .
At the weekend , almost 50 police officers were injured in London following clashes with demonstrators .
A statue of Sir Winston Churchill outside parliament was daubed with graffiti branding Britain 's wartime leader a `` racist '' , while in Bristol , the statue of slave trader Edward Colston was toppled and then thrown into the city 's harbour by a crowd .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has admitted feelings that black and ethnic minority groups face discrimination are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
But he also said that authorities would not `` indulge those who break the law , or attack the police , or desecrate public monuments '' , as he vowed the perpetrators would `` face the full force of the law '' .
Asked about the violence scenes at the weekend 's protests , Ms Bangura said it was `` really important to focus on the fact that the vast majority of protests have been peaceful '' .
She added : `` But that said , I would n't want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is violence because people are angry .
`` We 've been saying this , we 've been fighting for justice for decades .
For hundreds of years in fact . ''
Ms Bangura added that the response from police to the protests had been `` very heavy-handed '' .
Speaking in a personal capacity , she said she was `` really happy to see '' the statue of Edward Colston torn down .
`` On a superficial level it 's got people paying attention , '' Ms Bangura said .
`` But on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have really say something about what we value . ''
She said there was a `` bigger story '' behind the statues and `` they 're part of something wider which should be education , which should be telling the truth about Britain 's prominent role in exporting racism around the world '' .
Asked about the statue of Sir Winston in Parliament Square , Ms Bangura said that while the former prime minister `` means a lot to this country '' , she personally `` would n't be upset '' about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regarded as Britain 's greatest leader for his role in the Allies ' defeat of Nazi Germany in the Second World War .
But some feel the veneration of him ignores his controversial views on some subjects , including race .
They point to a quote from 1937 in which Sir Winston said : `` I do not admit for instance , that a great wrong has been done to the Red Indians of America or the black people of Australia .
I do not admit that a wrong has been done to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stronger race , a higher-grade race , a more worldly wise race to put it that way , has come in and taken their place . ''
Ms Bangura said it was `` not enough alone to have these statues come down '' .
She said : `` We need to have a really big campaign around reeducating the population .
`` That includes not just our young people in their curriculum , but actually a lot of adults do not know their history and believe what they 've been churned out in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Race and Revolution : Is Change Going to Come ?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm - looking at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests , and examining institutional racism and how we fix it .
If you would like to be part of our virtual audience , and have a chance of putting a question to our panel , please send your name , location and question to newsdebates @ sky.uk

The UK has "always had a race problem" and "this time people are finally looking in the mirror", a spokesperson for Black Lives Matter UK has told Sky News.
Speaking to Kay Burley@Breakfast, Siana Bangura said the global protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd in police custody in the US "does feel different".
Thousands of people have taken to the streets in the UK to voice their anger at Mr Floyd's death and their support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 PM 'will not support those who flout rules'
They have also sought to highlight issues faced by black people in the UK and called for action to tackle racial injustice.
At the weekend, almost 50 police officers were injured in London following clashes with demonstrators.
A statue of Sir Winston Churchill outside parliament was daubed with graffiti branding Britain's wartime leader a "racist", while in Bristol, the statue of slave trader Edward Colston was toppled and then thrown into the city's harbour by a crowd.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has admitted feelings that black and ethnic minority groups face discrimination are often "founded on a cold reality".
But he also said that authorities would not "indulge those who break the law, or attack the police, or desecrate public monuments", as he vowed the perpetrators would "face the full force of the law".
Asked about the violence scenes at the weekend's protests, Ms Bangura said it was "really important to focus on the fact that the vast majority of protests have been peaceful".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:25 'There will be a change from this'
She added: "But that said, I wouldn't want to take away from the fact that there is violence because people are angry.
"We've been saying this, we've been fighting for justice for decades. For hundreds of years in fact."
Ms Bangura added that the response from police to the protests had been "very heavy-handed".
Speaking in a personal capacity, she said she was "really happy to see" the statue of Edward Colston torn down.
"On a superficial level it's got people paying attention," Ms Bangura said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:00 Home Secretary condemns violent protests
"But on a more meaningful level, the statues we have really say something about what we value."
She said there was a "bigger story" behind the statues and "they're part of something wider which should be education, which should be telling the truth about Britain's prominent role in exporting racism around the world".
Asked about the statue of Sir Winston in Parliament Square, Ms Bangura said that while the former prime minister "means a lot to this country", she personally "wouldn't be upset" about his statue being removed.
He is regarded as Britain's greatest leader for his role in the Allies' defeat of Nazi Germany in the Second World War.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 Cheers as protesters pull down slave trader statue
But some feel the veneration of him ignores his controversial views on some subjects, including race.
They point to a quote from 1937 in which Sir Winston said: "I do not admit for instance, that a great wrong has been done to the Red Indians of America or the black people of Australia. I do not admit that a wrong has been done to these people by the fact that a stronger race, a higher-grade race, a more worldly wise race to put it that way, has come in and taken their place."
Ms Bangura said it was "not enough alone to have these statues come down".
She said: "We need to have a really big campaign around reeducating the population.
"That includes not just our young people in their curriculum, but actually a lot of adults do not know their history and believe what they've been churned out in a curriculum that is inherently racist."
Race and Revolution: Is Change Going to Come?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm - looking at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests, and examining institutional racism and how we fix it.
If you would like to be part of our virtual audience, and have a chance of putting a question to our panel, please send your name, location and question to newsdebates@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-06-10--Rishi Sunak: Racism 'stings in a way that very few other things have'

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has told Sky News that he has suffered racist abuse which `` stings in a way that very few other things have '' .
In an exclusive interview , the chancellor said he had `` enormous respect '' for those taking part peacefully in Black Lives Matter protests - but insisted that `` change does n't come about through acts of vandalism or violence '' .
`` As a British Asian , of course I know that racism exists in our country , and I know people are upset , they 're angry and they want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But he warned violence is `` not how you achieve real and long-lasting change '' .
Asked whether he has experienced racism in the UK himself , he said : `` Absolutely , absolutely I have .
It stings in a way that very few other things have .
`` But the things that might have happened many years ago when I was a kid I think are things that would not happen to me today . ''
He said although things have changed a lot since he was growing up , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said : `` Let 's take a moment to recognise the enormous change we 've made in this country from the time that my grandparents first arrived here , from the time that I was born and grew up .
`` The work that has happened in the years before now has been tremendous and we deserve credit for that but that does n't mean that there 's not more to do . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was more to be done in an article for the Voice , saying the killing of George Floyd in the US had `` awakened an anger and a widespread and incontrovertible , undeniable feeling of injustice '' .
But he condemned violence used by a minority of protesters , and told his cabinet on Tuesday that anyone who broke social distancing or attacked public property or the police would `` face the full force of the law '' .
In the UK , black people are still disproportionately targeted by police stop and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is still a big problem .
On Tuesday , protesters in London observed a minute 's silence on their knees to coincide with Mr Floyd 's funeral , before marching from the statue of Nelson Mandela in Parliament Square to Downing Street .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and his deputy Angela Rayner both knelt in solidarity with the demonstrators .
Hundreds of people in Oxford also gathered at the city 's university to demand the removal of a statue of Victorian imperialist Cecil Rhodes .
Later today , Stand Up To Racism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to `` take the knee '' at their doorsteps at 6pm .
Race and Revolution : Is Change Going to Come ?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm - looking at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests , and examining institutional racism and how we fix it .
If you would like to be part of our virtual audience , and have a chance of putting a question to our panel , please send your name , location and question to newsdebates @ @

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has told Sky News that he has suffered racist abuse which "stings in a way that very few other things have".
In an exclusive interview, the chancellor said he had "enormous respect" for those taking part peacefully in Black Lives Matter protests - but insisted that "change doesn't come about through acts of vandalism or violence".
"As a British Asian, of course I know that racism exists in our country, and I know people are upset, they're angry and they want to see change," he said.
Image: The chancellor says he has 'enormous respect' for protesters
But he warned violence is "not how you achieve real and long-lasting change".
Asked whether he has experienced racism in the UK himself, he said: "Absolutely, absolutely I have. It stings in a way that very few other things have.
"But the things that might have happened many years ago when I was a kid I think are things that would not happen to me today."
He said although things have changed a lot since he was growing up, there was still more to be done.
He said: "Let's take a moment to recognise the enormous change we've made in this country from the time that my grandparents first arrived here, from the time that I was born and grew up.
"The work that has happened in the years before now has been tremendous and we deserve credit for that but that doesn't mean that there's not more to do."
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Prime Minister Boris Johnson also conceded there was more to be done in an article for the Voice, saying the killing of George Floyd in the US had "awakened an anger and a widespread and incontrovertible, undeniable feeling of injustice".
But he condemned violence used by a minority of protesters, and told his cabinet on Tuesday that anyone who broke social distancing or attacked public property or the police would "face the full force of the law".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 PM 'will not support those who flout rules'
In the UK, black people are still disproportionately targeted by police stop and search powers, and protesters say racism is still a big problem.
On Tuesday, protesters in London observed a minute's silence on their knees to coincide with Mr Floyd's funeral, before marching from the statue of Nelson Mandela in Parliament Square to Downing Street.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and his deputy Angela Rayner both knelt in solidarity with the demonstrators.
Hundreds of people in Oxford also gathered at the city's university to demand the removal of a statue of Victorian imperialist Cecil Rhodes.
Later today, Stand Up To Racism is calling on people across the UK to "take the knee" at their doorsteps at 6pm.
Race and Revolution: Is Change Going to Come?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm - looking at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests, and examining institutional racism and how we fix it.
If you would like to be part of our virtual audience, and have a chance of putting a question to our panel, please send your name, location and question to newsdebates@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-06-10--'Tragedy' many school pupils won't be back until autumn - chancellor

The chancellor has said it is a `` tragedy '' that many children will not be back in school until this autumn , in a blunt warning about the consequences of the lockdown for Britain 's health , society and economy .
Talking to Sky News at a John Lewis department store amid preparations for the easing of the coronavirus lockdown , Rishi Sunak urged shoppers to return to the high street when general shops begin opening up in the coming weeks .
The longer the economy was shut down for , the worse the implications , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ school u-turn , in which plans for all England 's primary children to return for a month before the summer break were dropped , the chancellor said : `` I personally think every day our children are not at school is a tragedy .
`` It 's obviously going to have an impact on their futures .
`` That 's why I 'm so glad that as part of our measured and deliberate plan , we were able to reopen schools on 1 June for a number of pupils , especially our youngest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the teachers and schools for making that a possibility , because I think that is something that is so vital for our country and for those childrens ' futures . ''
Mr Sunak added : `` We ca n't do it all in one go , we have to take careful and measured and deliberate steps to do it , but that 's what we 're doing .
`` We 're working towards a plan that we 've had .
The good news is every week that goes on , we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government was meeting its self-imposed five tests to reopen the economy , despite concerns from government scientists about the resurgence of the disease .
He added that he was `` proud '' of the government 's record in combating the disease - though he conceded that it had to `` iterate '' and change plans along the way .
The chancellor also addressed the protests in this country and the US over racism and police brutality , saying : `` Of course racism exists ...
I understand people want change but it does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We have to take a moment to recognise the enormous progress that 's been made . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Asked whether he had experience racism himself , Mr Sunak said : `` Absolutely , I have .
`` It stings in a way that very few other things have . ''
Talking about the reopening of general shops , which is due to begin on Monday , the chancellor said : `` Last month we set out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slowly and today we 're at the next stage of that plan where next week we 'll be able to open shops again in our country .
`` And that 's because we 've met the five tests that we set out .
`` I hope that when all these shops open people should have the confidence to know that they can go out again in safety .
And that 's very important . ''

The chancellor has said it is a "tragedy" that many children will not be back in school until this autumn, in a blunt warning about the consequences of the lockdown for Britain's health, society and economy.
Talking to Sky News at a John Lewis department store amid preparations for the easing of the coronavirus lockdown, Rishi Sunak urged shoppers to return to the high street when general shops begin opening up in the coming weeks.
The longer the economy was shut down for, the worse the implications, he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:14 Plans shelved for all primary pupils' return
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:31 Chancellor: 'We've met the five tests'
Talking the day after the government's school u-turn, in which plans for all England's primary children to return for a month before the summer break were dropped, the chancellor said: "I personally think every day our children are not at school is a tragedy.
"It's obviously going to have an impact on their futures.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:28 Rishi Sunak says he understands there's 'work to do' in addressing racism in the UK but admits 'enormous progress' has been made.
"That's why I'm so glad that as part of our measured and deliberate plan, we were able to reopen schools on 1 June for a number of pupils, especially our youngest children.
"I'm so grateful to the teachers and schools for making that a possibility, because I think that is something that is so vital for our country and for those childrens' futures."
Mr Sunak added: "We can't do it all in one go, we have to take careful and measured and deliberate steps to do it, but that's what we're doing.
"We're working towards a plan that we've had. The good news is every week that goes on, we're making progress."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 Pubs and restaurants not opening yet
He insisted the government was meeting its self-imposed five tests to reopen the economy, despite concerns from government scientists about the resurgence of the disease.
He added that he was "proud" of the government's record in combating the disease - though he conceded that it had to "iterate" and change plans along the way.
The chancellor also addressed the protests in this country and the US over racism and police brutality, saying: "Of course racism exists... I understand people want change but it doesn't happen with vandalism and violence.
"We have to take a moment to recognise the enormous progress that's been made."
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Asked whether he had experience racism himself, Mr Sunak said: "Absolutely, I have.
"It stings in a way that very few other things have."
Talking about the reopening of general shops, which is due to begin on Monday, the chancellor said: "Last month we set out a clear plan to reopen our country slowly and today we're at the next stage of that plan where next week we'll be able to open shops again in our country.
"And that's because we've met the five tests that we set out.
"I hope that when all these shops open people should have the confidence to know that they can go out again in safety. And that's very important."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-09--Agriculture Bill reaches Lords with critics warning it could be 'catastrophic'

Campaigners who fear American chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-fed beef could be sold in British shops are pushing for changes to the Agriculture Bill currently going through parliament .
The bill reaches the House of Lords today , where some peers will attempt to win concessions from the government .
Last month MPs voted against an amendment that would have compelled ministers to apply current UK food and farming standards to future deals on international trade .
Vicki Hird , from Sustain , an alliance campaigning for better food and farming , claims the omission could force down British standards as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` What we could see is our farmers having to compete with lower standard imports , '' she told Sky News .
`` Or we 'll see a weakening of those standards in order that they can compete , and society does not want lower standards . ''
The Agriculture Bill will shape the future of farming in the UK , replacing the EU subsidy system based on the size of each farm with one that promotes food production at the same time as requiring farmers to manage their land for the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to farmers will be handed over in exchange for public benefits including environmental improvements , increased public access , and measures to reduce flooding .
Upland farming , which relies heavily on taxpayers ' money to survive , is particularly sensitive to any changes in the payments system .
Richard Pedley who breeds sheep on 1,200 acres of rented land in south east Cumbria , is worried that when the subsidy system changes his farm might no longer be viable .
Mr Pedley , who sits on the National Farmers Union ( NFU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for hill livestock farming , thinks neither the subsidy system nor his business should be radically altered .
`` British grown produce is farmed to the highest standards in the world , '' he said .
`` The food is safe , it 's affordable , it 's traceable , and above all sustainably grown with a low-carbon footprint - what more could you want ? ''
But some environmentalists believe radical change in UK agriculture is needed .
Christian Dunn , a campaigner with Friends of the Earth and a zoology lecturer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a shift in policy thinking .
`` We 're looking at vast areas of the British countryside given over to sheep farming that provides very little food , but is destructive because of overgrazing , '' he said .
He believes provisions in the Agriculture Bill will eventually lead to some farmers effectively leaving the farming industry and becoming publicly-funded land managers instead .
`` It 's a controversial and delicate issue , but if we 're going to pay farmers public money we need to see environmental benefit , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food production and the environment , both Sustain and Friends of the Earth are in full agreement with the NFU on what they claim is the need for legislation guaranteeing food and farming standards .
`` We 're hoping the debate in the Lords will pull out some promises from the government and we might get some compromises , '' said Ms Hird .
Mr Pedley is more forthright .
He said : `` If we are competing against imports with lower standards that are produced using production methods illegal in this country @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Campaigners who fear American chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-fed beef could be sold in British shops are pushing for changes to the Agriculture Bill currently going through parliament.
The bill reaches the House of Lords today, where some peers will attempt to win concessions from the government.
Last month MPs voted against an amendment that would have compelled ministers to apply current UK food and farming standards to future deals on international trade.
Vicki Hird, from Sustain, an alliance campaigning for better food and farming, claims the omission could force down British standards as deals are made in trade talks.
"What we could see is our farmers having to compete with lower standard imports," she told Sky News.
"Or we'll see a weakening of those standards in order that they can compete, and society does not want lower standards."
Image: Subsidies will no longer be paid on the basis of the size of farms
The Agriculture Bill will shape the future of farming in the UK, replacing the EU subsidy system based on the size of each farm with one that promotes food production at the same time as requiring farmers to manage their land for the public good.
The £3bn a year paid to farmers will be handed over in exchange for public benefits including environmental improvements, increased public access, and measures to reduce flooding.
Upland farming, which relies heavily on taxpayers' money to survive, is particularly sensitive to any changes in the payments system.
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Richard Pedley who breeds sheep on 1,200 acres of rented land in south east Cumbria, is worried that when the subsidy system changes his farm might no longer be viable.
Mr Pedley, who sits on the National Farmers Union (NFU) Uplands Forum, a lobbying group for hill livestock farming, thinks neither the subsidy system nor his business should be radically altered.
"British grown produce is farmed to the highest standards in the world," he said.
"The food is safe, it's affordable, it's traceable, and above all sustainably grown with a low-carbon footprint - what more could you want?"
But some environmentalists believe radical change in UK agriculture is needed.
Christian Dunn, a campaigner with Friends of the Earth and a zoology lecturer at Bangor University, thinks there is a shift in policy thinking.
"We're looking at vast areas of the British countryside given over to sheep farming that provides very little food, but is destructive because of overgrazing," he said.
He believes provisions in the Agriculture Bill will eventually lead to some farmers effectively leaving the farming industry and becoming publicly-funded land managers instead.
"It's a controversial and delicate issue, but if we're going to pay farmers public money we need to see environmental benefit," he said.
Despite disagreements on the balance between food production and the environment, both Sustain and Friends of the Earth are in full agreement with the NFU on what they claim is the need for legislation guaranteeing food and farming standards.
"We're hoping the debate in the Lords will pull out some promises from the government and we might get some compromises," said Ms Hird.
Mr Pedley is more forthright. He said: "If we are competing against imports with lower standards that are produced using production methods illegal in this country, that would be catastrophic."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-10--'Support bubbles' to be allowed from Saturday, says PM

Adults living alone in England , including single parents with children under 18 , will be able to form a `` support bubble '' with one other household , the prime minister has announced .
The new rules begin on Saturday and are intended to ease the challenges of social isolation during the coronavirus lockdown .
Members of a bubble can visit each other indoors and stay overnight at their home , effectively acting as one household .
There is no need to stick to the two-metre social distancing rule .
A single-person household is allowed to join with one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living alone would be able to visit the house of their child and grandchildren .
It will also allow single parents to get childcare help from others , and couples who live apart to meet indoors .
Speaking during the government 's daily coronavirus briefing , Boris Johnson said the measures were a `` targeted intervention '' to help those who are most lonely .
`` There are still too many people , particularly those who live by themselves , who are lonely and struggling , '' he said .
The bubble policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are shielding , meaning guidelines stay the same for the `` clinically extremely vulnerable '' .
Mr Johnson stressed the measures were not designed for people who do not meet the criteria , who should continue to socially distance and only meet outdoors .
He said the government `` wo n't hesitate to apply the brakes '' if needed .
The prime minister added that people can not switch the support bubble or connect with multiple households .
And if one person in the bubble develops coronavirus symptoms then everyone must follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - coming in on Monday in England - include the reopening of non-essential shops and zoos , as long as they can carry out proper social distancing .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Commuters will also be expected to wear a face covering on public transport from next week - or risk a fine .
Hospital visitors and outpatients will have to do the same .
On schools , ministers yesterday admitted they would not be asking primaries to fully reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to return until September at the earliest .

Adults living alone in England, including single parents with children under 18, will be able to form a "support bubble" with one other household, the prime minister has announced.
The new rules begin on Saturday and are intended to ease the challenges of social isolation during the coronavirus lockdown.
Members of a bubble can visit each other indoors and stay overnight at their home, effectively acting as one household.
There is no need to stick to the two-metre social distancing rule.
Image: People living alone will now be able to stay overnight at another household
A single-person household is allowed to join with one other multi-person household, meaning a grandparent living alone would be able to visit the house of their child and grandchildren.
It will also allow single parents to get childcare help from others, and couples who live apart to meet indoors.
Speaking during the government's daily coronavirus briefing, Boris Johnson said the measures were a "targeted intervention" to help those who are most lonely.
"There are still too many people, particularly those who live by themselves, who are lonely and struggling," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:50 Whitty says testing could have been better
The bubble policy, however, does not include those who are shielding, meaning guidelines stay the same for the "clinically extremely vulnerable".
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Mr Johnson stressed the measures were not designed for people who do not meet the criteria, who should continue to socially distance and only meet outdoors.
He said the government "won't hesitate to apply the brakes" if needed.
The prime minister added that people cannot switch the support bubble or connect with multiple households.
And if one person in the bubble develops coronavirus symptoms then everyone must follow the relevant isolation advice.
Other changes - coming in on Monday in England - include the reopening of non-essential shops and zoos, as long as they can carry out proper social distancing.
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Commuters will also be expected to wear a face covering on public transport from next week - or risk a fine.
Hospital visitors and outpatients will have to do the same.
On schools, ministers yesterday admitted they would not be asking primaries to fully reopen, with many pupils now not expected to return until September at the earliest.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-10--Chief medical officer 'regrets' failure to speed up coronavirus testing

Many of the problems the UK faced early on in the coronavirus pandemic were due to a failure to speed up testing , England 's chief medical officer has said .
Professor Chris Whitty acknowledged `` more emphasis '' should have been placed on accelerating the capacity for COVID-19 testing in the initial stages of the UK 's outbreak .
The government was left `` trying to see our way through the fog with more difficulty '' , the expert added .
Prof Whitty made the admission at the daily Downing Street news conference after being asked what he regretted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response .
`` I think there is a long list , actually , of things that we need to look at very seriously , '' he replied , as he highlighted how other countries such as Germany were able to do more testing nearer the start of the pandemic .
`` If I was to choose one , it would probably be looking at how we could ... speed up testing very early on in the epidemic , '' he said .
`` Many of the problems that we had came because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where we were and were trying to see our way through the fog with more difficulty .
`` There are many good reasons why it was tricky but , I think if I was to play things again - and this is largely based on what some other countries were able to do , particularly Germany - I think that 's the one thing that we would probably have put more emphasis on at an earlier stage .
`` There are many others but I 'll highlight that one . ''
As of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million coronavirus tests had been conducted in the UK with more than 170,000 tests on Tuesday alone .
However , it was n't until the end of April that there was capacity to do 100,000 per day .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker ANALYSIS : Is 'Boris and the boffins ' becoming 'Boris vs the boffins ' ?
Mr Johnson claimed the government 's five tests for further lockdown easing were continuing to be met .
But the `` boffins '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The R rate is below one , but perhaps only just below one , '' said Sir Patrick .
And the prime minister must have winced at the candid answer Prof Whitty gave to Sky 's political editor Beth Rigby when she asked about regrets .
Professor Neil Ferguson 's public attack on the government on lockdown timing - and the candour now being shown by Sir Patrick and Prof Whitty standing alongside Mr Johnson inside Number 10 - suggest there is a rift opening up between the scientific community and the politicians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inquiry into what went wrong , it also suggests that a blame game is already underway .
Prof Whitty also warned there was a `` reasonable chance '' that the virus would have certain `` advantages '' if there was a second wave of infections in the winter .
`` It is something that transmits more easily indoors and therefore things that are working well in summer and autumn may cease to be working as well in winter , '' he said .
`` The nature of new epidemics is very often they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and if we get hit by another wave , at that point we need to understand better what is the optimal mix of things we could do . ''
Prime Minister Boris Johnson declined to answer when asked what he regretted about the government 's coronavirus response .
`` Of course we are going to have to look back on all of this and learn lessons that we can , '' he said .
`` But , frankly , I think a lot of these questions are still premature .
`` There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , lots of things that we still do n't know , and this epidemic has a long way to go , alas .
`` Not just in this country but around the world . ''
Sir Patrick Vallance , the government 's chief scientific adviser , admitted the government had made mistakes since the beginning of the outbreak .
`` Will we have got everything right ?
No , for sure we would n't , '' he said .
`` There 's things that we will have got wrong and we need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , learn from them , and get them right next time . ''

Many of the problems the UK faced early on in the coronavirus pandemic were due to a failure to speed up testing, England's chief medical officer has said.
Professor Chris Whitty acknowledged "more emphasis" should have been placed on accelerating the capacity for COVID-19 testing in the initial stages of the UK's outbreak.
The government was left "trying to see our way through the fog with more difficulty", the expert added.
Image: The UK reached 100,000 tests a day at the end of April
Prof Whitty made the admission at the daily Downing Street news conference after being asked what he regretted when reflecting on the government's coronavirus response.
"I think there is a long list, actually, of things that we need to look at very seriously," he replied, as he highlighted how other countries such as Germany were able to do more testing nearer the start of the pandemic.
"If I was to choose one, it would probably be looking at how we could... speed up testing very early on in the epidemic," he said.
"Many of the problems that we had came because we were unable to actually work out exactly where we were and were trying to see our way through the fog with more difficulty.
"There are many good reasons why it was tricky but, I think if I was to play things again - and this is largely based on what some other countries were able to do, particularly Germany - I think that's the one thing that we would probably have put more emphasis on at an earlier stage.
"There are many others but I'll highlight that one."
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As of 9am on Wednesday, more than six million coronavirus tests had been conducted in the UK with more than 170,000 tests on Tuesday alone.
However, it wasn't until the end of April that there was capacity to do 100,000 per day.
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ANALYSIS: Is 'Boris and the boffins' becoming 'Boris vs the boffins'?
By Jon Craig, chief political correspondent
Mr Johnson claimed the government's five tests for further lockdown easing were continuing to be met.
But the "boffins" did not sound so confident.
"The R rate is below one, but perhaps only just below one," said Sir Patrick.
And the prime minister must have winced at the candid answer Prof Whitty gave to Sky's political editor Beth Rigby when she asked about regrets.
Professor Neil Ferguson's public attack on the government on lockdown timing - and the candour now being shown by Sir Patrick and Prof Whitty standing alongside Mr Johnson inside Number 10 - suggest there is a rift opening up between the scientific community and the politicians.
And, long before any public inquiry into what went wrong, it also suggests that a blame game is already underway.
Prof Whitty also warned there was a "reasonable chance" that the virus would have certain "advantages" if there was a second wave of infections in the winter.
"It is something that transmits more easily indoors and therefore things that are working well in summer and autumn may cease to be working as well in winter," he said.
"The nature of new epidemics is very often they come in waves circling around the world and if we get hit by another wave, at that point we need to understand better what is the optimal mix of things we could do."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:55 PM unveils 'support bubbles'
Prime Minister Boris Johnson declined to answer when asked what he regretted about the government's coronavirus response.
"Of course we are going to have to look back on all of this and learn lessons that we can," he said.
"But, frankly, I think a lot of these questions are still premature.
"There are lots of things, lots of data, lots of things that we still don't know, and this epidemic has a long way to go, alas.
"Not just in this country but around the world."
Sir Patrick Vallance, the government's chief scientific adviser, admitted the government had made mistakes since the beginning of the outbreak.
"Will we have got everything right? No, for sure we wouldn't," he said.
"There's things that we will have got wrong and we need to make sure we understand what they are, learn from them, and get them right next time."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-10--Coronavirus deaths 'could have been halved if lockdown introduced a week earlier'

Coronavirus deaths could have been reduced `` by at least half '' if the UK had gone into lockdown a week earlier , one of government 's former key advisers has told MPs .
Professor Neil Ferguson , of London 's Imperial College , said he believed the right decisions were taken by ministers over COVID-19 but questioned whether they were taken at the right time .
He told the House of Commons science committee of MPs : `` The epidemic was doubling every three to four days before lockdown interventions were introduced .
`` So , had we introduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have reduced the final toll by at least a half . ''
He continued : `` Whilst I think the measures , given what we knew about this virus then in terms of its transmission and its lethality , were warranted - I would n't second-guess them at this point - certainly had we introduced them earlier , we would have seen many fewer deaths . ''
Prof Ferguson said he estimated that the number of deaths directly caused by coronavirus would be more than 50,000 , meaning 25,000 lives could have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week earlier .
In March , Prof Ferguson estimated that the pandemic would cause at most 20,000 deaths .
He told MPs that scientists had `` underestimated how far into the epidemic this country was '' in March .
He also said government advisers did not anticipate how high deaths in care homes would be , as they acted on the assumption that residents would be shielded .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker When pressed about the comments at the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said there was a limited amount of information about the virus at the time .
`` All such judgements will need to be examined in the fullness of time , '' he added .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson also defended the decision-making in the lead-up to lockdown and insisted the government had followed the advice of SAGE ( Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ) .
Prof Whitty and the government 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance are among the scientists on SAGE , and Prof Ferguson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced to quit after being caught breaking lockdown rules .
The lockdown measures were announced by the prime minister on 23 March and have been gradually eased since - `` support bubbles '' will be the next major change , to be introduced from the weekend .
Asked by Sky 's Beth Rigby what the biggest regret is over the coronavirus response , Mr Johnson said `` we 're going to have to look back at all of it and the lessons we can learn , '' but that it was `` premature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson opened the briefing by detailing the latest number of coronavirus-related deaths in the UK .
According to Department of Health figures , a further 245 people in the UK have died with coronavirus as of 5pm on Tuesday , taking the total to 41,128 deaths .
The figures from the Department of Health cover coronavirus-related deaths in all settings , including hospitals , care homes and the community .
The daily figures for each UK nation are : Individual health authorities in the home nations collate their numbers at different times throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tally up to the UK government 's overall daily total .
Race and Revolution : Is Change Going to Come ?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm - looking at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests , and examining institutional racism and how we fix it .
If you would like to be part of our virtual audience , and have a chance of putting a question to our panel , please send your name , location and question to newsdebates @ sky.uk

Coronavirus deaths could have been reduced "by at least half" if the UK had gone into lockdown a week earlier, one of government's former key advisers has told MPs.
Professor Neil Ferguson, of London's Imperial College, said he believed the right decisions were taken by ministers over COVID-19 but questioned whether they were taken at the right time.
He told the House of Commons science committee of MPs: "The epidemic was doubling every three to four days before lockdown interventions were introduced.
"So, had we introduced lockdown measures a week earlier, we would have reduced the final toll by at least a half."
Image: Professor Neil Ferguson questioned whether decisions were taken at the right time
He continued: "Whilst I think the measures, given what we knew about this virus then in terms of its transmission and its lethality, were warranted - I wouldn't second-guess them at this point - certainly had we introduced them earlier, we would have seen many fewer deaths."
Prof Ferguson said he estimated that the number of deaths directly caused by coronavirus would be more than 50,000, meaning 25,000 lives could have been saved by going into lockdown a week earlier.
In March, Prof Ferguson estimated that the pandemic would cause at most 20,000 deaths.
He told MPs that scientists had "underestimated how far into the epidemic this country was" in March.
He also said government advisers did not anticipate how high deaths in care homes would be, as they acted on the assumption that residents would be shielded.
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When pressed about the comments at the government's daily coronavirus briefing, England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said there was a limited amount of information about the virus at the time.
"All such judgements will need to be examined in the fullness of time," he added.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson also defended the decision-making in the lead-up to lockdown and insisted the government had followed the advice of SAGE (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies).
Prof Whitty and the government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance are among the scientists on SAGE, and Prof Ferguson was also a member until he was forced to quit after being caught breaking lockdown rules.
The lockdown measures were announced by the prime minister on 23 March and have been gradually eased since - "support bubbles" will be the next major change, to be introduced from the weekend.
Asked by Sky's Beth Rigby what the biggest regret is over the coronavirus response, Mr Johnson said "we're going to have to look back at all of it and the lessons we can learn," but that it was "premature" to do so now.
Mr Johnson opened the briefing by detailing the latest number of coronavirus-related deaths in the UK.
According to Department of Health figures, a further 245 people in the UK have died with coronavirus as of 5pm on Tuesday, taking the total to 41,128 deaths.
The figures from the Department of Health cover coronavirus-related deaths in all settings, including hospitals, care homes and the community.
The daily figures for each UK nation are:
Scotland - 12 new deaths - total 2,434
Northern Ireland - 0 new deaths - total remains 537
England - 88 new deaths - total hospital deaths 27,707
Wales - nine new deaths - total 1,419
Individual health authorities in the home nations collate their numbers at different times throughout the day and so they may not tally up to the UK government's overall daily total.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:23 'Good and bad' news from latest coronavirus data
Race and Revolution: Is Change Going to Come?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm - looking at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests, and examining institutional racism and how we fix it.
If you would like to be part of our virtual audience, and have a chance of putting a question to our panel, please send your name, location and question to newsdebates@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-06-11--The prime minister says he followed scientific advice, but ultimate responsibility is his

Coronavirus : The prime minister says he followed scientific advice , but ultimate responsibility is his Coronavirus : The prime minister says he followed scientific advice , but ultimate responsibility is his Five months into this pandemic and it is clear that the UK will end up with one of the worst death tolls from coronavirus .
Figures released by the Office of National Statistics this week put the official toll above 50,000 , but look at the excess death figures and we know it will be even higher .
Tens of thousands of families mourning the loss of loved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ livelihoods as the economic crisis begins to hit , it is a heavy burden for any leader to bear .
But the prime minister is not yet ready to carry the weight of the inevitable inquiry into what happened and why , as the acute health emergency appears to recede .
Mr Johnson is trying to keep his eyes firmly on the road ahead , refusing to look in the rear mirror as he tries to steer the country out of the lockdown and to a new normal .
Yet on Wednesday he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ferguson , a former key scientific adviser to the government whose pandemic modelling was instrumental in bringing about the lockdown , told MPs at a select committee hearing that the death toll could have been reduced `` by at least a half '' if the UK had done into lockdown a week earlier .
Some 25,000 lives or more could have been saved .
Professor Ferguson 's remarks were an admission of his own culpability as much as the prime minister 's for his role in failing to realise just how fast the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it made for difficult terrain for the prime minister who does n't want to be drawn into this discussion right now .
When I asked Mr Johnson what he might have done differently , he told me that `` frankly a lot of these questions are premature '' .
When I asked him whether , given what we know now , he regretted not locking the UK down earlier , the PM was quick to point out that he had followed scientific guidance .
`` We made the decisions at the time on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ferguson , that we thought were right for this country .
The questions that are posed are still unanswered . ''
Refusing to express regret , all through this epidemic Mr Johnson has insisted he and his ministers have been guided by scientific advice .
But what if the science seemed right at the time but wrong in hindsight ?
It seems that the scientists -- Professor Ferguson at the select committee hearing and Professor Whitty at the daily briefing -- find it easier to revise opinions or even admit mistakes in light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easier for scientists to be frank .
They are the ones who advise , it is the prime minister who ultimately has to decide .
He might have followed their advice , but he knows ultimately the responsibility for all the decisions on managing this pandemic , for better or worse , lies with him .
This is a point his cabinet are driving home as they implore the PM to go against the scientific advice and relax the two metre distancing rule in order to help get kids back to school and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The PM must know too that the threat from this disease has not passed and lessons must be learned .
Not ready to reflect publicly , but if he is going to get the rest of this right , Mr Johnson will need to acknowledge and understand what went wrong .
It matters not just for policy decisions but for public faith too .

Mr Johnson insists that now is not the time to voice regrets about what should or should not have been done.
Coronavirus: The prime minister says he followed scientific advice, but ultimate responsibility is his
Five months into this pandemic and it is clear that the UK will end up with one of the worst death tolls from coronavirus.
Figures released by the Office of National Statistics this week put the official toll above 50,000, but look at the excess death figures and we know it will be even higher.
Tens of thousands of families mourning the loss of loved ones and millions more fearful for their livelihoods as the economic crisis begins to hit, it is a heavy burden for any leader to bear.
But the prime minister is not yet ready to carry the weight of the inevitable inquiry into what happened and why, as the acute health emergency appears to recede.
Mr Johnson is trying to keep his eyes firmly on the road ahead, refusing to look in the rear mirror as he tries to steer the country out of the lockdown and to a new normal.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:56 OECD warns of economic damage to UK
Yet on Wednesday he was forced to reflect after Professor Neil Ferguson, a former key scientific adviser to the government whose pandemic modelling was instrumental in bringing about the lockdown, told MPs at a select committee hearing that the death toll could have been reduced "by at least a half" if the UK had gone into lockdown a week earlier.
Some 25,000 lives or more could have been saved.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:09 Professor Ferguson: Earlier lockdown would have saved lives
Professor Ferguson's remarks were an admission of his own culpability as much as the prime minister's for his role in failing to realise just how fast the disease was spreading in March.
But it made for difficult terrain for the prime minister who doesn't want to be drawn into this discussion right now.
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When I asked Mr Johnson what he might have done differently, he told me that "frankly a lot of these questions are premature".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:28 Johnson: Now is not the time to cast judgement
When I asked him whether, given what we know now, he regretted not locking the UK down earlier, the PM was quick to point out that he had followed scientific guidance.
"We made the decisions at the time on the guidance of SAGE, including Professor Ferguson, that we thought were right for this country. The questions that are posed are still unanswered."
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Refusing to express regret, all through this epidemic Mr Johnson has insisted he and his ministers have been guided by scientific advice.
But what if the science seemed right at the time but wrong in hindsight? It seems that the scientists -- Professor Ferguson at the select committee hearing and Professor Whitty at the daily briefing -- find it easier to revise opinions or even admit mistakes in light of changing evidence.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:50 Whitty says testing could have been better
It is perhaps easier for scientists to be frank. They are the ones who advise, it is the prime minister who ultimately has to decide.
He might have followed their advice, but he knows ultimately the responsibility for all the decisions on managing this pandemic, for better or worse, lies with him.
This is a point his cabinet are driving home as they implore the PM to go against the scientific advice and relax the two metre distancing rule in order to help get kids back to school and the hospitality sector back to work.
The PM must know too that the threat from this disease has not passed and lessons must be learned.
Not ready to reflect publicly, but if he is going to get the rest of this right, Mr Johnson will need to acknowledge and understand what went wrong. It matters not just for policy decisions but for public faith too.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-10--PM's plans to get more pupils back to school 'lie in tatters'

Government plans to get more pupils back to school in England during the coronavirus pandemic `` lie in tatters '' , Sir Keir Starmer has said , as he told the prime minister the UK 's number of COVID-19 deaths should `` haunt us '' .
The Labour leader and Boris Johnson clashed in the Commons at PMQs .
It was the first time they faced each other since it was confirmed ministers have dropped plans for all primary school pupils to return before the summer holidays during the coronavirus outbreak .
A phased reopening got under way on 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Year 1 and Year 6 as the COVID-19 lockdown continues to be eased .
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has promised to `` work with the sector '' and said the government would like to see schools who `` have the capacity '' to bring back more pupils before the end of the summer term where possible .
Critics have said a full return for primary schools was impossible because of capacity issues , staff shortages and social distancing .
Raising the issue in the Commons , Sir Keir called on Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taskforce to be set up to look at bringing more pupils back to school .
`` We all want as many children back into school as soon as it 's possible and as soon as it 's safe , '' the Labour leader said .
`` What was required for that to happen was a robust national plan , consensus among all key stakeholders and strong leadership from the top - all three are missing .
`` The current arrangements lie in tatters , parents have lost confidence in the government 's approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months ' worth of schooling and inequality will now go up .
`` Several weeks ago I suggested setting up a national taskforce so everyone could put their shoulder to the wheel .
It 's not too late , will the prime minister take me up on this ? ''
Mr Johnson accused his opposite number of mixed messages on the subject , telling MPs : `` Last week he was telling the House that it was not yet safe for kids to go back to school , this week he 's saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to school .
I really think he needs to make up his mind . ''
He told Sir Keir to encourage `` his friends in the left-wing trade unions '' to help get schools ready .
And the PM defended his government 's `` extremely cautious approach '' on the matter , adding : `` 97 % of schools that have submitted data are now seeing kids come back to school . ''
Mr Johnson suggested he had already spoken with the Labour leader about his schools plan , prompting Sir Keir to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
The Opposition leader continued : `` The prime minister and I have never discussed our letter in any phone call - he knows it and I know it .
`` The taskforce has never been the subject of a conversation between him and me one-to-one or in any other circumstance on the telephone .
He knows it so please drop that . ''
Sir Keir described the UK as an `` outlier '' when it comes to reopening schools , accusing Mr Johnson of `` flailing around '' and `` trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' It 's time he took responsibility for his own failings , '' the Labour leader demanded .
`` This mess was completely avoidable .
The consequences are stark . ''
Sir Keir said the government risked `` further inequality '' in England if it did not extend the national voucher scheme to ensure vulnerable children got free meals over the summer .
Mr Johnson told the Commons that ministers were aware of the `` particular difficulties faced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` That 's why we 're announcing a further £63m of local welfare assistance to be used by local authorities at their discretion to help the most vulnerable families . ''
The PM claimed his government has `` put its arms around the people of this country '' throughout the pandemic .
Sir Keir and Mr Johnson also clashed over the UK 's number of coronavirus-related deaths , which now stands at more than 40,000 .
The Labour leader said the figure should `` haunt us '' , adding that the Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths since the pandemic began .
He noted that last week the PM said he was proud of the government 's response to the virus , telling Mr Johnson there can be `` no pride '' in those figures .
`` On the death figures for this country , we mourn every one and we grieve for them and for their relatives and their friends , '' the PM said in response .
He added : `` The best scientific evidence and advice is that we must wait until the epidemic has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draw the relevant international conclusions . ''
Mr Johnson also highlighted the `` astonishing '' achievement of the NHS Nightingale hospitals being built , as well as the way `` this country came together to drive down , to follow the social distancing rules in spite of all the doubt that was cast on the advice '' .

Government plans to get more pupils back to school in England during the coronavirus pandemic "lie in tatters", Sir Keir Starmer has said, as he told the prime minister the UK's number of COVID-19 deaths should "haunt us".
The Labour leader and Boris Johnson clashed in the Commons at PMQs.
It was the first time they faced each other since it was confirmed ministers have dropped plans for all primary school pupils to return before the summer holidays during the coronavirus outbreak.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:27 Chancellor: School closures a 'tragedy'
A phased reopening got under way on 1 June for pupils in nursery, reception, Year 1 and Year 6 as the COVID-19 lockdown continues to be eased.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has promised to "work with the sector" and said the government would like to see schools who "have the capacity" to bring back more pupils before the end of the summer term where possible.
Critics have said a full return for primary schools was impossible because of capacity issues, staff shortages and social distancing.
Raising the issue in the Commons, Sir Keir called on Mr Johnson to back his calls for a national taskforce to be set up to look at bringing more pupils back to school.
"We all want as many children back into school as soon as it's possible and as soon as it's safe," the Labour leader said.
"What was required for that to happen was a robust national plan, consensus among all key stakeholders and strong leadership from the top - all three are missing.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:32 Schools struggling with social distancing
"The current arrangements lie in tatters, parents have lost confidence in the government's approach, millions of children will miss six months' worth of schooling and inequality will now go up.
"Several weeks ago I suggested setting up a national taskforce so everyone could put their shoulder to the wheel. It's not too late, will the prime minister take me up on this?"
Mr Johnson accused his opposite number of mixed messages on the subject, telling MPs: "Last week he was telling the House that it was not yet safe for kids to go back to school, this week he's saying that not enough kids are going back to school. I really think he needs to make up his mind."
He told Sir Keir to encourage "his friends in the left-wing trade unions" to help get schools ready.
And the PM defended his government's "extremely cautious approach" on the matter, adding: "97% of schools that have submitted data are now seeing kids come back to school."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:17 Plans for pupils to return to school scrapped
Mr Johnson suggested he had already spoken with the Labour leader about his schools plan, prompting Sir Keir to reply "let's have this out".
The Opposition leader continued: "The prime minister and I have never discussed our letter in any phone call - he knows it and I know it.
"The taskforce has never been the subject of a conversation between him and me one-to-one or in any other circumstance on the telephone. He knows it so please drop that."
Sir Keir described the UK as an "outlier" when it comes to reopening schools, accusing Mr Johnson of "flailing around" and "trying to blame others".
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"It's time he took responsibility for his own failings," the Labour leader demanded.
"This mess was completely avoidable. The consequences are stark."
Sir Keir said the government risked "further inequality" in England if it did not extend the national voucher scheme to ensure vulnerable children got free meals over the summer.
Mr Johnson told the Commons that ministers were aware of the "particular difficulties faced by vulnerable families".
He continued: "That's why we're announcing a further £63m of local welfare assistance to be used by local authorities at their discretion to help the most vulnerable families."
The PM claimed his government has "put its arms around the people of this country" throughout the pandemic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 Pubs and restaurants not opening yet
Sir Keir and Mr Johnson also clashed over the UK's number of coronavirus-related deaths, which now stands at more than 40,000.
The Labour leader said the figure should "haunt us", adding that the Office for National Statistics has recorded 63,000 excess deaths since the pandemic began.
He noted that last week the PM said he was proud of the government's response to the virus, telling Mr Johnson there can be "no pride" in those figures.
"On the death figures for this country, we mourn every one and we grieve for them and for their relatives and their friends," the PM said in response.
He added: "The best scientific evidence and advice is that we must wait until the epidemic has been through its whole cycle in order to draw the relevant international conclusions."
Mr Johnson also highlighted the "astonishing" achievement of the NHS Nightingale hospitals being built, as well as the way "this country came together to drive down, to follow the social distancing rules in spite of all the doubt that was cast on the advice".


skynewspolitics--2020-06-10--EU's Barnier tells Britain he will not allow 'cherry picking' in Brexit talks

The EU 's Brexit negotiator has told Britain he will not allow `` cherry picking '' in the talks between the two sides on a future trade deal .
Michel Barnier said the UK is seeking a future relationship with Brussels that is very close to that of an EU member - and this was unacceptable to the bloc .
`` Britain is demanding a lot more from the EU than Canada , Japan or other partners , '' he said .
`` We can not and we will not allow this cherry picking . ''
Britain left the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years of membership and is currently in an 11-month transition period , which ends in December .
This time frame is being used to negotiate a free trade agreement and sort out the terms of the future relationship that will govern ties between the UK and the EU in the future .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Prime Minister Boris Johnson has insisted he will not extend the Brexit transition period beyond the end of this year , despite warnings that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made striking a deal impossible .
The latest round of talks between the two sides concluded on Friday , with a breakthrough continuing to prove elusive .
Four days of discussions took place via video link .
Mr Barnier said afterwards there had been `` no significant areas '' of progress '' .
David Frost , the UK 's Brexit negotiator , said they would have to `` intensify and accelerate '' the discussions if there was to be any chance of a deal being struck .
The latest talks had been intended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summit later this month to review progress .
Both sides suggested the system of remote meetings , which has been put in place because of the COVID-19 outbreak , had reached its limit .
There was an acknowledgement that officials would need to start meeting again face to face if they were to move forward .
British officials remain confident the high-level talks will still go ahead , although a date has yet to be fixed .
The video call summit is expected to involve Mr Johnson , European Commission President Ursula von @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michel and possibly David-Sassoli , president of the European Parliament .
Officials on the British side have previously indicated they regard this month as an `` inflection point '' in the talks , but a senior member of the negotiating team has acknowledged the coronavirus situation meant there would be some delay .
He insisted , however , that the negotiations could not be allowed to drag on into the autumn without clear evidence that striking an agreement was possible .
`` We are not up for a long negotiation over the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knows what is going to happen .
October is too late for us to conclude this , '' the official said .
`` We need to work intensively now and into July to see if we can find the high-level trade-offs that unlock a deal within all our important negotiating parameters . ''

The EU's Brexit negotiator has told Britain he will not allow "cherry picking" in the talks between the two sides on a future trade deal.
Michel Barnier said the UK is seeking a future relationship with Brussels that is very close to that of an EU member - and this was unacceptable to the bloc.
"Britain is demanding a lot more from the EU than Canada, Japan or other partners," he said.
"We cannot and we will not allow this cherry picking."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:45 UK needs to be 'realistic' about Brexit deal
Britain left the EU at the end of January after 47 years of membership and is currently in an 11-month transition period, which ends in December.
This time frame is being used to negotiate a free trade agreement and sort out the terms of the future relationship that will govern ties between the UK and the EU in the future.
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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Prime Minister Boris Johnson has insisted he will not extend the Brexit transition period beyond the end of this year, despite warnings that disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic has made striking a deal impossible.
The latest round of talks between the two sides concluded on Friday, with a breakthrough continuing to prove elusive.
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Four days of discussions took place via video link.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:20 EU deal: Some checks will be needed
Mr Barnier said afterwards there had been "no significant areas" of progress".
David Frost, the UK's Brexit negotiator, said they would have to "intensify and accelerate" the discussions if there was to be any chance of a deal being struck.
The latest talks had been intended to lay the ground for a high-level summit later this month to review progress.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:46 Brexit extension called for by Barnier
Both sides suggested the system of remote meetings, which has been put in place because of the COVID-19 outbreak, had reached its limit.
There was an acknowledgement that officials would need to start meeting again face to face if they were to move forward.
British officials remain confident the high-level talks will still go ahead, although a date has yet to be fixed.
The video call summit is expected to involve Mr Johnson, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel and possibly David-Sassoli, president of the European Parliament.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:43 Now the UK is out of the EU, what next?
Officials on the British side have previously indicated they regard this month as an "inflection point" in the talks, but a senior member of the negotiating team has acknowledged the coronavirus situation meant there would be some delay.
He insisted, however, that the negotiations could not be allowed to drag on into the autumn without clear evidence that striking an agreement was possible.
"We are not up for a long negotiation over the next months well into the autumn where nobody knows what is going to happen. October is too late for us to conclude this," the official said.
"We need to work intensively now and into July to see if we can find the high-level trade-offs that unlock a deal within all our important negotiating parameters."