skynewspolitics--2020-08-21--EU negotiator 'disappointed' after little progress in Brexit talks

Brexit talks did not move swiftly forward this week , EU negotiator Michel Barnier has said , adding that he is `` disappointed '' with the progress of the negotiations .
The EU 's Brexit negotiator accused the UK of showing `` no willingness '' to compromise on the bloc 's priority areas in order to agree a trade deal before the end of the year .
`` Too often this week it felt as if we were going backwards more than forwards , '' he said , after the seventh round of talks between the two sides ended .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest negotiations in Brussels had been `` useful '' , there had been `` little progress '' .
`` Agreement is still possible , and it is still our goal , but it is clear that it will not be easy to achieve , '' he said .
The next round of talks will begin in London on 7 September .
Britain left the EU in January after 47 years of membership and is currently in an 11-month transition period , which means it is continuing to follow the bloc 's rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being used to negotiate a free trade agreement and sort out the terms of the future relationship that will govern ties between the UK and the EU moving forward .
Both sides have said a deal needs to be agreed by October in order for it to be ratified in time .
Earlier this summer , Prime Minister Boris Johnson formally told the EU that he would not be extending the transition period beyond the end of this year .
If the transition ends without a deal being struck , the UK will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on World Trade Organisation terms from next year .
Mr Barnier said that at this stage a deal `` seems unlikely '' , adding : `` On the European side , we are very concerned about the state of play in our negotiations .
The clock is ticking . ''
He said the issue of a level playing field is `` not going to go away '' and there had been `` no progress whatsoever '' on one of the main sticking points - the issue of fisheries .
`` We hear the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sovereignty and its regulatory autonomy and we respect that , clearly , '' Mr Barnier told a news conference .
`` But no international agreement was ever reached without the parties agreeing to common rules - no international agreement . ''
Mr Frost said Brussels was making the discussions `` unnecessarily difficult '' by `` insisting '' on the UK signing up to the EU 's state aid and fisheries policies .
`` The EU is still insisting not only that we must accept continuity with EU state aid and fisheries policy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before any further substantive work can be done in any other area of the negotiation , including on legal texts , '' he said .
`` This makes it unnecessarily difficult to make progress . ''
Mr Frost added that there are `` other significant areas which remain to be resolved '' , declaring : `` Time is short for both sides . ''
And a senior UK negotiating official hit back at the EU 's accusation of time-wasting , saying : `` The process block now is the EU 's insistence that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aid and fisheries before we can talk about anything else .
`` Obviously we 're not going to do that .
So it 's frozen . ''

Brexit talks did not move swiftly forward this week, EU negotiator Michel Barnier has said, adding that he is "disappointed" with the progress of the negotiations.
The EU's Brexit negotiator accused the UK of showing "no willingness" to compromise on the bloc's priority areas in order to agree a trade deal before the end of the year.
"Too often this week it felt as if we were going backwards more than forwards," he said, after the seventh round of talks between the two sides ended.
Image: David Frost and Michel Barnier arrive for a working breakfast after the seventh round of talks
UK negotiator David Frost said that while the latest negotiations in Brussels had been "useful", there had been "little progress".
"Agreement is still possible, and it is still our goal, but it is clear that it will not be easy to achieve," he said.
The next round of talks will begin in London on 7 September.
Britain left the EU in January after 47 years of membership and is currently in an 11-month transition period, which means it is continuing to follow the bloc's rules and regulations.
This time frame is being used to negotiate a free trade agreement and sort out the terms of the future relationship that will govern ties between the UK and the EU moving forward.
Both sides have said a deal needs to be agreed by October in order for it to be ratified in time.
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:08 EU negotiator 'disappointed' by Brexit talks
Earlier this summer, Prime Minister Boris Johnson formally told the EU that he would not be extending the transition period beyond the end of this year.
If the transition ends without a deal being struck, the UK will likely have to trade with the EU on World Trade Organisation terms from next year.
Mr Barnier said that at this stage a deal "seems unlikely", adding: "On the European side, we are very concerned about the state of play in our negotiations. The clock is ticking."
He said the issue of a level playing field is "not going to go away" and there had been "no progress whatsoever" on one of the main sticking points - the issue of fisheries.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 Why trucks have stalled Brexit trade progress
"We hear the British government's concern about maintaining its sovereignty and its regulatory autonomy and we respect that, clearly," Mr Barnier told a news conference.
"But no international agreement was ever reached without the parties agreeing to common rules - no international agreement."
Mr Frost said Brussels was making the discussions "unnecessarily difficult" by "insisting" on the UK signing up to the EU's state aid and fisheries policies.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:33 July: Brexit trade agreement 'unlikely'
"The EU is still insisting not only that we must accept continuity with EU state aid and fisheries policy, but also that this must be agreed before any further substantive work can be done in any other area of the negotiation, including on legal texts," he said.
"This makes it unnecessarily difficult to make progress."
Mr Frost added that there are "other significant areas which remain to be resolved", declaring: "Time is short for both sides."
And a senior UK negotiating official hit back at the EU's accusation of time-wasting, saying: "The process block now is the EU's insistence that we must accept their position on state aid and fisheries before we can talk about anything else.
"Obviously we're not going to do that. So it's frozen."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-21--Eviction ban in England to be extended until 20 September

The eviction ban in England will be extended until 20 September , Sky News understands .
Ministers have come under pressure to extend the ban , amid warnings thousands of renters could lose their homes otherwise .
An official announcement is expected to be made later .
The ban , which was announced in March because of the coronavirus pandemic , is currently due to end on Monday .
Charities have voiced fears of mass evictions around Christmas if it is not extended .
They have said that if the ban ends without extra protection , there could be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tens of thousands of outgoing tenants potentially unable to find or access affordable homes .
According to housing charity Shelter , by the end of June a total of 174,000 renters had been warned by their landlord that they are facing eviction .
Shelter added that 58,000 moved out after being asked to leave during the COVID-19 lockdown .
The charity estimates that almost a quarter of a million renters were in rent arrears by the end of June .
Shelter chief executive Polly Neate said time is `` fast running out '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that without the ban , anybody renting who has eight weeks of arrears can be automatically evicted , with judges `` powerless to intervene '' .
The District Councils Network estimates that up to half a million people could be at risk of eviction in the months to come .
Crisis has said extending the ban once more is the `` obvious '' choice with unemployment rising and future uncertainty caused by the pandemic .
Chief executive Jon Sparkes said the ban should stay in place until `` well into next year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should introduce other measures .
Charities say that if the ban ends without extra protection , there could be a `` devastating homelessness crisis '' , with tens of thousands of outgoing tenants potentially unable to find or access affordable homes .
The British Medical Association has also expressed concerns , saying ending the ban could lead to a surge in coronavirus cases if homelessness increases , with homeless people more likely to have health conditions that increase their vulnerability .
But the National Residential Landlords Association has said extending the ban is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrong to assume that every tenant who is behind on their rent is automatically at risk of eviction .
Policy director Chris Norris said landlords `` have been powerless to take any action against those who cause misery for fellow tenants and neighbours '' .

The eviction ban in England and Wales has been extended by four weeks, the government has announced.
Ministers had come under pressure to extend the ban beyond Monday - when it was due to end - amid warnings thousands of renters could lose their homes otherwise.
The measure was announced in March because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Image: Charities say that if the ban ends without extra protection, there could be a 'devastating homelessness crisis'
In Scotland and Northern Ireland, the ban has been extended to March.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said: "I know this year has been challenging and all of us are still living with the effects of COVID-19. That is why today I am announcing a further four-week ban on evictions, meaning no renters will have been evicted for six months.
"I am also increasing protections for renters - six month notice periods must be given to tenants, supporting renters over winter.
"However, it is right that the most egregious cases, for example those involving anti-social behaviour or domestic abuse perpetrators, begin to be heard in court again; and so when courts reopen, landlords will once again be able to progress these priority cases."
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the "11th hour U-turn", but said the ban should remain in force until a "credible plan" is in place to stop anyone losing their home because of the pandemic.
"Such a brief extension means there is a real risk that this will simply give renters a few more weeks to pack their bags," he said.
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:41 What it's like to be homeless in lockdown
Citizens Advice chief executive Dame Gillian Guy called on ministers to work with it and others to "put in place a series of protections which will help those who've built up rent arrears get back on their feet".
But the National Residential Landlords Association criticised the "blanket extension", saying it "satisfies no one".
Chief executive Ben Beadle said: "Landlords have been left powerless in exercising their legal right to deal with significant arrears unrelated to COVID-19, antisocial behaviour and extremely disruptive tenants who make life miserable for their neighbours and housemates.
"Private landlords cannot be expected to foot the bill for government failure. There must now be a plan to support households to pay their bills and to compensate landlords fully for their lost income."
Charities had voiced fears of mass evictions around Christmas if the ban is not extended.
They said that if the ban ended without extra protection, there could have been a "devastating homelessness crisis", with tens of thousands of outgoing tenants potentially unable to find or access affordable homes.
Image: Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has welcomed the '11th hour U-turn'
According to housing charity Shelter, by the end of June a total of 174,000 renters had been warned by their landlord that they are facing eviction.
Shelter added that 58,000 moved out after being asked to leave during the COVID-19 lockdown.
The charity estimates that almost a quarter of a million renters were in rent arrears by the end of June.
Reacting to the extension, Shelter said ministers "must now use this short window of time wisely to put proper safeguards in place for renters".
It added: "A bullet may have been dodged with this extension, but as soon as Parliament returns, it must give judges extra powers to stop renters being evicted because of 'COVID-arrears'."
The District Councils Network estimates that up to half a million people could be at risk of eviction in the months to come.
The British Medical Association has also expressed concerns, saying ending the ban could lead to a surge in coronavirus cases if homelessness increases, with homeless people more likely to have health conditions that increase their vulnerability.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-21--Britons scramble to get home - as transport secretary rules out regional quarantines

Britons in a number of countries are scrambling to return home to avoid having to self-isolate for 14 days - as the transport secretary ruled out regional coronavirus quarantine rules .
Croatia , Austria and Trinidad and Tobago have been added to the UK 's COVID-19 quarantine list , Grant Shapps announced on Thursday .
From 4am on Saturday , anybody coming to the UK from these countries will have to self-isolate for two weeks .
Portugal , meanwhile , has been removed from the quarantine list .
This means Britons can go on holiday there and not have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduction of quarantine restrictions for Croatia , Austria and Trinidad and Tobago has seen air fares skyrocket .
British Airways was advertising tickets for an economy class flight from Zagreb , Croatia to London early on Friday at €308 ( £276 ) , compared to €92 ( £82 ) on Monday and €96 ( £86 ) on Thursday .
Similarly , the airline was on Thursday night advertising an economy seat on a flight from Vienna to London Heathrow for €538 ( £482 ) .
The price for a flight on Sunday was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jodie , from Keighley , West Yorkshire , paid around £800 to get home from northern Croatia via Munich in order to beat the deadline , after finding it impossible to book a direct flight .
`` There was n't an alternative .
There are no flights from Pula to the UK on Fridays , only a flight from Zagreb to London runs but obviously that was fully booked , '' Liam said .
The latest additions to the coronavirus quarantine list - which includes Spain and France - has sparked renewed calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach .
In a statement , Gatwick Airport said this would `` reflect the UK government 's domestic approach to containing outbreaks by implementing local lockdowns '' and `` help the aviation industry to recover and protect jobs '' .
But Mr Shapps rejected this suggestion , telling Sky News : `` It is still rather too difficult to do the kind of regionalisation that you 're talking about because we just do n't have the same control elsewhere . ''
`` This is a very unpredictable virus which unfortunately just does n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it can just sometimes take off in a country and I think anyone travelling this year will know that there are risks involved , '' he said .
`` Indeed , we 've added Portugal back on to the list , but you need to go with your eyes open there or anywhere that you travel this year because coronavirus is just a fact of life , we 're having to live with it . ''
The transport secretary said the government is continuing to look at the feasibility of COVID-19 testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans for a new testing facility which it claims could shorten the two-week quarantine period .
`` I want to see systems in place to do that kind of thing , '' Mr Shapps said .
`` But you 've also got to be sure that you 're testing the right person on that second time round because are you going to just send the kit to the house or are you going to require the person to perhaps drive to a test centre ? ''
He added : `` It 's a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The Foreign Office has said it would look at putting any country with more than 20 cases per 100,000 people on its quarantine list .
Croatia 's average number of cases has risen to 29.5 cases per 100,000 people in the past week - compared to a rate of 13.54 per 100,000 a week ago .
The mayor of Dubrovnik , one of Croatia 's most popular tourist cities , said he had tried to speak to the British government to exclude travellers to the city from quarantine - as Germany @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has had very few cases .
Mato Frankovic said he had hoped airport testing for coronavirus would be introduced in the UK instead of quarantine .
Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He told Sky News : `` But we were not successful .
I do hope those British citizens who want to come to Dubrovnik still do , and I want to send a very strong message that Dubrovnik is a COVID-safe town . ''
Trinidad and Tobago 's cases have risen rapidly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the past week compared to 9.10 cases per 100,000 the previous week .
Austria 's rate has nearly doubled , with 20.31 cases per 100,000 in the past seven days , up from 10.45 cases per 100,000 the week before .

Britons in a number of countries are scrambling to return home to avoid having to self-isolate for 14 days - as the transport secretary ruled out regional coronavirus quarantine rules.
Croatia, Austria and Trinidad and Tobago have been added to the UK's COVID-19 quarantine list, Grant Shapps announced on Thursday.
From 4am on Saturday, anybody coming to the UK from these countries will have to self-isolate for two weeks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 'Dubrovnik is COVID-free', says mayor
Portugal, meanwhile, has been removed from the quarantine list.
This means Britons can go on holiday there and not have to self-isolate when they get back.
The introduction of quarantine restrictions for Croatia, Austria and Trinidad and Tobago has seen air fares skyrocket.
British Airways was advertising tickets for an economy class flight from Zagreb, Croatia to London early on Friday at €308 (£276), compared to €92 (£82) on Monday and €96 (£86) on Thursday.
Similarly, the airline was on Thursday night advertising an economy seat on a flight from Vienna to London Heathrow for €538 (£482). The price for a flight on Sunday was €122 (£109).
Liam and Jodie, from Keighley, West Yorkshire, paid around £800 to get home from northern Croatia via Munich in order to beat the deadline, after finding it impossible to book a direct flight.
Advertisement
"There wasn't an alternative. There are no flights from Pula to the UK on Fridays, only a flight from Zagreb to London runs but obviously that was fully booked," Liam said.
The latest additions to the coronavirus quarantine list - which includes Spain and France - has sparked renewed calls for the government to take a regional approach.
In a statement, Gatwick Airport said this would "reflect the UK government's domestic approach to containing outbreaks by implementing local lockdowns" and "help the aviation industry to recover and protect jobs".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:24 Quarantine confusion: 'I've been there myself'
But Mr Shapps rejected this suggestion, telling Sky News: "It is still rather too difficult to do the kind of regionalisation that you're talking about because we just don't have the same control elsewhere."
"This is a very unpredictable virus which unfortunately just doesn't play ball as far as the way that it can just sometimes take off in a country and I think anyone travelling this year will know that there are risks involved," he said.
"Indeed, we've added Portugal back on to the list, but you need to go with your eyes open there or anywhere that you travel this year because coronavirus is just a fact of life, we're having to live with it."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:31 Sky News spoke to travellers at Gatwick airport about their opinion on Croatia being added to the UK quarantine list
The transport secretary said the government is continuing to look at the feasibility of COVID-19 testing at airports.
Heathrow Airport has revealed plans for a new testing facility which it claims could shorten the two-week quarantine period.
"I want to see systems in place to do that kind of thing," Mr Shapps said.
"But you've also got to be sure that you're testing the right person on that second time round because are you going to just send the kit to the house or are you going to require the person to perhaps drive to a test centre?"
He added: "It's a bit more complicated than is sometimes suggested."
The Foreign Office has said it would look at putting any country with more than 20 cases per 100,000 people on its quarantine list.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:13 Heathrow chief exec: PM needs to 'get a grip'
Croatia's average number of cases has risen to 29.5 cases per 100,000 people in the past week - compared to a rate of 13.54 per 100,000 a week ago.
The mayor of Dubrovnik, one of Croatia's most popular tourist cities, said he had tried to speak to the British government to exclude travellers to the city from quarantine - as Germany has done - because he said it has had very few cases.
Mato Frankovic said he had hoped airport testing for coronavirus would be introduced in the UK instead of quarantine.
Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He told Sky News: "But we were not successful. I do hope those British citizens who want to come to Dubrovnik still do, and I want to send a very strong message that Dubrovnik is a COVID-safe town."
Trinidad and Tobago's cases have risen rapidly, with 25.81 cases per 100,000 people in the past week compared to 9.10 cases per 100,000 the previous week.
Austria's rate has nearly doubled, with 20.31 cases per 100,000 in the past seven days, up from 10.45 cases per 100,000 the week before.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-21--Ex-Tory campaign manager spared jail over indecent images of children

A former Conservative Party campaign manager has been spared jail after he admitted possessing indecent images of children .
Mark Lerigo received a suspended jail sentence and was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work , but walked free after a court heard he did not to pose a high risk to children .
The 49-year-old , of William Bristow Road , Coventry , had denied having a sexual interest in children when he was first arrested in 2018 .
He later pleaded guilty to two charges of distributing indecent images of children , three counts of making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pornography involving animals , one of possessing prohibited images of children and one of publishing an obscene article .
A Warwick Crown Court hearing on Friday was told some of the 1,500 images showed babies , while others involved bestiality and torture .
Sentencing Lerigo , Recorder Martin Butterworth said : `` I have to sentence you for downloading dreadful images of children , of children being abused , and downloading other unlawful sexual images .
`` Any consumer of this dreadful material causes others to make it . ''
Referring to Lerigo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` You held a senior post in a political party .
`` You are now disgraced , your reputation destroyed .
`` Those two factors are not mitigation and you 're not entitled to any sympathy for that .
`` But you have demonstrated remorse and shame by your attitude in interviews , latterly with the police but most recently with the Probation Service , and you have pleaded guilty . ''
Explaining his decision to suspend the jail sentence , the recorder said he had to consider the best way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The pre-sentence report demonstrates that you want help and you have already sought it , '' he told Lerigo .
`` That help can only be offered if you remain the subject of some order to be served in the community . ''
Lerigo was handed a two-year jail term , suspended for two years , and made the subject of a 40-day rehabilitation activity requirement .
The judge also imposed on him a four-month curfew and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order .

A former Conservative Party campaign manager has been spared jail after he admitted possessing indecent images of children.
Mark Lerigo received a suspended jail sentence and was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work, but walked free after a court heard he did not to pose a high risk to children.
The 49-year-old, of William Bristow Road, Coventry, had denied having a sexual interest in children when he was first arrested in 2018.
Image: Lerigo after his arrest on charges relating to indecent images of children
He later pleaded guilty to two charges of distributing indecent images of children, three counts of making indecent images, one of possessing extreme pornography involving animals, one of possessing prohibited images of children and one of publishing an obscene article.
A Warwick Crown Court hearing on Friday was told some of the 1,500 images showed babies, while others involved bestiality and torture.
Sentencing Lerigo, Recorder Martin Butterworth said: "I have to sentence you for downloading dreadful images of children, of children being abused, and downloading other unlawful sexual images.
"Any consumer of this dreadful material causes others to make it."
Referring to Lerigo's former job, the judge added: "You held a senior post in a political party.
"You are now disgraced, your reputation destroyed.
Advertisement
"Those two factors are not mitigation and you're not entitled to any sympathy for that.
"But you have demonstrated remorse and shame by your attitude in interviews, latterly with the police but most recently with the Probation Service, and you have pleaded guilty."
Explaining his decision to suspend the jail sentence, the recorder said he had to consider the best way to protect the public and children.
"The pre-sentence report demonstrates that you want help and you have already sought it," he told Lerigo.
"That help can only be offered if you remain the subject of some order to be served in the community."
Lerigo was handed a two-year jail term, suspended for two years, and made the subject of a 40-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
The judge also imposed on him a four-month curfew and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-21--Eviction ban in England and Wales extended by four weeks

The eviction ban in England and Wales has been extended by four weeks , the government has announced .
Ministers had come under pressure to extend the ban beyond Monday - when it was due to end - amid warnings thousands of renters could lose their homes otherwise .
The measure was announced in March because of the coronavirus pandemic .
In Scotland and Northern Ireland , the ban has been extended to March .
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said : `` I know this year has been challenging and all of us are still living with the effects of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am announcing a further four-week ban on evictions , meaning no renters will have been evicted for six months .
`` I am also increasing protections for renters - six month notice periods must be given to tenants , supporting renters over winter .
`` However , it is right that the most egregious cases , for example those involving anti-social behaviour or domestic abuse perpetrators , begin to be heard in court again ; and so when courts reopen , landlords will once again be able to progress these priority cases .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` 11th hour U-turn '' , but said the ban should remain in force until a `` credible plan '' is in place to stop anyone losing their home because of the pandemic .
`` Such a brief extension means there is a real risk that this will simply give renters a few more weeks to pack their bags , '' he said .
Citizens Advice chief executive Dame Gillian Guy called on ministers to work with it and others to `` put in place a series of protections which will help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get back on their feet '' .
But the National Residential Landlords Association criticised the `` blanket extension '' , saying it `` satisfies no one '' .
Chief executive Ben Beadle said : `` Landlords have been left powerless in exercising their legal right to deal with significant arrears unrelated to COVID-19 , antisocial behaviour and extremely disruptive tenants who make life miserable for their neighbours and housemates .
`` Private landlords can not be expected to foot the bill for government failure .
There must now be a plan to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compensate landlords fully for their lost income . ''
Charities had voiced fears of mass evictions around Christmas if the ban is not extended .
They said that if the ban ended without extra protection , there could have been a `` devastating homelessness crisis '' , with tens of thousands of outgoing tenants potentially unable to find or access affordable homes .
According to housing charity Shelter , by the end of June a total of 174,000 renters had been warned by their landlord that they are facing eviction .
Shelter added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to leave during the COVID-19 lockdown .
The charity estimates that almost a quarter of a million renters were in rent arrears by the end of June .
Reacting to the extension , Shelter said ministers `` must now use this short window of time wisely to put proper safeguards in place for renters '' .
It added : `` A bullet may have been dodged with this extension , but as soon as Parliament returns , it must give judges extra powers to stop renters being evicted because of 'COVID-arrears ' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to half a million people could be at risk of eviction in the months to come .
The British Medical Association has also expressed concerns , saying ending the ban could lead to a surge in coronavirus cases if homelessness increases , with homeless people more likely to have health conditions that increase their vulnerability .


skynewspolitics--2020-08-22--Reopening of schools will 'put pressure' on the R number, govt adviser warns

The reopening of schools will `` put pressure '' on the R number and could lead to the closure of pubs and shops at a local level , the chief medical officer for England has said .
Professor Chris Whitty acknowledged the government is having to `` balance risks '' in relation to whether children should return to their education during the outbreak , but added he believes pupils are more likely to be `` harmed by not going than by going , even during this pandemic '' .
Mr Whitty , who is the chief medical adviser to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first thing to say is that the evidence that not going to school damages children in the long run is overwhelming and that includes their long-term chances .
`` It increases the risks of disparities , it entrenches deep-rooted problems that people may have , it increases the risk that they have mental and physical ill health in the long run .
He added : `` The chances of many children being damaged by not going to school are incredibly clear and therefore the balance of risk is very strongly in favour of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are likely to be harmed by not going than harmed by going , even during this pandemic . ''
Mr Whitty also said there is `` overwhelming clear evidence that the chances of children dying from COVID are incredibly small '' as he aimed to address parents ' concerns over the health risks of children returning to school .
He added `` there 's some evidence that children , particularly in primary school , are actually less likely to catch COVID in the first place '' .
Mr Whitty said : `` There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK and around the world that children much less commonly get a severe illness and end up having to be hospitalised if they get symptomatic COVID at probably a rate of less than a tenth of the general population . ''
Mr Whitty has been joined by the chief medical officers and deputy chief medical officers for Scotland , Northern Ireland and Wales in saying children should return to school during the pandemic .
The chief medical officer for England acknowledged that children will undoubtedly bring households together who would n't come into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added some of this will happen directly as children from households will meet , but it was also happen indirectly as it will free up some people to go to work .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Whitty said : `` By opening schools , which I think everybody agrees is absolutely essential for the education of children , we are going to bring households together who not otherwise be together .
`` The result of that is that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ R , it may increase it ... if that happens we will have to respond . ''
The R number is a measure of how many people on average each infected person transmits the virus on to .
Mr Whitty said it is possible other areas of society will face restrictions in order to keep schools open .
He said the aim will be for these measures to be put in place locally to target areas where there has been a surge in transmission .
Mr Whitty continued : `` If it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to look at shops , if it was hospitality , we would need to look at hospitality . ''
He added : `` But I do want to be really clear , even with all the information we have got now , even with all the tools we have at our disposal now , we have still got a really serious challenge of coronavirus for at least the next nine months . ''
Meanwhile , the World Health Organisation has said children aged 12 and over should wear masks when they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one metre to limit the spread of the virus .
Children between six and 11 should use them on a `` risk-based approach '' , the global body added .

Children are more likely to catch coronavirus at home than at school, a Public Health England (PHE) study has found.
The findings come after England's chief medical officer said reopening schools brings less risk of long-term harm than keeping children at home.
PHE's research detected just 67 single cases and 30 outbreaks, defined as two or more linked cases, in schools across England in June.
The study also found:
Only 0.01% of open educational settings had an outbreak
Out of more than one million children attending pre-school and primary school in June, just 70 children were affected
Infections in the wider community likely driving cases in schools
Children were more likely to acquire SARS-CoV-2 infection at home than in school
SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) is the virus that causes the disease COVID-19.
Reported coronavirus cases, clusters and outbreaks were reviewed daily across all educational settings in England until the end of July as part of the study.
PHE found that there were more likely to be outbreaks in those areas that also had a high COVID-19 incidence, suggesting transmission in the community was driving the spread in schools.
The study also found staff members were more likely to be affected by the virus than students, though not more likely than the general population as a whole.
Where children did contract the infection, they were most likely to catch COVID-19 at home, usually from a parent.
Advertisement
Half the outbreaks did not involve any students at all and transmission between students was very rare.
Sue Hannam, headteacher at Lichfield Cathedral School in Staffordshire, has said there will be an element of "trial and error" when her pupils return.
She told Sky News: "I think the problem for me at the moment is, if we have someone in the school who is symptomatic, we know that we have to send them home, we know that if they are tested and the tests are positive, that we contact our local public health office who will then give us further guidance.
"Our real concern is that we know in the autumn term, lots of children will be coming to school with coughs and colds and sneezes... there is a real risk I think of sending a lot of children home because we have to."
She added: "There's going to have to be a degree of trial and error as we go into next term."
Professor Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England, has acknowledged the government is having to "balance risks" in relation to whether children should return to their education during the coronavirus outbreak.
But he added he believes pupils are more likely to be "harmed by not going than by going, even during this pandemic".
Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants all pupils to return to school next month, saying it is the "right thing for everybody".
Image: Some pupils have already returned to classes with social distancing measures in place
Professor Whitty said: "The first thing to say is that the evidence that not going to school damages children in the long run is overwhelming and that includes their long-term chances.
"It increases the risks of disparities, it entrenches deep-rooted problems that people may have, it increases the risk that they have mental and physical ill health in the long run."
He added: "The chances of many children being damaged by not going to school are incredibly clear and therefore the balance of risk is very strongly in favour of children going to school because many more are likely to be harmed by not going than harmed by going, even during this pandemic."
Professor Whitty has said the reopening of schools will "put pressure" on the R number and could lead to the closure of pubs and shops at a local level.
He also said there is "overwhelming clear evidence that the chances of children dying from COVID are incredibly small" as he aimed to address parents' concerns over the health risks of children returning to school.
Professor Whitty added "there's some evidence that children, particularly in primary school, are actually less likely to catch COVID in the first place".
He said: "There's also very clear evidence from the UK and around the world that children much less commonly get a severe illness and end up having to be hospitalised if they get symptomatic COVID at probably a rate of less than a tenth of the general population."
He has been joined by the chief medical officers and deputy chief medical officers for Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales in saying children should return to school during the pandemic.
Professor Whitty acknowledged that children will undoubtedly bring households together who wouldn't come into contact if schools were closed.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He added some of this will happen directly as children from households will meet, but it was also happen indirectly as it will free up some people to go to work.
Professor Whitty said: "By opening schools, which I think everybody agrees is absolutely essential for the education of children, we are going to bring households together who might not otherwise be together.
"The result of that is that it will create some upward pressure on the R, it may increase it... if that happens we will have to respond."
The R number is a measure of how many people on average each infected person transmits the virus on to.
Professor Whitty said it is possible other areas of society will face restrictions in order to keep schools open.
He said the aim will be for these measures to be put in place locally to target areas where there has been a surge in transmission.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 'Do we never open schools until there's a vaccine?'
Professor Whitty continued: "If it was shops in a particular area we would need to look at shops, if it was hospitality, we would need to look at hospitality."
He added: "But I do want to be really clear, even with all the information we have got now, even with all the tools we have at our disposal now, we have still got a really serious challenge of coronavirus for at least the next nine months."
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said the prime minister's promise to get all children back to school had been put at "serious risk" by a "week of chaos" over exam results.
He said the last two weeks have been "wasted clearing up a mess of the government's own making", telling The Observer: "I want to see children back at school next month, and I expect the prime minister to deliver on that commitment.
"However, the commitment is now at serious risk after a week of chaos, confusion and incompetence from the government.
"Ministers should have spent the summer implementing a national plan to get all children back to school. Instead, the last two weeks have been wasted clearing up a mess of the government's own making over exam results."
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation has said children aged 12 and over should wear masks when they cannot guarantee social distancing of at least one metre to limit the spread of the virus.
Children between six and 11 should use them on a "risk-based approach", the global body added.
The UK recorded a further 1,041 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, down from 1,288 on Saturday, according to government figures.
Six people died after testing positive for coronavirus within the previous 28 days, compared with 18 deaths announced on Saturday.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-22--COVID-19 risk to children dwarfed by 'certainty of long-term harm' from school closures

If the government fails to meet its pledge to fully reopen schools in September , it wo n't be because of the medical advice .
A joint statement signed by the chief medical officers from all corners of the UK concludes the risk of children getting seriously ill from COVID-19 is dwarfed by what they describe as the `` certainty of long-term harm '' for many children if they do not attend school .
In the sea of confusion that defines most aspects of this pandemic , the collective assessment of the UK 's leading medical officials is a rare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that reopening schools represents the right balance of risks should not be misinterpreted .
Balancing risks is not the same as eliminating them and , as the statement makes clear , `` there are no risk-free options '' .
They conclude teachers are not at any higher risk than other working age people in other work places - not that there is no risk .
They say any upward pressure on the rate of infection would more likely be the indirect result of more people returning to work and using public transport , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The point was further underlined by the chief medical officer for England , Chris Whitty , who said COVID-19 would present `` serious challenges '' and `` real problems '' in the UK for at least the next nine months .
There is a `` reasonable chance '' a vaccine will eventually be found , Professor Whitty said , but probably not before the winter of 2021 .
Until then the government will hope it can maintain its current approach of taking action against outbreaks locally rather than nationally .
Another full national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as another full national lockdown , but the localised closure of schools could be unavoidable .
So far the government has not made clear how it believes education should be provided in that scenario , but it is likely to become a question ministers find themselves being asked more and more in the coming months .
The prime minister may feel a boost from the fact his determination to reopen schools has received medical backing , but his hopes of a `` significant return to normality '' by Christmas look to be in @ @

If the government fails to meet its pledge to fully reopen schools in September, it won't be because of the medical advice.
A joint statement signed by the chief medical officers from all corners of the UK concludes the risk of children getting seriously ill from COVID-19 is dwarfed by what they describe as the "certainty of long-term harm" for many children if they do not attend school.
In the sea of confusion that defines most aspects of this pandemic, the collective assessment of the UK's leading medical officials is a rare example of clarity.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:10 'The balance of risk is in favour of children going to school'
But the conclusion that reopening schools represents the right balance of risks should not be misinterpreted.
Balancing risks is not the same as eliminating them and, as the statement makes clear, "there are no risk-free options".
They conclude teachers are not at any higher risk than other working age people in other work places - not that there is no risk.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
They say any upward pressure on the rate of infection would more likely be the indirect result of more people returning to work and using public transport, but an uptick is expected nonetheless.
The point was further underlined by the chief medical officer for England, Chris Whitty, who said COVID-19 would present "serious challenges" and "real problems" in the UK for at least the next nine months.
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 'Very nervous': Schools reopen in Scotland
There is a "reasonable chance" a vaccine will eventually be found, Professor Whitty said, but probably not before the winter of 2021.
Until then the government will hope it can maintain its current approach of taking action against outbreaks locally rather than nationally.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:17 Prime Minister Boris Johnson: 'No doubt' schools will be safe
Another full national closure of schools may be as unlikely as another full national lockdown, but the localised closure of schools could be unavoidable.
So far the government has not made clear how it believes education should be provided in that scenario, but it is likely to become a question ministers find themselves being asked more and more in the coming months.
The prime minister may feel a boost from the fact his determination to reopen schools has received medical backing, but his hopes of a "significant return to normality" by Christmas look to be in tatters.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-22--PM's partner shares pictures of family holiday in Scottish Highlands

Boris Johnson has been pictured holidaying in Scotland with his fiancee and baby son .
The prime minister 's partner @ @ @ @ @ shared snaps of the family enjoying walks in the Scottish Highlands .
In the photos @ @ @ @ @ smiling while carrying his son Wilfred in a baby sling .
One snap shows the @ @ @ @ @ Symonds holds their dog Dilyn .
The trio were reported to be staying in a @ @ @ @ @ northwest coast .
A government source confirmed to PA news agency that the prime minister @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Johnson had been expected back at Westminster next week after facing criticism for @ @ @ @ @ results chaos .

Boris Johnson has been pictured holidaying in Scotland with his fiancee and baby son.
The prime minister's partner Carrie Symonds, 32, shared snaps of the family enjoying walks in the Scottish Highlands.
In the photos, Mr Johnson is seen smiling while carrying his son Wilfred in a baby sling.
Image: The prime minister has been holidaying in Scotland. Pic: Carrie Symonds
One snap shows the family posing together as Ms Symonds holds their dog Dilyn.
The trio were reported to be staying in a remote three-bedroom house on the northwest coast.
A government source confirmed to PA news agency that the prime minister has now returned from Scotland.
Mr Johnson had been expected back at Westminster next week after facing criticism for not returning during the A-level results chaos.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-23--Education secretary defends holiday ahead of A-level results day

The education secretary has defended going on holiday a week before the A-level exams controversy .
Gavin Williamson cancelled a key meeting to go on holiday in Scarborough - days before teenagers received their results , according to The Sunday Times .
In a message posted on Twitter , Mr Williamson defended the trip , writing : `` I cancelled our family holiday abroad this year to focus on the challenges COVID-19 created for the education sector .
`` Over the summer , I went to see family in Scarborough for the first time since lockdown , and while there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ department . ''
It comes after education minister Gillian Keegan was criticised for sharing photos of herself in France as the results fiasco unfolded .
Mr Williamson liked several of the pictures , The Mail on Sunday reported .
The education secretary has resisted calls to resign over a controversial algorithm that was initially used to grade A-level pupils whose exams were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic .
When the results were released it was revealed that nearly 40 % of A-level marks had been downgraded in England .
The system also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw nearly double the number of increases in top marks year-on-year compared to state comprehensives .
It was eventually scrapped in favour of teacher-assessed grades , with Mr Williamson telling Sky News earlier this week he was `` incredibly sorry for the distress '' the row had caused .
He said up until A-level results day he had `` every confidence '' the algorithm would not penalise disadvantaged students .
Amid the controversy , the prime minister has been on holiday in Scotland .
On the day A-level results were released , Boris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the algorithm .
He said : `` Let 's be in no doubt about it - the exam results we 've got today are robust , they 're good , they 're dependable for employers . ''
Mr Johnson and his fiancee Carrie Symonds have cut short their holiday after pictures of their cottage were published .
A government source confirmed to the PA news agency that the Prime Minister has returned from Scotland .

The education secretary has defended going on holiday a week before the A-level exams controversy.
Gavin Williamson cancelled a key meeting to go on holiday in Scarborough - days before teenagers received their results, according to The Sunday Times.
In a message posted on Twitter, Mr Williamson defended the trip, writing: "I cancelled our family holiday abroad this year to focus on the challenges COVID-19 created for the education sector.
"Over the summer, I went to see family in Scarborough for the first time since lockdown, and while there I was in constant communication with the department."
It comes after education minister Gillian Keegan was criticised for sharing photos of herself in France as the results fiasco unfolded.
Instagram Instagram , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Instagram cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Instagram cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Instagram cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Mr Williamson liked several of the pictures, The Mail on Sunday reported.
The education secretary has resisted calls to resign over a controversial algorithm that was initially used to grade A-level pupils whose exams were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
When the results were released it was revealed that nearly 40% of A-level marks had been downgraded in England.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:16 Williamson: 'It was the right thing to do'
The system also appeared to advantage private schools, which saw nearly double the number of increases in top marks year-on-year compared to state comprehensives.
Advertisement
It was eventually scrapped in favour of teacher-assessed grades, with Mr Williamson telling Sky News earlier this week he was "incredibly sorry for the distress" the row had caused.
He said up until A-level results day he had "every confidence" the algorithm would not penalise disadvantaged students.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:10 Exams U-turn a 'massive relief' for students
Amid the controversy, the prime minister has been on holiday in Scotland.
On the day A-level results were released, Boris Johnson had given his full endorsement to the algorithm.
He said: "Let's be in no doubt about it - the exam results we've got today are robust, they're good, they're dependable for employers."
Image: The family shared pictures from the Scottish Highlands. Pic: Carrie Symonds
Mr Johnson and his fiancee Carrie Symonds have cut short their holiday after pictures of their cottage were published.
A government source confirmed to the PA news agency that the Prime Minister has returned from Scotland.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-22--Children are at more risk of long-term harm if schools stay shut, govt adviser says

Reopening schools brings less risk of long-term harm than keeping children at home , England 's chief medical officer has said .
Professor Chris Whitty acknowledged the government is having to `` balance risks '' in relation to whether children should return to their education during the coronavirus outbreak , but added he believes pupils are more likely to be `` harmed by not going than by going , even during this pandemic '' .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants all pupils to return to school next month , saying it is the `` right thing for everybody '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing to say is that the evidence that not going to school damages children in the long run is overwhelming and that includes their long-term chances .
`` It increases the risks of disparities , it entrenches deep-rooted problems that people may have , it increases the risk that they have mental and physical ill health in the long run . ''
He added : `` The chances of many children being damaged by not going to school are incredibly clear and therefore the balance of risk is very strongly in favour of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are likely to be harmed by not going than harmed by going , even during this pandemic . ''
Public Health England ( PHE ) published a study on Sunday which found there were very low numbers of COVID-19 outbreaks in schools .
Reported coronavirus cases , clusters and outbreaks were reviewed daily across all educational settings in England until the end of July .
PHE found that there were more likely to be outbreaks in those areas that also had a high COVID-19 incidence , suggesting transmission in the community was driving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also found staff members were more likely to be affected by the virus than students , though not more likely than the general population as a whole .
Where children did contract the infection , they were most likely to catch COVID-19 at home , usually from a parent .
Half the outbreaks did not involve any students at all and transmission between students was very rare .
• Public Health England detected just 67 single cases and 30 outbreaks ( defined as two or more linked cases ) in schools across England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open educational settings had an outbreak • Out of more than one million children attending pre-school and primary school in June , just 70 children were affected • Infections in the wider community likely driving cases in schools • Children were more likely to acquire SARS-CoV-2 infection at home than in school Professor Whitty said the reopening of schools will `` put pressure '' on the R number and could lead to the closure of pubs and shops at a local level .
He also said there is `` overwhelming clear evidence that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are incredibly small '' as he aimed to address parents ' concerns over the health risks of children returning to school .
Professor Whitty added `` there 's some evidence that children , particularly in primary school , are actually less likely to catch COVID in the first place '' .
He said : `` There 's also very clear evidence from the UK and around the world that children much less commonly get a severe illness and end up having to be hospitalised if they get symptomatic COVID at probably a rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general population . ''
He has been joined by the chief medical officers and deputy chief medical officers for Scotland , Northern Ireland and Wales in saying children should return to school during the pandemic .
Sue Hannam , headteacher at Lichfield Cathedral School in Staffordshire , has said there will be an element of `` trial and error '' when her pupils return .
She told Sky News : `` I think the problem for me at the moment is , if we have someone in the school who is symptomatic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them home , we know that if they are tested and the tests are positive , that we contact our local public health office who will then give us further guidance .
`` Our real concern is that we know in the autumn term , lots of children will be coming to school with coughs and colds and sneezes ... there is a real risk I think of a sending a lot of children home because we have to . ''
She added : `` There 's going to have to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go in to next term . ''
Professor Whitty acknowledged that children will undoubtedly bring households together who would n't come into contact if schools were closed .
He added some of this will happen directly as children from households will meet , but it was also happen indirectly as it will free up some people to go to work .
Professor Whitty said : `` By opening schools , which I think everybody agrees is absolutely essential for the education of children , we are going to bring households together who not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that is that it will create some upward pressure on the R , it may increase it ... if that happens we will have to respond . ''
The R number is a measure of how many people on average each infected person transmits the virus on to .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Professor Whitty said it is possible other areas of society will face restrictions in order to keep schools open .
He said the aim will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place locally to target areas where there has been a surge in transmission .
Professor Whitty continued : `` If it was shops in a particular area we would need to look at shops , if it was hospitality , we would need to look at hospitality . ''
He added : `` But I do want to be really clear , even with all the information we have got now , even with all the tools we have at our disposal now , we have still got a really serious challenge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months . ''
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said the prime minister 's promise to get all children back to school had been put at `` serious risk '' by a `` week of chaos '' over exam results .
He said the last two weeks have been `` wasted clearing up a mess of the government 's own making '' , telling The Observer : `` I want to see children back at school next month , and I expect the prime minister to deliver on that commitment .
`` However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk after a week of chaos , confusion and incompetence from the government .
`` Ministers should have spent the summer implementing a national plan to get all children back to school .
Instead , the last two weeks have been wasted clearing up a mess of the government 's own making over exam results . ''
Meanwhile , the World Health Organisation has said children aged 12 and over should wear masks when they can not guarantee social distancing of at least one metre to limit the spread of the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ them on a `` risk-based approach '' , the global body added .


skynewspolitics--2020-08-23--Pupils' 'life chances' will suffer if they don't go back to school, warns PM

The prime minister has said pupils ' `` life chances '' will suffer if they do not return to their classrooms for the start of the new academic year .
The statement by Boris Johnson is part of a government effort to convince concerned parents it is right to send their children back when schools reopen around the country .
It follows advice from the UK 's chief four medical officers which said `` very few , if any '' children would come to long-term harm from the virus by attending school , while there was a `` certainty '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools for their work to ensure classrooms are COVID-19-secure , Mr Johnson said : `` We have always been guided by our scientific and medical experts , and we now know far more about coronavirus than we did earlier this year .
`` As ( England 's ) chief medical officer has said , the risk of contracting COVID-19 in school is very small and it is far more damaging for a child 's development and their health and wellbeing to be away from school any longer .
`` This is why it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children back into the classroom to learn and to be with their friends .
Nothing will have a greater effect on the life chances of our children than returning to school . ''
Schools in Northern Ireland will welcome pupils again today .
English and Welsh schools will follow in September .
Schools in Scotland reopened earlier this month , where there has already been a small number of school closures following cases of the virus .
The Association of Schools and College Leaders and the National Education Union have called for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' for how education will be provided if similar local closures are required elsewhere .
Secondary school teachers in Redbridge , in east London , told Sky News they need more clarity from the government .
`` We 're going to be exposed to minimum at least 90-or-so kids within a given day , so we could find ourselves mid-September where a number of us teachers and students alike , we could be showing these symptoms , '' said Bernadette Borja .
English teacher Mousufa Choudhury said : `` I just do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is .
I know that I 'm at risk being from a BAME community , but in terms of children transmitting the virus I just do n't feel like I have enough information . ''
Another teacher , Imran Ahmed , added : `` If the rates of infection go up , do we stay open ?
And as staff , how do we manage that ?
How do we contain the virus that is spreading ?
I have family members that I visit quite often , including elderly parents .
Am I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's probably one of my biggest anxieties . ''
Bryony Baynes , head teacher at Kempsey Primary School in Worcester , said : `` I feel there could have been more direct guidance in terms of exactly what to do for example on what to do if someone becomes poorly , if someone catches the virus , or even if there is a suspected case .
And that guidance has not been clear . ''
Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman Layla Moran urged the government to rapidly upscale Test and Trace and ensure schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead of opening fully .
She told Sky News : `` The best thing that Boris Johnson can do is come and address the nation , tell us how you are on top of this .
`` Are you working with teachers and headteachers to ensure this second reopening of schools is going to go better than the first ?
`` Tell us about what plan B is going to be because we were promised a world beating test-trace isolation system by 1 June , and we still do n't know where that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Starmer told The Observer newspaper that the chances of schools reopening was at `` serious risk '' because the Department for Education had spent recent weeks dealing with the controversies around exam results rather than putting plans in place .
Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman Layla Moran said : `` The government must rapidly upscale test and trace and ensure schools have the mental health support , financial resources and the use of community spaces they need ahead of opening fully .
`` The country , and seemingly the prime minister , has lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Williamson .
`` To restore confidence among parents , pupils and teachers , the best thing the prime minister could do is sack him , rather than speak for him . ''

The prime minister has said pupils' "life chances" will suffer if they do not return to their classrooms for the start of the new academic year.
The statement by Boris Johnson is part of a government effort to convince concerned parents it is right to send their children back when schools reopen around the country.
It follows advice from the UK's four chief medical officers which said "very few, if any" children would come to long-term harm from the virus by attending school, while there was a "certainty" of harm from not attending.
Dr Jenny Harries, England's deputy chief medical officer, told Sky News on Monday the risk of catching seasonal flu or being involved in a road accident is "higher" for children going to school than contracting coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:31 Death of child from COVID 'exceptionally rare event'
Thanking schools for their work to ensure classrooms are COVID-19-secure, Mr Johnson said: "We have always been guided by our scientific and medical experts, and we now know far more about coronavirus than we did earlier this year.
"As (England's) chief medical officer has said, the risk of contracting COVID-19 in school is very small and it is far more damaging for a child's development and their health and well-being to be away from school any longer.
"This is why it's vitally important that we get our children back into the classroom to learn and to be with their friends. Nothing will have a greater effect on the life chances of our children than returning to school."
Schools in Northern Ireland welcome pupils again today. English and Welsh schools will follow in September.
Schools in Scotland reopened earlier this month, and there has already been a small number of school closures following cases of the virus.
Advertisement
The Association of Schools and College Leaders and the National Education Union have called for the government to set out a 'plan B' for how education will be provided if similar local closures are required elsewhere.
Secondary school teachers in Redbridge, east London, told Sky News they need more clarity from the government.
"We're going to be exposed to minimum at least 90-or-so kids within a given day, so we could find ourselves mid-September where a number of us teachers and students alike, we could be showing these symptoms," said Bernadette Borja.
English teacher Mousufa Choudhury said: "I just don't know what the science behind it all is. I know that I'm at risk being from a BAME community, but in terms of children transmitting the virus I just don't feel like I have enough information."
Another teacher, Imran Ahmed, added: "If the rates of infection go up, do we stay open? And as staff, how do we manage that? How do we contain the virus that is spreading? I have family members that I visit quite often, including elderly parents. Am I going to stop seeing them? That's probably one of my biggest anxieties."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Bryony Baynes, headteacher at Kempsey Primary School in Worcester, said: "I feel there could have been more direct guidance in terms of exactly what to do for example if someone becomes poorly, if someone catches the virus, or even if there is a suspected case. And that guidance has not been clear."
Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman Layla Moran urged the government to rapidly upscale Test and Trace and ensure schools have the mental health support they need ahead of opening fully.
She told Sky News: "The best thing that Boris Johnson can do is come and address the nation, and tell us how you are on top of this.
"Are you working with teachers and headteachers to ensure this second reopening of schools is going to go better than the first?
"Tell us about what plan B is going to be because we were promised a world beating test-trace isolation system by 1 June, and we still don't know where that is."
Image: Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer says the chance of schools reopening is at 'serious risk'
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer told The Observer newspaper that the chance of schools reopening was at "serious risk" because the Department for Education had spent recent weeks dealing with the controversies around exam results rather than putting plans in place.
Ms Moran added: "The government must rapidly upscale Test and Trace and ensure schools have the mental health support, financial resources and the use of community spaces they need ahead of opening fully.
"The country, and seemingly the prime minister, has lost faith in [education secretary] Gavin Williamson.
"To restore confidence among parents, pupils and teachers, the best thing the prime minister could do is sack him, rather than speak for him."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-23--Revealed: Emergency plans if second coronavirus spike coincides with no-deal Brexit

Emergency plans drawn up by the government to protect the UK if a second coronavirus spike coincides with a no-deal Brexit have been revealed .
A Cabinet Office `` reasonable worst-case scenario '' document , dated July 2020 , has been leaked to The Sun newspaper .
A government spokeswoman said it `` reflects a responsible government ensuring we are ready for all eventualities '' .
The dossier warns that the military could be required to airdrop food to the Channel Islands .
The navy may be required to stop British fishermen clashing with illegal European fishing boat incursions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power and petrol shortages in parts of the UK if thousands of lorries end up stranded in Dover , it also warns .
In addition , the assessment says shortages of medicines due to port blockages could lead to animal diseases spreading through the countryside .
It also warns of the possibility of hospitals being overwhelmed , if trade restrictions sparked by a no-deal Brexit combine with floods , flu and a second wave of coronavirus .
The prospect of town halls going bust is mentioned , along with the possibility of deploying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public disorder .
There are fears that the winter months could see a second wave of COVID-19 in the UK .
The latest available statistics show that more than 324,000 people have tested positive for the virus in the UK .
A total of 41,423 people have died in the UK within 28 days of testing positive for the disease .
Britain left the EU in January after 47 years of membership and is currently in an 11-month transition period , which means it is continuing to follow the bloc 's rules and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used to negotiate a free trade agreement and sort out the terms of the future relationship that will govern ties between the UK and the EU moving forward .
Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Both sides have said a deal needs to be agreed by October in order for it to be ratified in time , but so far there has been no breakthrough .
Speaking after the latest round of talks finished earlier this week , EU negotiator Michel Barnier said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backwards more than forwards '' .
UK negotiator David Frost said that while the latest negotiations in Brussels had been `` useful '' , there had been `` little progress '' .
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said : `` We got Brexit done with a great deal in January and we are working flat out to make sure the United Kingdom is ready for the changes and huge opportunities at the end of the year as we regain our political and economic independence for the first time in almost 50 years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ contingency planning for various scenarios that we do not think will happen , but we must be ready for come what may .
`` Whether we trade with the EU on terms similar to Canada or to Australia , a brighter future awaits as we forge our own path . ''
A government spokeswoman added that `` intensive planning is under way to help ensure that businesses and citizens are ready to take advantage of the opportunities and changes '' that leaving the bloc 's single market and customs union will bring .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ government we continue to make extensive preparations for a wide range of scenarios , including the reasonable worst case .
`` This is not a forecast or prediction of what will happen but rather a stretching scenario .
`` It reflects a responsible government ensuring we are ready for all eventualities . ''

Emergency plans drawn up by the government to protect the UK if a second coronavirus spike coincides with a no-deal Brexit have been revealed.
A Cabinet Office "reasonable worst-case scenario" document, dated July 2020, has been leaked to The Sun newspaper.
A government spokeswoman said it "reflects a responsible government ensuring we are ready for all eventualities".
Image: There could be power and petrol shortages if thousands of lorries end up stranded in Dover. File pic
The dossier warns that the military could be required to airdrop food to the Channel Islands.
The navy may be required to stop British fishermen clashing with illegal European fishing boat incursions, the document adds.
There could be power and petrol shortages in parts of the UK if thousands of lorries end up stranded in Dover, it also warns.
In addition, the assessment says shortages of medicines due to port blockages could lead to animal diseases spreading through the countryside.
It also warns of the possibility of hospitals being overwhelmed, if trade restrictions sparked by a no-deal Brexit combine with floods, flu and a second wave of coronavirus.
The prospect of town halls going bust is mentioned, along with the possibility of deploying troops on the streets if there is public disorder.
Advertisement
There are fears that the winter months could see a second wave of COVID-19 in the UK.
The latest available statistics show that more than 324,000 people have tested positive for the virus in the UK.
A total of 41,423 people have died in the UK within 28 days of testing positive for the disease.
Britain left the EU in January after 47 years of membership and is currently in an 11-month transition period, which means it is continuing to follow the bloc's rules and regulations.
This time frame is being used to negotiate a free trade agreement and sort out the terms of the future relationship that will govern ties between the UK and the EU moving forward.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Both sides have said a deal needs to be agreed by October in order for it to be ratified in time, but so far there has been no breakthrough.
Speaking after the latest round of talks finished earlier this week, EU negotiator Michel Barnier said it felt "as if we were going backwards more than forwards".
UK negotiator David Frost said that while the latest negotiations in Brussels had been "useful", there had been "little progress".
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said: "We got Brexit done with a great deal in January and we are working flat out to make sure the United Kingdom is ready for the changes and huge opportunities at the end of the year as we regain our political and economic independence for the first time in almost 50 years.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:08 EU negotiator 'disappointed' by Brexit talks
"Part of this work includes routine contingency planning for various scenarios that we do not think will happen, but we must be ready for come what may.
"Whether we trade with the EU on terms similar to Canada or to Australia, a brighter future awaits as we forge our own path."
A government spokeswoman added that "intensive planning is under way to help ensure that businesses and citizens are ready to take advantage of the opportunities and changes" that leaving the bloc's single market and customs union will bring.
She continued: "As a responsible government we continue to make extensive preparations for a wide range of scenarios, including the reasonable worst case.
"This is not a forecast or prediction of what will happen but rather a stretching scenario.
"It reflects a responsible government ensuring we are ready for all eventualities."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-22--Children more likely to catch coronavirus at home than at school, PHE finds

Children are more likely to catch coronavirus at home than at school , a Public Health England ( PHE ) study has found .
The findings come after England 's chief medical officer said reopening schools brings less risk of long-term harm than keeping children at home .
PHE 's research detected just 67 single cases and 30 outbreaks , defined as two or more linked cases , in schools across England in June .
• Only 0.01 % of open educational settings had an outbreak • Out of more than one million children attending pre-school and primary school in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Infections in the wider community likely driving cases in schools • Children were more likely to acquire SARS-CoV-2 infection at home than in school SARS-CoV-2 ( severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 ) is the virus that causes the disease COVID-19 .
Reported coronavirus cases , clusters and outbreaks were reviewed daily across all educational settings in England until the end of July as part of the study .
PHE found that there were more likely to be outbreaks in those areas that also had a high COVID-19 incidence , suggesting transmission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in schools .
The study also found staff members were more likely to be affected by the virus than students , though not more likely than the general population as a whole .
Where children did contract the infection , they were most likely to catch COVID-19 at home , usually from a parent .
Half the outbreaks did not involve any students at all and transmission between students was very rare .
Sue Hannam , headteacher at Lichfield Cathedral School in Staffordshire , has said there will be an element of `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return .
She told Sky News : `` I think the problem for me at the moment is , if we have someone in the school who is symptomatic , we know that we have to send them home , we know that if they are tested and the tests are positive , that we contact our local public health office who will then give us further guidance .
`` Our real concern is that we know in the autumn term , lots of children will be coming to school with coughs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real risk I think of sending a lot of children home because we have to . ''
She added : `` There 's going to have to be a degree of trial and error as we go into next term . ''
Professor Chris Whitty , the chief medical officer for England , has acknowledged the government is having to `` balance risks '' in relation to whether children should return to their education during the coronavirus outbreak .
But he added he believes pupils are more likely to be `` harmed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during this pandemic '' .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants all pupils to return to school next month , saying it is the `` right thing for everybody '' .
Professor Whitty said : `` The first thing to say is that the evidence that not going to school damages children in the long run is overwhelming and that includes their long-term chances .
`` It increases the risks of disparities , it entrenches deep-rooted problems that people may have , it increases the risk that they have mental and physical ill health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` The chances of many children being damaged by not going to school are incredibly clear and therefore the balance of risk is very strongly in favour of children going to school because many more are likely to be harmed by not going than harmed by going , even during this pandemic . ''
Professor Whitty has said the reopening of schools will `` put pressure '' on the R number and could lead to the closure of pubs and shops at a local level .
He also said there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of children dying from COVID are incredibly small '' as he aimed to address parents ' concerns over the health risks of children returning to school .
Professor Whitty added `` there 's some evidence that children , particularly in primary school , are actually less likely to catch COVID in the first place '' .
He said : `` There 's also very clear evidence from the UK and around the world that children much less commonly get a severe illness and end up having to be hospitalised if they get symptomatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than a tenth of the general population . ''
He has been joined by the chief medical officers and deputy chief medical officers for Scotland , Northern Ireland and Wales in saying children should return to school during the pandemic .
Professor Whitty acknowledged that children will undoubtedly bring households together who would n't come into contact if schools were closed .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He added some of this will happen directly as children from households will meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as it will free up some people to go to work .
Professor Whitty said : `` By opening schools , which I think everybody agrees is absolutely essential for the education of children , we are going to bring households together who might not otherwise be together .
`` The result of that is that it will create some upward pressure on the R , it may increase it ... if that happens we will have to respond . ''
The R number is a measure of how many people on average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to .
Professor Whitty said it is possible other areas of society will face restrictions in order to keep schools open .
He said the aim will be for these measures to be put in place locally to target areas where there has been a surge in transmission .
Professor Whitty continued : `` If it was shops in a particular area we would need to look at shops , if it was hospitality , we would need to look at hospitality . ''
He added : `` But I do want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the information we have got now , even with all the tools we have at our disposal now , we have still got a really serious challenge of coronavirus for at least the next nine months . ''
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said the prime minister 's promise to get all children back to school had been put at `` serious risk '' by a `` week of chaos '' over exam results .
He said the last two weeks have been `` wasted clearing up a mess of the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Observer : `` I want to see children back at school next month , and I expect the prime minister to deliver on that commitment .
`` However , the commitment is now at serious risk after a week of chaos , confusion and incompetence from the government .
`` Ministers should have spent the summer implementing a national plan to get all children back to school .
Instead , the last two weeks have been wasted clearing up a mess of the government 's own making over exam results . ''
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children aged 12 and over should wear masks when they can not guarantee social distancing of at least one metre to limit the spread of the virus .
Children between six and 11 should use them on a `` risk-based approach '' , the global body added .
The UK recorded a further 1,041 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Sunday , down from 1,288 on Saturday , according to government figures .
Six people died after testing positive for coronavirus within the previous 28 days , compared with 18 deaths announced on Saturday @


skynewspolitics--2020-08-24--Risk of flu or road accident higher than COVID-19 for schoolchildren, says deputy CMO

The risks of catching flu or being involved in a road accident are `` higher '' than contracting coronavirus for schoolchildren , England 's deputy chief medical officer has said .
Dr Jenny Harries told Sky News she understands why parents are wary , but said a well-controlled school environment `` should be a safe one '' considering the information now available about COVID-19 .
`` The long term harms of children not attending school significantly , we think , outweigh those potential risks , '' she said .
`` Every time a parent sends their child off to school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a road traffic accident , there are all sorts of things .
`` In fact that risk , or the risk from seasonal flu , we think is probably higher than the current risk of COVID . ''
She added : `` Obviously , parents ' worst nightmare would be the death of a child , and we know that is an exceptionally rare event .
`` We also know that children very rarely get serious disease and get hospitalised , and when children do get infection it is usually very mild and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the risk to the child themselves is very , very small . ''
She said Public Health England would continue to `` actively monitor '' children at school .
But she stressed all studies so far suggest that infection rates and transmission rates in primary schools are low .
Older children in secondary schools are likely to have higher transmission and infection rates , but these could still be lower than the adult population , Dr Harries said .
A recent PHE study of coronavirus outbreaks - defined as two or more linked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to catch the virus at home , usually from a parent , than at school , and that transmission between students is very rare .
Asked about suggestions Donald Trump is intending to fast-track approval and buy up the possible Oxford vaccine , Dr Harries said : `` We have a global crisis ... it 's really important that everyone around the world has fair and safe access to vaccine development .
`` Obviously those countries which are more developed have the facilities to develop the vaccine and get it safely out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all public health colleagues would be wanting fair distribution . ''
Dr Harries and Professor Chris Whitty , the chief medical officer for England , were joined by the chief medical officers and deputy chief medical officers for Scotland , Northern Ireland and Wales at the weekend in saying children should return to school during the pandemic .
Professor Whitty acknowledged that schoolchildren would undoubtedly bring households together who would n't come into contact if schools were closed , as well as putting `` pressure '' on the R number - the measure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected person transmits the virus on to .
`` If that happens we will have to respond , '' said the chief medical officer , adding that this could lead to targeted local interventions resulting in the closure of pubs and shops .

The risks of catching flu or being involved in a road accident are "higher" than contracting coronavirus for schoolchildren, England's deputy chief medical officer has said.
Dr Jenny Harries told Sky News she understands why parents are wary, but said a well-controlled school environment "should be a safe one" considering the information now available about COVID-19.
"The long term harms of children not attending school significantly, we think, outweigh those potential risks," she said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:59 Public Health study supports schools return
"No environment is completely risk-free.
"Every time a parent sends their child off to school pre-COVID they may have been involved in a road traffic accident, there are all sorts of things.
"In fact that risk, or the risk from seasonal flu, we think is probably higher than the current risk of COVID."
She added: "Obviously, parents' worst nightmare would be the death of a child, and we know that is an exceptionally rare event.
"We also know that children very rarely get serious disease and get hospitalised, and when children do get infection it is usually very mild and sometimes asymptomatic.
"So overall, the risk to the child themselves is very, very small."
Advertisement
She said Public Health England would continue to "actively monitor" children at school.
But she stressed all studies so far suggest that infection rates and transmission rates in primary schools are low.
Older children in secondary schools are likely to have higher transmission and infection rates, but these could still be lower than the adult population, Dr Harries said.
A recent PHE study of coronavirus outbreaks - defined as two or more linked cases - found that children are more likely to catch the virus at home, usually from a parent, than at school, and that transmission between students is very rare.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:33 Warning over hopes for a coronavirus vaccine
Asked about suggestions Donald Trump is intending to fast-track approval and buy up the possible Oxford vaccine, Dr Harries said: "We have a global crisis... it's really important that everyone around the world has fair and safe access to vaccine development.
"Obviously those countries which are more developed have the facilities to develop the vaccine and get it safely out to their populations. But I think all public health colleagues would be wanting fair distribution."
Dr Harries and Professor Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England, were joined by the chief medical officers and deputy chief medical officers for Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales at the weekend in saying children should return to school during the pandemic.
Professor Whitty acknowledged that schoolchildren would undoubtedly bring households together who wouldn't come into contact if schools were closed, as well as putting "pressure" on the R number - the measure of how many people on average each infected person transmits the virus on to.
"If that happens we will have to respond," said the chief medical officer, adding that this could lead to targeted local interventions resulting in the closure of pubs and shops.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-24--Raab to meet Israeli and Palestinian leaders after UAE deal

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will meet Israeli and Palestinian leaders this week as he stressed the importance of building on a `` new dynamic '' in efforts to achieve a more peaceful Middle East .
Mr Raab will visit Israel and occupied Palestinian territories for talks with senior figures , including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas .
His trip comes little more than a week after Israel halted its planned annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank and established diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates ( UAE ) .
Ahead of his two-day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The UK remains committed to Israel 's security and stability , and the recent normalisation of relations between Israel and the UAE was an important moment for the region .
`` Israel 's suspension of annexation is an essential step towards a more peaceful Middle East .
`` It is important to build on this new dynamic , and ultimately only the government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority can negotiate the two-state solution required to secure lasting peace . ''
Mr Raab will push for renewed dialogue between Israeli and Palestinian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to preventing annexation and pursuing a negotiated two-state solution .
As well as meeting Mr Netanyahu in Israel , Mr Raab will also hold talks with Israeli foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi and defence minister and Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz .
He will also meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh in Ramallah , during which he will call on them to resume cooperation with Israel and pursue direct talks .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the normalisation of relations between the UAE and Israel following a deal struck between Mr Netanyahu and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan .
The agreement will see Israel backing down from `` unilateral annexation '' of areas of the occupied West Bank - land sought by the Palestinians for their future state .
Israel signed peace agreements with Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994 but the UAE - along with most other Arab nations - did not recognise Israel and had no formal diplomatic or economic relations with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr Abbas last week described the deal as `` nonsense '' and accused the UAE of turning its back on Palestinians .

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will meet Israeli and Palestinian leaders this week as he stressed the importance of building on a "new dynamic" in efforts to achieve a more peaceful Middle East.
Mr Raab will visit Israel and occupied Palestinian territories for talks with senior figures, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
His trip comes little more than a week after Israel halted its planned annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank and established diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 Trump heralds deal between UAE and Israel
Ahead of his two-day visit, the foreign secretary said: "The UK remains committed to Israel's security and stability, and the recent normalisation of relations between Israel and the UAE was an important moment for the region.
"Israel's suspension of annexation is an essential step towards a more peaceful Middle East.
"It is important to build on this new dynamic, and ultimately only the government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority can negotiate the two-state solution required to secure lasting peace."
Mr Raab will push for renewed dialogue between Israeli and Palestinian leaders and reinforce the UK's commitment to preventing annexation and pursuing a negotiated two-state solution.
As well as meeting Mr Netanyahu in Israel, Mr Raab will also hold talks with Israeli foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi and defence minister and Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz.
He will also meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh in Ramallah, during which he will call on them to resume cooperation with Israel and pursue direct talks.
Advertisement
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump announced the normalisation of relations between the UAE and Israel following a deal struck between Mr Netanyahu and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan.
The agreement will see Israel backing down from "unilateral annexation" of areas of the occupied West Bank - land sought by the Palestinians for their future state.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:06 Palestinians burn Trump effigy after Israel deal
Israel signed peace agreements with Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994 but the UAE - along with most other Arab nations - did not recognise Israel and had no formal diplomatic or economic relations with the country until this month.
However, Mr Abbas last week described the deal as "nonsense" and accused the UAE of turning its back on Palestinians.