skynewspolitics--2020-06-24--Conservative MP reveals breast cancer diagnosis

Conservative MP Tracey Crouch has revealed she has been diagnosed with breast cancer .
The MP for Chatham and Aylesford in Kent said the news `` came as a bit of a surprise '' .
`` But it has been caught early and I 'm now being treated and supported by the excellent team at the Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust , '' she added in a statement on Twitter .
Ms Crouch , who became an MP in 2010 , continued : `` It does mean that it looks unlikely I will physically be in parliament before summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a proxy vote in my absence and applied to be able to participate virtually as from next week .
`` I shall be doing casework and emails , supported by my brilliant team , which I hope reassures constituents that I shall still be working hard for them while I undergo treatment . ''
The MP , who is a Football Association-qualified coach , added : `` I am incredibly competitive but , on this occasion , wo n't be playing nicely and intend to go into this challenge with my studs up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should `` regularly check their bits n bobbins and go and see their GP or call NHS 111 upon finding or seeing anything irregular '' .
Ms Crouch added : `` There is a concern that during the coronavirus pandemic people have not been going to their GP for fear of 'being a burden during this busy time ' , catching COVID-19 or mistakenly thinking that their local doctors is n't open .
`` The key to a better cancer outcome is catching it early so please , if you are worried , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crouch was sports minister under former prime minister Theresa May , but resigned in 2018 amid a row over fixed-odds betting terminals .
SNP MP Hannah Bardwell tweeted : `` Awful news Tracey Crouch .
But having played alongside you in the parliament footie team I know how competitive you are and that you 'll fight this with everything you 've got .
`` The team will be there to cheer you on all the way .
Everything crossed x . ''

Conservative MP Tracey Crouch has revealed she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The MP for Chatham and Aylesford in Kent said the news "came as a bit of a surprise".
"But it has been caught early and I'm now being treated and supported by the excellent team at the Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust," she added in a statement on Twitter.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Ms Crouch, who became an MP in 2010, continued: "It does mean that it looks unlikely I will physically be in parliament before summer recess, but I have organised for a proxy vote in my absence and applied to be able to participate virtually as from next week.
"I shall be doing casework and emails, supported by my brilliant team, which I hope reassures constituents that I shall still be working hard for them while I undergo treatment."
The MP, who is a Football Association-qualified coach, added: "I am incredibly competitive but, on this occasion, won't be playing nicely and intend to go into this challenge with my studs up!"
She also said that people should "regularly check their bits n bobbins and go and see their GP or call NHS 111 upon finding or seeing anything irregular".
Ms Crouch added: "There is a concern that during the coronavirus pandemic people have not been going to their GP for fear of 'being a burden during this busy time', catching COVID-19 or mistakenly thinking that their local doctors isn't open.
"The key to a better cancer outcome is catching it early so please, if you are worried, talk to your doctor."
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Ms Crouch was sports minister under former prime minister Theresa May, but resigned in 2018 amid a row over fixed-odds betting terminals.
SNP MP Hannah Bardwell tweeted: "Awful news Tracey Crouch. But having played alongside you in the parliament footie team I know how competitive you are and that you'll fight this with everything you've got.
"The team will be there to cheer you on all the way. Everything crossed x."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-25--PM has 'full confidence' in minister who intervened in Tory donor's planning application

The prime minister has `` full confidence '' in the housing and communities secretary amid calls for him to resign over his involvement in a controversial planning application .
Boris Johnson 's official spokesman confirmed the PM had spoken with Robert Jenrick in recent days and considers the matter to be closed .
Mr Jenrick is facing calls to resign over his role in a controversial £1bn Westferry Printworks development proposed by Conservative Party donor Richard Desmond .
`` The PM has spoken with the communities secretary , '' the spokesman said .
`` The communities secretary gave his account @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the relevant documentation .
`` In light of the account that was given , the PM considers the matter closed . ''
The spokesman said `` no one '' in Downing Street discussed the planning application `` with Mr Desmond or the applicants '' , adding : `` Number 10 had no involvement with the secretary of state 's appeal decision . ''
But he was unable to say whether anyone in Number 10 had discussed the project more generally with Mr Jenrick .
Documents released on Wednesday show Mr Jenrick was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in time to save Mr Desmond up to £50m .
Papers show an official in his department recorded he wanted approval to be given to the Westferry Printworks development .
They also show that Mr Jenrick and Mr Desmond exchanged text messages following a meeting at a Conservative Party event in November .
Mr Jenrick was sat next to Mr Desmond at the dinner , with the Sunday Times reporting that he showed the minister a promotional video for the development .
The minister texted Mr Desmond on 18 November 2019 saying : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tonight Richard .
See you again soon I hope . ''
In another exchange two days later , Mr Desmond tried to arrange a meeting with the housing secretary on 19 December , as well as a site visit , complaining about having to deal with `` Marxists '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He wrote : `` Good news finally the inspectors reports have gone to you today , we appreciate the speed as we do n't want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] for nothing ! ''
The scheme for 1,500 homes in east London was given the green light in January , with Mr Jenrick going against the recommendation of a planning inspector .
His decision was taken a day before new infrastructure charges came into force .
This allowed the developer , former Daily Express owner Mr Desmond 's Northern and Shell firm , to avoid paying between £30-£50m extra to Tower Hamlets Council .
Two weeks after the scheme was approved , records from the Electoral Commission show that Mr Desmond personally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News previously contacted Northern and Shell for a comment , as well as Mr Desmond , but did not receive a response .
The council took legal action over the decision , with Mr Jenrick later overturning his own approval .
He admitted that the decision was `` unlawful '' due to `` apparent bias '' , although he has told MPs he acted in `` good faith '' and `` within the rules '' .
John Biggs , the Labour mayor of Tower Hamlets , said the decision to approve the scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the planning system .
`` Mr Jenrick overrode that [ the planning inspector 's recommendation ] without any real rationale behind it .
Other than it was just his opinion that his decision was better than theirs .
`` The trail of correspondence confirms that it looks like it 's a conversation between mates , which is not how our country is meant to be run . ''

The prime minister has "full confidence" in the housing and communities secretary amid calls for him to resign over his involvement in a controversial planning application.
Boris Johnson's official spokesman confirmed the PM had spoken with Robert Jenrick in recent days and considers the matter to be closed.
Mr Jenrick is facing calls to resign over his role in a controversial £1bn Westferry Printworks development proposed by Conservative Party donor Richard Desmond.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:04 Minister under fire over property deal
"The PM has spoken with the communities secretary," the spokesman said.
"The communities secretary gave his account in public and to parliament and published the relevant documentation.
"In light of the account that was given, the PM considers the matter closed."
The spokesman said "no one" in Downing Street discussed the planning application "with Mr Desmond or the applicants", adding: "Number 10 had no involvement with the secretary of state's appeal decision."
But he was unable to say whether anyone in Number 10 had discussed the project more generally with Mr Jenrick.
Documents released on Wednesday show Mr Jenrick was "insistent" the application be allowed just in time to save Mr Desmond up to £50m.
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Image: Two weeks after the scheme was approved, records show Mr Desmond (right) gave £12,000 to the Conservatives
Papers show an official in his department recorded he wanted approval to be given to the Westferry Printworks development.
They also show that Mr Jenrick and Mr Desmond exchanged text messages following a meeting at a Conservative Party event in November.
Mr Jenrick sat next to Mr Desmond at the dinner, with The Sunday Times reporting that he showed the minister a promotional video for the development.
The minister texted Mr Desmond on 18 November 2019 saying: "Good to spend time with you tonight Richard. See you again soon I hope."
In another exchange two days later, Mr Desmond tried to arrange a meeting with the housing secretary on 19 December, as well as a site visit, complaining about having to deal with "Marxists".
He wrote: "Good news finally the inspectors reports have gone to you today, we appreciate the speed as we don't want to give Marxists loads of doe [sic] for nothing!"
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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The scheme for 1,500 homes in east London was given the green light in January, with Mr Jenrick going against the recommendation of a planning inspector.
His decision was taken a day before new infrastructure charges came into force.
This allowed the developer, former Daily Express owner Mr Desmond's Northern and Shell firm, to avoid paying between £30-£50m extra to Tower Hamlets Council.
Two weeks after the scheme was approved, records from the Electoral Commission show that Mr Desmond personally gave £12,000 to the Conservatives.
Sky News previously contacted Northern and Shell for a comment, as well as Mr Desmond, but did not receive a response.
The council took legal action over the decision, with Mr Jenrick later overturning his own approval.
Image: The Westferry Printworks scheme on the Isle of Dogs was initially approved in January
He admitted that the decision was "unlawful" due to "apparent bias", although he has told MPs he acted in "good faith" and "within the rules".
John Biggs, the Labour mayor of Tower Hamlets, said the decision to approve the scheme "seriously trashed" the principles of the planning system.
"Mr Jenrick overrode that [the planning inspector's recommendation] without any real rationale behind it. Other than it was just his opinion that his decision was better than theirs.
"The trail of correspondence confirms that it looks like it's a conversation between mates, which is not how our country is meant to be run."
The mayor said he thinks Mr Jenrick should go, but "it's up to the prime minister".
And he warned Mr Johnson: "I've known Boris for many years. He needs to understand that if one of his ministers acts in a rampant, renegade fashion, then that reflects on him."
Labour is demanding Mr Jenrick returns to the Commons to answer what it says are "major discrepancies" between what he told MPs and what is in the documents published on Wednesday.
"These breathtaking documents raise far more questions about the secretary of state's relationship with Richard Desmond than they answer," shadow communities secretary Steve Reed said.
"Whether the prime minister likes it or not, this matter is far from closed."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-25--What did Robert Jenrick do and why are there calls for him to quit?

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick is facing calls to resign over his role in a controversial £1bn development proposed by a Conservative Party donor .
Sky News explains the row and why it has been generating headlines in recent days .
What is the controversy about ?
The Westferry Printworks redevelopment scheme for 1,500 homes in east London was given the green light in January .
Mr Jenrick 's decision went against the recommendation of a planning inspector .
Tower Hamlets Council took legal action over the decision , with approval for the development eventually reversed .
Why is the minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's decision to approve the scheme was taken a day before new infrastructure charges came into force .
This allowed the developer , former Daily Express owner Richard Desmond 's Northern and Shell firm , to avoid paying between £30-£50m extra to the council .
Tower Hamlets Council has said the `` timing of the decision appeared to show bias '' by Mr Jenrick .
Labour has accused the minister of taking the decision following a `` glitzy fundraising dinner '' with Mr Desmond in November 2019 .
Two weeks after the scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commission show that Mr Desmond personally gave £12,000 to the Conservatives .
Mr Jenrick was sat next to Mr Desmond at the dinner , with the Sunday Times reporting that he showed the minister a promotional video for the development .
`` What I did was I showed him the video , '' Mr Desmond told the newspaper , adding that Mr Jenrick watched it for about `` three or four minutes '' .
According to Mr Desmond , Mr Jenrick replied : `` I 'm sorry Richard .
I ca n't discuss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he did not discuss the scheme with Mr Desmond and has told MPs he acted in `` good faith '' and `` within the rules '' .
Sky News has previously contacted Northern and Shell for a comment , as well as Mr Desmond , but did not receive a response .
What else has emerged ?
In recent weeks , Labour has been calling for `` full transparency '' from the government .
The party demanded that all correspondence Mr Jenrick had in relation to the Westferry Printworks decision be published , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grave concerns about cash for favours '' .
A tranche of papers were released on Wednesday .
They show the housing secretary was `` insistent '' the planning application be allowed just in time to save Mr Desmond up to £50m .
The documents reveal an official in his department recorded he wanted approval to be given to the development .
A partly redacted email sent on 9 January said the minister `` was insistent that decision issued this week ie tomorrow - as next week the viability of the scheme is impacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ Community Infrastructure Levy ] regime '' .
New texts between the pair also emerged as part of the bundle of documents .
They show Mr Jenrick texted Mr Desmond on 18 November 2019 saying : `` Good to spend time with you tonight Richard .
See you again soon I hope . ''
In another exchange two days later , Mr Desmond tried to arrange a meeting with the housing secretary on 19 December , as well as a site visit to the Westferry Printworks , complaining about having to deal with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Good news finally the inspectors reports have gone to you today , we appreciate the speed as we do n't want to give Marxists loads of doe for nothing !
`` We all want to go with the scheme and the social housing we have proposed and spent a month at the Marxist town hall debating , thanks again , all my best , Richard . ''
Mr Jenrick replied , declining a meeting until after a decision had been made due to his position .
: : Listen to the Daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spotify , Spreaker He said it was `` important not to give any appearance of being influenced by applicants of cases that I may have a role in or to have predetermined them '' .
Mr Jenrick added : `` And so I think it is best that we do n't meet until after the matter has been decided , one way of [ sic ] another ‐ and I ca n't provide any advice to you on that , other than to say that I will receive advice from my officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in office and will consider it carefully in accordance with the rules and guidance .
`` I hope that is okay and we can meet to discuss other matters soon , hopefully on the 19th [ of December ] . ''
An email on 14 January appears to show Mr Jenrick was keen to get the decision passed quickly , a housing department official writing they needed confirmation `` by 5pm '' to `` avoid any criticism that the decision was not received within office hours '' .
What has the reaction been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the minister to go .
Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran said his position was `` untenable '' .
`` The public will be appalled at what looks like a clear abuse of power - Robert Jenrick must go and the Conservative Party must hand back this donation , '' she demanded .
Labour 's Steve Reed said the documents `` raise more questions than they answer '' .
He said : `` The documents show Mr Jenrick rushed the decision through on 14 January specifically so he could help Mr Desmond avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been spent on things like schools , youth clubs and clinics in one of the most deprived communities in the United Kingdom .
`` It seems highly inappropriate that Mr Jenrick told the House that he closed down a conversation with Mr Desmond at the dinner and then the very next morning , there he is sending him very chummy text messages seeking to meet up .
`` The documents make crystal clear that Robert Jenrick was trying to do favours for Richard Desmond by rushing this decision through the day before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' What has Boris Johnson said about the row ?
The PM has stood by Mr Jenrick , saying he has `` full confidence '' in him .
Boris Johnson 's official spokesman confirmed the PM had spoken with Mr Jenrick in recent days and considers the matter to be closed .
When asked previously if he had done the right thing , the PM replied : `` As far as I know , of course he did . ''
In the wake of the release of the papers , the head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considered the matter closed '' .
Business minister Nadhim Zahawi echoed this , telling Sky News he had `` explained himself '' and the issue has been `` laid to rest '' .

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick is facing calls to resign over his role in a controversial £1bn development proposed by a Conservative Party donor.
Sky News explains the row and why it has been generating headlines in recent days.
What is the controversy about?
The Westferry Printworks redevelopment scheme for 1,500 homes in east London was given the green light in January.
Image: Mr Jenrick has been backed by the prime minister amid the row
Mr Jenrick's decision went against the recommendation of a planning inspector.
Tower Hamlets Council took legal action over the decision, with approval for the development eventually reversed.
Why is the minister under pressure to quit?
Mr Jenrick's decision to approve the scheme was taken a day before new infrastructure charges came into force.
This allowed the developer, former Daily Express owner Richard Desmond's Northern and Shell firm, to avoid paying between £30-£50m extra to the council.
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Image: Two weeks after the scheme was approved, records show that Mr Desmond gave £12,000 to the Tories
Tower Hamlets Council has said the "timing of the decision appeared to show bias" by Mr Jenrick.
Labour has accused the minister of taking the decision following a "glitzy fundraising dinner" with Mr Desmond in November 2019.
Two weeks after the scheme was approved, records from the Electoral Commission show that Mr Desmond personally gave £12,000 to the Conservatives.
Mr Jenrick was sat next to Mr Desmond at the dinner, with the Sunday Times reporting that he showed the minister a promotional video for the development.
"What I did was I showed him the video," Mr Desmond told the newspaper, adding that Mr Jenrick watched it for about "three or four minutes".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:04 Minister under fire over property deal
According to Mr Desmond, Mr Jenrick replied: "I'm sorry Richard. I can't discuss it."
Mr Jenrick has said he did not discuss the scheme with Mr Desmond and has told MPs he acted in "good faith" and "within the rules".
Sky News has previously contacted Northern and Shell for a comment, as well as Mr Desmond, but did not receive a response.
What else has emerged?
In recent weeks, Labour has been calling for "full transparency" from the government.
The party demanded that all correspondence Mr Jenrick had in relation to the Westferry Printworks decision be published, saying the "sequence of events raises grave concerns about cash for favours".
A tranche of papers were released on Wednesday.
They show the housing secretary was "insistent" the planning application be allowed just in time to save Mr Desmond up to £50m.
The documents reveal an official in his department recorded he wanted approval to be given to the development.
A partly redacted email sent on 9 January said the minister "was insistent that decision issued this week ie tomorrow - as next week the viability of the scheme is impacted by a change in the London CIL [Community Infrastructure Levy] regime".
Image: Mr Jenrick has told MPs he acted in 'good faith' and 'within the rules'
New texts between the pair also emerged as part of the bundle of documents.
They show Mr Jenrick texted Mr Desmond on 18 November 2019 saying: "Good to spend time with you tonight Richard. See you again soon I hope."
In another exchange two days later, Mr Desmond tried to arrange a meeting with the housing secretary on 19 December, as well as a site visit to the Westferry Printworks, complaining about having to deal with "Marxists".
He wrote: "Good news finally the inspectors reports have gone to you today, we appreciate the speed as we don't want to give Marxists loads of doe for nothing!
"We all want to go with the scheme and the social housing we have proposed and spent a month at the Marxist town hall debating, thanks again, all my best, Richard."
Mr Jenrick replied, declining a meeting until after a decision had been made due to his position.
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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He said it was "important not to give any appearance of being influenced by applicants of cases that I may have a role in or to have predetermined them".
Mr Jenrick added: "And so I think it is best that we don't meet until after the matter has been decided, one way of [sic] another ‐ and I can't provide any advice to you on that, other than to say that I will receive advice from my officials after the general election assuming I remain in office and will consider it carefully in accordance with the rules and guidance.
"I hope that is okay and we can meet to discuss other matters soon, hopefully on the 19th [of December]."
An email on 14 January appears to show Mr Jenrick was keen to get the decision passed quickly, a housing department official writing they needed confirmation "by 5pm" to "avoid any criticism that the decision was not received within office hours".
What has the reaction been?
Opposition parties have renewed their calls for the minister to go.
Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran said his position was "untenable".
"The public will be appalled at what looks like a clear abuse of power - Robert Jenrick must go and the Conservative Party must hand back this donation," she demanded.
Labour's Steve Reed said the documents "raise more questions than they answer".
He said: "The documents show Mr Jenrick rushed the decision through on 14 January specifically so he could help Mr Desmond avoid £30m-£50m in a community levy that would have been spent on things like schools, youth clubs and clinics in one of the most deprived communities in the United Kingdom.
"It seems highly inappropriate that Mr Jenrick told the House that he closed down a conversation with Mr Desmond at the dinner and then the very next morning, there he is sending him very chummy text messages seeking to meet up.
"The documents make crystal clear that Robert Jenrick was trying to do favours for Richard Desmond by rushing this decision through the day before a community levy came into force."
What has Boris Johnson said about the row?
The PM has stood by Mr Jenrick, saying he has "full confidence" in him.
Boris Johnson's official spokesman confirmed the PM had spoken with Mr Jenrick in recent days and considers the matter to be closed.
When asked previously if he had done the right thing, the PM replied: "As far as I know, of course he did."
Image: The PM has defended Mr Jenrick in the past
In the wake of the release of the papers, the head of the civil service said Mr Johnson "considered the matter closed".
Business minister Nadhim Zahawi echoed this, telling Sky News he had "explained himself" and the issue has been "laid to rest".


skynewspolitics--2020-06-25--Schools could expand pupil 'bubbles' to 30 to bring all children back in September

Schools are expected to be allowed to expand their pupil `` bubbles '' to 30 children or more in September , under plans being considered by the government .
A strategy will be set out next week for how primary and secondary schools can meet Boris Johnson 's promise to bring every child back five days a week , from the autumn term .
Currently , the primary pupils who have returned to school , along with children of key workers and the most vulnerable , are being kept in groups of up to 15 - and these do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 30 , a government source told Sky News , but Education Secretary Gavin Williamson will be finalising the plans in the coming days .
According to some reports , which the government would not comment on , secondary school pupils who study different subject options at GCSE and A-Level may be allowed to form whole year group bubbles - of hundreds of children - with no social distancing .
Headteachers and unions have argued that a full return is not possible currently because the distancing protocols require more classrooms and staff than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or relax social distancing among large groups of pupils would face questions from parents and teachers , and would need to be approved by Public Health England .
Guidance issued to schools in May from the Department for Education says two-metre distancing is not expected for younger children , but should be followed by older pupils and adults `` where possible '' .
Many schools are trying to implement it .
Geoff Barton , of the ASCL union , which represents headteachers , said larger bubbles would be a more `` realistic and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' Social distancing at either two metre or one metre was never going to be possible with a full return to school , and it recognises that safety will have to be managed in other ways , '' he said .
`` In secondaries , children have to regularly move between different subject options , so the idea of 'bubbles ' being based on whole year groups is a more workable way forward .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed to reassure teachers and parents about safety - and that it would be `` sensible to have a plan B '' if the infection rate increases in the coming months .
The government has faced calls to make public buildings such as town halls and libraries available as overflow classrooms if smaller pupil bubbles are still required in the autumn , but officials believe such a plan is fraught with practical difficulties .
A Department for Education spokesperson said : `` We will publish further information and guidance next week to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ September .
`` We are working across government and with the sector to ensure these plans are fully in place . ''

Schools are expected to be allowed to expand their pupil "bubbles" to 30 children or more in September, under plans being considered by the government.
A strategy will be set out next week for how primary and secondary schools can meet Boris Johnson's promise to bring every child back five days a week, from the autumn term.
Currently, the primary pupils who have returned to school, along with children of key workers and the most vulnerable, are being kept in groups of up to 15 - and these do not mix.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:27 PM wants September full-time school return
Ministers are considering doubling that to 30, a government source told Sky News, but Education Secretary Gavin Williamson will be finalising the plans in the coming days.
According to some reports, which the government would not comment on, secondary school pupils who study different subject options at GCSE and A-Level may be allowed to form whole year group bubbles - of hundreds of children - with no social distancing.
Headteachers and unions have argued that a full return is not possible currently because the distancing protocols require more classrooms and staff than are available.
Any decision to scrap or relax social distancing among large groups of pupils would face questions from parents and teachers, and would need to be approved by Public Health England.
Guidance issued to schools in May from the Department for Education says two-metre distancing is not expected for younger children, but should be followed by older pupils and adults "where possible". Many schools are trying to implement it.
Geoff Barton, of the ASCL union, which represents headteachers, said larger bubbles would be a more "realistic and workable" way to bring all children back.
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Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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"Social distancing at either two metre or one metre was never going to be possible with a full return to school, and it recognises that safety will have to be managed in other ways," he said.
"In secondaries, children have to regularly move between different subject options, so the idea of 'bubbles' being based on whole year groups is a more workable way forward."
But he added that the government needed to reassure teachers and parents about safety - and that it would be "sensible to have a plan B" if the infection rate increases in the coming months.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 £1bn catch-up fund for England's pupils
The government has faced calls to make public buildings such as town halls and libraries available as overflow classrooms if smaller pupil bubbles are still required in the autumn, but officials believe such a plan is fraught with practical difficulties.
A Department for Education spokesperson said: "We will publish further information and guidance next week to help schools prepare for a full return in September.
"We are working across government and with the sector to ensure these plans are fully in place."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-24--Housing secretary intervened in planning application 'to save Tory donor up to £50m in tax'

The housing secretary was `` insistent '' a planning application be allowed just in time to save its Tory donor backer up to £50m , new government documents reveal .
Papers released amid pressure on Robert Jenrick show an official in his department recorded he wanted approval to be given to the Westferry development sought by former newspaper owner Richard Desmond .
Business minister Nadhim Zahawi has defended Mr Jenrick , telling Sky News he had `` explained himself '' and the issue has been `` laid to rest '' .
A partly redacted email sent on 9 January said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision issued this week ie tomorrow - as next week the viability of the scheme is impacted by a change in the London CIL [ Community Infrastructure Levy ] regime '' .
That decision allowed Northern and Shell to avoid paying between £30m and £50m extra to the council and overruled both Tower Hamlets Council and a planning inspector .
Mr Jenrick subsequently reversed the ruling following legal action by the council , admitting that what he did was `` unlawful by reason of apparent bias '' .
It later emerged that Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a Conservative Party fundraising dinner in November 2019 .
The minister admitted Mr Desmond did `` bring out his iPhone and show me some images of the development '' at the event .
Two weeks after the housing scheme was approved , Electoral Commission records show that Mr Desmond personally gave £12,000 to the Conservatives .
Text exchanges between Robert Jenrick and Richard Desmond , released by the government Mr Jenrick has since been fighting allegations of `` cash for favours '' but has dismissed any claims of impropriety as `` false @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pair also emerged as part of a bundle of documents released by the government in a bid to clear Mr Jenrick 's name .
They show he texted Mr Desmond on 18 November 2019 saying : `` Good to spend time with you tonight Richard .
See you again soon I hope . ''
In another exchange two days later , Mr Desmond tried to arrange a meeting with the housing secretary on 19 December , as well as a site visit to the Westferry Printworks , complaining about having to deal with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Good news finally the inspectors reports have gone to you today , we appreciate the speed as we do n't want to give Marxists loads of doe for nothing !
`` We all want to go with the scheme and the social housing we have proposed and spent a month at the Marxist town hall debating , thanks again , all my best , Richard . ''
Mr Jenrick replied declining a meeting until after a decision had been made due to his position because `` it is important not to give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cases that I may have a role in or to have predetermined them '' .
He added : `` And so I think it is best that we do n't meet until after the matter has been decided , one way of [ sic ] another ‐ and I ca n't provide any advice to you on that , other than to say that I will receive advice from my officials after the general election assuming I remain in office and will consider it carefully in accordance with the rules and guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we can meet to discuss other matters soon , hopefully on the 19th [ of December ] . ''
An email on 14 January appears to show Mr Jenrick was keen to get the decision passed quickly , a housing department official writing they needed confirmation `` by 5pm '' to `` avoid any criticism that the decision was not received within office hours '' .
It is understood Boris Johnson considers the Westferry case `` closed '' , according to a civil service letter shared on social media .
The letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mark Sedwill , is addressed to Labour 's shadow communities secretary Steve Reed in response to his questions on what basis the housing secretary approved the Westferry development and what contact he had with the developer .
Mr Sedwill wrote Mr Jenrick had `` set out a full and factual account '' of his actions , adding : `` In light of this account , the prime minister considers that the matter is closed . ''
When asked previously if he had done the right thing , the prime minister replied : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course he did . ''
And Mr Zahawi told Sky News : `` All the details were discussed yesterday .
Rob Jenrick 's intention was to get more homes built in London and the rest of the country and that should be the focus , rightly so .
`` I think the matter is considered to be over .
This government has been more transparent on this than any previous government on any planning issue . ''
But the PM is now facing calls to sack the housing secretary .
Liberal Democrat MP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ untenable '' .
`` The public will be appalled at what looks like a clear abuse of power - Robert Jenrick must go and the Conservative Party must hand back this donation , '' she demanded .
Labour 's Steve Reed said the documents `` raise more questions than they answer '' .
He said : `` The documents show Mr Jenrick rushed the decision through on the 14th January specifically so he could help Mr Desmond avoid £30m-£50m in a community levy that would have been spent on things like schools , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most deprived communities in the United Kingdom .
`` It seems highly inappropriate that Mr Jenrick told the House that he closed down a conversation with Mr Desmond at the dinner and then the very next morning , there he is sending him very chummy text messages seeking to meet up .
`` The documents make crystal clear that Robert Jenrick was trying to do favours for Richard Desmond by rushing this decision through the day before a community levy came into force . ''
In the Commons earlier on Wednesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , openness matters and settling this matter matters because I certainly do n't want to be the subject of the innuendo and the false accusations that the Opposition are choosing to peddle . ''

The housing secretary was "insistent" a planning application be allowed just in time to save its Tory donor backer up to £50m, new government documents reveal.
Papers released amid pressure on Robert Jenrick show an official in his department recorded he wanted approval to be given to the Westferry development sought by former newspaper owner Richard Desmond.
Business minister Nadhim Zahawi has defended Mr Jenrick, telling Sky News he had "explained himself" and the issue has been "laid to rest".
Image: The Westferry development decision was reversed following legal action
A partly redacted email sent on 9 January said the cabinet minister "was insistent that decision issued this week ie tomorrow - as next week the viability of the scheme is impacted by a change in the London CIL [Community Infrastructure Levy] regime".
That decision allowed Northern and Shell to avoid paying between £30m and £50m extra to the council and overruled both Tower Hamlets Council and a planning inspector.
Mr Jenrick subsequently reversed the ruling following legal action by the council, admitting that what he did was "unlawful by reason of apparent bias".
It later emerged that Mr Jenrick had sat next to Mr Desmond at a Conservative Party fundraising dinner in November 2019.
The minister admitted Mr Desmond did "bring out his iPhone and show me some images of the development" at the event.
Two weeks after the housing scheme was approved, Electoral Commission records show that Mr Desmond personally gave £12,000 to the Conservatives.
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Text exchanges between Robert Jenrick and Richard Desmond, released by the government
Mr Jenrick has since been fighting allegations of "cash for favours" but has dismissed any claims of impropriety as "false allegations".
New texts between the pair also emerged as part of a bundle of documents released by the government in a bid to clear Mr Jenrick's name.
They show he texted Mr Desmond on 18 November 2019 saying: "Good to spend time with you tonight Richard. See you again soon I hope."
In another exchange two days later, Mr Desmond tried to arrange a meeting with the housing secretary on 19 December, as well as a site visit to the Westferry Printworks, complaining about having to deal with "Marxists".
He wrote: "Good news finally the inspectors reports have gone to you today, we appreciate the speed as we don't want to give Marxists loads of doe for nothing!
"We all want to go with the scheme and the social housing we have proposed and spent a month at the Marxist town hall debating, thanks again, all my best, Richard."
Image: Richard Desmond donated £12,000 to Boris Johnson's Conservative Party
Mr Jenrick replied declining a meeting until after a decision had been made due to his position because "it is important not to give any appearance of being influenced by applicants of cases that I may have a role in or to have predetermined them".
He added: "And so I think it is best that we don't meet until after the matter has been decided, one way of [sic] another ‐ and I can't provide any advice to you on that, other than to say that I will receive advice from my officials after the general election assuming I remain in office and will consider it carefully in accordance with the rules and guidance.
"I hope that is okay and we can meet to discuss other matters soon, hopefully on the 19th [of December]."
An email on 14 January appears to show Mr Jenrick was keen to get the decision passed quickly, a housing department official writing they needed confirmation "by 5pm" to "avoid any criticism that the decision was not received within office hours".
It is understood Boris Johnson considers the Westferry case "closed", according to a civil service letter shared on social media.
The letter, written by civil service boss Sir Mark Sedwill, is addressed to Labour's shadow communities secretary Steve Reed in response to his questions on what basis the housing secretary approved the Westferry development and what contact he had with the developer.
Image: Robert Jenrick faced questions in the Commons on Wednesday over the row
Mr Sedwill wrote Mr Jenrick had "set out a full and factual account" of his actions, adding: "In light of this account, the prime minister considers that the matter is closed."
Mr Johnson has previously stood by Mr Jenrick.
When asked previously if he had done the right thing, the prime minister replied: "As far as I know, of course he did."
And Mr Zahawi told Sky News: "All the details were discussed yesterday. Rob Jenrick's intention was to get more homes built in London and the rest of the country and that should be the focus, rightly so.
"I think the matter is considered to be over. This government has been more transparent on this than any previous government on any planning issue."
But the PM is now facing calls to sack the housing secretary.
Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran said his position was "untenable".
Image: Mr Jenrick has dismissed any claims of impropriety as 'false allegations'
"The public will be appalled at what looks like a clear abuse of power - Robert Jenrick must go and the Conservative Party must hand back this donation," she demanded.
Labour's Steve Reed said the documents "raise more questions than they answer".
He said: "The documents show Mr Jenrick rushed the decision through on the 14th January specifically so he could help Mr Desmond avoid £30m-£50m in a community levy that would have been spent on things like schools, youth clubs and clinics in one of the most deprived communities in the United Kingdom.
"It seems highly inappropriate that Mr Jenrick told the House that he closed down a conversation with Mr Desmond at the dinner and then the very next morning, there he is sending him very chummy text messages seeking to meet up.
"The documents make crystal clear that Robert Jenrick was trying to do favours for Richard Desmond by rushing this decision through the day before a community levy came into force."
In the Commons earlier on Wednesday, Mr Jenrick said: "Transparency matters, openness matters and settling this matter matters because I certainly don't want to be the subject of the innuendo and the false accusations that the Opposition are choosing to peddle."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-25--'Naive' housing secretary not off the hook over billionaire's building scheme

Robert Jenrick 's judgement has been questioned over his involvement with Richard Desmond Facing a Labour onslaught in the Commons over the Westferry Printworks development , Robert Jenrick appeared bullish and full of bravado .
Big mistake .
In a defiant performance at the despatch box , the Housing Secretary accused his Labour and SNP tormentors of `` wild accusations '' and `` baseless innuendo '' .
Of course , he said confidently , he would happily outline the timeline of events leading up to his approval of Richard Desmond 's £1.5bn scheme and the rationale for his decision-making .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ information as well as discussions and correspondence the government would not normally release , he said .
In fact , though , he had no alternative .
But when he did publish a nine-page letter justifying his actions , the accompanying texts and emails between Mr Jenrick and Mr Desmond did not make pretty reading for the increasingly beleaguered minister .
The texts between the 38-year-old cabinet minister previously seen as a rising star in Boris Johnson 's government and the brash , controversial former Express Newspapers owner were embarrassingly chummy .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time he had met Mr Desmond , he said in his letter to MPs - on 18 November last year and they exchanged phone numbers .
That was probably his first mistake .
His second , almost certainly , was to text Mr Desmond later that evening in gushing tones , saying : `` Good to spend time with you tonight , Richard .
See you again soon , I hope . ''
When Mr Desmond replied saying he would call his office the next day to arrange a site visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'd like that .
See you soon . ''
He 'd like that ?
Really ?
A secretary of state for housing promising a developer a site visit sounds highly irregular .
And , to be fair , Mr Jenrick appears to have realised this later and told Mr Desmond it was not appropriate .
But the emails between civil servants suggesting Mr Jenrick wanted to rush a decision do n't look good either .
And it 's these that are potentially most dangerous for him as he battles to survive the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swift ruling to save himself millions of pounds in payments to Tower Hamlets councillors , whom he brands `` Marxists '' .
But then the outspoken Mr Desmond has never been shy of voicing his opinions .
`` On timing , my understanding is that the SOS is/was insistent that decision issued this week ie tomorrow - as next week the viability of the scheme is impacted by a change in the London regime , '' wrote one official to another .
So these documents released by Mr Jenrick have raised more questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cabinet secretary Sir Mark Sedwill declaring in a letter to Labour 's shadow housing secretary Steve Reed that the prime minister `` considers the matter is closed '' , it is n't , by any means .
This row is n't about a blunder by a civil servant or civil servants inside a cabinet minister 's department , like the Windrush deportations scandal that saw Amber Rudd forced to resign as home secretary .
This Is about the personal conduct of a minister in his dealings with a powerful business tycoon and former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as looking bad for Mr Jenrick , the published texts and emails reveal a naivety by the man who is the youngest member of the cabinet and has enjoyed speedy promotion under Boris Johnson .
It 's difficult to imagine a more seasoned cabinet minister being so pally with a controversial figure like Mr Desmond .
It 's not as if the former Express owner is a relatively unknown figure in business .
Anyone who has done business with him will testify that he is ruthless , and often unconventional in his determination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving such a firebrand entrepreneur his mobile phone number and then engaging in a lengthy dialogue with him by text was unwise .
The pushy Mr Desmond , who showed the minister a video of his proposed development during the Tory dinner when they first met , was always likely to pursue him relentlessly over the planning application .
As his later - increasingly impatient - texts confirm that he did .
Even though Mr Jenrick had no choice but to make public all the correspondence , emails and texts , if he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sadly mistaken .
Naive , even , again .
Although the PM will fight to keep him , this row is n't over .
And the heat is on Mr Jenrick now much more than it was during his surprisingly bullish performance in the Commons .

Documents released by Mr Jenrick appear to have dragged him further into the mire rather than helping him.
Robert Jenrick's judgement has been questioned over his involvement with Richard Desmond
Facing a Labour onslaught in the Commons over the Westferry Printworks development, Robert Jenrick appeared bullish and full of bravado. Big mistake.
In a defiant performance at the despatch box, the Housing Secretary accused his Labour and SNP tormentors of "wild accusations" and "baseless innuendo".
Of course, he said confidently, he would happily outline the timeline of events leading up to his approval of Richard Desmond's £1.5bn scheme and the rationale for his decision-making.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:04 Minister under fire over property deal
He would also release all the relevant information as well as discussions and correspondence the government would not normally release, he said. In fact, though, he had no alternative.
But when he did publish a nine-page letter justifying his actions, the accompanying texts and emails between Mr Jenrick and Mr Desmond did not make pretty reading for the increasingly beleaguered minister.
The texts between the 38-year-old cabinet minister previously seen as a rising star in Boris Johnson's government and the brash, controversial former Express Newspapers owner were embarrassingly chummy.
The pair had attended a Tory dinner - the first time he had met Mr Desmond, he said in his letter to MPs - on 18 November last year and they exchanged phone numbers. That was probably his first mistake.
His second, almost certainly, was to text Mr Desmond later that evening in gushing tones, saying: "Good to spend time with you tonight, Richard. See you again soon, I hope."
When Mr Desmond replied saying he would call his office the next day to arrange a site visit, Mr Jenrick texted back: "I'd like that. See you soon." He'd like that? Really?
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A secretary of state for housing promising a developer a site visit sounds highly irregular. And, to be fair, Mr Jenrick appears to have realised this later and told Mr Desmond it was not appropriate.
But the emails between civil servants suggesting Mr Jenrick wanted to rush a decision don't look good either. And it's these that are potentially most dangerous for him as he battles to survive the political storm.
Image: The Westferry Printworks site on the Isle of Dogs, east London.
Mr Desmond wanted a swift ruling to save himself millions of pounds in payments to Tower Hamlets councillors, whom he brands "Marxists". But then the outspoken Mr Desmond has never been shy of voicing his opinions.
"On timing, my understanding is that the SOS is/was insistent that decision issued this week ie tomorrow - as next week the viability of the scheme is impacted by a change in the London regime," wrote one official to another.
So these documents released by Mr Jenrick have raised more questions than they answer. And despite the cabinet secretary Sir Mark Sedwill declaring in a letter to Labour's shadow housing secretary Steve Reed that the prime minister "considers the matter is closed", it isn't, by any means.
This row isn't about a blunder by a civil servant or civil servants inside a cabinet minister's department, like the Windrush deportations scandal that saw Amber Rudd forced to resign as home secretary.
This Is about the personal conduct of a minister in his dealings with a powerful business tycoon and former high-profile media mogul.
And as well as looking bad for Mr Jenrick, the published texts and emails reveal a naivety by the man who is the youngest member of the cabinet and has enjoyed speedy promotion under Boris Johnson. It's difficult to imagine a more seasoned cabinet minister being so pally with a controversial figure like Mr Desmond.
It's not as if the former Express owner is a relatively unknown figure in business. Anyone who has done business with him will testify that he is ruthless, and often unconventional in his determination to get what he wants.
So giving such a firebrand entrepreneur his mobile phone number and then engaging in a lengthy dialogue with him by text was unwise.
The pushy Mr Desmond, who showed the minister a video of his proposed development during the Tory dinner when they first met, was always likely to pursue him relentlessly over the planning application. As his later - increasingly impatient - texts confirm that he did.
Even though Mr Jenrick had no choice but to make public all the correspondence, emails and texts, if he thought it would help, he was sadly mistaken. Naive, even, again.
Although the PM will fight to keep him, this row isn't over. And the heat is on Mr Jenrick now much more than it was during his surprisingly bullish performance in the Commons.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-24--Government to tear up red tape to allow more outdoor drinking and dining

A bonfire of red tape is being unveiled by Boris Johnson in a move to help the economy to recover from coronavirus and the nation to enjoy the summer sunshine outdoors .
On the day temperatures are set to soar to a record 34C - hotter than the Caribbean and Morocco - the government is publishing new legislation sweeping away dozens of planning regulations .
The result will be more food and alcohol on sale outdoors , more outdoor markets , car boot sales and summer fairs , all allowed without the burden of restrictive planning and licensing laws .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with deregulation proposals , is being introduced in the Commons , with ministers claiming it will help businesses get back on their feet and get people back in their jobs safely .
Publication of the Bill follows the prime minister 's dramatic easing of the lockdown announced on Tuesday , when he urged Britons to `` get out and enjoy themselves '' when businesses re-open on 4 July .
At the heart of the legislation are measures to introduce outdoor dining in England this summer to help the economy bounce back from coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that more pubs , restaurants and cafes will be able to serve customers outside , thanks to plans to simplify licensing processes and cut red tape .
`` We are taking steps in this Bill to increase outdoor street trading and outdoor markets , '' said a government source .
`` We are working with councils across England to pedestrianise areas , and proposed planning freedoms will mean that outdoor markets , pop-up car-boot sales and summer fairs will not need a planning application , transforming the way people currently shop and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Under the Bill 's proposals , temporary changes to licensing laws will allow many more licensed premises , such as pubs and restaurants , to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises .
Customers will be able to buy their drinks from a pub and consume them elsewhere - making social distancing easier .
Pubs and restaurants will be able to use car parks and terraces as dining and drinking areas .
The aim is that customers can therefore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` These measures will give an immediate and much-needed boost to many businesses , as well as allow them to plan for a successful reopening on 4 July , '' the government source added .
`` This builds on support introduced in March allowing any food and drink business , including pubs , to offer a takeaway service .
This will also support hospitality staff return to work safely , revive businesses and provide a real boost to high streets affected by the pandemic .
`` This Bill is the next step to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and enjoy the best of British hospitality in a COVID secure way - helping businesses get back on their feet and employees return to work . ''

A bonfire of red tape is being unveiled by Boris Johnson in a move to help the economy to recover from coronavirus and the nation to enjoy the summer sunshine outdoors.
On the day temperatures are set to soar to a record 34C - hotter than the Caribbean and Morocco - the government is publishing new legislation sweeping away dozens of planning regulations.
The result will be more food and alcohol on sale outdoors, more outdoor markets, car boot sales and summer fairs, all allowed without the burden of restrictive planning and licensing laws.
A Business and Planning Bill, packed with deregulation proposals, is being introduced in the Commons, with ministers claiming it will help businesses get back on their feet and get people back in their jobs safely.
Publication of the Bill follows the prime minister's dramatic easing of the lockdown announced on Tuesday, when he urged Britons to "get out and enjoy themselves" when businesses re-open on 4 July.
At the heart of the legislation are measures to introduce outdoor dining in England this summer to help the economy bounce back from coronavirus, the government claims.
The aim is that more pubs, restaurants and cafes will be able to serve customers outside, thanks to plans to simplify licensing processes and cut red tape.
"We are taking steps in this Bill to increase outdoor street trading and outdoor markets," said a government source.
"We are working with councils across England to pedestrianise areas, and proposed planning freedoms will mean that outdoor markets, pop-up car-boot sales and summer fairs will not need a planning application, transforming the way people currently shop and socialise."
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Under the Bill's proposals, temporary changes to licensing laws will allow many more licensed premises, such as pubs and restaurants, to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises.
Customers will be able to buy their drinks from a pub and consume them elsewhere - making social distancing easier.
Pubs and restaurants will be able to use car parks and terraces as dining and drinking areas. The aim is that customers can therefore enjoy their drinks and food outside.
"These measures will give an immediate and much-needed boost to many businesses, as well as allow them to plan for a successful reopening on 4 July," the government source added.
"This builds on support introduced in March allowing any food and drink business, including pubs, to offer a takeaway service. This will also support hospitality staff return to work safely, revive businesses and provide a real boost to high streets affected by the pandemic.
"This Bill is the next step to enable people to socialise this summer, and enjoy the best of British hospitality in a COVID secure way - helping businesses get back on their feet and employees return to work."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-25--Starmer sacks Long-Bailey over 'antisemitic conspiracy theory' article

Rebecca Long-Bailey has been sacked from Labour 's shadow cabinet after sharing an article that `` contained an antisemitic conspiracy theory '' .
`` This afternoon Keir Starmer asked Rebecca Long-Bailey to step down from the shadow cabinet , '' a spokesman for the Labour leader said .
`` As Leader of the Labour Party , Keir has been clear that restoring trust with the Jewish community is a number one priority .
`` Antisemitism takes many different forms and it is important that we all are vigilant against it . ''
Ms Long-Bailey , who stood in the race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Sir Keir to be shadow education secretary when he became leader in April .
Sky News understands a campaign group of left-wing Labour MPs have requested a meeting with Sir Keir Starmer about the dismissal but their request was declined .
Ms Long-Bailey 's sacking comes after she shared , on Twitter , an interview with the actress Maxine Peake , describing her as an `` absolute diamond '' .
In the interview , Ms Peake claimed the US police linked to the killing of George Floyd had learned their tactics from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticism for her tweet , Ms Long-Bailey said she `` retweeted Maxine Peake 's article because of her significant achievements and because the thrust of her argument is to stay in the Labour Party '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker She added : `` It was n't intended to be an endorsement of all aspects of the article . ''
In a series of messages after her sacking was announced , Ms Long-Bailey said she shared the article from `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maxine Peake '' because `` its main thrust was anger with the Conservative government 's handling of the current emergency and a call for Labour Party unity '' .
She added : `` These sentiments are shared by everyone in our movement and millions of people in our country .
`` I learned that many people were concerned by references to international sharing of training and restraint techniques between police and security forces .
`` In no way was my retweet an intention to endorse every part of that article . ''
Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these concerns and duly issued a clarification of my retweet '' , which was agreed in advance with Sir Keir 's office .
`` But after posting I was subsequently instructed to take both this agreed clarification and my original retweet down , '' she said .
`` I could not do this in good conscience without the issuing of a press statement of clarification .
`` I had asked to discuss these matters with Keir before agreeing what further action to take , but sadly he had already made his decision .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Salford and Eccles in 2015 , said she would `` continue to support the Labour Party in parliament under Keir Starmer 's leadership , to represent the people of Salford and Eccles and work towards a more equal , peaceful and sustainable world '' .
Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge , who is Jewish , tweeted : `` This is what a change in culture looks like .
This is what zero tolerance looks like .
This is what rebuilding trust with the Jewish community looks like . ''
Marie van der @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Deputies of British Jews , thanked Sir Keir for his `` swift action '' and said he was `` backing his words with actions on antisemitism '' .
Jonathan Goldstein , chair of the Jewish Leadership Council , said Sir Keir 's `` decisive leadership and firm action '' shows `` he understands the severity and harm that antisemitic conspiracies do to our politics '' .
John Mann , the government 's antisemitism adviser and a former Labour MP , added Sir Keir had done `` the decent thing '' and `` the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they wanted to see action - not just words '' .
But John McDonnell , who was shadow chancellor under Mr Corbyn , made clear that he disagreed with the decision .
`` Throughout discussion of antisemitism it 's always been said criticism of practices of Israeli state is not antisemitic , '' he said .
`` I do n't believe therefore that this article is or  @ RLong_Bailey should 've been sacked .
I stand in solidarity with her . ''
Maxine Peake clarified her own reported comments after the row @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assumption of American police training and its sources , '' she tweeted .
`` I find racism and antisemitism abhorrent and I in no way wished , nor intended , to add fodder to any views of the contrary . ''

Rebecca Long-Bailey has been sacked from Labour's shadow cabinet after sharing an article that "contained an antisemitic conspiracy theory".
"This afternoon Keir Starmer asked Rebecca Long-Bailey to step down from the shadow cabinet," a spokesman for the Labour leader said.
"The article Rebecca shared earlier today contained an antisemitic conspiracy theory.
Image: A spokesman for Sir Keir said 'restoring trust with the Jewish community is a number one priority'
"As Leader of the Labour Party, Keir has been clear that restoring trust with the Jewish community is a number one priority.
"Antisemitism takes many different forms and it is important that we all are vigilant against it."
Ms Long-Bailey, who stood in the race to replace Jeremy Corbyn, was chosen by Sir Keir to be shadow education secretary when he became leader in April.
Sky News understands a campaign group of left-wing Labour MPs have requested a meeting with Sir Keir Starmer about the dismissal but their request was declined.
Ms Long-Bailey's sacking comes after she shared, on Twitter, an interview with the actress Maxine Peake, describing her as an "absolute diamond".
In the interview, Ms Peake claimed the US police linked to the killing of George Floyd had learned their tactics from the Israeli secret services.
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After attracting criticism for her tweet, Ms Long-Bailey said she "retweeted Maxine Peake's article because of her significant achievements and because the thrust of her argument is to stay in the Labour Party".
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She added: "It wasn't intended to be an endorsement of all aspects of the article."
In a series of messages after her sacking was announced, Ms Long-Bailey said she shared the article from "my constituent and stalwart Labour Party supporter Maxine Peake" because "its main thrust was anger with the Conservative government's handling of the current emergency and a call for Labour Party unity".
She added: "These sentiments are shared by everyone in our movement and millions of people in our country.
"I learned that many people were concerned by references to international sharing of training and restraint techniques between police and security forces.
"In no way was my retweet an intention to endorse every part of that article."
Ms Long-Bailey said she wanted to "acknowledge these concerns and duly issued a clarification of my retweet", which was agreed in advance with Sir Keir's office.
"But after posting I was subsequently instructed to take both this agreed clarification and my original retweet down," she said.
"I could not do this in good conscience without the issuing of a press statement of clarification.
"I had asked to discuss these matters with Keir before agreeing what further action to take, but sadly he had already made his decision."
Ms Long-Bailey, who became MP for Salford and Eccles in 2015, said she would "continue to support the Labour Party in parliament under Keir Starmer's leadership, to represent the people of Salford and Eccles and work towards a more equal, peaceful and sustainable world".
Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge, who is Jewish, tweeted: "This is what a change in culture looks like. This is what zero tolerance looks like. This is what rebuilding trust with the Jewish community looks like."
Marie van der Zyl, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, thanked Sir Keir for his "swift action" and said he was "backing his words with actions on antisemitism".
Jonathan Goldstein, chair of the Jewish Leadership Council, said Sir Keir's "decisive leadership and firm action" shows "he understands the severity and harm that antisemitic conspiracies do to our politics".
John Mann, the government's antisemitism adviser and a former Labour MP, added Sir Keir had done "the decent thing" and "the Jewish community will be significantly reassured because they wanted to see action - not just words".
But John McDonnell, who was shadow chancellor under Mr Corbyn, made clear that he disagreed with the decision.
"Throughout discussion of antisemitism it's always been said criticism of practices of Israeli state is not antisemitic," he said.
"I don't believe therefore that this article is or @RLong_Bailey should've been sacked. I stand in solidarity with her."
Maxine Peake clarified her own reported comments after the row.
"I was inaccurate in my assumption of American police training and its sources," she tweeted.
"I find racism and antisemitism abhorrent and I in no way wished, nor intended, to add fodder to any views of the contrary."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-25--Starmer calculates sacking praise will outweigh revolt

Today saw two very different approaches to leadership .
Boris Johnson stood resolutely behind Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick , just as he had stood decisively behind Dominic Cummings when he too was in trouble earlier this month .
For Downing Street , sacking someone important is often a sign of weakness , a sign they are being forced to buckle in the face of media criticism or opposition pressure .
For that reason , it is to be avoided .
Meanwhile Labour leader Keir Starmer decided to abruptly dismiss Rebecca Long-Bailey from his shadow cabinet without even speaking to her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Her crime : to retweet an interview in the Independent newspaper with actress Maxine Peake in which she claimed that the US police who murdered George Floyd were trained by Israeli secret services - which both Labour and the British Board of Deputies labelled an antisemitic conspiracy theory .
Maxine Peake later rescinded her claim about Israeli involvement in US police training , while Sir Keir rescinded Mrs Long-Bailey 's job in the shadow cabinet .
Both leaders are trying to project strength , so it is interesting today they are doing so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this will work to both of their advantage , maybe neither , although some Labour figures claim that they relish the contrast between Sir Keir who acts and Mr Johnson who does not .
Equally , however , maybe this just reminds voters of Labour 's antisemitism problem .
What will be fascinating is the impact on Labour 's internal politics .
Firstly Sir Keir was starting to have a schools problem , and Mrs Long-Bailey who is close to the unions , occupied the education brief .
Tories believed the flip-flop attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get traction , and Sir Keir may choose this moment to reset the tone on this sensitive issue .
Will he go further in his criticism of the teaching unions ?
His relationship with the behemoth , the National Education Union , will be worthy of close attention .
Then there is the fight with Labour 's left .
Sir Keir won by getting the backing of much of the left - runner-up Ms Long Bailey got just 27 % of the vote and did n't even get above 30 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains a caucus of left-wingers who appear to be signalling an attack over today 's sacking , and they often have an outsized influence on social media meaning they can not be easily be ignored .
Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell , former party chair Ian Lavery , Momentum founder Jon Lansman , former shadow cabinet minister Richard Burgon , activist Owen Jones and even Jeremy Corbyn 's wife Laura Alvarez all expressed solidarity with Mrs Long-Bailey tonight .
There is already a Momentum petition .
Mr Corbyn and Mr McDonnell 's policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I do think it 's a mistake .
`` It 's unfortunate because it will create division within the party .
A lot of the left see Rebecca as the most high-profile left winger in the shadow cabinet now .
Or formerly .
I think most fair minded people will think it 's a harsh decision . ''
In other words , he says people will see this as a sacking over what she represents - a strand of continuity Corbynism in Sir Keir 's shadow cabinet , rather than over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruled an antisemitic conspiracy theory .
Mike Katz from the Jewish Labour Movement told me : `` The decision he made to ask Rebecca Long Bailey to stand down should be welcomed .
We have for too long called for actions , not just words , more words .
All we got under Jeremy Corbyn was words .
No activity .
`` Starmer has taken some firm action .
This is to be welcomed . ''
Sir Keir is judging the revolt is less significant than the praise from the Jewish community .

Today saw two very different approaches to leadership.
Boris Johnson stood resolutely behind Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick, just as he had stood decisively behind Dominic Cummings when he too was in trouble earlier this month.
For Downing Street, sacking someone important is often a sign of weakness, a sign they are being forced to buckle in the face of media criticism or opposition pressure. For that reason, it is to be avoided.
Image: Downing Street do not want to be seen to cave in to media pressure
Meanwhile Labour leader Keir Starmer decided to abruptly dismiss Rebecca Long-Bailey from his shadow cabinet without even speaking to her, with no right of appeal.
Her crime: to retweet an interview in the Independent newspaper with actress Maxine Peake in which she claimed that the US police who murdered George Floyd were trained by Israeli secret services - which both Labour and the British Board of Deputies labelled an antisemitic conspiracy theory.
Maxine Peake later rescinded her claim about Israeli involvement in US police training, while Sir Keir rescinded Mrs Long-Bailey's job in the shadow cabinet.
Both leaders are trying to project strength, so it is interesting today they are doing so by adopting diametrically opposed means.
Maybe this will work to both of their advantage, maybe neither, although some Labour figures claim that they relish the contrast between Sir Keir who acts and Mr Johnson who does not. Equally, however, maybe this just reminds voters of Labour's antisemitism problem.
What will be fascinating is the impact on Labour's internal politics.
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Image: Rebecca Long-Bailey got 27% of the vote in the leadership contest
Firstly Sir Keir was starting to have a schools problem, and Mrs Long-Bailey who is close to the unions, occupied the education brief.
Tories believed the flip-flop attack on Labour's schools position was starting to get traction, and Sir Keir may choose this moment to reset the tone on this sensitive issue.
Will he go further in his criticism of the teaching unions? His relationship with the behemoth, the National Education Union, will be worthy of close attention.
Image: The PM has stuck by the under-fire Robert Jenrick
Then there is the fight with Labour's left.
Sir Keir won by getting the backing of much of the left - runner-up Ms Long Bailey got just 27% of the vote and didn't even get above 30% of the general membership block.
There nevertheless remains a caucus of left-wingers who appear to be signalling an attack over today's sacking, and they often have an outsized influence on social media meaning they cannot be easily be ignored.
Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell, former party chair Ian Lavery, Momentum founder Jon Lansman, former shadow cabinet minister Richard Burgon, activist Owen Jones and even Jeremy Corbyn's wife Laura Alvarez all expressed solidarity with Mrs Long-Bailey tonight. There is already a Momentum petition.
Image: A former policy chief John McDonnell and Jeremy Corbyn called it a 'mistake'
Mr Corbyn and Mr McDonnell's policy chief Andrew Fisher, told Sky News: "I do think it's a mistake.
"It's unfortunate because it will create division within the party. A lot of the left see Rebecca as the most high-profile left winger in the shadow cabinet now. Or formerly. I think most fair minded people will think it's a harsh decision."
In other words, he says people will see this as a sacking over what she represents - a strand of continuity Corbynism in Sir Keir's shadow cabinet, rather than over the actual tweet, which Labour has ruled an antisemitic conspiracy theory.
Mike Katz from the Jewish Labour Movement told me: "The decision he made to ask Rebecca Long Bailey to stand down should be welcomed. We have for too long called for actions, not just words, more words. All we got under Jeremy Corbyn was words. No activity.
"Starmer has taken some firm action. This is to be welcomed."
Sir Keir is judging the revolt is less significant than the praise from the Jewish community.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-25--£400m for R&D projects as arts sector return outlined

Seven research and innovation projects are receiving more than £400m in government funding .
Businesses and universities in places including Glasgow , Belfast , Cardiff and Kent are set to benefit , taking forward projects such as zero-emissions technology for maritime vessels , smart-packaging to cut food waste , and new health products to combat infections .
Ministers said each programme will deliver long-term economic benefits , creating thousands of jobs and encouraging more competitive and future-proof industries as the economy recovers from the coronavirus pandemic .
• £114m for a consortium led by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the University of Edinburgh • £46m for a consortium led by the University of Bristol A five-stage plan that could see the return of the performing arts has also been unveiled .
The first two stages of the plan are already in place : Allowing rehearsals to resume with no audience present and giving the go-ahead to recorded performances , provided social distancing rules are being followed .
Stage three will see outdoor performances with socially-distanced spectators , as well as pilots for indoor performances with a limited crowd .
The fourth stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take place inside with a limited , socially distanced audience .
The final stage will see performances permitted both indoors and outdoors , with more people allowed to watch .
Kate Varah , executive director of the Old Vic theatre in London , said she welcomes the `` clarity and information '' but added : `` If we had some timelines that would be brilliant , because we can then start to plan our businesses around those rough dates . ''
Julian Bird , CEO of UK Theatre and Society of London Theatre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no earlier than '' dates for stages three to five .
`` Otherwise with no information at all , theatres and producers will have to assume a worst-case scenario and plan to be shut for a long period , '' he cautioned .
`` With the rest of the economy now reopening quickly , we firmly believe that with the right safety processes in place , we can get back to full audiences in theatres within months - we now need the government to confirm this . ''
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theatres must be full to make money , and performers need to be safe on stage as they sing , dance and play instruments .
`` But I am determined to ensure the performing arts do not stay closed longer than is absolutely necessary to protect public health . ''

Seven research and innovation projects are receiving more than £400m in government funding.
Businesses and universities in places including Glasgow, Belfast, Cardiff and Kent are set to benefit, taking forward projects such as zero-emissions technology for maritime vessels, smart-packaging to cut food waste, and new health products to combat infections.
Ministers said each programme will deliver long-term economic benefits, creating thousands of jobs and encouraging more competitive and future-proof industries as the economy recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.
Image: Some parts of the economy are opening up as lockdown eases
The projects include:
£114m for a consortium led by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
£55m for a consortium led by the University of Edinburgh
£46m for a consortium led by the University of Bristol
A five-stage plan that could see the return of the performing arts has also been unveiled.
The first two stages of the plan are already in place: Allowing rehearsals to resume with no audience present and giving the go-ahead to recorded performances, provided social distancing rules are being followed.
Image: Mr Dowden doesn't want the arts sector closed 'longer than is absolutely necessary'
Stage three will see outdoor performances with socially-distanced spectators, as well as pilots for indoor performances with a limited crowd.
The fourth stage of the plan allows for performances to take place inside with a limited, socially distanced audience.
The final stage will see performances permitted both indoors and outdoors, with more people allowed to watch.
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Kate Varah, executive director of the Old Vic theatre in London, said she welcomes the "clarity and information" but added: "If we had some timelines that would be brilliant, because we can then start to plan our businesses around those rough dates."
Julian Bird, CEO of UK Theatre and Society of London Theatre, said there needed to be "no earlier than" dates for stages three to five.
"Otherwise with no information at all, theatres and producers will have to assume a worst-case scenario and plan to be shut for a long period," he cautioned.
"With the rest of the economy now reopening quickly, we firmly believe that with the right safety processes in place, we can get back to full audiences in theatres within months - we now need the government to confirm this."
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "We know the challenges - theatres must be full to make money, and performers need to be safe on stage as they sing, dance and play instruments.
"But I am determined to ensure the performing arts do not stay closed longer than is absolutely necessary to protect public health."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-25--Hunt blames 'groupthink' for missed earlier pandemic lessons

Jeremy Hunt has admitted the government did n't learn lessons from earlier pandemics when he was health secretary .
The former cabinet minister and Boris Johnson 's Tory leadership rival said he took his `` share of responsibility '' for the `` structures '' that have impacted how badly hit Britain has been by coronavirus .
But he blamed `` groupthink '' in Whitehall and called for scientific advice to be `` de-politicised '' to be better prepared next time .
At more than 43,000 people , the UK has one of the highest COVID-19 death tolls in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gradually start to ease lockdown and infection counts have dropped , Mr Hunt said ministers could have been better prepared for the pandemic .
He denied austerity and the `` tremendous financial pressure '' on the NHS and social care sectors was the cause .
`` The problems and the challenges we 've had in tackling coronavirus do n't relate directly to that pressure , '' he told a virtual event with Politico .
`` They relate more to the fact we did n't learn the lessons of SARS and MERS , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well .
`` I fully accept that I have a share of responsibility for that . ''
SARS ( Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ) killed more than 700 people and terrified hundreds of thousands in 2002-03 and MERS ( Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ) emerged in 2012 .
Pushed on why the government did n't prepare better , Mr Hunt said : `` I try to ask myself that question - what should have been done better in the structures ?
`` I come back to the idea of transparency of scientific advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving advice to ministers .
`` What I think we need to do is de-politicise the process of scientific advice and also educate the public that sometimes scientists disagree .
`` Just as economists giving advice on interest rates regularly disagree .
`` We need to avoid the groupthink that clearly existed - we need to find ways to challenge the groupthink that meant we thought we were all fine because we prepared for a pandemic flu , when actually we needed to be thinking about pandemic SARS .
`` That 's the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to address . ''
Mr Hunt also said mistakes were made in dealing with the virus outbreak by not doing things earlier like lockdown , recommending face masks and increasing testing capacity .
`` With the benefit of hindsight , for sure , we would have done lots of things differently ... '' And these are n't just mistakes that were made here , they were made by governments all over the world . ''
Mr Hunt , who was ousted as foreign secretary when Boris Johnson became prime minister , also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , amid rumours a reshuffle could be on the cards .
But he said he would consider a return in the `` reasonably distanced future '' .

Jeremy Hunt has admitted the government didn't learn lessons from earlier pandemics when he was health secretary.
The former cabinet minister and Boris Johnson's Tory leadership rival said he took his "share of responsibility" for the "structures" that have impacted how badly hit Britain has been by coronavirus.
But he blamed "groupthink" in Whitehall and called for scientific advice to be "de-politicised" to be better prepared next time.
Image: SARS broke out in 2003
At more than 43,000 people, the UK has one of the highest COVID-19 death tolls in the world.
As governments in all four nations gradually start to ease lockdown and infection counts have dropped, Mr Hunt said ministers could have been better prepared for the pandemic.
Image: At least 43,000 people have died with COVID-19 in the UK
He denied austerity and the "tremendous financial pressure" on the NHS and social care sectors was the cause.
"The problems and the challenges we've had in tackling coronavirus don't relate directly to that pressure," he told a virtual event with Politico.
"They relate more to the fact we didn't learn the lessons of SARS and MERS, which should have happened under my time as well.
"I fully accept that I have a share of responsibility for that."
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Image: Coronavirus was not the flu-like pandemic the government expected
SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) killed more than 700 people and terrified hundreds of thousands in 2002-03 and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) emerged in 2012.
Pushed on why the government didn't prepare better, Mr Hunt said: "I try to ask myself that question - what should have been done better in the structures?
"I come back to the idea of transparency of scientific advice - widen the gene pool of scientists giving advice to ministers.
"What I think we need to do is de-politicise the process of scientific advice and also educate the public that sometimes scientists disagree.
"Just as economists giving advice on interest rates regularly disagree.
Image: Boris Johnson forced Jeremy Hunt out as foreign secretary
"We need to avoid the groupthink that clearly existed - we need to find ways to challenge the groupthink that meant we thought we were all fine because we prepared for a pandemic flu, when actually we needed to be thinking about pandemic SARS.
"That's the kind of structural change which we urgently need to address."
Mr Hunt also said mistakes were made in dealing with the virus outbreak by not doing things earlier like lockdown, recommending face masks and increasing testing capacity.
"With the benefit of hindsight, for sure, we would have done lots of things differently...
"And these aren't just mistakes that were made here, they were made by governments all over the world."
Mr Hunt, who was ousted as foreign secretary when Boris Johnson became prime minister, also ruled himself out of returning to cabinet, amid rumours a reshuffle could be on the cards.
But he said he would consider a return in the "reasonably distanced future".


skynewspolitics--2020-06-25--Blair: China has 'serious questions' to answer over coronavirus pandemic

China has `` serious questions '' to answer over the coronavirus pandemic , Tony Blair has said .
But the former prime minister warned against a new Cold War with Beijing as a result of the global fallout from COVID-19 .
Mr Blair acknowledged that the West will sometimes clash with China now that it is a great power .
However , he said it would be `` misleading and dangerous '' to view this as a new Cold War .
The former PM was speaking as the findings of a major survey of public opinion commissioned by his Institute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found a shift towards a `` markedly more hostile attitude '' from the West towards Beijing .
The YouGov survey of citizens in the UK , US , Germany and France suggests attitudes to China have hardened during the coronavirus outbreak .
The poll indicated that 60 % of British and French citizens view Beijing as a `` force for bad '' in the world , an opinion that is shared by 56 % of people in the US and 47 % in Germany .
It also found that only 3 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 % of French and US citizens see China as a force for good in the world .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Attitudes towards Beijing have hardened among 60 % in Britain , 55 % in France , 54 % in the US and 46 % in Germany .
Mr Blair , who was PM from 1997 to 2007 , said the poll showed `` there has been , during the COVID crisis , a sharp move amongst Western public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attitude towards China '' .
But he said western governments should take a strategic view of the relationship with Beijing rather than an `` ad hoc or purely reactive '' stance .
Relations between the US and China have deteriorated during Donald Trump 's time in the Oval Office .
Analysis from Mr Blair 's institute suggests a `` light Cold War '' or a `` great power rivalry '' between the two were the most likely scenarios .
The former PM said the rise of China was `` inevitable and right '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record on technological innovation .
Mr Blair said it was set to become a global superpower , but `` given the deep economic links between China and the West , Cold War analogies are misleading and dangerous '' .
He noted that while there has been a more aggressive posture from Beijing in recent years , the Chinese people are not the same as the Chinese Communist Party and `` if change comes to the way China is governed it will come from within '' .
Mr Blair added : `` It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China is anything other than stable and prosperous . ''

China has "serious questions" to answer over the coronavirus pandemic, Tony Blair has said.
But the former prime minister warned against a new Cold War with Beijing as a result of the global fallout from COVID-19.
Mr Blair acknowledged that the West will sometimes clash with China now that it is a great power.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 15:23 Blair: Government was 'too slow' to act on coronavirus
However, he said it would be "misleading and dangerous" to view this as a new Cold War.
The former PM was speaking as the findings of a major survey of public opinion commissioned by his Institute for Global Change were released.
It found a shift towards a "markedly more hostile attitude" from the West towards Beijing.
The YouGov survey of citizens in the UK, US, Germany and France suggests attitudes to China have hardened during the coronavirus outbreak.
The poll indicated that 60% of British and French citizens view Beijing as a "force for bad" in the world, an opinion that is shared by 56% of people in the US and 47% in Germany.
It also found that only 3% of Britons, 4% of Germans and 5% of French and US citizens see China as a force for good in the world.
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Attitudes towards Beijing have hardened among 60% in Britain, 55% in France, 54% in the US and 46% in Germany.
Mr Blair, who was PM from 1997 to 2007, said the poll showed "there has been, during the COVID crisis, a sharp move amongst Western public opinion, to a markedly more hostile attitude towards China".
But he said western governments should take a strategic view of the relationship with Beijing rather than an "ad hoc or purely reactive" stance.
Relations between the US and China have deteriorated during Donald Trump's time in the Oval Office.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:55 China's COVID-19 record 'can stand test of time'
Analysis from Mr Blair's institute suggests a "light Cold War" or a "great power rivalry" between the two were the most likely scenarios.
The former PM said the rise of China was "inevitable and right" given its population, economic power and record on technological innovation.
Mr Blair said it was set to become a global superpower, but "given the deep economic links between China and the West, Cold War analogies are misleading and dangerous".
He noted that while there has been a more aggressive posture from Beijing in recent years, the Chinese people are not the same as the Chinese Communist Party and "if change comes to the way China is governed it will come from within".
Mr Blair added: "It is in the interests of no one that China is anything other than stable and prosperous."