skynewspolitics--2020-05-15--UK on target to recruit 18,000 contact tracers by next week, govt says

The government has said it is on course to recruit its target of 18,000 contact tracers next week .
It comes after a minister told Sky News that just 1,500 were in place at the start of this week .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock had pledged to recruit 18,000 contact tracers by the middle of this month .
The measure is a key part of the government 's `` test , track and trace '' strategy to ease the COVID-19 lockdown .
Ministers hope that contact tracing will help reduce transmission of coronavirus by identifying and alerting people who may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will allow them to protect themselves and others close to them by self-isolating .
An app has been developed by NHSX , the health service 's digital arm , which is being trialled on the Isle of Wight .
Alongside this , a legion of human contact tracers will manually gather information about the places infected people have visited , and others they have been in contact with , to get a detailed picture of who might be at risk of infection .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asked for an update on plans to recruit thousands of contact tracers , Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis told Sky News this morning : `` I do n't think we 've got to 18,000 just yet , I think there 's about 15,000 applications , we 're looking to as you say get up to 18,000 . ''
Pressed for an exact number of contact tracers recruited , he responded : `` As of this morning I 'm not sure of exactly how many of the 15,000 have been hired , earlier in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would have gone up since then . ''
Addressing a regular Westminster briefing for journalists , the prime minister 's spokesman said the 1,500 figure was out of date and `` significantly more '' have since been recruited .
However , Downing Street said it did not have a specific number .
`` The numbers he [ Brandon Lewis ] had were a little behind where we are , so I think it was just from a couple of days ago , '' Boris Johnson 's spokesman said .
`` I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I know that we have recruited significantly more than the 1,500 he spoke about and we are on course to have the 18,000 in place next week . ''
Labour has questioned whether 18,000 contact tracers will be enough , with the party noting that some experts have suggested `` as many as 50,000 may be needed '' .
Rachel Reeves , shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster , said the scheme had been a `` shambles '' so far .
She has written to opposite number Michael Gove to raise a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was a `` mistake '' for the government to have stopped contact tracing in March and that Labour `` supported '' moves to bring in a `` comprehensive strategy for contact tracing both through the use of a suitable mobile phone app and a manual tracing service '' .
She raised questions about the reported hiring of private firm Serco to put in place the manual contact tracing team .
Ms Reeves said there must be `` transparency and accountability for the huge sums of taxpayers ' money '' involved in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The government has said it is on course to recruit its target of 18,000 contact tracers next week.
It comes after a minister told Sky News that just 1,500 were in place at the start of this week.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock had pledged to recruit 18,000 contact tracers by the middle of this month.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:33 How does contact tracing work?
The measure is a key part of the government's "test, track and trace" strategy to ease the COVID-19 lockdown.
Ministers hope that contact tracing will help reduce transmission of coronavirus by identifying and alerting people who may have been exposed to it.
This will allow them to protect themselves and others close to them by self-isolating.
An app has been developed by NHSX, the health service's digital arm, which is being trialled on the Isle of Wight.
Alongside this, a legion of human contact tracers will manually gather information about the places infected people have visited, and others they have been in contact with, to get a detailed picture of who might be at risk of infection.
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Asked for an update on plans to recruit thousands of contact tracers, Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis told Sky News this morning: "I don't think we've got to 18,000 just yet, I think there's about 15,000 applications, we're looking to as you say get up to 18,000."
Pressed for an exact number of contact tracers recruited, he responded: "As of this morning I'm not sure of exactly how many of the 15,000 have been hired, earlier in the week it was about 1,500, it would have gone up since then."
Addressing a regular Westminster briefing for journalists, the prime minister's spokesman said the 1,500 figure was out of date and "significantly more" have since been recruited.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:14 First UK hospital to treat COVID on what we've learnt
However, Downing Street said it did not have a specific number.
"The numbers he [Brandon Lewis] had were a little behind where we are, so I think it was just from a couple of days ago," Boris Johnson's spokesman said.
"I don't have a more up-to-date number but I know that we have recruited significantly more than the 1,500 he spoke about and we are on course to have the 18,000 in place next week."
Labour has questioned whether 18,000 contact tracers will be enough, with the party noting that some experts have suggested "as many as 50,000 may be needed".
Rachel Reeves, shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said the scheme had been a "shambles" so far.
She has written to opposite number Michael Gove to raise a number of questions.
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Ms Reeves said it was a "mistake" for the government to have stopped contact tracing in March and that Labour "supported" moves to bring in a "comprehensive strategy for contact tracing both through the use of a suitable mobile phone app and a manual tracing service".
She raised questions about the reported hiring of private firm Serco to put in place the manual contact tracing team.
Ms Reeves said there must be "transparency and accountability for the huge sums of taxpayers' money" involved in the government's response to the coronavirus.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-15--Daughter's anger as father dies after COVID-19 patient entered care home

The daughter of a man who died with suspected coronavirus has told Sky News she wants to know who signed off on a government policy to allow untested COVID-19 patients to be sent to care homes , potentially spreading the virus .
Dr Cathy Gardner says she fears the policy could have been a factor in the death of her 88-year-old father Michael Gibson , who passed away in a care home in Oxfordshire on 3 April .
She has described the government 's discharge policies as `` irresponsible '' .
Dr Gardner said : `` I think the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as rapidly as possible into care homes full of vulnerable people was incredibly irresponsible ...
I think it was an unbelievable act and they need to be held accountable for that . ''
The original advice the government gave regarding the discharge of patients to care homes said : `` Negative tests are not required prior to transfers/admissions into the care home . ''
The policy was changed as of 15 April to say : `` We can now confirm we will move to institute a policy of testing all residents prior to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will begin with all those being discharged from hospital and the NHS will have a responsibility for testing these specific patients , in advance of timely discharge .
`` Where a test result is still awaited , the patient will be discharged and pending the result , isolated in the same way as a COVID-positive patient will be . ''
The Department of Health and Social Care 's strategy was to prevent the NHS being overwhelmed .
Mr Gibson , who had advanced Alzheimer 's , was a resident at the Cherwood House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which Dr Gardner said looked after her father with great kindness .
She said that staff told her a COVID-positive patient was discharged back to the home in mid-March .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Sky News understands the care home felt pressured to take the resident back and were told the patient `` had n't had a temperature for 48 hours '' .
Cherwood House have said they were n't given any guarantees the patient was n't still infectious , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` one of several possibilities '' which could have caused Mr Gibson 's death .
Dr Gardner , who is an independent councillor in Devon , has a degree in microbiology and a PhD in the airborne spread of infection through the respiratory tract .
She said : `` Coronavirus is so easily spread .
The government knew the risks .
It 's so easily carried around even when people are doing their best the risk is so great .
At a time when over-70s and vulnerable people were being told to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she would like to see a public inquiry into the government 's social care and hospital discharge policies leading up to and during the pandemic .
She said : `` I hold the PM and the government responsible for the policy .
It 's got HM Government on the top of it .
Whoever wrote it originally , whoever signed it off for publication must be held responsible for the consequences . ''
In life , Mr Gibson was a registrar registering the births , deaths and marriages of others .
Dr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the precise cause of her father 's death will never be known because of the lack of testing in care homes .
She said : `` My father 's GP was extremely good .
She really suspected that patients dying like my father were infected with coronavirus and she put 'probable COVID-19 ' on the death certificate .
`` It seems such a shame after what he did for a living that his own death certificate is n't accurate .
Because he was never tested and no samples were taken after death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
`` It 's only recorded on his death certificate as probable . ''
Dr Gardner said : `` It 's difficult to deal with the loss of my father at the same time as understanding the background to his death because you 're always angry when you 're grieving anyway .
`` To know that this might have played a factor and the government might have contributed directly to my father 's death is almost unbelievable .
It 's so difficult to get my head around it .
It makes me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission , which is currently considering whether human rights laws have been breached in discharging patients into care homes .
He told Sky News that the commission was `` sympathetic in relation to the challenge in resources and how priorities have to be made '' .
`` But equally we think discharging without testing into care homes is high risk and poses substantial risk to those in those care homes who are people with underlying health conditions and often are very isolated and are not in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So talk to us , be mindful of those issues and work with us to come up with a solution .
The reality is if that does n't happen , we 'll have to look very carefully at how we exercise our legal powers to ensure that government and local authorities are actually meeting their obligations . ''
Sky News put Dr Gardner 's concerns to the Department for Health and Social Care , and are waiting to hear back from the government .

The daughter of a man who died with suspected coronavirus has told Sky News she wants to know who signed off on a government policy to allow untested COVID-19 patients to be sent to care homes, potentially spreading the virus.
Dr Cathy Gardner says she fears the policy could have been a factor in the death of her 88-year-old father Michael Gibson, who passed away in a care home in Oxfordshire on 3 April.
She has described the government's discharge policies as "irresponsible".
Image: Michael Gibson died in an Oxfordshire care home in April
Dr Gardner said: "I think the government guidance that hospitals implemented to discharge people as rapidly as possible into care homes full of vulnerable people was incredibly irresponsible... I think it was an unbelievable act and they need to be held accountable for that."
The original advice the government gave regarding the discharge of patients to care homes said: "Negative tests are not required prior to transfers/admissions into the care home."
The policy was changed as of 15 April to say: "We can now confirm we will move to institute a policy of testing all residents prior to admission to care homes.
"This will begin with all those being discharged from hospital and the NHS will have a responsibility for testing these specific patients, in advance of timely discharge.
"Where a test result is still awaited, the patient will be discharged and pending the result, isolated in the same way as a COVID-positive patient will be."
The Department of Health and Social Care's strategy was to prevent the NHS being overwhelmed.
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Mr Gibson, who had advanced Alzheimer's, was a resident at the Cherwood House Care Centre in Oxfordshire, a place which Dr Gardner said looked after her father with great kindness.
She said that staff told her a COVID-positive patient was discharged back to the home in mid-March.
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Sky News understands the care home felt pressured to take the resident back and were told the patient "hadn't had a temperature for 48 hours".
Cherwood House have said they weren't given any guarantees the patient wasn't still infectious, and said taking back the COVID-positive resident was "one of several possibilities" which could have caused Mr Gibson's death.
Dr Gardner, who is an independent councillor in Devon, has a degree in microbiology and a PhD in the airborne spread of infection through the respiratory tract.
She said: "Coronavirus is so easily spread. The government knew the risks. It's so easily carried around even when people are doing their best the risk is so great. At a time when over-70s and vulnerable people were being told to stay at home."
Dr Gardner said she would like to see a public inquiry into the government's social care and hospital discharge policies leading up to and during the pandemic.
She said: "I hold the PM and the government responsible for the policy. It's got HM Government on the top of it. Whoever wrote it originally, whoever signed it off for publication must be held responsible for the consequences."
In life, Mr Gibson was a registrar registering the births, deaths and marriages of others.
Dr Gardner said it was a sad irony that the precise cause of her father's death will never be known because of the lack of testing in care homes.
She said: "My father's GP was extremely good. She really suspected that patients dying like my father were infected with coronavirus and she put 'probable COVID-19' on the death certificate.
"It seems such a shame after what he did for a living that his own death certificate isn't accurate. Because he was never tested and no samples were taken after death to confirm the diagnosis or not of coronavirus.
"It's only recorded on his death certificate as probable."
Dr Gardner said: "It's difficult to deal with the loss of my father at the same time as understanding the background to his death because you're always angry when you're grieving anyway.
"To know that this might have played a factor and the government might have contributed directly to my father's death is almost unbelievable. It's so difficult to get my head around it. It makes me extremely angry."
David Isaac is chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, which is currently considering whether human rights laws have been breached in discharging patients into care homes.
He told Sky News that the commission was "sympathetic in relation to the challenge in resources and how priorities have to be made".
"But equally we think discharging without testing into care homes is high risk and poses substantial risk to those in those care homes who are people with underlying health conditions and often are very isolated and are not in close contact with their families.
"So talk to us, be mindful of those issues and work with us to come up with a solution. The reality is if that doesn't happen, we'll have to look very carefully at how we exercise our legal powers to ensure that government and local authorities are actually meeting their obligations."
Sky News put Dr Gardner's concerns to the Department for Health and Social Care, and in response, a spokesperson said:
"This virus can sadly have a devastating effect on some of our most vulnerable people and our deepest sympathies go out to the families who have lost relatives.
"The government is working around the clock to make sure care homes and our frontline social care workforce are getting the support they need to protect residents and tackle coronavirus.
"We have put in place a policy to ensure all people are tested when being discharged from hospitals into care homes and we have allocated £1.3 billion of additional funding to enhance the NHS discharge process, as well as a new £600m infection control fund for care homes to tackle the spread of COVID-19.
"As a result of all this - and the work of so many people - two thirds of England's care homes have had no outbreak at all."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-15--Don't travel to Wales or you'll be on wrong side of the law, first minister warns

People from England wanting to travel to beauty spots in Wales this weekend will `` find they are on the wrong side of the law '' , the first minister has warned .
Mark Drakeford said `` now is not the right moment '' for people from outside of Wales to cross the border , as he unveiled the country 's new traffic light system to help ease the coronavirus lockdown .
He told Sky News : `` My message to people in England is please visit Wales later .
`` We are very keen to welcome people and always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right moment .
`` In Wales the law is that you can only travel locally .
So people travelling long distances to come into Wales will find they are on the wrong side of the law . ''
He told a press conference in Cardiff that police officers along the border in North and West Wales have been forced to `` educate and persuade '' English motorists to go home every weekend since the start of the COVID-19 crisis .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be put in place to discourage people from travelling to the country during the hot weather this weekend , he added .
He told Sky correspondent Dan Whitehead that he wished the differences between England and Wales 's approaches to easing the lockdown had been `` clearer from the outset '' , but said he does not think the UK government 's methods have been `` irresponsible '' .
Mr Drakeford said : `` Our message to our friends and colleagues in England is visit Wales , but do it later , now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
People in England have been allowed to travel as far as they want for exercise since Wednesday , providing they do not cross into Scotland or Wales .
According to the first minister , Wales is still in the `` black '' zone of its new traffic light system , which means people should continue to stay at home as far as possible .
The traffic light colours do not have any dates attached to them , but could see more children whose parents are key workers return to school before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sky News pubs and restaurants in Wales `` will not open anytime soon '' , but the `` first cautious steps '' will mean some minor changes .

People from England wanting to travel to beauty spots in Wales this weekend will "find they are on the wrong side of the law", the first minister has warned.
Mark Drakeford said "now is not the right moment" for people from outside of Wales to cross the border, as he unveiled the country's new traffic light system to help ease the coronavirus lockdown.
He told Sky News: "My message to people in England is please visit Wales later.
Image: People queue at a garden centre in Caerphilly, Wales, as minor changes to lockdown restriction begin
"We are very keen to welcome people and always have been, but now is not the right moment.
"In Wales the law is that you can only travel locally. So people travelling long distances to come into Wales will find they are on the wrong side of the law."
He told a press conference in Cardiff that police officers along the border in North and West Wales have been forced to "educate and persuade" English motorists to go home every weekend since the start of the COVID-19 crisis.
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Roadsigns will be put in place to discourage people from travelling to the country during the hot weather this weekend, he added.
He told Sky correspondent Dan Whitehead that he wished the differences between England and Wales's approaches to easing the lockdown had been "clearer from the outset", but said he does not think the UK government's methods have been "irresponsible".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:00 The tiered system outlines when friends and family can be seen again and how business in the country may be asked to restart.
Mr Drakeford said: "Our message to our friends and colleagues in England is visit Wales, but do it later, now is not the time to do it."
People in England have been allowed to travel as far as they want for exercise since Wednesday, providing they do not cross into Scotland or Wales.
According to the first minister, Wales is still in the "black" zone of its new traffic light system, which means people should continue to stay at home as far as possible.
The traffic light colours do not have any dates attached to them, but could see more children whose parents are key workers return to school before the summer holidays.
Earlier he told Sky News pubs and restaurants in Wales "will not open anytime soon", but the "first cautious steps" will mean some minor changes.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-15--'We can't wait for a vaccine before pupils are back in school': Children's commissioner urges return

The government and teaching unions must `` stop squabbling '' and agree a plan to get children back to school in `` a safe , phased return '' , the children 's commissioner for England has said .
Anne Longfield also called for `` rigorous '' coronavirus testing of teachers , children and families to ease safety fears among parents .
`` I am disappointed that the debate about when some primary school kids can return has descended into a squabble between government and the teaching unions , '' she said .
`` All sides need to show a greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of children . ''
She added : `` We can not afford to wait for a vaccine , which may never arrive , before children are back in school . ''
Ms Longfield urged the sector to aspire for all children to return to school in some form before the summer , and to use school buildings for summer schools and family support over the holidays .
Her comments came after teachers ' unions called for more answers from the government about the safety of reopening primary schools in England from 1 June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advisers on Friday .
The teachers ' union NASUWT claimed evidence it received from the government during the crunch talks on COVID-19 was `` flimsy at best '' .
It added the meeting `` raised more questions than answers '' - and claimed Number 10 provided no information `` to change the widely held view that the evidence base for opening schools from 1 June is weak '' .
Meanwhile , mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson has said he would only allow teachers and children to return to school when it was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour leader of Gateshead Council , Martin Gannon , said the easing of the lockdown rules was `` frankly madness '' .
During an interview with Sky News , Mr Anderson criticised comments made by Steve Chalke , founder of the Oasis Trust , who said it was `` common sense '' for pupils to return to school , especially for children from lower-income families who see it as a place of `` security and safety '' .
He said : `` I think that 's an absolute disgrace and an insult to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or households .
`` I will only allow schools to let children , teachers and ancillary staff back into schools if it 's safe to do so .
This has got nothing to do with disadvantaged children or politics , it 's got everything to do with the safety of children . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He added his views were based on `` common sense '' rather than `` scientific models '' and he `` was n't looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bottom line is I 've heard scientists give different opinions , '' he said .
`` These same scientists told us that there was no problem with care homes and the infection rates there . ''
Hartlepool Council has also said its schools will remain shut on 1 June as local coronavirus cases continue to rise .
`` Given that coronavirus cases continue to rise locally , Hartlepool Borough Council has been working with schools and have agreed they will not reopen on Monday 1 June , '' said a statement .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put in place appropriate measures to help keep children and staff safe when a phased reopening is possible . ''
The British Medical Association has also backed calls for the government to reconsider its plans , saying schools should not reopen in England until the case numbers are `` much lower '' .
In a letter addressed to Kevin Courtney , joint general secretary of the National Education Union ( NEU ) , Dr Chaand Nagpaul said current evidence on reopening schools is `` conflicting '' and he praised the union for urging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Talks between the unions and scientific advisers came after Education Secretary Gavin Williamson unveiled plans to break the deadlock between the government and unions with the talks on Friday night .
The government plans to send children in reception , Years 1 and Year 6 back to school as the country eases out of lockdown .
But NASUWT general secretary Dr Patrick Roach claimed no confirmation was provided that teachers are at low risk of catching COVID-19 once schools reopen .
He said : `` The NASUWT remains clear that no school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is safe to do so .
`` No clear information was provided on what modelling has been undertaken in relation to potential transmission rates when schools open more widely .
Nothing in the meeting provided reassurance for the deeply worried and anxious school workforce .
`` We are continuing to press for answers to these questions and also for clear guidance from government to schools to ensure that they take appropriate and reasonable steps to assess and mitigate the health and safety risks posed by COVID-19 . ''
Leeds City Council leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government Association 's Children & Young People Board , backed the comments made by Dr Roach , telling Sky News : `` An announcement was made without real consultation with headteachers .
[ There were ] no signs of the scientific evidence that they say they 've got lead them to make the decision .
`` What they 're saying through the LGA is 'show us the scientific evidence ' .
Explain why they 've chosen reception , Year 1 and Year 6 .
What 's the rationale behind it ? ''
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue has been handled , parents also do n't have the `` confidence '' that all measures have been taken to make sure children can return safely .
Mr Williamson has since said that getting children back to school was `` vital '' for their educational development .
He added : `` Many schools are already taking steps to welcome back their pupils .
I am grateful for their support .
`` I want to reassure parents and families that we are giving schools , nurseries and other providers all the guidance and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children back in a phased way and no earlier than 1 June .
`` That 's why we have engaged closely with stakeholders from across the sector throughout the past seven weeks , including the trade unions , and today we arranged a detailed briefing for them with the scientific and medical experts .
`` `

The government and teaching unions must "stop squabbling" and agree a plan to get children back to school in "a safe, phased return", the children's commissioner for England has said.
Anne Longfield also called for "rigorous" coronavirus testing of teachers, children and families to ease safety fears among parents.
"I am disappointed that the debate about when some primary school kids can return has descended into a squabble between government and the teaching unions," she said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:04 'Children desperately need to be back in school'
"All sides need to show a greater will to work together in the interests of children."
She added: "We cannot afford to wait for a vaccine, which may never arrive, before children are back in school."
Ms Longfield urged the sector to aspire for all children to return to school in some form before the summer, and to use school buildings for summer schools and family support over the holidays.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:33 Jim McMahon says parents and teachers have
Her comments came after teachers' unions called for more answers from the government about the safety of reopening primary schools in England from 1 June, after a meeting with chief scientific advisers on Friday.
The teachers' union NASUWT claimed evidence it received from the government during the crunch talks on COVID-19 was "flimsy at best".
It added the meeting "raised more questions than answers" - and claimed Number 10 provided no information "to change the widely held view that the evidence base for opening schools from 1 June is weak".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:11 Liverpool mayor: 'Schools will stay closed'
Meanwhile, mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson has said he would only allow teachers and children to return to school when it was "safe to do so", and Labour leader of Gateshead Council, Martin Gannon, said the easing of the lockdown rules was "frankly madness".
During an interview with Sky News, Mr Anderson criticised comments made by Steve Chalke, founder of the Oasis Trust, who said it was "common sense" for pupils to return to school, especially for children from lower-income families who see it as a place of "security and safety".
He said: "I think that's an absolute disgrace and an insult to children whether they live in disadvantaged communities or households.
"I will only allow schools to let children, teachers and ancillary staff back into schools if it's safe to do so. This has got nothing to do with disadvantaged children or politics, it's got everything to do with the safety of children."
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He added his views were based on "common sense" rather than "scientific models" and he "wasn't looking for a confrontation".
"The bottom line is I've heard scientists give different opinions," he said. "These same scientists told us that there was no problem with care homes and the infection rates there."
Hartlepool Council has also said its schools will remain shut on 1 June as local coronavirus cases continue to rise.
"Given that coronavirus cases continue to rise locally, Hartlepool Borough Council has been working with schools and have agreed they will not reopen on Monday 1 June," said a statement.
"We continue to work with schools to put in place appropriate measures to help keep children and staff safe when a phased reopening is possible."
The British Medical Association has also backed calls for the government to reconsider its plans, saying schools should not reopen in England until the case numbers are "much lower".
In a letter addressed to Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), Dr Chaand Nagpaul said current evidence on reopening schools is "conflicting" and he praised the union for urging caution over returning more pupils to school.
Talks between the unions and scientific advisers came after Education Secretary Gavin Williamson unveiled plans to break the deadlock between the government and unions with the talks on Friday night.
The government plans to send children in reception, Years 1 and Year 6 back to school as the country eases out of lockdown.
But NASUWT general secretary Dr Patrick Roach claimed no confirmation was provided that teachers are at low risk of catching COVID-19 once schools reopen.
He said: "The NASUWT remains clear that no school should reopen until it can demonstrate that it is safe to do so.
"No clear information was provided on what modelling has been undertaken in relation to potential transmission rates when schools open more widely. Nothing in the meeting provided reassurance for the deeply worried and anxious school workforce.
"We are continuing to press for answers to these questions and also for clear guidance from government to schools to ensure that they take appropriate and reasonable steps to assess and mitigate the health and safety risks posed by COVID-19."
Image: Students wearing protective face masks in a secondary school in Brussels, Belgium
Leeds City Council leader Judith Blake, who chairs the Local Government Association's Children & Young People Board, backed the comments made by Dr Roach, telling Sky News: "An announcement was made without real consultation with headteachers. [There were] no signs of the scientific evidence that they say they've got lead them to make the decision.
"What they're saying through the LGA is 'show us the scientific evidence'. Explain why they've chosen reception, Year 1 and Year 6. What's the rationale behind it?"
She warned that, due to how the issue has been handled, parents also don't have the "confidence" that all measures have been taken to make sure children can return safely.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:53 'No scientific evidence schools can reopen'
Mr Williamson has since said that getting children back to school was "vital" for their educational development.
He added: "Many schools are already taking steps to welcome back their pupils. I am grateful for their support.
"I want to reassure parents and families that we are giving schools, nurseries and other providers all the guidance and support they will need to welcome more children back in a phased way and no earlier than 1 June.
"That's why we have engaged closely with stakeholders from across the sector throughout the past seven weeks, including the trade unions, and today we arranged a detailed briefing for them with the scientific and medical experts."`


skynewspolitics--2020-05-16--Jon Lansman stands down as leader of Momentum

Jon Lansman , the founder of the left-wing group Momentum which campaigned in support of Jeremy Corbyn , has announced he is standing down as its leader .
The 62-year-old said the time had come for the organisation to be led by a new generation of activists in an article written for the Labour List website .
`` We are now a mass of dedicated activists fighting for a better world .
And in this new era , it is time that a new generation of leaders put their ideas into practice , '' he wrote .
`` That is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the forthcoming elections within Momentum and instead will hand over to a new leadership . ''
Momentum was founded in 2015 following the election of Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the Labour Party , with the stated aim of transforming the Labour Party .
It was hailed as an effective grassroots force by supporters , while detractors criticised it for being reminiscent of Militant - the Trotskyist entryist group which aimed to push the party to the left until it was proscribed in the 1980s .
Momentum had attempted to mobilise behind Rebecca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election , but when she came a distant second to Sir Keir Starmer it was seen as a signal the party was heading in a new direction .
Mr Lansman has however insisted that Momentum had fundamentally changed what Labour stood for .
`` Thanks to our movement , Labour can never again be the party of illegal invasions , anti-immigration mugs or support for Tory policies of austerity and privatisation , '' he said .
`` The Labour Party is now much closer to being a socialist party than simply a party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
Mr Lansman remains a member of the Labour Party 's national executive committee ( NEC ) although his article criticises it as `` not fit for purpose '' in holding the party leadership to account .
He cited the contents of a leaked 860-page report , which was seen by Sky News , which concluded there had been factional hostility towards former leader Jeremy Corbyn .
The report claimed that this hostility among ex-senior officials contributed to `` a litany of mistakes '' that hindered the effective handling of antisemitism allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an internal investigation .
Following the leak Jenny Formby , another key Corbyn ally and the party 's general secretary , quit her post - ahead of the conclusion of a probe by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission into the same issue .

Jon Lansman, the founder of the left-wing group Momentum which campaigned in support of Jeremy Corbyn, has announced he is standing down as its leader.
The 62-year-old said the time had come for the organisation to be led by a new generation of activists in an article written for the Labour List website.
"We are now a mass of dedicated activists fighting for a better world. And in this new era, it is time that a new generation of leaders put their ideas into practice," he wrote.
"That is why I have decided not to contest the forthcoming elections within Momentum and instead will hand over to a new leadership."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:59 Sir Keir Starmer: 'People need clarity'
Momentum was founded in 2015 following the election of Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the Labour Party, with the stated aim of transforming the Labour Party.
It was hailed as an effective grassroots force by supporters, while detractors criticised it for being reminiscent of Militant - the Trotskyist entryist group which aimed to push the party to the left until it was proscribed in the 1980s.
Momentum had attempted to mobilise behind Rebecca Long-Bailey during the party's recent leadership election, but when she came a distant second to Sir Keir Starmer it was seen as a signal the party was heading in a new direction.
Mr Lansman has however insisted that Momentum had fundamentally changed what Labour stood for.
"Thanks to our movement, Labour can never again be the party of illegal invasions, anti-immigration mugs or support for Tory policies of austerity and privatisation," he said.
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"The Labour Party is now much closer to being a socialist party than simply a party with socialists in it," he added.
Mr Lansman remains a member of the Labour Party's national executive committee (NEC) although his article criticises it as "not fit for purpose" in holding the party leadership to account.
He cited the contents of a leaked 860-page report, which was seen by Sky News, which concluded there had been factional hostility towards former leader Jeremy Corbyn.
The report claimed that this hostility among ex-senior officials contributed to "a litany of mistakes" that hindered the effective handling of antisemitism allegations.
The leak is now subject to an internal investigation.
Following the leak Jenny Formby, another key Corbyn ally and the party's general secretary, quit her post - ahead of the conclusion of a probe by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission into the same issue.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-17--Impact of virus is 'significantly less' in children - Gove

Children are `` significantly less '' affected by coronavirus , a senior minister has told Sky News , as the government attempts to allay fears about some schools reopening from June .
Michael Gove said pupils and staff will be “ as safe as possible ” when kids in reception , year one and year six return to the classroom across England next month .
He played down fears as doctors , nurses , teachers and councils deepened their criticism of the COVID-19 lockdown being eased too early .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has admitted his new “ stay alert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as the death toll in the UK rose above 34,000 .
Despite Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland keeping strict social distancing in place , measures in England have been slightly relaxed to allow anyone who can not do their job at home to go back into work , when it is safe to do so .
Schools have been put on notice to reopen to some children in several weeks , while some shops forced to close more than two months ago have been told they could start trading again from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ representatives and government scientific advisers , intended to provide assurance about the government 's proposals to enable children to return safely , ended on Friday with union leaders saying the meeting had raised more questions than answers .
Cities such as Liverpool have also said they will not start reopening schools in June as the government wants .
Mr Gove said the UK was following the likes of Denmark in reopening schools safely - citing academy chain heads and a private school body that back the move .
`` We can provide a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he told Sky News ’ Sophy Ridge on Sunday show .
`` We can also ensure that children , particularly those from the least advantaged homes , have the benefit of a good education so that they can begin to make up on some of the progress that will inevitably have been lost during this period of lockdown . ''
He added : `` We know that children contract coronavirus but the impact is significantly less .
`` They are less likely to have symptoms , less likely to have serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gove revealed around 17,000 workers have now been recruited for the government ’ s `` test , track and trace '' programme to track down people with the virus and others who have come into close contact with them to urge them all to go into self-isolation .
He added it will be up and running by the end of May , when testing capacity should be up to 200,000 a day .
But Labour said schools shouldn ’ t be forced to reopen fully until the contact tracing system is properly up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publish its scientific advice behind the decision to open schools .
`` The anxiety teachers and parents face would be a lot less if we had that test , trace and isolate strategy in place , '' shadow Cabinet Office minister Rachel Reeves told Sky News .
`` We want that to be up and running to ease the whole range of the lockdown restrictions… '' The government has got a lot more work to do to give that confidence that it 'll be safe to have more children coming into school in @ @ @ @ @ @

Children are "significantly less" affected by coronavirus, a senior minister has told Sky News, as the government attempts to allay fears about some schools reopening from June.
Michael Gove said pupils and staff will be “as safe as possible” when kids in reception, year one and year six return to the classroom across England next month.
He played down fears as doctors, nurses, teachers and councils deepened their criticism of the COVID-19 lockdown being eased too early.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 Labour wants 'less rhetoric and more evidence' on schools reopening
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has admitted his new “stay alert” message has caused “frustration”, as public approval for his handling of the crisis dropped sharply and the death toll in the UK rose above 34,000.
Despite Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland keeping strict social distancing in place, measures in England have been slightly relaxed to allow anyone who cannot do their job at home to go back into work, when it is safe to do so.
Schools have been put on notice to reopen to some children in several weeks, while some shops forced to close more than two months ago have been told they could start trading again from July.
Talks between teachers' union representatives and government scientific advisers, intended to provide assurance about the government's proposals to enable children to return safely, ended on Friday with union leaders saying the meeting had raised more questions than answers.
Cities such as Liverpool have also said they will not start reopening schools in June as the government wants.
Image: Children in three year groups are expected to return to school in England next month
Mr Gove said the UK was following the likes of Denmark in reopening schools safely - citing academy chain heads and a private school body that back the move.
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"We can provide a safe environment for teachers and for children," he told Sky News’ Sophy Ridge on Sunday show.
"We can also ensure that children, particularly those from the least advantaged homes, have the benefit of a good education so that they can begin to make up on some of the progress that will inevitably have been lost during this period of lockdown."
He added: "We know that children contract coronavirus but the impact is significantly less.
"They are less likely to have symptoms, less likely to have serious symptoms than older citizens."
Mr Gove revealed around 17,000 workers have now been recruited for the government’s "test, track and trace" programme to track down people with the virus and others who have come into close contact with them to urge them all to go into self-isolation.
He added it will be up and running by the end of May, when testing capacity should be up to 200,000 a day.
But Labour said schools shouldn’t be forced to reopen fully until the contact tracing system is properly up and running and wants the government to publish its scientific advice behind the decision to open schools.
"The anxiety teachers and parents face would be a lot less if we had that test, trace and isolate strategy in place," shadow Cabinet Office minister Rachel Reeves told Sky News.
"We want that to be up and running to ease the whole range of the lockdown restrictions…
"The government has got a lot more work to do to give that confidence that it'll be safe to have more children coming into school in two weeks' time."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-17--PM admits 'frustration' as criticism grows over easing lockdown and he is warned of a 'second spike'

The prime minister has admitted his government 's plans for easing the coronavirus lockdown are causing `` frustration '' , as he faces deepening criticism from doctors , nurses , teachers and regional councils .
Boris Johnson acknowledged the situation had become more `` complex '' but said he would trust what he called `` the good sense of the British people '' .
But the mayor of Greater Manchester , Andy Burnham , warned the prime minister of a `` fracturing of national unity '' if he ignored the concerns of the regions over his roadmap out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday , the prime minister said : `` I understand people will feel frustrated with some of the new rules .
We are trying to do something that has never had to be done before - moving the country out of a full lockdown , in a way which is safe and does not risk sacrificing all of your hard work .
`` I recognise what we are now asking is more complex than simply staying at home , but this is a complex problem and we need to trust in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' It comes as some councils in the regions have said they would support teaching unions in resisting the reopening of schools in England in June .
The devolved administrations in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland have refused to follow Mr Johnson 's strategy for easing the lockdown , while cities such as Liverpool have said they will not start reopening schools in June as the government wants .
Talks between teachers ' union representatives and government scientific advisers , intended to provide assurance about the government 's proposals to enable children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with union leaders saying it had raised more questions than answers .
Mr Burnham said the prime minister had failed to inform civic leaders of his easing of the lockdown restrictions in advance despite the fact they were the ones who had to deal with demands on the transport system .
The government 's change from `` stay at home '' to `` stay alert '' advice came as cases of COVID-19 and the virus 's reproduction rate - known as the R number - were falling in the South East , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come too soon for the north .
In an article in The Observer , he warned that without additional support for the regions , there was a danger of a `` second spike '' in the disease which could then spread again through the Midlands to London .
Mr Burnham said that despite taking part in a call two weeks ago with Mr Johnson and eight other regional mayors , he was given no real notice of the measures announced by the prime minister in his address to the nation last Sunday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a new working week , the PM was on TV 'actively encouraging ' a return to work .
Even though that would clearly put more cars on roads and people on trams , no one in government thought it important to tell the cities that would have to cope with that . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Burnham said the lack of notice was not the only issue Greater Manchester had to deal with .
`` The surprisingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the South East , given the fall in cases there .
But my gut feeling told me it was too soon for the north , '' he said .
`` Certainly , the abrupt dropping of the clear 'stay at home ' message felt premature . ''
He suggested Mr Johnson 's controversial chief adviser Dominic Cummings may have been to blame , saying it appeared to be `` another exercise in Cummings chaos theory '' .
To prevent further divisions , he urged Mr Johnson to appoint West Midlands mayor Andy Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the government 's Cobra emergency committee .
Mr Burnham spoke out as a poll reported public support for the government 's handling of the COVID-19 crisis has slipped sharply .
The survey by Opinium found 39 % backed the government 's response , down from 48 % a week ago .
Those saying they disapproved has risen from 36 % last week to 42 % .
Opinium 's head of polling Adam Drummond said it was the first time disapproval of the government 's handling of the crisis was higher than approval @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inevitable as the relatively simple and almost unanimous decision to lockdown has given way to much more contestable decisions about how and when to open up , '' he said .
In his article for the Mail on Sunday , Mr Johnson said he wants the UK to return to `` near-normality '' by July .
He said the British public 's `` fortitude '' would enable them to survive the crisis and regain `` the freedoms they hold dear '' and that people 's `` perseverance '' and `` good common sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inch forwards '' out of lockdown .

The prime minister has admitted his government's plans for easing the coronavirus lockdown are causing "frustration", as he faces deepening criticism from doctors, nurses, teachers and regional councils.
Boris Johnson acknowledged the situation had become more "complex" but said he would trust what he called "the good sense of the British people".
But the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, warned the prime minister of a "fracturing of national unity" if he ignored the concerns of the regions over his roadmap out of the COVID-19 crisis.
Writing in The Mail On Sunday, the prime minister said: "I understand people will feel frustrated with some of the new rules. We are trying to do something that has never had to be done before - moving the country out of a full lockdown, in a way which is safe and does not risk sacrificing all of your hard work.
"I recognise what we are now asking is more complex than simply staying at home, but this is a complex problem and we need to trust in the good sense of the British people."
It comes as some councils in the regions have said they would support teaching unions in resisting the reopening of schools in England in June.
The devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have refused to follow Mr Johnson's strategy for easing the lockdown, while cities such as Liverpool have said they will not start reopening schools in June as the government wants.
Talks between teachers' union representatives and government scientific advisers, intended to provide assurance about the government's proposals to enable children to return safely, ended on Friday with union leaders saying it had raised more questions than answers.
Image: Andy Burnham says Mr Johnson must listen to regional concerns
Mr Burnham said the prime minister had failed to inform civic leaders of his easing of the lockdown restrictions in advance despite the fact they were the ones who had to deal with demands on the transport system.
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The government's change from "stay at home" to "stay alert" advice came as cases of COVID-19 and the virus's reproduction rate - known as the R number - were falling in the South East, but Mr Burnham said he believed it had come too soon for the north.
In an article in The Observer, he warned that without additional support for the regions, there was a danger of a "second spike" in the disease which could then spread again through the Midlands to London.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:29 Parents fearful of sending children to school
Mr Burnham said that despite taking part in a call two weeks ago with Mr Johnson and eight other regional mayors, he was given no real notice of the measures announced by the prime minister in his address to the nation last Sunday.
He said: "On the eve of a new working week, the PM was on TV 'actively encouraging' a return to work. Even though that would clearly put more cars on roads and people on trams, no one in government thought it important to tell the cities that would have to cope with that."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Burnham said the lack of notice was not the only issue Greater Manchester had to deal with.
"The surprisingly permissive package might well be right for the South East, given the fall in cases there. But my gut feeling told me it was too soon for the north," he said.
"Certainly, the abrupt dropping of the clear 'stay at home' message felt premature."
He suggested Mr Johnson's controversial chief adviser Dominic Cummings may have been to blame, saying it appeared to be "another exercise in Cummings chaos theory".
To prevent further divisions, he urged Mr Johnson to appoint West Midlands mayor Andy Street to represent the English regions during meetings of the government's Cobra emergency committee.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:47 UK COVID-19 deaths rise by 468
Mr Burnham spoke out as a poll reported public support for the government's handling of the COVID-19 crisis has slipped sharply.
The survey by Opinium found 39% backed the government's response, down from 48% a week ago.
Those saying they disapproved has risen from 36% last week to 42%.
Opinium's head of polling Adam Drummond said it was the first time disapproval of the government's handling of the crisis was higher than approval.
"In part this was likely inevitable as the relatively simple and almost unanimous decision to lockdown has given way to much more contestable decisions about how and when to open up," he said.
In his article for the Mail on Sunday, Mr Johnson said he wants the UK to return to "near-normality" by July.
He said the British public's "fortitude" would enable them to survive the crisis and regain "the freedoms they hold dear" and that people's "perseverance" and "good common sense" will enable the country to "inch forwards" out of lockdown.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-17--Thermal imaging and immunity passports: Heathrow boss on future of air travel

The head of Heathrow has backed `` immunity passports '' being rolled out to let people jet off on holiday sooner .
John Holland-Kaye , chief executive of the busiest airport in Britain , said the documents could be issued to people who have already had coronavirus .
But he said there should be a universal system set up `` so that we know your health passport is accepted in the country you 're going to '' .
Speaking to Sky News , Mr Holland-Kaye urged for flights to start again between `` low-risk '' countries to rebuild the economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the COIVD-19 outbreak like tourism and aviation .
And he described how thermal imaging measures are being rolled out at Heathrow 's Terminal two from next week to screen people coming into the country .
`` We are working with Public Health England to see if that could be part of the solution to health screening at airports , '' Mr Holland-Kaye told the Sophy Ridge on Sunday show .
With passenger numbers plunging 97 % , from an average of 250,000 a day to between 5,000 and 6,000 , Mr Holland-Kaye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minimal level of traffic and I think that as long as the quarantine is in place , that will continue at those low levels .
`` The quarantine can not be in place for more than a relatively short amount of time if we are going to get the economy moving again .
`` This is where we are urging the government to have a common international standard , working with other countries so that traffic can start to flow in a normal way between low-risk countries . ''
With passenger numbers plunging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 250,000 a day to between 5,000 and 6,000 , Mr Holland-Kaye warned : `` This is a very minimal level of traffic and I think that as long as the quarantine is in place , that will continue at those low levels .
`` The quarantine can not be in place for more than a relatively short amount of time if we are going to get the economy moving again .
`` This is where we are urging the government to have a common international standard , working with other countries so that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal way between low-risk countries . ''
Ministers are planning to tell anyone arriving in the UK to quarantine for two weeks and download the new `` test , track and trace '' app currently being trialled on the Isle of Wight but soon to be rolled out across the country .
It is hoped the measure will stop a second peak of the virus , which has already killed at least 33,000 people in the UK .
Mr Holland-Kaye also welcomed the immunity passports idea , which has been suggested as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who recover from COVID-19 and develop antibodies that could afford some immunity - but scientists are not sure how much and for how long .
`` It 's no good the UK having a health passport if another country has an entirely different system , '' he explained .
`` We need to have that commonality between markets so that we know your health passport is accepted in the country you 're going to . ''

The head of Heathrow has backed "immunity passports" being rolled out to let people jet off on holiday sooner.
John Holland-Kaye, chief executive of the busiest airport in Britain, said the documents could be issued to people who have already had coronavirus.
But he said there should be a universal system set up "so that we know your health passport is accepted in the country you're going to".
Image: John Holland-Kaye wants flights to commence again between 'low-risk countries'
Speaking to Sky News, Mr Holland-Kaye called for flights to start again between "low-risk" countries to rebuild the economy, particularly in sectors hit so hard by the COIVD-19 outbreak like tourism and aviation.
And he described how thermal imaging measures are being rolled out at Heathrow's Terminal two from next week to screen people coming into the country.
"We are working with Public Health England to see if that could be part of the solution to health screening at airports," Mr Holland-Kaye told the Sophy Ridge on Sunday show.
With passenger numbers plunging 97%, from an average of 250,000 a day to between 5,000 and 6,000, Mr Holland-Kaye warned: "This is a very minimal level of traffic and I think that as long as the quarantine is in place, that will continue at those low levels.
Image: Heathrow has seen a 97% drop in passengers
"The quarantine cannot be in place for more than a relatively short amount of time if we are going to get the economy moving again.
"This is where we are urging the government to have a common international standard, working with other countries so that traffic can start to flow in a normal way between low-risk countries."
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Ministers are planning to tell anyone arriving in the UK to quarantine for two weeks and download the new "test, track and trace" app currently being trialled on the Isle of Wight but soon to be rolled out across the country.
Image: Anyone arriving in the UK could face having to go into quarantine for two weeks
It is hoped the measure will stop a second peak of the virus, which has already killed at least 33,000 people in the UK.
Mr Holland-Kaye also welcomed the immunity passports idea, which has been suggested as a way to ease lockdown quicker for those who recover from COVID-19 and develop antibodies that could afford some immunity - but scientists are not sure how much and for how long.
"It's no good the UK having a health passport if another country has an entirely different system," he explained.
"We need to have that commonality between markets so that we know your health passport is accepted in the country you're going to."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-18--Government doesn't rule out penalising regions that refuse to reopen schools

A government minister has not ruled out penalising regions in England if they refuse to reopen schools as the coronavirus lockdown is eased .
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden told Sky News ministers wanted to work in a `` constructive way '' with teachers and unions to address their `` legitimate concerns '' about pupils returning to the classroom .
Under plans to ease the COVID-19 lockdown outlined by Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier this month , there will be a staged reopening of primary schools from 1 June .
But opposition has been expressed to the plans , particularly from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuing row over whether or not it is safe for pupils to return .
Hartlepool and Liverpool councils have said they will not reopen schools next month .
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson has said he would only allow teachers and children to return to school when it was `` safe to do so '' , while Labour leader of Gateshead Council , Martin Gannon , said the easing of the lockdown rules was `` frankly madness '' .
Asked if regions could be penalised for refusing to go along with the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Kay Burley @ Breakfast : `` We are working with them to try and ensure that does n't happen and to address those concerns .
`` It 's in the children 's interest to get them back to school and I hope that we can address the concerns that they have . ''
Pressed again on the prospect of sanctions , the minister responded : `` I really hope that it does n't come to that . ''
Reacting to the culture secretary 's comments , Liverpool City Region metro mayor Steve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over schools because of the fragmentation of the education system '' .
He described the prospect of potential fines as `` just more punitive measures from a government that does n't really understand when it announces things in Downing Street they have a profound effect in areas like ours '' .
There were talks between union representatives and the government 's scientific advisers designed to provide reassurances about the government 's plans .
But a breakthrough appeared to be a remote prospect , with union leaders saying the meeting had raised more questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has said schools should not reopen until the numbers of coronavirus cases were `` much lower '' .
Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland are also yet to set a timetable for schools reopening .
But there was a boost for ministers when the Association of School and College Leaders said it would be advising schools to begin reopening from 1 June .
Its general secretary Geoff Barton said the body had been `` reassured '' by Friday 's discussions .
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson sought to reassure parents and teachers when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said the government 's plans were based on the `` best scientific advice '' .
Speaking at a regular Westminster briefing for journalists on Monday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's spokesman said the government wants to work with schools in order to get children back in a `` controlled '' fashion .
Hinting that a decision on whether schools will definitely return next month could be imminent , the spokesman said : `` You can see from the discussions that have been taking place that we have been seeking to resolve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

A government minister has not ruled out penalising regions in England if they refuse to reopen schools as the coronavirus lockdown is eased.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden told Sky News ministers wanted to work in a "constructive way" with teachers and unions to address their "legitimate concerns" about pupils returning to the classroom.
Under plans to ease the COVID-19 lockdown outlined by Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier this month, there will be a staged reopening of primary schools from 1 June.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Children 'less likely to have serious symptoms'
But opposition has been expressed to the plans, particularly from unions and some councils, amid a continuing row over whether or not it is safe for pupils to return.
Hartlepool and Liverpool councils have said they will not reopen schools next month.
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson has said he would only allow teachers and children to return to school when it was "safe to do so", while Labour leader of Gateshead Council, Martin Gannon, said the easing of the lockdown rules was "frankly madness".
Asked if regions could be penalised for refusing to go along with the government's easing of lockdown, Mr Dowden told Kay Burley@Breakfast: "We are working with them to try and ensure that doesn't happen and to address those concerns.
"It's in the children's interest to get them back to school and I hope that we can address the concerns that they have."
Pressed again on the prospect of sanctions, the minister responded: "I really hope that it doesn't come to that."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 Labour wants 'more evidence' on schools reopening
Reacting to the culture secretary's comments, Liverpool City Region metro mayor Steve Rotheram said councils have "little power over schools because of the fragmentation of the education system".
He described the prospect of potential fines as "just more punitive measures from a government that doesn't really understand when it announces things in Downing Street they have a profound effect in areas like ours".
There were talks between union representatives and the government's scientific advisers designed to provide reassurances about the government's plans.
But a breakthrough appeared to be a remote prospect, with union leaders saying the meeting had raised more questions than answers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:29 Parents fearful of sending children to school
The British Medical Association has said schools should not reopen until the numbers of coronavirus cases were "much lower".
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are also yet to set a timetable for schools reopening.
But there was a boost for ministers when the Association of School and College Leaders said it would be advising schools to begin reopening from 1 June.
Its general secretary Geoff Barton said the body had been "reassured" by Friday's discussions.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:04 'We owe it to children' to open schools
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson sought to reassure parents and teachers when he led Saturday's daily coronavirus briefing.
He said the government's plans were based on the "best scientific advice".
Speaking at a regular Westminster briefing for journalists on Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman said the government wants to work with schools in order to get children back in a "controlled" fashion.
Hinting that a decision on whether schools will definitely return next month could be imminent, the spokesman said: "You can see from the discussions that have been taking place that we have been seeking to resolve this as soon as we can."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-18--Don't book your France trip yet - quarantine rules will be reviewed every three weeks

People looking to book a holiday to France should wait until talks about a prospective quarantine across the Channel have concluded , a top minister has told Sky News , with the measures to be reviewed every three weeks .
Boris Johnson announced international travellers flying into the UK would be required to quarantine themselves for two weeks when he addressed the nation last Sunday .
However , Downing Street later added : `` No quarantine measures would apply to travellers coming from France at this stage . ''
The clarification from Number 10 led some people to book trips @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that no quarantine would be imposed .
The government then said there was no exemption for France and that talks were ongoing to negotiate how the border crossing would work to ensure the spread of COVID-19 is contained .
Now , Oliver Dowden , secretary of state for Digital , Culture , Media and Sport , has said details of any quarantine between the UK and France are not yet confirmed .
The Times has reported that lorry drivers travelling between the two countries could be among those who would be exempt from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put that to Mr Dowden , who appeared to confirm it .
He said : `` The reason for allowing some exemptions is to keep the economy going .
If we did n't apply quarantine exemptions to lorry drivers , we would n't be able to get all the freight we need from France from the rest of Europe to Britain .
`` We 're taking some sensible , proportionate exemptions to it and of course all the other restrictions will continue to apply to lorry drivers , but it 's just to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a suitable measure to take . ''
He added that `` discussions with the French are ongoing '' , before denying that the government had sent out confused messaging on the issue .
Mr Dowden said : `` We did say we 're having constructive discussions with the French about quarantine - and that is what 's going on . ''
He added : `` As far as I 'm concerned , we 've been consistent .
We 're looking to introduce these quarantine measures , those measures have n't been introduced yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final details of those .
Those will be coming forward shortly . ''
The initial guidance from Number 10 - that there would be no need to self-isolate if travelling into or from France - prompted optimism that as lockdown measures ease , people could look to holiday in France .
Mr Dowden played down this prospect , telling Sky News : `` I think people should wait to see what the quarantine measures look like and what measures we take in relation to France . ''
He confirmed that at the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the UK and France .
Speaking at a regular Westminster briefing for journalists , the prime minister 's spokesman said the 14-day quarantine will be reviewed every three weeks .
`` The PM has said that those arriving in the UK from overseas will be required to self-isolate in order to prevent infections from abroad and a second wave of cases , '' he said .
`` The work on this is continuing and we will set out more details in due course . ''
Downing Street insisted there had never been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there would be one for Ireland as part of the common travel area .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Asked how long the quarantine regulation would last , Mr Johnson 's spokesman said : `` Any changes brought in will be subject to a rolling review every three weeks to ensure they are in line with the latest scientific advice and that they remain effective and necessary . ''
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has told MPs that final details of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month but `` we should indeed consider further improvements '' .
He was responding to a question from Conservative MP and transport select committee chair Huw Merriman , who asked if `` air bridges '' to let people coming from countries with R rates below one could be exempt from the two-week quarantine proposed .
Mr Shapps confirmed there are `` active discussions '' on what initially be a `` blanket '' policy .
It comes as the boss of Ryanair has described UK government plans to introduce a 14-day quarantine as `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News he believed ministers were `` making stuff up as they go along '' - saying such a precaution was unworkable and unenforceable as the no-frills carrier maintained its plans to resume 40 % of its flight schedule from July .

People looking to book a holiday to France should wait until talks about a prospective quarantine across the Channel have concluded, a top minister has told Sky News, with the measures to be reviewed every three weeks.
Boris Johnson announced international travellers flying into the UK would be required to quarantine themselves for two weeks when he addressed the nation last Sunday.
However, Downing Street later added: "No quarantine measures would apply to travellers coming from France at this stage."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 Is it safe to book a trip to France?
The clarification from Number 10 led some people to book trips to France, safe in the knowledge that no quarantine would be imposed.
The government then said there was no exemption for France and that talks were ongoing to negotiate how the border crossing would work to ensure the spread of COVID-19 is contained.
Now, Oliver Dowden, secretary of state for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, has said details of any quarantine between the UK and France are not yet confirmed.
The Times has reported that lorry drivers travelling between the two countries could be among those who would be exempt from a two-week self-isolation period.
Sky News put that to Mr Dowden, who appeared to confirm it.
He said: "The reason for allowing some exemptions is to keep the economy going. If we didn't apply quarantine exemptions to lorry drivers, we wouldn't be able to get all the freight we need from France from the rest of Europe to Britain.
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"We're taking some sensible, proportionate exemptions to it and of course all the other restrictions will continue to apply to lorry drivers, but it's just to help the flow of traffic that seems a suitable measure to take."
He added that "discussions with the French are ongoing", before denying that the government had sent out confused messaging on the issue.
Mr Dowden said: "We did say we're having constructive discussions with the French about quarantine - and that is what's going on."
He added: "As far as I'm concerned, we've been consistent. We're looking to introduce these quarantine measures, those measures haven't been introduced yet, we're still working out the final details of those. Those will be coming forward shortly."
The initial guidance from Number 10 - that there would be no need to self-isolate if travelling into or from France - prompted optimism that as lockdown measures ease, people could look to holiday in France.
Mr Dowden played down this prospect, telling Sky News: "I think people should wait to see what the quarantine measures look like and what measures we take in relation to France."
Image: Mr Dowden said freight transport must be considered
He confirmed that at the moment there are no quarantine measures in place between the UK and France.
Speaking at a regular Westminster briefing for journalists, the prime minister's spokesman said the 14-day quarantine will be reviewed every three weeks.
"The PM has said that those arriving in the UK from overseas will be required to self-isolate in order to prevent infections from abroad and a second wave of cases," he said.
"The work on this is continuing and we will set out more details in due course."
Downing Street insisted there had never been an exemption for France, but said there would be one for Ireland as part of the common travel area.
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Asked how long the quarantine regulation would last, Mr Johnson's spokesman said: "Any changes brought in will be subject to a rolling review every three weeks to ensure they are in line with the latest scientific advice and that they remain effective and necessary."
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has told MPs that final details of the quarantine scheme will be confirmed next month but "we should indeed consider further improvements".
He was responding to a question from Conservative MP and transport select committee chair Huw Merriman, who asked if "air bridges" to let people coming from countries with R rates below one could be exempt from the two-week quarantine proposed.
Mr Shapps confirmed there are "active discussions" on what initially be a "blanket" policy.
It comes as the boss of Ryanair has described UK government plans to introduce a 14-day quarantine as "nonsense".
Michael O'Leary told Sky News he believed ministers were "making stuff up as they go along" - saying such a precaution was unworkable and unenforceable as the no-frills carrier maintained its plans to resume 40% of its flight schedule from July.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-18--MPs to vote on bill which repeals EU freedom of movement

MPs are due to vote on the government 's plan to repeal EU freedom of movement , as the UK moves towards a new points-based system .
The government says the new points-based system will treat EU and non-EU citizens equally and aims to attract people who can contribute to the UK 's economy .
Home Secretary Priti Patel described the new system as `` firmer , fairer and simpler '' .
She said the new law gives the UK `` full control of our immigration system for the first time in decades and the power to determine who comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` It will attract the people we need to drive our economy forward and lay the foundation for a high wage , high skill , high productivity economy . ''
The legislation , the Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination ( EU Withdrawal ) Bill , will be debated in the Commons today before making its way through the parliamentary process .
It was previously introduced in the Commons in December 2018 but stalled weeks later as then-prime minister Theresa May 's minority administration lacked the numbers to win key Brexit-linked votes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an 80-seat majority but faces pressure to support those dubbed `` key workers '' during the coronavirus pandemic .
Among the government 's list of critical workers are people in the food production and processing industry , including delivery drivers and those working in waste disposal .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The new system will award points for specific requirements such as being able to speak English to a certain level , having a job offer from an approved employer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Other points could be awarded for certain qualifications and if there is a shortage in a particular occupation .
You can read how it will work here .
In March , a visa allowing doctors , nurses and health professionals from overseas to work in the NHS was introduced .
Meanwhile , a YouGov poll for the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants ( JCWI ) suggested that 54 % of Britons would support easing immigration restrictions for workers who were defined as essential during the coronavirus crisis .
Satbir Singh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called for further changes .
He said : `` The fight against COVID-19 has shown us all just how much our survival and wellbeing depends on our key workers .
`` So many of them have come from other countries and help keep this one running .
`` Bus drivers and lorry drivers , care workers and shop workers , nurses and cleaners - they are not 'unskilled ' or unwelcome , they are the backbone of our country and they deserve the security of knowing that this place can be their home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said : `` It is rank hypocrisy towards our NHS and care workers - over 180,000 in England and Wales alone - to stand and clap for them on a Thursday night , and then tell them that they are not welcome in the UK on a Monday .
`` The Home Secretary has been invisible throughout this crisis - and now her first major intervention is a bill that will make workers in the NHS and the care sector feel unwelcome in this country , as well as labelling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers , refuse collectors , and many more as 'low skilled ' - the very same workers who have been keeping this country running throughout the crisis . ''

MPs are due to vote on the government's plan to repeal EU freedom of movement, as the UK moves towards a new points-based system.
The government says the new points-based system will treat EU and non-EU citizens equally and aims to attract people who can contribute to the UK's economy.
Home Secretary Priti Patel described the new system as "firmer, fairer and simpler".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:46 Is the points-based immigration system fair?
She said the new law gives the UK "full control of our immigration system for the first time in decades and the power to determine who comes to this country."
She added: "It will attract the people we need to drive our economy forward and lay the foundation for a high wage, high skill, high productivity economy."
The legislation, the Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill, will be debated in the Commons today before making its way through the parliamentary process.
It was previously introduced in the Commons in December 2018 but stalled weeks later as then-prime minister Theresa May's minority administration lacked the numbers to win key Brexit-linked votes.
Boris Johnson has brought it back with an 80-seat majority but faces pressure to support those dubbed "key workers" during the coronavirus pandemic.
Among the government's list of critical workers are people in the food production and processing industry, including delivery drivers and those working in waste disposal.
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The new system will award points for specific requirements such as being able to speak English to a certain level, having a job offer from an approved employer and meeting a salary threshold of £25,600.
Other points could be awarded for certain qualifications and if there is a shortage in a particular occupation.
You can read how it will work here.
In March, a visa allowing doctors, nurses and health professionals from overseas to work in the NHS was introduced.
Meanwhile, a YouGov poll for the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) suggested that 54% of Britons would support easing immigration restrictions for workers who were defined as essential during the coronavirus crisis.
Satbir Singh, chief executive of the JCWI, called for further changes.
He said: "The fight against COVID-19 has shown us all just how much our survival and wellbeing depends on our key workers.
"So many of them have come from other countries and help keep this one running.
"Bus drivers and lorry drivers, care workers and shop workers, nurses and cleaners - they are not 'unskilled' or unwelcome, they are the backbone of our country and they deserve the security of knowing that this place can be their home too."
Labour's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said: "It is rank hypocrisy towards our NHS and care workers - over 180,000 in England and Wales alone - to stand and clap for them on a Thursday night, and then tell them that they are not welcome in the UK on a Monday.
"The Home Secretary has been invisible throughout this crisis - and now her first major intervention is a bill that will make workers in the NHS and the care sector feel unwelcome in this country, as well as labelling retail workers, carers, local government workers, refuse collectors, and many more as 'low skilled' - the very same workers who have been keeping this country running throughout the crisis."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-18--Boost for holidaymakers as 'air bridges' plan backed by government

Britons hoping for a summer holiday abroad have been given hope by a plan to exempt those travelling to countries with low infection rates from quarantine when they return home .
The proposal to come up with so-called `` air bridges '' between the UK and destinations where the coronavirus outbreak is under control was backed the transport secretary .
Grant Shapps approved of the idea floated by senior Tory MP Huw Merriman , as the public were warned by a top government adviser , Professor Jonathan Van-Tam , they may have to live with COVID-19 for `` several years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trip abroad have been dampened in recent days , as the number of coronavirus-related deaths in the UK climbed to more than 34,000 .
Asked if summer was cancelled last week , Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitted : `` I think that 's likely to be the case .
`` It is unlikely that big , lavish international holidays are going to be possible for this summer .
I just think that 's a reality of life . ''
But they may have been salvaged by the idea of air bridges , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low R numbers - the average amount of people someone with the virus infects - to let passengers travel between them without going into quarantine .
Currently , plans are for all those arriving in the UK to be told to go into self-isolation for two weeks , which could put many people off jetting off abroad .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Shapps signalled those returning from countries where air bridge agreements have been secured may avoid the quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should consider further improvements - for example , things like air bridges enabling people from other countries who have themselves achieved lower levels of coronavirus infection to come to the country , '' he told the Commons on Monday .
`` So , those are active discussions that go beyond what will initially be a blanket situation . ''

Britons pining for a summer holiday abroad have been given hope by a plan to exempt those travelling to countries with low infection rates from quarantine when they return home.
The proposal to come up with so-called "air bridges" between the UK and destinations where the coronavirus outbreak is under control was backed by the transport secretary.
Grant Shapps approved of the idea floated by senior Tory MP Huw Merriman, as the public were warned by a top government adviser, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, they may have to live with COVID-19 for "several years".
Image: Grant Shapps said the government should consider the proposal
Sunseekers' hopes of a trip abroad have been dampened in recent days, as the number of coronavirus-related deaths in the UK climbed to more than 34,000.
Asked last week if summer was cancelled, Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitted: "I think that's likely to be the case.
"It is unlikely that big, lavish international holidays are going to be possible for this summer. I just think that's a reality of life."
But they may have been salvaged by the idea of air bridges, which would see agreements sought with countries with low R numbers - the average amount of people someone with the virus infects - to let passengers travel between them without going into quarantine.
Currently, plans are for all those arriving in the UK to be told to go into self-isolation for two weeks, which could put many people off jetting off abroad.
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Mr Shapps signalled those returning from countries where air bridge agreements have been secured may avoid the quarantine.
"It is the case we should consider further improvements - for example, things like air bridges enabling people from other countries who have themselves achieved lower levels of coronavirus infection to come to the country," he told the Commons on Monday.
"So, those are active discussions that go beyond what will initially be a blanket situation."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-18--Scotland could ease lockdown days after 28 May review

Scotland could begin easing its coronavirus lockdown measures from the end of May .
People might be allowed to meet up with someone from another household , visit garden centres and participate in some sports , Nicola Sturgeon has announced .
The first minister said changes to the lockdown restrictions could be made `` within days '' of the next review date on 28 May if the country continues to make progress against COVID-19 .
She also announced an expansion in testing to anyone over the age of five with coronavirus symptoms .
The Scottish government will publish a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of lockdown on Thursday .
Speaking at Scotland 's latest coronavirus briefing in Edinburgh , Ms Sturgeon said : '' Within a few days of [ 28 May ] , we will aim to allow , for example , more outdoor activity such as being able to sit in the park , meet up outdoors with someone from another household as long as you stay socially distant , some limited outdoor sporting activities like golf and fishing , the opening of garden centres and recycling facilities , and the resumption of some outdoor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more information on when schools might open , and what the reproduction rate of the virus is .
`` Within two weeks , my hope is that we will be taking some concrete steps on the journey back to normality , '' Ms Sturgeon said .
`` As I 've said before , it wo n't be normality as we knew it because the virus will not have gone away but it will be a journey to a better balance - I hope - than the one we have today . ''
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker There is currently no change to Scotland 's lockdown advice , the first minister said .
Scotland 's coronavirus response has often differed to the government in London 's response , with Ms Sturgeon taking a stricter approach on some measures .
While England 's advice for citizens was changed from `` stay at home '' to `` stay alert '' in recent days , the Scottish government is sticking with the former message .
In Scotland , 2,105 people have died after testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,103 yesterday .
Death registrations tend to be lower over the weekend , but this is still significantly lower than the number of deaths in England , which announced 170 deaths on Sunday .
A total of 14,594 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Scotland , while there are 1,427 patients in hospital with confirmed or suspected cases .
Of these , 63 are in intensive care .

Scotland could begin easing its coronavirus lockdown measures from the end of May.
People might be allowed to meet up with someone from another household, visit garden centres and participate in some sports, Nicola Sturgeon has announced.
The first minister said changes to the lockdown restrictions could be made "within days" of the next review date on 28 May if the country continues to make progress against COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 'Don't be distracted' by England COVID measures
She also announced an expansion in testing to anyone over the age of five with coronavirus symptoms.
The Scottish government will publish a "route map" for the way out of lockdown on Thursday.
Speaking at Scotland's latest coronavirus briefing in Edinburgh, Ms Sturgeon said:
"Within a few days of [28 May], we will aim to allow, for example, more outdoor activity such as being able to sit in the park, meet up outdoors with someone from another household as long as you stay socially distant, some limited outdoor sporting activities like golf and fishing, the opening of garden centres and recycling facilities, and the resumption of some outdoor work."
There will also be more information on when schools might open, and what the reproduction rate of the virus is.
"Within two weeks, my hope is that we will be taking some concrete steps on the journey back to normality," Ms Sturgeon said.
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"As I've said before, it won't be normality as we knew it because the virus will not have gone away but it will be a journey to a better balance - I hope - than the one we have today."
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There is currently no change to Scotland's lockdown advice, the first minister said.
Scotland's coronavirus response has often differed to the government in London's response, with Ms Sturgeon taking a stricter approach on some measures.
While England's advice for citizens was changed from "stay at home" to "stay alert" in recent days, the Scottish government is sticking with the former message.
In Scotland, 2,105 people have died after testing positive for coronavirus, up two from 2,103 yesterday.
Death registrations tend to be lower over the weekend, but this is still significantly lower than the number of deaths in England, which announced 170 deaths on Sunday.
A total of 14,594 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Scotland, while there are 1,427 patients in hospital with confirmed or suspected cases.
Of these, 63 are in intensive care.