skynewspolitics--2020-01-13--Johnson employs Cameron's 'vanity' photographer

Mr Parsons took this image of Boris Johnson and girlfriend Carrie Symonds on election night .
Pic : Andrew Parsons Boris Johnson has employed David Cameron 's former personal photographer as a special adviser .
Andrew Parsons , the co-founder of a picture agency , has joined the prime minister 's team having last month taken a series of candid images of Mr Johnson during election night .
Mr Parsons previously worked in Number 10 for Mr Cameron as part of the so-called `` vanity staff '' the ex-prime minister employed on entering Downing Street in 2010 .
He had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while the former Conservative leader was in opposition .
However , just months later - in November 2010 - Mr Parsons was removed from the public payroll .
Mr Cameron 's team admitted the employment of a photographer at taxpayers ' expense sent the `` wrong message '' at a time when the government was imposing spending cuts .
At the time , Mr Parsons earned a salary of between £36,000 and £44,000 .
His salary for joining Mr Johnson 's team has not yet been disclosed .
Last month it was revealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40 special advisers earn salaries worth between £40,500 and £145,000 .
Mr Parsons is well known to Mr Johnson and has previously photographed the politician as both an MP and London mayor .
He snapped a staged photo of Mr Johnson signing his resignation letter when quitting as foreign secretary in July 2018 in protest at Theresa May 's Brexit strategy .
More recently , he toured the country with prime minister during the general election campaign .
And he photographed Mr Johnson and other top Conservatives as they secured a thumping victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took photos of Mrs May during her time in office , telling Sky News earlier this year that although the ex-prime minister had a reputation for being incredibly straight `` she would have a bit of a laugh and a giggle and stuff like that '' .
It has been reported Mr Parsons is re-entering Downing Street in a role that will see him focus on modernising Number 10 's digital and video output .
He is a co-founder of the i-images picture agency and a former photographer with the Press Association news @ @

Boris Johnson has employed David Cameron's former personal photographer as a special adviser.
Andrew Parsons, the co-founder of a picture agency, has joined the prime minister's team having last month taken a series of candid images of Mr Johnson during election night.
Mr Parsons previously worked in Number 10 for Mr Cameron as part of the so-called "vanity staff" the ex-prime minister employed on entering Downing Street in 2010.
Image: Mr Parsons photographed Mr Johnson in Hong Kong during a visit as London mayor Pic: Andrew Parsons / i-Images
He had also been Mr Cameron's personal photographer while the former Conservative leader was in opposition.
However, just months later - in November 2010 - Mr Parsons was removed from the public payroll.
Mr Cameron's team admitted the employment of a photographer at taxpayers' expense sent the "wrong message" at a time when the government was imposing spending cuts.
At the time, Mr Parsons earned a salary of between £36,000 and £44,000.
His salary for joining Mr Johnson's team has not yet been disclosed.
Last month it was revealed the current prime minister's more than 40 special advisers earn salaries worth between £40,500 and £145,000.
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Mr Parsons is well known to Mr Johnson and has previously photographed the politician as both an MP and London mayor.
He snapped a staged photo of Mr Johnson signing his resignation letter when quitting as foreign secretary in July 2018 in protest at Theresa May's Brexit strategy.
More recently, he toured the country with prime minister during the general election campaign.
Image: David Cameron employed the photographer in 2010 - before admitting it sent the 'wrong message'
And he photographed Mr Johnson and other top Conservatives as they secured a thumping victory on election night.
Mr Parsons also took photos of Mrs May during her time in office, telling Sky News earlier this year that although the ex-prime minister had a reputation for being incredibly straight "she would have a bit of a laugh and a giggle and stuff like that".
It has been reported Mr Parsons is re-entering Downing Street in a role that will see him focus on modernising Number 10's digital and video output.
He is a co-founder of the i-images picture agency and a former photographer with the Press Association news agency.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-14--'Stalkerish' Labour peer suspended after harassment complaints

A Labour peer has been suspended after his `` stalkerish '' behaviour was ruled to have breached parliamentary rules on sexual harassment .
Lord Lea of Crondall , a former trade union official , has seen complaints by two women against him upheld by the House of Lords ' commissioner for standards , Lucy Scott-Moncrieff .
The 82-year-old has been ordered to undertake `` bespoke training and behaviour change coaching '' in the wake of the decision .
The two complaints were made under the House of Lords ' new procedures for dealing with bullying , harassment and sexual misconduct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a new code of conduct for peers , were introduced in April following the Westminster harassment scandal .
For the first time , it was explicitly set out that bullying , harassment and sexual misconduct were breaches of the code .
One woman , known as `` AB '' in the commissioner 's report , first made a complaint in December 2018 but saw it dismissed at a preliminary assessment as it did not fall within the scope of the old code of conduct .
She resubmitted her complaint under the revised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the commissioner how Lord Lea `` behaved inappropriately '' on an official visit some years ago .
In October 2018 , she then received a package from Lord Lea that included a copy of a photo taken during that visit and a letter that referred to an incident during the visit involving a bottle of champagne and an invitation to meet him .
He also mentioned in the letter that he had a copy of the photo on his piano at home .
The woman said it felt `` slightly stalkerish … @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter after such a long time '' .
In his response to the complaint , Lord Lea apologised for what he now understood was `` an unwelcome intrusion '' and a `` serious error of judgement '' .
A second complaint , made by a woman referred to as `` TU '' , saw Lord Lea alleged of using the occasion of her being alone in the room where she worked to `` come in repeatedly to strike up conversation with her , getting her to come around the desks of the office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a book , and to ask her to come for a cup of tea with him '' .
Lord Lea was also accused of an earlier incident in which he promised to write the woman a poem referencing a sexually suggestive rhyme on her name he had created about her .
The peer described himself as `` deeply sorry '' , adding : `` I did not detect any unease or nervousness on her part and that - I now know - is my fault because clearly , I can now see that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not making advances , even though that was clearly how it appeared to TU . ''
A Labour spokesperson revealed Lord Lea has been suspended from the party 's group in the House of Lords until further notice .
They added : `` We appreciate that David has already begun the recommended training and further discussions will be had once that course has been completed to the satisfaction of the commissioner . ''
Sky News has attempted to contact Lord Lea for comment .

A Labour peer has been suspended after his "stalkerish" behaviour was ruled to have breached parliamentary rules on sexual harassment.
Lord Lea of Crondall, a former trade union official, has seen complaints by two women against him upheld by the House of Lords' commissioner for standards, Lucy Scott-Moncrieff.
The 82-year-old has been ordered to undertake "bespoke training and behaviour change coaching" in the wake of the decision.
The two complaints were made under the House of Lords' new procedures for dealing with bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct complaints.
These procedures, as well as a new code of conduct for peers, were introduced in April following the Westminster harassment scandal.
For the first time, it was explicitly set out that bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct were breaches of the code.
One woman, known as "AB" in the commissioner's report, first made a complaint in December 2018 but saw it dismissed at a preliminary assessment as it did not fall within the scope of the old code of conduct.
She resubmitted her complaint under the revised code in July 2019 and subsequently described to the commissioner how Lord Lea "behaved inappropriately" on an official visit some years ago.
In October 2018, she then received a package from Lord Lea that included a copy of a photo taken during that visit and a letter that referred to an incident during the visit involving a bottle of champagne and an invitation to meet him.
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He also mentioned in the letter that he had a copy of the photo on his piano at home.
The woman said it felt "slightly stalkerish … to receive something like that with the letter after such a long time".
In his response to the complaint, Lord Lea apologised for what he now understood was "an unwelcome intrusion" and a "serious error of judgement".
Image: The House of Lords introduced new complaints procedures last April
A second complaint, made by a woman referred to as "TU", saw Lord Lea alleged of using the occasion of her being alone in the room where she worked to "come in repeatedly to strike up conversation with her, getting her to come around the desks of the office to pass him pieces of paper and a book, and to ask her to come for a cup of tea with him".
Lord Lea was also accused of an earlier incident in which he promised to write the woman a poem referencing a sexually suggestive rhyme on her name he had created about her.
The peer described himself as "deeply sorry", adding: "I did not detect any unease or nervousness on her part and that - I now know - is my fault because clearly, I can now see that I misread that … I was certainly not making advances, even though that was clearly how it appeared to TU."
A Labour spokesperson revealed Lord Lea has been suspended from the party's group in the House of Lords until further notice.
They added: "We appreciate that David has already begun the recommended training and further discussions will be had once that course has been completed to the satisfaction of the commissioner."
Sky News has attempted to contact Lord Lea for comment.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-14--Effigy of 'undesirable' UK ambassador burned in Iran

A cardboard cutout of Britain 's ambassador Rob Macaire is burned in Tehran Iranian protesters have burned an effigy of the UK 's ambassador in Tehran as the country 's judiciary called the diplomat an `` undesirable element '' .
Rob Macaire is at the centre of tensions between London and Tehran after he was arrested by police in the Iranian capital on Saturday .
He was released about an hour later .
He was detained after attending a vigil for those who were killed in the downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane by Iranian forces .
The diplomat said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran ordered him to explain his `` illegal and inappropriate '' presence at demonstrations .
On Tuesday , in remarks broadcast on state TV , Iran 's judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili told reporters : `` Based on international regulations , the British ambassador in Iran is an undesirable element . ''
Prominent hardline Iranian cleric Ayatollah Ahmad Alamolhoda was also quoted as saying the expulsion of Mr Macaire would be `` the best thing that can happen to him '' .
He claimed supporters of Qassem Soleimani , the Iranian commander killed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , would otherwise `` chop him to small pieces '' .
Meanwhile , a cardboard cutout of Mr Macaire was burned alongside UK and US flags at the University of Tehran by members of the Basij , a militia loyal to the Iranian regime .
The protest took place during a memorial for passengers of the Ukrainian plane .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the government had received `` no formal indication '' that Mr Macaire will be expelled from Iran .
He told the House of Commons : `` It would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` We need to keep the diplomatic channels open , and futile gestures like that are not going to resolve the problems that the regime in Tehran face . ''
Iran 's ambassador to the UK , Hamid Baeidinejad , was summoned to the Foreign Office on Monday in order to hear the government 's `` strong objections '' to Mr Macaire 's arrest .
But , following the meeting , Iran 's foreign ministry issued a belligerent statement .
`` Any new mistake of Britain will be severely confronted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for that , '' the ministry said , according to Iranian state TV .
`` The presence of the UK envoy is against diplomatic norms ...
Threatening Iran with fresh sanctions over that will cause tension between Tehran and London . ''

Iranian protesters have burned an effigy of the UK's ambassador in Tehran as the country's judiciary called the diplomat an "undesirable element".
Rob Macaire is at the centre of tensions between London and Tehran after he was arrested by police in the Iranian capital on Saturday. He was released about an hour later.
He was detained after attending a vigil for those who were killed in the downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane by Iranian forces.
Image: The effigy was burned outside the University of Tehran
The diplomat said he left when chanting began, but Iran ordered him to explain his "illegal and inappropriate" presence at demonstrations.
On Tuesday, in remarks broadcast on state TV, Iran's judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili told reporters: "Based on international regulations, the British ambassador in Iran is an undesirable element."
Prominent hardline Iranian cleric Ayatollah Ahmad Alamolhoda was also quoted as saying the expulsion of Mr Macaire would be "the best thing that can happen to him".
He claimed supporters of Qassem Soleimani, the Iranian commander killed by a US drone strike earlier this month, would otherwise "chop him to small pieces".
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Meanwhile, a cardboard cutout of Mr Macaire was burned alongside UK and US flags at the University of Tehran by members of the Basij, a militia loyal to the Iranian regime.
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The protest took place during a memorial for passengers of the Ukrainian plane.
Image: An Iranian cleric walks over UK and US flags Pic: Shutterstock
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the government had received "no formal indication" that Mr Macaire will be expelled from Iran.
He told the House of Commons: "It would be deeply regrettable if that were the case."
"We need to keep the diplomatic channels open, and futile gestures like that are not going to resolve the problems that the regime in Tehran face."
Image: Shoes are placed on a UK flag Pic: Shutterstock
Iran's ambassador to the UK, Hamid Baeidinejad, was summoned to the Foreign Office on Monday in order to hear the government's "strong objections" to Mr Macaire's arrest.
But, following the meeting, Iran's foreign ministry issued a belligerent statement.
"Any new mistake of Britain will be severely confronted by Iran, and London will be responsible for that," the ministry said, according to Iranian state TV.
"The presence of the UK envoy is against diplomatic norms... Threatening Iran with fresh sanctions over that will cause tension between Tehran and London."


skynewspolitics--2020-01-15--PM warned not to 'let the fox into the hen house' with Huawei decision

Boris Johnson warned not to 'let the fox into the hen house ' with Huawei decision Boris Johnson warned not to 'let the fox into the hen house ' with Huawei decision Huawei 's top UK executive told Sky News in December he was optimistic the firm would not be excluded Boris Johnson has been warned not to `` let the fox into the hen house '' by allowing Huawei a role in Britain 's 5G infrastructure .
Tom Tugendhat , who was chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee in the last parliament , told Kay Burley @ Breakfast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the Chinese state '' .
A looming decision on what role , if any , Huawei will play in Britain 's 5G networks is expected soon .
There have been warnings from some quarters that allowing Huawei access to the UK 's critical communications network would pose a risk to national security .
The US has warned Britain that doing so would be `` nothing short of madness '' .
Senior officials in Washington have repeatedly stated that the Trump administration would reassess intelligence sharing with the UK in light of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is running again to be chair of the committee in the new parliament , has also voiced his concerns .
`` It 's integrally part of the Chinese state , '' he told Sky News .
`` And that 's fine , that 's what a Chinese state company would do as you would expect .
`` But it 's also got a foreign element that sells 5G and 4G and many other forms of technology as well around the world .
`` The problem that we 've got is that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's not just a question of spying today , we can broadly speaking do a lot to mitigate that .
`` But it 's a question of finding ourselves in a few years time where it 's got such a hold of the market that actually companies like Nokia Ericsson just fall away and are simply unable to compete . ''
In light of the concerns that have been expressed , the head of MI5 has said he does not expect Britain 's relationship with the US to suffer if Huawei is granted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to him that the security concerns could be mitigated , Mr Tugendhat responded : `` I 'm not a security expert , but I 'm perfectly prepared to believe that GCHQ are extremely competent and able to mitigate the security concerns .
`` But as ever with these different programmes the patching , the updating of the system , is just as important as the installing .
`` Every time you patch , every time you update you 've got to go through hundreds of thousands , maybe even millions , of lines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing creeps in .
`` For me this is a little bit like a guarding exercise . ''
He added : `` Of course you can individually guard every chicken , but is n't it better not to let the fox into the hen house in the first place ? ''
Mr Tugendhat said Britain should look at companies like Samsung , Fujitsu , Nokia Ericsson and Cisco and `` try and partner with them '' .
Huawei 's most senior executive in the UK told Sky News in December he was optimistic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the rollout of 5G services .
Victor Zhang , Huawei 's president for global government affairs , said : `` I am very confident that the UK will choose Huawei because the UK always takes an evidence and facts-based approach and that the decision-making will be based on the nation 's long-term interest and to satisfy society and the benefit of all consumers .
`` Huawei have been here in the UK for more than 18 years and trust has been built with our customers and with the UK government through our @ @ @ @ @

Boris Johnson has been warned not to "let the fox into the hen house" by allowing Huawei a role in Britain's 5G infrastructure.
Tom Tugendhat, who was chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee in the last parliament, told Kay Burley@Breakfast that the telecoms firm was "integrally part of the Chinese state".
A looming decision on what role, if any, Huawei will play in Britain's 5G networks is expected soon.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:27 Top Huawei executive speaks to Sky News
There have been warnings from some quarters that allowing Huawei access to the UK's critical communications network would pose a risk to national security.
The US has warned Britain that doing so would be "nothing short of madness".
Senior officials in Washington have repeatedly stated that the Trump administration would reassess intelligence sharing with the UK in light of such a move.
Mr Tugendhat, who is running again to be chair of the committee in the new parliament, has also voiced his concerns.
"It's integrally part of the Chinese state," he told Sky News.
"And that's fine, that's what a Chinese state company would do as you would expect.
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"But it's also got a foreign element that sells 5G and 4G and many other forms of technology as well around the world.
"The problem that we've got is that it's becoming so market dominant that it's not just a question of spying today, we can broadly speaking do a lot to mitigate that.
"But it's a question of finding ourselves in a few years time where it's got such a hold of the market that actually companies like Nokia Ericsson just fall away and are simply unable to compete."
Image: Tom Tugendhat is running again to be chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee
In light of the concerns that have been expressed, the head of MI5 has said he does not expect Britain's relationship with the US to suffer if Huawei is granted a role.
When it was put to him that the security concerns could be mitigated, Mr Tugendhat responded: "I'm not a security expert, but I'm perfectly prepared to believe that GCHQ are extremely competent and able to mitigate the security concerns.
"But as ever with these different programmes the patching, the updating of the system, is just as important as the installing.
"Every time you patch, every time you update you've got to go through hundreds of thousands, maybe even millions, of lines of code in order to make sure nothing creeps in.
"For me this is a little bit like a guarding exercise."
He added: "Of course you can individually guard every chicken, but isn't it better not to let the fox into the hen house in the first place?"
Mr Tugendhat said Britain should look at companies like Samsung, Fujitsu, Nokia Ericsson and Cisco and "try and partner with them".
Huawei's most senior executive in the UK told Sky News in December he was optimistic the UK would not exclude the company from the rollout of 5G services.
Victor Zhang, Huawei's president for global government affairs, said: "I am very confident that the UK will choose Huawei because the UK always takes an evidence and facts-based approach and that the decision-making will be based on the nation's long-term interest and to satisfy society and the benefit of all consumers.
"Huawei have been here in the UK for more than 18 years and trust has been built with our customers and with the UK government through our openness and transparency."


skynewspolitics--2020-01-15--Hancock willing to meet parents of man who died in a secure hospital

Matt Hancock willing to meet parents of man who died in a secure hospital Matt Hancock willing to meet parents of man who died in a secure hospital The health secretary has said he is willing to meet the parents of a man who died following eight years in a secure hospital .
Matt Hancock was reacting to an investigation by Sky News which found 10 people with learning disabilities or autism have died in secure hospitals in the past year .
It followed a previous investigation that showed 40 people had died in these specialist units between 2015 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Gosport , are calling for action to address these failings after their son Jason Thomson died aged 43 .
On 31 December 2017 , Jason , who had a learning disability and struggled to speak , stuck a small button battery up his nose .
Despite informing the hospital staff at Cedar House in Kent , it took two days before he was sent for emergency treatment .
Jason died just over a week later because of complications after the surgery to remove the battery .
His parents are calling for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support for people with learning disabilities in the community .
A spokesperson for the Huntercombe Group , which runs the hospital where Jason was held , said : `` The death of Jason Thomson in January 2018 was an immensely sad event and our thoughts are with his relatives and friends .
`` Since Mr Thomson 's tragic death we have taken extensive steps , based on our own investigation efforts , to mitigate the risks posed by button batteries .
We remain fully committed to improving our practices . ''
Asked about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's All Out Politics programme , Mr Hancock said : `` These are often very complex cases .
`` I 'd be very happy to meet Jason 's parents .
`` I 've met relatives of those who are in care and obviously some who are in care as well .
`` I pay tribute to the way that Sky has really pushed this agenda and made sure that there 's continued light on it . ''
There are currently 2,190 people with a learning disability or autism in secure units in England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ age of 18 .
People are supposed to be admitted to Assessment and Treatment Units for nine to 18 months , and government policy is to move them into community care .
But NHS figures show about 800 people have been held in these units for more than five years - and 350 have stayed for 10 years or more .
Mr Hancock said the number of people with learning disabilities and/or autism in care `` has come down '' in recent years .
He added : `` I 'm determined to bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a programme of work under way .
`` But each person to be taken out of those settings needs to have a full package of care around them .
They 're too vulnerable to simply be released .
`` Shortly after I became health secretary , I said we needed to assess each and every case .
That is happening , it 's under way .
`` As a result , some people have been able to be moved into community care .
`` Some just are n't in a position to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have court orders to prevent that from happening .

The health secretary has said he is willing to meet the parents of a man who died following eight years in a secure hospital.
Matt Hancock was reacting to an investigation by Sky News which found 10 people with learning disabilities or autism have died in secure hospitals in the past year.
It followed a previous investigation that showed 40 people had died in these specialist units between 2015 and 2018.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:04 Death in care: Family seeks answers
Michael and Christine Rowsell, from Gosport, are calling for action to address these failings after their son Jason Thomson died aged 43.
On 31 December 2017, Jason, who had a learning disability and struggled to speak, stuck a small button battery up his nose.
Despite informing the hospital staff at Cedar House in Kent, it took two days before he was sent for emergency treatment.
Jason died just over a week later because of complications after the surgery to remove the battery.
His parents are calling for the health secretary to ensure there is better support for people with learning disabilities in the community.
A spokesperson for the Huntercombe Group, which runs the hospital where Jason was held, said: "The death of Jason Thomson in January 2018 was an immensely sad event and our thoughts are with his relatives and friends.
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"Since Mr Thomson's tragic death we have taken extensive steps, based on our own investigation efforts, to mitigate the risks posed by button batteries. We remain fully committed to improving our practices."
Asked about the report during an interview on Sky's All Out Politics programme, Mr Hancock said: "These are often very complex cases.
"I'd be very happy to meet Jason's parents.
"I've met relatives of those who are in care and obviously some who are in care as well.
"I pay tribute to the way that Sky has really pushed this agenda and made sure that there's continued light on it."
Image: Michael and Christine Rowsell are calling for action in the wake of their son's death
There are currently 2,190 people with a learning disability or autism in secure units in England and more than 200 are under the age of 18.
People are supposed to be admitted to Assessment and Treatment Units for nine to 18 months, and government policy is to move them into community care.
But NHS figures show about 800 people have been held in these units for more than five years - and 350 have stayed for 10 years or more.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:42 'The care system failed our son'
Mr Hancock said the number of people with learning disabilities and/or autism in care "has come down" in recent years.
He added: "I'm determined to bring it down further and we've got a programme of work under way.
"But each person to be taken out of those settings needs to have a full package of care around them. They're too vulnerable to simply be released.
"Shortly after I became health secretary, I said we needed to assess each and every case. That is happening, it's under way.
"As a result, some people have been able to be moved into community care.
"Some just aren't in a position to be able to do that. Some also have court orders to prevent that from happening.
"It's a complicated settlement."


skynewspolitics--2020-01-15--Foreign criminal convictions not passed on to home countries after glitch

Glitch saw UK fail to tell EU countries about 75,000 convictions of foreign criminals Glitch saw UK fail to tell EU countries about 75,000 convictions of foreign criminals The error is thought to have gone undetected for five years A computer glitch resulted in the UK failing to pass on the details of an estimated 75,000 convictions of foreign criminals to their home EU countries , it has been revealed .
The police national computer ( PNC ) error is thought to have gone undetected for five years , according to The Guardian .
The PNC is used to share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bodies and can link up with European systems .
As a result of the glitch , authorities in EU countries were not informed about crimes committed by their nationals , told about any risks convicted criminals could pose to the public or the sentences they were given by UK courts .
These are then sent on to European bodies by the ACRO Criminal Records Office .
A spokesman for the ACRO - a national police unit which organises information and shares police data internationally - said the figure was estimated to be approximately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on PNC files to send notifications to other countries concerning cases where one of the nationals had been convicted in a UK court .
In a statement , the ACRO said : `` Work is under way with the Home Office to resolve the issue as quickly as possible .
`` A software script has been developed at Hendon , the PNC headquarters , and is due to be released in the next software update . ''
According to The Guardian 's report , the Home Office expressed concerns that the mistake could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes said to be from an ACRO meeting last year which said : `` There is a nervousness from the Home Office around sending the historical notifications out dating back to 2012 due to the reputational impact this could have . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker An ACRO spokesman refused to confirm whether or not such comments had been made .
The Home Office said efforts were `` already under way '' with the police to fix the issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Last year , the UK sent over 30,000 conviction notifications through ECRIS to EU member states and received over 16,000 from the EU , helping ensure serious criminals were brought to justice , '' a spokesperson said .
Data sharing arrangements are expected to be a key consideration in the ongoing Brexit negotiations , with fears a reduction in access to databases could hamper efforts to catch criminals .

A computer glitch resulted in the UK failing to pass on the details of an estimated 75,000 convictions of foreign criminals to their home EU countries, it has been revealed.
The police national computer (PNC) error is thought to have gone undetected for five years, according to The Guardian.
The PNC is used to share information on investigations by UK law enforcement bodies and can link up with European systems.
As a result of the glitch, authorities in EU countries were not informed about crimes committed by their nationals, told about any risks convicted criminals could pose to the public or the sentences they were given by UK courts.
The PNC produces daily updates about foreign offenders.
These are then sent on to European bodies by the ACRO Criminal Records Office.
A spokesman for the ACRO - a national police unit which organises information and shares police data internationally - said the figure was estimated to be approximately 75,000.
They said the unit relies on PNC files to send notifications to other countries concerning cases where one of the nationals had been convicted in a UK court.
In a statement, the ACRO said: "Work is under way with the Home Office to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
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"A software script has been developed at Hendon, the PNC headquarters, and is due to be released in the next software update."
According to The Guardian's report, the Home Office expressed concerns that the mistake could have caused reputational damage.
It quoted minutes said to be from an ACRO meeting last year which said: "There is a nervousness from the Home Office around sending the historical notifications out dating back to 2012 due to the reputational impact this could have."
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
An ACRO spokesman refused to confirm whether or not such comments had been made.
The Home Office said efforts were "already under way" with the police to fix the issue "as quickly as possible".
"Last year, the UK sent over 30,000 conviction notifications through ECRIS to EU member states and received over 16,000 from the EU, helping ensure serious criminals were brought to justice," a spokesperson said.
Data sharing arrangements are expected to be a key consideration in the ongoing Brexit negotiations, with fears a reduction in access to databases could hamper efforts to catch criminals.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-15--PM vows to 'get those waiting lists down' after worst NHS figures

Boris Johnson vows to 'get those waiting lists down ' after worst NHS figures Boris Johnson vows to 'get those waiting lists down ' after worst NHS figures Boris Johnson has made a commitment to `` get those waiting lists down '' after one measure of NHS performance recorded its worst figure on record .
Official data showed only 81.4 % of emergency patients in England were seen within four hours in November .
It is the worst performance ever against the target that 95 % of A & E patients should be treated , discharged or admitted to hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corbyn raised the issue at Wednesday 's Prime Minister 's Questions in the House of Commons .
He asked : `` The number of patients waiting more than four hours in A & E is now at its highest on record , for the second month in a row .
`` We 've had months of promises .
People need action . ''
Mr Corbyn also noted that last year saw one in four patients waiting more than two months for the start of their cancer treatment .
He added : `` How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life-threatening delays because our NHS is under-staffed and under-funded ? ''
In response , the prime minister admitted such delays are `` unacceptable '' but highlighted the Conservatives ' election promises to deliver 50,000 more nurses , 6,000 more GPs and invest `` record sums '' in the NHS .
`` We will get those waiting lists down , '' Mr Johnson added , despite Health Secretary Matt Hancock having earlier hinted the four-hour A & E waiting time target could be scrapped .
Mr Corbyn called on the government to apologise to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was last week reported to have waited 12 hours on a hospital trolley before a bed was found for him .
The prime minister said MPs have `` every sympathy for everybody who have a bad and unacceptable experience in the NHS '' but added that `` most people in this country… have a fantastic experience of our health care '' .
The government has promised to write its NHS funding commitments into law , with the NHS Long Term Plan Funding Bill introduced to the Commons for the first time on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` gimmick '' and told the prime minister : `` He should end the empty rhetoric and back our proposals to give the NHS the funding it needs rather than putting into law an insufficiency of funding . ''
NHS England is already piloting new targets so patients with the most serious conditions receive treatment within an hour , while others with more minor complaints wait longer .
Mr Hancock suggested the trials could become permanent across England , telling BBC Radio 5 Live : `` We will be judged by the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appropriate . ''
He added : `` The four-hour target in A & E - which is often taken as the top way of measuring what 's going on in hospitals - the problem with that target is that , increasingly , people can be treated on the day and able to go home .
`` That is much better for the patient and also better for the NHS , and yet the way that 's counted in the target does n't work . ''
Labour 's shadow health secretary , Jonathan Ashworth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & E target wo n't magic away the problems in our overcrowded hospitals , with patients left on trolleys in corridors for hours and hours . ''

Boris Johnson has made a commitment to "get those waiting lists down" after one measure of NHS performance recorded its worst figure on record.
Official data showed only 81.4% of emergency patients in England were seen within four hours in November.
It is the worst performance ever against the target that 95% of A&E patients should be treated, discharged or admitted to hospital within that timescale.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:33 PM not interested in Labour manifesto NHS pledges
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn raised the issue at Wednesday's Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons.
He asked: "The number of patients waiting more than four hours in A&E is now at its highest on record, for the second month in a row.
"We've had months of promises. People need action."
Mr Corbyn also noted that last year saw one in four patients waiting more than two months for the start of their cancer treatment.
He added: "How many more patients will face what are life-threatening delays because our NHS is under-staffed and under-funded?"
In response, the prime minister admitted such delays are "unacceptable" but highlighted the Conservatives' election promises to deliver 50,000 more nurses, 6,000 more GPs and invest "record sums" in the NHS.
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"We will get those waiting lists down," Mr Johnson added, despite Health Secretary Matt Hancock having earlier hinted the four-hour A&E waiting time target could be scrapped.
Image: Jeremy Corbyn called on the government to apologise to an RAF veteran
Mr Corbyn called on the government to apologise to 92-year-old RAF veteran Stan Solomons, who was last week reported to have waited 12 hours on a hospital trolley before a bed was found for him.
The prime minister said MPs have "every sympathy for everybody who have a bad and unacceptable experience in the NHS" but added that "most people in this country… have a fantastic experience of our health care".
The government has promised to write its NHS funding commitments into law, with the NHS Long Term Plan Funding Bill introduced to the Commons for the first time on Wednesday.
But Mr Corbyn branded this a "gimmick" and told the prime minister: "He should end the empty rhetoric and back our proposals to give the NHS the funding it needs rather than putting into law an insufficiency of funding."
NHS England is already piloting new targets so patients with the most serious conditions receive treatment within an hour, while others with more minor complaints wait longer.
Mr Hancock suggested the trials could become permanent across England, telling BBC Radio 5 Live: "We will be judged by the right targets. Targets have to be clinically appropriate."
He added: "The four-hour target in A&E - which is often taken as the top way of measuring what's going on in hospitals - the problem with that target is that, increasingly, people can be treated on the day and able to go home.
"That is much better for the patient and also better for the NHS, and yet the way that's counted in the target doesn't work."
Labour's shadow health secretary, Jonathan Ashworth, said: "Changing the A&E target won't magic away the problems in our overcrowded hospitals, with patients left on trolleys in corridors for hours and hours."


skynewspolitics--2020-01-15--UK government commits £2bn for new N Ireland executive

First Minister Arlene Foster ( second from right ) and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill ( second from left ) agreed a deal to revive the Assembly last week The UK government has committed £2bn to Northern Ireland 's new power-sharing executive .
Julian Smith , the Northern Ireland secretary , announced the cash injection following talks this week with Stormont 's parties .
On Monday , devolved government returned to Northern Ireland following three years of deadlock after a dispute between Sinn Fein and the DUP saw the last power-sharing agreement collapse .
A `` New Decade , New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their joint governance of Northern Ireland , with Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailing the `` wonderful compromise '' of both sides .
Talks were subsequently held between the UK and Irish governments and Northern Ireland parties over the funding of the new Northern Ireland Executive .
The UK government 's initial offer was initially described as being `` way short '' by Stormont 's new finance minister Conor Murphy .
Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O ’ Neill also wrote to Mr Johnson to describe a proposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcing the UK government 's cash commitment on Wednesday , Mr Smith said : `` This £2bn injection will help transform public services in Northern Ireland , including ending the nurses ' pay dispute .
`` New Decade , New Approach is about putting Northern Ireland 's Assembly on a sustainable footing .
`` This funding provides certainty to the executive and ensures much-needed reforms across health , education and justice can be delivered . ''
The money will come with `` stringent conditions '' to deliver a `` greater level of accountability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Executive is building sustainable public services '' , the Northern Ireland Office said .
Of the total cash , £1bn is from an investment guarantee from the UK government based on the Barnett formula for allocating public funds to Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
It includes new funding for infrastructure investment .
A `` rapid injection '' of £550m has also been earmarked to put the executive 's finances on a sustainable footing , of which £200m will be used to resolve a nurses ' pay dispute in Northern Ireland .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while £140m will address Northern Ireland 's `` unique circumstances '' .
The previous DUP/Sinn Fein power-sharing executive in Northern Ireland collapsed in acrimony in January 2017 .
The cause was a row about a botched green energy scheme , a dispute that later widened to include more traditional wrangles on issues like the Irish language and the legacy of the Troubles .
Analysis : Package falls far short of what new Stormont government requires By David Blevins , senior Ireland correspondent Two billion pounds is a lot of money but only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that falls far short of what the new government requires .
First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill had earlier written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to express their concern that the financial package for Stormont would not be adequate .
The political parties were of the view that they had been promised much more money for the devolved government during negotiations which led to the resumption of power-sharing .
But £1bn of this money was already earmarked for Northern Ireland under the Barnett formula , the mechanism used by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds to Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .

The UK government has committed £2bn to Northern Ireland's new power-sharing executive.
Julian Smith, the Northern Ireland secretary, announced the cash injection following talks this week with Stormont's parties.
On Monday, devolved government returned to Northern Ireland following three years of deadlock after a dispute between Sinn Fein and the DUP saw the last power-sharing agreement collapse.
Image: Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith announced the funding package
A "New Decade, New Approach" deal saw the parties restart their joint governance of Northern Ireland, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailing the "wonderful compromise" of both sides.
Talks were subsequently held between the UK and Irish governments and Northern Ireland parties over the funding of the new Northern Ireland Executive.
The UK government's initial offer was initially described as being "way short" by Stormont's new finance minister Conor Murphy.
Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill also wrote to Mr Johnson to describe a proposed financial package as inadequate.
But, announcing the UK government's cash commitment on Wednesday, Mr Smith said: "This £2bn injection will help transform public services in Northern Ireland, including ending the nurses' pay dispute.
"New Decade, New Approach is about putting Northern Ireland's Assembly on a sustainable footing.
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"This funding provides certainty to the executive and ensures much-needed reforms across health, education and justice can be delivered."
The money will come with "stringent conditions" to deliver a "greater level of accountability for public spending and ensure the new Executive is building sustainable public services", the Northern Ireland Office said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:36 Power-sharing resumes in NI Assembly
Of the total cash, £1bn is from an investment guarantee from the UK government based on the Barnett formula for allocating public funds to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
It includes new funding for infrastructure investment.
A "rapid injection" of £550m has also been earmarked to put the executive's finances on a sustainable footing, of which £200m will be used to resolve a nurses' pay dispute in Northern Ireland.
And around £245m will support public services, while £140m will address Northern Ireland's "unique circumstances".
The previous DUP/Sinn Fein power-sharing executive in Northern Ireland collapsed in acrimony in January 2017.
The cause was a row about a botched green energy scheme, a dispute that later widened to include more traditional wrangles on issues like the Irish language and the legacy of the Troubles.
Analysis: Package falls far short of what new Stormont government requires
By David Blevins, senior Ireland correspondent
Two billion pounds is a lot of money but only £1bn of it is new cash and that falls far short of what the new government requires.
First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill had earlier written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to express their concern that the financial package for Stormont would not be adequate.
The political parties were of the view that they had been promised much more money for the devolved government during negotiations which led to the resumption of power-sharing.
But £1bn of this money was already earmarked for Northern Ireland under the Barnett formula, the mechanism used by the Treasury for the allocation of public funds to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-15--Corbyn shares concerns about 'racial undertones' of Meghan coverage

Jeremy Corbyn shares the concerns raised by Prince Harry about the `` racial undertones '' in the media coverage of his wife Meghan , the Labour leader 's office has said .
A spokeswoman said the Labour leader backed the assessment of the Duke of Sussex , who has hit out at media treatment of the Duchess of Sussex .
`` Jeremy has commented in the past in relation to Prince Harry and Meghan , about press intrusion and its impact on people and their families and , to use Prince Harry 's words as well , the 'racial undertones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has approached Meghan , '' she said .
The spokeswoman added that Mr Corbyn had `` spoken out '' about the issue and `` understands how press intrusion can have a negative impact on people and their private lives '' .
Prince Harry issued a statement through his communications secretary in 2016 , hitting out at the `` wave of abuse and harassment '' the Duchess of Sussex had faced from the media .
He cited the `` racial undertones of comment pieces '' among his concerns .
The couple announced their intention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position as senior royals last week .
The media attention the pair have received since their relationship began is widely believed to be one of the factors behind the decision .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A tumultuous week for the Royal Family saw a summit at Sandringham on Monday .
After the meeting - involving the Queen , Prince Harry , Prince William and Prince Charles - Buckingham Palace announced that Her Majesty agreed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start a `` new life '' as an `` independent '' family .
The pair will begin a `` transition period '' in which they will split their time between the UK and Canada .
In an interview on Tuesday , Boris Johnson declined to answer questions on whether race had played a part in the coverage of Meghan joining the Royal Family .
The prime minister said he was `` absolutely confident '' that the royals would resolve the issues surrounding Harry and Meghan stepping back - and would do so `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politicians '' .
Asked about whether media intrusion was a factor , Mr Johnson said : `` Everybody has got an opinion but it does n't mean the problem is helped by politicians weighing in . ''
Home Secretary Priti Patel dismissed suggestions that Meghan has been subject to racist press coverage .
She told BBC Radio 5 Live : `` I 'm not in that category at all where I believe there 's racism at all .
`` I think we live in a great country , a great society , full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ background can get on in life . ''
Asked if the media had been racist in any way , Ms Patel replied : `` I do n't think so , no… I certainly have n't seen that through any debates or commentary or things of that nature . ''

Jeremy Corbyn shares the concerns raised by Prince Harry about the "racial undertones" in the media coverage of his wife Meghan, the Labour leader's office has said.
A spokeswoman said the Labour leader backed the assessment of the Duke of Sussex, who has hit out at media treatment of the Duchess of Sussex.
"Jeremy has commented in the past in relation to Prince Harry and Meghan, about press intrusion and its impact on people and their families and, to use Prince Harry's words as well, the 'racial undertones' in relation to how the media has approached Meghan," she said.
Image: Jeremy Corbyn has backed the assessment of the Duke of Sussex
The spokeswoman added that Mr Corbyn had "spoken out" about the issue and "understands how press intrusion can have a negative impact on people and their private lives".
Prince Harry issued a statement through his communications secretary in 2016, hitting out at the "wave of abuse and harassment" the Duchess of Sussex had faced from the media.
He cited the "racial undertones of comment pieces" among his concerns.
The couple announced their intention to "step back" from their position as senior royals last week.
The media attention the pair have received since their relationship began is widely believed to be one of the factors behind the decision.
A tumultuous week for the Royal Family saw a summit at Sandringham on Monday.
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After the meeting - involving the Queen, Prince Harry, Prince William and Prince Charles - Buckingham Palace announced that Her Majesty agreed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could step back as senior royals and start a "new life" as an "independent" family.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The pair will begin a "transition period" in which they will split their time between the UK and Canada.
In an interview on Tuesday, Boris Johnson declined to answer questions on whether race had played a part in the coverage of Meghan joining the Royal Family.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:23 Why Harry and Meghan stepped back
The prime minister said he was "absolutely confident" that the royals would resolve the issues surrounding Harry and Meghan stepping back - and would do so "much more easily without running commentary from politicians".
Asked about whether media intrusion was a factor, Mr Johnson said: "Everybody has got an opinion but it doesn't mean the problem is helped by politicians weighing in."
Home Secretary Priti Patel dismissed suggestions that Meghan has been subject to racist press coverage.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:24 A history of royal troubles
She told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I'm not in that category at all where I believe there's racism at all.
"I think we live in a great country, a great society, full of opportunity, where people of any background can get on in life."
Asked if the media had been racist in any way, Ms Patel replied: "I don't think so, no… I certainly haven't seen that through any debates or commentary or things of that nature."


skynewspolitics--2020-01-15--Corbyn 'completely wrong' to have 'stood with Russia'

Jeremy Corbyn 'completely wrong ' to have 'stood with Russia ' over Salisbury , says Lisa Nandy Jeremy Corbyn 'completely wrong ' to have 'stood with Russia ' over Salisbury , says Lisa Nandy Russia was blamed for the use of a nerve agent in Salisbury Jeremy Corbyn was `` completely wrong '' to have `` stood with Russia '' over the Salisbury chemical weapons attack , according to a Labour leadership candidate .
Lisa Nandy , one of five MPs vying to replace Mr Corbyn as their party 's leader , launched a stinging attack on Labour 's response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agent in the Wiltshire city in March 2018 .
At the time of the attack , Mr Corbyn called for the UK to continue `` dialogue '' with Moscow and failed to explicitly back then prime minister Theresa May 's assertion of Russian responsibility for the attack .
Former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were left seriously ill after being poisoned by Novichok .
Both survived but months later Dawn Sturgess died in nearby Amesbury after handling a perfume bottle containing the nerve agent .
Speaking at an event in London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Russia is a regime that discriminates against LGBT people .
`` That demonises muslims and other minorities and suppresses basic rights .
`` That has invaded its neighbour and occupied a chunk of its sovereign territory .
`` That used chemical weapons on the streets of the UK and murdered a homeless person .
`` It was completely wrong that our response to this was to cast doubt on what happened and call only for dialogue .
`` At a crucial moment , we hesitated in condemning an authoritarian regime that supports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighbours , steals its country 's wealth , interferes in elections in Europe and America , attacks minority communities and then used chemical weapons on the streets of the UK .
`` We stood with the Russian government , and not with the people it oppresses , who suffer poverty and discrimination .
`` We failed the test of solidarity . ''
Ms Nandy claimed Labour 's response allowed the Conservatives to `` get away with their own shocking weakness '' on Russia , including the `` suppressing '' of a key report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK .
The Wigan MP added : `` The Labour leadership failed on Russia .
We must put this right . ''
Ms Nandy also called for the UK not to strike a post-Brexit trade deal with the US if Donald Trump quits the Paris Agreement on climate change .
`` We should be clear now that we would refuse to agree any trade deal with a country that has not ratified the Paris Agreement , '' she said .
`` We must use trade to support climate action , not hamper it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments on Russia , Andrew Fisher - who was a senior adviser to Mr Corbyn until the general election - said : `` Repeating inaccurate Tory smears is n't very helpful or comradely .
`` Jeremy repeatedly condemned Russia for its treatment of its LGBT citizens and other minorities .
`` But yes , he wanted categorical evidence before making categorical statements .
When the evidence was there , he did . ''
Ms Nandy is competing with Sir Keir Starmer , Rebecca Long-Bailey , Jess Phillips and Emily Thornberry to be Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secured the required number of nominations from Labour MPs and MEPs to be candidates , but now need to get the nomination of local Labour parties and affiliates , including trade unions .
On Tuesday , the National Union of Mineworkers announced its backing for Ms Nandy .
Sir Keir , the frontrunner in the contest , needs the backing of just one more union to secure his place on the ballot paper after winning the support of UNISON and the Socialist Environment and Resources Association ( SERA ) .

Jeremy Corbyn was "completely wrong" to have "stood with Russia" over the Salisbury chemical weapons attack, according to a Labour leadership candidate.
Lisa Nandy, one of five MPs vying to replace Mr Corbyn as their party's leader, launched a stinging attack on Labour's response to the use of the Novichok nerve agent in the Wiltshire city in March 2018.
At the time of the attack, Mr Corbyn called for the UK to continue "dialogue" with Moscow and failed to explicitly back then prime minister Theresa May's assertion of Russian responsibility for the attack.
Image: Lisa Nandy believes Labour 'failed on Russia'
Former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were left seriously ill after being poisoned by Novichok.
Both survived but months later Dawn Sturgess died in nearby Amesbury after handling a perfume bottle containing the nerve agent.
Speaking at an event in London on Wednesday, Ms Nandy said: "Russia is a regime that discriminates against LGBT people.
"That demonises muslims and other minorities and suppresses basic rights.
"That has invaded its neighbour and occupied a chunk of its sovereign territory.
"That used chemical weapons on the streets of the UK and murdered a homeless person.
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"It was completely wrong that our response to this was to cast doubt on what happened and call only for dialogue.
"At a crucial moment, we hesitated in condemning an authoritarian regime that supports [Donald] Trump, invades its neighbours, steals its country's wealth, interferes in elections in Europe and America, attacks minority communities and then used chemical weapons on the streets of the UK.
"We stood with the Russian government, and not with the people it oppresses, who suffer poverty and discrimination.
"We failed the test of solidarity."
Image: Jeremy Corbyn called for 'dialogue' with Russia
Ms Nandy claimed Labour's response allowed the Conservatives to "get away with their own shocking weakness" on Russia, including the "suppressing" of a key report on Moscow's alleged interference in the UK.
The Wigan MP added: "The Labour leadership failed on Russia. We must put this right."
Ms Nandy also called for the UK not to strike a post-Brexit trade deal with the US if Donald Trump quits the Paris Agreement on climate change.
"We should be clear now that we would refuse to agree any trade deal with a country that has not ratified the Paris Agreement," she said.
"We must use trade to support climate action, not hamper it."
Image: The five candidates for Labour's next leader
Responding to Ms Nandy's comments on Russia, Andrew Fisher - who was a senior adviser to Mr Corbyn until the general election - said: "Repeating inaccurate Tory smears isn't very helpful or comradely.
"Jeremy repeatedly condemned Russia for its treatment of its LGBT citizens and other minorities.
"But yes, he wanted categorical evidence before making categorical statements. When the evidence was there, he did."
Ms Nandy is competing with Sir Keir Starmer, Rebecca Long-Bailey, Jess Phillips and Emily Thornberry to be Labour's next leader.
All five have secured the required number of nominations from Labour MPs and MEPs to be candidates, but now need to get the nomination of local Labour parties and affiliates, including trade unions.
On Tuesday, the National Union of Mineworkers announced its backing for Ms Nandy.
Sir Keir, the frontrunner in the contest, needs the backing of just one more union to secure his place on the ballot paper after winning the support of UNISON and the Socialist Environment and Resources Association (SERA).


skynewspolitics--2020-01-15--Crowdfunding bid to make Big Ben 'bong for Brexit'

A national crowdfunding campaign to make Big Ben `` bong for Brexit '' has been launched .
Tory Brexiteer Mark Francois and the StandUp4Brexit group are spearheading plans to help raise the cash to pay for the `` iconic timepiece '' to ring in the UK 's departure from the EU at 11pm on 31 January .
Parliament officials have estimated the cost of enabling Big Ben , which is currently undergoing restoration work , to sound later this month could be as high as £500,000 .
This is because the clock mechanism on parliament 's Elizabeth Tower , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Great Bell ( commonly known as Big Ben ) , has been dismantled and removed for refurbishment .
A temporary striking mechanism and temporary floor of the belfry where Big Ben is housed would need to be installed in order for the famous bell to ring on 31 January .
But , speaking to Sky News , Mr Francois was undeterred by the cost of Big Ben marking what he said was `` undeniably an historic moment '' in the UK 's history .
Describing how `` the most iconic timepiece in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK 's exit from the EU , he has pledged £1,000 of his own money to the cause .
The crowdfunding campaign , hosted by the GoFundMe website , had raised £4,000 of its £500,000 target within about an hour of going online .
Organisers hope to raise the cash by the weekend , due to the time needed to prepare Big Ben to bong for the 31 January deadline .
If they fail to reach the £500,000 target , the fund will be donated to the Help for Heroes charity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ target is exceeded .
Mr Francois suggested the £500,000 figure is `` probably a bit inflated , perhaps by people that never wanted to do it in the first place '' .
He also claimed those who do n't want to `` celebrate our becoming a free country again '' could instead `` can stay at home and watch NetFlix '' .
The Rayleigh and Wickford MP suggested a celebration of Brexit could `` provide an opportunity for a bit of closure '' on divisions within the UK .
`` We have , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this for years - everybody knows that - this could provide a moment of catharsis , '' he added .
If the crowdfunding bid fails , Mr Francois admitted a `` Plan B '' could be to play a recording of Big Ben 's bongs .
Rebecca Ryan , founder of StandUp4Brexit said : `` Three and a half years after the referendum vote we are finally leaving the EU .
`` As a historic event , it 's unthinkable that this moment wo n't be celebrated by the chimes of the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world 's premier city . ''
Meanwhile , Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage hailed the news that the Leave Means Leave group have been given approval to hold a celebratory event in Parliament Square on 31 January .
`` It is a big moment in the history of this nation to celebrate , '' he said .
Earlier this week , Prime Minister Boris Johnson himself raised the prospect of a public fundraising campaign to allow people to `` bung a bob for a Big Ben bong '' .
Downing Street has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister 's plans for 31 January `` in the near future '' .

A national crowdfunding campaign to make Big Ben "bong for Brexit" has been launched.
Tory Brexiteer Mark Francois and the StandUp4Brexit group are spearheading plans to help raise the cash to pay for the "iconic timepiece" to ring in the UK's departure from the EU at 11pm on 31 January.
Parliament officials have estimated the cost of enabling Big Ben, which is currently undergoing restoration work, to sound later this month could be as high as £500,000.
Image: Mark Francois will donate £1,000 of his own money
This is because the clock mechanism on parliament's Elizabeth Tower, which usually powers the hammer that strikes the Great Bell (commonly known as Big Ben), has been dismantled and removed for refurbishment.
A temporary striking mechanism and temporary floor of the belfry where Big Ben is housed would need to be installed in order for the famous bell to ring on 31 January.
But, speaking to Sky News, Mr Francois was undeterred by the cost of Big Ben marking what he said was "undeniably an historic moment" in the UK's history.
Describing how "the most iconic timepiece in the world" should be the focus of the UK's exit from the EU, he has pledged £1,000 of his own money to the cause.
The crowdfunding campaign, hosted by the GoFundMe website, had raised £4,000 of its £500,000 target within about an hour of going online.
Organisers hope to raise the cash by the weekend, due to the time needed to prepare Big Ben to bong for the 31 January deadline.
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If they fail to reach the £500,000 target, the fund will be donated to the Help for Heroes charity, as will any surplus money if the target is exceeded.
Image: It will cost an estimated £500,000 to allow Big Ben to sound again on 31 Janaury
Mr Francois suggested the £500,000 figure is "probably a bit inflated, perhaps by people that never wanted to do it in the first place".
He also claimed those who don't want to "celebrate our becoming a free country again" could instead "can stay at home and watch NetFlix".
The Rayleigh and Wickford MP suggested a celebration of Brexit could "provide an opportunity for a bit of closure" on divisions within the UK.
"We have, as a nation, been arguing over this for years - everybody knows that - this could provide a moment of catharsis," he added.
If the crowdfunding bid fails, Mr Francois admitted a "Plan B" could be to play a recording of Big Ben's bongs.
Rebecca Ryan, founder of StandUp4Brexit said: "Three and a half years after the referendum vote we are finally leaving the EU.
"As a historic event, it's unthinkable that this moment won't be celebrated by the chimes of the most famous clock in the world, in the world's premier city."
Meanwhile, Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage hailed the news that the Leave Means Leave group have been given approval to hold a celebratory event in Parliament Square on 31 January.
"It is a big moment in the history of this nation to celebrate," he said.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson himself raised the prospect of a public fundraising campaign to allow people to "bung a bob for a Big Ben bong".
Downing Street has said it will set out the prime minister's plans for 31 January "in the near future".


skynewspolitics--2020-01-16--Long-Bailey in the lead to replace Corbyn, poll suggests

Rebecca Long-Bailey in the lead to replace Jeremy Corbyn , new poll suggests Rebecca Long-Bailey in the lead to replace Jeremy Corbyn , new poll suggests Rebecca Long-Bailey has leapfrogged Sir Keir Starmer in the race to be the next Labour leader , a new poll has suggested .
The new poll by Survation indicated that Ms Long-Bailey , the shadow business secretary , would secure 42 % of first preference votes to the shadow Brexit secretary 's 37 % .
According to the results , Jess Phillips would get 9 % of first preferences , Lisa Nandy 7 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 % .
However , more than a third of those questioned said they had not decided who they would vote for in the leadership contest .
Only 22 % said they were certain they would not change their mind in the remaining 11 weeks of the race .
The poll asked readers of Labour List , a website focused on party news , for their preferences and then weighted the results to reflect the membership .
It suggests that the five-candidate contest is wide open , with Ms Long-Bailey , who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the party , including shadow chancellor John McDonnell , looking most popular with signed-up members .
The Salford and Eccles MP had come a long way second to Sir Keir in the round of nominations by MPs and MEPs , picking up 33 supporters to the Brexit spokesman 's 88 .
But the new Labour leader will be decided by party members , who currently number around 500,000 , using a preferential voting system , with members able to order the candidates in a list from one to five .
: : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In order to progress to the postal ballot of members and supporters , candidates for both leader and deputy must get the support of 5 % of local parties or three affiliates , including two unions , by 14 February .
If no candidate wins 50 % of the vote during the first round of counting , the last place contender is eliminated and their second preference votes are re-distributed .
This process goes on until one of the candidates secures a majority .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ start of April Candidates are due to face off during party-organised leadership hustings held across the UK , with the first scheduled for Saturday in Liverpool .
The Survation poll made Angela Rayner the overwhelming favourite to win the deputy leadership contest .
It suggests the shadow education secretary would win the battle on first preferences alone , taking 60 % of the vote .

Rebecca Long-Bailey has leapfrogged Sir Keir Starmer in the race to be the next Labour leader, a new poll has suggested.
An earlier survey had put Sir Keir narrowly ahead.
The new poll by Survation indicated that Ms Long-Bailey, the shadow business secretary, would secure 42% of first preference votes to the shadow Brexit secretary's 37%.
Image: Sir Keir Starmer had won the most backing from Labour MPs and MEPs
According to the results, Jess Phillips would get 9% of first preferences, Lisa Nandy 7% and shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry just 1%.
However, more than a third of those questioned said they had not decided who they would vote for in the leadership contest.
Only 22% said they were certain they would not change their mind in the remaining 11 weeks of the race.
The poll asked readers of Labour List, a website focused on party news, for their preferences and then weighted the results to reflect the membership.
It suggests that the five-candidate contest is wide open, with Ms Long-Bailey, who is backed by senior figures on the left of the party, including shadow chancellor John McDonnell, looking most popular with signed-up members.
The Salford and Eccles MP had come a long way second to Sir Keir in the round of nominations by MPs and MEPs, picking up 33 supporters to the Brexit spokesman's 88.
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But the new Labour leader will be decided by party members, who currently number around 500,000, using a preferential voting system, with members able to order the candidates in a list from one to five.
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In order to progress to the postal ballot of members and supporters, candidates for both leader and deputy must get the support of 5% of local parties or three affiliates, including two unions, by 14 February.
If no candidate wins 50% of the vote during the first round of counting, the last place contender is eliminated and their second preference votes are re-distributed.
This process goes on until one of the candidates secures a majority.
The winner will be announced at the start of April
Candidates are due to face off during party-organised leadership hustings held across the UK, with the first scheduled for Saturday in Liverpool.
The Survation poll made Angela Rayner the overwhelming favourite to win the deputy leadership contest.
It suggests the shadow education secretary would win the battle on first preferences alone, taking 60% of the vote.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-16--Farmers to be paid to protect the environment

Farmers to be paid to protect the environment and improve animal welfare Farmers to be paid to protect the environment and improve animal welfare Subsidies will no longer be paid on the basis of the size of farms Farmers are to be rewarded for protecting the environment , improving access to the countryside and boosting animal welfare under proposals outlined in the government 's Agriculture Bill .
Currently , British farmers get around £3.4bn a year in subsidies under the EU 's Common Agricultural Policy ( CAP ) , with the money distributed in the main on the basis of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new bill , which will replace the CAP after Brexit , will include a government pledge to maintain the same level of funding for the duration of the current parliament .
But , crucially , the focus for the reward of subsidies will switch from size to protecting land , water and air , supporting thriving plants and wildlife , tackling climate change , maintaining beautiful landscapes , improving public access and boosting animal health and welfare .
There will also be more emphasis on food production and the bill will require the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The changes set out in the bill will be brought in over seven years , from 2021 to the end of 2027 to help farmers adjust .
Direct payments for the amount of land farmed will be phased out , with the largest reductions starting for those who are paid the most .
Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers said the bill would transform British farming and enable a balance between food production and the environment to safeguard the countryside and farming communities .
`` This is one of the most important environmental reforms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the work they do to safeguard our environment and helping us meet crucial goals on climate change and protecting nature and biodiversity , '' she said .
`` We will move away from the EU 's bureaucratic Common Agricultural Policy and towards a fairer system which rewards our hard-working farmers for delivering public goods , celebrating their world-leading environmental work and innovative , modern approach to food production . ''
The proposals have been generally welcomed by farmers , landowners and environmental groups .
However , there have been warnings about the need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environmental standards are not undermined in future trade deals with countries such as the US .
Friends of the Earth has called for a legal commitment to be added to the bill `` to prevent trade deals from forcing lower standards on the UK '' .
National Farmers ' Union president Minette Batters welcomed the bill 's recognition that farmers have a vital role as food producers .
She said : `` Farmers across the country will still want to see legislation underpinning the government 's assurances that they will not allow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be illegal here through future trade deals .
`` We will continue to press the government to introduce a standards commission as a matter of priority to oversee and advise on future food trade policy and negotiations . ''
Rosie Hails , from the National Trust , a major landowner , said the system of public money for public goods which it had pushed for was an opportunity to put sustainability , wildlife , protecting soils and flood prevention at the heart of land management .
`` We have trialled this approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this model can work '' , she said .
`` It must however be backed up with good quality advice , and the certainty of long-term funding that matches the scale of ambition in the bill . ''

Farmers are to be rewarded for protecting the environment, improving access to the countryside and boosting animal welfare under proposals outlined in the government's Agriculture Bill.
Currently, British farmers get around £3.4bn a year in subsidies under the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), with the money distributed in the main on the basis of the size of the farm.
The new bill, which will replace the CAP after Brexit, will include a government pledge to maintain the same level of funding for the duration of the current parliament.
Image: Animal welfare will be one of the key elements of the bill
But, crucially, the focus for the reward of subsidies will switch from size to protecting land, water and air, supporting thriving plants and wildlife, tackling climate change, maintaining beautiful landscapes, improving public access and boosting animal health and welfare.
There will also be more emphasis on food production and the bill will require the government to report regularly on food security.
The changes set out in the bill will be brought in over seven years, from 2021 to the end of 2027 to help farmers adjust.
Direct payments for the amount of land farmed will be phased out, with the largest reductions starting for those who are paid the most.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers said the bill would transform British farming and enable a balance between food production and the environment to safeguard the countryside and farming communities.
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"This is one of the most important environmental reforms for many years, rewarding farmers for the work they do to safeguard our environment and helping us meet crucial goals on climate change and protecting nature and biodiversity," she said.
"We will move away from the EU's bureaucratic Common Agricultural Policy and towards a fairer system which rewards our hard-working farmers for delivering public goods, celebrating their world-leading environmental work and innovative, modern approach to food production."
The proposals have been generally welcomed by farmers, landowners and environmental groups.
However, there have been warnings about the need for long-term funding and safeguards to ensure environmental standards are not undermined in future trade deals with countries such as the US.
Friends of the Earth has called for a legal commitment to be added to the bill "to prevent trade deals from forcing lower standards on the UK".
National Farmers' Union president Minette Batters welcomed the bill's recognition that farmers have a vital role as food producers.
She said: "Farmers across the country will still want to see legislation underpinning the government's assurances that they will not allow the imports of food produced to standards that would be illegal here through future trade deals.
"We will continue to press the government to introduce a standards commission as a matter of priority to oversee and advise on future food trade policy and negotiations."
Rosie Hails, from the National Trust, a major landowner, said the system of public money for public goods which it had pushed for was an opportunity to put sustainability, wildlife, protecting soils and flood prevention at the heart of land management.
"We have trialled this approach with tenant farmers and we know that this model can work", she said.
"It must however be backed up with good quality advice, and the certainty of long-term funding that matches the scale of ambition in the bill."


skynewspolitics--2020-01-16--Police investigate assault claim at Keith Vaz comeback meeting

Keith Vaz stood down as MP for Leicester East at the last general election Police are investigating an alleged assault at the venue where former Labour MP Keith Vaz made his return to politics .
On Tuesday , Mr Vaz was elected chairman of the Leicester East Constituency Labour Party ( CLP ) at a meeting attended by around 150 people .
He stood down as MP for the seat at the last general election , having represented the constituency since 1987 .
It came after Mr Vaz was given a six-month Commons ban over drug allegations involving sex workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it is looking into an allegation of assault at the venue where Mr Vaz 's election as chairman took place .
A spokeswoman for the force said : `` We can confirm we received a report of an assault at the Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre yesterday evening .
`` There are further investigations being carried out into the alleged assault to see if any criminal offences have occurred . ''
A Labour activist complained to police of an injury to her right wrist as she tried to get into the meeting , Leicestershire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Claudia Webbe , who succeeded Mr Vaz as MP for the constituency , was not at the meeting due to parliament sitting at Westminster .
The six-month ban handed to Mr Vaz was the longest ever given to an MP .
A parliamentary inquiry investigated claims contained in a Sunday Mirror article back in 2016 that he offered to purchase cocaine for male sex workers while posing as an industrial washing machine salesman called Jim .
Mr Vaz was chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee at the time - and the committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use and prostitution .
He complained of suffering from amnesia and told investigators the men were decorators .
However , parliament 's standards watchdog dismissed his explanation as `` incredible '' and `` frankly ludicrous '' .

Police are investigating an alleged assault at the venue where former Labour MP Keith Vaz made his return to politics.
On Tuesday, Mr Vaz was elected chairman of the Leicester East Constituency Labour Party (CLP) at a meeting attended by around 150 people.
He stood down as MP for the seat at the last general election, having represented the constituency since 1987.
It came after Mr Vaz was given a six-month Commons ban over drug allegations involving sex workers at his flat.
Leicestershire Police has said it is looking into an allegation of assault at the venue where Mr Vaz's election as chairman took place.
A spokeswoman for the force said: "We can confirm we received a report of an assault at the Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre yesterday evening.
"There are further investigations being carried out into the alleged assault to see if any criminal offences have occurred."
A Labour activist complained to police of an injury to her right wrist as she tried to get into the meeting, Leicestershire Live reported.
It is understood that Claudia Webbe, who succeeded Mr Vaz as MP for the constituency, was not at the meeting due to parliament sitting at Westminster.
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The six-month ban handed to Mr Vaz was the longest ever given to an MP.
A parliamentary inquiry investigated claims contained in a Sunday Mirror article back in 2016 that he offered to purchase cocaine for male sex workers while posing as an industrial washing machine salesman called Jim.
Mr Vaz was chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee at the time - and the committee was looking at the issues of drug use and prostitution.
He complained of suffering from amnesia and told investigators the men were decorators.
However, parliament's standards watchdog dismissed his explanation as "incredible" and "frankly ludicrous".


skynewspolitics--2020-01-17--Brexit will be reversed, senior EU figure predicts

EU 's Guy Verhofstadt predicts Brexit will be reversed : 'It will happen' EU 's Guy Verhofstadt predicts Brexit will be reversed : 'It will happen' Britain will one day rejoin the European Union , one of the bloc 's senior figures has predicted .
Guy Verhofstadt , chairman of the EU 's Brexit Steering Group , said he agreed with the assessment of a British MEP that Brexit will be reversed .
Labour 's Seb Dance argued the UK was taking a `` sabbatical '' from the bloc and would be back in the future .
Mr Verhofstadt told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I think that will happen , yes , ( but ) it 's difficult to say when .
`` There will be a generation , the young generation coming in the coming decades , who will say later , 'We want to go back ' .
`` It will happen .
Maybe you will not see it in my life , but it will happen . ''
Three years after Britons voted to leave the EU in a referendum Britain will - barring any unforeseen circumstances - leave the bloc on 31 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit deal is set to become law in the coming days , with the European Parliament then required to ratify it .
Once Britain has left , London and Brussels will start negotiating the details of the future relationship between the two sides .
This will come into effect at the end of the transition period at the end of December .
One of the key issues that has been thrown up by the 2016 Brexit vote is the future status of British citizens living on the continent and European citizens who call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizens live in the UK - and they have until at least July 2021 to make an application for settled status .
The scheme aims to help EU citizens and their families live and work in the UK once freedom of movement comes to an end as a result of Brexit .
Mr Verhofstadt said he met with Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay on Thursday , a meeting that he claimed saw the British government reveal it is looking at allowing EU citizens to have a hard copy of their settled status confirmation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have received confirmation by email - but the letter specified it was not legal proof of their status .
In some cases , citizens have been told to use a screenshot of their confirmation on their phone as proof .
Mr Verhofstadt said : `` They said we are going to look at it so people can print it so they have a physical document .
`` People will have the opportunity to have a printout , probably a PDF document .
`` That was the conclusion of our conversation . ''
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` no change '' to the government 's approach .
`` It has always been the case that people could print a copy of their confirmation letter , but this ca n't be used as evidence of status , '' the department said .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' The EU Settlement Scheme grants people with a secure , digital status which future-proofs their rights .
Physical documents can get lost , stolen , damaged and tampered with . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ given assurances by Mr Barclay that there would be no automatic deportation for those who miss the deadline to apply .
The Home Office said it has already `` made it clear '' that extensions will be granted if there are `` reasonable grounds '' for missing the deadline .
The latest figures show that more than 2.7 million applications to the settled status scheme have been made so far .
A total of 2,450,100 have been approved , leaving a backlog of more than 300,000 cases .
Six `` serious or persistent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Britain will one day rejoin the European Union, one of the bloc's senior figures has predicted.
Guy Verhofstadt, chairman of the EU's Brexit Steering Group, said he agreed with the assessment of a British MEP that Brexit will be reversed.
Labour's Seb Dance argued the UK was taking a "sabbatical" from the bloc and would be back in the future.
Image: Boris Johnson's Brexit deal is set to become law in the coming days
Mr Verhofstadt told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I think that will happen, yes, (but) it's difficult to say when.
"There will be a generation, the young generation coming in the coming decades, who will say later, 'We want to go back'.
"It will happen. Maybe you will not see it in my life, but it will happen."
Three years after Britons voted to leave the EU in a referendum Britain will - barring any unforeseen circumstances - leave the bloc on 31 January.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Brexit deal is set to become law in the coming days, with the European Parliament then required to ratify it.
Once Britain has left, London and Brussels will start negotiating the details of the future relationship between the two sides.
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This will come into effect at the end of the transition period at the end of December.
One of the key issues that has been thrown up by the 2016 Brexit vote is the future status of British citizens living on the continent and European citizens who call Britain home.
Around three million EU citizens live in the UK - and they have until at least July 2021 to make an application for settled status.
The scheme aims to help EU citizens and their families live and work in the UK once freedom of movement comes to an end as a result of Brexit.
Mr Verhofstadt said he met with Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay on Thursday, a meeting that he claimed saw the British government reveal it is looking at allowing EU citizens to have a hard copy of their settled status confirmation.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:09 December: PM takes first step towards delivering Brexit as MPs back deal
Those who have successfully claimed settled status have received confirmation by email - but the letter specified it was not legal proof of their status.
In some cases, citizens have been told to use a screenshot of their confirmation on their phone as proof.
Mr Verhofstadt said: "They said we are going to look at it so people can print it so they have a physical document.
"People will have the opportunity to have a printout, probably a PDF document.
"That was the conclusion of our conversation."
But the Home Office said there had been "no change" to the government's approach.
"It has always been the case that people could print a copy of their confirmation letter, but this can't be used as evidence of status," the department said.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"The EU Settlement Scheme grants people with a secure, digital status which future-proofs their rights. Physical documents can get lost, stolen, damaged and tampered with."
Mr Verhofstadt also said he had been given assurances by Mr Barclay that there would be no automatic deportation for those who miss the deadline to apply.
The Home Office said it has already "made it clear" that extensions will be granted if there are "reasonable grounds" for missing the deadline.
The latest figures show that more than 2.7 million applications to the settled status scheme have been made so far.
A total of 2,450,100 have been approved, leaving a backlog of more than 300,000 cases.
Six "serious or persistent" criminals have been refused settled status.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-17--Priti Patel joins raid on gangs who use children to sell drugs

Priti Patel joins raid on gangs who use children to sell drugs Priti Patel joins raid on gangs who use children to sell drugs More than 120 officers raided 15 addresses in Liverpool , Rhyl , Chester , Bangor and Colwyn Bay .
The leaders of county lines gangs are being targeted , with the home secretary vowing to stop children being exploited across the country as drug mules .
Last year Priti Patel announced additional funds to combat the problem .
And after joining a police raid in Liverpool earlier , she told Sky News : `` I will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorising our towns and exploiting our children .
`` I 'm pleased to see such strong results from the police - they have my full backing in this crucial work .
`` Across government we have the collective responsibility to make sure we can cut the head off the snake and get to the upstream causes of why it has become such an issue across the UK .
`` We are committed to rolling up county lines but we 've got to work in a much more coordinated way .
`` We 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them hope and opportunity - there is a better life than drugs .
First and foremost we have to safeguard children and stop them falling into this death trap .
`` It makes me feel sick , it is abhorrent .
We are not speaking about a handful of children .
Thousands of children go missing every year - thousands of our children are being exploited across the country . ''
More than 120 officers from Merseyside , North Wales and the British Transport Police ( BTP ) raided 15 addresses in Liverpool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colwyn Bay .
Before embarking on Operation Medusa , officers in Merseyside were told that criminals were even operating drugs routes from a bus station outside their own HQ .
Merseyside Chief Constable Andy Cooke said : `` Sorry for the miserable weather - but let 's make it an even more miserable day for those criminals . ''
The BTP and Merseyside Police have already made more than 100 arrests during intensive operations that have taken place in the past two months .
Weapons , phones , drugs and cash have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key metropolitan hubs for what is called County Lines drug dealing - which is characterised by the use of branded drug phone lines and the exploitation of young people as drug runners into smaller towns across the UK .
It is thought these networks are contributing to the increase in knife crime across the UK .
The problem has been growing for a number of years with the National Crime Agency ( NCA ) reporting that there are 2,000 lines being operated by criminals in an industry worth £3m a day .
Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county lines would be `` totally wound up '' .
But the promised crackdown comes as the government battles a surge in knife crime .
Ministry of Justice data shows the number of people cautioned or convicted for carrying knives in England and Wales has reached record levels with some 44,076 offences involving a knife logged last year .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The increased police action in Liverpool was funded by £5m of Home Office money from £20m that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to dismantle county lines .
Merseyside Chief Constable Andy Cooke said : `` In the last two months the concentrated activity of our officers , working together with British Transport Police and other forces in the UK , has led to the cutting of seven county lines run by organised crime groups .
`` As a result we have arrested 48 people and more importantly we have been able to safeguard 21 people who were being exploited by these groups .
`` County Lines are run off the backs of vulnerable people targeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vulnerable to deal their drugs , while they sit back and live off the criminal earnings from the sales of illegal drugs which blight our communities . ''
Chief Constable Paul Crowther , from BTP , said : `` We have seen first-hand the devastating impact these exploitative gangs have on young people , and we are determined to disrupt this criminal activity . ''
Since the founding of the BTP county lines taskforce 80 gang members have been arrested and drugs and other potential lethal weapons being seized .
Anyone concerned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 101 , call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 , Childline on 0800 1111 , or report crime anonymously at www.fearless.org

The leaders of county lines gangs are being targeted, with the home secretary vowing to stop children being exploited across the country as drug mules.
Last year Priti Patel announced additional funds to combat the problem.
And after joining a police raid in Liverpool earlier, she told Sky News: "I will not tolerate these abhorrent gangs that are terrorising our towns and exploiting our children.
Image: The home secretary joined the raids in Merseyside
"I'm pleased to see such strong results from the police - they have my full backing in this crucial work.
"Across government we have the collective responsibility to make sure we can cut the head off the snake and get to the upstream causes of why it has become such an issue across the UK.
"We are committed to rolling up county lines but we've got to work in a much more coordinated way.
"We've got to protect those children and give them hope and opportunity - there is a better life than drugs. First and foremost we have to safeguard children and stop them falling into this death trap.
"It makes me feel sick, it is abhorrent. We are not speaking about a handful of children. Thousands of children go missing every year - thousands of our children are being exploited across the country."
More than 120 officers from Merseyside, North Wales and the British Transport Police (BTP) raided 15 addresses in Liverpool, Rhyl, Chester, Bangor and Colwyn Bay.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:18 Home sec to 'cut head off snake' of drug gangs
Before embarking on Operation Medusa, officers in Merseyside were told that criminals were even operating drugs routes from a bus station outside their own HQ.
Merseyside Chief Constable Andy Cooke said: "Sorry for the miserable weather - but let's make it an even more miserable day for those criminals."
The BTP and Merseyside Police have already made more than 100 arrests during intensive operations that have taken place in the past two months.
Weapons, phones, drugs and cash have been seized.
Liverpool is one of the key metropolitan hubs for what is called County Lines drug dealing - which is characterised by the use of branded drug phone lines and the exploitation of young people as drug runners into smaller towns across the UK.
It is thought these networks are contributing to the increase in knife crime across the UK.
The problem has been growing for a number of years with the National Crime Agency (NCA) reporting that there are 2,000 lines being operated by criminals in an industry worth £3m a day.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:26 Children as young as seven recruited by gangs to sell drugs
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said this week that county lines would be "totally wound up".
But the promised crackdown comes as the government battles a surge in knife crime.
Ministry of Justice data shows the number of people cautioned or convicted for carrying knives in England and Wales has reached record levels with some 44,076 offences involving a knife logged last year.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The increased police action in Liverpool was funded by £5m of Home Office money from £20m that was previously committed by the home secretary to dismantle county lines.
Merseyside Chief Constable Andy Cooke said: "In the last two months the concentrated activity of our officers, working together with British Transport Police and other forces in the UK, has led to the cutting of seven county lines run by organised crime groups.
"As a result we have arrested 48 people and more importantly we have been able to safeguard 21 people who were being exploited by these groups.
"County Lines are run off the backs of vulnerable people targeted by ruthless criminals.
"They use the vulnerable to deal their drugs, while they sit back and live off the criminal earnings from the sales of illegal drugs which blight our communities."
Chief Constable Paul Crowther, from BTP, said: "We have seen first-hand the devastating impact these exploitative gangs have on young people, and we are determined to disrupt this criminal activity."
Since the founding of the BTP county lines taskforce 80 gang members have been arrested and drugs and other potential lethal weapons being seized.
Anyone concerned about county lines can speak to police on 101, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, Childline on 0800 1111, or report crime anonymously at www.fearless.org