skynewspolitics--2020-09-22--Government facing calls to rethink plan to 'decriminalise torture' by UK troops

The government is pushing ahead with plans to introduce stronger legal protections for UK troops serving overseas - despite calls for ministers to think again about their plans to give `` a free pass over alleged war crimes '' .
MPs will on Wednesday debate the Overseas Operations Bill in the House of Commons , as the government seeks to meet its election promise to tackle `` vexatious claims '' against the Armed Forces .
Ministers have cited the problems of a previous probe into allegations made against Iraq war veterans as one example of the need to legislate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Allegations Team ( IHAT ) was closed down after seven years without a successful prosecution .
It followed the striking off of Phil Shiner , a human rights lawyer who brought abuse claims against UK troops , for multiple charges of misconduct .
Around 70 % of allegations received by IHAT were dismissed as there was no case to answer .
The government 's aim is for the Overseas Operations Bill to provide protections for troops and veterans facing repeated investigations and potential prosecution from military operations abroad .
The proposed legislation would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troops and veterans , including a presumption against prosecution for alleged offences committed more than five years ago .
The bill also proposes to introduce time limits on bringing civil claims in connection with overseas operations ; and would place a duty on the government to consider derogating from the European Convention on Human Rights in relation to significant overseas military operations .
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said : `` This government made a promise to the nation to protect service personnel and veterans from vexatious claims and endless investigations .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and today are one step closer to fulfilling that commitment .
`` We all remember Phil Shiner , and the scores of allegations that have amounted to nothing over the years .
`` Our Armed Forces risk their lives to protect us and it is vital we continue to progress this legislation , providing certainty for the troops who find themselves on the front line in the future . ''
Johnny Mercer , the minister for defence people and veterans , said the legislation would `` put an end to lawfare '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place in the world to be a veteran '' .
`` This legislation is not about providing an amnesty or putting troops above the law but protecting them from lawyers intent on rewriting history to line their own pockets , '' he added .
However , the government is facing opposition to its plans from human rights groups , Labour , and even from among its own MPs .
Senior Conservative MP David Davis , a former cabinet minister , has said he is `` deeply troubled '' by government plans to `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took place more than five years ago '' .
Labour 's shadow defence secretary , John Healey , said the government had got `` important parts of this bill badly wrong '' but promised to work with the government on `` better '' legislation .
`` It is not too late for ministers to think again about the best way to protect service personnel from vexatious litigation while ensuring that those who commit serious crimes during operations are prosecuted and punished appropriately , '' he wrote in The Times on Tuesday .
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The UK 's human rights watchdog , the Equality and Human Rights Commission , has called for the government to withdraw its plans and argued a time limit would never be set for serious crimes if they were committed outside of the Armed Forces .
And Amnesty International UK has claimed the proposed legislation would cause `` real and lasting damage to the reputation of the Armed Forces '' .
`` It is in no one 's interests for members of the Armed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over alleged war crimes , '' said director Kate Allen .
The bill does not apply to operations in the United Kingdom , including events that occurred in Northern Ireland during The Troubles .
The government intends to introduce separate legislation to address the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland .

The government is pushing ahead with plans to introduce stronger legal protections for UK troops serving overseas - despite calls for ministers to think again about their plans to give "a free pass over alleged war crimes".
MPs will on Wednesday debate the Overseas Operations Bill in the House of Commons, as the government seeks to meet its election promise to tackle "vexatious claims" against the Armed Forces.
Ministers have cited the problems of a previous probe into allegations made against Iraq war veterans as one example of the need to legislate.
In 2017, the £34m Iraq Historic Allegations Team (IHAT) was closed down after seven years without a successful prosecution.
It followed the striking off of Phil Shiner, a human rights lawyer who brought abuse claims against UK troops, for multiple charges of misconduct.
Around 70% of allegations received by IHAT were dismissed as there was no case to answer.
Image: Phil Shiner was struck off for multiple charges of misconduct
The government's aim is for the Overseas Operations Bill to provide protections for troops and veterans facing repeated investigations and potential prosecution from military operations abroad.
The proposed legislation would create a "triple lock" for troops and veterans, including a presumption against prosecution for alleged offences committed more than five years ago.
The bill also proposes to introduce time limits on bringing civil claims in connection with overseas operations; and would place a duty on the government to consider derogating from the European Convention on Human Rights in relation to significant overseas military operations.
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Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "This government made a promise to the nation to protect service personnel and veterans from vexatious claims and endless investigations.
"We have not shied away from the challenge and today are one step closer to fulfilling that commitment.
"We all remember Phil Shiner, and the scores of allegations that have amounted to nothing over the years.
"Our Armed Forces risk their lives to protect us and it is vital we continue to progress this legislation, providing certainty for the troops who find themselves on the front line in the future."
Image: Senior Conservative MP David Davis is 'deeply troubled' by the plans
Johnny Mercer, the minister for defence people and veterans, said the legislation would "put an end to lawfare" and help make the UK "the best place in the world to be a veteran".
"This legislation is not about providing an amnesty or putting troops above the law but protecting them from lawyers intent on rewriting history to line their own pockets," he added.
However, the government is facing opposition to its plans from human rights groups, Labour, and even from among its own MPs.
Senior Conservative MP David Davis, a former cabinet minister, has said he is "deeply troubled" by government plans to "decriminalise torture by British personnel if it took place more than five years ago".
Labour's shadow defence secretary, John Healey, said the government had got "important parts of this bill badly wrong" but promised to work with the government on "better" legislation.
"It is not too late for ministers to think again about the best way to protect service personnel from vexatious litigation while ensuring that those who commit serious crimes during operations are prosecuted and punished appropriately," he wrote in The Times on Tuesday.
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The UK's human rights watchdog, the Equality and Human Rights Commission, has called for the government to withdraw its plans and argued a time limit would never be set for serious crimes if they were committed outside of the Armed Forces.
And Amnesty International UK has claimed the proposed legislation would cause "real and lasting damage to the reputation of the Armed Forces".
"It is in no one's interests for members of the Armed Forces to be given a free pass over alleged war crimes," said director Kate Allen.
The bill does not apply to operations in the United Kingdom, including events that occurred in Northern Ireland during The Troubles.
The government intends to introduce separate legislation to address the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-23--Task force to find Huawei replacement in 5G networks launched

The British government is launching a new telecoms diversity task force to find a supplier capable of filling the void left by a ban on Huawei 's equipment within the UK 's 5G infrastructure .
Mobile networks in the UK will be banned from purchasing 5G kit from Huawei from the end of this year , leaving only two large-scale suppliers active in the British market : Ericsson and Nokia .
Although the ban took place on security grounds , according to the UK 's National Cyber Security Centre ( NCSC ) the dependence on just two suppliers also introduces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of UK networks .
The security provided by a more diverse marketplace was the main reason NCSC gave for initially assessing that Britain 's 5G networks were safer for including Huawei equipment as well as that manufactured by Ericsson and Nokia .
However , following a decision by the White House to ban American companies from providing computer chips to Huawei - potentially pushing it to adopt chips produced by less trusted manufacturers - the NCSC was forced to upgrade the risk posed by Huawei equipment .
The US sanctions were criticised as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which has confirmed that 40 % of the roles within its enterprise business group in the UK are being made redundant as a result .
On Wednesday the government said it planned to publish a telecoms diversification strategy later this year `` to address a market failure where mobile companies are limited to using just three major suppliers in their telecoms networks '' .
`` This restricts choice and poses a risk for the security and resilience of the UK 's future digital networks , '' the statement added .
It comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Security Bill this autumn .
The bill will make the prohibition on purchasing new Huawei equipment from the end of this year , and the requirement to remove all existing Huawei equipment from 5G networks by 2027 , a legal obligation .
A task force to develop and implement the strategy will be led by Lord Livingston of Parkhead , a Conservative peer and the former chief executive of BT Group , who will be joined by senior executives within the telecoms sector .
Lord Livingston said : `` It is vital that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of technology , particularly 5G , by having a wide choice of secure , innovative and high quality suppliers .
`` I look forward to chairing this team of experts from industry and academia who can provide advice to government as to how it can best achieve these aims , '' Lord Livingston added .
Although the digital secretary Oliver Dowden described the task force 's role as to `` break through the barriers stopping suppliers from entering the UK , '' there are currently no obvious third companies who could replace Huawei @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use at least two vendors to provide the radio antennas in their network , meaning from the end of this year the UK mobile companies will effectively be required to purchase Nokia and Ericsson equipment .

The British government is launching a new telecoms diversity task force to find a supplier capable of filling the void left by a ban on Huawei's equipment within the UK's 5G infrastructure.
Mobile networks in the UK will be banned from purchasing 5G kit from Huawei from the end of this year, leaving only two large-scale suppliers active in the British market: Ericsson and Nokia.
Although the ban took place on security grounds, according to the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) the dependence on just two suppliers also introduces a significant risk for the long-term security of UK networks.
The security provided by a more diverse marketplace was the main reason NCSC gave for initially assessing that Britain's 5G networks were safer for including Huawei equipment as well as that manufactured by Ericsson and Nokia.
However, following a decision by the White House to ban American companies from providing computer chips to Huawei - potentially pushing it to adopt chips produced by less trusted manufacturers - the NCSC was forced to upgrade the risk posed by Huawei equipment.
The US sanctions were criticised as "arbitrary and pernicious" by Huawei, which has confirmed that 40% of the roles within its enterprise business group in the UK are being made redundant as a result.
On Wednesday the government said it planned to publish a telecoms diversification strategy later this year "to address a market failure where mobile companies are limited to using just three major suppliers in their telecoms networks".
"This restricts choice and poses a risk for the security and resilience of the UK's future digital networks," the statement added.
It comes ahead of the government introducing a Telecoms Security Bill this autumn, around the same time as which the government will also be publishing its telecoms diversity strategy.
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The bill will make the prohibition on purchasing new Huawei equipment from the end of this year, and the requirement to remove all existing Huawei equipment from 5G networks by 2027, a legal obligation.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 'We convinced many countries not to use Huawei'
A task force to develop and implement the strategy will be led by Lord Livingston of Parkhead, a Conservative peer and the former chief executive of BT Group, who will be joined by senior executives within the telecoms sector to ensure that the government is listening to the industry's needs.
Lord Livingston said: "It is vital that we position ourselves for the next generation of technology, particularly 5G, by having a wide choice of secure, innovative and high quality suppliers.
"I look forward to chairing this team of experts from industry and academia who can provide advice to government as to how it can best achieve these aims," Lord Livingston added.
Although the digital secretary Oliver Dowden described the task force's role as to "break through the barriers stopping suppliers from entering the UK," there are currently no obvious third companies who could replace Huawei.
NCSC already requires that mobile operators use at least two vendors to provide the radio antennas in their network, meaning from the end of this year the UK mobile companies will effectively be required to purchase Nokia and Ericsson equipment.
Part of the task force's work will be to enable other companies who provide Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment, such as Samsung, to be interoperable with the core equipment used in the core of the 5G infrastructure.
Speaking to Sky News, Matt Warman MP, who has the infrastructure portfolio under the Digital Secretary, said he did not expect that the key cause of the UK's change in approach - the US decision to restrict Huawei's computer chips - would be reversed.
"The most important thing to say is that we've taken the right decision for this country," Mr Warman said.
"If I look across the Atlantic, actually this is an issue where - while the language might be different - there is considerable bipartisan support that is in line with the decision we're taking," he added.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-22--PM urged to explain plans for military to support police

Boris Johnson is facing demands from Labour to explain his proposal to use the Army to help support police amid the new coronavirus lockdown rules .
He faces Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister 's Questions just hours after his TV broadcast in which he warned of a tough crackdown if people continue to break the rules .
Live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates And ahead of PMQs , Labour 's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds has written to Home Secretary Priti Patel , demanding answers about Mr Johnson 's announcement about using the Army .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they can • From Thursday , all pubs , bars and restaurants must only offer table service , and close at 10pm • All retail staff , people using taxis and everyone using hospitality services must wear face coverings - with fines rising to at least £200 for non-compliance • Weddings may only include 15 people , while funerals can host up 30 • The `` rule of six '' has been extended to indoor sports teams In his dramatic TV address to the nation , the prime minister said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the streets and use the army to backfill if necessary . ''
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker And earlier , in his Commons statement , he told MPs there would be a greater police presence on our streets `` and the option to draw on military support where required to free up the police '' .
The prime minister 's official spokesman said later : `` This would involve the military backfilling certain duties , such as office roles and guarding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be out enforcing the virus response .
`` This is not about providing any additional powers to the military , or them replacing the police in enforcement roles , and they will not be handing out fines .
It is about freeing up more police officers . ''
Shadow home secretary and Starmer ally Mr Thomas-Symonds has written to Ms Patel calling for an explanation about what duties the military will carry out , whether they will face the public , and how much their role will cost .
`` The fact that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ functions shows the extraordinary pressure that policing has been put under , as a result of the thousands of officers lost under this government , '' he wrote .
`` These latest sets of COVID measures should not have come as a surprise , so it is vital that assurances are provided that proper planning has been undertaken .
`` In my discussions with senior figures in policing , I have been concerned to hear that there has been insufficient consultation on this significant announcement . ''
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab hit out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` scaremongering '' .
Speaking to Kay Burley , he reiterated that troops would `` backfill '' certain roles and would not be out on the streets .
On the potential for a second national lockdown , Mr Raab said `` we ca n't rule it out '' , but stressed that `` what we want to do is take every effort to avoid that '' .
`` We 've always said we 've got a sort of repository of measures in the arsenal to take .
I do n't think we would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the foreign secretary said .
`` But the reality is they will be more intrusive or we could end up in a national lockdown .
That is what we want to avoid . ''
It comes after Mr Johnson gave an animated and at times passionate TV address appealing to the public to obey the rules or face much tougher lockdown rules .
`` Never in our history has our collective destiny and our collective health depended so completely on our individual behaviour , '' he said .
`` Now is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the discipline , and the resolve , and the spirit of togetherness that will carry us through .
`` I am deeply , spiritually reluctant to make any of these impositions , or infringe anyone 's freedom , but unless we take action the risk is that we will have to go for tougher measures later , when the deaths have already mounted and we have a huge caseload of infection such as we had in the spring . ''
But in Scotland , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told viewers in her TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already going further than Mr Johnson 's government at Westminster .
`` From tomorrow , we are all being asked not to visit each other 's homes because we know that this is often how the virus spreads most easily from one household to another , '' she said .

Boris Johnson is facing demands from Labour to explain his proposal to use the Army to help support police amid the new coronavirus lockdown rules.
He faces Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions just hours after his TV broadcast in which he warned of a tough crackdown if people continue to break the rules.
Live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates
Image: Pubgoers watch Boris Johnson's address to the nation
And ahead of PMQs, Labour's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds has written to Home Secretary Priti Patel, demanding answers about Mr Johnson's announcement about using the Army.
England's new coronavirus rules:
• Office workers should work from home again if they can
• From Thursday, all pubs, bars and restaurants must only offer table service, and close at 10pm
• All retail staff, people using taxis and everyone using hospitality services must wear face coverings - with fines rising to at least £200 for non-compliance
• Weddings may only include 15 people, while funerals can host up 30
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• The "rule of six" has been extended to indoor sports teams
In his dramatic TV address to the nation, the prime minister said: "We will put more police out on the streets and use the army to backfill if necessary."
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And earlier, in his Commons statement, he told MPs there would be a greater police presence on our streets "and the option to draw on military support where required to free up the police".
The prime minister's official spokesman said later: "This would involve the military backfilling certain duties, such as office roles and guarding protected sites, so police officers can be out enforcing the virus response.
"This is not about providing any additional powers to the military, or them replacing the police in enforcement roles, and they will not be handing out fines. It is about freeing up more police officers."
Shadow home secretary and Starmer ally Mr Thomas-Symonds has written to Ms Patel calling for an explanation about what duties the military will carry out, whether they will face the public, and how much their role will cost.
"The fact that military may be needed to support policing functions shows the extraordinary pressure that policing has been put under, as a result of the thousands of officers lost under this government," he wrote.
"These latest sets of COVID measures should not have come as a surprise, so it is vital that assurances are provided that proper planning has been undertaken.
"In my discussions with senior figures in policing, I have been concerned to hear that there has been insufficient consultation on this significant announcement."
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab hit out at Labour, accusing the party of "scaremongering".
Speaking to Kay Burley, he reiterated that troops would "backfill" certain roles and would not be out on the streets.
On the potential for a second national lockdown, Mr Raab said "we can't rule it out", but stressed that "what we want to do is take every effort to avoid that".
"We've always said we've got a sort of repository of measures in the arsenal to take. I don't think we would speculate about what further could be done," the foreign secretary said.
"But the reality is they will be more intrusive or we could end up in a national lockdown. That is what we want to avoid."
It comes after Mr Johnson gave an animated and at times passionate TV address appealing to the public to obey the rules or face much tougher lockdown rules.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:18 'Let's pull together': Sturgeon addresses Scotland
"Never in our history has our collective destiny and our collective health depended so completely on our individual behaviour," he said.
"Now is the time for us all to summon the discipline, and the resolve, and the spirit of togetherness that will carry us through.
"I am deeply, spiritually reluctant to make any of these impositions, or infringe anyone's freedom, but unless we take action the risk is that we will have to go for tougher measures later, when the deaths have already mounted and we have a huge caseload of infection such as we had in the spring."
But in Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told viewers in her TV broadcast that her government at Holyrood was already going further than Mr Johnson's government at Westminster.
"From tomorrow, we are all being asked not to visit each other's homes because we know that this is often how the virus spreads most easily from one household to another," she said.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-22--Johnson tells Britons to 'summon the discipline' to avoid second lockdown

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged Britons to `` summon the discipline and the resolve '' to avoid a second national lockdown after warning there have been `` too many breaches '' of coronavirus rules .
In a televised address to the nation , Mr Johnson called on the public to `` get through this winter together '' as he set out a series of new COVID-19 restrictions - including earlier closing times for pubs , bars and restaurants .
Asking for compliance with the fresh measures , he said : `` Never in our history has our collective destiny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on our individual behaviour . ''
The prime minister admitted that coronavirus had `` started to spread again in an exponential way '' and sent a stark warning of `` many more deaths '' if action was not taken now .
Describing the disease as `` the single biggest crisis the world has faced in my lifetime '' , Mr Johnson said that he knew the UK could succeed in pushing back the virus `` because we have succeeded before '' .
However , faced with a second wave of infections , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vast majority have complied with the rules there have been too many breaches - too many opportunities for our invisible enemy to slip through undetected '' .
He said that his government would continue to work `` night and day '' to fight to protect the public .
But he stressed the `` single greatest weapon we bring to this fight is the common sense of the people themselves - the joint resolve of this country to work together to suppress COVID now '' .
The prime minister dismissed suggestions that people should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with coronavirus , adding : `` The tragic reality of having COVID is that your mild cough can be someone else 's death knell . ''
He also rejected the idea that only the elderly might isolate themselves from the risk of catching the disease .
`` If you let the virus rip through the rest of the population it would inevitably find its way through to the elderly as well , and in much greater numbers , '' Mr Johnson said .
The prime minister admitted he was `` deeply , spiritually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had set out earlier in the day and warned that a new national lockdown would `` threaten not just jobs and livelihoods but the loving human contact on which we all depend '' .
`` We must do all we can to avoid going down that road again , '' Mr Johnson added .
But he insisted that `` if people do n't follow the rules we have set out , then we must reserve the right to go further '' .
The prime minister offered some optimism with his assertion that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before '' for a fresh wave of coronavirus infections .
And he declared that scientists were `` unanimous that things will be far better by the spring '' when there are hopes of a vaccine and of a mass testing system .
Yet the government was acting now to impose further restrictions because `` a stitch in time saves nine '' , Mr Johnson said .
`` If we follow these simple rules together , we will get through this winter together , '' he concluded .
`` There are unquestionably difficult months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is by no means over .
`` I have no doubt , however , that there are great days ahead .
`` But now is the time for us all to summon the discipline , and the resolve , and the spirit of togetherness that will carry us through . ''
The prime minister 's TV address was his third to the nation since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis .
It came on the same day that another 4,926 people were confirmed to have tested positive for coronavirus in the UK - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A further 37 people have also died within 28 days of testing positive for COVID-19 - the highest number reported in one day since 14 July .
Earlier on Tuesday , Mr Johnson had announced the new COVID-19 restrictions for England in a statement to the House of Commons .
• Asking office workers to work from home again where possible - although those in key public services and in all professions where this is not possible , such as construction and retail , should continue to attend their workplaces • From @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants must offer table service only and close at 10pm - but delivery services can remain open • The requirement to wear a face covering has been extended to staff in retail , people in taxis and everyone using hospitality services , except when sitting down to eat or drink • Fines for not wearing a face covering will now double to £200 for a first offence • COVID-secure guidelines will become a legal obligation for retail , leisure and tourism firms , with those who do not comply running the risk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday , a maximum of only 15 people will be allowed to attend weddings , but 30 can still go to a funeral • The `` rule of six '' has been extended to indoor sports , such as five-a-side football games • The phased reopening of stadiums for sporting events from 1 October has been scrapped .
Speaking to MPs , the prime minister warned the new measures could last six months .
But he stressed it was `` by no means a return to the full lockdown of March '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools , colleges and universities open .
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon went further than Mr Johnson by announcing a ban on people visiting other households inside their homes in Scotland .
She also revealed the Scottish government is keeping the possibility of a time-limited `` circuit breaker '' lockdown under review .
In her own TV address on Tuesday night , Ms Sturgeon stressed that , without a COVID-19 vaccine , `` we simply ca n't have 100 % normality - no country can '' .
She said the challenge of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and acknowledged that the announcement of new Scotland-wide measures `` must feel like a step backwards '' .
But she added : `` I know it does n't feel like it now , but this virus will pass .
It wo n't last forever and one day , hopefully soon , we will be looking back on it , not living through it . ''
Northern Ireland had already announced the banning of different households mixing indoors , albeit with some exceptions .
In her own public address , Northern Ireland First Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to act '' but offered a reassurance that `` despite all the headlines , this is not a second lockdown '' .
`` This is a wakeup call , a reminder that we are not out of the woods , '' she said .
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said Northern Ireland 's leaders were `` sounding the alarm bells loud and clear throughout our society '' .
In Wales , hospitality businesses will also have to provide table service only and close at 10pm , while all off-licences and supermarkets will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
First Minister Mark Drakeford said : `` This is a highly infectious virus , we can not let it take a hold of our lives again - we have come too far to let that happen . ''

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged Britons to "summon the discipline and the resolve" to avoid a second national lockdown after warning there have been "too many breaches" of coronavirus rules.
In a televised address to the nation, Mr Johnson called on the public to "get through this winter together" as he set out a series of new COVID-19 restrictions - including earlier closing times for pubs, bars and restaurants.
Asking for compliance with the fresh measures, he said: "Never in our history has our collective destiny and our collective health depended so completely on our individual behaviour."
The prime minister admitted that coronavirus had "started to spread again in an exponential way" and sent a stark warning of "many more deaths" if action was not taken now.
Describing the disease as "the single biggest crisis the world has faced in my lifetime", Mr Johnson said that he knew the UK could succeed in pushing back the virus "because we have succeeded before".
However, faced with a second wave of infections, the prime minister acknowledged that "while the vast majority have complied with the rules there have been too many breaches - too many opportunities for our invisible enemy to slip through undetected".
He said that his government would continue to work "night and day" to fight to protect the public.
But he stressed the "single greatest weapon we bring to this fight is the common sense of the people themselves - the joint resolve of this country to work together to suppress COVID now".
The prime minister dismissed suggestions that people should be allowed to take their own risks with coronavirus, adding: "The tragic reality of having COVID is that your mild cough can be someone else's death knell."
Advertisement
He also rejected the idea that only the elderly might isolate themselves from the risk of catching the disease.
"If you let the virus rip through the rest of the population it would inevitably find its way through to the elderly as well, and in much greater numbers," Mr Johnson said.
The prime minister admitted he was "deeply, spiritually reluctant" to impose the further restrictions he had set out earlier in the day and warned that a new national lockdown would "threaten not just jobs and livelihoods but the loving human contact on which we all depend".
"We must do all we can to avoid going down that road again," Mr Johnson added.
But he insisted that "if people don't follow the rules we have set out, then we must reserve the right to go further".
The prime minister offered some optimism with his assertion that the country is "better prepared than before" for a fresh wave of coronavirus infections.
And he declared that scientists were "unanimous that things will be far better by the spring" when there are hopes of a vaccine and of a mass testing system.
Yet the government was acting now to impose further restrictions because "a stitch in time saves nine", Mr Johnson said.
"If we follow these simple rules together, we will get through this winter together," he concluded.
"There are unquestionably difficult months to come and the fight against COVID is by no means over.
"I have no doubt, however, that there are great days ahead.
"But now is the time for us all to summon the discipline, and the resolve, and the spirit of togetherness that will carry us through."
The prime minister's TV address was his third to the nation since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis.
It came on the same day that another 4,926 people were confirmed to have tested positive for coronavirus in the UK - the highest daily figure since 7 May.
A further 37 people have also died within 28 days of testing positive for COVID-19 - the highest number reported in one day since 14 July.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:24 PM: New restrictions could last 'six months'
Earlier on Tuesday, Mr Johnson had announced the new COVID-19 restrictions for England in a statement to the House of Commons.
These include:
Asking office workers to work from home again where possible - although those in key public services and in all professions where this is not possible, such as construction and retail, should continue to attend their workplaces
From Thursday, all pubs, bars and restaurants must offer table service only and close at 10pm - but delivery services can remain open
The requirement to wear a face covering has been extended to staff in retail, people in taxis and everyone using hospitality services, except when sitting down to eat or drink
Fines for not wearing a face covering will now double to £200 for a first offence
COVID-secure guidelines will become a legal obligation for retail, leisure and tourism firms, with those who do not comply running the risk of fines of £10,000 or closure
From Monday, a maximum of only 15 people will be allowed to attend weddings, but 30 can still go to a funeral
The "rule of six" has been extended to indoor sports, such as five-a-side football games
The phased reopening of stadiums for sporting events from 1 October has been scrapped.
Speaking to MPs, the prime minister warned the new measures could last six months.
But he stressed it was "by no means a return to the full lockdown of March" and that the government was committed to keeping schools, colleges and universities open.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon went further than Mr Johnson by announcing a ban on people visiting other households inside their homes in Scotland.
She also revealed the Scottish government is keeping the possibility of a time-limited "circuit breaker" lockdown under review.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:18 'Let's pull together': Sturgeon addresses Scotland
In her own TV address on Tuesday night, Ms Sturgeon stressed that, without a COVID-19 vaccine, "we simply can't have 100% normality - no country can".
She said the challenge of coronavirus "is once again getting harder" and acknowledged that the announcement of new Scotland-wide measures "must feel like a step backwards".
But she added: "I know it doesn't feel like it now, but this virus will pass. It won't last forever and one day, hopefully soon, we will be looking back on it, not living through it."
Northern Ireland had already announced the banning of different households mixing indoors, albeit with some exceptions.
In her own public address, Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster said there was a "need to act" but offered a reassurance that "despite all the headlines, this is not a second lockdown".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:52 Drakeford urges Welsh public to follow new virus rules
"This is a wakeup call, a reminder that we are not out of the woods," she said.
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said Northern Ireland's leaders were "sounding the alarm bells loud and clear throughout our society".
In Wales, hospitality businesses will also have to provide table service only and close at 10pm, while all off-licences and supermarkets will have to stop selling alcohol at 10pm.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "This is a highly infectious virus, we cannot let it take a hold of our lives again - we have come too far to let that happen."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-23--Michael Gove letter warns of 'queues of 7,000' trucks after Brexit transition period ends

Massive queues of up to 7,000 lorries could be seen outside Dover if hauliers fail to prepare for changes to customs rules after the Brexit transition period ends , according to the government .
The transition period , which kept the UK aligned to the EU 's single market and customs union rules to allow trade to flow smoothly after Brexit , expires at the end of the year unless both sides agree to an extension - something Boris Johnson has ruled out .
In a letter sent to logistics groups , The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst-case scenario '' planning , including a warning that between 30-50 % of trucks crossing the Channel will not be ready for the new regulations coming into force on 1 January 2021 , while a `` lack of capacity to hold unready trucks at French ports '' could reduce the flow of traffic across the strait to 60-80 % of normal levels .
`` This could lead to maximum queues of 7,000 port bound trucks in Kent and associated maximum delays of up to two days , '' the document says and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months as alternative routes are sought and supply chains get to grips with the new systems and requirements .
And Mr Gove also warns that changes were coming with or without a deal .
The leak of the document comes as the EU 's chief negotiator Michel Barnier prepares to travel to London for further informal talks with his counterpart Lord Frost as efforts continue to strike a post-Brexit trade deal .
Mr Johnson has set a deadline of 15 October for an agreement to be reached , otherwise he says he will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In his letter , Mr Gove says : `` Irrespective of the outcome of negotiations between the UK and EU , traders will face new customs controls and processes .
`` Simply put , if traders , both in the UK and EU , have not completed the right paperwork , their goods will be stopped when entering the EU and disruption will occur .
`` It is essential that traders act now and get ready for new formalities . ''
For their part , freight and transport leaders have accused the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the threat of post-Brexit border delays .
Responding to the worst-case scenario document , the Road Haulage Association ( RHA ) chief executive Richard Burnett said : `` We 've been consistently warning the government that there will be delays at ports but they 're just not engaging with industry on coming up with solutions .
`` Traders need 50,000 more customs intermediaries to handle the mountain of new paperwork after transition but Government support to recruit and train those extra people is woefully inadequate . ''
Meanwhile Logistics UK , formerly the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be furious last week after being told the government 's Smart Freight system - designed to reduce the risk of cargo delays once Britain is outside of EU rules - would still be in testing mode in January when British exports face new border regulations .
: : Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The leaked letter comes as a think tank said failure to reach an agreement with the EU in post-Brexit trade talks could hit Britain 's economy three times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Queues at the border , shortages of fresh food and medicine as well as more `` hassle '' travelling to the continent are also possible , according to the UK in a Changing Europe group .
A report by the organisation , based on modelling with the London School of Economics ( LSE ) , said the impacts of coronavirus may mitigate or obscure the effect of a no-deal exit .
But it warned that not forming an agreement with Brussels would have a significant impact in the long term .

Massive queues of up to 7,000 lorries could be seen outside Dover if hauliers fail to prepare for changes to customs rules after the Brexit transition period ends, according to the government.
The transition period, which kept the UK aligned to the EU's single market and customs union rules to allow trade to flow smoothly after Brexit, expires at the end of the year unless both sides agree to an extension - something Boris Johnson has ruled out.
In a letter sent to logistics groups, The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove outlines the government's "reasonable worst-case scenario" planning, including a warning that between 30-50% of trucks crossing the Channel will not be ready for the new regulations coming into force on 1 January 2021, while a "lack of capacity to hold unready trucks at French ports" could reduce the flow of traffic across the strait to 60-80% of normal levels.
"This could lead to maximum queues of 7,000 port bound trucks in Kent and associated maximum delays of up to two days," the document says and that the disruption could last up to three months as alternative routes are sought and supply chains get to grips with the new systems and requirements.
And Mr Gove also warns that changes were coming with or without a deal.
The leak of the document comes as the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier prepares to travel to London for further informal talks with his counterpart Lord Frost as efforts continue to strike a post-Brexit trade deal.
Mr Johnson has set a deadline of 15 October for an agreement to be reached, otherwise he says he will simply walk away from the negotiating table.
In his letter, Mr Gove says: "Irrespective of the outcome of negotiations between the UK and EU, traders will face new customs controls and processes.
"Simply put, if traders, both in the UK and EU, have not completed the right paperwork, their goods will be stopped when entering the EU and disruption will occur.
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"It is essential that traders act now and get ready for new formalities."
For their part, freight and transport leaders have accused the government of failing to do enough about the threat of post-Brexit border delays.
Responding to the worst-case scenario document, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) chief executive Richard Burnett said: "We've been consistently warning the government that there will be delays at ports but they're just not engaging with industry on coming up with solutions.
"Traders need 50,000 more customs intermediaries to handle the mountain of new paperwork after transition but Government support to recruit and train those extra people is woefully inadequate."
Meanwhile Logistics UK, formerly the Freight Transport Association, was said to be furious last week after being told the government's Smart Freight system - designed to reduce the risk of cargo delays once Britain is outside of EU rules - would still be in testing mode in January when British exports face new border regulations.
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The leaked letter comes as a think tank said failure to reach an agreement with the EU in post-Brexit trade talks could hit Britain's economy three times harder in the long term than coronavirus.
Queues at the border, shortages of fresh food and medicine as well as more "hassle" travelling to the continent are also possible, according to the UK in a Changing Europe group.
A report by the organisation, based on modelling with the London School of Economics (LSE), said the impacts of coronavirus may mitigate or obscure the effect of a no-deal exit.
But it warned that not forming an agreement with Brussels would have a significant impact in the long term.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-23--Chancellor to launch a 'Winter Economy Plan' to prevent a 'tsunami' of job losses

Rishi Sunak is unveiling an emergency COVID rescue plan to protect jobs that is expected to include wage subsidies , VAT cuts and more cheap loans for struggling businesses .
In a dramatic move , the chancellor has ruled out an autumn Budget and instead will launch a `` Winter Economy Plan '' after MPs and unions warned of the risk of a `` tsunami '' of job losses .
The aim is to help the economy cope with the new coronavirus restrictions announced by Boris Johnson this week , including a 10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants and ordering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And as the government prepared to launch its NHS COVID-19 App , the latest figures showed 6,178 new cases of coronavirus in the UK , taking the overall number to 409,729 .
The centrepiece of the multi-billion-pound package is expected to be a scheme , modelled on one in Germany , in which taxpayers subsidise the wages of workers returning to work part time after being furloughed .
Other moves are likely to be extending a VAT cut to 5 % for the lockdown-ravaged hospitality and tourism industries , which was introduced earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of March .
And four loan schemes for hard-hit businesses are likely to be extended until the end of November , with the terms increased from six to 10 years to reduce monthly repayments .
The chancellor has taken the highly unusual step of not having his November Budget because `` now is not the right time to outline long-term plans and people want to see us focused on the here and now '' , it was revealed .
A Treasury source told Sky News : `` No-one wanted to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respond to it .
The chancellor has shown he has been creative in the past and we hope that people will trust us to continue in that vein .
`` Giving people reassurance and businesses the help they need to get through this is uppermost in his mind . ''
According to the Treasury , the chancellor is promising a `` flexible and adaptable approach to economic support , because people have needed the help and they 've needed it quickly and at the right time '' .
Allies said he would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` difficult trade-offs '' the government faces as it tries to deal with the twin challenges of rising infection rates and an economic slump .
`` It is not about health versus the economy , but about the balance between keeping people in jobs and finding them new ones , '' a source said .
And the source added : `` What remains true is that our priority is one word : jobs . ''
Previewing the Chancellor 's statement , the prime minister told MPs : `` What we will do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people of this country going through a very tough time and come up with the appropriate creative and imaginative schemes to keep them in work and keep the economy moving . ''
That prompted the Labour MP Grahame Morris to demand a targeted expansion of a COVID job retention scheme and to tell Mr Johnson : `` Make no mistake : a tsunami of job losses is in the pipeline within 38 days . ''
Later , in a TV address responding to the PM 's broadcast 24 hours earlier , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government to come up with a `` plan B '' for the economy ahead of the furlough scheme for workers ending in October .
`` It makes no sense to bring in new restrictions at the same time as phasing out support for jobs and businesses , '' he said , as he warned of a `` wave of job losses this winter '' .
The shop workers ' union also warned of `` a tsunami of job losses '' and called for an online sales tax to save the high street .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the high street , there needs to be radical and bold action to level the playing field between online retail and 'bricks and mortar ' shops , '' said general secretary Paddy Lillis .
`` The time is long overdue for the government to look seriously at introducing some form of online sales tax .
`` As a society we have a choice , do we want to see the high street go to the wall or do we want to save it .
Retail is the cornerstone of our towns , cities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million people and needs urgent assistance to get the industry back on its feet . ''

Rishi Sunak is unveiling an emergency COVID rescue plan to protect jobs that is expected to include wage subsidies, VAT cuts and more cheap loans for struggling businesses.
In a dramatic move, the chancellor has ruled out an autumn budget and instead will launch a "Winter Economy Plan" after MPs and unions warned of the risk of a "tsunami" of job losses.
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around the world
See what the Chancellor announced
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:10 Sky News' Ed Conway takes a closer look at the Chancellor's schemes to support workers and the economy during the pandemic.
The aim is to help the economy cope with the new coronavirus restrictions announced by Boris Johnson this week, including a 10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants and ordering office staff to work from home.
And as the government prepared to launch its NHS COVID-19 App, the latest figures showed 6,178 new cases of coronavirus in the UK, taking the overall number to 409,729.
The centrepiece of the multi-billion-pound package is expected to be a scheme, modelled on one in Germany, in which taxpayers subsidise the wages of workers returning to work part time after being furloughed.
Other moves are likely to be extending a VAT cut to 5% for the lockdown-ravaged hospitality and tourism industries, which was introduced earlier this year, from next January until the end of March.
And four loan schemes for hard-hit businesses are likely to be extended until the end of November, with the terms increased from six to 10 years to reduce monthly repayments.
The chancellor has taken the highly unusual step of not having his November Budget because "now is not the right time to outline long-term plans and people want to see us focused on the here and now", it was revealed.
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A Treasury source told Sky News: "No-one wanted to be in this situation but we need to respond to it. The chancellor has shown he has been creative in the past and we hope that people will trust us to continue in that vein.
"Giving people reassurance and businesses the help they need to get through this is uppermost in his mind."
According to the Treasury, the chancellor is promising a "flexible and adaptable approach to economic support, because people have needed the help and they've needed it quickly and at the right time".
Allies said he would be "very honest with people" about the "difficult trade-offs" the government faces as it tries to deal with the twin challenges of rising infection rates and an economic slump.
"It is not about health versus the economy, but about the balance between keeping people in jobs and finding them new ones," a source said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:37 Return of virus 'not an act of God'
And the source added: "What remains true is that our priority is one word: jobs."
Shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds told Sky News that Labour has been "saying for a very long time that it's critical we have a targeted system of wage support in place".
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Speaking to Kay Burley, she added: "I've called for that 40 times and 20 times the government has said they're not willing to put that into place.
"Obviously, if the government has shifted, I'm pleased. It's come very late, however.
"We've already seen a number of redundancies because of the one-size-fits-all withdrawal of the furlough scheme."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:30 'We'll get through this winter together'
Previewing the chancellor's statement, the prime minister told MPs: "What we will do is continue to put our arms around the people of this country going through a very tough time and come up with the appropriate creative and imaginative schemes to keep them in work and keep the economy moving."
That prompted the Labour MP Grahame Morris to demand a targeted expansion of a COVID job retention scheme and to tell Mr Johnson: "Make no mistake: a tsunami of job losses is in the pipeline within 38 days."
Later, in a TV address responding to the PM's broadcast 24 hours earlier, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer urged the government to come up with a "plan B" for the economy ahead of the furlough scheme for workers ending in October.
"It makes no sense to bring in new restrictions at the same time as phasing out support for jobs and businesses," he said, as he warned of a "wave of job losses this winter".
The shop workers' union also warned of "a tsunami of job losses" and called for an online sales tax to save the high street.
"If we are going to save the high street, there needs to be radical and bold action to level the playing field between online retail and 'bricks and mortar' shops," said general secretary Paddy Lillis.
"The time is long overdue for the government to look seriously at introducing some form of online sales tax.
"As a society we have a choice, do we want to see the high street go to the wall or do we want to save it.
"Retail is the cornerstone of our towns, cities and communities. It employs around three million people and needs urgent assistance to get the industry back on its feet."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-23--'Not inevitable': Starmer blames government 'failure' for new COVID-19 measures

New coronavirus restrictions are `` necessary '' but were `` not inevitable '' and represent the government 's failure , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said .
From Thursday , pubs , bars and restaurants will have to close at 10pm under a series of new COVID-19 measures set out by Boris Johnson .
In a Labour Party broadcast , used as a response to the prime minister 's TV address , Sir Keir offered his support for the government 's action but blamed ministers for the recent rise in coronavirus cases .
`` While these restrictions are now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
`` The return of this virus , and the return of restrictions , are not an act of God ; they 're a failure of government .
`` The British people have done everything asked of them , but I 'm afraid the government has not .
`` We 're a great country , we should n't have one of the highest death rates in the world , or one of the worst recessions .
`` It 's a national scandal that we still do n't have a testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect our care homes .
`` It should n't be like this - people should n't have to travel hundreds of miles to get a test for their child for themselves or for their relatives .
`` And we should be able to give our older people the dignity , security and respect they deserve . ''
Sir Keir called on the government to fix the problems with its testing programme `` fast '' .
And he urged ministers to come up with a `` plan B '' for the economy ahead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October .
`` It makes no sense to bring in new restrictions at the same time as phasing out support for jobs and businesses , '' he added .
Sir Keir warned of a `` wave of job losses this winter '' as he reiterated his offer to work with the prime minister on a `` national effort to protect jobs and prevent a second lockdown '' .
`` That offer remains open and my door is always open , '' he said .
On Thursday , Chancellor Rishi Sunak is due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis .
But it is understood that Mr Sunak will not publish another budget this year , despite previous suggestions he was preparing another economic announcement for November .
Sir Keir had earlier explained , in an interview with Sky News ' political editor Beth Rigby , that Labour was supporting the government 's new coronavirus restrictions as `` a matter of principle '' .
`` It 's very important that communications are clear , and they will only be clear if it 's done on a cross-party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they are , 'follow the government advice ' , '' he said .
But he added that Labour 's support was accompanied by two concerns .
`` One is that , just when we need testing to be really effective , it 's near collapse , '' he said .
`` The other is that , as the government is introducing new health restrictions , it 's phasing out economic support .
`` Businesses , trade unions , the CBI , the governor of the Bank of England - you name it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the prime minister 'think again ' .
`` Because businesses now , as a result of these new restrictions , are going to be put under huge strain and you owe it to them to put a support mechanism in place .
`` The government really should have done that yesterday , so it 's already slow into this . ''
Despite Labour 's support for the coronavirus restrictions , Sir Keir questioned the prime minister 's `` character '' in dealing with the pandemic .
`` It 's very rare , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole nation is going through something together and they 're looking to the government - and the prime minister in particular - and they 're totally reliant , '' he said .
`` They want the government to succeed because , if the government fails , then it has an implication for every family on the health side , and every family on the job side .
`` Character really matters at a time like this . ''
Asked if he personally disliked Mr Johnson , Sir Keir replied : `` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs leadership , we 've got serial incompetence and it really matters . ''
He added : `` The prime minister and the government , collectively , are guilty , in my view , of serial incompetence - there have been 12 U-turns .
`` I 'm quite prepared to accept that a government will make mistakes in a pandemic like this and one or two U-turns are probably a sign of a government listening and then changing .
`` But when you 've got 12 in a row , the only conclusion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Pressed on whether he thought Mr Johnson should resign as prime minister , Sir Keir replied : `` He has not led us through this pandemic well .
`` We 've got one of the highest death rates in the world , and we 're heading - on current forecasts - for one of the deepest recessions .
`` Our country is better than that , we deserve better than that . ''

New coronavirus restrictions are "necessary" but were "not inevitable" and represent the government's failure, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said.
From Thursday, pubs, bars and restaurants will have to close at 10pm under a series of new COVID-19 measures set out by Boris Johnson.
In a Labour Party broadcast, used as a response to the prime minister's TV address, Sir Keir offered his support for the government's action but blamed ministers for the recent rise in coronavirus cases.
"While these restrictions are now necessary, they were not inevitable," he said.
"The return of this virus, and the return of restrictions, are not an act of God; they're a failure of government.
"The British people have done everything asked of them, but I'm afraid the government has not.
"We're a great country, we shouldn't have one of the highest death rates in the world, or one of the worst recessions.
"It's a national scandal that we still don't have a testing system that works or a plan to protect our care homes.
"It shouldn't be like this - people shouldn't have to travel hundreds of miles to get a test for their child for themselves or for their relatives.
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"And we should be able to give our older people the dignity, security and respect they deserve."
Image: Sir Keir questioned Boris Johnson's 'character' in dealing with the pandemic
Sir Keir called on the government to fix the problems with its testing programme "fast".
And he urged ministers to come up with a "plan B" for the economy ahead of the furlough scheme for workers ending in October.
"It makes no sense to bring in new restrictions at the same time as phasing out support for jobs and businesses," he added.
Sir Keir warned of a "wave of job losses this winter" as he reiterated his offer to work with the prime minister on a "national effort to protect jobs and prevent a second lockdown".
"That offer remains open and my door is always open," he said.
Image: Chancellor Rishi Sunak is under pressure to announce new economic support
On Thursday, Chancellor Rishi Sunak is due to update the House of Commons on the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis.
But it is understood that Mr Sunak will not publish another budget this year, despite previous suggestions he was preparing another economic announcement for November.
Sir Keir had earlier explained, in an interview with Sky News' political editor Beth Rigby, that Labour was supporting the government's new coronavirus restrictions as "a matter of principle".
"It's very important that communications are clear, and they will only be clear if it's done on a cross-party basis and we're all saying, as they are, 'follow the government advice'," he said.
But he added that Labour's support was accompanied by two concerns.
"One is that, just when we need testing to be really effective, it's near collapse," he said.
"The other is that, as the government is introducing new health restrictions, it's phasing out economic support.
"Businesses, trade unions, the CBI, the governor of the Bank of England - you name it - they're desperate to say to the prime minister 'think again'.
"Because businesses now, as a result of these new restrictions, are going to be put under huge strain and you owe it to them to put a support mechanism in place.
"The government really should have done that yesterday, so it's already slow into this."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Starmer on PM's new coronavirus restrictions
Despite Labour's support for the coronavirus restrictions, Sir Keir questioned the prime minister's "character" in dealing with the pandemic.
"It's very rare, in all of our lives, that the whole nation is going through something together and they're looking to the government - and the prime minister in particular - and they're totally reliant," he said.
"They want the government to succeed because, if the government fails, then it has an implication for every family on the health side, and every family on the job side.
"Character really matters at a time like this."
Image: The PM introduced new COVID-19 restrictions on Tuesday
Asked if he personally disliked Mr Johnson, Sir Keir replied: "I'm frustrated that, just when our nation needs leadership, we've got serial incompetence and it really matters."
He added: "The prime minister and the government, collectively, are guilty, in my view, of serial incompetence - there have been 12 U-turns.
"I'm quite prepared to accept that a government will make mistakes in a pandemic like this and one or two U-turns are probably a sign of a government listening and then changing.
"But when you've got 12 in a row, the only conclusion is serial incompetence."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Pressed on whether he thought Mr Johnson should resign as prime minister, Sir Keir replied: "He has not led us through this pandemic well.
"We've got one of the highest death rates in the world, and we're heading - on current forecasts - for one of the deepest recessions.
"Our country is better than that, we deserve better than that."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-23--Europe's migration headache 'is getting worse quickly', says Maltese foreign minister

Europe 's plans to tackle the arrival of migrants and refugees risks being undermined by the economic effects of COVID-19 , according to one of the nations most profoundly affected by migration .
The European Commission launched plans on Wednesday intended to share the burden of migration , with member states either agreeing to resettle those granted asylum or else pay to return migrants denied the right to stay in Europe .
But the plan will face challenges .
Governments in eastern Europe - notably in Hungary , Poland and the Czech Republic - have no desire to welcome refugees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And there are still outstanding questions about how migrants can be returned to their country of origin , or what further support will be given to the nations dealing with large-scale arrivals of migrants , such as in Italy , Greece and Malta .
In an exclusive interview , the foreign and European affairs minister of Malta , Evarist Bartolo , told Sky News he welcomed new proposals from the European Union to confront migration .
But he said `` the issue is becoming tougher and tougher quickly '' .
`` The social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get worse and that will mean more people deciding to search for a better life .
`` Of the people who have made an unauthorised arrival here over the past year , only about a third are eligible for asylum .
Two-thirds are economic migrants .
`` When our economy was growing , at one point by up to 6 % , we were creating jobs that could be filled by people arriving here .
That is not going to happen now . ''
Mr Bartolo said he knows migration causes `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemics will only make this worse .
But he said the new plans would help countries to work together to help solve the issue .
`` Some countries will take asylum seekers ; others will help out with returning people , '' he said .
`` Hungary and Poland - we know they feel strongly about not taking in asylum seekers , so they will have to support the return programme .
Each country will do something different , but each country needs to do something . ''
Despite being a small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a million , Malta has had to deal with thousands of unauthorised arrivals in recent years .
The government says 3,000 people have arrived in the past year , with around 4,000 more intercepted by the Turkish and Libyan authorities .
Mr Bartolo wants a clearer pledge of solidarity from across Europe for those nations having to deal with homing thousands of migrants .
He pointed to a recent dispute with Denmark over whether it was responsible for 27 migrants taken from the sea by a Danish-registered vessel .
`` When a country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take in just 27 migrants - well , how do you expect us to cope ?
A much smaller country with many times more people to look after ? ''
he said .
`` We must remember that we are talking about human beings , who have made a desperate journey and given a lot of money - maybe thousands of Euros - to human traffickers .
`` But we have to be rigorous in how we assess arrivals .
The economic migrants are choking the avenues that are open for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would push for tougher border controls in countries such as Libya , as well as expanding the European Union 's ability to intercept vessels .
But he also said that the EU needs to `` work harder '' to persuade people not to leave their country in the first place .
`` We need a new relationship with African countries so we can help to create wealth where they are , so they do not risk their lives trying to get to Europe , '' he said .

Europe's plans to tackle the arrival of migrants and refugees risks being undermined by the economic effects of COVID-19, according to one of the nations most profoundly affected by migration.
The European Commission launched plans on Wednesday intended to share the burden of migration, with member states either agreeing to resettle those granted asylum or else pay to return migrants denied the right to stay in Europe.
But the plan will face challenges.
Image: Evarist Bartolo says 'each country needs to do something'
Governments in eastern Europe - notably in Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic - have no desire to welcome refugees or spend money on supporting them.
And there are still outstanding questions about how migrants can be returned to their country of origin, or what further support will be given to the nations dealing with large-scale arrivals of migrants, such as in Italy, Greece and Malta.
In an exclusive interview, the foreign and European affairs minister of Malta, Evarist Bartolo, told Sky News he welcomed new proposals from the European Union to confront migration.
But he said "the issue is becoming tougher and tougher quickly".
"The social and economic consequences of COVID are going to get worse and that will mean more people deciding to search for a better life.
"Of the people who have made an unauthorised arrival here over the past year, only about a third are eligible for asylum. Two-thirds are economic migrants.
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"When our economy was growing, at one point by up to 6%, we were creating jobs that could be filled by people arriving here. That is not going to happen now."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 'This situation cannot go on': Migrants from Banksy boat stranded
Mr Bartolo said he knows migration causes "resentment" and the economic effects of the pandemics will only make this worse.
But he said the new plans would help countries to work together to help solve the issue.
"Some countries will take asylum seekers; others will help out with returning people," he said.
"Hungary and Poland - we know they feel strongly about not taking in asylum seekers, so they will have to support the return programme. Each country will do something different, but each country needs to do something."
Despite being a small nation with a population of around half a million, Malta has had to deal with thousands of unauthorised arrivals in recent years.
The government says 3,000 people have arrived in the past year, with around 4,000 more intercepted by the Turkish and Libyan authorities.
Image: A boy plays the guitar near a temporary migrant camp on the island of Lesbos, Greece
Mr Bartolo wants a clearer pledge of solidarity from across Europe for those nations having to deal with homing thousands of migrants.
He pointed to a recent dispute with Denmark over whether it was responsible for 27 migrants taken from the sea by a Danish-registered vessel.
"When a country like Denmark says it cannot afford to take in just 27 migrants - well, how do you expect us to cope? A much smaller country with many times more people to look after?" he said.
"We must remember that we are talking about human beings, who have made a desperate journey and given a lot of money - maybe thousands of Euros - to human traffickers.
"But we have to be rigorous in how we assess arrivals. The economic migrants are choking the avenues that are open for the asylum seekers."
Mr Bartolo said he would push for tougher border controls in countries such as Libya, as well as expanding the European Union's ability to intercept vessels.
But he also said that the EU needs to "work harder" to persuade people not to leave their country in the first place.
"We need a new relationship with African countries so we can help to create wealth where they are, so they do not risk their lives trying to get to Europe," he said.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-23--Starmer admits SNP would have mandate for indyref2 if they win Holyrood elections

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has stood by his previous comments that the SNP would have a mandate for a second Scottish independence referendum if they win a majority at next year 's Holyrood elections .
In an interview with Sky News ' political editor Beth Rigby , Sir Keir stressed that he was not in support of a fresh vote on breaking up the United Kingdom .
He described another independence referendum as `` about the last thing that we need '' , as he outlined his determination to win back those Scottish seats that Labour lost at last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be making the argument ... that this is not the time for another divisive independence referendum in Scotland , '' he said .
`` There are other priorities . ''
But , pressed repeatedly on the issue , Sir Keir stood by his remarks from January , prior to becoming Labour leader , that - should Nicola Sturgeon 's party win a majority at May 's Scottish Parliament elections - then the SNP would have a mandate to hold another referendum .
`` These issues are questions for Scotland , I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out the argument that the Labour Party and Scottish Labour will be making between now and next May , '' he said .
In December , Labour won just a single seat in Scotland at the general election , with the party having not held more than seven seats in Scotland since 2015. : : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker As he seeks to return Labour to power after four general election losses in a row , Sir Keir admitted he would first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Scotland .
He said : `` I 'll be perfectly open about this , there 'll be no route back for Labour that does n't run through Scotland . ''
Sir Keir also condemned Boris Johnson 's `` serial incompetence '' in handling the coronavirus crisis and called for fresh economic support for businesses .
Responding to Sir Keir 's interview with Sky News , Cabinet minister Michael Gove - the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster - said : `` Sir Keir Starmer has a problem accepting referendum results .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now he wants to work with Nicola Sturgeon to renege on the Scottish referendum result and break up the UK . ''

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has stood by his previous comments that the SNP would have a mandate for a second Scottish independence referendum if they win a majority at next year's Holyrood elections.
In an interview with Sky News' political editor Beth Rigby, Sir Keir stressed that he was not in support of a fresh vote on breaking up the United Kingdom.
He described another independence referendum as "about the last thing that we need", as he outlined his determination to win back those Scottish seats that Labour lost at last December's general election.
Image: The Labour leader described another independence vote as 'about the last thing we need'
"We will be making the argument...that this is not the time for another divisive independence referendum in Scotland," he said.
"There are other priorities."
But, pressed repeatedly on the issue, Sir Keir stood by his remarks from January, prior to becoming Labour leader, that - should Nicola Sturgeon's party win a majority at May's Scottish Parliament elections - then the SNP would have a mandate to hold another referendum.
"These issues are questions for Scotland, I do stand by that, I'm setting out the argument that the Labour Party and Scottish Labour will be making between now and next May," he said.
In December, Labour won just a single seat in Scotland at the general election, with the party having not held more than seven seats in Scotland since 2015.
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As he seeks to return Labour to power after four general election losses in a row, Sir Keir admitted he would first need to reverse the party's fortunes in Scotland.
He said: "I'll be perfectly open about this, there'll be no route back for Labour that doesn't run through Scotland."
Sir Keir also condemned Boris Johnson's "serial incompetence" in handling the coronavirus crisis and called for fresh economic support for businesses.
Responding to Sir Keir's interview with Sky News, Cabinet minister Michael Gove - the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster - said: "Sir Keir Starmer has a problem accepting referendum results.
"He tried to block Brexit, and now he wants to work with Nicola Sturgeon to renege on the Scottish referendum result and break up the UK."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-23--PM urges nations not to let climate action 'become another COVID-19 victim'

Boris Johnson will implore other nations to not let `` climate action become another victim of coronavirus '' .
The prime minister , in an address to a UN roundtable event on Thursday , is to urge global leaders to `` seize the opportunity to build back better '' from the COVID-19 crisis .
Speaking via videolink from Downing Street , Mr Johnson will announce the UK will co-host an event with the UN on 12 December to mark the five-year anniversary of the drafting of the Paris agreement on climate change .
This committed almost all countries around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in global temperatures , although the agreement was later dealt a severe blow by US President Donald Trump 's decision to withdraw .
Speaking at the UN roundtable event on Thursday , Mr Johnson is expected to say : `` As the world continues to deal with coronavirus we must look ahead to how we will rebuild , and how we can seize the opportunity to build back better .
`` The UK will lead by example , keeping the environment on the global agenda and serving as a launch pad for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no one country can turn the tide - it would be akin to bailing out a liner with a single bucket .
`` We can not let climate action become another victim of coronavirus .
`` Let us be the leaders who secure the very health of the planet for our children , grandchildren and generations to come . ''
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Downing Street said the planned 12 December anniversary event will be an opportunity for world leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Contributions ( NDCs ) .
As part of the Paris agreement , all countries are due to submit new NDCs - which set out what each country will do to reduce national emissions - by the end of this year .
In November next year , the UK , in partnership with Italy , is due to host the COP26 global climate summit in Glasgow .
The summit was postponed from this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Business Secretary Alok Sharma , the COP26 president , said : `` The eyes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the UK hosts it in November next year .
`` That 's why we are setting the stage now with a call to all those who are ready to step forward this December and set out bold new NDCs for a clean and prosperous future .
`` The responsibility to act lies with each of us and together we can drive forward action . ''

Boris Johnson has implored other nations not to let "climate action become another victim of coronavirus".
The prime minister, in an address to a UN roundtable event on Thursday, urged global leaders to "seize the opportunity to build back better" from the COVID-19 crisis.
Speaking via videolink from Downing Street, Mr Johnson announced the UK will co-host an event with the UN on 12 December to mark the five-year anniversary of the drafting of the Paris agreement on climate change.
Image: Boris Johnson spoke at the UN roundtable event via videolink from Downing Street
This committed almost all countries around the world to work to limit further rises in global temperatures, although the agreement was later dealt a severe blow by US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw.
Speaking at the UN roundtable event on Thursday, Mr Johnson said: "As the world continues to deal with coronavirus we must look ahead to how we will rebuild, and how we can seize the opportunity to build back better.
"The UK will lead by example, keeping the environment on the global agenda and serving as a launch pad for a global green industrial revolution.
"But no one country can turn the tide - it would be akin to bailing out a liner with a single bucket.
"We cannot let climate action become another victim of coronavirus.
"Let us be the leaders who secure the very health of the planet for our children, grandchildren and generations to come."
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Downing Street said the planned 12 December anniversary event will be an opportunity for world leaders to announce new and enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
As part of the Paris agreement, all countries are due to submit new NDCs - which set out what each country will do to reduce national emissions - by the end of this year.
In November next year, the UK, in partnership with Italy, is due to host the COP26 global climate summit in Glasgow.
The summit was postponed from this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma, the COP26 president, said: "The eyes of the world will be on COP26 when the UK hosts it in November next year.
"But tackling climate change cannot wait.
"That's why we are setting the stage now with a call to all those who are ready to step forward this December and set out bold new NDCs for a clean and prosperous future.
"The responsibility to act lies with each of us and together we can drive forward action."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-23--Lorry drivers will need permit to access Kent after Brexit transition

Lorry drivers exporting goods to Europe through Kent after the Brexit transition period ends will need to have a permit or face police action , a senior minister has told MPs .
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said getting one will be a `` relatively simple process '' , adding the scheme is designed to avoid congestion in the county .
The UK will stop following the rules of the EU 's single market and customs union once the Brexit transition ends at the end of the year , moving instead to new customs rules .
`` That system has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with business and we want to make sure that people use a relatively simple process in order to get what will become known as a 'Kent Access Permit ' , which means that they can then proceed smoothly through Kent , '' Mr Gove told the Commons .
Mr Gove 's answer came in response to a question from Ashford MP Damian Green , who asked for a guarantee that the Smart Freight system will be up and running by January .
`` The prospect of 7,000 trucks queuing to cross the Channel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because we know what effect that has on all the roads in Kent and it 's disastrous , '' he said , referring to a leaked `` reasonable worst-case scenario '' from the government that emerged earlier .
Under this scenario , between 30-50 % of trucks crossing the Channel will not be ready for the new regulations coming into force on 1 January 2021 , while a `` lack of capacity to hold unready trucks at French ports '' could reduce the flow of traffic across the strait to 60-80 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consultation launched last month , KAPs would be required for hauliers driving to the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel in Folkestone .
It is part of Operation Brock contingency planning for possible disruption to cross-Channel trade .
KAPs would be issued to drivers who have been given a green or amber result from the online Smart Freight system and be valid for 24 hours to cover a single trip .
This is being developed by ministers to try and make sure goods are ready to cross the border before journeys begin .
Drivers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Folkestone without a KAP face being given a £300 fine by the police or the Vehicle Standards Agency .
Trade association Logistics UK warned last month that the move will create `` more red tape for businesses '' .
`` Our members are dismayed that the onus for compliance will be placed on drivers themselves , leaving them personally liable for a fine if they do not comply with the new rules , '' policy manager Chris Yarsley said .
`` The current proposals create an internal UK border by introducing Kent Access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the work which hauliers will be obliged to comply with . ''
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Gove also told MPs that `` many '' businesses have not taken all the steps necessary to prepare for the end of the transition period .
He said that just one in four firms think they are `` fully ready '' for the UK 's post-Brexit arrangements to kick in .
The Cabinet Office minister said businesses are becoming more prepared but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have `` not quite taken the steps they need to '' .
Labour 's Rachel Reeves hit back , with the shadow Cabinet Office minister telling the Commons : `` It is all well and good to tell businesses to act now .
`` But without the systems in place , frankly it 's like telling me to bake a cake but forgetting to turn the oven on . ''
A government spokesperson said : `` We are prioritising the smooth movement of outbound HGVs over 7.5 tonnes through Kent to prevent unnecessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drivers , or those acting on their behalf , will be able to follow a simple process to get a 'Kent Access Permit ' using the newly developed Smart Freight webservice .
`` We have been engaging with industry on this for some time and we will set out more detail on this shortly . ''

Lorry drivers exporting goods to Europe through Kent after the Brexit transition period ends will need to have a permit or face police action, a senior minister has told MPs.
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said getting one will be a "relatively simple process", adding the scheme is designed to avoid congestion in the county.
The UK will stop following the rules of the EU's single market and customs union once the Brexit transition ends at the end of the year, moving instead to new customs rules.
"That system has been developed, it's being shared with business and we want to make sure that people use a relatively simple process in order to get what will become known as a 'Kent Access Permit', which means that they can then proceed smoothly through Kent," Mr Gove told the Commons.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:39 Gove's 'worst case scenario' for Brexit
Mr Gove's answer came in response to a question from Ashford MP Damian Green, who asked for a guarantee that the Smart Freight system will be up and running by January.
"The prospect of 7,000 trucks queuing to cross the Channel will send a chill through my constituents because we know what effect that has on all the roads in Kent and it's disastrous," he said, referring to a leaked "reasonable worst-case scenario" from the government that emerged earlier.
Under this scenario, between 30-50% of trucks crossing the Channel will not be ready for the new regulations coming into force on 1 January 2021, while a "lack of capacity to hold unready trucks at French ports" could reduce the flow of traffic across the strait to 60-80% of normal levels.
According to a government consultation launched last month, KAPs would be required for hauliers driving to the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel in Folkestone.
It is part of Operation Brock contingency planning for possible disruption to cross-Channel trade.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 Why trucks have stalled Brexit trade progress
KAPs would be issued to drivers who have been given a green or amber result from the online Smart Freight system and be valid for 24 hours to cover a single trip.
This is being developed by ministers to try and make sure goods are ready to cross the border before journeys begin.
Drivers who are found travelling to Dover or Folkestone without a KAP face being given a £300 fine by the police or the Vehicle Standards Agency.
Trade association Logistics UK warned last month that the move will create "more red tape for businesses".
"Our members are dismayed that the onus for compliance will be placed on drivers themselves, leaving them personally liable for a fine if they do not comply with the new rules," policy manager Chris Yarsley said.
"The current proposals create an internal UK border by introducing Kent Access Permits, adding more red tape to the work which hauliers will be obliged to comply with."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Gove also told MPs that "many" businesses have not taken all the steps necessary to prepare for the end of the transition period.
He said that just one in four firms think they are "fully ready" for the UK's post-Brexit arrangements to kick in.
The Cabinet Office minister said businesses are becoming more prepared but there are "still many" who have "not quite taken the steps they need to".
Labour's Rachel Reeves hit back, with the shadow Cabinet Office minister telling the Commons: "It is all well and good to tell businesses to act now.
"But without the systems in place, frankly it's like telling me to bake a cake but forgetting to turn the oven on."
A government spokesperson said: "We are prioritising the smooth movement of outbound HGVs over 7.5 tonnes through Kent to prevent unnecessary queues at the border.
"HGV drivers, or those acting on their behalf, will be able to follow a simple process to get a 'Kent Access Permit' using the newly developed Smart Freight webservice.
"We have been engaging with industry on this for some time and we will set out more detail on this shortly."