skynewspolitics--2020-08-02--'I believe they'll be safe': Government adamant schools will reopen in September

The government is adamant schools will be safe to open in September , amid claims it has not given enough clarity to teachers over new procedures to combat the spread of coronavirus .
Most schools closed at the end of March as the UK went into lockdown , although some remained open for children of key workers and for vulnerable pupils .
More students were allowed to return to schools in England and Wales last month , with the government working towards opening schools as normal in the autumn .
`` We have to get children back to school in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said on Sunday .
`` It 's so important for the future of our children and for the whole country that they have face to face contact , with their teachers , in the classroom .
`` We 're working very closely with headteachers and the teaching unions to make sure that all the steps necessary are put in place over the summer so that children can go back in September - and it is an absolute priority for the government . ''
Mr Jenrick added : `` I believe that schools ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' However , teaching unions are demanding more clarity be given to schools , after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a slowing down of the easing of lockdown .
Patrick Roach , general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union , told The Observer : `` In light of recent changes to plans for relaxing lockdown measures , the government needs to provide greater clarity to school leaders , teachers and parents about what this will mean for the reopening of schools in September . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spreaker To cope with schools being able to reopen in full , a member of the government 's scientific advisory group , SAGE , has suggested one trade-off might be to shut pubs .
Minutes released by SAGE reveal that school reopening has been discussed several times by the expert panel , with the group saying on 23 June that there `` may be a need to change measures at the end of the summer in order to be able to keep R below 1 whilst proceeding with the planned reopening of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said the country had `` probably reached near the limit or the limits '' of what can be done to reopen society .
Professor Graham Medley , a member of SAGE , said England may have to consider closing pubs so that schools could reopen .
He told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme : `` It might come down to a question of which do you trade off against each other and then that 's a matter of prioritising , do we think pubs are more important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ puts the R number , which refers to the number of people on average that an infected person passes the virus to , at between 0.8 and 0.9 .
However , this refers to the transmission of coronavirus from several weeks ago .
Some local lockdown measures were announced in parts of the North West of England and areas of West Yorkshire this week , following a spike in infections .

The government is adamant schools will be safe to open in September, amid claims it has not given enough clarity to teachers over new procedures to combat the spread of coronavirus.
Most schools closed at the end of March as the UK went into lockdown, although some remained open for children of key workers and for vulnerable pupils.
More students were allowed to return to schools in England and Wales last month, with the government working towards opening schools as normal in the autumn.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:33 Coronavirus: Do government messages lack clarity?
"We have to get children back to school in September," Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said on Sunday.
"It's so important for the future of our children and for the whole country that they have face to face contact, with their teachers, in the classroom.
"We're working very closely with headteachers and the teaching unions to make sure that all the steps necessary are put in place over the summer so that children can go back in September - and it is an absolute priority for the government."
Mr Jenrick added: "I believe that schools... will be safe, in September."
However, teaching unions are demanding more clarity be given to schools, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a slowing down of the easing of lockdown.
Patrick Roach, general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union, told The Observer: "In light of recent changes to plans for relaxing lockdown measures, the government needs to provide greater clarity to school leaders, teachers and parents about what this will mean for the reopening of schools in September."
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To cope with schools being able to reopen in full, a member of the government's scientific advisory group, SAGE, has suggested one trade-off might be to shut pubs.
Minutes released by SAGE reveal that school reopening has been discussed several times by the expert panel, with the group saying on 23 June that there "may be a need to change measures at the end of the summer in order to be able to keep R below 1 whilst proceeding with the planned reopening of schools".
On Friday, chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said the country had "probably reached near the limit or the limits" of what can be done to reopen society.
Professor Graham Medley, a member of SAGE, said England may have to consider closing pubs so that schools could reopen.
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "It might come down to a question of which do you trade off against each other and then that's a matter of prioritising, do we think pubs are more important than schools?"
The latest estimate puts the R number, which refers to the number of people on average that an infected person passes the virus to, at between 0.8 and 0.9. However, this refers to the transmission of coronavirus from several weeks ago.
Some local lockdown measures were announced in parts of the North West of England and areas of West Yorkshire this week, following a spike in infections.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-03--A 'political titan': Former SDLP leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume dies

Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume , `` the architect of the Northern Ireland peace process '' , has died .
The former leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party ( SDLP ) had been ill for some time .
Having committed his life to the pursuit of Irish unity by peaceful means , he was fiercely criticised for holding secret talks with Gerry Adams .
But in 1993 , Mr Hume persuaded the British and Irish governments that the gun could be taken out of Irish politics .
When the IRA declared its ceasefire the following year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political cold .
It was the beginning of a peace process that would culminate in the Good Friday Agreement and power-sharing government at Stormont .
In 1998 , Mr Hume and his Unionist counterpart David Trimble were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace .
Speaking at the award ceremony in Oslo , Mr Hume said : `` I want to see Ireland as an example to men and women everywhere of what can be achieved by living for ideals rather than fighting or dying for them . ''
In a statement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deeply saddened to announce that John passed away peacefully in the early hours of the morning after a short illness .
`` We would like to extend our deepest and heartfelt thanks to the care and nursing staff of Owen Mor nursing home in Derry .
`` The care they have shown John in the last months of his life has been exceptional . ''
They added : `` John was a husband , a father , a grandfather , a great grandfather and a brother .
He was very much loved , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by all his extended family .
`` It seems particularly apt for these strange and fearful days to remember the phrase that gave hope to John and so many of us through dark times : we shall overcome . ''
Irish prime minister Micheál Martin described Mr Hume as one `` of the greatest Irish people that ever lived '' and said his life was one of `` towering achievement '' .
`` John Hume was a great hero and a true peace maker , '' he said , adding : `` All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his life . ''
Boris Johnson paid tribute to the `` political giant '' , saying there would have been no Belfast or Good Friday Agreement without him .
The prime minister said : `` He stood proudly in the tradition that was totally opposed to violence and committed to pursuing his objectives by exclusively peaceful and democratic means .
`` For decades he sought resolution of the Troubles in Northern Ireland through dialogue and agreement .
Without John Hume there would have been no Belfast or Good Friday Agreement . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he was a `` giant in Irish nationalism '' .
`` In our darkest days he recognised that violence was the wrong path & worked steadfastly to promote democratic politics , '' the Democratic Unionist Party leader wrote on Twitter .
Deputy First Minister and Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O'Neill said : `` John was a huge figure in Irish politics for many years and was known the world over for his peace-making efforts .
`` He was a leader who worked tirelessly for the community and his beloved Derry .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ who knew him well , said : `` Hume was driven by one thing - a passion for peace .
He hated that violence .
He resented that violence .
`` At every conference , constant at the northern star , Hume spelled out , underscored , amplified , the grotesqueness of what the IRA were doing . ''
Mr Hume had come to prominence during the civil rights movement in his native Derry .
An MP for 22 years , an MEP for 25 , he became a towering figure in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Former US president Bill Clinton described him as `` the Martin Luther King of Northern Ireland '' , while former British prime minister Tony Blair said he made an `` epic '' contribution to the peace process .
`` John Hume was a political titan ; a visionary who refused to believe the future had to be the same as the past , '' Mr Blair said .
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood MLA said : `` His legacy is Ireland at peace with itself .
His legacy is the ending of 800 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ achieve all sorts of possibilities .
`` We 're no longer fighting with each other and there 's no prospect that we will in the future .
`` We 're at peace , we have a democratic opportunity to set our own future .
John Hume did that . ''

Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume, "the architect of the Northern Ireland peace process", has died.
The former leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) had been ill for some time.
Having committed his life to the pursuit of Irish unity by peaceful means, he was fiercely criticised for holding secret talks with Gerry Adams.
Image: In 1998, John Hume and his Unionist counterpart David Trimble were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace
But in 1993, Mr Hume persuaded the British and Irish governments that the gun could be taken out of Irish politics.
When the IRA declared its ceasefire the following year, Sinn Fein were brought in from the political cold.
It was the beginning of a peace process that would culminate in the Good Friday Agreement and power-sharing government at Stormont.
In 1998, Mr Hume and his Unionist counterpart David Trimble were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace.
Speaking at the award ceremony in Oslo, Mr Hume said: "I want to see Ireland as an example to men and women everywhere of what can be achieved by living for ideals rather than fighting or dying for them."
In a statement, his family said: "We are deeply saddened to announce that John passed away peacefully in the early hours of the morning after a short illness.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:31 'No peace in Northern Ireland without John Hume'
"We would like to extend our deepest and heartfelt thanks to the care and nursing staff of Owen Mor nursing home in Derry.
"The care they have shown John in the last months of his life has been exceptional."
They added: "John was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great grandfather and a brother. He was very much loved, and his loss will be deeply felt by all his extended family.
"It seems particularly apt for these strange and fearful days to remember the phrase that gave hope to John and so many of us through dark times: we shall overcome."
Irish prime minister Micheál Martin described Mr Hume as one "of the greatest Irish people that ever lived" and said his life was one of "towering achievement".
"John Hume was a great hero and a true peace maker," he said, adding: "All people on this island will give thanks for his life."
Boris Johnson paid tribute to the "political giant", saying there would have been no Belfast or Good Friday Agreement without him.
The prime minister said: "He stood proudly in the tradition that was totally opposed to violence and committed to pursuing his objectives by exclusively peaceful and democratic means.
"For decades he sought resolution of the Troubles in Northern Ireland through dialogue and agreement. Without John Hume there would have been no Belfast or Good Friday Agreement."
Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster said he was a "giant in Irish nationalism".
"In our darkest days he recognised that violence was the wrong path & worked steadfastly to promote democratic politics," the Democratic Unionist Party leader wrote on Twitter.
Deputy First Minister and Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O'Neill said: "John was a huge figure in Irish politics for many years and was known the world over for his peace-making efforts.
Image: John Hume and his wife Pat with former US president Bill Clinton in 2014
"He was a leader who worked tirelessly for the community and his beloved Derry."
Mr Adams, a former Sinn Fein leader, said the peace process was Mr Hume's "huge achievement" and he was a "giant in Irish politics".
"I have to say on this sad day we wouldn't have the peace that we enjoy today if it wasn't for John Hume," Mr Adams told a news conference.
He added: "To his great credit, when the news broke about him meeting with me, and he was the victim of a tsunami of abuse and of vilification, he stuck with it.
"We must have met in secret and privately for over a decade, against a background and a foreground of terrible atrocities and other events.
"At the end of it all, it worked. And it worked not least because of John Hume."
Image: A Bogside mural of John Hume, Martin Luther King Jr, Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela
Author and journalist Eamonn Mallie, who knew him well, said: "Hume was driven by one thing - a passion for peace. He hated that violence. He resented that violence.
"At every conference, constant at the northern star, Hume spelled out, underscored, amplified, the grotesqueness of what the IRA were doing."
Mr Hume had come to prominence during the civil rights movement in his native Derry.
An MP for 22 years, an MEP for 25, he became a towering figure in the Anglo-Irish politics of the 20th century.
Image: John Hume committed his life to the pursuit of Irish unity by peaceful means
Former US president Bill Clinton, who once described him as "the Martin Luther King of Northern Ireland", said in a joint statement with his wife Hillary: "Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend John Hume, who fought his long war for peace in Northern Ireland.
"His chosen weapon: an unshakeable commitment to non-violence, persistence, kindness and love. With his enduring sense of honour he kept marching on against all odds towards a brighter future for all the children of Northern Ireland.
"Through his faith in principled compromise, and his ability to see his adversaries as human beings, John helped forge the peace that has held to this day."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 Clinton's tribute to John Hume 'wholly justified'
Former British prime minister Tony Blair said he was a "political titan".
"His contribution to peace in Northern Ireland was extraordinary," Mr Blair said.
"I don't think we would have ever really got the peace process going and implemented if he hadn't been there offering help and advice."
Image: John Hume has been hailed as one 'of the greatest Irish people that ever lived'
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood MLA said: "His legacy is Ireland at peace with itself. His legacy is the ending of 800 years of history and allowing us now to achieve all sorts of possibilities.
"We're no longer fighting with each other and there's no prospect that we will in the future.
"We're at peace, we have a democratic opportunity to set our own future. John Hume did that."
A book of condolence in memory of Mr Hume will be opened at the Guildhall in the city by Mayor Brian Tierney.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-03--John Hume was a visionary peacemaker who was ahead of his time

The Catholic grandson of a Presbyterian clergyman , John Hume was born to be a peacemaker .
He briefly considered the priesthood but chose to study history and French instead , eventually becoming a teacher .
The Troubles were just beginning when he came to prominence through the Civil Rights Movement .
He described Bloody Sunday , when British soldiers shot 14 people dead in his native Derry , as `` the worst day in my lifetime '' .
The voice of moderate nationalism , Mr Hume sought Irish unity but by peaceful means .
He co-founded the Social Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led the party for 22 years .
Fiercely criticised for secret talks with Gerry Adams , he said he did not care `` two balls of roasted snow '' what the sceptics thought .
Having brought the Irish government on board , Washington helped him coax the British government to the negotiating table .
The Northern Ireland peace process had begun and would culminate four years later in the historic Good Friday Agreement .
The document bore a striking resemblance to a potential solution the visionary Mr Hume had scribbled on a piece @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached out to his Unionist counterpart David Trimble and the two leaders were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace .
Mr Hume donated his share of the prize fund - nearly £300,000 - to two charities back home .
The former MP and MEP also received the Gandhi Peace Prize and Martin Luther King Award .
The only winner of all three accolades , in 2010 Irish broadcaster RTE named him `` Ireland 's greatest '' person .
In a poll of viewers , he had beaten Michael Collins , James Connolly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Lauded at home and abroad for his peace-making , Pope Benedict made him a Knight Commander of the Papal Order of St. Gregory .
In recent years , his wife Pat had spoken openly about his battle with a form of dementia .
`` Derry is a very dementia-friendly city .
John can go for a walk .
Every taxi in the city will stop for him .

The Catholic grandson of a Presbyterian clergyman, John Hume was born to be a peacemaker.
He briefly considered the priesthood but chose to study history and French instead, eventually becoming a teacher.
The Troubles were just beginning when he came to prominence through the Civil Rights Movement.
He described Bloody Sunday, when British soldiers shot 14 people dead in his native Derry, as "the worst day in my lifetime".
The voice of moderate nationalism, Mr Hume sought Irish unity but by peaceful means.
He co-founded the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) and led the party for 22 years.
Fiercely criticised for secret talks with Gerry Adams, he said he did not care "two balls of roasted snow" what the sceptics thought.
Having brought the Irish government on board, Washington helped him coax the British government to the negotiating table.
The Northern Ireland peace process had begun and would culminate four years later in the historic Good Friday Agreement.
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Image: John Hume co-founded the SDLP
The document bore a striking resemblance to a potential solution the visionary Mr Hume had scribbled on a piece of paper in 1975.
He had reached out to his Unionist counterpart David Trimble and the two leaders were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace.
Mr Hume donated his share of the prize fund - nearly £300,000 - to two charities back home.
The former MP and MEP also received the Gandhi Peace Prize and Martin Luther King Award.
Image: John Hume takes part in an interview after Northern Ireland votes in support of the peace deals signed on Good Friday
The only winner of all three accolades, in 2010 Irish broadcaster RTE named him "Ireland's greatest" person.
In a poll of viewers, he had beaten Michael Collins, James Connolly, Bono and former President Mary Robinson.
Lauded at home and abroad for his peace-making, Pope Benedict made him a Knight Commander of the Papal Order of St. Gregory.
In recent years, his wife Pat had spoken openly about his battle with a form of dementia.
"Derry is a very dementia-friendly city. John can go for a walk. Every taxi in the city will stop for him.
"People love John," she added.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-03--'Right' decision not to suspend MP arrested over rape claim, says minister

Senior Tories have defended the Conservative Party 's decision not to suspend an MP arrested on suspicion of rape .
The accused MP , a former minister , was arrested and taken to an east London police station on Saturday morning before being released on bail later that day .
The Metropolitan Police said the allegations of sexual offences and assault related to four separate incidents which are said to have taken place between July 2019 and January 2020 .
The man , in his 50s , has been accused by a young woman who used to work in parliament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend , the Conservatives were criticised for deciding not to immediately withdraw the party whip from the accused MP .
An MP who has the whip withdrawn is effectively expelled from their party , but keeps their seat in the House of Commons .
They must sit as an independent until they have the whip restored .
Critics have highlighted how Charlie Elphicke - who was last week found guilty by a court of three counts of sexual assault - had the Conservative whip withdrawn in 2017 when serious allegations were made against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reinstated a year later when Theresa May faced a confidence vote , and then stood down as an MP before last year 's general election .
Asked why he had not withdrawn the Conservative whip from the current MP who was arrested on Saturday , Tory chief whip Mark Spencer stressed there was a `` need to wait for the police to do their work '' .
`` They are very serious allegations and we do take those allegations very seriously , '' he said , as he left his farm shop in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think it 's down to the police to do that thorough investigation , not for the whips ' office to investigate this alleged crime - it 's for the police and the authorities to do that .
`` Once they come to that conclusion , then we can assess where we 're at and the position the MP finds themselves in . ''
Business minister Nadhim Zahawi also defended the Conservatives ' decision not to withdraw the whip from the MP .
`` These are very serious allegations , there is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sky News .
`` I think it is right for us to wait until the police conclude their investigation , and then you 'll be hearing from the chief whip as to what action will be taken . ''
When challenged to name another public sector profession in which an individual would n't be suspended while facing such allegations , Mr Zahawi declined to do so .
`` I do n't want to speculate , '' he said .
`` It 's wrong to do so because sometimes when the details emerge , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why ' . ''
It is understood the woman who has made allegations against the unnamed MP spoke to Mr Spencer on 1 April , although the Tory chief whip said she did not make any allegation of serious sexual assault at that time .
He advised her to make a formal complaint about the MP to the appropriate authorities .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Zahawi refused to be drawn on what the whips ' office had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had investigated before the MP 's arrest .
`` It is only right that the police get to complete their investigations and then you will hear from the chief whip and hopefully all these questions will be asked , '' he said .
`` I think it 's completely wrong to go any further . ''
Mr Zahawi added : `` I absolutely believe that sometimes , when the details are then released , people will begin to understand why the chief whip or the Conservative Party behaved or acted in a particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's shadow safeguarding minister , told Sky News that the MP who was arrested should have the Conservative whip withdrawn .
`` If this was a case in any other public sector employer - in a hospital , a police force , a school or nursery - this kind of allegation , and certainly following an arrest and a bailing , would lead to somebody being suspended , '' she said .
`` A suspension is a neutral act that is not suggesting that guilt is certain , but it is about safeguarding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` The chief whip takes all allegations of harassment and abuse extremely seriously and has strongly encouraged anybody who has approached him to contact the appropriate authorities , including parliament 's Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme , which can formally carry out independent and confidential investigations . ''

Senior Tories have defended the Conservative Party's decision not to suspend an MP arrested on suspicion of rape.
The accused MP, a former minister, was arrested and taken to an east London police station on Saturday morning before being released on bail later that day.
The Metropolitan Police said the allegations of sexual offences and assault related to four separate incidents which are said to have taken place between July 2019 and January 2020.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:41 Rape claim 'not for whips' office to investigate'
The man, in his 50s, has been accused by a young woman who used to work in parliament, Sky News understands.
At the weekend, the Conservatives were criticised for deciding not to immediately withdraw the party whip from the accused MP.
An MP who has the whip withdrawn is effectively expelled from their party, but keeps their seat in the House of Commons.
They must sit as an independent until they have the whip restored.
Critics have highlighted how Charlie Elphicke - who was last week found guilty by a court of three counts of sexual assault - had the Conservative whip withdrawn in 2017 when serious allegations were made against him.
He controversially had the whip reinstated a year later when Theresa May faced a confidence vote, and then stood down as an MP before last year's general election.
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Image: Charlie Elphicke had the whip withdrawn when serious allegations were made against him
Asked why he had not withdrawn the Conservative whip from the current MP who was arrested on Saturday, Tory chief whip Mark Spencer stressed there was a "need to wait for the police to do their work".
"They are very serious allegations and we do take those allegations very seriously," he said, as he left his farm shop in Sherwood, Nottinghamshire on Monday.
"I think it's down to the police to do that thorough investigation, not for the whips' office to investigate this alleged crime - it's for the police and the authorities to do that.
"Once they come to that conclusion, then we can assess where we're at and the position the MP finds themselves in."
Image: Tory chief whip Mark Spencer said it was 'not for the whips' office to investigate this alleged crime'
Business minister Nadhim Zahawi also defended the Conservatives' decision not to withdraw the whip from the MP.
"These are very serious allegations, there is a police investigation," Mr Zahawi told Sky News.
"I think it is right for us to wait until the police conclude their investigation, and then you'll be hearing from the chief whip as to what action will be taken."
When challenged to name another public sector profession in which an individual wouldn't be suspended while facing such allegations, Mr Zahawi declined to do so.
"I don't want to speculate," he said.
"It's wrong to do so because sometimes when the details emerge, people go 'ah, now I understand why'."
It is understood the woman who has made allegations against the unnamed MP spoke to Mr Spencer on 1 April, although the Tory chief whip said she did not make any allegation of serious sexual assault at that time.
He advised her to make a formal complaint about the MP to the appropriate authorities.
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Zahawi refused to be drawn on what the whips' office had been told when, and what they had investigated before the MP's arrest.
"It is only right that the police get to complete their investigations and then you will hear from the chief whip and hopefully all these questions will be asked," he said.
"I think it's completely wrong to go any further."
Mr Zahawi added: "I absolutely believe that sometimes, when the details are then released, people will begin to understand why the chief whip or the Conservative Party behaved or acted in a particular way."
Jess Phillips, Labour's shadow safeguarding minister, told Sky News that the MP who was arrested should have the Conservative whip withdrawn.
"If this was a case in any other public sector employer - in a hospital, a police force, a school or nursery - this kind of allegation, and certainly following an arrest and a bailing, would lead to somebody being suspended," she said.
"A suspension is a neutral act that is not suggesting that guilt is certain, but it is about safeguarding."
A spokesman for Mr Spencer said: "The chief whip takes all allegations of harassment and abuse extremely seriously and has strongly encouraged anybody who has approached him to contact the appropriate authorities, including parliament's Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme, which can formally carry out independent and confidential investigations."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-03--Reports over-50s could be asked to shield are 'inaccurate', says health secretary

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has dismissed `` inaccurate '' reports that millions more people over the age of 50 will be asked to stay at home in the event of a second wave of coronavirus infections .
Between March and the end of last month , 2.2 million people judged to be extremely vulnerable were advised to `` shield '' themselves by staying at home and avoiding non-essential face-to-face contact .
That guidance has now been paused following a fall in the number of COVID-19 cases .
But it has been reported that - should there be a second wave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drawn up plans for `` enhanced shielding '' to include a wider group .
According to The Sunday Times , many more people could receive a tailored letter in September or October to set out their risk - based on their health and age - from COVID-19 .
This would likely mean that a large number of people aged between 50 and 70 would be urged to shield , the newspaper said - although it added that most of those affected , if the plans were adopted , were likely to be over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the suggestion that millions more could be asked to shield themselves this winter .
`` We 've paused the shielding programme because the number of infections is so low , '' he said on Monday .
`` The reports with respect to the over-50s are inaccurate and they 're speculation , but we 'll always do whatever is necessary to keep people safe . ''
Daily Mail columnist Sarah Vine - the wife of Cabinet minister Michael Gove , who sits on the government 's key coronavirus committees - had criticised suggestions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shielding group .
`` We are the backbone of the nation , economically and socially , '' Ms Vine , 53 , posted on Twitter .
`` We look after the elderly and the young .
We pay the most taxes .
`` Lock us up and everything grinds to a halt .
You ca n't eliminate all risk .
Not if we want to still have a country at the end of this . ''
She added : `` We all have to die sooner or later .
If I get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
My time has come .
`` I 'll have had a good life , better than most in this world at any rate .
`` I certainly do n't expect the entire nation to bankrupt itself to save my sorry ass . ''
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker When asked if Downing Street would rule out aged-based shielding in future months , the prime minister 's official spokesman highlighted how the government 's plan for limiting further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Our approach is for localised action to deal with outbreaks at a local level , so this is not something I am aware of , '' the spokesman said .
`` We continue to look at the best available advice .
`` You can see what our approach is and you can see it in action . ''

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has dismissed "inaccurate" reports that millions more people over the age of 50 will be asked to stay at home in the event of a second wave of coronavirus infections.
Between March and the end of last month, 2.2 million people judged to be extremely vulnerable were advised to "shield" themselves by staying at home and avoiding non-essential face-to-face contact.
That guidance has now been paused following a fall in the number of COVID-19 cases.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:12 New COVID-19 tests 'big step forward'
But it has been reported that - should there be a second wave of coronavirus infections - the government has drawn up plans for "enhanced shielding" to include a wider group.
According to The Sunday Times, many more people could receive a tailored letter in September or October to set out their risk - based on their health and age - from COVID-19.
This would likely mean that a large number of people aged between 50 and 70 would be urged to shield, the newspaper said - although it added that most of those affected, if the plans were adopted, were likely to be over 65.
However, Mr Hancock played down the suggestion that millions more could be asked to shield themselves this winter.
"We've paused the shielding programme because the number of infections is so low," he said on Monday.
"The reports with respect to the over-50s are inaccurate and they're speculation, but we'll always do whatever is necessary to keep people safe."
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Daily Mail columnist Sarah Vine - the wife of Cabinet minister Michael Gove, who sits on the government's key coronavirus committees - had criticised suggestions that over-50s could be asked to join the shielding group.
"We are the backbone of the nation, economically and socially," Ms Vine, 53, posted on Twitter.
"We look after the elderly and the young. We pay the most taxes.
"Lock us up and everything grinds to a halt. You can't eliminate all risk. Not if we want to still have a country at the end of this."
She added: "We all have to die sooner or later. If I get Covid and cop it, so be it. My time has come.
"I'll have had a good life, better than most in this world at any rate.
"I certainly don't expect the entire nation to bankrupt itself to save my sorry ass."
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
When asked if Downing Street would rule out aged-based shielding in future months, the prime minister's official spokesman highlighted how the government's plan for limiting further coronavirus infections had already been published.
"Our approach is for localised action to deal with outbreaks at a local level, so this is not something I am aware of," the spokesman said.
"We continue to look at the best available advice.
"You can see what our approach is and you can see it in action."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-03--Russian hackers 'stole secret trade papers from Liam Fox's email'

Russian hackers stole secret trade deal papers from the email account of former cabinet minister Liam Fox , according to Reuters .
The news agency said Dr Fox 's account was broken into multiple times between 12 July and 2 October 2019 - in the run-up to last year 's general election .
It said a `` spear phishing '' message was used , which tricks the target into handing over their password and login details .
Quoting unnamed sources , Reuters reported officials did not say which group was responsible but did insist the attack `` bore the hallmarks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agency added it was unclear which of Dr Fox 's email accounts was breached , and if the key briefings were stolen before he stood down as international trade secretary on 24 July .
Just weeks ago the UK government announced it had found Russian groups were responsible for promoting the leaked documents and that a criminal investigation had been opened .
The papers were posted online by an anonymous internet user ahead of December 's election - but became a major debating point when they were later publicised by then-Labour leader Jeremy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NHS would be `` on the table '' in talks on a post-Brexit trade deal with Donald Trump .
A Cabinet office spokesperson said on Monday : `` There is an ongoing criminal investigation into how the documents were acquired , and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this point .
`` But as you would expect , the Government has very robust systems in place to protect the IT systems of officials and staff . ''
And a National Centre for Cyber Security spokesperson said it `` works closely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MPs , who are offered access to the best cyber security guidance and support '' but would not comment further .
Sky News ' defence and security correspondent Alistair Bunkall said : `` We knew the trade documents had been distributed by a Russian group over various social media platforms but until now we were n't sure how they 'd been obtained .
`` I understand Dr Fox 's account was identified some time ago by the team investigating the hack and they had to get his permission before accessing his system to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report by parliament 's Intelligence and Security Committee found in July concerns Moscow tried to meddle in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum were `` credible '' , marking `` the first post-Soviet Russian interference in a Western democratic process '' .
The Kremlin has repeatedly denied allegations of election meddling in the UK , US , France and other countries in the past .
Russia 's foreign ministry described accusations last month by the UK , US and Canada that cyber spies based in the country tried to steal research into coronavirus vaccines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .

Russian hackers stole secret trade deal papers from the email account of former cabinet minister Liam Fox, according to Reuters.
The news agency said Dr Fox's account was broken into multiple times between 12 July and 2 October 2019 - in the run-up to last year's general election.
It said a "spear phishing" message was used, which tricks the target into handing over their password and login details.
Image: The Kremlin has repeatedly denied trying to meddle in elections
Quoting unnamed sources, Reuters reported officials did not say which group was responsible but did insist the attack "bore the hallmarks of a state-backed operation".
The agency added it was unclear which of Dr Fox's email accounts was breached, and if the key briefings were stolen before he stood down as international trade secretary on 24 July.
Just weeks ago the UK government announced it had found Russian groups were responsible for promoting the leaked documents and that a criminal investigation had been opened.
The papers were posted online by an anonymous internet user ahead of December's election - but became a major debating point when they were later publicised by then-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
He claimed they showed evidence the NHS would be "on the table" in talks on a post-Brexit trade deal with Donald Trump.
Image: Jeremy Corbyn released the contents of the papers in November
A Cabinet office spokesperson said on Monday: "There is an ongoing criminal investigation into how the documents were acquired, and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this point.
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"But as you would expect, the Government has very robust systems in place to protect the IT systems of officials and staff."
And a National Centre for Cyber Security spokesperson said it "works closely with political parties, local authorities and MPs, who are offered access to the best cyber security guidance and support" but would not comment further.
Sky News' defence and security correspondent Alistair Bunkall said: "We knew the trade documents had been distributed by a Russian group over various social media platforms but until now we weren't sure how they'd been obtained.
"I understand Dr Fox's account was identified some time ago by the team investigating the hack and they had to get his permission before accessing his system to investigate further."
A major long-awaited report by parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee found in July concerns Moscow tried to meddle in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum were "credible", marking "the first post-Soviet Russian interference in a Western democratic process".
The Kremlin has repeatedly denied allegations of election meddling in the UK, US, France and other countries in the past.
Russia's foreign ministry described accusations last month by the UK, US and Canada that cyber spies based in the country tried to steal research into coronavirus vaccines and treatments as "foggy and contradictory".


skynewspolitics--2020-08-03--Sturgeon investigated after claims she misled parliament about Salmond meetings

An investigation has resumed into whether Nicola Sturgeon broke ministerial rules and misled the Scottish parliament about when she knew about sexual misconduct complaints against Alex Salmond .
Scotland 's first minister has been accused of breaking the ministerial code when she `` failed to feed back the basic facts '' about meetings and discussions she had with Mr Salmond between March and July 2018 .
It 's also been suggested that she may have tried to influence the sexual harassment investigation that was then under way into Mr Salmond .
John Swinney , the deputy first minister , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would be carried out by James Hamilton , a former director of public prosecutions in Ireland , who will act as independent adviser .
He will have the power to interview any minister or official in the Scottish government and examine documents related to the meetings and discussions between the first minister and Mr Salmond .
The referral had to be paused in early 2019 so as not to risk prejudicing criminal proceedings - and then due to the coronavirus pandemic - but Mr Swinney said it could now restart .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assault charges he faced at the High Court in Edinburgh in March .
Sky News learned there are conflicting accounts of one of the meetings in question , which Ms Sturgeon attended at the height of a government inquiry into her predecessor .
She told parliament she was informed of complaints against Mr Salmond when he told her himself on 2 April 2018 .
However , a previously unseen account of an earlier meeting contradicts her version of events .
It indicates she was involved in a `` discussion about the investigation '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - on 29 March .
The matters in question date back to 2018 , when two female civil servants made complaints of historical sexual misconduct against Mr Salmond , which he strenuously denied .
The Scottish government mounted an inquiry but it was abandoned after Mr Salmond launched a legal challenge and the Court of Session found the handling of the investigation was `` tainted by apparent bias '' .
The contradiction surrounding Ms Sturgeon 's version of events centres on what she knew of the Scottish government 's inquiry - and when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the statement she made to parliament .
A Scottish government spokesperson told Sky News that Ms Sturgeon does not dispute that the 29 March meeting took place but refutes the suggestion that it involved discussion of the Scottish government 's Salmond inquiry .

An investigation has resumed into whether Nicola Sturgeon broke ministerial rules and misled the Scottish parliament about when she knew about sexual misconduct complaints against Alex Salmond.
Scotland's first minister has been accused of breaking the ministerial code when she "failed to feed back the basic facts" about meetings and discussions she had with Mr Salmond between March and July 2018.
It's also been suggested that she may have tried to influence the sexual harassment investigation that was then under way into Mr Salmond.
John Swinney, the deputy first minister, said he was restarting the referral and that it would be carried out by James Hamilton, a former director of public prosecutions in Ireland, who will act as independent adviser.
He will have the power to interview any minister or official in the Scottish government and examine documents related to the meetings and discussions between the first minister and Mr Salmond.
The referral had to be paused in early 2019 so as not to risk prejudicing criminal proceedings - and then due to the coronavirus pandemic - but Mr Swinney said it could now restart.
Mr Salmond was cleared of all the sexual assault charges he faced at the High Court in Edinburgh in March.
Sky News learned there are conflicting accounts of one of the meetings in question, which Ms Sturgeon attended at the height of a government inquiry into her predecessor.
She told parliament she was informed of complaints against Mr Salmond when he told her himself on 2 April 2018.
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However, a previously unseen account of an earlier meeting contradicts her version of events.
It indicates she was involved in a "discussion about the investigation" before the date she gave to parliament - on 29 March.
The matters in question date back to 2018, when two female civil servants made complaints of historical sexual misconduct against Mr Salmond, which he strenuously denied.
The Scottish government mounted an inquiry but it was abandoned after Mr Salmond launched a legal challenge and the Court of Session found the handling of the investigation was "tainted by apparent bias".
The contradiction surrounding Ms Sturgeon's version of events centres on what she knew of the Scottish government's inquiry - and when.
Ms Sturgeon has said she stands by the statement she made to parliament.
A Scottish government spokesperson told Sky News that Ms Sturgeon does not dispute that the 29 March meeting took place but refutes the suggestion that it involved discussion of the Scottish government's Salmond inquiry.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-04--Blackburn launches own contact-tracing scheme as national system 'too slow'

The council with the highest rate of coronavirus infections in England has launched its own contact-tracing scheme because the government 's national system is n't fast enough , a local official has claimed .
Dominic Harrison , the director of public health and wellbeing at Blackburn with Darwen Council , revealed the local authority is developing its own contact-tracing system as it deals with a local spike in COVID-19 cases .
`` The national system is simply not tracing enough cases and contacts fast enough , '' he said .
`` We are starting with 'case tracing ' . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ placed on the highest level of the coronavirus watchlist and designated an `` area of intervention '' by Public Health England ( PHE ) .
More stringent rules have since been introduced in the local area , along with many other parts of Lancashire , Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire .
In the seven days to 27 July , Blackburn and Darwen saw a rate of 83.3 cases per 100,000 people , which put it ahead of all other local authorities in England .
Blackburn with Darwen Council said it will now use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process has been unable to contact someone .
Paul Fleming , director of business change at Blackburn with Darwen Council , is leading the development of the new contact-tracing system .
`` Test and trace is a vital part of the national strategy to get the virus under control , '' he said .
`` It is even more vital in areas like ours where we have a rising tide of cases .
`` Our system complements the national system because we have the local knowledge of the area and the ability to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Our system is also beneficial because we can refer those who need to isolate to local support services if necessary .
`` Our system has already gone live and we are already seeing its benefits as we have managed to contact people the national system could n't .
`` I want to ask all residents to continue to work with us , continue to follow our advice and guidance and continue to take responsibility .
`` Together we will beat the virus . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spotify , Spreaker Mohammed Khan , the leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council , said : `` Once again we see how local government , with its knowledge and connection to the local area , can rise to the challenge and deliver for our residents .
`` I am proud that we have designed and delivered an effective and efficient local system to complement the national programme very quickly .
`` Once again the council has shown local leadership in our battle against this terrible virus . ''
Kate Hollern , the Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` The only way we can reduce this spread is with local knowledge and cooperation .
PHE said it was working in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council `` to enable locally supported contact tracing to enhance local case follow-up as part of the NHS Test and Trace programme '' .
If the national contact-tracing system is unable to make contact with someone after two days , they will now refer their details to Blackburn with Darwen Council 's new local contact-tracing team .
If the local team ca n't contact someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after 48 hours , they will send someone from the council 's local public protection team to their address .
Once contacted , a person will be asked to give details of their recent contacts in order to update the national system .
From that point on , local officials will no longer play a role and the national system will contact those who the person has been in contact with .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson previously promised the national contact-tracing programme would be `` world-beating '' .
Labour 's shadow health secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour has warned ministers that , without a vaccine , an effective locally -delivered test , trace and isolate regime would be critical to safe easing from lockdown .
`` Instead Boris Johnson is handing multi-million pound contacts to firms like Serco and claiming his approach is 'world beating ' when it is far from that and showing no signs of improvement .
`` He should be honest with the public about his government 's failings .
`` Given infection rates are rising and some areas have had restrictions tightened , it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's failed approach and setting up their own systems .
`` Local directors of public health , primary care and NHS labs were always better placed to do this vital work effectively and should be given the resources and data to get on with it . ''

The council with the highest rate of coronavirus infections in England has launched its own contact-tracing scheme because the government's national system isn't fast enough, a local official has claimed.
Dominic Harrison, the director of public health and wellbeing at Blackburn with Darwen Council, revealed the local authority is developing its own contact-tracing system as it deals with a local spike in COVID-19 cases.
"The national system is simply not tracing enough cases and contacts fast enough," he said.
Image: Blackburn with Darwen Council has launched its own contact-tracing scheme
"We are starting with 'case tracing'."
It comes after Sky News revealed Sandwell in the west Midlands is pursuing a similar scheme - with the council's director of public health saying they were not going to wait for the Whitehall machine to "fail".
Last month, Blackburn and Darwen was placed on the highest level of the coronavirus watchlist and designated an "area of intervention" by Public Health England (PHE).
More stringent rules have since been introduced in the local area, along with many other parts of Lancashire, Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.
In the seven days to 27 July, Blackburn and Darwen saw a rate of 83.3 cases per 100,000 people, which put it ahead of all other local authorities in England.
Blackburn with Darwen Council said it will now use its local knowledge if the national contact-tracing process has been unable to contact someone.
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Paul Fleming, director of business change at Blackburn with Darwen Council, is leading the development of the new contact-tracing system.
"Test and trace is a vital part of the national strategy to get the virus under control," he said.
"It is even more vital in areas like ours where we have a rising tide of cases.
"Our system complements the national system because we have the local knowledge of the area and the ability to send officers round to people's addresses.
"Our system is also beneficial because we can refer those who need to isolate to local support services if necessary.
"Our system has already gone live and we are already seeing its benefits as we have managed to contact people the national system couldn't.
"I want to ask all residents to continue to work with us, continue to follow our advice and guidance and continue to take responsibility.
"Together we will beat the virus."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mohammed Khan, the leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "Once again we see how local government, with its knowledge and connection to the local area, can rise to the challenge and deliver for our residents.
"I am proud that we have designed and delivered an effective and efficient local system to complement the national programme very quickly.
"Once again the council has shown local leadership in our battle against this terrible virus."
Kate Hollern, the Labour MP for Blackburn, posted on Twitter: "The only way we can reduce this spread is with local knowledge and cooperation.
"The national system is failing."
Image: Boris Johnson previously promised a 'world-beating' national test and trace scheme
PHE said it was working in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council "to enable locally supported contact tracing to enhance local case follow-up as part of the NHS Test and Trace programme".
If the national contact-tracing system is unable to make contact with someone after two days, they will now refer their details to Blackburn with Darwen Council's new local contact-tracing team.
If the local team can't contact someone via phone, text message or email after 48 hours, they will send someone from the council's local public protection team to their address.
Once contacted, a person will be asked to give details of their recent contacts in order to update the national system.
From that point on, local officials will no longer play a role and the national system will contact those who the person has been in contact with.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson previously promised the national contact-tracing programme would be "world-beating".
Labour's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: "For months Labour has warned ministers that, without a vaccine, an effective locally -delivered test, trace and isolate regime would be critical to safe easing from lockdown.
"Instead Boris Johnson is handing multi-million pound contacts to firms like Serco and claiming his approach is 'world beating' when it is far from that and showing no signs of improvement.
"He should be honest with the public about his government's failings.
"Given infection rates are rising and some areas have had restrictions tightened, it is no wonder local authorities are abandoning Johnson's failed approach and setting up their own systems.
"Local directors of public health, primary care and NHS labs were always better placed to do this vital work effectively and should be given the resources and data to get on with it."
A government spokesperson said: "Our priority is to curb the spread of this virus and save lives, and local action to tackle outbreaks and keep people safe is a crucial part of the national NHS Test and Trace service.
"We continue to work closely with all local authorities and are providing targeted, additional support where needed, including in Blackburn with Darwen where we have assigned a ring-fenced group of NHS contact tracers to follow up positive cases.
"Thanks to NHS Test and Trace more than 218,000 people have been prevented from unknowingly spreading the virus, and last week over 80 per cent of positive cases were reached, and over 75 per cent of their contacts reached as well."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-04--Twitter urged to swiftly remove racist content after Labour frontbencher reveals abuse

Twitter is under fresh pressure to remove racist content sooner after a Labour frontbencher revealed how abuse sent to him remained on the site for more than 13 hours .
David Lammy , the shadow justice secretary , reported a tweet to police on Sunday after a Twitter user branded him `` monkey boy '' and added : `` You will hang from a lamppost if you are not careful . ''
However , on Monday , the Tottenham MP revealed how the threatening tweet was still live on Twitter despite police having begun an investigation .
Mr Lammy urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell me racist abuse is not welcome on your platform '' .
`` You need to get so much faster at removing hate , '' he added .
Mr Lammy 's appeal for swifter action was supported by Home Secretary Priti Patel , who told her fellow MP she was `` sorry you have faced this awful racist abuse '' .
`` As I have said before , @ Twitter must take decisive action against this sort of vile content much faster , '' Ms Patel tweeted .
In response to the home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` cross-party consensus can feel rare in British politics '' but stressed to Twitter that rival politicians were `` united on this '' .
`` You need to get so much faster at stamping out racist threats and abuse , '' he said .
Mr Lammy was also supported by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer , who said social media platforms `` must be quicker at taking action against hate '' .
The Metropolitan Police said the contents of the tweet sent to Mr Lammy were being assessed after an allegation of malicious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Twitter said : `` Racist behaviour has no place on our service .
We have policies in place that address abuse and harassment , violent threats , and hateful conduct .
`` If we identify accounts that violate any of these rules , we 'll take enforcement action .
This account in question has been suspended for violating our hateful conduct policy . ''
Twitter was also recently condemned for failing to act quickly enough over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grime artist Wiley .
That prompted a two-day boycott of Twitter by users , including celebrities and MPs , under the hashtag # NoSafeSpaceForJewHate .

Twitter is under fresh pressure to remove racist content sooner after a Labour frontbencher revealed how abuse sent to him remained on the site for more than 13 hours.
David Lammy, the shadow justice secretary, reported a tweet to police on Sunday after a Twitter user branded him "monkey boy" and added: "You will hang from a lamppost if you are not careful."
However, on Monday, the Tottenham MP revealed how the threatening tweet was still live on Twitter despite police having begun an investigation.
Image: Home Secretary Priti Patel pressured Twitter to act sooner
Mr Lammy urged Twitter chief executive Jack Dorsey to "tell me racist abuse is not welcome on your platform".
"You need to get so much faster at removing hate," he added.
Mr Lammy's appeal for swifter action was supported by Home Secretary Priti Patel, who told her fellow MP she was "sorry you have faced this awful racist abuse".
"As I have said before, @Twitter must take decisive action against this sort of vile content much faster," Ms Patel tweeted.
In response to the home secretary's comments, Mr Lammy admitted "cross-party consensus can feel rare in British politics" but stressed to Twitter that rival politicians were "united on this".
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"You need to get so much faster at stamping out racist threats and abuse," he said.
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Mr Lammy was also supported by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who said social media platforms "must be quicker at taking action against hate".
The Metropolitan Police said the contents of the tweet sent to Mr Lammy were being assessed after an allegation of malicious communication towards the MP on Sunday.
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Twitter said: "Racist behaviour has no place on our service. We have policies in place that address abuse and harassment, violent threats, and hateful conduct.
"If we identify accounts that violate any of these rules, we'll take enforcement action. This account in question has been suspended for violating our hateful conduct policy."
Twitter was also recently condemned for failing to act quickly enough over a series of antisemitic messages sent by grime artist Wiley.
That prompted a two-day boycott of Twitter by users, including celebrities and MPs, under the hashtag #NoSafeSpaceForJewHate.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-04--Racial slur sees Amazon remove shoes from sale

Amazon has removed a pair of shoes from sale after they were described on the website as `` N*****-Brown '' in colour .
Labour frontbencher David Lammy highlighted the racially offensive description as he asked : `` Is it 2020 or 1720 ? ''
The Tottenham MP shared a screenshot of the product 's Amazon page on Twitter and urged the website to `` take it down '' .
`` Just buying brown brogues tonight leads to this racist micro aggression , '' he added .
The `` formal '' lace-up shoes were being sold on Amazon by a retailer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their removal from the website , Mr Lammy later thanked Amazon for their action .
But he also asked : `` Given the item has been on sale since March what systems do you have in place for reviewing descriptions and not allowing offensive terms to be posted in the first place ?
`` This is not the first time . ''
An Amazon spokesperson said : `` All sellers must follow our selling guidelines and those who do not will be subject to action including potential removal of their account .
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' The product in question is no longer available . ''
The company did not comment on how long the shoes had been on sale with the offensive description or what steps they were taking to ensure a similar incident does n't occur .
Twitter users replying to Mr Lammy highlighted how other products with the same offensive description also appeared to have been removed from Amazon .

Amazon has removed a pair of shoes from sale after they were described on the website as "N*****-Brown" in colour.
Labour frontbencher David Lammy highlighted the racially offensive description as he asked: "Is it 2020 or 1720?"
The Tottenham MP shared a screenshot of the product's Amazon page on Twitter and urged the website to "take it down".
Image: Labour MP David Lammy urged the website to remove the product
"Just buying brown brogues tonight leads to this racist micro aggression," he added.
The "formal" lace-up shoes were being sold on Amazon by a retailer known as "Floren".
After their removal from the website, Mr Lammy later thanked Amazon for their action.
But he also asked: "Given the item has been on sale since March what systems do you have in place for reviewing descriptions and not allowing offensive terms to be posted in the first place?
"This is not the first time."
An Amazon spokesperson said: "All sellers must follow our selling guidelines and those who do not will be subject to action including potential removal of their account.
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"The product in question is no longer available."
The company did not comment on how long the shoes had been on sale with the offensive description or what steps they were taking to ensure a similar incident doesn't occur.
Twitter users replying to Mr Lammy highlighted how other products with the same offensive description also appeared to have been removed from Amazon.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-05--Douglas Ross named new Scottish Conservative leader

Former government minister Douglas Ross has been confirmed as the new Scottish Conservative leader .
The 37-year-old takes on the role after winning the leadership without a contest .
The Moray MP was the only candidate to put their name forward to replace Jackson Carlaw , who quit as the Scottish Tories ' leader last week .
Mr Carlaw said he had come to the `` painful conclusion '' that he was not the best person to lead the case for Scotland remaining in the UK .
And it will be fronting the Unionist cause that will now become Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parliament elections next year .
He said being named the Scottish Tories ' new leader was `` the honour and privilege of a lifetime '' .
`` Now our focus must turn to earning the trust of people looking for a positive and credible alternative for Scotland , and who want a fresh start for our country , '' he added .
Support for Scottish independence appears to have risen this year and several recent polls have found a majority of Scots in favour of breaking away from the UK .
Last month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` Yes '' vote in an independence referendum was at 54 % and support for `` No '' at 46 % .
This is a near-reversal of the result of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum , in which 55 % voted against breaking away from the UK .
Should they gain a majority at next year 's Scottish Parliament elections , the SNP have vowed to hold another independence referendum .
Mr Ross , who does not currently sit in the Scottish Parliament , will hope to win a seat at Holyrood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has said he has no plans to quit the House of Common before the next general election , scheduled for 2024 .
In Mr Ross 's absence from the Holyrood chamber until the 2021 Scottish Parliament elections , former Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson will face SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon at First Minister 's Questions .
During her leadership , Ms Davidson revived the Tories ' fortunes in Scotland and saw the party win 13 seats at Westminster at the 2017 general election .
However , the Remain supporter quit as Scottish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister , as she cited the conflict she felt over Brexit and her hope of achieving a better balance in her life as a new mother .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker At last year 's general election , under Mr Carlaw 's leadership in Scotland , the Tories won only six seats at Westminster as the SNP took 48 out of 59 constituencies .
Mr Ross supported Mr Johnson in the later rounds of last year 's Conservative leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afraid to challenge the prime minister .
In May , he quit his position as a junior minister in the Scotland Office amid the controversy over lockdown trips taken by Dominic Cummings , the prime minister 's chief aide .
Mr Ross said Mr Cummings 's view of the coronavirus rules was `` not shared by the vast majority of people '' .
The former dairy farmer sat in the Scottish Parliament from May 2016 until the general election in June 2017 , when he was elected Moray 's MP .
He is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the officials at the 2015 Scottish Cup Final .
Shortly after becoming an MP , Mr Ross curtailed his refereeing career and ended his dream of officiating at a World Cup after coming under fire for skipping a welfare debate at Westminster .
He was instead officiating at a Champions League clash between Barcelona and Olympiacos .
Parliamentary records showed he had earned thousands of pounds refereeing football matches up until that point .

Former government minister Douglas Ross has been confirmed as the new Scottish Conservative leader.
The 37-year-old takes on the role after winning the leadership without a contest.
The Moray MP was the only candidate to put their name forward to replace Jackson Carlaw, who quit as the Scottish Tories' leader last week.
Image: The former dairy farmer will focus on leading the Unionist cause Pic: Peter Jolly/Shutterstock
Mr Carlaw said he had come to the "painful conclusion" that he was not the best person to lead the case for Scotland remaining in the UK.
And it will be fronting the Unionist cause that will now become Mr Ross's major focus ahead of Scottish Parliament elections next year.
He said being named the Scottish Tories' new leader was "the honour and privilege of a lifetime".
"Now our focus must turn to earning the trust of people looking for a positive and credible alternative for Scotland, and who want a fresh start for our country," he added.
Support for Scottish independence appears to have risen this year and several recent polls have found a majority of Scots in favour of breaking away from the UK.
Last month, a Panelbase poll found support for a "Yes" vote in an independence referendum was at 54% and support for "No" at 46%.
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This is a near-reversal of the result of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, in which 55% voted against breaking away from the UK.
Should they gain a majority at next year's Scottish Parliament elections, the SNP have vowed to hold another independence referendum.
Mr Ross, who does not currently sit in the Scottish Parliament, will hope to win a seat at Holyrood in next May's election.
But he has said he has no plans to quit the House of Common before the next general election, scheduled for 2024.
Image: Mr Ross quit the government amid the row over Dominic Cummings's lockdown trips
In Mr Ross's absence from the Holyrood chamber until the 2021 Scottish Parliament elections, former Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson will face SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon at First Minister's Questions.
During her leadership, Ms Davidson revived the Tories' fortunes in Scotland and saw the party win 13 seats at Westminster at the 2017 general election.
However, the Remain supporter quit as Scottish Conservative leader shortly after Boris Johnson became prime minister, as she cited the conflict she felt over Brexit and her hope of achieving a better balance in her life as a new mother.
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At last year's general election, under Mr Carlaw's leadership in Scotland, the Tories won only six seats at Westminster as the SNP took 48 out of 59 constituencies.
Mr Ross supported Mr Johnson in the later rounds of last year's Conservative leadership contest, but he has not been afraid to challenge the prime minister.
In May, he quit his position as a junior minister in the Scotland Office amid the controversy over lockdown trips taken by Dominic Cummings, the prime minister's chief aide.
Mr Ross said Mr Cummings's view of the coronavirus rules was "not shared by the vast majority of people".
Image: Mr Ross is a qualified professional referee
The former dairy farmer sat in the Scottish Parliament from May 2016 until the general election in June 2017, when he was elected Moray's MP.
He is a qualified professional football referee and was one of the officials at the 2015 Scottish Cup Final.
Shortly after becoming an MP, Mr Ross curtailed his refereeing career and ended his dream of officiating at a World Cup after coming under fire for skipping a welfare debate at Westminster.
He was instead officiating at a Champions League clash between Barcelona and Olympiacos.
Parliamentary records showed he had earned thousands of pounds refereeing football matches up until that point.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-04--Quarantine delay let up to 10,000 travellers bring coronavirus to UK - senior MPs

Ministers let up to 10,000 travellers with coronavirus spread it across the country at the start of the pandemic by failing to bring in quarantine rules early enough , senior MPs have said .
The government was accused of making `` critical errors '' over how it treated those arriving in the UK in March , leading to COVID-19 taking hold faster .
Failing to catch `` imported infection '' then left the country with a `` far worse '' experience of the disease , the cross-party Commons home affairs select committee found .
So far coronavirus has killed 46,299 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ONS found recently England suffered the highest levels of excess deaths of any country in Europe over the first half of 2020 .
The government said it has `` followed the science '' and that once sustained community transmission began , more border measures would have had `` a very marginal impact on the epidemic within the UK '' .
But Yvette Cooper , a Labour MP and chair of the committee behind a new report , claimed it was a `` grave error '' to have no quarantine policy in mid-March .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ having no border checks or quarantine arrangements at that time , '' she said on Wednesday .
`` That alone should have rung loud alarm bells for ministers and made them think again .
`` Many times ministers told us they were following the science .
`` But we can not find any science at all behind their completely inexplicable decision to lift all the self-isolation guidance for travellers on March 13 - a full 10 days before lockdown - just at a time when other countries were introducing stronger border measures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with COVID-19 came back to the UK after that guidance was lifted .
`` So in the middle of March , at a time when the number of people with COVID coming back into the UK was at its peak , they were going back to work or onto public transport or seeing family without any quarantine in place . ''
The government 's failure to provide the scientific advice behind its decisions - despite repeated requests and promises to do so - was `` completely unacceptable '' , the committee said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus - up to 1,356 importation strains and up to 10,000 cases - were imported during the period leading up to , and following , the abandonment of special measures for international arrivals on 13 March , '' it added .
Several recommendations were made , including for ministers to investigate carrying out testing at the border - like Iceland , Hong Kong and South Korea .
And the government was also urged to publish a traffic light system to show rates of virus prevalence for different countries .
A government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` incorrect in their assertions '' .
They continued : `` All of our decisions throughout the pandemic have been guided by the science , with appropriate measures introduced at the right time to keep us all safe .
`` And with passenger numbers significantly reduced , the scientific advice was clear that quarantine measures for those entering the country from abroad would be most effective when the UK has a lower level of infection .
`` Therefore , as the virus was brought under control here , border measures were introduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and help avoid a second peak that would overwhelm the NHS . ''
They also pointed out to national `` stay at home '' orders applying to everyone , meaning there did not need to be an explicit policy just for travellers arriving in the UK .
Quarantine measures were brought in on 8 June for travellers from all countries - meaning anyone arriving in the UK had to self-isolate for 14 days .
A group of several dozen countries were then exempted for being deemed low risk - but one of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the list given a growth of cases in some regions .
The government has said it will take swift action to add other countries to the list , and Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned there are signs of a second wave beginning to build in Europe .

Ministers let up to 10,000 travellers with coronavirus spread it across the country at the start of the pandemic by failing to bring in quarantine rules early enough, senior MPs have said.
The government was accused of making "critical errors" over how it treated those arriving in the UK in March, leading to COVID-19 taking hold faster.
Failing to catch "imported infection" then left the country with a "far worse" experience of the disease, the cross-party Commons home affairs select committee found.
Image: A senior MP said the policy was a 'grave error'
So far coronavirus has killed 46,299 people in the UK, and the ONS found recently England suffered the highest levels of excess deaths of any country in Europe over the first half of 2020.
The government said it has "followed the science" and that once sustained community transmission began, more border measures would have had "a very marginal impact on the epidemic within the UK".
But Yvette Cooper, a Labour MP and chair of the committee behind a new report, claimed it was a "grave error" to have no quarantine policy in mid-March.
"The UK was almost unique in having no border checks or quarantine arrangements at that time," she said on Wednesday.
Image: Quarantine was introduced on 8 June
"That alone should have rung loud alarm bells for ministers and made them think again.
"Many times ministers told us they were following the science.
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"But we cannot find any science at all behind their completely inexplicable decision to lift all the self-isolation guidance for travellers on March 13 - a full 10 days before lockdown - just at a time when other countries were introducing stronger border measures.
"We were told that thousands more people with COVID-19 came back to the UK after that guidance was lifted.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 Angry tourists vent over quarantine
"So in the middle of March, at a time when the number of people with COVID coming back into the UK was at its peak, they were going back to work or onto public transport or seeing family without any quarantine in place."
The government's failure to provide the scientific advice behind its decisions - despite repeated requests and promises to do so - was "completely unacceptable", the committee said.
"A large number of instances of the virus - up to 1,356 importation strains and up to 10,000 cases - were imported during the period leading up to, and following, the abandonment of special measures for international arrivals on 13 March," it added.
Several recommendations were made, including for ministers to investigate carrying out testing at the border - like Iceland, Hong Kong and South Korea.
And the government was also urged to publish a traffic light system to show rates of virus prevalence for different countries.
Image: Spain has been re-added to the quarantine list
A government spokesperson said in response that the committee was "incorrect in their assertions".
They continued: "All of our decisions throughout the pandemic have been guided by the science, with appropriate measures introduced at the right time to keep us all safe.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 UK 'vulnerable' to infections from abroad
"And with passenger numbers significantly reduced, the scientific advice was clear that quarantine measures for those entering the country from abroad would be most effective when the UK has a lower level of infection.
"Therefore, as the virus was brought under control here, border measures were introduced on June 8 to protect public health and help avoid a second peak that would overwhelm the NHS."
They also pointed out to national "stay at home" orders applying to everyone, meaning there did not need to be an explicit policy just for travellers arriving in the UK.
Quarantine measures were brought in on 8 June for travellers from all countries - meaning anyone arriving in the UK had to self-isolate for 14 days.
A group of several dozen countries were then exempted for being deemed low risk - but one of them, Spain, has now been re-added to the list given a growth of cases in some regions.
The government has said it will take swift action to add other countries to the list, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned there are signs of a second wave beginning to build in Europe.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-05--Messages from Pope Francis, Dalai Lama and Bono read at John Hume funeral

Tributes from Pope Francis , the Dalai Lama and Bono have been read at the funeral of John Hume , a key figure in Northern Ireland 's peace process .
The former leader of the nationalist SDLP , widely regarded as the architect of the Good Friday Agreement , died on Monday , aged 83 .
With his family and a small number of guests in attendance , it was a socially-distanced funeral for the man who had brought people together .
Officiating at requiem mass in St Eugene 's Cathedral , the Bishop of Derry , the Most Rev @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Vatican .
`` His Holiness Pope Francis was saddened to learn of the death of Mr John Hume and sends the assurance of his prayers to his family and to all who mourn his loss , '' the message read .
`` Mindful of the Christian faith that inspired John Hume 's untiring efforts to promote dialogue , reconciliation and peace among the people of Northern Ireland , His Holiness commends his noble soul to the loving mercy of Almighty God . ''
The message from the Dalai Lama read : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the power of negotiations that enabled the 1998 Good Friday Agreement to be reached .
His steady persistence set an example for all of us to follow . ''
`` Although my fellow Nobel laureate is no longer with us , his message about peace and non-violence in the resolution of conflict , no matter how protracted of difficult it may seem to be , will long survive him .
Bono , the lead singer of U2 , wrote : `` We were looking for a giant and found a man whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We were looking for some superpowers and found clarity of thought , kindness and persistence .
`` We were looking for revolution and found it in parish halls with tea and biscuits and late-night meetings under fluorescence .
`` We were looking for a negotiator who understood that no-one wins unless everyone wins and that peace is the only victory .
`` We were looking for joy and heard it in the song of a man who loved his town so well and his missus even more .
`` We were looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great servant .
Ireland 's President Michael D Higgins and Prime Minister Micheal Martin came to pay their respects .
First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill , represented the power-sharing devolved government of Northern Ireland .
Paying tribute to his late father , John Hume junior , said : `` At this time of planetary fragility , more than ever , he would be urging that we move beyond our ﬂag-based identities , and recognise the need to protect our common home .
`` Central to dad 's work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We all need one another , we all have a role to play , and all our roles are of equal importance . ''

Tributes from Pope Francis, the Dalai Lama and Bono have been read at the funeral of John Hume, a key figure in Northern Ireland's peace process.
The former leader of the nationalist SDLP, widely regarded as the architect of the Good Friday Agreement, died on Monday, aged 83.
With his family and a small number of guests in attendance, it was a socially-distanced funeral for the man who had brought people together.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:44 'No peace in N Ireland without John Hume'
Officiating at requiem mass in St Eugene's Cathedral, the Bishop of Derry, the Most Rev Donal McKeown, read a message from the Vatican.
"His Holiness Pope Francis was saddened to learn of the death of Mr John Hume and sends the assurance of his prayers to his family and to all who mourn his loss," the message read.
"Mindful of the Christian faith that inspired John Hume's untiring efforts to promote dialogue, reconciliation and peace among the people of Northern Ireland, His Holiness commends his noble soul to the loving mercy of Almighty God."
The message from the Dalai Lama read: "It was his leadership and his faith in the power of negotiations that enabled the 1998 Good Friday Agreement to be reached. His steady persistence set an example for all of us to follow."
"Although my fellow Nobel laureate is no longer with us, his message about peace and non-violence in the resolution of conflict, no matter how protracted of difficult it may seem to be, will long survive him.
"He lived a truly meaningful life."
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Image: The former SDLP leader was widely regarded as the architect of the Good Friday Agreement
Bono, the lead singer of U2, wrote: "We were looking for a giant and found a man whose life made all our lives bigger.
"We were looking for some superpowers and found clarity of thought, kindness and persistence.
"We were looking for revolution and found it in parish halls with tea and biscuits and late-night meetings under fluorescence.
"We were looking for a negotiator who understood that no-one wins unless everyone wins and that peace is the only victory.
"We were looking for joy and heard it in the song of a man who loved his town so well and his missus even more.
"We were looking for a great leader and found a great servant.
"We found John Hume."
Image: Ireland's President Michael D Higgins attended the service
Image: Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster also paid her respects
Ireland's President Michael D Higgins and Prime Minister Micheal Martin came to pay their respects.
First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill, represented the power-sharing devolved government of Northern Ireland.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:31 Tony Blair: Hume was a political titan
Paying tribute to his late father, John Hume junior, said: "At this time of planetary fragility, more than ever, he would be urging that we move beyond our ﬂag-based identities, and recognise the need to protect our common home.
"Central to dad's work was his deep appreciation of human interdependency.
"We all need one another, we all have a role to play, and all our roles are of equal importance."