skynewspolitics--2020-01-30--Prince Andrew and Dunn suspect 'swap' dismissed by foreign secretary

The UK and US will not 'haggle ' over Prince Andrew and Harry Dunn The foreign secretary has dismissed the idea of Prince Andrew going to the US to help the Jeffrey Epstein investigation in return for Anne Sacoolas coming to the UK .
A potential swap was mooted by reporters after foreign secretary Dominic Raab met US secretary of state Mike Pompeo in London .
Mr Pompeo was asked : `` We want Anne Sacoolas , you want Prince Andrew - is there a deal to be done ? ''
Amid laughter in the room , the secretary of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can answer that .
I am confident each of these cases will be resolved on their relative merits . ''
Mr Raab confirmed : `` There is no barter , it 's a rules-based approach .
That 's what the treaty does .
There is no haggle and no one 's raised Prince Andrew .
Frankly , no one has ever raised that with me . ''
`` They have now , '' Mr Pompeo joked .
Anne Sacoolas has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving after Harry Dunn , 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ riding his motorbike near RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire in August .
Mrs Sacoolas , the wife of an intelligence official at the base , left for the US under the protection of diplomatic immunity .
American officials have said she will not be extradited .
The teenager 's mother , Charlotte Charles , told Sky News : `` He ( Harry ) deserves justice and any alleged crimes that Prince Andrew may be found guilty of , then those victims deserve justice too . ''
Mrs Charles told the Press Association : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day as a family .
`` We have said right from the outset that Anne Sacoolas must face the legal system here .
`` There is no other way and no-one is above the law , diplomat or not , as the Vienna Convention makes clear .
I urge Anne Sacoolas to do the right thing and come back to the UK now . ''
Downing Street said Prime Minister Boris Johnson had raised Harry Dunn 's case with Mr Pompeo .
`` The PM raised the tragic case of Harry Dunn and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harry 's family , '' a Number 10 spokesman said .
Prince Andrew has provided `` zero co-operation '' to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein - the convicted sex offender who died in August - said New York lawyer Geoffrey Berman on Tuesday .
During a BBC Newsnight interview last year , Prince Andrew suggested he would willingly co-operate with an investigation into the crimes of his former friend .

The foreign secretary has dismissed the idea of Prince Andrew going to the US to help the Jeffrey Epstein investigation in return for Anne Sacoolas coming to the UK.
A potential swap was mooted by reporters after foreign secretary Dominic Raab met US secretary of state Mike Pompeo in London.
Mr Pompeo was asked: "We want Anne Sacoolas, you want Prince Andrew - is there a deal to be done?"
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 Pompeo on idea of Prince Andrew - Anne Sacoolas trade
Amid laughter in the room, the secretary of state said: "Yeah, I can answer that. I am confident each of these cases will be resolved on their relative merits."
Mr Raab confirmed: "There is no barter, it's a rules-based approach. That's what the treaty does. There is no haggle and no one's raised Prince Andrew. Frankly, no one has ever raised that with me."
Image: Harry Dunn was killed while riding his motorcycle last August
"They have now," Mr Pompeo joked.
Anne Sacoolas has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving after Harry Dunn, 19, was hit by a car while riding his motorbike near RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire in August.
Mrs Sacoolas, the wife of an intelligence official at the base, left for the US under the protection of diplomatic immunity.
American officials have said she will not be extradited.
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Image: Anne Sacoolas claimed diplomatic immunity and left for the US after the crash
The teenager's mother, Charlotte Charles, told Sky News: "He (Harry) deserves justice and any alleged crimes that Prince Andrew may be found guilty of, then those victims deserve justice too."
Mrs Charles told the Press Association: "We continue to suffer unbearable hardship every day as a family.
"We have said right from the outset that Anne Sacoolas must face the legal system here.
"There is no other way and no-one is above the law, diplomat or not, as the Vienna Convention makes clear. I urge Anne Sacoolas to do the right thing and come back to the UK now."
Downing Street said Prime Minister Boris Johnson had raised Harry Dunn's case with Mr Pompeo.
Image: Epstein died in jail last August
"The PM raised the tragic case of Harry Dunn and emphasised the importance of securing justice for Harry's family," a Number 10 spokesman said.
Prince Andrew has provided "zero co-operation" to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein - the convicted sex offender who died in August - said New York lawyer Geoffrey Berman on Tuesday.
During a BBC Newsnight interview last year, Prince Andrew suggested he would willingly co-operate with an investigation into the crimes of his former friend.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-30--MPs to be allowed to breastfeed in Commons chamber

Breastfeeding to be allowed in House of Commons chamber Breastfeeding to be allowed in House of Commons chamber Breastfeeding is to be permitted in the House of Commons chamber .
File pic Decades of parliamentary tradition are to be swept away after the new Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle lifted a ban on women MPs breastfeeding in the chamber .
`` I 'm of the view there is n't a policy , '' said Sir Lindsay , responding to questions from parliamentary journalists at Westminster .
`` My view is , it is up to the woman . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me as a man to dictate on that policy .
If it happens , it happens .
I would n't be upset by it , let 's put it that way . ''
His landmark ruling overturns an edict issued in 2000 by the first woman Speaker of the Commons , Betty Boothroyd , which was upheld by her successors Michael Martin and John Bercow .
Sir Lindsay 's move follows a campaign , led by women MPs , for scrapping the rule and also implements a recommendation by the Commons ' powerful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breastfeed in the Commons chamber was Labour 's Helene Hayman , then the youngest MP , back in the late 1970s .
She was later Lord Speaker from 2006-2011 .
Harriet Harman , now the self-styled `` Mother of the House '' and a leading campaigner for women 's rights in Parliament , breastfed her child shortly after becoming an MP in a by-election in 1982 .
But in 2000 Speaker Boothroyd ruled : `` I do not believe that the feeding of babies in either the Chamber or Committee is conducive to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Nor do I think that the necessary calm environment in which to feed babies can be provided in such circumstances . ''
Her successor , Mr Martin , suggested women should use a feeding room near where committee meetings took place .
More recently , the administration committee of MPs recommended allowing breastfeeding `` wherever it is appropriate in the Palace of Westminster '' .
And a report commissioned by Mr Bercow in 2016 recommended that mothers should be able to bring babies into the chamber and voting lobbies .
Since then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson , Labour MPs Stella Creasy and Ellie Reeves and Conservative Kemi Badenoch , have brought their babies into the chamber during Commons votes and for the swearing in after last month 's election .
During his Q & A with political reporters , Sir Lindsay was also quizzed on the bullying allegations against Mr Bercow and whether his predecessor should receive a peerage , which is so far being withheld by Boris Johnson .
He said that in his nine years as Mr Bercow 's deputy he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
`` Personally I can honestly say I did n't witness it , '' he added .
`` But I do speak to people who may or may not have been subjected . ''
On whether Mr Bercow should receive a peerage , Sir Lindsay said he should be nominated but then vetted .
`` When somebody 's name goes forward to the Lords , people are checked and issues are reviewed about whether they are a fit person , '' he said .
`` Part of that vetting will be looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a so-called `` bullying culture '' in Westminster , the Speaker said : `` MPs have n't always been the best employers of their staff .
`` I think people reflected on the way the chamber carried out , the way we were speaking to each other , the threats , the intimidation , it was not a nice place . ''
But he claimed : `` The bullying culture is over , we are not going to tolerate it .
And I 'm certainly not going to tolerate people who abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duties to make us safe . ''

Decades of parliamentary tradition are to be swept away after the new Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle lifted a ban on women MPs breastfeeding in the chamber.
"I'm of the view there isn't a policy," said Sir Lindsay, responding to questions from parliamentary journalists at Westminster. "My view is, it is up to the woman."
"I think it would be wrong for me as a man to dictate on that policy. If it happens, it happens. I wouldn't be upset by it, let's put it that way."
Image: Sir Lindsay Hoyle's decision reverses decades of refusals
His landmark ruling overturns an edict issued in 2000 by the first woman Speaker of the Commons, Betty Boothroyd, which was upheld by her successors Michael Martin and John Bercow.
Sir Lindsay's move follows a campaign, led by women MPs, for scrapping the rule and also implements a recommendation by the Commons' powerful administration committee.
The first woman to breastfeed in the Commons chamber was Labour's Helene Hayman, then the youngest MP, back in the late 1970s. She was later Lord Speaker from 2006-2011.
Image: Helene Hayman, pictured in 1970, was the first woman to breastfeed in the Commons chamber
Harriet Harman, now the self-styled "Mother of the House" and a leading campaigner for women's rights in Parliament, breastfed her child shortly after becoming an MP in a by-election in 1982.
But in 2000 Speaker Boothroyd ruled: "I do not believe that the feeding of babies in either the Chamber or Committee is conducive to the efficient conduct of public business.
"Nor do I think that the necessary calm environment in which to feed babies can be provided in such circumstances."
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Her successor, Mr Martin, suggested women should use a feeding room near where committee meetings took place.
More recently, the administration committee of MPs recommended allowing breastfeeding "wherever it is appropriate in the Palace of Westminster".
And a report commissioned by Mr Bercow in 2016 recommended that mothers should be able to bring babies into the chamber and voting lobbies.
Image: Former MP and Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson brought her baby into the chamber
Since then a number of women MPs, including former Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson, Labour MPs Stella Creasy and Ellie Reeves and Conservative Kemi Badenoch, have brought their babies into the chamber during Commons votes and for the swearing in after last month's election.
During his Q&A with political reporters, Sir Lindsay was also quizzed on the bullying allegations against Mr Bercow and whether his predecessor should receive a peerage, which is so far being withheld by Boris Johnson.
He said that in his nine years as Mr Bercow's deputy he was "personally" not bullied by him. "Personally I can honestly say I didn't witness it," he added. "But I do speak to people who may or may not have been subjected."
Image: John Bercow's proposed peerage has not been sanctioned by Boris Johnson
On whether Mr Bercow should receive a peerage, Sir Lindsay said he should be nominated but then vetted.
"When somebody's name goes forward to the Lords, people are checked and issues are reviewed about whether they are a fit person," he said. "Part of that vetting will be looking into people's conduct."
And on a so-called "bullying culture" in Westminster, the Speaker said: "MPs haven't always been the best employers of their staff.
"I think people reflected on the way the chamber carried out, the way we were speaking to each other, the threats, the intimidation, it was not a nice place."
But he claimed: "The bullying culture is over, we are not going to tolerate it. And I'm certainly not going to tolerate people who abuse security staff who are carrying out their duties to make us safe."


skynewspolitics--2020-01-30--Brit evacuation plan 'risks infecting healthy citizens' - Lansley

A government plan to bring back Britons stranded in Wuhan by the coronavirus poses a `` severe potential risk '' of infecting healthy people , a former health secretary has said .
Lord Lansley , who was a Conservative health secretary in the coalition government , told Sky News that putting Britons on a plane `` increases the chance of their transmitting the infection from one to another , then brings them to United Kingdom and , and the transmission starts from it '' .
He said the evacuation was being done not to protect public health but for `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be careful to enforce the 14-day quarantine period .
Lord Lansley said : `` One must be blunt about this .
`` In normal circumstances from a public health point of view , moving any group of people from a place where there is infection to one where there is n't , is not on the face of it a public health measure . ''
He said Britain faces an even bigger challenge with potentially a couple of thousand people having returned to the UK , from Wuhan province in particular , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The incubation period we seem to be finding with this virus ( is ) that it can have a relatively long incubation period , it could take 10 days or more .
And in the early stages it is without symptoms .
`` We are in truth only dealing with something which has really only been - of which we 've been seriously aware - for about 20 days . ''
Sky News understands the Britons being flown back will be quarantined in a facility on the Wirral .
Lord Lansley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ send in planes once other countries , such as America , had pledged to do so .
`` I think it was inevitable that other countries were going to do the same thing , '' said Lord Lansley .
The British nationals were due to leave the Chinese city on Thursday morning but the plane was not able to take off as Chinese authorities had not yet given clearance .
Lord Lansley said the goal of the British government at this stage in a crisis would be to buy time .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to win time .
`` And I think that 's what they 're really focusing on at the moment - the containment of the virus for a sufficient period of time that we stand a chance in the development ideally , of a vaccine , and , if necessary , anti-viral agents and other countermeasures to try and limit what would subsequently be the transmission .
A mortality rate of 3 % is significant . ''
He said China had become far easier to deal with than during the SARS outbreak and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and `` transparent '' .
`` I would say from those I 've talked to who have experienced back in 2003 , where the SARS outbreak is concerned , and what they look at today.They would say that it is a transformed environment , '' said the former health secretary .

A government plan to bring back Britons stranded in Wuhan by the coronavirus poses a "severe potential risk" of infecting healthy people, a former health secretary has said.
Lord Lansley, who was a Conservative health secretary in the coalition government, told Sky News that putting Britons on a plane "increases the chance of their transmitting the infection from one to another, then brings them to United Kingdom and, and the transmission starts from it".
He said the evacuation was being done not to protect public health but for "humanitarian" reasons, and that officials must be careful to enforce the 14-day quarantine period.
Image: Andrew Lansley was health secretary during the coalition government
Lord Lansley said: "One must be blunt about this.
"In normal circumstances from a public health point of view, moving any group of people from a place where there is infection to one where there isn't, is not on the face of it a public health measure."
He said Britain faces an even bigger challenge with potentially a couple of thousand people having returned to the UK, from Wuhan province in particular, in the last two or three weeks.
"The incubation period we seem to be finding with this virus (is) that it can have a relatively long incubation period, it could take 10 days or more. And in the early stages it is without symptoms.
"We are in truth only dealing with something which has really only been - of which we've been seriously aware - for about 20 days."
Sky News understands the Britons being flown back will be quarantined in a facility on the Wirral.
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Lord Lansley said there was a natural tendency to send in planes once other countries, such as America, had pledged to do so.
"I think it was inevitable that other countries were going to do the same thing," said Lord Lansley.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:01 Evacuation of Britons from Wuhan delayed
The British nationals were due to leave the Chinese city on Thursday morning but the plane was not able to take off as Chinese authorities had not yet given clearance.
Lord Lansley said the goal of the British government at this stage in a crisis would be to buy time.
"We want wherever possible with a new virus to win time.
"And I think that's what they're really focusing on at the moment - the containment of the virus for a sufficient period of time that we stand a chance in the development ideally, of a vaccine, and, if necessary, anti-viral agents and other countermeasures to try and limit what would subsequently be the transmission. A mortality rate of 3% is significant."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 Coronavirus: Death toll continues to rise
He said China had become far easier to deal with than during the SARS outbreak and was now "rapid in their response" and "transparent".
"I would say from those I've talked to who have experienced back in 2003, where the SARS outbreak is concerned, and what they look at today.They would say that it is a transformed environment," said the former health secretary.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-05--Cameron turns down offer to head climate change summit

David Cameron said it was 'an honour ' to be asked to play a prominent role in the 'important gathering' Former prime minister David Cameron has rejected an offer from Boris Johnson to spearhead the UK 's preparations for a UN climate summit .
Mr Johnson asked Mr Cameron to be president of the COP26 summit , which will take place in Glasgow in November .
But he has declined .
According to The Times , former Tory leader Lord Hague was also sounded out for the role but turned it down .
Mr Cameron , who was PM from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` an honour '' to be asked to play a prominent role in the `` important gathering '' .
But he added : `` My view is that these things are best done by a government minister so there is one person in charge , one chain of command , rather than two . ''
Mr Cameron also said he was focused on `` existing commitments this year , not least to Alzheimer 's Research UK ; but I wish the government well with hosting this conference '' .
Since leaving office , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series of lucrative media and speaking engagements .
He is also president of Alzheimer 's Research UK .
Claire O'Neill , a former minister , was sacked from the role of COP26 president last week - and responded by launching an attack on Mr Johnson .
She said the government was `` miles off tack '' in setting a positive agenda for the summit and promises of action `` are not close to being met '' .
And in an interview with the BBC , she claimed the PM `` does n't really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climate talks will be the most important since the 2015 discussions in Paris that resulted in an accord to reduce global emissions .
Officially launching the summit on Tuesday , Mr Johnson said the UK must take the lead in tackling the climate crisis .
The PM said he wanted to see nations follow the UK 's lead in setting `` credible '' targets to achieve net-zero emissions .
`` We 've put so much CO2 in the atmosphere collectively that the entire planet is swaddled in a tea cosy of the stuff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's now predicted , unless we take urgent action , to get 3C hotter , and in the hurricanes and the bushfires and melting of the ice caps and the acidification of the oceans , the evidence is now overwhelming .
`` We know as a country , as a society , as a planet , as a species , we must now act . ''

Former prime minister David Cameron has rejected an offer from Boris Johnson to spearhead the UK's preparations for a UN climate summit.
Mr Johnson asked Mr Cameron to be president of the COP26 summit, which will take place in Glasgow in November.
But he has declined.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:03 'Climate action hindered by fixed-term govts'
According to The Times, former Tory leader Lord Hague was also sounded out for the role but turned it down.
Mr Cameron, who was PM from 2010 to 2016, said it was "an honour" to be asked to play a prominent role in the "important gathering".
But he added: "My view is that these things are best done by a government minister so there is one person in charge, one chain of command, rather than two.
"I've also got a lot of other things I've already agreed to do this year, not least the work I do for Alzheimers Research UK so I thought it was important to carry on with that work.
"But I wish the government well and wish this climate change conference well because it's absolutely vital.
"I'm sure that there'll be a government minister or someone who'll be able to do the job and do it very well. And the government has my support."
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Since leaving office, the former PM has embarked on a series of lucrative media and speaking engagements.
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He is also president of Alzheimer's Research UK.
Claire O'Neill, a former minister, was sacked from the role of COP26 president last week - and responded by launching an attack on Mr Johnson.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:48 Charles: Time to take eco fight to the next level
She said the government was "miles off track" in setting a positive agenda for the summit and promises of action "are not close to being met".
And in an interview with the BBC, she claimed the PM "doesn't really get" climate change.
The UN climate talks will be the most important since the 2015 discussions in Paris that resulted in an accord to reduce global emissions.
Officially launching the summit on Tuesday, Mr Johnson said the UK must take the lead in tackling the climate crisis.
The PM said he wanted to see nations follow the UK's lead in setting "credible" targets to achieve net-zero emissions.
"We've put so much CO2 in the atmosphere collectively that the entire planet is swaddled in a tea cosy of the stuff," Mr Johnson said.
"It's now predicted, unless we take urgent action, to get 3C hotter, and in the hurricanes and the bushfires and melting of the ice caps and the acidification of the oceans, the evidence is now overwhelming.
"We know as a country, as a society, as a planet, as a species, we must now act."
Image: Boris Johnson launched COP26 this week
The issue dominated exchanges between Mr Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn at PMQs.
The Labour leader accused the PM of "failing so spectacularly to measure up to the scale" of the climate crisis.
He joked that Mr Johnson could make it "third time lucky" by offering another former Tory leader, Sir Iain Duncan Smith, the role of COP26 president.
Mr Johnson said in response that Mr Corbyn's criticism was "beyond satire" and he was producing "hot air".


skynewspolitics--2020-02-05--Bercow accuser stands by bullying claims against former speaker

A former senior parliamentary official who has accused John Bercow of bullying has told Sky News that he stands by his allegations .
David Leakey , who served as Black Rod until 2018 , told Kay Burley @ Breakfast that the former speaker would `` lose the plot , the red mist would descend , he 'd jump up and down , thump the table , bawl out insults to me '' .
Speaking to Sky News on Tuesday , Mr Bercow had dismissed the claims as `` total and utter rubbish '' .
When the former speaker 's denial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Mr Bercow was `` perfectly entitled to protest his innocence '' .
But he said in his role he `` saw and knew a lot about what was going on in the House of Commons '' .
Black Rod is a senior official in the House of Lords who is responsible for controlling access to the chamber and maintaining order .
Pressed on what evidence he had to substantiate his claims , Mr Leakey said : `` Well , he did it to me . ''
He added : `` He called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rude about my background , education and military career .
`` I 've never come across that in my 46 years of working in public service . ''
Mr Leakey has accused the former speaker of bullying him over the years and said several highly ranking parliamentary staff and politicians had told him privately they were bullied by Mr Bercow .
Lord Lisvane , the former clerk of the House of Commons , has also submitted a dossier of allegations against Mr Bercow to the Parliamentary Standards Authority .
Labour 's shadow home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a former senior military officer like Mr Leakey could have been bullied by Mr Bercow .
In his interview , which took place before Ms Abbott 's comments , Mr Leakey said much of what took place with the former speaker was `` water off a duck 's back '' , because `` frankly I 've been shouted at by enough sergeant majors in my military training as a young officer '' .
`` But that 's not the point , '' he continued .
`` He tried to intimidate me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He should be called out . ''
Responding in detail to the claims against him , Mr Bercow told Sky News in an exclusive interview : `` [ Mr Leakey ] does n't know what my relationship was with my clerks .
`` He has absolutely no intelligence on those matters whatsoever .
`` What we have here is a person who had left the House , is thrashing about , desperate to remain relevant , popping up at every turn , trying to make himself seem very important , centre stage , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way I went about my work . ''
Mr Bercow , who was a controversial figure during 10 years in the speaker 's chair , confirmed in the interview reports that he had been nominated for a peerage by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn .
Mr Leakey denied timing his intervention to try and derail this .
He said : `` This is not an opportunistic thing .
I have n't just come up with this in the last few days because he 's been nominated for a peerage by Jeremy Corbyn .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the reason I raised it then was because there were other people who were being bullied and intimidated in the way that he tried to intimidate me . ''
Mr Leakey said the former speaker entering the House of Lords would be `` a scandal that parliament would struggle to live down '' .

A former senior parliamentary official who has accused John Bercow of bullying has told Sky News that he stands by his allegations.
David Leakey, who served as Black Rod until 2018, told Kay Burley@Breakfast that the former speaker would "lose the plot, the red mist would descend, he'd jump up and down, thump the table, bawl out insults to me".
Speaking to Sky News on Tuesday, Mr Bercow had dismissed the claims as "total and utter rubbish".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:12 Bercow: Accuser is a 'know-nothing'
When the former speaker's denial was put to him, Mr Leakey said Mr Bercow was "perfectly entitled to protest his innocence".
But he said in his role he "saw and knew a lot about what was going on in the House of Commons".
Black Rod is a senior official in the House of Lords who is responsible for controlling access to the chamber and maintaining order.
Pressed on what evidence he had to substantiate his claims, Mr Leakey said: "Well, he did it to me."
He added: "He called me an antisemite once and was extremely rude about my background, education and military career.
"I've never come across that in my 46 years of working in public service."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 15:36 Bercow: Bullying claims are 'utter rubbish'
Mr Leakey has accused the former speaker of bullying him over the years and said several highly ranking parliamentary staff and politicians had told him privately they were bullied by Mr Bercow.
Lord Lisvane, the former clerk of the House of Commons, has also submitted a dossier of allegations against Mr Bercow to the Parliamentary Standards Authority.
Labour's shadow home secretary Diane Abbott wrote on Twitter that it was "unlikely" a former senior military officer like Mr Leakey could have been bullied by Mr Bercow.
She later deleted the tweet after coming in for criticism for the remark.
Image: John Bercow denied bullying anyone while he was speaker, saying his accuser David Leakey is completely and utterly ignorant
Labour MP Jess Phillips called Ms Abbott's tweet "thoughtless" and said she "probably regrets it and didn't mean it in those terms".
She told Sky News: "That is just not my experience of victims of abuse and violence - which I'm not suggesting that he is without an investigation.
"But, it goes against the grain of all victims' services that victims are weak and become victims because of their weaknesses. Anybody can be a victim of harassment, bullying and abuse.
"It doesn't matter if they're the highest ranking officer in the army right to the people sweeping the floors.
"There isn't a class issue, there isn't a group of people who can't be a victim of abuse.
"Unfortunately, partly, in that tweet, the suggestion is that 'well we like John Bercow so we don't have to have the same standards'.
"Now, I like John Bercow but he deserves to be tested by the same tests we would apply to everyone."
In his interview, which took place before Ms Abbott's comments, Mr Leakey said much of what took place with the former speaker was "water off a duck's back", because "frankly I've been shouted at by enough sergeant majors in my military training as a young officer".
"But that's not the point," he continued.
"He tried to intimidate me, he did it to other people. He should be called out."
Responding in detail to the claims against him, Mr Bercow told Sky News in an exclusive interview: "[Mr Leakey] doesn't know what my relationship was with my clerks.
"He has absolutely no intelligence on those matters whatsoever.
"What we have here is a person who had left the House, is thrashing about, desperate to remain relevant, popping up at every turn, trying to make himself seem very important, centre stage, at the heart of things in the way I went about my work."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:36 Formal bullying complaint filed against ex-speaker
Mr Bercow, who was a controversial figure during 10 years in the speaker's chair, confirmed in the interview reports that he had been nominated for a peerage by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Mr Leakey denied timing his intervention to try and derail this.
He said: "This is not an opportunistic thing. I haven't just come up with this in the last few days because he's been nominated for a peerage by Jeremy Corbyn.
"I raised this two years ago and the reason I raised it then was because there were other people who were being bullied and intimidated in the way that he tried to intimidate me."
Mr Leakey said the former speaker entering the House of Lords would be "a scandal that parliament would struggle to live down".


skynewspolitics--2020-02-04--Refusal to pay BBC licence fee could be decriminalised

Baroness Morgan said the recent Gavin & Stacey Christmas special showed the BBC 'can still create shared moments that bring the country together' TV viewers who refuse to pay the BBC licence fee can expect to avoid being prosecuted in future , in a move by Boris Johnson that could lead to the fee being scrapped altogether .
The outgoing culture secretary Nicky Morgan , in one of her last acts before stepping down , has launched a public consultation on whether to end the non-payment of the licence fee being a criminal offence .
The move comes in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the annual TV licence fee will increase by £3 , from £154.50 to £157.50 , from 1 April and at a time when the BBC is entering a period of turmoil .
Its director general , Lord Hall , is quitting , BBC News is facing spending cuts of £80m and the loss of 450 jobs , and the prime minister and senior Tory ministers are on collision course with the corporation .
Just days before the general election in December , Mr Johnson said he was `` looking at '' abolishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC refused to broadcast his Brexit day address because it was filmed in-house by 10 Downing Street .
The government is also at war with the BBC over axing free TV licences for over-75s , which will hit 3.7 million pensioners when they have to start paying for them in June , though 900,000 receiving pension credit will not have to pay .
As well as a consultation on non-payment , Baroness Morgan has announced a new flexible payment scheme - the Simple Payment Plan - to help vulnerable people , including those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pay the licence fee .
Currently anyone who installs or uses a TV or watches BBC iPlayer without a licence is guilty of a criminal offence .
The fine for non-payment can be as high as £1,000 and refusing to pay can lead to a jail term .
But the government claims the broadcasting landscape has changed dramatically and therefore it is right to look again at decriminalising TV licence evasion `` in order to ensure a proportionate and fair approach to licence fee penalties and payments , which protects the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Morgan said : `` As we move into an increasingly digital age , with more and more channels to watch and platforms to choose from , the time has come to think carefully about how we make sure the TV licence fee remains relevant in this changing media landscape .
`` Many people consider it wrong that you can be imprisoned for not paying for your TV licence and that its enforcement punishes the vulnerable .
`` Today we are launching a public consultation to make sure we have a fair and proportionate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that protects those most in need in society .
`` Alongside this we 're also announcing a new payment plan to allow people who struggle to pay the licence fee to spread out their payments .
`` This will help prepare the BBC and public service broadcasting for the future and make sure it continues to work for our society , our economy , and the public which funds it . ''
A BBC spokesperson said in response : `` A detailed government-commissioned review found the current system to be the fairest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommend change - in part because the current system is effective in ensuring payment with very few people ever going to prison .
`` For example , the most recent annual figures show only five people in England and Wales were jailed for not paying court fines .
So there is a question about what issue this repeat consultation is trying to solve .
`` Of course it is important that any system commands public respect and we hope that any debate about the future is based on the evidence . ''
Writing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the BBC needed to `` move with the times '' or it could go the same way as collapsed video rental company Blockbuster .
But in her speech announcing the consultation , she said that despite the changing landscape , the BBC `` can still create shared moments that bring the country together '' .
She cited the `` incredible public response '' to this year 's Gavin & Stacey Christmas special as an example .
Reacting to Baroness Morgan 's Blockbuster comparison , a BBC spokesperson said : `` The BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a decade ago while they were still sending DVDs in the post , but was prevented from doing so by regulators .
`` There is a danger that politicians catastrophise the situation .
`` The BBC is the most used media organisation in the UK .
It reaches the most people .
It 's used for the most time .
You would n't think that from some of the things being said today . ''
In 2018 , more than 121,000 people were convicted and sentenced for evasion and issued with an average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 26 million TV licences being used in the UK last year , which generated an income of £3.69bn for the BBC .
Baroness Morgan 's announcement has been welcomed by Tory MP Julian Knight , who ousted another Conservative , Damian Collins , in the election for chairman of the Digital , Culture , Media and Sport ( DCMS ) select committee last week .
MPs believe Mr Knight is more amenable to a BBC shake-up than Mr Collins , who also clashed with the government over Brexit-related issues and failed in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adviser Dominic Cummings , to appear before the committee .
Mr Knight said the announcement marks a `` significant shift '' for broadcasting , with `` major implications for the future of the BBC '' .
`` With negotiations on its funding due to start later this year there 's a need for an urgent and open conversation about how people consume media and how they should pay for it , '' he said .
`` As chair I 'll be urging the DCMS Committee to take the lead on steering the BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which ensures the most vulnerable in our society do not lose out . ''
Shadow culture secretary Tracy Brabin said the move places the BBC `` under serious threat '' as she said decriminalising non-payment of the licence fee means the BBC will have no `` predictable income '' and will be `` potentially hundreds of millions of pounds short '' .
She also said it was `` shameful '' over-75s will be forced to pay the licence fee , saying the new scheme `` does n't make up for that '' .

TV viewers who refuse to pay the BBC licence fee can expect to avoid being prosecuted in future, in a move by Boris Johnson that could lead to the fee being scrapped altogether.
The outgoing culture secretary Nicky Morgan, in one of her last acts before stepping down, has launched a public consultation on whether to end the non-payment of the licence fee being a criminal offence.
The move comes in the week it was announced that the cost of the annual TV licence fee will increase by £3, from £154.50 to £157.50, from 1 April and at a time when the BBC is entering a period of turmoil.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:23 Lord Hall: 'Great future for British content'
Its director general, Lord Hall, is quitting, BBC News is facing spending cuts of £80m and the loss of 450 jobs, and the prime minister and senior Tory ministers are on collision course with the corporation.
Just days before the general election in December, Mr Johnson said he was "looking at" abolishing the licence fee and last week the BBC refused to broadcast his Brexit day address because it was filmed in-house by 10 Downing Street.
The government is also at war with the BBC over axing free TV licences for over-75s, which will hit 3.7 million pensioners when they have to start paying for them in June, though 900,000 receiving pension credit will not have to pay.
As well as a consultation on non-payment, Baroness Morgan has announced a new flexible payment scheme - the Simple Payment Plan - to help vulnerable people, including those over the age of 75, struggling to pay the licence fee.
Currently anyone who installs or uses a TV or watches BBC iPlayer without a licence is guilty of a criminal offence. The fine for non-payment can be as high as £1,000 and refusing to pay can lead to a jail term.
But the government claims the broadcasting landscape has changed dramatically and therefore it is right to look again at decriminalising TV licence evasion "in order to ensure a proportionate and fair approach to licence fee penalties and payments, which protects the most vulnerable in our society".
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Baroness Morgan said: "As we move into an increasingly digital age, with more and more channels to watch and platforms to choose from, the time has come to think carefully about how we make sure the TV licence fee remains relevant in this changing media landscape.
"Many people consider it wrong that you can be imprisoned for not paying for your TV licence and that its enforcement punishes the vulnerable.
"Today we are launching a public consultation to make sure we have a fair and proportionate approach to licence fee penalties and payments, that protects those most in need in society.
"Alongside this we're also announcing a new payment plan to allow people who struggle to pay the licence fee to spread out their payments.
"This will help prepare the BBC and public service broadcasting for the future and make sure it continues to work for our society, our economy, and the public which funds it."
Image: The BBC provides nine national TV channels and the iPlayer
A BBC spokesperson said in response: "A detailed government-commissioned review found the current system to be the fairest and most effective. It did not recommend change - in part because the current system is effective in ensuring payment with very few people ever going to prison.
"For example, the most recent annual figures show only five people in England and Wales were jailed for not paying court fines. So there is a question about what issue this repeat consultation is trying to solve.
"Of course it is important that any system commands public respect and we hope that any debate about the future is based on the evidence."
Writing in the Daily Mail, Baroness Morgan said the BBC needed to "move with the times" or it could go the same way as collapsed video rental company Blockbuster.
But in her speech announcing the consultation, she said that despite the changing landscape, the BBC "can still create shared moments that bring the country together".
She cited the "incredible public response" to this year's Gavin & Stacey Christmas special as an example.
Reacting to Baroness Morgan's Blockbuster comparison, a BBC spokesperson said: "The BBC tried to set up a Netflix service a decade ago while they were still sending DVDs in the post, but was prevented from doing so by regulators.
"There is a danger that politicians catastrophise the situation.
"The BBC is the most used media organisation in the UK. It reaches the most people. It's used for the most time. You wouldn't think that from some of the things being said today."
In 2018, more than 121,000 people were convicted and sentenced for evasion and issued with an average fine of £176.
There were around 26 million TV licences being used in the UK last year, which generated an income of £3.69bn for the BBC.
Baroness Morgan's announcement has been welcomed by Tory MP Julian Knight, who ousted another Conservative, Damian Collins, in the election for chairman of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) select committee last week.
MPs believe Mr Knight is more amenable to a BBC shake-up than Mr Collins, who also clashed with the government over Brexit-related issues and failed in a bid to summon the PM's chief adviser Dominic Cummings, to appear before the committee.
Image: Labour said the scheme to help vulnerable people with the licence fee 'doesn't make up' for over 75s having to pay
Mr Knight said the announcement marks a "significant shift" for broadcasting, with "major implications for the future of the BBC".
"With negotiations on its funding due to start later this year there's a need for an urgent and open conversation about how people consume media and how they should pay for it," he said.
"As chair I'll be urging the DCMS Committee to take the lead on steering the BBC towards a new and sustainable funding model which ensures the most vulnerable in our society do not lose out."
Shadow culture secretary Tracy Brabin said the move places the BBC "under serious threat" as she said decriminalising non-payment of the licence fee means the BBC will have no "predictable income" and will be "potentially hundreds of millions of pounds short".
She also said it was "shameful" over-75s will be forced to pay the licence fee, saying the new scheme "doesn't make up for that".


skynewspolitics--2020-02-04--David Cameron's bodyguard 'leaves gun in plane toilet'

As a former prime minister David Cameron is entitled to continued security .
File pic Police are investigating claims that former prime minister David Cameron 's bodyguard left his gun in a plane toilet .
A passenger found the weapon , believed to be a 9mm Glock pistol , and handed it to flight attendants on the transatlantic flight , the Daily Mail said .
The Sun reported that passports belonging to the close protection officer and Mr Cameron were also found beside the gun .
In a statement , the Metropolitan Police said : `` We are aware of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK on 3 February and the officer involved has since been removed from operational duties .
`` We are taking this matter extremely seriously and an internal investigation is taking place . ''
Mr Cameron , as a former prime minister , is entitled to continued security provided by the Met 's Specialist Protection unit .
Some social media users sought to poke fun at the news by pointing out Mr Cameron also famously left his daughter in a pub in 2012 .
Nancy , 8 , was looked after by staff at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 minutes before Mr Cameron 's wife , Samantha , rushed back to collect her .
The family had popped out for a meal while staying at Chequers - the prime minister of the day 's country residence .
After lunch , the group was collected by two vehicles and Mr Cameron thought Nancy was in the second car with his wife , six-year-old Arthur , and Florence who 's 22 months old ; Samantha believed Nancy was with her father .
But the little girl had gone to the toilet and when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gone .
They only realised she was missing when they got back to Chequers .
Mr Cameron 's bodyguards are there to protect him , not assist with childcare so although `` security is kept under constant review , no one will face disciplinary action '' , a Number 10 spokesperson said at the time .
The former Conservative leader has been trying to keep a low profile since quitting Downing Street when he lost the EU referendum back in 2016 .
But he has seemingly been keeping active on the work front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £836,000 in the year to 30 April 2019 .

Police are investigating claims that former prime minister David Cameron's bodyguard left his gun in a plane toilet.
A passenger found the weapon, believed to be a 9mm Glock pistol, and handed it to flight attendants on the transatlantic flight, the Daily Mail said.
The Sun reported that passports belonging to the close protection officer and Mr Cameron were also found beside the gun.
Image: A 9mm Glock pistol, similar to the one found on the plane. File pic
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: "We are aware of the incident on a flight into the UK on 3 February and the officer involved has since been removed from operational duties.
"We are taking this matter extremely seriously and an internal investigation is taking place."
Mr Cameron, as a former prime minister, is entitled to continued security provided by the Met's Specialist Protection unit.
Some social media users sought to poke fun at the news by pointing out Mr Cameron also famously left his daughter in a pub in 2012.
Nancy, 8, was looked after by staff at the The Plough Inn at Cadsden for 15 minutes before Mr Cameron's wife, Samantha, rushed back to collect her.
The family had popped out for a meal while staying at Chequers - the prime minister of the day's country residence.
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After lunch, the group was collected by two vehicles and Mr Cameron thought Nancy was in the second car with his wife, six-year-old Arthur, and Florence who's 22 months old; Samantha believed Nancy was with her father.
But the little girl had gone to the toilet and when she came out, her family had gone. They only realised she was missing when they got back to Chequers.
Mr Cameron's bodyguards are there to protect him, not assist with childcare so although "security is kept under constant review, no one will face disciplinary action", a Number 10 spokesperson said at the time.
The former Conservative leader has been trying to keep a low profile since quitting Downing Street when he lost the EU referendum back in 2016.
But he has seemingly been keeping active on the work front, with The Guardian reporting he made £836,000 in the year to 30 April 2019.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-05--'I'll wear it again': Labour MP defiant over off-the-shoulder dress

' I 'll wear it again ' : Labour MP Tracy Brabin defiant over off-the-shoulder dress in Commons ' I 'll wear it again ' : Labour MP Tracy Brabin defiant over off-the-shoulder dress in Commons A Labour frontbencher who has faced social media abuse for wearing an off-the-shoulder dress in the Commons has said she will wear the outfit again .
The trolling began on Monday night , when one Twitter user shared a photo of Tracy Brabin MP wearing the outfit and asked : `` Is this really appropriate attire for parliament ? ''
.
The post gained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asking her to `` put some clothes on love '' and others saying she looked `` drunk '' , `` classless '' and like a `` slapper '' .
Ms Brabin hit back , tweeting that she was not `` a slag , hungover , a tart , about to breastfeed , a slapper , drunk , just been banged over a wheelie bin '' - a tweet that also attracted thousands of replies .
Now , she 's given the cold shoulder to suggestions that she should change her fashion choices .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Brabin called criticism of the dress `` everyday sexism '' .
`` I wore it yesterday , I 'll wear it again , '' she said .
`` Whilst I can brush [ these comments ] off as sometimes part of the job , I think it was really important that I could call it out because there are women across the country and world in work who have to put up with this sort of judgement every day of the week - and certainly , young women who are subject to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free to comment on what they 're wearing and how they look . ''
She said it seemed common practice that `` the only way to have a go '' at `` a powerful woman speaking with authority '' was to judge her looks .
When Mee noted how male politicians including Boris Johnson , Jeremy Corbyn and Dominic Cummings often faced criticism for their appearances , Ms Brabin said this was about `` more than looking scruffy '' .
`` It 's about being sexualised - and a lot of the comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it steps over the line , '' she said .
`` That sort of language is derogatory , it 's demeaning . ''
`` I 'm a representative of my constituency , of women who want to wear what they choose , and it 's the sexualisation of it that is troubling . ''
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The MP also took aim at how `` social media is full of people who can be quite anonymous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bag '' , adding that female MPs faced `` high levels of abuse '' over Brexit , which `` obviously has n't gone away '' .
She said the debate focusing on women 's outfits took attention away from the important issues she was discussing while wearing the dress , including Downing Street 's decision to order senior journalists from major news outlets to leave before a briefing on Boris Johnson 's Brexit plans .
`` And suddenly it 's all about a shoulder , '' she said .

A Labour frontbencher who has faced social media abuse for wearing an off-the-shoulder dress in the Commons has said she will wear the outfit again.
The trolling began on Monday night, when one Twitter user shared a photo of Tracy Brabin MP wearing the outfit and asked: "Is this really appropriate attire for parliament?".
The post gained more than 3,700 comments, including one asking her to "put some clothes on love" and others saying she looked "drunk", "classless" and like a "slapper".
Image: The Labour MP said she had been subjected to 'demeaning' comments
Ms Brabin hit back, tweeting that she was not "a slag, hungover, a tart, about to breastfeed, a slapper, drunk, just been banged over a wheelie bin" - a tweet that also attracted thousands of replies.
Now, she's given the cold shoulder to suggestions that she should change her fashion choices.
Speaking on Sky's Sarah-Jane Mee, Ms Brabin called criticism of the dress "everyday sexism".
"I wore it yesterday, I'll wear it again," she said.
"Whilst I can brush [these comments] off as sometimes part of the job, I think it was really important that I could call it out because there are women across the country and world in work who have to put up with this sort of judgement every day of the week - and certainly, young women who are subject to the male gaze and men feeling very free to comment on what they're wearing and how they look."
She said it seemed common practice that "the only way to have a go" at "a powerful woman speaking with authority" was to judge her looks.
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When Mee noted how male politicians including Boris Johnson, Jeremy Corbyn and Dominic Cummings often faced criticism for their appearances, Ms Brabin said this was about "more than looking scruffy".
"It's about being sexualised - and a lot of the comments were sexualised - and that's where it steps over the line," she said.
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"That sort of language is derogatory, it's demeaning."
"I'm a representative of my constituency, of women who want to wear what they choose, and it's the sexualisation of it that is troubling."
:: Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The MP also took aim at how "social media is full of people who can be quite anonymous and... use politicians as a punching bag", adding that female MPs faced "high levels of abuse" over Brexit, which "obviously hasn't gone away".
She said the debate focusing on women's outfits took attention away from the important issues she was discussing while wearing the dress, including Downing Street's decision to order senior journalists from major news outlets to leave before a briefing on Boris Johnson's Brexit plans.
"And suddenly it's all about a shoulder," she said.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-05--PM under pressure to stop deportation of 50 criminals to Jamaica

PM under pressure to stop deportation of 50 criminals to Jamaica PM under pressure to stop deportation of 50 criminals to Jamaica Labour MPs said 50 people are to be deported to Jamaica next week Boris Johnson is under pressure to stop the deportation of 50 criminals until the publication of a Windrush review .
Labour MP Nadia Whittome called for a charter flight to Jamaica , believed to be leaving next Tuesday , to be suspended until a government report on the lessons learned from the Windrush scandal is published .
Shadow equalities minister Dawn Butler disputed the Home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be deported are foreign nationals who have committed serious crimes .
Ms Whittome told Prime Minister 's Questions : `` It 's been two years since the Windrush scandal exposed the wrongful detention and deportation of Commonwealth citizens .
`` While we wait for the publication of the lessons learned review the government plans to deport 50 people , 50 people to Jamaica by charter flight next week .
`` Will the prime minister immediately suspend the flight until the lessons learned review is published and the recommendations implemented ? ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is not clear when it will be published .
It is looking into what needs to change following the scandal in which it was revealed thousands of people from Caribbean countries who arrived in the UK between 1948 and 1971 were told they could not remain in the UK or receive NHS treatment .
The Home Office said all those being removed `` in the next few weeks '' are foreign criminals convicted of serious crimes including manslaughter , rape , violent crime and dealing class A drugs .
Reacting to Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` The people of this country will think it right to send back foreign national offenders . ''
Ms Butler , who said `` this seems not to be true '' , told the House of Commons a constituent of hers has a husband due to be deported `` in six days '' who she claims is not a serious offender .
She said : `` He was convicted under the now unlawful joint enterprise rule , he was released after just two months and his wife feels like this stress is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a heart problem .
`` Mr Speaker , how can I get the home secretary to take this seriously and be truthful about the people who are on the deportation flight and if we can halt this flight until we establish the true facts of the situation ? ''
In 2016 , the Supreme Court ruled the joint enterprise law - where a suspect was convicted if they `` could '' have foreseen violent acts by associates - had been misinterpreted for 30 years .
The Home Office maintains everybody being deported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK Borders Act 2007 , foreign nationals convicted of an offence who receive a custodial sentence of 12 months or more must be deported .
Last year , 29 convicted criminals were deported to Jamaica on the first deportation flight since the Windrush scandal .
A spokesman said it only deports those with `` no legal right to remain in the UK '' and does so when the Home Office and , if applicable , courts deem it safe to do so .
He added : `` The planned charter flight to Jamaica @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Those detained for removal include people convicted of manslaughter , rape , violent crime and dealing class A drugs . ''

Boris Johnson is under pressure to stop the deportation of 50 criminals until the publication of a Windrush review.
Labour MP Nadia Whittome called for a charter flight to Jamaica, believed to be leaving next Tuesday, to be suspended until a government report on the lessons learned from the Windrush scandal is published.
Shadow equalities minister Dawn Butler disputed the Home Office's claim that all those due to be deported are foreign nationals who have committed serious crimes.
Image: Nadine Whittome called for the flight to be delayed until the Windrush review is published
Ms Whittome told Prime Minister's Questions: "It's been two years since the Windrush scandal exposed the wrongful detention and deportation of Commonwealth citizens.
"While we wait for the publication of the lessons learned review the government plans to deport 50 people, 50 people to Jamaica by charter flight next week.
"Will the prime minister immediately suspend the flight until the lessons learned review is published and the recommendations implemented?"
The Windrush review was commissioned in 2018 but it is not clear when it will be published.
It is looking into what needs to change following the scandal in which it was revealed thousands of people from Caribbean countries who arrived in the UK between 1948 and 1971 were told they could not remain in the UK or receive NHS treatment.
The Home Office said all those being removed "in the next few weeks" are foreign criminals convicted of serious crimes including manslaughter, rape, violent crime and dealing class A drugs.
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Image: The Windrush scandal saw thousands wrongfully removed from the country
Reacting to Ms Whittome's request, Mr Johnson said: "The people of this country will think it right to send back foreign national offenders."
Ms Butler, who said "this seems not to be true", told the House of Commons a constituent of hers has a husband due to be deported "in six days" who she claims is not a serious offender.
She said: "He was convicted under the now unlawful joint enterprise rule, he was released after just two months and his wife feels like this stress is going to kill her husband because he has a heart problem.
"Mr Speaker, how can I get the home secretary to take this seriously and be truthful about the people who are on the deportation flight and if we can halt this flight until we establish the true facts of the situation?"
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:22 'They said I'd be home in five years'
In 2016, the Supreme Court ruled the joint enterprise law - where a suspect was convicted if they "could" have foreseen violent acts by associates - had been misinterpreted for 30 years.
Ms Butler told Sky News the current Conservative government has a "shameful record of deporting first and asking questions later".
She said the Windrush lessons learned review needs to be published and "urgent assurances" are needed as she called for the deportation flight to be halted and every case checked.
"Otherwise, everything the government has said is, simply, lip service," she added.
The Home Office maintains everybody being deported is a serious criminal and under the UK Borders Act 2007, foreign nationals convicted of an offence who receive a custodial sentence of 12 months or more must be deported.
Last year, 29 convicted criminals were deported to Jamaica on the first deportation flight since the Windrush scandal.
Image: Dawn Butler said not all those on the flight are serious criminals
A spokesman said it only deports those with "no legal right to remain in the UK" and does so when the Home Office and, if applicable, courts deem it safe to do so.
He added: "The planned charter flight to Jamaica is specifically for removing foreign criminals.
"Those detained for removal include people convicted of manslaughter, rape, violent crime and dealing class A drugs."


skynewspolitics--2020-02-06--Scottish minister resigns over claims he befriended teenage boy online

Derek Mackay said he had 'behaved foolishly' A top SNP minister has resigned after being accused of sending hundreds of messages to a 16-year-old boy .
According to The Scottish Sun , Finance Secretary Derek Mackay sent the teenager 270 messages after befriending him on Facebook and Instagram .
In a statement , Mr Mackay said he took `` full responsibility '' for his actions and admitted he had `` behaved foolishly '' .
The MSP 's resignation came hours before he was due to deliver the Scottish government 's budget for the next financial year .
Mr Mackay , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a possible successor to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon .
`` I apologise unreservedly to the individual involved and his family , '' Mr Mackay said .
`` I spoke last night with the first minister and tendered my resignation with immediate effect .
`` Serving in government has been a huge privilege and I am sorry to have let colleagues and supporters down . ''
Ms Sturgeon said Mr Mackay had made a `` significant contribution to government '' , but his behaviour `` has failed to meet the standards required '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken full responsibility for his actions and apologises unreservedly for them to the individual involved and to those he has let down .
`` He has submitted his resignation as a government minister which I have accepted . ''
Appearing before MSPs , the first minister also revealed that Mr Mackay has been suspended from the SNP and its parliamentary group .
Scottish Conservatives acting leader Jackson Carlaw told Sky News that Mr Mackay was guilty of a `` colossal lapse of judgement '' .
He said the resignation was not the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge questions '' about whether Mr Mackay should face further action from his party .
The Scottish Sun published several messages Mr Mackay allegedly sent to the boy .
In one message , he is alleged to have asked : `` Our chats are between us ? ''
When the teenager says they are , Mr Mackay is alleged to have then replied : `` Cool , then to be honest I think you are really cute . ''
According to The Sun , the minister contacted the boy over a six-month period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him to a rugby game and out to dinner .
Speaking before his resignation , the teenager 's mother called for Ms Sturgeon to sack him .
`` Nicola Sturgeon should remove him from his position , '' she was quoted as saying .
`` I do n't know if he should lose his job but he should be dealt with very seriously . ''

A top SNP minister has resigned after being accused of sending hundreds of messages to a 16-year-old boy.
According to The Scottish Sun, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay sent the teenager 270 messages after befriending him on Facebook and Instagram.
In a statement, Mr Mackay said he took "full responsibility" for his actions and admitted he had "behaved foolishly".
Image: Nicola Sturgeon said Derek Mackay's behaviour 'has failed to meet the standards required'
The MSP's resignation came hours before he was due to deliver the Scottish government's budget for the next financial year.
Mr Mackay, a 42-year-old father-of-two, had been tipped as a possible successor to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
"I apologise unreservedly to the individual involved and his family," Mr Mackay said.
"I spoke last night with the first minister and tendered my resignation with immediate effect.
"Serving in government has been a huge privilege and I am sorry to have let colleagues and supporters down."
Ms Sturgeon said Mr Mackay had made a "significant contribution to government", but his behaviour "has failed to meet the standards required".
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She said: "Derek has taken full responsibility for his actions and apologises unreservedly for them to the individual involved and to those he has let down.
"He has submitted his resignation as a government minister which I have accepted."
Appearing before MSPs, the first minister also revealed that Mr Mackay has been suspended from the SNP and its parliamentary group.
Police Scotland said later that it had not received any complaints regarding the matter, but was "assessing available information from media reporting and would encourage anyone with information to please come forward".
Scottish Conservatives acting leader Jackson Carlaw told Sky News that Mr Mackay was guilty of a "colossal lapse of judgement".
The Scottish Sun published several messages Mr Mackay allegedly sent to the boy.
In one message, he is alleged to have asked: "Our chats are between us?"
When the teenager says they are, Mr Mackay is alleged to have then replied: "Cool, then to be honest I think you are really cute."
According to The Sun, the minister contacted the boy over a six-month period.
Mr Mackay reportedly offered to take him to a rugby game and out to dinner.
Speaking before his resignation, the teenager's mother called for Ms Sturgeon to sack him.
"Nicola Sturgeon should remove him from his position," she was quoted as saying.
"I don't know if he should lose his job but he should be dealt with very seriously."


skynewspolitics--2020-02-06--Australia ready for post-Brexit trade deal talks 'as soon as possible'

Australia ready for post-Brexit trade deal talks 'as soon as possible' Australia ready for post-Brexit trade deal talks 'as soon as possible' Australia is ready to begin talks on an `` ambitious '' free trade deal with Britain `` as soon as possible '' , the foreign secretary has said .
Dominic Raab was speaking after meeting his Australian counterpart at the start of a four-country tour of Asia and the Pacific .
It is his first foreign trip since Britain left the EU last week .
As a result of Brexit , the UK will be able to strike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world .
Much has been made of the prospect of a deal with the US , but Australia is another country that is often mentioned among the most likely candidates for an early breakthrough .
Mr Raab emphasised this after talks with Australian foreign minister Marise Payne in the capital , Canberra .
`` We 've recommitted today to launching negotiations on an ambitious free trade agreement between our countries as soon possible , '' he said .
`` Australia would hopefully be part of that first wave of high-priority deals that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she was confident that Australia could agree a trade deal with Britain .
She added : `` We are ... at opposite ends of the world , yet we are very ready and able to grab a new era of opportunity for enhanced strategic and economic co-operation .
`` We also look forward to an early , comprehensive and ambitious free trade agreement because we both believe in rules-based markets for trade and investment . ''
UK trade with Australia was worth £16.6bn in the year to March 2019 , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 150,000 UK businesses exporting to the country .
One thing that is not expected to be on the agenda in the negotiations is visa-free travel between the two countries .
Australia 's trade minister Simon Birmingham told the Sydney Morning Herald last month that he `` ca n't imagine full and unfettered free movement '' would be up for negotiation .
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss promoted the idea of free movement between the two countries during a visit to Australia in September , although she later appeared to step back from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker After Australia , Mr Raab will visit Japan , Malaysia and Singapore .
As part of his tour , he has announced that the UK will invest an extra £1m to tackle terrorism in South East Asia .
The money will help train security officials in the region and strengthen vulnerable borders .

Australia is ready to begin talks on an "ambitious" free trade deal with Britain "as soon as possible", the foreign secretary has said.
Dominic Raab was speaking after meeting his Australian counterpart at the start of a four-country tour of Asia and the Pacific.
It is his first foreign trip since Britain left the EU last week.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:43 Now the UK is out of the EU, what next?
As a result of Brexit, the UK will be able to strike its own trade agreements with nations around the world.
Much has been made of the prospect of a deal with the US, but Australia is another country that is often mentioned among the most likely candidates for an early breakthrough.
Mr Raab emphasised this after talks with Australian foreign minister Marise Payne in the capital, Canberra.
"We've recommitted today to launching negotiations on an ambitious free trade agreement between our countries as soon possible," he said.
"Australia would hopefully be part of that first wave of high-priority deals that we're pursuing."
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Ms Payne said she was confident that Australia could agree a trade deal with Britain.
She added: "We are ... at opposite ends of the world, yet we are very ready and able to grab a new era of opportunity for enhanced strategic and economic co-operation.
"We also look forward to an early, comprehensive and ambitious free trade agreement because we both believe in rules-based markets for trade and investment."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:08 Johnson plans next move after UK leaves EU
UK trade with Australia was worth £16.6bn in the year to March 2019, according to the Department for International Trade, with about 150,000 UK businesses exporting to the country.
One thing that is not expected to be on the agenda in the negotiations is visa-free travel between the two countries.
Australia's trade minister Simon Birmingham told the Sydney Morning Herald last month that he "can't imagine full and unfettered free movement" would be up for negotiation.
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss promoted the idea of free movement between the two countries during a visit to Australia in September, although she later appeared to step back from her comments.
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After Australia, Mr Raab will visit Japan, Malaysia and Singapore.
As part of his tour, he has announced that the UK will invest an extra £1m to tackle terrorism in South East Asia.
The money will help train security officials in the region and strengthen vulnerable borders.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-05--Suspects could be bailed for up to 90 days while police investigate

Suspects could be bailed for up to 90 days while police investigate Suspects could be bailed for up to 90 days while police investigate The new proposals will see changes to pre-charge bail .
File pic Home Secretary Priti Patel is expected to abandon `` unenforceable '' reforms to bail introduced by Theresa May .
Mrs Patel has proposed doubling or trebling the length of pre-charge bail , which was limited to 28 days under Mrs May 's reforms .
Police could be given either six , nine or 12 months to investigate a suspect on pre-charge bail before needing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the plans .
The home secretary said she was `` committed to giving a voice to victims and providing the police with the support they need to protect the public from harm '' .
Mrs May made the changes to bail in 2017 after complaints from suspects , including those under investigation over historical sex offences , some of whom had remained on bail for more than a year .
The limitations led to a sharp rise in the number of people released while under investigation , with no time limit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meaning some are left in limbo for months or years .
Women 's groups argue the lack of restrictions on suspects also mean domestic and sexual abuse victims are unprotected and living in fear .
Last year , Kay Richardson was murdered by her estranged husband Alan Martin , who had been released under investigation .
According to figures obtained by Newsnight , some 322,250 people were released under investigation between April 2017 and October 2018 .
Of these , 93,098 cases were in relation to violence and sexual offences .
Sky News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limits make pre-charge `` impractical '' and `` unenforceable '' .
He said the new proposals from the home secretary will `` speed up investigations and justice '' and are a `` step back to what the police service are suggesting '' .
The chair of the Police Federation , John Apter , said : `` The Police Federation , along with many others within policing , warned that the changes to the bail laws were not fit for purpose when they were introduced , and this review is a welcome step towards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and workable .
`` My sincere hope , and challenge to the government , is that this review leads to a real change in the bail system that supports police officers as they carry out investigations and , most importantly , puts the safety of victims at the forefront . ''
But criminal barrister Andrew Keogh told Sky News he feared little would change without more resources for policing .
He said it was `` not the case at all '' that the new proposals would bring an end to people being released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be `` shocked if it had any impact whatsoever '' on suspects waiting months to be charged or have their case dropped .
Under Mrs May 's reforms , there is a presumption that suspects will be released under investigation unless a custody sergeant decides bail is `` necessary and proportionate '' .
The proposed changes mean the presumption will switch to police using pre-charge bail .
Mr Keogh says this will be `` at the discretion of the police '' and that without more resources , officers could prioritise daily policing duties @ @ @

Home Secretary Priti Patel is expected to abandon "unenforceable" reforms to bail introduced by Theresa May.
Mrs Patel has proposed doubling or trebling the length of pre-charge bail, which was limited to 28 days under Mrs May's reforms.
Police could be given either six, nine or 12 months to investigate a suspect on pre-charge bail before needing magistrates' approval to extend bail, according to the plans.
Image: Priti Patel announced the proposals in a report
The home secretary said she was "committed to giving a voice to victims and providing the police with the support they need to protect the public from harm".
Mrs May made the changes to bail in 2017 after complaints from suspects, including those under investigation over historical sex offences, some of whom had remained on bail for more than a year.
The limitations led to a sharp rise in the number of people released while under investigation, with no time limit and no conditions placed on suspects - meaning some are left in limbo for months or years.
Women's groups argue the lack of restrictions on suspects also mean domestic and sexual abuse victims are unprotected and living in fear.
Last year, Kay Richardson was murdered by her estranged husband Alan Martin, who had been released under investigation.
According to figures obtained by Newsnight, some 322,250 people were released under investigation between April 2017 and October 2018.
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Of these, 93,098 cases were in relation to violence and sexual offences.
Sky News police analyst Graham Wettone says the current limits make pre-charge "impractical" and "unenforceable".
He said the new proposals from the home secretary will "speed up investigations and justice" and are a "step back to what the police service are suggesting".
The chair of the Police Federation, John Apter, said: "The Police Federation, along with many others within policing, warned that the changes to the bail laws were not fit for purpose when they were introduced, and this review is a welcome step towards changing these laws to make them relevant and workable.
"My sincere hope, and challenge to the government, is that this review leads to a real change in the bail system that supports police officers as they carry out investigations and, most importantly, puts the safety of victims at the forefront."
But criminal barrister Andrew Keogh told Sky News he feared little would change without more resources for policing.
He said it was "not the case at all" that the new proposals would bring an end to people being released under investigation, and that he would be "shocked if it had any impact whatsoever" on suspects waiting months to be charged or have their case dropped.
Under Mrs May's reforms, there is a presumption that suspects will be released under investigation unless a custody sergeant decides bail is "necessary and proportionate".
The proposed changes mean the presumption will switch to police using pre-charge bail.
Mr Keogh says this will be "at the discretion of the police" and that without more resources, officers could prioritise daily policing duties over investigations.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-06--Ireland election: What are the main issues?

Irish voters will go to the polls this weekend in the first Saturday election since the country gained its independence .
Taoiseach ( Irish prime minister ) Leo Varadkar is in real danger of losing power , as his Fine Gael party - which has led the government since 2011 - trails its historic arch-rival Fianna Fáil , led by Micheál Martin .
The big talking point , however , has been the surge in support for Mary Lou McDonald 's Sinn Féin , which topped a poll this week for the first time , ahead of Fianna Fáil and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just 42 candidates , Sinn Féin wo n't have the numbers to lead a new government , but its performance has shocked the traditional big two parties .
Despite a thriving economy - Europe 's fastest-growing , with almost full employment - and a strong performance on Brexit , it appears that Fine Gael is being punished by angry voters for a range of societal issues .
Health is the most important issue for 40 % of voters , according to a recent Irish Times poll .
In 2018 , the then head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that , without serious reforms , Ireland faced an `` existential crisis '' in its inability to provide healthcare to its people .
Many would argue nothing has changed since then .
In January , the number of patients waiting on trolleys in hospital emergency departments hit an all-time daily high of 760 .
The Irish Hospital Consultants Association says there are 300 fewer hospital beds in Ireland than a decade ago , despite a growing population .
It says the number of new beds planned this year is `` like trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tea cup '' .
Translating investment into tangible improvement will be a key challenge for whichever parties form the next government .
Home ownership in Ireland is at its lowest point in almost 50 years .
In Dublin , house prices have risen by 95 % since 2012 .
But the real issue is supply .
Fine Gael likes to remind voters that it was under a Fianna Fáil government ( in which Micheál Martin was a senior cabinet minister ) that the economy tanked , leading to a humiliating EU/IMF bailout in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ construction for several years - and Ireland is now paying the price .
Rents have also spiralled in recent years , with a shortage of rental properties .
Both Sinn Féin and Labour have vowed to introduce a rent freeze , which Fianna Fáil has said would be `` unconstitutional '' , and experts have said would merely drive landlords out of the market , exacerbating the problem .
Closely related to the lack of social and affordable housing , Ireland 's homelessness problem continues to attract headlines .
Latest figures show there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accommodation in Ireland , including nearly 3,500 children .
It has become an intense point of anger against the government , particularly in the light of a number of high-profile deaths .
In the first week of the election , a homeless man was horrifically maimed in Dublin when the tent he was sleeping in was accidentally scooped up by an industrial vehicle clearing tents along the Grand Canal .
All parties have made tackling housing and homelessness key parts of their manifestos , but it 's clear that there is no quick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been worsening for years .
Ireland 's relatively youthful population lends itself to the `` pensions timebomb '' cliche .
The government is raising the qualifying age for a state pension to 67 next year , and that became an important issue during this campaign .
Many workers are contractually obliged to retire at 65 - what do they do until they qualify for the state pension ?
Currently , they must apply for a jobseeker 's benefit , which many voters feel is embarrassing and inappropriate .
In a populist move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pension age to 65 .
The party was immediately accused of hypocrisy , as it had voted for increasing the age to 66 in Northern Ireland .
Ireland is an expensive place to live .
But some costs are guaranteed to come up on the doorsteps come canvass time .
Childcare costs have risen dramatically , and the country was ranked as the third-most expensive in the EU last year , at an average of €771 per month .
Insurance is another hot-button topic with the Irish electorate .
A recent Central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of motor claims decreased by 2.5 % in the last decade , premiums rose by a massive 42 % .
The public are furious at what they see as blatant profiteering by the industry .
While Ireland is a wealthy ( if indebted ) country , and wages have been rising , voters will want to know which policies each party can offer to offset the ever-increasing cost of living .
They will give their verdict at the ballot box on Saturday .

Irish voters will go to the polls this weekend in the first Saturday election since the country gained its independence.
Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Leo Varadkar is in real danger of losing power, as his Fine Gael party - which has led the government since 2011 - trails its historic arch-rival Fianna Fáil, led by Micheál Martin.
The big talking point, however, has been the surge in support for Mary Lou McDonald's Sinn Féin, which topped a poll this week for the first time, ahead of Fianna Fáil and pushing Fine Gael into third.
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With just 42 candidates, Sinn Féin won't have the numbers to lead a new government, but its performance has shocked the traditional big two parties.
Despite a thriving economy - Europe's fastest-growing, with almost full employment - and a strong performance on Brexit, it appears that Fine Gael is being punished by angry voters for a range of societal issues.
HEALTHCARE
Health is the most important issue for 40% of voters, according to a recent Irish Times poll.
In 2018, the then head of the Health Service Executive Tony O'Brien said that, without serious reforms, Ireland faced an "existential crisis" in its inability to provide healthcare to its people. Many would argue nothing has changed since then. In January, the number of patients waiting on trolleys in hospital emergency departments hit an all-time daily high of 760.
The Irish Hospital Consultants Association says there are 300 fewer hospital beds in Ireland than a decade ago, despite a growing population. It says the number of new beds planned this year is "like trying to put out a fire with a tea cup". Translating investment into tangible improvement will be a key challenge for whichever parties form the next government.
HOUSING
Home ownership in Ireland is at its lowest point in almost 50 years. In Dublin, house prices have risen by 95% since 2012. But the real issue is supply.
Fine Gael likes to remind voters that it was under a Fianna Fáil government (in which Micheál Martin was a senior cabinet minister) that the economy tanked, leading to a humiliating EU/IMF bailout in 2010. This virtually ended all house construction for several years - and Ireland is now paying the price.
Rents have also spiralled in recent years, with a shortage of rental properties. Both Sinn Féin and Labour have vowed to introduce a rent freeze, which Fianna Fáil has said would be "unconstitutional", and experts have said would merely drive landlords out of the market, exacerbating the problem.
HOMELESSNESS
Closely related to the lack of social and affordable housing, Ireland's homelessness problem continues to attract headlines. Latest figures show there are just under 10,000 people in emergency accommodation in Ireland, including nearly 3,500 children.
It has become an intense point of anger against the government, particularly in the light of a number of high-profile deaths. In the first week of the election, a homeless man was horrifically maimed in Dublin when the tent he was sleeping in was accidentally scooped up by an industrial vehicle clearing tents along the Grand Canal.
All parties have made tackling housing and homelessness key parts of their manifestos, but it's clear that there is no quick fix to a complex social problem that has been worsening for years.
PENSIONS
Ireland's relatively youthful population lends itself to the "pensions timebomb" cliche. The government is raising the qualifying age for a state pension to 67 next year, and that became an important issue during this campaign.
Many workers are contractually obliged to retire at 65 - what do they do until they qualify for the state pension? Currently, they must apply for a jobseeker's benefit, which many voters feel is embarrassing and inappropriate.
In a populist move, Sinn Féin has vowed to return the pension age to 65. The party was immediately accused of hypocrisy, as it had voted for increasing the age to 66 in Northern Ireland.
COST OF LIVING
Ireland is an expensive place to live. But some costs are guaranteed to come up on the doorsteps come canvass time. Childcare costs have risen dramatically, and the country was ranked as the third-most expensive in the EU last year, at an average of €771 per month.
Insurance is another hot-button topic with the Irish electorate. A recent Central Bank report showed that while the cost of motor claims decreased by 2.5% in the last decade, premiums rose by a massive 42%. The public are furious at what they see as blatant profiteering by the industry.
While Ireland is a wealthy (if indebted) country, and wages have been rising, voters will want to know which policies each party can offer to offset the ever-increasing cost of living. They will give their verdict at the ballot box on Saturday.