skynewspolitics--2020-07-19--Government admits its Test and Trace programme is unlawful

The government has admitted its contact tracing programme is unlawful in a legal letter which confirms it has been running in breach of data protection laws since it was launched in May .
Confirmation the programme failed to adhere to privacy regulations comes as Sky News can reveal that contractors working for NHS Test and Trace have been told they may be fired following reports of dozens of staff sharing patients ' confidential data on social media .
According to the legal letter , the government did not conduct a data privacy impact assessment ( DPIA ) which is required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information do n't take place .
The letter was sent in response to a legal challenge brought by Open Rights Group ( ORG ) against the government for failing to confirm whether it had met the required safeguards for the programme .
In the letter , which has been seen by Sky News , the government 's lawyers accept that the government was legally required to have a completed DPIA at the time Test and Trace launched on 28 May .
The lawyers add that a single one covering the whole of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but was being worked on , and that a number of DPIAs covering different parts of it were in place .
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care drew a distinction between the programme itself being unlawful versus the way it was handling NHS patients ' data being unlawful , claiming : `` There is no evidence of data being used unlawfully . ''
They stressed that the contact-tracing programme had been developed quickly as part of the public health emergency caused by the pandemic .
`` NHS Test and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and data governance standards - collecting , using , and retaining data to fight the virus and save lives , while taking full account of all relevant legal obligations , '' they added .
The spokesperson did not respond when asked whether a report in The Sunday Times , which found Test and Trace workers were sharing patients ' confidential data on social media sites , was evidence of data being used unlawfully .
Sky News has seen internal communications from NHS Test and Trace warning contractors that `` patient identifiable information must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They add : `` Any such examples which come to light will be dealt with through the appropriate employment processes . ''
This message was first circulated to workers on 13 July before being repeated on 16 July .
Jim Killock , the executive director of ORG , described the government as `` reckless '' in `` ignoring a vital and legally required safety step '' .
`` A crucial element in the fight against the pandemic is mutual trust between the public and the government , which is undermined by their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The Information Commissioner 's Office and Parliament must ensure that Test and Trace is operating safely and lawfully , '' he said .
`` As we have already seen individual contractors sharing patient data on social media platforms , emergency remedial steps will need to be taken , '' Mr Killock added .

The government has admitted its contact tracing programme is unlawful in a legal letter which confirms it has been running in breach of data protection laws since it was launched in May.
Confirmation the programme failed to adhere to privacy regulations comes as Sky News can reveal that contractors working for NHS Test and Trace have been told they may be fired following reports of dozens of staff sharing patients' confidential data on social media.
According to the legal letter, the government did not conduct a data privacy impact assessment (DPIA) which is required to ensure that breaches of patients' information don't take place.
The letter was sent in response to a legal challenge brought by Open Rights Group (ORG) against the government for failing to confirm whether it had met the required safeguards for the programme.
In the letter, which has been seen by Sky News, the government's lawyers accept that the government was legally required to have a completed DPIA at the time Test and Trace launched on 28 May.
The lawyers add that a single one covering the whole of the project has still not been completed, but was being worked on, and that a number of DPIAs covering different parts of it were in place.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care drew a distinction between the programme itself being unlawful versus the way it was handling NHS patients' data being unlawful, claiming: "There is no evidence of data being used unlawfully."
They stressed that the contact-tracing programme had been developed quickly as part of the public health emergency caused by the pandemic.
"NHS Test and Trace is committed to the highest ethical and data governance standards - collecting, using, and retaining data to fight the virus and save lives, while taking full account of all relevant legal obligations," they added.
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The spokesperson did not respond when asked whether a report in The Sunday Times, which found Test and Trace workers were sharing patients' confidential data on social media sites, was evidence of data being used unlawfully.
Sky News has seen internal communications from NHS Test and Trace warning contractors that "patient identifiable information must never be posted" on social media.
They add: "Any such examples which come to light will be dealt with through the appropriate employment processes."
This message was first circulated to workers on 13 July before being repeated on 16 July.
Image: Workers have been warned about sharing patient data online
Jim Killock, the executive director of ORG, described the government as "reckless" in "ignoring a vital and legally required safety step".
"A crucial element in the fight against the pandemic is mutual trust between the public and the government, which is undermined by their operating the programme without basic privacy safeguards.
"The Information Commissioner's Office and Parliament must ensure that Test and Trace is operating safely and lawfully," he said.
"As we have already seen individual contractors sharing patient data on social media platforms, emergency remedial steps will need to be taken," Mr Killock added.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-20--Coronavirus: Public sector workers set for inflation-busting pay rises

Doctors , teachers , police officers and other public sector employees are to receive bumper , inflation-busting pay rises as a reward for their efforts during the coronavirus crisis .
With inflation currently just 0.6 % , the biggest increase , 3.1 % , goes to teachers , followed by doctors and dentists , who will receive 2.8 % , the Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced .
Police , prison officers and staff at the National Crime Agency - unofficially known as `` Britain 's FBI '' - will see their pay rise by 2.5 % and judges , top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2.0 % .
The Treasury says the pay awards reflect the enormous effort made by public sector staff in responding to the unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 outbreak .
Mr Sunak said : `` These past months have underlined what we always knew - that our public sector workers make a vital contribution to our country and that we can rely on them when we need them .
`` It 's right therefore that we follow the recommendations of the independent pay bodies with this set of real-terms pay rises . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet the recommendations of the independent pay review bodies in full .
Under George Osborne , public sector pay rises were capped at 1 % for four years .
Although , nurses - currently on a three-year pay deal - are not covered by the latest rises , the government says that many of them will receive an average pay increase of 4.4 % this year .
The Treasury says nearly 900,000 workers will benefit and the pay rises for teachers and doctors are to recognise their efforts on the frontline during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise for teachers , however , could be seen as a sweetener to persuade them to return to school in September and resume full-time lessons after a four-month shutdown .
Responding for Labour , Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds said : `` The Conservatives froze public sector pay for seven long years , and the rises they introduced after that failed to plug the gap .
`` A pay rise for our police , nurses and teachers now is good news , but for many frontline workers it still wo n't make up for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` And many other public sector workers - including those working on the front line in social care - wo n't get a pay rise out of this at all because the Tories have n't made good on their promises to boost local authority funding .
`` That 's not fair - and it 's no way to reward those who 've been at the forefront of fighting this pandemic . ''
Commenting on the announcement , the TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said : `` These rises are welcome , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to restore pay after a decade of real terms cuts .
`` Many public sector workers - like job centre staff and local government workers - are n't getting these rises .
They deserve a decent pay settlement too .
`` And the government should urgently announce a pay rise for social care workers , who put their lives on the line to care for others during this pandemic . ''
The rises for police come after 6,435 new officers were recruited between November 2019 and March 2020 , of which 3,005 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's election pledge to recruit another 20,000 .
The Treasury also says 16,340 new recruits have joined the armed forces between April last year and March this year , an increase of 30.9 % compared with the previous 12-month period .
In the NHS , the government says a million employees are on a three-year Agenda for Change pay deal , under which the starting pay for a newly qualified nurse has increased by over 12 % since 2017/18 .
The Treasury claims this means nurses still moving up their pay structures will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year and there are 12,220 more nurses and health visitors working for the NHS compared to last year .
The chancellor says each of the new awards has been recommended by independent pay review bodies and this year the government accepted the headline recommended rise for each workforce .
The pay awards for the armed forces , prison officers , senior civil servants and NHS staff will be backdated to April this year .
The rise for police and teachers will take effect in September .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spotify , Spreaker

Doctors, teachers, police officers and other public sector employees are to receive bumper, inflation-busting pay rises as a reward for their efforts during the coronavirus crisis.
With inflation currently just 0.6%, the biggest increase - 3.1% - goes to teachers, followed by doctors and dentists, who will receive 2.8%, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced.
Police, prison officers and staff at the National Crime Agency - unofficially known as "Britain's FBI" - will see their pay rise by 2.5% and judges, top civil servants and military top brass by 2.0%.
The Treasury says the pay awards reflect the enormous effort made by public sector staff in responding to the unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Image: Teachers have been awarded the biggest pay rise
Mr Sunak said: "These past months have underlined what we always knew - that our public sector workers make a vital contribution to our country and that we can rely on them when we need them.
"It's right therefore that we follow the recommendations of the independent pay bodies with this set of real-terms pay rises."
The Treasury says Mr Sunak has agreed to meet the recommendations of the independent pay review bodies in full.
Under George Osborne, public sector pay rises were capped at 1% for four years.
Although nurses - currently on a three-year pay deal - are not covered by the latest rises, the government says that many of them will receive an average pay increase of 4.4% this year.
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The Treasury says nearly 900,000 workers will benefit and the pay rises for teachers and doctors are to recognise their efforts against COVID-19.
The 3.1% rise for teachers, however, could be seen as a sweetener to persuade them to return to school in September and resume full-time lessons after a four-month shutdown.
Responding for Labour, shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds said: "The Conservatives froze public sector pay for seven long years, and the rises they introduced after that failed to plug the gap.
"A pay rise for our police, nurses and teachers now is good news, but for many frontline workers it still won't make up for a decade of real terms pay cuts.
"And many other public sector workers - including those working on the front line in social care - won't get a pay rise out of this at all because the Tories haven't made good on their promises to boost local authority funding.
"That's not fair - and it's no way to reward those who've been at the forefront of fighting this pandemic."
Commenting on the announcement, TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said: "These rises are welcome, but there's still a long way to go to restore pay after a decade of real terms cuts.
"Many public sector workers - like job centre staff and local government workers - aren't getting these rises. They deserve a decent pay settlement too.
"And the government should urgently announce a pay rise for social care workers, who put their lives on the line to care for others during this pandemic."
Image: Police officers have been enforcing lockdown measures
The rises for police come after 6,435 new officers were recruited between November 2019 and March 2020, of which 3,005 joined specifically as part of Boris Johnson's election pledge to recruit another 20,000.
The Treasury also says 16,340 new recruits have joined the armed forces between April last year and March this year, an increase of 30.9% compared with the previous 12-month period.
In the NHS, the government says a million employees are on a three-year Agenda for Change pay deal, under which the starting pay for a newly qualified nurse has increased by over 12% since 2017/18.
The Treasury claims this means nurses still moving up their pay structures will receive an average 4.4% rise this year and there are 12,220 more nurses and health visitors working for the NHS compared with last year.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:17 Russian spies try to steal vaccine research
The chancellor says each of the new awards has been recommended by independent pay review bodies and this year the government accepted the headline recommended rise for each workforce.
The pay awards for the armed forces, prison officers, senior civil servants and NHS staff will be backdated to April this year.
The rise for police and teachers will take effect in September.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The pay rises in full:


skynewspolitics--2020-07-20--UK suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong

The UK has suspended an extradition treaty with Hong Kong following the imposition of controversial new security laws on the territory by China .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announced the `` necessary and proportionate '' measure in a statement to the House of Commons on Monday .
The UK will also extend to Hong Kong the arms embargo it has applied to mainland China since 1989 , Mr Raab said .
`` The extension of this embargo will mean there will be no exports from the UK to Hong Kong of potentially lethal weapons , their components or ammunition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It will also mean a ban on the export of any equipment - not already banned - which might be used for internal repression ; such as shackles , intercept equipment , firearms and smoke grenades . ''
Extradition treaties are signed between countries or territories to speed up the deportation of suspected criminals .
After Beijing imposed the controversial new security law in Hong Kong , there had been calls for the UK to rescind its arrangement .
Suspending the treaty means British authorities can no longer ask Hong Kong to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while Hong Kong officials can not ask for individuals to be handed over to them by the UK .
Mr Raab told MPs the UK had suspended the extradition treaty `` immediately and indefinitely '' .
`` We would not consider reactivating those arrangements unless and until there are clear and robust safeguards which would prevent extradition from the UK being misused under the new national security legislation , '' he added .
Reacting to the decision , a spokesman for China 's embassy in the UK said China would resolutely respond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affairs .
He added that the UK has repeatedly violated international law and the basic norms of international relations , and will `` bear the consequences if it insists on going down the wrong road '' .
The UK 's `` Five Eyes '' security partners , Canada and Australia , have already suspended their extradition treaties with Hong Kong after Beijing introduced the security legislation .
The US is expected to follow suit in the coming days .
There are fears the new Chinese security law will undermine Hong Kong 's freedom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mainland .
The imposition of the law has `` significantly changed '' the understanding on which the UK 's extradition treaty with Hong Kong is based , Mr Raab told MPs .
He said he was particularly concerned about parts of the legislation that give mainland Chinese authorities the ability to assume jurisdiction over certain cases and to try those cases in mainland Chinese courts .
`` There remains considerable uncertainty about the way in which the new national security law will be enforced , '' Mr Raab added .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is watching and the whole world is watching . ''
Yet , in the beginning of his statement , Mr Raab stressed the UK government still wants a `` positive relationship '' with China .
`` There is a huge amount to be gained for both countries , there are many areas where we can work productively , constructively to mutual benefit together , '' he said .
In its initial response to China 's imposition of the new security law , the government had already offered a route to British citizenship for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kong .
Mr Raab told MPs that Home Secretary Priti Patel will set out further details of the `` bespoke '' immigration route before parliament 's summer recess begins on Wednesday .
The UK 's suspension of the extradition treaty is set to further sour relations with China , as it comes after the government 's decision last week to block Huawei from Britain 's 5G networks .
The UK has also accused China of committing `` gross , egregious human rights abuses '' against Uighur Muslims .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be struck in the UK 's relationship with Beijing .
`` I 'm not going to be pushed into a position of becoming a knee-jerk Sinophobe on every issue , somebody who is automatically anti-China , '' he said .
`` But we do have serious concerns . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour 's shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy called for a `` new era '' in the UK 's relationship with China and an `` end to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister David Cameron once dubbed a `` golden era '' in the two countries ' bonds .
She also suggested ministers could ban Communist Party of China officials from the UK .
On Tuesday , US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo - who had been urging the UK to take stronger action on Huawei - is due to hold talks with Mr Johnson and Mr Raab in London .
He is also set to speak to backbench Conservative MPs who have been pushing the government to take a hard line on China .

The UK has suspended an extradition treaty with Hong Kong following the imposition of controversial new security laws on the territory by China.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announced the "necessary and proportionate" measure in a statement to the House of Commons on Monday.
The UK will also extend to Hong Kong the arms embargo it has applied to mainland China since 1989, Mr Raab said.
Image: There are fears the new Chinese law will undermine Hong Kong's freedom
"The extension of this embargo will mean there will be no exports from the UK to Hong Kong of potentially lethal weapons, their components or ammunition," the foreign secretary told MPs.
"It will also mean a ban on the export of any equipment - not already banned - which might be used for internal repression; such as shackles, intercept equipment, firearms and smoke grenades."
Extradition treaties are signed between countries or territories to speed up the deportation of suspected criminals.
After Beijing imposed the controversial new security law in Hong Kong, there had been calls for the UK to rescind its arrangement.
Suspending the treaty means British authorities can no longer ask Hong Kong to hand suspected criminals over to face justice, while Hong Kong officials cannot ask for individuals to be handed over to them by the UK.
Mr Raab told MPs the UK had suspended the extradition treaty "immediately and indefinitely".
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"We would not consider reactivating those arrangements unless and until there are clear and robust safeguards which would prevent extradition from the UK being misused under the new national security legislation," he added.
Image: Mr Raab also announced the extension of an arms embargo to include Hong Kong
Reacting to the decision, a spokesman for China's embassy in the UK said China would resolutely respond to acts of interference in its internal affairs.
He added that the UK has repeatedly violated international law and the basic norms of international relations, and will "bear the consequences if it insists on going down the wrong road".
The UK's "Five Eyes" security partners, Canada and Australia, have already suspended their extradition treaties with Hong Kong after Beijing introduced the security legislation.
The US is expected to follow suit in the coming days.
There are fears the new Chinese security law will undermine Hong Kong's freedom and is aimed at quashing defiance against the mainland.
The imposition of the law has "significantly changed" the understanding on which the UK's extradition treaty with Hong Kong is based, Mr Raab told MPs.
He said he was particularly concerned about parts of the legislation that give mainland Chinese authorities the ability to assume jurisdiction over certain cases and to try those cases in mainland Chinese courts.
"There remains considerable uncertainty about the way in which the new national security law will be enforced," Mr Raab added.
"I would just say this: the UK is watching and the whole world is watching."
Yet, in the beginning of his statement, Mr Raab stressed the UK government still wants a "positive relationship" with China.
"There is a huge amount to be gained for both countries, there are many areas where we can work productively, constructively to mutual benefit together," he said.
In its initial response to China's imposition of the new security law, the government had already offered a route to British citizenship for nearly three million people living in Hong Kong.
Mr Raab told MPs that Home Secretary Priti Patel will set out further details of the "bespoke" immigration route before parliament's summer recess begins on Wednesday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 We need a 'calibrated response' on China
The UK's suspension of the extradition treaty is set to further sour relations with China, as it comes after the government's decision last week to block Huawei from Britain's 5G networks.
The UK has also accused China of committing "gross, egregious human rights abuses" against Uighur Muslims.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said there was a "balance" to be struck in the UK's relationship with Beijing.
"I'm not going to be pushed into a position of becoming a knee-jerk Sinophobe on every issue, somebody who is automatically anti-China," he said.
"But we do have serious concerns."
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Labour's shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy called for a "new era" in the UK's relationship with China and an "end to the naivety" of what former prime minister David Cameron once dubbed a "golden era" in the two countries' bonds.
She also suggested ministers could ban Communist Party of China officials from the UK.
On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo - who had been urging the UK to take stronger action on Huawei - is due to hold talks with Mr Johnson and Mr Raab in London.
He is also set to speak to backbench Conservative MPs who have been pushing the government to take a hard line on China.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-20--Chief nurse was dropped from Number 10 briefing amid Cummings row

England 's chief nursing officer has confirmed she was `` dropped '' from one of Downing Street 's daily coronavirus briefings in the midst of controversy over Dominic Cummings 's lockdown trips .
Ruth May told MPs she was axed from the line-up for the Number 10 briefing on 1 June despite having already prepared for her appearance .
It had previously been reported that the decision was taken to axe Ms May after she refused to publicly back Mr Cummings .
At the time , the prime minister 's chief adviser was under huge pressure to quit his role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's COVID-19 lockdown rules .
Ms May was asked about the report during her appearance before the House of Commons ' Public Accounts Committee on Monday .
`` It is indeed true that I was dropped from a briefing , but that happens to many of my colleagues as well , '' she told MPs .
But Ms May said she did n't know why she was dropped from the press briefing .
Pressed on whether she had been asked , during her preparations for the briefing , to defend Boris Johnson 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` As in at all press briefings , we talk about a lot of these preparation questions .
`` And yes , of course , I was asked about lockdown and rules to lockdown , yes . ''
Asked what her views were , at the time , of lockdown and Mr Cummings 's actions , she said : `` I believe that , in my opinion , the rules were clear and they are there for everyone 's safety and they applied to us all . ''
`` They certainly apply to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Ms May added .
But , questioned on whether her views were the reason she was dropped from the 1 June briefing , England 's chief nurse replied : `` I do n't know why I was dropped from the briefing , I 'm afraid .
`` You 'd have to ask other people for that . ''
She added : `` People are stepped up and stepped down at short notice . ''
Ms May 's planned appearance on 1 June came shortly after Professor Jonathan Van-Tam , England 's deputy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street briefing to stress the coronavirus lockdown rules were `` clear '' and `` apply to all '' .
In a report by the Independent , a `` senior NHS source '' was quoted as describing how Ms May was asked by a Number 10 adviser how she would answer a question about Mr Cummings .
`` She refused to play along and told them she would answer the same way as Jonathan Van-Tam , '' the source was quoted as saying .
`` She was dropped immediately from the press briefing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Health Secretary Matt Hancock , who appeared at the 1 June briefing for which Ms May was absent , ignored a question about the matter in the House of Commons later on Monday .
Labour 's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said : `` It is scandalous that the nation 's most senior nurse was silenced at the height of the pandemic because she was n't prepared to parrot Downing Street spin about Dominic Cummings 's blatant rule breaking . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the government 's response to the coronavirus pandemic for a number of weeks .
On 2 June , Number 10 announced it was scrapping briefings at weekends due to `` significantly lower '' viewing figures .
On 23 June , three months after the UK entered lockdown , Downing Street scrapped the daily briefings entirely in favour of ad-hoc appearances by ministers .

England's chief nursing officer has confirmed she was "dropped" from one of Downing Street's daily coronavirus briefings in the midst of controversy over Dominic Cummings's lockdown trips.
Ruth May told MPs she was axed from the line-up for the Number 10 briefing on 1 June despite having already prepared for her appearance.
It had previously been reported that the decision was taken to axe Ms May after she refused to publicly back Mr Cummings.
Image: Ms May, England's chief nursing officer, told MPs she doesn't know why she was dropped
At the time, the prime minister's chief adviser was under huge pressure to quit his role after being accused of flouting the UK's COVID-19 lockdown rules.
Ms May was asked about the report during her appearance before the House of Commons' Public Accounts Committee on Monday.
"It is indeed true that I was dropped from a briefing, but that happens to many of my colleagues as well," she told MPs.
Image: Health Secretary Matt Hancock at the 1 June briefing - but Ruth May was absent
"That is a regular occurrence."
But Ms May said she didn't know why she was dropped from the press briefing.
Pressed on whether she had been asked, during her preparations for the briefing, to defend Boris Johnson's senior adviser, Ms May replied: "As in at all press briefings, we talk about a lot of these preparation questions.
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"And yes, of course, I was asked about lockdown and rules to lockdown, yes."
Asked what her views were, at the time, of lockdown and Mr Cummings's actions, she said: "I believe that, in my opinion, the rules were clear and they are there for everyone's safety and they applied to us all."
"They certainly apply to all of us, including me," Ms May added.
But, questioned on whether her views were the reason she was dropped from the 1 June briefing, England's chief nurse replied: "I don't know why I was dropped from the briefing, I'm afraid.
"You'd have to ask other people for that."
She added: "People are stepped up and stepped down at short notice."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:14 Prof Van-Tam: 'The rules are clear and they have always been clear'
Ms May's planned appearance on 1 June came shortly after Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, England's deputy chief medical officer, used a Downing Street briefing to stress the coronavirus lockdown rules were "clear" and "apply to all".
In a report by the Independent, a "senior NHS source" was quoted as describing how Ms May was asked by a Number 10 adviser how she would answer a question about Mr Cummings.
"She refused to play along and told them she would answer the same way as Jonathan Van-Tam," the source was quoted as saying.
"She was dropped immediately from the press briefing."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who appeared at the 1 June briefing for which Ms May was absent, ignored a question about the matter in the House of Commons later on Monday.
Labour's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: "It is scandalous that the nation's most senior nurse was silenced at the height of the pandemic because she wasn't prepared to parrot Downing Street spin about Dominic Cummings's blatant rule breaking."
Daily news conferences were a key feature of the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic for a number of weeks.
On 2 June, Number 10 announced it was scrapping briefings at weekends due to "significantly lower" viewing figures.
On 23 June, three months after the UK entered lockdown, Downing Street scrapped the daily briefings entirely in favour of ad-hoc appearances by ministers.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-20--Boris Johnson's cabinet to meet in person for first time since March

The prime minister and his top team will meet in person for the first time since March , Downing Street has revealed .
Boris Johnson and his cabinet will gather at the Foreign Office on Tuesday , Number 10 said , rather than in Downing Street .
Mr Johnson 's spokesman said the meeting room at the FCO will allow ministers to observe social distancing guidelines and remain at least a metre apart .
There will be a supply of hand sanitiser available and individual water jugs for each cabinet member in attendance , Downing Street said .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wear face masks at the meeting .
`` It 's a large room that has been chosen in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and it will be properly ventilated , '' the PM 's spokesman said .
Meetings have been held virtually for months due to the coronavirus pandemic , which has killed more than 40,000 people in the UK .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker After introducing a national lockdown in March , the PM began easing COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beginning a phased reopening of schools and allowing shops , pubs , restaurants , hairdressers and barbers to welcome in customers once more .
Further measures are due to follow in the weeks to come , including giving companies more discretion on whether employees go to work , and plans for all primary and secondary pupils to return to school in September .

The prime minister and his top team will meet in person for the first time since March, Downing Street has revealed.
Boris Johnson and his cabinet will gather at the Foreign Office on Tuesday, Number 10 said, rather than in Downing Street.
Mr Johnson's spokesman said the meeting room at the FCO will allow ministers to observe social distancing guidelines and remain at least a metre apart.
Image: Number 10 said a 'large room' at the Foreign Office has been chosen and it will be 'properly ventilated'
There will be a supply of hand sanitiser available and individual water jugs for each cabinet member in attendance, Downing Street said.
According to Number 10, ministers are not expected to wear face masks at the meeting.
"It's a large room that has been chosen in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and it will be properly ventilated," the PM's spokesman said.
Meetings have been held virtually for months due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 40,000 people in the UK.
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
After introducing a national lockdown in March, the PM began easing COVID-19 restrictions in June.
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This has included beginning a phased reopening of schools and allowing shops, pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and barbers to welcome in customers once more.
Further measures are due to follow in the weeks to come, including giving companies more discretion on whether employees go to work, and plans for all primary and secondary pupils to return to school in September.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-20--PM vows to ban 'abhorrent' gay 'conversion therapy'

Boris Johnson has vowed to ban `` absolutely abhorrent '' practices aimed at changing someone 's sexual orientation .
The prime minister promised the government would conduct a study into so-called `` gay conversion '' therapies before bringing forward plans to prohibit it .
It is two years since the government , then led by former prime minister Theresa May , promised to bring forward proposals - as part of its LGBT action plan - to end the practice of conversion therapy in the UK .
That action plan built on the results of a national LGBT survey of more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of respondents had undergone conversion or reparative therapy in an attempt to `` cure '' them , and a further 5 % had been offered it .
Speaking on a visit to a Kent school on Monday , Mr Johnson described gay conversion therapy as `` absolutely abhorrent '' and said it `` has no place in a civilised society , has no place in this country '' .
`` What we are going to do is a study right now on , you know , where is this actually happening , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will then bring forward plans to ban it , '' he added .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The prime minister also reiterated the government would publish its response to a public consultation on the Gender Recognition Act over the summer .
It was reported last month that , as part of the government 's response , Mr Johnson was set to ditch plans developed under Mrs May 's government to allow transgender people to change their birth certificates without @ @ @ @

Boris Johnson has vowed to ban "absolutely abhorrent" practices aimed at changing someone's sexual orientation.
The prime minister promised the government would conduct a study into so-called "gay conversion" therapies before bringing forward plans to prohibit it.
It is two years since the government, then led by former prime minister Theresa May, promised to bring forward proposals - as part of its LGBT action plan - to end the practice of conversion therapy in the UK.
That action plan built on the results of a national LGBT survey of more than 108,000 people, which found 2% of respondents had undergone conversion or reparative therapy in an attempt to "cure" them, and a further 5% had been offered it.
Speaking on a visit to a Kent school on Monday, Mr Johnson described gay conversion therapy as "absolutely abhorrent" and said it "has no place in a civilised society, has no place in this country".
"What we are going to do is a study right now on, you know, where is this actually happening, how prevalent is it, and we will then bring forward plans to ban it," he added.
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The prime minister also reiterated the government would publish its response to a public consultation on the Gender Recognition Act over the summer.
It was reported last month that, as part of the government's response, Mr Johnson was set to ditch plans developed under Mrs May's government to allow transgender people to change their birth certificates without a medical diagnosis.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-21--UK took its 'eye off the ball' over Russian interference

UK spy agencies took their `` eye off the ball '' over Russian interference and the government `` badly underestimated '' the threat , a watchdog has said .
A long-awaited report from parliament 's Intelligence and Security Committee ( ISC ) found Vladimir Putin 's administration has been engaged in `` hostile foreign interference '' .
It criticised the `` illogical '' approach by MI5 not to fully investigate how much Moscow tried to influence the Brexit referendum because of an `` extreme caution '' of being seen to interfere in `` democratic processes '' .
Ministers `` did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actively avoided looking for evidence '' , one of the committee members , MP Stewart Hosie , added in a news conference .
The report also called the Official Secrets Act `` out of date '' , urging the government to pass new laws to curb espionage and `` illicit financial dealings '' by some of the `` Russian elite '' .
`` In brief , Russian influence in the UK is 'the new normal ' , and there are a lot of Russians with very close links to Putin who are well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene , and accepted because of their wealth , '' the document released on Tuesday said .
`` This level of integration ... means that any measures now being taken by the government are not preventative but rather constitute damage limitation . ''
The 47-page report described claims of Russia attempting to meddle in the 2014 Scottish independence vote as `` credible '' in `` potentially the first post-Soviet Russian interference in a Western democratic process '' .
But it said it was only after a leak of emails in the run up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the UK `` belatedly realised the level of threat which Russia could pose in this area '' .
And it warned members of the House of Lords with `` business interests linked to Russia '' that the Kremlin might try to `` exploit them '' .
Particular concern was raised that the responsibility for defending democracy in the UK is treated like a `` hot potato '' , with `` no one organisation recognising itself as having an overall lead '' .
Responding to the report , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defending our country , our democracy and our values from such hostile state activity . ''
In its full response , the government said : `` We have seen no evidence of successful interference in the EU referendum . ''
It added UK spy agencies make `` regular assessments '' of threats to interfere in votes and so `` given this long-standing approach , a retrospective assessment '' of the Brexit referendum `` is not necessary '' .
Labour said the finding ministers `` underestimated the response required to Russia '' means it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the mistakes that have been made '' .
Shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy tweeted the government should `` study the conclusions of the report carefully and take the necessary steps to keep our country safe '' .
The ISC report has long been due for publication .
The government was accused of sitting on it , after the committee 's last chair said he provided Downing Street with the final copy in October 2019 - and that the normal redaction process takes ten days .
But Boris Johnson did not publish it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members lost their roles and the government took until last week to nominate the Conservative members .
The prime minister then sacked the new chair , Dr Julian Lewis , from the Tory parliamentary party for contesting the position against the government 's nominee , Chris Grayling .

UK spy agencies took their "eye off the ball" over Russian interference and the government "badly underestimated" the threat, a watchdog has said.
A long-awaited report from parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) found Vladimir Putin's administration has been engaged in "hostile foreign interference".
It criticised the "illogical" approach by MI5 not to fully investigate how much Moscow tried to influence the Brexit referendum because of an "extreme caution" of being seen to interfere in "democratic processes".
Image: The report said the Official Secrets Act was 'out of date'
Ministers "did not want to know" and "actively avoided looking for evidence", one of the committee members, MP Stewart Hosie, added in a news conference.
The report also called the Official Secrets Act "out of date", urging the government to pass new laws to curb espionage and "illicit financial dealings" by some of the "Russian elite".
"In brief, Russian influence in the UK is 'the new normal', and there are a lot of Russians with very close links to Putin who are well integrated into the UK business and social scene, and accepted because of their wealth," the document released on Tuesday said.
"This level of integration... means that any measures now being taken by the government are not preventative but rather constitute damage limitation."
The 47-page report described claims of Russia attempting to meddle in the 2014 Scottish independence vote as "credible" in "potentially the first post-Soviet Russian interference in a Western democratic process".
Russia's ambassador to London, Andrei Kelin, has refuted the allegations and dismissed the report. telling Sky News it is "much ado about nothing".
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The report said it was only after a leak of emails in the run up to the US presidential election in 2016 that the UK "belatedly realised the level of threat which Russia could pose in this area".
And it warned members of the House of Lords with "business interests linked to Russia" that the Kremlin might try to "exploit them".
Particular concern was raised that the responsibility for defending democracy in the UK is treated like a "hot potato", with "no one organisation recognising itself as having an overall lead".
:: Listen to Polonium and the Piano Player on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker or wherever good podcasts are listened to
Responding to the report, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: "We will be resolute in defending our country, our democracy and our values from such hostile state activity."
In its full response, the government said: "We have seen no evidence of successful interference in the EU referendum."
It added UK spy agencies make "regular assessments" of threats to interfere in votes and so "given this long-standing approach, a retrospective assessment" of the Brexit referendum "is not necessary".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:26 'Londongrad' is 'laundromat' for Russian money
Labour said the finding ministers "underestimated the response required to Russia" means it is "imperative we learn the lessons from the mistakes that have been made".
Shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy tweeted the government should "study the conclusions of the report carefully and take the necessary steps to keep our country safe".
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The ISC report has long been due for publication.
The government was accused of sitting on it, after the committee's last chair said he provided Downing Street with the final copy in October 2019 - and that the normal redaction process takes 10 days.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:43 Russia report 'much ado about nothing' - ambassador
But Boris Johnson did not publish it before the last election, meaning committee members lost their roles and the government took until last week to nominate the Conservative members.
The prime minister then sacked the new chair, Dr Julian Lewis, from the Tory parliamentary party for contesting the position against the government's nominee, Chris Grayling.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-20--Public sector workers set for inflation-busting pay rises

Doctors , teachers , police officers and other public sector employees are to receive bumper , inflation-busting pay rises as a reward for their efforts during the coronavirus crisis .
With inflation currently just 0.6 % , the biggest increase - 3.1 % - goes to teachers , followed by doctors and dentists , who will receive 2.8 % , Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced .
Police , prison officers and staff at the National Crime Agency - unofficially known as `` Britain 's FBI '' - will see their pay rise by 2.5 % and judges , top civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % .
The Treasury says the pay awards reflect the enormous effort made by public sector staff in responding to the unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 outbreak .
Mr Sunak said : `` These past months have underlined what we always knew - that our public sector workers make a vital contribution to our country and that we can rely on them when we need them .
`` It 's right therefore that we follow the recommendations of the independent pay bodies with this set of real-terms pay rises . ''
The Treasury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the recommendations of the independent pay review bodies in full .
Under George Osborne , public sector pay rises were capped at 1 % for four years .
Although nurses - currently on a three-year pay deal - are not covered by the latest rises , the government says that many of them will receive an average pay increase of 4.4 % this year .
The Treasury says nearly 900,000 workers will benefit and the pay rises for teachers and doctors are to recognise their efforts against COVID-19 .
The 3.1 % rise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen as a sweetener to persuade them to return to school in September and resume full-time lessons after a four-month shutdown .
Responding for Labour , shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds said : `` The Conservatives froze public sector pay for seven long years , and the rises they introduced after that failed to plug the gap .
`` A pay rise for our police , nurses and teachers now is good news , but for many frontline workers it still wo n't make up for a decade of real terms pay cuts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ - including those working on the front line in social care - wo n't get a pay rise out of this at all because the Tories have n't made good on their promises to boost local authority funding .
`` That 's not fair - and it 's no way to reward those who 've been at the forefront of fighting this pandemic . ''
Commenting on the announcement , TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said : `` These rises are welcome , but there 's still a long way to go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms cuts .
`` Many public sector workers - like job centre staff and local government workers - are n't getting these rises .
They deserve a decent pay settlement too .
`` And the government should urgently announce a pay rise for social care workers , who put their lives on the line to care for others during this pandemic . ''
The rises for police come after 6,435 new officers were recruited between November 2019 and March 2020 , of which 3,005 joined specifically as part of Boris Johnson 's election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Treasury also says 16,340 new recruits have joined the armed forces between April last year and March this year , an increase of 30.9 % compared with the previous 12-month period .
In the NHS , the government says a million employees are on a three-year Agenda for Change pay deal , under which the starting pay for a newly qualified nurse has increased by over 12 % since 2017/18 .
The Treasury claims this means nurses still moving up their pay structures will receive an average 4.4 % rise this year and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visitors working for the NHS compared with last year .
The chancellor says each of the new awards has been recommended by independent pay review bodies and this year the government accepted the headline recommended rise for each workforce .
The pay awards for the armed forces , prison officers , senior civil servants and NHS staff will be backdated to April this year .
The rise for police and teachers will take effect in September .
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skynewspolitics--2020-07-21--Home extensions to be fast-tracked under new planning rules

Home extensions of up to two storeys are set to benefit from a new fast-track planning process .
Applicants must still `` carefully consider the impact on neighbours and the appearance of the extension '' under the shake-up , being presented to parliament today .
The new laws will also allow shops no longer in use to be converted into housing without a full planning application It means that unused commercial properties can be quickly repurposed to support the growing need for housing and boost high streets .
Set to take effect in September , it means a traditional planning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demolish and rebuild unused buildings .
The government hopes tearing up the red tape will reduce the need to build on greenfield sites , while still delivering more homes that fit the character of local areas .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Libraries , pubs and village shops are among the buildings not covered by the new rules , due to recognition that they form part of the local fabric of areas .
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said : `` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out unnecessary bureaucracy to give small business owners the freedom they need to adapt and evolve , and to renew our town centres with new enterprises and more housing .
`` These changes will help transform boarded up , unused buildings safely into high quality homes at the heart of their communities .
`` It will mean that families can add up to two storeys to their home , providing much needed additional space for children or elderly relatives as their household grows . ''
Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently made a promise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hoped his programme of `` build , build , build '' would help the country recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic .

Home extensions of up to two storeys are set to benefit from a new fast-track planning process.
Applicants must still "carefully consider the impact on neighbours and the appearance of the extension" under the shake-up, being presented to parliament today.
The new laws will also allow shops no longer in use to be converted into housing without a full planning application
It means that unused commercial properties can be quickly repurposed to support the growing need for housing and boost high streets.
Image: Unused commercial properties will also be able to be quickly converted into housing
Set to take effect in September, it means a traditional planning application will no longer be needed to demolish and rebuild unused buildings.
The government hopes tearing up the red tape will reduce the need to build on greenfield sites, while still delivering more homes that fit the character of local areas.
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Libraries, pubs and village shops are among the buildings not covered by the new rules, due to recognition that they form part of the local fabric of areas.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said: "We are reforming the planning system and cutting out unnecessary bureaucracy to give small business owners the freedom they need to adapt and evolve, and to renew our town centres with new enterprises and more housing.
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"These changes will help transform boarded up, unused buildings safely into high quality homes at the heart of their communities.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:58 June: 'We're not going to cheesepare our way out'
"It will mean that families can add up to two storeys to their home, providing much needed additional space for children or elderly relatives as their household grows."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently made a promise to reform planning rules and said he hoped his programme of "build, build, build" would help the country recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-21--'Much ado about nothing': Ambassador dismisses Russia report

Russia 's ambassador to London has dismissed claims of Russian election interference efforts , cyber attacks and espionage against the UK contained in a new report as `` much ado about nothing '' .
Andrei Kelin denied that the Kremlin tried to interfere in the Brexit referendum and refuted allegations it meddled with Scotland 's independence vote , saying such action was not in Moscow 's interests .
The senior diplomat rejected claims that the UK is a top Russian intelligence target , saying that the Intelligence and Security Committee 's assessment greatly exaggerated the UK 's significance to Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a long-held allegation by the UK that Russia was behind the attempted assassination of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury .
Ultimately , he said that Moscow wanted friendly relations with the UK and other western allies .
`` My first impression is that the Shakespeare phrase is very much applicable - it is much ado about nothing , '' Mr Kelin told Sky News when asked for his response to the Russia report .
`` The report is called Russia but if you will put any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front of the report ] it would be the same because this report is not about Russia - it is about the internal relationships of agencies within the UK . ''
: : Listen to Polonium and the Piano Player on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker or wherever good podcasts are listened to The ambassador disagreed with analysis in the report that Russia 's foreign policy is a zero-sum game that sees any action it carries out that damages the West as a positive .
He was similarly indignant about any suggestion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying he saw the report attacking Moscow as a convenient distraction to the UK 's multiple other challenges , including China .
Russia is accused of using disinformation to amplify divisions and weaken western alliances .
Asked whether Moscow used this tactic to interfere with the Brexit vote , Mr Kelin said : `` We have no means to amplify anything .
For the division , division is bad , amplifying it is also bad .
`` We did n't do anything which might amplify division because it 's not in our interests @ @

Russia's ambassador to London has dismissed claims of Russian election interference efforts, cyber attacks and espionage against the UK contained in a new report as "much ado about nothing".
Andrei Kelin denied that the Kremlin tried to interfere in the Brexit referendum and refuted allegations it meddled with Scotland's independence vote, saying such action was not in Moscow's interests.
The senior diplomat rejected claims that the UK is a top Russian intelligence target, saying that the Intelligence and Security Committee's assessment greatly exaggerated the UK's significance to Russia.
Image: Andrei Kelin says it is not in Russia's interest to 'amplify division'
He also again pushed back on a long-held allegation by the UK that Russia was behind the attempted assassination of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury.
Ultimately, he said that Moscow wanted friendly relations with the UK and other western allies.
"My first impression is that the Shakespeare phrase is very much applicable - it is much ado about nothing," Mr Kelin told Sky News when asked for his response to the Russia report.
"The report is called Russia but if you will put any other country's name [at the front of the report] it would be the same because this report is not about Russia - it is about the internal relationships of agencies within the UK."
:: Listen to Polonium and the Piano Player on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker or wherever good podcasts are listened to
The ambassador disagreed with analysis in the report that Russia's foreign policy is a zero-sum game that sees any action it carries out that damages the West as a positive.
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He was similarly indignant about any suggestion Russia meddled in the EU referendum, saying he saw the report attacking Moscow as a convenient distraction to the UK's multiple other challenges, including China.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:26 'Londongrad' is 'laundromat' for Russian money
Russia is accused of using disinformation to amplify divisions and weaken western alliances.
Asked whether Moscow used this tactic to interfere with the Brexit vote, Mr Kelin said: "We have no means to amplify anything. For the division, division is bad, amplifying it is also bad.
"We didn't do anything which might amplify division because it's not in our interests."


skynewspolitics--2020-07-21--Mandatory race training for Home Office staff after Windrush scandal

The home secretary has promised a `` full evaluation '' of the hostile environment policy and training on migration and race for every Home Office employee in the wake of the Windrush scandal .
Priti Patel announced the action as part of the Home Office 's response to a `` lessons learned '' review into the treatment of Caribbean migrants who were detained or deported despite having the right to live in Britain .
The phrase `` hostile environment '' was notably used by former prime minister Theresa May during her six-year spell in charge of the Home Office to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with illegal immigration .
Her successors have since ditched the phrase - in favour of `` compliant environment '' - after it was blamed for the immigration problems suffered by the Windrush generation of migrants .
Speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday , Ms Patel committed to the evaluation of the policy as she updated MPs on the progress her department has made following Wendy Williams 's independent report on the Windrush scandal .
That review , published in March , had recommended `` a full review and evaluation '' of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened to the Windrush generation is unspeakable and no one with a legal right to be here should ever have been penalised , '' Ms Patel said .
`` I have tasked my officials to undertake a full evaluation of the compliant environment policy and measures , individually and cumulatively , to make sure the crucial balance is right .
`` I have asked them to evaluate the changes that were made to immigration and nationality laws over successive governments to ensure that they are fit for purpose for today 's world .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be introduced for new and existing Home Office staff `` to ensure that everyone working in the department understands and appreciates the history of migration and race in this country '' .
`` Every single existing or new member of Home Office staff will be required to undertake that learning , '' the home secretary added .
The Home Office will also pursue a `` more compassionate approach '' and everyone making immigration decisions `` must see a face behind the case '' , Ms Patel said .
In further action , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` more diverse shortlists for senior jobs , specialist mentoring and sponsorship programmes to help develop a wider pool of talent and drive cultural change '' in her department .
`` There are simply not enough black , Asian or minority ethnic staff working at the top in senior roles , and there are far too many times when I am the only non-white face in the room , '' she said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour 's shadow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scandal `` must lead to real and lasting change '' and said ministers `` must get a grip '' of the compensation scheme for victims .
Ms Patel last week admitted it was `` absolutely unacceptable '' that some victims had died before receiving payments and said she wants the compensation process `` sped up '' .

The home secretary has promised a "full evaluation" of the hostile environment policy and training on migration and race for every Home Office employee in the wake of the Windrush scandal.
Priti Patel announced the action as part of the Home Office's response to a "lessons learned" review into the treatment of Caribbean migrants who were detained or deported despite having the right to live in Britain.
The phrase "hostile environment" was notably used by former prime minister Theresa May during her six-year spell in charge of the Home Office to describe the government's approach to dealing with illegal immigration.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 I felt like an alien, says Windrush scandal victim
Her successors have since ditched the phrase - in favour of "compliant environment" - after it was blamed for the immigration problems suffered by the Windrush generation of migrants.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday, Ms Patel committed to the evaluation of the policy as she updated MPs on the progress her department has made following Wendy Williams's independent report on the Windrush scandal.
That review, published in March, had recommended "a full review and evaluation" of the hostile environment policy.
"What happened to the Windrush generation is unspeakable and no one with a legal right to be here should ever have been penalised," Ms Patel said.
"I have tasked my officials to undertake a full evaluation of the compliant environment policy and measures, individually and cumulatively, to make sure the crucial balance is right.
"I have asked them to evaluate the changes that were made to immigration and nationality laws over successive governments to ensure that they are fit for purpose for today's world."
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Image: Caribbean migrants who came to Britain after the Second World War are known as the Windrush generation
Ms Patel announced that mandatory training would be introduced for new and existing Home Office staff "to ensure that everyone working in the department understands and appreciates the history of migration and race in this country".
"Every single existing or new member of Home Office staff will be required to undertake that learning," the home secretary added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:31 'Windrush generation made immeasurable difference to UK'
The Home Office will also pursue a "more compassionate approach" and everyone making immigration decisions "must see a face behind the case", Ms Patel said.
Image: Home Secretary Priti Patel said she was often 'the only non-white face in the room'
In further action, the home secretary announced she would introduce "more diverse shortlists for senior jobs, specialist mentoring and sponsorship programmes to help develop a wider pool of talent and drive cultural change" in her department.
"There are simply not enough black, Asian or minority ethnic staff working at the top in senior roles, and there are far too many times when I am the only non-white face in the room," she said.
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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Labour's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said the Windrush scandal "must lead to real and lasting change" and said ministers "must get a grip" of the compensation scheme for victims.
Ms Patel last week admitted it was "absolutely unacceptable" that some victims had died before receiving payments and said she wants the compensation process "sped up".


skynewspolitics--2020-07-22--Labour to pay 'substantial damages' to seven whistleblowers

Labour has apologised to a group of antisemitism whistleblowers , after accepting press statements made against them last year were `` defamatory and false '' .
The party has said it will pay `` substantial damages '' , which in addition to court costs is likely to total well over half a million pounds .
The decision to reach settlement marks a significant moment in Sir Keir Starmer 's efforts to move the party on from the scandals that came to define the Jeremy Corbyn era .
The seven former party employees were interviewed in a BBC Panorama investigation that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handling of antisemitism complaints .
The court settlement focused on press statements issued in relation to the broadcast , which went on to be widely reported across the news media .
Mark Henderson , representing Labour , told the High Court : `` The Labour Party acknowledges that these claims about the claimants are untrue , and we retract and withdraw them and undertake not to repeat them .
`` The Labour Party is here today to publicly set the record straight and to apologise to the claimants for the distress and embarrassment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The party said in a separate statement : `` We acknowledge the many years of dedicated and committed service that the whistleblowers have given to the Labour Party as members and as staff .
`` We appreciate their valuable contribution at all levels of the party .
`` We unreservedly withdraw all allegations of bad faith , malice and lying .
We would like to apologise unreservedly for the distress , embarrassment and hurt caused by their publication . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought the case were Katherine Buckingham , Michael Creighton , Samuel Matthews , Daniel Hogan , Louise Withers Green , Martha Robinson and Benjamin Westerman .
They had worked in the party 's legal and governance unit and gave interviews to Panorama in which they raised concerns over the Labour leadership 's approach to dealing with the antisemitism crisis under Mr Corbyn .
The party has also apologised and agreed to pay damages to the journalist who presented the Panorama investigation , John Ware , for falsely accusing him of `` deliberate and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
The whistleblowers ' barrister , William Bennett QC , said Labour had alleged that Mr Ware `` invented quotes , flouted journalistic ethics and ... knowingly promoted falsehoods '' in pursuit of `` a pre-determined outcome to the question asked by the Panorama programme '' .
He added that the party had agreed to pay `` substantial damages '' to Mr Ware .
Labour said in a statement : `` Before the broadcast of the programme the Labour Party issued a press release that contained defamatory and false allegations about John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take this opportunity to withdraw these allegations .
We would like to apologise unreservedly for the distress , embarrassment and hurt caused by their publication .
`` As we acknowledge in the statement in open court , John Ware is a very experienced broadcast and print journalist , producer and author , and we have agreed to pay damages to him . ''
In a statement , the claimants ' solicitor Mark Lewis said : `` Today in the High Court , the Labour Party retracted its false allegations made about the Panorama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The answer was a clear 'yes ' .
Labour chose to double down and attack the programme 's presenter , John Ware , and the whistleblowers rather than addressing the truth of the problem .
`` It is ironic that the workers ' party chose to act as disgruntled bosses who had been caught out . ''
The BBC said in a statement : `` We welcome today 's long overdue apology to John Ware and the seven Panorama whistleblowers , who have been subjected to painful and damaging personal attacks on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applaud their strength to take this case forward and are pleased it has been recognised in court that these extremely serious and damaging allegations against them were false and have been unreservedly withdrawn . ''

Labour has apologised to a group of antisemitism whistleblowers, after accepting press statements made against them last year were "defamatory and false".
The party has said it will pay "substantial damages", which in addition to court costs is likely to total well over half a million pounds.
The decision to reach settlement marks a significant moment in Sir Keir Starmer's efforts to move the party on from the scandals that came to define the Jeremy Corbyn era.
Image: The case was heard at the High Court
Mr Corbyn described Wednesday's decision by the Labour Party to apologise and pay damages as "a political decision, not a legal one".
The seven former party employees were interviewed in a BBC Panorama investigation that was highly critical of the party's handling of antisemitism complaints.
The court settlement focused on press statements issued in relation to the broadcast, which went on to be widely reported across the news media.
Mark Henderson, representing Labour, told the High Court: "The Labour Party acknowledges that these claims about the claimants are untrue, and we retract and withdraw them and undertake not to repeat them.
"The Labour Party is here today to publicly set the record straight and to apologise to the claimants for the distress and embarrassment that it has caused them."
The party said in a separate statement: "We acknowledge the many years of dedicated and committed service that the whistleblowers have given to the Labour Party as members and as staff.
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"We appreciate their valuable contribution at all levels of the party.
"We unreservedly withdraw all allegations of bad faith, malice and lying. We would like to apologise unreservedly for the distress, embarrassment and hurt caused by their publication."
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The whistleblowers who brought the case were Katherine Buckingham, Michael Creighton, Samuel Matthews, Daniel Hogan, Louise Withers Green, Martha Robinson and Benjamin Westerman.
They had worked in the party's legal and governance unit and gave interviews to Panorama in which they raised concerns over the Labour leadership's approach to dealing with the antisemitism crisis under Mr Corbyn.
The party has also apologised and agreed to pay damages to the journalist who presented the Panorama investigation, John Ware, for falsely accusing him of "deliberate and malicious misrepresentations designed to mislead the public".
The whistleblowers' barrister, William Bennett QC, said Labour had alleged that Mr Ware "invented quotes, flouted journalistic ethics and ... knowingly promoted falsehoods" in pursuit of "a pre-determined outcome to the question asked by the Panorama programme".
He added that the party had agreed to pay "substantial damages" to Mr Ware.
Labour said in a statement: "Before the broadcast of the programme the Labour Party issued a press release that contained defamatory and false allegations about John Ware.
"We would like to take this opportunity to withdraw these allegations. We would like to apologise unreservedly for the distress, embarrassment and hurt caused by their publication.
"As we acknowledge in the statement in open court, John Ware is a very experienced broadcast and print journalist, producer and author, and we have agreed to pay damages to him."
Image: Former leader Jeremy Corbyn described Labour's decision as 'disappointing'
In a statement, the claimants' solicitor Mark Lewis said: "Today in the High Court, the Labour Party retracted its false allegations made about the Panorama programme asking whether Labour was antisemitic.
"The answer was a clear 'yes'. Labour chose to double down and attack the programme's presenter, John Ware, and the whistleblowers rather than addressing the truth of the problem.
"It is ironic that the workers' party chose to act as disgruntled bosses who had been caught out."
Mr Corbyn described the Labour Party's decision as "disappointing".
"Labour Party members have a right to accountability and transparency of decisions taken in their name, and an effective commitment from the party to combat antisemitism and racism in all their forms," the party's former leader said.
"The party's decision to apologise today and make substantial payments to former staff who sued the party in relation to last year's Panorama programme is a political decision, not a legal one.
"Our legal advice was that the party had a strong defence, and the evidence in the leaked Labour report that is now the subject of an NEC (National Executive Committee) inquiry led by Martin Forde QC strengthened concerns about the role played by some of those who took part in the programme.
"The decision to settle these claims in this way is disappointing, and risks giving credibility to misleading and inaccurate allegations about action taken to tackle antisemitism in the Labour Party in recent years.
"To give our members the answers and justice they deserve, the inquiry led by Martin Forde must now fully address the evidence the internal report uncovered of racism, sexism, factionalism and obstruction of Labour's 2017 general election campaign."
The BBC said in a statement: "We welcome today's long overdue apology to John Ware and the seven Panorama whistleblowers, who have been subjected to painful and damaging personal attacks on their integrity and character.
"We applaud their strength to take this case forward and are pleased it has been recognised in court that these extremely serious and damaging allegations against them were false and have been unreservedly withdrawn."


skynewspolitics--2020-07-22--Johnson to boost security laws with register for spies

Boris Johnson is preparing to give the security services more powers to stop foreign interference in Britain under new laws to combat the threat of Russian spies .
The crackdown , suggested in the Intelligence and Security Committee ( ISC ) report which claimed the government `` took its eye off the ball '' over Russia , will include a `` register of foreign agents '' .
Sky News understands that the PM , who held talks on security with the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Downing Street , is looking at whether additional powers are needed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US has a Foreign Agents Registration Act , which forces individuals working on behalf of foreign governments , officials or political parties to register with the Department of Justice and file reports about their activities .
And Number 10 sources have told Sky News that the government is considering whether an Espionage Bill first proposed by Theresa May after the Salisbury poisonings in March 2018 should include these additional powers .
It is understood that the prime minister and senior colleagues believe a register would allow the security services to monitor agents from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much more closely .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed to Sky News that ministers were looking at introducing new legislation to tackle the activities of `` hostile states '' .
`` We are looking at additional powers to look at the activities of hostile states and that may include introducing new laws , '' he told Kay Burley @ Breakfast .
He added that the UK was working with `` like-minded international partners '' on `` something like the foreign agent registration laws that exist for example in the US and Australia '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shapps said Moscow was `` not playing by the international rule book '' .
`` I urge them to desist in this kind of activity , but our intelligence ( and ) security services , nothing in the report is news to them , '' he continued .
`` They are working on this every single day of the week and we will give them more powers if that 's what 's required . ''
The government is likely to be pressed on the plans when Labour 's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question on the Russia report during Prime Minister 's Questions .
: : Listen to Polonium and the Piano Player on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Google Podcasts , or Spreaker Although the government dismissed the ISC report and claimed there was no need for a formal investigation on Russia , it includes a suggestion that a US-style register could prevent spies concealing their activities .
`` One specific issue that a new Espionage Act might address is individuals acting on behalf of a foreign power and seeking to obfuscate this link , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US , in 1938 , introduced the US Foreign Agents Registration Act ( FARA ) , which requires anyone other than accredited diplomats - including both US and non-US citizens - who represents the interests of foreign powers in a 'political or quasi-political capacity ' to register with the Department of Justice , disclosing their relationship with the foreign government and information about related activities and finances .
`` Additionally , US legislation requires agents , other than diplomats , performing non-political activities under the control of foreign governments or foreign officials , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under FARA serves as the requisite notification ) .
`` Anyone who should have registered but who has not done so can be prosecuted and , in the case of non-US citizens , deported .
The UK has no equivalent legislation to FARA - which would clearly be valuable in countering Russian influence in the UK . ''
The UK government is now likely to push ahead with new counter-espionage legislation , aimed at making Britain a `` harder environment for adversaries to operate in '' .
Those who fail to register could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law was originally introduced just before the Second World War to combat foreign agents disseminating fascist propaganda .
It was revived by Robert Mueller during his investigation as US special counsel into Russian efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election and has since been used to charge prominent figures who have breached its terms .
The prime minister 's move to follow the US lead - and that of Australia , which has a similar law - comes amid growing concern in the intelligence community that Britain 's counter-terrorism laws are out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes evidence from former head of MI5 Sir Andrew Parker , who told the ISC that foreign agents were , in effect , able to operate with impunity in Britain because of outdated security laws .
He warned that under the present legislation foreign spies could not be prosecuted unless they were caught acquiring official secrets .
`` Today it is not an offence in any sense to be a covert agent of the Russian intelligence services in the UK - just to be that , to be in covert contact , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acquire damaging secrets and give them to your masters , '' he told the committee .
He said the Official Secrets Act , parts of which date back to the First World War , had become `` dusty and largely ineffective '' , adding : `` We are left with something which makes it very hard to deal with some of the situations we are talking about today in the realm of the economic sphere , cyber , things that could be more to do with influence . ''
The ISC report said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money to Britain `` with open arms '' , making Russian influence in the UK a `` new normal '' .

Boris Johnson is preparing to give the security services more powers to stop foreign interference in Britain under new laws to combat the threat of Russian spies.
The crackdown, suggested in the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) report which claimed the government "took its eye off the ball" over Russia, will include a "register of foreign agents".
Sky News understands that the PM, who held talks on security with the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Downing Street, is looking at whether additional powers are needed to meet threats to the UK.
The US has a Foreign Agents Registration Act, which forces individuals working on behalf of foreign governments, officials or political parties to register with the Department of Justice and file reports about their activities.
And Number 10 sources have told Sky News that the government is considering whether an Espionage Bill first proposed by Theresa May after the Salisbury poisonings in March 2018 should include these additional powers.
It is understood that the prime minister and senior colleagues believe a register would allow the security services to monitor agents from hostile states such as Russia or China much more closely.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed to Sky News that ministers were looking at introducing new legislation to tackle the activities of "hostile states".
"We are looking at additional powers to look at the activities of hostile states and that may include introducing new laws," he told Kay Burley @ Breakfast.
He added that the UK was working with "like-minded international partners" on "something like the foreign agent registration laws that exist for example in the US and Australia".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:59 Analysis: Report ups the ante with Kremlin
Referencing the Russia report, Mr Shapps said Moscow was "not playing by the international rule book".
"I urge them to desist in this kind of activity, but our intelligence (and) security services, nothing in the report is news to them," he continued.
"They are working on this every single day of the week and we will give them more powers if that's what's required."
The government is likely to be pressed on the plans when Labour's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds asks Home Secretary Priti Patel an urgent question on the Russia report during Prime Minister's Questions.
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Although the government dismissed the ISC report and claimed there was no need for a formal investigation on Russia, it includes a suggestion that a US-style register could prevent spies concealing their activities.
"One specific issue that a new Espionage Act might address is individuals acting on behalf of a foreign power and seeking to obfuscate this link," the report recommends.
"The US, in 1938, introduced the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which requires anyone other than accredited diplomats - including both US and non-US citizens - who represents the interests of foreign powers in a 'political or quasi-political capacity' to register with the Department of Justice, disclosing their relationship with the foreign government and information about related activities and finances.
"Additionally, US legislation requires agents, other than diplomats, performing non-political activities under the control of foreign governments or foreign officials, to notify the Attorney General (registration under FARA serves as the requisite notification).
"Anyone who should have registered but who has not done so can be prosecuted and, in the case of non-US citizens, deported. The UK has no equivalent legislation to FARA - which would clearly be valuable in countering Russian influence in the UK."
The UK government is now likely to push ahead with new counter-espionage legislation, aimed at making Britain a "harder environment for adversaries to operate in". Those who fail to register could be jailed or deported.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:41 Russian ambassador denies EU referendum meddling
The US law was originally introduced just before the Second World War to combat foreign agents disseminating fascist propaganda. It was revived by Robert Mueller during his investigation as US special counsel into Russian efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election and has since been used to charge prominent figures who have breached its terms.
The prime minister's move to follow the US lead - and that of Australia, which has a similar law - comes amid growing concern in the intelligence community that Britain's counter-terrorism laws are out of date.
The Russia report also includes evidence from former head of MI5 Sir Andrew Parker, who told the ISC that foreign agents were, in effect, able to operate with impunity in Britain because of outdated security laws.
He warned that under the present legislation foreign spies could not be prosecuted unless they were caught acquiring official secrets.
"Today it is not an offence in any sense to be a covert agent of the Russian intelligence services in the UK - just to be that, to be in covert contact, to be pursuing a brief - unless you acquire damaging secrets and give them to your masters," he told the committee.
He said the Official Secrets Act, parts of which date back to the First World War, had become "dusty and largely ineffective", adding: "We are left with something which makes it very hard to deal with some of the situations we are talking about today in the realm of the economic sphere, cyber, things that could be more to do with influence."
The ISC report said that successive governments welcomed Russian oligarchs and money to Britain "with open arms", making Russian influence in the UK a "new normal".


skynewspolitics--2020-07-22--'We reacted as quickly as we could': Minister defends lockdown timing

A minister has rejected accusations that the government was too late in introducing the coronavirus lockdown .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News that `` we absolutely followed the advice '' provided by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) on the COVID-19 pandemic .
His comments come after one SAGE member said the coronavirus lockdown was `` too late '' and `` should have come in earlier '' .
Wellcome Trust director Professor Jeremy Farrar was speaking during a hearing of the Health and Social Care Committee on Tuesday .
But Mr Shapps rejected this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We reacted just as quickly as we could as that data was presented . ''
He said that SAGE provides a `` whole range of advice from very many different experts '' but it is up to politicians to `` make these delicate decisions about when measures are put in place '' .
`` If the accusation is that somehow it was delayed , that 's not the case , '' Mr Shapps added .
`` I was in those meetings and we moved as soon as the information was being presented to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England 's chief medical officer , told the same hearing that ministers followed scientific advice with a `` delay that was no more than you would reasonably expect '' .
Professor Farrar 's comments echo the opinion of former SAGE member Professor Neil Ferguson .
He has claimed that 25,000 lives could have been saved by going into lockdown a week earlier .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson introduced the lockdown on 23 March to try and halt the spread of COVID-19 .
An easing of restrictions began in June .
: : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker This included beginning a phased reopening of schools and allowing shops , pubs , restaurants , hairdressers and barbers to welcome in customers once more .
Further measures are due to follow in the weeks to come , including giving companies more discretion on whether employees go to work , and plans for all primary and secondary pupils to return to school in September .

A minister has rejected accusations that the government was too late in introducing the coronavirus lockdown.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News that "we absolutely followed the advice" provided by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) on the COVID-19 pandemic.
His comments come after one SAGE member said the coronavirus lockdown was "too late" and "should have come in earlier".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:52 Councils gain powers to impose lockdowns
Wellcome Trust director Professor Jeremy Farrar was speaking during a hearing of the Health and Social Care Committee on Tuesday.
But Mr Shapps rejected this, telling Kay Burley @ Breakfast: "We reacted just as quickly as we could as that data was presented."
He said that SAGE provides a "whole range of advice from very many different experts" but it is up to politicians to "make these delicate decisions about when measures are put in place".
"If the accusation is that somehow it was delayed, that's not the case," Mr Shapps added.
Image: Grant Shapps defended the timing of the lockdown
"I was in those meetings and we moved as soon as the information was being presented to us."
Professor Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, told the same hearing that ministers followed scientific advice with a "delay that was no more than you would reasonably expect".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:28 PM announces easing of lockdown restrictions
Professor Farrar's comments echo the opinion of former SAGE member Professor Neil Ferguson.
He has claimed that 25,000 lives could have been saved by going into lockdown a week earlier.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson introduced the lockdown on 23 March to try and halt the spread of COVID-19.
An easing of restrictions began in June.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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This included beginning a phased reopening of schools and allowing shops, pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and barbers to welcome in customers once more.
Further measures are due to follow in the weeks to come, including giving companies more discretion on whether employees go to work, and plans for all primary and secondary pupils to return to school in September.