skynewspolitics--2020-09-04--Hint quarantine length could be cut in half but airport testing no 'silver bullet'

Airport testing is not a `` silver bullet '' that will end the need for quarantining , the transport secretary has told Sky News .
But Grant Shapps confirmed the government was looking at cutting the amount of time travellers returning from higher-risk countries need to self-isolate for from 14 days to seven .
Ministers are facing pressure from airports and other aviation firms to `` get a grip '' on the quarantine policy due to the severe economic effects still faced by the industry .
Mr Shapps said `` I hear the calls '' , but admitted : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not simple to navigate around and we have to do our best . ''
He pointed to France , where he said they had put in airport testing but now `` realised the same thing '' .
`` It is n't actually the silver bullet solution to this , '' Mr Shapps told the Kay Burley show .
`` What you 've got to do is being able to test further down the line with a period of quarantine as well . ''
Mr Shapps did shed light on potentially cutting the quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to have some kind of quarantine period here , perhaps seven or eight days , maybe a test then .
`` But these are the thing we 're working through at the moment . ''
Glyn Jones , chief executive of Southend Airport , said an `` absence of clear advice from central government '' was continuing to `` erode consumer confidence '' .
While ministers mull cutting the quarantine length , he urged them to act quickly to `` put down the sledgehammer '' of adding whole countries to the list @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by working on a route-by-route approach .
Wales ' decision last night to put several Greek islands on its quarantine list instead of the entire country `` does demonstrate this can be done '' , Mr Jones added .
Heathrow Airport has already set up a new on-site testing base in the hope of letting people get a swab as soon as they land and have the result sent to them within seven hours .
It hopes those who test negative and then do not subsequently get coronavirus symptoms could leave quarantine five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the sector that has seen the second highest number of job losses due to the pandemic , with at least 32,015 people having lost their jobs already since COVID-19 broke out .

Boris Johnson has said airport testing may give a "false sense of confidence" as the government considers cutting quarantine time for arrivals from high-risk countries in half.
The prime minister said on Friday that he understands "the difficulties" the airline industry is going through but said testing at points of entry only identifies 7% of positive coronavirus cases.
His comments come after the transport secretary, Grant Shapps, told Sky News the government was looking at cutting the time travellers from higher-risk countries need to self-isolate from 14 days to seven.
Speaking during a visit to Solihull, Boris Johnson said quarantine measures must remain "a vital part" of the fight against coronavirus.
Image: Boris Johnson visited the Solihull Interchange construction site for the HS2 project on Friday
He said: "So 93% of the time you could have a real false sense of security, a false sense of confidence when you arrive and take a test.
"That's why the quarantine system that we have has got to be an important part of our repertoire, of our toolbox, in fighting COVID.
"What we don't want to see is reinfection coming in from abroad and quarantine is a vital part of that."
Ministers are facing pressure from airports and other aviation firms to "get a grip" on the quarantine policy due to the severe economic effects still faced by the industry.
Image: Airport testing is already done in France
Earlier on Friday, Mr Shapps said that airport testing was not a "silver bullet" that will end the need for quarantine.
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Mr Shapps said "I hear the calls", but admitted: "I'm afraid this coronavirus is just not simple to navigate around and we have to do our best."
He pointed to France, where he said they had put in airport testing but now "realised the same thing".
"It isn't actually the silver bullet solution to this," Mr Shapps told Sky's Kay Burley show.
"What you've got to do is being able to test further down the line with a period of quarantine as well."
Mr Shapps did shed light on potentially cutting the quarantine time, saying: "You probably have to have some kind of quarantine period here, perhaps seven or eight days, maybe a test then.
"But these are the thing we're working through at the moment."
Image: The quarantine length could be cut in half
The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has called on Mr Shapps to approve airport testing as an alternative to 14-day quarantine in a bid to combat the crisis facing the travel industry.
In a letter to the transport secretary, the union said: "Thousands of jobs are being lost, livelihoods are being destroyed and companies are on the edge of survival. The government must do everything it can to support such a vital sector.
"Allowing testing as an alternative to the current 14-day quarantine periods for incoming passengers from higher-risk areas would be a sensible and effective measure."
Glyn Jones, chief executive of Southend Airport, said an "absence of clear advice from central government" was continuing to "erode consumer confidence".
Image: Glyn Jones urged politicians to 'put down the sledgehammer' and 'pick up the scalpel'
While ministers mull cutting the quarantine length, he urged them to act quickly to "put down the sledgehammer" of adding whole countries to the list and "pick up the scalpel" by working on a route-by-route approach.
Wales' decision to put several Greek islands on its quarantine list instead of the entire country "does demonstrate this can be done", Mr Jones added.
Image: Heathrow Airport has created its own on-site testing facility
Heathrow Airport has already set up on-site testing in the hope of letting people get a swab as soon as they land and have the result sent to them within seven hours.
It hopes those who test negative and then do not subsequently get coronavirus symptoms could leave quarantine five to eight days after landing.
Aviation is the sector that has seen the second highest number of job losses due to the pandemic, with at least 32,015 people having lost their jobs already since COVID-19 broke out.
Virgin Atlantic announced another 1,150 job cuts on Friday as it said its £1.2bn rescue deal had been completed.
It means the airline's workforce will be almost half of what it was before the pandemic.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-02--Holidaymakers left 'totally confused': UK divided over Portugal quarantine rules

Holidaymakers and industry leaders have criticised the government after Wales and Scotland reimposed quarantine restrictions on Portugal and Greece , while England and Northern Ireland did not make any changes .
The nations made different decisions at the weekly point when their coronavirus quarantine lists are normally updated .
There was speculation about what would happen to Portugal given COVID-19 cases there rose to 23 per 100,000 people in the seven days up to Wednesday - up from 15.3 a week earlier .
But the government is now under fire , for failing to provide `` clarity '' on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tourists have been left `` totally confused '' by the separate approaches .
Rory Boland , editor of Which ?
Travel , said ministers offered `` no clarity around how these decisions are made '' and accused them of `` ignoring the growing evidence suggesting this system is not working '' .
`` If the government is serious about letting international travel resume while prioritising public health , a major reassessment of its approach is needed , '' he added .
Paul Charles , chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in tatters and dividing the UK . ''
Derek , who was visiting Almancil in Portugal , told Sky News that his son and wife did not join him because they feared quarantine being imposed and his brother had rushed home to go back to work and help his son head to university .
He claimed tourists were being left `` confused '' and that `` it 's very unfair because people seem to be put on short notice , not only is it very expensive but they do n't know if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jones changed her family 's flights back from the Algarve from Saturday to Friday to ensure the children would not miss out on two weeks of school .
The 45-year-old said she paid Jet2 £900 on Monday to bring the trip home to Birmingham forward a day in anticipation of quarantine measures being reintroduced and hit out at the `` absolutely disgusting '' situation .
`` The government just change the goalposts left , right and centre at the moment , '' she said .
`` It 's embarrassing .
: : Subscribe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' They do n't make things clear enough .
They say they need the rate under 20 and it 's gone above that this week , so why would n't you think it would go on the quarantine list tonight ?
`` You can guarantee if I had n't have booked those flights on Monday , that air bridge would have been removed tonight . ''
The UK government generally says countries where the figure is higher than 20 per 100,000 are at risk of being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , anyone arriving from Portugal or French Polynesia must quarantine after 4am on Saturday .
Greece was added to its quarantine list earlier this week .
And in Wales , travellers will have to self-isolate for 14 days after 4am on Friday if coming back from Portugal - excluding the Azores and Madeira islands - as well as Gibraltar , French Polynesia and the Greek islands of Mykonos , Zakynthos , Lesvos , Paros , Antiparos and Crete .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps , who is responsible for England only , tweeted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review '' and he would not `` hesitate to remove countries if needed '' .
But he added `` there are no English additions or removals today '' , though reminded tourists that destinations exempt from quarantine `` can and do change at very short notice '' .
Northern Ireland said there will be `` no changes to the current travel quarantine rules '' .
It is understood ministers from all four UK nations met on Thursday evening to discuss the situation .
Portugal was originally left off the list of so-called `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from without needing to quarantine , when the policy was brought in in July .
It was only added to the safe list a few weeks ago - on 22 August .
Several European destinations have already been impacted by sudden quarantine announcements this summer , such as Spain , France and Croatia .
Ministers say they need to act quickly so the measures are effective .

Holidaymakers and industry leaders have criticised the government after Wales and Scotland reimposed quarantine restrictions on Portugal and Greece, while England and Northern Ireland did not make any changes.
The nations made different decisions at the weekly point when their coronavirus quarantine lists are normally updated.
There was speculation about what would happen to Portugal given COVID-19 cases there rose to 23 per 100,000 people in the seven days up to Wednesday - up from 15.3 a week earlier.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:40 Quarantine fears lifted for English tourists
But the government is now under fire, for failing to provide "clarity" on the move, with travel industry leaders saying tourists have been left "totally confused" by the separate approaches.
Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said ministers offered "no clarity around how these decisions are made" and accused them of "ignoring the growing evidence suggesting this system is not working".
"If the government is serious about letting international travel resume while prioritising public health, a major reassessment of its approach is needed," he added.
Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency, said: "The quarantine policy is in tatters and dividing the UK."
Derek, who was visiting Almancil in Portugal, told Sky News that his son and wife did not join him because they feared quarantine being imposed and his brother had rushed home to go back to work and help his son head to university.
He claimed tourists were being left "confused" and that "it's very unfair because people seem to be put on short notice, not only is it very expensive but they don't know if they're coming or going".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:33 Confusion over Portugal quarantine
Kelly Jones changed her family's flights back from the Algarve from Saturday to Friday to ensure the children would not miss out on two weeks of school.
The 45-year-old said she paid Jet2 £900 on Monday to bring the trip home to Birmingham forward a day in anticipation of quarantine measures being reintroduced and hit out at the "absolutely disgusting" situation.
"The government just change the goalposts left, right and centre at the moment," she said. "It's embarrassing.
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"They don't make things clear enough. They say they need the rate under 20 and it's gone above that this week, so why wouldn't you think it would go on the quarantine list tonight?
"You can guarantee if I hadn't have booked those flights on Monday, that air bridge would have been removed tonight."
The UK government generally says countries where the figure is higher than 20 per 100,000 are at risk of being added to the list.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:11 Britons abroad confused over quarantine rules
In Scotland, anyone arriving from Portugal or French Polynesia must quarantine after 4am on Saturday. Greece was added to its quarantine list earlier this week.
And in Wales, travellers will have to self-isolate for 14 days after 4am on Friday if coming back from Portugal - excluding the Azores and Madeira islands - as well as Gibraltar, French Polynesia and the Greek islands of Mykonos, Zakynthos, Lesvos, Paros, Antiparos and Crete.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, who is responsible for England only, tweeted the quarantine list is kept "under constant review" and he would not "hesitate to remove countries if needed".
But he added "there are no English additions or removals today", though reminded tourists that destinations exempt from quarantine "can and do change at very short notice".
Northern Ireland said there will be "no changes to the current travel quarantine rules".
It is understood ministers from all four UK nations met on Thursday evening to discuss the situation.
Portugal was originally left off the list of so-called "travel corridors" where people could arrive from without needing to quarantine, when the policy was brought in in July.
It was only added to the safe list a few weeks ago - on 22 August.
Several European destinations have already been impacted by sudden quarantine announcements this summer, such as Spain, France and Croatia.
Ministers say they need to act quickly so the measures are effective.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-04--Controversial ex-Australian PM handed top UK trade role

Former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott has been handed a top job advising the UK government on trade - despite a string of allegedly homophobic and sexist comments .
Senior LGBT supporters including Sir Ian McKellen and Stonewall , as well as the Labour Party 's equalities spokesperson , urged Boris Johnson to block the appointment .
Mr Abbott , 62 , previously said he feels `` threatened by homosexuality '' and has campaigned `` vigorously '' against legalising same-sex marriage in Australia , according to campaigners .
He has also sparked controversy around women 's rights , abortion and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his history on Friday , Mr Johnson said : `` I obviously do n't agree with those sentiments at all . ''
A statement from the Department for International Trade did not directly address the controversy , but said : `` The new advisers to the board are announced at an important time for UK trade policy and as negotiations with the US , Japan , Australia and New Zealand enter their crucial latter stages - although advisers to the board will have no direct role in striking trade deals .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help in its advisory function , promoting free and fair trade and advising on UK trade policy to the International Trade Secretary . ''
Mr Abbott tweeted to say he is `` looking forward '' to facilitating new trade deals between the UK and other countries - `` including Australia '' .
He said he was `` proud to be playing his part '' and `` only too keen to help '' .
The politician , who served as Australian PM between 2013 and 2015 , has been criticised for a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including : • referring to abortion as the `` easy way out '' for women • saying men are more suited to leadership rules , adding that they are `` more adapted to exercise authority '' • describing homosexuality as `` challenging the notions of the right order of things '' • referring to the `` sex appeal '' of a female opposition candidate • claiming he is `` hugely unconvinced '' by the `` so-called settled science on climate change '' During his visit to Solihull on Friday , Mr Johnson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ views .
He said : `` I do n't agree with everyone who serves the government in an unpaid capacity on hundreds of boards across the country - and I ca n't be expected to do so . ''
But he added : `` This is a guy who was elected by the people of the great , liberal , democratic nation of Australia .
`` It 's an amazing country , it 's a freedom-loving country , it 's a liberal country .
There you go !
I think that speaks for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kay Burley on Thursday , Health Secretary Matt Hancock did not to condemn Mr Abbott 's alleged homophobia and sexism , saying that `` he 's also an expert in trade '' .
Julia Gillard , another former Australian prime minister who famously branded Mr Abbott a misogynist in parliament in 2012 , earlier told Sky News : `` I stand by every word of it '' .
Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Mr Abbott 's controversial coronavirus views are `` deeply offensive and wrong '' and he is not fit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice secretary and Labour MP David Lammy accused the government of `` not caring '' about accusations Mr Abbott is homophobic and a misogynist .

Former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott says he "is only too keen to help" after being handed a top job advising the UK government on trade - despite a string of allegedly homophobic and sexist comments.
Mr Abbott said he is "looking forward" to facilitating new trade deals between the UK and other countries - "including Australia", adding he was "proud to be playing his part".
However, senior LGBT supporters including Sir Ian McKellen and Stonewall, as well as the Labour Party's equalities spokesperson and shadow international trade secretary, urged Boris Johnson to block the appointment.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:27 What does Carrie think of Tony Abbott? 'Pass...'
Mr Abbott, 62, previously said he feels "threatened by homosexuality" and has campaigned "vigorously" against legalising same-sex marriage in Australia, according to campaigners.
He has also sparked controversy around women's rights, abortion and climate change.
When asked about his history on Friday, Mr Johnson said: "I obviously don't agree with those sentiments at all."
A statement from the Department for International Trade did not directly address the controversy, but said: "The new advisers to the board are announced at an important time for UK trade policy and as negotiations with the US, Japan, Australia and New Zealand enter their crucial latter stages - although advisers to the board will have no direct role in striking trade deals.
"The board will represent a range of views to help in its advisory function, promoting free and fair trade and advising on UK trade policy to the international trade secretary."
Despite the controversy, Mr Abbott received support overnight from his sister, a Liberal party politician in Australia who is married to a woman and has been a strong supporter of same-sex marriage.
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Christine Forster said on Twitter: "Congratulations @HonTonyAbbott. With your proven ability to clinch complex trade deals, I have no doubt you will be a fantastic envoy for the UK."
However, criticism is growing in the UK.
Emily Thornberry, the shadow international trade secretary, said Mr Abbott "has no credentials for this role" and he should not be representing the UK given his history of "offensive statements".
She added: "Tony Abbott is therefore the wrong appointment on every level, which begs the more important question of why on earth Boris Johnson and Liz Truss have given him the job."
Shadow justice secretary and Labour MP David Lammy accused the government of "not caring" about accusations Mr Abbott is homophobic and a misogynist.
Mr Abbott, who served as Australian PM between 2013 and 2015, has been criticised for a number of contentious comments over the years, including:
referring to abortion as the "easy way out" for women
saying men are more suited to leadership rules, adding that they are "more adapted to exercise authority"
describing homosexuality as "challenging the notions of the right order of things"
referring to the "sex appeal" of a female opposition candidate
claiming he is "hugely unconvinced" by the "so-called settled science on climate change"
saying global warming has "stopped"
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 Homophobic, misogynist? He's also a trade expert
In an interview with Kay Burley on Thursday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock did not condemn Mr Abbott's alleged homophobia and sexism, but said he is "an expert in trade".
Julia Gillard, another former Australian prime minister who famously branded Mr Abbott a misogynist in parliament in 2012, earlier told Sky News: "I stand by every word of it."
During a visit to Solihull on Friday, Mr Johnson said he does not share Mr Abbott's views.
He said: "I don't agree with everyone who serves the government in an unpaid capacity on hundreds of boards across the country - and I can't be expected to do so."
But he added: "This is a guy who was elected by the people of the great, liberal, democratic nation of Australia.
"It's an amazing country, it's a freedom-loving country, it's a liberal country. There you go! I think that speaks for itself."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-04--Tony Abbott: Ten controversial things former Australian PM has said

The decision to appoint ex-Australian prime minister Tony Abbott as a senior trade advisor to the UK government has sparked controversy .
Mr Abbott has been accused of sexism and homophobia over a string of `` offensive '' comments made throughout his political career .
The 62-year-old has also made contentious claims about climate change , refugees and the coronavirus crisis , which led equality campaigners and opposition MPs to demand Boris Johnson block his new appointment this week .
But on Friday he was made a member of the UK Board of Trade and will advise the government on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News looks back at 10 of the former Australian PM 's most divisive quotes .
In 2010 , when asked about his views on homosexuality , Mr Abbott said : `` I probably feel a bit threatened , as so many people do . ''
He also said it `` challenges the orthodox notions of the right order of things '' and campaigned against same-sex marriage .
Abortion 'the easy way out' When discussing abortion rates in Australia in 2004 , he described a woman 's choice to end a pregnancy as `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that men are suited to leadership roles as they are `` by physiology or temperament more adapted to exercise authority or to issue command '' .
Speaking in 2009 he said he is `` hugely unconvinced '' by the science on climate change .
He previously said global warming is `` probably doing good '' and likened environmental policies to `` primitive people once killing goats to appease the volcano gods '' .
'Nature should take its course ' with elderly COVID victims Mr Abbott suggested that coronavirus lockdowns come at too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be allowed to choose to `` let nature take its course '' if their elderly relatives get COVID-19 .
In 2014 , he compared efforts to reduce the number of asylum seekers trying to reach Australia by boat to a `` war '' , sparking criticism .
Islam : 'Cultures are not all equal' In a speech about Islam in 2015 , he said that `` cultures are not all equal '' and that Australians should be `` ready to proclaim the clear superiority of our culture to one that justifies killing people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ During the 2014 election campaign , he described a female opposition candidate as `` feisty '' and said she had `` a bit of sex appeal '' .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In 2015 , he backed a plan to shut down 150 Aboriginal communities in western Australia .
His claims that taxpayers ca n't be expected to `` fund the lifestyle choices '' of the country 's indigenous communities were branded racist .
During Prime Minister 's Question Time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to buy submarines from outside Australia would cause a `` Holocaust of job losses '' .
He was forced to withdraw the comment and apologise .

The decision to appoint ex-Australian prime minister Tony Abbott as a senior trade advisor to the UK government has sparked controversy.
Mr Abbott has been accused of sexism and homophobia over a string of "offensive" comments made throughout his political career.
The 62-year-old has also made contentious claims about climate change, refugees and the coronavirus crisis, which led equality campaigners and opposition MPs to demand Boris Johnson block his new appointment this week.
But on Friday he was made a member of the UK Board of Trade and will advise the government on its post-Brexit strategy.
Here, Sky News looks back at 10 of the former Australian PM's most divisive quotes.
Homosexuality is 'threatening'
In 2010, when asked about his views on homosexuality, Mr Abbott said: "I probably feel a bit threatened, as so many people do." He also said it "challenges the orthodox notions of the right order of things" and campaigned against same-sex marriage.
Abortion 'the easy way out'
When discussing abortion rates in Australia in 2004, he described a woman's choice to end a pregnancy as "the easy way out".
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Men more suited to lead
He said that men are suited to leadership roles as they are "by physiology or temperament more adapted to exercise authority or to issue command".
Image: Former Australian PM Tony Abbott is pictured with Boris Johnson
Climate change 'probably doing good'
Speaking in 2009 he said he is "hugely unconvinced" by the science on climate change.
He previously said global warming is "probably doing good" and likened environmental policies to "primitive people once killing goats to appease the volcano gods".
'Nature should take its course' with elderly COVID victims
Mr Abbott suggested that coronavirus lockdowns come at too high a price and that people should be allowed to choose to "let nature take its course" if their elderly relatives get COVID-19.
'War' on migrant boats
In 2014, he compared efforts to reduce the number of asylum seekers trying to reach Australia by boat to a "war", sparking criticism.
Islam: 'Cultures are not all equal'
In a speech about Islam in 2015, he said that "cultures are not all equal" and that Australians should be "ready to proclaim the clear superiority of our culture to one that justifies killing people in the name of God".
Female candidate's 'sex appeal'
During the 2014 election campaign, he described a female opposition candidate as "feisty" and said she had "a bit of sex appeal".
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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Aboriginal communities are result of 'lifestyle choice'
In 2015, he backed a plan to shut down 150 Aboriginal communities in western Australia.
His claims that taxpayers can't be expected to "fund the lifestyle choices" of the country's indigenous communities were branded racist.
'Holocaust of job losses'
During Prime Minister's Question Time in 2015, he said a decision to buy submarines from outside Australia would cause a "Holocaust of job losses".
He was forced to withdraw the comment and apologise.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-04--PM stands by Tony Abbott because he can't afford another U-turn

For several days the question has caused Cabinet ministers to squirm awkwardly .
Was Tony Abbott , a former Australian prime minister , suitable to represent the UK on the Board of Trade ?
His critics , which include another former Australian prime minister Julia Gillard ; numerous prominent LGBT+ figures ; the Conservative chair of the equalities select committee and almost every UK opposition politician , say his past comments show him to be a misogynist , a homophobe and a climate change sceptic .
The question of whether he should be the face of the UK 's efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that no senior government figure appeared to have a good answer to .
A Downing Street spokesman said simply , `` no decision has been taken '' .
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said she was not going to `` spend my time talking about comments other people have made in the past '' .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he did not believe the criticisms were true , and simply repeated the retort that Mr Abbott was `` an expert in trade '' .
But when the prime minister himself was asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was formally confirmed , there was very little sign of awkwardness .
Indeed it was clear Boris Johnson had made up his mind that he could weather the inevitable criticisms that would follow .
He argued he did not need to agree with the `` sentiments '' of every member of every government board , and that if a `` freedom-loving '' and `` liberal '' country like Australia had elected Mr Abbott leader `` that speaks for itself '' .
Why has the prime minister chosen to double down on this issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to be accused of lacking backbone by the likes of Nigel Farage and other hardline Brexiteers who had welcomed the first reports of the appointment .
Mr Johnson sees more risk to his electoral base emanating from that side of the political spectrum than the other .
Another might be the fact the prime minister himself has previously been accused of racism and homophobia in relation to past comments in newspaper columns and elsewhere .
These have always been criticisms he has shrugged off , so it may not be surprising he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But perhaps the immediate political context is more important .
The central charge being levelled at the government by the opposition at the moment is incompetence , characterised by repeated U-turns .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer made it a theme at this week 's PMQs - saying the prime minister was lurching from crisis to crisis and needed to get a grip .
Whatever private misgivings there may be in his cabinet and party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outcry , Mr Johnson may well have concluded that he can not afford another U-turn .
That calculation rests on this being a storm that will blow over , in a way that the algorithm unfairness of the exam grades saga would not .
That might be the case , but do n't expect the government 's critics to let that happen anytime soon .

For several days the question has caused Cabinet ministers to squirm awkwardly.
Was Tony Abbott, a former Australian prime minister, suitable to represent the UK on the Board of Trade?
His critics, which include another former Australian prime minister Julia Gillard; numerous prominent LGBT+ figures; the Conservative chair of the equalities select committee and almost every UK opposition politician, say his past comments show him to be a misogynist, a homophobe and a climate change sceptic.
The question of whether he should be the face of the UK's efforts to forge post-Brexit trade ties was one that no senior government figure appeared to have a good answer to.
A Downing Street spokesman said simply, "no decision has been taken".
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said she was not going to "spend my time talking about comments other people have made in the past".
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he did not believe the criticisms were true, and simply repeated the retort that Mr Abbott was "an expert in trade".
But when the prime minister himself was asked about the appointment just hours before it was formally confirmed, there was very little sign of awkwardness.
Indeed it was clear Boris Johnson had made up his mind that he could weather the inevitable criticisms that would follow.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:27 What does Carrie think of Tony Abbott?- 'Pass...'
He argued he did not need to agree with the "sentiments" of every member of every government board, and that if a "freedom-loving" and "liberal" country like Australia had elected Mr Abbott leader "that speaks for itself".
Why has the prime minister chosen to double down on this issue?
One reason might be a desire not to be accused of lacking backbone by the likes of Nigel Farage and other hardline Brexiteers who had welcomed the first reports of the appointment. Mr Johnson sees more risk to his electoral base emanating from that side of the political spectrum than the other.
Another might be the fact the prime minister himself has previously been accused of racism and homophobia in relation to past comments in newspaper columns and elsewhere. These have always been criticisms he has shrugged off, so it may not be surprising he has done so in this case too.
But perhaps the immediate political context is more important. The central charge being levelled at the government by the opposition at the moment is incompetence, characterised by repeated U-turns.
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Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer made it a theme at this week's PMQs - saying the prime minister was lurching from crisis to crisis and needed to get a grip.
Whatever private misgivings there may be in his cabinet and party about the suitability of Mr Abbott given the outcry, Mr Johnson may well have concluded that he cannot afford another U-turn.
That calculation rests on this being a storm that will blow over, in a way that the algorithm unfairness of the exam grades saga would not. That might be the case, but don't expect the government's critics to let that happen anytime soon.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-04--Number 10 refuses to say if PM broke social distancing rules at meeting with '50 Tory MPs'

Downing Street has insisted Boris Johnson follows his own social distancing rules after he reportedly breached them by packing into a room with 50 Tory MPs .
The prime minister 's spokesman repeatedly refused to be drawn on whether Mr Johnson 's actions at the meeting on Wednesday were legal under coronavirus legislation .
The PM had called a meeting of the 1922 committee of backbench MPs on the same day that Downing Street posted on Twitter : `` Gatherings of more than 30 people are illegal .
Breaking the rules could cost you thousands . ''
The Bloomberg news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admitted 50 people were there , despite being marked for a maximum of 29 people to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
Mr Johnson remarked that his colleagues were packed `` cheek by jowl '' as he gave a speech to the 1922 committee , Bloomberg reported attendees as saying .
Challenged to deny the report , Mr Johnson 's spokesman said : `` Given this was a political event , I 'm not privy to any of the details .
I 'll have to forward you to my political colleagues . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ walk out , the spokesman repeated : `` I 'm not privy to the details , it was a political event .
I would point you to my political colleagues. ''
.
Asked if Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle , who has been hot on MPs following social distancing in parliament , had raised concerns , the spokesman said : `` As a civil servant , I 'm not privy to political events . ''
When it was pointed out it was a question of safety , he added : `` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ privy to the details of . ''
Finally asked to clarify if Mr Johnson obeys his own distancing rules , the spokesman clarified : `` Yes . ''
The exchange came at the daily lobby briefing of political journalists , where the prime minister 's spokesman answers questions on a range of topics .
An invite sent out to all Tory MPs ahead of the 1922 committee meeting promised `` we will be respecting social distancing as far as possible '' .
Sir Graham Brady , the chairman of the powerful committee of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one metre plus was maintained '' .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But Liberal Democrat frontbencher Wera Hobhouse has called for a `` full investigation '' and said the reports `` undermine faith in government and ultimately impact the effectiveness of government public health messaging '' .
A House of Commons spokesperson said : `` The UK Parliament is a COVID-19 secure workplace , meeting all government guidance . ''
It comes days after Defence Secretary Ben Wallace apologised for shaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what was billed as the first in-person socially-distanced cabinet meeting of the new parliamentary term .

Downing Street has insisted Boris Johnson follows his own social distancing rules after he reportedly breached them by packing into a room with 50 Tory MPs.
The prime minister's spokesman repeatedly refused to be drawn on whether Mr Johnson's actions at the meeting on Wednesday were legal under coronavirus legislation.
The PM had called a meeting of the 1922 committee of backbench MPs on the same day that Downing Street posted on Twitter: "Gatherings of more than 30 people are illegal. Breaking the rules could cost you thousands."
Image: Social distancing measures have been introduced in parliament. Pic: Jessica Taylor/ UK parliament
The Bloomberg news agency said multiple sources in the room admitted 50 people were there, despite being marked for a maximum of 29 people to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Mr Johnson remarked that his colleagues were packed "cheek by jowl" as he gave a speech to the 1922 committee, Bloomberg reported attendees as saying.
Challenged to deny the report, Mr Johnson's spokesman said: "Given this was a political event, I'm not privy to any of the details. I'll have to forward you to my political colleagues."
Asked why the prime minister did not walk out, the spokesman repeated: "I'm not privy to the details, it was a political event. I would point you to my political colleagues.".
Asked if Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who has been hot on MPs following social distancing in parliament, had raised concerns, the spokesman said: "As a civil servant, I'm not privy to political events."
Image: Sir Lindsay Hoyle set capacity limits on rooms in the Commons. Pic: UK Parliament
When it was pointed out it was a question of safety, he added: "It's a question about something I'm not privy to the details of."
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Finally asked to clarify if Mr Johnson obeys his own distancing rules, the spokesman clarified: "Yes."
The exchange came at the daily lobby briefing of political journalists, where the prime minister's spokesman answers questions on a range of topics.
An invite sent out to all Tory MPs ahead of the 1922 committee meeting promised "we will be respecting social distancing as far as possible".
Sir Graham Brady, the chairman of the powerful committee of backbenchers, insisted "social distancing of one metre plus was maintained".
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
But Liberal Democrat frontbencher Wera Hobhouse has called for a "full investigation" and said the reports "undermine faith in government and ultimately impact the effectiveness of government public health messaging".
A House of Commons spokesperson said: "The UK Parliament is a COVID-19 secure workplace, meeting all government guidance."
It comes days after Defence Secretary Ben Wallace apologised for shaking hands with a colleague before heading into what was billed as the first in-person socially-distanced cabinet meeting of the new parliamentary term.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-04--Quarantine 'vital' because airport testing gives 'false sense of confidence,' PM says

Boris Johnson has said airport testing may give a `` false sense of confidence '' as the government considers cutting quarantine time for arrivals from high-risk countries in half .
The prime minister said on Friday that he understands `` the difficulties '' the airline industry is going through but said testing at points of entry only identifies 7 % of positive coronavirus cases .
His comments come after the transport secretary , Grant Shapps , told Sky News the government was looking at cutting the time travellers from higher-risk countries need to self-isolate from 14 days to seven .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson said quarantine measures must remain `` a vital part '' of the fight against coronavirus .
He said : `` So 93 % of the time you could have a real false sense of security , a false sense of confidence when you arrive and take a test .
`` That 's why the quarantine system that we have has got to be an important part of our repertoire , of our toolbox , in fighting COVID .
`` What we do n't want to see is reinfection coming in from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that . ''
Ministers are facing pressure from airports and other aviation firms to `` get a grip '' on the quarantine policy due to the severe economic effects still faced by the industry .
Earlier on Friday , Mr Shapps said that airport testing was not a `` silver bullet '' that will end the need for quarantine .
Mr Shapps said `` I hear the calls '' , but admitted : `` I 'm afraid this coronavirus is just not simple to navigate around and we have to do our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where he said they had put in airport testing but now `` realised the same thing '' .
`` It is n't actually the silver bullet solution to this , '' Mr Shapps told Sky 's Kay Burley show .
`` What you 've got to do is being able to test further down the line with a period of quarantine as well . ''
Mr Shapps did shed light on potentially cutting the quarantine time , saying : `` You probably have to have some kind of quarantine period here , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a test then .
`` But these are the thing we 're working through at the moment . ''
The British Airline Pilots Association ( BALPA ) has called on Mr Shapps to approve airport testing as an alternative to 14-day quarantine in a bid to combat the crisis facing the travel industry .
In a letter to the transport secretary , the union said : `` Thousands of jobs are being lost , livelihoods are being destroyed and companies are on the edge of survival .
The government must do everything it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Allowing testing as an alternative to the current 14-day quarantine periods for incoming passengers from higher-risk areas would be a sensible and effective measure . ''
Glyn Jones , chief executive of Southend Airport , said an `` absence of clear advice from central government '' was continuing to `` erode consumer confidence '' .
While ministers mull cutting the quarantine length , he urged them to act quickly to `` put down the sledgehammer '' of adding whole countries to the list and `` pick up the scalpel '' by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' decision to put several Greek islands on its quarantine list instead of the entire country `` does demonstrate this can be done '' , Mr Jones added .
Heathrow Airport has already set up on-site testing in the hope of letting people get a swab as soon as they land and have the result sent to them within seven hours .
It hopes those who test negative and then do not subsequently get coronavirus symptoms could leave quarantine five to eight days after landing .
Aviation is the sector that has seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the pandemic , with at least 32,015 people having lost their jobs already since COVID-19 broke out .
Virgin Atlantic announced another 1,150 job cuts on Friday as it said its £1.2bn rescue deal had been completed .
It means the airline 's workforce will be almost half of what it was before the pandemic .


skynewspolitics--2020-09-04--Ex-Australian PM 'keen to help' - but trade role criticism mounts after alleged homophobic remarks

Former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott says he `` is only too keen to help '' after being handed a top job advising the UK government on trade - despite a string of allegedly homophobic and sexist comments .
Mr Abbott said he is `` looking forward '' to facilitating new trade deals between the UK and other countries - `` including Australia '' , adding he was `` proud to be playing his part '' .
However , senior LGBT supporters including Sir Ian McKellen and Stonewall , as well as the Labour Party 's equalities spokesperson and shadow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to block the appointment .
Mr Abbott , 62 , previously said he feels `` threatened by homosexuality '' and has campaigned `` vigorously '' against legalising same-sex marriage in Australia , according to campaigners .
He has also sparked controversy around women 's rights , abortion and climate change .
When asked about his history on Friday , Mr Johnson said : `` I obviously do n't agree with those sentiments at all . ''
A statement from the Department for International Trade did not directly address the controversy , but said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board are announced at an important time for UK trade policy and as negotiations with the US , Japan , Australia and New Zealand enter their crucial latter stages - although advisers to the board will have no direct role in striking trade deals .
`` The board will represent a range of views to help in its advisory function , promoting free and fair trade and advising on UK trade policy to the international trade secretary . ''
Despite the controversy , Mr Abbott received support overnight from his sister , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ married to a woman and has been a strong supporter of same-sex marriage .
Christine Forster said on Twitter : `` Congratulations @ HonTonyAbbott .
With your proven ability to clinch complex trade deals , I have no doubt you will be a fantastic envoy for the UK . ''
However , criticism is growing in the UK .
Emily Thornberry , the shadow international trade secretary , said Mr Abbott `` has no credentials for this role '' and he should not be representing the UK given his history of `` offensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tony Abbott is therefore the wrong appointment on every level , which begs the more important question of why on earth Boris Johnson and Liz Truss have given him the job . ''
Shadow justice secretary and Labour MP David Lammy accused the government of `` not caring '' about accusations Mr Abbott is homophobic and a misogynist .
Mr Abbott , who served as Australian PM between 2013 and 2015 , has been criticised for a number of contentious comments over the years , including : • referring to abortion as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • saying men are more suited to leadership rules , adding that they are `` more adapted to exercise authority '' • describing homosexuality as `` challenging the notions of the right order of things '' • referring to the `` sex appeal '' of a female opposition candidate • claiming he is `` hugely unconvinced '' by the `` so-called settled science on climate change '' In an interview with Kay Burley on Thursday , Health Secretary Matt Hancock did not condemn Mr Abbott 's alleged homophobia and sexism , but said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Julia Gillard , another former Australian prime minister who famously branded Mr Abbott a misogynist in parliament in 2012 , earlier told Sky News : `` I stand by every word of it . ''
During a visit to Solihull on Friday , Mr Johnson said he does not share Mr Abbott 's views .
He said : `` I do n't agree with everyone who serves the government in an unpaid capacity on hundreds of boards across the country - and I ca n't be expected to do so .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a guy who was elected by the people of the great , liberal , democratic nation of Australia .
`` It 's an amazing country , it 's a freedom-loving country , it 's a liberal country .
There you go !
I think that speaks for itself . ''


skynewspolitics--2020-09-04--Tony Abbott: 10 controversial things former Australian PM has said


skynewspolitics--2020-09-05--PM will need more than flamboyant language and a hard hat if he wants to 'level up' the UK

At the last election – which was only in December , but feels like it must have been centuries ago - Boris Johnson won the kind of majority that gave him a clear mandate to deliver on his twin priorities of Brexit and `` levelling up '' the country .
The kind of once-in-a-generation global event that makes even Brexit look like a ripple in comparison .
More than 40,000 people have died with COVID-19 in the UK , millions of children have been out of school for months and we will be grappling with the economic impact for decades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not how Boris Johnson expected his premiership to be defined .
But this week , as parliament returns after the summer recess , other political priorities are beginning to nudge themselves to the fore .
While coronavirus will - of course - remain the country 's number one issue in the months ( years ? )
ahead , it is no longer the only issue .
Sophy Ridge on Sunday returns this weekend after the August break , and there are several prickly political issues that I am keen to get under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 is beginning to hit .
Before the crisis , the government was expecting to borrow £55bn for the whole financial year .
It ended up borrowing £128bn in the first three months alone .
How is this going to be paid for ?
In the election , Johnson defined himself against austerity - as a new breed of Conservative politician very different from the eras of David Cameron , George Osborne and Philip Hammond .
With debt levels so high , is this credible ?
Will Johnson raise taxes on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well in the Red Wall seats that he won from Labour in December , but will his party stomach it ?
He has the cushion of an 80-seat majority , but putting up taxes would put even that under strain .
Number 10 are keen to focus on the agenda they promised at the December election : delivering on Brexit and levelling up the country away from London to benefit people in Labour-held seats who lent the Conservatives their votes .
But things might not be as straightforward as they hope .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdowns becoming ever more frequent and social mobility stymied by school closures , Johnson will need more than flamboyant language and a hard hat if he wants to truly level up the country .
Plus , it feels as though the chances of securing a Brexit trade deal with the EU have receded over the summer .
The deadline is fast approaching , and disagreements on state aid and fishing remain unresolved .
When Theresa May claimed she was willing to walk away without agreement ( `` No deal is better than a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually would .
With Johnson , however , you certainly would n't bet against it .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker To make matters even more fraught , the SNP are increasingly bullish about a second independence referendum - which they believe that this time around , they would win .
Johnson - a man who always has his eyes on the history books - does not want his premiership to be solely remembered for his response to COVID-19 .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ union on fragile ground - he should be careful what he wishes for .
: : Watch Sophy Ridge on Sunday live from 8.30am on Sunday , followed by Sophy Ridge : The Take at 9.30am .

At the last election – which was only in December, but feels like it must have been centuries ago - Boris Johnson won the kind of majority that gave him a clear mandate to deliver on his twin priorities of Brexit and "levelling up" the country.
Then coronavirus struck.
The kind of once-in-a-generation global event that makes even Brexit look like a ripple in comparison.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:00 Is the UK heading for a second peak?
More than 40,000 people have died with COVID-19 in the UK, millions of children have been out of school for months and we will be grappling with the economic impact for decades.
Needless to say, this is not how Boris Johnson expected his premiership to be defined.
But this week, as parliament returns after the summer recess, other political priorities are beginning to nudge themselves to the fore.
While coronavirus will - of course - remain the country's number one issue in the months (years?) ahead, it is no longer the only issue.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Sophy Ridge On Sunday returns this weekend after the August break (including an interview with Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab), and there are several prickly political issues that I am keen to get under the surface of.
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The full economic impact of COVID-19 is beginning to hit. Before the crisis, the government was expecting to borrow £55bn for the whole financial year. It ended up borrowing £128bn in the first three months alone.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:46 PM's cabinet criticised as parliament resumes
How is this going to be paid for? In the election, Johnson defined himself against austerity - as a new breed of Conservative politician very different from the eras of David Cameron, George Osborne and Philip Hammond.
With debt levels so high, is this credible?
Will Johnson raise taxes on the wealthy instead? That could go down well in the Red Wall seats that he won from Labour in December, but will his party stomach it?
He has the cushion of an 80-seat majority, but putting up taxes would put even that under strain.
Number 10 are keen to focus on the agenda they promised at the December election: delivering on Brexit and levelling up the country away from London to benefit people in Labour-held seats who lent the Conservatives their votes.
But things might not be as straightforward as they hope. With the economy on its knees, local lockdowns becoming ever more frequent and social mobility stymied by school closures, Johnson will need more than flamboyant language and a hard hat if he wants to truly level up the country.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 21:44 The headline-making interviews of the week
Plus, it feels as though the chances of securing a Brexit trade deal with the EU have receded over the summer.
The deadline is fast approaching, and disagreements on state aid and fishing remain unresolved.
When Theresa May claimed she was willing to walk away without agreement ("No deal is better than a bad deal") few believed she actually would. With Johnson, however, you certainly wouldn't bet against it.
To make matters even more fraught, the SNP are increasingly bullish about a second independence referendum - which they believe that this time around, they would win.
Johnson - a man who always has his eyes on the history books - does not want his premiership to be solely remembered for his response to COVID-19.
But - with both the economy and the union on fragile ground - he should be careful what he wishes for.
:: Watch Sophy Ridge On Sunday live from 8.30am on Sunday, followed by Sophy Ridge: The Take at 9.30am.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-05--Four out of five civil servants told to return to desks by October

Four out of five civil servants should be at their desks for some of the week by October , a letter from the UK 's top mandarins has said .
Bosses of English government departments have been told the government is `` now strongly encouraging '' increased workplace attendance by the end of this month , in a bid to get those working for the state to return to their offices .
Many have been working from home as a result of the coronavirus crisis .
But the move has been criticised by unions , with one saying it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtue signalling '' , and another threatening to explore legal or strike action .
It comes after criticism that not enough civil servants have returned to work in their offices .
This is because businesses that rely on them for an income are being hit hard , younger staff members are not receiving training and politicians ' ability to implement policies is potentially being affected .
The letter , written by outgoing cabinet secretary Sir Mark Sedwill and Alex Chisholm , the chief operating officer , says : `` We all recognise that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and for departments .
`` There have been challenges bringing on board new or inexperienced colleagues and limitations in the ability to mentor and develop our people .
`` This is reportedly most acute for people without easy access to high quality home working facilities .
`` Departments which are still below their departmental constraints should now move quickly to seek to bring more staff back into the office . ''
The issue affecting civil servants is the same for office workers and some employees in other sectors , with recent mobile phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of UK workers had gone back to the office .
The Confederation of British Industry has warned that UK city centres face becoming `` ghost towns '' if people do not return to their workplaces soon .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Sir Mark said departmental permanent secretaries - which run government departments - should enable `` 80 % of staff to attend their usual workplace each week , for example 20 % for five days , 30 % for three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the balance attending only occasionally for now '' .
But the general secretary of the FDA , a union representing civil servants , said such targets would be difficult to achieve .
Dave Penman said office use in Whitehall was already `` oversubscribed '' even before COVID-19 restrictions were introduced .
`` There are two fundamental problems with this approach from the government , '' Mr Penman told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme .
`` One is its practicality - government offices have a capacity of a maximum of around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` In a lift , for example , you can have a maximum of two in offices of thousands of people . ''
Mr Penman said the civil service had worked `` effectively '' since the pandemic began , despite 95 % of staff being home-based .
He added : `` It is quite clear from the letter that has been sent out , this is really about virtue signalling to the private sector that has already moved on . ''
Another civil service union , the PCS , said it also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands into work '' .
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said : `` If the government or any employer starts forcing people back to work and we believe that it is not safe to do so we will firstly consider our legal options , secondly give individual legal advice , and thirdly consider whether a collective response is required .
`` As a last resort , if you have no other option and people 's health and safety is at risk , of course we would be prepared to consider industrial action .
@

Four out of five civil servants should be at their desks for some of the week by October, a letter from the UK's top mandarins has said.
Bosses of English government departments have been told the government is "now strongly encouraging" increased workplace attendance by the end of this month, in a bid to get those working for the state to return to their offices.
Many have been working from home as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
But the move has been criticised by unions, with one saying it is not practical and an example of "virtue signalling", and another threatening to explore legal or strike action.
It comes after criticism that not enough civil servants have returned to work in their offices.
This is because businesses that rely on them for an income are being hit hard, younger staff members are not receiving training and politicians' ability to implement policies is potentially being affected.
The letter, written by outgoing cabinet secretary Sir Mark Sedwill and Alex Chisholm, the chief operating officer, says: "We all recognise that this experience has been challenging for individuals and for departments.
"There have been challenges bringing on board new or inexperienced colleagues and limitations in the ability to mentor and develop our people.
"This is reportedly most acute for people without easy access to high quality home working facilities.
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"Departments which are still below their departmental constraints should now move quickly to seek to bring more staff back into the office."
The issue affecting civil servants is the same for office workers and some employees in other sectors, with recent mobile phone data showing that only about 17% of UK workers had gone back to the office.
The Confederation of British Industry has warned that UK city centres face becoming "ghost towns" if people do not return to their workplaces soon.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Sir Mark said departmental permanent secretaries - which run government departments - should enable "80% of staff to attend their usual workplace each week, for example 20% for five days, 30% for three days and 30% for two days, with the balance attending only occasionally for now".
But the general secretary of the FDA, a union representing civil servants, said such targets would be difficult to achieve.
Dave Penman said office use in Whitehall was already "oversubscribed" even before COVID-19 restrictions were introduced.
"There are two fundamental problems with this approach from the government," Mr Penman told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. "One is its practicality - government offices have a capacity of a maximum of around 50% because of the COVID restrictions.
"In a lift, for example, you can have a maximum of two in offices of thousands of people."
Mr Penman said the civil service had worked "effectively" since the pandemic began, despite 95% of staff being home-based.
He added: "It is quite clear from the letter that has been sent out, this is really about virtue signalling to the private sector that has already moved on."
Another civil service union, the PCS, said it also strongly opposes the plan "to force thousands into work".
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "If the government or any employer starts forcing people back to work and we believe that it is not safe to do so we will firstly consider our legal options, secondly give individual legal advice, and thirdly consider whether a collective response is required.
"As a last resort, if you have no other option and people's health and safety is at risk, of course we would be prepared to consider industrial action."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-05--Portugal quarantine rule now in force for parts of UK

Travellers from Portugal arriving in Scotland must now spend a fortnight in isolation .
The rules came into force from 4am on Saturday , 24 hours after Wales introduced the same quarantine period for those arriving from the country .
However , they do not apply to England and Northern Ireland - leading to confusion and frustration among holidaymakers .
Portugal had only been removed from the UK quarantine list two weeks ago but coronavirus cases have now risen back above 20 cases per 100,000 people - the threshold used for past travel decisions .
Meanwhile , travellers from Greece @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
Wales did the same for six Greek islands , including Crete and Zante , but England and Northern Ireland resisted .
Despite the differences , Prime Minister Boris Johnson insisted that `` overwhelmingly the UK is proceeding as one '' .
But earlier on Friday Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said there was now `` confusion '' over differing quarantine rules across the union and accused Scotland of having `` jumped the gun '' on imposing restrictions on Greece .
A Scottish government spokesman hit back saying there had been a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for COVID-19 and who had returned from Greece '' .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The spokesman added : `` In the case of Portugal , it was unfortunate that the UK government announced their decision [ not to impose quarantine on travellers ] yesterday before ministers from England , Scotland and Northern Ireland met and before considering the latest Joint Biosecurity Centre ( JBC ) data .
`` This indicated a significant rise in both the prevalence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positivity . ''
Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething said Wales was acting `` in line with '' the risk assessments from the JBC in imposing a 14-day quarantine on arrivals from the six Greek islands and Portugal .
Holidaymakers in Portugal reacted with confusion when the rules were announced , with many already having booked earlier flights home .
One tourist , a man called Derek visiting the town of Almancil , told Sky News that his son and wife did not join him because they feared quarantine being imposed and his brother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work and help his son head to university .
He claimed holidaymakers were being left `` confused '' and that `` it 's very unfair because people seem to be put on short notice ; not only is it very expensive but they do n't know if they 're coming or going '' .

Travellers from Portugal arriving in Scotland must now spend a fortnight in isolation.
The rules came into force from 4am on Saturday, 24 hours after Wales introduced the same quarantine period for those arriving from the country.
However, they do not apply to England and Northern Ireland - leading to confusion and frustration among holidaymakers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 12:24 Shapps: 'I understand there's confusion'
Portugal had only been removed from the UK quarantine list two weeks ago but coronavirus cases have now risen back above 20 cases per 100,000 people - the threshold used for past travel decisions.
Meanwhile, travellers from Greece to Scotland were told to isolate from Thursday.
Wales did the same for six Greek islands, including Crete and Zante, but England and Northern Ireland resisted.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 Britons abroad confused over quarantine rules
Despite the differences, Prime Minister Boris Johnson insisted that "overwhelmingly the UK is proceeding as one".
But earlier on Friday Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said there was now "confusion" over differing quarantine rules across the union and accused Scotland of having "jumped the gun" on imposing restrictions on Greece.
A Scottish government spokesman hit back saying there had been a "worrying number of people in Scotland who tested positive for COVID-19 and who had returned from Greece".
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Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The spokesman added: "In the case of Portugal, it was unfortunate that the UK government announced their decision [not to impose quarantine on travellers] yesterday before ministers from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland met and before considering the latest Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) data.
"This indicated a significant rise in both the prevalence of the virus in Portugal and in test positivity."
Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething said Wales was acting "in line with" the risk assessments from the JBC in imposing a 14-day quarantine on arrivals from the six Greek islands and Portugal.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 'It's very unfair': Tourist on Portugal confusion
Holidaymakers in Portugal reacted with confusion when the rules were announced, with many already having booked earlier flights home.
One tourist, a man called Derek visiting the town of Almancil, told Sky News that his son and wife did not join him because they feared quarantine being imposed and his brother had rushed home to go back to work and help his son head to university.
He claimed holidaymakers were being left "confused" and that "it's very unfair because people seem to be put on short notice; not only is it very expensive but they don't know if they're coming or going".


skynewspolitics--2020-09-05--UK 'will not blink first' ahead of eighth round of Brexit trade talks

Britain 's chief Brexit negotiator has said Europe should `` take our position seriously '' ahead of a new round of crucial trade negotiations .
David Frost , who will lead the UK 's post-Brexit trade talks as well as serving as the prime minister 's national security adviser , will meet the EU 's chief negotiator Michel Barnier in London next week .
The UK `` will not blink first '' when the eighth round of talks begins on Tuesday , he told the Mail on Sunday .
And he contrasted Boris Johnson 's gung-ho attitude with that of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to strike a deal with Europe .
Lord Frost said : `` We came in after a government and negotiating team that had blinked and had its bluff called at critical moments , and the EU had learned not to take us seriously , '' he told the newspaper .
`` So a lot of what we are trying to do this year is to get them to realise that we mean what we say and they should take our position seriously . ''
Mr Barnier will touch down in the UK just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seat handed to him by Mr Johnson .
His arrival comes as the two sides remain unable to agree on big issues such as fishing rights and government subsidies for business .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Lord Frost , 55 , a former diplomat and once the UK 's ambassador to Norway , has expressed frustration at the lack of progress so far .
He told the Mail on Sunday : `` They have not accepted that in key areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to control our own laws and do things our way and use the freedom that comes after Brexit .
`` We are not going to be a client state .
We are not going to compromise on the fundamentals of having control over our own laws .
`` We are not going to accept level playing field provisions that lock us into the way the EU do things .
`` We are not going to accept provisions that give them control over our money or the way we can organise things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be controversial - that 's what being an independent country is about . ''
His comments about Mrs May could be seen as payback for what she said about his appointment in June , when she cast doubt on his suitability for the new role calling him `` a political appointee with no proven expertise in national security '' .
Analysis : There are many more rounds to fight By Nick Martin , political correspondent The timing of this article should take no one by surprise .
Lord Frost knows he must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiators arrive next week .
And this is an opportunity to set out his stall before he comes face to face with his counterpart Michel Barnier , who lands on Tuesday .
But his jibe at Theresa May is telling - it is perhaps a way of disassociating himself with the negotiators of the past , clearing the decks for a new group , telling Mr Barnier that this time it is different .
In terms of the negotiation there are two big sticking points ; fishing rights and subsidies for businesses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frost jokes : `` They [ EU ] are looking to continue the status quo - they want to have their fishcake and eat it . ''
Humour is often an effective way of undermining your opposition , and perhaps a sign of things to come .
This is a bit like when boxers have a press conference before a fight , both sides are full of bluster , drama and theatre .
There are many more rounds to fight before a winner can be declared .

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab says the UK and EU are entering the "moment of reckoning" over a post-Brexit trade deal - and spoke of the two remaining sticking points ahead of crunch negotiations this week.
Britain's chief Brexit negotiator, David Frost, will meet the EU's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, in London next week.
Asked about the talks on Sophy Ridge On Sunday, Mr Raab said: "This week is the moment of reckoning."
He said there were only two "bones of contention" left - fishing and state aid - and that the UK was only asking to be treated like any other country.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 53:01 Sophy Ridge on Sunday
"I don't think that sounds unreasonable, I think it's plain common sense," he said, accusing Brussels of "double standards".
Mr Raab said an agreement was "there for the taking" despite reports Downing Street thought there was only a 30-40% chance of a deal.
Mr Frost has said Europe should "take our position seriously". The UK "will not blink first" when the eighth round of talks begins on Tuesday, he told The Mail On Sunday.
And he contrasted Boris Johnson's gung-ho attitude with that of his predecessor Theresa May.
Image: David Frost (left) and Michel Barnier will meet again next week
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:08 EU negotiator Michel Barnier 'disappointed' by trade talks progress
Lord Frost told the newspaper: "We came in after a government and negotiating team that had blinked and had its bluff called at critical moments, and the EU had learned not to take us seriously.
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"So a lot of what we are trying to do this year is to get them to realise that we mean what we say and they should take our position seriously."
Mr Barnier will touch down in the UK just hours after Lord Frost takes up the seat in parliament's upper house handed to him by Mr Johnson.
His arrival comes as the two sides remain unable to agree on big issues such as fishing rights and government subsidies for business.
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Lord Frost, 55, a former diplomat and once the UK's ambassador to Norway, has expressed frustration at the lack of progress so far.
He told The Mail On Sunday: "They have not accepted that in key areas of our national life we want to be able to control our own laws and do things our way and use the freedom that comes after Brexit.
"We are not going to be a client state. We are not going to compromise on the fundamentals of having control over our own laws.
"We are not going to accept level playing field provisions that lock us into the way the EU do things.
"We are not going to accept provisions that give them control over our money or the way we can organise things here in the UK and that should not be controversial - that's what being an independent country is about."
His comments about Mrs May could be seen as payback for what she said about his appointment in June, when she cast doubt on his suitability for the new role calling him "a political appointee with no proven expertise in national security".
Lord Barwell, Mrs May's former chief of staff in Downing Street, hit back in her defence.
"Given the withdrawal agreement and political declaration David Frost negotiated last autumn were 95% the work of his predecessors - and the 5% that was new involved giving in to the EU's key demand (for some customs processes when goods move GB to NI) - that quote's some brass neck," he tweeted.
Rachel Reeves, Labour's shadow Cabinet Office minister, claimed no trade deal by the end of the year would show "monumental incompetence" by the government.
"The Conservatives promised an oven-ready deal but they're still clearly unprepared, and trying to cover it up with bluster and half-baked excuses," she said.
"As we enter an economic recession, ministers need to get a grip, support UK jobs and industries and deliver the trade deal with the EU they promised the British public."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:53 David Frost: We 'must prepare' for no-deal scenario
Analysis: There are many more rounds to fight
By Nick Martin, people and politics correspondent
The timing of this article should take no one by surprise. Lord Frost knows he must lay down a marker before the EU negotiators arrive next week.
And this is an opportunity to set out his stall before he comes face to face with his counterpart Michel Barnier, who lands on Tuesday.
But his jibe at Theresa May is telling - it is perhaps a way of disassociating himself with the negotiators of the past, clearing the decks for a new group, telling Mr Barnier that this time it is different.
In terms of the negotiation there are two big sticking points; fishing rights and subsidies for businesses.
In his Mail On Sunday article Lord Frost jokes: "They [EU] are looking to continue the status quo - they want to have their fishcake and eat it."
Humour is often an effective way of undermining your opposition, and perhaps a sign of things to come.
This is a bit like when boxers have a press conference before a fight, both sides are full of bluster, drama and theatre.
There are many more rounds to fight before a winner can be declared.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-05--Strike action threat after govt push to get civil servants back to work


skynewspolitics--2020-09-06--Labour joins calls for airport testing to minimise 'chaotic' quarantine policy and 'save jobs'

Extensive coronavirus testing is needed at airports to stop the `` dire '' effect the quarantine system is having on the travel industry , Labour has said .
The UK government has been making weekly decisions on which travellers must isolate for 14 days based on the countries they are returning from .
But travellers have sometimes been given just a few hours ' warning , leaving them facing inflated airfares if they try to return before the restrictions are brought in .
Critics of the system say that it does little to increase confidence in the travel industry , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .
Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds called for a `` robust testing regime in airports '' as a way to minimise the need for the two-week isolation period upon return to the UK .
He said there were also `` serious concerns '' about how isolating returnees were monitored , claiming `` less than a third of passenger locator forms are checked '' .
His intervention , which came in a letter to Home Secretary Priti Patel , was quickly dismissed by Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab during an appearance Sky 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raab said airport testing was not a `` silver bullet '' as its success rate is `` lower than one in 10 '' .
He said he did not think Labour was `` really thinking this through '' , adding that shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy had sent him a letter expressing the party 's support for quarantine measures `` only a few weeks ago '' .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In his letter to Ms Patel , Mr Thomas-Symonds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a rapid review to fix chaotic quarantine arrangements that are losing public confidence and undermining our ability to keep people safe and save jobs .
`` In order to rebuild this trust I am calling on government to undertake a review into quarantine policy , to report within a fortnight .
`` It should include outlining options for a robust testing regime in airports , and related follow up tests , that could help to safely minimise the need for 14-day quarantine .
`` It is clear that ramped up testing is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the pandemic and safely reopen society .
`` Given the huge challenges being faced by the travel sector and the scale of job losses , it makes sense to look at this area as part of a wider package of improvements to the testing regime . ''
It comes after a group of airlines and aviation organisations wrote to the UK and US governments calling for a passenger testing trial for flights between New York and London as a way to move towards normal schedules .
Tens of thousands of jobs have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest cuts being announced by Virgin Atlantic on Friday , which said it will axe 1,150 jobs , just four months after ditching 3,150 roles .
But on Friday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said airport testing may give a `` false sense of confidence '' , adding that testing at points of entry only identifies 7 % of positive coronavirus cases .
A government spokeswoman said : `` We keep the data for all countries and territories under constant review , and if the public health risk of people returning from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high we will not hesitate to remove countries from the travel corridors exemptions list .
`` Work is ongoing with clinicians , the devolved administrations and the travel industry to consider if and how testing could be used in the future to reduce the self-isolation period .
`` Any potential change to the testing for arrivals would need to be robust in minimising the chance that positive cases are missed . ''

Extensive coronavirus testing is needed at airports to stop the "dire" effect the quarantine system is having on the travel industry, Labour has said.
The UK government has been making weekly decisions on which travellers must isolate for 14 days based on the countries they are returning from.
But travellers have sometimes been given just a few hours' warning, leaving them facing inflated airfares if they try to return before the restrictions are brought in.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:13 Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye: Lack of testing at airports holding back UK recovery
Critics of the system say that it does little to increase confidence in the travel industry, which was among the worst-affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds called for a "robust testing regime in airports" as a way to minimise the need for the two-week isolation period upon return to the UK.
He said there were also "serious concerns" about how isolating returnees were monitored, claiming "less than a third of passenger locator forms are checked".
His intervention, which came in a letter to Home Secretary Priti Patel, was quickly dismissed by Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab during an appearance Sky's Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme.
Mr Raab said airport testing was not a "silver bullet" as its success rate is "lower than one in 10".
He said he did not think Labour was "really thinking this through", adding that shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy had sent him a letter expressing the party's support for quarantine measures "only a few weeks ago".
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:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In his letter to Ms Patel, Mr Thomas-Symonds wrote: "I write to call for a rapid review to fix chaotic quarantine arrangements that are losing public confidence and undermining our ability to keep people safe and save jobs.
"In order to rebuild this trust I am calling on government to undertake a review into quarantine policy, to report within a fortnight.
"It should include outlining options for a robust testing regime in airports, and related follow up tests, that could help to safely minimise the need for 14-day quarantine.
"It is clear that ramped up testing is an important part of trying to respond to the pandemic and safely reopen society.
"Given the huge challenges being faced by the travel sector and the scale of job losses, it makes sense to look at this area as part of a wider package of improvements to the testing regime."
It comes after a group of airlines and aviation organisations wrote to the UK and US governments calling for a passenger testing trial for flights between New York and London as a way to move towards normal schedules.
Tens of thousands of jobs have been lost in the aviation sector, the latest cuts being announced by Virgin Atlantic on Friday, which said it will axe 1,150 jobs, just four months after ditching 3,150 roles.
But on Friday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said airport testing may give a "false sense of confidence", adding that testing at points of entry only identifies 7% of positive coronavirus cases.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:45 Professor of public health at Bristol University, Dr Gabriel Scally, says testing is 'crucial' for controlling COVID-19
A government spokeswoman said: "We keep the data for all countries and territories under constant review, and if the public health risk of people returning from a particular country without self-isolating becomes too high we will not hesitate to remove countries from the travel corridors exemptions list.
"Work is ongoing with clinicians, the devolved administrations and the travel industry to consider if and how testing could be used in the future to reduce the self-isolation period.
"Any potential change to the testing for arrivals would need to be robust in minimising the chance that positive cases are missed."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-05--This week is 'moment of reckoning' for UK-EU trade deal with two sticking points remaining - Raab

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab says the UK and EU are entering the `` moment of reckoning '' over a post-Brexit trade deal - and spoke of the two remaining sticking points ahead of crunch negotiations this week .
Britain 's chief Brexit negotiator , David Frost , will meet the EU 's chief negotiator , Michel Barnier , in London next week .
Asked about the talks on Sophy Ridge On Sunday , Mr Raab said : `` This week is the moment of reckoning . ''
He said there were only two `` bones of contention '' left - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK was only asking to be treated like any other country .
`` I do n't think that sounds unreasonable , I think it 's plain common sense , '' he said , accusing Brussels of `` double standards '' .
Mr Raab said an agreement was `` there for the taking '' despite reports Downing Street thought there was only a 30-40 % chance of a deal .
Mr Frost has said Europe should `` take our position seriously '' .
The UK `` will not blink first '' when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he told The Mail On Sunday .
And he contrasted Boris Johnson 's gung-ho attitude with that of his predecessor Theresa May .
Lord Frost told the newspaper : `` We came in after a government and negotiating team that had blinked and had its bluff called at critical moments , and the EU had learned not to take us seriously .
`` So a lot of what we are trying to do this year is to get them to realise that we mean what we say and they should take our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touch down in the UK just hours after Lord Frost takes up the seat in parliament 's upper house handed to him by Mr Johnson .
His arrival comes as the two sides remain unable to agree on big issues such as fishing rights and government subsidies for business .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Lord Frost , 55 , a former diplomat and once the UK 's ambassador to Norway , has expressed frustration at the lack of progress so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday : `` They have not accepted that in key areas of our national life we want to be able to control our own laws and do things our way and use the freedom that comes after Brexit .
`` We are not going to be a client state .
We are not going to compromise on the fundamentals of having control over our own laws .
`` We are not going to accept level playing field provisions that lock us into the way the EU do things .
`` We are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control over our money or the way we can organise things here in the UK and that should not be controversial - that 's what being an independent country is about . ''
His comments about Mrs May could be seen as payback for what she said about his appointment in June , when she cast doubt on his suitability for the new role calling him `` a political appointee with no proven expertise in national security '' .
Lord Barwell , Mrs May 's former chief of staff in Downing Street , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Given the withdrawal agreement and political declaration David Frost negotiated last autumn were 95 % the work of his predecessors - and the 5 % that was new involved giving in to the EU 's key demand ( for some customs processes when goods move GB to NI ) - that quote 's some brass neck , '' he tweeted .
Rachel Reeves , Labour 's shadow Cabinet Office minister , claimed no trade deal by the end of the year would show `` monumental incompetence '' by the government .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're still clearly unprepared , and trying to cover it up with bluster and half-baked excuses , '' she said .
`` As we enter an economic recession , ministers need to get a grip , support UK jobs and industries and deliver the trade deal with the EU they promised the British public . ''
Analysis : There are many more rounds to fight By Nick Martin , political correspondent The timing of this article should take no one by surprise .
Lord Frost knows he must lay down a marker before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And this is an opportunity to set out his stall before he comes face to face with his counterpart Michel Barnier , who lands on Tuesday .
But his jibe at Theresa May is telling - it is perhaps a way of disassociating himself with the negotiators of the past , clearing the decks for a new group , telling Mr Barnier that this time it is different .
In terms of the negotiation there are two big sticking points ; fishing rights and subsidies for businesses .
In his Mail On Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ EU ] are looking to continue the status quo - they want to have their fishcake and eat it . ''
Humour is often an effective way of undermining your opposition , and perhaps a sign of things to come .
This is a bit like when boxers have a press conference before a fight , both sides are full of bluster , drama and theatre .
There are many more rounds to fight before a winner can be declared .