skynewspolitics--2020-08-08--Shops could close to keep schools open as PM says all pupils must get back in class

Boris Johnson says it is a `` national priority '' and a `` moral duty '' to get all pupils back in class next month , raising the prospect of closing shops , pubs and restaurants in local lockdowns to allow schools to stay open .
In a newspaper article , the prime minister writes that `` social justice demands '' that classrooms are full again , and says education is crucial for children 's welfare and future - especially the most disadvantaged .
He warns of the `` spiralling economic costs '' of parents and carers being unable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools closed a moment longer than absolutely necessary is socially intolerable , economically unsustainable and morally indefensible . ''
Mr Johnson is understood to favour only closing schools as the last resort after scientific advisers warned further interventions may be needed to reopen classrooms in England next month .
Children 's commissioner for England Anne Longfield had said the reopening of schools `` should be prioritised '' , insisting they must be first to reopen and last to close during any reintroduction of restrictions .
But schools minister Nick Gibb said this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' that classroom education would be prioritised , instead saying decisions would be made by local health chiefs .
However , a Number 10 source said on Saturday that Mr Johnson 's expectation is that schools would be the last sector to close , with businesses being shut first in the event of severe local lockdowns .
`` The PM has been clear that businesses including shops , pubs and restaurants should be forced to close first , with schools remaining open for as long as possible , '' the source said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer for England , warned last week that the nation has `` probably reached near the limit or the limits '' of what can be done to reopen society safely .
And Professor Neil Ferguson , whose modelling led to the decision to impose the lockdown , suggested ministers would need to `` row back on the relaxation of restrictions '' to allow a full-time return to schools while keeping the virus under control .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Regarding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writes in the Mail on Sunday : `` This pandemic is n't over , and the last thing any of us can afford to do is become complacent .
But now that we know enough to reopen schools to all pupils safely , we have a moral duty to do so . ''
He says the `` costs of school closure have fallen disproportionately on the most disadvantaged , the very children who need school the most '' , and time out of class leads to lower academic attainment on average , affecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a concern , he writes , that `` some will tumble out of education , employment or training altogether , never to return '' .
He also says the `` less children are in school , the worse it is for their health '' .
Citing Sport England , the PM says a third of children have done less physical activity in lockdown , `` with many suffering from poorer mental health '' .
While the PM warns about complacency , he also points out that scientists have `` learned more about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can control it '' .
He says Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) scientists have advised that the risk of children becoming severely ill with COVID-19 is low .
He adds that the government has `` worked closely with teaching unions and school leaders on measures to ensure our schools are COVID-secure '' .

Boris Johnson has been urged to boost the government's coronavirus test and trace scheme in order to safely reopen schools next month, with calls for teachers and students to be tested as often as once a week.
The prime minister has declared it is a "national priority" to get all children back into the classroom from the start of the new academic year in September.
But with scientific advisers having warned that "trade-offs" may be needed, impacting businesses or social lives, concerns remain about whether sufficient coronavirus safeguarding measures are in place.
The Department of Health and Social Care said that in the 24-hour period up to 9am on Sunday, there had been a further 1,062 lab-confirmed cases, the first time the daily total has gone over 1000 since June. Overall, a total of 310,825 cases have been confirmed.
Allana Gay, headteacher at the Vita Et Pax Prep School in north London, told Sky News "the most important role of a teacher is safeguarding".
She said keeping staff, students and their families safe was vital - and the government should "get things like track and trace working really well".
Children's commissioner for England Anne Longfield echoed the message, calling for pupils and teachers to be able to get tested as often as every week - even if they do not have COVID-19 symptoms.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:04 Longfield: Children desperately need to be back in school
In a newspaper article published on Sunday, Mr Johnson wrote "social justice demands" that classrooms are full again and that education is crucial for children's welfare and future - especially the most disadvantaged.
He warned of the "spiralling economic costs" of parents and carers being unable to work, and added: "Keeping our schools closed a moment longer than absolutely necessary is socially intolerable, economically unsustainable and morally indefensible."
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It is understood Mr Johnson favours only closing schools as part of any future local lockdowns as a last resort.
Image: Ms Gay said test and trace should be working 'really well'
Ms Longfield said testing for teachers and pupils needed to be a priority ahead of schools reopening.
"I think it needs to be as regular as it needs to be, to ensure that the infection is caught and identified as quickly as possible and then the tracking system can move on from that," she told Times Radio.
Labour's shadow education secretary Kate Green also told the broadcaster: "I do think the government could be doing more to support them [teachers] - particularly, for example, making sure we've got a really robust test and trace system in place.
"It's really, really important that we don't write off a generation of COVID children - they need to be back in class the whole of our futures depend on this."
But schools minister Nick Gibb said this week that the government could not "decree" that classroom education would be prioritised, instead saying decisions would be made by local health chiefs.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Shadow health secretary: School reopening should be 'national priority'
However, a Number 10 source said on Saturday that Mr Johnson's expectation is that schools would be the last sector to close, with businesses being shut first in the event of severe local lockdowns.
"The PM has been clear that businesses including shops, pubs and restaurants should be forced to close first, with schools remaining open for as long as possible," the source said.
Professor Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England, warned last week that the nation has "probably reached near the limit or the limits" of what can be done to reopen society safely.
And Professor Neil Ferguson, whose modelling led to the decision to impose the lockdown, suggested ministers would need to "row back on the relaxation of restrictions" to allow a full-time return to schools while keeping the virus under control.
Jeremy Farrar - director of the Wellcome Trust and a member of the government's advisery group SAGE - also wrote in The Observer: "As we head into autumn we will be forced to make tough choices in order to keep transmission down while restarting the economy, increasing employment and protecting public health.
"There are no easy answers, but one thing is clear: Reopening schools must be the priority."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 Govt approach to schools is 'Corporal Jones-like'
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Regarding getting all pupils back, Mr Johnson writes in the Mail on Sunday: "This pandemic isn't over, and the last thing any of us can afford to do is become complacent. But now that we know enough to reopen schools to all pupils safely, we have a moral duty to do so."
He says the "costs of school closure have fallen disproportionately on the most disadvantaged, the very children who need school the most", and time out of class leads to lower academic attainment on average, affecting "future life chances".
There is a concern, he writes, that "some will tumble out of education, employment or training altogether, never to return".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 'School attendance mandatory from September'
He also says the "less children are in school, the worse it is for their health".
Citing Sport England, the PM says a third of children have done less physical activity in lockdown, "with many suffering from poorer mental health".
While Mr Johnson warns about complacency, he also points out that scientists have "learned more about how the virus spreads and how we can control it".
He says scientists from the government's advisory group SAGE (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies) have advised that the risk of children becoming severely ill with COVID-19 is low.
He adds that the government has "worked closely with teaching unions and school leaders on measures to ensure our schools are COVID-secure".


skynewspolitics--2020-08-08--Navy asked for help as dozens more migrants intercepted

Royal Navy chiefs are considering a formal request for support to deal with migrants attempting to cross the Channel in small boats , amid a rise in incidents .
The government has said it plans to make the route from France to the UK `` unviable '' as the Times newspaper reported that ministers were considering a so-called `` push back '' approach where UK ships would stop migrant vessels leaving French waters .
Privately , government sources acknowledge that it would be difficult legally to make any physical interventions given the risk of capsizing the often unstable boats .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` passive blockade '' in the Channel to discourage people from making the journey from France was being looked at .
Any form of blockade in Channel would likely be high controversial and fraught with legal and ethical issues .
The Ministry of Defence said on Saturday it was `` working hard to identify how we can most effectively assist '' after receiving a request under the military aid to the civilian authorities protocol ( MACA ) .
Assistance likely to be looked at would be surveillance , reconnaissance and command control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including two pregnant women and a child - arrived on shore at Kingsdown in Kent on Saturday morning , an eyewitness told Sky News , after another dinghy with 12 people on board was filmed being intercepted by a Border Force patrol vessel .
Sky News has also been told there was another vessel in the Channel carrying 19 people and a migrant in a wheelchair was among those seen being brought ashore at Dover .
There have already been record-breaking numbers of migrants arriving in the UK on small boats in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Channel area has prompted a surge in people making the journey .
Sky News correspondent Enda Brady said one vessel appeared to have evaded Border Force patrols at sea and arrived on shore at Kingsdown on Saturday morning .
A woman who was at the shore said 14 people , including two pregnant women and a child , were on board the boat .
She told Sky News : `` A pregnant lady had to be assisted off by the ambulance service to go to hospital because she was clearly about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mad show… I 've never seen anything like that in my time .
`` It was literally just random and just popped up on shore… .
All the border patrol and the coastguard were coming down at the same time because they caught them all at the same time when they got in . ''
The migrants were brought ashore at Dover just a few hundred metres away from where dozens of beachgoers were sunbathing in the 33C heat of the South Coast .
In French waters , authorities said they rescued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to Calais .
Schools minister Nick Gibb told Sky News the government wants to make the route `` unviable '' .
`` We 're talking to French ministers about preventing people leaving France in the first place , and then finding other ways of making sure that we return boats to France when they 're trying to make what is a very dangerous crossing , '' said Mr Gibb .
`` France is a safe country , and if people are seeking asylum , they should be seeking asylum in France in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans to `` push back '' migrant boats were criticised .
Former Labour home and foreign secretary Jack Straw told BBC Radio 4 : `` I do n't think that just trying to push these people back is going to work and it will only take one of these dinghies to capsize and everybody to drown , which is perfectly feasible , for there to be a hullabaloo , including in the Conservative Party , and for the policy to have to be reversed , so I would n't go down that route @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` Under refugee law , every person who enters a territory - which extends to 12 nautical miles from the coastline - is entitled to claim asylum .
And on the other hand , under international maritime law , all captains of all vessels have a duty to help persons from vessels in distress .
`` So if the proposal is for the Royal Navy to suddenly engage in pushing back or expelling migrants , I can not see how that can be lawful . ''
Britain wants Paris to intervene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England and take them back to French ports , rather than shepherding them onward until they reach British waters .
Immigration minister Chris Philp will meet his counterparts from France next week as he seeks to eventually shut down the Calais-to-Britain route .
He also wants migrants caught trying to cross the Channel to be fingerprinted and face `` real consequences '' .
Mr Gibb 's comments came after Kent County Council ( KCC ) said that 400 migrant children had been taken into its care this year , including 60 in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arriving on Friday alone .
KCC leader Roger Gough has said `` enormous pressure '' was being put on the authority amid rising numbers of unaccompanied young migrants arriving in the UK .
He told Sky News : `` What happens when they come into our care , we have a number of reception centres where they undergo a detailed assessment of their needs .
Most of them will end up in semi supported accommodation and we have responsibilities up to the age of 25 .
`` We certainly need to see a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There is already a concern that these are people coming from what is a safe country , from France .
The best way of doing that remains to be seen .
`` Looking at what happened last time we had a crisis in 2015 , in the aftermath of that there was a lot of work done between British and French governments to , for example dismantle the camp in Calais , to improve security on the French side , and that did have for some time a considerable effect . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures he would like to see brought in include migrants being deported or being taken into custody for breaking the law .
The Home Office has said it is possible the Royal Navy might be brought in to patrol the Channel 's migrant traffic - a move described as `` completely potty '' by a Ministry of Defence source .
The proposals reflect growing frustration in government after nearly two years of rising numbers of migrants arriving by sea from France .
Mr Gibb added : `` It 's not a simple situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There are legal barriers and complexities in dealing with this ... issue , which is why the home secretary , Priti Patel , has been talking to her French counterparts , and why Chris Philp will also be doing the same next week .
`` We are talking to our French counterparts ... in order to find a solution using maritime assets , as they call it , to try and return boats to France . ''

Royal Navy chiefs are considering a formal request for support to deal with migrants attempting to cross the Channel in small boats, amid a rise in incidents.
The government has said it plans to make the route from France to the UK "unviable" as the Times newspaper reported that ministers were considering a so-called "push back" approach where UK ships would stop migrant vessels leaving French waters.
Privately, government sources acknowledge that it would be difficult legally to make any physical interventions given the risk of capsizing the often unstable boats.
Image: Sky News watched as a boat was intercepted by UK authorities in the Channel on Saturday
But one source said the idea of a "passive blockade" in the Channel to discourage people from making the journey from France was being looked at.
Any form of blockade in Channel would likely be high controversial and fraught with legal and ethical issues.
The Ministry of Defence said on Saturday it was "working hard to identify how we can most effectively assist" after receiving a request under the military aid to the civilian authorities protocol (MACA).
Assistance likely to be looked at would be surveillance, reconnaissance and command control.
A boat carrying 14 people - including two pregnant women and a child - arrived on shore at Kingsdown in Kent on Saturday morning, an eyewitness told Sky News, after another dinghy with 12 people on board was filmed being intercepted by a Border Force patrol vessel.
Sky News has also been told there was another vessel in the Channel carrying 19 people and a migrant in a wheelchair was among those seen being brought ashore at Dover.
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There have already been record-breaking numbers of migrants arriving in the UK on small boats in the last few days.
Recent calmer weather in the Channel area has prompted a surge in people making the journey.
Sky News correspondent Enda Brady said one vessel appeared to have evaded Border Force patrols at sea and arrived on shore at Kingsdown on Saturday morning.
A woman who was at the shore said 14 people, including two pregnant women and a child, were on board the boat.
She told Sky News: "A pregnant lady had to be assisted off by the ambulance service to go to hospital because she was clearly about to give birth.
"It was a mad show… I've never seen anything like that in my time.
Twitter Twitter , 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 Twitter 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 Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
"It was literally just random and just popped up on shore…. All the border patrol and the coastguard were coming down at the same time because they caught them all at the same time when they got in."
The migrants were brought ashore at Dover just a few hundred metres away from where dozens of beachgoers were sunbathing in the 33C heat of the South Coast.
In French waters, authorities said they rescued at least 33 migrants and brought them back to Calais.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:16 Migrants beach landing 'was a mad show'
Schools minister Nick Gibb told Sky News the government wants to make the route "unviable".
"We're talking to French ministers about preventing people leaving France in the first place, and then finding other ways of making sure that we return boats to France when they're trying to make what is a very dangerous crossing," said Mr Gibb.
"France is a safe country, and if people are seeking asylum, they should be seeking asylum in France in the first instance."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:53 'France is a safe country for asylum'
But government plans to "push back" migrant boats were criticised.
Former Labour home and foreign secretary Jack Straw told BBC Radio 4: "I don't think that just trying to push these people back is going to work and it will only take one of these dinghies to capsize and everybody to drown, which is perfectly feasible, for there to be a hullabaloo, including in the Conservative Party, and for the policy to have to be reversed, so I wouldn't go down that route."
Human rights barrister Sangeetha Iengar added: "Under refugee law, every person who enters a territory - which extends to 12 nautical miles from the coastline - is entitled to claim asylum. And on the other hand, under international maritime law, all captains of all vessels have a duty to help persons from vessels in distress.
"So if the proposal is for the Royal Navy to suddenly engage in pushing back or expelling migrants, I cannot see how that can be lawful."
Britain wants Paris to intervene to stop more small vessels heading to England and take them back to French ports, rather than shepherding them onward until they reach British waters.
Immigration minister Chris Philp will meet his counterparts from France next week as he seeks to eventually shut down the Calais-to-Britain route.
He also wants migrants caught trying to cross the Channel to be fingerprinted and face "real consequences".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:09 Migrants met by Border Force in Kent
Mr Gibb's comments came after Kent County Council (KCC) said that 400 migrant children had been taken into its care this year, including 60 in the first week of August, with 23 arriving on Friday alone.
KCC leader Roger Gough has said "enormous pressure" was being put on the authority amid rising numbers of unaccompanied young migrants arriving in the UK.
He told Sky News: "What happens when they come into our care, we have a number of reception centres where they undergo a detailed assessment of their needs. Most of them will end up in semi supported accommodation and we have responsibilities up to the age of 25.
"We certainly need to see a significant reduction in the number of arrivals. There is already a concern that these are people coming from what is a safe country, from France. The best way of doing that remains to be seen.
"Looking at what happened last time we had a crisis in 2015, in the aftermath of that there was a lot of work done between British and French governments to, for example dismantle the camp in Calais, to improve security on the French side, and that did have for some time a considerable effect."
Mr Philp has said some of the measures he would like to see brought in include migrants being deported or being taken into custody for breaking the law.
The Home Office has said it is possible the Royal Navy might be brought in to patrol the Channel's migrant traffic - a move described as "completely potty" by a Ministry of Defence source.
The proposals reflect growing frustration in government after nearly two years of rising numbers of migrants arriving by sea from France.
Mr Gibb added: "It's not a simple situation, nor is there a simple solution. There are legal barriers and complexities in dealing with this... issue, which is why the home secretary, Priti Patel, has been talking to her French counterparts, and why Chris Philp will also be doing the same next week.
"We are talking to our French counterparts... in order to find a solution using maritime assets, as they call it, to try and return boats to France."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-08--Shops could close to keep schools open as PM insists all pupils must get back in class

Boris Johnson says it is a `` national priority '' and a `` moral duty '' to get all pupils back in class next month , raising the prospect of closing shops , pubs and restaurants in local lockdowns to allow schools to stay open .
In a newspaper article , the prime minister writes that `` social justice demands '' that classrooms are full again , and says education is crucial for children 's welfare and future - especially the most disadvantaged .
He warns of the `` spiralling economic costs '' of parents and carers being unable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools closed a moment longer than absolutely necessary is socially intolerable , economically unsustainable and morally indefensible . ''
Mr Johnson is understood to favour only closing schools as the last resort after scientific advisers warned further interventions may be needed to reopen classrooms in England next month .
Children 's commissioner for England Anne Longfield had said the reopening of schools `` should be prioritised '' , insisting they must be first to reopen and last to close during any reintroduction of restrictions .
But schools minister Nick Gibb said this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' that classroom education would be prioritised , instead saying decisions would be made by local health chiefs .
However , a Number 10 source said on Saturday that Mr Johnson 's expectation is that schools would be the last sector to close , with businesses being shut first in the event of severe local lockdowns .
`` The PM has been clear that businesses including shops , pubs and restaurants should be forced to close first , with schools remaining open for as long as possible , '' the source said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer for England , warned last week that the nation has `` probably reached near the limit or the limits '' of what can be done to reopen society safely .
And Professor Neil Ferguson , whose modelling led to the decision to impose the lockdown , suggested ministers would need to `` row back on the relaxation of restrictions '' to allow a full-time return to schools while keeping the virus under control .
Jeremy Farrar - director of the Wellcome Trust and a member of the government 's advisery group SAGE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` As we head into autumn we will be forced to make tough choices in order to keep transmission down while restarting the economy , increasing employment and protecting public health .
`` There are no easy answers , but one thing is clear : Reopening schools must be the priority . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Regarding getting all pupils back , Mr Johnson writes in the Mail on Sunday : `` This pandemic is n't over , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afford to do is become complacent .
But now that we know enough to reopen schools to all pupils safely , we have a moral duty to do so . ''
He says the `` costs of school closure have fallen disproportionately on the most disadvantaged , the very children who need school the most '' , and time out of class leads to lower academic attainment on average , affecting `` future life chances '' .
There is a concern , he writes , that `` some will tumble out of education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to return '' .
He also says the `` less children are in school , the worse it is for their health '' .
Citing Sport England , the PM says a third of children have done less physical activity in lockdown , `` with many suffering from poorer mental health '' .
While Mr Johnson warns about complacency , he also points out that scientists have `` learned more about how the virus spreads and how we can control it '' .
He says scientists from the government 's advisory group SAGE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have advised that the risk of children becoming severely ill with COVID-19 is low .
He adds that the government has `` worked closely with teaching unions and school leaders on measures to ensure our schools are COVID-secure '' .


skynewspolitics--2020-08-09--How PM handles reopening of schools is a test he can't afford to flunk

Boris Johnson knows that reopening England 's schools is a tricky political test he ca n't afford to flunk .
After June 's false start , the prime minister has now made it clear he will do everything he can to get children learning again and keep them learning .
But that could involve trade-offs as other sectors are forced to shut up shop to keep classrooms open .
A bespoke approach to local coronavirus lockdowns will see schools essentially ring-fenced with `` unprecedented steps '' taken to allow them to carry on .
This sounds sneakily similar to suggestions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to close to stop COVID-19 infections rising when pupils return .
Evidence from the government 's advisory group SAGE also shows that the impact of schools on the viral spread depends more on how well the rest of society keeps to social distancing , rather than what necessarily goes on in the classroom .
Officials insist such national action is not on the table and this is about the prime minister 's priorities when it comes to bringing in more severe restrictions locally in towns and cities .
Industry may still be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for tailored financial support for firms impacted by local lockdowns and a more organised approach to disseminating information .
This latest rallying cry from Number 10 may also not allay fears in some education unions about the safety of teachers and pupils .
Guidance on the National Education Union 's website simply states that it `` wants schools to open in September if it is safe to do so '' .
Hardly the confidence some in Westminster want to see .
But behind the emotive language from Boris Johnson lies deep concern about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Even a few months out the classroom leaves lasting damage .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker This is thought to be felt most acutely by younger pupils and those from disadvantaged backgrounds .
For a prime minister who promises to `` level up '' , a yawning education gap is not a great start .
But schools also act as a linchpin to the rest of the economy .
If parents ca n't get their children back to the classroom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work .
It all adds up to another big challenge for Mr Johnson as he tries to win the trust of teachers and parents .
He 'll need more than just emotive language to succeed .

Boris Johnson knows that reopening England's schools is a tricky political test he can't afford to flunk.
After June's false start, the prime minister has now made it clear he will do everything he can to get children learning again and keep them learning.
But that could involve trade-offs as other sectors are forced to shut up shop to keep classrooms open.
A bespoke approach to local coronavirus lockdowns will see schools essentially ring-fenced with "unprecedented steps" taken to allow them to carry on.
This sounds sneakily similar to suggestions from scientists that pubs and restaurants would need to close to stop COVID-19 infections rising when pupils return.
Evidence from the government's advisory group SAGE also shows that the impact of schools on the viral spread depends more on how well the rest of society keeps to social distancing, rather than what necessarily goes on in the classroom.
Officials insist such national action is not on the table and this is about the prime minister's priorities when it comes to bringing in more severe restrictions locally in towns and cities.
Industry may still be rattled though, with business groups calling for tailored financial support for firms impacted by local lockdowns and a more organised approach to disseminating information.
Image: The PM has to convince teachers and unions it is safe for pupils to return in September
This latest rallying cry from Number 10 may also not allay fears in some education unions about the safety of teachers and pupils.
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Guidance on the National Education Union's website simply states that it "wants schools to open in September if it is safe to do so".
Hardly the confidence some in Westminster want to see.
But behind the emotive language from Boris Johnson lies deep concern about the broader impact of schools staying shut.
Even a few months out the classroom leaves lasting damage.
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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This is thought to be felt most acutely by younger pupils and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
For a prime minister who promises to "level up", a yawning education gap is not a great start.
But schools also act as a linchpin to the rest of the economy.
If parents can't get their children back to the classroom, they will struggle to go back to work.
It all adds up to another big challenge for Mr Johnson as he tries to win the trust of teachers and parents.
He'll need more than just emotive language to succeed.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-09--'Angry and annoyed' MP accuses Met of racial profiling after being pulled over in London

Labour MP Dawn Butler has told Sky News she believes she was the victim of racial profiling after the car she was in was stopped by police .
The former shadow equalities minister filmed the incident , which happened in the London borough of Hackney on Sunday afternoon .
She said police officers stopped her `` black male friend '' who was driving a `` nice car '' and questioned her while she was in the passenger seat .
In the footage recorded by Ms Butler , police officers said they were searching the area because of `` gang and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sky News she was `` angry and annoyed '' by the incident , claiming the Metropolitan Police has a `` cancerous '' problem with institutional racism .
She said : `` We were stopped because we 're two black people driving in a nice car in Hackney .
`` I 'm angry because I know it happens all the time every day .
And people do n't know why they 've been stopped .
`` There 's one group of people that are disproportionately policed .
`` I was n't going to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police officer inflamed the situation .
I was getting annoyed and angry with the way she was treating me .
`` It is tiring and exhausting and mentally draining if you 're black and getting treated like that .
Yes there are issues but deal with it in an equitable way , in an unbiased way , not in a racist way .
`` If you 're profiling cars because they 're not from the area that 's a ridiculous way to police .
If you 're stopping cars because of the make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And if you 're stopping cars because of the colour of the people inside them , that 's racist . ''
The MP for Brent Central said she had been `` stopped a number of times '' by police since being elected as a member of parliament .
The Metropolitan Police said in a statement that an officer had `` incorrectly entered the registration into a police computer which identified the car as registered to an address in Yorkshire .
`` Upon stopping the vehicle and speaking with the driver , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been entered incorrectly and was registered to the driver in London . ''
The statement added : `` Once the mistake was realised the officer sought to explain this to the occupants ; they were then allowed on their way .
No searches were carried out on any individuals . ''
It said `` one of the occupants '' had been contacted by a senior officer .
Writing on Twitter , Chief Superintendent Roy Smith said he had spoken to Ms Butler over the phone , adding that `` she has given me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
`` She was positive about one officer and gave feedback on others and the stop , '' he wrote .
`` We are listening to those concerns and Dawn is quite entitled to raise them . ''
Last month Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick apologised to British sprinter Bianca Williams after the athlete and her partner were handcuffed during a stop and search .
Williams claimed officers racially profiled her and Ricardo dos Santos during the traffic stop in Maida Vale , west London , which saw the pair being separated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police referred itself to the police watchdog over the incident .

Labour MP Dawn Butler has told Sky News she believes she was the victim of racial profiling after the car she was in was stopped by police.
The former shadow equalities minister filmed the incident, which happened in the London borough of Hackney on Sunday afternoon.
She said police officers stopped her "black male friend" who was driving a "nice car" and questioned her while she was in the passenger seat.
In the footage recorded by Ms Butler, police officers said they were searching the area because of "gang and knife crime".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:58 MP decries 'institutional racism' in the police
Ms Butler told Sky News she was "angry and annoyed" by the incident, claiming the Metropolitan Police has a "cancerous" problem with institutional racism.
She said: "We were stopped because we're two black people driving in a nice car in Hackney.
"I'm angry because I know it happens all the time every day. And people don't know why they've been stopped.
"There's one group of people that are disproportionately policed.
"I wasn't going to go online with this, but the female police officer inflamed the situation. I was getting annoyed and angry with the way she was treating me.
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"It is tiring and exhausting and mentally draining if you're black and getting treated like that. Yes there are issues but deal with it in an equitable way, in an unbiased way, not in a racist way.
"If you're profiling cars because they're not from the area that's a ridiculous way to police. If you're stopping cars because of the make that's a ridiculous way to police. And if you're stopping cars because of the colour of the people inside them, that's racist."
Image: Dawn Butler says she was 'angry and annoyed' by the incident
The MP for Brent Central said she had been "stopped a number of times" by police since being elected as a member of parliament.
The Metropolitan Police said in a statement that an officer had "incorrectly entered the registration into a police computer which identified the car as registered to an address in Yorkshire.
"Upon stopping the vehicle and speaking with the driver, it quickly became apparent that the registration had been entered incorrectly and was registered to the driver in London."
The statement added: "Once the mistake was realised the officer sought to explain this to the occupants; they were then allowed on their way. No searches were carried out on any individuals."
It said "one of the occupants" had been contacted by a senior officer.
Writing on Twitter, Chief Superintendent Roy Smith said he had spoken to Ms Butler over the phone, adding that "she has given me a very balanced account of the incident".
"She was positive about one officer and gave feedback on others and the stop," he wrote.
"We are listening to those concerns and Dawn is quite entitled to raise them."
Last month Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick apologised to British sprinter Bianca Williams after the athlete and her partner were handcuffed during a stop and search.
Williams claimed officers racially profiled her and Ricardo dos Santos during the traffic stop in Maida Vale, west London, which saw the pair being separated from their three-month-old son.
The Met Police referred itself to the police watchdog over the incident.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-08--Daily coronavirus cases exceed 1,000 as PM warned of risks of reopening schools

Boris Johnson has been urged to boost the government 's coronavirus test and trace scheme in order to safely reopen schools next month , with calls for teachers and students to be tested as often as once a week .
The prime minister has declared it is a `` national priority '' to get all children back into the classroom from the start of the new academic year in September .
But with scientific advisers having warned that `` trade-offs '' may be needed , impacting businesses or social lives , concerns remain about whether sufficient coronavirus safeguarding measures are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Social Care said that in the 24-hour period up to 9am on Sunday , there had been a further 1,062 lab-confirmed cases , the first time the daily total has gone over 1000 since June .
Overall , a total of 310,825 cases have been confirmed .
Allana Gay , headteacher at the Vita Et Pax Prep School in north London , told Sky News `` the most important role of a teacher is safeguarding '' .
She said keeping staff , students and their families safe was vital - and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and trace working really well '' .
Children 's commissioner for England Anne Longfield echoed the message , calling for pupils and teachers to be able to get tested as often as every week - even if they do not have COVID-19 symptoms .
In a newspaper article published on Sunday , Mr Johnson wrote `` social justice demands '' that classrooms are full again and that education is crucial for children 's welfare and future - especially the most disadvantaged .
He warned of the `` spiralling economic costs '' of parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and added : `` Keeping our schools closed a moment longer than absolutely necessary is socially intolerable , economically unsustainable and morally indefensible . ''
It is understood Mr Johnson favours only closing schools as part of any future local lockdowns as a last resort .
Ms Longfield said testing for teachers and pupils needed to be a priority ahead of schools reopening .
`` I think it needs to be as regular as it needs to be , to ensure that the infection is caught and identified as quickly as possible and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from that , '' she told Times Radio .
Labour 's shadow education secretary Kate Green also told the broadcaster : `` I do think the government could be doing more to support them [ teachers ] - particularly , for example , making sure we 've got a really robust test and trace system in place .
`` It 's really , really important that we do n't write off a generation of COVID children - they need to be back in class the whole of our futures depend on this .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week that the government could not `` decree '' that classroom education would be prioritised , instead saying decisions would be made by local health chiefs .
However , a Number 10 source said on Saturday that Mr Johnson 's expectation is that schools would be the last sector to close , with businesses being shut first in the event of severe local lockdowns .
`` The PM has been clear that businesses including shops , pubs and restaurants should be forced to close first , with schools remaining open for as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Professor Chris Whitty , the chief medical officer for England , warned last week that the nation has `` probably reached near the limit or the limits '' of what can be done to reopen society safely .
And Professor Neil Ferguson , whose modelling led to the decision to impose the lockdown , suggested ministers would need to `` row back on the relaxation of restrictions '' to allow a full-time return to schools while keeping the virus under control .
Jeremy Farrar - director of the Wellcome Trust and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group SAGE - also wrote in The Observer : `` As we head into autumn we will be forced to make tough choices in order to keep transmission down while restarting the economy , increasing employment and protecting public health .
`` There are no easy answers , but one thing is clear : Reopening schools must be the priority . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Regarding getting all pupils back , Mr Johnson writes in the Mail on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the last thing any of us can afford to do is become complacent .
But now that we know enough to reopen schools to all pupils safely , we have a moral duty to do so . ''
He says the `` costs of school closure have fallen disproportionately on the most disadvantaged , the very children who need school the most '' , and time out of class leads to lower academic attainment on average , affecting `` future life chances '' .
There is a concern , he writes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of education , employment or training altogether , never to return '' .
He also says the `` less children are in school , the worse it is for their health '' .
Citing Sport England , the PM says a third of children have done less physical activity in lockdown , `` with many suffering from poorer mental health '' .
While Mr Johnson warns about complacency , he also points out that scientists have `` learned more about how the virus spreads and how we can control it '' .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group SAGE ( Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ) have advised that the risk of children becoming severely ill with COVID-19 is low .
He adds that the government has `` worked closely with teaching unions and school leaders on measures to ensure our schools are COVID-secure '' .


skynewspolitics--2020-08-09--'This simply cannot go on': UK-France row intensifies as migrant crossings top 4,000

A political row between the UK and France over migrant crossings in the Channel has intensified , with Britain 's immigration minister saying the `` unacceptable '' increase in numbers `` simply can not go on '' .
Chris Philp is due to meet his French counterpart in Paris on Tuesday to discuss stronger measures , including `` interceptions and returns '' .
It comes as 151 migrants reached the UK on Saturday - taking the total since 1 January to 4,100 .
While southeast England basked in roasting sunshine on Sunday , a dozen people arrived in Dover after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the UK government wants to make the route across the Channel `` completely unviable '' so migrants `` have no incentive to come to northern France or attempt the crossing in the first place '' .
`` We intend to return as many migrants who have arrived as possible , '' he added .
`` There are returns flights planned in the coming days .
And we will also continue to go after the heinous criminals and organised crime networks putting people 's lives at risk . ''
The government has asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Royal Marine has been appointed `` clandestine Channel threat commander '' to try and cut down the numbers .
Home Secretary Priti Patel vowed last year that the crossings would have become an `` infrequent phenomenon '' by now .
She has since called the figures `` appalling '' and levelled blame at her counterparts on the continent as she revealed the UK and French governments were locked in a row over the interpretation of maritime law .
The Sunday Telegraph reported France wants £30m to cover the costs of increased policing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It also claims ministers are looking into chartering spy planes and drones .
Bridget Chapman , spokeswoman for the Kent Refugee Action Network , said the government 's handling of the situation is `` increasingly chaotic '' .
`` Nothing they have done so far has worked , '' she said .
`` They have spent millions of pounds of taxpayers ' money fortifying the port at Calais , have increased patrols in the Channel , and are now escalating a failing strategy by calling in the military to deal with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that she wants to make the Channel 'unviable ' for people attempting to cross .
But what is unviable is her approach . ''
A government source told Sky News earlier this weekend that a `` passive blockade '' in the Channel was being considered .
Natalie Elphicke , the Conservative MP for Dover , is calling for migrants to be returned to France irrespective of whether they are picked up in British or French waters .
Recent calm conditions on the sea have prompted a huge surge in people trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has said that 400 migrant children have been taken into its care this year , including 60 in the first week of August and 23 on Friday alone .

A political row between the UK and France over migrant crossings in the Channel has intensified, with Britain's immigration minister saying the "unacceptable" increase in numbers "simply cannot go on".
Chris Philp is due to meet his French counterpart in Paris on Tuesday to discuss stronger measures, including "interceptions and returns".
It comes as 151 migrants reached the UK on Saturday - taking the total since 1 January to 4,100.
While southeast England basked in roasting sunshine on Sunday, a dozen people arrived in Dover after making the dangerous crossing.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:09 Migrants met by Border Force in Kent
Mr Philp said the UK government wants to make the route across the Channel "completely unviable" so migrants "have no incentive to come to northern France or attempt the crossing in the first place".
"We intend to return as many migrants who have arrived as possible," he added.
"There are returns flights planned in the coming days. And we will also continue to go after the heinous criminals and organised crime networks putting people's lives at risk."
The government has asked the Navy for help and a former Royal Marine has been appointed "clandestine Channel threat commander" to try and cut down the numbers.
Image: Home Secretary Priti Patel
Home Secretary Priti Patel vowed last year that the crossings would have become an "infrequent phenomenon" by now.
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She has since called the figures "appalling" and levelled blame at her counterparts on the continent as she revealed the UK and French governments were locked in a row over the interpretation of maritime law.
The Sunday Telegraph reported France wants £30m to cover the costs of increased policing to stop the migrants crossing into English waters.
It also claims ministers are looking into chartering spy planes and drones.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:16 Migrants beach landing 'was a mad show'
Bridget Chapman, spokeswoman for the Kent Refugee Action Network, said the government's handling of the situation is "increasingly chaotic".
"Nothing they have done so far has worked," she said.
"They have spent millions of pounds of taxpayers' money fortifying the port at Calais, have increased patrols in the Channel, and are now escalating a failing strategy by calling in the military to deal with a humanitarian situation.
"Priti Patel has said that she wants to make the Channel 'unviable' for people attempting to cross. But what is unviable is her approach."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:38 British family find migrants in their car roof box
A government source told Sky News earlier this weekend that a "passive blockade" in the Channel was being considered.
Natalie Elphicke, the Conservative MP for Dover, is calling for migrants to be returned to France irrespective of whether they are picked up in British or French waters.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:53 'France is a safe country for asylum'
Recent calm conditions on the sea have prompted a huge surge in people trying to make the journey.
Kent County Council has said that 400 migrant children have been taken into its care this year, including 60 in the first week of August and 23 on Friday alone.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-10--PM: UK has to look at 'legal framework' for migrants crossing Channel

The UK has to look at the `` legal framework '' for migrants crossing the English Channel , the prime minister has said .
Boris Johnson said he wanted to work with France to stop the crossings and ensure that migrants `` understand that this is n't a good idea , this is a very bad and stupid and dangerous and criminal thing to do '' .
`` But then there 's a second thing we 've got to do and that is to look at the legal framework that we have that means that when people do get here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to then send them away again even though blatantly they 've come here illegally , '' the PM added .
Downing Street has said that once the Brexit transition period comes to an end in December , the UK will be able to draw up a new framework .
The PM 's official spokesman said : `` We are currently bound by the Dublin Regulations for returns and they are inflexible and rigid - for example , there is a time limit placed on returns , it 's something which can be abused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustrate the returns of those who have no right to be here .
`` At the end of this year we will no longer be bound by the EU 's laws so can negotiate our own returns agreement . ''
The comments come after a Border Force patrol boat met an inflatable dinghy carrying around 20 Syrian migrants off the coast of Dover on Monday morning .
Those on board were seen waving and smiling as the vessel made its way across the English Channel .
The migrants were met by the patrol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White Cliffs in sight .
Home Secretary Priti Patel was seen in Dover on Monday , disembarking from a police boat that had been out in the English Channel earlier in the morning .
A minister told Sky News earlier that the `` unacceptable situation '' of migrant crossings in the English Channel `` absolutely needs to stop '' .
So far this year , more than 4,000 migrants have reached the UK by crossing the English Channel in small boats .
Almost 600 people made it to the UK in crossings between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burley @ Breakfast , care minister Helen Whately said : `` We do have an unacceptable situation of many migrants coming across the Channel at the moment .
`` It 's also a dangerous route , there 's real risk to life for those coming across , it 's obviously a form of illegal immigration , it 's not the right way to come to the United Kingdom .
`` So , we are taking action . ''
Ms Whately added : `` The important thing is we work together with the French @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 's not a safe way for them to try and get here , it 's incredibly dangerous , it also means money is going to people smugglers , so it absolutely needs to stop . ''
The government has made an official request to the Royal Navy for help , while a former Royal Marine has been appointed `` clandestine Channel threat commander '' .
The RAF has confirmed that its Atlas surveillance aircraft was supporting Border Force operations in the Channel on Monday .
Immigration minister Chris Philp will head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with his French counterparts on the issue .
Last year , Home Secretary Priti Patel promised that the crossings would have become an `` infrequent phenomenon '' by now .
She has since called the figures `` appalling '' and levelled blame at her counterparts on the continent as she revealed the UK and French governments were locked in a row over the interpretation of maritime law .
The Sunday Telegraph has reported that France wants £30m to cover the costs of increased policing to stop the migrants crossing into English waters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ chartering spy planes and drones .

The UK has to look at the "legal framework" for migrants crossing the English Channel, the prime minister has said.
Boris Johnson said he wanted to work with France to stop the crossings and ensure that migrants "understand that this isn't a good idea, this is a very bad and stupid and dangerous and criminal thing to do".
"But then there's a second thing we've got to do and that is to look at the legal framework that we have that means that when people do get here, it is very, very difficult to then send them away again even though blatantly they've come here illegally," the PM added.
Image: A minister has told Sky News the situation 'absolutely needs to stop'
Downing Street has said that once the Brexit transition period comes to an end in December, the UK will be able to draw up a new framework.
The PM's official spokesman said: "We are currently bound by the Dublin Regulations for returns and they are inflexible and rigid - for example, there is a time limit placed on returns, it's something which can be abused by both migrants and their lawyers to frustrate the returns of those who have no right to be here.
"At the end of this year we will no longer be bound by the EU's laws so can negotiate our own returns agreement."
Immigration minister Chris Philp will head to Paris on Tuesday to hold talks with his French counterparts on the issue.
And Number 10 said it continues to work with the French authorities on stronger measures.
Asked whether the Royal Navy could get involved, the PM's spokesman said the Border Force was considering a range of options and the Home Office had been in talks with the Ministry of Defence.
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Image: Home Secretary Priti Patel in Dover
The government has made an official request to the Royal Navy for help, while a former Royal Marine has been appointed "clandestine Channel threat commander".
The RAF has confirmed that its Atlas surveillance aircraft was supporting Border Force operations in the Channel on Monday.
The comments from the PM and Downing Street have caused anger among charities, who have criticised the use of "inflammatory language".
Lisa Doyle, the Refugee Council's director of advocacy, said: "It's incredibly disappointing to hear the prime minister using such inaccurate and inflammatory language to describe men, women and children who are desperate enough to make perilous journeys across the busiest shipping channel in the world.
"Seeking asylum is not a crime, and it is legitimate that people have to cross borders to do so."
Stephen Hale, chief executive of Refugee Action, said ministers should "move on from soundbites" and focus "constructively on serious and long-term solutions".
He added: "Britain is better than this. We have a proud history of welcoming people fleeing some of the most violent and oppressive regimes in the world and we can't stop now."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 How can government stop migrants crossing Channel?
Early on Monday morning, a Border Force patrol boat met an inflatable dinghy carrying around 20 Syrian migrants off the coast of Dover.
Those on board were seen waving and smiling as the vessel made its way across the English Channel.
The migrants were met by the patrol boat Hunter shortly after 7am with the White Cliffs in sight.
Home Secretary Priti Patel was seen in Dover on Monday, disembarking from a police boat that had been out in the English Channel earlier in the morning.
A minister told Sky News earlier that the "unacceptable situation" of migrant crossings in the English Channel "absolutely needs to stop".
So far this year, more than 4,000 migrants have reached the UK by crossing the English Channel in small boats.
Almost 600 people made it to the UK in crossings between Thursday and Sunday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:29 UK calls for France to crack down on migrants
Speaking to Kay Burley @ Breakfast, care minister Helen Whately said: "We do have an unacceptable situation of many migrants coming across the Channel at the moment.
"It's also a dangerous route, there's real risk to life for those coming across, it's obviously a form of illegal immigration, it's not the right way to come to the United Kingdom.
"So, we are taking action."
Ms Whately added: "The important thing is we work together with the French to stop this flow of migrants.
"It's not a safe way for them to try and get here, it's incredibly dangerous, it also means money is going to people smugglers, so it absolutely needs to stop."
Last year, the home secretary promised that the crossings would have become an "infrequent phenomenon" by now.
She has since called the figures "appalling" and levelled blame at her counterparts on the continent as she revealed the UK and French governments were locked in a row over the interpretation of maritime law.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-10--MP stopped by police dismisses 'racist trolls' with 'conspiracy theories' about incident

A Labour MP who has accused the Metropolitan Police of racially profiling her has told Sky News : `` This can not continue '' .
Dawn Butler , who represents Brent Central in northwest London , said police officers stopped her `` black male friend '' who was driving a `` nice car '' and questioned her while she was in the passenger seat .
She recorded the incident in Hackney , in which officers are heard saying they were searching the area because of `` gang and knife crime '' .
In a tweet on Monday morning , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are `` going crazy with conspiracy theories '' surrounding the stop .
During the video of the incident , Ms Butler tells the officers : `` It is really quite irritating .
`` It 's like you can not drive around and enjoy a Sunday afternoon whilst black because you 're going to be stopped by police . ''
One of the officers tells her : `` I appreciate everything you say and I do apologise for wasting your time . ''
The Met Police said in a statement that an officer had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a police computer which identified the car as registered to an address in Yorkshire .
`` Once the mistake was realised the officer sought to explain this to the occupants ; they were then allowed on their way , '' the statement continued .
`` No searches were carried out on any individuals . ''
Speaking to Kay Burley @ Breakfast , Ms Butler said the incident `` left me scratching my head '' .
She said : `` Driving on a public road - where else would we be driving ?
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the right reason - we were driving through .
`` I was n't actually going to eat in Hackney , but there are some nice places to eat in Hackney .
None of this made sense .
`` But I think , in a way , it shows you the bias and the assumption that happens when you see black people , in a car , driving - that they 're automatically saying that we need to check that these people are here for the right reason .
That they 're not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
We need to change that thinking and that 's going to take a lot of effort and it needs to be done quickly . ''
Ms Butler added : `` This can not continue .
In the light of Black Lives Matter , what we 're trying to do is dismantle the structural racism that takes place . ''
The MP said her experience is one that `` happens to black people every single day '' .
She added : `` This happens to black men every single day , whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bike .
It happens every single day . ''
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he had contacted Ms Butler to discuss the incident and offer support .
`` All allegations of racial profiling must be taken extremely seriously by the Metropolitan Police , '' he said in a tweet .
Sir Keir added : I '' t is imperative that the Black community have trust and confidence in our police .
The abuse Dawn has received over social media is wrong and must be condemned . ''
Listen to the Daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spotify , Spreaker Asked about the incident , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said : `` The police have made a statement saying that they made a mistake .
`` They have spoken to the occupants of the car but it 's obviously very , very important that the Met continue to do everything that they can - as indeed they do - to show that they are serving every part of our country , every part of our community , with fairness and equality . ''
The Independent Office for Police Conduct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in England and Wales racially discriminate against ethnic minority people .
There is a disparity rate of 4.3 for all black , Asian and minority ethnic people and 9.7 for black people , according to the latest official statistics .
Asked by Sky News about claims that the video had been doctored in some way , Ms Butler said : `` It just made me think of the length that people will go to excuse racism away or discrimination away or injustice away .
`` It just shocked me .
Why would I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I was recording .
I turned the camera when I had to record the police officer .
There was no flipping of the camera . ''

A Labour MP who has accused the Metropolitan Police of racially profiling her has told Sky News: "This cannot continue".
Dawn Butler, who represents Brent Central in northwest London, said police officers stopped her "black male friend" who was driving a "nice car" and questioned her while she was in the passenger seat.
She recorded the incident in Hackney, in which officers are heard saying they were searching the area because of "gang and knife crime".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 Moment MP is stopped by police in London
In a tweet on Monday morning, the MP dismissed "racist trolls" who are "going crazy with conspiracy theories" surrounding the stop.
During the video of the incident, Ms Butler tells the officers: "It is really quite irritating.
"It's like you cannot drive around and enjoy a Sunday afternoon whilst black because you're going to be stopped by police."
One of the officers tells her: "I appreciate everything you say and I do apologise for wasting your time."
The Met Police said in a statement that an officer had "incorrectly entered" the registration into a police computer which identified the car as registered to an address in Yorkshire.
"Once the mistake was realised the officer sought to explain this to the occupants; they were then allowed on their way," the statement continued.
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"No searches were carried out on any individuals."
Speaking to Kay Burley @ Breakfast, Ms Butler said the incident "left me scratching my head".
She said: "Driving on a public road - where else would we be driving? To make sure we're in the area for the right reason - we were driving through.
"I wasn't actually going to eat in Hackney, but there are some nice places to eat in Hackney. None of this made sense.
"But I think, in a way, it shows you the bias and the assumption that happens when you see black people, in a car, driving - that they're automatically saying that we need to check that these people are here for the right reason. That they're not criminals.
"We need to change that. We need to change that thinking and that's going to take a lot of effort and it needs to be done quickly."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:58 MP decries 'institutional racism' in the police
Ms Butler added: "This cannot continue. In the light of Black Lives Matter, what we're trying to do is dismantle the structural racism that takes place."
The MP said her experience is one that "happens to black people every single day".
She added: "This happens to black men every single day, whether they're walking, driving or on a bike. It happens every single day."
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he had contacted Ms Butler to discuss the incident and offer support.
"All allegations of racial profiling must be taken extremely seriously by the Metropolitan Police," he said in a tweet.
Sir Keir added: "It's imperative that the Black community have trust and confidence in our police. The abuse Dawn has received over social media is wrong and must be condemned."
Asked about the incident, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "The police have made a statement saying that they made a mistake.
"They have spoken to the occupants of the car but it's obviously very, very important that the Met continue to do everything that they can - as indeed they do - to show that they are serving every part of our country, every part of our community, with fairness and equality."
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The PM's spokesman said he does not share Ms Butler's view that the Metropolitan Police is "institutionally racist", adding: "The Met, like police forces across England and Wales, are working very hard tackling issues such as knife crime and drugs."
The Independent Office for Police Conduct has launched an investigation into whether officers in England and Wales racially discriminate against ethnic minority people.
There is a disparity rate of 4.3 for all black, Asian and minority ethnic people and 9.7 for black people, according to the latest official statistics.
Asked by Sky News about claims that the video had been doctored in some way, Ms Butler said: "It just made me think of the length that people will go to excuse racism away or discrimination away or injustice away.
"It just shocked me. Why would I flip my camera? I pressed record and I was recording. I turned the camera when I had to record the police officer. There was no flipping of the camera."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-10--Universities urged to hold places for students appealing A-level grades

Universities have been urged by the UK Government to be flexible in their admissions ahead of A-level results day this week .
The eleventh hour move is in response to claims that the university places of thousands of pupils in England are in peril amid exam chaos .
Experts have warned that pupils whose marks are downgraded by computer face missing out on university places while exam boards sift through a flood of appeals .
Universities minister Michelle Donelan has written to vice-chancellors asking them , where possible , to hold places for students who appeal until they receive the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put their future on hold because of this virus , '' she said .
`` That is why I am urging universities to be as flexible as possible in their admissions and to hold places for those whose grades are being appealed .
`` Our ambition for students this year is no different to any other year and it is in everybody 's interest to see them progress . ''
The plea to universities follows an apology by Nicola Sturgeon to pupils in Scotland affected by the downgrading of exam results north of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the First Minister , pupils in the most deprived areas of Scotland had their exam pass rate downgraded by more than twice that of students from the wealthiest parts of the country .
And signalling an imminent U-turn , Ms Sturgeon said : `` We will be taking steps to ensure that every young person gets a grade that recognises the work they have done . ''
This year 's A-levels in England , Wales and Northern Ireland and Highers in Scotland were cancelled because of coronavirus , so marks have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pupils would have achieved .
In England , exam boards are expected to lower nearly 40 % of grades using a computerised marking scheme to ensure results are not significantly higher than previous years .
It is claimed this means tens of thousands of pupils will not achieve the marks they had hoped for when they get their grades on Thursday .
As a result , they may not be able to attend their first-choice university unless they successfully appeal .
Those who appeal must be awarded a higher grade by 7 September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In her letter to vice-chancellors , the minister also said universities should take into account a range of evidence when admitting students to courses .
She said exam boards are committed to doing all that is possible to resolve appeals for affected candidates by the 7 September deadline .
And in a bid to reassure A-level students and their parents , education secretary Gavin Williamson said : `` I 'm confident the system Ofqual has put in place is fundamentally a fair one , that will award the vast majority of students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grade they would have achieved .
`` Provisional data published by Ofqual suggests that the number of As and A*s being awarded will increase compared to last year and moderation has ensured students from all backgrounds have been treated fairly . ''

Universities have been urged by the UK government to be flexible in their admissions ahead of A-level results day this week.
The eleventh hour move is in response to claims that the university places of thousands of pupils in England are in peril amid exam chaos.
Experts have warned that pupils whose marks are downgraded by computer face missing out on university places while exam boards sift through a flood of appeals.
Universities minister Michelle Donelan has written to vice-chancellors asking them, where possible, to hold places for students who appeal until they receive the outcome.
"Nobody should have to put their future on hold because of this virus," she said.
"That is why I am urging universities to be as flexible as possible in their admissions and to hold places for those whose grades are being appealed.
"Our ambition for students this year is no different to any other year and it is in everybody's interest to see them progress."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:47 Sturgeon: 'We got it wrong over grades'
The plea to universities follows an apology by Nicola Sturgeon to pupils in Scotland affected by the downgrading of exam results north of the border.
In a political embarrassment for the first minister, pupils in the most deprived areas of Scotland had their exam pass rate downgraded by more than twice that of students from the wealthiest parts of the country.
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And signalling an imminent U-turn, Ms Sturgeon said: "We will be taking steps to ensure that every young person gets a grade that recognises the work they have done."
This year's A-levels in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and Highers in Scotland were cancelled because of coronavirus, so marks have been based on teachers' estimates of what pupils would have achieved.
In England, exam boards are expected to lower nearly 40% of grades using a computerised marking scheme to ensure results are not significantly higher than previous years.
It is claimed this means tens of thousands of pupils will not achieve the marks they had hoped for when they get their grades on Thursday.
As a result, they may not be able to attend their first-choice university unless they successfully appeal.
Those who appeal must be awarded a higher grade by 7 September to attend the university they have chosen.
In her letter to vice-chancellors, the minister also said universities should take into account a range of evidence when admitting students to courses.
She said exam boards are committed to doing all that is possible to resolve appeals for affected candidates by the 7 September deadline.
And in a bid to reassure A-level students and their parents, education secretary Gavin Williamson said: "I'm confident the system Ofqual has put in place is fundamentally a fair one, that will award the vast majority of students a calculated grade that genuinely reflects the grade they would have achieved.
"Provisional data published by Ofqual suggests that the number of As and A*s being awarded will increase compared to last year and moderation has ensured students from all backgrounds have been treated fairly."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-10--PM says UK could change laws to stop 'stupid and dangerous' migrant crossings

The UK has to look at the `` legal framework '' for migrants crossing the English Channel , the prime minister has said .
Boris Johnson said he wanted to work with France to stop the crossings and ensure that migrants `` understand that this is n't a good idea , this is a very bad and stupid and dangerous and criminal thing to do '' .
`` But then there 's a second thing we 've got to do and that is to look at the legal framework that we have that means that when people do get here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to then send them away again even though blatantly they 've come here illegally , '' the PM added .
Downing Street has said that once the Brexit transition period comes to an end in December , the UK will be able to draw up a new framework .
The PM 's official spokesman said : `` We are currently bound by the Dublin Regulations for returns and they are inflexible and rigid - for example , there is a time limit placed on returns , it 's something which can be abused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustrate the returns of those who have no right to be here .
`` At the end of this year we will no longer be bound by the EU 's laws so can negotiate our own returns agreement . ''
Immigration minister Chris Philp will head to Paris on Tuesday to hold talks with his French counterparts on the issue .
And Number 10 said it continues to work with the French authorities on stronger measures .
Asked whether the Royal Navy could get involved , the PM 's spokesman said the Border @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Home Office had been in talks with the Ministry of Defence .
The government has made an official request to the Royal Navy for help , while a former Royal Marine has been appointed `` clandestine Channel threat commander '' .
The RAF has confirmed that its Atlas surveillance aircraft was supporting Border Force operations in the Channel on Monday .
The comments from the PM and Downing Street have caused anger among charities , who have criticised the use of `` inflammatory language '' .
Lisa Doyle , the Refugee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` It 's incredibly disappointing to hear the prime minister using such inaccurate and inflammatory language to describe men , women and children who are desperate enough to make perilous journeys across the busiest shipping channel in the world .
`` Seeking asylum is not a crime , and it is legitimate that people have to cross borders to do so . ''
Stephen Hale , chief executive of Refugee Action , said ministers should `` move on from soundbites '' and focus `` constructively on serious and long-term solutions '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ than this .
We have a proud history of welcoming people fleeing some of the most violent and oppressive regimes in the world and we ca n't stop now . ''
Early on Monday morning , a Border Force patrol boat met an inflatable dinghy carrying around 20 Syrian migrants off the coast of Dover .
Those on board were seen waving and smiling as the vessel made its way across the English Channel .
The migrants were met by the patrol boat Hunter shortly after 7am with the White Cliffs in sight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Dover on Monday , disembarking from a police boat that had been out in the English Channel earlier in the morning .
A minister told Sky News earlier that the `` unacceptable situation '' of migrant crossings in the English Channel `` absolutely needs to stop '' .
So far this year , more than 4,000 migrants have reached the UK by crossing the English Channel in small boats .
Almost 600 people made it to the UK in crossings between Thursday and Sunday .
Speaking to Kay Burley @ Breakfast , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We do have an unacceptable situation of many migrants coming across the Channel at the moment .
`` It 's also a dangerous route , there 's real risk to life for those coming across , it 's obviously a form of illegal immigration , it 's not the right way to come to the United Kingdom .
`` So , we are taking action . ''
Ms Whately added : `` The important thing is we work together with the French to stop this flow of migrants .
`` It 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and get here , it 's incredibly dangerous , it also means money is going to people smugglers , so it absolutely needs to stop . ''
Last year , the home secretary promised that the crossings would have become an `` infrequent phenomenon '' by now .
She has since called the figures `` appalling '' and levelled blame at her counterparts on the continent as she revealed the UK and French governments were locked in a row over the interpretation of maritime law .


skynewspolitics--2020-08-10--A&E 'safe', says PM, after fears led to '16,000' non-COVID deaths

Boris Johnson is attempting to persuade people it is safe to visit A & E , after it was revealed patients ' reluctance to attend because of coronavirus may have caused 16,000 more deaths .
Announcing handouts of £300m to upgrade A & E facilities in England , the prime minister said the government is making hospitals safer and reducing the risk of infection from COVID-19 .
`` It 's vital that those who need emergency treatment this winter access it , '' he said .
`` And for those who remain concerned about visiting hospitals , let me assure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place to keep people safe . ''
The prime minister 's plea comes just days after the government 's own Office of National Statistics ( ONS ) claimed that for every death from coronavirus itself , a further two occurred because of the lockdown 's wider impact .
Of the 16,000 non-COVID deaths , the ONS suggested 6,000 were as a result of a big reduction in people attending A & E , possibly because of patients ' reluctance to seek medical attention .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spreaker And in a bid to give people more confidence to go to A & E , Mr Johnson said 117 NHS trusts will receive funding to help prepare for winter and reduce the risk from further outbreaks of the virus .
The government said hospitals could use the new funding to expand waiting areas and increase the number of treatment cubicles , boost A & E capacity by providing additional space , reduce overcrowding and improve infection control measures .
Projects will be completed by the start of next year so hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of winter .
`` We continue to deliver on our promise to build back better and faster , with £300m allocated today for NHS trusts to upgrade their facilities and improve A & E capacity , '' Mr Johnson added .
`` These upgrades will help our fantastic NHS prepare for the winter months , helping them to deliver essential services and reduce the risk of coronavirus infections .
`` Thanks to the hard work and tireless efforts of NHS staff throughout the pandemic , our A & Es have remained open for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , published last Friday , suggested there were 38,500 excess deaths in England connected to COVID-19 between March and 1 May , but 41 % of those deaths were the result of missed medical care rather than the virus itself .

Boris Johnson is attempting to persuade people it is safe to visit A&E, after it was revealed patients' reluctance to attend because of coronavirus may have caused 16,000 more deaths.
Announcing handouts of £300m to upgrade A&E facilities in England, the prime minister said the government is making hospitals safer and reducing the risk of infection from COVID-19.
"It's vital that those who need emergency treatment this winter access it," he said.
"And for those who remain concerned about visiting hospitals, let me assure you that the NHS has measures in place to keep people safe."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:44 PM: Reopening schools a 'moral duty'
The prime minister's plea comes just days after the government's own Office of National Statistics (ONS) claimed that for every death from coronavirus itself, a further two occurred because of the lockdown's wider impact.
Of the 16,000 non-COVID deaths, the ONS suggested 6,000 were as a result of a big reduction in people attending A&E, possibly because of patients' reluctance to seek medical attention.
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And in a bid to give people more confidence to go to A&E, Mr Johnson said 117 NHS trusts will receive funding to help prepare for winter and reduce the risk from further outbreaks of the virus.
The government said hospitals could use the new funding to expand waiting areas and increase the number of treatment cubicles, boost A&E capacity by providing additional space, reduce overcrowding and improve infection control measures.
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Other measures could include increasing same-day emergency care.
Projects will be completed by the start of next year so hospitals benefit from the upgrades during the peak of winter.
"We continue to deliver on our promise to build back better and faster, with £300m allocated today for NHS trusts to upgrade their facilities and improve A&E capacity," Mr Johnson added.
"These upgrades will help our fantastic NHS prepare for the winter months, helping them to deliver essential services and reduce the risk of coronavirus infections.
"Thanks to the hard work and tireless efforts of NHS staff throughout the pandemic, our A&Es have remained open for the public."
The ONS figures, published last Friday, suggested there were 38,500 excess deaths in England connected to COVID-19 between March and 1 May, but 41% of those deaths were the result of missed medical care rather than the virus itself.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-10--'We did not get this right': Sturgeon apologises over controversial exam results

Scotland 's first minister has apologised to pupils affected by the controversial downgrading of exam results .
`` Despite our best intentions , I do acknowledge we did not get this right and I 'm sorry for that , '' Nicola Sturgeon said .
Pupils in the most deprived areas of Scotland had their exam pass rate downgraded by more than twice that of students from the wealthiest parts of the country .
Exams for nationals , highers and advanced higher courses were scrapped this year due to the coronavirus lockdown , with teachers instead submitting estimated grades based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and evidence of their past work .
The grades were then looked at by the Scottish Qualifications Authority ( SQA ) , which has moderated 26.2 % of them , while leaving the rest unchanged .
Of those grades that were moderated , 93.1 % were downgraded , affecting 124,564 pupils .
The pass rate of pupils in the most deprived data zones was reduced by 15.2 % from teacher estimates after the exam board 's moderation .
In contrast , the pass rate for pupils from the most affluent backgrounds dropped by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We will be taking steps to ensure that every young person gets a grade that recognises the work they have done .
`` Our concern - which was to make sure that the grades young people got were as valid as those they would have got in any other year - perhaps led us to think too much about the overall system and not enough about the individual pupil .
`` That has meant that too many have lost out on grades that they think they should have had and also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of not of anything they 've done but because of a statistical model or an algorithm , and in addition that burden has not fallen equally across our society . ''
She added : `` Despite our best intentions , I do acknowledge we did not get this right and I 'm sorry for that .
`` The most immediate challenge is to resolve the grades awarded to pupils this year .
`` We will not expect every student who has been downgraded to appeal . ''
Ms Sturgeon said Education Secretary John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with the controversy in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Opposition parties have been calling for the education secretary 's resignation , with Scottish Labour poised to mount a no-confidence vote against him in Holyrood - something the Conservatives have said they will support .
Ms Sturgeon reiterated her support for her deputy , saying : `` When we get things wrong , I want to be able to stand here and acknowledge that and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fundamentally that 's better than simply digging our heels in and trying to defend a position we think in our hearts we did n't get right .
`` That 's the approach I will take , it 's the approach the deputy first minister is going to take and I hope that 's the one that young people affected and their families will see as the right approach to take . ''
The first minister said she `` absolved '' the qualifications authority of responsibility for the controversy , because it developed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She said : `` Ministers asked the SQA to apply an approach that delivered a set of results that are comparable in terms of quality to last year 's .
`` This is a view that ministers are taking now that it did n't take enough account of the individual circumstances . ''
' I thought I was going to get an A - but I got a D , this is not fair' Ruaridh Hall , 17 , from Edinburgh , had the result in his best subject downgraded by two marks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subject he was predicted to fail in .
He told Sky News : `` We did prelims in January and for my design and manufacture I got a B , then last week I got predicted a D. '' How does that make sense ?
`` I thought I 'd get an A , that was the one I thought I 'd get an A in and I got a D - that 's disgraceful .
`` Apparently my school thought I 'd get a B , which is fair enough , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't seem very fair .
`` I want Nicola Sturgeon to fix it , if I can get even what the school predicted me I 'd be happy with that , but a D ?
`` It 's crazy because in my English I was predicted a fail and I got a B , so how is this a fair system ?
`` If the government says they 're going to fix this for some students and not others then that 's unfair , how is that just ?
`` I think if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the school said then I should , otherwise I will not be happy . ''

Scotland's first minister has apologised to pupils affected by the controversial downgrading of exam results.
"Despite our best intentions, I do acknowledge we did not get this right and I'm sorry for that," Nicola Sturgeon said.
Pupils in the most deprived areas of Scotland had their exam pass rate downgraded by more than twice that of students from the wealthiest parts of the country.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:41 'Deep concerns' as pass rate cut hits poorest pupils hardest
Exams for nationals, highers and advanced higher courses were scrapped this year due to the coronavirus lockdown, with teachers instead submitting estimated grades based on students' previous results, predicted attainment and evidence of their past work.
The grades were then looked at by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), which has moderated 26.2% of them, while leaving the rest unchanged.
Of those grades that were moderated, 93.1% were downgraded, affecting 124,564 pupils.
The pass rate of pupils in the most deprived data zones was reduced by 15.2% from teacher estimates after the exam board's moderation.
In contrast, the pass rate for pupils from the most affluent backgrounds dropped by 6.9%.
Image: Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon visited West Calder High School in West Lothian to see how staff were preparing to welcome students back
The first minister said: "We will be taking steps to ensure that every young person gets a grade that recognises the work they have done.
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"Our concern - which was to make sure that the grades young people got were as valid as those they would have got in any other year - perhaps led us to think too much about the overall system and not enough about the individual pupil.
"That has meant that too many have lost out on grades that they think they should have had and also that that has happened as a result of not of anything they've done but because of a statistical model or an algorithm, and in addition that burden has not fallen equally across our society."
She added: "Despite our best intentions, I do acknowledge we did not get this right and I'm sorry for that.
"The most immediate challenge is to resolve the grades awarded to pupils this year.
"We will not expect every student who has been downgraded to appeal."
Ms Sturgeon said Education Secretary John Swinney would set out a plan to deal with the controversy in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday.
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Opposition parties have been calling for the education secretary's resignation, with Scottish Labour poised to mount a no-confidence vote against him in Holyrood - something the Conservatives have said they will support.
Ms Sturgeon reiterated her support for her deputy, saying: "When we get things wrong, I want to be able to stand here and acknowledge that and put it right, because I think fundamentally that's better than simply digging our heels in and trying to defend a position we think in our hearts we didn't get right.
"That's the approach I will take, it's the approach the deputy first minister is going to take and I hope that's the one that young people affected and their families will see as the right approach to take."
The first minister said she "absolved" the qualifications authority of responsibility for the controversy, because it developed the system at the behest of ministers.
She said: "Ministers asked the SQA to apply an approach that delivered a set of results that are comparable in terms of quality to last year's.
"This is a view that ministers are taking now that it didn't take enough account of the individual circumstances."
Image: Ruaridh Hall, 17, was predicted a B in design and manufacture but was downgraded to a D
'I thought I was going to get an A - but I got a D, this is not fair'
Ruaridh Hall, 17, from Edinburgh, had the result in his best subject downgraded by two marks and was given a B in a subject he was predicted to fail in.
He told Sky News: "We did prelims in January and for my design and manufacture I got a B, then last week I got predicted a D.
"How does that make sense?
"I thought I'd get an A, that was the one I thought I'd get an A in and I got a D - that's disgraceful.
"Apparently my school thought I'd get a B, which is fair enough, but SQA gave me a D - doesn't seem very fair.
"I want Nicola Sturgeon to fix it, if I can get even what the school predicted me I'd be happy with that, but a D?
"That's terrible.
"It's crazy because in my English I was predicted a fail and I got a B, so how is this a fair system?
"If the government says they're going to fix this for some students and not others then that's unfair, how is that just?
"I think if anybody gets their grades changed back to what the school said then I should, otherwise I will not be happy."