skynewspolitics--2020-03-07--Govt doing 'everything in its power' to delay coronavirus spread

Millions of volunteers could be given four weeks off work to help take the strain off the health service in the event the coronavirus outbreak becomes a pandemic , the government has announced .
Three million experienced people who offer their time to health or social care services for free would have their paid employment protected for up to a month to ensure patients can be properly cared for , under plans proposed by Downing Street .
Ministers are considering a range of different options to manage the spread of the virus , which is so far responsible for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK .
Both had underlying health problems .
Cases are expected to continue to rise as health professionals have become unable to track where some new patients have contracted the virus .
Alongside measures for a three-million strong volunteer force , ministers are also looking at increased use of video-conferencing facilities within courts to make sure trials can go ahead , and the possibility of allowing retired NHS staff to work in the health service again on a temporary basis .
An extra 500 call centre staff have also been recruited to cope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service , as people call in to check their symptoms rather than attend a medical practice .
The plans will form part of a COVID-19 emergency bill which will be rushed through parliament shortly .
It will allow the government to make the changes needed if and when experts decide the UK must move from the containment phase to delay .
In the latter stage those with mild symptoms will be asked to self-isolate , while anyone with a more severe form of the disease will be treated in hospital .
There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the virus spreads quickly , so self-isolation will be used to try to slow it down .
The emergency bill is designed to be scrapped after two years and could also include measures to make it easier for supermarkets to move stock around the country during unsociable hours , as well as possible changes to competition rules to allow food stores to co-ordinate supply and demand information as the outbreak progresses .
Ministers have been meeting with experts and industry bosses over the last few weeks across all departments in a bid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begins to spread across the country .
Sports bodies will meet with ministers in Whitehall on Monday , as will supermarket bosses and the prime minister will chair an emergency committee designed to oversee preparations .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said : `` We will do all we can to contain coronavirus , but as we know , COVID-19 is spreading across the world , so I want to ensure government is doing everything in its power to be ready to delay and mitigate this threat .
`` Public safety is my top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ massive national effort and I 'm working with colleagues across government to ensure we have a proportionate emergency bill , with the right measures to deal with the impacts of a widespread COVID-19 outbreak .
`` We plan for the worst and work for the best , and the NHS is working 24/7 to fight this virus .
Calls to NHS 111 have increased by more than a third and we have already put in place 500 extra staff to help with this increase .
`` Every person has a role to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether that 's washing your hands more often for 20 seconds or catching your sneezes . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Meanwhile , 45 more people were diagnosed with COVID-19 in the UK on Saturday in one of the biggest daily rises - taking the national total to 209 .
The vast majority of confirmed infections of COVID-19 are in England .
They include 38 in London ; 30 in the South East ; 25 in the South West ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the North East and Yorkshire ; 17 in the Midlands ; 16 in the East of England , and 14 where the locations have not yet been established .
In Cornwall , a second case has been confirmed - a resident of the county who had travelled to northern Italy , which has been severely hit by the global outbreak .
A resident of Leicestershire is also one of the latest cases .
There have been five more infections in Scotland , taking the number of cases there to 16 .
Two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with an increase of one case in Lothian , Greater Glasgow and Clyde , and Grampian .
The Department of Health said as of 7am today , some 21,460 people have been tested in the UK , of which 21,254 were negative .
The family of the second person to have died in the UK to coronavirus has paid tribute to a `` truly loving and wonderful '' husband , dad , granddad and great-granddad .
In a statement on Saturday , they said their 83-year-old relative was `` dearly loved '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any length to support and protect his family '' .

Millions of volunteers could be given four weeks off work to help take the strain off the health service in the event the coronavirus outbreak becomes a pandemic, the government has announced.
Three million experienced people who offer their time to health or social care services for free would have their paid employment protected for up to a month to ensure patients can be properly cared for, under plans proposed by Downing Street.
Ministers are considering a range of different options to manage the spread of the virus, which is so far responsible for the deaths of two elderly people in the UK. Both had underlying health problems.
The total number of people in the UK who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 is 211, after two more confirmed infections in Wales.
They recently returned from northern Italy and it brings the total number of cases in Wales to four. The vast majority of confirmed infections are in England.
Cases are expected to continue to rise as health professionals have become unable to track where some new patients have contracted the virus.
Alongside measures for a three-million strong volunteer force, ministers are also looking at increased use of video-conferencing facilities within courts to make sure trials can go ahead, and the possibility of allowing retired NHS staff to work in the health service again on a temporary basis.
An extra 500 call centre staff have also been recruited to cope with high demand for the NHS 111 service, as people call in to check their symptoms rather than attend a medical practice.
On the possibility of using retired doctors Professor Martin Marshall, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, told Sky News: "I think it is a good idea as long as we do it carefully."
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Speaking to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme, he said: "Those doctors, because they would likely to be a higher risk group, would not do face-to-face patient contact but there's lots of other things they can do, like managing 111, providing online care for patients.
"I am confident they would respond positively. That's what doctors are trained for. Doctors tend to respond very positively in states of emergency."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 How coronavirus has spread
Prof Marshall also believed it was likely routine operations such as knee and hip operations would be cancelled to allow the NHS to focus on responding to the coronavirus.
"Clearly a great inconvenience for patients, but not life or death", he said.
He added: "The NHS is very good at dealing with crises like this. It's proved that time and time again in the past.
"It doesn't mean that there's no implications for routine procedures, for example."
The government's plans will form part of a COVID-19 emergency bill which will be rushed through parliament shortly.
It will allow it to make the changes needed if and when experts decide the UK must move from the containment phase to delay.
In the latter stage those with mild symptoms will be asked to self-isolate, while anyone with a more severe form of the disease will be treated in hospital.
There are concerns the NHS may struggle to cope if the virus spreads quickly, so self-isolation will be used to try to slow it down.
The emergency bill is designed to be scrapped after two years and could also include measures to make it easier for supermarkets to move stock around the country during unsociable hours, as well as possible changes to competition rules to allow food stores to co-ordinate supply and demand information as the outbreak progresses.
Ministers have been meeting with experts and industry bosses over the last few weeks across all departments in a bid to coordinate contingency plans if the virus begins to spread across the country.
Sports bodies will meet with ministers in Whitehall on Monday, as will supermarket bosses and the prime minister will chair an emergency committee designed to oversee preparations.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "We will do all we can to contain coronavirus, but as we know, COVID-19 is spreading across the world, so I want to ensure government is doing everything in its power to be ready to delay and mitigate this threat.
"Public safety is my top priority. Responding to coronavirus is a massive national effort and I'm working with colleagues across government to ensure we have a proportionate emergency bill, with the right measures to deal with the impacts of a widespread COVID-19 outbreak.
"We plan for the worst and work for the best, and the NHS is working 24/7 to fight this virus. Calls to NHS 111 have increased by more than a third and we have already put in place 500 extra staff to help with this increase.
"Every person has a role to play in managing the spread of COVID-19 - whether that's washing your hands more often for 20 seconds or catching your sneezes."
His comments came as former chancellor Philip Hammond said the spread of the disease had the potential to push the UK into a recession, and suggested it could pose a greater risk to the economy than a no-deal Brexit.
The former Tory MP told the Sunday Times the government needed to address a "critical and structural weakness in just-in-time supply chains" which he said have been exposed by the impact of the coronavirus on businesses.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The confirmed infections in England include 38 in London; 30 in the South East; 25 in the South West; 26 in the North West; 18 in the North East and Yorkshire; 17 in the Midlands; 16 in the East of England, and 14 where the locations have not yet been established.
There have been five more infections in Scotland, taking the number of cases there to 16.
The Department of Health said more than 21,000 people had been tested for the virus.
The family of the second person to have died in the UK to coronavirus has paid tribute to a "truly loving and wonderful" husband, dad, granddad and great-granddad.
In a statement on Saturday, they said their 83-year-old relative was "dearly loved" and that he "would go to any length to support and protect his family".
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays
Virus Outbreak: Your questions answered #AskSkyNews at 12.30pm weekdays


skynewspolitics--2020-03-07--Backlash as UK confirms it will leave EU aviation safety regulator

Britain 's aerospace industry has criticised the government after the transport secretary confirmed the UK will leave the European aviation safety regulator by the end of the year .
Grant Shapps said British membership of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency ( EASA ) will come to an end at the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December .
The minister said powers would revert to the Civil Aviation Authority ( CAA ) .
`` We will leave EASA .
A lot of the expertise they have is UK expertise , in fact .
A lot of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he told Aviation Week during a visit to Washington .
`` So , the powers will revert to the CAA , who are probably one of the world 's leading regulators and the expertise will need to come home to do that , but we 'll do it in a gradual way . ''
However , industry body ADS , which represents the UK 's aerospace businesses , said being part of EASA was the `` best option '' in order to maintain competitiveness and that it was `` disappointed '' in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been clear that continued participation in EASA is the best option to maintain the competitiveness of our £36bn aerospace industry and our access to global export markets , '' said ADS chief executive Paul Everitt .
`` UK influence in EASA contributes to raising standards in global aviation , supports collaboration with our international partners , and helps make our industry attractive to the investment it needs to be home to the development of a new generation of advanced aircraft technology .
`` Government had promised it would consider harmonisation where it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led by the evidence on the future of aviation safety regulation .
`` We are disappointed that it has not taken a more ambitious approach .
It is essential that it works with us to deliver a regime that does not put jobs at risk in an industry that employs 111,000 people in highly skilled roles across the UK . ''
However , a Department for Transport ( DfT ) spokeswoman said EASA membership was `` not compatible '' with the UK having `` genuine economic and political independence '' .
She added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standards for industry , with the Civil Aviation Authority taking over these responsibilities , and will continue to work with colleagues in the EU to establish a new regulatory relationship . ''

Britain's aerospace industry has criticised the government after the transport secretary confirmed the UK will leave the European aviation safety regulator by the end of the year.
Grant Shapps said British membership of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) will come to an end at the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December.
The minister said powers would revert to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Image: Grant Shapps said 'a lot of the key leading lights' in EASA were British
"We will leave EASA. A lot of the expertise they have is UK expertise, in fact. A lot of the key leading lights were Brits," he told Aviation Week during a visit to Washington.
"So, the powers will revert to the CAA, who are probably one of the world's leading regulators and the expertise will need to come home to do that, but we'll do it in a gradual way."
However, industry body ADS, which represents the UK's aerospace businesses, said being part of EASA was the "best option" in order to maintain competitiveness and that it was "disappointed" in the government's approach.
"We have been clear that continued participation in EASA is the best option to maintain the competitiveness of our £36bn aerospace industry and our access to global export markets," said ADS chief executive Paul Everitt.
"UK influence in EASA contributes to raising standards in global aviation, supports collaboration with our international partners, and helps make our industry attractive to the investment it needs to be home to the development of a new generation of advanced aircraft technology.
"Government had promised it would consider harmonisation where it is in the UK interest and will be led by the evidence on the future of aviation safety regulation.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 Johnson: 'No race to the bottom' after Brexit
"We are disappointed that it has not taken a more ambitious approach. It is essential that it works with us to deliver a regime that does not put jobs at risk in an industry that employs 111,000 people in highly skilled roles across the UK."
However, a Department for Transport (DfT) spokeswoman said EASA membership was "not compatible" with the UK having "genuine economic and political independence".
She added: "We will maintain world-leading safety standards for industry, with the Civil Aviation Authority taking over these responsibilities, and will continue to work with colleagues in the EU to establish a new regulatory relationship."


skynewspolitics--2020-03-07--Boris Johnson's fiancee Carrie Symonds pictured sporting baby bump

Boris Johnson 's pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds has been pictured for the first time showing off her baby bump while attending a women 's day event .
It is the first time she has been spotted at a public event since announcing she was expecting a child .
The 31-year-old was photographed alongside the prime minister at a reception held at Number 10 on Thursday to celebrate International Women 's Day , which takes place on Sunday .
No statement was released alongside the pictures , which were posted on Twitter by Downing Street .
The post said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ celebrated earlier this week by hosting a reception at Downing Street . ''
Ms Symonds ' growing baby bump - and a large engagement ring - were visible in the pictures released on Saturday morning .
The pair announced last weekend that they were engaged and expecting a baby in the `` early summer '' , with Ms Symonds telling her followers on social media she felt `` incredibly blessed '' .
She said she and Mr Johnson , 55 , got engaged at the end of last year `` and we 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Before that , Ms Symonds had not been seen in public since the general election in December .
Mr Johnson said he will almost certainly take paternity leave when his new child is born later this year .
Earlier this week , it was reported that Mr Johnson said there remains `` so much more to do '' to ensure equality between men and women as he addressed the reception to mark International Women 's Day .
The prime minister said the `` automatic assumption '' that men are `` going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' still needed to be challenged , as he told an audience of schoolgirls inside Number 10 how he had learnt that sexism is `` complete rubbish '' at an early age .
Speaking alongside Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes and mathematician Anne-Marie Imafidon , Mr Johnson said : `` It 's fantastic to be up on stage here with quite intimidating talent in many ways ... '' I 'm left miles and miles behind and yet historically men have enjoyed this kind of automatic assumption that they are going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that still needs to be challenged .
`` And yes it 's fantastic to celebrate the achievements of women today , but there is so much more to do .
And I look around the world , I see a real gulf and we in this country are making huge progress , though there is still a long way to go .
`` But there are too many countries where girls just do n't get the treatment , the education , the advancement , the encouragement that they need by comparison with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ view the single biggest issue that the world could address . ''
Mr Johnson said he had `` any kind of sexism kicked out of me at a very early age '' because his sister , Rachel , who is a year his junior , was `` just as good as I was , if not better , at things like climbing trees , and swimming and reading '' .
`` So I realised that this whole sexism thing was complete rubbish . ''
Mr Johnson has four grown-up children with his second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently reached a financial settlement over his divorce .

Boris Johnson's pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds has been pictured for the first time showing off her baby bump while attending a women's day event.
It is the first time she has been spotted at a public event since announcing she was expecting a child.
The 31-year-old was photographed alongside the prime minister at a reception held at Number 10 on Thursday to celebrate International Women's Day, which takes place on Sunday.
Image: Boris Johnson with his fiancee Carrie Symonds (centre) at Downing Street
No statement was released alongside the pictures, which were posted on Twitter by Downing Street.
The post said: "Tomorrow it's #InternationalWomensDay. We celebrated earlier this week by hosting a reception at Downing Street."
Ms Symonds' growing baby bump - and a large engagement ring - were visible in the pictures released on Saturday morning.
The pair announced last weekend that they were engaged and expecting a baby in the "early summer", with Ms Symonds telling her followers on social media she felt "incredibly blessed".
She said she and Mr Johnson, 55, got engaged at the end of last year "and we've got a baby hatching early summer".
Before that, Ms Symonds had not been seen in public since the general election in December.
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Image: Boris Johnson speaks to a Downing Street International Women's Day event
Mr Johnson said he will almost certainly take paternity leave when his new child is born later this year.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Mr Johnson said there remains "so much more to do" to ensure equality between men and women as he addressed the reception to mark International Women's Day.
The prime minister said the "automatic assumption" that men are "going to be of a certain position in life" still needed to be challenged, as he told an audience of schoolgirls inside Number 10 how he had learnt that sexism is "complete rubbish" at an early age.
Speaking alongside Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes and mathematician Anne-Marie Imafidon, Mr Johnson said: "It's fantastic to be up on stage here with quite intimidating talent in many ways...
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:49 Carrie Symonds and Boris Johnson expecting their first child together
"I'm left miles and miles behind and yet historically men have enjoyed this kind of automatic assumption that they are going to be of a certain position in life - and that still needs to be challenged.
"And yes it's fantastic to celebrate the achievements of women today, but there is so much more to do. And I look around the world, I see a real gulf and we in this country are making huge progress, though there is still a long way to go.
"But there are too many countries where girls just don't get the treatment, the education, the advancement, the encouragement that they need by comparison with boys, and that's in my view the single biggest issue that the world could address."
Mr Johnson said he had "any kind of sexism kicked out of me at a very early age" because his sister, Rachel, who is a year his junior, was "just as good as I was, if not better, at things like climbing trees, and swimming and reading".
"So I realised that this whole sexism thing was complete rubbish."
Mr Johnson has four grown-up children with his second wife Marina Wheeler, with whom he recently reached a financial settlement over his divorce.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-08--NHS will get 'whatever it needs' to fight coronavirus outbreak

The government `` stands ready to give the NHS whatever it needs '' as Britain deals with the coronavirus outbreak , the chancellor has told Sky News .
Rishi Sunak said he was `` working hard '' to ensure that ministers `` have the interventions required to help anyone through a difficult period '' .
There are currently 209 cases in the UK and two people have died after testing positive for coronavirus .
The outbreak of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , has raised fears about the impact on workers who have to self-isolate , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a change to rules on sick pay earlier this week - and Mr Sunak said the government stood ready to go further .
`` I 'm working hard with the team to make sure that we have the interventions required to help anyone through a difficult period , '' the chancellor told Sophy Ridge on Sunday .
`` First and foremost , supporting public services but also helping vulnerable people and also businesses to get through anything that might be coming our way ... we stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs . ''
Mr Sunak also said that he would set out measures in Wednesday 's budget to support businesses that may face `` cash flow '' problems due to coronavirus .
`` I take my responsibilities seriously to make sure we do what we need to do to ease the burden on business over that temporary period of time , to make sure that they have access to the cash flow that they need to bridge through a difficult period , so that they can emerge on the other side strong and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
`` There are policy levers we can take to ease the short-term burden on businesses ' cash flow and these are businesses that we think are viable , sustainable , that have a bright future but have a temporary period of disruption , and that 's where our interventions should be focused . ''
The government has also said that millions of volunteers could be given four weeks off work to help take the strain off the NHS in the event the outbreak becomes a pandemic .
Mr Sunak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since he became chancellor in the PM 's reshuffle last month , having previously been chief secretary to the Treasury .
The 39-year-old 's surprise promotion came after predecessor Sajid Javid walked out of Number 11 .
Mr Javid 's shock resignation came after Mr Johnson demanded he sack his advisers .
The former chancellor said this was something that `` no self-respecting '' minister could have accepted .
Asked about his predecessor 's remarks , Mr Sunak said : `` He was in a different spot , he had an existing set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it fresh , so for me to be able to build my own team , which is what I 'm doing , but have that team work closely with the prime minister 's team , is absolutely a good thing . ''
He described Mr Javid as a `` good friend and mentor '' and said his old boss had been in touch in recent weeks to give him advice .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Sunak refused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fiscal rules contained in the recent Conservative manifesto , but said he believes `` strongly in the importance of sound and responsible management of public finances '' .
In a wide-ranging interview , the chancellor also : • Defended cabinet colleague Priti Patel , amid numerous bullying allegations against the home secretary .
Mr Sunak said she is `` doing a fantastic job and I enjoy working with her '' ; • Reiterated Downing Street 's insistence that coronavirus would not delay the end of the Brexit transition period in December ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spending on flood defences to just over £5bn ; • Said the government will set up an `` economic campus '' in the North , `` where about a fifth of our headcount over time will move '' .

The government "stands ready to give the NHS whatever it needs" as Britain deals with the coronavirus outbreak, the chancellor has told Sky News.
Rishi Sunak said he was "working hard" to ensure that ministers "have the interventions required to help anyone through a difficult period".
There are currently 209 cases in the UK and two people have died after testing positive for coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:52 Options for reducing impact of virus on NHS
The outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, has raised fears about the impact on workers who have to self-isolate, as well as the potential financial hit on businesses.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a change to rules on sick pay earlier this week - and Mr Sunak said the government stood ready to go further.
"I'm working hard with the team to make sure that we have the interventions required to help anyone through a difficult period," the chancellor told Sophy Ridge on Sunday.
"First and foremost, supporting public services but also helping vulnerable people and also businesses to get through anything that might be coming our way... we stand ready to give the NHS whatever it needs."
Mr Sunak also said that he would set out measures in Wednesday's budget to support businesses that may face "cash flow" problems due to the coronavirus.
"I take my responsibilities seriously to make sure we do what we need to do to ease the burden on business over that temporary period of time, to make sure that they have access to the cash flow that they need to bridge through a difficult period, so that they can emerge on the other side strong and ready to get back to normal," he said.
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"There are policy levers we can take to ease the short-term burden on businesses' cash flow and these are businesses that we think are viable, sustainable, that have a bright future but have a temporary period of disruption, and that's where our interventions should be focused."
The government has also said that millions of volunteers could be given four weeks off work to help take the strain off the NHS in the event the outbreak becomes a pandemic.
Mr Sunak's interview was his first television sit-down since he became chancellor in the PM's reshuffle last month, having previously been chief secretary to the Treasury.
The 39-year-old's surprise promotion came after predecessor Sajid Javid walked out of Number 11.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:33 PM announces sick pay change
Mr Javid's shock resignation came after Mr Johnson demanded he sack his advisers.
The former chancellor said this was something that "no self-respecting" minister could have accepted.
Asked about his predecessor's remarks, Mr Sunak said: "He was in a different spot, he had an existing set of advisers.
"I come to it fresh, so for me to be able to build my own team, which is what I'm doing, but have that team work closely with the prime minister's team, is absolutely a good thing."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:01 New chancellor speaks about Javid's departure
He described Mr Javid as a "good friend and mentor" and said his old boss had been in touch in recent weeks to give him advice.
Mr Sunak refused to say whether he would stick to the fiscal rules contained in the recent Conservative manifesto, but said he believes "strongly in the importance of sound and responsible management of public finances".
Similarly, he declined to comment on speculation he could raise fuel duty, which has been frozen since 2010.
"I'm not going to be able to go through every measure with you before the budget," Mr Sunak said.
:: Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In a wide-ranging interview, the chancellor also:


skynewspolitics--2020-03-08--Chancellor Rishi Sunak: 'Sajid Javid is a good friend and mentor'

The man who took over as chancellor after Sajid Javid quit last month has described his predecessor as `` a good friend and mentor '' .
Speaking exclusively to Sky News ' Sophy Ridge on Sunday , Rishi Sunak said Mr Javid had given him advice in the last few weeks .
`` He was my first boss actually ... Sajid and I have been in touch so yes , he has always given me advice . ''
Mr Sunak said the advice was `` more on the personal side than on the policies side '' .
`` He told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for my family , which I must say over the past few weeks I have not managed to deliver on but hopefully soon . ''
Mr Javid said his shock resignation as chancellor happened because Boris Johnson attached conditions to him remaining in the role that `` would not have been in the national interest '' .
The prime minister demanded Mr Javid sack all of his special advisers following turbulence between Number 10 and the Treasury .
The then chancellor refused and as a result both sides decided to part company .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not hesitate in taking the new role , and said he could accept conditions Mr Javid could not because `` Saj and I are at very different places '' .
`` He had an existing team of people which I did n't so that obviously was a different question for him to confront but my approach to it is one where I absolutely think close working between the prime minister 's office and the chancellor 's office is a good thing… '' He was in a different spot , he had an existing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it fresh so for me to be able to build my own team , which is what I 'm doing , but have that team work closely with the prime minister 's team is absolutely a good thing .
`` It is slightly odd that anyone thinks that 's a strange thing . ''
On the bullying allegations aimed at Priti Patel , Mr Sunak said : `` I personally have a very good relationship with Priti and I enjoy working with her and I think she is doing a fantastic job as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegations like this seriously , as you would expect us to , that 's why the prime minister has asked the Cabinet Office to have a look at this matter and establish the facts and it is absolutely right that that happens and we should let that inquiry take its course . ''

The man who took over as chancellor after Sajid Javid quit last month has described his predecessor as "a good friend and mentor".
Speaking exclusively to Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday, Rishi Sunak said Mr Javid had given him advice in the last few weeks.
"He was my first boss actually... Sajid and I have been in touch so yes, he has always given me advice."
Mr Sunak said the advice was "more on the personal side than on the policies side".
Image: Mr Sunak speaks to Sky's Sophy Ridge
"He told me to try and find some time for my family, which I must say over the past few weeks I have not managed to deliver on but hopefully soon."
Mr Javid said his shock resignation as chancellor happened because Boris Johnson attached conditions to him remaining in the role that "would not have been in the national interest".
The prime minister demanded Mr Javid sack all of his special advisers following turbulence between Number 10 and the Treasury.
The then chancellor refused and as a result both sides decided to part company.
However, Mr Sunak said he did not hesitate in taking the new role, and said he could accept conditions Mr Javid could not because "Saj and I are at very different places".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 The former chancellor made a thinly-veiled comment about the PM's adviser in his statement to the Commons
"He had an existing team of people which I didn't so that obviously was a different question for him to confront but my approach to it is one where I absolutely think close working between the prime minister's office and the chancellor's office is a good thing…
"He was in a different spot, he had an existing set of advisers. I come to it fresh so for me to be able to build my own team, which is what I'm doing, but have that team work closely with the prime minister's team is absolutely a good thing.
"It is slightly odd that anyone thinks that's a strange thing."
Image: Home Secretary Priti Patel is the subject of a Cabinet Office inquiry
On the bullying allegations aimed at Priti Patel, Mr Sunak said: "I personally have a very good relationship with Priti and I enjoy working with her and I think she is doing a fantastic job as home secretary.
"We take any allegations like this seriously, as you would expect us to, that's why the prime minister has asked the Cabinet Office to have a look at this matter and establish the facts and it is absolutely right that that happens and we should let that inquiry take its course."


skynewspolitics--2020-03-08--'Violent tempers and constant threats' - MP opens up on domestic abuse

Labour MP Rosie Duffield has told Sophy Ridge on Sunday about her experience of domestic abuse .
Last year she chose to speak about her experience in a moving speech in the Commons .
And speaking to Sky News , she gave more details on what happened to her .
She said : `` I ended up reuniting with someone just after the election in 2017 that I 'd had a really nice relationship with for a couple of years .
`` He came back into my life saying ' I know you 're the same person and I really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when you are just propelled into the limelight without any kind of preparation , I did n't have a clue I was going to win or be an MP , that old familiar kind of thing was really appealing .
`` I thought this is someone who knew me and wanted to date me when I was a teaching assistant , it 's going to be safe and he made all the right noises and said all the right things .
`` Quite shortly after we moved in together , he was proposing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything around me was so new and strange but it did n't take long for me to see a completely different side to him . ''
She explained what happened when the abuse began .
`` Violent tempers , constant threats , he was going to leave if I disagreed with him , at the drop of a hat he was going to go abroad , he was going to just leave and I was thinking , hang on a minute , I have n't done anything differently or wrong and it just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be , I do n't know , maybe once a month at first and then it got very quickly to the stage where I could n't say or do anything without being interrupted .
`` And I got to the stage where I did n't want to go home and speak at all because every single word I uttered would be interrupted with some kind of barrier or some kind of argument and it just felt exhausting . ''
Asked how she feels now , she said : `` Relieved but still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be honest . ''
Ms Duffield welcomed the cross-party support for the Domestic Abuse Bill , which returned to parliament this week .
`` It means that we can have that conversation , it means that women know that we 're taking it seriously . ''

Labour MP Rosie Duffield has told Sophy Ridge on Sunday about her experience of domestic abuse.
Last year she chose to speak about her experience in a moving speech in the Commons.
And speaking to Sky News, she gave more details on what happened to her.
She said: "I ended up reuniting with someone just after the election in 2017 that I'd had a really nice relationship with for a couple of years.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 9:27 MPs gave Rosie Duffield a standing ovation after her emotional account of being a victim of domestic violence
"He came back into my life saying 'I know you're the same person and I really want to support you', and when you are just propelled into the limelight without any kind of preparation, I didn't have a clue I was going to win or be an MP, that old familiar kind of thing was really appealing.
"I thought this is someone who knew me and wanted to date me when I was a teaching assistant, it's going to be safe and he made all the right noises and said all the right things.
"Quite shortly after we moved in together, he was proposing and I felt kind of safe and everything around me was so new and strange but it didn't take long for me to see a completely different side to him."
She explained what happened when the abuse began.
"Violent tempers, constant threats, he was going to leave if I disagreed with him, at the drop of a hat he was going to go abroad, he was going to just leave and I was thinking, hang on a minute, I haven't done anything differently or wrong and it just stepped up.
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"So the arguments would be, I don't know, maybe once a month at first and then it got very quickly to the stage where I couldn't say or do anything without being interrupted.
"And I got to the stage where I didn't want to go home and speak at all because every single word I uttered would be interrupted with some kind of barrier or some kind of argument and it just felt exhausting."
Asked how she feels now, she said: "Relieved but still kind of not entirely over it to be honest."
Ms Duffield welcomed the cross-party support for the Domestic Abuse Bill, which returned to parliament this week.
"It means that we can have that conversation, it means that women know that we're taking it seriously."


skynewspolitics--2020-03-08--'Traitor': PM heckled as he visits flood-hit town

Boris Johnson has been greeted with heckles of `` traitor '' as he visited a flood-hit area of Worcestershire .
The prime minister arrived on the banks of the River Severn in Bewdley on Sunday , and was taken to view the still-erected flood defences by Environment Agency staff .
The area has been overwhelmed by flooding in recent weeks and properties and businesses have been inundated with water .
His visit comes after opposition parties criticised Mr Johnson for not visiting affected communities .
Mr Johnson said he would `` get Bewdley done '' , as he spoke to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affected .
When he heard homes had been overwhelmed by as much as 2ft of water , the PM said he was `` so sorry to hear it '' .
Mr Johnson spoke with the Environment Agency during his trip and said they had talked about `` what permanent defences can we put in and what 's the business case '' .
He added : `` What we 're doing is we are doubling the funding for flood defences to £5.2bn and we 're also going to be looking at all the things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PM got a mixed reception as he walked through the town centre .
A number of teenagers asked him to pause for a selfie on the bridge , with Mr Johnson obliging with a smile and a thumbs up .
But as he walked back on to the river bank , one man shouted `` do your f****** job '' .
The PM was then shown how the flood barriers work on Severn Side North .
Mr Johnson was later mobbed by members of the public as he continued walking around Bewdley - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his hand and take photos with the PM as he made his way along the river .
He also met members of the emergency services and joined them for a cup of tea , telling them that the flood defences in the town were `` pretty amazing '' .
Mr Johnson has been criticised as a `` part-time prime minister '' for previously staying away .
This included remaining at his grace-and-favour mansion in Kent during parliament 's week-long recess last month .
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn accused the PM of remaining `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding : `` How can the country trust a part-time prime minister ? ''
Asked about this criticism , the PM said embarking on a visit in the immediate aftermath would have been counterproductive .
`` It 's too easy for a PM to come to a place in a middle of an emergency , it 's not so easy frankly for the emergency services , '' Mr Johnson said .
`` What they have to do is then break off and gold command has to find somewhere to brief you , everybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diverting from their work for hours and hours .
`` What I 've been doing since the flooding began is coordinating the national response but also looking at what we can do in the next months and years to ensure this country really is ready to cope with the impacts of flooding . ''
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The PM said the government would `` look at what we can do to make sure this does n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubling the budgets we 've set aside for investment in flood protection across the country from £2.6bn to £5.2bn . ''

Boris Johnson has been greeted with heckles of "traitor" as he visited a flood-hit area of Worcestershire.
The prime minister arrived on the banks of the River Severn in Bewdley on Sunday, and was taken to view the still-erected flood defences by Environment Agency staff.
The area has been overwhelmed by flooding in recent weeks and properties and businesses have been inundated with water.
Image: The PM has been criticised by opposition parties for previously not visiting flood-hit communities
His visit comes after opposition parties criticised Mr Johnson for not visiting affected communities.
Mr Johnson said he would "get Bewdley done", as he spoke to residents in the town who had been affected.
When he heard homes had been overwhelmed by as much as 2ft of water, the PM said he was "so sorry to hear it".
Mr Johnson spoke with the Environment Agency during his trip and said they had talked about "what permanent defences can we put in and what's the business case".
He added: "What we're doing is we are doubling the funding for flood defences to £5.2bn and we're also going to be looking at all the things we can do upstream."
The PM got a mixed reception as he walked through the town centre.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:48 Johnson is a 'part-time prime minister'
A number of teenagers asked him to pause for a selfie on the bridge, with Mr Johnson obliging with a smile and a thumbs up.
But as he walked back on to the river bank, one man shouted "do your f****** job".
The PM was then shown how the flood barriers work on Severn Side North.
Mr Johnson was later mobbed by members of the public as he continued walking around Bewdley - a number of people tried to shake his hand and take photos with the PM as he made his way along the river.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 Drone shows extent of flooding
He also met members of the emergency services and joined them for a cup of tea, telling them that the flood defences in the town were "pretty amazing".
Mr Johnson has been criticised as a "part-time prime minister" for previously staying away.
This included remaining at his grace-and-favour mansion in Kent during parliament's week-long recess last month.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn accused the PM of remaining "silent" and "sulking", adding: "How can the country trust a part-time prime minister?"
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:17 Flood victim offers to buy PM a pint if he visits
Asked about this criticism, the PM said embarking on a visit in the immediate aftermath would have been counterproductive.
"It's too easy for a PM to come to a place in a middle of an emergency, it's not so easy frankly for the emergency services," Mr Johnson said.
"What they have to do is then break off and gold command has to find somewhere to brief you, everybody has to gather.
"They're diverting from their work for hours and hours.
"What I've been doing since the flooding began is coordinating the national response but also looking at what we can do in the next months and years to ensure this country really is ready to cope with the impacts of flooding."
:: Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The PM said the government would "look at what we can do to make sure this doesn't happen again".
"We're doubling the budgets we've set aside for investment in flood protection across the country from £2.6bn to £5.2bn."


skynewspolitics--2020-03-08--Boris Johnson 'to be investigated' over £15,000 Caribbean break

An official investigation is to be launched into Boris Johnson 's £15,000 post-election holiday to the Caribbean , reports have said .
The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Kathryn Stone is said to be pursuing the inquiry following conflicting reports about where the donation for the winter break came from , according to The Observer .
He could face a penalty if found to have broken the MPs ' code of conduct after a review of the evidence from the Committee on Standards .
It comes after Mr Johnson cited businessman David Ross in the register of MPs ' interests as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ valued at £15,000 - despite a spokesperson for Mr Ross later saying no such money was handed over .
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The same spokesperson for the Conservative Party donor later clarified it was a `` benefit in kind '' to the prime minister and his now-fiance Carrie Symonds .
Amid the confusion , the Labour Party called for a probe last month into how the prime minister came to have a stay at the pricey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Shadow Cabinet Office minister Jon Trickett highlighted in a letter to Ms Stone that the code of conduct `` requires members to provide the name of the person or organisation that actually funded a donation '' .
He added : `` The evidence now suggests it was not David Ross .
The entry made by the prime minister therefore appears to be incorrect . ''
The five-figure villa on the island of Mustique served as a celebratory break for Mr Johnson and Ms Symonds after the Conservative party won its first election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who recently confirmed his engagement to Ms Symonds and revealed the two are expecting a baby , was criticised for not bringing his holiday to an earlier end in the wake of the US killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in January .

An official investigation is to be launched into Boris Johnson's £15,000 post-election holiday to the Caribbean, reports have said.
The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Kathryn Stone is said to be pursuing the inquiry following conflicting reports about where the donation for the winter break came from, according to The Observer.
He could face a penalty if found to have broken the MPs' code of conduct after a review of the evidence from the Committee on Standards.
It comes after Mr Johnson cited businessman David Ross in the register of MPs' interests as the provider of the private accommodation - valued at £15,000 - despite a spokesperson for Mr Ross later saying no such money was handed over.
:: Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The same spokesperson for the Conservative Party donor later clarified it was a "benefit in kind" to the prime minister and his now-fiance Carrie Symonds.
Amid the confusion, the Labour Party called for a probe last month into how the prime minister came to have a stay at the pricey villa in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Shadow Cabinet Office minister Jon Trickett highlighted in a letter to Ms Stone that the code of conduct "requires members to provide the name of the person or organisation that actually funded a donation".
He added: "The evidence now suggests it was not David Ross. The entry made by the prime minister therefore appears to be incorrect."
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The five-figure villa on the island of Mustique served as a celebratory break for Mr Johnson and Ms Symonds after the Conservative party won its first election landslide since the 1980s.
Image: A post by Carrie Symonds on Instagram reveals they got engaged at the end of last year
Mr Johnson, who recently confirmed his engagement to Ms Symonds and revealed the two are expecting a baby, was criticised for not bringing his holiday to an earlier end in the wake of the US killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in January.
Downing Street has declined to comment.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-08--Lib Dems' cancel Brexit policy was a 'big mistake' - leadership contender

A Liberal Democrat MP has described the party 's Brexit policy in the general election as a `` big mistake '' , as she announced her candidacy to be the next leader .
Layla Moran revealed her bid for the top job in an interview with Sky 's Sophy Ridge on Sunday .
The Oxford West and Abingdon MP said it was time for the Lib Dems to `` move on as a party and offer a positive vision for the country '' .
`` I 'm the right person to lead that change , '' she declared .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the party because its previous leader , Jo Swinson , lost her seat in December 's general election .
The Lib Dems went into that poll promising to cancel Brexit if it defied the odds and managed to win the election outright .
The party saw an overall increase in vote share , but ended up losing one MP .
Ms Moran , who has been an MP since 2017 , said that Brexit was a factor in this and it was `` really important that we listen and understand where we 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I have been around the country listening to voters .
`` They ( voters ) come back and say in the election that revoke was a big mistake because it felt very top down , and actually cooperation is a key part of what we believe as Liberal Democrats and we need to earn their trust again . ''
Ms Moran said that Ms Swinson 's claim to be a genuine candidate for prime minister also put people off .
`` The other thing that worried them was that we were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the party of the next government when in fact that was n't the case and we lost their trust again over that . ''
Ms Moran admitted that she failed to voice her opposition to the policy before it was signed off at the party 's annual conference last September .
`` I did not , no , and actually I have been reflecting on how we make decisions in the party , '' she said .
`` In the rooms where these decisions were being discussed - and I do not absolve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - but there were n't enough dissenting voices .
`` So it became very clear that we were surrounded by Remain seats , people who had campaigned ardently for that Remain position and to move away from the People 's Vote [ a second referendum ] , which I think would have worked in many parts of the country , was partly led by a lack of diversity of voices in that room . ''
Despite Prime Minister Boris Johnson being returned to office with a large majority and Britain leaving the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she would be supportive of efforts to try and rejoin the bloc one day .
`` If there is a way to move that door open so that one day , with public consent , we go back then I would be first in line , '' she said .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Acting leader Sir Ed Davey is expected to join Ms Moran in the contest , as is Bath MP Wera Hobhouse .
Nominations open on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until 28 May to get nominations together .
The ballot will start on 18 June and voting will close on 15 July .

A Liberal Democrat MP has described the party's Brexit policy in the general election as a "big mistake", as she announced her candidacy to be the next leader.
Layla Moran revealed her bid for the top job in an interview with Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday.
The Oxford West and Abingdon MP said it was time for the Lib Dems to "move on as a party and offer a positive vision for the country".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:02 Swinson: 'I don't regret trying to stop Brexit'
"I'm the right person to lead that change," she declared.
There is a vacancy at the top of the party because its previous leader, Jo Swinson, lost her seat in December's general election.
The Lib Dems went into that poll promising to cancel Brexit if it defied the odds and managed to win the election outright.
The party saw an overall increase in vote share, but ended up losing one MP.
Ms Moran, who has been an MP since 2017, said that Brexit was a factor in this and it was "really important that we listen and understand where we've been going wrong".
She added: "I have been around the country listening to voters.
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"They (voters) come back and say in the election that revoke was a big mistake because it felt very top down, and actually cooperation is a key part of what we believe as Liberal Democrats and we need to earn their trust again."
Ms Moran said that Ms Swinson's claim to be a genuine candidate for prime minister also put people off.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:11 'Dread and dismay' for Lib Dems as leader loses seat
"The other thing that worried them was that we were saying that we were going to be the party of the next government when in fact that wasn't the case and we lost their trust again over that."
Ms Moran admitted that she failed to voice her opposition to the policy before it was signed off at the party's annual conference last September.
"I did not, no, and actually I have been reflecting on how we make decisions in the party," she said.
"In the rooms where these decisions were being discussed - and I do not absolve myself from responsibility at all in this - but there weren't enough dissenting voices.
"So it became very clear that we were surrounded by Remain seats, people who had campaigned ardently for that Remain position and to move away from the People's Vote [a second referendum], which I think would have worked in many parts of the country, was partly led by a lack of diversity of voices in that room."
Despite Prime Minister Boris Johnson being returned to office with a large majority and Britain leaving the EU on 31 January, Ms Moran said she would be supportive of efforts to try and rejoin the bloc one day.
"If there is a way to move that door open so that one day, with public consent, we go back then I would be first in line," she said.
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Acting leader Sir Ed Davey is expected to join Ms Moran in the contest, as is Bath MP Wera Hobhouse.
Nominations open on 11 May, with potential candidates having until 28 May to get nominations together.
The ballot will start on 18 June and voting will close on 15 July.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-09--Talk of cancelling sports matches 'very premature' - minister

Talk of cancelling sports matches due to the coronavirus outbreak is `` very premature '' , the culture secretary has told Sky News .
Ahead of his talks with sporting bodies on Monday , Oliver Dowden stressed the government has yet to see any evidence to justify banning mass gatherings .
In Italy , which has seen more than 350 deaths from COVID-19 , major football matches have been played behind closed doors after supporters were told to stay away to help prevent the further spread of the disease .
France has also banned public gatherings of more than 1,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr Dowden suggested there was no immediate prospect of similar action being taken in the UK .
`` We 'll take evidence from the experts and base our decisions on the facts that we receive from them , particularly the chief medical officer [ Professor Chris Whitty ] , '' the culture secretary told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show .
`` I think in terms of postponing mass sporting events or cancelling them , I think it 's very premature to talk about that sort of thing .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but there is no evidence at the moment to justify such cancellation . ''
Mr Dowden added he was in `` constant dialogue '' with sporting chiefs and , if the advice from the government 's medical advisers was to change , then ministers ' stance on sporting events would also likely change .
`` If we get to the point where we think that needs to happen , we would take that decision , '' he said .
`` But we 're taking our decisions based on the facts and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to that at the moment .
`` I put the caveat round it that , if that changes , then of course our advice would change . ''
Most recent coronavirus developments in the UK : • Three deaths in patients who tested positive with the virus • Victims were in Berkshire , Milton Keynes and Manchester • Sunday saw a rise of 72 cases to reach a total of 278 - the highest increase in cases in a 24-hour period • Supermarkets have placed restrictions on items including pasta , anti-bacterial wipes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent shoppers from stockpiling • Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to northern Italy • People returning from affected areas in Italy told to self-isolate regardless of whether they have symptoms • The virus-stricken Grand Princess cruise ship with more than 140 Britons on board is due to dock in Oakland , California on Monday Despite the government not following the action of other countries such as Italy or France , the chair of the British Medical Association representative body , Dr Helena McKeown , said large indoor events should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keen , in medicine , to reduce unnecessary risk , '' she told the same programme .
`` I think very large events undercover are perhaps now becoming an unnecessary risk . ''
She added : `` Certainly where we can see hotspots developing , I do expect to hear clear advice that they should not go ahead .
`` I think people organising these concerts etc .
really do need clear advice . ''
Dr McKeown also said shaking hands with others was an `` unnecessary risk '' .
The Premier League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and officials due to the coronavirus .
But Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he will not stop greeting people with a handshake .
Prof Whitty has said transmission of coronavirus through handshaking is `` unlikely '' if people wash their hands because the disease `` does n't get in through the skin '' .

Talk of cancelling sports matches due to the coronavirus outbreak is "very premature", the culture secretary has told Sky News.
Ahead of his talks with sporting bodies on Monday, Oliver Dowden stressed the government has yet to see any evidence to justify banning mass gatherings.
In Italy, which has seen more than 350 deaths from COVID-19, major football matches have been played behind closed doors after supporters were told to stay away to help prevent the further spread of the disease.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 How coronavirus has spread
France has also banned public gatherings of more than 1,000 people and postponed football matches.
But, Mr Dowden suggested there was no immediate prospect of similar action being taken in the UK.
"We'll take evidence from the experts and base our decisions on the facts that we receive from them, particularly the chief medical officer [Professor Chris Whitty]," the culture secretary told Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast show.
"I think in terms of postponing mass sporting events or cancelling them, I think it's very premature to talk about that sort of thing.
"We'll be driven by the evidence, but there is no evidence at the moment to justify such cancellation."
Mr Dowden added he was in "constant dialogue" with sporting chiefs and, if the advice from the government's medical advisers was to change, then ministers' stance on sporting events would also likely change.
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"If we get to the point where we think that needs to happen, we would take that decision," he said.
"But we're taking our decisions based on the facts and the evidence and it's really not pointing to that at the moment.
"I put the caveat round it that, if that changes, then of course our advice would change."
Most recent coronavirus developments in the UK:
Three deaths in patients who tested positive with the virus
Victims were in Berkshire, Milton Keynes and Manchester
Sunday saw a rise of 72 cases to reach a total of 278 - the highest increase in cases in a 24-hour period
Supermarkets have placed restrictions on items including pasta, anti-bacterial wipes and hand soap in a bid to prevent shoppers from stockpiling
Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to northern Italy
People returning from affected areas in Italy told to self-isolate regardless of whether they have symptoms
The virus-stricken Grand Princess cruise ship with more than 140 Britons on board is due to dock in Oakland, California on Monday
Despite the government not following the action of other countries such as Italy or France, the chair of the British Medical Association representative body, Dr Helena McKeown, said large indoor events should be cancelled.
"I think we are keen, in medicine, to reduce unnecessary risk," she told the same programme.
"I think very large events undercover are perhaps now becoming an unnecessary risk."
She added: "Certainly where we can see hotspots developing, I do expect to hear clear advice that they should not go ahead.
"I think people organising these concerts etc. really do need clear advice."
Dr McKeown also said shaking hands with others was an "unnecessary risk".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:25 Chief medical officer coughs during cough advice
The Premier League have ditched pre-match handshakes between both teams and officials due to the coronavirus.
But Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he will not stop greeting people with a handshake.
Prof Whitty has said transmission of coronavirus through handshaking is "unlikely" if people wash their hands because the disease "doesn't get in through the skin".
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays
Virus Outbreak: Your questions answered #AskSkyNews at 12.30pm weekdays


skynewspolitics--2020-03-09--Labour veteran Trevor Phillips suspended over Islamophobia claims

Former head of the UK 's equalities watchdog Trevor Phillips has been suspended from the Labour Party over allegations of Islamophobia .
The 66-year-old anti-racism campaigner faces an investigation and could be expelled from the party .
The Times reported that he is being investigated over past comments including remarks he made about Pakistani Muslim men abusing children in northern UK towns .
Many of his statements date back years but that Labour 's general secretary Jennie Formby suspended him as a matter of urgency to `` protect the party 's reputation '' , according to the newspaper .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year declared their refusal to vote for the Labour Party because of its association with antisemitism .
In a letter to the Guardian in November , the group said the path to a more tolerant society `` must encompass Britain 's Jews with unwavering solidarity '' and said Jeremy Corbyn has `` a long record of embracing antisemites as comrades '' .
Mr Phillips told The Times there was no suggestion that he has done anything unlawful and `` no one inside or outside the Labour Party has ever suggested that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an opinion piece for the paper , Mr Phillips said : `` If this is how Labour treats its own family , how might it treat its real opponents if it ever gains power again ?
`` It would be a tragedy if , at the very moment we most need a robust and effective opposition , our nation had to endure the spectacle of a great party collapsing into a brutish , authoritarian cult . ''
A Labour Party spokeswoman said : `` The Labour Party takes all complaints about Islamophobia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in line with our rules and procedures , and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken . ''

Former head of the UK's equalities watchdog Trevor Phillips has been suspended from the Labour Party over allegations of Islamophobia.
The 66-year-old anti-racism campaigner faces an investigation and could be expelled from the party.
The Times reported that he is being investigated over past comments including remarks he made about Pakistani Muslim men abusing children in northern UK towns.
Many of his statements date back years but that Labour's general secretary Jennie Formby suspended him as a matter of urgency to "protect the party's reputation", according to the newspaper.
Mr Phillips was among 24 public figures who last year declared their refusal to vote for the Labour Party because of its association with antisemitism.
In a letter to the Guardian in November, the group said the path to a more tolerant society "must encompass Britain's Jews with unwavering solidarity" and said Jeremy Corbyn has "a long record of embracing antisemites as comrades".
Mr Phillips told The Times there was no suggestion that he has done anything unlawful and "no one inside or outside the Labour Party has ever suggested that I have broken any rules".
Writing in an opinion piece for the paper, Mr Phillips said: "If this is how Labour treats its own family, how might it treat its real opponents if it ever gains power again?
"It would be a tragedy if, at the very moment we most need a robust and effective opposition, our nation had to endure the spectacle of a great party collapsing into a brutish, authoritarian cult."
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A Labour Party spokeswoman said: "The Labour Party takes all complaints about Islamophobia extremely seriously and they are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken."


skynewspolitics--2020-03-09--Coronavirus: No 10 prepares to tell Britons with mild illness to self-isolate

Britain is preparing to move to the next phase of its response to the coronavirus outbreak – when people will be told self-isolate for even a minor cough or cold .
Currently , the UK is in the `` containment phase '' of the government 's plan , meaning it is trying to stop COVID-19 being transmitted inside the country .
But Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that was `` extremely unlikely to work on its own '' and `` extensive preparations '' were underway to move to the `` delay '' phase to slow the virus ' spread .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whitty warned `` we are now very close '' to instructing anyone who has `` even minor respiratory tract infections or a fever '' to self-isolate for a week .
Five people in the UK have died after catching the disease .
The latest announced on Monday was a patient in their 70s who passed away in St Helier Hospital in the London borough of Sutton .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock had declared `` we wo n't give up hope of containing this '' in parliament .
But hours later Mr Johnson told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak is soon going to get `` much more significant '' .
`` We 're preparing various actions to slow the spread of this disease in order to reduce the strain it places on the NHS , '' he said in a Downing Street news conference .
He added `` the best thing we can all do is wash our hands for 20 seconds with soap and water '' .
And he confirmed the cross-Whitehall emergency committee known as COBRA will meet to discuss the outbreak on Wednesday .
Professor Whitty said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fever should self-isolate would probably be issued in 10-14 days .
He explained timing was crucial to ensure people do n't get tired too quickly of more restrictive advice .
`` What we 're moving now to is a phase when we will ask general members of the public to do different things than they would normally do , '' he said .
`` Anything you do , you have to be able to sustain .
`` Because anything you do , you have to be able to do them for a period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if we go too early , people will understandably get fatigued and then it will be difficult to sustain this over time , so getting the timing right is absolutely critical to making this work . ''
He said this was the `` first step along a path towards trying to reduce firstly the delay the epidemic and then to pull down the peak of this epidemic so that it is smaller than it would have been if we do n't take these interventions '' .
Prof Whitty added that currently the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other illnesses common during winter was `` very , very low '' .
But that will change `` very significantly '' as Britain approaches the tail end of winter and coronavirus cases grow `` really quite fast '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Sir Patrick Vallance , the government 's chief scientific adviser , said the aim was to `` be in control of where you are in the epidemic - not in reaction mode '' .
On Monday morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of confirmed infections in the UK was 319 - a rise of 46 in a single day .
More measures promised by the government include extending the hours supermarkets and other shops can take food deliveries to replenish shelves , after several retailers rationed products .

Britain is preparing to move to the next phase of its response to the coronavirus outbreak – when people will be told self-isolate for even a minor cough or cold.
Currently, the UK is in the "containment phase" of the government's plan, meaning it is trying to stop COVID-19 being transmitted inside the country.
But Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that was "extremely unlikely to work on its own" and "extensive preparations" were underway to move to the "delay" phase to slow the virus' spread.
England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty warned "we are now very close" to instructing anyone who has "even minor respiratory tract infections or a fever" to self-isolate for a week.
Five people in the UK have died after catching the disease. The latest announced on Monday was a patient in their 70s who passed away in St Helier Hospital in the London borough of Sutton.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock had declared "we won't give up hope of containing this" in parliament.
But hours later Mr Johnson told Sky News it was "obvious" the outbreak is soon going to get "much more significant".
"We're preparing various actions to slow the spread of this disease in order to reduce the strain it places on the NHS," he said in a Downing Street news conference.
He added "the best thing we can all do is wash our hands for 20 seconds with soap and water".
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And he confirmed the cross-Whitehall emergency committee known as COBRA will meet to discuss the outbreak on Wednesday.
Professor Whitty said the advice that anyone with a mild fever should self-isolate would probably be issued in 10-14 days.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:16 How do you make a misinformation vaccine?
He explained timing was crucial to ensure people don't get tired too quickly of more restrictive advice.
"What we're moving now to is a phase when we will ask general members of the public to do different things than they would normally do," he said.
"Anything you do, you have to be able to sustain.
"Because anything you do, you have to be able to do them for a period of time and there's a risk if we go too early, people will understandably get fatigued and then it will be difficult to sustain this over time, so getting the timing right is absolutely critical to making this work."
He said this was the "first step along a path towards trying to reduce firstly the delay the epidemic and then to pull down the peak of this epidemic so that it is smaller than it would have been if we don't take these interventions".
Prof Whitty added that currently the number of coronavirus cases compared to those with other illnesses common during winter was "very, very low".
But that will change "very significantly" as Britain approaches the tail end of winter and coronavirus cases grow "really quite fast".
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Sir Patrick Vallance, the government's chief scientific adviser, said the aim was to "be in control of where you are in the epidemic - not in reaction mode".
On Monday morning, the latest government figures said the number of confirmed infections in the UK was 319 - a rise of 46 in a single day.
More measures promised by the government include extending the hours supermarkets and other shops can take food deliveries to replenish shelves, after several retailers rationed products.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-09--UK to publish draft trade deal after EU says 'make your mind up'

The government has responded to an EU call to `` make up its mind '' by revealing plans to publish a draft post-Brexit trade deal within the next nine days .
David Frost , the prime minister 's EU adviser who is leading the UK 's negotiating effort , on Monday said he would unveil a draft free trade deal before next week 's next round of talks with Brussels .
This would be included among other `` legal texts '' to be tabled in advance of the negotiations in London between 18-20 March , Mr Frost said on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ursula von der Leyen called on the UK to decide on its approach to talks , following last week 's first round of negotiations .
She told reporters in Brussels : `` We are aware that there are differences in the approach towards what scope should the future agreement have and what are - if I may say so - the rules of the game everybody has to abide to .
`` So it will be important that the UK makes up its mind - the closer they want to have access to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to play by the rules that are the rules of the single market .
`` If this is not the UK 's choice then of course they will be more distant and it will be more difficult for the UK to access the single market .
`` So I think it 's up to the UK within the negotiations to think about the trade-offs they want to take into account . ''
Downing Street hit back at Ms von der Leyen 's comments , with the prime minister 's official spokesman saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its mind very decisively and has been very clear about what it wants from its future relationship with the EU . ''
Boris Johnson has repeatedly said he is chasing a future trading relationship with the EU similar to that enjoyed by Canada , although Brussels has downplayed the chances of such an agreement being struck .
The UK has been told it faces `` a different ball game '' to the EU 's trade negotiations with Canada .
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week 's first round of negotiations , the two sides admitted there were `` significant '' and `` very , very difficult '' differences between them .
These relate to EU demands for the UK to maintain a `` level playing field '' with Brussels ' rules and standards ; the role of the European Court of Justice ( ECJ ) and European Convention on Human Rights ( ECHR ) ; governance ; and fisheries .
The UK formally left the EU on 31 January , but has entered an 11-month transition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which it maintains the status quo of membership of the bloc .
Some have doubted whether the timeframe is long enough for the two sides to agree a future trade deal , but Mr Johnson has vowed not to extend the transition period .

The government has responded to an EU call to "make up its mind" by revealing plans to publish a draft post-Brexit trade deal within the next nine days.
David Frost, the prime minister's EU adviser who is leading the UK's negotiating effort, on Monday said he would unveil a draft free trade deal before next week's next round of talks with Brussels.
This would be included among other "legal texts" to be tabled in advance of the negotiations in London between 18-20 March, Mr Frost said on Twitter.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:43 Now the UK is out of the EU, what next?
It came after European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen called on the UK to decide on its approach to talks, following last week's first round of negotiations.
She told reporters in Brussels: "We are aware that there are differences in the approach towards what scope should the future agreement have and what are - if I may say so - the rules of the game everybody has to abide to.
"So it will be important that the UK makes up its mind - the closer they want to have access to the single market, the more they have to play by the rules that are the rules of the single market.
"If this is not the UK's choice then of course they will be more distant and it will be more difficult for the UK to access the single market.
"So I think it's up to the UK within the negotiations to think about the trade-offs they want to take into account."
Downing Street hit back at Ms von der Leyen's comments, with the prime minister's official spokesman saying: "The UK has made up its mind very decisively and has been very clear about what it wants from its future relationship with the EU."
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Boris Johnson has repeatedly said he is chasing a future trading relationship with the EU similar to that enjoyed by Canada, although Brussels has downplayed the chances of such an agreement being struck.
The UK has been told it faces "a different ball game" to the EU's trade negotiations with Canada.
:: Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Following last week's first round of negotiations, the two sides admitted there were "significant" and "very, very difficult" differences between them.
These relate to EU demands for the UK to maintain a "level playing field" with Brussels' rules and standards; the role of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR); governance; and fisheries.
The UK formally left the EU on 31 January, but has entered an 11-month transition period until the end of the year in which it maintains the status quo of membership of the bloc.
Some have doubted whether the timeframe is long enough for the two sides to agree a future trade deal, but Mr Johnson has vowed not to extend the transition period.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-09--Budget 2020: Tory MPs urge chancellor not to hike fuel duty

A group of 36 Conservative MPs are warning Chancellor Rishi Sunak not to hike fuel duty in this week 's budget .
The Tory backbenchers will deliver a letter to Mr Sunak at the Treasury on Monday , in which they express their concern about speculation he could be set to scrap a freeze on the levy .
Fuel duty has been frozen since 2010 , but it has recently been reported the chancellor could move to end the long freeze as part of measures to help the UK meet climate change targets .
The Conservative manifesto before the general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fuel duty freeze , although , during a campaign event , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he had `` absolutely no intention to raise fuel duty '' .
In their letter , the group of MPs - which includes ex-cabinet ministers Iain Duncan Smith , David Davis and Chris Grayling - call on the government to keep that promise in Wednesday 's budget .
`` I understand that the green movement is urging for fuel duty to go up ; however , we must n't , as a government , balance environmentalism on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the letter says .
`` They depend on their cars , vans and lorries to get about and run a small business .
Every penny of a fuel price rise hits their financial security .
`` Increasing fuel duty also impacts bus users , food prices , public services and businesses .
Prices for much else , too , go up because of the high cost of transport .
`` We are optimistic that this will be a government for workers . ''
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spotify , Spreaker The group , led by former Conservative deputy chair Robert Halfon , estimate drivers have been saved on average close to £1,000 per year by the decade-long fuel duty freeze .
Their letter will be handed to the Treasury along with a petition signed by more than 134,000 supporters of campaign group FairFuelUK .

A group of 36 Conservative MPs are warning Chancellor Rishi Sunak not to hike fuel duty in this week's budget.
The Tory backbenchers will deliver a letter to Mr Sunak at the Treasury on Monday, in which they express their concern about speculation he could be set to scrap a freeze on the levy.
Fuel duty has been frozen since 2010, but it has recently been reported the chancellor could move to end the long freeze as part of measures to help the UK meet climate change targets.
Image: Chancellor Rishi Sunak will deliver his first Budget on Wednesday
The Conservative manifesto before the general election made no commitment to continuing the fuel duty freeze, although, during a campaign event, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he had "absolutely no intention to raise fuel duty".
In their letter, the group of MPs - which includes ex-cabinet ministers Iain Duncan Smith, David Davis and Chris Grayling - call on the government to keep that promise in Wednesday's budget.
"I understand that the green movement is urging for fuel duty to go up; however, we mustn't, as a government, balance environmentalism on the backs of working people," the letter says.
"They depend on their cars, vans and lorries to get about and run a small business. Every penny of a fuel price rise hits their financial security.
"Increasing fuel duty also impacts bus users, food prices, public services and businesses. Prices for much else, too, go up because of the high cost of transport.
"We are optimistic that this will be a government for workers."
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:: Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The group, led by former Conservative deputy chair Robert Halfon, estimate drivers have been saved on average close to £1,000 per year by the decade-long fuel duty freeze.
Their letter will be handed to the Treasury along with a petition signed by more than 134,000 supporters of campaign group FairFuelUK.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-09--Criminals on probation targeted in Budget crackdown

Criminals on probation will face tougher restraints under new funding promised in the upcoming Budget .
Around £70m is being pledged by Chancellor Rishi Sunak to put more sophisticated electronic tags on those convicted of alcohol-related offences released halfway through their sentences .
The devices will monitor location and also analyse if alcohol has been drunk by measuring samples of skin sweat every 30 minutes .
Other clampdowns to be paid for with the investment include increasing the amount of unpaid work those doing community service need to carry out , according to the Treasury .
Crime is an area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with latest figures showing police in England and Wales are combating the highest levels of knife crime in a decade .
Mr Sunak said keeping the streets safe was `` one of the people 's priorities '' , citing a drive to hire 20,000 police officers - roughly the number cut by the Conservative-led governments since 2010 .
The funding pledge was welcomed by the Liberal Democrats , but they accused the government of failing to `` properly invest '' in rehabilitation services .
Daisy Cooper , the party 's justice spokesperson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` failing to rehabilitate people , leading to more crimes and more victims '' .
She urged the chancellor to `` invest in rehabilitative services , both in prison and in the community , to enable people who have committed crimes to turn their lives around '' .
Mr Sunak , who has been in the job less than a month after his predecessor Sajid Javid unexpectedly quit , is also pledging an extra £15m to `` improve the court process for victims of rape and sexual abuse '' .
That money will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are `` trained to guide and support victims through the justice system '' , the Treasury confirmed .
Another £5m will be used to trial a new domestic abuse court .
A further £10m is expected to go on curbing domestic abuse by tackling `` high-risk , high-harm perpetrators '' through early action and using one-to-one interventions .
Labour MP Rosie Duffield , who spoke to Sky News ' Sophy Ridge on Sunday about her experience of domestic abuse , has already welcomed the government 's backing of a new law that could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lie detector tests to try to stop them reoffending .
Another announcement in the Budget trailed on Monday night was a £30m pledge to help back-up a plan to make it compulsory for new public buildings to include an accessible toilet .
The `` Changing Places '' fund will be used to help organisations install the special facilities , which include an adult-sized changing bench and a hoist system , in existing buildings .
But pressure was put on the chancellor to solve the UK 's housing crisis after a report found more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their local authority for help remained or became homeless due to a lack of affordable housing .
Some 38 % of those who approached their council for help saw their housing situation either stay the same or worsen , according to a survey by Crisis .

Criminals on probation will face tougher restraints under new funding promised in the upcoming budget.
Around £70m is being pledged by Chancellor Rishi Sunak to put more sophisticated electronic tags on those convicted of alcohol-related offences released halfway through their sentences.
The devices will monitor location and also analyse if alcohol has been drunk by measuring samples of skin sweat every 30 minutes.
Other clampdowns to be paid for with the investment include increasing the amount of unpaid work those doing community service need to carry out, according to the Treasury.
Crime is an area the government is keen to focus on, with latest figures showing police in England and Wales are combating the highest levels of knife crime in a decade.
Mr Sunak said keeping the streets safe was "one of the people's priorities", citing a drive to hire 20,000 police officers - roughly the number cut by the Conservative-led governments since 2010.
The funding pledge was welcomed by the Liberal Democrats, but they accused the government of failing to "properly invest" in rehabilitation services.
Daisy Cooper, the party's justice spokesperson, said the criminal justice system was "failing to rehabilitate people, leading to more crimes and more victims".
She urged the chancellor to "invest in rehabilitative services, both in prison and in the community, to enable people who have committed crimes to turn their lives around".
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Image: Rishi Sunak will deliver his first budget on Wednesday - less than a month into the job
Mr Sunak, who has been in the job less than a month after his predecessor Sajid Javid unexpectedly quit, is also pledging an extra £15m to "improve the court process for victims of rape and sexual abuse".
That money will go on hiring independent sexual advisers who are "trained to guide and support victims through the justice system", the Treasury confirmed.
Another £5m will be used to trial a new domestic abuse court.
A further £10m is expected to go on curbing domestic abuse by tackling "high-risk, high-harm perpetrators" through early action and using one-to-one interventions.
Labour MP Rosie Duffield, who spoke to Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday about her experience of domestic abuse, has already welcomed the government's backing of a new law that could force some convicted domestic abusers to take lie detector tests to try to stop them reoffending.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:28 An MP's story of domestic abuse
Another announcement in the budget trailed on Monday night was a £30m pledge to help back-up a plan to make it compulsory for new public buildings to include an accessible toilet.
The "Changing Places" fund will be used to help organisations install the special facilities, which include an adult-sized changing bench and a hoist system, in existing buildings.
But pressure was put on the chancellor to solve the UK's housing crisis after a report found more than a third of people who asked their local authority for help remained or became homeless due to a lack of affordable housing.
Some 38% of those who approached their council for help saw their housing situation either stay the same or worsen, according to a survey by Crisis.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-10--Health minister Nadine Dorries tests positive for coronavirus

Health minister Nadine Dorries has tested positive for coronavirus and is self-isolating .
She is the first MP in the UK to be diagnosed with COVID-19 , as the virus spread further on Tuesday .
A sixth person in the country has died and the total number of confirmed cases is 382 - up by 54 in the last day .
Ms Dorries , the minister in charge of patient safety , said in a statement : `` I can confirm I have tested positive for coronavirus .
`` As soon as I was informed I took all the advised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Public Health England ( PHE ) has started detailed contact tracing and the department and my parliamentary office are closely following their advice .
`` I would like to thank PHE and the wonderful NHS staff who have provided me with advice and support . ''
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was `` really sorry '' to hear the news but that `` she has done the right thing by self-isolating at home '' .
He added : `` We all wish her well as she recovers .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease .
We will do all we can to keep people safe , based on the best possible science . ''
Ms Dorries ' diagnosis was confirmed on Tuesday , according to The Times .
But the paper said she was at a 10 Downing Street reception hosted by Prime Minister Boris Johnson last Thursday and then felt ill the following day .
It added health officials are now trying to identify all the people Ms Dorries has been in contact with - including MPs .
Hannah Bardell , an SNP MP , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Westminster by its nature means we 're all corralled in there together at close proximity '' .
She added : `` It 's possibly one of the most germ infested unhealthy places I 've ever worked . ''
Ms Dorries has voted twice in the House of Commons in the past week , according to parliamentary records - likely meaning she has been in close contact with hundreds of other MPs .
Sky News ' political editor Beth Rigby said that `` as a health minister in contact with other health ministers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been wider transmission in Department of Health team '' .
`` I understand Matt Hancock is in good health and not displaying any symptoms , '' she added .
Politicians from across the political divide sent messages wishing Ms Dorries a swift recovery .
Labour shadow cabinet member Luke Pollard tweeted : `` Politics should not get in the way of being decent human beings to one another . ''

Health minister Nadine Dorries has tested positive for coronavirus and a member of her staff is ill.
Ms Dorries is self-isolating at home and has appealed to fellow MPs to get in touch if they have recently been in contact with her, Sky News understands.
She is the first MP in the UK to be diagnosed with COVID-19, as the virus spread further on Tuesday.
Labour's Rachael Maskell revealed she had been advised by the NHS 111 helpline to self-isolate following a meeting with Ms Dorries last Thursday, even though she is displaying no symptoms of COVID-19.
She told Sky News she would continue her work as an MP by holding meetings over the phone, adding: "This will become a norm over the coming weeks and days as we are seeing more people being diagnosed with coronavirus."
Ms Maskell suggested Prime Minister Boris Johnson - who was at a Downing Street event with Ms Dorries last Thursday - should also now seek NHS advice.
"Everybody has got to take the advice of Public Health England and therefore I trust the prime minister has also contacted NHS 111," she added.
"There's nothing special about him, he's another person and like any of us, he could spread this virus.
"Therefore he must take that public health advice in the same way that I have taken the public health advice."
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A Number 10 source said the prime minister has no coronavirus symptoms and so there is no need for him to be tested.
It is understood he was not in close contact with Ms Dorries at last Thursday's event.
Mr Johnson wished Ms Dorries a "speedy recovery" during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday morning, Downing Street said.
Ms Dorries, the minister in charge of patient safety, said in a statement that she "took all the advised precautions and have been self-isolating at home" since being informed she had tested positive.
"Public Health England (PHE) has started detailed contact tracing and the department and my parliamentary office are closely following their advice," she said.
"I would like to thank PHE and the wonderful NHS staff who have provided me with advice and support."
She added in a tweet: "It's been pretty rubbish but I hope I'm over the worst of it now. More worried about my 84yo mum who is staying with me and began with the cough today. She is being tested tomorrow."
Ms Dorries has also sent a message on the WhatsApp group for Tory MPs to ask them to get in touch if they were in contact with her.
The MP first showed symptoms on Thursday - the same day she attended the Downing Street event hosted by Mr Johnson to mark International Women's Day, according to a health department spokesman.
Image: Ms Dorries spoke in Westminster Hall on 5 March
Ms Dorries has voted twice in the House of Commons in the past week, according to parliamentary records - likely meaning she has been in close contact with hundreds of MPs.
She also spoke in a debate on eating disorders in Westminster Hall, on the parliamentary estate, last Thursday.
However, there are currently no plans to suspend parliament.
The 62-year-old also met people at a constituency surgery in Bedfordshire on Saturday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was "really sorry" to hear the news but that "she has done the right thing by self-isolating at home".
He added: "We all wish her well as she recovers."
In other coronavirus developments:
A sixth person has died after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK; confirmed cases rise to 382
after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK; confirmed cases rise to 382 NHS in England to "ramp up" testing facilities so 10,000 tests can be done each day
Manchester City's game against Arsenal tonight is postponed and players are self-isolating
and players are self-isolating US festival Coachella pushed back until October
pushed back until October A man is pulled from the rubble of a quarantine hotel in China nearly three days after it collapsed
South Korea reports 242 new coronavirus cases, bringing the country's total infections to 7,755
UN weather agency chief says decreased energy use due to the coronavirus is improving air quality in China
Image: One MP called parliament 'one of the most germ-infested, unhealthy places I've ever worked'
A Department of Health and Social Care spokeswoman said Ms Dorries has been self-isolating at home since Friday.
Officials have begun the process of getting in touch with everyone she has come into contact with since displaying symptoms.
The DHSC spokeswoman initially said all health ministers including Mr Hancock were to undergo testing, but later retracted the statement.
It is understood Mr Hancock hasn't seen Ms Dorries since last Tuesday and has not been tested for coronavirus.
A government source said officials and MPs should continue to go to work in Whitehall and parliament unless told otherwise.
"CMO (Chief Medical Officer) advice is that no one needs to self-isolate or be tested unless asked to by the PHE contact tracers who are working round the clock," the source said.
After Ms Dorries' diagnosis, a parliament spokesman said there were no plans to suspend parliament to prevent the spread of the virus.
But they are "closely following" guidance from Public Health England, the spokesman added.
Hannah Bardell, an SNP MP, said that would be tough as "Westminster by its nature means we're all corralled in there together at close proximity".
She added: "It's possibly one of the most germ infested unhealthy places I've ever worked."
Image: Health Secretary Matt Hancock is said to be in good health
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Sky News' political editor Beth Rigby said that "as a health minister in contact with other health ministers and officials the obvious question is whether there has been wider transmission in Department of Health team".
"I understand Matt Hancock is in good health and not displaying any symptoms," she added.
Politicians from across the political divide sent messages wishing Ms Dorries a swift recovery.
Labour shadow cabinet member Luke Pollard tweeted: "Politics should not get in the way of being decent human beings to one another."
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays